Follow Me

A/N: Thank you to all that have reviewed the story so far, and a thank you in advance to all those that will continue to do so. I have to admitt it does an ego good to see the number of people that are enjoying this story.

[...] or {...} = mindspeak
~...~ = parseltongue
'...' = thought

CHAPTER 18

Pari had made all the arrangements and was actually in the Veela Council right now making her arguments as to their situation. It had only taken her three days to get a audience with the council, although they had been three nerve wracking days it was worth it, here they all stood waiting. Draco was nervous but no one could see it, he had has Malfoy mask on and presented himself as calm and in control. Severus looked his normal aloft self. Remus was pacing slowly over by the stairway, his natural wolf instincts were kicking in and he was beginning to feel the anxiety of the moment. Chris stood by Norische’s side with all the pride and decorum a first mate should have. Norische…well on the outside he presented the confidant air of an alpha male, on the inside he really hoped he didn’t puke in front of the council…father had given him some medication to take before they apparated here but still the apparating was way too much for his sensitive stomach at the moment.

Pari came out the doors of the Council Chambers and motioned them all inside. The chambers were arranged much like a courtroom. At the front of the room was a large podium where twelve silver haired veela sat regally looking down at the rest of the room. In the center a female veela sat, with gavel in hand. Her robes were of silver etched in white, with a glistening silver leaf as a fastener.

“Which is the veela that wishes to speak to the Council?” The female asked.

Draco stepped forward and greeted her as Chris had taught him to. Draco stood with his head bowed and his eyes on the ground, the palms of his hands upward and his arms slightly bend and to his side. “Mas es emerit.” Draco made no move to change his position nor indicated a desire to do so.

The female looked at him and nodded. “I see your mate has taught you the ways of the Vampyre, very impressive. You may raise your head and speak.”

Since she stated that he could raise his head but did not state he could look up, Draco decided to play it safe and continued to keep his point of view low to the ground. “How may I be of service Minde Cladire?” Draco asked.

“Again a show of manners and obedience, excellent. Young one, you may look at me when you speak, and my title is Lady Sharisha. I would prefer you utilize that for the time being.”

“As you wish Lady Sharisha.” Draco raised his head and looked directly into the silver blue eyes of the Head of the Veela Council. Draco decided to take the typical stance he saw Chris in when he stood beside Norische, which was feet slightly apart and his hands clasped together in front of him.

“Mr. Malfoy, it is the Council’s understanding that you wish to have your veela nature to be bound. Is that correct?” Lady Sharisha asked.

“It is, Lady Sharisha.”

“Why is this, are you ashamed of your veela nature?”

Draco looked shocked. “Of course not Lady Sharisha! I seek to have my veela nature bound because I have already found my mate and I do not wish to risk loosing him. I am honored to have the royal blood of the veela running through my veins but my heart would not allow me to live if I turned from my love by a force of nature that I cannot control.” Draco spoke eloquently and with ease.

“Let me speak to this love of yours.” She requested.

Norische walked over to stand in front and to the left of Draco. Immediately he repeated the same greeting that Draco had given and again the Council head repeated her instructions. “Thank you Lady Sharisha.”

“I wish to know from you why you feel that binding your mate is an acceptable alternative to allowing nature to decide?” She asked.

“Lady Sharisha, I love Draco Malfoy with all my heart and soul, and I carry his child within me. If I were to lose him I would die, I cannot nor would I wish to exist without him. At my loss he would lose his child, and the grief from that would cause him to take his own life, even if he found another mate to take my place. Knowing that his actions had lead to the death of his child would be more than he could bear. These are his own words M’lady and I know in my heart they are true.” Norische stated.

[YOU’RE PREGNANT!!]

[Pari, not now please. Your screaming is making my head hurt and I already feel like I am going to puke as it is.]

[We will talk later young man.]

[Of that I have no doubt.]

“We were not informed of your being bred. Why is this?” Sharisha asked.

“My apologies M’lady. I had yet the opportunity to inform my Minde Cladire of the news. I am carrying twins, one from each mate. I am two months along at this time.” Norische explained.

“Draco Malfoy, since the fact that your mate states that he is has bred will have some bearing on whether or not we allow this process to be done. The Council wishes to have verification not only of the breeding, but also the lineage of the kit in question. You and your mate will go to our healer immediately and allow for the appropriate testing to be done, to verify this information. Then return here when it is complete.”

“Yes Lady Sharisha, as you wish.” Draco bowed to the council and turned to Norische who also bowed and together they stepped out of the speaking area. Severus, Remus, and Pari, as well as Chris walked them down to the healer’s area. Unfortunately, the veela healing center was quite a ways away from the Council Headquarters but Norische didn’t mind the walk. What he did mind however was the non-stop yelling by Pari.

“Pari please, I have a headache and I don’t feel good. Please can we talk about this another time?”

