Harry straightened up from where he had been leaning against the old gnarled tree next to the Hogwarts entrance gates and smiled in greeting as Draco came striding into view. The blond was moving quickly up the long dirt track, wind whipping pale blond strands into disarray.
Harry had awoken that morning uncertain of what the day might bring after Draco had had the night to think things over; a night away from Harry's Omega scent and the close proximity they'd shared in the Room of Requirement. But a day of surreptitious glances in the Great Hall and secret little smiles across classrooms had quickly quashed any feelings of anxiety that Harry had been harbouring. Now that Draco had actually admitted to wanting to be with him and was willing to give this crazy - and most likely ill-advised - relationship a try, Harry had found that his feelings for him were only growing more intense.
A smirk played about Draco's lips as he walked up to him. "What have you done to my cloak Potter?"
Harry glanced down at what used to be a green and silver Slytherin crest on the expensive cloak slung around his shoulders, and was now, thanks to Hermione's nifty transfiguration work, a cheerful Gryffindor insignia. "Improved it," he replied, looking back up.
The arched brow clearly demonstrated what Draco thought of that assessment.
Harry couldn't help smiling in response. "I suppose you want it back now," he said, trying his hardest not to sound disappointed and failing miserably.
"You keep it, I have more than one," Draco replied negligently as he began walking towards the gates, Harry falling into step beside him. "Furthermore, no mate of mine will wear the offensive collection of clothes that you call a wardrobe."
Harry's offended glare turned into a smile when he caught the teasing light in grey eyes, stomach flip-flopping as 'mate' fell so easily from Draco's lips. "You're such a poncy git," he said disparagingly.
"Get used to it Potter," Draco replied with a lofty smirk.
"I think I will," Harry answered easily, facing forward as they walked underneath the huge black wrought-iron gates.
Once they were safely off school grounds, the two turned to face each other and Harry's nerves kicked back in as he stared back into grey eyes.
Draco's nostrils flared delicately as he stepped close to prepare for Apparation. "You've stopped taking your potions."
Harry blinked, taken by surprise; he didn't think an Alpha would be able to tell after missing just the one dose. "Yeah, I told Kreacher that he didn't need to steal from the hospital stores any longer. Oh, and he asked if this was because his plan had worked and if I'd found a mate."
"Plan? What plan?" Draco repeated with a frown.
"He admitted to diluting my potions in order for an Alpha to properly scent me," Harry informed him with a scowl, remembering his angry outburst at the meddlesome house-elf that morning when Kreacher had informed him of his interference. "He only did it because he was hoping it would be you, if that helps."
Draco's eyes flared. "So thanks to that sodding house-elf you've been attacked more than once? Unaware of why the fuck it was happening?"
Harry almost smiled as the same fury that he'd felt that very morning was now flashing in Draco's eyes. "Yeah, but it's also thanks to him that you were able to scent me on the way to the infirmary yesterday."
Draco exhaled, releasing some of his anger as he met Harry's gaze with a reluctant smile. "So you're crediting him as match-maker?"
"Something like that." Harry laughed. "Don't worry, I yelled at him for a good five minutes before telling him to never interfere with my life like that again."
"Good." Draco reached for his hand and gripped it. "Ready?"
Harry swallowed, his light-hearted mood instantly vanishing. "As I'll ever be. Did you at least warn them?"
"I owled them to say that I was bringing a potential mate home to meet them tonight - but not that it was Harry Potter." Draco smirked. "I didn't want to miss out on their expressions when you walked into the room, it's not often I'm able to take them by surprise."
Harry groaned and closed his eyes briefly. "You owe me Malfoy."
Draco tugged him close. "What do you want?" he murmured suggestively, voice dropping an octave or two.
Pleasant tingles instantly ran down Harry's spine and pooled warmly in his groin at Draco's seductive tone. "I'm sure I'll think of something," he replied flippantly, hoping he didn't sound as breathless as he felt.
Before either of them could utter another word, Draco leaned in and kissed him soundly.
