MINE

Chapter Ten


Draco flooed through the fireplace, back to the mountain retreat, to see his father sitting alone on the raised deck, looking out at the lake. “Hello Father,” Draco greeted. “Where’s Remus and Harry?”

“Remus is at Hogwarts for a faculty meeting, and Harry is probably at the ‘lagoon’,” Lucius smiled. “Did you have a good visit with the twins?”

“Yes, they’ve asked Harry and I if we could stay there the week before school starts. Mrs. Weasley is planning a surprise birthday party for Harry, since he was rather out of it for those few weeks,” Draco said. “And, since when do we have a lagoon?”

“Since Harry made the pond bigger,” Lucius smirked.

Draco dropped off his overnight bag in his room, then went out to follow the path down to the pond. Once he stepped through the trees, he stopped, looking in wonder around him. The pond that used to be there, was now much larger, and much cleaner, enough to see the pebbled stones at the bottom of the lagoon. In the middle of the ‘now-lagoon’, sat Harry on a raised, flat rock, the water just inches above the surface of the rock.

Harry sat with his knees drawn up to his chest, his wings out and swaying in the slight breeze, wearing his favorite pair of jean shorts. “Hey Draco,” Harry smiled, looking sideways at him. “Like our new swimming hole?”

“You used your elemental magic?” Draco asked, putting his hands in his pants pockets.

“Yeah,” Harry nodded, looking around. “I’ve learned to kind of mentally ask for what I’d like. The earth and the water submitted to my requests. The water is a bit warmer too.”

“You asked for it?” Draco asked.

“Hard to explain. It took me awhile to get it right. Are you coming in?”

“Just have to change,” Draco replied, pulling out his wand.

Before Draco could say the transfiguration spell, his body was suddenly surrounded by a small whirlwind that picked him up, then moved him over the water, to suddenly stop. Harry looked on, smiling mischievously, as Draco sputtered to the surface.

“You prat! Do you know how much this shirt cost?” Draco exclaimed, climbing onto the rock beside Harry, his clothes clinging wetly to his body, a smirk on his lips.

“I’ll buy you another,” Harry laughed, using wandless magic to transform Draco’s clothes to a pair of long swimming trunks. “How was Fred and George?”

“They’re good,” Draco smiled. “Didn’t get out of bed much though.”

“Your dad told me of Voldemort’s plans, and that you two will be openly siding with the light side,” Harry said, facing Draco, who was leaning back on his hands, with his feet hanging over the edge of the rock into the water.

“I’m a little nervous about the new school year, but Dumbledore gave me a portkey for extreme emergencies. I believe he has one for you as well. I made Head Boy this year, so I’ll get my own room somewhere on the second floor I think.”

“I’ll be there for you Draco. I won’t let anything happen to you,” Harry vowed, reaching out to grasp Draco’s hand.

“Ever the noble Gryffindor, huh?” Draco smirked.

“I haven’t had you for a brother that long. I intend to keep you,” Harry grinned.

“And brothers throw each other into the water?” Draco asked, turning to face Harry, his brow raised in question.

“I was just practicing my elemental magic,” Harry smirked, pushing himself slowly backwards, retracting his wings as he saw Draco advance towards him.

Draco launched himself at Harry, toppling him backwards into the water, with himself following. Harry came up from the water and dove for Draco, dunking him in retaliation.



After about a half hour of horsing around in the water, they climbed onto the rock again. “Fred mentioned that Mrs. Weasley wanted us to spend the week before school at the Burrow, after we get our school supplies,” Draco said.

“Are you sure you should be going to Diagon Alley after Voldemort finds out you turned to the other side?” Harry worriedly asked.

“Why shouldn’t I?” Draco shrugged. “I’ll have my very own Vanteera at my side,” he joked. “As well as most of the Weasley clan, and Remus.”

“I kissed Remus last night,” Harry quietly said.

“You kissed him? Where was Father?” Draco asked, sitting up straight.