“NO! How dare you not tell me! I have taken care of you since you were a baby… do you know how many times I stayed up with you all night long?” Pari kept ranting.

Norische made it about half a block before he grabbed Remus’ arm for support. “I don’t feel good.”

Remus put his arm around Norische’s waist to help support him, then yelled at Severus who was a few feet in front. Severus turned just as Norische started to fall to the ground. He rushed over and picked Norische up and raced the twenty yards that was left to the Healing Center. Pari ran up to the receptionist and demanded a healer immediately. The receptionist orbed the first available healer who came running out into the central area.

Severus informed the young man that Norische was pregnant and had fainted. The healer immediately directed them to an available room. Once inside the room Severus gently laid Norische on the examining table and started trying to revive him. Soon Norische was moaning and moving his head ever so slightly. Half opening his eyes he whispered to Draco [headache].

Draco rushed over to the healer who was talking with Remus and Pari trying to fill in the paperwork. “Sir, Nori states his head is hurting really bad. Can you give him anything for it?”

“Not yet I am afraid, I have to do a diagnostic and see if he is pregnant then if he is I can choose what potion to give him but it is going to take a few more minutes to get all the paper work done.”

Draco stood there totally shocked and watched the healer go back to his paper work. “Who the FUCK cares about paper work! My mate just passed out, and has a splitting headache and you want to do fucking paperwork!”

The young doctor looked up at Draco. “Your veela right?” Draco nodded, his silver eyes glistening with the fire behind them. “Sorry Sir,”

The young healer immediately grabbed his wand and ran over to Norische who lay there quietly crying, the pain in his head steadily getting worse. The healer did a quick diagnostic to verify the pregnancy and then ran over a cabinet and retrieved a bottle. Pouring the proper dosage into a small cup, he lifted Norische’s head so he could take the potion. “It is going to take a couple of minutes to take affect completely but you should notice some improvement immediately.”

Norische didn’t say anything he just nodded.

The healer looked at Draco and said. “I know it is hard Sir, but I need the paper work filled out in order to know what medical conditions your mate may have or have had, and how best to help him. With your permission may I continue.”

Draco looked at Norische who gave him a halfhearted smile, then to the healer, and nodded. The healer breathed a sigh of relief and rushed back over to Pari and Remus. Pari looked at the trembling young man.

“Exactly what was that all about?” Pari asked.

“I’m sorry Ma’am but the last infuriated veela that I had with an injured pregnant mate, ended up breaking both my legs and shattering my right arm because he felt he his mate was suffering needlessly. I prefer not to spend another holiday as a patient in my own hospital.” The healer stated.

Pari looked at him and raised an eyebrow, then looked over to Draco who simply shrugged and turned back to Norische.

After a few minutes, the potion had done its job and the headache was gone. Norische simply lay there waiting as the healer asked Remus and Pari a huge list of questions, thankfully between the two of them they knew most of the answers and he didn’t need to bother Norische quite yet. Draco and Chris stood on one side of Norische while Severus stood on the other side. Finally, the young man came over, and started talking directly with Norische.

“Mr. Snape I am going to have to have you change into a gown so that I can examine you, with your mates permission of course. I am going to step outside to give you some privacy, I will need you to remove everything and get into this gown. Just have someone notify me when you are ready.”

Norische nodded and motioned for Draco and Chris to help him sit up, as the healer left the room. As Draco started helping him off with his shirt, he noticed Pari standing to the side, looking like she was going to cry. Norische wasn’t used to seeking Pari cry and hated to see her upset.

“Pari, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. I just don’t know what happened. I guess between the stress and the apparating I….”

“Hush now, it’s ok. I am the one who should apologize to you. You told me you weren’t feeling good and I ignored that and kept on. I am so sorry dear. I was just so crushed that I had to find out about your pregnancy in this manner, I guess it was my pride. I don’t know. I am thrilled for you though and if there is anything I can do for you please just ask.” Pari smiled at him, although it was a sad smile, it was still a smile.

Chris slipped the gown on his shoulders and tied it around back as Draco was helping him off with his boots. Then with Chris behind him to block the view of the split tailed gown and Draco in front they managed to get his jeans off. More than once Norische had to lean on Chris for support and to keep from falling, but his mate just kissed him and held on.

After they got him into the gown, they helped him get back up on the examining table and laid down. While Chris went out to get the doctor, Draco started going through cabinets looking for a sheet or something to help cover his mate up, since the gown barely made it to mid thigh. Draco had placed his robes over Norische’s legs until he could find something, Pari had seen him naked many times, but he sure as hell didn’t want to expose himself on purpose to his godmother.

Draco asked the healer when he entered the room “Do you have a sheet or blanket or something that will better cover my mate?”

“Of course Sir, right down here.” The young healer reached down to a drawer under the examining table and pulled out a nice soft cotton sheet and waited until Draco removed the robes covering Norische’s legs then placed the sheet over him to cover him fully.

