Inamorato

A/N: I'm skipping some crap because it's not really important to the plot of the story. Harry and Draco met with Albus, they talked to Bill, and he saw Narcissa and fixed her. It took many hours, but it was done. Yay! Chapter 19 is Sept. 13th. This is Sept. 19, the following Friday. I know I'm jumping time a lot, but I'm not going to fill two chapters with Harry sitting in class and him and Draco shooting the shit with their friends. Hope you're all okay with that. ^_^ Hope you enjoy. ~ FA

~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco handed a small silver box to Harry during lunch and said. “I was trying to figure out how to ask you and I finally figured, what the hell. I don't want to wait anymore.”

Harry gave Draco a questioning look. “Okay...” He opened the box and stared down at it.

There were two rings inside. They were both heavy rings, about 8mm-wide bands of antique silver. Each one had a tiny crest stamped into the metal band, but they were different. One Harry recognized from the tapestry at Grimmauld Place – it was the Black family crest. The other one bore a crest Harry didn't recognize; a snake, rearing up, fangs bared, poised to strike. Harry assumed it was the Malfoy family crest.

“What...” Harry started, then said. “I mean...why...?”

“They're Bonding Rings.” Draco explained, ignoring Ron and Ginny's sharp intakes of breath. “More powerful than wedding vows, the magical tie created by Bonding Rings is nearly unbreakable. I was hoping you would wear the Malfoy ring and, out of deference to your family, I would wear the Black one.”

Draco took the Malfoy ring in his right hand and held out his left one to Harry, palm up, waiting. Harry frowned. “But, I thought we'd agreed to wait to Bond.”

Pansy giggled and, when Harry looked at her, smiled. “Harry, the rings are worn before the Bonding as a symbol of your betrothal. Sort of like an engagement ring. Then, when you perform the Bonding Ceremony, they activate and weave their magic around you, tying you together.”

“They're a big deal, Harry.” Ginny said, looking impressed. “They're expensive to have made because of the complex magic involved, so most Pureblood families pass them down, though not a lot of people use a Bonding anymore. Most Witches and Wizards just marry these days.”

“But we have to Bond, because I'm a Creature.” Harry said. “It's necessary for Draco to attain Consort status; a wedding isn't valid for a Creature. Right?”

“I prefer a Bonding anyway, Harry.” Draco immediately assured the smaller boy, still holding out his left hand. “I wouldn't have agreed if I wasn't sure that this is what I want and I wouldn't be offering you this ring if I didn't know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side.”

Harry smiled brightly, blushing a little, and placed his left hand in Draco's. The blonde grinned cheekily back and slipped the ring into Harry's finger, watching in satisfaction as it glowed green and sized itself down to fit his finger. Harry picked up the Black ring and grabbed Draco's left hand, pushing the ring eagerly onto his finger. It glowed blue and shrank just slightly to fit. Draco leaned forward and kissed Harry's mouth softly.

“Now we're officially engaged.” He watched in amusement as Harry studied the ring on his hand. “Happy?”

“Very.” Harry replied, still staring at the ring. It was simple, but to Harry it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

He glanced up at Draco, who was grinning and chatting happily with Pansy and Ron while Ginny, Neville, Blaise, and Luna talked quietly amongst themselves. Draco's face was flushed and his eyes were shining and he was absentmindedly fiddling with his new ring. No, his ring was the second most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Harry knew, in that moment, without a doubt, that Draco Malfoy, happy, was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“I can't believe you're writing to her!” Draco complained. He was lounging on their bed, watching Harry.

The brunette was sitting on a stool at his desk, finishing his latest letter to Vidia Marsh. “And why not? I want to tell her we're engaged. She's my friend, Draco.”

“She's a homework assignment from last year!” Draco was completely exasperated. “And an American pen pal for Muggle Studies is in no way a friend!”