“Underneath him. I walked in on them having sex. Remus saw that I was hungry, and told me to kiss him.”

“So you were feeding? How was it?” Draco asked.

“When I first scented the arousal in the room, my body began to tingle a bit. I guess my eyes darkened, showing Remus I needed to feed,” Harry shrugged. “I was kind of weirded out by it, and took after they were done.”

“What was it like, kissing Remus?” Draco asked, then grinned when Harry looked at him. “I always wondered what it would be like to kiss him.”

“It was . . . nice,” Harry replied quietly.

“But nothing like Severus?”

“No. No where near the same,” Harry sighed. “With Remus it was like kissing an uncle or something, but he said I needed to feed more regularly, and if Severus wasn’t there, that he would be there for me. Do you think it’s cheating on Severus?” Harry asked. “Remus said that Severus would understand if I fed off other people, but when I kissed Remus, it felt like I was betraying him.”

“Well, if you just needed a snack, you could feed off of anyone. Seamus for one, would be happy to volunteer,” Draco grinned. “For the full meal deal, you can feed from Severus. I don’t think he would like to see you kissing someone, but he would understand, I think.”

“I also transfigured into my animagus form last night.”

“My, you have been busy,” Draco grinned. “What kind of cat did you turn into?”

“A full-grown panther with wings.”

“Can I see it?” Draco asked.

“I tried for Lucius earlier, and couldn’t. When I transformed last night, I was panicked and afraid, so my body changed to protect itself. I’m going to ask Professor McGonagall to help me when I get back to school,” Harry replied.

“It will get easier Harry. The research we did on your race said you’ll be able to transform whenever you want. It will come,” Draco reassured.


~*~


The following week was spent in the water, or sitting on the deck of the house, reading over some dark arts books that Lucius had in the library, searching for anything that may help to defeat Voldemort.

Harry, once again felt comfortable around Lucius and Remus. Of course, it helped that the two of them kept their sexual activities to their bedroom.

Before they all knew it, it was time for Draco and Harry to go to the Burrow, with Remus and Lucius going with them to spend the day. As soon as they arrived by floo through to the Weasley’s kitchen, Lucius gathered Harry in his arms, holding his face to his chest.

“What are you doing Lucius?” Harry asked, his laughter muffled against the blonde’s chest.

“Just keep your eyes closed and don’t panic,” Lucius said, backing Harry out into the back yard.

“Why would I panic?” Harry replied, hanging onto Lucius as he guided him backwards.

“There’s some people here to see you,” Remus said from beside him.

Harry was slowly turned around, his eyes still closed as he leaned back against Lucius’s chest. His senses picked up the few people he recognized since his senses sharpened, including the hint of cinnamon. “Severus,” he whispered, then opened his eyes.

“SURPRISE!” Was shouted from everyone around him.

Harry looked around, tuning out the magic sensory around him, at all the familiar faces. All the Weasley’s were there, except Percy, including Bill from Egypt, and Charlie and his husband from Romania. Hermione, Blaise, Seamus, Neville, Luna, and Dean were also there from school, as well as Hagrid, McGonagall, and Albus. He smiled over at his Aunt Petunia who looked happy for once, and his cousin Dudley who was coming over to him.

All around him, were balloons and magical streamers that turned different colors and twirled in mid-air. A huge banner hung between two trees with ‘Happy Birthday Harry’ written in bold green lettering.

“But, my birthday’s past,” Harry said, looking at Molly Weasley before he was enveloped in her arms.

“You weren’t well on your birthday, so we thought we’d all celebrate it a little late,” Molly warmly smiled.

Harry returned the embrace, then stepped back, to then be hugged by each person in turn. He was just about to head towards Severus, who was leaning against the tree, watching him, when he was hugged by Hermione.

“We’ve been so worried about you Harry,” Hermione said. “And why do you look so different?” She asked, looking him over.

“No one told you?” Harry asked, looking at Lucius and Draco who shook their heads. He looked around to see all his close friends standing before him, then to Albus who nodded his head.

