Disclaimer and warning at the beginning of first chapter.
Dumbledore Explains:
It was the next day when Dumbledore sent an owl requesting Harry to visit his office. Harry had been expecting the other man to contact him, as he knew that Dumbledore would want to explain everything to him to try to earn Harry's forgiveness.
Harry read it out loud, showing to Draco that he trusted him. Draco had read a private letter from his father to him and Harry wanted to return the gesture. He could tell by the look in Draco's eyes that he was pleased.
"Harry,
I know that at the moment you are angry with me, and I apologise profusely for hurting you. If you come to my office this afternoon, all will be explained to you.
Professor Dumbledore."
Harry had sat on the bed in silence since then, thinking deeply. He did want to give the old wizard a chance to explain his actions, mainly due to the fact that he wanted to forgive the other man. He wanted Dumbledore to apologise and continue acting as he had been, but Harry didn't want the lies. He wanted the truth, however harsh and unbelievable it was.
Draco was anxious to understand what Harry wanted to do, but he kept up his mask. He didn't want to influence Harry's decision by showing how much he disliked the meddling old coot. Harry genuinely cared for Dumbledore, and Draco understood why. If he hadn't been taught the ways of manipulation, he doubted he'd even notice how manipulative Dumbledore was. Most students, except Slytherins, never noticed, and the wizarding world in general adored the Headmaster.
In the end, Harry did ask Draco for his opinion, and Draco, upon staring into his mate's confused green eyes, couldn't bring himself to be completely honest. Instead, he managed to tell the truth while minimizing Draco's own feelings on the matter.
"It's up to you Harry. You know I don't like him, but I think that you should at least see what his explanation is. I'll even go with you if you want" offered Draco.
Harry smiled, green eyes glowing. He appreciated Draco's behaviour, knowing that the other boy was biased in his opinion towards the Headmaster. Draco Malfoy may have gone to Dumbledore to ask for help in breaking the Veela situation to Harry, but he didn't trust the other man. He wouldn't be Lucius Malfoy's son if he did.
"I'd appreciate that."
Harry hesitated before reaching up and lightly brushing his lips over Draco's in a soft, brief kiss. He pulled back to meet dazed silver eyes before he hastily left the bedroom, making his way down to the living room, embarrassed at his own actions.
Draco sighed in relief. It was late afternoon and it had taken Harry all day to decide whether or not to go. He knew that Harry would never forgive himself if he didn't go, and that he needed to understand why Dumbledore had acted the way he had.
"He makes it so hard for me and yet he's completely oblivious to it" Draco sighed out loud before making his way to follow Harry, a hand lightly tracing his lips where Harry had kissed him, his skin still tingling. But Draco knew that being with Harry was worth the torment. It was worth everything.
They soon arrived at Dumbledore's office and Harry hesitated before saying the password to the gargoyle. It was obvious that Harry wanted to bolt back to the Tower, and although Draco would like nothing better than to remain at the Tower with Harry alone for all eternity, he knew that they couldn't. Harry's own self-sacrificing Gryffindor blood wouldn't allow it.
"Chocolate frogs" Harry said quietly.
After they climbed the stairs, they waited outside the door for a moment before Draco reached out from behind Harry and knocked loudly. Harry rolled his eyes. However much Draco had changed, he was still the arrogant, haughty heir of the Malfoy fortune when in public.
"Come in" called a voice.
Draco opened the door and calmly held it open so that his mate could pass. Harry eyed the Veela in amusement before stepping into the room. Harry sighed, already regretting his decision to come. He regretted it even more when he realised that the room was filled with people, many of whom Harry had never met before, and they all turned instantly and stared at them.
"Harry, Draco, please come and sit down" said Dumbledore immediately, gesturing to two spare seats, standing up to greet the two boys. His blue eyes were strangely serious, and the expression was disturbing on the usually jovial face.
Harry scowled at his tone, believing it to be patronising, and moved to sit down. Before he could even touch the seat, he was swung up into a pair of strong arms and settled onto a soft lap, a pair of silver eyes watching him with a mischievous smirk.
"Draco" Harry gasped, shocked by the action.
"May I ask why you are so indignant? I am well within my rights as a Veela to touch you in public and I have no intention of spending the next few hours bored senseless, listening to Dumbledore make his pathetic excuses when I could be amusing myself with holding you."
Harry's mouth opened, as if to protest, but no sound came out. He blinked. Draco had made a valid point, and Harry owed him for offering his support. He could have influenced Harry into declining Dumbledore's invitation, but he had remained neutral, not allowing personal dislike to affect his opinion.
