As Harry was trying to sooth Madam Pomfrey, Kagome turned towards Draco with a questioning look.
Shifting so as to maintain his hold on her and to gain eye contact, Draco answered the look. " Harry understands that the Slytherins have to maintain a mask in order to protect themselves; so we called a truce last year and have become friends of a sot. Comrades in arms against Dumbledore's manipulations." Pausing momentarily he continued, "I am surprised, however, that as a veela I did not recognize him…" he frowned as he pondered, silently watching Harry, "It was probably because the bond could not come into effect until it was complete."
She sighed as she twirled a strand of his hair in her hand, enjoying the feeling of protectiveness.
Harry knelt down by the bed and rubbed his face with his hand. " I had to replace her memories. This is going to raise hell if Dumbledore finds out…"
Looking at them both, Kagome said "the we cannot make our bond public…"
Draco nodded, "Because of the pull of the bond we need to be able to make contact with each other. The Slytherins will accept Harry into our common room. You and Harry should have the public relationship. Especially with your ability not to be seen" he said with a wry twist of his lips.
"Thank you" Harry murmured as he kissed Draco's hand. Kagome brushed his cheek with her hand in silent understanding.
After a last moment's caress Kagome murmured, "We had better be going if we don't want to further wipe Madam Pomfrey's memory."
"If it becomes too much, don't hesitate to call" Harry said softly.
They got up, and Harry put his arm around Kagome's waist as they walked out with a last touch to Draco's cheek.
At the entrance to the Great Hall, they separated to go to their separate tables for breakfast, ignoring the sudden hush at their entrance. At the Slytherins looks she raised her eyebrow in censure, and made a small glance towards Dumbledore; they understood.
She felt a light poking at her mental defenses as she ate. Turning inwards, she gave a shove, and across the room Dumbledore sat back hard into his chair. As he came back for a closer look, obviously believing it to be a chance quirk, she placed an image of herself within her shields.
"I would not do that again, if I were you."
Outside, she gave no hint that such tumult was going on within her mind, and continued eating.
Blaise tapped her on the shoulder and inclined his head. She exited with him towards the dungeons.
Of course, the Slytherins jumped her as soon as they were out of hearing range of the others.
"What has happened?" Blaise was the first to demand.
"It appears that Draco is my mate –" she began.
"Yes, we thought so" Pansy interrupted. "His vela heritage called for one. But what of Harry Potter?"
"As I was saying, he is also my mate" Kagome continued.
"But we need the Slytherins to be encompassing of our desire to hide the relationship with Draco from Dumbledore" Harry stated as he stepped out of the shadows, smirking as Pansy jumped.
"Of course, Potter" Blaise said seriously. Then he grinned, "So she will be your girlfriend in public, as she is more… acceptable.
"Quite right" Harry purred.
"Now this, will be fun," Pansy murmured, her eyes shining at the prospect of pulling one over Dumbledore and the Gryffindors.
"It will not be possible to hide the bond forever" Harry added softly, "since the bond will increase in strength and pull. But I want to savor the peace."
"We understand" Blaise said, responding to the wistful mood. "Will you tell anyone within your house?"
"Neville" Kagome responded for him, noticing the sudden blush on Blaise's cheeks. Harry nodded, acceptingly.
"Yes. Neville can be trusted."
The group separated as they reached the hall containing the potion's classroom; Harry fading into the shadows, and the Slytherins entering the potion master's domain.
