Disclaimer and warning at the beginning of first chapter.

The Tower:

Dumbledore had instructed Draco to take Harry back to the Gryffindor Tower as soon as Harry had gotten control over his magic again, after seeing that Harry was clinging to the Veela as if he was his anchor. Harry had ignored Dumbledore, but hadn't protested at the instruction, knowing that Draco would protect him and look after him.

Draco had agreed immediately, secretly thrilled at the way that Harry was clinging to him, even if his face retained the usual cold, emotionless mask. He loved the feel of the other boy in his arms, held close to his own body. He loved the feeling of strength which overcome him with the need to protect his mate from anything and everything.

Harry had not allowed Dumbledore to explain his actions and had refused to talk to the old man. Dumbledore's normally bright blue eyes had looked dull as they had watched the two boys walk out of the stunned Hall, not that Draco had cared. He had always considered the old fool to be manipulative, mainly due to the image of the senile old Headmaster which he presented to the world. Dumbledore was as slippery as a Slytherin.

Draco led Harry down the corridor leading to his Tower. He knew Harry needed time to think and the Tower was the perfect place. The privacy charm that Draco had placed around the tower to keep people out, kept even Dumbledore out - much to his amusement. He could comfort Harry in peace without the interference of Granger, Weasley, Black, Lupin, and especially the old meddlesome fool - Dumbledore. He refused to acknowledge the fact that having Harry close to him would calm his boiling Veela blood, which he was fighting to control, before he marched over to the Headmaster and did something he may live to regret.

As Draco led Harry to his Tower he noticed that Harry didn't seem to mind the direction that they were taking. However, Draco suspected that this might be because Harry didn't know where they were. His huge green eyes had been fixed on Draco's face since they had left the Hall - as if to reassure himself that Draco was really there, holding him. Draco found it strangely endearing, although he was alarmed at the childlike manner in which his mate was behaving.

When they arrived at the Tower, Draco guided Harry through the living room to a discrete door that almost blended in with the wall. The door led to a small staircase that was barely lit. Draco helped Harry climb the stairs, his arms still wrapped tightly around the dark haired Gryffindor. They passed another landing and continued to the next floor.

Once at the top of the staircase, Draco opened a door to reveal a beautiful room. The wallpaper was a soft mint green. The border was decorated with silver snakes, which seemed to slither in the light from the small fire, which had already been lit in preparation for Draco by the house elves.

A huge four-poster bed was the centrepiece of the room. The mahogany wood gleamed; the serpent carvings on the posts were delicate and beautiful. The drapes were a soft silver silk, tied back to reveal emerald green silk sheets and covered pillows. Harry pulled away from Draco and moved towards it. He lightly ran a hand down the silk sheets, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Perhaps it would make you feel better if you took a bath" Draco suggested gently, worried about the submissive way Harry was acting and not wanting Harry to assume that Draco had brought him here to bond. He had no intention of forcing Harry when he had no idea what was really happening to him. He wanted their bonding to be the most emotional and perfect moment of Harry's life. He didn't want Harry to regret it, and Draco knew that Harry would, if they consummated their relationship while he wasn't fully aware of anything.

Harry nodded and allowed himself to be propelled to a door on the opposite side of the room. Inside was an elegant bathroom; it was created from white marble, the fixings a gleaming silver. The bath was built into the floor and was large enough for Harry to swim around in. There was a separate shower, toilet and washbasin as well. Candles suspended in air lit the room, creating a warm glow which made Harry smile wanly. The candles created a very romantic atmosphere.

Draco turned the taps on and the bath was soon filled with vanilla scented water, a smell which Draco loved. Harry was still standing near the doorway, with a half dreamy expression on his face as he inhaled the scent.

With a smile, Draco moved forward. He hesitated, unsure of whether to undress the docile boy, but on receiving no reaction he began to undo Harry's school robe to reveal a pair of tight fitted black trousers and a plain white shirt, which emphasised the lithe body underneath. Draco had to fight back a moan which threatened to slip past his slightly parted lips at the sight. Harry was beautiful.

