Disclaimer:I don't own Harry Potter.

Warnings: Slash, mild abuse, violence, swearing, sexual content in later chapters, GuyXGuy

CHAPTER ONE

Rain fell from the sky in heavy drops. Shuffling to the side of the box he tried to get away from it. The sound of cars rumbling past made him flinch. Harry blinked his large green eyes tiredly as he waited. Surely someone would find him and see him for what he was right? Because he had been an idiot. A very big idiot and that had landed him in a sticky situation.

Four hours ago his cousin -Dudley- had locked him out of the house for a full hour before letting him in. Frustrated and at his wit's end he took a swing at him. Dudley, being a boxing champion, took him down easily. When Uncle Vernon got home he was furious. Harry was beaten by Dudley for what seemed like forever before they were satisfied. Not enough to break a bone, but bruises covered his body.

So he had gone up to his room and set in bed seething. If only he could have used his wand. That was when something occurred to him. He could use his Animagus form and escape. While in Hogwarts before summer break he had done some research on that magic. He knew the theory of how to change and was confident he could. With excitement he tried turning. It had been painful and nauseating his first time but it worked.

It's embarrassing really, but his form he learned, is a black cat. When he had tried to run downstairs Dudley caught him and brought him to his dad. Uncle Vernon raged a bit about 'stupid strays' and figured Harry must have let him/it in. Then Vernon had driven to downtown London and left him there in a sturdy box. Problem was, he didn't know how to change back.

Footsteps could be heard getting closer and his silky black ears perked up in excitement.

"Aw, look at the kitty!" A female voice cooed.

Harry widened his eyes and flattened his ears back. To add an effect he mewed pitifully. A pretty girl's face came into view and she smiled at him. Just as he was sure she would pick him up though she paused.

"Hurry along Anna. We can't pick up a stray. He's probably covered with fleas." A stern male\s voice said.

Harry wanted to cry as the girl left. Again he was alone in his wet box. Closing his eyes in defeat he drifted off into a troubled sleep.

Voices woke him up from his sleep.

"What is thatmother?!" A familiar voice drawled.

"A dirty stray, don't touch it." A woman's voice said.

Opening his eyes slowly, Harry's fears were confirmed. Staring down at him curiously was his nemesis Draco Malfoy. He was slightly taller than the last time Harry had seen him and his hair was different. The fair blonde hair was just normally brushed instead of gelled back like usual in school. His silver eyes didn't hold any of the hate Harry was used to seeing when he looked at him. Beside him was his mother who he seemed to take after. However while they both shared the fair blonde hair and pale skin, she had icy blue eyes. A small growl slipped through his teeth and he crouched defensively.

"Do you think it's rabid?" Narcissa asked him.

He was silent for a few second, "I doubt it."

"Come on darling, let's hurry and get to Saint Mungo's. Your aunt will throw a fit if we're late." She said briskly.

Harry jumped backwards as Malfoy reached into the box. Despite his struggles, he was lifted into the air. He meowed in shock and tried to swipe at him but he just held him against his chest so his front legs were trapped.

"What are you doing?" His mother asked.

"I could swear I've seen this cat before. I just don't know where," Malfoy said, causing Harry to abruptly stop struggling.

What if he was found out?! This was the worst possible company to be found out in aside from Voldemort's. He nuzzled Draco's chest with his pink nose, sure that this would erase any thoughts of it being him. There was no way in hell Harry would do this for any other reason.

"He seems to know you too." Narcissa said, "Have you been feeding strays?"

Oops, his plan had backfired horribly. He meowed at Malfoy in annoyance, why was the guy choosing now to stop being a self centered git and notice stuff around him?

"No Mother," Draco said, "But can we keep him?"

There was something in his eyes but it was gone too quickly for Harry to figure it out. Maybe amusement?

"Well your old cat died a while ago didn't he? I suppose it's alright as long as you know where to let it stay."

"Thank you Mother."

It was unsettling as they started walking and he shuffled in Draco's arms to get more comfortable. He jerked in surprise as Draco started petting him absently. Now he understood why cats liked being petted, it felt nice. Still though it was himso he wasn't going to let his guard down.

As they walked Harry noticed how the water slid off them. Probably some sort of water repelling charm. Seeing as he was being held by Draco he was probably now included in it. Still, as his body was slowly warmed by being close to him he felt himself beginning to relax. Now that he was a cat it was instinct to start purring. He was too tired and hungry to care that it was his enemy holding him. Maybe if he played this whole cat thing up he'd be fed and then he could escape.

After speaking to the mannequin, Narcissa stepped through and they followed. The hospital looked the same as Harry remembered and they went to the ward for people who were mad and had brains addled from magic. That was surprising; he never knew Draco had a crazy relative.

"Hello Mrs. Malfoy," One of the witches said cheerily, "Sayl is just taking a nap. I'll wake her up."