Harry could only cling to the Alpha as his senses instantly exploded into overdrive. He opened his mouth and encouraged Draco's tongue to tangle hotly with his own, stroking, chasing, lips slotting into place and hands clenching hard into the thick fabric of their cloaks. The pair both moaned into the rough kiss as Harry pressed closer, wanting - needing - to get as close as possible, as though trying to climb right into Draco's body.
"Draco…" Harry whimpered, unable to stop himself as Draco moved warm seeking lips down his throat and then back up to the spot just behind his ear that drove him mad. "I can't… need more..."
A rough sound ripped itself from the Alpha's throat as he pulled back and held Harry tight before suddenly Disapparating the two of them with a loud crack that echoed long after they were gone.
Harry stumbled upon landing jarringly in a strange bedroom which could only be Draco's. Capable arms held him up and he was barely able to catch a glimpse of the tastefully decorated room before eager lips were pressed back to his and his eyes fell shut of their own volition.
Harry shoved aside the tiny, niggling Hermione voice that was in his head asking him if this was a good idea, before he knew what Draco's secret was, before he knew what the Malfoy's reaction was going to be, before…
Oh fuck it.
The backs of his knees hit the edge of Draco's bed and he sprawled back on soft covers, Draco quickly covering his body with his own and resuming the heated kiss.
"Yes," Harry hissed in pleasure, arching up as Draco moved to nuzzle into his neck, inhaling deeply while pinning Harry's wrists to the bed. Merlin, he felt as though his entire body was throbbing with arousal, every touch of Draco's lips and hands seemed to be magnified a thousand times over by his nearly unbearably sensitive body.
Draco kneeled up and quickly unclasped Harry's cloak and pushed it open before leaning back down to run his nose and lips down Harry's neck to his collarbone, sniffing and licking slightly salty skin in turns, murmuring and humming his approval.
Harry slid his hands up into soft wind-tangled hair as he continued to arch up into the delicious weight of the Alpha, every push upwards resulting in friction and sparks of pleasure which he only wanted more of. "More…" he muttered dimly.
Draco inhaled sharply and Harry almost sighed in relief when the blond hurriedly began to remove both of their cloaks and shirts until they were both bare-chested in the muted evening light flooding through the huge glass-paned window.
Harry reached up and pulled Draco back down to him, not quite catching the sigh this time as their lips met and suddenly it was warm skin on skin, and more sparks and more soft tingly sliding of exploring hands and hushed moans traded back and forth between urgent mouths.
Harry ran his hands up and down the soft skin of Draco's pale back, flattening his palms to the expanse of warm skin and pressing down, closer.
Draco tore his mouth away from the deep kiss as he began to kiss and lick and mumble incoherently down Harry's throat, over his collarbone and chest, stopping to lick or suckle on particularly delectable spots, inhaling deeply, memorising scent and taste alike.
Harry was too far gone to be embarrassed or to wonder if he washed himself well enough for this sort of intense scrutiny. He was lost in the overwhelmingly primal needs of his Omega; touch, taste, smell, rolling hips up to seek out delicious wonderful sparking friction. He threw his arms out to the sides and fisted the silky bed covers in damp clenched hands as Draco's hot breath puffed across the sensitive skin just below his navel, goose pimples rising across his flat abdomen.
Harry's breath stuttered and held as long pale fingers deftly began to unzip his jeans. The ensuing brush of cool air told Harry that he was now fully exposed to critical grey eyes and he pushed himself up onto his elbows to glance down.
He had to bite his lip to stop the wanton moan from breaking free at the sight of Draco sprawled between his parted legs, darkened lust-filled eyes flicking up to meet Harry's gaze before licking a long slow confident stripe up Harry's cock, lying flushed and leaking against his stomach.
Harry threw his head back on the pillows, hands pulling at the blanket on either side of him, as he emitted a low groan, hips unconsciously thrusting upwards, wanting more. Mouth open and panting, Harry forced bright green eyes to open and glanced down again, wanting to see what his Alpha would do next.