He was surprised that Harry didn't protest. He just stood there, allowing himself to be undressed, his huge green eyes fixed intently on the top of Draco's head. Draco felt a surge of love when he realised that Harry trusted him utterly and completely, and didn't appear to show any fear that Draco would force him to do something he wouldn't want to do.

The robe slipped to Harry's feet in a pool of black cloth and Draco carefully lifted his hands and slowly began undoing the buttons on his shirt. His fingers lightly caressed the tanned skin of Harry's chest for a moment before he slid his hands to his shoulders, sliding the material off Harry's body in one fluid motion.

Draco's breath hitched slightly as he stared at Harry's half naked body. The nipple ring gleamed in the dim light, tempting him and he barely restrained himself from touching it. Instead, he lowered his slightly trembling hands down to Harry's waist.

Draco slowly undid the button and zip which fastened Harry's trousers before sliding his hands to the other boy's hips. He slid the trousers over the tiny waist, all the while marvelling at how slim Harry was, so that they fell to the floor.

Harry kicked off his shoes and trousers and pulled off his socks. He stood up, a blush rising to his cheeks as Draco's smouldering eyes travelled around his body, lingering on his nipple ring and the tight fitting black silk boxers which he was still wearing. They had been a gift from Hermione, for his sixteenth birthday.

"I can... I'm okay now. I can finish the rest myself" Harry muttered, clearly embarrassed.

"I'll leave you then" whispered Draco, his voice strangely husky as he gave Harry one last lustful look before leaving the room to give Harry his privacy. It was clear that he had had to gather all of his self-control to be able to leave his mate alone, untouched, in such a state.

Harry stripped completely and lowered himself into the bath, sighing in satisfaction as the magically heated water soaked and relaxed his tense muscles. He found a bottle of shampoo and carefully washed his hair. He closed his eyes, feeling relaxed. It felt nice to be cared for by the Veela.

He opened them again when he heard the door opening and saw Draco picking up his clothes. He smiled at Harry and gestured to the towels and the black silk pyjamas which he had set out for Harry to use. Harry smiled gratefully, pleased that he wouldn't be forced to wear his robes again. Just the thought of wearing them made his blood boil in anger with the need to go to Dumbledore and yell at him once again.

"Thank you."

"Don't stay in too long - Dobby brought up some lunch for us to eat. You haven't eaten since breakfast" Draco murmured gently.

Harry nodded and watched as Draco disappeared again.

Draco had been so gentle with him, which was out of character, and just for him, Harry. He had been there for him, holding him, whispering to him, calming him completely. He had never been so furious in his life, he realised with a sinking heart, remembering Dumbledore's sad face.

Everything he had ever known about himself had been taken away. He had believed in his mother's love, only to have his belief shattered with the discovery of being the Heir of Gryffindor. That had hurt; he had to admit, but the thing which had hurt Harry the most was the fact that Dumbledore had sent him towards danger without telling him the truth.

He could have died never knowing anything about his own family, except the little Sirius and Remus had been able to tell him from their days at Hogwarts. He knew very little about his mother, due to Petunia's hatred towards her sister, and the fact that his father had come from the Gryffindor bloodline had stunned Harry completely.

His attention wandered back to Draco. Draco had been so gentle, managing to control himself while he nearly stripped his mate completely naked. He had liked being so close to Draco, he had to admit. He had felt loved when those gentle hands had caressed him, almost as if Draco had believed that he could break like glass if he was handled too roughly.

He realised that he needed Draco. Draco would always be there for him, no matter what. Draco was stability and he truly cared about him. Oh, he knew that Sirius, Remus, Ron and Hermione loved him, but he needed the love of a lover, not of a friend or fatherly figure.

