Familiar

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I am so sorry about the long wait. At least it wasn’t as long as the last one. This chapter was supposed to be up around Christmas time but unfortunately I couldn’t get it finished in time.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Oh and for those who are interested I hope to have an update of Banshee’s Balls done later this week.


Ero…Sorry bout the long wait. Lol I decided to play with Sal and Godric a little. Since little is known about them I wasn’t really constrained by personalities. And I thought that if two people spent a thousand years only able to talk to each other they’d take on a few of each others traits.

Redneckmama…thanks hun. It was no problem to rec your fic, its brilliant. Loved the new chapter by the way. Oh and you’ll see what happened with Krai in this chapter.

Serpensortis06…Thanks for pointing out that little omission on my part. I’ll go correct it. I’ve added you to the email list, so if you haven’t got one let me know.

vladimir mithrander…this story has got so complicated. It was never meant to be even half this long. You don’t know how glad I am that you’re still reading. Most of my early reviewers haven’t stuck around this long. So im glad you still like it. (grins). We’re at the point now where we’re gonna get some answers. So hope you like em.

Hpobsession…Hey I’m glad you like it. Dumbledore is a git, I want him dead as well. In this fic anyway. But what we want we don’t necessarily get, so we’ll both just have to wait and see. I love nice Snapes, but then again I like nasty ones too. He’s such a perfect character either way. But this story called for a nice Snape. So that’s what I put in. I hope the bonding is special, I had a lot of trouble writing it, especially the stuff leading up to it, so I hope its ok. And you should definitely try writing your own fic. Im real flattered your asking for advice. Hhhhmmm lets see. First I’d plan it out. Write down the order of events. They can always be revised later but knowing what needs to come and being able to set the ground work for it can make things a hell of a lot easier to explain. I’ve left a few hints throughout this fic, and since knowones mentioned them yet I’m guessing that they haven’t been noticed. Hopefully it will all come together when the main thing happens. Other thing I’d suggest is don’t rush the chapter. Some people don’t flesh out the chapters with details. Like simply putting something like ‘Harry crossed to the window’ before describing what he saw out of it can help. Oh and if you get a lot of people telling you that you could improve on something, like layout. Then listen to them. The layout of a fic can sometimes make a person feel negative about something without even getting through the whole chapter. That’s all I can think of for now, if I think of owt else I’ll put it in the last chapter. Oh yeah proof read it. At leas twice, its easy to miss stuff.

QueenBoadicea…I know that I have taken some liberties with some of the characters but that is why I labelled this AU. I prefer to go in my own direction with things and I have tried to be as original as I can be with the amount of well written fics out there, that I may be unknowingly mirroring. I’m glad that you’re able to see where I am coming from with the charactes though. Some of the things that happened in the books do make you wonder. I’m happy that you can believe the plot twists as that’s one of the things I worry about, that I go too far wih trying to make this interesting. I’m sorry if my missing out ‘ makes it annoying for you. But I often have to force myself to put them in as if they’re missing I don’t notice. I read it as though they are still there. I often write fast and miss them out. I try to put them in where I see them missing but obviously a few do get past me. When I have finished this fic I am going to see if someone would like to beta it and then I can repost the chapters. That way people aren’t waiting on nex chapters and the beta has plenty of time to work around her own schedule as there is no rush to get it done. I’m sorry about the run on sentences but that’s just the way I write, I thought I was doing ok with the paragraph spacing but I’ll try and improve. Thank you for pointing out the missing URL to the Plan recommendation, I have added it in.

KStover… hey thanks for the review. There isn’t an alert feature here. Which is really annoying bt if you want to be told of updates, leave me your email address and I’ll add you to the list I’ve made.

Thank you to everyone else who reviewed…Lottii, thrnbrooke, PotionsPet, Mizzwhip, Katt and Makovaso.


Here’s the chapter guys.



Chapter 39: A Mate for Christmas


After that first conversation with Salazar and Godric time passed swiftly. Harry spent a lot of his time with the two painted figures often bringing Draco with him and Krai once he was well. The snake had recovered swiftly from the poison but now they both feared other attempts on his life. But for now they had Severus’ assurances that nothing would happen until after Christmas. Harry didn’t trust Dumbledore but he trusted Severus.

Their talks with the two informed them of many things. For one thing the two of them had to be the only living souls who did know the true story of the founder’s lives. Knowing the truth helped them see the similarities in their own situation. For though they weren’t the Slytherin and Gryffindor, they were still associated with both and all its rivalries and prejudices. They’d learned a lot in the time between now and then. And tomorrow they left for the Christmas holidays.

Thinking back over everything they’d learned Harry realised that he’d found more than just ancestors in Salazar and Godric, he’d gotten a glimpse of the type of person he would be in the future. A mix of both of them and he found himself quite liking that idea.

Salazar and Godric had been able to alleviate some of their fears. Both he and Draco had been told that no further creature bloods would manifest in them. Draco had been worried that he would suddenly start changing. He didn’t mind being the mate of a creature, it had quite a few benefits actually but he still didn’t want to be one himself. Harry could understand that, he liked the person he was right now. He didn’t want to change anymore. According to the two Founders he still had some physical characteristics to come through but in personality and instincts his transformation was complete. But hanging over him had been the fear that the remaining blood in his system would awaken. And now he knew that it wouldn’t. A few exercises had seen to that.

The final blood had been that of a shape shifter, a humanoid creature that could change its shape at will. After several attempts Harry found that he couldn’t even complete a partial transformation. And he was relieved. He was glad that Krai hadn’t told him about it as he knew he would have worried. A shape shifter was classed as a Demon and adding that to his other creature bloods would likely have made him a much more violent individual. As he was now, he could easily live with that person.

And Draco could too which was a relief to both of them. Especially to Draco who like Harry had had a particularly violent childhood, filled with threats and over the top disciplinary measures. And he didn’t want that for the rest of his life. He trusted Harry to protect him, to take care of him and keep those sorts of things as memories and not reality. And that was what Harry lived for, he wanted to do all that for Draco. Be there for him and the children they would have. And as each day went by he found himself more and more willing to kill Lucius Malfoy…and his Master.

For them to be happy, it had to be done. For the first time since he was fifteen and had found out the truth Harry felt ready to live up to everyone’s expectations. Not for those who alternately praised and hated him, or those too afraid to fight. No he would do it for the Order, for the members he could trust at any rate, he would do it for himself, his parents and Sirius, for Severus and Remus but most of all he would do it for Draco.

He’d accepted it and more. Dumbledore would have to go too. It wasn’t only his creature instincts screaming at him for that one. Every cell of his body was doing the same. He considered Dumbledore to be more of a threat to his mate than Voldemort ever could be. And that did scare him.

It had led Harry to wonder often why Dumbledore had made no move against Draco yet. There had to be a reason for that and Harry wasn’t so sure he wanted to find it out. He didn’t want to do anything to make the old man target Draco, it meant fighting him. And in his heart Harry knew he wasn’t ready for that. He wasn’t strong enough, yet.