Dumbledore coughed, silently amused by the Veela's behaviour, but he knew exactly why Draco had done it. It was a sign of possession. The Veela was showing the room that Harry was now his mate, and that Harry was beginning to accept his position. Draco was also telling them that they needed to respect Harry for what he was to become – a Malfoy.
Draco sent the usual Malfoy superior smirk in the Headmaster's direction, knowing that he had understood the implicit message, and Harry couldn't help it - he laughed. He found Draco's arrogant attitude amusing rather than offensive.
"You're such a snob" he told Draco in between his snorts of laughter.
"You should thank Merlin that you are my mate and I am unable to hurt you, otherwise you would have suffered a rather painful death by now for that remark" Draco drawled, slipping his arms subtly around Harry's slender frame so that the Gryffindor was skilfully trapped.
"And you're just lucky that I don't feel like yelling sexual harassment" Harry smirked right back.
"You wouldn't do that" said Draco confidently.
"Why not"
"Because then my dear old mother would blame it all on extra hormones" Draco smirked, eyes alight with what Harry recognised as humour.
Harry flushed, understanding what Draco meant. As much as he wanted children, he was not ready to bond, never mind the extra stress of a pregnancy and child. The time was not right. It was too dangerous.
"Hormones" asked a voice.
Startled, Harry turned his head to stare straight into Sirius' pale blue eyes. Harry wriggled to escape the arms holding him, to no avail. Acknowledging the fact that he couldn't greet his godfather properly, Harry sighed and reluctantly relaxed against the Veela.
"His mother seems to want grandchildren" Harry said with a shrug, successfully fighting back the threatening blush.
Sirius grinned, knowing that Harry wanted a family. He made a mental note to have a word with Draco about Harry's age – Harry was too young for children, at least at the moment. Harry was too young for any sort of commitment, no matter how mature he was for his age.
"I want a great-godson as well" Sirius whined, not showing his silent thoughts.
Remus sharply elbowed him in the ribs, golden eyes glowing with annoyance. Sirius rolled his eyes, used to the werewolf's behaviour by now. Remus was well known to be a prude and old fashioned regarding sexual relationships, no doubt due to his lack of experience. Sirius inwardly smiled.
"Moony" he complained.
"Stop behaving like an idiot" commanded Remus, shooting his friend a withering stare.
"But I want a baby" whined Sirius.
"I somehow doubt you will find anyone to procreate with you" sneered Snape from across the room.
"Why should I, when it's far easier to let Draco get Harry pregnant? Besides, Harry has to have a baby so that we can have a baby Prongs" Sirius protested calmly, knowing by Remus' face that he wouldn't get away with the usual remarks he spouted when around Snape.
"Sirius, as much as I appreciate your support in me getting your godson pregnant, I think it would be best that Dumbledore says what he has to say and then both Harry and I can leave" Draco put in, noticing Harry's embarrassment.
"Thank you, Draco" smiled Dumbledore.
"Don't smile at me - you remind me of my Grandfather" Draco frowned.
"Samuel Malfoy was a very intelligent man" Dumbledore smiled again.
"He was a nice man for a Death Eater - get on with it" snapped Draco impatiently.
Harry freed an arm and hit his head, causing several people in the room to laugh. Draco simply smirked and Harry could tell instantly that he was going to come up with something to make him blush. It seemed that the Veela liked nothing better than finding ways to make him redden. He was right.
"I never thought you'd like it rough, Harry" he sneered.
"Draco" Harry hissed, eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Fine, I will allow you to continue your little heart to heart" Draco gave in with a sigh.
"I can't believe it! He's got you wrapped around his little finger" grinned Sirius, slightly shocked but not as much as the other people in the room, having witnessed Draco in private.
He promptly shut up when Remus glared at him. Sirius lowered his lashes, staring at the werewolf with mock apologetic blue eyes. Remus merely huffed, crossing his arms over his chest, mouth twitching with suppressed amusement.
"We match then, don't we" Draco smirked.
Sirius pulled a face, not denying the fact. Anyone who knew the ex-convict knew that Remus was able to get him to do just about anything. Sirius hated upsetting the werewolf, and was fiercely protective of the only other surviving member of the Marauders – he didn't count Pettigrew, who had killed his best friend.
"I brought you here to discuss something, which I should have told you earlier Harry. This, and all of the people here, is the Order of the Phoenix" Dumbledore explained.
"The Order of the Phoenix? Isn't that the Order that works against Voldemort" asked Draco with a frown, interested despite himself.
"And how does he know that" asked Mad Eyed Moody sharply, his magical eye fixed intently on Draco.
"My father is a Malfoy. We know everything" Draco shrugged carelessly, his posture indicating that he wasn't about to allow himself to be unnerved by the auror.
