*Notice: All author's notes will be at the bottom of each chapter (if there are any at all). If you are against homosexuality, this is your warning that there will be content of that nature in this fanfiction (also known as SLASH). Don't like, don't read. I try to make my stories very detailed and as such makes them very explicit. There will be OOC (Out Of Character) moments, slight AU (Alternate Universe) because of the timeline, and a lot of sweet moments. I am a romantic. Read at your own risk. [*] There will be slight Dumbledore bashing in this chapter, but only for this chapter.

Disclaimer: All aspects of the Harry Potter novel and movies are sole property of J.K. Rowling.

Rating: M+ for mature and audiences 18 and older. This story will contain violence, abuse, explicit sex, and gore.

Timeline Warnings: This will not follow the books or movies. Basically, a bit of AU, but I will try to keep everyone in character as much as possible.

Main Pairing(s): Harry Potter/Severus Snape

Minor Pairings(s): Remus Lupin/Sirius Black; Lucius Malfoy/Narcissa Malfoy; Ron Weasley/Hermione Granger

BETA: None. All mistakes are my own. Will be revised once finished, though I do, do a read through before posting.

Word Count: 3,350 words.

Summary: Severus is a veela and Harry is his mate who is convinced by his relatives that he's nothing more than a freak. Can Severus heal the damage done? What about Voldemort?

* Updated information in this section!

FREAK

Noun

2. Any abnormal phenomenon or product or unusual object;

… anomaly; aberration.

Chapter II – Answers

A thick fog was dragging through Harry Potter's mind. He felt weak and sluggish, even in his dreams. Every now and then, though, he'd see a swift flash of white, remember the feeling of soft warm feathers against his cheek, – Feathers? – A deep growling purr that soothed him – Growl?

Like a bolt of lightning, Harry recalled what took place in the Great Hall just after he let out a rather undignified whine. Dumbledore had stood faster than any man his age should be capable of, McGonagall stood as well, trying to stop the children from screaming in fear. Why fear? Maybe it had something to do with their infamous potions professor leaping from his seat so fast that it flew into the wall behind him, and jumping over the head table just as a pair of pitch black wings came from his back.

Small trickles of blood could be seen running down the professor's back from where the wings burst forth, but his face gave no sign of pain, just a blind furious panic, and it was directed straight at Harry.

Apparently, Ron had some semblance of what was going on because he carefully had Hermione put Harry back on the bench and they both backed away, slowly, with their heads bowed. He could picture Ron telling Hermione once they were alone, "Told ya' that Care of Magical Creatures was a good class!"

The only thing that Harry didn't notice however, was that he was still making these pitying whines and whimpers, his striking green eyes looking into his potions professor's onyx black eyes, unconsciously asking for his protection, for his love.

The last thing Harry remembers before passing out, was two strong, warm arms pulling him into his professor's chest, being incased in soft, black wings, and the sound of a soothing growling purr that made his body sag in relief.

Harry Potter bolted upwards in his bed. But wait… This wasn't his bed. He looked around and instantly recognized the white walls and the clean smell of the infirmary.

"Mr. Potter, lie back down. You need to be well rested before you start moving about as such!" Madam Pomfrey tsk'ed.

"Madam Pomfrey, where is Snape?!" Harry asked in a small panic. He didn't care that he had sat up too fast and that he could now feel some of his old cuts stretching, threatening to break open. His heart felt like it was being squeezed. Harry didn't know why, but he needed to see Snape, and he needed to see him now!

"It's Professor Snape, Harry." Madam Pomfrey admonished, but continued, "And he's just going to go get you some more potions, dear. He'll be right back." She fritted around his bed, fixing his pillows, refreshing the glass of water that stood on his nightstand, and tucked the blankets around him tighter.

"Is he okay, Madam Pomfrey? Did you take a look at his back?" Harry asked, a small whimper coming out of his lips. The nurse paused in her movements for a moment before she gave Harry a soft smile and continued.

"Yes, dear. I treated him after I treated you. He is fine, I assure you. Now, none of that, Mr. Potter. I'm sure Professor Snape will be here—"

"Right about now." Snape interrupted. As soon as Harry heard the cool dark voice rumble through the room, he felt like he could breathe again. A small smile came to his face. What he didn't know was that Severus had heard his mate's little whimper and he had practically bolted the rest of the way to the infirmary, only calming when he saw that his mate was fine.