Harry rinsed off the soap and climbed out. He dried himself and dressed in the pyjamas - revelling in the feel of silk against his damp skin. He hastily dried his hair and stepped out of the room back into the bedroom.

Draco was lounging on the bed when Harry reappeared. His eyes instantly fixed on Harry's slender form. Harry's eyes roamed around the room, noticing a beautiful dressing table, large wardrobe and a large window over looking the Quidditch pitch which he had not noticed on first entering the room.

"It's a lovely room" Harry admitted, breaking the silence.

"Thank you. There's a brush on the dressing table which you can use to brush your hair" Draco replied calmly.

Harry made his way over to the dressing table where a silver backed brush and comb set was laid out neatly. He picked up the large silver brush and sat down on the stool. He began brushing his hair automatically, studying his reflection in the mirror carefully.

"You're very beautiful" Draco said truthfully, meeting Harry's eyes through the reflection.

Draco watched as the green eyes lowered, hiding the thoughts within them as a blush rose and spread across Harry's cheeks. He was telling the truth. Harry was beautiful - beautiful, pure, and unique. The greatest attraction to Harry though was the fact that he was Draco's, and only Draco's.

Harry finished brushing his hair and moved over to the bed. There was a tray similar to the one Draco had given him that morning in bed. It was filled with bowls of vegetables, a plate of meat, two goblets of pumpkin juice and a large strawberry cheesecake. It seemed that Dobby still knew which were his favourite foods, Harry thought with a smile.

Harry sat down next to the Veela, careful not to knock the tray over. He picked up a roast potato and popped it into his mouth, savouring the taste with delight. Draco eyed him in amusement, glad that Harry had escaped from his earlier submissive behaviour.

"Hungry" he teased with a grin.

"Yeah" Harry smiled easily.

Draco handed him a fork and together they finished the meal. Draco found himself hypnotized by the way Harry ate. It was careful, but as if Harry truly loved the simple task of eating. He wondered idly how Harry never got fat with the amount of food he appeared to eat.

"Dobby always gives me my favourite foods" Harry grinned.

"So I gathered. As soon as I called him and told him to prepare a meal for us, he said that he knew exactly what you'd like. He used to work for my father, at the Manor, if I remember correctly."

"Yeah. I freed him in my second year" Harry grinned at the memory.

"I hated you for that. Dobby was my favourite house elf" Draco mourned, wanting to cheer the other boy up.

Harry laughed.

"Have you calmed down properly now"

"Yes. I don't know what happened" Harry confessed.

Draco frowned.

"You lost control and your anger made your magic react to your feelings. I suppose it also had something to do with the Gryffindor powers coming into play as well. After all, you always seemed more powerful when angry or emotional. I think your power is probably connected with your emotions" he said thoughtfully.

"I lost it! I yelled at Dumbledore! Hell, I spat at Dumbledore" moaned Harry.

"He'll get over it. Personally, I think you were right. He shouldn't have kept it a secret from you. You'd be better off letting him explain everything and then deciding from there. I think he truly cares for you Harry, even if he does have a funny way of showing it. Deep down, you know that you're special to him."

"Maybe. I think I need some time to cool down first" Harry said with a wry smile.

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you like" said Draco softly, not wanting the boy to leave but also not wanting to pressure Harry into staying at the Tower if he didn't want to.

"I'd like that" Harry confessed truthfully, another blush starting to cover his face.

And Harry did want that. He felt safe in the Tower, knowing that Draco would protect him if the need arose. Harry wanted to be protected more than anything else. He wanted to feel safe and loved, something he had never experienced.

At the Dursley's house he had been regarded with resentment. He was something that they had to care for, due to their fear of the wizarding community, but they hated him. He represented everything they hated, and they feared him.

At Hogwarts Harry may have found a home and family, but he was not safe. He was expected to save the wizarding world constantly, risking his own life for the greater good. It was hard, sometimes, to know that you were liked because you were a hero, the saviour.

Harry just wanted to be loved for who he was – Harry.

