Disclaimer: I own EVERYTHING! Now, if you believed that, I wanna talk to you about some timeshares in Florida….he he he… otherwise, you're right, I own NADA.

A.N.: This chapter is also dedicated to my beta as she actually wrote Rita's interview, and helped me decide how to handle the newspaper/magazine element to the tale.

Draco's PoV three days after the Gala:

The blond calmly sat sipping his tea, knowing full well his mother would be arriving soon, her solicitor in tow. Then, his solicitor, sitting nearby, would take him and the two would retreat to the sitting room to discuss strategy, while he and his mother enjoyed the dining room in peace. She and he had things to discuss.

So did the solicitors, and since it did involve them, they needed to be on-hand to answer questions. They just did not want to be involved more than they had to, barrister talk being a language they only had limited knowledge of. For Draco, it was fairly limited to business law, and even then, well, there was a reason he hired a solicitor to assist him. For Narcissa, it was even further limited to inheritance; her solicitors were hired at need, rather than kept on hand and on staff.

The solicitors would be discussing slander and libel suits against various and sundry publications for the scandalous issues put out following the Gala debacle. They would, if they could, also sue Nadine for causing it. Unfortunately, legally, they could not. It was frustrating, but they would just have to deal with her, at least for now.

As for his mother, well, she wanted to discuss the debacle itself, mostly. Since she witnessed parts of it, being in the seating audience, she had been rather incised about the whole affair. Draco himself had been of mixed emotions, and with his first formal suitor, desperate need of advice. He also had started getting piles of letters addressed to 'the future Veela king,' both good and bad, and a smaller number were courtship propositions. He hated, hated the idea of accepting any of them, but knew he would be required to at least go on one or two dates with men other than Harry. All in all, Draco needed his Mother.

She arrived silently, and with neither word nor gesture the solicitors abandoned them to their solitude. Draco pour his mother a cup, mixing the sugar and cream to her taste, and passed it to her all without breaking the quiet that surrounded them. Equally quietly, she accepted the tea, and sat across from him. Both were desperate to talk, neither quite ready to begin.

Finally, after sipping for a moment, Narcissa set her cup aside. "It was truly wonderful how Andromeda offered her support like that. Still, I do think her warning about Harry Potter's fickle nature a bit tacky, don't you agree?" Draco only inclined his head; he knew she needed neither agreement nor disagreement, just some acknowledgement she'd been heard. "And that Potter boy! I was not sure if he was really serious or if his letter was just a fluke, but he did right, Draco, he did everything just as he should have! I am so proud of you, catching such a handsome suitor!"

It was official, his normally reserved mother was gushing, she even placed a hand upon Draco's as she continued! "You looked so nice standing beside him, my Dragon, you make a fine couple, both so handsome, so debonair. But," Now she turned stern, patting his hand in consternation, "I do not like how he rushed out of there, throwing you to the wolves, Draco. That was very thoughtless and very cruel. It showed a lack of concern for your best interests. You need to be careful that his carelessness does not get you hurt." She patted him one last time, then withdrew her hand, sitting straight and proper, almost regally, as she had always done.

Draco smiled a sad, hidden sort of smile, with the corners of his mouth just barely turned. She saw it, of course; anyone who truly knew him would. His so-called expressionless mask had always held cracks and gapes if one knew where to look. But, to those who didn't, well, they wouldn't have seen the smile, either. "Mum, I'll be perfectly fine. He was being discrete, that is all. I could not leave, I was the main speaker. He knew that. He could not stay and wait for me; if we left at the same time they would assume we left together. The scandal from that alone would break our name for generations! He made the right choice. Yes, it hurt and upset me to turn and find him gone, but it was the right choice. Had we discussed it, I would have told him to do the same."

This time, Narcissa inclined her head. Her judgment was, of course, reserved. "So," she said, "The lawyers will of course be handling the lawsuit of the Prophet. How shall we be handling the rest of this mess?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I wanted to talk with you about!" Draco began gathering his piles of letters to go through with his mother, and she gathered the newest Prophet atrocity.