“Now since all the paper work is done and you’re feeling better lets get to why you are here. I am going to run a few simple scans, they are non evasive so they wont hurt a bit.” As Norische lay there, the young healer did several general scans. Then he did one specifically focused on the babies.

“Do you wish to know the genders of the twins?” the healer asked.

Norische looked at Chris and Draco, who both nodded. “I guess we do then.”

“Well congratulations Mr. Snape you are having two sons. I have verified the heritage of both and they are both quite healthy. Now I have just a couple of more things to do. I am afraid the next part is going to be evasive; I have to verify the pouch is secured properly and that the opening is there. So I do apologize but I am going to have to look internally.” The healer looked at Draco cautiously.

Norische’s brow wrinkled as he realized what the healer was saying. “Is this absolutely necessary, there is no other way?”

“Unfortunately, spells will only tell me so much and this is critical to the babies well being so yes it is necessary.” The healer flinched as Draco growled low.

“Ok, but I only want my mates in here. I want everyone else out.” Norische reached for Chris and Draco.

“We will be right outside if you need us son.” Severus stated, giving the doctor a rather frightening glare, which caused the young man to swallow hard.

“Your father isn’t veela as well is he?” The healer asked as the rest of them left the room.

“Not that I am aware of, but I wouldn’t piss him off… I’ve seen him mad before, and it makes an enraged veela look like a fae princess.”

The healer looked toward the door and nodded. “I can believe that.”

The healer set up the stirrups and gently placed Norische’s heals in the appropriate slots. “Now I am going to have to prepare you so this will feel odd.”

“Wait! Can Draco do that? I’m sorry but having a stranger…no matter how polite or nice, touch me there is just very upsetting.” Norische begged.

“To be quite honest, I would prefer if he did, at least that way I know my limbs will remain intact.” The healer stepped aside and gave Draco the tube of lubricant, then went to stand over by the counter across the room.

Draco took the tube and went to stand between Norische’s raised legs. Gently he started circling Norische’s puckered opening. Slowly rubbing in the lubricant. After he felt Norische relax, he inserted one finger, then two… finally three. Stretching and preparing Norische for the procedure that was to follow. The whole time Draco never took his eyes away from Norische’s, watching for any sign of discomfort or stress. When he noticed that Norische was beginning to bite his lip, Draco stopped and handed the lubricant back to the healer then went over to the little sink in the corner and washed his hands.

“Ok, now I am going to have to use a speculum to open you up slightly so it will be uncomfortable unfortunately, but if you will just bare with me it should be over with shortly. Now if there is too much pain I can use a numbing salve and we can try again.” The healer pulled a short stool over to where he could sit down and his head was at table level. The healer put the device up to Norische’s entrance and gently pushed. Norische immediately reacted, and tried to move away.

“It’s all right luv. Just relax, I know this isn’t easy but it has to be done. We have to make sure every thing is ok for the babies.” Chris reassured him as he held his hand and brush a loose strand of hair out of Norische’s eyes.

“Ok, Mr. Snape we are going to try that again. Please do your best not to move. I apologize and will get this over with as quickly and painlessly as possible.”

The healer tried again, this time he managed to get the device in. Norische was definitely having a hard time with it though. As the healer began to expand the device, Norische pulled Draco close to him and buried his face in Draco’s robes. Draco held onto Norische’s other hand, but soon felt the dampness of his mate’s tears soaking through his robe.

“Get this over with! NOW!” Draco screamed at the young healer. Draco didn’t know if it was his veela nature or his vampyre side that was making his so upset, all he knew was that this process was distressing his mate and he would not tolerate it one more minute.

“I’m almost done Mr. Malfoy, it will just take a minute more.” The healer told him.

Norische couldn’t stand it another minute. His mind screamed out for Pari. Before the young healer knew what was happening the door to the examination room flew off its hinges and was thrown across the room, the shock caused the young man to fall off his stool and land quite hard on the floor. When the healer looked up, he was staring at a crouched vampyre in full rage. Pari burst into the room and leapt onto the end of the exam table and was now perched near Norische’s hips. Leaning on the stirrups for support she leaned over baring her fangs to the healer, putting her fangs and claws between him and her godson. She had thrown off her cloak when she heard Norische’s scream, her wings had ripped through the back of her black velvet gown, and were at full span quivering with her rage.

“Oh SHIT!” Was all the healer could state as he stared up into the flaming red eyes of a vampyre ready to attack.

Remus and Severus raced into the room right behind her, but they never expected to see what was before them.

Norische was still holding on to Draco and crying, so Chris walked over to where the healer was.

“Sir, I suggest you instruct me as how to remove that device from my mate, and do so quickly. I would also suggest that you not move, because if you do Pari has every intention of killing you.” Chris stated in barely a whisper. The doctor explained quickly how to remove the endoscope he had been using and how to release the tension on the speculum. As Chris slowly removed the items from Norische’s body the tension in the room lowered slightly. Although Pari had not changed back yet, nor had she left her perch, apparently quite content to glare and hiss at the young healer.

