Kyra2 – Thanks! Woah, that review was good! You have so many good ideas! I think I will keep the painting. As for the match, I'm thinking of Harry maybe having to run halfway through, because Draco needs him, but I still want Gryffindor to win! Argh, Decisions, decisions… Pansy and Hermione will be in for it soon, I suspect. The bond is rather like a dream come true for Harry, I guess, once he stops being stubborn and accepts it!
Yana5 – Sorry you hate cliffhangers. I'll try not to make the next few chapters end on them…
Witchy-Althea – It is scary, isn't it? Who knows what they could get up to!! I love Draco to pieces too. Thanks for saying my idea's original even if I was inspired by someone else, your review made my day!
Brenna8 – I'll take that as a compliment! Hehe! I've been called evil! Lalala!!!
wintermoon2 – ooh! I get called evil again! The recommendation was no prob, your story deserves it! I wish you weren't finishing it, but I guess all good things come to an end. *sniffs* still, it's been good.
Makalani Astral – does that mean you want to eat them? Lol. Thanks for the review!
RaiNbOwGrL22 – I'm writing! My Beta took ages with this chapter!!
Hey, has anyone read a story in which Harry and Draco are together, but Harry is having trouble accepting it? Sirius is still around, Draco has been cutting himself, and Harry tries it when he gets drunk. They cannot sleep when they are apart. And they do Pagan stuff for Halloween? Cos I read it in America, and now I'm in England, I want to read it again; it wasn't finished, and I can't for the life of me remember who it was by or what it was called. Someone help me!!!
I apologise for Hagrid's crap accent. I can't do his one, never have been able to. That's why my characters tend to avoid Hagrid.
/…/ - voice in Harry's head.
Italics indicate telepathical thoughts between Harry and Draco.
~…~ - parseltongue, if I use it in this fic.
Harry stiffened in shock and Draco pulled away as soon as he could, blushing. "Sorry," he started to say, but Harry's fist connected with his nose before he could get the word out.
"NEVER do that again!" Harry yelled, before storming out of the room, clutching a clean shirt in one hand and his jeans in the other. Draco slowly crumpled into a heap by the wardrobe, holding his nose and sobbing. He barely noticed the blood that seeped between his fingers.
Harry stomped into the 'study' – a small room off of the main room downstairs – and changed back into his clothes. He flung the towel on a chair, dashed through the main room, opened the portrait, closed it and headed towards the nearest exit at a run. He needed to get out of the castle, and Hagrid's hut seemed the most sensible place to go. Hagrid wouldn't ask questions.
Once outside in the frosty air, he stopped running. He realized that, in his rush to get out of the castle and away from Draco, he wasn't wearing a cloak and his hair was still soaking wet. Pulling out his wand, he muttered a charm to dry the unruly black locks, and summoned his cloak from the castle. Everyone was in classes, and so there was no one to see the black garment whizzing along the corridors in response to his 'Accio Cloak!". As he calmed down, he realized that Hagrid might have a class. But he could still wait in the hut until the gentle giant returned. He set off, the frosty grass crunching under his worn trainers.
When he was about halfway to the hut, Hedwig swooped down and landed on his shoulder. He offered her his wrist, and she stepped delicately onto it, allowing him to untie the letter that someone, probably Remus, had attached to her leg.
"I haven't got any food on me, sorry. You can come to Hagrid's hut with me if you like, I'm sure there will be something for you to eat there," he told her, rubbing her feathers affectionately.
Hedwig hooted softly, and stepped back onto his shoulder, apparently accepting his invitation. As Harry walked the rest of the way to the Cabin, he tried not to think of the state that Draco must be in. Malfoy wasn't his problem. /but he is now/ a little voice in the back of his head pointed out. /you're his mate. You're supposed to look after him. You almost failed today at lunch. And now you're running away/. I'm not running away. He's not my problem. He should have chosen someone else to mate with, someone who doesn't hate his guts. Harry argued back. But the voice wouldn't shut up. /But I thought you'd agreed that you don't hate his guts?/ it asked, innocently. Well, that was before he kissed me. Now shut up, we're here. Harry ordered. Voices in his head were the last thing he needed right now. Particularly one's that sounded like his dead mother.
Hagrid was in, and he greeted Harry with a bear hug, which dislodged Hedwig from his shoulder. She fluttered off with a disgruntled hoot, and settled on the table.
"Hiya Harry. Why'd you bring Hedwig?"
"Oh, she brought me a letter, and I didn't have anything for her, but as I was on my way to your place, I thought I might be able to get her something here?"
"Yeah… hold on a sec…" Hagrid began digging in his many pockets, and finally produced some owl treats, which he handed to Harry. Harry fed them one by one to Hedwig, while Hagrid made some tea. Once the treats were gone, Hedwig took flight, and Hagrid handed Harry a steaming wooden mug, filled to the brim with the hot, sweet liquid.
"So, wha's wrong? Why'd you come ta see me?" Hagrid asked, peering at Harry over the rim of his enormous cup. "You're suppost to be in less'ns, ain't ya?"
"No, Dumbledore gave me today off."