Draco smirked up at him once before taking him fully into his mouth.
Harry gasped and continued to watch avidly as Draco's hand came up to stroke in conjunction with his mouth moving up and down, pausing every few strokes to circle his tongue around the head and gently press into the slit, before starting all over again. His erection glistened wetly between Draco's stretched lips and Harry collapsed back again, eyes closing, all too quickly pushed to the edge of orgasm.
Gentle hands slid over his hips and kept him from thrusting up too forcefully, allowing just enough movement to drive Harry mad.
Harry swallowed and opened his eyes when everything suddenly stopped. Draco was kneeling up on the bed and unzipping his own trousers with trembling fingers, eyes glued to Harry's flushed face.
Harry drank in the sight of Draco's cock as it was finally revealed to his eager eyes. He thought it was beautiful and perfect - much like the man himself. Harry licked his lips and met fervent grey eyes for a moment before Draco was back, chest to chest, lips meeting once more, as the hot firm slide of their erections pressed together.
Harry's eyes rolled back into his head as he lifted his legs to wrap around Draco's lean hips. He knew it wouldn't be long now as the most perfect pressure was applied and met his rising hips thrust for thrust. It felt dirty and urgent and devious, kiss turning messy and sloppy with the need to breathe and to release hushed moans of approval and encouragement. The mattress squeaked and the bedframe thudded dully against the wall behind him in a rhythm that quickly began to lose its even measured tempo as their movements turned shorter and more erratic.
Harry could feel his body trembling and shaking; tensed with approaching completion. He let out a sharp gasp as Draco's teeth suddenly closed over the soft juncture of his shoulder and lightly bit down - and that was it. He was suddenly free-falling into an orgasm that seemed to spread outwards to every part of his body as he cried out and spurted hotly between their bodies.
Draco bit off a gasp above him and thrust a few more times, staring intently into Harry's face before suddenly arching and freezing. Harry forced his eyes open and watched raptly as Draco's cock added to the warm sticky mess pooling between them, the last vestiges of Harry's own orgasm still breaking over him. The sight of Draco with his head thrown back, straight white teeth biting into a kiss-swollen bottom lip, was the most erotic thing he'd ever seen.
Draco collapsed forward onto his hands for a moment before rolling off to the side and onto his back, breathing hard.
Harry felt as though his whole body was melting into the soft pile of sheets and blankets beneath his back, under which was probably the most comfortable - and expensive - mattress he'd ever had the pleasure of lying on. "I can't move," he finally uttered, a sleepy and satisfied sort of contentment colouring his voice.
There was a quiet rustle of fabric as Draco turned his head on the pillow to look at him, grey eyes warm and alight with amusement.
Harry blinked; he'd never seen the Slytherin quite so… relaxed before; pinked cheeks, mussed blond hair, not hiding genuine emotions behind a wall of carefully constructed pretence. A slow smile spread across Harry's face. "Can we just stay here?" he asked.
Draco's eyes remained warm as his lips twitched at the corners. "Not unless you wish to be late for the first official meeting with your future in-laws."
Harry laughed; he was too tired and sated for his nerves to kick in again at the mention of the Malfoy patriarchs. Somehow, what he and Draco had just shared had filled him with not only the confidence to deal with the situation at hand, but also assurance of his partner's willingness to stand by him. He couldn't even pinpoint why he was suddenly filled with this calm confidence, perhaps it was just a part of an Omega's afterglow, or perhaps it was the way Draco was gazing back at him as though he was someone important.
"Shower first?" Harry suggested, shifting on the bed and feeling the tight pull of dried semen on his skin. He glanced down at the clothes thrown haphazardly about the bed, the tell-tale signs of sex drying on his stomach, his jeans hanging off of one ankle - and he dearly hoped Draco's parents wouldn't just walk into the bedroom unannounced. The thought was slightly horrifying.
Draco murmured a quick cleaning spell with an absent wave of one hand. "Secret first," he sighed, sitting up.
