The Bed I've Made

by asheacsm

Harry Potter is an abused boy, who has been forced to return to his abuser's home year after year. Draco Malfoy is a Veela, who just wants to be a good mate. Light side bashing, good/neutral dark side... nothing is as it seems. come along for the ride!

2. Walls

A/N Welcome back to my rambling, nonsensical, decompression work. All the previous chapter's warnings still apply, please forgive any minor (editing, grammatical, spelling, etc) errors that I happen to miss.

On with the show

Draco wakes up to his mate whimpering, feeling hopeless and just so sad. Draco takes his right hand and starts carding his fingers through his mate's ever untidy hair. Harry relaxes as Draco's skilled fingers chase his nightmare away.

Relaxing back into the bed, Draco thinks back to the fact that he had grabbed the Snitch and was going to take Harry out on a date. A real date.

Draco felt Harry's thrill, appreciation and several other positive emotions with their little trip to the pitch, and Draco wanted to see what else his mate would enjoy. Harry, Draco realized during their little question game, was modest and liked the simpler things, and can find enjoyment in just about anything.

Draco decides then that going to the theatre would be their date. There is a showing of Draco's favorite musical happening next week and he would take Harry. Dinner at the Republic and a show. He hopes Harry likes it, Draco absolutely loves the theatre, especially when Les Miserables is showing. He knows that muggles have theatres and that witches and wizards go to see the muggle productions, but wizarding productions of the same musicals are just so immersive and captivating.

Draco lets his thoughts wander to future dates, thinking about how those dates could potentially turn into family outings with children running about. Children with fair colored hair like his with Harry's striking green eyes, dark hair and almost silver eyes... Wondering if Harry would use a potion to allow him to carry their children, or if Harry had a creature inheritance that would allow it without the need of the potion, or if they would use surrogates.

Draco allows himself to imagine Harry with a swollen belly, their child growing within. A little pinch in his heart, thinking that this reality may never come to pass. Had he just not been such a git! Perhaps he and Harry would have been friends and Harry would have trusted him enough to tell him what was happening and he and his family could have stepped in so much sooner...

Draco nuzzles his nose into his mate's hair once more, getting worked up. Harry lazily snakes his arm around Draco's hips. His shirt had risen sometime during the night, Harry's fingers dancing across his exposed skin, and pulls himself closer. Draco freezes, his skin burns most pleasantly from the touches from his sleeping mate and the all too pleasant feeling traveling south to his nether region.

Draco tries to control his breathing and will his erection away, which is hard with Harry draped over him and being flush against him. Draco's erection gets uncomfortably hard when he feels Harry's hips brush against him.

Draco works on detangling himself from Harry, as quickly and gently as possible, and heads to the restroom to relieve this... Stress. Closing the door to the restroom Draco removes his hard, throbbing cock from its constraints and breathes a sigh of relief.

Grabbing two pumps of lotion from the dispenser on the sink counter, he coats his palms and grips the base of his dick and slowly runs his hand up and down his swollen, twitching shaft, covering it with lotion. Letting out a breathy moan, doing his best to stay quiet, he massages his cock, slow at first before picking up speed and tightening his grip, imagining Harry's hands and eventually his mouth taking care of Draco's arousal.

Draco moves on to imagine Harry squirming in pleasure under Draco's ministrations. Imagining what Harry would sound like as he trails his tongue, kisses, and love nips all over his little mate's body before he begs Draco to take care of his own throbbing cock, that is in desperate need of attention. What Harry would taste like when he releases into his Dominant's mouth. How Harry's dick would stand at attention once more when Draco starts massaging and playing with his rose bud asshole, until Harry begs for Draco to fill him completely and make them one.

The image of Harry bouncing on Draco's erection, pure bliss on his face, sets him over the edge and he cums. Draco cleans up the evidence, washes his hands and leaves to curl back up with his mate.

Harry has turned his back on where Draco was laying previously, his breathing calm and even. Draco climbs into bed and spoons his mate, drifting back off to sleep.

---

Harry wakes up with his back to Draco, the elder boy's arm draped over his waist and Harry molded to his form. If Harry were to wiggle his ass right now, he was sure he would get a reaction from Draco's, what he imagines is a not so little, friend hidden beneath the thin fabric of Draco's sleep pants.

Harry feels Draco's grip tighten before relaxing, a purr rumbling through the blonde's chest. Harry cuddles closer enjoying the warm and safe feeling that Draco holding him brings his heart.

Harry would never have dreamed this possible, feeling safe in Draco Malfoy's arms. Who'd have thought that Draco would be so warm and caring... That's the problem, isn't it? There's such a bias against Slytherins, labeling a quarter of the school evil because of what house they're in. At eleven! Labeling kids at eleven, evil.

Harry fell victim to the biases he heard from Hagrid and Ron and the talks from other people he had overheard. The Sorting Hat should have placed him in Slytherin, but he was scared after listening to the people around him.

How else were Slytherins supposed to turn out or act when they already had such a strong bias against them? Hell, Mad-Eye was a Slytherin and he's a good enough fellow! Wormtail was a Gryffindor and he betrayed his parents. Quill was a Ravenclaw and Lockhart was a Hufflepuff and they weren't good people.

Harry swears he will work on changing things at Hogwarts.

Harry feels Draco nuzzle his nose into the crown of his head, before moving to whisper into his ear, "What's got your brain churning and getting you all worked up this morning, Moitié?"

"Ho-ow... I hav-ven't ev-ver been kin-nd to the Slyth-therins," he confesses, "H-How I let other pe-people's bi-biases dict-tate my thi-ink-king and I... I begged the Sor-Sorting Ha-Hat to put m-me in Gryff-find-dor when it want-ted to pu-put me in Slyth-therin. I ju-just... I di-didn't want t-to lose my fi-first frie-end o-or ha-have Hagr-rid ha-hate m-me," Harry had never told a soul about his little chat with the hat inside his head.

Draco has no words, simply locates his mate's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze, "Well, I definitely didn't help matters by being an ass and giving you a terrible impression of Slytherin house."

"B-But mo-ore tha-an half the sch-school lab-bels you ev-vil at-t age elev-ven!" Harry says, turning his whole body over to look at Draco, "When ba-ad peop-ple ha-have come from a-all hou-houses..."

Draco gingerly puts his free hand on Harry's face, the emotions clear as day in his ever emoting eyes, "Moitié, these prejudices have been around a long time, you're not the first to fall for them, you definitely won't be the last. Merlin, even us Snakes fall into the biases... But, Harry, what do you mean the hat wanted to put you in Slytherin and you convinced it to put you in Gryffindor?"

"Ha-Hagrid told me how b-bad being in Slyth-therin was when he was te-telling m-me about Hogw-warts, and then I hear-eard people tal-lking to their ki-ids as we walk-ked around about how they woul-ld be so dis-disappoin-nted if they ended up in Slyth-therin," Harry looks pleadingly at Draco, trying to get him to understand, "S-So when i-it wa-was my tur-turn, the Hat di-idn't kn-know where to p-put me, s-said I-I wou-would be bet-tter o-off in Sly-Slyther-rin, b-but I b-begg-ged it to p-put me an-anywh-where el-else."

Draco understood, somewhat... Harry was thrown head first into a world where he was famous and celebrated and knew nothing about previously, but at home he was treated far worse than any house elf. Harry didn't have an unbiased guide and, worse, hearing kids his own age being told that it would be shameful to be sorted into Slytherin.

"Harry, you're okay," Draco says, stroking his mate's cheek with his thumb, "Please relax, we can't change the past, we can only move forward..." Harry closes his eyes and lets out a shaky breath.

Draco studies Harry's face, feeling his pain and remorse, "I-I'm sor-rry, I nev-never th-thought-"

"Moitié, please stop apologizing," Draco says softly, brushing his nose against Harry's own, "It's all okay, I promise, it's not like us Slytherins have done much to change or object to the prejudices. We simply take care of our own and move on."

Harry just nods, before wondering aloud, "Do... Do yo-you thin-ink I cou-could spe-speak to Lu-Luci-cius?"

This throws Draco for a loop, curious as to what his mate wants to talk to his father about, "I don't see why not, but whatever for?"

"I... I ha-had a tho-thought an-nd I thi-ink he wo-would fin-nd it wor-rth consi-sidering."

Draco nods, "At the very least, he will hear you out, but unless he can do it himself or with minimum amounts of help, he may not be able to help it get anywhere."

Harry nods while he tries to stifle a yawn, but fails, having to duck his head into the pillow beneath him. At the Dursley house, if he yawned after a long gruelling day of physically intensive chores, before he was safely in his cupboard or room, he was hit and made to do more chores, sometimes locked outside in the elements.

Draco wants so desperately to lick and nip at Harry's exposed neck, but doesn't, not wanting to cause a panic attack. He reminds himself that Harry may be acting okay, but he is a master at playing the I'm okay game. Instead, Draco moves his hand to Harry's neck and caresses the skin with featherlight touches, hoping this would be a better alternative.

Harry stills. He hadn't expected to be touched on the neck. Not without warning. Fear bubbling, waiting for Draco's hand to begin adding pressure, his breathing to be stifled and his vision to start blurring. He can feel his heart rate begin to increase drastically, a throbbing starts in his head from the adrenaline.