"You are correct. The Order of the Phoenix was set up the last time Voldemort came to power" Dumbledore said calmly.
"But why are you telling me this" Harry asked, a touch of annoyance in his voice. He wanted to know why Dumbledore had not told him the truth, not a lecture on the history of Voldemort's first reign.
"Your father was a member of the Order, Harry. It was for his safety that he joined. The Order is exclusive to those we can trust and everyone is tested frequently to see whether they are spying for the wrong side. It was your father that admitted to us, in a meeting, that the reason why Voldemort wanted him dead was because he was a descendant from Godric Gryffindor. We were shocked, but not surprised, as the Potter bloodline goes back to the very beginning of the Wizarding world.
We had to protect your father, and because of that, the Fidelius charm was used. Sadly, it failed, and your parents were killed. However, it was your father that made us promise to never tell you the truth. He made the whole Order promise never to tell you until you reached the age of twenty-one."
"So why didn't you tell me when they died? I mean, I know I'm not twenty-one years old but I think I had a right to know why my parents were killed" argued Harry angrily.
"We had promised on the oath of the Order and that oath must never be broken. I always honoured James's request. You have my apologies for hiding it from you Harry. I never meant to hurt you."
"It's done now, nothing can change the past" Harry muttered, looking away.
Draco's grip tightened slightly to offer reassurance and Harry smiled at him, glad of his support. The Veela's presence was strangely comforting.
"However, there is something I need to tell you. You came into your powers too early. The reason why we were promised to tell you at the age of twenty-one is due to the fact that on that day you would come into your own Inheritance. However, to our surprise it came earlier than expected, in the Great Hall when you lost your temper" Dumbledore smiled.
"That's why I lost control" Harry said thoughtfully, understanding.
"Yes. I must add that you have now made nearly the whole school literally terrified of you" said Dumbledore with a chuckle.
"But why did it come early" asked Draco, interested and worried at the same time.
"It seems that your mother did not in fact come from a muggle family. Your mother came from a long list of squib descendants from none other than Merlin himself" Dumbledore explained gently.
Harry felt all of the colour drain from his face. Draco held him tighter and Harry warily rested his head against his chest, needing the love that Draco gave without question.
"Merlin? Christ! Did Lily and James know" gaped Sirius, stunned beyond belief. He had known that Harry was powerful, but to be the heir of two powerful wizards was an incredible honour.
"No. I believe that they never knew."
"So what you're trying to say" sneered Snape"is that Potter is in fact the last descendant from Merlin."
"Yes" Dumbledore said softly, eyes filled with concern as they stared at Harry, who had paled drastically, green eyes wide with sudden fear and realisation. He knew the questions Harry would ask before they passed his lips.
"What about Voldemort? He has my blood! Won't that make him..."
"Harry, Voldemort did give you some of his powers the night he cursed you but you never gave him any powers when he took your blood. Yes, his blood does flow through your veins but he bares no scar, no mark to show he has transformed into another descendant. Your scar was a result of the Slytherin magic fighting the Gryffindor magic. Voldemort took your blood by force. On trying to kill you, Voldemort gave you willingly, his power, whereas your blood was taken forcefully" Dumbledore explained.
"So he isn't the heir of Gryffindor" asked Remus.
"No."
"Does Voldemort know about my mother" Harry hesitatingly asked.
"No, of that I can assure you."
"So you're the descendant from Merlin, Gryffindor and magically Salazar Slytherin" mused Draco, impressed.
"I guess" Harry said sadly.
"Only you would hate the fact that you are one of the most powerful wizards in the world" Draco said in frustration.
"You just don't like the fact that I'm stronger than you" teased Harry with a grin.
Draco scowled. He was a powerful wizard in his own right, having had several famous wizards in his family, and the magic from numerous magical creatures such as Veela who had married into the family.
"I have my Veela genes" he said defiantly.
"So you're going to seduce Voldemort" asked Harry in amusement.
Draco looked absolutely revolted at the very idea, causing several of the younger witches to erupt into giggles. Draco immediately pushed his attraction down, not wanting to cause a scene and interrupt the meeting.
"That is disgusting! I would have you know that Malfoys have superior taste and would never take a consort of such inferiority. Besides, I'll never want anyone but you. I don't want anyone but you" Draco said simply.
Their eyes met and Harry felt the now familiar magnetic attraction pulling him towards the blond holding him. Knowing he'd give in if he didn't look away, Harry looked towards Sirius, his face flushed and eyes glowing.
Draco mentally rolled his eyes. He knew that Harry was not ready to bond with him, and he understood, but the Veela within him was beginning too get impatient with waiting. The Veela wanted to claim what was his.