“You all may as well sit while I explain to you what happened,” Harry sighed. “But this goes no further than here. I’d like for this to remain private right now from the rest of the school and public.”

At everyone’s nod of ascent, Harry pulled his T-shirt over his head, handing it to Draco, who smiled in encouragement. As everyone watched, Harry bowed his head, then they all saw his large black wings come into view behind his back. “As you may have guessed, I’ve come into an inheritance on my birthday, that happened to have skipped a couple of generations on my mother’s side. I’ve gained . . . besides the wings . . . heightened senses and am able to transfigure into a large panther, which I’m still working on. I’ve come to learn that I can do elemental magic, among other things, and have become a very picky eater. I’m of the Vanteerian race and have some of the qualities of a vampire, although I don’t need blood; a werewolf because of my heightened senses; a veela because of my need for a mate; and part incubus because I feed off pleasure. There are probably more I could add, but I am still learning to deal with all this myself. I may be from a different race, but I’m still Harry,” he finished, backing away to retract his wings, then slip his shirt on again.

Fred and George were the first to approach him. “Dray told us of it and we accept you the way you are Harry,” Fred sincerely said.

“Sorry Harry,” Draco blushed. “They’re very persuasive.”

“It’s okay Draco. I trust these two completely,” Harry said, smiling when he saw Draco sigh in relief.

After that, they all came forward, shaking his hand or hugging him, accepting him. He answered what he could, and was saved by Ron and Hermione who led him to a chair. “Now Harry, since we missed you’re seventeenth birthday, we have all gathered to help you celebrate you being of age . . . and I suppose the new improved you,” Ron grinned. “We wanted to show you that you are a dear friend to us, and you enrich our lives being our friend.”

“Did you write that for him ‘Mione?” Harry joked.

“Impossible to believe, but he wrote that himself,” Hermione laughed. “But we all feel the same way. Happy birthday Harry.”

Harry thanked Hermione, as well as everyone there and began to open his gifts that were handed to him one by one. He received many books; some fudge and cakes . . . that he didn’t have the heart to tell them he couldn’t eat; a leather journal with his name engraved on it from Hermione; an animagus book from Professor McGonagall; a leather jacket from Ron and Ginny; a dragon book from Charlie; an Egyptian statue from Bill; a muggle marble chess set from Albus, with a strategy book; and from the twins, a basket filled with a ball of yarn, a catnip toy, a rubber mouse, a collar and leash, as well as some shirts that would magically let his wings come through the back when he let his wings out.

Harry thanked everyone, and then saw that Draco was coming towards him, his arm held out with a large cloth-covered cage in his hand. He carefully gave the cage to Harry, then lifted the cloth to show him his gift. “She is a peregrine falcon, known for their speed and agility. She is trained to hunt, and do most of the things that an owl can do. They tend to be very loyal in the magical world, to the right owner. I know she isn’t Hedwig, but I thought you might need a new friend. If you don’t like her, we can take her back,” Draco uncertainly said.

Harry had opened the cage and stroked the falcon’s head as Draco described his new pet. The bird seemed to lean into the touch and gave a nip to his finger in greeting. He loosely latched the cage and got up to embrace Draco. “Thanks Draco, she’s beautiful,” Harry whispered by his ear, a tear escaping from his eye.

“I’m glad you like her Harry,” Draco whispered back.

Harry stepped back, wiping the tear or two from the corner of his eyes, then saw that Lucius came forward to hand him a small, green velvet box. Harry sat down and slowly opened it, to see a signet ring with the Malfoy crest on it. He looked up at Lucius who was now sitting down beside him.

“For my son,” Lucius softly said, slipping it onto Harry’s right ring finger. “I had this made to match mine and Draco’s. Although you’re not a Malfoy in name, you are, in our hearts. You will always be my son.”

“Thank you Lucius. This means so much to me,” Harry cried, wrapping his arms around Lucius’s waist. He held on tight as hands soothed his back.

