Chapter 12 – A Unicorn Boon

Tuesday found Hermione, Ron and Neville waiting outside the Great Hall for breakfast as Harry and Draco approached. Before Harry could comment, Hermione said cheerfully "Good morning gentlemen. We wanted to wish you well at the Slytherin table, Harry." She looked at Draco with a slight smirk and added "We look forward to reciprocating on Thursday, Draco."

Draco looked at the three Gryffindors and an answering smirk reached his own lips. Instead of answering her, he turned slightly to Harry and said "Your friends are showing unquestionable Slytherin qualities, Harry." At Ron's offended look, Draco continued "I approve."

"Oi, no need to be insulting Malfoy" the redhead muttered as Neville hid a chuckle. "See you in class, Harry" the dark-haired teen said, ushering the other two towards the Gryffindor table.

Harry and Draco continued to the Slytherin table. "You approved, did you?" Harry asked with quiet amusement.

Draco raised an elegant eyebrow. "Of course. A visible show of strength and an overt threat that anything that happens to you at the Slytherin table will be reciprocated when I'm at the Gryffindor table." He tilted his head as they approached two open seats. "Considering they are Gryffindors, perhaps it was meant as a subtle threat?"

To the right of the open seats were Crabbe and Goyle, across were Zabini and Parkinson. Theo Nott and Millicent Bulstrode next to Pansy. To Draco's right was an empty seat before the Seventh Year students.

"Let me guess...everyone is sitting in their respective position of power?" Harry asked in an amused undertone to Draco.

"Of course" the blonde returned arrogantly. "Would you expect anything less?"

Before Harry could answer, Zabini said quietly "Good morning Draco, Potter."

Draco inclined his head graciously as Harry gave a slight bow and returned "Good morning Zabini. Please call me Harry."

The dark-skinned teen nodded once. "Blaise." The food appeared in front of them, and they started to fill their plates.

As Pansy ladled scrambled eggs on her plate, she smirked slightly. "Good morning Draco, Harry." At the emphasis on his first name, Harry returned a polite smile, inclining his head slightly. "The day's blessings to you, Pansy" and was pleased at her momentary look of surprise, immediately replaced with an appraising glance.

Harry took some toast and reached for the marmalade, surprised when Crabbe pushed it closer with a muttered "Day's blessings, Potter." His lowaar immediately took interest in the greeting as Harry responded "Thank you and bright blessings to you, Crabbe."

As he spread the marmalade over his toast, he withdrew momentarily to his mind to question his lowaar's interest. "Very few use the old courtesies any longer. It is surprising to find one you consider dim-witted to recognize and use the form" Ydraith commented.

Harry considered. "I should remember not to judge by appearances. He is from an old pureblood family and was likely trained in the old ways."

He returned his attention outward as Draco put some bacon on his plate. "You need more protein" the blonde responded at Harry's questioning glance.

"Hey now, I've filled out quite nicely from last year" Harry answered with mock resentment. Draco let his eyes run slowly down and back up his frame and the dark-haired teen fought a blush at the surprising action. "So you have" was the blonde's only comment, although his lips curled up as he turned his attention back to his own plate.

Millicent Bulstrode spoke up, her eyes hard and her voice somewhat strident. "So tell us, Potter..." Harry looked up, meeting her eyes politely. Pansy made a subtle but sharp movement with her hand which the other girl ignored. "What makes you think you have what it takes to be a Slytherin's mate, much less a Veela's?"

Harry felt Draco tense beside him and nudged the blonde's leg with his own as he offered the Slytherin girl a smile. "Actually, as the supplicant, isn't it Draco that needs to demonstrate that he has what it takes to keep me interested?" Millicent's eyes narrowed slightly as Harry turned to Draco, feeling somewhat mischievous. He would probably regret it, but he still said with a hint of laughter in his voice "So tell me, Draco, do you think you have what it takes to keep me interested day after day?"

The barest twitch of Draco's lips let Harry know he was going to regret the question as the blonde leaned back and allowed his eyes to once again run over Harry before drawling "I can't say that I'm too worried about the days Harry, but I'm looking forward to keeping you interested night after night after night."

Brass-toned laughter erupted in his mind overlaying the laughs at the table. "I like this one" snickered Ortinoth. "He's a keeper" agreed Ydraith.

"Hush you randy tilsins" Harry muttered as he fought the color threatening his cheeks. He strove for a nonchalant tone as he responded to the Veela, ignoring the still chortling Slytherins. "Humble and modest, I see."

