My Dear Volaticus
by kittenvks
Disclaimer: I own nothing
warnings: HPDM, slash, yaoi, homosexuality. Don't like it? Don't read it. Flamers to the left.
Chapter Seven: The Others
Hermione and Ron were waiting for Harry patiently in the common room, sitting by the fire again. Hermione was, again, reading a book. Ron was playing a game of chess with Seamus, while Ginny sat staring into the flames, deep in thought. Harry sighed, signalling his arrival. Hermione and Ginny bolted from their seats, rushing to Harry and hugging him.
"we had to tell Gin," Hermione whispered, "there was an incident today. It was Seamus' birthday you see..."
"Where have you been?" Ginny hissed.
"Fell asleep in Draco's rooms," Harry whispered back, shrugging, "it was an acci-oh no. Hermione, did you say it was Seamus' birthday?"
Suddenly, Harry's arms were full of a bouncing Seamus Finnegan. Wings burst from his back, wrapping around the both of them. He grinned coyly at Harry, and waggled his eyebrows suggestively. His wings were brown, matching his hair.
"Hello, love," he said, leaning in to kiss Harry who dodged it, ducking under his wings to glare at the irish man. Hermione stood there, patiently tapping her foot while Ginny stood still, staring at Seamus' wings. Ron just stared dejectedly at the abandoned chess board.
"I'm not your love, Seamus, stop it." Harry snapped, moving toward Ron. Seamus was not to be deterred though. As soon as Harry sat down, the smaller man was in his lap, wings gone and kissing Harry's neck. Growling, Harry pushed him in the floor.
"Oh come on, Harry, we're meant to be you know!" he cried. Harry rolled his eyes dramatically, slowly becoming more and more irritated.
"It's *my* choice, Seamus, stop. Seriously. I'm sick of it already!" Harry snapped. Seamus leaned in to kiss him again and Ron snarled, shoving the irish man away.
"Leave. Him. Alone. He doesn't want you all over him, Seam, stop!" He snapped, sitting next to Harry protectively and fixing his dorm mate in a Molly Weasley type glare. Seamus shrank back, looking offended and hurt. He chose a seat farther from Ron and sat down.
"It's his choice," Hermione said, "he'll have several suiters. *try* to win his affections." she waggled her book at Seamus.
"How do you know this?" Harry asked eyeing the book. Hermione held it out for him to inspect but it was all written in French. He handed it back.
"Draco gave it to me, said you may need some help before running off to look for you again." she said softly, "though it's a slow read. I'm okay with Latin so it's just minor translation."
"At least you don't *have* to be with Malfoy," Ron shrugged, trying to help. Harry sighed, exasperated, and sunk into his seat. He glanced up at Seamus who, for once in his life, was just quietly watching.
"I suppose you'll be getting your own dorms too?" he asked.
"No. I knew this was coming, it happened to my brother too. I'll be taking over the family business, probably leaving later this year. Unless you choose me, and want me to stay." he said a bit sheepishly. Harry sighed again,
"Look, Seamus, I'm sorry I snapped at you. Just stop climbing all over me, I'm not in the mood." he said apologetically. The look on Seamus' face only made Harry angrier though, he obviously thought he would be the one Harry chose. Growling in frustration, Harry looked over to Ron who just shrugged.
"I'm still here for you, Harry," Ginny offered, placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing reassuringly, "if you need anyone to talk to, or help." she added. He grinned up at her, standing and excusing himself to bed. Seamus went to follow a few moments later but was blocked by two irritated looking red heads.
"Let. Him. Choose." Ginny growled. Ron nodded,
"If I catch you in his bed Seamus..." he ground out, the threat clear. Seamus gulped and nodded, retreating back to his seat by the fire.
Meanwhile, the same thought had crossed Harry's mind as he lay on his bed, curtains magically locked shut. He had pulled out a self inking quill and was currently scribbling a letter to Sirius, wherever he may be. He poured his heart and soul into it, covering the parchment front and back.
Dear Padfoot and Moony,
Why is it always me? Why? I hope you and Moony are doing well, I miss you both terribly and I only just noticed that tonight is the full moon. I hope you're staying safe, both of you. I can't wait until we can all be together without that blasted Ministry standing in the way! I'm having some serious issues here at Hogwarts, and any input from either of you would really be appreciated.
