Edited 4/12/12
! !
In this chapter, Draco and Harry will switch point of views from time to time so please don't be confused.
Sorry to have kept you waiting for Harry and Draco's lovey-dovey moment! So now, I present you one of my favorite chapters!~ Enjoy :D
Ooo Answers to your questions down below~ ooO
Usual Disclaimer applied.
oOo
"So the serene, graceful Madam Lovegood was just a façade?" Harry asked with a raised brow.
"Not really." Gabrielle replied as she rummaged through Harry's jewelries.
"What do you mean?"
"I need to maintain good reputation seeing as I am a noblewoman and a shop owner. Both sides of me—the quirky and the graceful—are the same but I choose which one I will show the public, I'm not pretending to be who I'm not, I'm just letting people see one side of me, if not all." She replied simply. She opened Harry's 3rd jewelry box and examined all the jewels inside in hope to find the perfect match for the dress.
Harry just sat on his bed, watching the Veela search all his jewelries. Gabrielle had him discard all his clothes again until he was completely naked, but this time she had him wear a robe. After their embarrassing talk earlier, the blonde sent him to the bath as she prepared all the necessary tools needed for Harry's dress up.
"Gabrielle, what about Luna?"
"What about my daughter?"
"Who's going to dress her up?"
The woman paused and turned to him, her face was graced with a smile. "Luna is very capable of dressing herself up without the help of others. In fact, she prefers it that way."
"Oh. What about you?"
"Do I look like I need more beautification?" she asked with a mock glare.
Harry shook his head furiously in fear of being burned alive.
The woman's expression turned into a playful smirk that made her look 10 years younger. "Good, now let's have you ready. We only have a few hours before the ball."
oOo
"Draco! Draco! Draco! Did you hear?" Blaise yelled as he barged in to Draco's room. Draco was sitting on the couch, wearing only a thin robe; he looked like he just finished bathing because his hair had dews on them.
"No, I haven't and I don't think I can anymore." He replied sarcastically, closing the book he was reading.
"Ha ha." Blaise mocked as he rolled his eyes. "Listen you git, Princess Hermione is here!"
"What? Why?"
"Dunno. Think she's going to the ball tonight. Your father personally invited her."
Draco raised an eyebrow in suspicion. This doesn't sound good...
"Why did he invite her?"
Blaise shrugged in response.
oOo
"And there!" Gabrielle squealed happily as she put on the last of the ornament on Harry's princess-styled hair. "You look absolutely breathtaking, Lily!"
They both stood in front of Harry's full body mirror so he can see his whole features. Now he understood what the Veela meant by "use my magic on you," Gabrielle casted a glamour on his chest so that it appears as though he had real breasts instead of fake ones because the off shoulder dress he was wearing was a bit revealing on the chest area. Gabrielle noticed that Harry was eyeing his fake breasts and was grinning teasingly behind the young lad.
The Veela's smile was so contagious that Harry couldn't help but smile and feel giddy. He wasn't particularly excited about the ball; he was excited because Gabrielle was excited. During the few hours they spent together he became fond of her. The Veela was real and there was no hint of pretention whatsoever, she genuinely cared for him. A smile crossed his lips as he wondered if this is how it feels like to have a loving mother. Of course, Mrs. Weasley cared for him as her own son but somehow it felt like she was keeping something from him. He liked Gabrielle's honesty and realness towards him.
Gabrielle seemed to have read his thoughts as she moved closer to lock him in a loving embrace. Harry's shoulder stiffened but relaxed when the Veela's warmth traveled to him.
"Remember that I'll always be here for you, sweetheart. I'll watch over you in your mother's place."
He couldn't see Gabrielle's expression at the moment but he was certain that the older lady was smiling warmly at him. He smiled back and snuggled closer to the blonde.
"Why?"
"Because I like Harry Potter."
Her response was simple but it was enough for Harry. He hummed in reply. The blonde gently released Harry and gave him a kiss on the forehead, completely warming the young lad's heart.