Severus came over to the other side of the examining table and slipped his hand in Norische’s. As soon as Norische felt his touch he turned to his father and let go of Draco’s hand, wrapping both arms around his father he began to sob helplessly.

Chris put the two devices on the counter behind him and then did a quick scorgio to clean Norische up a bit. Taking Norische’s feet, he gently removed Norische’s legs from the stirrups and placed the sheet back over him to cover him completely. Then Chris looked at Pari, “Pari you need to get off the table so we can get Norische up and finish this, and if you wish to kill the healer please wait until he finishes his report so that we wont have to put Norische through this again.”

The healer quickly looked over to Chris then back at Pari, who left her perch on the examination table and leapt over to a nearby counter, never taking her eyes off the healer.

Chris removed the stirrups from the end of the bed. Severus slowly helped Norische into a sitting position, although Norische didn’t let go of his robes or stop crying.

It took several minutes for Norische to calm down enough to realize that Pari was still enraged. [Pari, its ok…I’m fine now…please come back to me, I need you.] Norische whispered to Pari.

She looked at him from her perch on the cabinet and tilted her head then slowly she allowed herself to calm and return to her former self. As soon as she did, Pari swayed with the excess energy. Remus was quickly by her side and put his arm around her waist to steady her, smiling her gratitude, she patted Remus on the arm when she felt she could again stand on her own.

“We warned you young man, not to harm or frighten Norische in any way. Why did you not heed our warning?” Pari insisted.

“My apologies Ma’am but the procedure had to be done, thankfully I had enough time to verify what I was needing to check and so that procedure will not have to be repeated.” The healer picked up his paper work and stepped over the discarded door. “I will be back in a few moments with the finished report.”

Before he could leave, Norische looked up and said. “Healer.” He turned. “Just be glad I didn’t call for my father, they would have had to be replacing the entire wing of this hospital not just a door.” Norische then laid his head on Severus’ robes and sighed. Severus gave the healer a death glare and smoothed down his son’s hair. The healer nodded but stumbled as he tried to leave the room.

Remus shook his head and smiled at the two of them. “That wasn’t very nice you two.”
He playfully chastised them.

“No” Norische chuckled. “But it was fun.” Norische smiled up at his father who chuckled softly. “It most certainly was.” Severus agreed.

Draco went over and picked up Norische’s clothing and brought it around to the other side of the bed where Norische was sitting. “Ok Luv let’s get you dressed and out of here. We still need to present the council with the information and see what they will do.” Norische nodded and reluctantly let go of his father and allowed Draco to slip his trousers on his legs. Then when he was ready Chris and Draco helped him off the bed and finished pulling up his pants. Chris unfastened the gown and pulled it off of him while Draco retrieved his shirt and held it for Norische while he slipped it on.

Norische was more than ready to leave. The whole experience had brought back some horrible memories and that he honestly didn’t want to deal with right now. As he walked back to the Council Center everyone noticed how quiet he was but no one said anything. Finally as they reached the steps to the main building Pari came over and stood in front of him, waiting. When the only response she got was that Norische couldn’t look her in the eyes, she knew instantly what was going through his mind, and pulled him close to her. He had cried so much when Severus had been holding him he didn’t think there were any more tears left, apparently, he was wrong. He allowed Pari to hold him for several minutes, hearing her whisper in his ear soothing words just like she had done when he was a child. Norische pulled away from her and accepted the handkerchief that Draco offered. With a huge sigh, Norische leaned on Draco and held on to Chris’ hand as they made it the rest of the way to the Council’s Chambers.

Once inside, Draco took the scroll that the healer had given him to take with him and walked right up to Lady Sharisha and slammed the scroll on the counter before her. The Head of the Veela Council jumped when Draco did this. Looking at him with confusion then anger.

“What is the meaning of this Mr. Malfoy?” Lady Sharisha demanded.

“The meaning Lady Sharisha is that you and your council have just forced me to put my mate through a very traumatizing experience and I want you to know that if it wasn’t for the fact that we need your help with this I would rip each and every one of your heads off and put them on pikes lining the entry way of this building.” Draco announced

Draco walked over to Norische and gently led him to the area they had stood in previously. It was plain for anyone there to see from his red-rimmed eyes that he had been crying and that he wasn’t the same confidant young man that has stood up in front of them a few moments ago.

“What happened to your mate Mr. Malfoy?” she sounded truly concerned.

“During the exam that you and your colleges forced on him, my mate was forced to relive some horrible experiences from his child hood. When he was eight years old he was raped by his own grandfather, one of the tests you required included an invasive internal exam. This action triggered flashbacks of his molestation and we almost lost our babies because of you.” Draco yelled, the fury still building up inside of him, Norische turned to him and buried his head in Draco’s shoulder…knowing full well that Draco’s need to comfort him right now was all that was keeping him from doing anything foolish.