Draco pulls his hand quickly away and holds perfectly still, "Moitié, I'm sorry, please, it's okay, I won't touch you," Draco couldn't believe his stupidity, "I could never hurt you. Please, Harry, I don't know what to do. I just-"

As Harry listens to Draco, the realization comes to him that his Dominant meant touching his neck as a caring, loving, intimate gesture that no other person would have thought twice about. But Harry always thought like this. His panic slowly ebbs away, replaced with embarrassment, shame and remorse, his eyes watering.

"-didn't think too far into the gesture and I thought it would be okay. I'm such a terrible Dominant, I should have known you wouldn't react well. I'm so sorry, Harry, I didn't mean to scare you nor hurt you. How do I fix this?" his voice cracking in random places throughout.

Harry takes a deep breath, Draco's scent calming his racing heart. Pulling himself up and forcing himself to look Draco in the eyes. Seeing Draco cry because he feels like he hurt him, Harry wants to reassure his Dominant as much as Draco wants to reassure him.

Harry reaches a trembling hand for Draco's own, gripping it lightly, yet firmly around the wrist. Harry takes some shaky breaths, closing his eyes, as he brings Draco's hand towards his face. Harry puts the hand on his face and gingerly starts allowing Draco to trace his features, his heart racing. Once he feels ready, Harry moves Draco's hand down to his neck.

Harry flinches, but doesn't remove the hand, "Harry, you don-"

"H-Hu-Hus-sh-sh, b-bef-fore I-I l-l-los-se m-my n-ner-nerv-ve," Harry says sharply, this was way harder than he first anticipated, and Draco talking is not helping at this moment.

He puts Draco's hand around his neck and moves it across where his Uncle would grab him. Making sure that Draco traces where the bruises would form and where it would hurt the most. Feeling along where he would feel his pulse and his Adam's Apple. Up to his ears, back up into his hair and as far down as his exposed collar bone.

Harry's breath hitches as he puts Draco's hand under his shirt to allow him to touch his shoulders, trailing across the topmost part of his chest to allow him to touch his other shoulder. Pulling the hand behind to the back of his neck, allowing him to graze his spine.

Draco tries to pull his hand away when he feels Harry start to shake, but his little mate has a firm grip on him, so he doesn't make it far, "Harry, there's no need t-"

"I-I c-can-n't b-be a g-goo-ood m-ma-ate t-to yo-y-you," Harry forces out, holding Draco's hand and bringing it up so it cups his face, "un-unl-less I-I ca-can le-let-t y-you to-tou-ouch m-me."

"Moitié, there's no need to force yourself to let me touch your bare skin," Draco says, resisting the urge to move, "We'll get there, I just need to remember to be mindful... Would it help if I asked or told you I want to touch you?"

Harry shakes his head, "I-I d-do-on't kn-kno-ow," he admits, "I-If I s-see-ee i-it c-com-ming, I-I c-ca-an ant-ticip-pate i-it, bu-ut yo-you sh-shoul-ld-dn't h-hav-ve t-to!"

"Harry, you shouldn't have to fear me, or anyone else, touching you," Draco starts, his heart aching for his scared little one, "but you do, because you've been conditioned to expect pain when touched. I realize now that you put on a very well manufactured and finely manicured mask, as good as any Slytherin, to fit what you think people want to see," Draco doesn't understand why his voice is shaking slightly, but continues on, "You don't have to wear that mask around me. I don't want you to. I want the most authentic you, Harry. I don't want you to feel forced to move faster than you're comfortable with.

"I know you, Moitié, I know you felt compelled to accept the mateship because you couldn't live with yourself if you could stop someone from dying, yet didn't. If hexing me or yelling or anything will help you, I won't stop you or retaliate. I know this is hard, harder after the things you have gone through. You set the pace, Harry. I'm sorry I didn't think further to make sure you were okay with me touching you in such a... sensitive location. I had promised you that I would work to make sure you didn't regret accepting the bond and being my mate, and I have failed you this morning.

"I only thought about myself," Draco continues, before Harry can interject, "I didn't think about your comfort when I touched you, and I'm so sorry for that, Harry. I have been a bad mate to you and I will work on being better."

Harry doesn't know when, in Draco's little speech, he started crying, but Draco's thumb caresses his cheek lovingly.

Harry lays down more on top of Draco than he had previously. Draco, ever so slowly, wraps his arms around the smaller teen. Feeling Harry's weight on top of him feels nice, the trembling, on the other hand...

"C-Can w-we j-jus-st h-hid-de to-today?" Harry whispers, Draco feels his shirt and chest becoming wet where Harry has decided to lay his head.

"Of course, Moitié," Draco says, "I'll call a house elf to inform my parents and to fetch us some breakfast, okay?" Harry nods into Draco's chest, "Are you sure you don't want me to go?"

Harry's hands grip Draco's shirt, "S-St-tay, pl-pleas-se."

"I'll be here as long as you want me to be," he whispers, rubbing patterns on his mate's upper back, changing between using his knuckles and the palm of his hand and the tips of his fingers.

As promised, Draco calls and tells a house elf, Miptsy, of their plan to have a lazy day in bed, to please inform his parents and to bring them breakfast.

Harry listens to Draco's steady heartbeat and the rumbling of his chest as he talks. Enjoying the sensation of his long, elegant fingers carding through his hair and the nonsensical patterns woven into his upper back.

Draco is still cursing his abysmal judgement and making his mate freak out in response to his eagerness. The Veela blood having a hard time settling on wanting to torture himself or being elated that his mate hadn't told him leave and laying on top of him as much as he dares.

Miptsy returns with breakfast and both boys sit up to enjoy the meal. Harry, Draco notes, is hesitant about grabbing what was brought to them. Draco deduces that withholding food was a routine punishment at that muggle home.

Suddenly, both boys are startled when they hear owls tapping at the window. Harry groans, moving to get up on his shaky legs and let the messenger birds in. Harry recognizes none of them, but happy to once again see there are no red envelopes indicating a Howler.

Harry works quickly to untie the letters and give all the owls a good scratch where he knows Hedwig really enjoys, and it's never not been an enjoyable time for any of the owls he's encountered thusfar. One owl was dropping off The World Pensive and was more than happy to linger an extra minute for some affection rather than flying off once it was paid.

Draco watches Harry with the birds, how careful and caring he is with each one, 'How can someone who has gone through everything Harry has, not be angry and bitter at the world? Wanting the world to feel his pain after abandoning him to suffer?' Draco gives a small, sad smile, 'Because that's just who Harry Potter is. Ever empathetic, compassionate, kind, humble, and loving.'

He brings the letters and the newspaper back to the bed and sets them aside so he can continue to eat. Petting the owls making Harry feel better, more relaxed and, so, his appetite renewed somewhat.

"D-Do Vee-ela no-norm-mall-ly ge-get s-so man-ny let-tters?" Harry asks.

"Some do when they formally announce their mateship, it depends on the bloodline," Draco answers promptly, "These are either more letters regarding the incident or people attempting to get an invitation to the courtship ball. May I have the paper?"

Harry hands over the paper and Draco flips it open, Draco's face instantly goes pale, "Wh-what's wro-ong?"

The Educational Decline of Hogwarts Students

by Todd Sween

As everyone is aware, educating our youth of our past to prepare them for their and our continued future. When speaking with those who have previously attended, and the current attendants of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry I am appalled to learn how little they are actually being taught. Compared to a hundred years ago, the curriculum has been cut by over half!

The worst is that they have a ghost teaching History, and the ghost, a Mr. Cuthbert Binns, has only spoken of the Goblin Wars for years. I have spoken to many people who say they have petitioned for a new professor, but that the current Headmaster refuses to get a more qualified person to teach the class. It begs the question as to why this is the case.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry also fails to teach their Muggleborn students the ways of Pureblood etiquette or the proper ways to perform our most sacred of rituals during the annual celebrations, such as the solstices, equinox and so forth. Muggleborn students in all other schools around the globe are brought in at age 8 to start getting acclimated and learn the basics, what magical families are responsible to teach their children before attending school, before being brought in to learn alongside their counterparts that have lived in our world their whole lives.

Other protections Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry fails to provide its students is Sanctuary. Sanctuary, dear reader, is to keep students from returning to abusive home lives. The current known victim is Harry Potter, the Veela Mate we reported on yesterday who was put into the custody of his Mate's family under Veela law. There is a rumor that the one they call Voldemort or The Dark Lord or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named also had a terrible home life in the Muggle world that the school ignored, which led to the events that left the UK in turmoil and the deaths of many Muggles, Witches and Wizards alike.

To list a few classes that are not taught, routinely taught or taught competently at the school compared to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are: Wizarding Laws and Decrees, Health and Anatomy, Ancient and Forgotten Arts, Alchemy, The Dark Arts, History of Magic, Magical Gift and Affinity Control, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Legitimacy/Occlumency... Truly, dear reader, the list continues on and on. There are no specialty clubs or groups outside the Quidditch teams. No Dueling Club, no club to further their interests in studies they enjoy... I'm honestly surprised the school board hasn't stepped in at this point.

Speaking to recent graduates, many expressed that they are not sure they can adequately compete in today's workforce compared to their foreign counterparts. Many expressed the need or desire to get tutors when in foreign land and those who have gotten tutors express how lacking their formal education was at Hogwarts.

When speaking to Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall regarding her current and previous students, "We at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry prefer to educate our students on what is actually important." When asked if she believes Professor Binns is doing a good enough job she states, "The Headmaster has faith in Professor Binns, why should I question my superior?"

I dare say, dear reader, that this is a ploy to keep our friends across the pond ill informed, as well as magically and intellectually stunted. Unless something is done soon, the UK will fall as a magical community.

