Bad Faith

This story is completed, and I should be posting a chapter every few days. It’s a repost, because now there is a sequel. The chapters have been made longer, so there’s less of them, a total of eight (a short-ish fic, but I think it’s a good one), and the sequel is also finished, but for the epilogue, which I may still need to tweak a bit. It’s AU after OotP, except Sirius is still alive, starting in seventh year, following an unspecified sixth year in which Harry defeated Voldemort. That’s pretty much all you need to know. Happy reading!

--Sablesilverrain

Harry walked onto the Hogwarts Express with Ron and Hermione, finding an empty compartment to sit in. As Harry shut the door, he smelled something sweet, something that set his blood to pounding in his ears. He shut the door and sat down, wondering what the smell could have been.

Hermione began talking about some of the things she had read in this year’s textbooks, and Harry just sat back and, like Ron, let his eyes glaze over as he pretended to be listening.  

*****

Harry turned to Ron as the last first year took his seat at the Ravenclaw table and was about to say something when Dumbledore’s voice interrupted his thought process.  

“There is one more student that must be sorted. He has, until now, been home schooled in Germany. His parents decided that for his final year of schooling, he should be sent to Hogwarts so that he can meet his only cousin. The minister only informed me of this new development this morning. Minerva, if you will.” 

The doors to the great hall opened once more and Professor McGonagall called out: “Adrian Potter.”  

Harry felt his heart stop, then start up again twice as fast. He had another cousin? A relative on his father’s side?  

Adrian strode into the room confidently. He had the same messy black hair as Harry’s, but his eyes were a bright, striking blue and he carried himself with all the self-assured arrogance of a Malfoy. He sat on the stool and allowed the sorting hat to be placed on his head.  

After a second, the hat called out: “SLYTHERIN!”  

The immediate reaction was chaos.   

*****

Draco narrowed his eyes as the new arrival, assessing him. As he took a seat directly across from Draco, Draco extended a hand.  

“I’m Draco Malfoy. I can show you what’s what around here, if you’d like.” He offered, a little put off that he wasn’t getting a second chance to befriend Harry himself. This certainly came in a close second though.  

Adrian took his hand, sweeping his eyes over what he could see of Draco in a quick but unmistakable once-over. He smirked, meeting Draco’s eyes again. “It’s a PLEASURE to meet you.” He said. 

Draco shivered. The other teen had a voice like nothing Draco had ever heard before. It was deep and seductive, with a German accent adding a bit more to his allure.   

Adrian reluctantly let go of Draco’s hand so that they’d be able to eat. He hadn’t expected to find a submissive at the school, unless his DEAR cousin ended up being one (wouldn’t be surprising), but he was pleased that he had. And an unmated one, at that! What had Harry been doing all this time? Didn’t he understand what a treasure he was passing up?  

Adrian smiled, turning his attention to his food. At least he knew he wouldn’t have any competition. Draco would be his.  

*****

Adrian asked Draco to talk with him briefly before heading to the dormitory.  

Draco sat in one of the leather chairs near the fire. “Yes?”  

Adrian smirked, flashing his fangs and narrowing his eyes at Draco. “You’re a sub. And MATURE, too.” He said contemplatively.  

Draco paled, seeing Adrian’s slitted pupils and hearing his father’s warning in his head. “What do you mean?” He asked, careful to keep the tremor out of his voice.  

Adrian snorted. “Oh, you know full well what I mean. There’s no way you could disguise THAT scent. You’re a Sinicus.”  

Draco went still. He knew. This was the first time that Draco had been faced with a mature Sinicus intent on mating him.  

Adrian smirked. “Now, there’s only one other Dominant here-” 

“Potter.” Draco supplied. 

Adrian hummed. “Yes, and aside from my DEAR cousin, we’re the only other Sinicae. As he seems to have no interest in taking you to mate, that leaves me free to take you without a fight, and at my leisure.” 

Draco paled. “Shit.” He said. 

Adrian nodded. “Quite. Now, shall we get to bed?”  

