Chapter 6 – Curses, Potions and Unicorns

Harry had double Charms and double Transfiguration the following day. Charms was shared with Ravenclaw while Transfiguration was shared with the Slytherins. Harry nodded once to Malfoy as he sat down with the Gryffindors, and made sure to leave quickly afterwards. He studiously used his free hour to work on his Charms homework, planning on doing the Transfiguration work after dinner. Unfortunately, a house elf brought him a note from the Headmaster just as they sat down for the evening meal.

Harry,

Please stop by my office after dinner.

Thank you,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry grumbled mentally, but folded and put the note in his pocket. Ron noticed the slight frown on his friend's face and paused while filling his plate. "Problems, Harry?"

"I don't think so. The Headmaster wants me to stop by after dinner."

Hermione tipped her head considering. "He probably wants to make sure you're not going to blow anything up in frustration over the…" she lowered her voice so that only Harry and Ron heard her "..Malfoy situation."

Ron grinned wickedly. "Including Malfoy himself, no doubt. Although that would take care of the problem, wouldn't it?"

Harry snorted and filled his plate. He deliberately kept his eyes from the Slytherin table during the meal, focusing only on his plate or his best friends. Once the meal was done, he separated from his friends and turned towards the Headmaster's office.

The elderly wizard smiled gently at the young man as he entered the office. "Please sit down, my boy." Once Harry was settled, he continued "I wanted to talk to you about yesterday. I would not be surprised if you felt angry or frustrated, or felt that your life was being controlled again." He paused, but Harry waited for the full message before responding. With a sigh, the Headmaster continued "Even an old man can learn, Harry. I have learned that I cannot withhold information from you and retain your trust. I wanted to see if you had any questions about Veelas and the impact of being Chosen as a Mate."

"Thank you, Professor. Mr. Malfoy provided half a dozen books for me to read, covering the subject quite extensively. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to look at them yet. If I have questions after reading them, I will let you know."

"If you choose to accept the bond, I can offer you and Mr. Malfoy new quarters. You would each have your own bedroom, but would have a shared common room, similar to what the Head Boy and Girl share. Mr. Malfoy will have a physical need to spend some time in your proximity daily or will develop both physical and mental withdrawal symptoms."

Harry frowned and narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster. He was going to have to read up on Veela very quickly. "Headmaster, we share several classes a day and eat in the same room. Surely that is adequate…proximity?"

Dumbledore met his eyes with his own sympathetic blues ones. "He is currently experiencing discomfort from not spending time with you. Eventually, he will need to spend multiple hours near you every day or will suffer acute physical and mental side-effects."

"Such as?" Harry wasn't sure how much was manipulation and how much was fact.

The other wizard sighed. "He will have physical pain. His mental abilities will become erratic, making it difficult for him to concentrate or complete his assignments. Emotionally, he will become despondent spiraling into hopeless and despair the longer you are separated."

Harry felt the loss of control as if walls closing in on him. Immediately the lowaar sent waves of love and support, stabilizing him for the moment. He took a deep breath. "And how much time makes him able to…function?"

Dumbledore's kindness was tinged with approval that Harry even asked. "If you shared quarters, even with separate bedchambers, the common classes might be sufficient."

Harry wasn't willing to be forced into spending time with Malfoy just yet. "I see. Thank you for the information Professor." He decided to sound out the older wizard on Malfoy senior. "Tell me sir, what is your opinion regarding Lucius Malfoy's future with Voldemort?"

The Headmaster blinked at the change of subject, but responded readily. "To be honest Harry, I think Lucius will avoid anything that could potentially put his son at risk. Veelas are renowned for being extremely protective of not only their Mates but their children as well."

Harry frowned slightly as he considered. "Voldemort won't let him go without a fight, though."

"It might be to our advantage to let Voldemort know of you being Chosen by Draco and feign that you are open to being turned. That would buy Lucius some time and still put us in a position of having another insider in Voldemort's circle as long as possible."