“I am very, very sorry that we have caused this. If we had know… no, there is no excuse. The council and myself extend our sincerest apologies, and pray that your mate does not continue to suffer at our hands.” Lady Sharisha voice echoed the sentiments of all of the council. She then picked up the scroll and went over it quickly.

“Mr. Malfoy it does indeed that you are the father of one of the male children that your mate is carrying. Hence, we will agree to your request. However, there is one other possibility.” Lady Sharisha stated.

Norische removed his head from Draco’s shoulder and accepted the handkerchief from Chris, nodding his thanks. As he dried his tears, Norische looked up at the Council head and waited.

“What is the other possibility if I may ask Lady Sharisha?” Draco asked.

“A soul bond. From my understanding, you and your mate already have a life and heart bond in place. With a soul bond, even the veela instincts you would not pose a risk to your mate.”

Norische asked. “What about my other mate, Chris… would he be in danger or our son?”

“Mr. Malfoy would never be able to do anything that would cause you harm, if you were in pain he would feel it, if you were afraid he would know. He would not be able to harm your other mate, because he would know that you love him as well. As to your babies, they are a part of you and hence he would never be able to harm them either. I must tell you the one risk, if either of you die, the other will die as well. It is like the life bond only more so.”

“In this manner he would not have to give up his veela heritage?” Norische asked.

“That is correct, as you have noticed he has already begun the process and now it is just a matter of weeks, perhaps months he will come into his inheritance. This will guarantee the safety of all involved, but allow him to maintain his veela heritage and veela rights.”

“Then that is what we choose.” Norische stated.

“Are you in agreement to this Mr. Malfoy?” Lady Sharisha asked and Draco nodded.

“Then so be it, we will perform the ceremony in three days. I will get you all the information you need as to what to expect and what, if anything, you will need to bring. All you need do is to inform us of which ritual you wish and we will make all the arrangements. Once again Mr. Snape we are truly sorry for all that this has caused.” Lady Sharisha bowed her head slightly to Norische, who in turn bowed slightly deeper to her.

As they left an assistant brought Norische a book that apparently had all the bonding information in it. Norische thanked her and headed out the door, leaning on Draco perhaps a little more than necessary.

Once they orbed back to the suite, Norische sat down and started going through the book looking at all the possibilities, making mental notes as he went. Finally, he went over to Draco and pointed out three different ceremonies that might be appropriate. Draco just shook his head and informed Norische that he had full rein of the choices and that what ever he wanted would be what they did. So, after much consideration Norische picked the most ancient and traditional ceremony that was discussed. After Norische informed Pari of his choice, he decided that now was a wonderful time to get some sleep. So taking Chris and Draco by the hand the three of them walked back into their room and closed the door.

*****

At 6AM on the third day, Norische woke Draco with a kiss. Draco groaned and tried to crawl back under the covers but Norische continued to gently kiss him until he felt Draco truly begin to respond. “Pari will be here in a couple of hours so we need to get up and get ready luv.”

Pari orbed in a little early while everyone was still having breakfast. She went over the ceremony one more time with each individual and made sure that they knew their roles.
While Pari was going over some of the information, Blaise and Harry showed up, both dressed in solid black as the chosen witnesses to the bonding. Harry was excited for both Draco and Norische, especially since this way Draco wouldn’t have to give up anything and there would be no risks.

Blaise kept teasing Draco about being the big bad Veela, until Draco knocked him upside the head a couple of time. But he hugged his friend and thanked him for coming with them. “Hey how often to I get the chance to see a true veela ceremony in person? I wouldn’t think of missing this.” Blaise stated.

While Norische was technically the alpha male, tradition dictated that since Draco was the only true Veela that he be given the place of dominate within the relationship for this ceremony. Also since Norische was expecting his place as the submissive male in the relationship was a little more evident. Draco had protested, but Norische explained the tradition and he grudgingly went along with it.

At 8AM Severus, Remus, Draco, Chris, Norische, Pari, Blaise and Harry orbed to the Veela lands, to the coordinates provided by the council.

The ceremony was being held in the ancestral home of Lady Sharisha. It was Unplottable to any not invited, and large enough to host the accompanying gathering. When they arrived, four representatives of different veela clans met them to escort them, explaining that they would act as witnesses to guarantee that all necessary rituals and rites associated with the bonding were followed precisely.

Pari, Chris, Harry and Blaise were escorted to the area where the ceremony was to be held. Norische and Draco were taken to separate chambers within the huge house, and, again under the watchful eyes of their two accompanying witnesses, they each began the first ritual involved in the ancient bonding of the veela.