"Oh? Why?" Hagrid asked curiously, raising his bushy eyebrows.
"Well… I'd better tell you from the beginning. I've just had the craziest 24 hours ever..."
***
As Harry told Hagrid the whole strange story, Dumbledore travelled to their suite to check up on his two charges. When no one responded to his call, be began to investigate. He looked first in the study. It was empty, and everything seemed normal, until he noticed the wet blue towel flung carelessly on the back of one of the chairs. His curiosity sparked, he climbed the stairs, noticing the scent of sandalwood and ginger on the air; Harry's favorite shower gel.
(note: It's so cool! It's a red shower gel, and when your squeeze it out and rub your hands together, it looks like you're covered in blood! Plus it smells really nice)
There was nothing but steamy scented air in the bathroom, and Dumbledore made his way cautiously to the door to the bedroom. He peeked around before opening it properly, not sure what he would find. He entered swiftly once he saw Draco crumpled in the corner, sobbing, with blood staining his face, hands and clothes.
"What happened?" the kindly headmaster asked gently.
Draco raised lost silver eyes and stared at the jeweled medallion that hung around the old man's neck, refusing to look him in the eye.
"I didn't mean to, but I was so cold, and it was the only thing that would make the cold go away. I didn't mean to, but it hurt, it hurt so much. I'm so so so sorry, I didn't mean to, but it was cold, in my heart, and it hurt so much, and he'd just had a shower, and he was so warm, and I was so cold. I didn't mean to, I'm sorry, so so sorry."
"What did you do, Draco?" Dumbledore asked urgently. He had to know soon; looking at the state Draco was in he wouldn't be conscious for long.
Draco looked at him pleadingly, his eyes filled with tears. "I kissed him. I didn't mean to, but I was so cold…" he managed, before he went white and collapsed.
Dumbledore scooped the blond up in his arms, and quickly made his way through the empty halls to the infirmary. Once he got there, he placed Draco gently on the nearest bed, and called for the nurse.
"Oh my goodness!" Poppy exclaimed when she saw Draco, his ashen white face making the blood covering him more apparent. "What happened!?"
"I fear Draco's need is growing faster than Harry's acceptance of the situation. I did think he took it a little too well. Apparently Draco kissed him, and from the looks of it, Harry punched him in the face and stormed out."
"Oh dear," Madam Pomfrey muttered, wiping the blood off of Draco's face with a soft cloth and some warm water.
"Draco said he was sorry, he didn't mean to and that he was cold. Oh, and that it hurt. He repeated himself a lot when I found him."
"Well, you know as well as I do that the first few weeks of the season are the worst. After that it cools down a little. This normally isn't a problem…"
"But with Harry not that willing, it becomes one," Dumbledore finished for her.
"We need to reunite them as soon as possible, for Draco's sake."
"Still, I think that Harry will need some time."
"Do you know where he has gone?"
"No. I suspect either the library, his common room, the room of requirement, Hogsmede or Hagrid's. I'll start looking as soon as Draco is stable."
"Headmaster, he won't be stable until Harry is here, holding his hand! I suggest you go find the boy now, and call on his sense of honour and justice. Draco doesn't deserve this, and what happened was not his fault. Harry must be made to see that. Appeal to the Gryffindor in him, and hope that this will not happen again," Poppy said angrily, her eyes flashing.
"Very well, I'll start now. The library is closest," Dumbledore said, getting up and making his way to the exit. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Look after him."
"I will, Headmaster, I will."
***
"And then he kissed me, so I punched him. Then I came here," Harry said, finishing off his story.
"Well then, you 'ave 'ad one strange day, Harry. And it's not over yet. I think yer should talk to Dumbledore."
"I will, soon. I'm not gay, they have to realize that."
"Yeah, but it seems to me that Malfoy is t'one who really needs 'elp 'ere. He can't change the way 'e is. Ye should ask Dumbledore if there's any way for Malfoy to get through this without kissin'."
"I will."
"Now, wha's in you're letter? From Remus, did yer say it was?"
"Yeah," Harry said, opening the roll of parchment he had been gripping in his fist. He smoothed out the crease marks and read aloud;
"Dear Harry,
If Draco is a veela, as you have said, then you should not blame him for anything. He cannot help being the way he is. But it is more complicated than that. You are probably thinking 'but I'm not gay!' well, I should tell you that the link between a veela and his or her mate is a magical one. It would never occur if both participants were not suitable. Which means that you are probably bi, but haven't realized it yet. You're only sixteen, remember. If you are linked or bonded or whatever you would like to call it, then it means that you can be happy together.
But I should warn you; veela mating season is at its most intense in the first few weeks, after that it peters out. So Draco will need a lot of contact soon, and then for the next two months you will only need to hold hands or touch occasionally. After that, Draco will be constantly defending you, as well as doing everything you say. I know you are most likely horrified by this information, but it is fact, Draco will need you soon. Don't be surprised if he kisses you or something, he will not be able to help himself.
Harry, none of this is Draco's fault, he is probably as shocked about it as you were, or he would be if he could be. Veela, even part veela are different. And Draco cannot always control his instincts. Be good to him. And be wary of his Mother. I have a suspicion that Sirius' cousin will not be best pleased. Keep in touch, write me if you have any more questions.