For more interviews with past Hogwarts students, Tutors of past Hogwarts students, and Hogwarts Faculty, see page 11.

Harry was gobsmacked, not once had he considered why all the empty classrooms were there... Because they should be filled.

"Th-That's... I-Is th-this tr-rue?" Harry asks, not sure which part he was asking Draco clarification on, but needing to voice it anyway.

Draco looks just as dumbfounded, surely his father must have known at least some of this, "We will speak to father, he should know something of importance."

Calling Miptsy, Draco orders the food away and begins looking through the letters, "Merlin, I bet half of these are in regards to the incident, a quarter from people from school and the other quarter are people hoping to get on the list for the ball..."

Harry blushes, thinking of last Christmas' Yule Ball and how he fumbled through it... This was going to be a disaster, "Dr-Drac-co, I don-n't kn-know h-how to g-go ab-bout a b-ball... I-It wa-was dr-dread-df-ful la-last ye-ear."

Draco looks at Harry with a relaxed smile, "That was a silly little school ball, this one will be... well, honestly, we'll be bombarded with people wishing to speak to us and bless our mateship. There are a few customs from the Veela Court that will need to be done and the Royals will be in attendance to see how well the mateship is progressing and offer what they can to help make things smoother for you, if they deem it required. I can get a book from the library if you want to look over what is needed and required?"

"Le-Let's re-read th-thes-se let-tters f-first, then w-we ca-an r-read wh-what-tev-ver b-book-ks yo-ou th-thin-nk I nee-eed to lear-rn fr-from," Harry responds, thinking about his summer assignments, and all the other things he wants to read now that he knows there is a library, and Draco's family being as old and rich as they are, how he wants to read the old, possibly rare texts.

Draco sensing Harry's excitement, doesn't know what has picked his mood up so much, but not daring to voice his concerns since the episode earlier seems to be out of his mate's mind.

'Harry,

Malfoy? Really? Well, if this doesn't explain the tension between the two of you, I don't know what would. Gran is already shopping for new dress robes for us both in anticipation of attending your courtship ball. She is even going so far as to say she is going to take notes for my own, eventual, ball. Just brilliant, right...?

Anyway, the House of Longbottom has always had a good relationship with the House of Potter and a professional relationship with the House of Malfoy, and we will continue to honor our historic relationship as your houses become one. As Heir Longbottom, it is my duty and honor to bless your mateship and I look forward to meeting your mate without the hostility that we have had previously at school.

Now that the formal part is out of the way, I must tell you that my Gran is contacting every business in the country, even going as far as to write to the ones on the mainland, that we have ties to that Arthur and Molly Weasley are to not be serviced, or the Longbottom's will pull our support and take our money, influence, and business elsewhere. Gran spoke to Madam Zambini and she, too, is contacting her people, as well as other prominent families. The old families stand by you and Draco, Harry. I stand with you.

Tell Draco that if he treats you wrong, I have some new carnivorous plants I'd love to introduce him too.

Your friend,

Neville'

Draco snorts at the threat, but appreciates the sentiment towards his mate. Harry wouldn't have told him about what happened in that muggle house, they weren't that close, "I have more respect for Longbottom after that threat," he chuckles.

"Nev d-doesn-n't get en-nough cr-red-dit as a Gryf-find-dor," Harry notes, happy Nev is standing by him, wishing he had been a better friend to the boy, making plans to change all of that.

'Draco,

Potter? Potter?! I'm sorry, but of all the people in the school, let alone the world, him? Merlin, Draco... I suppose it could be Pansy, as you feared. My father is writing yours as I write this to see about the future of our families alliance.

I need some time, so does my family. I hope you understand. I am not saying I am against you or your mate, just... That was a favorite passtime of mine, harassing Potter and his friends...

I'll write soon,

Gregory Goyle'

'Draco,

My father has forbade me from writing you, but I needed to send this last letter. The Crabb family will not stand by you and your mate, there is too much history for us to overlook.

You understand,

Vincent Crabb'

Harry's heart clenches, "I-I'm so-sorr-ry."

"No need," Draco states, putting the letter down, "I had expected to lose people I considered friends when I got my inheritance, regardless of who my mate was. Don't put any additional thought into it."

The letters continue on in this fashion from people from school, students and faculty alike, more people standing by them than abandoning them. Businesses have written telling Harry and Draco that they were refusing service to Arthur and Molly out of principal. High Ministry officials telling them that they are looking into why the Veela have granted the Malfoy family custody, how Arthur has lost favor at work and a full investigation is underway. People, who Harry has never heard of, have written alternating between calling him the next Dark Lord or standing by him and his mate or calling him a murderer and that Draco should look out for his own safety.

"Wow, you always get these divisive letters?" Draco asks, remembering all the letters he saw delivered to his mate last year, kicking himself for thinking it was all fan mail.

"Th-These on-nes are ni-nicer th-than I th-thought-t I-I wou-ould rea-ead," Harry replies, feeling drained, having anticipated Howlers and worse.

Laying his head on the pillow, Harry sighs as he sinks into them. Draco sits with his legs off the bed, wondering how Harry deals with all these hateful letters and comments, then cursing himself for having added to them previously. Placing his forehead in his palms, Draco tries to get the ache in his head and chest to ebb away.

"Drac-c-co?" Harry asks, sitting up, moving to a more comfortable position, emboldened by the look of frustration on Draco's face.

"Yes, Moitié?"

"L-Lay b-bac-ck," Harry tells him. Draco is taken aback by the request, not sure where the brunette is going with this, but does as instructed.

Draco's head lands in Harry's lap, the brunette had moved directly behind him, which startles the blonde and he attempts to get back up, but Harry's hands press on his shoulders, pushing him back down, "H-Harry..."

"Cl-Clos-se yo-your ey-eyes," Harry says lowly, Draco hesitates, looking into his mates beautiful green eyes and decides to comply. A moment later, Harry is massaging Draco's scalp and face with his fingertips.

Draco allows himself to relax into his mate's lap and enjoy the moment, slowly the ache begins to fade. He feels Harry grow bolder and start running his fingers down his neck and onto the topmost part of his chest. He takes in a deep breath when he feels Harry lean over him when the brunette reaches his hands down past Draco's shoulders and over his biceps to his elbows.

Harry watches as Draco's facial features begin to relax as Harry massages him lightly. He knew from the blonde's body language that something was eating him. Harry has to remind himself that Draco also has had a lot to deal with these last few days. And what has Harry done for him for jumping head first into the pure shit show that is his life?

Nothing good, if you ask Harry, 'Stress the blonde bastard out and impose myself on him and his family.'

They sit like this for a time. Harry running his hands over what he felt comfortable touching in regards to Draco's form, being mindful of the blonde's wings. Harry finds the actions he is performing are relaxing for him as well. Once his mate's features were calm and relaxed, he had closed his own eyes and started memorizing every bump, curve and feature of the Veela.

Draco, unfortunately has to get up and relieve himself, and switches out with Harry once he exits the bathroom. While Harry is in the restroom, Draco summons an elf to retrieve, Veela Courting: An Extensive Guide; From Inheritance to Completing The Bond by Raymondine Arquette. The book is in his hand and laying comfortably before Harry is out of the restroom.

Harry, noticing the book in the blonde's hand figures now is a good time as any to read a more comprehensive book on Veela. He climbs into the bed and Draco stretches his left arm for his mate to climb into. Harry obliges to the unspoken request.

"Shall I read to you?" Draco asks.

"I-If you-u'd li-ik-ke."

Harry hadn't realized he had fallen asleep until he had woken up. Picking his head up slightly, he sees that Draco had put the book on the nightstand and let himself fall asleep too.

Harry, reaching over, grabs the book, it's much heavier than it looks. Rich black leather, the spine no longer stiff after years of consistent reading and soft pages. He sits up and turns to the index.

Index

Intro pg i

Veela Court and Royals pg 1

You're a Veela pg 16

Dominant or Submissive pg 33

Mates pg 78

Inheritance pg 94

The Bond pg 128

Rejected Bonds pg 165

Stage One: Acceptance pg 184

Stage Two: Commitment pg 217

Stage Three: Trust pg 241

Stage Four: Bonding pg 278

Courting pg 302

Mateship/Courtship Ball pg 329

Marriage Ceremony pg 364

Pregnancy pg 404

Epilogue pg 506

Harry promises himself that he will read the whole thing, but he turns to page 33 to get started.

In a nutshell: a Veela is either Dominant or Submissive, the way one can tell is by their physique. Submissives are, normally, smaller and more slender, whereas Dominants are taller and broader. Being a Dominant or Submissive has nothing to do with one's Sex, but rather the needs of your mate.

For example: If your mate is a natural born leader, you're more likely to be a submissive. Whereas, if your mate is a natural born carer, you're more likely to be a Dominant. This is not set in stone, as many factors go into how Lady Magic decides what the prominent needs of your mate actually are.

Your wings are not an indicator of you being a Dominant or Submissive. They are a physical representation of the power coursing between both you and your mate. Wings can vary in size, shape and color. All Veela wings are beautiful in their own right. A Veela's wings are immeasurably sensitive, to the point where if anyone other than themselves, their mate or the people they trust were to touch them, it would cause discomfort or pain. One's mate stroking their wings can illicit a sexual response.

Remembering how he did indeed illicit such a response from Draco makes Harry's cheeks burn as he continues reading.