“Well, Vidia is a friend, Draco. A good one.” He turned and stuck his tongue out. “And if you give me two minutes to finish it, we can go. I need to send this from the Owl Post place anyway, because it's an international letter.”

Draco groaned. “Fine, but hurry up!” He grinned up at the canopy above him. “Pansy arranged for a reporter and a camera man to be in Hogsmeade tonight so we can make everything public.”

“Not the best way to make me move faster.” Harry pointed out as he scribbled a few more sentences, then signed his letter. “Come on, then. Let's get this over with.”

“So eager to announce you're mine, Harry?” The blonde teased as he got off the bed and took Harry's hand. “I'm flattered.”

Harry squeezed Draco's hand tightly and retorted laughingly. “Well, technically your mine, but whatever. And yes, Draco.” He added seriously. “I want very badly to announce it. I just hate having my picture in the paper and my name in the headlines. That's all.”

The boys were dressed quite carefully for their trip into Hogsmeade – and their first meeting with the press. Draco wore charcoal-grey semi-formal Wizarding robes that were embroidered on the back with the Malfoy crest in green and black. He wore no cloak – the better to show off the robes – and his hair was slicked back. Harry didn't like it that way, but his Slytherin insisted it was more impressive. His only other adornment was the Black Bonding Ring on his left hand. Harry was wearing an emerald green sweater Mrs. Weasley had knitted for him, which bore the monogram 'HP' on the front, in black lettering, just above his heart. He was also wearing a pair of black slacks that fit him relatively well – they were a little too snug, but Draco seemed to think they were acceptable so Harry decided they must be. His hair was pulled back into a ponytail since Harry hated how it fell into his face. He'd tried cutting it, but it just grew back overnight. He too chose to forgo a cloak, since his wings were that much more obvious without one and he proudly wore the Malfoy Bonding Ring on his left hand, fiddling with it nervously quite a bit.

The boys walked together out of the castle and across the grounds, but separated at the gates. Harry joined Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna while Draco walked between Pansy and Blaise. The two groups kept a fair distance between them on the walk into town. Harry left his friends once they reached Hogsmeade and went straight to the Owl Post store and sent his letter to Vidia, mentally making a note to send her the article that was sure to grace the front page of the Daily Prophet the next day. With a deep, calming breath Harry exited the building. He knew the reporter and cameraman would be waiting outside – that was the plan, after all – but he couldn't help the dread he felt. It was only the knowledge that he'd be alone for no more than a few minutes that let him walk outside. He'd have Draco Malfoy at his side – and Draco would know just what to say and how to say it.

“Harry Potter!” Gushed the young woman as soon as he stepped out into the street. “It's an honor, really!” She had a very long, thin nose on a very round face, with wide – but close-set – eyes of a muddy brown color and mousey brown hair. Her mouth was small and thin-lipped but her smile was warm and genuine as she held out a hand for Harry to shake. “Tillie Thrash, at your service. I'm a freelance reporter, but I'm hopeful this interview will get me a solid post at the Daily Prophet.”

Harry smiled back – the woman's enthusiasm was a bit infectious. “Very nice to meet you. Shall we head to the restaurant? My fiance will be meeting us there.”

Tillie and the photographer agreed, with Tillie babbling happily the whole way to the elegant Italian Bistro Draco had picked out. They sat outside at one of the lovely little tables, which conveniently had benches so Harry's wings weren't an issue. The cameraman set up his tripod while Harry ordered two vanilla cream sodas for himself and 'his fiance', a cappuccino for Tillie, and a good old-fashioned cup of Earl Grey for the cameraman.

“So, Harry.” Tillie leaned forward, quill poised over her notebook. Harry was relieved it wasn't an acid-green Quick-Quotes-Quill. “I understand you're a Creature now. A Peri, correct?” Harry nodded and she asked. “Who is your guardian?”

“I'm afraid I can't say.” Harry answered apologetically. “For their own safety. I'd hate to make them a target.”