"You keep doing that" Harry argued.
"And you keep breaking the pull" Draco argued back.
Harry frowned at him, clearly getting angry at the conversation. His green eyes flashed with ire, narrowing slightly as they regarded the blond.
"I take that back. I had no reason to get angry with you" said Draco, realising that he'd pushed Harry too far.
The last few days had been heaven to Draco. He had been able to hold, caress and even kiss the boy of his dreams. They had shared the same bed, albeit innocently, and Draco didn't want it to end. He knew Harry was starting to get comfortable and relaxed around him and he didn't want to destroy that. He wanted to continue to accelerate their relationship.
"It's okay" Harry murmured, accepting Draco's apology.
"I guess that you'll be staying at the Tower" enquired Dumbledore with a smile.
"Yes" Harry said softly, avoiding Draco's eyes.
"Is it protected" asked McGonagall, purposely ignoring the fact that her student would be in close quarters with a Veela.
She considered the very idea unseemly. They were boys – children – and shouldn't be living together, alone, when they were sexually attracted to one another. She hadn't been able to believe her own ears, at first, when Draco Malfoy had confessed that Harry Potter was his mate. The only thing that had prevented her from trying to stop the entire situation was the fact that there was no way to prevent a Veela seducing their mate – and Dumbledore was encouraging them!
"Yes" said Draco.
"Put it this way, Mr. Malfoy doesn't want me in, and Merlin therefore won't let me in," chuckled Dumbledore.
"I don't like you" pointed out Draco with a smirk.
"Of course" Dumbledore beamed, knowing that Draco Malfoy had been brought up by a family who considered him to be a forgetful old loon. He was secretly pleased with the way everything was turning out: Harry had someone magically strong to protect and love him; and Draco Malfoy and the rest of the Malfoy family had joined their side, through the need to protect one of their own.
"You don't mind that I think that you're a manipulative fool" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Dumbledore smiled, and he didn't. How ironic was it that the people he tried to fool saw through his mask, while those who followed him remained blind to his almost Slytherin side? Albus Dumbledore may have been a Gryffindor, but hadn't the sorting hat itself suggested Slytherin, like in the case of Harry Potter?
"Good."
"Once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater ," mumbled Mad Eyed Moody, eyeing Draco in open mistrust.
The Aurors had been trying for years, unsuccessfully, to try and frame Lucius Malfoy for the crimes he had committed, but the man was too slippery to catch – his wealth and 'generous' donations providing Fudge with the persuasion needed to dismiss Death Eater claims.
"Alastor" Dumbledore scolded him angrily, blue eyes flashing.
Lucius Malfoy may have been a Death Eater, but his son remained unmarked. It was the condemnation of men like Alastor, which created barriers between rivals. Draco was Harry's future husband, and Dumbledore would not see Harry hurt through other people's behaviour towards the boy he loved – even if Harry remained oblivious of his own feelings. Harry needed to be protected until the time was right for him to fulfil his destiny.
"I'm not a Death Eater" Draco said curtly, silver eyes narrowed in open dislike as they stared at the old auror, taking in the worn robe with a sneer, his old arrogance appearing easily with the accusation. He was a Malfoy, and they would learn that he deserved respect.
"Why not" asked Arabella Figg, her eyes fixed intently on his, asking the question many wanted to know, but feared to ask. Dumbledore frowned slightly, but did not interfere.
"I'm a Malfoy. I bow to no one" Draco hissed arrogantly.
"Your father does," pointed out Arabella.
"My father is not the one you are interrogating. However, I will be courteous…even to those beneath me…" Draco drawled nostrils flared. She was a woman and Malfoys were always polite to members of the opposite sex, at least, when in public.
"My father's loyalty is tied to the mark he bares, something which he cannot control. He does not follow Voldemort blindly, like many of the other Death Eaters, without seeing his faults. He would not allow myself to lower my self-respect and commit the same mistake he made. Whatever foolish beliefs you hold about my father, know this: he would die for any member of his family, as would I. Our family is one of trust. We trust only ourselves."
"You always did have too much pride" Snape sighed, eyeing the Veela with a mixture of amusement and slight disapproval.
Harry rolled his eyes. He would never understand Slytherins like the other houses: Hufflepuffs were loyal until death; Ravenclaws were studious and thrived for knowledge; Gryffindors were the ones who faced death bravely, not going down without a fight; Slytherins were a bafflement to members of any other house.
They were too proud for their own good, and often took the wrong path – towards darkness - but once they committed themselves to something, or someone, no matter who or what they showed the same loyalty as the Hufflepuffs. They threw themselves into danger as frequently as the Gryffindors, but had the intelligence and cunning to get themselves out of the trouble they had got themselves in. They appeared to be an assortment of all the other houses.