It was later that day when they heard a knock at the portrait. After finishing their meal, they had curled up on the bed, talking quietly about their years at Hogwarts, their friends, their houses, homework and even the teachers they most liked and hated.

Draco had been careful to avoid any sensitive subjects, knowing that Harry wasn't emotionally able to have a heart to heart or to talk about their strange relationship, at least just yet. He was just glad to be able to spend some time, in private, getting to know his mate.

Harry had calmed down completely and had even moved closer to Draco, placing his head under Draco's chin, which had made Draco inwardly smile. They were arguing about whether Snape was a horrible teacher when they heard Merlin shout from his portrait.

"There's a mad man and his mutt down here wanting to get in"

Harry had simply grinned wildly, burying his face in Draco's shoulder to muffle his laughter.

"Do you want them to come in" Draco asked softly, not wanting to do anything Harry may not want. He knew that Harry was close to his godfather and Remus Lupin but he may not want to confront them at the moment.

"Yes. Tell Merlin to let them come in."

"LET THEM IN" Draco yelled, careful not to yell in Harry's ear.

Several minutes later, a flustered Remus Lupin and Sirius Black appeared at the doorway to the bedroom. Remus smiled at them, although he looked amused at seeing Harry curled up in Draco's arms. Sirius just smiled sadly at Harry, moving to sit down on the bed.

"I guess you heard about my fit in the Great Hall" asked Harry quietly.

"Yes" Sirius said carefully.

"I lost it" Harry shrugged.

"I think Albus was actually gobsmacked" Remus added with a smile, his golden eyes twinkling with suppressed mischief.

Harry laughed loudly.

"Good. The old fool deserves to be knocked off his pedestal for a few days" drawled Draco.

"You didn't know about my dad either, did you" guessed Harry.

"No" said Remus.

Sirius simply shook his head. The article had been a genuine shock to the animagus and the werewolf, and they whole heatedly agreed that Harry had the right to react the way he had. Albus needed to know that Harry was no longer a child, no matter how much Sirius and Remus hated to say it. They wanted nothing more than to protect Harry but it was unavoidable.

"I don't know what got into me. I think it was the fact that everyone knew more about my family than I did. I know you tell me about my mum and dad as much as you can but it's just not the same. I mean, Dumbledore knew why Voldemort wants to kill me and he never said. That's what hurts the most, the fact that I trusted him, and he betrayed me."

"You have every right to be as angry as you want with Albus. I think he realises that, but he does have an explanation, Harry. I think you should at least talk to him" Sirius said gently, reaching out and stroking Harry's cheek tenderly.

"I know. I just want to stay here for a bit. Draco told me that he couldn't get in without him letting him in, and I feel...I don't know...I guess I feel safer" Harry confessed.

"Then stay here. I have to admit, from what Ron told me, he's done an excellent job of calming you down" teased Sirius with a suggestive wink.

Remus hit him around the head.

"Sirius"

"Ahhh! Moony, get off me. Harry knows I'm only joking" complained Sirius.

"Then stay out of your godson's love life" snapped Remus, clearly embarrassed. Remus knew that he Veela and their mate had to have a sexual relationship in order to bond, but he did not want to know any details. Harry was like a son to him.

"I think I deserve to know if my godson has bonded with a Veela, Moony" argued Sirius.

"We haven't done anything" added Harry hastily, seeing how Remus was about to launch into a lecture.

All eyes switched to him and Harry blushed crimson, avoiding Sirius' eyes.

"Harry was in no fit state to bond, and I certainly would never have taken advantage of him when he was barely able to think" Draco said in a moment of honesty. He didn't want Sirius to disapprove of their relationship any more than he already did. Harry would do anything for him, and Draco knew without a doubt that if Sirius requested him to stop seeing the Veela then he would.

Harry looked at him, tilting his head to study the blond Slytherin. Their eyes connected and Harry felt the same magnetic pull towards the other boy. He could feel his resistance begin to weaken, but couldn't pull away.