"Are we ready?" she beamed, examining Harry from head to toe.
"Still not wearing my shoes."
"Oh. Yeah right, shoes."
...
Harry's shoes was supposed to be hard to put on but it only took the Veela a wave of her hand to magically command the footwear to tie itself on the young lad's legs like how it's supposed to be.
"Très Belle!" Gabrielle exclaimed in adoration. For the nth time, she eyed Harry's—or rather, Lily's figure and saw perfection. Really, it's hard not to envy Oriels for their beauty and powers.
oOo
"Wow..." Fred gaped. There, in front of him was an angel... or at least someone that perfectly resembles one. Bloody hell he didn't know that a heart could pound this hard.
"You're going to swallow a bug, big brother." Ginny teased, elbowing her gaping sibling.
"Wow doesn't even cut it." George said, leaning in on Fred's shoulder. "Look at Ronnikins over there... I think he just fell in love with Lily."
Fred wanted to shoot Ron a teasing look but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Lily who was currently sitting on the couch while chatting happily with Madam Lovegood. They're crouched hidden behind the tall indoor plants their mother placed in their spacious living room. The siblings were near enough to see Lily and Madam Lovegood, but far enough for them to be able to converse in a hush without being heard.
As to why they decided to sneak around like a thief was beyond Fred, it was Ginny's and Ron's suggestions so it had nothing to do with him. Right now all he cared about was taking in whatever Lily's loveliness has to offer.
"Shut it George. Take a look at Fred first before you tell me such things." Ron hissed.
"Ron's right." Ginny chuckled, giving teasing looks to her brother.
Fred turned to look at his twin who was snickering the best he can. "Quit it, they're gonna see us!"
Fred's warning came too late as both Lily and Madam Lovegood was standing right in front of the plants they were hiding behind and gazed at their crouched forms amusingly.
"And why may I ask, are you sneaking around as though you do not belong in this mansion?" Madam Lovegood inquired sweetly.
Harry's shoulders shook with mirth and as the Weasley siblings scrambled up to their feet in both surprise and panic. It was as though they were caught doing naughty things by their mother, but it's even better because it was Madam Lovegood who was hovering over them with an expression of what seemed to be a masked amusement. If he didn't know the Veela better, he wouldn't have seen that she was having a hard time controlling herself from bursting out in laughter.
"In our defense we were just dragged here by those two!" Fred and George exclaimed in unison, pointing their finger at Ginny and Ron.
"Lies!" the two replied immediately.
And that's when the bickering started. The Weasleys seem to have forgotten their presence and completely immersed themselves in their own little world of arguments. Harry had to clear his throat loudly and call out to them.
They swiftly turned their head to the two and their faces flushed in embarrassment as they remembered whose' presence they were in.
"Manners, Manners." Harry said in mock disappointment but the other didn't seem to catch it, they shrunk back at Harry's words.
"So who started it?" Gabrielle inquired, her amusement unwavering. There was really nothing wrong with what they were doing but their reactions were just too precious.
Ginny and the twins swiftly pointed their fingers at Ron, and Ron nodded almost enthusiastically. Harry snickered knowing all too well that Gabrielle was using her allure to play with the siblings.
The blonde snorted ungracefully, snapping everyone out of their daze.
"Uh.. err.. we.. we weren't.. um.. it's not like we meant any harm.. we were just wondering how..." Rom stammered as cold sweat covered his paling forehead.
"How you were able to converse with our young Lily with such familiarity," said George.
"Since we've never seen Lily talk like that with someone outside our family." Fred finished.
"I see." Madam Lovegood said whilst nodding her head in understanding. "Let's just say that having a woman to woman bonding time builds trust and familiarity." She said playfully with a wink.
From behind them, the arch-door banged open, revealing an irritated Molly Weasley. "Children! What are you doing behind those plants?" she yelled from the door. She paced to the living room, pausing in front of her children and placed her hands on her hips. "You are not up to another mischief again now are you? Madam Lovegood is here with Lily right now so you should behave the best you can!"