"How long have I been here?" Harry asked softly, now noticing how itchy and dry his throat was. He went to lean over to grab his glass of water, but a sharp pain in his back caused him to wince and pull back. Harry was surprised when it was Snape who answered instead of Madam Pomfrey, "You've been in here for a little over a day, Potter." He also noticed how there were none of the normal harshness to his words. Severus Snape always had a way to make everything he said sound as if he were answering a bumbling idiot.

Stained fingers grabbed the cool glass of water on Harry's nightstand and handed it to the boy. Harry murmured a quick "thank you" and started taking slow sips until his mouth felt hydrated again, handing it back to his professor to put on the nightstand.

"Pomfrey, could you give Potter and I some privacy? There are matters of which we need to discuss." Snape asked coolly, reminding Harry of his normal self. For some reason, it gave Harry a sense of relief to see something normal for once since being back.

"Of course, Severus. Call me when you're finished though! Mr. Potter needs to have another checkup before he goes to bed." She replied sternly, as if talking to a rebellious teenager and not a middle aged teacher. Snape merely rolled his eyes and said, "I am aware." Harry could barely keep the smile off his face, but Snape could see the obvious amusement in his eyes.

Once Madam Pomfrey had left the room, Harry shifted around in his bed until he was facing his potions professor who had just taken vacancy in the soft padded chair next to his hospital bed. "Are we going to talk about what happened in the Great Hall, Professor?" Harry inquired.

"We are, but there are some things I would like to know first, Mr. Potter." Snape said, crossing his legs, ankle on his knee, and folding his arms across his chest. Harry instantly felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He just knew Snape was going to ask about his injuries.

Taking a deep breath – and finally noticing that he could do such a thing – he slowly let it out and nodded. "Go ahead, Professor."

"Do you know what I am?" Snape asked, raising an eyebrow at Harry's flabbergasted look.

"Oh, uh… Err… No, sir. Sorry…" Harry managed to get out, taken off guard.

Severus smirked and said, "I am a veela, Mr. Potter."

"Oh, like Charlie Weasley's fiancé? Well, she's only half, but like that?" Harry asked, intrigued. It wasn't like Snape opened up about anything – ever.

Severus's lips twitched at the corners, fighting a smile as he replied, "Not exactly, Mr. Potter." He paused, making sure he had Harry's full attention. "I came into an inheritance when I was sixteen, the age that is considered an adult in the wizarding world, and found that I was a veela. Though the veela race is often looked at as rare beautiful creatures, we have two forms."

Harry quickly asked, "Is one of the forms what I saw in the Great Hall?"

"So he could see my form. He is my mate." Severus's thought, the veela inside him growling in happiness at this. "Yes, Mr. Potter. Only two people can ever see my true form despite the glamours I put upon myself, and that is apparently you and I."

"Me? Why only me?" Harry asked confused. "Why would he want to hide his true form anyway?" Harry thought, "It had been… Breathtaking to say in the least."

"Because, Mr. Potter, you are my mate." Severus said carefully. A ball of fear rolled uneasily in his stomach at the thought of Potter throwing a fit at this. He was sure the boy was going to refuse. "Maybe I should have explained this better…"

"M-Mate? Me?!" Harry stuttered. "But, sir, why me? Why would you want me as your mate? I have a target on my forehead, I'm a freak! Surely you don't want someone you don't even care for!" Harry felt a pain in his heart at the words he spoke, but he needed to know. Why would Severus Snape, Potions Masters at Hogwarts School of Wizardry choose Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Forgot-To-Die, and the freak?

Harry must have gotten lost in his jumble of disbelieving thoughts because he didn't notice when Snape had leaned over and pushed his chin up with his finger, causing him to flinch.

The same purring growl was heard again and Harry instantly relaxed. He looked into the eyes of his potions professor and tried to find the answers, anything to help make since of his chaotic thoughts. And by Merlin, he refused to believe he was blushing. He wasn't!

"Harry, listen to me," Snape began. Once he got a small nod from the boy, he continued, "I never hated you, Harry. Believe me when I say that it was all an act. I am an ex-death eater turned spy and I had to pretend to hate you, otherwise my life would have ended, caught as a traitor."

Harry nodded slowly. He could understand that. Harry wasn't so ignorant that he didn't understand that there were death eater children in the school; not all of them came from Slytherin, and he said as much. "I understand, sir." Harry began and huffed out the rest once he saw Snape raise an eyebrow as if to ask, 'do you?', "I'm so ignorant that I don't realize that there are children of death eaters who tell their parents everything in houses other than Slytherin, sir." Harry crossed his arms over his chest and he would deny if anyone ever asked if he had been pouting.