Dominant and Submissive Veelas have similar roles, needs, and desires when it comes to their mates. Both will do anything to make sure their mate is happy, even stepping aside and allowing the Veela Curse (see pg 26 and Chapter 7) to be enacted for their mate's happiness and comfort.

A Dominant is the protector, the provider; they ensure that their mates are given all their Submissive needs and requires. That isn't to say that the Dominant doesn't require their own care, support and reassurances, but that they will push their needs aside to make sure their Submissive is provided for first.

A Submissive is the carer, the nurturer; they ensure that their mate doesn't neglect themselves. A Submissive does run the risk of being abused, because they are defaulted to follow their Dominant's lead and cannot intentionally harm their mate. The Submissive requires more reassurances and physical touch than their Dominant counterpart once the second stage: Commitment (see chapter 9) has been established, but that's not to say a Dominant doesn't want to be reassured in similar ways.

Both can sense their mate's emotions and, once the bond is complete, most will be able to communicate telepathically. Regardless of being Submissive or Dominant, both have impressive abilities in which to keep their mate and offspring safe. Being able to transform into ferocious birds of prey is normally enough to ward off anyone who doesn't wish to die.

To read more extensively on Dominants, continue to page 46, otherwise continue reading on for a more extensive look at Submissives.

Harry stops reading to look at Draco, still calmly sleeping. A stone landing in the pit of his stomach as he realizes that he had seriously messed up this whole mating process. Once he kissed Draco, he basically told him that gestures and touches like what happened this morning were to be expected and okay. If Harry was being honest, Draco touching his neck with his hand was probably not what had first come to the boy's mind.

Harry watches as Draco stirs, turning to face where Harry should be and placing his hand where Harry's waist would be located. Slightly startled when his hand keeps moving and hits the mattress.

Draco opens his eyes and sees Harry looking at him with remorseful eyes, "Harry? What's wrong? How long have you been up?"

"No-ot long," Harry replies to the last, "I wa-as jus-st fl-flipp-ping thr-rough th-the b-boo-ook yo-ou we-were tr-ry t-to re-ead t-to m-me."

"Yeah, the introduction is a bit boring, I hadn't made it far before you were asleep," Draco says, stretching before sitting up, "What part were you reading that has you feeling upset?"

Harry doesn't want to answer him, but knows the topic is unavoidable, "I... I mu-mudd-ddled th-this wh-whol-le thi-thing up-p, d-did-dn't I-I?" Draco looks at him confused, and Harry looks down to the book pages, "Wh-When I ki-kiss-ssed yo-you... I-I sho-should-dn't ha-hav-ve do-done it unl-less I-I wa-as re-read-dy f-for yo-you t-t-tou-ouch-ch m-me an-and-and-"

"Harry, Moitié," Draco reaches for his mate's hand, but stops himself from touching him.

"S-See!" Harry exclaims, closing the book and tossing it aside, "I-I th-thought-t I wa-was hel-helpin-ng, bu-but I-"

Draco throws caution to the wind, extending his wings fully, and grabs Harry's hand, pulls the smaller boy into his chest, and wraps them in a feathery cocoon, "Harry, I don't know exactly what you read, but you haven't done anything wrong. You are my priority, and we will always go at your pace. Whether you think you're making this move too fast or too slow at times, is irreverent. We're moving at your pace," Harry slowly relaxes as Draco talks, "Yes, normally the Acceptance and Courting stage happens for much longer before the Commitment stage is performed, but I will never force you to perform what Commitment usually entails. I know I'm mucking it all up and I'm sorry, I need to work on my self control and stop assuming, even slightly, that things are okay. So, please, Moitié, stop worrying about what you think you did wrong and let me worry about and take care of you. I need to be a better Dominant, and once I am, you can worry about me... After I'm satisfied that you're well taken care of, that is."

A small smile plays on Harry's face, "S-So, ho-how lon-ng d-do yo-ou supp-pos-se tha-at w-will ta-ake?"

"A few years, at least, Moitié," Draco whispers, putting his lips next to Harry's ear, "Maybe longer."

Harry likes the sound of having someone worry about him, enjoying feeling Draco's breath brush against his skin. Harry turns his head to look into Draco's eyes, their lips brush against one another. Draco stiffens, he had already pushed his luck pulling Harry to him and putting his wings around them.

Harry pulls away, not knowing what to do, not understanding his conflicting emotions. Wishing his was normal, that he wasn't a damned freak.

Draco, for his part, wishes Harry would relax, unwrapping them from his wings, the cool air hitting their skin, "Harry, don't get me wrong, I would love to kiss you, I'm just afraid of doing something wrong and having a repeat of this morning or worse. I don't want to hurt you. Please, Moitié, tell me what I can do to help silence this storm within you."

Harry leans back in and puts his head on the crook of Draco's neck and allows himself to be held. He knew he had screwed everything up, he knew he was all amounts of fucked up, "I... Jus-st... St-ta-ay."

Draco puts his lips to Harry's head, "As long as you'll have me."

The day progresses without further incident, Draco reads the passage regarding the Ball and Harry feels all those nauseating feelings he did during Yule, but Draco insists that he not worry about it until they have to.

They get to work on their school assignments after their reading session, getting through Transfigutations, and Care of Magical Creatures. Deciding that they would work on History of Magic and Charms tomorrow evening and they'd decide what's after tomorrow night.

Harry can't deny the small ache he feels in his chest. His self loathing for putting this extra strain on Draco and he can only imagine what the elder Malfoys and Severus think of him now. The sun sets and he and Draco turn in for the evening. Harry faces away from Draco, still using his arm as a pillow and the blonde spooning him, the guilt he feels eating at him as he drifts off.

Draco doesn't know what to do, wondering long into the night how to get his little mate to stop being so bloody Gryffindor. Not just a Gryffindor, but the boy who felt he had to do everything for everyone without getting something back. He, of course, was frustrated that he couldn't freely give his mate the care and attention he wants to give, but his first priority is and forever will be his green eyed beauty, and his beauty isn't ready for that yet.

Reminding himself that he shouldn't be holding Harry at all right now and this should be enough for him, he takes comfort knowing his mate trusts him this much so early on. Drinking in Harry's unique scent, he allows sleep to take him.

---

Severus has returned, the shock of Lily not being Muggleborn, but from a long line of Squibs had thrown the Dark Lord's request out of his mind, let alone all the blocks placed on her child. Only remembering when he got home to Spinner's End, he had become frustrated that everything wasn't so neatly wrapped as he had previously believed. So here he is, drinking black coffee and eating a cranberry scone with his long time friend.

Severus and Lucius spend the day discussing what to do about the Dark Lord's request to see Harry. When Lucius had told his friend that the boys were taking a day to stay in bed, he didn't keep his comments about his son not pushing Harry into anything and knowing when to take a step back if Harry tried something, too, to himself.

It was decided that if the boys came out to join them for breakfast tomorrow, they would tell Harry about the Dark Lord and let him decide what to do next.

They spend the day going over precautions to make sure Harry is safe for his and Draco's sakes. Severus insisting that Harry wouldn't want the blonde to join in case something were to happen, but Lucius citing that Draco would not allow his mate to go see the man without him there to protect his submissive.

By lunch, Narcissa comes into the office to discuss her meeting in Knockturn Alley, refusing to speak of it without Severus so she wouldn't have to repeat the stupidity twice, but upon hearing that the Dark Lord's wishes to meet with Harry face to face, quickly throws in her own two cents. She doesn't want it happening at all!

"What if he reverts and kills Harry?!" she seethes, "I won't risk it!"

"Unfortunately, Cissa, we have to give the boy his options," Lucius says darkly, not liking this any more than she does, "He hasn't had many options in his life and he deserves a chance to decide."

"Oh, so this is where we should start letting him decide? We're supposed to protect him! And what about Draco?" she asks, "I don't want him anywhere near him until we know if he's stable!"

"He'll go if Harry allows it," Severus says, "But knowing the boy, he won't want Draco going with him and if he does go, well, the Dark Lord and Harry would probably strictly speak in Parseltongue if the conversation was to remain private between them."

After finishing their conversation about the potential meeting between the two wizards, which Narcissa is absolutely furious about it all, and not bothering to hide it, she brings up her meeting in Knockturn Alley.

"Sirius said he wants to see Harry, but the dear hasn't responded to his apology letter," she says, causing the two men to share exasperated looks, "I asked him if he really expected to be forgiven so quickly and he had the gall to sheepishly respond 'Yes,' and went on about how forgiving his Pup is," she spits.

"Bloody idiot," Lucius says, his voice dripping in anger.

"That's putting it lightly," Severus' own voice radiating with pure loathing.

Going on to explain that she agreed to keep him informed on Harry, but that she would not play owl for him, that it was up to Harry to make contact with Sirius. She also got him to agree to send information he gathers from Dumbledore and the Order to finally help keep Harry safe.

By the end, the adults are in need of a stiff drink and continue drafting different plans based on the different options Harry may choose. Severus would be staying in his regular room overlooking a patch of lilies.

The only thing they can all agree on is that Draco will freak the fuck out when he hears that the Dark Lord wants to speak to his mate.

---

Harry's eyes are closed, but there is a marvelous sensation of someone else's lips bruising his own. This person smells of a meadow after a storm in spring. He's laying down on a bed and the person above him is unbuttoning his shirt, one leg between Harry's while adding a light pressure on his dick. The person not quite meaning to rock their body while they undo his shirt, but the friction starts to gain the attention of his cock.