"Have you seen the latest article, my Dragon?"

"No, it can't be anything worse than the first article, though, can it?"

"Yes. It can."

Horrified, Draco was forced to take a break from his summoning and sorting. He glanced at the article, on the cover, of course, and there was a photo of him smiling in adoration at Harry. He had hoped his small crush would not be quite so obvious… but, honestly, Harry was the first man whom had ever expressed an interest, smart, funny, and bloody gorgeous, not to mention he had once or twice, okay three times but that was it, he swore! Harry had saved his life. How was he supposed to not have a crush on Harry? Honestly?

Still, he forced his gaze past the picture, and began to read the meat of the article.

The Wizarding World was shocked yesterday when Harry James Potter announced his intentions to recently acknowledged Veela, Draco Malfoy, to enter a courtship with him at the St. Raphael's School of Healing and Medical/Magical Library Grand Opening Charity Gala. One could see the love in his usually haunted eyes as he propositioned Lord Malfoy and the Black Family Heir. We here at the Prophet wanted to know how long the two of them were interested in one another. This witch cannot help but think back to the school yard fights they had at Hogwarts, which one could only attribute to unresolved attraction. However, others may assume that Harry didn't realize his attraction because of his numerous girlfriends. His dating friend Hermione Granger during the Triwizard Tournament, Cho Chang captured his heart in fifth years according to those at Hogwarts with him, and lastly his failed engagement with Ginny Weasley. One cannot help but wonder if the issues in that relationship were due to Harry's suppressed sexuality. I understand that many witches are crying at this news, but the Savior of the Wizarding World has no interest in skirts, well unless Lord Malfoy is dressed in drag.

Draco was shocked and appalled. Firstly, he NEVER dressed in anything other than the finest, most appropriate of male clothing. Even when he had stripped in his club, he only wore the most expensive male lingerie. Secondly, that stupid bint had broken Harry's heart, something Draco would never do, and he did not like being compared to her! Bad enough he had to follow in her footsteps… didn't bare thinking about, actually. Thirdly, he was not sure Harry was truly gay, maybe he was bi? Or maybe, and Draco really hoped this was the case, he was the only man Harry was attracted to – so Dracosexual? He *forced* himself to continue reading.

With the requirement of an open courtship, one has to wonder if Lord Malfoy returns Harry's attentions. It is well known that the bond between Pansy Parkinson and Lord Malfoy was recently severed. However, many have come forward to share that it was never a binding of love as Lord Malfoy prefers trousers to skirts as well. Well perhaps not when he's alone and decides to try on his mother's gowns. Also, he had decided to denounce the Veela throne by keeping his British citizenship according to the Leader of the Veela council, Nadine. Also the two are expected to honor Veela Courting Traditions for more information on those, write the Veela Council. Please see page 5 for details.

Draco was starting to get furious. He Did Not Dress in Drag. He was never interested in his mother's gowns.

I am likely to root for this couple like the rest of you; however I must do my job as a journalist and ask the hard questions. What of Lord Malfoy's mate? Is Lord Potter his mate and hence this courting choice or will things once again fall apart for the Boy Who Lived? Will he once again be left standing at the altar, all alone? One can hope that the boy with the eyes haunted by his past has finally found his family. I shall continue to cover this for everyone who wants to know. Let us hope that the two will be happy in the future and Lord Malfoy will soon fulfill his destiny of being the breeding mare for the Veela Nation, much like his ancestor before him. Rita Skeeter

Draco was shaking when he looked over to see his mother had finished leafing through the piles of his mail. "How?" He asked, tightly, "How did she find out I'm a child bearer? I thought the trial was very, VERY carefully protected and the only thing allowed out was who came and went, and baseless speculation. How does she know?"

"I do not know, my Dragon. But we will have to handle this, above and beyond just suing the Prophet. You will have to say something to the press as part of damage control." He nodded, still too upset to speak, and yet, knowing even if the idea infuriated him, his mother was, as always, correct. "Now, Dragon, tell me about what that awful woman had to say about Veela courting rituals and you having the throne as a Regent until your children come of age."