For some reason, Harry just had the uncontrollable urge to make Snape proud of him and show him that he wasn't an idiot. Harry noticed a small smile on Severus's lips and an emotion he didn't recognize bloomed within his chest. It was warm and he instantly knew that he wanted to feel this odd emotion all the time. Snape's smile wasn't a full blown smile like most people wear, but this smile was small and genuine. It looked good on Snape, Harry thought. It was a Severus smile and Harry loved it.

Getting back on topic, Severus continued, "Now, we don't have to be in a romantic relationship, Harry." He began, refusing to listen to his veela roar in displeasure at the thought, "We could be friends, but I would have to be in contact with you for a few hours each day. I am leaving the choice to you." His face was the perfect mask of composure despite his thoughts warring with each other. "How can you do this?! Our mate is RIGHT THERE! We will die without him you fool!"

"I want this to be his choice. Did you forget the boy's hero complex? No… Let this be his choice."

Harry was silent for a few minutes, looking at his hands and twisting them around in his lap. Finally, he glanced at his mate and Severus had to strain to hear this whispered words, "W-What i-if I wanted to be in a-a r-romantic… Relationship. W-What would happen then?" Harry stuttered, a beautiful blush dusting his cheeks as he looked back down to his twisted fingers.

"I would go through a series of courting steps. We would get to know each other better and go on dates if you would like." Severus replied, daring to hope that Harry would say yes.

Harry looked back up to Severus's eyes, and damn him if Severus didn't see the hope reflecting back. "O-Okay… Then, yes, I guess I would like to try a r-romantic relationship. If that's okay."

Harry smiled when he saw what he deemed the 'Severus Smile'. "Alright, Harry. Thank you for giving this a chance, and remember that we can do this at your own pace." Harry gave a nod, his smile widening until a twinkle became apparent in his eyes.

"Now, I am a dominate veela which mean you are a submissive. Is that going to be alright?" Severus asked, curious to know what Harry would think about this. Harry's eyes widened and his smile fell a little.

"What does a submissive do?" Harry asked, fear in his stomach. He didn't want to be powerless! Panic began to bubble in his chest. He wanted to be loved and treated like an equal… Maybe this wasn't going to be a good idea after all.

"Harry. Harry! Relax, brat!" Harry snapped out of his panic at the term 'brat'. Severus was the only person to ever call him such a thing. Once Severus saw that he had his attention, he quickly began his explanation, "A submissive is the term for the mate who bares the young and tends to be the home and overall care giver; while I - the dominate - protects the family and earns the keep. Make no mistake, Harry, I will never mistreat you. I know that I have to earn your trust, and I will do so. You hold most of the power. You will never want or need again, I can promise you that. I will tend to your every will if you so wish it. As my mate, you are everything to me, and I will not lose you once I have you. Do you understand?"

Harry had never heard Snape speak so much in one sitting, but he wasn't complaining. That odd emotion erupted in his chest once more and he felt… Joy. Was this what Hermione was talking about? It's no wonder she's so impatient for Ron to make a move if this is how she felt all the time! This could be everything he ever wanted and Harry had a new determination inside him. He would do everything he could to make Severus happy because he was sure that if Severus was happy, it would only make him happy in return.

"I understand, sir." Harry whispered, and even he could hear the awe in his voice.

"Please, Harry, call me Severus. We are mates and I would prefer not to be called 'sir' or 'professor' by my intended." He smirked in amusement while Harry just blushed and nodded with a small precious smile on his face.

"Now, Harry, about my other question. Would you like to tell me why I heard a submissive call for help last night?" Severus raised a brow, his posture seemingly relaxed, but inside, he was toiling with rage. Whoever dared harm his mate will soon meet his wrath.

Harry sighed, his feelings of happiness dimming considerably as his thoughts rolled along inside his head. "Great… Just great! I finally get Severus for all of three minutes and now I'm going to lose him once he finds out that I got the shit kicked out of me by an oversized muggle."

"It doesn't matter anymore, Pr-Severus. I'm not going back there again." Harry said, defiantly in faux courage, hoping that Severus didn't notice. But Severus's were focused on the shock that it was his relatives who did this to him.