"I believe you" Sirius said, noticing the look.

Harry blinked, the connection breaking. Draco fought back a curse, knowing that Harry had been susceptible to his persuasion, and the more Harry gave in now then the sooner they would bond.

"Good. I suppose Weasel and Granger are panicking that I abducted their little hero" Draco asked, clearly amused at the thought, hiding his anger at having the connection broken.

Harry elbowed him in the ribs and Draco winced at the contact. Harry had surprisingly bony elbows.

"It's Weasley or Ron; make a decision and stick with it" he ordered.

With a sigh, Draco reluctantly nodded, much to Sirius and Remus' amusement, knowing that Ron Weasley was a constant in Harry's life and probably always would be. Sirius winked at Harry, pleased to see Harry not submitting to the Veela's dominance, something he had been secretly worrying over. Draco scowled.

"And don't think that I'll allow you to visit often, Black" he added, even though he knew that he would never turn the man and his friend away; they were an important part of Harry's life after all, and by isolating them he would force Harry away from him.

"I've only come to make sure Harry is okay. He's like a son to me and Moony" Sirius shrugged, but there was a glimpse of defiance in his blue eyes.

"Thanks Sirius" Harry said softly, reaching out a hand to touch the man's arm.

Sirius instantly took it in his own, smiling at the boy that was the only living reminder to his deceased best friend. Harry looked so much like James that it sometimes hurt to look at him, but Sirius knew that as long as Harry lived so would James – James lived through his son.

"You mean everything to Moony and me. Doesn't he, Remus" Sirius smiled, feeling suddenly emotional.

"'Of course he does. He's the only member of the new generation of Marauders" Remus grinned.

"The last of the Marauders" Sirius groaned in despair.

"Unless we have children" Draco added with a smirk.

Harry flushed at the Veela's comment. He wanted children, yes, but not now. They were in the middle of a war. That was one of the reasons why Harry was adamant on withholding the bonding – he knew that once they bonded there was a chance of conception every time they consummated their relationship, and he would not be able to fight Voldemort while worrying over a defenceless child.

"I forgot that male Veela couples could have children" Remus said with a smile.

"You want kids" asked Sirius in surprise, staring at the Veela.

"Yes, but if Harry does not want them then it would not bother me, but I really need an heir for the Malfoy estate" Draco shrugged, trying to hide the wistfulness in his voice. Malfoys were not supposed to show emotion, after all.

"Of course, Lucius Malfoy would want a grandchild. Have you heard anything from your father yet" asked Remus, clearly curious.

"Not yet. However, I think he will be in for a big surprise when he reads that article. He'll probably visit soon. He knows that he can do nothing to stop our relationship, and contrary to popular belief, my father does not torture me during the school holidays. Even he cannot stop a Veela from wanting their mate, even if the match is nearly impossible to believe, as in this case."

"He will tell Voldemort" Sirius added, worried about his godson. He may trust Draco not to harm Harry but Lucius Malfoy was different. Lucius was not tied to Harry and had tried to kill him in the past, through the Chamber of Secrets and at the Death Eater reunion during the final task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

"Voldemort will already know by now, as I'm betting he gets the Daily Prophet so that he can see what's going on in the Wizarding world" Harry said with a shrug.

"I suppose you're right. After all, he can't want you dead any more than he already does" mused Sirius.

"That was so comforting, Sirius" said Remus in frustration, rolling his eyes.

Harry laughed at their antics.

"He's right though - and in some strange way, it actually made me feel better" Harry gasped between laughs.

"Well, he won't touch you" Draco said with a shrug, a trace of the usual arrogance tingeing his voice.

All eyes moved to Draco, obviously waiting for an explanation, and the Veela sighed exaggeratedly, but he was unable to deny Harry anything. He knew that Harry was oblivious to the Wizarding World society, especially the pure blooded members.