They spent the better part of the next two hours talking, before the solicitors joined in. Then another hour of conversation, plotting, and general planning of the destruction of the Prophet, and everyone left. Draco was once again, all alone. He worried that all of this would change Harry's mind, and even though it was improper, set about to write to Harry. He hoped a letter would help soothe over any worries, as well as help with some courtship concerns.

Harry had managed to leave a scroll for Draco when he dashed out; it contained the Potter courtship rules. Apparently, as Christians, they needed to maintain purity, and to insure that, they needed a chaperone for there in-person dates. Draco needed to know if Harry had selected one or not. Nadine was *NOT* allowed, though she had most assuredly offered. She had stuck around long enough, even after the Aurors had been called to evict the howling masses of paparazzi, to give a scroll about Veela customs to Draco.

He had copied it, and the Malfoy scroll, and sent them with his letter, as well as a small book, Saucy Tricks for Tricky Sorts, as his first gift – a sign of his acceptance of the courtship. Technically, he was to wait until Harry had sent him one, thus, again, highly improper, but with the mess Nadine had caused, Draco was not so sure a gift would even be coming if he had waited. This would show despite everything, he was still serious and still interested, hopefully that would mean something to Harry. He seemed to value courage.

The only paper, well the only British paper; that had anything remotely nice to say about the whole mess had been the Quibbler. So, Draco wrote to them. He would take his mother's advice and give them an interview.

Harry's PoV, 9 days after the Gala:

Harry's temper had long since cooled, the letter filled with apologies, explanations, and general groveling he had received from Draco had gone a long way towards that. The letter he had received from Draco's solicitor, inviting him and his solicitor to join in on a lawsuit against the Prophet had done the rest. So, it was a peaceful brunet that sat at his kitchen table, eating a forkful of his eggs, and reading out of his new book. He had to admit, Draco had good taste. The Marauders would have loved this; in fact, he had plans to loan it to George to help with the business. Fred would have loved it, too.

He wasn't certain what to think about, or even if he should think about, his flying wizard anymore. He went to the club that night, fully intent upon it being his very last time. The owner, the bartender had told him, was not in. He had a previous engagement at some gala opening thingie or other. Harry, with sinking heart, knew exactly what event that was, and exactly what he had thus witnessed. Even had Harry not meant to be fair with this courtship, he now had no chance with his hot mystery wizard ever again.

When the owl flew in, tossing a rolled up newspaper, tied with twine and wrapped in a letter from Hermione, Harry was amused. She sent her Quibbler whenever there was something good, knowing he did not maintain a subscription. Usually, he just read whatever she had to say about it, and replied. So, as usual, he opened her letter first.

Harry,

You'll never believe this! Read it, write me back. Better yet, firecall me when you've read it, and I'll floo over and we'll talk. This is so unbelievable!

Hermione Granger-Weasley

Intrigued, Harry opened the rolled up pamphlet. Sadly, he had just taken a drink of his pumpkin juice when he read the headline Veela Tells All! Draco Malfoy Speaks Out after Gala Disaster! Harry spit his juice all over the paper. A combination of Scourgify and Evanesco removed the mess, and a Reparo set the words, mostly, to rights. Yet, even after all that, it was still too hard to read. Sighing, Harry gave the last of his eggs to the owl, and tucked a Knut into the pouch tied to its leg. "Go buy me a Quibbler, and go home after giving it to me. I have no new message for your owner."

The owl hooted its response; then flew off. Harry started in on his crepes, mutilating them with his fork, while he waited. Covered in strawberries and whipped cream, they were normally a treat; today, however, they were just something else to force down while he fretted. Why did Draco do this? What was he thinking? Harry didn't even notice he had started thinking of Draco by his first name, rather than his last.

