AN: This chapter is a bit shorter. Sorry. It was just time to move on from fifth year. But, I put all sorts of stuff into this chapter. And the next chapter will follow in a few days. Thanks for sticking with me guys.
With the horcrux gone and Harry's soul intact, it seemed prudent to address Voldemort's obsession with the prophecy. Voldemort was going to try to kill Harry either way, but there was no sense in giving him even more reason to do so.
Being the tedious individual that he was, at least according to Snape, Sirius had decided to handle the matter himself. He went to the Ministry, and sweet-talked his way into the Hall of Prophecy. A sneaky trip jinx had sent the poor Ministry worker sprawling and conveniently knocking over several orbs containing prophecies. Remus had done a lot of shouting when he realized what Sirius had done.
The Wolf pack had laughed themselves silly when Harry had read them the letter that contained Sirius' exaggerated retelling of the event.
The rest of the wizarding world was being subjected to the death eaters. Bellatrix Lestrange, Draco's aunt, had been among those that had escaped Azkaban prison, and she was quite mad. Just seeing her name in the newspaper made Draco shudder. He hadn't met her, but he'd heard plenty of stories.
So far, there were only a few reports of attacks in muggle towns. But they were brutal. And still the Ministry was reluctant to acknowledge the possibility that Harry had been telling the truth about Voldemort.
And then there was the fact that Hagrid was keeping a giant in the Forbidden Forest. That had been an interesting revelation. It seemed that Grawp was Hagrid's half brother. The centaurs in the forest were furious.
Draco had lost it when Hagrid had introduced Grawp to them. Which would have been hilarious if it hadn't offended the centaurs at the same time.
"Are you kidding me?" Draco screeched, staring incredulously at Grawp. "What the hell were you thinking Hagrid?"
Hagrid flushed. "He's my-"
"Yes, he's your brother," Draco snapped. "I heard that part. Are you insane? You've got him tied to a bloody tree like a damn puppy."
Ron was wheezing into the bark of a large tree nearby. Blaise was watching him with a mixture of amusement and fondness.
"Draco-" Harry began, hoping to soothe his boyfriend. Unfortunately, that was when the centaurs made their appearance. Harry recognized Firenze immediately and the centaur gave a tiny nod before glancing warily at the leader, Bane.
"This forest is-" Bane began, gruffly.
"You can wait your turn," Draco growled, rounding on the centaurs with a scowl. "Nobody was talking to you."
"Oh my god, we're gonna die," Blaise choked out. On the plus side, Ron had stopped giggling.
"Draco, my love, please shut up," Harry groaned, tugging Draco back a pace.
"No!" Draco shrieked. "You know what? I'm sick of all this ridiculous shit! I mean, what the hell?! Hagrid can't go a year without bringing something utterly moronic and murderous to school? The minister of magic is a complete nob. My father is breathing down my neck about the Dark Lord and taking the mark. We can't be open about our relationship so I get to feel like a dirty little secret. And now, these horse people are butting in while I'm having a crisis!" He punctuated this rambling, and slightly hysterical, rant with a bad-tempered stomp of his foot.
For a moment, nobody said anything. And then Harry pushed Draco behind him hastily. "Let's just calm down," he said evenly.
But Bane was nowhere in the vicinity of calm. He bellowed angrily and stamped his hooves. He took a menacing step forward but halted when Harry held both hands out. Bane seemed to realize immediately that the gesture was defensive rather than merely placating.
"I don't want to hurt you," Harry said calmly. "We have no quarrel with you. Yet," he added with a little shrug.
Bane growled but Firenze quickly began muttering to him. "Surely you feel their magic," Firenze murmured. "They are the wolves that the stars foretold."
Harry groaned. He didn't even want to know. He was so fed up with prophecies.
Bane was furious, but he seemed to accept Firenze's words reluctantly. The centaurs left, casting angry looks back at Draco. Harry raised one hand in thanks and farewell to Firenze before turning back to his boyfriend.
"Let's get you back to the castle," he said, wrapping his arm around Draco. Harry turned to look at Hagrid. "This isn't a good idea," he said gesturing toward Grawp who was looking longingly after the centaurs.
Hagrid sighed but said nothing as Harry led his friends away.
"Are you unhappy with our relationship?" Harry asked quietly once they'd left the forest. He was forced to pull his arm away from Draco as they approached the castle. He felt immensely guilty doing so since it clearly bothered Draco.
"Harry, I love you," Draco said softly. "You know that. It just... It bothers me that we aren't free to be together. It's not that I feel compelled to snog your face off in the Great Hall. But it would be nice to walk the halls holding your hand. Tell you that I love you without worrying about who will overhear. There are so many things that other couples can enjoy..."
Draco blushed, looking down. "Sorry that I went completely mental back there," he muttered sheepishly. "I've been feeling a bit stressed and it's so frustrating when more bizarre stuff keeps happening."
