Author's note-Oh Goodness! So many reviews! I LOOOVVEEE it! But, more importantly, it is Monday! And that means….dunn dunn dunnnnn! Another chapter! So I present to you, my lovelies, Chapter 7! I don't think it's the best chapter so far, but it furthers my plot along. Also, just a reminder, MUCH of this is non-cannon. Deal with it, embrace it, love it. I love you!
Rating: M, for mature, because just in case.
Warning: All things Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. Plus, I'm not making any money!
And to my Reviewers!
MirrorFlower and DarkWind- Yes, it has finally happened! And thank you thank you thank you! There is so much more to come! I'm glad I could finally stop pissing you off! LOL!
SasuNaru14- Thank you! And sorry! I don't want to keep you from your work! But I'm so happy it was good enough a read you didn't want to stop! But here is the next chapter, and enjoy! There will be more fluffz to come!
rebelwilla- Thnx for reviewing! I am trying to switch off between them, so you don't only get one's perspective. Thanks again, and keep reading!
Pri-Chan 1410- Thank you! And I love your review ^_^
princesstinkerbell45- I shall give up no secrets of the future! But I will say, Draco didn't kiss back at first because he was just shocked. Poor guy, so on edge he couldn't even realize it was happening! But he'll make up for it in sheer adorableness! I've been trying to do more dialogue in the last chapters I've written, and I'll try to make them longer. I figured since the first few were between 10-12 pages I'd make all the chapters that way, but I will try to make them longer for you!
RRW- And I absolutely love you! Keep reading! And thanks for the review!
livinonfantasy- Though there's not much going on in this chappie, stay tuned, because the next few are great!
MDarKspIrIt- Thanks! And I have thought about it! I think it's in chapter 2, Draco says, "I am the dominant! Play games, will he?" But there will be more on dom/sub stuff in this chapter! Hope it explains it good enough!
AND ON WITH THE SHOOOWWW!
Chapter 7
It's a Good Thing
This was the hard part. The part where Draco could hardly contain himself. Of course, he'd known it would be hard. He knew it would be so much harder after The Rite of the Call. It was in the veela culture to call upon their mate. To announce their intentions, or stake their claim, so to say. It was almost the equivalent to a courting ritual. It was the first of a few to come. Each rite would bring him closer to Harry, strengthening their bond, but, at the same time, make it radically more difficult to control the urges that seized him.
I must find a way to impress him. And soon. The quicker I get past The Rite of Display, the more I can focus on him opening up to me with The Rite of Confidence. Then Acceptance. Sweet, beautiful Acceptance. I have to show him…show him how I'm worthy of his choice. How can I prove that I can protect him, or provide for him? Hmm…
Draco lay on his bed alone, wondering if Harry had awaken yet. They had parted the night before, promising to meet back up in the morning. It was now 11:30, well past breakfast, and he didn't know what to do. He laid there, restlessly trying to think of something he could do to make Harry believe he was of use, that would make Harry thankful for Draco being there. Or saving him. Needing him, even. But nothing really came to mind. It was obvious he was larger than Harry, easily protecting him physically, but even at that, the boy never even needed it. When did anyone hit Harry? No just hit him with a curse, or a hex. In a duel, even, with wands, Harry was quite quick and all the more powerful. He didn't need help from anyone as long as he has his wand.
As long as he has his wand….That's it! Wandless magic! Circe, it was my plan from before, but it might just do better now! I'll tell him at dinner tonight. Severus will be quite pleased with me, or, well, atleast not so annoyed with me.
Draco smiled to himself with this thought. He was going to miss his godfather, and worry too, because his mission was a very dangerous one, but he was happy that he'd get to see the pride flash across the mans face when he let him know he'd talked to Harry. And that Harry didn't outright reject him. Hopefully, his parents, too, would be proud.
My parents! Shit! I haven't even told them! Ahh, but I'm sure father will be quite pleased. He picked the right side before he had needed to. If they'd stayed loyal to the Dark Lord…I can't imagine what hell my mate being Harry would have brought on…
Pulling himself off the bed, Draco stretched and stood. He yawned, the effects of his sleepless last few days catching up with him. He walked over to the desk, pulling out a sheet of parchment and his ink and quill from the drawer, and sat to write a letter.