"Just confident" the blonde responded with a wink.

The Slytherins enjoyed Harry's embarrassment, as he shook his head in amused tolerance. He had set himself up, so had to accept the consequences. To his surprise, Crabbe offered him respite when the large teen said "Should we expect a lot of mail this morning, Potter?"

Harry turned and looked at the heavy-set teen quizzically before he remembered and groaned, covering his face. "Yesterday's article, right." He sighed. "Who sets up the bets at this table? Put me down for a sickle on over 25 owls with at least three howlers."

Theo Nott grinned and reached into his book bag for parchment and quill. "Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen." The next several minutes were spent as the Slytherins called out their bets on how many owls and howlers Harry should expect.

To his surprise, Draco added "Put me down for 9 howlers for myself." He met Harry's eyes and smirked. Harry returned the look and responded "Put me down for 12 howlers for Draco."

Even as Nott attempted to finish the bets, wings could be heard approaching. Most of the other tables hadn't paid attention to the Slytherin's betting and while they may have noticed that there were more owls than usual, there weren't so many as to inspire neglect of their breakfasts. Harry sighed as he saw the flock of owls approaching him. To his surprise, at least a dozen Slytherins helped gather the mail being delivered, but he realized they were likely keeping count. That was proven as the howlers were destroyed after Nott nodded that he had marked for whom it was delivered.

To his surprise, Harry received an even three dozen pieces of mail and chuckled as Marcus Flint gloated at winning that pool. Draco received 11 howlers, so neither he nor Harry won that bet. He was surprised at Crabbe's smug look and realized the burly teen had correctly predicted Draco's Howler count.

Harry quickly sorted the mail into two piles; one for people he knew and one for strangers. He supposed that he would adapt his previous form letters to respond to the latest article. He smiled as he recognized letters from several of the Weasleys as well as Remus Lupin. He was about to open one when he heard people begin to stand. He looked up to find Millicent Bulstrode giving him a cold glare, before she turned away.

"I don't think you'll have time to read them, Harry" Draco murmured as he nudged his Mate. "But you have History this morning, don't you? Reading your letters should help keep you awake at least."

The Gryffindor grinned at the Slytherin. "Good point." He suddenly realized that while they had been sitting next to each other, there had been no direct contact yet that day and reached out to hold the blonde's wrist. Draco's form immediately released tension that Harry hadn't realized existed and he mentally reproached himself. He knew the Veela needed regular physical contact!

He become conscious of Crabbe and Goyle waiting patiently behind them and murmured "All right, Draco?" To his surprise, the blonde rested his hand on Harry's for a moment and then nodded, reluctantly standing. As they parted at the Great Hall entrance to go their separate ways, Draco said quietly but with a slight question "See you at lunch."

Harry smiled reassuringly. "See you at lunch." He inclined his head to the other two teens behind the blonde. "Crabbe, Goyle." They nodded in return. "Potter." He slung his book bag over his shoulder and headed to History.


Professor Binns was indeed as dull as usual and eventually his monotone lecture caused him to turn to his letters. Molly Weasley had sent Harry a note two days after Harry let his friends know that Draco had selected him. Her letter had been full of support and encouragement, with only the slightest hint of regret that Harry wouldn't "officially" be a part of the family, but she would always consider him her seventh son. He smiled as he opened this letter.

Dear Harry,

I was pleasantly surprised to find the latest article from the Daily Prophet was less harmful than many of their stories are. At least it didn't cause me to send them a howler, unless of course you want me to Harry dear.

Ron says you've settled into your new quarters and that young Draco is behaving very civilly, which of course one would expect. If you ever need someone to talk to, just let me know. Otherwise, I'm planning to see you this Christmas. Please let Draco know that he is also welcome.

Love,

Molly Weasley

Harry chuckled and fully expected the Weasley matriarch to knit Draco a Slytherin green jumper for Christmas. He wondered if the blonde would wear it, so as not to offend Harry's foster mother. Still grinning at the image, he turned to the next Weasley letter.

Hi Harry!

How is our silent partner doing with all the muss and fuss being reported in the Daily Gossip? We hope ickle Harrykins is playing nice with his new friend!

We've had an idea for a new line and preliminary interest indicates it would provide a high return on investment; miniature Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy dolls with complete clothing lines; school robes, Quidditch uniforms, dress robes... Just think of the potential accessory possibilities!