They followed her over to one of the beds where an old witch was sleeping. She had very long blonde hair that reached to her knees and lots of wrinkles. When the Medi Witch shook her awake her eyes were a foggy white. She is blind, Harry realised with a stab of pity.

"Hm?" Sayl mumbled, "Oh, it's you Cissy."

The old woman sat up and embraced Narcissa in an awkward hug. Harry looked up at Draco and saw he had a downcast expression. Curious of what was wrong he meowed before remembering he couldn't speak English.

"What is that creature doing in my room?!" Sayl shrieked causing Harry's fur to stand on end, "Black cats are bad luck!"

"Go take that cat somewhere else! I'll be a few minutes with Sayl." Narcissa urged him as the Medi Witch tried to calm the now hysterical Sayl, "You know how superstitious she is."

Draco obliged almost what looked like happily and walked into the hall. He walked down the hall until he found an empty room and went inside. Sitting down on the cot, he placed Harry beside him.

"Do you have a aunt?" Draco asked him.

Confused, Harry just meowed, "Yeah . . ." Did Malfoy make a habit of talking to cats? Well most people seem to so it wasn't surprising. He just figured he was too much of a prat to.

"My aunt is crazy and hates me. I wish I didn't have an aunt. If she wasn't here then I wouldn't have to waste a day of my summer vacation to see her." He continued.

Harry was unsettled to have spent so much time around Draco but still stayed sitting there. He tilted his head in question as Draco looked over.

"I wonder how you ended up in that box." He murmured, stroking his fur again.

Harry purred and his eyes closed to green slits. Draco began humming a tune that sounded very sad. They stayed like that until Narcissa showed up and brought them to the fireplace there.

"Has Father fixed the Floo Network yet?" Draco asked.

"Yes, he just sent me a scroll telling me it is okay to come back." She said, pulling out a bag of what was probably Floo Powder.

Narcissa gave Draco a handful and then took her own. She tossed it into the fire making it change color, and as Harry knew, harmless.

"Malfoy Manor, Foyer," She said clearly as she stepped into the green flames.

Draco mimicked his mother in throwing the silvery powder and also stepped into the flames. Draco stepped into the flames as well. It was disorienting how heatless they were. Harry meowed in an attempt to say 'Hurry up.' He was really starting to get annoyed with not being able to talk.

"Malfoy Manor, Foyer."

Harry was flung free from Draco's arms when they arrived in the Manor. He shook the ash off his fur and took a few steps forward. From his view the room was huge. It's color scheme was dark greys, silvers, and cool greens. The Malfoys were clearly proud of being Slytherins. He padded across the hardwood floor trying to get used to everything being 10x bigger than him. He turned around and saw Draco watching him.

Sneezing at him, he continued to explore. It was his first time in the Malfoy Manor so he was curious to see it. Although a few days ago he never would have imagined being there. As he explored the room he peeked down the hallway at the end. He yowled in protest as he was picked up.

"That's far enough." Draco said, scratching him behind his ears.

He nipped at his finger in annoyance and curled up in his arms. As he was carried he watched their surroundings. They walked through what looked like a dining room and up two flights of elegant silver stairs. Finally though Draco stopped in front of a dark wood door. He opened it to reveal a very big room.

It had to be twice the size of the Dursley's house and infinitely more rich looking. There was a huge double bed with silver drapes. The floor was carpeted in black and there was several deep green chairs as well as a sofa clustered around a table. At the end of the room there was also a fireplace and fishtank. Strange types of fish he had never seen before swam around in it and his cat instincts made him hungry. One wall of the room, the one across from the door, was completely glass. It looked out onto a garden filled with a rainbow of colorful flowers. The flowers really looked out of place in this gloomy Manor. At the moment it was growing harder to see them as the sun was rapidly setting and hidden behind the clouds.

"This is my room," Draco said, placing him down on the floor.

Definitely the last place he wanted to be. Escaping was proving to be more and more tricky. He quickly darted under the bed. His eyes adjusted and made it easier for him to see in the darkness. Draco's face appeared looking at him. He was lying on the floor. Harry meowed and scooted farther away. Hopefully Draco would give up and leave him be so he could escape. Maybe he'd head to Grimmauld to see Sirius, his godfather. Unfortunately that wasn't what Draco seemed to have in mind. He flicked his wand and Harry was pulled over to him by an invisible force. Grumbling he left the sanctuary of under the bed and jumped onto it.

Curling up he closed his eyes mostly but kept them open enough to watch Draco. The boy gave him one last look and then walked over to an adjoining room. He didn't bother closing the door so the sound of running water could be heard easily. This was his chance!

