19 Animagus

It was March so Art would have to wait at least a month for a thunderstorm so he focused on his studies again. Dumbledore continued to teach him wards but he often branched off, showing Art powerful and useful spells that could come in handy. Art felt that he had let his wandless and nonverbal magic stagnate so he started to practice diligently.

After mastering the Patronus, the twins had a new drive to learn different spells that could be used in a duel. Art was patient and taught them spells he knew. Almost every night you could find either Art or the twins in the Room of Requirement. Cedric noticed this behavior and asked Art about it.

Art told Cedric they were learning spells and Cedric immediately asked to join. Though the twins grumbled and complained, they didn't argue with Art, although they never let a chance to call Cedric 'pretty boy'.

With Cedric joining, Art first taught him the Patronus Charm like he did with the twins. Cedric was talented and took up the challenge eagerly. The twins felt prideful when he took longer to master it, even though it was only a day longer.

Cedric's patronus was a large grey wolf. Art smiled, he thought it was going to be a badger but wolves are also known for their loyalty.

"A wolf, eh?" Fred said with a cocky smile.

"Looks like we will be flying above you there pretty boy." George chimed in.

Cedric looked confused, looking at Art for answers.

Art gave the twins a look, which caused them to laugh and continue practicing. "We are planning to become an animagus. Patronuses usually match you animagus." he explained.

Cedric looked stunned as he looked over at Fred and George. "Animagus? Are you three crazy?"

"Crazy as Niffler in a jewelry shop." Fred smirked.

"We aren't forcing you to do it Cedric. It is just something that we decided to do." Art said shrugging his shoulders, not wanting to make Cedric to feel forced.

Cedric face slowly turned serious as he nodded his head. "I want to. Please help me." he asked sincerely.

George and Fred walked over to him and gave him a slap on the back. "Don't give us that crap pretty boy. You're here aren't you? Of course we will help you."

Looking at Fred and George, Cedric smiled ruefully and nodded his head. "What is your patronus Art?" he asked, curious.

"Yeah! Even though we haven't seen it yet!" George exclaimed.

"Okay but don't feel too discouraged." he said with a mocking smile. He silently cast the charm.

A large Thunderbird appeared from the tip of his wand and flew around the room before landing next to Art. Cedric and the twins both looked at him with their chins on the floor.

Soon April came and Art told Dumbledore that he would drink the potion during the first electric storm this year. Dumbledore told him to come to his office when that happens and he would watch the skies. Fred, George and Cedric also had stuck a mandrake leaf to the top of their mouths and began the long journey in becoming an animagus.

Art was sitting in the Room of Requirements practicing his wandless magic. Though it cost more magic to cast spells, it was a great trump card that could be used as a sneak attack. Like a true Hufflepuff, Cedric was in the room with him practicing diligently. He refused to be behind the twins and was working hard to catch up.

The twins were in detention with Snape because of a slight disagreement with a Slytherin called Warrington. Apparently he made a joke about the Weasley's being poor and blood traitors which led to Fred breaking his nose. Of course Snape only saw Fred and George attacking Warrington and let him off scott free.

Professor McGonagall approached Artland after class and told him that he should reconsider becoming an animagus so young. Art reassured her that Dumbledore knew and he offered to help him which calmed her down. Art was now able to completely block out Snape during their lessons and now needed to learn how to keep his defenses up at all times.

Dueling with Flitwick remained the same, Art getting his ass kicked but Flitwick was starting to at least be half serious now. Art also found time to spend down at Hagrid's hut, showing interesting beasts and telling him he would love a pet dragon one day. Art rolled his eyes, Hagrid had a love for creatures but wasn't very bright. A dragon is a XXXXX class beast, meaning it is very dangerous and can easily kill wizards. Though Hagrid is half giant, a dragon's strength is another level.

Art watched the sky carefully everyday and would get excited if he saw dark clouds but his storm never came. It was half through April now and Art was starting to get impatient. Finally he saw a lightning bolt in the distance and almost jumped in joy. Running down to the dungeons he found the classroom and walked through the wards he placed. Grabbing his potion, he gently wrapped it in a dark cloth and left the room.

What surprised him was Snape was outside waiting for him.

"I was wondering who put these wards up, so it was you Cason." he said slowly, looking at the black cloth wrapped in Artland's hand. "Now what do you have there?"

"Potion sir." Art said with a smile and started to walk away.

Snape looked at him coldly as he walked away.

Soon Art made his way to Dumbledore's office.

"Chocolate Frog!" he yelled at the gargoyle who came to life and jumped out of the way. Entering the office he saw Dumbledore standing at his window and looking at the sky.

"A strong storm Art, perfect I think." he said, turning around and smiling at Art.

"I agree professor." Art said, taking the black cloth off and walking in the middle of the room.

He took out his wand and pointed it at his heart saying, "Amato Animo Animato Animagus." He then drank the potion and sat down.

A large bolt lightning lit up the room and Dumbledore walked closer to Art, watching him carefully. Art let out a grunt of pain as his body started to stretch and bend in unnatural ways. Art fell forward, his hands on the ground as he light brown fur covered his body. Soon a large mountain lion stood in front of Dumbledore, it's yellow eyes looked hypnotic.

"A Wampus cat…" Dumbledore muttered before casting a spell. The spell revealed that Art completed the transformation perfectly.

Dumbledore was about to tell him something when Art let out a mournful cry and started trembling. White feathers started to appear on the Wampus cat and it started to grow larger. Soon a huge gold and white bird with three sets of wings stood before Dumbledore. Tiny arcs of lightning could be seen dancing across its feathers.

Art soon transformed back into a human, he fell to his knees and was panting, sweat covered his brow. Dumbledore quickly came to his side and propped him up.

"Are you alright Art?" he asked worried.

"Fine professor. Just that I'm out of magic." he said, trying to steady himself.

After a few minutes, Art was sitting in a chair with a cup of tea in his hands. He could slowly feel his magic return and his body healing itself.

"Two animagii Art… two. That's incredible." Dumbledore said.

"Did you guess that as well professor?" Art gave him a tired smile.

"It shouldn't be possible. Animagus forms are always limited to one but then again so are Patronuses." he said with a bitter smile.

Art let out a light laugh before placing the tea cup down and standing up. Soon his transformed into a Wampus and back again. "It seems like it worked."

Dumbledore nodded his head with a smile. "Yes it certainly did."