It soon came to be time to sign up to stay over at Hogwarts for Christmas. Draco wrote home and told his father that he would be staying there for Christmas when he would in fact be going home with Harry. But it seemed that Harry couldn’t get away with being alone with Draco for the full two weeks of the holiday. Then again he had been the one to ask Remus and Sev to come over…and Blaise if he could make it. The two older men would be coming over to continue Harry’s training. It was better this way. To have several hours a day on training instead of one night a week, that had to be cut short because of curfew. For as much as he loved teaching the DA he didn’t actually learn anything. He was the teacher in that case.

And Draco would be joining him in these lessons, where he was unable to do so in the normal ones, so they wouldn’t be apart even when working. The rest of their time was their own and Harry was really looking forward to it. He also intended to take full advantage of it.

***

One week later they were all packed and ready to go. Harry would be flooing to the Manor with Krai and Hedwig before leaving to meet Draco later at the Leaky Cauldron. Draco was forced to ride the train back to London. Then Harry would meet him (under glamour) and bring him back to the Manor with him.

That was the worst part having several hours to kill. But he was able to relax and get reacquainted with his home. He went out for a run around the grounds in his animagus form before coming back and applying his glamour and flooing to the Leaky Cauldron to meet his mate.

***

They used the first few days of the holiday to just relax and enjoy spending time with each other knowing they couldn’t be interrupted. It was a luxury really and they had to get used to it and make the most of it. With their hectic schedules and all the secrecy they had spent at most a couple of hours with each other. The day they went through the animagus ritual being the longest. They had to get used to spending so much time together and unsurprisingly they relished it. Spending their time alternately snuggling, talking or reading but no matter what they did they always remained in close contact. Harry usually stroking Draco’s hair with his spare hand or Draco playing with Harry’s fingers when they came to rest on his stomach.

The day before Sev and Remus were due to start popping over they decided to get out of the house. They had of course spent some days in the grounds, going for a stroll hand in hand and doing other silly romantic things as Draco called them or spending time in their animal forms. But today they wanted to get out out. So after Harry had applied glamours to both of them they headed to Diagon Alley to do some much needed shopping. After all they hadn’t been able to get each other presents yet.

***

To Harry the shopping trip was almost a complete disaster. He and Draco had managed to tear themselves away from each other for a short while so that they could get each other’s Christmas presents. And Harry just didn’t seem able to find anything. He was going from shop to shop mentally pointing things out to the snake wrapped around his shoulders but he usually shook his head and moved on before his familiar could even answer him. He wanted something special and he just wasn’t finding it. He’d already been to Gringotts and Quality Quidditch Supplies, but he still hadn’t found It, the perfect present for someone to give their mate on their bonding day. That also happened to be Christmas day.

He definitely wasn’t having much luck.

***

Draco was of a similar mind to Harry. He was currently on his third round of the items on display in Quality Quidditch Supplies but despite his persistence he still couldn’t find anything. Not that he really wanted to give Harry something as meaningless as a new Quidditch robe or personalised snitch for their bonding but he was quickly running out of ideas. Deciding to give it up as a bad job, well at least until he’d gotten the other thing he came for, Draco headed into Knockturn alley.

It wasn’t until after he had made his purchase that he realised that the other shop he wished to patronise was still closed. He had been counting on Borgin and Burkes being re-opened while they were away at school. He had a lot of Dark arts paraphernalia that he wanted to sell. If there was one thing he knew about his mate it was that Harry hated the Dark Arts and Draco didn’t want to have anything to do with such things anymore. At the moment he couldn’t make the break entirely but he could sell off those items that he had been gifted with. It was doubtful his Father even remembered what he had given his child and it was even more unlikely that the man would notice them missing. There were some things that he couldn’t get rid of until he fully broke from his Father. But there were some things he could get rid of that he’d rather Harry didn’t see. He didn’t want Harry to get upset over them and the best way to do that, was to get rid of them before Harry saw them.

But either way it didn’t matter, Borgin and Burke’s was still closed. So that would have to wait for another day.

As he was walking back to Diagon, Draco again went over his options for a gift for Harry. He had bought Harry a couple of presents already, but they were little things, everyday gifts. He wanted something special for Harry, something that would show the other man Draco’s commitment to him.

He went over everything that Harry had ever shown interest in. Quidditch, friends…family. Suddenly the idea popped into his head and Draco didn’t know how he’d missed it. Draco went about his business the rest of the day with a small smile, planning what exactly he needed to do to make this Christmas extra special for Harry.

***

They were meeting back up in half an hour and Harry still hadn’t found anything. Harry was currently sat on one of the benches outside Gringotts running through everything he knew Draco liked in his mind.

He ended up slamming his hands into the bench in exasperation, wincing at the biting pain it caused. Luckily the bench had been metal and not wood, if it had been Harry thought it would have likely cracked in two. He rubbed the pain from his hands and again went over his options.

~Massssster…~

Quidditch was out of the question of course, it just wasn’t romantic enough…

~Massssster…~

An animal. Draco had confided his love of animals to Harry weeks ago, but that wouldn’t really work either. As much as he’d love to get Draco a Krup or a Kneazle…Animals didn’t live forever and a bonding present should be something that lasted.

Master!

Startled from his thoughts Harry answered his irritated snake.

What?

Master, you still struggle for a present for your mate do you not?

Resisting the desire to say something sarcastic in response Harry bit his tongue and answered Krai.

Yes!

Master there is this spell. A spell that when cast uses the magic of the caster to create an item that symbolises the desire of the intended.

Harry paused a moment before answering. Do you mean that there is a spell that will create whatever Draco desires by using my magic?

It is something like that Master yes. It is more the fact that the item in question was created in such a personal manner that is so favoured.

And the name of this spell? He asked his snake, already thinking of the possibilities.

I do not know the name of it Master but I am sure the Dark one or his mate will know.

Luckily Sev and Remus would be popping over the next day to continue with their lessons.

How do you know about it anyway? Harry asked curiously. His familiar usually knew a lot but this didn’t seem like it would come from his usual style of topics.

The Dark one and the Wolf used it while I was with them.

Krai Harry grinned. Did I ever tell you how brilliant you are.

***

It was soon Christmas Eve. The night before the big day and Harry and Draco were nervous. Well not really nervous, it was more anticipation that made their stomachs twist. They spent the night in each others arms, ensconced on the couch in the family room with a large fire blazing and Krai curled up by it, basking in its warmth.

Harry was playing with Draco’s fingers, the blonde’s hand was resting in Harry’s lap and his head was upon Harry’s shoulder.

‘I love you. You know that don’t you…even if you weren’t my mate I’d love you.’ Harry whispered, turning his head and kissing Draco’s hair.

Draco chuckled. ‘Oh I know. I know that alright. I love you too.’

Harry smiled and shook his head. ‘How do you know, I don’t get to say it as often as I would wish. Sometimes I wonder if you think I only stay with you because Krai told me you were meant to be mine. And when I haven’t been able to say it in a while, I worry.’