You see, it turns out that I have a soul mate. Maybe several. They can't just be normal soul mates either, no. That would be too easy, wouldn't it? Not only are there multiple men and maybe women (I haven't even met them all yet) but they're also Volaticus, if you know what that is. They're magical creatures with huge wings. One of them is even a certain blonde we both know, that I'm sure Buckbeak would not be happy about. Send my regards to him as well, will you? The other is a certain Irish man that I room with. Yeah, I had the same look on my face when I discovered that! He already attempted to practically mollest me! I'm currently hiding on my bed, curtains locked.
Anyway, I'm supposed to choose one. They're all going to be trying to date me. *His* father says that there is only one more, though he thinks it could be two more. I don't think I understand all of this at all and it's very frustrating. Please help me Padfoot. Moony, you too. I don't know what to do. I've never been the object of such fierce affections... what do I do? How do I know which one to choose?
Before you ask, yes, I'm okay with the first one. Don't waste the parchment asking, I know you don't have much, I'll try to send more soon. We had become friends, before this development- choosing to bury the hatchet. He kissed me tonight and it was pretty awesome, really. I don't know though, his father being... his father. He did save my arse too, from some Kobalai that were actually after him and his father. To eat them, what is that?! It was slightly frightening, how vicious he became. He flew with me too, sort of. I don't know.
I suspect another will show up tomorrow, and I'm already tired of it Padfoot. I suspect, by the twinkling Dumbledore's had in his eyes lately, that it's only going to get worse too. What do I do? How do I know who to choose? I wish you could be here to help me with this... what would my parents think?
Anyway, I miss you guys. Everyone here is doing fine, they're happy and there's been no major incident, other than this Volaticus stuff and the Kobalai incident. With all the dangerous wings flitting about, I don't think you have to worry about me too much. You know, the first one, the blonde- he told me a story how the Volaticus believe that a soul is shattered into a million pieces. Those pieces are soul mates of sorts, though not all in love with each other. I think that you and I and Moony must all be a part of that soul, with my parents too. I miss you.
Love,
Prongslett
Unlocking his curtains and peering carefully out, Harry realized that he'd taken so long to write that everyone had already went to bed. He padded across the floor to Hedwig who seemed to be waiting for him, as she always did on the night of the full moon. He handed her the rolled up parchment after charming it to be hard to read and placing a notice me not charm on it as well before sending her off with it and a treat. Quietly, he padded back to his bed, pulling out another piece of parchment and his quill.
Draco,
I get the feeling that tomorrow is going to be hectic and a living hell. I don't know when I'm going to be able to talk to you or be alone. So, I thought I might catch you up. First of all, thank you for letting Hermione borrow the book, that was very thoughtful. When I got back to the dorms, I was surrounded by feathers. It turns out Seamus is a Volaticus too, and seems to be rather infatuated with me. Though that's not saying much as he's always hit on me. I always thought he was just joking, guess not, huh? He practically mollested me! Anyway... yeah, just letting you know. Oh, and try your best not to hex Seamus or anything. Please?
Harry
Again, padding across the room, Harry gave the letter to Pig, telling him where to take it. The little owl struggled but seemed okay, fluttering off. Sighing, Harry flopped down on his bed and fell into a thankfully dreamless sleep.
When his brilliant emerald eyes opened, it was to a whole bunch of brown feathers surrounding him. At first he was confused, pushing them out of his face and looking around. Seamus lay entangled with him on the bed, grinning and having just woke up.
"gerroff!" Harry hissed, angry that Seamus had just invaded his privacy like that. Shifting about under the heavy wings, Harry realized that Seamus was... very happy to see him. He gaped at the irish man, "get off me *now*, Seamus, what the bloody hell?"
Having heard his best friends voice, Ron was shaking the curtains, yelling. Seamus had locked them. Suddenly, a bit frightened, Harry paled. Having heard Ron, Ginny had apparently came in if the slamming door was anything to judge by.
"YOU OPEN THOSE CURTAINS RIGHT NOW!" she shrieked, banging on them with her older brother.