“All right everyone!” Ron shouted, to get everyone’s attention. “Who’s up for a game of quidditch?” There were shouts of agreement, then a rush for the broom shed. “We’ll meet you there Harry,” he quietly said to Harry, who was still in Lucius’s embrace, then left with Draco, to their make shift pitch.

Lucius heard the others begin to play, or cheer the others on, then pulled back. “I have another gift here,” he smiled, handing the wrapped package to Harry. “It’s from Severus.”

Harry looked at the small, gift-wrapped box and slowly opened it. Inside there was a single vial of potion. “Veritaserum?” He asked, recognizing the color of the potion in the clear vial. “But why?”

“Why don’t you ask Severus?” Lucius asked, motioning to Severus, who was sitting with Albus and Minerva.

Harry stood up, took a few deep, fortifying breaths, then strolled over to the elder wizards and witch. “Excuse me Professors, but might I have a word with you, Severus?”

Severus nodded and followed Harry to the large tree by the barn. “What would you like to talk about Harry?” Severus asked.

“I wanted to thank you for the gift . . . and ask . . . why?” Harry asked.

“The veritaserum is for you, whenever you’re ready to hear the truth from me,” Severus replied. “There is one more gift,” he added, handing Harry another box.

Harry opened it to see one single gold hoop. He looked back at Severus to see a small smile on his face. “I have a matching one on my upper right ear. Where would you like yours?” Severus asked, taking the hoop out of the box.

“Same place,” Harry quietly replied, holding back the hair from his ear. He felt a small pinch to the skin, then nothing but an added comforting weight to his ear, where Severus magically pierced the earring into his ear.

“These earrings are spelled to link us. If one of us is hurt or in danger, the earring will grow warm. In an emergency, it can be also used as a portkey,” Severus softly said, tracing the shell of Harry’s ear with his fingertip.

“Thank you Severus,” Harry said, leaning forward to place a soft kiss to Severus’s mouth.

Severus looked down at the face he missed more than he realized. He brought up both of his hands to cup the sides of Harry’s face, then leaned forward to feather his lips against his a few tantalizing times, before sliding his mouth over Harry’s responsive lips. Their kiss was unhurried, as Severus re-explored the feel, the taste of Harry’s lips. He reluctantly pulled away from the kiss, and looked down at those lips as he brushed his thumb over the bottom lip. He looked up, and their gazes locked. “Happy birthday Harry,” he quietly said, taking another quick kiss, then turned and left, past Albus and Minerva, to the house where he flooed back to Hogwarts, alone.

Harry walked past Minerva and Albus in a daze, his fingers touching his lips as he went towards the Burrow’s quidditch field, not noticing Albus’s twinkling, smiling eyes, or Minerva’s knowing smile as he walked by. He was soon pulled out of his daze by Draco and Fred, who dragged him to the field, his broom in hand.

While Harry was enjoying the freedom on his broom, Severus sat in his rooms, oblivious of the pages before him of the newest potion’s journal. His thoughts went to Harry, as they have been of lately, and the way he looked that afternoon when he took off his shirt. The time he had spent at the Malfoy’s put more color to his skin, and he ached to again feel that skin on his fingertips. He remembered every moan, every responsive movement, every taste, that was Harry, from the night he regained consciousness, to the next morning when he couldn’t refuse Harry’s advances. He wasn’t sure how he was going to get through the next year with Harry so close.


Note: I found this great picture of the peregrine falcon on the following site. The one that caught my eye was a lighter color, with brown and black tipped feathers. Quite a beautiful bird. The bird is actually known for it’s speed and agility, as well as being a hunter. More information can be found on: http://www.raptorcenter.org/peregrine-falcon.asp , as well as a picture. (I did write the falcon a little more ‘wizard’ friendly for my story)


I would also like to thank all you people that have reviewed my story. It means the world to me to know that my writing is appreciated, and it keeps me writing. This story is basically done in longhand, I\'m just typing it out and sending it off to the Strife to beta. I really miss TSS the way you could respond to reviews. Anyways.....thanks again.

tbc