Disclaimers & Author's Notes: See chapter one for details, from here on this will not be repeated.
Standard Speech Legend: (From here on this will not be repeated)
Emphasis alone
'Thoughts'
"Normal speech"
(…Words spoken in another language…)
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Chapter 4
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July 31
Draco woke up the following morning and remembered the words from his unseen visitor. He woke up slowly remembered the tortures of the day before, but for some reason he had been healed. He looked around the room and that's when he noticed that there was no house-elf. This was also when he knew that the magical creature had been him the truth. His eyes fell to a book on the floor beside him.
He picked it up and read the title, "Magical Creatures: Effects and Consequences of Wizard Relations and their Offspring."
Draco was not surprised at the book and he wondered if Lucius left it behind. He knew that this book would not contain all of the information that he needed, but Draco decided to play along for now.
He turned to the index to look up Draekons and then turned to the pages that contained the information.
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Draekon Species: An Incomplete History of Known Facts
Very little is known about the true history of this magical species, other than they are certainly the descendents of dragons. They are in fact now known as a sub-species of dragon, much like the Wyverns, but this particular genus contains natural intelligence, enough to match that of normal wizards and humans.
Every bit of information contained here, regarding these creatures was passed down generationally by word of mouth or by oral stories and tales. These were how tales travelled before any written languages emerged. By then the tales had changed to suit the cultures of those times.
However, one emerging fact that is common in all of the tales was that the oldest living dragons were tired of being apart from the world… Watching it, guarding it and they knew that they would eventually die out, as the age of these particular watchers was vanishing...
The stories vary, but still some commonality occurs. Some of the older species morphed themselves to blend with groups of animals in their regions. Many groups were primitive humans that had a few mystics among them. These mystics had vast amounts of untapped magical power and this power drew the modified dragons to them.
The most popular reason that these humans drew the dragons was because the magic contained within these humans were so different from other wizarding magics that these ones would be the proper ones to help genetically ensure the propagation of these dragons.
These dragons once drawn to a particular individual would alter the human and themselves to form a pair, a pair which could mate and produce offspring. The alteration usually occurred at the human's time for a magical growth spurt, commonly around the time human puberty.
Prior to the human's magical growth spurt the dragon would seek their partner through dreams or projections of their spirit. This was to ensure that their human partner was aware that physical changes may be taking place during their magical growth period.
Back then, the humans with these dreams had a choice to seek out their draconic mate or remain away. But the physical changes would remain visible for the remainder of the human's natural life. The true essence of these changes allowed to dragon to add genetic material to the human and whether they were mated or not the changes allowed the human to carry the Draekon genes which then allowed the species to survive.
Many of the humans did seek out their mate, as sometimes the changes were extreme enough to engender ostracism within their own culture. It was far better back then to seek out their mate in order to live, as sometimes the consequences resulting from the negative perceptions often lead to the death of the altered humans.
Soon the pairs came together and were joined by other pairs and that's when Draekon communities soon emerged with societies and cultures of their own. These communities remained hidden from what is now known as the Wizarding World and there is no tangible proof that they still exist today.
The offspring that sprang from these altered creatures and humans were often recorded at the various Ministries of Magic for statistical purposes. There are few spells that allows families to follow the Draekon genetic code throughout their family trees, but again it has always been at the family's discretion and not the Ministry.
There are still some Ministerial Laws with regards to the offspring of such creatures, many of which are similar to the laws that affect Veelas and other volatile creatures, where their mates can be overprotective and/or violent.
A Draekon, once it has fully claimed his or her mate, will not fall prey to possessive or jealous rage that marks many other species. They do, however, have the "Right of Disposition" with regards to their mates, should their mates exhibit any form betrayal to their Draekon life-mate. If this mate has been put down, so to speak, the Draekon's magic may eventually seek another, thus beginning the cycle again.
"Right of Disposition", in the simplest of terms, means if the mate of a Draekon betrays the creature, then the Draekon are permitted to kill them. It is considered an act of mercy as any human mate who knowingly betrays, usually disregarding a specific set of magical instruction or boundary or condition, will become self-destructive. This instability and self-destruction was not acceptable nor was there any cure to the affliction. The Draekon therefore has the responsibility to oversee the health of their mates.
There has been only one documented case where a Draekon, itself, was affected by this kind of mental instability. It had actually created an environment that insidiously provoked his human mates to knowingly betray him. Eventually the creature was found out and put down by the elder Draekon members of his community and this story is now rumored to only live in a muggle fairytale, commonly known as "Bluebeard's Wife."
However, once a Draekon has identified their mate, that mate can be fully claimed or remain partially claimed for life. In the past a partially claimed mate, having had their features changed during their magical growth spurt, were allowed to consummate a relation with another person, without the fear of the betrayal process.
This was commonly thought to be part of with the propagation theory, as there were only few old dragons left. It was not unheard for several humans to go through multiple changes per dragon. This was true of the altered human were already mated or in the process of completing a mating ritual, so the number of humans changed were a more common occurrence back when.
In this day and age, however, the genetic magic now alters the descendents so that they are now known as a partially claimed Draekon mate. These changes will incorporate the features that his or her Draekon partner. However they no longer have a choice and they will never be allowed to marry or consummate with any other being, unless they have already been bound by old mating or marital magics. The only other exception will be if the Draekon dies prior to claiming the altered human.
Features that may be passed on can be as simple as one or several of the following: eye colour or form, elongated canines, fingernails in the form of smaller claws, height, hair length or colouration, or very small vestigial bat like wings and on very rare occasions, a tail.
Once a human has these features, that human is known as a potential Draekon mate. Before any physical changes occur, the Draekon will have made their presence known throughout the old method of dreams, spiritual projections or both...
Not much is truly known about what's passed between the two, nor is it known when a Draekon will emerge. Speculations among historians, state that Draekons are born from two humans who carry the genes and that a true Draekon can emerge at the time of a pubescent magical growth spurt among wizards...
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The rest of the words in the book were faded and damaged. Draco wondered what his father was planning by giving him this particular book, because it was mainly crap at information.
However, he remembered a few of his dreams and realized that the supposed Draekon in question was sending him the truth and also a bit of information about himself. He remembered that he had to build up his strength again. So he made his way to his hidden trunk and began to drink the few potions he needed to recover. They were mainly nutrient potions.
He continued his physical training and a bit of his schoolwork. He only read his texts and because of the book his father left behind he was able to hide other books in it without detection.
It was also good thing that he was very Slytherin or else he might have gone into his bathroom without the tatty sheet over his head, which he needed to hide his new appearance. He used the sheet as a cover for the mirror in his bathroom, knowing that someone could always scry his actions by looking for this mirror connection, but the sheet would block their sight.
He hoped that the Draekon that wanted to help him really was his mate, but he also hoped that it was someone that could actually help him.
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Four days later, August 4
Lucius had decided that nine days was too far away. Therefore four days later, mainly due to a lack of patience, he decided to look in on his son.
Draco sensed that something was up, quickly stuffed his school book back into his trunk and pulled out the tattered one that his father had left behind for him to read about Draekons. He was somewhat clean and had ripped a small edge off of the ratty sheet in order to have something to tie up his hair. He wove a couple lengths of sheet in his hair in such a way that he hoped the change of colour at his temples would not be detected. His hair looked like they were multi-braided and it had the dreadlock look because he had no access to soap or shampoo.
Lucius walk in and watched his son read the book that he had left behind. "So, my son, how are you feeling? Tsk, tsk, tsk, this won't do!" He said looking his son up and down.
"What do you mean?" Draco rasped. This was due to the fact that he hasn't talked to anyone for a long while now.
"You're looking a little ragged around the edges, my son. I don't know whether to present you the Dark Lord as you are or clean you up first," Lucius explained.
"I'd rather not be presented to that lunatic at all," Draco said.
"Oh really, perhaps you need to be reminded your place..." Lucius said, fingering his wand. "It doesn't matter you will be presented to the Dark Lord and you will pay attention or lose your life." He was about to leave the room, but decided that Draco should really remember his place... "Crucio"
Draco was once more subjected to that awful curse. His father sent a few other curses at him, cutting him, breaking his legs, all on top of another Crucio that wrenched and twisted his muscles severely.
When Lucius finally finished, he left the room with a parting shot, "You'd better change your attitude, son. The Dark Lord doesn't take too kindly to traitors."
Luckily for the tortured blond, his sire didn't send a house-elf to look in on him or to keep a watch on him. He heard his father's voice outside the door. "Do not feed him today or tomorrow. He will need cleaning supplies only on the day after and you guard the door, but leave him be. We want that Draekon!"
Draco crawled to his school trunk and pulled out his remaining potions. There was only a bone mend left and a salve to disinfect the cuts and closed them. However there was only enough left to take care of some of the major ones and a few of the smaller ones. He hoped that he would have the chance to get out of here before the next time Lucius took it into his head to 'persuade' him.
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Harry was distracted on this day. His mate had been attacked and he knew now was the time to extract him from that place. His letters were prepared, one to Dudley and several to Draco. He hoped that he could convince Buckbeak to assist Draco, despite what the blond had said about him in their third year.
Harry finished his learning and training for this time around. He had completed his summer studies and thankfully, Uluru understood that need. The elder's purpose when Harry arrived was to aid him in adjusting to his various new abilities and to help him to figure out which of the skills that the ghosts imparted were the more important to practice, as he would surely need to be able to defend himself from his unseen assailants.
Uluru had finally been able to help Harry control his magic pulses or waves. Now, all Harry needed to do was maintain a few them as little invisible orbital waves around his body. He would be able to navigate with nearly no flaw in his step or falter, looking lost, in his immediate surroundings.
He needed them to rotate with consistency around his body. They flexed back and forth like yo-yos, without ever leaving his immediate vicinity. Harry had decided on using that atomic pattern that he remembered seeing a couple of times during his time in muggle-school.
Two pulses orbited in an X pattern from left shoulder to right foot and right shoulder to left foot. Another one circled him in an up and down motion, perpendicular to the earth and the last one rotated in a sort of wobbly horizontal moving up and down his frame. Maintaining these basic four, Harry was able to send out other pulses to do specific things like test the distances or senseobstacles in his path.
However, there was always the chance for a couple of them to fail in a completely magical area, but with Uluru's help he was able to diagnose the magical auras of an area and detect the intent or the level of malevolence from those around him.
Uluru's assistants, Kei and Kina helped in that respect. They suggested that Harry find or obtain a familiar or two, the kind that represents him and that would be useful by staying with him at all time.
Witches and Wizards of Harry's world were often guided towards certain creatures that would be excellent familiars for them. Other times they used spells, potions or rituals that would assist them to find a familiar or to locate one based on compatible characteristics. However a familiar is just what he'd need in order to help when his orbits failed.
Harry hadn't found himself drawn to any such creature, yet, and told them logically it would be better for him to wait until he had returned to his own climate. Any creature from this region would not be too comfortable where he was going, as it was colder and less friendly to the warmth seekers.
He did inform all of them that he felt that he might have to return under his own devices, rather than rely on the method used when he arrived. That's why he planned to perform the Ritual of Familiar Seeking, specifically localized on the path or direction that he intended to use to travel home. He needed to get back in time to attend his last school year.
At the moment, though, his concern shifted towards his mate and they had increased exponentially throughout the day. He now felt that he must take whatever action he could in order to free his Slytherin quickly. To assist Draco he brought forth several ideas with Uluru and his companions.
They finally agreed that it would be best for Harry to physically work hard exhausting himself on the day he needed to visit his mate. They had discovered that he was more likely to travel when his body had been exhausted, then at any other time.
The rescue took lots of planning and a bit of luck. Luckily Harry had already verbally explained everything to Buckbeak and Hedwig. Now all that was left was for Dudley to do his part and maybe finally without all of that worrying Harry could concentrate on the last of his lessons for this summer. He was running out time and he wasn't sure how, when or if he would be returning back to Privet Drive.
The others did not know how that potion had affected him, even after a careful study of the ingredients from the couple of drops left in at the bottom of the vial that Dudley had sent him, as requested. Harry knew that he would have to enlist the aid a certified Potions Master in order to dissect it farther, unfortunately the only one he knew was his potions Professor, Severus Snape.
(...I really don't like that man...) he said to Kina and Kei, the two dingo attendants of the elder. (...That man has hated everything about me from the beginning and now this... He going to be royally pissed off because my mate is his godson...)
(...Don't worry about it...) Kina replied kindly. (...From what you have said about the man, I am sure that he will be pleased to know that his godson will be in safe hands, rather then where he is at the moment...)
(...True and don't forget that you, yourself have mentioned that the man is a spy...) Kei butted in. (...If I was a spy then I believe that it would be harder to put up many different masks to please everyone. Perhaps he needed to keep only the one that would allow him to take his anger out some way...)
Harry thought about it and then said, (...I can see that...).
Everyone just looked at him in a questioning way, which he felt and responded to, (...It's true. I just wish that he could have kept it on an even keel. Not just focusing on me and my bloody fame or who my father was. At least he cares about his godson and has probably been able to help keep him human...)
Uluru knew that Harry would not be able to concentrate on ritual requirements the moment and since Harry needed to exhaust himself physically in order obtain a kick start his astral travel, he recommended that Harry run with the wild dogs. (...Kei, Kina take our young guest out and have a run, while I prepare the room for Harry. I believe that tonight will be a long night for you Harry. Please be sure that you want to do this...)
(...Thank you elder...) Harry said getting up from his seated position on the ground. (...You are very kind. Once that I know Draco will be safe I will be better prepared to finish my studies. Do you have idea on how I will be returning home? I hope that I will be able to return in time to claim my mate. I have feeling that that aspect of our lives will need to be somewhat settled before we head back to school...)