"Anyway, I suggest you get a good night's sleep. You have classes tomorrow, after all" Dumbledore suggested.
They stood up, Draco allowing Harry to reluctantly leave his lap, and were about to leave the room when Dumbledore stopped them, a smile on his wizened face. Harry did not like the look in his eye. It was almost gleeful.
"I received a letter from your parents this morning, Draco."
Severus' mouth actually twitched to fight a smile at the horrified look on the Veela's face. Draco may have gladly given his own life for his family, but he still did not like confrontations with them, and his student was intelligent enough to know that their letter to Dumbledore could have been about only one thing, considering their contempt towards the Headmaster.
"What did my mother want" Draco asked weakly.
"She requested your presence at a ball they were having at the Manor, in honour of your Inheritance and mate" Dumbledore beamed.
"Oh..." Draco said, some colour going back into his face.
"And she also told me to tell you that she would arrive tomorrow morning. She mentioned something about visiting Diagon Alley for a gift for her grandchild" Dumbledore twinkled.
Harry's eyes widened in shock. A grandchild? But he and Draco were not even bonded! How could they have conceived a child when they had not…Harry blushed heatedly, hastily thinking about something else.
"My mother's mental" Draco moaned helplessly, clearly imagining his mother buying the whole toyshop.
"She seemed interested in talking to Harry. She enquired whether he was healthy or not."
"Of course Harry's healthy" raged Sirius, inwardly finding the scene amusing, but offended at the thought of anyone considering Harry to be unfit to produce a child.
"She'll be visiting tomorrow" Dumbledore smiled, confirming Draco's first assumption.
Harry hesitantly looked at Draco, sensing the rapidly increasing agitation in the blond. What was wrong with Draco?
"Please tell me that she's leaving Marissa at home" Draco pleaded, face paling slightly.
"I'm afraid not."
Dumbledore actually grinned.
"Joy" Draco muttered to himself, casting a dark look in Severus' direction. The Potions Master merely raised an eyebrow, snorting back another bark of laughter.
Harry and Draco left Dumbledore's office and walked back in the direction of their Tower. Harry appeared tired, so Draco easily slipped an arm around him, pleased to have an excuse to touch his mate, drawing him close so that some of his weight was balanced between them both. Harry smiled at him gratefully, green eyes weakening Draco's self control.
"Thanks."
"You're tired" Draco asked, voice gentle.
"Yes."
"Then when we go back to the Tower you can rest" Draco suggested gently, trying not to make it seem like an order. He knew that Harry didn't like to be controlled any more than he did and would resist a direct order like the rebellious teenager he was.
Harry nodded, smiling lightly, inwardly liking the Veela's mothering behaviour. It was rare that anyone worried about his health. Sirius and Remus did, sure, and Hermione often encouraged him to eat, but he hadn't anyone to care about him constantly.
When they arrived at the Tower, Harry immediately made his way to the bedroom, yawning tiredly. He sat down on the bed, sprawling out on the silk sheets with a sigh of contentment, eyes fluttering closed. He lay there for several moments, until he realised that sleep eluded him. He sighed again, this time in frustration.
Draco was downstairs studying in what Harry knew to be the study, completing an assignment. Harry himself had no homework, as Hermione had forced him to complete all of his assignments over the weekend. She had also forced Ron to do it – muttering about them needing to organise themselves before the NEWT's.
He thought about Draco. It must have been hard on the Veela to be so close to him when all he wanted to do was bond. Harry wondered whether he was getting tired of him but Harry instantly dismissed the idea. Draco had been nothing but understanding and affectionate towards him since the beginning of their strange relationship.
Suddenly, Harry wanted the Veela near him. Draco soothed him. He found the Veela's soft breathing a comfort, and enjoyed the Veela's presence and soft laughter. He wondered whether him being unable to sleep was due to the fact that his body and mind had become accustomed to sleeping with the Veela wrapped around him, protecting him even in sleep.
Hesitating, he pushed his nervousness aside and called out.
"Draco"
There was silence and then the blond boy appeared in the doorway, a quizzical expression on his face. He leaned against the doorframe, watching his mate, inwardly controlling the sudden leap of desire at the sight of Harry. His mate was sprawled carelessly on their bed, the silk sheets rumpled under his slender frame; the green eyes were watching him, swirling with conflicting emotions; the dark hair tumbled over his forehead, making Draco long to run his fingers through it and discover whether it was as soft to the touch as he remembered it being. He raised an eyebrow at Harry's fidgeting, clearly amused at his nervousness.
