A couple days after their meeting a small 'family' dinner was being held, where Harry and Draco were grinning like crazy as their family looked at them in curiosity. They deflected any and all questions with ease saying they would find out soon enough. Harry and Marcus were going to be able to spend some time together as they usually did after dinner for a stroll through the garden talking softly (Marcus) and flirting (Harry). Surprisingly it was Marcus who asked Harry if they could view the gardens tonight. Grinning happily Harry agreed and offered his arm for Marcus to take, which Marcus did smiling on the inside as Harry escorted him at outside where the sun was setting beautifully in the background.

"So Marcus my kitten, was there anything in particular you wished to talk about?" Harry asked with grin, still feeling elated that his soon to be mate initiated something. It was usually Harry asking for walks and the such.

Marcus frowned, thinking of how he wanted to phrase his question. He had been debating on how to bring it or even if he should bring up for a couple of days now. He continued to frown when Harry withdrew his arm from Marcus to wrap it around his shoulders offering small comfort, but he did smile faintly at the patience Harry was showing.

"I have heard references to your other form and to an Alaric. I have been told if I wished to know more to ask you directly," Marcus said glancing at the thoughtful but pensive look that Harry was currently wearing.

"You still haven't asked a question my kitten," Harry teased squeezing Marcus's shoulder.

Glaring at Harry, Marcus asked, "What is your other form and who is Alaric?"

With a laugh, Harry leaned closer and placed a huge wet one on Marcus's stunned lips before answering, "I love your straight forwardness, so refreshing from my Slytherin family. As for my other form? It is Alaric."

"Then who is Alaric?" Marcus questioned recovering from the fact that Harry just kissed him. He hadn't received many kisses on the lips from Harry so each time he does is Marcus is shocked and left wishing for more.

All Marcus received for an answer was a mischievous smile that lit up Harry's eyes. Stepping away from Marcus, Harry closed his eyes and willed his change to happen slowly. Slowing his human body started to change looking reptilian. He grew and lengthened with black spikes protruding from his black scaled back that glinted dark green while his teeth sharpened.

When Harry felt his change was complete, he opened his eyes and looked down at his mate whispering into his mind, This is Alaric.

Marcus was stunned. Harry was Alaric. Alaric was the creature that flew and played with the clouds the other night. When he heard Harry's voice sound in his mind he jumped then looked in awe at his mate.

"You're a dragon," Marcus breathed.

Yes, I am. You may touch me my mate Alaric whispered enjoying his mate's wondrous stare.

Marcus reached out a hand and Alaric lowered his head allowing him to touch his snout and ran it back behind Alaric's spiked eye ridges. He let a small smile appear though when Alaric's eyes closed and hummed in delight. Alaric laid down on the ground and lightly dozed while Marcus sat beside him within Alaric arms and continued to for lack of better words pet his mate's other form.

A few hours later, Marcus was relaxed and calm. He was almost in perfect balance with himself as his hand rested in his mate's hair. His soul was at rest being with his mate like this, and it wasn't because of his dragon form since an hour ago Alaric receded and his mate was in human form. Harry's head lay cradled in his cold lap.

As dawn approached, Harry woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed with his hair being comb by soothing fingers. Opening his eyes he was looking into Marcus's eyes and face but there was something different, they weren't nearly as dull and lifeless but they were still far from being full of spark.

"Good Morning, did you know that you make a wonderful pillow?" Harry asked with a smirk keeping his head in Marcus's lap.

"Good Morning Harry, I was unaware that ice cold rock was comfortable?" Marcus asked with his eyebrow raised.

"Beneath my head feels like cool pillow, kitten. Although… if you want I could warm you up?" Harry questioned with a waggle of his eyebrows.

With a slight snort, Marcus replied, "Do you not have plans for today?"

"Ow! You wound me my fair Lord. But alas you are right! Shall I bring you back something from my grand adventure?" Harry asked sitting up running a hand down Marcus hair to cup his cheek.

"Whatever you deem worthy for me to have my lazy knight," Marcus answered with subtle teasing tone.

Harry's eyes lit up though and shone as if Marcus had just given him something precious.

"Never fear, I shall accomplish my mission with ease," Harry replied with confidence, "Shall I escort you back to your rooms to freshen up for the day?"

"You would leave me on my own?" Marcus asked seriously but the teasing tone was still present in his eyes and posture.