(...Don't worry about too much about that now Harry. Just concentrate on getting your mate out of there...) The elder told him, as the dingos and Harry were standing up to go train.
Harry smiled worriedly, but thanked the elder for his understanding. They took off running around a pre-ordained track around the house and gardens.
Later that night Harry fell into another of his exhaustion induced traveling dreams.
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Late August 5
Dudley found the object that he was looking in his cousin's trunk. Watching the time, he carefully stepped out of the house on the pretense that he was going to his friends' house for a party.
His parents didn't question him knowing full well that young men were apt to get rowdy during the summers before their final year of secondary school. In fact Dudley's parents decided the now would be a good time to visit Marge for a few days, thus leaving their 'Duddykins' home alone, like a big man.
The reason for his caution was not his absent parents, but for the wizards that watched his house. He tucked the invisibility cloak into his backpack. Dudley then left the house and headed to the party. Just because he had other plans didn't mean that a party didn't exist.
His current plans were to leave the party, as soon as everyone there no longer noticed anything, like his absence.
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Buckbeak looked up from his perch and watched as a snow white owl flew up to the tower window. Harry had asked for his assistance to retrieve his mate and asked that he bring him to a designated area in the muggle suburbs of London.
He explained his request clearly to the hippogriff and Buckbeak understood why his help would be required. If Harry's mate was polite then he was sure to help. Hopefully that blond brat had learned his lesson and would be polite to him. Otherwise Buckbeak would be hard pressed to allow the rude one to fly with him.
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Later that night, in Draco's sparten room, he was lying on the flat mattress. He shuddered and shook from the muscle pain and remaining cuts inflicted by his former father earlier that day.
He felt the familiar presence of the one who came to him from time to time. The one he now acknowledged to be his mate and it was lucky that Lucius chose not to assign a house-elf this evening. It seems that for some reason he still thought that Draco would be considering his proposition and was convinced that his heir would comply with his and the Dark Lord's demands to join the legion of Death Eaters.
"We'll meet in person soon, love," the disembodied voice said. "Now get ready to leave and please remember to be polite," with this last statement Draco heard the trilling hoot of an owl at his window. Glancing towards his only open window, he saw, sitting on the narrow ledge, a snow white owl that was somewhat familiar. He recalled seeing this owl before a few times in the Great Hall. There were not too many who chose to have such a visible white owl for their post, but there were enough that seeing one now did not help to identity the bird's owner.
Gingerly, he got up and walked to the owl to retrieve her burdens with a polite thank you. She had a letter and a small parcel. The letter was short and only explained how to use the contents of the parcel.
Draco readied his trunk by pressing the button that will shrink it for easy carry and secured to his body using the part of the ragged sheet. He used the rest of the sheet to wrap around his body to protect it from a possible chill, like the disembodied voice suggested.
The shrink button was something that Dobby had actually suggested.
Draco was still bound by the underage law he refused to use his wand in case he was able to escape. He had not wanted to develop a habit of using it during the summer, so his modified trunk allowed him to manipulate it for easy carry and concealment. It was definitely very useful, considering his needs at the moment.
He re-read the note and then Draco asked that Hedwig move away from the window. Hedwig knew what was about to happen and so flew to another shaded location on the grounds and waited.
Draco opened the parcel and noticed that it was a potion inside something that looked like a round rubber balloon. Still, he followed the instructions and opened remaining window. He needed to expose all the bars and then without warning he threw the object straight at them.
The balloon or ball like thing smashed into the bars and upon impact exploded into a colourful liquid that coated the bars, just the bars, but it certainly coated all of them. The bars dissolved without sound and without alerting anyone or sounding an alarm. Once the bars were completely gone, Draco heard the chirp of another bird and the sound of very large beating wings.
A moment later, his window was shadowed by a large creature that filled it and stepped into his room. His eyes widened and he felt a little terrified by the hippogriff, yet the comforting warmth of his mate's arms around him made him look the creature in the eye and bow properly.
Buckbeak was impressed and bowed back. He allowed Draco to approach and climb aboard. The blond made sure that he had a secure hold on the creature and soon the hippogriff leaned out of the window for a diving take off.
Hedwig took off and guided the way for them, into the dark of the night.
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It was about two in the morning before Dudley saw, from his hidden position by one of the trees in the local park, that something had cast a large shadow against the moon. Soon he heard the fluttering of huge wings rustling down near him.
The creature that landed was something straight out of fantasy books. He followed his cousin's instructions and he bowed while looking the creature in eye. Once it had bowed back, he approached it cautiously, removing the collar just like Harry had asked him to and that Buckbeak was expecting to have removed.
Draco slipped off the creatures back, nearly crumpling to the ground, but Dudley him caught in time. He helped the blond to stand upright and then fastened the collar around Draco's neck.
The Slytherin was a little out of it and therefore never really noticed the action. He was too busy struggling to stay upright and conscious, but he knew that he was fighting losing battle.
"Buckbeak," Dudley asked the hippogriff's name tentatively. When heard an answering chirrup from the fantastical creature, he said, "Harry says that you are free to return to your canyon nesting grounds or to the Forbidden Forest near the school. If you're looking for Hagrid then Harry suggests that you head towards France. It's not a good idea to be seen around this area. We don't want my cousin to get into trouble, do we?"
Buckbeak chirped again and shook his head, beat his wings a few times and took off into the night.
Dudley was still holding onto the other person, when the other person suddenly passed out. He shifted the weight. Doing this he also managed to cover up the body with the invisibility cloak and lifted the person over his shoulders. He staggered away from the park and into his house. He sincerely hoped that it looked like he was staggering in a drunken fashion rather than under the weight of another person.
He made it into the house and walked up to his cousin's room. He took the invisibility cloak off his new guest and put it away. He paused to get another good look at the youth that Harry claimed needed help. He noted all the bruises and cuts so he searched his cousin's trunk for the appropriate potions and salves that he knew were in there. He placed everything on the desk with the letter that Harry had wanted delivered to this person.
Thankfully, both his parents were going to be away for another day, so he could explain some things tomorrow to the pale blond youth that was now sleeping on the narrow bed.
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Harry watched his mate sleeping, until he could no longer maintain his astral presence in his old room. He hugged him and whispering softly in his ear, "I will see you soon, love. I have to finish a few things first. Dudley, who's my cousin, will explain things as best he can. There is a letter explaining some things to you."
His wrapped his mate in his arms and placed a very heated kiss onto a surprisingly responsive mouth. It was all he could do to convey warmth, security and protective possessiveness before he faded back to his body.
(...Hedwig, please watch over him and if he needs your services will you allow it?...)
(...Off course...) She responded, (...He is your mate and therefore I will obey him too...)
(...Thank you my friend...) As he was beginning to fade from sight, (...Don't let him eat anything from Ron or Hermione...)
She knew that, but it might be difficult considering the other owls are only trying to do their duty, however this was her domain and she would protect her master's mate, just like he wished.
Draco rolled over moaning in his sleep, but she never heard a sound. It looked like the spells on the collar were working.
The following morning, Draco felt warmth for the first time in long time. He rolled over and not wanting to cause anymore damage or pain to his body and then he stretched cautiously, extending as best as he could to work through some of the muscle cramps.
He sat up slowly and was able to take the information about the room he was now in. There were broken toys and tattered books in some of the corners of the room. By the door there was a wardrobe with a loose door and a battered school trunk just to the side of it. Near the bed there was an owl perch with a snowy white owl on it and a travelling cage underneath.
There was a Quiddich poster on one of the walls near the bed and the figures looked to have been charmed immovable. A very small Gryffindor pennant was on the wall next to him. Nearby there was a rickety desk with a spindly chair was near the small window and on the desk were a couple of potion bottles and a letter with his name on it.
He took in the room as a whole and noticed that it was way smaller than his first closet, but he instinctively knew that there was no way that his father could find him now. He took a deep breath he heaved a deep sigh of hope and relief.
Slowly he got up from the bed and took the envelope, feeling that it would contain a much needed explanation. He opened it to find several sheets of folded. All were numbered parchment papers filled penned green ink and the neatest writing he had ever seen. He unfolded the one marked No. 1.
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Dearest mate,
There is no doubt now that you are my mate. I have had a difficult time this summer trying to come to terms with the various events that have occurred to me since I left the train platform this year and yet I must be clear to you regarding this.
I have not had any prior knowledge, what-so-ever, that I was anything other than human being. I apologize now and will again in person, when we meet, because I was equally baffled as to everything that a Draekon was. I have learned many details, of which there are a few better detailed books in my trunk for you to look through. I willingly share them and all my belonging with you, but for the time being please know that I will now leave you in peace, if this is not what you seek.
You are free to use any and all of my belongings within this room, but please, please do not remove the collar or leave the room until I tell you that you can. The collar was modified to protect your presence in this house. Absolutely no one from the Wizarding World will know where you are, unless you take that collar off. So please for my peace of mind, leave on until I return.
My cousin's name is Dudley Dursley and a muggle, he will be better able to explain some of my true past to you, however you will most probably be confined here until the last week of August. I hope that that will not be too much of a hardship for you.
I have made plans to meet you and Dudley in London around August 20th, but if I do not show up in time, then you can expect me to see you the evening of August 31st. I will seek you out.
The other letters explain the events that have occurred to me this summer and some of the events that have occurred in the past.
I hope that you will not be too disappointed in me. Please talk to Dudley, if you are curious or need more information.
Your Draekon mate,
Harold Jamison Potter
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Draco snorted. 'Harry Potter', he thought. 'Now why, am I not surprised?'
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Chapter 5
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Harry left his mate with the hopes that Draco would eventually get to know or understand him from the letters that he left behind. It's not like they cannot communicate via post, now that Draco was no longer under the watchful eye of his father.
The following day Harry completely immersed himself in the ritual required to find his and his mate's familiar during travels.
Harry finally re-learned how to be a student and had re-developed his study habits the point where he rewrote most of his school notes to perfection. This was important to him now because he had to rely on his memory for other more mundane things like the location of his belongings or the placement of the furniture in his rooms.
He developed special magical ink that appeared in different colours to the average human eye, but actually had a slight odour, texture or mixture of both when used by a blind Witch or Wizard. It was better than normal charmed ink, as it incorporated a language spell that would alter the writing from written cursive to Braille and back again when the Braille charm was used. The different odours and textures or mix of the two allowed him to identify the subject that he was studying and helped him to maintain accurate subject notes.
Uluru had helped him send correspondence to the Gringotts Branch in Melbourne before his seventeenth birthday and with their assistance Harry learned how to deal with the basics of his finances. Griphook from the London branch was invited over to the branch in Melbourne, which turned out to be very lucky for Harry. All his inheritances were now allowed to be dispersed and without any consultation from any perceived guardian, due to the fact that he acquired a magical heritage too. The heritage of a Draekon is nothing to laugh about and quite frankly the goblin nation was quite pleased with this outcome.
Harry gained his financial independence earlier then predicted and therefore no one from England would be aware of that very important fact until August 15. That was the date that all Wills were to have been carried out and if the inheritor was not in attendance then they would have forfeited everything. The wills clearly stated that, plus whoever was his guardian would have had the right to distribute the financial assets however they pleased.
Griphook explained everything that Harry needed to know about claiming his inheritance and how to go about doing it in a very legal manner that prevented any magical interference. Once all of his land, properties and monies had been accounted for, Harry very smartly updated his locking options with a severe upgrade to the securities on all of his belongings.
He had an account opened for his mate in the interim. This would be until their future was somewhat settled and he had the goblins send his mate the key. He hoped that Draco wouldn't take receiving a spousal allowance the wrong way and he hoped that the blond will not complain about the limit of allowance that he could withdraw or use in a given week. Draco was now his to protect and that included providing him with financial stability.
'Merlin, I hope that 400 Galleons a week is enough. I wonder how much his parents gave him,' he thought. 'They probably just got him whatever he wanted, either way I'm sure I gave him enough to replace a few his school items and some of clothes. I noticed he no longer had much in his room. I better get Dudley to help him shop in the Muggle world. Perhaps there is something that will allow Draco to shop in the Magical world without being found.' That was something else that Harry pondered upon, during his time with the second most infuriating old coot in his life, only this one had never impacted his earlier development years, so he didn't mind him so much.
Uluru had fully assisted him with the needed rehabilitation. He helped to sort out most of his new Draekon abilities, but Harry was still behind in his regular training due to the lack of sight. The old man pushed him until he was confident that the young Draekon could cope with his up and coming travels. He hoped that this was enough for the trials that he would experience returning to his seventh year of school.
The best of all the training he had was the fact that Harry no longer needed his "Remedial Studies" with Professor Snape to learn the difficult art of 'Occlumency'. He hoped that that extra time could be used for other studies in training and focus with the sour Potions Master.
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Draco had spent the better part of the day recovering from his afflictions and another part reading all of the letters that Harry had written at different intervals of the summer. It seems that the letters were written after each time that his mate had visited him.
Harry explained everything from the traitorous behaviour of his best friends to the absolute horror of losing his virginity to some Ravenclaw tramp and having his own behavior modified by a traitorous Weasley, female this time. Harry also told him many things about the Draekon heritage and how it was lost, but not extinct, obviously.
His mate then charged him with only one task for the time being, until they could meet before heading to school. "Wear that collar. It will protect you from being seen by the Order members that patrol the neighbourhood and it will especially protect you from Mad Eye Moody's disgusting rolling eyeball..."
So, Draco followed his mate's advice. He snooped to his heart's content through Harry's meager belongings and found several interesting things. He also spoke with Dudley regarding the Boy-Who-Lived's real life situation. He was horrified to see the infamous "Cupboard under the stairs" that was Harry's first bedroom.