"What is it" he asked softly.
"Do you want to kiss me" Harry blurted out, eyes going wide as he realised exactly what he had said.
Draco blinked, not expecting such a question. He didn't know whether Harry was serious, and didn't want to tell the other boy something which could make their relationship digress. He wanted nothing better than to tell Harry that kissing him would be a dream come true, but he control the impulse.
"Pardon" he asked instead.
"I…well…"
Draco couldn't prevent the shocked look that adorned his face when he finally understood that Harry wanted him to kiss him. He eyed the dark haired Gryffindor carefully, noticing the strangely bright green eyes. Harry blushed, looking at the floor in his embarrassment. For a moment Draco just watched him before he moved forward, a loving smile appearing on his face as he came to an understanding.
"Do you want me to kiss you, Harry" he asked, hoping he had read the signals correctly.
Harry looked up, startled, before he nodded slightly, his face a deep crimson and his eyes glowing with a strange curiosity which Draco found adorably appealing. Draco found himself smiling wider in delight; Harry, the boy he loved, wanted him to kiss him.
Draco had been afraid that Harry had only wanted to kiss him in the Great Hall for comfort, and although he had been thankful for the brief moment of intimacy with the Gryffindor, it had pained him to know that Harry had wanted nothing more.
He moved forward and sat on the bed next to Harry, who was watching him with wide green eyes. Draco idly made a mental reminder to have Harry's face painted. It was a beautiful face - the eyes the most amazing emerald.
He lifted a hand and cupped his cheek, pulling the boy to him. Harry's eyes fluttered closed and Draco placed his lips lightly over the Gryffindor's mouth in a tender, brief kiss, lingering slightly, their breaths mingling, before pulling away.
"Is that what you wanted" he teased softly.
"No... I want you to... to properly kiss me" Harry whispered, his voice hoarse.
The lashes fluttered open to reveal dazed green orbs. Harry stared into the Veela's eyes, feeling the familiar magnetic attraction towards the other boy increase as the stirrings of desire warmed his blood.
"What do you mean" Draco teased, wanting nothing more than to crush the other, smaller, body against him.
"I want you to kiss me properly... like the time you did on the sofa" Harry admitted with a blush.
Draco's breathing hitched. He had dreamed of that moment countless times at night, longing to be able to do the same again, but forced to hold back in fear of scaring the other boy away, but Harry was now giving him permission.
"Lie down" he said softly.
Harry lay down on the bed, obediently. He trusted Draco not to go any further than he wanted to go. He wasn't ready to bond, at least at the moment, but he wanted the Veela to touch him and to make the world fade away except for them – something which happened when Draco touched him.
"Close your eyes" Draco soothed.
Harry did so. After a few seconds he felt Draco move on the bed and then he felt the light weight of Draco's warm body covering his own. Harry's eyes shot open and he stared straight into a pair of bemused, lust filled silver eyes.
Harry opened his mouth to speak when he felt a light pressure stopping him. Draco's lips had pressed down on his own, caressing his mouth gently before his tongue probed, tracing his bottom lip teasingly, teeth nipping the soft flesh so that it swelled slightly with warm blood.
Harry eagerly gave in, loving the feelings that Draco could create within him. He opened his mouth and moaned softly when Draco's tongue explored his mouth, duelling with his own tongue. He didn't even try to fight the magnetic attraction which drew him closer to the other boy - he wanted to be touched, to be loved.
Draco slid his lips down to Harry's throat, sucking slightly, wanting to mark Harry as his. He knew that they couldn't bond. He knew that Harry wasn't ready for such a huge commitment, but he needed to mark Harry in some way. He needed to make Harry his.
"Draco..."
"Yes love"
"Kiss me again."
Draco looked into passion filled green eyes and knew without a doubt that he could not deny Harry anything. He couldn't. Whether the Gryffindor had realised it or not, Draco was hopelessly in love, and would strive to give his mate whatever he could. Nothing would ever be good enough for Harry.
"With pleasure..."
Harry awoke the next day feeling warm and contented. He snuggled closer, sighing his content, when a pair of arms wrapped around him, holding him close. His eyes fluttered open and he met Draco's amused grey eyes.
"Morning love" he murmured.
Suddenly remembering what they had done the night before, Harry blushed crimson. He lowered his eyes, unable to meet Draco's gaze any longer as embarrassment flooded him.
"You're beautiful" Draco murmured, kissing his flushed cheek tenderly.
Harry smiled weakly, raising his eyes slightly to look at Draco's face. The Veela was smiling broadly, a look of affection on his face and in his eyes as he watched his mate. He was obviously pleased at the progress they had made.