*****

“Blimey, Harry, you never told me you had a cousin on your dad’s side!” Ron sounded a bit hurt that he hadn’t been told. 

Harry shook his head, a bit dazed. “I didn’t know.” He said. 

Hermione shook her head. “Why would he be in Slytherin? Harry, I think you’ll need to be careful around him. We have no idea why he’s here, and he may be a threat to you.” 

Ron nodded. “Yeah, she’s right. Even after killing You-know-who, people could still be after you. And... It IS a bit suspicious.” 

Harry nodded. “I agree. But I DO want to meet him. He’s family, you know?”  

Hermione laid a hand on his shoulder. “We understand, Harry. Just don't let your guard down around him yet." She advised.

Harry nodded. "Well, we should get to bed."

*****

Harry frowned as he read the letter Hedwig had just dropped in front of him. Adrian wanted to talk to him after breakfast. They were allowed to meet in Dumbledore’s office, and Dumbledore was merely going to act as referee if he was needed to prevent bloodshed. Harry sighed and began eating mechanically.  

As soon as he finished eating, he headed to Dumbledore’s office.  

Adrian smiled at him as he walked in. “Hello, cousin. I’m pleased to finally meet you.” He said.  

Harry nodded. “Why didn’t we meet before now?” He asked. 

Adrian waved his hand carelessly. “My father never got along very well with Uncle James. However, since you grew up around muggles, there are a few things that you probably weren’t told about our heritage. The... Condition that the Potter gene passes on.” He said, watching Harry closely. 

Harry frowned. “Condition?” He asked.  

Adrian smirked. “We are more than just purebloods. The Potter gene holds a predisposition to a magical creature called Sinicae. I was sent here to make sure that you know this and are prepared for what it means to your future. By now, you would surely have come into your powers fully?”   

Harry blinked. “What powers?” He asked.  

Adrian sighed. “Apparently not. Revealio Sinicum.” He intoned, sweeping his wand over Harry’s torso.  

Harry gasped as his canines lengthened and his body thrummed with powers he had only recently sensed hiding just beneath conscious thought. Suddenly, that sweet scent wafted past his nose again, though the source was far away. 

Adrian smiled. “There. I took the liberty of freeing your latent powers. You can thank me later.” He said smugly. 

Harry exhaled slowly, testing the feel of the raw magic crackling around him. “I can SEE magic.” He said softly.

Adrian chuckled. “Indeed. Not only that, but you will, with proper training, be able to wield raw magic at will.”  

Harry blinked in astonishment. “RAW magic?” He asked. “What’s that?” 

Adrian groaned. “I can’t be related to you. Honestly. Raw magic is exactly as the name says. It is pure magical power. You won’t need a spell to direct it. It will bend to a dominant Sinicus’ will. You’ll be able to tell other Sinicae by scent. And would you take off those glasses, already?! You don’t need them anymore.” 

Harry reached up to remove them and blinked a few times. As he took them off, there was a slight stinging, but after a second it disappeared and, wonder of wonders, his vision was actually clear!

Adrian smirked. “Well, if you want to ask me something, feel free to seek me out, but in the meantime, if you don’t mind, I do aim to enjoy my year away from father. I’m sure we’ll see each other around, Cousin.” He said, then turned and left Dumbledore’s office.  

Harry shook his head, walking out of the office, leaving Dumbledore to the papers he was filling out.  

Ron and Hermione were waiting just out of sight. They rushed over to him as soon as he came out of the office.  

“Well, mate, what happened?!” Ron demanded.  

“Really, Ron! You should be patient! Harry might need a moment to breathe before you start giving him the third degree!” Hermione chastised him.  

Harry smiled and shook his head. “Actually, I was going to ask you for help, Hermione. I just found out that I’m... Not exactly HUMAN...”  

Ron blinked. “Are you a magical creature, then?” He asked, knowing that the Potter family was purebloods, so it was possible. 

Harry frowned. “Yeah. How’d you know?”  