“But of course.” Tillie nodded, making a quick note. “Now, you've mentioned a fiance who will be joining us shortly. What can you tell me about the remarkable young lady who caught your eye?” She gave him a teasing wink. “She must be quite powerful, since you're ethereal, correct?”

'Ah, well...nothing to do but say it.' Harry thought. “Yes, I'm ethereal and my fiance is very powerful. He's also male.”

“Oh!” Tillie's face turned bright red and she took a sip of her cappuccino to stall while she composed herself. “Oh, I'm sorry. I should have assumed...”

“It's fine.” Harry assured her, his mouth twitching as he tried not to laugh at her obvious embarrassment. “I haven't exactly gone around broadcasting my preferences, so I don't expect people to just know. He's very handsome and comes from one of the oldest Pureblood families, though I do my best to remind him that that fact isn't important to me and he does his best not to act too arrogant around me.”

Harry smiled patiently at Tillie as she wrote quickly then asked. “Do you think him being a Pureblood has anything to do with you being drawn to him?”

Harry frowned slightly, pondering this. After a moment, he said. “No, because I've been around his mother who is just as Pure-blooded as him and other Purebloods as well and felt no draw. I think it's just that he happens to be an exceptionally powerful Wizard.” Harry shrugged, then added. “His dormant Veela blood might be a contributing factor as well, but I really can't be sure.”

Suddenly Harry spotted Draco, Pansy and Blaise approaching them. He then blinked in startled surprise as the camera went off with a bright blue flash and a burst of green smoke. “Jonathan, really!” Tillie protested, waving her arm to help the smoke dissipate. “Warn us next time!”

“Sorry, miss.” The older man apologized. “I just wanted to capture the look on his face just now. He just sort of lit up, all happy and bright.”

“Oh?” Tillie had been writing and missed it; she'd have to wait for the pictures to see what Jonathan meant but she could guess at what had caused the change. “Has your fiance finally arrived, Harry?”

Harry beamed at her. “Yes, as a matter of fact he has.” He gestured to the approaching group of Slytherins. “Tillie, I'd like you to meet my fiance, Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black.” Harry watched as the blonde politely shook the reporter's hand, then added. “And his two best friends, Blaise Zambini and Pansy Parkinson,, who set up the interview. Unfortunately, they have other errands to run and won't be joining us.”

“Of course.” Tillie said, a bit breathlessly. When the other two students had left and Draco was seated beside Harry, she asked. “So, Harry...your fiance really is Draco Malfoy?”

Harry grinned cheekily. “Well, since I'm wearing a Bonding Ring bearing the Malfoy crest, I certainly hope so!” Harry held out his left hand and Draco placed his own beside it, revealing the Black ring.

Jonathan snapped a picture of their hands and Tillie inquired. “Draco, I see that your ring bears the Black crest. Is that in deference to your mother's side of the family?”

“It's in deference to my fiance's family, actually.” Draco smiled. “The fact that my mother happens to be cousin to Harry's beloved godfather is simply a funny coincidence.”

“You mean Sirius Black?” Tillie wrote more swiftly when Harry and Draco nodded in unison. “I'd imagine that the war – and those lost to it – puts a bit of a damper on your budding relationship, Harry.”

Harry nodded, leaning into Draco's side as the blonde wrapped his left arm protectively around Harry's waist. “It's hard, of course, because war is hard, but we do our best to stay positive.” He smiled up at Draco and Jonathan's camera went off again. “We are...”

Harry stopped, looking suddenly surprised. “Harry?” Draco asked, concern evident on his face. “Are you okay?” He touched Harry's cheek lightly with his right hand. “Do you feel faint?”

“No...” Harry blinked slowly. “No, not faint...a little dizzy...” He felt a smile slide onto his lips as he gazed into Draco's grey eyes.

“Do you want to stop, Harry?” Tillie asked, looking anxious. “If you need to lay down or see the school's Mediwitch...”