The owl returned, flung the paper at him, quickly spinning and winging out again. Harry almost did not manage to catch it before it knocked over his juice glass, forcing him to buy a third copy. Almost didn't, but with his Seeker reflexes, he did manage, and saved the paper and his breakfast. Breakfast he set aside, as he began to read.

Recently, at the St. Raphael's School of Healing and Magical/Medical Library Grand Opening Gala, there was a little bit of a shock and scandal as Harry Potter, Savior of the Wizarding World, publically asked Draco Malfoy, former Death Eater and first male Veela in centuries, for permission to court. Since then, there have been dozens of allegations and rumors flying. Today, Draco Malfoy has chosen to sit here, with me, Marietta Edgecombe, in an exclusive interview and set the story straight.

Marietta: First off, Draco, I need to know why you're doing this?

Draco: Well, Marietta, if I may call you that?

Marietta: Of course.

Draco: Then, Marietta, I am trying to put a stop to the rumors, cut down on potential suitors, and set straight all the guesswork and lies. I'm also hoping that if I do this once, now, I won't have to do this ever again. If I waited, I might have to do several interviews instead of just the one.

Marietta: So this will be your only interview then?

Draco: About the courtship and about the mess of the Gala? Yes, this will be the only one.

Marietta: Then you're not going to even give one to the Prophet?

Draco: Well, it would be a bit unethical to sue them over what they are printing in hopes they will stop, and then give them an interview asking them to continue, now wouldn't it?

Marietta: *laughs* Why, yes, I suppose it would. So, that answers one of my next questions, you really are suing the Prophet then?

Draco: Yes, for both Libelous and Slanderous words both spoken and printed.

Marietta: Spoken?

Draco: The things they shouted, and continue to shout, at me and others as they try to provoke a response they can twist and then print into a malicious version of a story.

Marietta: My, you do dislike them, don't you?

Draco: Wouldn't you?

Marietta: I suppose I would. Now onto the heart of the matter, did Harry Potter really ask to court you publicly at the Gala, and did you know he was planning to?

Harry took a deep breath. So. Draco did this to put an end to the chaos, did he? Did he really think this would do anything accept encouraging them? Well, he claimed to think it would get the vultures off their backs, and he was suing… maybe, just maybe, Harry could trust Draco. He still did not agree, however. This would end badly, he was sure.

Draco: He did, and I had hoped. He had written me previously stating his intent, but I knew it was not legitimate without a public declaration. So, I sent him a ticket to the Gala and hoped for the best. I must say I was surprised and delighted.

Marietta: Does this mean you are interested in our Savior?

Draco: Who wouldn't be? He's smart, funny, brave, handsome... the list goes on and on!

Marietta: Is there any truth to you having feelings for him during your school years, then?

Draco: Oh, certainly. There were feelings of hurt, bitterness, anger, jealousy… we were rivals, after all. Then, we were on the opposite sides of a war, and were enemies. Positive feelings, though, well let's just say I was neither blind nor stupid. I was also bound to Pansy for the majority of that time.

Marietta: We'll address your bonding in a moment, now however; I want to ask about the War. You obviously were not loyal – your Mark has faded, and you are not sickening. So, why were you, as a child, even involved at all, much less on the wrong side?

Draco: That's complicated. Firstly, my father jointed during the first war, before I was ever born. I think I was promised at my birth to the Dark Lord. Secondly, I was raised, however wrongly, to believe in those principles. Some, like religious freedom, I do still believe in. Muggleborn rights and our hiding from Muggles should not take away the rights of the Witches and Wizards currently practicing magic. Thirdly, my family was threatened. As the Dark Lord was living in my house, there was quite honestly no protecting them; he could send his pet snake to eat them in their sleep. I had no choice but to help him, or let them die. What would you choose? And, finally, because there really was no other option. After the war, I learned the side of the Light had known about my plight the entire time; my own Godfather was their spy. I could have been offered help at any time, but only was once when circumstances partly engineered by the side of the Light made acceptance impossible. In short, they used me, and the fact I was a Death Eater without my knowledge or consent, and it helped them to win the war. I never had a choice, both sides wanted me to take the Mark.