Ron shrugged. “Most pureblooded families have SOME kind of creature in their background. So what is it? Can’t be Veela, you’re too dark.” 

Harry smiled a bit. “No. Have you heard of Sinicae?” He asked. 

Ron gaped at him, then smiled. “THAT’S what you are?! Wicked! You know how powerful they are?! Well, the subs aren’t too strong, but you must be a Dominant, so-“ 

Suddenly, a white blur tore down the hall at breakneck speed, colliding with Harry.  

When Harry was able to catch his thoughts, he noticed that he had a downright TERRIFIED lap full of Malfoy. Said lapful was clutching his robes and speaking in a low and hurried voice, constantly scanning the halls fearfully.

“PotterIknowthisisgoingtosoundweirdandIunderstandifyousaynobutIneedyoutohelpmePLEASE-“  

Harry covered Malfoy’s mouth with his palm. “One word at a time, and this had better be good, Malfoy.” He said softly, realizing that, MY, Malfoy smelled so NICE. 

Malfoy cleared his throat. “Potter, I know this is going to sound weird, and I understand if you say no, but I need you to help me. Please.” He said, flushing and still holding Harry’s robes.  

Harry blinked. “HELP you? With what?”  

Malfoy stared at the floor. “You’re the only other Sinicus here, and your bastard cousin decided that he wants me for his mate. I need you to protect me from him. I don’t want him, but without someone to contest his claim, I’ll be stuck with him.” Malfoy said, sounding as though he was told that Christmas had been discontinued. “And I really don’t like him, for some reason.” 

Harry pushed Malfoy off of his lap, standing up. “I really don’t see what I could do. He’s in the same house as you, so-“  

“I’m going to get my own room. Dumbledore has a room put aside for just this type of thing. But I can’t go anywhere alone, because if he manages to get me alone somewhere long enough to force himself on me...” Malfoy looked as though he might actually cry! “PLEASE.” He repeated, his eyes bright with tears.  

Ron put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Mate, I hate Malfoy just as much as you do, but I wouldn’t even wish this on HIM. I think you should help him. You’ll have to pretend you want him as your mate, though, at least until we’re out of school.” 

Harry nodded, then looked at Malfoy.

“Okay. I’ll do this. But you can’t start any fights with Ron or Hermione. And no name-calling, either.” 

Malfoy nodded eagerly. “Anything. Thank you!” He said frantically. “Could you wait for me while I get my room?”  

Harry nodded and watched Malfoy as he disappeared into Dumbledore’s office.  

*****

Harry led Draco to his room after telling Ron and Hermione that he’d meet them in the library once he was free.  

Draco smiled at Harry. “Thanks, Potter. I owe you.” 

Harry nodded. “Er, yeah. But if we’re going to pull this off, don’t you think we should stop using surnames? It’s a bit... Distant, isn’t it?”  

Draco bit his lip, nodding thoughtfully. “I guess it is. Well, then, I’ll see you around... Harry.” 

Harry nodded and turned away quickly to hide his blush. “Er, yeah, bye.” He stammered, walking away. ‘What in BLEEDING hell is WRONG with me?! This is MALFOY I’m blushing over! I mean, okay, he smells really good all of a sudden, and it kind of makes me want to lick him all over until that scent is all over me, too, but--’ Harry stopped and paled, then began heading toward the Gryffindor common room twice as fast as he had been. ‘I did NOT just think that.’ He told himself firmly.

*****



Draco opened the door to his private room after hearing a knock. It was Harry. “Hey. Ron and Hermione are... Occupying the dormitory, and I couldn’t think of anywhere else to go. Besides, if we’re going to pull this off, we have to know more about each other than we do, right?” He asked.



Draco sighed, stepping aside. “Come in, then.” He said.



Harry stepped in, looking around. Everything was the same as the Slytherin common room. “Great.” Harry muttered. “Let me guess, it feels more comfortable to have a replica of your common room?” He asked, bored.



Draco shrugged. “You can leave if it offends you.” He said impassively.