"Erm... mum, they're just beside you." Fred chuckled as their mother, whose sole attention was focused on them, finally noticed the two beside her.
"Oh my!" she gasped. She hadn't noticed them when she opened the door at all! All her eyes saw were her children whom were standing behind a potted plant as though they were hiding and sneaking around. Gods the number of times that had happened...
"It's alright Mrs. Weasley, I don't really mind." Gabrielle smiled.
The woman breathed a sigh of relief, "Goodness me, where are my manners. Please do sit down Madam Lovegood. I will see to it that these children behave themselves."
"Thank you for your hospitality Mrs. Weasley, but I'm afraid we should get going for the ball. It is almost nightfall and it would be rude if we come in late."
Fred's lips curved into a frown.
oOo
"Your Majesty, We cannot find Prince Draco anywhere." The guard reported, his head bowed down low.
Lucius glared intently at the guard. "Very well then, this will just come as a surprise to him. You are dismissed."
"Yes, your majesty."
oOo
Meanwhile...
"Blaise! I said come here!" Draco exclaimed from afar. They're currently at the garden. It was twilight and the ball is about to start in an hour. He didn't want to be inside the castle right now because he was feeling slightly nervous and he needed to breathe fresh air.
"Not everyone can run as fast as you, you prat."
"You know you can get executed for insulting the prince right?"
"Whatever, your pratness." Blaise rolled his eyes.
This is why Draco liked him. Blaise doesn't treat him as a prince; he treats him as a person, as him. He's not afraid to insult him and get into a brawl with him and that is what's striking about his best mate. "Do you reckon Lily's going to be here? I should've asked father to welcome regular citizens..."
Blaise sighed heavily and sat down on the grass. Draco followed suit.
"Do you think she's a regular citizen? Did she look like a normal folk to you?"
"No."
"Then she's probably a noble and she's probably going to attend this ball."
"But I've never seen her in any of the Royal Balls before."
"Yeah, and that is why your father made it a requirement for everyone to attend."
"Wow, he did that? For me?" Wow. Someone must've replaced his father then.
"Maybe."
There was a comfortable silence between them for a couple of minutes before the music boomed from the castle. "It's starting." said Blaise.
Draco's heart rate doubled in anticipation. He wondered how Lily will react if she finds out the he's the prince... will she run away, scared? Or will she turn into a mute doll? Or will she remain herself?
"You can go on ahead, I'll catch up." he said, his voice slightly trembled.
"You sure?"
"Yeah. Go on, don't worry I'll be there."
"Hey, don't be nervous. You're a prince for Merlin's sake!" Blaise replied enthusiastically giving Draco a rough pat on the back as he stood up. "I'm meeting up with Theo. See yah!" He bid a short farewell.
oOo
"Lily? Are you alright?" Gabrielle whispered to him worriedly. She sat beside Harry in the carriage and the young lad was slightly trembling. "What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing." He replied. He honestly didn't know what's wrong. It's just that as they got closer to the palace, his heart rate doubled.
Gabrielle narrowed his eyes on the boy. Something's wrong for sure. His mate? Is his mate in danger? Or is he sensing something bad? Oriels have the ability to foretell the future with much accuracy but Harry was a young one and he doesn't know how to control his powers yet so all he could do was to sense impending danger. And if that's the case then she should do something to protect her adopted young. She grabbed Harry's hand and held it comfortingly. The young lad turned to her and smiled.
"I'll be alright." He said a little too loudly, catching Molly Weasley's attention.
"Is there something wrong, Lily dear?" she asked, her brows furrowing slightly. "Are you feeling pain again?"
Ginny turned to him. Harry shook his head gently. "No, I'm just nervous is all."
"Why would you be nervous?" Fred asked. Oh yes, Fred came with them. He decided that he wanted to join them at the last moment so now they're running a little behind schedule because Fred had to prepare himself. He's wearing one of his rarely worn black coat that fit his body and reached down to his mid-thigh over his white vest and dark blue-grey long-sleeve's shirt. Instead of a tie, Fred wore a purplish pink cravat.