His shirt, now completely unbuttoned, is pushed to the sides as a hand starts running up and down his torso. Fingers pausing over his nipple, erect from the cold air hitting his skin after being warm under the fabric and the heat from being touched so, and brushing across one and then the other, before pinching and rolling the bud between their pointer and thumb.

The kiss ends, but Harry keeps his eyes closed.

The brunette gasps, arching his back when he feels a tongue sweep across his left nipple before it is sucked into a warm, wet mouth. His hips buck up into the pelvis above him, causing he, as well as the other, to moan at the contact.

"Harry... Are you sure?"

"I-I'm-m su-sur-re," he breathes, "I wa-ant thi-this."

"I... Tell me if you want me to stop," Draco says, returning to his mate's mouth, the hand that was playing with his nipples brings itself back up to cup his cheek.

Slowly, the hand on Harry's face begins to travel down his neck. Then his chest. Past his ribs. Over his stomach.

Pausing at the waistband.

Draco pulls out of the kiss to look his mate in the eye, "Moitié?" green meets silver, "Should I stop?"

Not trusting his voice, Harry shakes his head.

"Okay," Draco breathes, "Just say the word, and I'll stop."

Draco's hand travels above his mate's pants to feel for his hardened cock. Once located, it is massaged lightly, causing Harry to moan. The blonde, after a moment of playing with his mate this way, starts to move the brunette's pants down over his hips. His erection proud and high in the air, free from its confinement.

Draco runs his fingers through Harry's wild mess of black curls that have grown around his dick, massaging the sensitive skin at the base, before moving his hand to grope and fondle his balls.

Harry's mind is blank and running a million kilometers a second at the same time, his hands gripping the blankets beneath him, "F-Fu-Fuc-ck, D-Dra-c-co..."

He feels Draco kiss his temple, before his skilled hand slowly moves to grip Harry's cock lightly, "Merlin, you're magnificent, and, oh, so excited," he can feel his mate trembling as he strokes him slowly.

The moan that escapes Harry as Draco moves the palm of his hand around the head is not one Harry would ever admit to escaping his lips. Sex had always been painful, scary, something he dreaded even hearing about. Now, though, he wants Draco to show him what it's supposed to feel like.

Draco leans close to his mate's ear, "I want to suck your cock, Harry," he says running his pointer finger deliberately over the beads of dripping pre-cum before twirling it around his tip. Harry, looking at Draco with half lidded eyes, moans in response, "May I? I want to taste your arousal at the source," he says letting go, bringing his hand to his mouth, where he licks the pre-cum from his hand, "It's so sweet... Please?"

Harry reaches for his twitching member, only for the blonde to stop him, "D-Dra-c-co, pl-leas-se," he whines.

Draco kisses his mate once more and begins kissing his way down to the throbbing, twitching cock. Kissing everywhere, he has the brunette bucking slightly, trying to get any friction. Finally grabbing the cock, he kisses up and back down the base and continues down to the balls.

If Harry had anything coherent to say, it was lost when he felt Draco start licking and sucking on his ball sack, especially when Draco began sucking each testicle into his mouth one at a time and swirling his tongue around them..

Draco is slowly stroking his mate's erection, collecting saliva each time his hand comes near his mouth. Harry's cock just seems to continue to grow as the blonde licks, kisses and sucks on the brunette's scrotum.

Soon, the Veela starts licking up Harry's shaft and his tongue swirling around the tip, causing the brunette to shudder and give unintelligible vocalizations at the sensation. Draco slowly starts to take in his little mate's impressive member into his mouth, after he's sure his mate is okay.

The brunette's head is encased in Draco's mouth and he moans at the taste of precum. The sensation of the vibrations sends Harry over the edge. His back arches upwards as he moans the Veela's name.

Harry wakes up with a start and feels a dampness to the front of his pants. He looks over at Draco, who is peacefully sleeping away, a content look on his face.

Peeling himself away from the blonde's warmth, he makes his way to the bathroom for a shower. His face growing hot as he thinks back to his dream and his involuntary ejaculation. Stepping into the running water, Harry calls for Rispa to take his dirty clothes, have them laundered and bring him a fresh set.

While he stands under the water, Harry relaxes and washes. He wonders if sex could really feel that good, that he wouldn't feel so... Gross? Wrong? Used? Violated? Freakish?

Memories start to bubble up, all the times his Uncle would touch him and have him touch the older man when he was little to earn extra food or a reprieve from the chores in the blazing heat and so forth. The first time his Uncle was extra nice to him and got him drunk, only to violate him fully for the first time. When the man would bring guests over while Petunia took a weekend trip to the city with her lady friends and Dudley would have a sleep over at one of his friend's house.

He tries to push the memories down, tuck them away to forget they ever happened, but it's futile. He breaks down and cries, leaving the water running as he sits, knees in his chest.

More memories rush to him, not just the sexual assaults, but when he was bad and was punished in turn. Wetting the cot as a child only for Aunt Petunia to scrub his genitalia and anus with the copper and threatening to cut it off with the pruning shears. When he would burn the food and his flesh met the hot eyes or a pan collided with his head. Being forced to redo every chore if one little thing wasn't done to their liking, and if he fainted from exhaustion he was awoken with the belt buckle. Sleeping in the yard if he wasn't back before they locked him out, sometimes he'd be home when the sky was well lit, but he didn't make it there with or before Dudley. The beatings from Dudley and his gang of assholes, just because they could.

Harry doesn't hear Draco knocking, nor his voice asking him to please talk to the blonde. The blood is rushing in his head so fast and hard that it's rendered Harry practically deaf to everything outside the sound of running water.

---

Draco had awoken when he heard the restroom door close, having had the most amazing dream where Harry let him touch his body and suck on his erection until he couldn't hold back his pleasure any longer, he was sorry that the dream ended before he could tease and play with the brunette more. Oh yes, Draco liked that dream and he hopes it won't be the last. Wondering if that was really what Harry would look and sound like, the blonde allows himself to play back the sounds his mate made.

His mate was feeling embarrassed and sheepish, it was a warm and fuzzy little cocktail, wondering if Harry had a similar dream. He heard the shower running and his little one was feeling unsure, but hopeful, and after some time... his emotions started turning dark.

Draco let his mate sit with them for a few minutes, but once they began to spiral the Veela couldn't not go see if his little one was okay.

He goes and knocks on the door, all he hears is his mate's gentle sobbing mixed with the running water, "Moitié? Harry? Can you talk to me?"

Nothing, just gentle sobbing.

Draco doesn't dare try to open the door, he isn't feeling anything that would warrant such a response. The grief and anguish is there, but Harry isn't having a panic attack and his mate's emotions aren't numb and resigned.

Putting his head to the door, he decides to call Miptsy to get him a book on Magical Creatures, make some hot tea, with cream and sugar on the side, and biscuits to go with them.

He wouldn't be able to go back to sleep without making sure his mate is okay.

---

Harry's mind keeps going: Dudley and his friends telling him if he ate so many insects that they would give him real food, only for it to be a lie. Aunt Petunia would be nice to him, give him sweet tea that burned his throat after a time, only to be angry after a week that he was still alive and would make him do his outside chores over and over again, without a shirt for days until his back was blistered. Uncle Vernon kicking his ribs to get him out of the way while he was scrubbing or waxing the floor instead of asking him to move or going around. The time Aunt Petunia had told him he had been so good after Aunt Marg left with her mean dogs, that she made him his own special chocolate pie, he had been so hungry and happy that he ate most of it before she started cackling about how he had just eaten Dog Shit Pie and eaten so much of it at that...

Harry throws up thinking about all the things he had ingested with the promise of real food or his Aunt and Uncle being nice and him not knowing otherwise. Wondering if it was a matter of time before the Malfoy family would take the good food away and leave him with scraps or worse. Should he start hoarding food before they decide he isn't worthy of partaking in meals or allowing the house elves to bring him anything? He could live with water from the tap and nothing else to drink, but...

Harry shudders wondering what they would feed him when he lost his privilege to eat the family's food. There are more terrible things to ingest in the magical world, things that would most definitely kill him in an instant.

His brain doesn't even process, in this moment, that Draco is Veela and would never let this happen, let alone his parents who have never considered using food, outside withholding desserts and treats, as a punishment. His brain is only worried about staying in their good graces so he won't have to worry about food, shelter or whatever other punishments they could think of. He'd already screwed up big time, and they have been nice enough to overlook the public kiss and the articles that followed.

Head pounding from crying and worry, Harry finally finds the strength to stand and shut the water off. He begins to get out on shaky legs and dry off, wondering when he will be told he can no longer use the hot water and his room would be changed to somewhere not even befitting a house elf.

Stepping into his new pajamas, he wonders when and how he'll be asked to repay their kindness. He puts his hand on the doorknob and steps into the room, not expecting to see Draco awake, feathers ruffled, reading a book, with tea and snacks on the foot of the bed.

"I-I'm-m so-orr-ry," Harry says, his voice hoarse and eyes puffy, "I-I h-hadn-n't me-ean-nt t-to w-wa-ak-ke yo-you."

Draco looks at him with eyes full of worry, "I don't mind. Are you okay?" his voice full of concern, the dream all but forgotten.

Harry looks away, out the window to see the clear night sky, debating his response, deciding to be honest with not only himself, but Draco too, "N-No, I-I d-don-n't th-thin-nk I-I a-am-m."

Draco hums, "Why don't you come back to bed, have some tea and snacks, and you can tell me what made you so upset?"