Marietta: That's… wow. That's just.. um.. you sound a little bitter, but I can't say I blame you. So, do you hold any of this against Harry? And, do you think this, or any of your past rivalries, will negatively impact your courtship?

Draco: It was years ago. I've gotten past it, I hope he has too. We'll have to talk about it eventually, I'm sure, but, the past only gives us the power we choose. And, no, I don't hold anything against Harry. He was a child, too, and he was just as used. We both had a role to play and no choice but to play it. It is the future that matters now.

Marietta: That's very mature of you.

Draco: Well, I am 22 now, not 12.

Marietta: *laughs* So you are, so you are! Speaking of 12, that's when you were bonded, correct? What can you tell us about that?

Draco:

Harry paused, not quite sure what to think. He'd never before thought too deeply about why safety had not been offered to Draco. He knew Dumbledore offered his protection the night he died, but Draco was right, he'd never had a chance to accept, not with Snape intruding and other Death Eaters right on his heels. He knew just how bitter he had been over the manipulation he'd experienced at Dumbledore's hands; he now wondered just how much hatred for the old man Draco must have.

He also was surprised at how Draco seemed to think of him. It was certainly a better view than he had of Draco, but did he really want that? He also wasn't sure he wanted to hear anything more than he had already learned in the trial about Draco and Pansy's bonding. That was private after all, and how would he feel if everyone stuck their nose into his and Ginny's failed relationship? Would he be bothered if Draco knew everything about it? Yes, he would. So, it stood to reason Draco might be upset if he knew all about Pansy. Then again, he was the one answering questions in the newspaper…

Draco: Our fathers arranged it. It should not have been permanent, but something went wrong. Pansy and I have only ever been good friends, bond or no bond. She's going to be married to her fiancé, whom she has been seeing for the last two years, later this year. I hope to be invited.

Marietta: So, you never had anything with Pansy?

Draco: Just friendship.

Marietta: How about anyone else? Any hidden boyfriends whom might be hurt by this sudden courtship?

Draco: No, because of the bonds and my past, dating has really been impossible. This will be the first time I've ever really dated at all.

Harry was so shocked he dropped his paper. Had he not set breakfast aside earlier, it would have fallen right into his plate. He stood, and paced around the table, muttering to himself. Harry was really starting to regret listening to Hermione and giving in to Nadine. He was also really starting to hate the idea of courting Draco – for a whole new reason.

After a while, he finally sat back down, went to pick his paper up again, stopped, and started again, stopped, and so on for a few minutes. After he finally built up his Gryffindor courage, he picked up the paper and continued reading. He vowed this time to finish, no matter how upsetting, or in what way, what he read might be.

Marietta: No dating at all? Do you even know if you like men, then?

Draco: Oh, certainly. Men are just brilliant. I've known since puberty I've always fancied men. I just have not had a chance to do more than look and imagine before now.

Marietta: Have you had many crushes then?

Draco: Now that's a little too personal!

Marietta: Okay, then. How about telling me this: since you were on opposite sides in the war, had no previous interaction outside a school rivalry which did not hide any sort of romantic feelings or relationship, why then did Harry Potter wish to initiate a courtship with you?

Draco: He did not tell me, and I felt it would be too rude to ask.

Marietta: Does that mean my question was rude?

Draco: A little, but I was expecting some when I came here so it is fine.

Marietta: I'm sorry; I'll try to be a little less presumptuous, then. We're almost done! So, Can you tell me some about these courtship rules I've been hearing about?

Draco: A little, yes, but not too much. I want to limit my suitors and one way I'm eliminating then is rule breaking. So if I tell you too much, it defeats my purpose. Basically, what the Black and Malfoy rules are is a set of guidelines or rules, each noble house establishes to protect the bloodlines during a formal courtship by suitable suitors. For the Veela, from what I have read, it is similar – to help the Veela find their best match and establish a soul bond so the Veela and any children may survive.