Draco turned in Harry’s embrace, so that he could look his love in the eye. ‘Do you think I would leave you?’

‘Sometimes I wonder whether you’ll realise you could do so much better than me.’

‘Oh Harry.’ Draco said giving him a hard kiss. ‘I am your mate, I don’t need anything else telling me to be with you. I feel it. But even if that wasn’t there, I would love you. I think anyone would if they knew you, how could they not. You’re brave, self-less, good looking, intelligent, caring, giving, everything anyone could want and your all mine.’ Draco said fiercely, his voice soft yet husky in Harry’s ear where he placed a small kiss.

‘And how do I know you love me, without telling me so?’ Draco continued. ‘I see it everyday. When you look at me, your eyes tell me.’ Harry shook his head, disbelieving but Draco just smiled. ‘I don’t think you realise the appeal you have, you don’t see the way people react to you. I doubt you even notice the looks they give you, the want in their eyes. That’s how I know you love me. You never even notice the people who throw themselves at your feet, you look over their heads and find mine. I don’t need words when I have that Harry.’

Harry smiled, brightly this time before taking Draco’s hand back into his own and placing a kiss to the knuckle. ‘But how do you know you’ll always have that?’

‘Because I know you.’

***

Christmas day dawned bright and cold, but there was no snow. No natural snow at any rate, when Draco woke up and saw the blank skies he cast a neat little charm on all the windows that made it appear as though it was snowing outside. It was perfect.

Manny and Lynny had decorated the entire house for Christmas earlier that month. But overnight further decorations had sprung up all over the place in an attempt to make their bonding even more special which was scheduled a little later that day. At ten to be precise and Harry couldn’t wait.

Neither could Draco, he was bouncing about in his dressing room, searching for the perfect outfit and trying to find the present he had finished wrapping last night when he went to bed. For per tradition he and Harry had spent the night apart, the point of that he didn’t really know but it was part of the ceremony. They were to take their bonding vows in the morning, before saying goodbye to the guests that couldn’t stay, after which they would have Christmas dinner with their Godfathers and open their presents. Then they would have some much needed alone time before he and Harry completed the bonding later that night.

Pansy being one of his best friends was sat on the couch in his room (one of the Founder’s based ones, Slytherin’s to be exact) and like any good friend she was doing what they all did when their friend was getting bonded…laughing at them!

‘Oh Draco settle down, you’ll wear yourself out. I’m sure Harry will appreciate you falling asleep on him tonight.’

He stood still long enough to slip her the finger. It was a muggle gesture he had seen Harry use before, but he wasn’t sure he’d got it right because she just laughed all the harder at him.

‘Should I wear the blue or the green?’ he mused. ‘Come on Pansy help me!’

Giggling to herself, Pansy got up to help Draco search through his wardrobe for the appropriate attire.

***

Harry wasn’t having the same problems as Draco. He already knew what he was wearing and was mostly done. But contending with Blaise’s enthusiasm first thing on a morning was a definite trial. But Harry couldn’t bring himself to be annoyed, not really, it was so good to see Blaise acting so care free. The last few weeks had been hard on the other boy, seeing Ron and Hermione flaunting their newfound ‘relationship’ was sobering and depressing the Slytherin who usually had so much enthusiasm for life that he was bursting at the seems. Luckily the imminent bonding of two of his best friends had lifted his spirits for a while. He was glad, he missed Blaise…this Blaise, the Blaise that had been around the last few weeks had been a poor substitute. He just hoped that everything would be sorted out soon and his friend would be back to his old self.

Krai was watching from the dressing table, curled up next to an all important box watching his exasperated Master and his Master’s bouncy friend. Having good hearing he could hear the Pansy girl laughing and wondered what his Master’s mate had done to make her laugh so.

A knock on the door stopped Blaise’s recital of what newly bonded couples did on their bonding nights and consequently stopped Harry’s feet from falling asleep due to all the blood rushing to his cheeks. So it was with relief from Harry that Blaise left when he saw the man at the door.

‘I’ll just check on Draco. Make sure he isn’t freaking out about his hair or something.’ Blaise said closing the door behind him.

‘Well its finally happening.’ Harry said giving his Godfather a slight smile.

Remus smiled in return before stepping forward and pulling Harry into a tight hug.

‘I can’t believe this day’s here. It seemed like it was only yesterday when your Father came rushing out of the delivery room and was ushering us inside to see you. You were such a small thing, little wisps of black hair, red faced and making soft little hiccupping cries. No matter what they did they couldn’t stop you squirming. Then James took you from Lily and passed you round. You didn’t settle in any of your Grandparents arms and by the time Sirius got you, you were whimpering. When he passed you to Peter you started wailing.’ The older man’s smile was sad now, knowing what had happened only a year later. ‘He juggled you about for a few minutes before giving up and passing you to me. It took a moment but you actually calmed down. I couldn’t believe it you know. Babies have a lot of instinctive magic, they sense things about people. And I was expecting you to cry all the harder with me. I didn’t expect you to start liking me until you were old enough for us to explain everything to you. But you didn’t. I was a dark creature but you trusted me, you actually fell asleep in my arms.’

He sighed, smiling through tears. ‘And now look at you. About to be bonded yourself and maybe soon to bring even more loud mouthed Potter’s into the world.’ Harry laughed before aiming a mock punch at Remus’ arm, which the other man dodged.

‘Even with the changes I do see him in you. And Lily I see her more than ever. Your Mother was such a caring soul Harry, you may have got your looks from James but you got almost everything else from her.’

Harry smiled, thinking of what Remus had told him so long ago in third year. It was one of the proudest moments of his life…learning how special his Mother was.

‘I see Sirius in you too you know.’ The older man’s gaze was speculative now. ‘When you laugh your eyes sparkle just like his did. And your grin, it’s a perfect match for his.’ He paused. ‘I know you worry about a lot of things Harry and you shouldn’t. You deserve this Harry, all of it. You are a remarkable man Harry, Draco wouldn’t feel so strongly for someone who was not. It had to be a special young man indeed to catch his eye but even more so to keep his heart. I know you sometimes worry about Draco only feeling this way because he is your mate but it doesn’t work that way. While the bond does induce some feelings to break the ice so to speak, it only does that, gets things started. Everything else is up to the two people lucky enough to have each other. Draco’s love Harry is as genuine as yours. And nothing will ever change that.’

He placed a final kiss to Harry’s head before turning back to the door, he had a few last things to check before everything would be ready for them.

‘Er…Remus.’

He paused at the door. ‘Yes Harry?’

‘You said you saw Sirius in me…do you see anyone else there? Anyone who might have had a big influence on my life? Do you see him?’

Knowing who he meant Remus smiled gently, reassuringly. ‘No Harry I don’t.’ And seeing the relief in Harry’s eyes he left the brunette alone to finish getting ready.