Draco and Tillie both looked startled as Harry laughed – a bright, bubbly sound that was full of joy and awe. “No...no, it's just that I realized something and I was a bit startled.”

Tillie frowned, her thin eyebrows drawing together. “Do you mind me asking what you realized, or was it personal?”

Again that bubbly, joyful laugh left Harry's mouth. “Oh, it's something personal alright, but I'll answer anyway.”

Harry turned to face Draco fully, his torso twisting around. “Draco, my darling...” Draco's eyes widened at the intense look on Harry's face. “I...” The brunette's voice broke and he had to take a deep breath before he continued. “I love you.”

Tillie gasped, loudly and happily, and Jonathan snapped another photo while Draco's eyes grew wider and his mouth moved soundlessly. Finally, the Slytherin boy swallowed hard and hissed. “You...you're telling me that you love me for the first time during a bloody interview?”

Harry's grin was so bright it was blinding. “Yes, Draco, I am. Now the whole world can know, not just you.” He shifted forward and kissed Draco's mouth lightly before adding. “I love you, with all my heart.”

“Harry, what made you realize just now?” Tillie burst out, practically bouncing in her seat from her excitement.

“I was about to say that we are looking forward to our future together, once the war ends, and that in the meantime we just do our best to soak up all the good things like family and friends and getting to know each other. Then I thought...” Harry giggled a little, blushing faintly.

“You thought what?” Draco asked softly, curious as to what had made Harry realize his feelings so suddenly.

Harry flushed a shade darker under the intense scrutiny of Draco and Tillie, but answered anyway. “I thought about meeting Draco's mum and how she was very welcoming, and I imagined being able to show her our first child and knowing how happy she would be to be a grandmother and I suddenly realized I want to hold a blonde-haired, green-eyed baby, because it will be ours and I want that because I love you.”

Tillie's quill scratched furiously away as she asked, still breathless from excitement. “So the two of you plan on having children?” Her muddy eyes were bright and her face was flushed – Harry hoped she didn't faint. “Will you be waiting to start your family?”

“Love can't wait.” Harry answered simply. “Neither can life. If you put the good things on hold, the bad things take over.” He rested his head on Draco's shoulder again. “We'll be marrying before school ends, probably in the the spring though we haven't set an exact date and we'll be Bonding around the same time. I'd imagine we won't wait too much longer after that for children.”

“And you agree with Harry on this?” Tillie asked Draco, since the blonde boy was frowning a bit. “That started a family now, in the midst of war, is wise?”

Draco hesitated for only a moment before replying. “Our parents didn't stop living during the first war, or the 3 years above us and our own year would be nearly empty.” He gave Harry a light squeeze, pulling the smaller boy closer. “Harry wants children and so do I and we don't see any reason to put off having a family.”

“And how have the school – staff and students – reacted to your growing relationship?” She queried. “Have there been a lot of issues?”

Draco answered immediately, for which Harry was grateful. “The Headmaster and teachers have been very accommodating regarding the needs of Harry as a Creature courting his future Consort.” He explained. “Due to House rivalries, and some differences of opinion, some students haven't been taking it as well as we'd hoped, but overall our friends have been very supportive.”

Tillie raised an eyebrow. “Overall?” She turned to Harry and asked. “Would you agree with that assessment, Harry?”

“Yes.” He nodded seriously. “Due to Draco's...family connections, there have been some tensions, but I've made it clear that I judge Draco by his actions, not the actions of others. The rest of the school has seen fit to follow my example and are giving us their support.” He smiled, if a bit tensely. “Really, Slytherin vs Gryffindor has caused more tension among our friends than any question of loyalty about the war.”

Tillie nodded, a knowing look on her face. “Of course. House rivalries have always been worst between Gryffindor and Slytherin, making your relationship all the more amazing for having overcome that. I remember how bad it could be from when I attended Hogwarts.” She sipped her cappuccino with one hand, still writing with the other. “You're both taking the situation in stride. How do you stay so level-headed under the pressures of so much change?”