"SEAMUS! Ginny, get my wand." Ron growled. Harry briefly wondered where Hermione had went.
"Get. Off. Me. Now." he bit out, snarling at the irish man. Seamus looked hurt but sat up, staring at Harry.
"You can't possibly want him Harry, he's Malfoy. A slimy git."
"What makes you think I'd want you, after all of *this*?!" Harry snapped, hearing Ron cast spell after spell to unlock the curtains. Hermione still hadn't made her appearance and he could hear Ginny running all the other boys out of the room, protesting that she was even there.
"Just kiss me Harry, you'll see, you'll want me," Seamus said, diving for him. Harry flung himself away, just barely being missed.
"NO! I don't respond to this type of treatment, stop it!" he yelled, now a little more frightened. The door banged open and now he could hear Hermione,
"Seamus," she called in an amused voice, "now you're in trouble!"
Harry heard Ginny and Ron back away quickly and wondered what was going on as the curtains flung open with a burst of magic, revealing a very irritated looking Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape. Hermione smirked, obviously having been the one to have gotten them. Seamus cowered at the glare Lucius was giving him, letting go of his hold on Harry's shirt.
"Dumbledore's office. Now." Snape sneered. Seamus got out, his head hung down in shame and his wings gone as he followed the two out. Lucius casting a glance at Harry briefly over his shoulder before he disappeared.
"I'm going to break his nose when he gets back," Ron growled, watching them leave. Ginny nodded, looking just as angry.
"I think he should consider himself lucky that I ran into those two first, I was headed for Draco's rooms. Are you okay Harry?" Hermione asked, looking very proud of herself. Harry flung himself at her, hugging her tightly.
"Thank you, Hermione, thank you. I'm fine." He said before turning to hug Ginny and Ron as well. Just how Harry had thought, the day was already starting out to be a living hell. As they walked down to the Great Hall for breakfast, Hermione informed him that she'd finished reading the book that Draco had leant to her.
"You see, Harry, the Volaticus are very organized creatures usually, and always in their love lives. It turns out that each of your... callers, have a piece of the soul that you have. They are fated to interact with you in one way or another. Only one of them though, Harry, is your true soul mate. That is for you to decide, because it's all about choice in that aspect. You are required, by Volaticus law, to give each of them a chance."
"I'm not Volaticus, I don't have to do anything," Harry snapped, irritable. Hermione ignored this and continued,
"You may not be Volaticus, but they are. If you wish for the bond you will eventually have with one of them to work properly, you must follow the traditions. I don't know if that's actually true or not, I'm just telling you what the book says. You're supposed to carefully consider each suitor, talk to them at least, and determine which one is the best for you. They will feel very attracted to you, physically."
"Which explains Seamus," Ron grunted, glaring around for the irish teen.
"Yes, it does. We can only hope that any others are a bit more civilized." Hermione replied, nodding and her lips pursed, "they're all about ritual and tradition, just like the old pureblooded families. They will send you gifts and attempt to woo you, to win you over. You will know when you've made your decision. It's best to do things this way Harry, I mean, think if you weren't friends with Draco already. We know he's a decent guy now, but what if we didn't? You would immediately turn him away without getting to know him."
"Fine. I'll do this. But I'm not having sex with anyone," Harry growled, glaring around the hallway for any more Volaticus. Ron gagged and Ginny giggled, Hermione just shook her head at them.
"That's the thing Harry, once you've recognized your heart, you'll want to. You'll be drawn to that Volaticus only, and shun the others. They will then move on and leave you be, in search of their own amesouer." Hermione said so that only the two of them could hear. Harry nodded, smiling weakly but greatful that she hadn't said it out loud in front of Ron. The two Weasley's and Hermione had come to flank him he realized, standing like a human shield and he was so greatful for that too. They walked the rest of the way in silence.
When they sat down to breakfast, all moving around so that there was no room anywhere near Harry, Neville came in and sat down closely too, sensing that Harry was in a bad mood.
"You alright, mate?" he asked quietly. Dean was sitting down now as well, noticing that everyone was crowding around Harry, he did too.