***

Harry being the creature and the dominant party was to take the role of the groom at a muggle wedding. So it was that he went down a little before the hour, so as not to be there long enough to start worrying that Draco wasn’t coming down, Draco would then be arriving a few minutes after him, on the hour. Or as close to it as they could manage.

It hadn’t mattered which hour they chose so they had decided to have their bonding earlier than usual so as not to cause inconvenience to their friends. Pansy, Blaise and both of their Godparents couldn’t afford to disappear from their homes or the school for too long.

He walked down the corridor that led to the entrance hall only to stop short at the top of the stairs. The Manor had been beautiful before but today it was even more so. He was looking down on a vision really, a perfect setting. The entrance hall had always been one of his favourite rooms in the Manor, he could sit and watch the forest wood cut all day. With every viewing he saw something different. Some of his fondest memories from before Hogwarts were of sitting in one of the chairs watching Krai play tag with the wooden snakes that slinked over the table cloth. But now it made him wonder whether Krai was lonely, whether his familiar wanted some other serpent companionship. He decided that he would try and find his familiar someone to share the rest of his life with.

The cherry red wooden panel had been burnished until it gleamed, the floor had been polished and the chandeliers were lit and blazing with light, casting a shine on every surface. The wood cut as he had seen it so many times was reflecting the weather outside, today though it was Draco’s spell that it modelled. The unicorns and other creatures were frolicking in the snow, kicking up great showers of it with their back legs. The gryphons shook their manes and wings to remove the little flurries that came their way.

Harry shook his head, it was quite a sight. Added to that were the tasteful bundles of Holly and Mistletoe that hung from every surface and the garlands of the same plants that formed lines that stretched from the chandeliers to the walls, crossing the ceiling in beautiful criss-cross patterns. It was a sight to behold.

He crossed the entrance hall in a kind of daze and headed into the conservatory, his second favourite room of the Manor. The conservatory was like a tropical jungle, no matter what the weather was outside the plants felt as though they were in a hothouse but the person did not. Via some innate magic the room seemed to judge the needs of its occupants, it knew whether they wanted a nice hot tropical room or a cool or cold room. And they gave it to them and the plants never suffered.

Well today the room had also been decorated for the occasion. Harry knew it was only a glamour that either Severus or Remus had placed but it looked so real. Every branch and stem was covered in frost and snow. The branches glistened in the light that poured in from every window. The floor was covered in snow and an ice blue carpet had been placed in the centre as a makeshift aisle. The carpet itself wasn’t actually carpet, it was very fine lace. Because of that pale blue flowers seemed to litter the ground where they walked. At the far end of the room was an arched doorway which usually stayed locked as it led to the private family rooms. This arch was decorated in icicles and little blue bell flowers. Underneath it Severus was stood, ready and awaiting their arrival so he could perform the ceremony.

Harry stopped before the man, standing slightly to his left. Blaise, Pansy and Remus were all sat. A moment later they heard footfalls in the entrance hall. Severus took out his wand and whispered an incantation. A moment later it began to snow lightly and the wind chimes in the corners of the room swayed in a non existent breeze playing a sweet tune.

Draco came through the door and I know it sounds corny but Harry really did forget about everything else. Draco was wearing a light blue under-robe and an open silver one with blue trim over that but all that was a detail Harry remembered later. Much later, for at the time his focus never left Draco’s face. Maybe it was the relief at finally being able to do this, the knowledge that this was something that could never be taken away from them but whatever it was, he knew he’d never seen Draco look more beautiful.

***

Draco knew it was inappropriate, Malfoy’s didn’t get nervous after all. And he knew it was a little girly but he really did have butterflies in his stomach. Seeing Harry, the way he looked…it didn’t help calm them at all. One look at the man…the man who would be causing those butterflies to leap out of his skin later that night…well he couldn’t describe what it made him feel.

Harry was wearing an emerald green closed robe, over black pants and a shirt. He had a green silk cravat at his neck, the Potter ceremonial sword on his hip and his Lords ring upon his left hand. He looked every inch what he was, a powerful being with both magical strength and physical strength. How did anyone stand a chance against his charm? Draco certainly hadn’t, he’d fallen, head over heels but without everything that had happened recently it might not have happened.

He did see the room and the snow…and their friends but he didn’t realise he had until later. It could have been someone else up their doing the ceremony, not Sev and he probably wouldn’t have noticed until he and Harry reminisced on their memories of that day.

Standing in front of Harry, seeing him smile he hardly even paid attention to Sev’s words. And he was sure the man before him wasn’t hearing the words either. He only really noticed what was going on when Harry took his hand in his and he realised whereabouts in the ceremony they were. He tore his eyes away from Harry and paid attention to Sev as he bound their clasped hands together with a thin cord, all the while chanting solemnly in Latin.

As a creature all Harry had to do to be classed as bound was to take Draco and then give himself to the blonde. But to be bonded as a wizard the Hand-fast ceremony had to be undergone. It was an old tradition and one that really symbolised the joining of two souls.

Now came their own parts. Sev turned to Harry first. As with the mating the dominant went first in this also.

‘Do you Harry James Potter take Draco Lucius Malfoy as your bonded mate, in full knowledge that this decision is binding and infinite if you say I do?’

‘I do.’ Harry agreed.

‘Your answer?’

‘I Harry James Potter in full awareness of my actions do happily take Draco Lucius Malfoy as my bonded mate in this life and the next.’

Sev nodded as the cord around their hands began to glow faintly.

‘Do you Draco Lucius Malfoy take Harry James Potter as your bonded mate, in full knowledge that this decision is binding and infinite if you say I do?’

‘I do.’ Harry agreed.

‘Your answer?’

‘I Draco Lucius Malfoy in full awareness of my actions do happily take Harry James Potter as my bonded mate in this life and the next.’

The cord glowed even more brightly before it sank into their flesh.

‘You have stated your intent to bond, the bond that now lies between you will be official upon completion of the physical aspect of this bond. But for now a kiss will suffice.’

And to the applause of their few friends and family they complied with Severus’s last wish.

***

It was a couple of hours later when they sat down to open their Christmas presents. Everyone else had gone, so it was just the two of them. As per tradition they had dined with their Godfathers and accepted the gifts they had been given but from now on the remaining time was all for them.

‘Are we opening presents then?’ Draco asked, his voice muffled slightly due to the closeness of his mates neck to his lips.

Harry made a faint sound of approval in the back of his throat as Draco continued his ministrations.

‘Can I go first?’ Draco asked.

‘Hhhhmm hhmm.’

The kiss that followed kept them occupied for a few moments, it was only when Harry heard the quiet sniggering from Krai that he broke it. He stood pulling Draco with him and both of them headed over to the large tree in the corner.

They’d decided to have their Christmas in the receiving room as the rooms in the family wing were a bit too over the top and pretentious for their tastes. Despite their cleanliness the other rooms seemed like they hadn’t been used in a long time. Much longer than the rest of the house, so Harry guessed that the family rooms hadn’t been to his parents tastes either. He and Draco had decided that they would spend some time redecorating all the rooms in the family suite after they finished Hogwarts.