"I thought it was hilarious," Ron piped up helpfully.
"It was a little funny," Hermione giggled, causing Blaise, Vince and Greg to laugh as well.
"It's been a while since I've seen you in a strop, Draco," Blaise chuckled. "It was impressive."
"Oh, shut up," Draco grumbled, blushing again when Harry winked at him.
Professor Malfoy was a bit of a nuisance. In class, he just barely roused himself enough to offer any sort of instruction. His interest was suddenly focused on Harry to an intensity that made Harry a little afraid that Draco wasn't the only bent Malfoy.
Lucius was spending a lot of time watching Harry or finding reasons to talk to him. Harry was never completely certain of what Lucius was getting at, but he had resorted to practically fleeing when he saw the blond professor in the hallway.
Of course, the Wolves found this uproariously funny. The twins in particular were enjoying Harry's discomfort. And Professor Malfoy's preoccupation was... convenient.
Harry stepped up to McGonagall's desk at the end of class, offering her a sweet smile. "Hey Minnie," he said quietly.
"Harry," she greeted with a nod. "I wonder if you know who has been playing pranks on Professor Malfoy?"
Harry smirked. "I don't know anything for certain, but I bet I could take a shot in the dark... What have they done?"
McGonagall's lips twitched as she tried to prevent a smile. "Well, most recently, someone covered his desk with paper hearts that all had 'I love HP' written on them."
"Well that's... awkward."
"Indeed," McGonagall agreed. "Though, it was far less intrusive than that same message being charmed onto his... er- under garments."
"They didn't-"
"Oh they must certainly did," she responded. Her composure broke and she snorted into her hand. "I don't think I've ever seen Severus laugh as hard as he did when he told me that."
"Professor Snape saw Malfoy's pants?" Harry asked, looking ill.
"Apparently Lucius panicked a little at the sight of his 'defiled unmentionables'," McGonagall cackled. "Oh and someone charmed the suits of armor to whistle and catcall when Lucius walks by." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "And all of the seventh years are calling him Luscious Locks, sometimes without even attempting to be discreet about it."
Harry was giggling now. Really, it served the man right for acting like a creepy stalker. "I suppose you want me to stop them," he asked, once his laughter had died down.
"Don't be silly. I haven't had this much fun in years."
Harry laughed again, shaking his head.
Hearing that McGonagall had been so entertained was like a request for the twins to continue. Harry almost felt sorry for Professor Malfoy. But if the man were paying attention, he'd know who had charmed all of his quills to scream and run away. The twins had abandoned all attempts at being subtle.
Hermione had complained that they were distracting everyone from learning. Fred had kissed her cheek and insisted that what Professor Malfoy did barely qualified as teaching anyway. Hermione had nearly succumbed to his reasoning and charm, but then their professor had consumed one of the twins' Canary Creams... And had turned into a giant yellow canary. Temporarily, of course. But still...
The OWLs were looming before the fifth years and the seventh years were preparing for NEWTs. Gatherings of the Wolf Pack had mostly turned into study sessions. Hermione was in a frantic state and seemed determined to force her anxiety on the others. Fred was the only one who seemed able to settle her down to a tolerable level. Draco had taken to avoiding Hermione completely if Fred wasn't around to shut her up.
On the first day of exams, Harry quickly found himself relaxing. He'd done so much extra work that he was well prepared.
During the Defense practical, one of the old wizards administering the test asked to see Harry's patronus. Harry had complied, proud of the shining wolf that burst forth from his wand. A moment later, he regretted it because Professor Malfoy was staring at him in horrified shock.
Draco had come in for his practical exam before Harry. Had they asked to see his patronus as well?
"Another wolf," the old wizard said, delighted. "How extraordinary. Well done Mr. Potter."
Harry left swiftly, suddenly feeling sick. Draco frowned at the sight of him.
"What's wrong?" Draco asked, forcing himself to keep his hands at his sides. There were too many people standing in the hallway just then. "I know you did well. You're the best in Defense."
"They asked to see my Patronus," Harry said hoarsely.
"Me too," Draco nodded, confused by Harry's anxiety. Then he winced. "My father," he groaned. "Did he see it?"
"Yes. And the look on his face..." Harry scrubbed at his face in agitation. "Is there any chance that the significance of that would be lost on him?"
Draco bit his lip, dreading the next time he encountered his father. At that moment, they could only carry on as if nothing was amiss.
The days stretched on with exam after exam. The only class that Harry wasn't reasonably confident in was History of Magic. It was the only class with a ghost professor and Harry often wondered if the man had simply bored himself to death. Hermione alone had seemed capable of staying awake during the class.
The following week the students took the last of their exams. It was finally over. Hermione was keen to discuss each test in excruciating, obsessive detail, but nobody cared to join her.