"Yes. There are several... boys... trying to win my affections," Harry explained, "and I'd rather them just leave me alone." Harry explained, knowing that eventually he would have to because Ginny had ran all the other boys out that morning. The others nodded in understanding, apparently this made perfect sense to them. Harry shrugged off his annoyances and began to tuck in to his eggs and toast, and of course, a scone.
That's when the second disaster of the day happened, the mail came in. Every Gryffindor sitting near Harry was pelted with gifts and three different letters. Harry looked around, confused as anyone else was. Ginny was looking them over and she sighed,
"They're all to you, Harry, all of them." she said quietly, watching her friend closely. Harry snarled and shoved a package, wrapped in green and silver off of his plate.
"There's three letters here too mate," Ron said, pulling the envelopes from the pile. Harry could feel so many people in the Great Hall watching him and he turned bright red, he hated this sort of attention. He held out his hand, taking the letters and putting them in his lap before beginning to sort through the presents. They were all from Seamus and- frighteningly enough- Thomas Nott, not one was from Draco. They were all expensive looking trinkets or candies, candles and scented oils. Harry began shoving stuff into the floor, breaking some of them, but he didn't care. This was all too much, and very embarrassing. He began opening the letters, one at a time. Seamus' was apologizing profusely, letting Harry know he'd gotten detention with Snape for a month and a half. He just wanted to talk to Harry though he would maintain his distance. Nott's mentioned him seducing Harry, and Harry being his 'submissive' which just pissed Harry off even more. Though he did mention that Harry could 'be his savior and save him from the path of darkness he was headed down'. Harry crumpled them both up with a snarl, before reading the third. It was from Draco, a mere reply to his earlier message. Glancing up, Harry realized that the only pair of eyes *not* watching him were Draco's. The blonde was no where to be seen.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for letting me know of your decision. I will accept this and not hex Finnigan though I would like too, undoubtedly. I appreciate your honesty with me. I will be with Father most of the day in his rooms, learning more about my magic and wings. I will, however be in double Potions and any other classes we share. I will maintain my distance, fret not.
Regards,
Draco
Harry snarled, what was that supposed to mean? What decision had he made? None, that's what.
"Harry, remain calm," Hermione said, placing her hand on his shoulder. Ron did the same on his other side,
"something wrong, Harry?"
"Yes! This is all wrong! It's insane and *now* I've apparently made a decision! I don't know what's going on anymore!" Harry fought to keep his voice down as several people were still staring at him. Hermione looked confused and Harry shoved the letter at her. Quickly she read it over.
"Did you write to him?" she asked, confused and reading it again. Harry nodded.
"All I did was tell him what happened with Seamus last night!" Harry said, his head falling forward onto the table with a thud.
"Did you mention that his advances were unwanted?" Hermione asked knowingly. Harry scowled.
"Of course they were, why would I have to- oh. Ohhh. Damnit." Harry said, banging his head again.
"Yeah should have mentioned that, mate. Even I know that." Ron said, eyeing Hermione suspiciously. Harry growled, nodding his head but not looking up. He should have mentioned that. The Great Hall doors swung open and in sauntered Lucius and Draco, heading for the Slytherin and Head tables.
"He's here now Harry," Ginny said, nudging him with her foot under the table.
"He looks to be bickering with Nott, as well." Hermione whispered. Harry rose his head up at this to see that they were indeed, bickering. Draco looked more irritated with Nott than he did at Ron when they argued. Blaise seemed to be cutting in, sitting between the two and snapping at both of them. Draco turned back to his food while Nott returned to staring at Harry.
"Wonder what that was about?" Ron asked, still eyeing them carefully.
"Tradition, Nott most likely confronted Draco about his lack of presents for Harry. It's all about tradition." Hermione said, turning back to her food. Harry snarled and shoved back from the table.
"I'm bloody well sick of traditions!" he snapped loudly, drawing his wand and pointing it at the pile. It immediately twisted around, shredding everything into itty bitty pieces, before burning to ash. Hermione rushed to put out the fire before any of the teachers noticed. Though, only Snape and Lucius Malfoy were at the head table and were too focused on Slytherin to notice. Harry turned on his heel, getting ready to storm out when Ginny cried out,
"Harry! It's Hedwig!" she cried. Harry had mentioned earlier that he'd sent an letter to Sirius by her so they weren't expecting her back for a while. For her to be back this soon could only mean that Sirius wasn't far. Harry suddenly forgot all his anger for a moment, racing to meet the bird almost all the way to the Hufflepuff table. Seeing him, Hedwig merely dropped the letter and he caught it, clutching to it like a life perserver. More people were staring but he didn't care as he rushed out of the Great Hall, carrying the letter like a baby.