"Well... it's my first time to a ball... I can't help but feel a bit giddy."
"Are you sure you're not having an attack again?" Ginny asked.
"Attack?" Gabrielle repeated. "What does that mean?"
"Oh, Recently, Lily's been—"
"Getting panic attacks." Molly interjected.
"Is that so..." Gabrielle muttered. Of course she didn't believe it. She knew perfectly well that those attacks were happening because of two reasons,
One – Oriels cannot stand being apart with their mate once they have met.
Two – His wings are sprouting.
I wonder how his wings would look like... Half Oriels don't get pure white wings and I'm also curious to see which affinities he can control.
...
Several minutes later, they've finally reached the palace. There was a line at the gate where the guards check every carriages and verify it's passengers by asking for their family crests. It didn't take long before it was their turn to show their crest and everything went smoothly. Their carriage stopped in front of the palace's main entrance and outside there were probably twenty guards manning the front. 2 guards stationed near the bottom opened the carriage door for them. Fred was the first one to go out, followed by his mother, then Ginny. Harry sat frozen stiff and the Veela had to coax him out of the carriage. Gabrielle went down first and then finally, Lily. Everyone's gaze turned to him and everyone seemed to pause from what they're doing.
'Again with the staring!' Harry exclaimed in his mind.
"Masks on please." The guard said, his eyes seemingly fixated on Harry. Fred took note of that and glared at the guard.
Everyone, including Fred who had to search their basement for a mask, did as the guard said and covered their face.
The gazes of those who have seen Harry's face before he put on his mask still lingered on him as they made their way inside the palace. They finally broke out of their trance when the group disappeared behind the door.
Fred held out his arm for Harry and smiled. Gods, he looked dashing! Harry thought. He never noticed the extent of Fred's handsomeness until now that he looked like a proper gentleman. He gladly clung on Fred's arm.
"Mother!" A familiar voice called. Gabrielle spotted the owner of the voice and walked over to her daughter. Luna gave her a light hug.
"You look lovely, my Luna."
"Thank you very much. You look lovely too, mother."
"Did you bring an escort with you?" The older Veela asked.
Luna nodded her head. "Neville's here with me."
Gabrielle hummed in amusement. "Lily, Fred and Ginny are here with me. Why don't you go greet them?"
Luna nodded her head.
oOo
"I just realized something stupid about this ball that Draco didn't see." Blaise said complacently, "His father arranged for a masquerade ball! How the bloody hell will he find his Lily?"
Theodore Nott laughed in response.
"I'll know when I see her." Draco said, startling the two in front of him.
"Blimey Draco! Don't sneak up on us!"
The three of them were currently at the balcony, hidden from the view of the guests. They were leaning on the rails and observing people from there.
Draco sat down on the chair at the back. He was feeling light headed and his heart wouldn't stop pounding against his chest. He didn't know what's wrong with him. He had been to countless balls before and never has he felt like he was feeling right now. It's not because of Lily, no, it was something else... he just couldn't point a finger at it but it was like he's finally going to... going to what?
"That's it. I can't stand this." Draco said tiredly. "I'm going out to get some air again." He stood up and reached for the door.
"Hey mate, what's going on with you? You're acting weird. Are you sick?" Blaise asked worriedly.
"No, I'll be fine. Stay here." And with that he's gone, leaving a worried Blaise and a confused Theo behind.
...
Draco went down to the garden, just outside where the ball was being held. There, in the middle, behind the tall bushes was a huge fountain with a female angel statue on the top. The moon shone on the fountain, casting its illuminating glow on it. Even the white lilies scattered around the area glowed from the moon's gentle light.
He sat down on the edge of the fountain and took a very deep breath. He had to compose himself before the ball officially begins and he's finding it hard to do that. Also, he won't be able to find Lily if he's feeling off at the moment.
oOo
Meanwhile...
I need to go. I need to go outside. He's waiting for me. I need to go!
"I need to go." Lily said out loud. Fred turned to him.