Still one thing to know about Draco was that he thirsted for knowledge and decided that he would learn about Muggles from Harry's cousin. He had taken quite a liking to the handheld game systems that Dudley had in abundance.
Dudley even taught the Wizard raised Slytherin how to use a cell phone, work on computers (from the older models lying around the room) and a few other gadgets. Draco loved this stuff, he even liked to surf the web for interesting facts and was surprised at the vast amount of knowledge available online.
Dudley for his part visited often to explain the Muggle side of things, while Draco explained the Wizard side from his perspective. He clearly stated that his perspective was not the regular one, but one of breeding. He explained that his early education forced him to learn and be aware of the Wizarding political climate due to his father's connections.
He even explained to Dudley about the Hogwarts house system and how the students were sorted according to character traits. When Dudley heard about that he was shocked and spoke his mind on the subject. "That has got to be the dumbest thing that I have ever heard. Every single trait that you've mentioned exists in everyone. It's stupid to separate those with bravery, brains, loyalty and cunning as the main markers of a person's character. People change as they get older and they need to in order to grow. How is sticking everyone with those same characteristics going to allow anyone to mature well?"
"You do have a point, but I believe that it was to engender some competitiveness within the school. You know, to allow the students of one house to feel like they can have a solid point in common with which to begin interacting with one another." Draco stated, defending his school, but somehow understanding that the House system could be improved upon, greatly.
"There should be a change to that," Dudley said. "Don't you guys have a change up later, get re-sorted or something, so that you can get to know others of the school. Do you happen to know whether anyone has ever been placed in the wrong House to begin with?"
"Not that I know of, but I'll tell you that there are times that I'm sure your cousin was placed in the wrong House." Draco then explained some of the actions that he's seen Harry take that really went against the Gryffindor law of 'How to act bravely with no brain, jumping in with both feet!' Not surprisingly the recent events assisted his case in point.
"You know that you have some of those qualities too," Draco stated. "You, a muggle, meet up with a creature that you have never seen before in your entire life and seemingly accept it as is. You take me into your house, not knowing what kind of person I am, showing that you have Gryffindor's idiotic bravery. Yet you are as sneaky as a Slytherin around your parents and you are cunningly forging Harry's old hand writing in order to prevent that Flock of Buzzards from being suspicious of your cousin's whereabouts. You are beginning to show a disturbing bout of Hufflepuff's unfailing loyalty by protecting Harry's mate and for some reason I don't believe that you are as stupid as you pretend to be around your friends, which leads me to believe that you have a bit of the Ravenclaw brains."
Dudley just laughed because Draco had just proved his point that someone can be made up of all the House traits from his school and then gleefully told him so. "You've just proved my point," he said with another chuckle. "You've just told me that I would fit in every House at that school of yours. Perhaps, your funny little Sorting Hat would not be able to place me so easily within any House. Think about it. You're eleven years old and your personality has not had time to develop, but now that we are older it is harder to separate everything into black and white categories."
Draco turned thoughtful, as Dudley took up his letter writing for Harry. There were the usual letters to the Order, but there was an additional one for Professor Snape and one for Remus Lupin that Harry didn't want forged.
In the one to the Potions Master, Harry explained to his professor some of the situations that had occurred to him. He then proceeded to ask if there were any potions ingredients from his travels that he could bribe the Professor with in order to gain his assistance for some future disruptions that he was planning for the big bad Lord Dark Dufus.
Remus' letter was more direct, in that Harry expressed some of the feelings that he has been having and some of his concerns regarding Dumbledore's true motives. He explained everything that he thought he could. He expressed his hope that Remus would be able to patch things up with Professor Snape, as Harry explained that he would be trying to get the Potions Master's assistance.
Throughout all of that another exotic bird, a golden eagle this time, showed up at the window looking for someone. The eagle spoke to Hedwig and when the snowy owl hooted her response the eagle flew to the side of the bed and waited patiently for the letter that he carried to be removed by an invisible hand.
Draco was watching the birds communicate and knew that only Hedwig was able to see him, but to allow another bird... He nibbled on his bottom lip and then raised a hand to take the letter. The eagle waited until it was completely removed before flying over to sit next to Harry's owl. Obviously it needed to wait for a reply or for something to happen.
Draco opened the letter from the eagle and found that it came from Gringotts. He looked in the envelope he found a vault key that was brand new. He read the letter, his eyes widened that the amount that he now owned and at the amount that his mate allowed for withdrawal. He only needed to let a drop of his blood fall onto the key to activate it. He didn't waste any time searching for a knife. He just brushed the pad of his thumb against one of his lengthened canines and cut himself.
He allowed only one drop to fall onto the key, there was a small flash of light and the eagle could now see him. He chirped once to indicate that he could now see the youth sitting on the bed. It then hopped to the window and flew away.
Draco was a bit concerned about the bird being able to see him, but the letter clearly stated that once the vault was activated any correspondence to him could only be delivered to him by that one bird. Harry apparently set it up that way.
Dudley was done for the day and there was only one letter from Harry left to Draco. "Hey, Drake, this one's for you," he said. Then he teased the blond by asking, "Do you want me to forge this one for you in order that you actually receive the proper letter from your mate?"
Draco chuckled and just snatched the letter to read. Dudley had one of his own, so they both sat down to read some of Harry's adventures or his instructions.
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
Hey Duds,
I hope that you and Draco are getting on all right. It seems that I will have to be making my way back to London through some of my own power and some of my own magic. I believe that I will be back earlier then I thought, but don't tell Draco. I would like to surprise him by arriving a day or two earlier than expected.
I gave him some money and since you know that the currency we use is actual, real gold, I was wondering if you could shop with him in Muggle London to pick up whatever he wants. Perhaps to set him up at a hotel so he can explore some of the city, but I insist that you be with him when he does.
I don't want anything happening to him and you will still be the only one to truly see him as he is. Muggles will only be able to see that someone is with you, but would never be able to tell who that person is or even what they look like. His presence will be wiped from their memories once he leaves their vicinity.
Take one or two of the gold coins and pawn them. Just say that you are a metallurgy student and that you've inherited the pieces from an eccentric relative who loved to forge their own coins. The coins should fetch several hundred, if not thousands of pounds for your guys to spend.
Get him out of there and have fun. Maybe he can take you into a magical alley in order for you to see part of the Wizarding World. Don't worry, I sent him a magical charm to attach to his collar that will allow him to shop for his school things and anything else that he may want.
I would like you to forward Remus' letter as is and the same goes for Professor Snape's letter with the small box that I have just sent you. It contains the potion vial and the stabilized remains of the potion that I stupidly drank at the beginning of summer.
That's all for now.
Hope to see you guys very soon,
Harry
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
Draco eagerly opened the letter from his mate, having gotten used to the change in Harry's handwriting. It was now very elegant and could rival that of any noble born wizard. However his eagerness had more to do with the fact that it was 'his' mate writing to him.
He had already suspected that he would be the mate of a magical creature. It was just something that he had always known instinctively. However he never expected that it would be to a creature as rare as a Draekon. He eagerly opened his letter and began to read…
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
My Dearest Mate,
I don't think that I will ever be able to address any letter to you so plainly anymore. You will always be "My Dearest Mate", until you come to your final decision. If your decision is a positive one, then one day I may change my greeting to become My Dearest Love.
Sappy, I know, but on some days I feel that I must express it otherwise it I feel that stifling it would lead to something very unpleasant. That is just how I feel. I know, it's Hufflepuff of me, but I can't help it.
Now on to better things, in this envelope is a charm that I created for you to attach to the remaining link on your collar. It will allow you to leave the protection of this house. In fact it will allow you to remain hidden in plain sight no matter who is standing in front of you. So you don't have to worry about Mad Eye Moody anymore, he'll think that he saw someone else.
I gave my cousin some ideas on what to do now that you are technically free. I must insist that you keep wearing that collar until I come and remove it from you. It is the only way that I know for you to be safe. Muggles will see you, but will never be able to identify you clearly because once you leave their vicinity you will be erased from their memories.
The advice I gave Dudley was to take you shopping for whatever it is you wanted to buy. He's to take a few Galleons to a Muggle pawn shop and exchange it for Muggle currency. I know that you will get enough to cover all of your expenses.
I do ask that you wait for him to be around before traveling in Muggle London. I would also like for you to test the charm by shopping in a Wizarding alley. Take Duds with you, he might like to see some of our world before the beginning of the school year. If he cannot see anything, then give him the leather bracelet that you'll find in this envelope, it will disappear in three days should you not need it, so go to the Alley soon.
Please get your school books and supplies for the upcoming year. Could you pick up mine as well? See Duds for a list of my courses. I had to reply to McGonagall about my NEWT courses, my independent room (that was an option available to us Gryffies for our seventh year, don't know about you Slyths) and you should have no trouble figuring out the books that I'll need.
Onto another subject; by the way, do you happen to like silk? I believe that I will be traveling through Japan and China, up through Russia, perhaps a small stop near Romania, India, Italy and then on to London. If there's anything that you can think of that you want from those countries, don't hesitate to write back very soon.
I have asked Dudley to forward a letter to Professor Snape and in it I am requesting assistance with my magical training. Could you provide me with a list of potions ingredients that are rare in Europe, but that I could easily acquire during my travels? I am going to try and bribe him for his help. In fact I mentioned the bribe in his letter. Hopefully he won't destroy it before reading it.
Well that's all that I can think of for now. Oh… Your key, I hope that you are not too angry with me for setting you up with a spousal account. I felt that you needed it and it will be permanently yours no matter what. Think of it as a dowry. If that is too sappy or girly for you, then perhaps you could think of it as a bribe too.
I dream of you every night and await the day that I can feel you next to me.
Harry
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
Draco snickered at the bribing parts of the letter. 'Yes, you prat,' he thought. 'I will take it as a bribe.'
He smiled softly to himself at the way Harry was expressing himself. He didn't think that they would have that many issues to overcome, as they had been corresponding on a regular basis, but he did notice that sometimes Harry turned sappy on occasion in his writing. He didn't mind that at all, in fact he secretly loved it. Then he looked thoughtfully at the letter pondering the possibilities and then looked towards Dudley.
Dudley had just finished reading his letter and was looking at it thoughtfully, when he noticed that Draco glanced his way. He turned his gaze to the blond in Harry's bed and waited.
"Duds," Draco began. "I think that he has given us some good ideas. What do you think? Do you think that we could plan to go a magical alley sometime tomorrow or the day after?"
"Sure", Dudley replied. "We could even go today if you want. It's just the start of the afternoon and besides I don't think that you're planning to shop for anything fun right now. I think that you might want to get some of the necessary school shopping out of the way and I would love to visit the magical alley that I've heard so much about."
"Alright, just let me plan some of the things that I want to buy," Draco said. "Oh, by the way do you still have a copy of that letter Harry had you copy for Professor McGonagall regarding his course selection for the year?"
Dudley pulled it out and let Draco look it over before releasing the desk space for Draco in order to plan his school shopping list. Harry's cousin decided to take care of the letters and package for Harry's Professor and honourary godfather.
He took the letters and he tied the letter to the package and then the whole package to Hedwig's leg. "This one is to Professor Snape, please deliver that one first." He tied the second letter to Hedwig's other leg and stated that that one was for Remus Lupin. "This one can be delivered last. Now please take your time and don't tire yourself out. Harry wouldn't like that and neither would I. There's a good owl, now off you go. The other letters here can wait until you've rested a bit. They're only for the Order and they can certainly wait."
Hedwig hooted once, bobbed her head up and down in acknowledgement of what he told her. She nibbled one of his fingers gently before taking off.
Draco finished making his list and together they set out to get some of the essentials for next school year.
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
August 9
The renowned Potions Master Professor Snape was slowly going out of his mind with worry for his godson, Draco. He found out earlier in the summer that Lucius Malfoy had escaped Azkaban. His godson had disappeared a few weeks after that and Lucius was not talking about how that had happened.
Also, his personal fears were growing every time he met up with the Dark Lord because he had the distinct impression that Lord Voldemort knew that he was a traitor to his Dark and Glorious cause.
He just couldn't figure out how or who betrayed him at the meetings, due to the number of times that he was cursed. However, he certainly knew that he wasn't the only one to brew potions. Some potions were already prepared by the time he arrived at the Dark Lord's Lair and that's another reason for his increased fear.
He sat in a high backed chair that looked really uncomfortable, but it was actually one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture in his sitting room. He had a snifter of brandy on the table next to him and he contemplated what his next step should be in regards to the Death Eater meetings, when in from the window above his door flew a snowy white owl.
He looked at the owl gently circling the room, moved his arm and the owl settled next to him on the vacated armrest. The owl had a letter-package combination on one leg and a simple letter on the other leg. He lifted one dark brow when the owl lifted the leg with the package in his direction.
"If you'll permit me," he asked her, taking out his wand. Hedwig just resettled her leg, hooted softly and waited calmly. Snape raised his other brow at this behaviour, but he performed the necessary spell checks for stray pranks, hexes or jinxes. He gently removed the parcel and conjured a bowl of water for the owl with a couple of treats for her before allowing her to fly away too soon.
"Relax here before the next leg of your journey," he said, slowly opening up the letter first.
A quick scan of the letter had him curious as to who could be writing to him. Further inspection of the signature had him wondering why the Potter brat would be writing to him and yet, he doubted that it was from Harry Potter due to the neatness of the writing. Still he started re-reading the letter from the top to find out what was going.
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
Potions Master Severus Snape
Dear Professor,
Firstly, I must apologize to you for invading your privacy during the fifth year, but perhaps asking for your forgiveness may be a bit too much. I had thought, at the time, that you were keeping the same secret that Professor Dumbledore was and I was just trying to figure out what that could be. You see it had something to do with me, a Dark Lord and a prophecy. If you haven't been told what that whole year was about, now you know part of it, but I digress.