"Never if I had my way kitten," Harry answered solemnly and placed a chaste kiss upon Marcus's lips.

Later that day…

Five males were gathered in the Dark Lord's study waiting for two young headstrong men to come through the fireplace safe and sound. Fenir was lounging on the couch watching the other four in amusement as the fathers, his Lord and Lucius, were pacing muttering about security and obstinate sons and their friend's horrible influence while occasionally glaring at each other, of course Lucius was the first to turn away for obvious reasons. Severus was sitting in a leather chair legs crossed reading a potion journal that his pup had found on one of his travels while the vampire, Harry's mate, was staring out the window brooding and Fenir would almost say pouting if it wasn't for the fact that Marcus wasn't displaying any emotions.

The fireplace came alive and the two young men of the afternoon came falling out of the fire laughing hysterically. They fell to the ground still laughing before the black hair one stilled and looked up at his father and gulped while kicking his blond brother. The blond one stopped and looked up at his own father and gulped as well.

"Sooo, we can explain," his pup said after standing and brushing off the soot and helping his partner in crime.

"Yes, you will Harrison," Voldemort stated through gritted teeth, "You were supposed to be with your Uncle Fenir."

Clearing his throat nervously, Harry told him, "Right…Well…You see it happened like this… Dray, the Twins and I discussed that having Uncle Fen with us would defeat the purpose that we were trying to accomplish, especially since he is definitely dark and currently feared to the point of one pissing himself. So we figured that having the twins, who come from a 'pure light' family never mind the fact that all but the youngest two and their parents have sided with us, and Draco is who from a dark family with suspicions of siding with the Dark Lord with the Savior would help sway the public mind when I come out of closet on what side I am on."

"How would that sway the public?" Lucius asked curiously with a slight sneer. He was angry that his son and his nephew put themselves in danger.

"Well it shows that I like and enjoy the company from Light and Dark and that I don't discriminate," Harry answered confidently like he was never in any danger.

"Interesting and clever tactic Harrison, but what about your safety or that of Draco's? You could have been caught unaware and kidnapped since the Old Goat still doesn't know who your father is and where you stayed your holidays while in school," Voldemort questioned. He couldn't stay too angry since this would actually benefit their plans but to go without an escort? Stupid and crazy. Then again his son was a headstrong obstinate Slytherin. He would never admit that his son was in Gryffindor.

"We weren't unaware as we were watching Dumbles and his gang the whole time, as a matter of fact it was quite interesting having them follow us throughout the stores," Draco answered. Truly his brother and friend was brilliant.

"Oh?" Severus asked. He was curious since he knew that the store owners all adore Harry. He would accompany his nephew to the apothecary from potion ingredients and receive a wonderful discount, then again Harry also bought twice the normal amount.

"Harry here for the past couple of years has invested in almost every store in Diagon Alley, not only that but he also makes large purchases from them monthly. What he does with the purchases, I don't know," Draco started explaining but was interrupting by Harry.

"I give them to those less fortunate. For instance the brooms I buy? I give them to the seconds years that love quidditch in hopes that they you make the team. The robes I buy? I have shrinking and growing charms on them and give them to the first years in need. So on and so forth," Harry ended with a shrug.

Everyone was surprised besides his father who complimented him, "Truly Slytherin Harrison. Not only are you gaining support from the proprietors, but you are gathering support and loyalty from those you gift."

Lucius, Draco, and Severus were looking at him in awe, as they had never thought of that, while Marcus and Fenir looked on proud. They knew Harry a wee bit better and saw that he did truly did the giving for the purpose of not letting any child feel poor and left out like himself and Tom Riddle and that he was also gaining favors from the store owners from his large purchases who were his main targets. Only Fenir knew of Riddle though. Voldemort also understood what Harry was truly thinking as he gave the gifts, but he had whether unknowingly or not used Slytherin tactic that would benefit him in the long run.

"Anyways, so the owners all love and adore him. When we entered a store, he would talk to the owner first and speak with them about the new merchandise while commenting that he had a rather old and senile fool following him and ask if they could make their time miserable. The owners happy to help Harry agreed and proceeded to either ignore Dumbles and his group while helping Harry and us or pestering them no stop quoting, 'Its good customer service' and proceeded to black mail them into purchasing an ungodly amount stuff just to get rid of the workers. When we had lunch, Harry had made sure to get the best table at the most expensive restaurant and had the idiots placed at the worst table. It was wonderful!" Draco finished explaining with a glee.