"Why?"
He was alone with Fred on a corner at the moment. Molly went around to greet some 'acquaintances' with Madam Lovegood, while Ginny, Luna and Neville mingled with the other teens, excitedly discussing the reason why they were required to attend the ball.
"I need to go." Harry repeated monotonously.
"Lily? What's going on?" asked Fred, placing both his hands on Lily's shoulders.
*Do not touch me.* The raven-haired lad warned in a different language. His eyes turned into golden slits.
Fred's eyes widened in surprise. He swiftly removed his hands away from Harry's shoulders and stumbled back. "W-what—?"
*You are not to follow me!* Harry exclaimed. He ran away from the shocked lad and went outside to the grounds. He needed to go. He's waiting for me. Harry didn't know where his feet were taking him but he was certain that, that's where he is.
He ran until he reached a garden that smelled of lilies. He slowed down, his breath in pants. He's here! He thought. His heart threatened to jump out of his throat when he felt the presence of his mate. He was waiting. He was sitting down on the edge of the fountain, mentally calling out to him. Lily hurriedly approached the figure at the fountain.
*My mate...* Lily called softly.
The blonde turned to him with bright silver eyes. He stood up from the fountain and met Lily halfway through. His heart thundered against his chest violently at the stunning sight of the girl. "Lily..." he mumbled.
The said girl smiled at him serenely, causing his heart to flutter. Their eyes locked together. Emerald and Silver.
Draco crossed their distance eagerly and caressed Lily's soft cheeks. He gently removed Lily's mask that was getting in the way of her beautiful face with his other hand.
"Hello." He whispered, their lips merely inches away.
Yes, everything was progressing very quickly but nothing seemed out of place. Everything felt perfect and right where it should be. The way Lily blushed, the way her body shivered lightly when Draco wrapped an arm around her waist to close their distance and the way their lips are about to touch...
"What's your name?" Lily whispered softly, her gaze at him was unwavering.
"Draco..." he answered as he closed the short distance of their lips.
The two closed their eyes and indulged themselves into the kiss. Instead of pushing away, Lily wrapped her arms around Draco's neck and pressed harder against Draco's body, deepening their kiss. Both were overwhelmed by the desire burning inside them as they held each other.
Harry opened his eyes slightly to see Draco's flushed expression. He closed his eyes again and gave himself over to Draco's warmth.
The intoxicating scent of Draco was enough to completely melt Harry against the blonde's body. Each time Draco murmured his name 'Lily' something throbbed painfully inside Harry's chest. Embracing each other this way, focusing only on their kiss, all at once the world seem only to have the two of them in it. It was a wonderful feeling yet something inside him was nagging at him to stop this. Stop this because it's not really you Draco is kissing.
"Lily..." Draco breathed once more, though this time the name rang louder in Harry's ears.
'Lily. Lily, not Harry. You're not the one he sees. You're not the one he desires.' The voice inside him whispered, filling his chest up with immeasurable pain. "No..." he muttered weakly, pushing away Draco.
Draco seemed surprised at the sudden parting of their bodies. He looked dazed and confused for a moment before finally grasping what happened. "What's wrong?" he asked, his slightly hurt gaze was digging a hole in Harry's heart.
"All this..." 'You embraced me as though we've been together for years. You look at me like I'm the only one who matters in this world. But you don't really see the real me. It hurts.' He finished in his head.
"You don't know me, and I don't know you." Harry said with each word tearing his heart apart. He dropped his gaze to the ground and backed away from the blonde as though he's a plague to be avoided.
Draco was taken aback by the words suddenly thrown at him by the person who was just moments ago was practically giving herself to him. Her words stung even though her tone held no bite. Still, he was never the one who just stands back without a fight.
"Yes, that might be the case but I'm sure that I wasn't the only one who felt something earlier. I know you felt it too." He replied, his eyebrows knitting together in slight irritation.