Once I was in your pensieve and saw what it really contained, I didn't want to leave. I had never seen any side of my father before and now I sincerely wished that I hadn't stayed in the memory. It is not something to be proud of. I did confront Sirius and Remus about their actions.
Also, please know that I have not told anyone else about the contents of your pensieve or what I had witnessed; it is just not right to do such a thing. I am sorry for invading your privacy. I have so little of it myself, but in that moment I forgot how it felt to have my own invaded. I am truly sorry.
Moving on, I must say that I am glad to have received your letter informing me that "Remedial Studies" will be resuming once more and I thank you for your concerns in that matter. However, I believe that following the Headmaster's orders may be difficult now, as I am quite capable of Occluding my mind. Feel free to test me once the new school year begins.
I know that you may have more than a few questions, perhaps about how come I am not sending any information to the Headmaster and the Order regarding the old visions that I have been plaguing me in the past. Well, to tell you the truth, I am too far away for them to affect me at the moment.
Yes, Potter has gotten himself into another strange situation, but in my defence I was set up. I am sure that you know about the "Subliminus" spell and about an interactive potion that can be used accompany it. Well that was part of the set up.
It is very important for you to believe me because I fear that your life is in far greater danger than you may realize.
The attached package contains the remains of a potion that I was "compelled", by a couple of others using that dratted spell, to ingest it near the beginning of the summer holidays. I was told that it would correct my eye sight, but once I held the potion vial I couldn't stop myself from following the 'implanted suggestion' to drink it. I am sincerely hoping that you were not the brewer of that concoction.
I have, also, discovered several Pettigrews within my own small circle of friends, a couple of whom frequent the same meetings that you do. I do mean the same meetings for both the light and the dark sides of this useless magical war. Please be careful, not for my sake, but for the sake of your godson, Draco.
That brings me to another topic. Sorry for the multitude of topics in my letter, but I have only this one time to write to you requesting your assistance.
As you may be aware, Lucius Malfoy in no longer imprisoned and I have seen some of the Dark Lord's actions against his followers. However, did you happen to notice a time when his attentions were diverted to Draco? Something that Lucius may have slipped to the Dark Dufus about a magical creature known as a Draekon and a reference to your godson.
It is true. Your godson is the mate to something only known as a Draekon. Lucius was torturing his son in order to capture this creature for the Dark Lord, but do not worry too much about him.
Draco has given his father the slip. He is now in a safe and secure location. He will be at the King's Cross station in time to go to school September 1st. He'll be happy, healthy and whole.
My request for your assistance is therefore three-fold.
One: I need your Potions expertise to try to figure what that blasted potion was and if I can expect any further complications from it. I have included my research and conclusions, but I do not have an insight to all the interactive possibilities of these ingredients. In fact I am not sure that I have discovered the correct ingredients, hence the need for your Master assistance.
Two: I would like your continued aid in magically training me for my up and coming battle with the Dark Lord. I know that you have a greater store of knowledge then many of other Defense Professors that have taught at the school since I've begun to attend Hogwarts. I will be asking Remus to help me in this area as well. The Hogwarts students need to be taught defense more than ever. Even if some of the students are Marked, it is the unmarked ones that I fear will be caught in the middle. I want to unite this school for the final battle and in order to do that I need your help along with Remus.
Lastly: I fear for Draco's life in the dorms, plus once he has mated with the Draekon, his mate will not permit them to sleep apart. In these times it is too harsh to separate those that are meant to be together. Please help him get a room of his own, near yours in case of emergencies. I think that it will be for the best. I know that his father and the Dark Lord have placed a high price on his head. It's almost as high as my own.
If you decide to assist me out of the goodness of your heart, then I heartily welcome it. But since I know that many Slytherins and especially as their Head of House, you might prefer a "quid pro quo" arrangement, I am perfectly willing to offer you substantial compensation for your services. In case you're wondering, the answer is yes. Harry Potter is willing to bribe you for your assistance.
As stated above my location is a lot further than anyone in the Order may realize, and I sincerely hope that you will keep this to yourself. I have access to the flora and fauna from the Far East countries, including Australia and China.
Do you have a preference for specific potions ingredients that you would like for me to cultivate for you? Should I just bring back a grab bag of the most exotic? I also have a fully rendered Basilisk carcass and you may have access to some of its parts, if you'd prefer that to anything else. We can bargain later if you wish.
Please advise me of your decision prior to August 11. It might be easier and quicker for you to reply through Gringotts' interbank service. You may send your reply to the Melbourne branch in Australia anytime before the eleventh. I plan to be back around the 20th of the that month.
Should you decide that everything in this letter is false, then don't worry. I will still be collecting various potion ingredients during my travel home, as I have suddenly developed a great fascination for potions on my own.
I will be speaking with you about it and other things, when I return to school, even if it is only to keep up the appearance of needing your assistance with Occlumency.
Yours sincerely,
Harold Jamison Potter
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
Snape was gob smacked at the contents of the letter and had to re-read it several times before chosing to come to any conclusion. The brat stated that he wrote to Lupin regarding more training and there was a meeting with the Order of the Phoenix in a couple of days. Perhaps that would be a good time to confer with the Wolf and confirm the brat's sincerity.
He took another sip of brandy and then began to dream of the possible ingredients he could demand for his help. He smirked at the thought of a few that would prove difficult for Potter to find, if he really was not where he indicated he was.
'Yes, that is another perfect way to test his sincerity,' he thought. 'However I am relieved that Draco has escaped. Now all I have to worry about are the Pettigrews.'
Curiosity about the package had him opening it to find the notes that Potter was talking about.
'Hopefully they are in order,' he thought, shuddering at the mess that passed for Potter's school work in the previous years.
His hand writing alone was atrocious and his organizational skills were lacking, but the boy had some unique insights from time to time. Potter tended to add marginal notes to his essays that had this Potions Master wondering if treating Potter the way he did stifled some of the accurate insight that he found to those comments.
He opened the box and found a small black journal with another box inside that had stasis charms. He took the journal out and placed the primary box on the table next to his brandy. Flipping the cover to the first page, his eyes widened in shock as the title was clear and in the same handwriting as the letter that he had just received.
Severus turned the initial the page of the journal and was again surprised at the neatness of the writing, plus the structure that Harry had used for his notes.
Harry had started with an introduction of the potion with an explanation of what really happened vs. the vision he had received, which detailed what was really supposed to have happen. He had even included the conversation that had been carried out during his train ride which allowed him to add another possible outcome for the potion.
He had listed all of the herbal ingredients in green ink and the animal parts in red. Further to that the magical vs. the non-magical were separated by a different degree of colour and the colour key was on the opposite page from the list.
Professor Snape was soon immersed in the deductions, the systematic testing carried out and the methodical note taking that filled the remainder of this small journal.
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
Meanwhile…Later and elsewhere
Remus Lupin was sitting in front of the fire recovering from a full moon night, when he heard the soft wings of a bird flutter nearby. He looked up and saw that Hedwig had come to deliver a letter to him from his honourary godson.
He smiled as he spoke to the beautiful bird, "Hello Hedwig. I see that Harry has a letter for me." Hedwig hooted at him, holding out her leg in order that he may take the letter from her. "Thank you girl," he said conjuring a stand with a water dish and some treats.
Remus looked at the letter and smelled it for a moment. He smiled knowing that Hedwig had delivered something to Potions Master Snape before coming to deliver this letter. He loved the varied scents that accompanied the dark man, but there was no way that he would tell him that. Severus was more likely to hex him for insult, rather than take it for the compliment it is.
He continued to smell the letter when another odour was discovered attached to the letter. Sniffing again he felt a growl begin at the back of his throat. He smelled a Dursley and that was not a good thing to smell, due to the fact that they have never treated Harry well.
'Now what could my Cub be writing about? He seems to have made this letter larger than any other sent to the Order.' Remus then became a wary and proceeded to lock his room with high security spells that prevented snoops from eavesdropping.
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
My Dearest Godfather,
Yes, Remus, I now consider you my godfather because there are not that many people in the world that I would trust to fill Sirius' shoes. Not that I expect you to do that, it's just that I miss him and I know that you were close to my parents and him. I find myself trusting you more than any other adult I have encountered, because you have a calm aura about you, despite your wolfish nature.
Don't worry, that's one of the things that I love about you. It's that wolfish nature because wolves are highly intelligent, pack oriented and work together to accomplish many great things that many times are all for the good of the pack.
I have a confession to make to you and then I am going to tell you something in trust. This summer I have not been living with my aunt and uncle. All of the letters that the Order has been receiving from me are forged copies that Dudley has been writing for me in order to protect my absence from the Dursley home.
Don't worry! I did not coerce him in any way shape or form... I sorta bribed him. The next time that you see him you will note that he has lost quite a bit of weight. It's what he needed, but also what he wanted. Please don't tell anyone about this.
You see I have discovered a couple of Pettigrews among my own friends and I don't want you to get hurt because of this knowledge. When I get back to school I will tell you who they are, but for the time being I was hoping that you could help Professor Snape by maybe keeping an eye out for him and his health.
I fear that something will happen to him, but I don't know what that could be. It's just a gut feeling that I have. But then again, maybe nothing will occur before the beginning of the school, I'm just worried about him, but don't tell him that.
OH! By the way, don't worry about Buckbeak escaping, I set him free. I will tell you how, but again that will only be after I get to back to school September 1st.
Now onto some bit of news, the Order may or may not know. Lucius Malfoy has escaped from Azkaban. He was last seen at Malfoy Manor, but I don't think that he remained there. His wife has passed away with his help and his son, Draco Malfoy, is currently in hiding with mine.
I will need your support this year Remus and I hope that we can have a solid heart to heart when I get back. So much has changed for me and I am no longer the rival of Draco Malfoy. In fact, Draco has run away from home because there is a price on his head for being the supposed mate of a Draekon. The Dark Lord wants the creature, but I don't know why.
Chalk it up to me being a Gryffindor. I had to help him. He is in a completely safe and secure location, you'll never guess where. Also, if you were to walk up to him in the street, you would never know that you are in his presence. So even if you do guess you'll never notice him.
I have written to Professor Snape asking for help in the coming year and I am hoping to get your help too. He may consult with you to find out the truth or maybe to confirm that this letter you have received is really from me.
You see I fully intend to unite the school this year and maybe a lack of visible rivalry between past year-mates would help me unite the others. It may not be necessary, but then again every little bit counts.
I hope that you will be teaching us this year. I think it would be awesome. I am planning something worthy of the Marauders for September 1st. It's not a prank, but it will cause havoc in the school. Better yet it is worthy of the Founders. Things will be changing and I will be pushing for those changes.
Now onto something that may be unpleasant for anyone to hear, so this is a heads up for you and what I place in trust to you.
I have recently found out that there was an inheritance deadline for the execution of my parents' and Sirius' Wills. The deadline was August 15 for the year that I turned seventeen. It seems that I had to be in attendance to the reading of those Wills prior to that date in order to inherit all of my properties, financial assets and other assets. If I was not present then I would have forfeited it all to my currently known magical guardian.
Do you realize who claims to have my best interests at heart? The one who the Wizarding World believes to be my magical guardian? Do you know why I have not been allowed to leave the Dursley's house at all this summer? Do you recall the day they were planning to pick me up? I'll give you a hint; he isn't a muggle nor related to the Dursleys.
I would have lost everything, but thank all the gods for my kind of luck because I spoke with a Gringotts representative. I found out that I have long since been emancipated, ever since I have received my magical heritage. Just to let you know, it's big.
Since you know that I am no longer at the Dursleys, you might be worried that my visions are more than I can handle on my own, don't. There is a reason that I haven't written to the Order about them.
You see, I'm just too far away for them to have any effect at the moment. Wondering how far? Try the near the Orient. I'll bring you back some very good tea.
Do you want anything else in particular? I have to travel a bit to make my way back to London. Just forward me something before the eleventh of August through the Gringotts interbank service, to the Melbourne branch in Australia. I will do my best to find whatever you want.
I promise to explain everything once I get back.
Please destroy this letter after you've shown it to Professor Snape. He made need physical proof of my sincerity.
Love from your Cub,
Harry
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Remus was stunned. Harry was not at the Dursley's and yet the Order still received letters from him as if he had been writing them himself. The fat lump Dudley was helping. He shook his head and began to read the letter once more.
'A couple of Pettigrews!' He thought, horrified that there were others like that 'rat' out there. 'How does he know? We never found him out until too late, but Harry knows about a couple of them.'
That line alone had Remus' hackles up. He stood up and began to pace his room thinking about everything that he just read in the letter. Finally he decided that there was nothing he could do until he had a conversation with Snape.
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August 14
The Order of the Phoenix called a meeting for the evening of August 14, to discuss Harry Potter and his future residence. It was just a small gathering of the core group and include; the Weasleys, Hermione Granger, Severus Snape, Remus Lupin, Mad Eye Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and of course, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
They were seated around the meeting table and Remus chose to sit next to Severus Snape by choice. It seemed that some of the other members were trying to keep a wide berth around and away from the snarky Potions Master.
Remus felt it was the best way to ease some of the uncertainty in regards to Harry's letter. When he walked into the room there was a small argument between the elders of the Weasley clan and the Headmaster. The Weasleys wanted to take Harry out of his relatives' home and bring him to theirs, but the old coot interfered, stating that he couldn't let them at the moment.
"Now, now my dear Molly," the old man placated. "Harry is not having any problems that you know of. In fact his letters are quite plain. He has not indicated having any trouble with his relatives this year at all."