It wasn't until the day before they were to return home that Lucius finally approached Draco and Harry. By then, he'd worked himself up into a fine fury. He'd urged the two of them into the Defense classroom and slammed the door.
"Would you care to explain yourself Draco?" Lucius demanded, ignoring Harry completely for the moment.
"What do you mean?" Draco asked, keeping his tone cool despite the frantic fluttering of his heart.
"Do not play coy with me," Lucius snarled. "You think I'm too much of a fool to notice that your Patronus matches Potter's? That I wouldn't realize that you were seeing this half-blood brat? Have you no shame at all?"
Draco remained silent, his posture perfectly straight and haughty.
"What are you thinking? You are going to marry a proper pureblood witch and produce an heir. To enter in to a such a disgraceful relationship-"
"I'm gay!" Draco retorted hotly. "There. I've said it. It's out in the open. I'm gay. Live with it."
"I will not be spoken to that way," Lucius snapped. "This boy is the enemy. You know this. You've always known."
"Harry has never been my enemy," Draco answered sharply. He lifted his chin defiantly. "Not for one single moment. I love him. And I'd die before standing against him."
"That may well be your fate!" Lucius bellowed, suddenly looking completely unhinged. He whipped out his wand and Draco took a startled step back.
Harry sprang forward, throwing his hands out in front of him. Lucius was thrown backward, hitting the door before crumpling on the ground. Harry held one hand out, palm parallel to the floor, his magic pressing Lucius down.
"If you ever raise your wand against your son again," Harry spat, green eyes narrowed, "you had better pray that I'm already dead."
"I wasn't-"
"Shut up," Harry hissed. "Draco and I protect each other. You won't harm a single hair on his head, or so help me Lucius-"
"Harry!" Draco desperately pulled Harry close. "You're going to kill him. Just calm down."
"I wasn't going to kill him," Harry said, releasing the spell that was keeping Malfoy Senior cowering submissively. He met the professor's stunned gaze. "That was a warning."
"I want to keep my only son safe," Lucius said, glaring. He paused, grinding his teeth together. "The Dark Lord does not look kindly on traitors. You are sentencing him to death."
"Draco is safe with me," Harry responded tersely. He offered no further explanation.
Draco waved his hand and the door opened with a loud bang, making Lucius flinch. "You should go," Draco said coldly.
Lucius backed away and left the room, thoroughly shaken. Harry's magic had pinned him to the ground so easily. And without a wand. And Draco hadn't needed a wand to unlock and open the door. The thought made fear curl in his stomach. He needed to leave. But first, he needed to have a chat with Severus.
The wolves were immediately called together for one last meeting of the term. Harry and Draco had both been so shaken by the encounter with Mr. Malfoy that they were desperate to be with their pack. Without really explaining what had happened, they had asked the Betas to spread the word and get the Wolves together.
The couple stood together, leaning against one wall and holding one another close. They had no idea what to expect now that Lucius was fully aware that they were together. It was unnerving and they were both feeling quite anxious. Harry calmed himself by gently kissing Draco's face and gently rubbing soothing circles on the blond's back. After a few moments, Harry became aware that Draco was trembling in his arms.
"Draco?" Harry called softly. His heart felt constricted at the sound of a quiet sob. Harry cradled Draco's head against his shoulder. "I'm so sorry," he murmured.
"My own father," Draco said, his voice thick with tears. "The Dark Lord and tradition will always be more important than I am. And being gay makes me a disgrace. I'm sure to be disowned now," he added miserably.
Lucius wasn't the best father. He was too focused on pureblood traditions and status. Draco had always felt like a disappointment. But, the confirmation of Lucius' disapproval and disgust for Draco's choice was so painful. Draco still loved his father and had always hoped to gain his father's acceptance and approval. It seemed that Malfoy Senior's love wasn't unconditional, and Draco was never going to measure up.
"You're not a disgrace," Harry said firmly. He cupped Draco's face tenderly. "I think your father does still care about you. He's a little mad, but I do think that he believe that he's protecting you. It's misguided, but..." He pressed a kiss Draco's forehead, gently brushing away the blond's tears. "And you know that your mother won't turn her back on you, no matter what your father says or does." He hugged Draco close again. "If you're disowned, I'll still take care of you. And the moment we're of age, I'll give you my name if that would make you happy."
Draco sniffled, lifting his head to meet Harry's gaze. "Are you- Are you talking about marriage?" he asked softly. "You'd make me a Potter?"
Harry smiled. "Of course," he responded, his fingers caressing soft blond hair. "If that would make you happy, I'd do it gladly," he said.
"Cheering me up is not a good reason to get married," Draco muttered, his face flushing.