Greetings,
I have found that in which I was in need of. It's what I had always wanted. I hope your time permits a meeting.
Yours, Truly.
No names. No details. No clues.
Draco knew that Voldemort could be intercepting the post, or even at the Manor with them when the owl arrived, so it would have to be vague. Lucius and Narcissa would, of course, know what it was he was conferring. It hadn't been the first time he needed to be careful with information. It surely wouldn't be the last.
The blonde folded the letter half-hazardly and headed over to his owl's cage. He gave the black screech owl a few treats before taking him out and tying the parchment to it's leg.
"Try to make sure father or mother is alone, if you can manage." He told the owl with a stroke of it's beak.
The owl nipped him lightly on the finger in a sign of affection before taking off. Draco watched it fly out the window and into the clouded, grey sky. He sighed a little as he walked back to the bed, unsure of what to do next. He checked the time, 12:15pm. Severus wouldn't be here for several hours, and he was eagerly awaiting his arrival. There was an impromptu going-away dinner for him tonight, and quite a bit of the Order was going to be there.
I'd better look quite nice in front of everyone. I wonder if Harry will want to tell them? No…I think he'll save it, he's so private…not the kind to do announcements and such. But I am telling Severus. I'll just wait until they're all distracted by one of the Weasleys' antics.
Deciding to brush up on his Potions while he waited for the day to pass, he opened the book he'd left on his desk. Moste Grimm Brewes was, actually, a intriguing read, as it was such a rare book. The Malfoy's must have been the only people to posses a copy, most known versions having been burnt during the many Dark Purgings of the 18-19thth centuries. It was quite a thick book, written in Old English, so Draco knew it would keep him occupied for a while. Hour after hour, page after brittle, yellowed page, he studied, making notes on his parchment as he went along. He came upon one potion in particular that caught his attention. It was actually, infact, and antidote. One that was scarcely known, and lost for centuries.
Cruciatus Cure
A moste evil curse, the Cruciatus Curse is known fore how it often leaves it's victims insane with it's torture. This antedote was concocted by the daughter of the curse's despicable creator, for he had made the curse originally to punish her for disobeying him. The guilt she felt for its other victims drove her to produce this potion. Below are the instructions for the curse's only known cure. Ye be warned, it's brewe is a difficult one.
Draco read the list of ingredients, his mind boggling over how many rare ones he would need for it's making. Looking over the steps of it, though, it certainly was the most difficult potions he'd encountered yet. That was saying something, being an apprentice to Severus. Knowing it was something to save for the Potions Master for later, he tagged the page with a bookmark, and set it down on the desk.
Sighing as he thought about the potion, he wondered if he was the only one to know of it's existence. How many people were in St. Mungo's mental ward for the effects the Dark Lord left on them by using that curse? Draco knew of at least two. The Longbottoms. It wasn't as if he'd ever liked Neville, but he did secretly feel empathy for the poor boy. Having his parents completely nutters his whole life probably wasn't helping the kid's magical ability. Making a mental note to show it to Severus as soon as he was back from the mission, Draco got up and stretched. He yawned as he looked at the time. It was ten to five.
The book sure had kept him occupied. It was now only an hour and a half until people would start showing up, and he wanted to be perfect-looking for Harry.
It will be the first party we attend together! Even if we aren't attending as each other's dates, well, it doesn't matter. We're still going together.
Smiling, Draco walked over to the bathroom to start freshening up. It wasn't all too long until he was all sparkling and clean, hair perfectly styled, and standing in front on his wardrobe. Deciding what to wear was certainly the most time-consuming of his activities, but he finally settled on smart-looking black slacks with a black collared shirt with green stitching. Simple, but elegant. Black Italian leather shoes, a thin silver chain, and emerald and silver cufflinks later, and he was ready. He was scrutinizing himself in the mirror for a while, waiting for the time to pass.