Much love and pranking,

Gred and Forge

Harry groaned and hit his head on his desk, gaining the attention of his fellow students, although Professor Binns continued droning on with little awareness other than the Goblin War being described. Gred and Forge would be happy to make those dolls and he wouldn't be surprised if they became popular. He wondered what he could do to distract them…maybe Aironth landing in Diagon Alley would redirect their attention. He heard the lowaar snicker in his mind as he visualized that occurring.

Eventually, he turned to the letter from Remus Lupin. He hadn't received a response to his last letter and didn't know how the older man was feeling. Harry was concerned that Remus held him responsible for Sirius' death and hesitantly broke the seal on the letter.

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter reaches you and you are willing to read it. I was very concerned when my letters came back unopened over the summer, but thought perhaps that you needed to grieve alone.

Do not believe for one moment that I hold you responsible for what happened at the Ministry of Magic. Many people were responsible, including Sirius himself, but you were not. Sirius was an adult, at least so he insisted. He made the choice to go to the Ministry and he made the choice to fight and taunt Bellatrix. Voldemort was the one that deceived you and Bellatrix was the one that caused him to fall through the veil. A young teenager, especially a Gryffindor, would easily fall for such a Slytherin ruse. I have no doubt that Sirius will visit me in my dreams to demand that I prank you wickedly if you believe anything else, cub.

Although I was surprised to hear that Draco Malfoy's Veela genes were active and that he identified you as his True Mate, it was not a heinous surprise. Yes, there is a lot of history between you and the Malfoys, but a great deal changes when creature blood comes to the surface. My own lycanthropy has resulted in me making decisions about people that I may not have otherwise made. The wolf in me has its own perspective at times, as I'm sure Malfoy's Veela does as well.

If you choose to accept the bond, I have no doubt that you will have a faithful and devoted lifetime companion. However, the acceptance must be what you want, not what anyone else thinks you should or should not do. Whatever you choose, you have my full and unconditional support.

If you would like me to visit, just let me know when your next Hogsmeade weekend is, and I'll meet you there.

Affectionately,

Moony

Harry felt himself choking back the tears as he read Moony's absolution of his guilt in Sirius' death as well as his assurances of affection and support. He immediately felt waves of encouragement from his lowaar and stopped to let it wash away the pain of Sirius' loss. He hadn't realized that Remus would send him letters after he left the Dursleys, and of course no owl would find him. He felt guilt well up for not having thought about the impact of potentially unopened letters on the older man; but then he hadn't expected the man to write. He re-read the letter and then became lost in his memories of Sirius and the Marauders for the remainder of the class, only coming back to himself as the other students packed up and began filing out. He shook his head and began gathering his things.

"Harry, are you all right?" The soft and slightly breathless voice surprised him as he turned to find Draco kneeling beside his chair.

"Draco? What are you doing here? What do you mean, am I all right?" Harry looked at the blonde's concerned face in surprise.

Silver grey eyes searched his face and finally the other teen leaned back on his heels. "I felt overwhelming sadness in the midst of class and had no reason for it. I...I thought perhaps it came from you."

Harry looked at him in surprise. "Veela and Their Mates" did describe that type of bond forming between mates, but as he hadn't accepted Draco yet, he hadn't expected it. "Perhaps as the Veela, his bond with you begins prior to or perhaps regardless of your acceptance" suggested Ydraith. He supposed that was possible.

"I had a letter from Remus Lupin..." he began.

"Professor Lupin? The DADA instructor from Third year? And he upset you?" Draco's face hardened in anger.

Harry laid his hand on the other teen's arm. "No, Remus is like a second godfather to me. I..I thought he might blame me for Sirius' death, but he doesn't and he was adamant that I not blame myself." He looked down. "I didn't realize how much I needed him to say that."

Draco laid his hand over the one on his arm. "Would you like to talk about it? Do you want to go back to our quarters?" He looked around at the empty classroom. "I think the next class will be coming in soon."

The Gryffindor flushed in embarrassment. "I'm OK, Draco, but thank you. I appreciate it." He was surprised that he did appreciate it. Draco's support felt like the unconditional acceptance offered by the Clan rather than the inquisitive support of Hermione who wanted to understand everything about a situation or the occasionally judgmental backing of Ron. He withdrew his hand and finished gathering his belongings and then turned to offer the blonde a smile.

"How did you get here just as class was getting out" he asked as they exited the room. Crabbe and Goyle were waiting outside the room with Crabbe holding Draco's book bag. The larger teen offered the bag to Draco and then smirked at the Gryffindor.

"You would have thought he was on his broom, he moved so quickly. Didn't even stop for his things." He stopped teasing when Draco narrowed his eyes slightly.