Harry shook his head, taking the leather couch. “No, it’s fine. So, if we were into each other, what would we know about each other?” He asked, flushing.



Draco sighed in disgust. “Gryffindors, honestly. Do you have any idea how to get comfortable with a situation like this?” He asked.



Harry frowned. “No. Why?”



Draco rolled his eyes. “Harry,” He said evenly, “Do you even like boys?”



Harry flushed. “I... Don’t know.” He answered.



Draco smirked. “Allow me to help you with that.” He said, walking to the couch Harry was occupying.



Suddenly, Harry once again found himself with a lapful of Malfoy— ‘Draco,’ he reminded himself—this time with two distinct differences: One, Draco was definitely NOT afraid, and two, Draco was kissing him. The kiss was demanding and heated, Draco plunging his tongue into Harry’s mouth, coaxing Harry to do the same. Furthermore, that sweet scent was filling the room, nearly overpowering in its intensity.



Harry groaned, closing his eyes. He wrapped his arms around Draco’s waist, shifting the other teen so that his legs were spread one on either side of Harry’s body. Harry demonstrated his pleasure at this new position by cupping Draco’s ass in his palms and grinding upwards against Draco’s erection.



Draco broke the kiss, throwing his head back, eyes closed and breathing labored as his face flushed further. He moaned, and then began purring.



Harry froze. “Are you PURRING?!” He asked, stunned.



Draco opened his eyes and turned completely red as he scrambled off of Harry’s lap and stared at the floor, his purrs quickly fading. “Sorry.” He said once the purrs stopped. “That’s one of the drawbacks of being a sub.” He explained.



Harry blinked. “What the hell WAS it?” He asked.



Draco cleared his throat. “I was... Calling.” He said, clearly embarrassed about it.



Harry shook his head. “Come again?”



Draco raised his head and smirked at him. “I never came in the first place.” He joked. “Um, it’s something that happens when a sub is either content or aroused.” He added softly.



“Oh.” Harry blinked, then flushed. “OH.”



Draco bit his lip and stared at the fireplace. “Yeah. Sorry.”



Harry stood up, not wanting to look up at Draco any longer. “No—it’s—I mean... I liked it.” He said softly.



Draco met his eyes, hope shining in the silver orbs. “You did?” He asked to make sure.



Harry nodded. “Er, yeah. It was... Nice.” He stammered, turning red.



Draco smiled, relieved. “Thank Merlin. I’m sorry, Harry. I got a bit carried away. But at least now we know that you most certainly DO like boys!” He smirked cheekily.



Harry groaned. “That wasn’t quite how I would have tested it, but it was effective, I guess.”



Draco stepped forward again to wrap his arms around Harry’s waist. “I DO like you, you know, a lot more than I probably should. I... I wanted to be your friend, back in first year. That’s why I tried to get you away from the wea- from Weasley.” He amended.



Harry cleared his throat, a bit uncomfortable being in Draco’s arms. “Um, okay. So, does this mean you want to REALLY be my... Mate?” He asked, flushing.



Draco grinned shyly, something Harry had never seen before. It was really rather... Cute. Endearing, even. “Well, only if you want to. If you say no, I’ll understand.” He said softly.



Harry smiled and gently traced the bridge of Draco’s nose with his finger, then gave the tip a light tap. “You know, I think I just MIGHT be able to live with that.” He frowned thoughtfully. “Just don’t expect me to tell Ron and Hermione yet. I’m sure ‘Mione will find out on her own soon enough, but Ron isn’t as observant, and, well... He’ll need to get used to the idea slowly.”



Draco nodded. “All right, I can handle that. Are you sure about this? You’re not just doing this because I want it?”



Harry sighed, rolling his eyes. “Draco, honestly, you are FULL of yourself. I would never do something like this just for you. This is something I want, too. I guess... I like you, a TINY bit.” He said in mock seriousness.



Draco smirked. “Just a TINY bit?” He teased.



Harry nodded, grinning. “Oh, yes. Hardly at all.”



Draco looked at him blankly for a moment before they both collapsed into giggles.