The sound of a door shutting in the hallway completely shook him from his self-assessment. Draco felt his heart start to quicken and he leaped towards the exit, hoping to catch the Harry before he made it to the stairs.
"Hey, wait up-" Draco called out as he shut the door behind him. "I'll walk down with you!"
"Huh? Oh-Yea." Harry puttered as he stopped and looked back. "Yea, walk with me. I actually want to ask you something."
Catching up to the black haired boy, Draco smiled brightly. He was trying to still seem cool, and charming, when in actuality his heart was pumping like a geyser and the smell of Harry was making his head swoon.
"Ask away," Draco told him, not at all nervous about the question, or what it could be. Only nervously excited by seeing Harry. He didn't think he'd get so worked up considering they'd just been laying next to each other-GLORIUS, WONDERFUL, LAYING!- that had made him so content. But now, he was buzzing, shaking, anxiously aware of the Gryffindor's scent and look and body. He watched as Harry finally smiled back a little sheepishly, and waited for the boy to speak.
"I-I was wondering, um…what kind of veela are you? I know there's different kinds, but you've never mentioned anything, and I-" Harry stammered along, his eyes darting between Draco's eyes and the floor.
"I'm a Royal Veela, Harry. Why? Does that bother you?" Draco asked, suddenly becoming uncomfortable with Harry's apprehension. "It's not bad. It's a good thing, I promise it is, I-"
"No, no that doesn't bother me. I mean-wow! Really? They're very rare, I read that part- But, um…what about the, uh…you know…type. Are you…" Harry trailed off.
"Huh? Oh…OH! That. Well…you'd think the way I've been acting I was submissive, but I am not. I'm a Dominant. I…I've tried my best to suppress my aggressive side…Truthfully, you've made that easy for me. Being afraid of your reaction, keeping it from you, has curbed a lot of my more, uh...hostile… instincts. I think I've been so worried that my veela side wasn't able to take hold." Draco smiled, quite proud of the fact he was Dominant, and the fact he was able to hide it so well.
The half-hearted smile Harry returned sucked the air right from his lungs. Draco stopped smiling, his mind bludgeoned by fear. Was Harry not happy with his Dominance? Would he reject him now that he knew he would have to submit? The Gryffindor sure wasn't one to let someone best him, and this notion sent Draco into a state of turmoil.
"Please, don't reject me, Harry. Please. I know I'll be aggressive sometimes, but only when I think you're being threatened, or if someone is trying to take you from me. I promise, I'll be so gentle with you, I wouldn't, couldn't ever hurt you! If it's the sex part, I'm going to try my best to work with you, I'd NEVER force you, Harry, please! Please don't reject me now! I've just now gotten my chance, please Harry-" Draco was beyond begging now, tears were welling in his eyes and he was babbling. Harry, thankfully, had cut him off.
"I'm not rejecting you. Calm down, Draco, it's okay." the boy said, reaching out his hand to grasp the blonde's. "I'm just…curious is all. I want to know how this thing is going to go. Know what I'm getting into…"
The feeling of his hand entwined with Harry's was like a drug. A drug that calmed his spinning head and twitching limbs, and swept over him with a force he didn't expect.
With just a touch, he makes me right. Makes the world right.
Draco looked down into the green, sparkling eyes, and he couldn't stop himself. He gripped the smaller boy up in his arms, and smashed his lips upon Harry's. Holding him tightly, Draco kissed him, putting every ounce of passion, every worry, every fear into it, hoping Harry could feel exactly how he felt right then.
There was only a moment before Harry was kissing him back, just a passionately, his arms wrapping around Draco's neck to pull him closer. The feeling of Harry's chest pressing against his was so warm and absolutely wonderful. Draco could feel the boy's heart beating against his own, erratic and furious just as his was, sending shivers down his neck. The need for oxygen was becoming apparent for both of them, and they reluctantly pulled their mouths apart to gasp for air.
Draco tried to breathe deep, tried to steady his heart, but when he looked to Harry he almost lost control. The way his lips hung open, red and bruised from kissing, how his cheeks flushed and how he also struggled to breathe left Draco ignited with a new passion. One that he felt razing in his loins.