Harry intervened quickly "You have Arithmancy now, right? I should have taken that. Or Ancient Runes. I think I'm going to study that one independently. I could kick myself now for not taking it." He offered the three Slytherins a smile. "We better get moving or we'll be late. I'll see you at lunch." He took a step away and then turned back. "Thanks again, Draco." Without looking back, he hurried to his next class, vaguely aware that his lowaar were discussing the Veela's appearance at the back of his mind.


After classes were done for the day, both Harry and Draco returned to their quarters. While Draco began to work on his Arithmancy homework, Harry brought his Firebolt and broom repair kit into the common area and began dismantling it. He straightened and waxed every sorghum stalk. It was a several hour process to repair and wax each stalk before winding and securing the bristles to the wood. He was only a quarter of the way done before pointing out that it was dinner to Draco, who was too deeply engrossed in his studies to notice.

Draco stood and stretched the kinks out of his back, after being bent over his work so long. He looked at the untidy heap of broom parts and chuckled. Quidditch players took care of their brooms after every game, but this type of thorough dismantling and repair occurred only a few times a year.

"Do you think you'll be finished by your practice tomorrow, Harry?"

The Gryffindor ran his hand through his hair and grinned wryly. "I should have it half-done before bed, which leaves me time after classes to finish it up before practice. I hope you don't mind the clutter."

The blonde smirked. "I can't complain when I'm planning to do the same thing next week."

Once they arrived at the Great Hall, Harry greeted his Gryffindor friends before heading to the Slytherin table. They took the same seating arrangements, with Draco obviously in the highest ranked seat of the Sixth years, with a blank seat before the Seventh year students. Again, Blaise was across from Harry with Pansy next to him, and Crabbe and Goyle next to Harry.

Harry glanced around at Draco's friends, meeting the eyes of each briefly before saying graciously "Good evening and the evening's blessings to you". He was somewhat surprised that the purebloods all responded with "Evening blessings", remembering his introduction to the phrases.

As he entered the seating area from his personal chambers, a deep melodious tone "The days blessings to you, sia'deevdru." It was his first morning with Aironth, and he was both bashful and excited.

"Good morning, Aironth. What is sia'deevdru?"

The tall man laid his arm around the teen's shoulders and drew him into the room, steering him to the eating area. "It means 'my son', Harry. You are blood kin to my adopted son and you are part of my family. I hope the term is not too presumptuous?"

The dark-haired teen blushed slightly. "I like the idea of having family, sir." Aironth's arm around his shoulder, squeezed slightly and Harry hastened to add in his embarrassment "The days blessing...is that a Clan greeting?"

He was rewarded with a warm smile. "It is a form of etiquette and courtesy that was popular before we left your realm. Greetings were always offered when one met someone for the first time that day, or when joining together for a time of eating and fellowship. Offering a blessing of the day or evening, meant one trusted that the recipient would be healthy and protected. Responding with 'bright blessings' meant a desire for health and happiness.

Harry received another squeeze to his shoulders before he was released to take his seat. Aironth moved across from him. He wasn't used to others looking at him with such unguarded acceptance and warmth and was embarrassed. He certainly hadn't done anything to merit such approval.

"The Clan learned over time to welcome and use courtesies to help ensure civility and consideration towards everyone was assured." He gestured towards the fresh fruit as Harry only had bread and eggs on his plate. "Do you prefer other fruit? We can provide other selections."

Harry blushed and spooned the mixed cut fruit on his plate. "This is fine, sir. I never got in the habit of eating fruit while living with my relatives."

The warmth faded slightly. "I think you never got in the habit of eating well or regularly Harry. I will never cease to regret not coming sooner to ascertain your health and well-being. I knew how eagerly your parents awaited your arrival and failed to consider that they might not be there to raise and care for you." He waved away Harry's objections. "I hope you will bear with me if I appear over-protective of you for some time. I have much to heal in both your mind and body, sia'deevdru. When I offer you 'blessings', I take that comment quite seriously."

Harry smiled at the memory of his opsola's gentle protectiveness. He looked covertly around at the Slytherin students and wondered if they would be able to see the gentleness in a being as powerful and dangerous as a mature Juanth Darastrix.


As he put his supplies away for the night, Harry was pleased that he was nearly three-quarters done with the broom refurbishing. He wouldn't be rushed now before tomorrow's practice.

Draco looked up from the book he was reading. "Giving up for the night, Harry?"

