Summary: Draco Malfoy becomes drastically ill over the holiday, only to find that he's coming into a rare inheritance of creature gene. Follow him as he discovers his new found self and the search for his bond mate. SLASH!DM/HP

Pairings: Harry/Draco. Mild Ron/Hermione. Maybe a few others.

Warnings: Unbetaed. Sexual language in future chapters. Swearing. Slash/Yaoi, as many people have said; you don't like it, don't read it.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created by J.K Rowling. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Author Note: This story is set in sixth year but I've changed a few ideals. I also haven't written in years and this is my first project but don't use this as an excuse to go easy on me. I prefer critical comments more than just a good job and a pat on the back. For the record, the title means Love is the essence of life and is a quote from Robert B. Mackay. My Latin is appalling.


"You called Lucius?" asked Potions master Severus Snape as he walked into Malfoy Manor.

"Severus, I'm sorry I had to bother you this late at night, but we're concerned for Draco and we need you to check him over."

"Where is he?" Snape replied curtly.

"In his room, Narcissa's with him. This way." Lucius led Severus to Draco's wing of the manor. Inside Draco's room Narcissa was frantically trying to calm her son.

"I know it hurts son, but just hold on, your father will be back any minute with Severus," she soothed as she wiped Draco's head with a cold damp cloth and continued to tell her son that everything would be fine. Narcissa looked up to see her husband and Severus walking through the door.

"What's wrong with the boy?" asked Severus as he walked around the bed to examine Draco's condition.

"Draco was complaining of a headache this morning and we thought nothing of it until he came back to us later complaining of a fever, so I sent him to bed with a fever relieving potion, and now this," Narcissa explained frantically.

"Did you think to call a mediwitch instead of me? I'm sure a trained mediwitch would be a lot more accommodated to dealing with Draco's sudden illness," he said as he checked Draco's pulse and put his hand to his forehead to take his temperature.

"We'd rather have your expertise Severus," replied Lucius curtly, "before contacting any medical advise of any sort."

"I see," he replied as he checked Draco's pupils to see if they were dilated. Draco was shivering although his forehead was undeniably hot. Without warning, Draco leaning over the side of the bed and threw up the contents of his stomach., narrowly missing the hem of Narcissa's dress. Narcissa wiped her sons mouth with one of the damp cloths.

"Severus, Draco's throwing up blood," she cried as she looked at the cloth. "You have to do something."

"I'm going to have to call Poppy to help me give a full diagnosis before I treat him. It's hard to tell what's wrong with him without running the right spells. Just stay by his side," said Severus before rushing out of the room to fire call Madam Pomphrey at Hogwarts.


Meanwhile, far away, Harry Potter was having the time of his life.

"You're gonna get it now Potter!"

"I don't think so!" Harry shouted back, dodging another pillow that was aimed at his head. Picking up another pillow he got ready to defend himself.

"Oh I do think so!" his assailant shouted as they got into a furious pillow fight. Laughs and giggles were heard all around. Pushing her down to the floor, Harry continued his assault with his heart patterned pillow.

"Ah! I give up! I give up!" She screamed, giggling a little. Harry dropped the pillow and sat down on the floor across from her, wheezing and panting.

"You know how to tire me out Lyric" Harry panted as he caught his breath.

"I can't believe you tire out that quickly" She shot back. "You know what we need? A nice mug of hot cocoa before going to bed" She rose. "I'll be right back" She chimed as she exited the room.

Harry had met Lyric the first day back from Hogwarts, after fifth year. He was struggling with the death of his loving godfather, Sirius, and he didn't want to be locked up with that sham of a family; the Dursleys. After deciding upon taking a walk Harry met Mrs. Figg, and her granddaughter Lyric. Lyric was an upbeat 22 year old who'd just moved in around the corner on Cogstone avenue. She was looking for someone to help decorate the inside of her new home, and not wanting to go back to the Dursleys, he offered to help, and that's how their friendship started.

Harry told Lyric of his godfather and, since she was a squib, understood how hard it was for Harry to cope with it. She'd invite Harry around for sleepovers and take him out on day trips, and every time the Dursleys never seemed to care. Harry was fed up of the same old holidays, doing daily chores for the Dursleys. They didn't care as long as Harry was out of the way or wasn't using any of his 'freaky' magic. He'd miss her when he returned to Hogwarts in little under a week. He even passed up on an invitation to Grimmauld Place for the remainder of the holiday. He figured that Ron and Hermione would be too busy sucking each other's faces off to notice. Besides, he was having a perfectly great time here.

Lyric returned, bringing with her two steaming hot mugs of cocoa. "Here you are. Enjoy!" She said, passing one of the mugs to Harry, who graciously accepted. Whilst digging into her cocoa, Harry just stared into his.

"What's wrong kid?" Lyric asked, continuing to sip her cocoa. Harry sighed.

"It's nothing" He replied.

"Bullshit. I know that look."

"It's just, I return to Hogwarts in a week, and I'll just miss the great times we spend together." Harry replied sheepishly, still staring into his cocoa.

"Aww! You sweetheart." Shrieked Lyric "No need to be upset over it. I'll owl you when I can. That's if I get how to use those things. I've never used them before. Plus you can tell all your friends about the great times you had with me. Now drink up, I'm tired and I want to go to bed." Harry smiled and gulped down his cocoa. Before climbing into bed he discarded his empty mug on the nightstand.

"G'night Harry" Sighed Lyric, sleepily.

"Night Lyric" Harry replied, slowly dragging the duvet up and snuggling into the warm bed.


Author Note: Critical comment please! As for Lyric, I wanted to give Harry something nice to do over the holiday period instead of him usually slaving away under the Dursleys. I eagerly await for your replies.