'I did. Strongly, even.' He bit back, instead saying: "No... I was only swayed by your emotions..." Harry knew this would spite the other lad but what else could he say? At every second that passed, his jealousy towards Lily became worse and it would only be a matter of time before he kills himself over jealousy. Draco saw Lily, not Harry. 'This is messed up.' Harry chewed on his bottom lip as he always did when he's trying to choke back his tears.
The next occurrence was totally unexpected. Draco took a huge step towards Harry and grabbed his arm, pulling him into a tight embrace. Harry's heart rate doubled as his head rested on Draco's firm chest. He could hear the blonde's heart beating as loud and fast as his own.
Their hearts were at sync.
"Don't lie." Draco breathed firmly yet softly.
Two words, two simple words were enough to leave him breathless. Don't lie. Harry can feel it; he can feel Draco's emotions coursing inside him like his own. 'He knows I'm lying. He wants me. He wants to keep me in his arms forever.' That's not right, ' He wants Lily, not Harry.' His heart clenched painfully once more. Overwhelmed by emotions, Harry pushed Draco away and stumbled a few feet away as a result. He noticed immediately that his body was shaking. His body was rejecting what he just did. The overwhelming desire to come back to Draco battled his fierce desire to run away. His body shook in non-existent cold air as the blonde stared in worry.
"Lily..."
That name again. Harry bit his lip in frustration and turned away to the exit. Draco lunged forward and grabs a hold of his trembling shoulders before he could get away. Harry turned up to look at Draco's confused expression. He's confused of what's happening, anybody would be. One moment they were locked in a passionate embrace and now he was avoiding him like a plague.
"Let go! I'm not Lily!" Harry cried as tears formed on the corner of his eyes. He tried to yank his arm away from Draco's grasp but the grip was really tight and Draco was much stronger than him.
"What do you mean—" Draco paused when a shout overlapped his voice.
"Let go of her!" the voice belonged to Fred and he sounded enraged. Draco shifted his gaze to the panting redhead and met his cold glare. "Let go of her." he growled lowly, staring daggers at Draco. Without a pause, Fred yanked Draco's hand off of Harry's shoulder and then pulled Harry into his chest, circling an arm around him in a protective manner.
"Never go near her again if you don't want to lose your life." Fred threatened; his usual friendly demeanor gone and was replaced by a cold one that sent a shiver down Harry's spine. It was the first time he ever saw Fred like that and it scared him.
Draco returned Fred's cold glare with an equally menacing one. "You're the one who's ought to stay away. It's rude to just come in uninvited to a conversation." He said icily.
"Oh but it wasn't a conversation wasn't it? You were hurting her."
"I wasn't. This is none of your business. Go before I set the guards on you."
Before he could register what he was doing, Harry stepped in front of the two, using his body as a living barrier. He didn't want a fight to break out because of him.
"I'm sorry." He said to Draco, his face apologetic. He then turned to Fred and also gave him an apologetic look before taking his hand in his. "We'll just go now." He said hastily as he dragged Fred away as fast as he could.
"Lily..." he heard Fred murmur. Luckily, the taller man followed him without so much as a word. They didn't turn to look back to see Draco's hurt expression.
oOo
"Where have you two been?!" Molly hissed at Fred and Harry after they showed up from the garden. The two hung their head low, feeling embarrassed for being scolded like children at their age. Fred elbowed Harry prompting him to speak up because he knew that his mother wouldn't dare give a mouthful to Harry; and Harry himself knew that.
"I'm sorry." He said for the nth time tonight that saying 'sorry' started to feel foreign on his tongue. "I wanted to see the palace because it's my first time here and I knew that it would be bad if I go alone so I had Fred accompany me." He explained, wearing the most innocent look he could muster up.
Molly's tense shoulder's visibly relaxed, as was her glaring face. Harry and Fred knew then that they're off the hook. "I understand, Harry dear. But next time make sure to ask for my permission. You really had me worried there for a moment."
"I understand." Not at all.
...
"Who was that prat?" Fred asked as soon as they were alone again, or at least far away enough from the others to hear.