Harry looks over to the blonde and sees nothing but love and a silent plea in his Mercury eyes, "Yo-You don-n't-t wa-ant t-to kn-know wha-at-t's i-in m-my he-ead-d."

"Au contraire, Moitié," Draco says calmly, sweetly, coaxingly, "I've always wondered what goes on in that brain of yours. Now is no different, if anything, I want to know what is in it far more."

Harry turns Draco's words over in his mind, no one really wanted to know Harry, just to confirm their own assumptions of who he was. No one wanted to see the Boy-Who-Is-Still-Afraid-Of-Moving-Shadows-The-Unseen-And-The-Dark; they want the confident hero, the Boy-Who-Lived... Everyone always assumes he runs head first into danger because he is a hero; no, he runs into it because he wants to be the person he wishes would rescue him. Be the change you want to see in the world and all that jargon.

He is so tired of rescuing people who turn their backs on him. Tired of people thinking he's something more than a scared child with no knowledge of what he's doing. He just can't stand by and do nothing when more competent people should be handling the situations, but won't.

He hadn't realized that he had started crying again, nor Draco walking over to him until the blonde was right in front of him, not until, "Harry, may I touch you?"

The words snapped Harry out of his thoughts. He slowly reaches for Draco's left hand, flinching as they make contact, and raising it to his right cheek, flinching once more, closing his eyes at the warmth.

Draco, hesitantly, steps closer as he caresses Harry's cheek, bringing his hand around to the back of his head and lightly pulls the smaller boy to him and presses the brunette's head into his chest. Harry's silent sobs shake through him and Draco brings his right arm around his little mate to keep him steady.

Draco starts humming a tune he heard at the theatre when he was younger that his mother had "stolen" and would sing when he had nightmares. While the show was bloody, it was sweet.

Harry doesn't know the song, but listening to and feeling the vibrations was calming.

"Come on, let's get you back to bed and I'll make you a cup of tea?" Draco whispers, "We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to."

Harry nods into the larger boy's chest, pulling away just enough to walk, their hands intertwined.

Draco makes Harry's tea and watches his mate's face relax as he sips the warm liquid.

When he removes the cup from his lips, Harry looks down at it sadly, "Dr-Drac-co?" the blonde immediately gives him his undivided attention, "Wh-hat d-do you-you s-see whe-en yo-you loo-ook a-at-t m-me?"

Draco looks at his mate perplexed, not understanding the question, "Harry? I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're asking."

"Pe-Peop-ple... Th-they don-n't s-see m-m-me as-s Ha-Harr-rry," he whispers, trying to explain, "Th-They s-see my-y d-dad-d o-or th-the B-Bo-oy-Wh-ho-Li-ived o-or..." he can't bring himself to say Freak, the word catching in his throat, "bu-ut ne-ev-ver... m-me."

Draco thinks he understands where his little one is coming from. His mate's so called friends saw him as a hero from a book, the community in the UK goes from praising him to calling him the next Dark Lord at a drop of a hat, even he went from being his school rival to being his mate. Not to mention the muggles...

"Harry," he starts, "I see a boy who has too much on his shoulders, who has been crying out for years for someone to pay attention and help," he sees a tear fall from the brunette's nose, not bothering to look up as the blonde talks, "I see someone who runs head first into danger, because you know what it's like to need someone to rescue you, even if your plea was ignored. You are someone who has been shouldering an adult's responsibility, but the adults around you are either incompetent or playing their own games. I see a scared boy hiding behind a mask to keep himself safe. A scared boy who doesn't know what they're doing, but can't take the mask down because doing so could cause you more harm than good. Someone who gave up a long time ago and is still going, because he knows that other people are too cowardly to do what's right or actually help.

"I see someone who needs to be convinced that it's okay to walk away and to take care of themselves first. Someone who needs reassurance that there are no monsters in the closet or under the bed that can get him in the night; when all you've ever known is that monsters do lurk there and you've tried to fight them off for as long as you can remember. I see someone who cares too much for others, but not enough for himself.

"I see someone I would burn the world down for, just to see you smile. Someone I want to fall asleep and wake up next to every night and day. Someone I want to learn more about, grow with and be with until my dying breath. Someone so beautiful, inside and out, that I am beyond lucky that you have allowed me to stand in your light. I see a version of Harry Potter that no one else gets to see, because they have limited, labeled and hurt you.

"I see the boy who needs that extra moment before being touched. The person who wants to be held and is afraid to ask. The one who wants to run away and hide from the world, because no one has ever treated you like the child you are. I see the most caring, thoughtful, kindest, selfless, loving person the world has ever known. I see why Lady Magic beseeched me to be your mate and I won't let you down. Not on purpose, at least. There will be times where I won't do things right, but you will always come first and be my main priority."

Harry listens, waiting for the berating, humiliating, terrible comments and opinions that never come. Hearing the sincerity in Draco's voice is somehow harder than hearing the worst.

"Harry?" Draco questions, wondering if he said the right things or just made things worse.

"M-My fa-fam-famil-ly," he whispers, "wh-whe-en I-I wa-as... the-ey woul-ld... I-I a-at-te... pr-prom-mis-sed re-eal f-food i-if I... an-and I-I dr-dran-nk..."

'Why is this so hard to get out?!' Harry asks himself, not bothering to hold back the sobs.

Draco, while he doesn't know exactly what Harry is trying to get out, he does understand that his mate is trying to tell him about his food insecurities and what exactly happened to cause them.

"Harry," Draco says softly, putting his hand on his mate's smaller one, "I understand that this is hard for you to talk about, take your time."

Harry shudders as he inhales, "I-I'm wo-worr-ried yo-your p-pare-en-nts wo-won-n't l-le-et m-me ea-eat o-or wor-orse if-f I-I emb-barr-rass-s the-em ag-gain."

Draco looks at his mate, a sorrowful expression on his face, "Moitié, my parents and godfather may portray themselves to the world as cold and cruel, and don't get me wrong that they are strict when it comes to being in public, but they have never used food as a punishment. Perhaps I hadn't gotten dessert or a treat here and there, but I have never had food withheld. They're not those muggles, Harry, and you haven't done anything worth being punished for. Especially in any manner those people came up with."

Harry doesn't believe the last bit, he was always doing things wrong and being bad and being punished in such fashions was expected. He wants to believe Draco, he just can't bring himself to do so. Doing so would mean placing more trust than he's willing to give to adults. The adults he thought he could trust are precisely the reason he couldn't trust adults.

Lucius and Narcissa, though, they've already done so much for him and he didn't want to think about what they would demand when it comes time for repayment.

Severus Snape? Say what he will about the man, but at least he is, was, until this point, consistent. Someone he could trust to always be an ass to him and unapologetically so. It's always kind of nice to know exactly how an adult would act.

"Yo-You pr-prom-mis-se?" Harry asks, his voice small, hands limp in his lap while holding the cup and head down.

Draco's heart breaks, of course Harry wouldn't believe him, not right now, "Harry, I swear to you, that you're never going to go without here or be punished harshly if a punishment is deemed appropriate."

Harry tries to believe him, but he had believed a lot of things he was later wrong about. Right now he's focused on the solid mass that is the cup, the weight of it, the certainty of its existence right here and now.

He would believe Draco, for now, in regards to the adults in his life, "Ok-kay..."

Draco knows Harry doesn't have faith in his words, not that he blames him. After all, Draco is sure he'd be barricaded and refusing contact if roles were reversed.

"Would you like another cup of tea? Maybe a biscuit?" the blonde offers.

They are up drinking tea and eating their snacks until the sun peaks, "D-Do yo-you thi-in-nk yo-your par-ren-nts wi-ill b-be ma-ad ab-bout ye-yester-terday?"

"Having a hideaway day?" Draco asks, to which the brunette nods, "Only if I pushed you to do something you weren't ready for, but, otherwise, no. They understand the need for a mental health day and the desire to stay away from people."

Harry nods again, not saying anything.

CRACK!

Harry jumps and moves to the edge of the bed, not expecting the appearance of a house elf. Draco looks over at the creature and could murder it for scaring Harry.

"I's bes beggings your pardons young masters, but Lady Narcissa bes asking if yous will be joining the adults for breakfast," the creature asks, as it bows.

Draco looks at Harry, who has relaxed upon seeing the little creature, and watches his little mate nod.

"Yes, we'll be there as soon as we're ready," Draco responds to the house elf, it nods and pops away, "Well, I'll leave you to get ready, should I come collect you?"

"Ye-Yeah, so-soun-nds g-goo-ood," Harry responds.

Once Draco is out of the room, Harry slowly gets ready; not wanting to face the adults, but also knowing he can't hide away forever. Draco is kind to say otherwise, but he knows the truth. He is a guest in their home and he wasn't going to give them the impression that he was a poor one after what they have done for him so far and he has yet to repay them.

Dressing in a plum fitted tee shirt and dark blue jeans with black trainers, Harry waits for Draco to collect him.

Draco showers quickly and dresses in a teal button-up and black slacks and black trainers, before collecting Harry.

The blonde notes that Harry is stiff and coiled within himself, ready to pounce or run at a moment's notice.

Harry realizes it too, but can't help himself. Hiding away always made things worse for him when he was eventually caught...

Making it to the garden, the three adults are already seated and having their glasses magically filled and refilling with warm liquids.

"Ah, Draco," Narcissa welcomes cheerfully, "and Harry, dear! So happy you two could join us this morning."

