Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 1: A Cage for a Cat

Harriet's POV

The day I got trapped in my Animagus form was the worst in a string of pretty awful days. One moment, I was sprinting through the Forbidden Forest, desperate to escape the smugglers who had managed to corner me; the next, I was a Kneazle-a magical feline creature with a tufted tail and oversized ears-and unable to transform back. No matter how hard I tried, the spells just wouldn't lift. It was as if some invisible hand had sealed me in this fluffy prison.

The smugglers wasted no time in stuffing me into a small, metal cage that smelled of rust and desperation. They hauled me off to Knockturn Alley, and I spent the better part of a day yowling and rattling the bars, my claws scrabbling uselessly at the metal. No one listened to my protests, not that anyone would understand a frantic Kneazle's mewling anyway.

Eventually, I ended up on display in the front window of a dusty old shop. I glared at the sign beneath my cage that read, "Purebred Kneazle, Rare Coloring!" Rare coloring. Hah. It was rare, sure-black fur streaked with bolts of lightning-like white, matching the scar on my forehead. If only they knew.

I wasn't expecting anyone to buy me. The people who wandered into this particular shop were mostly shady characters. Witches and wizards cloaked in shadows, hands hidden inside their robes. But life has a way of twisting the knife just when you think you've hit bottom.

Because that was when Draco Malfoy walked in.

He looked different, but not so different that I wouldn't recognize him. Same platinum hair, styled just so, and the air of arrogance that clung to him like a scent. But his features were sharper, and he looked more tired than I remembered. The shadows under his eyes were darker, like he'd been up for too many late nights.

I huddled in the corner of my cage, hoping he wouldn't notice me. But of course he did. His gaze landed on me, his eyes narrowing, and then something curious happened. He tilted his head, studying me like he was putting together a complicated puzzle.

"Rare coloring, you say?" Draco drawled, his voice cool and skeptical. He leaned closer, and I could feel his scrutiny on every inch of my fur.

The shopkeeper, a balding man with a nasty grin, nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir! Unique pattern, even for a Kneazle. Look at the scar-shaped marking on her head!"

Oh, Merlin, I thought. If Malfoy figures this out, I'm doomed.

Draco's eyes widened, just a fraction, but he didn't let any other emotion slip. His hand reached out to brush the bars of the cage, and I flinched. His touch was gentle, though, and that surprised me.

"I'll take her," he said, his voice almost soft.

And just like that, my worst enemy had purchased me.

Draco's POV

I never thought I'd walk into Borgin and Burkes and come out with a Kneazle. But then, I never thought I'd find Harriet Potter disguised as a Kneazle either.

I'd recognized her immediately. The markings were unmistakable: that jagged lightning bolt mirrored the infamous scar that had haunted my dreams and nightmares in equal measure. But I didn't let on. No, I kept my face neutral, even when my insides were reeling.

I paid the shopkeeper without a word, cradling the cage as I walked back into Diagon Alley. The Kneazle-Harriet-stared at me with wide, furious green eyes, and I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at my lips. If she could hex me into oblivion right now, I knew she would.

"Enjoying your new form, Potter?" I murmured, just loud enough for her to hear. Her ears flattened, and she let out a low, angry growl. I chuckled, despite myself. It had been a long time since I'd had any reason to feel anything other than irritation or indifference.

This was going to be an interesting summer.