"Don't try to placate me, Albus," the red headed woman ranted. "Harry has every right to leave that place now that he is of age. He should be allowed the choice. We would gladly take him in, you know that."
"The boy is placed where he is the safest. I will send someone to look in on him tomorrow. That will surely ease your minds," he said with finality. He turned his twinkling gaze to Severus, who just glowered back at him.
"No," Severus said. He knew that he had to play up to the group and protest any involvement to fetch or see to Harry's well-being.
"I'll go," Remus said. "Harry is part of my pack after all and I feel that it is my duty to check up on him."
"I don't believe that would be a good idea Remus," Dumbledore said. "You are still recovering from the other night."
"I've recovered just fine Albus," Remus continued. "Harry would want me to visit him. Besides I really feel that it is time to keep my promise to the Dursleys and go see how they are treating him."
"I'm sorry Remus, but I just don't think that it is a good idea for you to visit them alone," the old man told him. He really didn't want the werewolf to go anywhere his weapon for the war.
"Oh… for Morgana's sake Albus, let the wolf go," Severus said. He was getting tired of the back and forthing of those two. "I'll go with him to make sure that the brat is fine. Do you really think that it is wise to prevent a wolf from visiting a member of what he considers his pack?"
Everyone was stunned by that statement, but since the headmaster's plan was to get Severus to go and check up on Harry. He consented that Remus go along providing that nothing happened to the muggles.
The rest of the meeting wound down to niggling details that did not involve either of the two gentlemen. However, when the Headmaster was asked if he would be back the next day, he stated that he had some important business to take care of at Gringotts.
When Remus heard that, his eyes flashed with amber light and he seemed to start to growl. He covered up his actions with a cough and said that he would be returning to his room. Since the discussions taking place no longer involved him everyone waved him off.
Severus got up to follow when Dumbledore questioned him, "Where are you going?"
"Lupin seems a bit off and since I am the one providing him with the Wolvesbane potion I am going to see whether any of the modifications that I recently made to the formula are affecting him," he replied. "Do you need me for anything else Albus? I really don't care to sit here and listen to you argue about that Potter brat any longer."
Albus Dumbledore just chuckled at his response and he eyes twinkled as he waved off his Potions Master. They all watched as the dark man flounced out of the room with his robes billowing out.
He turned his attentions back to the other members of the Order and began once more to defend his reasons for keeping Harry at his relatives' home. He just wanted to wait for tomorrow to come before he could magnanimously allow Harry to leave his current residence.
Snape followed the wolf from a distance and waited until Lupin had been in his room for a bit before he approached the wolf's door. He sighed before stealing himself to knock on it, when the door opened to allow him entry.
"About time," Remus said stepping back. "Come in. Can I get you something to drink?"
Severus stepped into the room and was slightly startled when the door was shut behind him. He was never easily startled, but he was nervous due to Remus' actions downstairs.
"Do you have something strong," he asked.
"Have a seat and I'll be right there." Remus went to his little hidden bar and pulled something that he had been saving for a while. It was a fine aged Apple Brandy that had been part of his family's secret stash. He'd learned how to make it and also learned to modify the Brandy to soak up different flavours. Unfortunately he needed money in order to produce more than a few bottles at a time. Still he knew the secret to aging them with a few time spells specifically designed to produce interesting wines and liquors of quality.
He paused for a few moments, to secure the room and lock it from snoopy type spells. Thankfully Sirius showed him which ones were the most effective in this house and which ones could not be overridden by anyone. This was due to the fact that the spells he just used actually taps into the magic of the house itself.
Severus settled into a chair across from a warm fire. He sighed as he gazed at the dancing flames. He felt Remus' presence next to him for a moment and then he turned his focus to the drink that was held out to him. He took a sip and he let it burn its way down his throat. It seemed that neither knew how to begin this conversation.
"Severus," Remus began and noticed that he had startled the Potions Master again. Snape frowned marginally and then blanked his gaze, turning it towards the werewolf.
"Yes," he said.
"Here," Remus said, handing over the letter that Harry had written him. He hadn't expected the Potions Master to hand over his letter for him to see, but he needed to show that he trusted Snape with the contents of his own letter from his godson. Besides he already knew that any double-agent knows how to keep secrets.
Snape perused the letter once by quickly scanning the contents and then proceeded to re-read it more slowly in order to obtain the most details from it that he could. He was surprised that Harry knew he would want to confirm his sincerity with the wolf. It showed more insight than he thought the boy was capable of.
He frowned at the mention of the Pettigrews again, but then he positively scowled at the paragraph that stated that his godson was in hiding and could not even be seen. Still he hoped rather than knew that it was a better than the situation for godson rather than remain under the rule of his own father.
He finished reading it and then took another sip of the brandy while holding the letter before returning it to its rightful owner. This time he noted the flavour of the drink and hummed in pleasure at the uniqueness of it.
Remus' head perked up and his human ears twitched when he heard the little hum of pleasure. He looked at the Potions Master and saw that his eyes were closed. The man had a quirky little smile trying to peek out from one corner his mouth. The werewolf was almost ready to beam, when those dark eyes opened, slightly out of focus for a moment and then sharpened to look into his.
He sent a smile to the dark man, as he took a sip from his own glass and said, "I'm glad you like the Brandy."
Severus paused for a moment, considering, and then handed Remus the letter that he had received from Harry for Remus to read.
Remus was surprised at that, but still took the letter and smelled it first, seeking out the scent of his cub. Once his found it he smiled wistfully and opened the letter to read all of it. Pleased to find that the contents almost echoed his own letter. He finished reading it and with a final sniff he handed it back to the Potions Master.
"Well. Now what should we do?" Remus said. "I'm all for going to the Dursley's to see Harry, but knowing that he is not there, should we still go to keep up appearances?"
"Of course we still go," Snape groused. "We will be watched and be certain that once we do not find the brat, we will have to report it."
"True," Remus said. "But perhaps we can delay the reporting by attempting to find out where Harry could possibly be, by following a likely path... Say to Gringotts or by questioning the Dursley's."
"So," Severus began. He hated small talk, but he had wondered about one of the issues that Harry had brought up. "Has the headmaster offered you the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position?"
Remus smiled and nodded. "At least this year I will have assistance, because I know that Harry had a training club for a couple of years in order to bring most of the students up to speed. I was thinking of asking for Harry to assist in some of the classes or else for him to continue his defense club."
They made their plans for the next day, knowing that Dumbledore will be extremely disappointed from his meeting at Gringotts. There was an Order set for that night too.
They spent a good portion of the evening in a lively discussion about the upcoming school year. Both were secretly hoping that everything would be all right with their respective godsons. Still neither could wait to see Dumbledore's face and expressions when he found out that Harry was a) not at the Dursleys, b) not on within easy reach, c) fully emancipated and d) fully in charge of all his finances.
Oh, yes the last Marauder and the Snarky Git were really waiting to see those fireworks. It promised to be a good show.
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Chapter 6
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August 9
Draco had clipped his new charm to the link on his collar, the day he had received it. It was a small teardrop shaped emerald stone, which would allow Harry to locate his mate and sense whether he was in danger. The blond Slytherin had tested it thoroughly on the same day that he received his Gringotts spousal account key. It worked when he and Dudley went to Diagon Alley in order to pick up his much needed school supplies.
During their shopping spree and a whim Draco bought matching trunks for himself and Harry. They were magical trunks that were of the multi-compartment line, but they only had three compartments. He never approved of the ones that could replace a home, because it seemed like those ones encouraged vagabonds. Still it was a personal choice and the three-fers, as advertised, were understated, yet elegant, which suited Draco's nobler tastes.
The ones that he bought were part of a matched set for couples. The set included a bonus shoulder carryall with multiple pockets on the outside with a huge space in the main compartment that allowed room for up to a 200 pound weight with a diameter of 100 inches round and 4 feet of height.
These were of course set up with any spells that the customer requested and therefore the carryall and trunks were now featherweight, shrinkable, protected from theft. They were also charmed to look normal on the outside, meaning that they didn't look full. They were all brushed black leather with hints of red and they had matched copper-bronze fastenings with the highest security protection spells available.
The very last compartment of Draco's trunk was where he planned to have a muggle type study or gaming room. He planned to pick up lots of electronic gadgetry. He planned to get them up and running as soon as he could figure out how to power them with magic.
The spacing inside the trunks used complex magics that generated an extra dimension within the trunk. That dimension did not affect the muggle electronics because while Dudley was exploring it, he received a call on his cell phone from one of his school chums. They discovered that the call was unaffected in any way, shape or form.
The second compartment was reserved for Draco's clothing and was set up with drawers and wardrobes. The first compartment was set up for his school supplies with additional drawers and box-like compartments, including a spot for his original shrunken trunk.
Draco set up Harry's trunk in a similar fashion, but left the last compartment for Harry to fill as he pleased. In the mean time, Draco had taken to buying up books that he thought Harry would like to read or to have to study from. He included shelving in the last compartment in order to store the acquisitions safely. But it was also for the off chance that Harry could not think of anything to fill his third compartment.
Besides they needed someplace to store the books that they were finding in the Muggle world. Draco knew that Harry needed to learn different things and therefore was shopping up a storm in some of the more obscure Magical Alleys found in London. The boys even took a three-day train ride to Paris and back and hunted among some of those other Magical Alleys for lost treasures.
For Draco it was almost like a mini-adventure and for Dudley it was plainly a magical adventure. Dudley had no trouble seeing the magical world on his own and as Harry predicted the leather wrist disappeared on its own.
Luck would have it that Draco and Dudley found Muggle pawn and antique shops to be fascinating places to find the strangest pawned knick-knacks from the Wizarding World. They were able to collect quite a few and they had even found some old journals that were too fantastical for Muggle historians to place much value on them. They even bought books written in other languages, as wizards tend to age at a slower rate; there was always time to learn new languages.
The boys had spent a fun time buying clothing from the Wizarding World as well as the Muggle world for Draco. Even Dudley had purchased some for himself, as he was steadfastly following Harry's instructions for losing his excess weight and keeping it off.
When they had acquired, most of the necessary items like clothing and school supplies, the boys decided to take Harry's advice. They tried to leave the house before August 15, but just missed their chance and had to leave on the day itself.
They had a very close call when they saw Remus Lupin and Severus Snape walking up Privet Drive, as they got into the taxi to go to London. Luckily Draco was already in the cab and Dudley pretended to not notice them. They drove away without any confrontation or conversation with the two professors. They did leave them a note that indicated that Harry had left the building and would only be able to found on September 1st, when he caught the train for school.
Prior to August 15, they surfed the web for a hotel that was classy, yet not too posh to be snooty. They settled on The Williams Arms near King's Cross Station. It was in the hub of a high traffic zone where a cabbie could always be hailed, as that was the only mode of transportation that the boys found safe.
The rooms that they took was a suite that had a "common room" or cozy sitting room with two bedroom doors attached and independent bathrooms linked to each room. This suite was usually too expensive during the regular season, but since they booked early and paid in cash they were permitted to settle in until September 1st rolled around.
Dudley told his parents that he wanted to stay in London proper with his friends to party hard before the beginning of the school year. His parents were proud of him, so of course whatever Diddums wanted, he got.
It was when they had watched some fun Disney films one evening that they discovered how to power Draco's electronic heaven. They were watching a movie about kids building a solar powered car that had an actual back up car battery. They built to enter in a race to gain scholarship money.
Draco was able to perform small magics within the trunk without being detected, since that was one of the manufacturers guarantee. Inside of the trunks, the last compartments were malleable, meaning that they could be manipulated to change shape and to close off an area to create a closet like room.
Draco changed the overall shape of his last compartment to include a large closet like space with a door separating it and his main room. Behind the door they set up a portable battery type generator that ran on solar type energy. Draco figured that the charm Lumos Solem would be appropriate and he figured out that he only needed an object to be charmed which could be recharged with that same spell.
He decided that entire ceiling of the closet should have a charm-charge holding mirror that could hold a spell for specific lengths of time before losing effectiveness and before it required a recharge. The walls without the door were fitted with multiple solar panels, effectively making the room look like a giant mirror.
They figured out how to connect the generator with the solar panels and then Draco performed stabilizing spells that prevented anything from shifting within the room. He used magic to hide the electrical wiring behind the dark wood running boards of his room and then was finally able to fill the room with his "toys". There was a couple of very comfortable "ergonomic" wire chairs, that were obviously top of the line, but suited to prevent discomfort when surfing or working too long on the computer systems.
In one corner he set up his computers and such, much like a corner office. The computer was set up kitty corner to his entertainment system which he was proud to have bought. He decided that he liked the surround sound effects from some of the movies and so he set up something like that too.
Dudley helped him to surf movie sites on the web in order to find a huge selection that would take Draco a long time to see. He chose a huge variety of music, as well as some consoled games for the latest systems on the market.
A huge leather couch separated to the two section of the room. It set up to cut the room in half and it was placed diagonally facing the television, with a sturdy wooden coffee table in front, two small end table on either side of it and two large matching leather chairs facing each other in the direction of the couch. The chairs and couch were part of a set that Draco and Dudley had thoroughly tested for comfort.
In fact the chairs were recliners and on a whim, while shopping for them, Draco had Dudley sit in one and then Draco sat on his lap to test the comfort for two. Dudley was somewhat embarrassed about this process, but Draco explained that Harry was going to be his bonded mate. He told the Muggle that he wanted to be able to share all of his private and personal space with his mate.
Well Dudley thought this was kind of sweet and imagined that if he ever found someone to care that deeply about he too would love to be able to cuddle in any given space. He agreed to continue the testing until they found the most perfect chairs that allowed for cuddling and relaxing in close proximity without being too squished or pinched from the way the furniture was structured. They did the same with the couch and found one that was wide enough for two without having one of them roll over and fall off.
