A/N: For ABlackSuicide! They were so sweet! *hugs* I now have more than enough to occupy my time with. Mmm, tempted to go outside now, but I'm lazy and like my blanket. So... Nah.
DISCLAIMER: No matter how much I wave my wand, I will never own Sev and our favorite green-eyed Wizard. *sobs*
WARNING: Yaoi is an important part of these. Please desist in flaming.
-Ryder
P.S. There may be more than one title that gets a continuation; Dragon's Might, Dragon's Might II... etc.
-Previously On...-
"Potter? You've been-" A warm hand clapped over his mouth as the large, rather naked man stopped him from speaking.
"Shh. The castle knows and so does Luna. Now you do, fy un tywyll*. I have had years to come to terms with this. Please, I never meant to lead you on... but you were so very kind and open with me." Severus looked deep into the warm green eyes, seeing love.
"I will not speak of your transformation. However, you must tell me the tale."
"As you wish, fy un tywyll."
"Starting with what you just called me in Welsh."
FM FM FM FM FM
Harry crooned as clothing appeared on him.
"It means my dark one." he purred, "It derives from the requirements of a demon's Mate. Dark hair, slender build and magic holding a Dark Taint. You more than fit that profile... I wonder why you have not been previously Claimed." Severus rose a dark brow in question. "Severus, you're-Bugger. Come here." He inhaled the delightfully sinful scent before scraping his fangs against the exposed jugular. "At the very least your scent would drive any demon mad. Yet here you are, untouched in all ways, and still I can smell no demon on you. Did that thing lay Claim to you?"
"The Dark Lord? No."
"Dumbledore?" Severus made a horrified sound. "Hmm... Ah!"
"Well, what is your epiphany?"
"It's damn far-fetched but it's the only thing I can think of... Veritas Demoni Lupo. All I know is that it hasn't happened for a thousand years or so and that it's near impossible for us to love anyone else but our True Mates. You and I are soul mates." Normally stoic obsidian eyes widened as his lanky Mate sat suddenly in the leather wing-backed chair before the fire.
"You are suggesting that... Oh, Merlin. There hasn't been a soul mate couple since Salazar and Godric." Harry smiled softly, shifting back to wolf form and laying at Severus's feet. "Escape artist."
You love me anyway. I never would have Changed if you hadn't.
Draco stood outside of the portrait used to guard his Mate's chambers. The salty scent of tears drove Harry to brush against the older boy.
"Oh, hey Beauty."
Draco? Harry nosed him into Severus's quarters, jumping up onto the sofa when the other teen sat down. You can tell me, you know. he kept his projected voice calm & soothing as Draco buried his face into Harry's ruff and cried. Sa, sa little cub. He crooned softly, licking off the tears with swipes of his tongue. What's wrong?
"Father insists I marry someone I don't love."
Ah. Who does have your attentions? he hummed as Draco tightened his embrace.
"Neville." the name was whispered fiercely into his fur. "I love him."
"Draco?"
He's distraught, Sev. Being forced to Mate with someone is a terrible thing to do to a cub... If I see Lucius Malfoy, I might end up biting him. Fix this.
"My Dragon, who is it you want?"
"Neville."
Longbottom. Harry's quick to clarify.
"Then I will draft your Courting Letter to Lady Longbottom. Care to help me explain how this came about?"
He didn't expect much to change with his transformation; boy was he wrong. Severus became more affectionate in public and in private... not that he minded in the least.
"Beauty, heel." Barking an affirmative, he ran back to his Mate tail wagging hard as Sirius tore past them both on the open field, tongue lolling as the other black canine cocked his head to the side.
Beauty?
Yes? Did you want something?
Can we talk without your Master?
Sure. He thumped his tail on the grass twice to let Severus know he'd be in late.
"Be back in time for dinner mutt. My familiar needs his nutrition." They loped into the thick Forest, silent for a long while until they'd reached some pre-determined spot. Remus was waiting there in his human form.
What is the meaning of this? he questioned sharply, growling lowly.
"We just wanted to talk."
Like Hel you do. I was set up! Sirius yipped softly and flopped over, offering his belly and throat.
No tricks. Just wanna talk canine to canine, I promise. Harry sank down warily, his tail still stiff and upright. How does he treat you?
Good. I have everything I could ever want with a Wizard in my possession.
"Everything?"
My Mate is kind under the snarls and snaps. He's... softer with me. Remus mulled it over while Sirius lolled his tongue out in a doggie grin.
Really?
Mmmhmm. I sleep on him and he doesn't complain at all.
"Mate? As in...?"
Huh? Yeah. He yawned absently, scratching at his ear with his hind paw. -Was that it?-
"I suppose." Remus said lightly, "You are happy, healthy and clearly adore your Mate."
He drives me up the castle walls with his experimenting though. Merlin knows how many times I've been kicked out of the labs...
Sirius and he trotted into the Great Hall, eating together and grooming the extra bits of meat off of each other's muzzles.
You're fun! Wish I'd had you when I was a pup... he commented as Sirius saw him to the dungeon entrance.