The first ceremony was the purification, even though it was the early hours of morning and there was a chill in the air both Norische and Draco along with their prospective ‘parent’ were quite heated. The purification ritual involved a ceremonial sweat. Severus had adamantly argued that the stress of the heat and humidity involved in such a ceremony could easily over tax Norische’s system, especially due to his delicate situation, Norische was determined to follow each piece of the ceremony to the letter.

So with Severus’ continuous monitoring and fretting, Norische endured the first ritual. Which honestly he found to be quite pleasant, well he would have if his father hadn’t been nagging and fussing the entire time.

The second part of the ceremony was the ritual cleansing. This part involved the spouses to be bathed in a tea made from a special mixture of herbs, some of which even Severus had never heard of. Once again Severus demanded on clarification as to the specifics on each ingredient used prior to allowing his son to proceed. Thankfully none of the herbs used appeared to be detrimental to the well being of the unborn babies so Severus agreed to allow this procedure to continue. Their closest family bathed both Draco and Norische; member for Norische that was of course Severus, Remus was chosen to assist Draco for this portion of the ceremony. At first when Draco asked if Remus would mind helping with the ceremony, Draco thought the man would have a stroke. Just as Draco was about to recant his request Remus wrapped his arms around Draco and began crying, stating he would be honored to ask as Draco’s ‘father’.

Draco had felt a slight bit of remorse not being able to include his father in this, but he had to be honest with himself, he didn’t trust Lucius and he definitely didn’t trust him around Norische or his unborn son. So Remus was chosen to act as Draco’s ‘father’, and to be quite honest, Draco had become quite close to the werewolf in the past several months and could think of no one else that he would rather have fill the position.

Once the cleansing had been completed, Draco and Norische were escorted into separate changing rooms. Draco robes were emerald green and exquisite, looking at his reflection in the mirror Draco couldn’t help but admit that he looked gorgeous. Down the lapels and across the base of the robe were a series of runes done in silver embroidery, each one representative of one aspect that the couple looked for in their bonding. Honesty, Love, Protection, Security, Fertility, Honor, Truth, Hope, Passion, each one told a story and had a special meaning with the bonding couple. Norische’s robes were made similar to Draco’s, of course taking into account his delicate condition. Although Norische’s robes were made of the most exquisite sapphire blue with the same silver runes and stitching, the colors looked perfect even though they were not the typical ‘Slytherin’ colors. Sharisha had explained that it would be inappropriate for the submissive in the relationship to were green, since green was a color that meant power, physical strength and stamina. A submissive should were either gray for even temper, white for purity, pink for love, or blue for patience…given the choices Norische had decided on blue, stating that to be with Draco he had to have more than the normal distribution of patience. To say the least Draco was not pleased with this analogy.

As the guests were assembled for the ceremony itself, Harry, Blaise, Chris and Pari were given seats in the front row reserved for special guests, both Norische and Draco had insisted on it.

The ceremony itself was being held in the huge banquet hall of Sharisha’s ancestral home, although several rooms had been specifically designated for the ceremony and the following feast. Each room was decorated in eloquence; bouquets of every color were arranged throughout the rooms each with a specific meaning and purpose.

The next phase of the ceremony would take place in the sacred gardens on the east side of the estate. As the guests were seated the slow gentle tones of a flute indicated to both Draco and Norische that they were prepared for the two grooms. First to enter was Draco, escorted by Remus. Remus wore a beautiful set of robes, that matched in color and style to that of Draco, representative of their connection as ‘father’ and son.

Remus escorted Draco into the gardens to the area set aside for the ceremony. In the center of a large clearing surrounded by dozens of flowering vines and huge lilac bushes was a circle of white candles. The circle was perhaps ten feet across, with a white pillar candle set every foot of the circumference of the circle. Within the circle was an intricate mandala of magic symbols, signs and ancient runes, each one representative of different aspects within the magical realm. After a staring at the work for a few moments Draco realized that the design was made out of colored sand, at that realization he couldn’t but be amazed at the detail and time that it must have taken to make such an unbelievable creation.

As Draco was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and delicate lines of the design in front of him he didn’t realize that Norische was being escorted by Severus down the same aisle that he himself had just walked. Remus cleared his throat to gain Draco’s attention, looking up Draco saw his handsome mate slowly making his way towards him. Draco couldn’t help but smile, the grace and beauty that simply flowed from Norische was amazing.

As Severus escorted Norische down the aisle he could feel his heart swell with pride. This was the kind of ceremony that he had hoped his son would have, one filled with meaning, symbolisms and love. Like Remus, Severus’ robes were similar in nature to that of his son; anyone that looked at the pair could have no doubt that they were father and son.

Draco waited for his mate to come close then stepped slightly to the side to allow Norische to stand beside him in front of the candles, encircling the sand painting. As the grooms approached the circle, Lady Sharisha walked up to the circle opposite the two young men. Standing in a flowing robe of white and gold, the standards for the priestess of the Veela Nations, Lady Sharisha took her place at the edge of the sand painting and waited for the grooms to turn to her.