Dudley asked Draco to order him the same couch and chairs in another colour. He decided that he would find some stuff too, that would allow him to move out of his parents home, but since he was not prepared for such a move he rented a storage facility to store his furniture. After all that testing, he doubted that he would ever be able to find those particular pieces again in the future store without help. That had Draco laughing when he told him.
Draco converted more than a few galleons in order to purchase the furniture, when they were all set up he spelled them for durability, anti-scuff, theft, stain and scratch. He promised to do the same for Dudley's when he was legally allowed to do magic or that he would talk Harry into doing it for him. He also planned to secure Dudley's belongings with a security spell that prevented damage and theft from the storage facility.
It was nearing the twentieth of August and Draco was getting a little concerned that Harry still had not yet arrived. They had kept up a steady correspondence and he was looking forward to seeing the changes that have occurred in Harry. Based on his own changes, he figured that the Gryffindor had gone through much more. But he was still worried about his mate and he hoped that nothing went wrong for Harry's travel back.
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August 7 - 20
Harry was slowly making his way back home. Uluru allowed him to use a ritual room to perform the seeking magic for familiars. Harry was looking for his own familiar, as well as Draco's. He only needed some of Draco's hairs which Dudley had sent to him when asked. Dudley had gathered them from Draco's pillow when Draco was in the shower the day after his escape.
Harry then proceeded to purchase with the help from the Gringotts goblins, some travel necessities, since he planned to hop from country to country. He needed travel papers for both the Muggle and Wizarding Worlds, plus he needed special governmental dispensation in order to gather potion ingredients. He obtained a special carryall to bring them back so the ingredients wouldn't suffer any quarantine or stasis failures.
He ingeniously crafted the potion carryall from a residual image of some movie or cartoon that Dudley was watching while Harry was cleaning a long time ago. It was a double door armoire with five drawers under the doors.
The drawers had trays that lifted to reveal another below just like those of jewellers who sometimes only showed a few items on display and when they needed a change of view, they only changed the tray. All potions masters had their own versions of the carryall and they definitely were designed for them. They were not exclusive to them and therefore Harry was able to obtain one and modify it to his own personal specifications.
The trays were designed for potions masters and the ingredients the tended to collect. For Harry they were matched to the size drawers they were in and the drawers were varied in size going from the smallest at the top, to the largest at the bottom. All drawers allowed for five trays to fit in the same sized drawer.
Each tray had varying secure and stable compartments spelled in such that allowed the vials or containers to refrain from shifting positions while in transit. Harry also separated the trays just like his colour keys from his notes. Each tray was designated for a specific type of ingredient, magical vs. non, plant vs. animal, pieces or parts vs. the whole.
Behind the left hand door of the armoire, Harry had shelves stocked with the necessary items and tools to gather the ingredients. Behind the right one Harry stocked the shelves with every possible tool needed to create potions. In fact the right side also had a folding desktop that allowed for stabilized note taking during his travels.
Since the ingredients that Harry planned to obtain depended on the source, he made sure that he was able to have everything he needed to render an animal or cultivate certain plants. He even made sure that he had lots of stasis globes of various sizes, shapes and colours that preserved the full ingredients. It was made to preserve them in their natural state, to promote a fresh harvest and to allow for the spelling of certain environmental features, like dry or wet conditions.
He was very glad for the multiple language gift given by the brothers because it enabled him to obtain certain ingredients that could only be "willingly given" to him by some magical animals. The animals certainly thought that some of his requests were strange, but then the requests themselves made many of them laugh that they tended to agree to his simple yet strange requests, once he explained why he needed certain ingredients.
The overall armoire once closed and sealed by magic, converted and shrank to a portable size that fit in any ordinary Wizarding backpack, specifically spelled to carry such items. It kept them hidden in plain sight and the ingredients were placed in double-stasis from this process. It kept them undisturbed by the outer magics needed to transport them.
The backpack itself was fully functioning with many pockets on the outside, which had an expandable space within to allow numerous travel items to be carried without using the main compartment. The main compartment was reserved only for the potions carryall.
Harry took his leave from his summer tutor and promised to return with his mate sometime in the future. He traveled in the direction of London and stopped at all the countries that he mentioned in his letters to his mate and his professors. His form of travel was a mix of apparating, popping like the house-elves did and leg work. That meant he walked various terrain. It allowed for greater visitation to other cities on the way home.
He picked up many gifts on the way for his mate and family. He learned quickly how to bargain and haggle down prices to reasonable outcomes for everyone. This in turn caused him to develop some reliable contacts for the future.
Haggling or barter itself was a form of currency and if it wasn't done with certain flair then it was considered rude to the seller and resulted in poor relations between them and the buyer. However Harry took advantage of his lack of sight and caused many of them to reduce their prices to a reasonable rate when he finally got through to the line, (...but my friend you wouldn't want to be accused of taking advantage of a poor blind man... I'm sure that we can reach a profitable understanding...) from which there was always a protest similar to (...how do we know that the man is blind and that he is not taking advantage of his disability to extract a better price from this poor merchant...), which caused laughter and lead to serious bargaining.
He found his familiar and unsurprisingly she was a Runespoor, a magical snake born with three heads. He figured that it was due to his first animal language known without aid of the snake brothers' gifts. He found her up in the mountains near the south eastern border of Russia, crossing from China. She was small for this particular type of snake and explained that she was an outcast due to her size and colouring, but claimed that she was perfectly normal "thank you very much".
He loved her at first touch and once the combined heads realized that he was blind, she loved him even more because he was always stroking her body or petting one of the heads. He named her Dauphin, which was French for dolphin. He explained that her skin was just as soft as that sea creature and she herself loved that she had a large name. She felt it increased her stature and said so, which made Harry laugh.
Harry continued heading west, when he felt the tug of another animal calling, this time it was not for him but one for his mate. He was near Tibet when the pull was got stronger and more insistent. He used all of his enhanced magics and discovered a small abandoned temple, which was where the pull was coming from. He directed his senses and decided to leave his pack near the door to the entrance of the temple. He secured it from theft and damage.
His familiar was always with him, commenting, talking to him or guiding him over rough terrain. It never led him wrong, but sometimes the heads were all asleep at the same time. This was not one of those times, but something within or about the temple had put her to sleep. Harry knew then that he would have to travel under his owner power to get to the familiar that belonged to his mate.
He made his way to the rear of the temple and used his magic to sense the contours of the structure. He eventually found a broken statue of what probably had been the temple's deity at the back of the main room. He followed and then found a hidden entrance leading down into the earth.
He prayed to the brothers for patience and guidance. He really did not want to trip over or activate any old traps that may still be functioning. The walking stick that he first picked up in his dreams and continued using when he traveled to Uluru was still with him. He had strengthened it and magicked it to be durable, unbreakable. It had been stabilized it to prevent internal damage.
He used it to tap along the walls leading further down into the hidden chambers, when he heard grumbling sounds and smelled the scent of decay, which was the usual indication of an animal nearing its death.
(...Hello...) he called out in what he hoped was the proper language for the district that he was in. Harry tended to choose to speak in the last language that was spoken to him. He felt that it was easier then to adjust to a new one before speaking and allowed others to respond which then allowed him to figure the actual language or dialect of a region. (...Are you all right? Can I help you?...)
(...A human?...) He heard a soft voice rasping back in a soft, but aged grumble. (...It has been so long since I've heard a human down this way. Come then human... I am ready to die...)
Harry frowned at that. It didn't make any sense to him because his mate's familiar was here. He sincerely hoped it was not the one claiming to be dying. (...I'm not here to harm you...) he said, adjusting his spoken language to that of the entity he was approaching.
(...You speak?...) the voice came back in a soft tone within a growling undertone.
By the time Harry arrived at the chamber, he was surprised by the smells of the area. It smelled like old death, like many animals had died here and there was the smell of decaying flesh too. (...Yes I speak...) He said and the fully stepped into the chamber.
The creature was surprised at what was before him, a human child. There was magical power flowing through his veins. The power was so strong that the creature was turned back to a time when his predecessors roamed the world, freely flying through the skies.
(...You have such power young one...) He commented.
Not knowing what to say to such a statement, Harry said (...Thank you?...)
The questioning answer caused the creature to chuckle, which caused the ground to rumble under Harry's feet. This made him realize that whatever was in front of him was really huge. Still he did not feel threatened by the presence that he sensed.
(...I take it that you are here to kill me...) the creature stated. Horrified by that Harry adamantly denied it. (...Then what is your reasoning for coming into this temple and how did you get past the monks...)
(...The temple is empty...) he began. (...I was following the familiar bond for my mate, since he is not with me and can not travel to this area at this time...)
(...Familiar bond?...)
(...I am a Wizard and a Draekon. I preformed a ritual that would allow me to locate my familiar, who's here around my neck in slumber and to locate the one meant for my mate. I fear for his life and currently I am a figurehead for a war that is happening in the European Magical World. I thought that a familiar would assist in protecting him...)
(...I see...) the creature said. (...I haven't felt the presence of a Draekon in many years. Come closer so that I may see you...)
(...Is it too dark for you?...) Harry asked, (...I could light the cavern for you...)
(...Really? ... Please do, just a small flame would be nice...)
Harry performed a spell on the walls that made them light up as though the source of the light was reflected from a campfire. The light was muted to help the creature adjust his eyes.
(...Sir?...) Harry began, trying to keep his eyes in the direction of the creature. His question caused the creature to chuckle again at the politeness of the young human. (...May I ask you what you are?...)
(...Can you not see?...) The creature said bending his head close to Harry's that he felt the presence nearing his face. Harry readjusted the direction he was facing to "look" at the creature, but then he heard the whispered voice in front of him and felt the sulphuric breath bathe his face. (...No you can't. How did this happen?...)
Harry started to tell him the short version of his adventures, when the creature told him to settle down for the night and begin from the beginning. So, Harry summoned his backpack, set up camp for the night and told the creature his long story, well into the night, until morning came.
He had grown hoarse from telling his tale to the yet unknown entity, but was glad to be able to tell someone the whole story once, without being overheard. It was also good that he didn't have to take many precautions on being overheard especially since the language that he was using was too old for anyone, but this being to understand.
(...Go to sleep young one. I will still be here when you wake...) The creature then pondered the youth's story while he slept. He was very impressed at the resilience and strength of character that Harry had shown.
This creature, no longer had a name and his species was dying out. He was also tired of the world and after having found out about the "Familiar" ritual that the young wizard had performed, he sensed the pull that the young Wizard felt. He knew that another option was now available to him or more specifically his last seed.
This creature was slowly dying. He was one of the few 'Old Ones' that were direct descendents, from a different sect of dragons to the ones that had submitted themselves to change, which in turn created the Draekons. In fact he was quite surprised to see the results of those changes, which still persisted in this youth and his mate.
He pondered on Harry's story and knew that he would release his final seed to this Draekon for his mate. His soul would be freed with his last breath, but the potential for his last child was still there. Each seed that he released into the world had gotten smaller and smaller and the children eventually became the present day dragons that the Wizards cared for on their preserves.
He fell into a meditation to resolve an issue that had bothered him for a while now. To be truthful it was actually for centuries. He hadn't felt the presence of any other of his kind for several millennia, except perhaps for the last thousand years. The entity that he sensed was of his race, but not and this puzzle was part of the reason that he was reluctant to let go of his life too soon.
Still with the power that this youth had he was sure that the boy could "shrink" him down to a manageable size and place him in stasis so that he wouldn't die just yet. Of course, knowing that the youth was collecting "potions ingredients" helped him to re-evaluate the situation.
He watched the young Draekon, as he slept, he came to a decision. He summoned a few of his treasures that were allowed to be shared with the world. He thought that would be the best way to preserve some of his knowledge. He would exchange some others with this youth.
His seed would need this knowledge, but the knowledge could only be imparted through a bond. Therefore, the creature made up his mind. He would share and/or exchange knowledge with the youth. The youth would then be able to share it with his mate and his mate will then be able to impart it to his seed, which will become the familiar that Harry is seeking for his mate.
The creature's physical treasures would be handed over to the youth to preserve and use as he sees fit. There is just no way, that he would be able to leave these things behind for just anyone to find. He had contemplated their destruction, before Harry arrived. Some will still need to be destroyed, as they should never fall into the hands of any creature other than the ones who know how to use such tools and those creatures have long left the world as well.
The creature took note of the magics surrounding the boy's backpack and imitated it in approximation. He thusly created several plain satchels and containers from his old shed skin. These satchels and containers were made to be bottomless and were being filled with some of the oldest "lost" treasures of the world.
These treasures included scrolls and scrolls of historical, cultural and civilization data. They contained the lost manuscripts from fallen empires and from empires that no one in this time would even suspect of having existed. Jewels and lost coin that could be re-forged into other objects, tribal lore from the hidden magical species, like goblins, dwarfs, true-elves, etc...
Once the containers were filled, the creature reflected on his proposal to the young Draekon. He hoped that young Harry would accept them. There was nothing harmful in the knowledge that he would be imparting, it's just that he was so tired and needed this last bit of adventurous release before succumbing to the eternal sleep of death.
He settled down and waited patiently for Harry to wake up the next morning.
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Next Morning
To say that Harry was shocked was an understatement. The creature had explained his plan and Harry was hard pressed to deny the simple request.
It took the greater part of the morning before Harry agreed to the exchange of knowledge and to accept the treasures of this great creature. (...Before we do anything, I have a question that I would like you to answer...) Harry said.
(...Ask away...)
(...What is your name?...)