The younger man tried not to grimace at the manipulations of the older wizard. His ability to turn situations to his advantage was one of the reasons he was head of the Order of the Phoenix after all, but he wasn't about to sell himself to the Malfoys for that advantage. "I will consider it, Headmaster. I may still ask Mr. Malfoy if he would consent to restating his allegiances under Veritaserum."

Harry expected Dumbledore to either be adamantly for or against such a request and was surprised when the Headmaster merely said quietly "That is your prerogative, Harry."

"Ghergo'ir" Ydraith interrupted his thoughts. "I have been studying his injured forelimb. It is similar to a curse seen in our collective memory."

"It appears to be linked to the ring he wears on the other hand" added Ortinth. "Would you ask him about it?"

Harry considered and decided he wouldn't be revealing his lowaar by asking. He allowed the Professor to see his eyes move from the blackened withered limb to the heavy gold ring. "Headmaster, on a different topic, the damage to your hand and arm appears to be tied to the ring. Was it cursed when you put it on?"

Dumbledore tilted back in his chair and considered Harry over his spectacles at the unexpected question. After several moments he responded "To my embarrassment, I put the ring on without inspecting it for enchantments. It was indeed cursed. Professor Snape was able to slow the progression of the curse with his excellent potions. You do not need to worry about it, Harry."

Ydraith snorted in his mind. "The curse will kill him without a cure. He likely has a year or so to live."

Charok added "Ask for the recipe of the potion used. Let him know that the curse is one you read of during your summer."

Harry met the Headmaster's curious eyes. "A vicious curse, Professor. It sounds like one of Tom's." At Dumbledore's slight smile and nod, Harry continued. "I had access to a wide range of resources over the summer sir. The curse is remarkably like one about which I read. I recall a potion recipe that might be helpful. Would you ask Professor Snape if he would be willing to share his recipe with me to see how they compare?"

The Headmaster considered Harry for several moments silently, as if weighing what Harry could have learned and whether this was something he wanted to share with a pupil. Finally he stood and walked over to the fireplace. Throwing in a handful of Floo powder, he called out "Severus? Are you there, my boy?"

Shortly, Severus Snape's face appeared in the fireplace. "Yes Albus? I'm marking essays. What do you need?"

In a mild voice, Dumbledore replied "Would you step through with the potion recipe you developed to counteract the results of my foolishness?"

"Right now?" At Albus' nod, the Potions Master grumbled and agreed. Several minutes later he stepped through with a parchment. He started to hand it to the Headmaster but stopped when the older wizard motioned him to give it to Harry whom he obviously hadn't noticed until then.

"Potter? You want Potter to look at this potion recipe? Please Headmaster, the brat can barely keep his cauldrons from exploding."

Dumbledore smiled placidly and folded his hands. "Nevertheless, I would like you to share it with Harry and stay with us for a few minutes as he reviews it."

The Potions Master stared at the Headmaster as if expecting a prank, but finally thrust the parchment at Harry with a scowl. "Try not to smear it, Potter" he sneered.

Harry inclined his head politely to the Potions Master and read through the recipe. The ingredients were clearly defined as were the preparations and brewing instructions. He could feel the lowaar studying it with him.

After reading through it, Charok's approval was voiced. "A good attempt if he didn't have any experience with the curse. He did very well slowing down the progression. If unicorn blood freely given was added, it would break the curse, although it wouldn't heal the damage already done."

Harry looked up at the tall taciturn man. The sneer was still evident, but his eyes held a hint of curiosity. "I believe he was impressed with and approved you warding your cauldron and making the vials unbreakable" thought Charok. "He wonders what other surprises you might have."

"Professor, over the summer I had the opportunity to study various topics including potions, and I recall one for a similar curse. Unicorn blood freely given added to this recipe might break the curse."

Harry and his lowaar watched the Potions Master consider the suggestion. His agreement was evident when he replied with only a shadow of a sneer "The unicorns in the Forbidden Forest will no longer donate their hairs or blood since one of their kind was murdered several years ago. And it should be fresh for this particular antidote, not preserved from another source."