They had done nothing more than kiss, and the only clothes to be removed had been Harry's shirt, much to Draco's glee as he had been fascinated with the nipple ring ever since he had seen it. Draco had simply revelled in being able to touch Harry, telling him how beautiful he was and murmuring other endearments. They had talked about the bonding as well, and Harry had told him that he wanted it to be special.
'I'll make it the best night of his life...' thought Draco, tenderly stroking Harry's hair out of his eyes.
They had finally gotten ready. Harry had all but run to the bathroom to take a shower, leaving a smiling Draco on the bed. Draco grabbed a pair of black trousers, a white shirt, a pair of boxers and a pair of socks. He placed them just inside the door, careful not to intrude on Harry's privacy. Harry was self-conscious about his own appearance, even when Draco clearly worshipped him for how he was.
About half an hour later Harry emerged. Draco's clothes were slightly too big on him, but Harry seemed comfortable in them. His damp hair curled over his forehead, a pair of alert green eyes peering at him expectantly.
"You look fine" Draco reassured him.
Harry visibly relaxed. He knew that Draco would not let him go out in public looking unacceptable. The Veela had a fixation with keeping up appearances when in public, something he had no doubt been taught while at home.
"What size shoes do you take" Draco asked.
"Ten" Harry shrugged.
Draco leered, eyes softening as they filled with mischief. They lingered on Harry's face for a moment before lowering, skimming Harry's lower stomach appreciatively.
"You know what they say about big feet..."
Harry blushed crimson, knowing without a doubt what Draco was referring to. He may have been naive about relationships but there was no mistaking such a comment, particularly as Draco had been stripping him with his eyes.
Draco silently pulled out a pair of shoes from the wardrobe and cast a spell on them to change them to the correct size. He pretended not to notice Harry's red face as he handed Harry the shoes. He loved making Harry embarrassed.
Harry accepted the shoes, fumbling slightly, and nearly dropping them as their fingers touched. Draco smiled at his mate innocently.
Harry watched as the Veela sauntered into the bathroom to get ready. He heard the other boy's merry laughter through the door and shook his head. Smiling, he made his way to the dressing table, upon which he had placed his wand.
"Removerio wrinklentia" he muttered, flicking his wand towards the bed.
The covers were instantly smoothed out, all wrinkles removed. Harry grinned in satisfaction, thankful for the use of magic.
Harry had to admit that he had been surprised at how far they had gone last night. Harry was just thankful that Draco had not forced him to full sex. He needed time to get used to the idea, and he wanted it to be special, which he had admitted to Draco the night before.
"Thinking about me"
Harry blinked and as his eyes refocused he saw that Draco Malfoy was standing before him, dressed in his infamous Slytherin uniform, the silver hair damp and tousled. He must have been thinking for a while.
He grinned, amused to see the boy in a state less than his usual perfection. It seemed to make Draco even more lovable when he was able to witness the proud Veela in his most vulnerable moments. Harry also enjoyed being able to tease the boy who could so easily make him blush in embarrassment through one carefully chosen phrase.
"You need to brush your hair."
Draco moved easily to pick up the brush that Harry had used previously and quickly, but efficiently, brushed his hair into place. Harry moved towards the door. Meeting Draco's questioning eyes through the mirror, he smiled.
"I need to get my books from Gryffindor Tower" Harry said quietly.
Draco nodded and watched as the other boy left the room, understanding that Harry probably wanted to talk to his friends, Ron and Hermione in particular. He had to force his Veela instincts away – the Veela in him wanted to make sure that Harry was no further than two feet from him, where he could see him, protect him, love him.
Draco, who knew that Harry needed space, ached to be able to show his love physically, not for the sex, which he was sure would be terrific, but to create the bond between them. The bond which would make them inseparable.
Harry walked down to Gryffindor Tower. He met a concerned Fat Lady who asked him whether he was all right. After assuring her that he was, she let him through. She had always had a soft spot for him - probably because of his parents, and lately, ever since the 'Veela incident' as the Gryffindors called it, she had been mothering him.
"Harry"
A figure hurled itself at him and Harry gasped, stumbling back. He met the intelligent eyes of one of his best friends, Hermione Granger, with a grin.
"Nice to see you to" he grinned.
"Are you alright" she asked anxiously.
"Yeah... Hey... .er... Sorry I lost it" Harry said self-consciously.
"It's not your fault" Hermione said gently, dismissing his apology with a wave of her hand.
She pulled away and Harry met Ron's concerned face. The red head gave Harry a weak, genuine smile and Harry grinned back cheerfully. Ron instantly looked relieved at how happy his friend was. It was better than the anger he had displayed yesterday.