Harry's pulse quickened and the smile slid off his face; he'd almost forgotten about that. He couldn't regret what they'd just done though, it had been building within him for too long and he'd needed an outlet - they both had. Plus it had been bloody fantastic.
Instead of gathering his clothes and getting dressed, Draco slipped all the way out of his rumpled trousers and slid naked beneath the sheets. Harry quickly followed his lead, awkwardly kicking his jeans off and away before climbing in, silk sheets smooth and cool against bare skin.
They faced each other on their sides and Harry was relieved to see that the sorrow he'd caught a glimpse of in Draco's eyes the night before was absent this time.
Draco's pale brow creased in concentration as long fingers idly played with the edge of a pale blue pillow case.
Harry glanced around the room as he patiently waited for Draco to gather his thoughts. The bedroom was decorated in cool colours; the look soothing and tranquil yet elegant, but nothing was too ornate or over-the-top. He idly wondered if he would be expected to live here with Draco once they were bonded.
"I guess I should start by finding out what you know of Ministry banned creatures."
Harry's attention immediately snapped back to Draco. "Banned?" he repeated. "As in… illegal to own one?"
"Not illegal to own, illegal to exist."
Harry's eyes widened. "Wow. No, I… I didn't know there was such a thing." He paused and frowned. "What could they possibly ban if werewolves and vampires and dragons are permitted?"
Draco's responding look was sardonic. "Yes indeed," he said ambiguously then sighed, sounding resigned and weary. Without hesitation, Harry reached out and wrapped one hand around Draco's wrist. The blond looked up in surprise then relaxed, looking appreciative of the silent support. "There are a few completely banned beings that the Ministry have deemed too dangerous to co-exist in our world," he continued steadily. "One group of those beings are called Nundu - have you heard of them?"
Harry frowned thoughtfully, searching his memory for any recollection of that name. "No, I don't think so…" he eventually replied.
Draco licked his lips and pushed on. "Nundu are a species of human-like creatures which, when in their natural state, are comparable to large felines."
"Like tigers?"
"Larger."
"Okay," Harry said, processing this. "And what's so bad about them that the Ministry felt the need to enforce extinction?"
Draco propped his cheek on one hand as he looked across the room without really seeing. "Nundu can be extremely violent in their cat form and are prone to over-reacting to situations if they do not practice self-restraint. But it can be done and it works."
Harry swallowed. "And… your family are these Nundu, aren't they?" he asked, suddenly feeling a little dizzy.
"Yes." Wary grey eyes flicked back to his face. "And I am too."
Harry took a steadying breath and released it slowly. "So… I'm guessing you're not the only ones?" he asked, latching onto the first question that popped into his head.
"No." Draco shook his head, still watching him carefully. "There are about sixty of us in this region alone."
"And the Ministry has no idea?"
"They… no, they don't," Draco replied, frowning a little. "Every once in a while an incident will occur that will raise some suspicion within the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures but nothing has ever been confirmed because we regulate ourselves; we have our own Board that oversee everything. They monitor activities, keep a record of all members, and dole out punishment when required."
Harry chewed his lip as his mind spun too fast for him to keep up. "When you say incidents which raise suspicion in the Ministry…" he said hesitantly.
"Attacks on non-Nundu."
Harry forced himself to remain calm and think things through logically; Draco had never lost control and attacked him, even when they were younger and considered themselves to be mortal enemies. Not even Lucius had done that. They obviously did have a modicum of control to hide that side of themselves even from someone they loathed.
Harry looked up. "Did Voldemort know about you?" he asked suddenly.
Draco nodded. "Yes, that's why my father followed that lunatic. The Dark Lord promised that once he was in power, he would lift the Ministry ban."
Harry's expression immediately cleared as true understanding dawned on him. "So… between a prejudiced Ministry that wanted to see your family exterminated and a psychotic madman who would make it so that you didn't have to hide anymore, your father just chose the lesser of two evils?"
A hint of Draco's usual smirk flitted about one corner of his lips as he stared back. "You could say that, yes."