Stay safe
Remus."
"Well, does tha' help?" Hagrid asked.
"Yeah, sort of. It explains a lot, at least. So it wasn't Draco's fault. But despite what Remus says, I'm not gay!"
"Harry, Remus is good at stuff like this. He knows what he is talkin' about. I know the same, if yer ask me, I think Remus is right. Go look in a book if yer don't believe me."
"I think I will. Thanks for the tea."
"Anytime. Come again soon, and you c'n bring that Draco if yer likes," Hagrid said gruffly.
"Ok, thanks Hagrid," Harry said, walking to the door.
"See ya, Harry."
As Harry left Hagrid's cabin, he saw Dumbledore coming down the front steps. Not wanting Dumbledore to see him and wonder where Draco was, or worse, be looking for him because of Draco, Harry ducked into the forest and made his way silently to the Quidditch pitch and into the castle from there. He walked quickly to the library, and started to search.
It didn't take long for him to find a book on Veela in the 'Magical Creatures' section.
Part-Veela quickly become attached to their mates, usually found before the mating season the year they are sixteen. In some cases they do not find their mate in time, and spend the entire mating season looking. If they do not find their mate by the end of the season, they die in despair, believing that they did not find their mate because the mate didn't want them. Luckily these cases are rare, and usually occur when the Parents of the Part-Veela keep their child indoors, denying them time to go and search. The mate is always someone compatible with the part-veela, even if the mate doesn't realize this at first.
The first month of the mating season is the most intense, with the part-veela needing constant contact, of varying degrees of intimacy, throughout the weeks. During the last two months, the need is less intense, and the part-veela will be alright for long periods of time alone. For the rest of the year the part-veela only stays close to their mate to protect him or her. This over protectiveness can get irritating, but if the mate orders the part-veela to go away, the part-veela has to obey.
Harry stopped reading at this point. It appeared that everything Remus, and Draco himself, had told him was true. He sat quietly, thinking things over. There was no one in the Library but himself and Madam Pince, who was asleep and snoring softly. He had just decided to return to the rooms and apologise to Draco, as well as asking him not to do it again if he could help it, when Dumbledore poked his head around the library door.
"Sir?" Harry asked. Dumbledore immediately looked at him and beckoned. Harry made his way to the door, and the headmaster immediately started walking to the infirmary, making Harry jog to keep up.
"Hagrid said that you had gone to the Library."
"I had to see if what Remus had told me was true."
"And was it?"
"Yes. I'm sorry for punching Draco. I didn't understand."
"I'm afraid you will have to."
"I do now, but I don't like it. Is there any way to keep him from kissing me again? I'm not gay, hugging is about all I can cope with."
"I expect hugging will be all that is needed for the next few days, but Draco may well have to kiss you again. I'm sorry, but please don't hurt him or run again. Just let him, until he is able to pull away. I'm sure he would be just as shocked as you were, if he could be. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Here we are. Go to him, before Poppy has both our heads."
Harry walked to Draco's bed, taking in the white face, the closed eyes and the mussed hair. He noticed the blood on the sheets and Draco's shirt, and winced. Draco's hand was cold, and he held it between his own, rubbing gently, trying to warm it.
"Ah, here you are at last," Madam Pomfrey said reprovingly, bustling out to see who the visitors were.
"Now, now, Poppy. We'd better leave them alone. Come on, we can talk in your back room, and have some coffee while we're at it."
"Very well, Albus. Now Harry, be gentle with him."
"I will be."
The two older wizards left them alone. After a few minutes, Draco began to stir, as if he was waking up from a long sleep. He sleepily opened his eyes and blinked a lot before he focused on Harry. As soon as he realized who the figure at his bedside was, his face lit up in a beaming smile. Then, as consciousness fully returned, the happy expression turned into horror. The part-veela sat up sharply, making himself dizzy. Once the room stopped spinning, the scared Slytherin began to babble his explanation.
"I'm sorry; I was so cold, and it hurt. I'm sorry, it was the only thing that would make the cold go away. I'm so sorry, can you ever forgive me?" he asked desperately.
"It's ok, it wasn't your fault. I realize that now. I shouldn't have hit you. Just don't kiss me again, ok?"
"I promise."
"Will you be ok now?"
"Yes. Um…" Draco looked at Harry shyly, a childlike air about him. "Can I have a hug? I promise I won't kiss you."
"Ok." Harry opened his arms and Draco leaned into him with a sigh of pure relief and contentment. It was odd, Harry pondered, that having Draco in his arms did feel so right. Maybe there was something in this suitability junk after all…
And just in case you skipped the bit at the top, has anyone read a story in which Harry and Draco are together, but Harry is having trouble accepting it? Sirius is still around, Draco has been cutting himself, and Harry tries it when he gets drunk. They cannot sleep when they are apart. And they do Pagan stuff for Halloween? Cos I read it in America, and now I'm in England, I want to read it again; it wasn't finished, and I can't for the life of me remember who it was by or what it was called. Someone help me!!!