Circe, not now! I'll frighten him! No sex, no sex, no sex!
Draco's mind chanted that last part for a few minutes while he tried to subside himself. It worked, ultimately, after pulling away from Harry just a little. Now, with a clear head, he reached out with his hand to lift Harry's chin. He looked him in the eyes, both still panting, and told him breathlessly-
"It'll be even better than this."
"I don't know if that's possible." Harry told him with a grin.
"You'll see. But for now, lets enjoy this, huh? No need to rush."
Harry smiled at him again, and Draco smiled back.
"Yeah, let's have some dinner first," Harry laughed and started for the stairs. Draco was right behind him, laughing too. They were making their way down when Draco felt the need to talk again.
"I think I'll actually eat tonight, instead of vanishing it. I've been famished since I told you last night! Before that I couldn't eat a morsel. I was going to eat earlier but I got distracted with a book. Now, though, I bet I could eat a hippogriff!"
"Leave the one upstairs alone! You two have a history!" Harry joked.
"Buckbeak! I knew it! I knew you'd manage to help him escape!"
"Like I was going to let him pay for you being an ass?"
"Well, no I guess. I was just jealous you'd gotten to fly on him. I was yet again, trying to impress you. Show you that I could do it, too."
"Hmmm, seems trying to impress me all those times has only backfired." Harry said with a small grin.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Hopefully the next time won't go so badly." Draco mused.
"The next time?" asked Harry, confused.
"I'm sure there will be a next time," Draco implied, smiling quite slyly as the two reached the bottom of the stair case. Just as the two entered the Main Hall, a loud bang came sounding from the Entrance Way. Turning to look, both couldn't help but shake their head and laugh.
..*****..
"Ronald! You're on my foot!"
"Sorry, Mione!"
"Just get in, you two! Don't make us all stand out here!" Came the voice of Molly Weasley as the pair pushed forward.
"Yeah-" Fred called from the back.
"Let us in before you start snogging!" George finished for his twin.
"Don't start, Fred! You either George! It's going to be a nice night for Professor Snape, I won't have you two messing with your brother!"
"Yeah, you two. Show some respect!" Ron said as they walked passed to get in the Main Hall.
"As much as we have!" The twins called out in unison. They both turned back to laugh at Ron, who was now being held back by Hermione. The girl rolled her eyes as Fred and George made smooching sounds on their way towards the kitchen. Molly had followed them in, brandishing her wand, offering threats to the twins and exclaiming about the meal she was about to prepare.
"Don't let them irk you," she tried to calm her boyfriend, "they're not worth it. Let's go look for Harry."
"Right here!" Harry called out to them from base of the steps. He turned to Draco smiling. "I'll be right back," he whispered, and Draco just smiled and nodded. Returning the smile, he blushed a little and turned, strolling over towards his friends.
"Harry!" the girl squealed. "How's everything?" she asked, pulling him in for a quick hug.
"Geez, Mione! We were just here the other day! I'm sure nothing that big has happened since!" He jokingly admonished the girl. "Right Harry?" he said, giving said Gryffindor a firm handshake. "You're alright."
Perfect, actually.
"I'm great, guys. It's good to see you back so soon. I thought it'd be a couple weeks before we got to hang out." Harry smiled at them.
"Thankfully, but…really not so thankfully, Severus is leaving for his mission…Atleast we're all getting together before he goes. And, he even gets to see Malfoy before he leaves." Hermione stated a little sadly. Her eyes perked up though, with the last word. "Speaking of, anyway, how are things with you and him?"
"Draco and I?" Harry asked, a little hesitant.
Oh, god. I'm going to have to tell them! I hope Ron doesn't freak out.
"Draco and I?" Ron repeated teasingly.
Damnit, I know it, he's going to freak out.
"Ron! Stop it. Yes, Harry. You and Draco. By the sound of it, you're pretty well acquainted. Calling him Draco, I see." Hermione couldn't help but say with grin.
Stall. Just stall for now.
"Well, yeah. I mean…we're talking, and stuff now…"
"Harry that's wonderful!" she chirped, her eyes twinkling like a certain Hogwarts Headmaster. "I knew you'd be great together. I mean…working together. You know."