What do you mean?
... It's nothing.
You sure?
Yeah. Just being nogistalgic. he murmured as he nosed the portrait in a specific spot. The panel slid back and opened a wolf-sized hole for him. 'Bye! He padded into the living room and paused as he saw Lucius Malfoy.
"Ah. You must be Beauty. Severus said he expected you back late." Harry growled lowly, slinking past the blond Wizard to his pet bed. "Your familiar doesn't like me."
"Beauty usually has his reasons." his Mate said as he summoned a house-elf for some tea. "What brings you to my quarters?"
"I'm in need of a favor. Draco has not shown the slightest interest in his betrothed."
Umm, duh. He's in love with Neville. Harry snorted, Plus, have you seen her? Pug-face is polite compared what I could say. Seriously.
"Longbottom?"
He's a Pureblood and he's also a Carrier. he slyly commented as he laid on Sev's feet. Sometimes I wonder if you even see him, you know. Your cub should be your only priority besides your Mate. Shock registered on the blond's face.
"What are you insinuating?"
Draco's mentioned it to Severus but once and he got into contact with Lady Longbottom the first chance he had. He's spoken to me about it and mentioned that he'd spoken about it to you several times. I think I'm allowed to make that assumption. Hurt flashed across the regal face before it was hidden behind the Malfoy mask.
"I see."
Maybe you should look before deciding and ask Draco what he thinks. he suggested lightly, wagging his tail to soften the message.
"I shall take it into consideration, Beauty. You are incredibly smart for a familiar."
I know; Sev's my Wizard.
-PoV-
Severus smiled as he heard the click of Harry's claws following him. Students stopped to pet him but Harry was very picky about who touched him. The Lovegood girl could always expect a tail-wagging wolf. Speaking of which... They always spoke in riddles that were difficult to decipher even with his intelligence.
"Hello pretty Beauty. I see you've confessed and Changed. Goddess knows you took long enough. Oh, the Dragon and his Snare appreciate your help. The Light and his Lady are closer now than they have been in some time."
The Flames and my Booklet?
"Understandably distraught still. The Booklet has not been eating. Her Flame has had no luck convincing her appetite."
Ah. She'll be eating by day's end if I have any say. His beloved trotted up to the Granger girl and woofed quietly.
"Hello, Beauty. Did you need something?" Harry gently tugged on her robes until they were in a quiet corner.
Yes, actually, I do. It's a secret. I need you to tell the rest of the Flames that Harry is alive and safe.
"Flames? Oh, the Weasleys... Thank you. But how do you know that?" the girl was too smart for her own good sometimes.
I have an in to him. He's finding his Mate. Harry could also be an insufferable know-it-all when he felt like it.
Their relationship was remarkably steady for one based on a familiar Bond. Perhaps Harry had been right when he'd said they were soul mates and that the connection was not just familiar to Wizard. In any case, his demon Mate had started a new nightly ritual that both of them enjoyed. Harry jumped up on the couch as Beauty and transformed into the broad-shouldered hunk that made him slightly light-headed. The ears as well as the soft tail were just a bonus as far as he was concerned.
"C'mon, cuddle with me." Severus took off his stained teaching robes and slid into his preferred space. He played with Harry's tail, listening to the strong heartbeat he'd grown rather fond of in the past months. "So?" His demon Mate called it 'pillow talk' but it made his days much easier.
"It wasn't the first years today; no, it had to be the fifth years who managed to blow thirty cauldrons sky-high and cancel my classes for the day. They can't even follow simple instructions... I looked down at my lesson plans for less than five seconds, I swear." he griped, aware that he was whining.
"Sounds annoying. Do you want me to keep them in line as Beauty?"
"Would you? It's quite tedious and you can't take your eyes off of them for anything." he sighed, humming as Harry sank his fingers into Severus's hair and petted.
"Mmm, I taught the DA. I can teach annoying brats for you. Upper or lower classes?" came the soothing answer in Harry's deliciously deep tenor.
"First through fifth if it isn't too much. The sixth and seventh years are done throwing frogs, hair and/or other substances into other people's cauldrons. Thank Merlin for that." Severus murmured, his eyes half-lidded as he dozed lightly.
"Sure, fy un tywyll. I will do this for you."
He made his way to the first class of the day astonished to find his second years hard at work on their Potions. This was also one of his Slytherin/Gryffindor classes, which made this even more of a surprise.
Morning, Sev. They're about halfway done with the Shrinking Solution.
"Impressive. Why are they so quiet?"
Umm, not sure actually. Harry doggie-shrugged, confusion in the goregous green eyes.
"Sir? We figured you had enough cauldrons blow up for at least another month thanks to those idiots in fifth year." one of his more hesitant students said, his Potion only a single shade off.
"Really? Anti-clockwise stir and it should be at the third stage." A question lingered in the hazel gaze but the boy didn't argue.
