Disclaimer Notice: I own nothing you recognize.

Warning: Slash (male/male) Don't like, don't read.

Chapter 7 – Gallant

On the bed was a box with holes and a type of harness was attached to it. As Harry stepped farther into the room he saw that fifteen to twenty owls were all staring at him and hooting. A flash of white caught his eye and then Hedwig landed on his shoulder with a letter in her beak.

With shaking hands, Harry took the letter and found his name written on the front. He sighed with relief when he recognized Hermione's handwriting. He hurriedly opened it and began to read:

------------------------

Dear Harry,

Hello! You're probably wondering what the box is for, well…Ron and I went into Diagon Alley and bought this for your birthday. We rescued it from a pound that takes in abandoned creatures. This one had a particularly rough life, because when they found him he was half dead…Anyway, I know it's a bit early, but Ron and I both agreed that you needed something to protect you from Voldemort and make you happy since we can't be with you. I hope you like it. You'll have to give it a good name though…I think that's all about your gift…Now, Harry, I think you should know that Dumbledore told us (Sirius, Lupin, most of the Weasleys) about the bond and about the abuse. I just want to say that we're sorry. I know you don't want anyone's pity, I wouldn't either if it was me, but I just want you to know that everyone's here for you, okay? If you want to talk to any of us, we're here. And I did some reading on the bond…All of us agree that Voldemort will do nothing to willingly harm you. We're sure of that. If you want to talk about the bond, well, like I said, we're here for you. (I personally want to know more about what Voldemort does in his free time!) So, if you could please send a letter with Hedwig telling us you're okay and how you're doing, we would love to hear from you! Hope you're doing well (Um, as well as anyone can in your position) and I hope to see you soon!

Love, Hermione

P.S. Ron says hi. It was decided that since we both chipped in to buy you a present it would make more since for me, and my eligible handwriting, to write the letter that goes with it. Besides, Ron is a little creeped out by the whole bond thing. (You know, that you have to be 'intimate' with Voldemort) But he wants you to know that he supports you fully! Bye!

------------------------------------

Harry sighed happily. He still had friends; even though he had been in an abusive home and that he was in a 'relationship' with a guy. That was something that had worried him the most was that everyone would turn their backs on him, because now that Voldemort and himself was bonded that made him gay.

Yes, I do admit that now. If I'm going to spend the rest of my life with a guy, that makes me gay. But then Harry found himself thinking about the definition of gay. If your gay then you like guys, but I don't like guys, I only like Voldemort. So, I can't be gay…Awww, screw it! I'm just confusing myself!

Then he set the letter down on a desk and walked over to the box.

Wonder what's inside. They wouldn't send anything too dangerous, would they? He spotted the latch. Well, only one way to find out! And then lifted it. The door swung open…

XXX

Voldemort was making his way down the hall to his room when suddenly he heard the sound of snarling and a large tearing noise…

That was all he needed to hear to have him rushing through his bedroom and into Harry's to find…

"Hey! Let go of my sock, you thief!"

…Harry playing tug-of-war with a Doberman puppy.

Voldemort found his mouth to be very dry when he asked, "Harry, where did that thing come from?"

Harry finally managed to rescue the sock out of the puppy's mouth. "My friends, Ron and Hermione, gave him to me." Harry smiled at him.

Voldemort's heart melted. That is the first time he has smiled since coming here.

"If you do not have a name for him I have an idea."

"Sorry, I already know what I'm going to call him, but what was your idea?"

"Trouble."

Harry laughed. "Nice name, but I decided to call him Gallant." Gallant licked his hand.

"Is he housetrained?"

Harry looked thoughtful. "Hmmm, don't know."

Voldemort sighed. "Then until we find that out he will sleep on the first floor close to a door leading outside."

"Does he have to?"

"Yes." The Dark Lord's voice was stern, but the corners of his lips twitched, suppressing a smile.

Gallant growled and bared his teeth at him.

Harry laughed again and tapped his muzzle. "Hey you, stop that." Gallant wagged his tail and grinned with his tongue lolling out. "Come on, boy. Big Bad Lord Voldie wants you to sleep downstairs." Harry patted his leg and the puppy followed him out the door.

Voldemort's brain was still trying to get around the fact that his mate had called him 'Voldie,' when he saw the box and thought that he would rather not have a puppy that may or may not be housetrained having free rein over his mansion. He levitated the box out the door and followed Harry.

XXX

I know this is short, but I should have the next chapter up sometime soon. (It's already written, justgotta tweak a few bits)

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Reality called shot-gun, so my imagination had to take aback seat. Anyway...

How do you like the idea of Gallant? Most would think it's corny, but the dog does have a purpose! Plus, he's sort of going to be the comic-relief...

Next Chapter: The bond gets worse and Harry and Volmort have a cuddle session. :) Hope you like!