For now they were content with staying in the more public areas of the house, that despite their grandness also appeared welcoming. Harry could only surmise that whoever decorated the family rooms last had had very poor taste.

When Draco had said he’d wanted to go first Harry had thought he meant that he wanted to open a present first but the blonde didn’t reach for one of his. No instead he reached for a rather large box that he had purchased. The box itself wasn’t wrapped with paper like the others, no the box itself had been subjected to some rather inventive colour charms. It reminded him of Krai’s scales, a riot of a rainbow. And it was Krai who the box appeared to be for.

Harry had asked his familiar what he had wanted for Christmas but the snake had been unable to answer. So not knowing what else to do Harry had remodelled the snakes own personal area. Before Krai had slept in a makeshift burrow with its own attached pool in Harry’s room. But with Draco moving in now it had been mutually decided to move Krai to another bedroom. So Harry had remodelled an entire room to accommodate Krai and his needs. The room was quite large and able to support a pool, well small lake with its own fish supply and a network of burrows and tunnels. The ceiling had been charmed to reflect the sky and the walls to give the appearance of a wood on three sides and a meadow on the other. It was actually rather beautiful and Harry had found himself spending some time each day talking with his snake and enjoying the peace of the room. A lot of the time Draco joined them but the blondes preferred place of habitation was the library, he was often found there ensconced with some potions journal or other thick tomb. Just like his Godfather, who when he wasn’t helping train the two of them seemed to take root in the library with a large pile of books.

Krai was surprised when the box was placed before him but was even more so when it was spelled open. Harry found his own jaw following his familiar’s to the floor when a beautiful young snake slid out. She was black and sleek, with a jewel like shine to her scales. Harry had thought about getting Krai a mate but it seemed Draco had gone out and done it.

Krai hissed a question to her and she answered before they both moved forward. The two snakes were soon circling each other, tasting the air to get the measure of each other. Draco watching with a happy smile, and Harry was grinning indulgently at his mate’s behaviour.

After a while Krai looked to Draco and Draco seeing the question answered it. ‘I just wanted to thank you for your part in all this. I mean…without you its unlikely we’d ever have come together. I wasn’t necessarily thrilled with your methods but I am thrilled with the results. I know that if you hadn’t done it, I wouldn’t have him. We’d likely still be on opposite sides of the war right now, Harry on his way to defeating Voldemort and my own spitefulness leading me down the other path. We’d have been still been enemies, even more so without you. So I just want to thank you…’

Thank you Master Draco, this…I am very grateful. And I apologise for what I did.’

Draco shook his head. There is no need. He said turning to Harry.

No. Harry agreed. We are very thankful.

After a few minutes of general talk, Krai and his new mate Silasi slipped away to get to know each other better, leaving Harry and Draco also alone to continue their Christmas.

***

Though Krai had made no mention of it, Harry and Draco did receive a gift from him. The snake was gone by the time they opened his present, having already opened the ones from their family and friends. Krai’s presents were wrapped in multi-coloured paper, red and gold for Harry and green and silver for Draco. A tag was affixed to the wrapping.

I was able with the help of your Godfathers to have these made for you. Though I know they are not entirely appropriate Christmas presents I could think of nothing else you required. Krai

‘Harry can I ask you, how the hell does he write notes and letters?’

Harry just shrugged, he had no idea either.

Inside the boxes were several folds of tissue paper, wrapped around a garment of some kind. Harry’s first thought when he saw it was that Krai had given them each a full set of robes made of dragon skin. But then he looked at it again, closer and realised the scales were slightly smaller and more defined than the scales of a dragon.

‘It’s basilisk hide Harry. Most likely from the one you killed. Why didn’t I think of it?’

‘What, why?’ Harry asked, confused.

‘Basilisk hide is stronger than dragon hide, even more so when treated with potions. As these will have been if I know Sev.’

‘It’s for protection.’ Harry murmured looking back in the box. He smiled slightly, how could he ever thank Krai. Not only had the snake given him a way to fight back against Voldemort and Dumbledore, he’d also given him the most important person in his life. His mate, and now he was giving him things that would help protect Draco even when he couldn’t do it himself.

Draco was looking at him now, the small smile showing Harry that Draco knew what he was thinking.

All that remained was to open their gifts from each other. They had gotten each other several presents, inconsequential little things. Almost meaningless compared to their last presents, little trinkets and other things like that.

Harry was the first to open a ‘main’ present. He could sense how important it was from the tenseness in Draco’s eyes. Harry opened the box to find two rings.

‘These are traditional rings that are to be worn by bonded couples in the Malfoy family. Though I do not agree with the choices of my parents, I am still a Malfoy and I’m still quite proud of that…so…I’d still like to wear them. I know it might be uncomfortable for you but…’

By this point Harry wasn’t really listening to the rambling of his mate, instead he was looking at the rings.

‘Draco…’ That one word stopped Draco from speaking. ‘Your family may have made bad choices but they’re still your family no matter what they did. It’s important that you don’t forget where you come from and I know it will make you happy. So for that reason, I’ll wear them.’

Draco’s smile was almost blinding. ‘Thank you.’

After placing the rings and exchanging a few kisses Harry decided that it was time for his present.

***

Harry’s gift was a single box containing the two betrothal necklaces from his family vault. One for each of them. They were old, very old, something hardly seen nowadays. Not because they were old fashioned or anything, just simply because no one seemed able to recreate them. There were still betrothal necklaces today, but these often paled in comparison to those of older make. It was something to do with the magic imbued in them.

By giving them to him Harry was once again demonstrating his lack of knowledge in the wizarding world, for these necklaces were never meant to be worn by anyone other than the original wearers. Those who they were created for.

‘I saw them in the vault. And I asked Remus about them, he said that they’d been there for ages. And were apparently a special set, that’s why they weren’t buried with the original couple. According to him, each Potter couple since then has tried to wear them but has been unable to. I thought that with all the stuff that’s been happening recently it could easily be us, couldn’t it who are supposed to wear them. And it’s a tradition, well in my family it is and…’

‘Harry.’

‘Yes?’

‘I’m afraid you’re the one whose rambling now love.’ Draco smiled.

‘Will you try?’

‘Of course I’ll try. I love you don’t I. We’re family now, it’s tradition for me now too isn’t it?’

Harry just nodded simply and took hold of the joined necklace when Draco passed it to him. As a Potter, he had to hold it first.

They were beautiful things. Two separate necklaces joined to each other at the hinges. Not loose and flowing like a normal necklace but held rigid so that it would not sit against skin and drape around a neck. Meant for two people only, but it seemed in this case they were meant for two more. Both were in the style of flattened twists, each necklace was dual toned. One side being silver and the other being gold. If you placed both necklaces together, so that one was nestled in the point of the other you would see that the coloured sides didn’t match up. On one necklace the left side was gold, on the other necklace it was silver. And so it followed on the right side.