The dark-haired teen nodded and hid a yawn. "I only have to rewrap the stalks and polish the handle before practice. I'm going to get some sleep. Good night, Draco." He smiled and nodded at the blonde before heading to his room. He undressed quickly and was asleep in minutes.

Harry awoke feeling as if he had been shaken awake and looked around in confusion, expecting to see someone nudging his shoulder.

A mental tickle floated across his mind shields, giving the impression of familiarity. He dove into his mind and looked at his lowaar, all of whom were looking gravely concerned.

Ortinoth spoke first, surprising Harry with his "Open your mind, ghergo'ir. Do you not recognize the mental signature?"

Harry dropped his shields, replying "It felt familiar, but I did not recognize who it was."

A distant mental voice gave the impression of a bassoon. "Harry Potter, wizard, student of Hogwarts…and close-kin to the Juanth Darastrix." Harry blinked in surprise as he recognized the mental cadence and inflection. "We reserved the right to claim a future boon, dragon-kin." The voice paused.

Harry projected his response flavored with deep respect. "You did, Honored One. I am at your service."

"The herd is under attack from both wizards and several humans in wolf guise. Our magic tires. Our foals are at risk."

The teen was already jumping out of bed. "I can bring many wizards to defend you. Just give me a few moments…"

"No! We do not trust the others with our location. One came from your location and killed our brethren and drank their blood. Others have not earned our trust."

Harry tried to calm his nervousness. "Then I will come alone. I will defend the herd with my life if needed."

The herd stallion's voice withdrew for a few moments as Harry quickly left his chambers. He paused and looked in dismay at his dismantled broom. He would never reach them in time. The bassoon returned with a tired touch. "One dragon-kin is all that is needed."

Harry felt intense frustration at the comment. He hadn't learned how to complete the transformation. Even as he left his quarters and began to run to the roof he called into his mind "Charok! I need you to take over the transformation. I don't have time to attempt it myself!"

Treith rumbled disagreement. "Each iejir'vrak must learn the transformation on their own."

"That is tradition, not a law. A Clan member owes a debt. All Clan should help ensure the debt is paid." Charok's voice was adamant, and the others chimed in agreement. Treith paused and then bowed in acknowledgement of the Clan debt.

Harry threw open the door at the top of the staircase to the Astronomy tower, hoping no one was there. He barely had a foot on the roof when Charok's presence began to overwhelm his own. He immediately stepped aside mentally and watched as Charok assumed control.

His feet elongated and strong claws emerged. With the next step, he felt bones, muscle, and tendons all shift and reform. Three steps to the edge of the wall, Harry noted dispassionately as his body continued barreling towards the boundary. He felt the growth as his lengthening bones added several feet to his height. Two steps away and he felt the wings grow from his upper back, the muscles growing to support them. One step and his legs tensed as scales grew covering his form. His vision changed as his eyes reformed, giving him night vision. He jumped off the edge of the tower as his body completed the transformation and fell one story before strong wings pumped. His body shifted to accommodate the feel of the wind under his wings, several more powerful thrusts and he was high above Hogwarts.

Harry sent a mental image to the herd stallion and received a tired acknowledgement.

Charok murmured in his mind "Normally, you would seek the thermals and allow them to help carry you, but that is another lesson. Haste is required now." Harry felt his magic surround him, and the ground passed underneath him with blurred speed.

"There!" Charok drew his attention to the forest and Harry's enhanced eyes saw a canopy of magic focused in one location. Ortinoth grew stronger in his mind. "Allow me, ghergo'ir?" At Harry's acceptance, Charok released control to the stronger Guardian.

One pass over the area revealed the herd in a clearing, foals in the center with the adults facing outward. Their joint magic had created a barrier, but Harry's enhanced sight showed it weakening. Death Eaters circled the herd, attempting to destroy the barrier.

Harry felt Ortinoth redirect breath from the second lung and stomach where the heated gasses merged. Flame erupted with a roar, searing the attackers without warning. The teen heard but walled off his response to the screams as a dozen bodies burned with the intensity of fiendfyre. Spells turned in his direction, but his scales reflected them back to the caster. Another circle and another blast of searing flame destroyed the attackers. A loud pop disabused him of that thought; someone lived to apparate away.

Harry expected Ortinoth to land, but he circled once more, this time changing the gas magically as he erupted from his throat. Ice covered the flames and Harry nodded even before Ortinoth explained "One does not allow one's flame to run rampant. You will always ensure the flames are quieted."