"Good morning, Mother," Draco says, pleasantly, "Father, Uncle Sev."

"G-Good-d mo-morn-ning," Harry bites his cheek, a movement Severus caught, his eyes narrowing to catch any other small movements, "L-Lady Ma-Malf-foy, Lor-rd Malf-foy, Sever-rus."

"Please, Harry," Lucius says, calmly, "Cissa and Lucius are just fine. How was yesterday? Did Draco control himself?" his eyes staring daggers at his son, who was shifting more uncomfortably than he should have been.

"Y-Yes, Dr-raco was a p-perf-fect ge-gent-tlem-man," Harry says, his voice calm and even despite the stutter, "I-I'm af-fraid I had a mel-ltd-down, th-though, but intr-rusive thou-oughts were to bl-lame for tha-at."

Severus watches as Harry bites another part of the inside of his cheek, "Well, I'm sorry to hear that, Harry," he remarks, not knowing exactly what thoughts were to blame, but knowing all too well what those types of thoughts could and would do to a person.

"Well, I hope you know that any of us are more than willing to, at least attempt to, help ease your mind if more intrusive thoughts start to bubble up," Narcissa responds as any loving mother would.

Everyone can see Harry nod with a smile on his face, but it doesn't reach his eyes, "Tha-ank yo-you, La-... Cissa," Harry holds onto the 's' far longer than intended, but it helped keep the stutter at bay, "I will tr-try to remem-mb-ber that."

"Would you mind telling us what happened to cause your breakdown?" Severus asks, knowing it could have happened for a multitude of reasons.

Harry flushes, "R-Rep-paym-ment," he forces out, looking down. He misses the hard stares being given the man by Draco and Narcissa.

"Repayment?" Lucius questions.

"Harry-" Narcissa starts, but Lucius continues as though she hasn't spoken.

"Mr. Potter, there is no need nor desire for you to 'repay' us. Not by money, work or any... other means that you may think," Lucius says clearly and sternly, "You're a Malfoy now, and we will have this conversation as many times as we need to until you understand."

Lucius is furious, not that the other adults or Draco were feeling anything less at the implications, but to Harry, such was expected. The boy was so used to paying or repaying people for their "kindness", that he didn't know how to accept it and leave it alone.

Breakfast appears and everyone begins to eat, Harry only grabs a measley amount, his appetite still satisfied from the snacking, but whatever he felt he could eat was killed by the topic.

When breakfast was nearing its end, Severus spoke up, "Harry, as you are aware I went to see the Dark Lord," Harry nods, his undivided attention on the Potion's Master, Draco and his parents holding their breaths.

Draco, because he had never been told about the meetings, but knew how terrible Voldemort could be.

The Elder Malfoys because they were anticipating their son's reaction.

"Y-Yes," Harry said, a bit more sure of himself, Voldemort was a 'normal' subject and one he knew how to handle, "Ho-ow is Tom? He did-dn't hurt you, ri-right?"

The Malfoys look at Harry like he grew a second head and some tentacles, "No, thank you for asking, but, Harry, I don't wish to keep this from you, because you've been kept in the dark about a lot of things," the brunette nods, indicating for the older man to get on with it, "He wants a word with you-"

"Absolutely bloody not!" Draco roars, staring daggers at his godfather, 'How dare he even suggest such a thi-'

"What does he wish to speak to me about?" Harry didn't stutter, his eyes narrowed, this was something he could handle. This was something he knew how to act regarding, what his role is. He felt an eerie calm wash over him; his heart slows, his breathing deeper, his emotions firmly cast aside to welcome the information as presented.

"You're not seriously considering-?!" Draco gets cut off by Severus.

"He wishes to... explain some things, and no, he wouldn't specify, but he appears stable and his appearance is human."

Harry nods, this he was sure about, "How long do I have to answer his request?"

Draco looks towards his parents for help, but Narcissa shakes her head and Lucius is overly focused on Harry. This mask was something only skilled Occlumens could pull off, and although Harry's natural ability was suppressed, he had managed to create this perfect mask all these years. It honestly scares the man what this boy could accomplish once he is trained properly.

"He just said to get it organized," Severus responds, not at all liking the dead, even look and tone of the boy. That look is more than trouble, it's dangerous.

"So not long," Harry responds, looking to the sky, "The sooner the better, I suppose."

"Harry! You can't be serious?!" Draco all but screams, "He could kill you!"

Harry looks at Draco, and the look sends ice to the blonde's core. It's not a look he had ever seen on the boy's face before and it, honestly, scares him, "If he wanted to kill me, he would have invited me to a proper duel. He was all about it being proper weeks ago, being asked for a meeting isn't something he would do if he wanted to kill me."

"Th-Then I'm coming with you!" Draco announces, his blood screaming at him to simply keep his mate away from the danger he knows he will be in, but knowing that isn't an option as no one defies Voldemort when he asks for an audience.

"No, you're not," Harry says adamantly, coldly, "If it's just me, the odds of things going smoothly are greater."

"Absolutely not," Draco says, "You're not going to see that madman alone!"

"I won't be," Harry says blankly, "Severus will be there and Tom won't be able to use him as leverage like he would you."

"As your Dominant-"

"Don't you dare," Harry breathes lowly, the wind picking up around him, "This is not up for debate, Draco."

"Harry, Draco just wants to make sure you're safe," Narcissa says, "We all do. The Dark Lord is not one-"

"I know," Harry says, "but, again, this isn't up for debate. We don't know how stable he is and Tom will not like me or anyone else making demands about whether or not I have a chaperone. The invitation was for myself only, we should not risk his mood souring."

"I agree with Harry," Severus states surprised by the boy's quick reasoning, "The additional stress could cause him to spiral, we should not risk his ire."

Draco looks between his mate and his godfather, "You're serious?" finally settling on his mate.

"If you won't let your mate go willing, Dragon, I will stun you myself," Lucius joining in, "Harry and Severus make valid points and we should not attempt anything unless we are certain he won't turn cruel once again."

"My mate will be in danger," Draco growls.

Harry laughed, almost mirthful, a bit crazed, and everyone turns to face him, "I think you've missed some details on my time at Hogwarts, Draco... First year Tom was leeching off Professor Quirrell and I almost died. Second year there was that bloody Basilisk, which I would have died if it hadn't been for the Phoenix that Dumbledore has. Third year with Sirius and all that utter bullshit that could have all been avoided had he had a proper trial with memories and truth serum. Oh, and don't forget, last year when I was almost killed by a dragon, how just weeks ago it was the monsters in the maze and that crazy bastard. I'm always in danger, and, more often than not, almost dying," he smiles looking at Draco, "I have amazingly stupid luck, and the people around me during those moments got hurt too. So if you think that I'm willing to risk your life after Cedric came with me on that blasted portkey and died or when Ron or Hermione were injured or terrified or petrified... No, I'll be fine, I can't promise the same for you, let alone Severus."

Draco looks as though he's going to cry, Narcissa is silently shedding tears, and the other men are waiting, amazed at how easily Harry talks about the dangers he's been in at school alone.

Draco can feel nothing from Harry except acceptance and reassurance, how can he be so stupid and calm about it all?! He sighs, frustrated, "Fine, but when you come back I am going to need reassurances that you're okay and I will hear no complaints from you, understand? And you will be wearing your ring."

Harry gulps, his mask faltering, not knowing exactly what Draco means, but nods in agreement. He understands that this is hard enough on his mate and he will be stressing him out until the blonde sees him again, "Agreed. Severus, if you would go ask Tom if this evening is a good time for me to come by for a meeting, we really should get this over with."

Severus nods, tells them he will return shorty and is off to the floo.

Lucius and Narcissa follow after him, after bidding the boys goodbye for the time being.

Draco grabs Harry's hand and notices the lack of flinching, "Come on, I need some reassurances now if you're going to see him in the coming hours."

Harry, for his part, can feel the pure fury and concern radiating off Draco and allows himself to be led into the gardens. Draco walks swiftly, dragging his little mate behind him, not talking, trying to keep his anger in check

Upon reaching the pond, Draco plops on the grass and pulls Harry down with him. Harry noticed as they got closer to their destination, the rougher Draco's hand had gotten, feeling closer to Hedwig's feet than hands. Looking at Draco's face, it's bird-like, his nose and lips extending and fusing to an eagle like beak, his blonde hair turning into feathers.

Draco pulls Harry towards him, cocoons them in his wings and starts nuzzling him with his beak, his claws acting as though they are pruning him as the blonde lightly cards his talons at and over the brunette's hair and body. Harry knows little of what was happening right now, but had read that similar was normal when the Veela felt distressed over their mate.

He hadn't meant to make Draco feel like this, but let the older boy do as he wishes to help calm himself, thankful that the blonde has enough sense not to touch anywhere inappropriate. He allows himself to relax in Draco's hold, his walls coming down.

The realization of everything that has happened this morning comes to Harry and hits him like a bludger... He really is a poor choice of a mate, causing the blonde boy so much distress; one minute it's from his mental breakdown and the next it's because he's jumping into danger... Perhaps a mind healer wasn't such a bad idea.

Over an hour of this treatment and Draco has calmed enough to where only his fingernails are elongated, his hands are back to their smooth skin, his feathers all but gone and his beak is almost back to his regal nose and lips. Harry kept almost perfectly still, except when the talons would accidentally tickle him as they grazed his skin.

Draco feels a little better, but is still stressed over the whole situation. Knowing he's going overboard, but can't seem to help himself. Although he is happy that Harry has simply let him do what felt right and natural to him.