"So what made you falling through the floo in the most unbecoming manner?" Lucius asked rather upset at the lack of manners while enjoying Dumbles getting his just desserts.

"Right before we floo'ed Harry said in a loud voice so that Dumbles heard, 'Well Gred and Forge, Draco and I really must be getting back to my father's home. See you later.' Dumbledore eyes twinkled like there was no tomorrow expecting Harry to shout out the manors name, but Harry here cast a silencing ward around us and look right at Dumbles and covered his mouth as he whispered the address and we stepped into the floo, right before we swirled away Dumbles had thee most heartbroken expression on his face, as if you took his foul candies away!" Draco exclaimed eyes shining with malicious glee.

Severus and Lucius were chuckling, Fenir was outright laughing, Voldemort was looking at his son in pride, but the one that meant the most to Harry had a small smile and his eyes held laughter as well.

"Well! All in a days work," Harry remarked wiping his hands in a manner of all finished with a smirk, "Now if you'll excuse me, I would like to speak to Marcus."

"Of course," Voldemort replied with careless hand wave. He was still amazed at his son mischievous streak. The others were still lost in their chuckles that they hardly noticed that Harry and Marcus had left.

As they walked out of the study, Harry and Marcus quietly made their way to Harry's room. Along the way though, Harry casually grabbed Marcus's hand tugged him closer so that they were brushing shoulder to shoulder. Harry smiled as Marcus very faintly gripped his hand a little tighter.

When they reached Harry's room, Harry led his mate over to the loveseat. Once Marcus was sitting down, Harry pressed a kiss to Marcus's hand before stand backing away a few steps and grinning that mischievous grin that Marcus was fast becoming weary of.

"My fair Lord, may I present to you my treasures that I have gathered for you?" Harry asked very gentlemanly and composed as he pulled out a box from his pocket and enlarged it to that medium sized crate.

"If you must," Marcus sighed as if it was a daily chore, but Harry saw through it and could see the curiosity.

"May I present your first gift," Harry pulled out a small black box from the crate and handed it over.

Raising an eyebrow, Marcus accepted the gift and opened it to reveal pair of dragon hide gloves. They were butter soft and very well crafted. The moment he slid one glove on, Marcus fell in love with the gloves they fit like a second skin.

"Your second gift," Harry stated hand over a larger box with a smile.

As Marcus opened the second box he found silky smooth cloak that shimmered like Alaric's skin. He barely had enough time to process this gift before Harry was giving him another.

"Your third gift Kitten."

This time the box revealed a set of dress robes in the same material as the cloak.

"Your final gift love," Harry said softly as he kneeled down next to where Marcus was seated. Before now, Harry had stay a bit away giving Marcus room to explore his gifts but this time it was Harry who opened the box.

Marcus looked at Harry sharply when he heard 'love' and was about to question his sentiment but when his final gift was revealed the question died away on his lips as he took in the piece of jewelry that was presented. It was white gold band three inches wide lined with a strip of leather just as wide in the same color as his gifts with a dragon engraved in black that faintly glistens green in the different lights. There was an inscription on it as well in Latin: nunquam solus,Semper in corde meo, In meus.

"It means: Never Alone, Always in my heart, Forever Mine," Harry explained as he lifted the band from the box and placed it Marcus's left wrist. Where upon contact adjust to fit Marcus's wrist snugly.

"There are also a few protections on it as well as a charm that will link me and allow me to apparate straight to you if you are in trouble. It will also let you know how I am. For example right now it radiates the same heat as me, so that means I'm in good health. If it grows a little colder, I'm sleeping or in my dragon form. If there is barely any heat, I've went into my healing coma like when we first met. I have a corresponding leather band on my left wrist just for you where as on my right contains my family. Yours was a little tricky since you are a vampire but I managed to overcome the difficulties with ease. I wish for you to never take it off," Harry explained brushing his thumb across the inside of Marcus's arm.

Marcus was shocked, stunned, speechless, he didn't know how to respond. His dark angel that was always playful had given him something so serious and meaningful that Marcus's brain shut down. His angel had just given him something that would tell others that Marcus was his mate. Harry was declaring Marcus his mate and wanted everyone to know.

When his mind finally caught up to his body, he was being held tightly but gently. He figured his face and body must have caused worry since he could hear his angel whispering, "It's ok. Shhhh. It's ok, I have you. If its too soon you can take it off. It's ok. I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" Marcus asked sounding hoarse. He was surprised by his voice.