“Draco Malfoy, you have come to your people seeking to enter into this union, observing our most sacred and ancient of traditions. You have honored us by accepting your heritage, and by bringing your mate to us to join with us as a Veela mated. On this day we, the Veela Clans, do hereby welcome you into our fold, we welcome you with open hearts and open arms. Before the universe, all that is holy and sacred, and the honorable chosen that are gathered here today we offer to you the knowledge and protection of the veela.” Lady Sharisha raised her arms to those watching the ceremony and upon her signal they echoed out in union… “It is so.” A united declaration from all those present that they accepted the young couple into their clans and as part of their nation.

“At this point I ask you Draco Malfoy and Norische Snape to reveal yourselves and step into the circle before you.” Lady Sharisha indicated the sand painting that was placed before them with a flourish wave of her arm.

At her words Draco began to unfasten the robes that he was wearing, handing his robes to Remus. Removing his boots and handing them to Remus as well, Draco turned to the circle and with careful deliberation he stepped gently into the circle.

Norische waited until Draco had entered the circle to begin to disrobe, quickly handing his robes and boots to Severus, he too entered the circle to stand beside Draco. Even though Norische had no problem with being nude or crowds, being nude in front of so many people was a little nerve racking but he managed. Taking a deep breath Norische waited for the next part of the ceremony.

“Draco Malfoy, you will walk across this circle to me and take your place of honor.” Lady Sharisha opened her arm and indicated the place where she wished Draco to walk too.

Draco walked across the circle, careful not to step on any of the symbols or designs within the painting. As he crossed the circle he found himself thinking of what each symbol meant and wondering about what it all meant, even though he had read all the stuff they had given them on the ceremony he hadn’t really paid that much attention to the details. Exiting the circle Draco turned and faced Norische as he was instructed to by Lady Sharisha.

“Norische Snape, you will walk across this circle to me, each step you take will fall into the footprint of your mate. Come to me and take your place of honor beside your mate and soon to be bonded.”

Norische looked down at the footsteps that were before him, and gently began his trip across the sand making sure that each step was placed within one that Draco had also made. As he exited the circle Norische felt a wave of magic swirl about he and Draco.

“Turn young ones and look to the path you have taken.” Lady Sharisha indicated for Draco and Norische to look back to the sand paining which they did. “This circle represents your lives. As when you were born you entered this circle naked and true to the universe, whole and perfect. When you entered into this world you were two individuals, alone and independent, as you see the two sets of footprints on the far side. As you walked through this world your paths crossed and your footsteps united, at times Draco Malfoy you will carry your mate, support him and bear his burdens. There are times Norische Snape that you shall carry your mate, you shall support him and help him bear his burden. But as these footprints show you today, know that you will never again be alone, from this day forward your paths are forever joined.”

“Draco, as a dominant veela you know it is your duty to love, honor, cherish and protect your veela mated. By agreeing to walk this path with your mate you have sworn before the universe that you understand your responsibilities and that you accept them willingly…do you so swear?” Lady Sharisha asked as she focused completely on Draco’s eyes as if looking into his very soul.

“I so swear.” Draco called out, even though his heart was about to burst his voice was strong and steady.

“Norische, as veela mated you know that it is your duty to love, honor, cherish and protect your veela mate. By agreeing to walk this path with your mate you have sworn before the universe that you understand your responsibilities and that you accept them willingly…do you so swear?” Lady Sharisha asked Norische again focusing on his eyes.

“I so swear.” Norische echoed, with no hesitation in his voice.

Lady Sharisha bowed to each of the grooms and turned to the guests. “These two individuals have today united their lives, they have knowingly and willingly entered into this union and have sworn before the universe that they are true to their heart and do hereby accept the responsibility that they have accepted this path and all that may come. As High Elder of the Veela Nation I have looked within their eyes, within their souls, I do hereby swear their hearts are true and their love is pure. I do grant this union and pledge my house and honor to this veela and veela mated, I offer at this time to those houses represented here, to each clan and each hearth the opportunity to join me in support of these two veela.”

With her declaration all those present called out in union. “I do so swear.” Even Severus and Remus’ voices could be heard amongst the many others echoing through the gardens. At this Lady Sharisha bowed to the guests and turned back to the young couple.

“At this time Norische Snape you will honor your veela mate with the ancient blessings as you have chosen on this day.”

With that Norische turned to Draco and smiled, looking deep into his eyes, then leaned forward and placed a gentle, loving kiss on lips. Norische could feel Draco respond to his kiss, and couldn’t help but feel a stirring in his loins as Draco leaned into the kiss. Fearing the possible embarrassment of too much of a reaction to such activity, Norische pulled back and recited the appropriate blessing. “I ask for a blessing on the lips that bring to me the words of love and hope, that complete my world and give me purpose.”