Harry laughed softly. “Well, it's hard to remain calm under the pressures of being a 17 year old with wings, and the Boy-Who-Lived, but it helps put things in perspective. I'm happy with Draco and looking forward to our lives together – that gives me the strength to keep fighting. Love and family and a future is what I'm fighting for and they keep me focused and moving forward.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry sighed and buried his face in Draco's neck. “What time is it, do you think?” His voice was muffled by warm skin.

“Probably around 9, if I had to guess.” Pale pink lips pressed lightly to Harry's dark hair. “Why?”

“Window.” Harry groaned as the tapping started again. He crawled out of bed and wandered – nude – out into the Common Room and flung open the window there.

Draco sighed heavily and got out of bed as well when he heard the rush of wings coming from the other room. He grabbed two bathrobes – one black, one silver, both silk – on his way out of the bedroom. He yawned as he padded across the Common Room to pee, tossing the black bathrobe to Harry on his way past. When he finished peeing, brushing his teeth, and washing his face he headed back out, tying his bathrobe as he did. Harry was sitting cross-legged n the plush ottoman Pansy had conjured for him earlier in the week, his wings relaxed and starkly-white against his black bathrobe.

Draco stopped behind him, pressing a nuzzling kiss to the back of his neck and gently petting his wings. “Anything important in that pile?” He asked, referencing the heap of about 30 letters piled before Harry.

“No Howlers yet, which is good.” Harry murmured, absently skimming the copy of the Daily Prophet he was holding. “It's a good article. Pansy picked a really good reporter for it. There's two pages of photos, too.”

“May I?” Harry passed the paper over his shoulder to Draco and began sifting through the letters while Draco read the article.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Cheers to the Creature and His Consort

My first meeting with Harry Potter was illuminating. The-Boy-
Who-Lived now sports a pair of gorgeous white feathered wings,
eerily tri-colored eyes, and long black hair that shimmers like
gold-dust. He smiles brightly and laughed with ease. He's polite,
charming, and genuine. I was immediately enchanted. We chatted
about nothing while walking to a charming Italian Bistro in
Hogsmeade Village - Vincenzo's – and once seated he happily began
to answer my questions.

Though he refused to name his guardian – for security reasons –
he was eager to share about his fiance. Readers might be shocked
to learn that Harry's Consort-to-be is male – I certainly was!
Harry was gracious in the face of my embarrassment, taking the
time to reassure me that wasn't offended by my assumption. His
fiance, he stated, is a Pureblood and Harry took pleasure in
teasingly mentioning how said-fiance, while a bit pompous at times,
was learning that the importance of bloodlines is rubbish.

As we discussed Harry's fiance, he suddenly lit up. His skin
seemed to grow luminescent and he smiled brilliantly. His fiance
had arrived – and was none-other than Draco Malfoy! Draco allowed
Harry to introduce us and, as I questioned their engagement,
proudly showed off their Bonding Rings. Harry wears the Malfoy
crest proudly while Draco wears a ring bearing the Black family
crest. When asked why, the young men explained it was in deference
to Harry Potter's godfather, the late Sirius Black, who was cleared
of all charges and awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class –
posthumously – a few weeks after his death.

Draco Malfoy, readers will be pleased to know, is not made
of ice as some have claimed his whole family to be. When asked about
how the war has affected them, Harry became a bit upset. Draco,
without hesitation, wrapped his arm around Harry in a protective,
comforting manner; Harry leaned into it as naturally as breathing
and the two together looked very natural. During our conversation
about how Harry does his best to remain positive in the face of war
by focusing on the good things in his life, Harry became a bit...
unsettled.

Immediately Draco was concerned and I offered to end our
interview if he was unwell. He mentioned vaguely feeling dizzy and
then smiled the brightest, happiest smile I've ever seen. He
laughed, an airy and ephemeral sound of pure joy. I've never seen
or heard someone look so utterly lovely as Harry Potter did in
those moments. His joy was soon explained as he turned to his fiance
and announced that he loved him – his first time, ever, saying those
words!