Marietta: Do you intend to have children? Can you, as rumored, have children?

Draco: Any male in the Wizarding world can be a child bearer if they so choose. There are potions, spells, and rituals; all sorts of things available. I can, however, get pregnant certain times of the year without all that, or so the Veela Council has informed me. I do want kids; I need them for keeping the lines clear, at least three – one for the Veela royal line, one for the Malfoy line, and one for the Black. Additionally, the Veela Council is begging me to allow the use of a Muggle procedure for some Veela females to carry some children for me, so there will be more male Veelas with wider genes than just my mate and mine. Less inbreeding, I suppose.

Marietta: And do you want that?

Draco: Well, I want to help the Veela race out, but I'm not sure I like the method of their choosing. I really have not decided, but if I do choose to do that, my mate will have to be okay with adopting children that are not his. Likewise, should he have other children, I will adopt them.

Marietta: That's fair of you. Now, tell me about limiting your courtships, and how these rules can help – or what you can without 'defeating your purpose' as you so aptly put it.

Draco: With courtships of British nobility, in very few instances, I am allowed to refuse at any point; so many potential suitors will be refused outright, with little to no reason ever given. I except in very few circumstances, meaning they can court me, but I am not in turn courting them. The Veela accept almost anyone, if they can pass the elimination trials, of which there are no fewer than 7. Some of these are universal, some are up to me and may be either universal to all potential suitors and some may be specific to see if a specific suitor is worth keeping or eliminating. Since Nadine decided to summon the press to the Gala and make her announcement following Harry's request for courtship, I have too many, in some cases international, potential suitors to handle without help. I will be requesting the Veela Council's aid, since I feel this mess is in part, their responsibility. However, I do not want Nadine involved.

Marietta: Why is she being singled out?

Draco: It's personal.

Marietta: Okay, moving on. So what does this interview have to do with eliminating some of your potential suitors and courtships?

Draco: Well, I'm going to give three of my universal trials that anyone even hoping to be considered here. One: As my future child will be taking the throne as King or Queen, I want to help the Veela nation grow as much as possible. So, whoever wants to be my mate must do something to significantly improve conditions for the Veela nation.

Marietta: That eliminates anyone not noble or not very wealthy.

Draco: Not necessarily. It just requires creativity, something the poor often have much more of than the wealthy or the privileged.

Marietta: I suppose. Second?

Draco: They must love kids and a willingness to have a large family, possibly a willingness to adopt. I believe I've already mentioned that, and why. I want proof, however, that it is so.

Marietta: Proving something that has not happened yet will be hard.

Draco: That's why it is a challenge.

Marietta: I'll agree with that. Third?

Draco: Citizenship. I refuse to give up Britain, and so if not currently a British citizen, all potential suitors must apply for either dual citizenship or begin the process of changing their citizenship.

Marietta: That will make it very hard on other Magical Beings; is it your intention to eliminate them from consideration and only date Wizards?

Draco: No. In fact, the Veela are currently pushing legislation through the Wizengamot that should change how Wizarding Britain deals with Magical Beings. I wish them all the luck, and know they can use all the help there they can get.

Marietta: Subtle hint there for your potential suitors?

Draco: Maybe, maybe not. It could be used that way, but I'd like to think if they want to date me, who was a Slytherin, a House known for cunning, they would show more creativity than to just do that. It was more a hint to your readers, so they could also get involved.

Marietta: Well, I think we've just about covered everything I could hope for, and in some cases more, in this interview. Can you think of anything you'd like to add?

Draco: Only one, I am setting a time limit as well. I will accept no new suitors after the end of this month, in 18 days.

Marietta: That's it then and thank you for your time.

Draco: You're welcome, and thank you as well.

Harry leaned back in his chair. Contemplative he rubbed his nose, where his glasses sometimes pinched. Hermione wanted to discuss this, and he, after reading it, could definitely see why. He needed to talk to her, too. First, though, he needed to think.