Harry gave Fred a sharp glare at the insult. "He's not a prat." He found himself defending Draco. It had felt as if it was an instinct to come at Draco's defense.
Fred arched a brow, eyeing Harry skeptically. "He was hurting you. I saw it with my own eyes, Harry. You were struggling." He said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"That was..." was what? What was he supposed to say to Fred? That in what seemed to be a spur of the moment, he kissed a stranger he knew for barely 10 minutes, feeling as though they've known each other for years now? That he liked it when they kissed but then he got hurt when he realized that Draco only saw Lily and not Harry. "I...was the one at wrong." He turned away his gaze from Fred and stared at the floor.
'Really, Harry? You chose to lie to me to defend that prat?' Fred wanted to say, but instead he said: "That doesn't really explain anything, you know. How can you be the one at wrong when you were the one seemingly trying to escape from his clutches? You were upset and I'm sure he must've done something to make you so."
Harry shook his head in denial. He didn't want Draco to take the blame, even though he was sure that there's no way on earth the blonde would ever want to talk to him ever again. "Please, just this once can you let it go?" he pleaded, turning his head up to meet Fred's sapphire gaze.
The redhead sighed in defeat. He never could resist Harry and his pleading. "Fine. But promise me to never see him again." Fred stated firmly.
"No." came the reply without a second thought.
Fred's chest clenched painfully.
"I don't need to promise it... I'm sure that he'll never want to see me again after how I acted towards him." Harry said dejectedly.
Fred suddenly felt bad for pushing the subject when Harry clearly didn't want to talk about it. He didn't reply, instead he closed their short distance and pulled Harry into a comforting hug.
...
"I believe this is yours." Gabrielle said, smiling as she handed Harry his forgotten mask.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise; he had forgotten all about it when Draco removed it back in the garden. The only way Gabrielle could've found it is if she was...
"You saw..." It wasn't a question.
The Veela nodded, her smile never leaving her features. Harry didn't take the mask so Gabrielle moved towards him and placed the mask on Harry. "I need a word with you." She whispered, taking Harry's hand into hers. He let her drag him away from the crowd. His mind was going a thousand miles a second; it bothered him so much that someone was watching them whilst doing that. It felt like his privacy was invaded. That moment with Draco was something he didn't want to share with anyone, it was only for the two of them to share and no one else.
Harry got a second waft of cold air as they stepped out of the ballroom and into the darkness of outside once again.
Gabrielle took Harry to a gazebo far away from the crowd. Harry on the other hand, followed her obediently without any questions, as his mind was as empty as he felt.
"Do you know who Draco is?" The veela started, holding Harry's hands into hers. She didn't wait for Harry to reply before she continued, "His whole name is Draco Lucius Malfoy." Harry's eyes widened in recognition. "He's the crown prince of this kingdom."
Harry's body stiffened at the revelation. It all made sense now. Draco didn't just look like a prince out of a painting; he was actually really a prince. What the bloody hell was going on? "What..." he murmured, unable to find his voice. An unpleasant feeling bubbled up inside him. It was impossible enough to be with Draco being a guy, but Draco being a prince took the impossibility to a whole new level. Harry's heart clenched painfully.
Gabrielle smiled unexpectedly. "Harry, learn not to think of his bloodline. Do your best to not make him into royalty, Draco is Draco." She said with such gentleness.
"Why are you telling me this?"
Gabrielle let go of his hands; her smile faded and was replaced by an unfathomable expression that gave Harry an impression that he's not going to like where this is going.
"Because I need to tell you something important about yourself and your family." Her reply was stern and straight to the point.
Harry was unable to reply, mildly due to shock, confusion and fear.
"As nice as the Weasleys are, they aren't planning to tell you this until your birthday, which is too much too late in my opinion."
Harry just stared, listening intently.
"You're not human."
Harry's eyes widened, his breath hitched at the revelation. He wanted to think, to believe that Gabrielle was lying but he knew, he felt that it was the whole truth being bared in front of him.
