*Waves to fans and has Charizard eat the flamers*

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This is non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction written by me and it’s mine under international copyright law.

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokémon talks

Chapter 9: Dragon Strikes

They had finally arrived at Hogwarts and it was off to the Sorting.

“My whole family is in Slytherin.” Malfoy said. “I’m expected to get in.”

“Ah…”

“Well, I like snakes.” Ash smiled. “I wouldn’t mind being there.”

Harry was already reevaluating his ‘all Slytherins are evil’ stance. From what he had seen, Gryffindors were worse, because they were also hypocritical.

It might be good.

After arrival, it was off to the great hall, as the hat was placed on the heads of all. Needless to say, all three boys got their wish and headed off together.

To Draco’s astonishment, Crabbe and Goyle got into Hufflepuff. Pity. But it wasn’t as though he really needed them.

They were truthfully too stupid.

So maybe Hufflepuff was the best place of them. They could wreak more havoc as wolves in sheep’s clothing anyhow.

After the speech, the three new Slytherins ate and bantered playfully. The two other first-year boys, Blaise Zabini and Melvin Biddle.

Personally, Biddle looked like Ravenclaw material, with extremely thick lenses and geeky clothing underneath his robes.

Still….

After the feast was over, the group trooped upstairs to the common room.

“Can’t wait for classes.”

“Me neither.”

Ash nodded, Lance on his shoulder. “Well, I’m turning in.”

“Me too.”

“Glad not everyone gawked at me.”

“Sure, they shut up after you threatened to curse them to the kingdom come.” Draco said, laughing.

“Oh, shut up you.”

Malfoy ducked the pillow, but not the water balloon attached to it.

“Ah, nothing likes a splash of dew to wake me up just as I’m about to go to bed.”

The three laughed again. Ash tossed Malfoy a towel, which he dried off with, and then they all went to sleep.

About six weeks had passed into the year. Harry had adjusted quickly to life there, his companions doing the same. However, danger loomed on the horizon.

“… Flying lessons?!”

“Unfortunately.” Draco sighed.

“I know how to fly…” Ash said. “Just not on a broom.”

“We know.” Draco and Harry chorused together.

Yes, he had broken school rules. Yes, Harry had snuck off with Draco after hours to try flying.

It was fun.

They had borrowed Ash’s rings of invisibility and it had worked.

For some reason, Ash didn’t want to go with them. He said he didn’t need a broom. Well, it was his loss.

Harry loved the feeling of soaring through the air under the night sky. It was wonderful. Flying…

All the classes were nice too. Even though Snape was slightly bitter, he still taught well.

That was what counted in the long run. Better a mean and dedicated teacher than a blathering idiot.

“Kairyuu! Hyper Beam!”

Harry and Draco stared as Ash ducked, a beam of energy flying overhead to hit a fifth-year student in the chest.

The Hufflepuff coughed, spitting out blood.

Lance stood there, steel wings blazing behind her. “I knew you would show your face given enough time.”

“You! What are you doing here!”

“Protecting Giovanni’s heir of course.” Lance said, blades of ice appearing in her hands.

They all flew at Mildred, impaling her.

She gurgled, before death claimed its victim.

Lance frowned, banishing the body to the dream realm with a wave of her hand. “They are more assassins out there, Ash.”

“Hai…”

“Be careful.” Lance glowed, and reverted back to mini dragon form, hopping onto Ash’s shoulder.

Ash nodded.

“Woah…”

“We can discuss this in private later.’ Ash said hurriedly.

“All right, let’s not miss Charms.”

They quickly ran to class and began their lesson on levitation. Afterwards, they convened in their dorm.

“So, Ash, that dragon is really your friend?” Harry asked, remembering the girl he had seen with Ash in Diagon Alley.

“Yes, this is Lance-chan.” Ash said, as Lance purred.

“Woah… is she a shape-shifter too?”
“Not really. This is the only form she has.”

“So like an animagus!” Draco said.

“What’s an animagus?”

“Oh, a person who can turn into an animal. You know how McGonagall became a cat in class?”

“Ah…”

“A dragon is cooler, but they stand out.”

“Well… that’s why Lance-chan turns invisible most of the time.”

“True.”

“I think its cool.”

“I just don’t’ want to die.” Ash sighed. “I have no idea why wizards are trying to kill me…”

End Chapter

Started and Completed 3/13/04