"Several years ago…oh, Quirrell." The Potions Master nodded.

"I wonder if the unicorns would respond to us" said Ortinoth thoughtfully. "No time like the present to find out" the Gryffindor responded mentally.

Harry stood and handed the recipe back to the dark-haired man, then bowed slightly to both professors. "Thank you for your offer, Headmaster." Turning to Snape he added "Thank you for interrupting your marking to find and show me the recipe, sir." With another nod, he left the Headmaster's office.

Harry headed directly to the Gryffindor dorms, unlocked his chest and selected a vial from his potions kit and put it in his pocket. Next he selected his invisibility cloak and covered his broom with it. Finally, he took Marauder's map and put that in another pocket. He evaded the eyes of everyone in the Common room to avoid conversation and exited through the picture portal. Once out of the school, Harry mounted his broom and took a roundabout route to the Forbidden Forest.

He found a clearing and quickly cast a detection spell. Finding no predators, he landed. He followed the instructions Ortinoth gave and cast a summoning spell, focusing on the need for friendly or at least neutral unicorns.

Harry sat in the clearing watching the shadows lengthen, and attempted to focus on his need to parlay with the unicorns found in the forest. Eventually, he heard movements in the trees on the outskirts of the clearing. He waited patiently, trying to concentrate on being non-threatening.

An iridescent white form stepped out from the trees. "The herd stallion" identified Ortinoth.

Harry stood slowly and then bowed formally, keeping his eyes on the unicorn's eyes. The stallion stepped slowly forward, stopping several lengths from the human. He lowered his horn and pointed it at Harry, then lifted his head. Harry stood puzzled, not sure if a response was needed from him. The stallion repeated the gesture and then pawed the ground as if irritated. Finally, he felt a tenuous mind touch and after a moment's hesitation, he lowered the outer shields.

"Who are you wizard? Why do you summon the herd? Your smell and aura are not those of a normal two-legs." The mental voice gave the impression of a bassoon being played in his mind.

Harry blinked at the firm yet melodious impression. "Greetings Bright One" he returned as he gave another half bow. "My name is Harry Potter, wizard, student of Hogwarts…" The unicorn stamped his foot impatiently. "…and close-kin to the Juanth Darastrix" he finished.

Violet eyes met his as the stallion froze in place to stare at him. Finally the bassoon voice murmured "Touch my horn Harry Potter, wizard, student of Hogwarts…and close-kin to the Juanth Darastrix."

Harry stepped forward slowly and respectfully raised his hand to touch the offered horn. Power swept through him, as if a bright light had illuminated all aspects of his soul. To Harry's amazement, his lowaar began to materialize in their human forms beside him, although they were somewhat transparent. The stallion bowed his head and the lowaar placed their hands on their chests, each offering the unicorn a respectful greeting of one peer to another.

Charok stepped forward and spoke for them. "Honored One, we seek a favor to save a life. The Headmaster of the wizard school was cursed, albeit through his own idiocy. While this is not your concern, he has been fighting the Dark for most of his life. Humans have only been able to slow the curse, not stop it. We seek your help in curing the curse."

The stallion stared at the lowaar for several long moments. "You seek our blood then."

"Only if it is freely offered, Honored One" Charok replied with another courtly bow.

Silence reigned for several long moments. Finally a movement was heard from the edge of the clearing and Harry looked up to see a delicate looking unicorn step gracefully forward until she stood next to the stallion.

"For your potion, you need the freely given blood of an unmated filly. Leiria has agreed to donate." The filly bowed her head daintily.

Harry bowed to her gratefully. "What may I offer to you and yours in compensation?"

The stallion's violet eyes met Harry's and he was surprised to see how cold the liquid pools could appear. "Terminate the vile one who slew our brethren and drank his blood."

Harry bowed his head, grieving for those Quirrell and Voldemort had slain. "I had already planned on that or die trying, Honored Ones."

The stallion inclined his head. "Then we will reserve the right to a boon at a later date, dragon-kin."