"You know that wouldn't be the reason," Harry retorted. He kissed Draco sweetly. "You're my soulmate. I'm always going to want you at my side. Of course I'll want to marry you. What I meant was, if you wanted to do that right away, I'd claim you in a heartbeat. You're mine, Draco Malfoy, and I don't care what your father or anyone else thinks of it."
Draco slid his arms up and around Harry's neck, hugging Harry. It didn't take away the sting of his father's rejection, but Harry's love could make anything easier to bear. "I love you," Draco said quietly.
"I love you too," Harry replied. "We'll get through this."
The Betas arrived just a few minutes later. "Everyone is on the way," Hermione said, leaning in to hug Draco. She paused at the sight of his sad, red-rimmed eyes. "Are you alright? What happened today."
"Nothing like throwing your boyfriend's father against the wall to really make the school year memorable," Harry deadpanned.
"You did what?" Hermione yelped, while the others stared in silent shock.
Draco described the brief argument that he'd had with his father, glad that his voice sounded steady. His friends nodded sympathetically. "Father reached for his wand and Harry just-" He paused glancing at Harry. "He wandlessly blasted Father away from me and then proceeded to pin him to the floor. Wandless," he said emphatically. He looked down abruptly, blushing.
Blaise snorted. "That was a turn on, wasn't it?" he asked. Greg and Vince chortled.
"You have no idea," Draco confirmed with wide eyes. He glanced at Harry again with a shy smile. Harry's mouth suddenly felt really dry.
"Great, because that's exactly what I wanted to know," Ron muttered sarcastically.
"The point is," Harry said, his face flushed with embarrassment, "Mr. Malfoy knows that Draco and I are together. And obviously he saw me use a bit of wandless magic."
Before anyone could say anything encouraging, the door opened and the other Wolves started coming in. Draco nearly burst into tears again as the first of the Pups walked in and ran straight into his arms. Soon, Harry and Draco were surrounded by their pups, doing their best to hug all of them.
"I'm going to miss you all so much over the summer," Draco murmured, kissing the top of one Pup's head.
"I want to stay with you," Graham sniffled, wedging himself between Harry and Draco.
"You need to see your family," Harry reminded him, though the thought of taking all the Pups home with them was wonderfully appealing.
"But, the pack is family too," Olivia said.
"It is," Harry agreed. "And we love you. We'll see you at the start of next term. Will you all write to us?"
"You won't even need to write separate letters, because I'll be with Harry," Draco said, petting the hair of whichever Pup had just snuggled against him.
"But I won't be a Pup anymore," Ben said sadly. The other four second years looked crestfallen at the realization.
"Hey, you'll be moving on to doing more difficult spells," Draco reasoned, his voice trembling. "You will still be in the pack and we will never love you any less."
"And if want to come over for a cuddle, then we'd be fine with it," Harry added tremulously. He hadn't considered how hard it would be to not see the pack over the summer. Standing their with their Pups looking up at them with sad expressions, Harry suddenly felt miserable. "I love you so much," he said softly, gathering them closer.
Seeing their Alphas' distress, the rest of the Wolf Pack crowded close. Soon they were all sinking to sit on the floor. Draco gave up and wept into the soft hair of one the Pups. The rest of the Pack solemnly joined in, sitting close and hugging whoever happened to be close by.
"This is so weird," Seamus said, although he seemed perfectly happy to be hugged by Dean and Vince.
"Everyone just needs to stay safe," Pansy said, sniffling as she leaned against Ron and Michael Corner. "Will you all write to me?"
It was a testament to how close they all were now that Pansy would make such a request. The others responded with assurances that they'd write and perhaps they could coordinate meeting in Diagon Alley to get their school things at the same time.
Harry wasn't sure how long they sat there, drawing comfort from one another until the last possible moment. All too soon, Hermione was dejectedly reminding them that it was time for bed. Slowly, they all helped each other up.
"I love you Alphas," Ben said quietly. The other Pups echoed the sentiment, nearly shattering what was left of the Alphas' composure.
Hermione made a sympathetic sound, gently guiding the Pups away. "Come on then darlings," she said fondly. "Let's get you all to bed." A few of the Wolves were waiting to escort Pups to their common rooms. As much as Harry wanted them all to stay, he loved the sight of the Wolves taking such tender care of the Pups. He couldn't have asked for a better Pack.
"I don't want to be without them this summer," Draco murmured, once he and Harry were alone again.
"I know," Harry said softly.
"I know that they have their own families but..." Draco trailed off, looking frustrated. "They're mine!" he insisted. "My Pups," he added sadly.
"I know Love," Harry sighed, leading Draco toward the door. "We'll try to enjoy our summer together and we'll write to them. It's be alright."
"Can we get them presents?" Draco asked, a distinct pout in his voice.
Harry smiled, lifting Draco's hand to kiss his fingers. "Anything you want." Harry was perfectly happy to do whatever would make his mate feel better.