"My family is an important family in the wizarding world. Our bloodline is one of the most reliable and powerful ones throughout the world. I hardly doubt that Voldemort would destroy it because of a feud with Harry Potter, whom, might I just add, has done nothing to provoke him. I mean, he'll want us to continue the Malfoy line before he tries anything. Even if anything happens to Harry, which it won't, I will never have another partner. I'll remain childless, and my father doesn't want that. I think that at the moment we are relatively safe from attack" Draco explained.

"You are right" Remus said thoughtfully.

Harry couldn't help but be feel relieved. Until he and Draco had a child, his life would be relatively normal compared to what he had lived so far. It felt good to be able to relax – he knew that Draco would protect him from his father and Voldemort.

After Sirius and Remus had left, having promised that they would visit again as soon as they could, Harry had waited in the bed for Draco to return from the bathroom. He was a little nervous, hoping that Draco wouldn't require them being intimate. Harry wasn't ready to do anything sexual with the Veela.

While he was wondering whether he should approach the topic with Draco, the object of his thoughts reappeared wearing silver silk pyjamas. Harry decided not to talk about it, and instead, waited for Draco to make the first move.

The Veela merely slid into the bed, and there had been silence for a while before Harry dared to move closer to the other boy. He slipped his arms around Draco's waist, pressing his body as close to Draco's as he could. He wanted comfort.

Draco had carefully slid his arms around Harry, pulling him even closer, his breath lightly brushing Harry's cheek. Harry relaxed even more, knowing that Draco wouldn't pressure him.

"Goodnight" Harry murmured.

"Goodnight, Harry" Draco replied.

Harry soon fell asleep, dreams of Voldemort the farthest from his mind. He hadn't even realised that he hadn't had a vision ever since he had been told the news of him being Draco's mate, but if he had, he'd have wondered why. At the moment he was just pleased to be able to have peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.

The next morning they were awoken by a repetitive banging noise. Harry mumbled his protest, snuggling closer to the blond Slytherin for warmth and comfort. He didn't want to move at the moment – feeling perfectly content to stay where he was.

Draco, who was thrilled to realise that his mate was actually beside him and it wasn't a dream, smiled sleepily and opened his eyes. When he saw his father's falcon, Eradicator, pecking at the closed window, he sighed.

It seemed that his father had heard the news, and Draco was wary of his reaction. He loved his father, the man had been his idol when he was younger, but he wouldn't - couldn't - give up his mate. Harry meant too much to him.

He slipped out of the bed, carefully detangling himself from the still slumbering Harry before opening the window and accepting the letter off the haughty bird that promptly gave him a glare and flew off, presumably back to the Manor.

Draco had never liked the bird. It only liked Lucius, and with a name which was a synonym of murderer, Draco believed he had good reason to distrust the bird. It may be a beautiful creation, but it had a vile temperament.

He eyed the letter warily and turned back to the bed to see Harry sitting up, hair the usual tousled mess, green eyes slowly taking in the scene, even if it was a little hazy due to the fact that he'd taken out his contacts the night before. His green eyes narrowed in apprehension when they fell to the letter in Draco's hand, clearly realising who it was probably from.

"Who's it from" asked Harry, even though he had already guessed.

"My father."

Draco climbed back onto the bed and carefully undid the sealed envelope. He took a deep breath and began to read out loud:

"Dear Draco,

Your mother and I were immensely surprised, to say the least, when we read the article about your chosen mate. At first, I believed that it was one of those false rumours that that meddlesome old witch had created to gain a larger audience. However, I have received no letter from you denying the rumours and therefore have come to the conclusion that the article is based on actual fact.

Although I was shocked at first, I am relatively pleased to see that you have chosen an independent, relatively pureblood mate. Your mother was overjoyed at the news and sends her best wishes to both you and Harry.

She left the dining room muttering about baby clothes and nurseries so be prepared for letters filled with absolute rubbish sometime in the near future… She is positive that you will have a beautiful baby girl whom she can talk to about lipstick and other such nonsense.