"The shade was off by a minute amount. Anti-clockwise stirs even out the Potion and allow it to settle if it does not require constant stirring like the more complex Potions." he reluctantly explained as Harry padded around the room, putting his paws on the edge of the desk to see into the pewter cauldrons. He chuffed if the solution was off for some reason or the heat was too high and motioned which one it was. It seemed like Harry really was an excellent teacher.
By noon, the word had gotten out that Beauty taught some of his classes; his Harry did not take it in stride at all. He hid in Severus's robes while he ate and avoided any student wanting to talk to him. The Granger girl was listening to a fourth year Gryffindor by the name of Coots, her expression suddenly growing much darker. She turned to the Weasley brat and started talking.
Merlin damn it all. I knew I shouldn't have helped Coots.
"Care to explain why?"
He's familiar with my touch-teach style since I helped him out with his batting in the Beater position. If he's telling 'Mione then she'll march right over to your quarters after she tells Professor McGonagall.
"Ah."
Sev! This is important. We haven't consummated the Bond yet as Mates. If they take me away from you, I'm a dead demon. Harry's tone was quiet and entirely serious. Severus briefly wondered if this was how the Dark Lord had felt facing his Harry.
"I see. Well, you are going to have to tell them that."
I... I don't think I can. She's also gonna tell Remy and Siri.
"That is a problem. How do we confront them without making a mess of things?"
I have an idea.
"Pray to Merlin that it works then. I have a feeling I'll need it more than you."
Black, Lupin, Granger and the remaining Weasley were standing before his quarters staring both of them down. Severus swept past them and merely stroked the painting, allowing the entrance to open wider than it did on most days.
"You will not take you wand into my quarters nor will you shout at myself or Beauty. Break those rather simplistic instructions and I will have the castle evict you from our presence. Do I make myself clear?"
"Where will you put our wands?"
"Above us and I will stand by my rule as well; mine shall join yours when they are out of reach. Come in." He was tense and he felt Harry shivering against his thigh. Ignoring his former rivals, he knelt before his Mate and hugged him whispering soft nothings into the triangle ears. "Feeling better?"
Yeah.
"Mmm, I suppose you are as well as you can be." They filed in and the portrait swung closed. Severus kept to his promise and had a house elf bring tea and snacks. Harry jumped up onto the loveseat and wagged his tail when he sat down next to him. "One at a time. Choose amongst yourselves." Remus nodded and spoke clearly.
"Did you know that Beauty was Harry?"
No. I never told him physically. He figured it out after I transformed in his absence. Harry said, burying his muzzle against Severus's thigh. I missed him. Black was next, the slate-grey eyes narrowed in concentration.
"Are you happy with him? Be honest with me, pup." Harry's head shot up from its hiding place as his tail thumped on the cushion.
Nowhere else I'd rather be. He's my Mate, Siri. The youngest Weasley boy looked to be deep in thought.
"Professor, have you ever felt... this way towards anyone else?" Severus was taken slightly aback at the question.
"I... No. I have never felt anything like this for anyone. He's... different." the words left him reluctantly even as he petted Harry soothingly. His Mate crooned softly nosing him as he stopped. Severus forgot they were there as Harry burrowed against his chest, laughing as his face was licked. "Stop that." The Bond thrummed happily between them as he pressed a light kiss between Harry's ears.
Love me?
"Always."
"Professor?" he looked up from gazing into Harry's eyes and saw her struggling not to say anything. "Have you consummated the Bond yet?"
"That is private." Severus hissed before he could help himself. He inhaled Harry's scent as he calmed his mind. "My apologies, Ms. Granger."
"No, don't. I pushed too far." Harry rolled over in his lap and woofed quietly. "He's cute as a wolf."
"Indeed."
Scratch?
"Must I indulge you?" He was greeted with big green puppy eyes. "Very well."
-PoV-
Harry rumbled as slender fingers dug into his chest fur. After they'd asked the most pertinent questions, there was a comfortable lull as everyone snacked and had their own quiet conversations.
"Harry?"
Mmm?
"Can-Can we see your other form?" this one came from Sirius, the older man wringing his hands.
Sure. He shifted into lounge pants and a Gryffindor t-shirt tail still wagging. "Like it?" Bouncing off the love seat, he gave a spin to show off his human form. Sirius glomped him which prompted the rest to do the same. He gave his Mate an exasperated smile at their antics. "Okay, okay! Off please, I can't breathe." Giving his Mate no warning, he swept Severus up in a bear hug and nuzzled his neck. "Did you think I'd forget you, fy un tywyll?"
"Harry..."
"Mmmr."
"Put me down." Sirius and Remus snickered as he snuggled up against his beloved.
"Mmm-mmm."
"Now."
"'Mkay." he lowered his slightly pissed off Mate and let go. Severus wormed his way back into his embrace, sighing in contentment when he crooned. "Snuggler."
"You started me on the habit."
Ending A/N: Lessee... Now I only have four left. Then there's Ixion26's story that's coming along too. Whew. Done moving, packing and just DONE. I'm no longer in good ol' Italia. Ninja move. I can work on my drabbles unhindered now that my brain is functioning again. As always, folks, review! Send me a PM or a review if you have a request.