"Wow." Harry blinked and sat up, needing to move, as he rested folded arms on bent-up knees and stared at the opposite wall. "That explains so much."
"My father is still no saint, Potter," Draco said, remaining lying on his side as he stared up at Harry.
Harry turned to glance at him. "But… Voldemort kept your secret. He never… he never tried to use your kind to his advantage? To force you to fight in your true form against the Order?"
"No, Nundu are not more powerful than a wizard; we still need a wand to perform complex magic. We are only useful in close range combat. The Nundu Board would not agree to an emergence in our true form until the Ministry had officially fallen. We would fight and stand by his side as witches and wizards only until such time that the Ministry was truly gone."
Harry shook his head. "I can't believe all that was going on and… I had no idea. None of us did."
"We're very strict and very thorough," Draco replied solemnly. "We have to be."
Harry couldn't help but feel a sudden rush of warm pleasure. He lay back down on his side, facing Draco. "You trust me."
Draco's expression softened and this time a true smirk quirked his mouth up on one side as he replied, "yes, I trust you Potter."
Harry smiled. "So can I see it?"
Draco blinked and arched a brow. "Is that it? No more questions? No running screaming from the room?"
Harry chuckled and flopped onto his back. "I have loadsmore questions for you Malfoy - but first I want to see you as a cat."
Draco couldn't help but laugh and Harry's smile widened at the sound. "You're very… odd, do you know that Potter?"
"I do. Now make with the change."
Draco rolled his eyes and, with a rueful smile, slid off the bed and stood tall and naked in front of the window. Harry swallowed; his spent cock giving a little twitch of interest at the sight.
Draco took a breath, closed his eyes, and then in a whirl of light and a breeze that lifted Harry's hair, there was suddenly a very large, very real, panther-like cat standing on all fours where Draco had been.
Harry sat up and slowly swung his legs off the side of the bed and got to his feet. He'd forgotten to ask Draco if he could approach him in his Nundu form.
"Too late now," Harry muttered as he took a few tentative steps forward, sure that the blond would never have agreed to change if it was remotely dangerous for Harry to be in the same room as him.
The huge cat was black but there was a hint of silver in the fur that, when he shifted, made the fur appear almost wet and shiny. There were barely discernible spots in the colouring like a leopard, which only showed when the light hit it the fur just right. The animal was sleek and muscular, and very proud looking.
Harry stepped closer and the cat shifted and huffed as he watched Harry approach. Harry smiled a little when he saw that the cat's eyes were still Draco's; still that familiar grey. It immediately put him at ease and he took the last step forward to stand directly in front of the huge animal. Harry noted that the top of his head only reached the top of the cat's shoulder joint.
Harry hesitantly smiled up at him.
The cat paused - and Harry could've sworn he saw an eyebrow arch - and then the cat was leaning down and gently butting his head into Harry's chest.
Harry let out a puff of surprised laughter and immediately raised his hands to stroke the sleek fur on the back of the cat's head and neck. His fur was so soft and smooth. Harry buried his fingers into the thick fur as the cat continued to push his head against his chest, seeking further attention.
Harry moved his hands around to the cat's cheeks, just behind the long whiskers, and scratched. It was just like patting one of Mrs. Figg's house cats. Only the Clifford version.
Harry grinned when the cat distinctly began to purr in contentment, the sound deep and rumbly, and somehow soothing. He slid his hands along the soft fur as he walked down one side, shifting up onto his toes to run his hands along the cat's firmly muscled back, and then made a full circle all the way around to the other side and back around to his head. Harry dropped his hands back to his sides and stared up into handsome feline eyes that were distinctly amused.
Draco's Nundu form was much like the man himself; you had to look to the eyes for his true emotions.
"So… do you understand me when you're a cat?" Harry asked aloud, crossing his arms over his chest.
The cat nodded his magnificent head and Harry grinned.
Draco turned and neatly leapt into the centre of the bed, landing on all four large paws, long tail slashing through the air. He turned to glance Harry's way before suddenly shifting back into his human form.