Leaping from the bed he ran to the door. It was firmly closed and when he went to check the window they were also closed. Frustrated he began pacing back and forth. Maybe a house elf would come in to clean the room and he could escape then. No, the chances of that were less than 10%. He could always knock something over into the window. But they were probably warded with magic to not break. Glancing sadly at the door he really wished he had opposable thumbs.

Seeing no way to escape he just leaped back up onto the bed and curled into a ball. Even in his cat form he still felt sore. Dudley had really gone all out this time. Soon he would need to get out of this form and go to the hospital. The problem was turning back. This explained the 'Do not try unless with an experienced wizard or witch.' warning label. He could just imagine what Hermione would say if she saw him like this. The lecture would probably last a good 20 minutes.

Comforted by the thought he tried to get used to his form. His smell was heightened so the soft aroma of the flowers reached him as well as something that smelled like it was being cooked. Apple pie . . . or apple crumble? Something along those lines. He could hear better now, he could even hear Draco moving around in the shower. Which was an awkward thought he instantly shied away from. Moving his senses to safer waters he tried to move each individual part of his body. His tail was mostly under his control and he could move his ears sort of. It was really mostly instinctive. Like his tail being a balancer when he walked and his ears perking when he heard noise or flattening when he was sad or scared.

Was it also like this for Sirius in his dog form? Maybe, and his godfather had said senses were lowered when in the Animagus form. It sort of made sense. He looked up startled as he heard footsteps grow closer. Draco had exited the washroom and was walking by him.

Quickly he closed his eyes and put his paws over his head. He had just seen . . . seen . . . if he wasn't in his cat form he'd be red. And, he noticed absently, it was big. Which made him feel embarrassed all the more. That was one part of his nemesis he never wanted to see. Yowling quietly he retreated under the bed trying to act as cat-like as possible. For a few minutes he sat there determinedly picturing a blank wall in his mind until the same invisible force pulled him out.

"Hey, don't try to hide," Draco said, now fully clothed in black robes and was pocketing his wand.

Harry turned his face away from him when he was picked up. He was afraid his expression might give him away. Still he turned around when he felt something bump against the side of his head. Turning he found a silver bell hanging in his face. A red silk strip was looped through it. He wasn't sure whether to struggle or not so he sat still as Draco fastened it around his neck.

"There, now this will be everyone's way of knowing you're mine. This makes sure if you wander around you won't get thrown out. And it binds you to me so if I can't find you, you'll be compelled to return to me." He said, looking satisfied.

Harry's stomach dropped. He should have run away, clawed and scratched, bit and hissed. Now he was screwed over. This prat ownedhim?! He hissed and struggled, attempting to get away.

"Stop," Draco commanded, holding him at arms distance.

He froze and felt the bell shiver slightly. It was the dammed thing, making him unable to refuse. A growl rose up in his throat and he bared his teeth at him. Draco merely looked bored and smiled.

"You ought to be nicer to your new master, Potter."

His struggles stopped and his eyes widened. How did he know?!

"Did you honestly think I'd pick up a stray for no reason? I knew it was you the second I saw your eyes. Also you really suck at acting like a cat." Draco placed Harry on one of the chairs by the table and then sat across from him, "Turn back already, there's no point in acting."

He lowered his head and meowed softly. It wasn't like he could. Harry had no clue how to return to his human form.

Draco's eyes widened, "You can't can you?! You were actually stupid enough to try and become your Animagus form without knowing everything?!"

He began laughing but didn't really sound like he being rude, but more finding it a good joke. Harry watched, fascinated at the pure mirth in his face. Draco was obviously an attractive guy but when his face wasn't distorted with hate it was really beautiful. Quickly he looked away and laid down. Harry was already aware he wasn't straight. Kissing Cho had been an eye opener. But he wasn't going to everlook at Draco as more than an ass. He was the worst kind, looking down on people and being mean. The only thing he had going for him was his pretty face and good equipment. Quickly he returned to thinking of a blank wall as the image tried to float into his mind.

"Focus really hard on your human form, it's like doing the reverse of what you did to become your Animagus form but easier." Draco advised.

Harry glared at him suspiciously but tried anyways. He concentrated and was delighted when he felt magic make his body tingle. Again the pain and nausea hit but it was lesser this time. His eyes were squeezed shut but he could feel himself getting bigger and changing. After a minute of biting back yells and writhing he was in his human form. Black wild hair spiked out around him and his green eyes were suddenly unable to see clearly. His clothes were on though and his glasses appeared on his face. Blinking in confusion, he tried to take in his surroundings. But remembered Draco and jumped to his feet.

His hand flew to his pocket but found it empty.

"Sorry Potter," Draco said, waving Harry's wand lazily, "But I'll be keeping this. I grabbed it while you were changing."

"Give it back Malfoy!" He threatened and raised his fists.