The creature chuckled and the let out the laughter in him, causing the floor to rumble under the Gryffindor's feet and causing Harry to grin. (...No one has asked me that in a long, long time. Give me a moment to remember, young one...) He paused in thought to recall his name. He's had several over the years, but knew that Harry would want to know the one he preferred. (...Antiok. Yes, Antiok is the name that I have preferred in the past...)
(...Antiok, it is an honour to share knowledge with you...) Harry said sincerely. (...What do I do now?...)
(...Stand up and face me, place your forehead close to mine...) Once Harry did that he felt the breath of the creature surround his feet, warming them. He reached one hand finding the scaly bridge of the nose and the closest eye ridge. He waited. (...This may feel weird, but you will be able to do the same with your mate and your mate will do so with my seed once it has hatched...)
Then Harry felt something pressing against the middle of his forehead, piercing the skin and bone. Knowing that he could not move, he performed a self paralysis spell that essentially made him a statue until everything was completed.
It did and did not take a long time, but Harry was able to share the lives that he gained from the ghosts in Australia and the creature in turn showed Harry his life. It was such a vast life and it was one that Harry, included in the same kind of soul vow that he made to the other ghosts. He promised to write the story, if he was able, within this lifetime, if not this one then the next.
The creature was able to see Harry's true life and all of the events that lead him here. It was when Harry showed his school and the surrounding area that the creature realized what might have happened. Another of his kind had settled in the highlands of what is now Scotland. This was a fact that Antiok knew, but she must have passed away a long time ago.
Antiok felt certain she had never released her last seed, but Harry's school looks to have been built above her last known lair. Perhaps her remains were what made that location ideal, as the remains of creatures like him were highly concentrated in the magics that Harry and his fellow Wizards were able to manipulate with or without wands.
He was about to release the young Draekon with his last request. (...Bury me some part of me near her, if you can. Use the rest as potion ingredients, if you want...)
(...You are very generous. I promise that I will do my best...) Harry said solemnly. He was suddenly released from the grip.
Harry expanded his 'sight' looking for the seed. As soon as he found it, he followed the instructions that Antiok had given him for its care. He cut his hand and rubbed his blood all over the seed. Then he placed it in its own special waterproof satchel.
He then made an incision on Antiok's forearm and let the blood pool within the seed's satchel. Only once the egg was completely covered, Harry sealed the container. He then prepared his magic and centring himself to perform the largest stasis and shrinking spell he had ever done.
First he sent his magic to discover the actual depth and size of Antiok, so that he would not miss any part of the magical creature for these spells. As soon as he was prepared to cast, he said his goodbyes to the creature for now and Antiok wished him well with his future mate.
Harry then gathered his magic and let loose a powerful blinding light. The sound of his spell reverberated across the countryside and the country was hit with a seismic event that was talked of for many years to come.
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Chapter 7
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One evening at their new locationDraco was getting impatient for his mate to come home. There was only so much that he could do in order to prepare for the new school year. He had worked non-stop whenever he could. First at Malfoy Manor, before his father arrived and then at Dudley's house he finished a few of his other subjects. He followed up by the finishing the last of it at the Hotel. Now all he had to do was wait and he hated waiting.
He and Dudley had talked about many things, but one evening the talk had turned to sex. Draco admitted that he'd never, but for a very good reason. Dudley was curious about it therefore he had to ask, "Don't you wonder what it's going to be like with Harry? I mean he's a guy and all."
"His gender doesn't matter. Yes, I'm a little worried about the actual act, but being with a guy has nothing to do with it. You see, in our world, some magic is released during the act of sex and it's dangerous to be too active, too soon, especially at our age. It depends on how strong your magic is. If your magic is not strong enough, you can be overwhelmed or taken over and in some cases you can be turned into a slave during the act.
It's just like the levels in video games. Some creatures have more then others, which are just like us in the Wizarding World. Mostly it depends on your parents, your heritage and if you have any creature blood in the mix. The more powerful you are the more you can resist becoming submissive or subservient."
"Well, do you actually think that you have anything to worry about?" Dudley asked.
"Yes. I do," Draco said. "You see my magical inheritance came far earlier then normal because of Harry's change. His change, whenever that occurred happened much earlier then it should have been for him and it definitely triggered mine. I didn't look like this when I left school last year and he probably has changed a lot more than I did. I believe that Harry is stronger, magically, than anyone else now." He paused looking down for moment, "I know that he is much stronger than me. I just don't know what will happen once we bond."
"Bond?" Dudley asked. "I thought that you guys were just going to do the act, you know."
"The act will create a bond between me and him. It's like marriage and once done it can never be undone. That's how it works in our world," he sighed. Then looking at the Muggle's poor confused expression he explained it a little more. "It's the magic, you see. That is how it works between two people with magical cores."
"I still don't think you have to worry that Harry will turn your bond into a slave thing. He wouldn't." Dudley said. Still nothing could stop Draco's worry about the actual act or the bond until Harry showed up and claimed him. He would not be comfortable going to school without that assurance.
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August 18That evening boys had decided to eat in the dining room of the hotel. They had just been served their main course when Draco felt someone looking in his direction. He felt the roll of magic in the air. He looked up he saw a tall dark haired man standing in the doorway of the dining room.
The man was very tall and wearing a dark coat that reached the floor. He eyes were the deepest green that he had ever seen. His dark black hair was tied at the nape of his neck in the back and braided down, secured with another tie. The intensity of his dark green gaze caused Draco to shiver.
Dudley looked up in direction that Draco was staring in and he gasped. "Harry?"
Draco frowned. It wasn't possible Harry was supposed to be there on the twentieth. He wasn't prepared for him to be here today. He still needed some time, but there was no doubt about who that was because Draco heard the hissing of a snake nearby and the man had angled his head to listen.
Dudley got up and walked over to the man. "Harry?"
The stranger turned his head in the direction of his name, "Dudley?"
Dudley frowned a moment, "Yes. We were just sitting down to dinner. Do you want to join us?"
"Us?"
"Yes. I'm with my friend Drake Evans. He's been staying here with me waiting for his family to show up."
"Actually I would much prefer to go wash up and lie down. Do you mind?" Harry asked.
"Not at all, here use my cardkey. His room is the one on the left. We'll meet you there after we're done here." He held out his key for Harry to take, but Harry just held out his hand and waited for the plastic card to be placed in it. "Harry?"
"Later…OK? What room number is it and on which side of the hall is it?"
Dudley gave the directions and returned to the still gaping Draco. He continued with his meal, coughing to get his companion's attention. "He's just gone to the room to clean up and to rest a bit Drake."
Draco blushed at his inattentiveness. He returned to his meal, but did not even notice the taste. The Slythering would take a bite, then he'd have to remember to chew and then swallow the food. There was a significant time lapse between that and his next bite. It was as though he had forgotten how to eat.
Knowing that Draco was distracted, but not wanting to waste the food Dudley continued on with his meal. He knew that Harry needed some time to settle in before they could return to the suite for explanations. Especially for Harry's explanation of why he could no longer see. Dudley spent a few moments and wondered how long it would take Draco to realize that his mate was blind.
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Harry made his way to the boys' suite and was grateful for the directions that Dudley provided. He was surprised that Draco was dining downstairs with Dudley, but then he figured that he shouldn't be too surprised at their need to leave the rooms from time to time.
He found the suite easy enough, but had to use his stick to guide him around the room. His luggage was shrunk and in his pockets. He had gifts for Dudley and twice as many for his mate.
It was his courtship or dowry gift that he planned to give Draco. He hoped that the correspondence that they have been having was not any kind of deterrent.
Making his way around he easily located Draco's rooms and proceeded to empty his pockets. Letting his nose and his magic guide him to the bathroom his immediately took his first bath in several months. Dauphin even joined him in the steamy room loving the heat that wafted from full tub.
Harry proceeded to shower away most of the grime first and then filling the tub he soaked for a long while until he was sure that Dudley and 'Drake' would be returning. Once he was thoroughly clean, he stepped out of the tub, dried himself off and then stepped into a pair of black silk pajamas with dark green cuffs at he ankles and wrists. He straightened the room as best he could and then used his stick to guide him to the sitting area.
He pulled out a journal that he was currently studying and waited for the other two to return.
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Dudley had to nudge the blond into waking up from his daze, when the time arrived and they needed to return to their rooms. "Come on Drake, let's go."
Draco was startled, but then realized that he would never finish his now cold meal because of his nerves. He stood up and they proceeded to return to their rooms. They walked into the main room to find Harry sitting cross legged on the couch, looking straight ahead with a book in his lap. His right hand skimmed over the lines of the book.
Draco was still shocked because of Harry's earlier arrival, but then he always did find him to be attractive. He couldn't decide what his next move should be, when he noticed the skimming hand on the book. Harry wasn't even looking at the pages. He wasn't reading with his eyes, he was reading with his hands. That's when Draco realized that his mate couldn't see and he gasped.
Harry lifted his head in the direction of the noise, realizing that he was no longer alone. "Draco? Dudley?" He asked.
Dudley kept an eye on Draco and watched to see his reaction. He noticed that Draco was wobbling on his two feet. "Drake man, pull your self together."
He walked up behind him to steady him and then guided him to the couch next to his mate. Dudley settled himself into a chair and just observed the two begin their interactions.
"Harry... Are you... Are you really..." Draco just couldn't ask the question. Harry placed the manuscript on the coffee table in front of him and turned to face Draco.
"Blind?" He finished the question with a small smirk to his lips.
Draco stared at the smirk and flushed deep red. "Good thing you can't see him Harry, he's blushing redder than a tomato." Dudley said. He chuckled and provided his cousin with a running commentary. "Oh my, the red has reached his pointy little ears."
Harry just grinned even more and drawled, "Really."
He reached out one hand to his mate and used a couple of the magic balls from his magical atomic field to guide his actions. He was able to reach Draco's shoulder. Placing a hand gently on it, he then slid it to the supple neck of his mate. He followed the motion and slid his hand further up to cup the face. He needed to feel the heat of his mate's embarrassing lapse.
Draco just dropped his head down, but allowed Harry to continue cupping his face. In fact he as leaning into the hand, when he felt Harry's other hand on his waist. It gently pulled at him. It was a slow move that made ended him tucked in close to his mate. He ducked his red face into crook his mate's neck. His mate's arms just circled him like the last time in his dreams and Draco in turn clung to him in a similar fashion.
Harry then buried his nose into his mate's neck and just snuffled. He drank the scent and silently prayed that this was not another dream. Draco returned the favor, clinging just as closely. He fully enjoyed the arms holding him secure.
After a small while there was a cough from Dudley that clearly indicated to the two of them that they were not alone. Reluctant to let his mate go, Harry just readjusted their sitting position so that Draco was in his lap. Draco didn't mind this in the least, as they were mates. He wouldn't deny Harry anything regarding the need for closeness or anything that would prevent them from getting even closer to one another.
"Dudley," Harry began. "In your room there is a bag with supplies for you to use before I spell away the excess skin from your frame. The instructions are quite specific and it will take at least tonight and most of tomorrow for you to soak in the potions there."
"You're just trying to get rid of me Harry, so that you can claim your mate," Dudley said. "All right… fine. I understand, just put up some silencing spells that I know exist."
That comment only made Draco blush even more and caused him to tuck back into Harry's neck with a faint, "Dudley!"
Harry chuckled at his mate's embarrassment and gently soothed him by petting his back, but he still turned in Dudley's direction, "I'm not really trying to get rid of you. You need to take a special bath in a potion and soak in it for at least one hour. Then you need to drink another potion after which you need to be still for at least 12 hours. It is to assist in re-elastizing your skin. After 12 hours, you will have to take another potion bath soaking for at least half an hour. Then there is a liniment-type cream that I have to massage into your body while saying a spell to 'remove' the excess skin from your frame. Then you have to soak again for approximately one hour in order for the changes to hold.
Today is the 18th and by the time we're completely finished the process it will probably be the 20th. That will be the day for a final test. We shouldn't delay, just in case someone catches wind of the magic I will be doing. We are, after all, in a Muggle environment and the spells I will be using on you may cause some Aurors or the Ministry to come and investigate."
"Geez, Harry," Dudley said. "I was just teasing. I'm going now. However, I'm glad that you're here. Drake was just beginning to panic and get worried that you were never going to arrive." He left the soon to be lovers and began the ritual that would allow him to return to a normal appearance, especially now that he's dropped so much weight in so little time.
His skin did not shrink as he lost the poundage, but just pooled in rather large bunches. Dudley was disgusted about it, but did surf the web for cosmetic surgeons just in case that Harry couldn't do anything about it when he came back. Still he had faith in his cousin now because he was here and somehow he tended to always keep his promises.
He found a smallish bag on his bed. Looking through it there were explicit instructions per bottle that he found. Harry was right it would take a long time to get through. Although for the 12 hours of stillness that he needed, his cousin had provided him with a good dreams potion with an immobilizing component that would prevent his moving during the night.
The sleeping potion would last for the required hours and Dudley chuckled, thinking to himself that while he was sleeping Harry would have enough time to claim his mate. He decided to wait until later before beginning this ritual to allow for them to have some time together.
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Harry smiled once more turning to his mate and asked, "Were you worried?"
Draco ducked into his mate laying his head on the nearest shoulder and nodded. Harry chuckled a bit. "Now that he's gone why don't you go and get ready for bed."
Draco didn't know if he could possibly die from turning red, but he was well on his way. He swallowed noisily and slowly started to stand. "Draco, we don't need to do anything tonight. Honestly, I just arrived and I'm extremely exhausted. I would love to wake up next to you and we do need to talk before we do any bonding. It is important that we discuss all the possibilities of what might happen. Besides the ritual he is following will allow us the initial time to begin a bond, but nothing says we have to do that or even complete it now."