Harry withdrew the crystal vial from his pocket and looked at the two unicorns. He was not willing to harm the lovely filly, so wasn't sure how to obtain the necessary blood. To his surprise, the stallion turned to the filly and pierced her shoulder with his horn. Harry stepped forward and quickly filled the vial from the slow trickle. Before he could heal the wound, the stallion touched it again and it faded leaving no trace.

Harry bowed again deeply first to the filly and then to the stallion. His lowaar mimicked his movements and then faded away. "Thank you. You honor me with your favor Bright Ones." He stood respectfully until the unicorns glided back into the forest.


After Harry returned to Hogwarts, he headed immediately to the dungeons. He approached the Potion Master's office and knocked lightly.

"Enter!" came the sharp reply. The dark man looked up from his desk and glared at the Gryffindor. "What do you want, Potter?"

Harry stepped forward and held out the vial to the Potions Master. "Unicorn blood freely given by a filly named Leiria, sir."

Snape stared at the vial and slowly reached out to take it. He glanced back up at Harry and narrowed his eyes. "How?" he snapped.

"I asked and they responded favorably, sir." Charok spoke in his mind. "The filly was generous ghergo'ir. He shouldn't use the entire vial. Six drops should do. I assume you know when it should be added."

Harry obediently commented "Professor, the potion should only need six drops added after the pulped hellebore but before the dittany. Leiria was generous with her donation, so you might want to cast a preservation spell on the rest if the spell doesn't interfere with its use in other recipes."

Snape glared at the Gryffindor for a moment before his voice adopted his classroom interrogation. "Why six drops and not five or seven, Potter? Explain the impact be if more or less is added."

"Sir, six drops is the maximum efficacy. Any additional will not make the potion any more potent or valuable, although any less will produce a weaker curative." Harry tossed a mental smile at Charok who frequently tested him this way.

"And if I added it after the dittany?"

"Then it would be used as a topical potion rather than an ingested one, and I believe it needs to be ingested to properly stop the curse, Professor." Harry made sure to keep his expression both neutral and respectful.

The Potions Master dark eyes met his own, but Harry felt no attempts on his mind. Finally, Snape said quietly "Why have you never demonstrated an ability with Potions before this term, Mr. Potter?"

"A Muggle-raised student who was told that magic doesn't even exist has no foundation in the art sir. What the other students grew up with, such as why one stirs clockwise or counter-clockwise, was never explained to me and asking questions wasn't exactly encouraged." He gave the Professor a dry smile. "This past summer, I re-brewed every potion we covered from my first year forward under the auspices of a mentor who enjoyed detailed and explicit explanations. Once I had a firm foundation in the basic material, I found brewing to be a most enjoyable past time."

Harry gave the surprised Potions Master a genuine smile. "I look forward to seeing if the new Potion will halt the curse, sir. Please let me know if you would like any assistance in prepping the ingredients."

Snape snorted and said "That will not be necessary, Mr. Potter." However, his voice was more amused than harsh as he said it.

Harry bowed slightly. "As you say, sir. Good night."

As Harry closed the door to the office and walked down the corridor, Ydraith broached the subject of the Headmaster's injury. "I am uncertain that there is a way to heal the Headmaster's withered hand and arm, ghergo'ir. The curse may be broken, but the limb will still be useless."

"Perhaps healing the limb isn't as important as making the limb useful in its' present state" offered Charok. "I will consider it for a time."

"Harry!" Hearing his name, Harry paused and turned to look back down the corridor. Draco Malfoy walked hesitantly towards him.

Harry laid his hand lightly on his chest and inclined his head. "Malfoy. Please thank your father for the books. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to read any of them yet."

"I understand; it's only been a day. I just wondered whether you had any questions or would like to talk for a while?" The blonde Slytherin attempted a nonchalant attitude, but Harry saw the tension in his muscles.

"Why do I feel like I need to save the entire bloody world" he thought irritably. However, after mentally banging his head against a fictitious wall he replied "Do you know the Room of Requirement on the seventh floor?"