The other boy just laughed. Angry and scared, Harry lunged forward and attempted to punch him. Pain flew through his arm and his knees buckled. Something shivered against his throat, the bell. It had grown with him and now was around his neck like a choker. Humiliated to be kneeling at Draco's feet he blushed in shame. He couldn't move.

"The collar still binds you to me. So don't even try to attack me." Draco drawled, sounding like he was enjoying this, "Now tell me your pathetic story so I can decide what to do with you."

The force holding him let go and he pulled himself to his feet. Still red in the face he returned to his seat and sat down. He told his story reluctantly and Draco never interrupted. When he finished he sat there waiting for the verdict.

"Well, I guess the first thing to do is check the damage." He said after a long pause.

Harry looked at him confused as he stood up.

"Come on," Draco said impatiently, "Take your shirt off."

He stood up and carefully pulled it off. Trying to not press any bruises. Draco gasped and he knew how he must look. The bruises would probably be purple and blue by now and decorated his body. It hurt a lot more than it looked though.

"Take this powder and sprinkle it in your bath." Draco handed him a small green silk satchel, looking disturbed.

"Why do you care?" Harry asked as he walked towards the washroom.

"I'll tell you why someday soon." He said.

When he entered the washroom he wasn't even surprised that the bathtub was big enough to swim laps in. It was white and very clean looking. Warm water already filled it so he assumed it was magical. Opening the satchel Draco had given him, he sprinkled it in after only a slight hesitation. If he was going to poison or kill him, this way would be pointless. Still he was apprehensive as he stripped down.

A full body mirror was on one wall and he could safely examine his injuries. Dark, blotchy, bruises covered his body. It looked worse than the last time he had examined them, before he had used his Animagus form. Lightly he pressed one and hissed in pain. They were sensitive to the touch and he was extra careful when stepping into the tub.

The way the tub was made seemed to have it so the outer edges were shallow and flat but once you went closer to the center it got deeper until it was up to his neck. What he found amazing though was what the powder seemed to have done to the water. Where it touched his body instantly he was soothed and began to relax. Looking down he saw his bruises lightening until they altogether disappeared. Mentally thanking magic he swam around for a bit. Eventually he got out after having used the hair prducts and soap he had found already there. He used excessive amounts of soap just to piss of Draco and took his sweet time drying himself off.

When he got out of the tub he saw a fresh set of clothing there. Probably a house elf who was under Draco's exclusive command had placed it there. He slipped into the grey T shirt and blue jeans as well as plain white boxers. Feeling a lot more comfortable but twice as nervous, he reentered Draco's bedroom.

The subject of question was lounging on the bed. He sat up when he saw Harry

"Feel better?"

"Yes. Thanks." He said, the word 'Thanks' sounding weird when directed at Draco.

"Can I go now?" He added.

Draco grinned, "You honestly think I'd let this delicious opportunity to tease you slip through my fingers?"

Tease?

"Come here." He said.

When Harry didn't move right away he felt the bell shiver almost warningly. Seeing no real reason to decline he walked forward until he was standing in front of Draco. He stood up so Harry was shorter than him. They were too close for Harry's comfort so he tried to take a quick step back. The bell stopped him so he was rooted there.

"What do you want Dra-" He cut off as Draco leaned in and kissed him.

It was soft and only lingered for a second but it was enough to make Harry's heart speed up and his cheeks turn pink. He felt tingly in his gut but squashed the feeling instantly. This was Draco Malfoy he was dealing with.

"Now let's sleep." Draco said, surprising him with the subject change.

"Don't do that again. I'm leaving," He reached up to his neck and attempted to remove the bell.

Hissing in pain he removed his hands to see burns rapidly fading away.

"Let me go," Harry growled.

"I liked you better as a cat," Draco scoffed and began pulling back the sheets.

"What are you doing?!" He asked as he began removing his robes.

He slipped under the covers, "You expect me to sleep fully dressed? In mid summer?"

Harry tetered nervously at the edge of the bed, wondering if he could simply make a run for it. The bell would probably stop him.

"Get in," Draco said impatiently.

He tried to pull against the bell's compulsion but it felt like someone was pulling on his veins themselves when he did. Glaring angrily he crawled under the blankets. Draco pulled him against him so his head was resting in his neck crook.

"Really? You want to hug me now? I thought we were enemies." He said, annoyed.

"I learned something interesting on my birthday. So don't expect anything different now."

Harry grumbled something under his breath but even he didn't know what it was because he was slowly falling asleep. The exhaustion was taking it's toll. Sighing he allowed himself to slip away into dreamland. A place that made more sense than reality at the moment.

Author's Note I'm putting my ANs at the bottom from now on. I find it's more enjoyable to be able to read stuff first and then have the Author blab. So what do you think? Is it worth a review? I've been obsessed with Harry Potter since I was a wee babe. Yes I used a fake accent there. Anyways you're probably thinking Dray's on crack but all will be revealed in due time.

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