Each side had a gem, the gold had a green gem and the silver a red one. The colours of both Slytherin and Gryffindor interwoven. And as a final touch, on the back were words...‘Mine’ and ‘Yours’.

The words like the colours were reversed. On one necklace the silver side was claimed as belonging to the wearer (‘Mine’) and in turn the wearer, the gold side pledged themselves (‘Yours’). The opposite necklace was the same yet reversed. In the other the gold side was said to belong to the wearer, the wearer this time being represented by the silver side was then said to belong to the one who symbolised gold.

It was quite simply two necklaces meant to be worn by a devoted couple, the meaning that either belonged to the other and they were quite happy with the fact.

Draco was brought out of his musings when Harry leaned forward and placed the joined necklaces over his neck. The moment they touched the skin of his neck, they had separated and fastened in a moment. Like magic. He smirked at his own thought. Draco’s necklace had fastened about his neck but the other had fastened in Harry’s hands. Draco took it, unclasped it and slipped it about his mates neck before closing it.

Harry chucked. ‘Looks like we were meant to wear them then.’

‘You know I think you’re right.’ Draco’s smile was sweet and much more at ease than when they had slipped the Malfoy rings onto each other’s fingers. ‘What were their names?’

Knowing who Draco was asking about Harry answered him. ‘Lurian and Dana Potter.’

‘Lurian…no it couldn’t be!’

‘Draco?’

‘Lurian is a Malfoy name Harry. It was my Grandfather’s Grandfather’s name.’

‘Ok.’

‘Yeah, his wife died and his heir was old enough to look after the Manor so he left. He and his son didn’t get along so Lucien never tried to find him. Looks like he got married again. A marriage between a Malfoy and a Potter, up until this year I’d have never thought it possible and now look, there’s not only us but two of our ancestors!’

‘It does seem a little coincidence.’ Harry allowed.

‘Harry none of this has been a coincidence for a long time. It was set down a long time ago now, we know that.’

‘Draco, are you ok?’ Harry said, placing his arm around his mate.

‘I’m fine it’s just…we’ve known about this for ages, that our descendents came together every so often but there’s never been any proof of that you know. Just word of mouth. Now it all seems so much more real.’

Harry couldn’t say anything to that, it was true it was all true. So he just held onto Draco all the tighter and rocked him back and forth.

***

It was a little while later before Draco felt ready to return to the present opening. There were only two left. One for each of them, by unspoken agreement something more personal and lasting than pieces of traditional metal.

When Draco opened Harry’s box he was surprised to see nothing there. The box was empty, no matter how hard he searched the brightly coloured strips of paper. What was the point honestly? Muggles, they didn’t make any sense!

Harry looked a little sheepish when Draco turned his eyes away from the empty box.

‘I er, didn’t want you to think I hadn’t gotten you anything. What I’ve got you, well it can’t be wrapped.’

Even though he hadn’t known he’d been feeling so, Draco felt his disappointment lift. His eyes widened of their own accord when Harry took out his wand.

‘I was stuck on what to get you. Nothing seemed personal enough. And those things that I did find, just weren’t you. You’re one of a kind and I wanted a one of a kind present. I hate to admit it but I had help with your gift.’

‘Krai?’ Draco asked.

Harry nodded. ‘It’s alright Harry, I had help too. My gift isn’t something I can give you without another’s help.’

Harry smiled, glad that Draco understood. Something meaningful and original was becoming harder and harder to find in an increasingly unoriginal world.

‘This spell Draco, it’s called ‘Token of Devotion’.’ Harry ignored Draco’s smile of recognition, if he paid attention to every one of Draco’s smiles, he’d never finish a sentence.

The purpose of the spell was to take the users magic, an important part of them on a deep and intrinsic level and use it to create an item that would mean a lot to the intended.

The spell was in a way transfiguration, the changing of a persons magic into something physical. He took hold of Draco’s hand and spoke the required words while waving his wand to the words rhythm. Draco’s smile grew with each syllable. Light leaked through their joined fingers and something cold and firm insinuated itself between their grips, growing larger as the spell drew to a close. In the end they were only loosely clasping hands. When he uttered the last syllable Harry pulled his hand away from Draco’s allowing him to look at his own gift.

Though Harry was just as excited as Draco to see the item in question he of course allowed his mate first peek.

Draco’s sigh was special, it was happy a small gust of air that spoke volumes. And he leapt on Harry, hugging and kissing him, saying over and over again how he wished he’d have thought of it for his own gift.

It was amazing how things slipped the mind, that spell had never even entered Draco’s head. He knew Harry would like the gift he had gotten him, but the spell was something different. It gave a person a gift with a higher meaning. In this case it showed just how much Harry loved him, for giving up a piece of your magic to another was no small thing. It was everything.

When he pulled away he looked back down at his hands. It might appear a simple thing but like both he and Harry it hid so much. It was a cloak clasp, not a particularly ornate one, nothing like the hundreds he had at home. No gilding or tawdry gemstones. No this was simple, understated, a platinum creature. Not a dragon, no something even more special, a Draco. The face of his mate, the pewter was fashioned in the form of a coiling snake with wings folded down and bright green eyes. It may be sad, pathetic even but he’d wanted something like that. Something that would show the world that he was Harry’s and Harry his. The necklace and the rings could belong to anyone but there was only one real Draco in the world and Harry was with him.

That was what this was about, a cloak clasp was overlooked. It could even be glamoured so as not to give them away, but he would always know it was there and feel as if the world did too.

He kissed Harry one more time before removing the last present from under the tree. His gift to Harry. He was a little nervous as he passed it over, it could be taken the wrong way but he didn’t think Harry would do that. He just didn’t want to see Harry cry and this gift likely would do that.

The paper was ripped off agonizingly slowly, or so it seemed to Draco. When Harry finally took the top off the white box Draco held his breath.

***

Inside were little vials, little vials filled with a very familiar looking liquid. Silver, slightly thick yet thread-like and swirling, memories, for a pensieve.

‘I knew you didn’t have any so I uh, thought you should have some. Sev and Remus…they helped. And I just thought it was a good idea…but if you don’t like it then…’

‘Draco what are they?’ Harry asked, more to stop his mate from distressing himself. He had a fairly good idea what was contained within the glass and he could already feel his eyes tearing up at the thought.

‘Memories of your parents and Sirius and everybody else when they were young. And I think Remus…he um gave you some of your time with your parents. The year…before…well the year…’

‘The year I had with them.’

‘Yes.’

Harry didn’t say anything, he couldn’t, he really couldn’t speak but Draco understood.

The kisses that resulted from both gifts soon became heated, it was nearing night time now, a perfect setting for a joining. They left the sitting room for the stairs, sharing touches and amorous kisses as they made their way to their room. As they left, Manny and Lynny popped into the room to bank the fire and set everything else to rights, they shared happy smiles as they finished. Glad their Master would finally be happy.

The couple reached their bedroom, slightly the worse for wear with some but not all buttons popped and bruised, reddened lips with panting breaths.