With the flames out, Ortinoth landed and Harry was suddenly in control of the draconic form. He bowed to the herd and then focused on the herd stallion, bowing once again. "You called and the Clan responded, Bright One."

The herd stallion stepped out, and bowed in return as did the herd. "Harry Potter, wizard, student of Hogwarts and close-kin to the Juanth Darastrix, I am Arion, Lead Stallion of the Ventus Cursor herd. You have shown yourself to be a true Juanth Darastrix this night. I name you Ventus Cursor Amicus." The Stallion stepped forward until his horn touched the scales on Harry's chest, and a golden glow covered both dragon-kin and unicorn, spreading to encompass the entire herd.

Harry searched the Clan memory for the significance of the stallion's comments and actions. Stunned as realization came, he bowed deeply. A Herd Stallion did not provide his name to outsiders, rarely even to another Herd Stallion were they to meet. When Arion gave his name after acknowledging Harry's name, he identified Harry as his equal. Sharing the name of the herd and naming him Friend essentially accepted the teen as a herd member, an occurrence so rare as to be almost unknown.

Harry managed a shocked "You honor me, Arion." He looked at the herd and bowed again. "May I offer any healing assistance?"

Arion snorted elegantly. "You arrived before they could weaken our barrier. However, you may remove the...refuse."

The teen looked at his lowaar. "I don't have my wand and we haven't started spells in this form yet." He glanced at the Spell Crafter in entreaty. "Treith?"

With a hint of amusement, he felt the lowaar approach and take control. One clawed forearm waved at the smoldering remains. "Aufero!" The corpses disappeared, leaving only the blackened earth. Treith relinquished control back to Harry, who made a mental note to look up who crafted the spell and felt the smug satisfaction of the Artisan Spell Crafter.

Harry looked back at Arion, who eyed the clearing with approval. "Is there anything else I can do, Arion?" He noticed that the rest of the herd had begun melting back into the trees.

"You have fulfilled your debt, Ventus Cursor Amicus. You may return to your dwelling." The Stallion turned away, moving gracefully to the edge of the clearing and then pivoted to watch the golden dragon.

"Um...Charok? How do I get air born from here?" Laughter rang in his mind as Charok's presence moved forward again. Harry released control and watched as his body turned and took several running steps, as the powerful wings began to thrust. One large jump and he was airborne as the wings pushed his body above the trees.

"Come, ghergo'ir. Fly with me" Charok directed. Harry felt as if strong arms surrounded him and together they pumped the wings, finding a thermal and riding it towards Hogwarts. They spiraled above the castle, making sure no one was on the roof top before Charok showed him how to pull up the wings and land. The lowaar insisted that Harry control the transformation back, and with minimal guidance he was finally once again human several minutes later.

"Well done, ghergo'ir. As you become more familiar with the transformation, you will be able to change as quickly as we do. Now head inside and back to your bed. You still have a few hours before the sun rises."

Harry yawned with exhaustion as he quietly entered the shared quarters. As he headed to his room, he spun around when a quiet voice said "Couldn't sleep, Harry?" Draco sat in one of the chairs by the fireplace, his face impassive as he looked at the dark-haired teen.

"Hi Draco, you startled me. I had to go out for a while. I'm sorry if I woke you up."

"Did you have a date?"

Harry blinked at the blunt question, and then the impassive expression on the blonde finally began to make an impression on the tired Gryffindor. He remembered that Veela are deeply fearful of being rejected until the bond is both accepted and completed.

"Draco, I didn't have a date and I'm not seeing anyone. You don't have any 'competition'." At the slightly disbelieving look, he added "Just as you haven't shared all of the Malfoy secrets with me, I have a few Potter secrets I haven't shared. I know it's difficult, but 'the Veela' doesn't need to worry." He offered the blonde an open smile.

Silver eyes searched his face intently, then the Slytherin relaxed somewhat. "All right, Harry. I wouldn't mind a note if you have to leave, though."

Harry nodded, unable to explain he was running before he was even fully awake. "Agreed." He smiled again. "I don't know about you, but I really need an hour or two of sleep. Good night, Draco." He turned and went into the room, leaving the blonde watching the closed door, wondering at the smoky scent in the air.


Lowaar = indwellers

Tilsins = lizards

Sia'deevdru = my son

Opsola = Father

Ghergo'ir = Young one

Juanth Darastrix = Elder Dragons

iejir'vrak = blood child

Ventus Cursor = Wind Runner

Ventus Cursor Amicus = Wind Runner Friend

Aufero = a spell to forcibly remove the target