I, of course, was delighted to be privy to such a tremendous
event and Harry said he wanted everyone to know his feelings for the
blonde boy who was sitting there, stunned. Draco recovered quickly,
with true Malfoy aplomb, after Harry kissed him and repeated his vow
of love. We began to talk about their future at that point and Harry
was quite happy to dish, once again speaking candidly and with great
enthusiasm. Readers will find it interesting, I'm sure, that Harry
Potter and Draco Malfoy will be marrying (and Bonding) before
they graduate and intend to have the ceremony at Hogwarts, most
likely during the spring. They also intend to have children, with
both of them agreeing they probably won't wait long to start their
family.

Harry stated, in the simplest but truest comment I've ever had the
good fortune to hear, 'Love can't wait.' and apparently Draco
agrees. They are both eager to begin their lives together and the
joy they radiated merely from being in each others presence was
glorious to see. Harry was confident as he spoke of the things that
keep him strong – love, family, friends, and the life he's planning
with Draco Malfoy.

They explained how the support and understanding of the staff at
Hogwarts – including Headmaster Albus Dumbledore – has helped make
things easier on them. Draco laughingly informed me that Gryffindor-
Slytherin rivalry has amongst their friends has caused the only
tension in their relationship and Harry solemnly agreed. Harry
explained that his faith in Draco went a long way towards reassuring
his classmates that the Malfoy heir is not his father and
should be judged by his own actions. About this matter, Harry was
very firm and quite serious, though he resumed his previous happy
demeanor when I asked my next question.

I was unsure going into this meeting what to expect, both because
Peris are widely-unknown Creatures and because I had never met
Harry Potter – or Draco Malfoy. I came away from it with a greater
understanding and insight than I'd ever expected. Harry Potter is a
young man like any other – the things he fights for are the things
we all fight for; friends, family, love, and a life of peace
and happiness. The hope for a better future is what guides this
young hero onward. And as I watched Harry with Draco, the two of
them linked by obvious love and mutual affection, I felt that same
hope growing within me. Hope that the good in the world will -
someday soon – outweigh the bad.

I think we can all rest easier knowing that Harry Potter, The-Boy-
Who-Lived, has found a love worth fighting for and a man worthy of
him. I raise my glass to Draco Malfoy; may he lead a long and happy
life as Harry Potter's Consort – and the love of his life.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco was smiling as he set the paper down on the coffee table and sat next to Harry on the ottoman. “You're right; it's a good article.”

Harry smiled back. “I know. Did you look at the pictures? Tillie sent us copies so I can have them framed.”

“I'll look later.” Draco assured him. “For now, let's tackle these letters and then get back to our lives.” He kissed Harry's lips softly. “Together.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N: Okay, a couple of things. One...yay! I love Tillie; I love the article...they both turned out VERY well. Two...when I say Harry ordered “two vanilla cream sodas” I did NOT spell cream wrong. It's not “creme soda” the FLAVOR; it is “cream soda” the TYPE. It's an Italian soda; they're FABULOUS! Instead of the soda-syrup being mixed with seltzer water, they mix it with milk...it's thick, sweet and VERY good! Also, sorry about the time it took me to get this posted...I'm alternately writing this, my new H/D fic “Reden”, and a BBT fic, “Rette Mich” so updates might be a little slow. Sorry! Hope you liked this! Please review and remember, I alert to updates so leave your e-mail! ~ FA

A/N: At the request of the MODS I removed the challenges from the previous chapters and can't post any more. If you wish to participate in any future ones, please do so on my other sites. http://hpfandom.net/eff/viewuser.php?uid=9633 or http://foreverfandom.net/viewuser.php?uid=52633 Both will have any challenges included in the A/N's so just peek (and review) there if you're interested. ^_^ Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience! ~ FA