It hadn’t been like this before, Harry had never felt like this when he’d kissed Draco. He felt something building inside him, a need. It was primal and instinctual, with every touch of Draco’s lips and every hitched breath that his own touch caused in the blond, Harry felt himself becoming less and less controlled.

By the time they had reached the bedroom his kisses had become savage, brutal and demanding. His touch firmer, stronger then bordering on painful but no matter how hard he tried to ease up and be loving he couldn’t stop. He pushed Draco down onto the bed and stripped his own clothes off before climbing on top of his mate. Draco was licking his lips in anticipation. Harry smirked, feeling very much like the cat that got the cream as he settled himself over Draco’s hips.

Draco was moaning, half in pain and half in pleasure, it was hurting Harry to be so rough on his mate, to cause him harm when he had been trying so hard to prevent it. But he couldn’t stop. He latched his mouth onto Draco’s neck and bit down hard. Draco’s hips jolted off the bed as he cried out. Hands were at his back, then moving up and down his sides frantically, up from his arse to brush his shoulder blades.

He pulled back with a growl, lending his attention to Draco’s shirt. He didn’t waste time popping buttons, he just ripped, sending the buttons flying. The tearing sound made Draco start.

‘Harry.’ He said. Then he said it again and again like a prayer as Harry’s mouth worshipped his torso. Harry knew he was leaving marks but by this point now he didn’t really care. There was only one mark that mattered.

His tongue danced a pattern around Draco’s nipples, the noises that came from his mates mouth at this were so addictive he did it again and again to get more of them. He nipped the little nubs sharply, making Draco howl before descending the body before him and suckling on the tender flesh just above the line of Draco’s boxers.

Needing more Harry used his magic to rend the fabric of Draco’s trousers, much like he had done long ago with the curtains and sheets of his bed. When he was done Harry sat back and just stared for a moment. His mate was bared before him, only a few tattered remains of fabric were left to cover him even slightly. But these added to the overall picture. Draco was a debauched angel, a gorgeous creature lying prone on ice blue and white lace covers. All that was missing were the feathered wings to give him the appearance of soaring through the clouds. But it wasn’t just this that made Harry’s pulse race. Draco was sprawled, his legs were wide open, and all that covered him were light grey boxers, which were soon removed. His mate’s erection sprang free and Harry thought it was the most glorious sight he’d ever seen. When combined with Draco’s bruised and swollen lips and his eyes…molten pools of silver with their lust. He couldn’t be compared. Not with his flushed skin or rapid rise and fall of his chest.

He looked very much like temptation and Harry had to give in, he couldn’t have stopped if he’d tried. He brushed a tender kiss across his mate’s lips but a moment before descending to attack the skin of his throat again.

Draco moaned when those lips again made contact with his flesh. The sharp nips of Harry’s teeth set his skin aflame. But too soon Harry was moving away again, back down his body.

Harry looked like a demon, there was a feral glint in his eye and a magic in the way his long hair seemed to flow around their bodies like coiled snakes. The nails were sharp and they left red marks and welts in their wake. Draco couldn’t decide how to react half of the time, whether to hiss in pleasure or pain. But there was no denying he liked it, so what did it matter what distinction he gave the feeling, as long as Harry didn’t stop.

‘Don’t stop.’

Harry chucked. But continued to place kisses and stinging nips along Draco’s inner thigh. So far he’d avoided Draco’s cock, preferring to tease and prolong their pleasure. But now he found himself almost desperate to see it done. So that Draco would be his in every sense of the word.

He rubbed his cheek along Draco’s cock, nuzzling it, making Draco babble and loving every second of it. He took Draco into his mouth, holding his mates hips firmly as he swirled his tongue around the head.

Draco couldn’t think straight. He never could when Harry did that. It was moments like this when he swore Harry’s tongue was twice as long as it should be. He was close so close.

Harry looked up when he heard a small clatter, he chuckled around Draco’s cock making the blonde whimper and almost drop the jar he was now holding out. Harry took it wordlessly, his mouth still occupied with other tasks. Draco flopped back onto the bed with a groan of disappointment as Harry left him to open the jar. He coated his fingers quickly before returning to his mate. He didn’t take Draco back into his mouth, knowing just how close his mate really was. Instead he placed light kisses on Draco’s abdomen as he slid the first finger inside his mate. Draco’s eye’s closed but a moment, before opening again and blinking at him. His eyes were misted over, not in pain or even pleasure yet, but contentment.

Knowing his mate wasn’t hurting Harry began a gentle thrusting with the first finger, careful to keep the tip turned inwards so as not to cause Draco damage with his nails. Draco sucked in a breath of surprise at the feel of it. Harry soon added another finger, stretching his mate slowly and gently. His creature side allowing him this one thing. At three fingers Draco signalled he was ready.

Harry moved back up his body until their faces were inches from each other. He kissed Draco languidly.

‘You need to turn over love. It’ll be easier on you.’

Draco shook his head. ‘No I want to see you.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes.’

He kissed his mate again, to take away the sudden tensing he sensed. Before positioning his cock and resting the head against Draco’s tight ring of muscles. He felt Draco’s hands squeeze his shoulders and he knew his mate was as ready as he could be and pushed forward. Slowly not nearly with enough force. He laughed when Draco told him to ‘get on with it’.

As he sank into Draco’s tight heat, he felt the creature instincts come bubbling to the surface again, he held them at bay but a moment before they took over. His first thrust was brutal causing Draco to let loose a keening wail. He set a harsh pace, his thrusts hard and fast. He gripped Draco’s hips tightly and felt his nails pierce the skin, the hot blood of his mate welling up between each digit. But he couldn’t stop. Mercifully neither of them could last too long. Harry having teased himself, not being touched and Draco being almost overwhelmed.

As much as he hated it Harry came first but Draco followed him not a moment later. After that everything went black.

***

When Harry awoke, his head was pillowed on Draco’s chest. He felt different, his body was tingling all over, he moved his head and heard his hair crackle with static. Peeling himself away from Draco he sat up and looked at his mate and gasped.

Draco was covered in marks; bruises littered his torso and trails of dried blood led from several small wounds in varying places. Handprints marred his arms, teeth marks claimed his chest and his stomach was riddled with red lines from Harry’s nails. Harry gazed numbly at Draco’s hips, black with bruises and at the five closed wounds he saw there from his fingernails.

But it was the mark at Draco’s neck that truly caused him shame. He’d known he would mark Draco, most likely bite him. But he’d expected just to sink his teeth into the flesh and hold it there just long enough to give a red mark. A single mark, but that wasn’t what he saw here.

Draco looked like he’d been mauled and mauled he must have been. Harry remembered thinking he was being a little rough but he’d never thought…

Draco’s neck wasn’t just bruised it was a mass of different colours, reds, blue, black and the yellow of old bruises. And these mark weren’t just confined to one side, they covered almost the whole surface. The teeth marks were gone but the flesh was still slightly raised and swollen in places, even one of his ears was thick and angry looking.