We have already sent a letter to Dumbledore requesting your permission to attend a dance which your mother is arranging in honour of your Inheritance, and now, as your mother put it, your future with your mate.

I hope that you are having no problems so far, but try not to kill your mate. As you know, nothing anyone can do can change your decision and I hope you have learnt to accept it.

I am pleased to add that Voldemort actually found the situation hilarious when he read it. I don't know whether that is a bad thing or a good thing but I thought that I should inform you. I'd rather be optimistic than pessimistic.

Congratulations, Draco. I hope to see you soon. Your mother will send you the details about the dance within the next few days.

Your Father."

"Well, that was friendly" remarked Harry in astonishment, having thought that the letter would contain threats, even if Draco had declared that Lucius cared for him earlier.

Draco leaned over and kissed his forehead in a gesture of affection, clearly amused. He knew that Harry would be shocked at discovering that Lucius Malfoy was actually a human being, and he hoped that the two would put aside their differences and establish a relationship. He didn't want to lose his father, or choose between them, but if forced to Harry would win.

"Just wait until we get owls after owls of baby things from my mother" he laughed, not bothering to hide his emotions when he was alone with his mate.

Draco was pleased that his father had accepted the relationship. He hadn't wanted to lose his family over something he couldn't control. Even if they were cold hearted people to the public, they doted on him in private, one of the reasons why Draco was spoilt – not that he'd admit it out loud.

"She must want a grandchild very much" Harry murmured.

"She always wanted lots of children, but sadly, she was never able to get pregnant after me" Draco confessed.

"I don't mind, you know. It's just I don't want to...bond just yet. I'm not ready. I do like you though, and I've accepted it" Harry said suddenly.

"I'm not forcing you to bond with me, Harry. We're sixteen years old. We have the rest of our lives to be together and have children. Ignore my mother... I'll talk to her, and tell her that we're not bonded yet."

"NO" Harry said quickly.

Draco eyed him in confusion, not understanding why his mate wanted him to lie about the situation.

Harry blushed.

"I'll be okay with it. I do want children" Harry confessed, explaining his feelings.

"Really?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. I've always wanted a large family" Harry blushed furiously, avoiding Draco's eyes.

"Really" Draco repeated, voice slowing to a drawl. He was imagining the Manor filled with several green eyed, blonde haired children… His and Harry's children. The thought made Draco want to scream with triumph. His mate had accepted the situation and wanted to mate with him, even if he wasn't ready to bond just yet.

"Yes. I always wanted a brother or sister" Harry said softly, thinking back to his lonely childhood.

"Then we'll have a large family" Draco said simply, a sparkle in his eyes.

"I think you're just thinking about the conception" Harry couldn't help but laugh, a blush covering his cheeks at the thought.

Draco smirked wickedly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Of course I am. I can't wait to have you in my arms, completely willing to bond with me" Draco confessed, deciding to be brutally honest.

"I will - bond with you I mean."

"I know."

Draco lightly gripped his hand and pulled him into his arms. Harry sighed and relaxed into the embrace, liking the way Draco's fingers stroked his back in a soothing motion. Suddenly, Draco sat up looking at Harry with a glint of chagrin in his eyes.

"I just realised! Mother will be informing my grandmother - and she's even worse! We will soon be hounded by letters concerning baby clothes and colours for the nursery" Draco groaned. He didn't want his family to scare Harry away with their delight at the prospect of an heir.

Harry couldn't help it, he laughed. Lifting tear filled green eyes to the Veela's, he smiled lopsidedly, unaware of the way Draco's heart clenched at the sight.

"I don't mind."

Harry meant it. Draco obviously cared for his family, but Harry was secure with the knowledge that the Veela would chose him. He knew how important family was, however, due to never having one of his own, and he didn't want to separate Draco from his. He could put up with the Malfoys unless they gave him further reason to distrust them.

End of chapter8

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