All those that watched the ceremony called out in union. “Blessed be.”

Next Norische bent and placed his lips over Draco’s chest were he knew his beloved’s heart resided. Upon straightening Norische smiled at Draco and once again recited the blessing. “I ask for a blessing on the heart that holds my love, and to who I give my love and life to willingly.”

Again the gardens echoed. “Blessed be.”

Finally Norische knelt in front of Draco and placed the final blessing he had chosen. Norische gently place a reverent kiss on the shaft of Draco’s manhood, feeling it jump at his touch. Then while he was still kneeling, Norische looked up into Draco’s eyes and spoke. “I ask for a blessing on the loins of my love, so that they may be full of life and bring for our children born of love and honor.”

“Blessed be.”

Draco reached down and helped Norische to stand once again. “Draco Malfoy, in turn you wished to honor your Veela mated with your own request for a blessing as well.”

Draco nodded to Lady Sharisha then turned to Norische. Draco placed his hands on either side of Norische’s face and gently kissed Norische. Norische closed his eyes and melted into the kiss, focusing solely on his mate. As they separated Draco could swear that he heard Norische groan ever so softly, with a slight smirk on his lips Draco recited the blessing. “I ask for a blessing on the lips that bring to me the words of love and hope, that complete my world and give me purpose.”

“Blessed be.” The words drifted through the gardens once again.

Then Draco bent forward and placed a gentle kiss on each of Norische’s nipples feeling them harden immediately under his touch. “I ask for a blessing on the breasts of my mate, that will bring forth milk and nourish our young and give to them life and health.”

“Blessed be.”

Finally Draco knelt before Norische and placed a gentle kiss on Norische’s stomach, right over where their son’s were happily residing. Norische reached his hands down and gently ran his fingers through Draco’s hair as Draco looked up into Norische’s eyes. “I ask for a blessing on the womb of my mate, so that he may bring into this world new life, and I ask for a blessing for the life that grows there now.”

Again through the garden the words echoed. “Blessed be.”

Draco rested his check on Norische’s stomach in silent prayer, thanking the universe for giving him this moment and allowing him to know love that he never thought was possible.

“Draco Malfoy you will now take you chosen one to the alter.” Lady Sharisha extended her arm to show Draco where she wished him to go. About ten feet from where they stood was a low marble platform, similar to that used at their first bonding ceremony except that it was rather low to the ground. As instructed Draco stood and escorted Norische to the altar and stood beside him as they waited for Lady Sharisha to explain what was to happen next.

“At this time the two of you will step upon the Altar of Life and kneel facing each other.” Lady Sharisha moved to stand to the north side of the altar and waited for the couple to settle into place.

Norische couldn’t help but wish they had a pillow or pad of some kind to kneel on; this marble wasn’t exactly soft or easy on the knees. But obediently he knelt down in front of Draco and waited.

“Before the Universe and all here assembled, I pronounce Draco Malfoy and Norische Snape to be soul bonded. This ceremony will now conclude in the ways of our oldest traditions, with its primary two participants celebrating their bond and their love.” Lady Sharisha explained. “Before the ceremony started, the grooms informed me that you are welcome to remain for this joyous event if you so wish.”

Lady Sharisha left her position beside the altar, when she did so, Severus and Remus walked up to the alter and placed nine candles strategically around the altar, after lighting the candles, they transfigured them into an opaque privacy screen that completely surrounded the altar.

It was a high honor for a newly married couple to invite their wedding guests to witness such an intimate event so no-one left the hall. Severus and Remus had said a silencing charm when they raised the privacy screen so no sounds could be heard.

All that could be seen was the intimate silhouettes of the newly bonded pair as Draco moved over Norische on the altar, carefully surrounding him with his arms and joining their bodies in the most intimate way that two bodies could be joined. As their bodies joined, a brilliant golden light encompassed them indicating the formation of a soul bond.

As the light faded, Draco held Norische while he cried, Norische was truly thankful for the silencing spells that Severus and Remus had placed up. Knowing the sacrifice Norische had made to bottom today, made their bonding so much more special to Draco. Draco rocked Norische gently for several minutes, until Chris whispered in to see if everything was all right.

[Draco, are you two ok. I can’t tell much through the screens but it looks like he broke down again?]

[Yeah, he’s fine. But it hit him pretty hard, especially being in front of so many people and having no where to go to.]

[Do you need me in there?]

[No, he is getting better, just give us a few more minutes. Just tell people that his condition has made him a little emotional if they ask. Oh and I doubt we will stay for the reception, I don’t think he is in the mood to be around a lot of people, so you might apologize for us but let them know we will be heading home soon after we get out of here.]

[Ok, I go take care of that now. Let me know if you need me.]

[Thanks. Give us ten minutes and have Severus and Remus lower the barriers to let you in. I will probably need your help to get him dressed.]

[You got it.]