Harry's grin was still in place as he walked back over to the bed. "What bothers me the most Malfoy, is that you're still bloody gorgeous even in cat form."
It was the right thing to say, as any trepidation in Draco's expression instantly melted away. "Of course I am," he replied but Harry knew he was relieved.
Harry laughed as he crawled back under the blanket, suddenly remembering his nudity as he stood there in the cold room. "Okay, question time," he said, keeping his tone friendly. "Would I ever be in danger with you in your Nundu form? Is there anything I should remember to do - or not do?"
"No," Draco replied decisively. "A Nundu's mate comes first and foremost to him, I could never hurt you."
A pleasant sort of liquid warmth flowed through Harry at Draco's resolute tone. Having grown up abused by his relatives, sentiments and promises like that meant so much more to him than most people. "What about your family? Or other Nundu? Will I ever meet them?"
"My family will not harm you, Nundu family clans stand by each other no matter what," Draco replied then hesitated a moment. "If you are to become my mate, then it will be expected of you to meet the Board. Other Nundu… could potentially pose a problem. While a Nundu's mate is sacred to him, a few Nundu have no qualms about taking what they want by force or by challenge. And a male Omega will be highly sought after in the Nundu community just as much as in the wizarding world."
For the first time, Harry felt a tiny flicker of apprehension.
Draco moved over and placed a warm hand on Harry's knee. "Not all Nundu will act that way, only some, and I or my family will always be with you while in their presence."
Harry nodded, trying to push aside his fear.
Draco paused and then looked as though he were forcing the words out when he continued. "You can always have more than one mate Harry. The more Nundu mates you have, the more protection you will have. I would not… I would not stop you from seeking additional mates for our family."
"No." Harry frowned, his anxiety drifting away on a wave of stubborn indignation at Draco's words. "I don't want that. I don't care if there are additional risks, I don't want a harem of men, I just want one mate."
Draco's eyes flickered with obvious relief and his hand gently squeezed Harry's knee. "Gryffindor," was all he murmured but the fondness was evident.
Harry relaxed a little and propped up one of the pillows behind him so that he could lean back against the bedframe, keeping his legs crossed in order to maintain Draco's hand atop his knee. "If we have children, does that mean that they will be Nundu too?"
Draco's expression brightened at the mention of offspring and it eased Harry's concerns even further. "No, when a Nundu mates with a human Omega, it means that only the male offspring will be Nundu. We're not sure why that is, but never has a female Nundu been borne by a human mother. Female Nundu can only be borne by two Nundu parents. That's why I'm one, because my father is Nundu but my mother is a human Omega, understand?"
Harry nodded then frowned. "So any male children we have will technically be in danger if the Ministry were to find out about them?"
"Yes, they would," Draco replied honestly, "but we have not been discovered in the hundred or so years that we have been in hiding thus far."
"Aren't you concerned that by having Harry Potter as your mate, you will be under even closer scrutiny?" Harry had to ask. "My every bloody move is put in the Prophet. I have reporters following me around as soon as I take a step outside."
"I had thought of that," Draco admitted, "but then I also thought that if anyone is altruistic enough to keep our secret, it's you."
Harry rolled his eyes and looked away as he felt his cheeks heat in embarrassment. "I'm not a saint either Malfoy," he muttered.
Draco leaned towards him. "I know you're not, I couldn't stand to be with you if you were, but I also know that you would never reveal our secret to the Ministry because it would mean the execution of so many people."
Harry glanced up. "Do you really think they'd do that?"
"I'm not sure, the law requires that they do," Draco said with a slight shrug. "You probably know the Ministry better than I on whether they would follow through or not."
"I don't trust the Ministry," Harry instantly stated darkly. "I trust Kingsley but the rest of them can get stuffed."
Draco smiled and was about to respond when a tiny chime rang out from somewhere on the floor. "It's time," he said, releasing Harry's knee and sliding off of the bed. He picked up his wand from where it had been buried in his discarded trousers and spelled the alarm off with a quick flick the wrist.