"Is that the one also called the Come and Go room? By the tapestry of the Troll Ballet?"

"Yes. We could meet there after dinner tomorrow if that is convenient."

Draco swallowed, but managed "That would be acceptable." He hesitated and Harry managed to avoid grumbling at the blonde Veela for his obvious desire for more. However, the Clan was nothing if not courteous.

"I'm just heading back to the Gryffindor dorm. If there's something you would like to discuss, perhaps you would care to walk with me?" He felt the lowaar's approval of his courtesy.

The Slytherin was carefully polite. "I would like that, thank you." As they walked, Draco said hesitantly "I understand that this is new and uncomfortable for you. Would it add to your discomfort if we used each other's given names rather than our surnames?"

"How about if you ask me again in a couple of days? Let me try to adjust to this a bit more. We've never gotten along and trying to force friendly feelings in a matter of hours isn't going to happen." He glanced up at the Slytherin from the corner of his eye to gauge his reaction.

The blonde's jaw clenched briefly, but he responded evenly "I understand."

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Harry asked "What would have happened if Voldemort or the Death Eaters had killed me before you came into your Veela inheritance? Would you have found another Mate?"

The response was immediate and sharp. "No!" He glanced at Harry apologetically. "Sorry, but no. A person has only one True Mate. I would have lived a half life, always searching and never finding my counterpart. I might have married eventually to produce an heir, but it would have been a shallow relationship compared to that of a True Mate."

Harry looked over at him. "You don't find this whole situation odd? You've despised me for years. We've argued, fought and hexed one another. Doesn't it feel bizarre to turn it around and want to spend time…much less the rest of your life…with me? Scarhead? Perfect Potter?"

Draco gave a twisted smile. "The human in me wanted to smack the Veela in me a few times at first, but I've grown up for years knowing that I would be seeking my true Mate. I knew it could be male or female, wizard or mu…muggleborn, although I had assumed my counterpart would be someone who had the same background and beliefs. Within hours of realizing that you were my Mate, I had already come to terms with it. As much as I may have ignored it over the years, you are a kind, thoughtful, brave and loyal man to your friends. You're also one of the more powerful wizards of our generation and the Potters are an ancient and noble family. Of course, the Slytherin in me can see the political and social advantages of being associated with the savior of the wizarding world." He offered a wry smile to Harry.

They arrived at the portrait leading to the Gryffindor common room and dormitories. "This is my stop." Draco looked uncomfortable and Harry searched the collective memory and sighed. Somewhat reluctantly he reached out and grasped Draco's wrist, ignoring the other's slight jump at the contact.

"Veelas require not only proximity but touch, don't they?" He would have to remind Dumbledore about the concept of full disclosure. Even as he thought that he noticed that Draco's body seemed to lean a bit towards the hand holding the wrist, and after a moment Draco nodded.

"I didn't mean to make your life more difficult or awkward, Ha…Potter. I.."

Harry cut him off. He didn't need apologies; he needed his life back. Keeping his voice as even as possible, he said "It's all right, Malfoy. Tomorrow we'll meet at the Room of Requirement after dinner, and you'll fill me in on what this whole…situation…means to you. Let me know what you expect, what you need and the consequences if it doesn't happen. OK?"

The blonde nodded slowly and silver eyes met green. "Thank you, Potter. I'll be there immediately after dinner."

Harry lifted the wrist slightly. "Are you OK for the night then? It's almost curfew and you have to get back to your dorm."

Draco straightened, attempting to slide his indifferent expression back into place as he removed his wrist from Harry's grasp. The attempt at nonchalance would have worked if his eyes hadn't tracked Harry's hand as it returned to the Gryffindor's side. "I'm fine. Good night, Potter."

"Good night Malfoy." He waited for Draco to move off a few feet before he whispered the password to the Fat Lady. The portrait swung open and Harry stepped through, glancing back to see Draco staring at him as the portrait slowly swung shut.


In order of appearance:

lowaar = indwellers

ghergo'ir = young one