Burying his beak-esk nose to Harry's hair and inhaling deeply, he acknowledges that Harry is here and safe, "It's going to be worse and longer when you come back from seeing him," he whispers in the brunette's ear.

Harry nods a little, "A-and wh-what ex-xact-ctly is th-this?"

Draco doesn't pause his hand movements, "It's how Veela reassures themselves that their mates are here and safe after they've caused the Veela distress. You going into danger doesn't sit right with me and then you're laughing about your... adventures in school... I couldn't stop myself and I'm not going to be able to stop myself later..."

"Ho-ow lo-long c-can th-this tre-eatm-ment tak-ke?" Harry whispers, Draco sounds broken by the last word, and Harry's guilt eats at his core.

"Depends on the Veela and what has happened," Draco says, pulling Harry closer to him, "The longest that I know of, personally, was my parents... My mother almost died giving birth to me and after she was cleared my father stayed in his primal form and checked her constantly for damn near two months before his Veela blood was satisfied, Uncle Sev had said."

Harry doesn't move away as Draco tightens his hold on him as he recounts what Severus had said, "I-I s-see..."

"Why did you do that?" Draco asks, his voice sounds defeated, "When you were talking about meeting the Dark Lord, you did something and you stopped stuttering and you felt resolved."

Harry thinks a moment, "I-I don-n't kn-know. I... T-Tom has alw-ways been cons-sistent an-nd... I know what pe-peop-ple exp-pect fr-rom me and a... a k-kin-nd of li-light swi-itch-ched? I've nev-ver not-ticed bef-fore."

He feels the blonde's lips touch the tip of his ear, "It... It scared me. Like you had already resigned to do something terribly Gryffindorish and ready to die," his voice cracks at the last word, "I... I just found you and I... You're not alone now, Moitié, and it hurts to think about all the times you were alone and hurting and how you can just... I don't know. Brush it aside? Like it's normal and expected?" Draco takes a shaky breath, "I will trust, what you call, your stupid luck, this time, but don't expect me to go along with these antics in the future."

Harry's emotions are all over the place, not used to people being so concerned for him, "I'll tr-try to sto-op being su-such a st-tupid Gryff-findor in the fut-ture, and when I c-come bac-ck, you c-can do to me what-tever mak-kes you feel be-better about the dist-tr-ress I'm g-going to ca-cause when I'm g-gone."

"We might need a hideaway day tomorrow," Draco admits, "I'm trying very hard to calm down and keep calm now, and I know I won't be successful later."

Harry nods before turning his head to meet the blonde's lips briefly, "Ok-kay, tha-at's reas-sonable."

Draco puts his hand under Harry's chin, "I'm going to kiss you now, Moitié," the brunette sees tears in the blonde's eyes, nodding. Draco bends his head down to kiss his mate fully, licking those lips, asking for a taste, to which Harry obliges.

Both boys moan as Draco's tongue meets Harry's. They both playfully fight for dominance for a moment before Harry concedes and lets the blonde have his way.

Breaking apart was not something Draco wanted to do, but rather needed to do so they both could recapture their breaths. Draco pulls his wings back to their resting position, but keeps a hold of his mate's waist with one hand and cards the other through black locks.

Rispa, cheerful elf as always, pops in to tell them about Severus' return, and how Harry should be prepared to step through the floo at four o'clock sharp. She also said not to bother showing up for lunch, that she will bring it to them, before popping back off.

Draco allows Harry to move into a more comfortable position, facing away from the blonde and towards the pond, but still seated in his lap.

Harry relaxes into Draco's hold, having come to the conclusion about how much he loved being held like this. How it should bother him, considering where certain body parts are sitting in relation to the other person's, but finding that he rather enjoys it because it's the blonde holding him.

Harry knows he's broken, but he would enjoy the moments where his mind can be perceived as 'normal', 'I think Lucius and Severus are right, a mind healer would be best... Before something truly unforgivable happens.'

Draco puts his chin on Harry's shoulder, turning it so that his breath will dance along his little one's neck, "You're feeling resolved again..."

"I... I was thin-inking ab-bout how much I li-ike you hold-ding me, and that I think, no, I want to see a mind healer," his voice getting smaller as he admits his weakness and need for outside help out loud.

Draco feels Harry put more weight on his chest, leaning into him. The Veela purring that his mate is telling him that he likes this position. The blonde, moreso, happy that the smaller boy is telling him exactly what his needs are so he can help and not guess.

"I'll see that we contact a mind healer and get you an appointment while you're gone," he says, wanting nothing more than to give Harry exactly what he desires.

The boys sit in silence for a long while, enjoying the feel of one another and the sounds of nature as they watch the beasts go about their daily lives.

Harry moves to get up, but Draco refuses to let go, squeezing on Harry's bladder, "Draco, unless you want both of us to be soaking wet in a moment, I suggest you let me go so I can relieve myself."

Draco begrudgingly lets Harry go, grumbling about stupid bodily functions when they were oh so comfortable, but gets up as well to do the same.

When they return to their spot, a large blanket with food and drinks is laid out, "Merlin, is it that time already?" Hary asks looking at the shadows to confirm the approximate time.

"I guess so," Draco says, walking over to sit on the blanket, looking over their lunch and seeing that the house elves have prepared street tacos, with everything on the side so that they could build their own, rice, beans, horchata to drink and some tres leches with fresh strawberries, "I hope you like Hispanic food."

"I gu-guess I'm ab-bout t-to fin-nd out," Harry responds sheepishly, causing Draco looks at his mate with a questioning glance, "Wh-hen my fam-mil-ly would or-rd-der out, I was lock-ked in my cup-pbo-room and not allowed to part-take. I wo-would smell it-t, and alw-ways im-mag-gined what it would ta-aste li-like..."

Draco makes a mental note to tell the house elves to start making cultural foods from around the world or using the Malfoy account to order some so his mate could try everything he had missed out on.

Harry watches Draco build his tacos and follows suit, not knowing what some of the ingredients are, but willing to try everything. Upon taking the first bite, Harry decides he could eat this on the regular.

Draco pours him some horchata and watches as Harry's eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning, "I thin-nk this is my new fav-vorite dri-ink," he says before downing the glass.

"Just wait until you try the cake," the blonde smiles, happy his mate is enjoying their lunch so much.

At the end of the meal, the boys are both full, although Draco is concerned about how little his mate has eaten compared to previous days, but chalks it up to nerves about his meeting with the Dark Lord.

They bask in the sun a bit longer, Draco asking what foods Harry would like to try next and experiences he wishes to have, of which the blonde didn't understand most of, because they are muggle experiences like "mini-golf", before making their way back inside the Manor, "Wh-What will you d-do whi-ile I'm go-one?"

"Worry. Come on, you should probably freshen up some and need to collect your ring," Draco says, trying to remain calm and keep himself from transforming into his primal form and keeping his mate from leaving his side. His hand trembling in Harry's as they walk.

Getting back inside the Manor walls, they are met by Severus, "Draco, your parents wish to see you in the study, I will take charge of Harry from this point on, until we return from Lestrange Manor."

Draco looks to fight, but Harry squeezes his hand, "It'll be fi-ine, Drac-co, I'm su-sure they wish to disc-cuss some things with you that requ-quire your inp-put on, such as what col-lor strea-eamers the ball should ha-ave... But, for the lo-love of M-Merl-lin, pl-lease, don't p-put re-ed and gr-reen tog-gether, mayb-be a color not associ-iated with our hou-houses so it's a neu-neutral f-fi-ield," Harry says with a grimace, but optimistically, although he's pretty damn sure the conversation will be all about him and his mental health, making him feel a bit self-conscious.

Draco smiles, although he knows what the talk will most likely consist of and the ball is far from the topic they will talk about, "You're probably right... I'll see you soon, okay?" he then gives a hard stare to his godfather, nods and walks away after kissing Harry's hand.

"I dare say, Harry, you would have made an excellent Slytherin," Severus states once his godson is out of earshot, even he would have been convinced with Harry's lie if he'd known otherwise.

"You don't know how right you are, sir," Harry says offhandedly, putting his Boy-Who-Lived mask on at a speed that startles the older man, tucking this comment away to examine later, "But he's stressed enough as it is, and I'm damn near positive they'll be talking about me and my issues."

"They're concerned about you, is all," Severus states, not denying what their topic of conversation was going to be about, "Come along, you need to collect that bloody cloak of yours and the ring Draco gave you, and then we can make our way to the fireplace where I have some simple instructions to give you, that not many Gryffindors would be able to handle, but I trust you'll either manage... or prove me right."

Harry can't help but laugh, there was the man Harry had grown to despise so much at school, but in this instance it feels endearing, "You know me, sir, Gryffindor through and through, but I promise to do my best to keep myself in check and not blunder this up."

Severus smiles a genuine smile, Harry laughs just like Lily, just a few octaves lower than her bright, cheerful bells. What other remnants of Lily had he missed?

Harry collects his things, then he and Severus make their way to the fireplace. Upon entering the Black Onyx room, Severus closes the door, "Now, Harry, you will not antagonize, you will be respectful, and keep your emotions in check. Understood?"

"I understand, sir," Harry responds with a nod.

"Let's go, then," Severus says, putting his arm around the boy's shoulder, grabbing the powder, dropping it in the fireplace and calling, "Lestrange Manor," before stepping into the green flames.

A/N Thanks for reading, see you soon.