Draco sighed, glad that they weren't going to do anything, but was a little disappointed about it too. He built up such a store of anticipation that he knew he would wake up very aroused, like he did every morning since his rescue.
On that note he decided to cleanse and prepare himself just in case, for the morning. "I understand Harry. We do need to talk. I even tried explaining some of it to Duds, but since he is not completely magical he didn't quite understand." He stepped away from Harry, when he suddenly said shyly, "By the way I like your PJs."
"There's a similar pair on the bed for you, Love," Harry said chuckling. He bent over to reach for the journal he was reading before the boys came in.
"Really," Draco said, excitedly and ran from the room to see. "Oh, Harry these are great." He ran back into the room on an impulse he leaned over the back of the couch and kissed his mate's cheek.
"Thank you," he said running back into the room eager to wear them, but first a very special bath of his own.
It had been a very long time since he was able to wear silk. His father had started to get rid of almost all of the material possessions Draco loved from the time just before the fifth year debacle, but in correspondence to his mate he had confessed that he missed some of those items.
Cotton just didn't cut for most days and his mate was sweet to have provided him with something that he used to love. He just hoped that his mate didn't think that he was too materialistic. He wasn't, he was just so used to having a certain level of quality that it had been hard to adjust to something of lesser quality.
Harry was startled by the kiss and then let out a pleased chuckle, smiling he returned to his book. He knew that Draco would be preparing himself, but Harry did say that he was tired and he really was. However there was not going to be anything to stop him in the morning.
He read/skimmed a few more pages before he decided to turn in. He made sure that the suite's door was locked and spelled secure, after he placed the do not disturb sign up. He then erected wards on entire suite to protect them all, as he was sure that once Draco's collar was off someone might find them.
He made his way into Draco's room, put away his book and crawled under the covers preparing to fall asleep. Draco was almost done his bath, when he felt wards go up on the suite. There were additional wards up on his room and he knew that Harry had set them so that when they finally bonded they would not be interrupted.
Smiling he dried himself off and slipped into the silk PJs that matched his mate's pair. His were a paler green with the cuffs being black and it had a pocket with a dark green dragon design on it. He opened the door of the bathroom in time to see his mate, stretch, heave a huge yawn and crawl into bed.
He smiled at Harry and then turning off the remaining lights he made his own way to the bed. Harry smiled when he felt the bed dent as another body crawl in with him.
Draco wanted to get closer to his mate to cuddle in their sleep, but he was a little shy. Harry however just moved closer, wrapped his arms around his mate and pulled him close. Draco made a happy little noise and wrapped his own arms around his mate.
They were not going to have any problems being with one another. It was just a matter of getting used to the presence of another person in the same bed. They had some time for that, perhaps not enough, but they did have some time. They cuddled closely and soon both Draekons fell into a deep sleep.
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The following morning was typical for most boys past a certain age. They both woke up with their morning erections pressed against the solid flesh of another leg.
"Hmm," Harry woke up humming his pleasure.
Draco groaned a little and thrust his hard-on at the body laying with him. He was in a half dreaming state.
Harry loved that his mate was aroused and decided to help him along to release. He let his hand drift down to cup the turgid member. He pressed harder and rubbed, which resulted in his mate steadily thrusting for more friction. It didn't take too long as he was nearly there in his dreams, but the cupping hand changed its grip and suddenly Draco was awake just as he came in PJ bottoms, creating a wet spot in the silk.
"Awake now, Love," Harry said, as he petted his mate's back in the afterglow of his release.
Harry himself was only half hard now, but he decided to keep his pleasure on the backburner at this time. There was something special building up. He knew that the longer his semi-erection or erection can be prolonged the better it would be for the claiming bond.
"Hmm," Draco hummed. "Do you need me to do anything for you, Harry?"
"What?... No, it's better if I hold off in order for the bond to work in our favor."
"Oh," the blond replied, blushing at the thoughts that were seeping into his mind. "I need to clean up and use the loo." He said, getting up and moving away from his soon to be lover.
Harry just smiled at him and nodded. "I'll still be here. We do need to talk about a few things before we decide whether to bond or not."
Draco frowned. This was not the first time that Harry indicated that they may not be bonding before school, but Draco was determined that it would be done in order to prevent any separation during their final year of school.
He finished his ablutions and returned to the room only to find that Harry had set it up with romantic lighting and subtle incense burning on a brazier. The incense was one that allowed for prolonged coupling without too much exhaustion. It has been said to keep the 'juices flowing.'
Draco looked around the room and the looked at Harry's anxious face. Harry had even turned down the bedding to the foot of the bed, in order for it not to be in the way. He held a single white rose in his hand and was waiting for Draco to say something.
Since Draco had yet to speak, he asked, "Do you like it?"
Draco was a little startled, but the he just walked up to his mate, took hold of his hand and led him to the bed. "It's beautiful."
Harry smiled in relief and said, "Not as beautiful as you."
Draco's brow furrowed at the statement, when Harry continued, "I saw you in my dreams. When I exhausted myself with learning and some training. I used to travel in my dreams. I could see you, talk to you and hold you. You are so beautiful, exotic even." He pushed his mate into the middle of the bed as he talked. Slowly, he ran his hands up to his mate's face.
"The eyes like storm clouds," featherlike touch to the lids, "sweet expressive brow", fingering the soft arching hair, "cute little nose" rubbing his own against it in an Eskimo kiss, "lovely cheeks that burn from embarrassment," soft kissing nuzzle, "sensual mouth made for..." peck, "kissing", lick, "tasting", tongue questing the soft entrance, teasing, tasting and playing. "Mmm"
All through this onslaught Draco's breath became laboured and with every word… sensual touch his skin began to heat up. He yearned for more. His breath hitched breath and he mewled, gasped, almost purred, groaned, and nearly whined. All sounds that encouraged further exploration of his body.
Harry finished his exploration of Draco's mouth when he moved to slowly down the jaw to the neck. Draco tilted his head for easier access and Harry proceeded to seek out the bite site for the mating mark. It was the most sensitive site that may or may not be exposed, luckily for him he found it just below the earlobe and little to the back. The noise that was produced when nibbled it, had him harder then he had ever been, but that was not the end of the exploration.
"Harry," Draco began.
"Hmm," was his reply with a little sucking kiss that made Draco's breathing became hitched.
"Harry," he said again this time he used his own hands to softly touch his mate. "You've said a couple of times that maybe we wouldn't be bonding. Do you not want to bond with me before going back to school?"
"Oh, love. That's not what I meant. I just thought that maybe you needed more time to think about it. I don't want to rush your decision and you haven't seen me since the leaving feast…" he would have continued on, but was stopped by Draco's arms clutching at him and a lovely mouth pressed against his own, seeking to bring them closer together.
Harry allowed his body to be manipulated by the needs of his mate and laid down on him, making sure that their bodies were flush with one another.
Running out of breath from their snogging, Draco eventually released his grip and looked up onto Harry's face and said, "I understand what you mean, but please don't leave this undone before school. I'm afraid," he confessed. "I'm truly afraid of what might happen, if we return without having the bond settled between us. There is lots of time for us to get to know one another, on a personable level and your letters have helped ease much of the way. I know that there are many things that we will have to overcome by being together."
Draco paused, wondering how far he should confess his feelings and wants. "I've always wanted you, you know. First as a friend and later, well we are in our seventh form and frankly some of my dreams didn't involve anything as innocent as friendship." He blushed and then continued, "I want you now, as you are. I don't care if you're blind. I do know that you have probably already learned to compensate for it, but I might, you know, make a few careless statements from time to time."
Harry listened to the needs of his mate and knew that they would be able to compliment one another. To put his mate at ease he said, "Thank you. I know that we will argue from time to time and we won't see eye to eye, but I'm glad that you're telling me what you really want. I'm so glad that you want to be my mate. I was also afraid. I was afraid that you might not want me, as I am now. You know, damaged and not able to see your beauty."
Draco looked up at Harry and then leaned up to kiss him softly. "Perhaps now that we've talked, we can get on to other things. I went to the Ministry with Dudley and had all of the forms filled out for our union. It will only happen after we have magically bonded that the papers will accept our signatures and be filed automatically in the Family Archives Section. I even found the forms for species bonding that is acceptable for any species, including Draekons. The goblins told me what to look for and helped me to fill out some of the forms."
Harry smiled at his mate and said, "You are so thorough. I'm glad that I didn't have to do that. I wasn't sure that I would be able to find the right sections in the Ministry to get the proper paper work. I confess that I was looking to being followed around at the Ministry just because I'm known as 'Boy-Who-Lived'. You're wonderful to have thought it. You know that, don't you?"
Draco decided to let out some of his old personality and drawled, "Of course I'm wonderful. You're just lucky to be in the presence of someone so wonderful."
Harry chuckled and then decided that now was as good a time as any, he reached towards his mate and began to really look at him through his fingertips. Draco sensed a change in the mood and knew it was time. He also began to look at his mate with his hands, mapping out some of the differences with his palms and fingertips.
Harry lay down on one side with one hand petted and played with Draco's long soft hair. The other hand snuck under the top of his pyjama and brushed with feather light touches against the sensitive stomach making its way up the chest. Slowly one button was undone at a time. Harry's hands kept brushing, petting and adding little pressures here and there. He drew out little murmurs and moans from his mate.
Finding an erect nipple, he brushed his thumb against it, causing Draco to moan at the pleasurable sensation. Harry played with the little nub, pulling and plucking it when he changed his position to lean down to suckle it. His other hand found the other one and began to tug at it, just like the one he was nibbling gently on.
Draco's body arched, his head was tossed back and his hands where on Harry's head to keep him in place. He didn't think that his nipples were that sensitive. The sensations of Harry concentrated efforts were felt all the way down to his throbbing penis. He was thrusting up in the air seeking attention for it, but met with nothing. Still that didn't stop the pulsing of it with every nibble and suck that Harry did.
Harry sat up, pulling up Draco with him. He removed Draco's shirt completely and then began to undo his own when hands swatted his away and took over. Those hands undid the buttons and divested him of his top quickly. The hands didn't stop touching and exploring every inch of the arms, neck, stomach and chest.
Draco wondered if Harry wanted him to return the favour. "If I don't like something, I'll let you know. If you don't like something, please let me know." Harry said, easing his mate's hesitation a bit.
Draco was pleased that his mate wanted to put him at ease and therefore proceeded to brush his hands against his mate's nipples. Harry sucked in a breath and knew that everything would turn out just fine.
He leaned forward into the playing hands and his own began to tug at PJ bottoms of his mate. Draco paused for a moment and shifted his hips to allow his mate to remove the offending garments. Then Draco sat up to return the favour, anxious and nervous to see his mate fully naked for the first time ever.
He was pleased to find his mate had just the right stuff. His mate turned out to be a little longer and thicker then he was, but being Slytherin didn't mean that Draco didn't experiment with his own likes and dislikes. Yes he was a physical virgin, but the Wizarding World made such wonderful adult toys. They were made for the purpose of learning such things, especially if there was a concern about accidental bonding. This was something that Draco knew he would have to explain sometime to his mate.
Still those toys had helped him out to learn a few things. In one case he had a feeling that one day he'd be bonded to someone, but knew that his sexual preference would always be for male lover. Should he have ever decided to take on a male lover for fun and not for the purpose of fully bonding, he wanted to know how to pleasure him orally.
Thus, once Harry's pants were gone, Draco's hands were roaming up the thighs and up the erect length of his mate. Harry's breath hitched, wondering what that sneaky little blond was up to when he felt it.
Draco pressed his curious little tongue onto the weeping head and licked the tip, tasting his mate. Finding the taste pleasant and unpleasant at the same time, he decided that he liked it. It had a sweet and sour mix that had him almost drooling for more.
Continuing his explorations, he licked the erect penis from root to tip, pausing for a little sucking kiss on the head. He paused in his travels to concentrate on the sac just below the root. Licking each testicle, he sucked each one gently. He wanted to taste everything, but Harry pulled him away at this time.
"You're wonderful love, but now it's my turn," he said and kissed his mated to calm him down.
He pushed Draco him to lie down on his back. His mouth made short work of those pebbled nipples once more, but Harry continued his path down to the ribs and stomach. He left marks all over his mate, worrying the skin between his teeth and laving it smooth with his tongue. The sounds from his mate were intoxicating and he wanted more.
Making his way further down to the belly button, he dipped his tongue into it and proceeded to nibble all around it. Draco's hands were impatiently pushing his further, but Harry worked at his own pace. Draco's arousal was strong scented and Harry found the leaking head. He proceeding to lick and suck all around it not touching it once.
His sucking attentions moved down to the creases and inner thighs causing Draco to spread open for him. Now that was a sight that he would regret never being able to see with his eyes, but using his magic he was able to sense it.
Harry moved from his marking the thighs to his mate's sac. He licked and tasted it, until he felt it begin to draw up. His mate was beginning to tremble and his breath hitched at a faster rate. He sensed that his mate was so close to exploding. He returned his attentions to the poor neglected, leaking and throbbing member.
He licked his way up and the without warning, he captured it in his mouth and proceeded to suck hard, causing Draco to arch up into his mouth and after three or four hard sucks, he exploded into Harry's mouth. Harry swallowed everything that his mate graciously provided for him. He held it in his mouth for a while until the shuddering diminished.
His own erection and needs were placed on hold again. He knew that to properly claim his mate the first time he ejaculated would be to seal the bond. Lying on his side he gathered his mate in his arms and was surprised to hear him wuffle, cuddle into him and then release a little snore.
Harry chuckled. His mate had fallen into a light slumber. He could wait and in waiting, he strengthened ties he would have with Draco.
HPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDMHPDM
TBC…