"Your mother was an Oriel. A celestial being residing here on earth with a purpose, though your purpose is yet to be told." She continued. "Oriels are creatures of legend that is said to have a body of a human, powers more powerful than the greatest sorcerer, beauty that rivals that of a goddess, kindness that touches every soul, and love that matches no other. In other words, an angel."
Harry's stomach made a painful lurch, his heart thundered in his chest as though he was facing death itself. He had to grab his chest with his hand to try and control his rapid heartbeat. He hadn't even noticed that Gabrielle's enchantment on his body had long since worn off.
"On your 17th birthday your wings will appear and you will find out which affinities you can control."
"...I.. h-how.. did you know all this?" he asked, finally finding his voice and will to speak.
"I was your mother's friend, and also because the legend of Oriels are well known to Veelas."
"Mother... is she?"
"Yes. She's a pureblood Oriel and only a handful of people knew. Our king is afraid of creatures that are more powerful than him so we had to hide."
"Is this why they were trying to hide me from the world?" he asked, his voice shaking.
"No. I will get to that later, first I must tell you the reason why you are hurting. Oriels, much like Veelas, have their destined mate. Once you have found your mate, the need to be together will intensify tenfold and being apart will physically hurt, especially for the Oriel."
"So that's means I have found mine..." he whispered to himself breathlessly.
The Veela nodded with a confirming smile. "Care to guess who it is?" she said gently.
Without a single hesitation and a pause for thinking, Harry answered "Draco."
Gabrielle's smile widened, her eyes glinting with happiness. No one has ever looked at Harry with genuine happiness from the heart before. He wasn't sure how to react but even before he noticed it he was already smiling. "Draco's my mate..." he repeated. But then reality crashed in his mind and his smile turned into a frown.
"He hates me now."
Gabrielle shook her head. "The half can never truly hate its other half. No matter what happens, no matter what obstacle may come in between the two of you, you can never hate each other. The love between mates is the strongest love of them all." She said, her voice gentle and warm. "One can't live without the other."
Harry knew in his heart that Gabrielle's words rang the truth. The cloud of regret and sadness over his heart had diminished and his spirit has lifted once more, his eyes seeing a new light to the revelation. It felt like a fragment of himself has been finally found after a lifetime of searching and it was all thanks to the Veela.
Tears gathered on the corner of his bright emerald eyes as he closed the distance between them and buried his face in her chest like a child would do to his mother after a nightmare. Gabrielle wrapped her loving arms around him, offering her love and support. He started crying out of both relief and terror. Relief because he finally knows what he is, and terror because he's now very aware of the strong connection he has with Draco.
He cried and cried and cried. He hadn't noticed how much time passed nor when did they sank to the floor but he didn't care. All he could do as of the moment was cry 17 years worth of tears.
"Thank you." He whispered hoarsely as he continued crying. He didn't let go of her, he didn't ever want to let go of her. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had a mother.
"You're welcome, my child." Came the sweet reply, followed by a warm gentle kiss on the top of his head.
At that moment, Harry's heart swelled with love for Gabrielle Lovegood.
Just an author's note: Harry wasn't speaking in Parseltongue :P hehehe.
I would like to thank Talltree-san, Ash Aijo, HinaLuvLuvChan and Silvermane1 for always giving me feedbacks! I always look forward to your reviews ^^ again, thank you so much for supporting this story! I really appreciate it. *hands you all a virtual cookie*
Talltree-san has been with me every since chapter 1 so I would like to dedicate this chapter to you :) thanks for your support! *virtual hug* ^^
! ANSWERS !
Question #1: Oh, and do Oriels only have white wings or can they be different colors?
Answer: Only a pureblood can have pure white wings. And yes, the color sometimes varies according to the Oriel's elemental affinity. For example, if an Oriel has the affinity for fire then his/her wings will have orange red streaks indicating his/her affinity. Pure white wings indicates that an Oriel is a pureblood and he/she has all the elemental affinities.
Please don't forget to leave a lovely review or a constructive criticism because they really get me going :)
Thank you very much.