His gaze slid to Draco’s eyes and found the other man watching him. He must have whimpered for Draco sat up quickly and tried to reach out to him but Harry backed away. It was then that Draco looked down at himself and gasped in surprise. He didn’t hurt, how could he look like that and not feel hurt. Harry whimpered again and Draco tore his eyes away from himself and managed to look at his mate. Harry was crying. He didn’t think he’d ever seen that, if so not often enough for him to remember. And he hated it Harry shouldn’t be crying like that.

‘Harry?’

Harry just shook his head and moved further down the bed.

‘Harry?’ he tried again and had to jump forward to keep his idiot mate from falling off the bed.

‘Harry I’m ok. Honestly.’ He hugged his mate close and rocked him gently as you would a child. Harry, not expecting Draco to still want to touch him clung to him fiercely. Draco held him until his sobs calmed but when Harry pulled away and saw him he would withdraw into himself again and try to move away. Draco didn’t know what to do.

Finally losing his patience Draco turned Harry’s face to him and kissed him. He still kept a tight hold of Harry’s head when he pulled away. Saddened that Harry hadn’t responded. But Harry was looking at him more intently now. Disbelief present in his gaze.

‘I love you, you idiot. It was the creature in you that did this. I wasn’t expecting it to turn out like this but I was expecting it to be a little bit rough the first time. All creatures are the same Harry. You’re not on your own. And I don’t blame you for something you had to do. No look at me. And did you see me complaining? Did you see me trying to push you away? No you didn’t, because I love you Harry and it seems I don’t mind a bit of pain. You didn’t hurt me. It may look like you did but I bruise easily. All I have to do is press my hand on a table too hard and I come out in bruises. It definitely looks worse than what it is and I won’t let you feel sorry for yourself for it. Do you understand me?’

Harry nodded and then leant forward, looking for reassurance. Draco pressed their lips together instantly. He felt the passion flare between them again. But this time he took the lead. A reciprocal bonding asked this of them. For Draco’s body to be what Harry had just been to him, a connection. Though instinct and magic were leading him to do it, Draco knew he’d likely never do it again. Not unless Harry needed it. He didn’t feel comfortable taking the role away from his dominant. But this one time he would do it without fear.

He laid Harry back down on the bed, his head resting on the very edge. Harry was lethargic, almost lifeless, but for his eyes and a certain part of his anatomy that woke up when Draco’s naked form settled over it.

The coupling that Draco initiated was slow and loving. The creature inside Harry allowed him to respond faithfully to Draco’s ministrations. He moaned as Draco’s feather light touches ghosted over his flesh. He keened at the feel of his mates grip around his flesh. And as with Draco the sounds he made intensified when Draco was inside him. First a finger, then two…three and finally something much better. They rocked slowly together. Draco being careful to show his mate how much he still loved him, to reassure and comfort Harry. And help the other man forget what he’d done. For Draco had lied, it had hurt. Again not as much as Harry seemed to fear. He didn’t mind his mate being rough but he did prefer the soft, loving look that he saw in those emerald eyes.

More than the feral look he’d seen, it did thrill him and he truly didn’t mind a little pain mixed with pleasure. But like Harry he hadn’t had a loving family when growing up and he’d much rather see the loving glint in his mates eyes than the other.

Draco came first this time, not that he minded either way. But this way he got to watch as Harry came without being distracted by his own, as his mate thrashed his head from side to side as he came.

They didn’t fall asleep quite so quickly this time. Harry had just enough time to ask…

‘Do you forgive me?’

‘There’s nothing to forgive love.’ Draco whispered back before kissing his mates cheek and settling down to sleep.

***

It was morning when Harry stirred and woke. After a moment or so everything that had happened last night came to him again.

He was still upset at what he had done but now he seemed to be thinking clearer than earlier and he was able to see that it had been his creature blood, not he himself that had done it. According to Sal and Godric his instincts came to the fore in the bonding but wouldn’t do so again. After this he would be the one in control. And Draco had known that. And accepted it as just another thing that they’d have to go through so that they could be together.

It was a few more minutes before he realised that he didn’t feel any different. After the first time, when he’d woken he’d felt the energy created by their joining. And knew he should be feeling it this time also.

It was then that Draco woke up and stretched. ‘Morning.’ He yawned.

‘Morning love.’ Everything was quiet a moment, one content just to lie there. The other wondering whether he should voice his question. Finally, he knew he couldn’t wait any longer.

‘Er Draco, shouldn’t we be feeling different somehow right now?’

Draco lifted his head from its position still on Harry’s chest. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Shouldn’t we be glowing or at least tingling or something right about now? Like earlier?’ He could see the change come over Draco’s face as he thought about what Harry was trying to tell him.

‘No not glowing, but we should feel different…And I don’t.’

Draco’s expression turned horrified. ‘Oh Harry what did I do wrong?’






A/N…ducks behind chair. To avoid things being thrown due to horrible cliffy. Sorry! Couldn’t be helped.

The next chapter is much much shorter than this one. Which was the longest I’ve ever done. So I’m hoping to get it out much quicker. But I think I promised that with this chapter, so please don’t hold me to it. I hate that I’ve gotten so slow at updating.

Info on the bonding and nature of creatures.

The creature side of Harry not only made him extremely dominant and aggressive in both sexual situations and fights but it also increased the still remaining submissive instincts in him, so that draco could finish the bonding.
After this Harry will never bottom again but once was necessary to facilitate a bond.

No creature in this is either completely dominant or submissive. For the aspects of life require both from them.

I.e. Harry may be the dominant, the protector. And is likely to fight and be vicious to protect his mate and any children they have. The dominant side of his personality deals with that and it is the majority of him.

But as they are a breeding pair that will never have other partners. He must also display some submissive traits. I.e. being able to look after any children he may produce, feeding and other parental behaviours. That role falls more to Draco as he is the submissive of the relationship. But Draco must also have some dominant instincts so that he can protect his children and his mate if the dominant becomes incapacitated. As self defence also falls under the dominant category of behaviour everyone must have a little of both in their personalities to ensure the survival of themselves and their offspring.

Hope I explained that alright, if not let me know. Please R & R, I love getting feedback.


RECOMMENDATION…

I decided that since this was a Christmas chapter that I should recommend Christmas fics, so if you think it is too long after Christmas to read one you can skip this part.


12 Days Until Midnight: A Harry Potter Christmas

by Lady Bahiya

http://www.hpfandom.net/eff/viewstory.php?sid=6546


H/D…COMPLETE.

To promote house unity McGonagall decides to hold a 12 days of Christmas celebration. Each person has a secret santa and has to think of fourteen gifts to give to the one chosen for them.

This is a really lovely story, the perfect Christmas read.

The other thing I have to recommend is a oneshot that I think is hilarious.


How the Snape stole Christmas

By Sparkin

http://hp.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600008146

Snape in place of the Grinch and a little SNARRY (HP/SS) ending.


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