That did it.
I caught that little slip-up, Mione. I know Ron heard it too! Oh, and I am going to get you for this. For knowing I was his mate, and not telling me. Hmmph. Now I'll have to admit it. But I'll make her suffer through it a little. Try explaining this away, Mione.
Looking around to make sure everyone else had left for the Kitchen, he turned to her.
"Yeah, I know. I also know that you knew something. Something you definitely didn't tell me! Sure, you said I might be his mate. You didn't happen to mention the fact you KNEW I was! Mione, why didn't you tell me? This whole time I've been beating myself over him, and you KNEW!" He belted out. He wasn't angry yelling, just annoyed and a little pissed at her. This she definitely should have told him.
"What? What happened?" Ron asked, confused as he always was.
"Oh, Harry! I'm sorry! I couldn't tell you! Malfoy made me promise not to! I found him when he first got here, and he was acting so strange, and I just kind of figured out what it all meant. He was so embarrassed, Harry! I felt terrible for him, and I promised I wouldn't tell you. I knew he would tell you, eventually that is. But it wasn't my secret to tell, Harry. It was his." She tried to explain, hoping her friend would find her reasoning acceptable. It really wasn't her place to tell him!
"Damnit, Mione! Ugh! I know, but how could you keep me in the dark about something so serious?" Harry questioned.
"I tried to give you hints, saying you might be his mate. I couldn't just come outright and say it! I had to let him tell you. It's their tradition to make that kind of revelation. I couldn't come between it." she said sympathetically.
"Welll…well next time give me better clues!"
"Geez, mate, you must be thick. Even I'd guessed that was what she was saying!" Ron interjected. "I figured you couldn't miss it!"
What the hell? Could I have really been in that bad of denial that Ron saw it, and not me? Well, at least he's not freaking out right now.
"Ugh! Since when is Ron more observant then me?" Harry said petulantly.
"It's rare, but I have my moments," Ron boasted happily.
The tri burst out laughing together, knowing just how true Ron's statement was. It always seemed that the red-head was either completely oblivious, or acutely aware. It was only the second bang from the Entrance Way that stopped their chuckling.
Through the door came Sirius and Remus, hand in hand, laughing hysterically. The two stopped in their tracks though, dropping their hands as soon as they noticed the three teens standing there, watching.
"Harry!" Sirius smiled at him, trying to act unrifled. "Ron, Hermione," he said with a nod to them both.
"Good to see you, Harry! And you two as well!" Remus said with a small grin. "All ready for the party?"
"Yes!" the trio answered together.
"We're just waiting for Professor Snape," Hermione stated. "He should be here soon, I'm sure."
"Yes, yes, well, let's wait in the Kitchen, eh?" Remus suggested, "He won't like a crowd greeting him when he arrives."
They group nodded in agreement, with Sirius muttering under his breath something that sounded like "blimey nit…" but Harry was sure it was definitely something more like "the slimy git".
They made their way into the Kitchen, and were greeted with the delicious smell of Molly's homemade roast cooking in the oven. As the others took a seat at the table to join the twins, Harry looked around for Draco. Spotting the blonde in the corner by the china cabinet, he walked over smiling. When Draco looked up, he was smiling too, and Harry was the first to speak.
"Hey, want to help me? I've got to set the table?" he asked, motioning towards the cabinet.
"Done, and done" Draco smiled, casually reaching for his wand and giving it the slightest flick.
Before Harry could blink, the plates, silverware, and glasses had been transported to the table, arranged beautifully, and Draco was looking at him expectantly. He was glad for the chore to be done, but really had just wanted something to do with Draco. But just as well, the proud look on the blonde's face left Harry without any feeling of being cheated out of time with the boy.
"You work fast!" Harry conveyed with amusement.
"As fast as you want," Draco replied with a grin.
A few moments were lost between them, neither one averting their gaze or diminishing their smile. It was a comfortable quiet, and Harry was enjoying it. It wasn't until the sound of a third, and loudest, bang came from the front of the house. Everyone, including Draco and Harry, turned to the Kitchen door expectantly.