"Where have you been" he asked.
"With Draco" Harry shrugged non-committedly.
"Oh" Ron blushed.
Realising what his friend was thinking, Harry was started to deny doing anything with the Veela when he remembered the previous night. Harry flushed and looked away. Hermione giggled, finding the sight amusing.
"Bonded yet, Harry" she teased, curious.
"What? No" Harry gasped.
Ron looked relieved. Although he knew that Harry had begun to like the Veela he didn't want to lose Harry to him just yet. Harry was his best friend. He loved Hermione as well, but it was different to the love he had for Harry – fortunately. Draco Malfoy would have killed him if he cared for Harry the same way he cared for Hermione.
"I just stayed in his Tower to cool down. He made me see Dumbledore. He's explained it, and even though I'm still mad at him, I guess he had a reasonable excuse" Harry sighed, running a hand through his damp hair.
"You scared the hell out of us" Ron confessed.
Harry fidgeted uncomfortably. He knew that his display of wandless magic had been pretty impressive, by anyone's standards. Even he could not deny that he was a powerful wizard.
"I lost control of my magic" he mumbled.
"You okay, Harry" interrupted Seamus Finnigan who had just come into the room.
"Yeah - I'm fine, Seamus" Harry smiled.
"Good" the Irish boy grinned, moving closer.
Seeing the other boy's intention, Harry hastily moved towards the stairs. He had become wary of the other boy ever since Draco had opened his eyes about the Irish boy's real reason for his so called 'friendship', and he didn't want the Veela to lose control again after they had managed to stabilise their relationship.
"I need my books" he yelled before making a hasty exit.
"What did I do wrong" Seamus mourned with a pout, his eyes fixed on Harry's retreating back.
"Never mind, Seamus" Hermione said soothingly, absent-mindedly patting his back as she moved over to her book bag.
She grabbed it and made her way over to the portrait.
"Where are you going" asked Seamus in confusion.
"Library" Ron and Hermione said at the same time.
Hermione shot him a dirty look, which Ron pretended not to notice, and left the room with a huff.
"Girls..." Ron muttered.
"Boys..." agreed Seamus, eyeing the direction where Harry had disappeared with a thoughtful look.
Harry walked down to the Great Hall with Ron, Seamus and Dean. They were laughing as they entered the Hall, the others trying to keep Harry from noticing the looks aimed in his direction. Just as they stepped through the door, and before Harry knew what was happening, a beautiful woman walked up to him.
She was dressed in an elegant, and obviously expensive, blue silk robe. Her pale blonde hair was piled on her head in an elegant French knot, a few wisps escaping and framing an aristocratic face from which intelligent and serene blue eyes peered out through long and almost unnatural dark lashes, slightly smudged with a trace of makeup which only emphasised her sophistication and superiority – she didn't need make up to enhance her appearance.
"Narcissa Malfoy" she said softly, holding out her hand.
"Nice to meet you" Harry said nervously.
The woman smiled pleasantly at that, pleased at his greeting. She appeared friendlier than the last time he had seen her - at the Quidditch World Cup in the summer before his fourth year at Hogwarts. She was still beautiful; it seemed that Draco had inherited his features from his mother as well, Harry mused.
"I must admit that it was a surprise to learn about you and my son, but I always thought there was a lot of strong emotion between you two" Narcissa said smiling, flashing Harry a discrete wink.
Harry blinked, wondering whether he had just imagined Draco Malfoy's mother winking at him. This woman was completely different from his expectations and the woman he had briefly met at the Quidditch match.
"You're so much like your father, boy" said a soft, cultured voice.
Startled, Harry turned to see a tall, middle-aged woman who he guessed correctly was Marissa. Her eyes were a piercing blue, sharp in their intensity, and her hair was a dark brown, pinned lavishly upon her head. She was dressed expensively, in a robe similar to the younger woman by her side. She was obviously Narcissa's mother, as their face structures were identical.
'This was the woman that Draco was afraid of,' Harry thought.
"Thank you" Harry flashed her a genuine smile and her face softened slightly, just enough to be noticeable to those who knew what to look for, and Harry, who had been living with Draco, saw it immediately.
"Grandmother, stop teasing him" drawled Draco, suddenly appearing and dragging Harry deliberately away from his relations. Narcissa smirked at this, flashing Harry a second discrete, suggestive wink. Harry mentally sighed, it seemed that looks were not the only thing Draco had inherited from his mother.
Marissa, catching his eye, smirked, blue eyes peering from beneath lowered lashes so that Harry could catch a glimpse of the suppressed amusement in her gaze.
Harry blushed.
End of chapter 9.
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