"Harry, it does matter, and you can tell me anything. Remember what I said, Harry. Once I have you, I'm not letting you go. I mean what I say." His dark sultry voice was slightly calming Harry down, but he couldn't stop the flinch at Severus's movement of getting up from his chair and sitting on the bed beside Harry, but not touching him. "I'm sure we could tell Dumbledore-"

"No!" Harry's sudden outburst caught Severus off guard.

"Why, Harry?"

"Because he already knows!" Harry exclaimed, his face turning red in anger, and desperately trying to keep the tears at bay, but he wanted Severus to know. He wanted to tell him everything – everything and anything to keep the look of slight confusion and rage off of his face.

"I asked him every year to let me stay here at Hogwarts! I told him that my relatives hated me, but he said I was overreacting! That the blood wards were the best protection for me!" his breathing was coming out in pants, close to hyperventilating, but he continued and Severus sat there listening and trying to control the urge to rip through the castle to Dumbledore and throw him out of his god damned tower window. "I can't even hug my friends without flinching, this has become hell, and I feel so alone! How can I share this life with someone else?! I don't… I-I don't want to feel this way anymore, Severus. P-Please… I-I just…" And at that moment Harry broke down into sobs.

Severus, barely controlling his rage, used a finger to make the beautiful boy look at him. Tears falling from the broken emerald eyes glistened as they fell dripped off of his chin. "Harry… My mate, listen to my words. I will never harm you intentionally, and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and happy. There is no weight that can bury us beneath the ghosts of all my guilt. I have a dark side of myself. You may see it, but it will never be towards you."

"Do you trust me Harry?" Severus asked, his fingers falling from Harry's chin. He simply held up his hand, waiting for Harry to willingly touch him.

Harry looked at Severus' hand and then back to his eyes, searching. It was only for a moment, but to them both, it felt like eternity. Harry's eyes started to water more and Severus could see the unabashed pain and fear in those young and innocent eyes. Choking out a sob, Harry whispered, "I want to…"

"What's holding you back, Harry?" Severus whispered, his rich voice making Harry relax slightly.

"I-I have to know… C-Could you love m-me?" the green eyed boy whispered back to Severus, the tears continuing to run down the young man's cheeks. His expressive green eyes widened as he heard the proclaimed,

"I do, Harry."

Harry finally grabbed Severus' hand and lunged into his chest, burying his tear soaked face into the crook of his shoulder while his other arm wrapped around Severus' neck, his fingers curling around a dark lock of his hair.

"Shh… Shh, Harry. You're alright. Calm down, brat. I am here. Rest for now, love. Rest." Severus murmured into his ear, his hands moving to wrap around Harry, one of them carding though his shaggy brown hair as he let his rumbling growl calm his emotional little mate. Harry wrapped his legs around Severus' waist, his hand letting go of Severus' to wrap around his neck to hold on in a submissive gesture unknowingly.

"You'll be with me, right?" Harry asked, hiccupping as he tried to calm himself down.

"Yes, if you wish." Severus conceded as he continued to run his long fingers through Harry's hair, his other hand gently massaging his neck, mindful of the boy's injuries.

"Always?" Harry whispered.

Pulling back a little to see Harry's face, Severus nodded and gave one of his very rare smiles. Harry's eyes got wide and his heart started beating faster than normal. A small blush stained his cheeks as he smiled shyly back, his eyes betraying him and showing the joy he felt bubble inside of him. Biting his bottom lip, Harry buried his face back into Severus's neck, trying to calm his racing heart.

Severus felt the boy in his arms start to breathe easier and then finally even out. His mind was flooded with thoughts. "The boy is nothing like I thought he would be like. How could Albus leave the boy of Lily's into such care! Oh, the old fool is going to get it now."

Harry didn't stir when Severus moved back against the headboard of the bed, continuing to hold the boy in his lap, and neither of them woke when the medi-witch came back less than an hour later to see Gryffindor's golden boy sitting comfortably in the grumpy potions master's lap, their arms around each other and peaceful smiles on their faces.

No, neither noticed, but somewhere in their dream like state of sleep, they both tightened their holds on each other, encouraging the medi-witch's thoughts. "No, nothing will separate those two. And if anyone tries, well… At least I know which poisons are incurable."

"A portrait of time repeats…"

Author's Note: I know that there was some Dumbledore bashing in this chapter, but don't worry. All of that will be resolved. I tend to like Albus ILikeItInTheBackDore. Also, thank you everyone who gave me your opinions on the story and whether or not I should progress. There will be one or two more chapters before I come up with a decision about continuing, but there's a high chance that I will. Thank you for the support!

- Morrigen