"I never meant to make you cry kitten. I had thought with our teasing and our kisses that this would be alright. I'm sorry. I'm a jack-asssss. Just please stop crying, it's breaking my heart," Harry whispered fiercely holding him even closer.

Marcus was confused, he was crying?

Marcus raised his fingers to face and found something wet. Shocked Marcus pulled his fingers back and saw blood glistening on his fingers. Staring at his fingers, he was wondering how in the world he was crying blood? He felt something moving on his arm and looked towards it and saw Harry raising his arm and was gently sliding off the band.

"Why are you doing that?" Marcus croaked out feeling hurt that he was removing it after he had just put it on.

"It's causing you so much distress. It's better to remove it. I'm sorry we'll move at your pace," Harry replied his voice coloring with hurt. He had paused to answer and went back to sliding it off.

Marcus snarled and ripped his hand away from his mate and sprung his seat and crouched on the other side of the loveseat.

"NO! You will not remove! It's mine! You gave it to me. You cannot take it back. You declared me your mate so you have to stick with it!" Marcus growled clench the band around his wrist.

"Ok! Ok!" Harry stated with surrender gesture and moved seat in the armchair furthest away from Marcus with his head in his hands and muttered, "Merlin, I screwed this up so bad."

Blinking Marcus straightened watched his mate move with defeat to chair that was furthest from him. Why did his mate seem so…so…not himself? Not confident? Moving swiftly over to his mate, Marcus kneeled before Harry and pulled his hands away from Harry's face. Marcus nearly gasped at the down-trodden and misery that was etched into Harry face.

"How have you 'screwed' this up?" Marcus asked his voice thick with concern.

"I never meant to make you cry. It's just you are my mate. I already love you so much and I know that I can't claim your body yet as you're not ready for that but I figured that you could have something that represented me that it would be fine. Apparently though I was wrong. I won't try and take it from you given your reaction, but you don't have to wear for me," Harry answered completely dejected looking away.

Marcus was shocked once more by his mate. His mate thought that Marcus didn't want to be claimed by him.

"Fine, I'll wear it for me," Marcus stated bringing Harry's face towards him. He noticed Harry's eye widen just a bit and he pushed on, "I'm not sure why I am crying but I was elated and shocked that you would want to claim me in such a way that people would know. Especially since you hardly pay any attention to me during when we are in company of others."

Harry mumbled something and Marcus for all of his superior hearing couldn't even understand and asked him to repeat it.

"I said, 'I didn't want you thinking that people respected you because of me and I didn't want to embarrass you. I know that when we are alone I can sometimes be over the top," Harry repeated.

Marcus cupped Harry's face and stared straight into his emerald eyes and said, "I want all that you are willing to give me. I have been alone for several hundred years, so I am relearning all of these steps and emotions. Don't give up on me, if I don't react the way you expect me to. I need you. I am far more relaxed and finding myself when I am with you. So do not give up."

Harry smiled weakly and asked, "So you like band?"

"I love it my dark angel," Marcus whispered and leaned forward and met Harry's lips in a simple kiss that Marcus hope conveyed his feelings.

Harry returned the kiss and brought his hands up and clenched them in Marcus's beautiful hair. Releasing Marcus from their kiss Harry brought their foreheads together and said gently, "I'm glad that you like it. Would you mind if we retired to my bed and I just held you? I went through quite a bit of emotions in past twenty minutes and I need to regain my charming persona."

"That is fine my angel," Marcus answered and they made their way towards Harry bed. They chucked their shoes off and undressed till they were just in their pants. Climbing under the covers, Marcus rested his head on Harry's arm and Harry's face was buried in his hair, they legs intertwined, Marcus arms were between their bodies and Harry's other arm around his waist holding him close.

Marcus studied his dragon band while Harry drifted off to sleep secure in the knowledge that Marcus wanted to be his mate.

AN – So how did you like it?

Mega Thank you's to all of my fantastic reviewers! You guys rule! Thank you: Michally, Rori Potter, Dark Catalyst, kimmie837, edwardismyvampiresweetheart, Make war not love. war is fun, Safuuru, KuKu for CoCo Puffs, VampireKnight22, Grim1989, WyrdSmith, Fantasyfreak101, RogueNya, leobutler, namikaze natsumi-hime, Rainbow2007, Dissimilis-Mentis, and rain10475