Dear Prongslett,
It is so good to hear from you. Moony sends all of his love too. We miss and love you as well. I'm sure you've realized that I'm not far, I will try to visit but do not come looking for me. Buckbeak was not happy to hear your regards, much to my own amusement. Be careful of the Volaticus and that particular family. Be wary of any differences between him and the other Volaticus, make sure that it is not some trap set up by ol' snake eyes. However, if what you say is true, then I can not help you make your choice. It is yours and yours alone to make. I have heard a lot about Volaticus, especially since your letter, Remus apparently knew one. So, assuming this is not some type of trap, it does not surprise me that you were so valiantly defended from the Kolbalai. Do be careful, those things are venomous. I hope he killed them all. Thoroughly.
Tell our Irish friend that if he continues to be an issue I will present myself, and not in a friendly fashion. I will not tolerate such nonsense, I'm serious. Get it? Don't roll your eyes at me, young buck. Anyway, I hope to visit soon, though I do not know when. Parchment would indeed be useful. Be careful as always, you know that I could not bear it if something happened to you. Be careful with *that* family, I'm not going to say that people can't change, look at my once dear friend Wormtail. I must say I had a fit when I first read your letter, till Moony explained it to me. Keep the cloak and the map with you at all times, they're voracious little buggers. Stay safe, if nothing else.
I do believe that our lovely Prongs and Flower would be happy as long as you're happy- I've told you this before and know it to be true in my heart.
Do, please, do me a favor. Speak to the blonde Patriarch if you see him and do ask him to kindly tell his wife and my lovely cousin to sod off. She is currently trying to gain control of the family fortune. She knows there is nothing I can do to stop her as of right now, because that would mean coming out into the light. That woman is insufferable, and I know- because of her current name- that she doesn't need *my* money, for whatever cause. Thank you.
As always, send my regards to your better halves. I miss them as well. Stay safe and remember that I am here, we will be together as a family one day.
All my love,
Padfoot
Harry teared up a bit, finishing reading the letter and not failing to notice the dusty paw prints that his godfather had tried to wipe off. Sighing, his fingers traced over them. He missed Sirius terribly.
"Who is Padfoot, my love?" A silky smooth voice spoke, jolting him to attention. Nott was peering over his shoulder, sitting right next to him. He'd never heard him come up.
"I am not your love, thank you very much. Do not read my mail, it is none of your damned business!" Harry snapped, reaching for his wand. He was enraged now. Nott held up his hands showing that he was defenseless.
"I did not mean to frighten you, my love. Which you *are*. I did not read the letter, merely wanted to make sure that it wasn't from that sorry excuse for a Slytherin. I'll not have my submissive partner talking to such rabble."
"I am not your partner or your submissive or whatever. Stop touching me!" Harry yelled as Nott reached out to trace his finger down Harry's arm.
"You will see in time, that you should be mine. I need you, Harry, to rescue me. Like the savior that you are, the Boy Who Lived."
"You're going to need him to call for help when I break your face," someone snarled and Harry glanced over. There was Ron, Hermione and Ginny, wands drawn and looking fierce.
"Get!" Ginny said, shooing him with the tip of her wand. Nott stood, backing away from Harry but not taking his eyes off the Gryffindor.
"I do hope you get over this little blood traitor mudblood thing you have, while endearing, it does get old. I will see you soon." he said, before slipping around the corner.
"The hell did he just say?!" Ron roared, starting after him. Harry stopped him, grabbing his arm.
"Let's just go, we're going to be late to Double Potions. I have to go get my book, and I'm sure that's where all my problems are right now, so I'll be fine- you guys go on. I'll meet you down there." Harry said, turning to race up the stairs to the dorms. Wanting to keep an eye on the three Volaticus, Ron and Hermione rushed off to Potions with the Slytherins while Ginny headed out for Care of Magical Creatures.