First to walk in was Tonks, then Moody. Dumbledore was right behind them, and finally, Severus.
Clapping and cheering had erupted in the room as soon as they saw the Potion's Master. Though no one, save Dumbledore, knew exactly what the mission was, they all knew how dangerous it was likely to be, and wanted to show the man they were grateful.
"Enough, enough," Severus said, "Alright. No need for celebration. I'm not dead yet!"
Everyone laughed at this, knowing the man's humor. It was to even Harry's surprise that over the last year the professor had become more comfortable. With the Order members, at least. They all understood that while in school he could never be so informal.
Harry and Draco joined the group at the table just as Molly was bringing out the food. They sat down next to each other as everyone immediately grabbed at the plates and bowls like it was going to be their last meal. Everyone, that is, except Snape. Harry noticed the man just looking around trying to hide the smile he was experiencing. He almost jumped out of his seat when the Potions Master set his sight on him and Draco. Severus was now smiling widely, mouthing something to the blonde that Harry couldn't figure out.
Shrugging, Harry tucked in to his meal. He'd ask Draco later what they'd said to each other, sure that the boy would tell him anyway. The food was so good, it almost made Harry forget about the whole thing, that is, until the twins had started their usual routine of madness and mayhem.
Harry was watching Fred and George as they charmed the bowls and spoons into dancing on the table. Someone had put spelled the wizard's radio to play a Spanish beat, and the dinnerware was starting a conga line around the roast. Harry was laughing along with everyone, until he noticed Draco and Serverus slipping off into the sitting room.
Now I really have to know what they're talking about. Harry thought to himself.
He watched the door, waiting for the two to re-emerge. It was a few, lonely minutes (everyone else's attention was focus of the twins, who were now starting a conga line of their own) before they had returned to the Kitchen. Harry could see the smile on both of their faces as they came to sit back in their seats. When Draco finally sat down next to him, he was a little relieved, but didn't know why. When he felt veela's hand enclose his under the table, he couldn't help but smile too.
Harry could feel the hair on his neck stand up as Draco leaned in, whispering in his ear.
"I told you I'd be impressing you again. Meet me here, tomorrow, for breakfast."
"Oh..Okay" Harry stuttered a little. He was quite self-conscious now, noticing how Hermione and Ron were staring at them. He blushed furiously, and resumed picking at his vegetables.
When the food was all done, and the plates cleared away, the group sat there conversing lightly and complimenting Molly on her, yet again, scrumptious meal. The twins had pulled out a bottle of champagne, and were filling everyone's glass when Dumbledore stood up, and everyone immediately grew quiet.
"It is a wondrous thing, to be surrounded by those who care." The Headmaster stated, and everyone nodded silently in agreement. "To be care for, is to never be alone. Times may see us apart from all of those we know and trust, but by being loved, we are able to carry with us the sense of family, of friendship, of understanding. Of acceptance."
Harry felt a tight squeeze on his hand, and knew that Draco, just like him, had been affected by the headmaster's words. He smiled at the blonde, letting his eyes linger on the boy's face for a few moments before turning back to watch Dumbledore.
"It is instances like now, that Severus is going, in which we see the need for unity, for compassion, and by being here tonight, you have shown what family means. Please, join me in this toast to celebrate him and his bravery, and to wish for luck with the mission he's courageously taken on. To Severus!" Dumbledore cheered, raising his glass.
"To Severus!" They all shouted, raising their glasses too.
Harry took a sip from his flute with everyone else, smiling. He was feeling quite worried about Snape now, though, that the toast had been made.
I wonder what he has to do…what the mission is about. I hope he makes it through…for Draco's sake. He looks so worried.
And Draco was worried. Very worried, infact, and Harry could see it clearly on the blonde's pale face.
Without another thought, Harry leaned in towards Draco's ear, and whispered to him "I'm here, if you need me" He told him comfortingly, and gave the boy's hand a squeeze.
The smile that Draco turned to him with, left him breathless, and his worry left him completely. Somehow, he knew, if he and Draco stood together, there was no need to worry.