Harry stared for a moment before his brain caught up. "Oh fuck, aren't we really late?" he exclaimed in a panic as he pushed himself off of the rumpled bed and hurriedly pulled on his underwear and jeans.
Draco smirked at how flustered he was as the blond calmly dressed on the other side of the large bed. "No, we are perfectly on time. I ensured that we had ample time for me to speak with you first."
"Oh… well good." Harry sagged with relief as he pulled his t-shirt and jumper on over his head in a more sedate manner.
Draco glanced up from buttoning his shirt, expression carefully neutral. "So… you still want to go through with this? After everything you've heard?"
Harry paused in a futile attempt at finger-combing his hair into submission. "Yeah, I do," he said, and meant it.
Draco's grey eyes glittered with some unnamed emotion as he came and stood in front of Harry, reaching up with one hand to artfully arrange his dark hair over his forehead. "You look fine," he murmured. "Besides, they have seen you before Potter."
Harry laughed, storing away the fact that whenever Draco felt really strong emotions he reverted to mocking and sarcasm, and 'Harry' became 'Potter.'
"Thanks," Harry replied with a wry smile. "Should I have worn something a little more posh? I feel under-dressed."
Draco smirked as he took his hand. "You look like you," he said simply before pulling him towards the door.
"Is that a good thing?" Harry asked, half joking and half serious.
Draco opened the door. "Yes," he answered simply before leaning in and kissing him on the lips.
Harry couldn't help but smile, feeling silly yet pleased as he was led down the hallway towards his fate. With Draco's warm hand firmly in his, he felt as though he could face whatever they wanted to throw at him. He was fairly confident that he could persuade Narcissa to tolerate him - but Lucius was another matter.
Harry distracted himself by looking around the long empty corridor with interest. It was as he'd expected: ornate and cold and full of stuffy old portraits of what he assumed were deceased family members. The carpet was looking a little worn and there was a thin layer of dust on wall lamps that he thought had probably not been there before the war. It was an opulent home but with the minor neglect, it felt like a stately museum that hardly ever received visitors anymore.
"Will I have to live here with you once we leave Hogwarts?" Harry asked, remembering his unasked question from earlier.
Draco glanced at him, looking as though he were holding in his amusement. "Only if you want to."
Harry scowled. "It's not that daft a question; you said family clans are very close, and this place is certainly big enough."
"But do you actually want to live here Harry?" Draco asked with a sceptically arched brow as they turned the corner and ascended the wide marble staircase to the main level.
"Erm… no," Harry admitted. "I don't think I would feel comfortable."
"Then we won't."
"Plus it's really cold in here," Harry added with a shiver.
Draco squeezed his hand as they walked out of the grand entrance foyer and headed for one of the front parlour rooms. "I apologise for that, Nundu tend to run warm and so we keep it a little on the cool side at home."
"Hey." Harry stopped and turned to face him before they reached the closed double doors. "Is that why the Room of Requirement was a cave? Because of your… heritage?"
Draco actually looked slightly discomfited as he looked at the floor. "Yes, it… it's a comforting place for me."
Harry smiled, a daft part of him feeling a tug of affection whenever Draco was outwardly self-conscious. Something about it was utterly endearing. "Damp and bitterly cold? Oh yeah, very cosy."
Draco glanced up with a half-hearted glare. "Shut up Potter."
Harry bit his lip to keep from laughing out loud. Before he could protest, Draco had turned and pushed open the doors.
Oh fuck, I'm not ready for this, flitted through Harry's head just before Draco's hand reached back for his and pulled him through into the large sitting room beyond.
Harry blinked as his eyes adjusted to the bright light after the dimly lit corridors. There was a warm, orange glow from a crackling fire in the large grate to his left and quite a few flickering gas lamps on the walls, making the room warm and inviting - in sharp contrast to the occupants themselves.
Harry swallowed as he forced himself to meet two pairs of critical pale eyes.
"Good evening father, mother," Draco greeted with a nod of the head. "I'd like to introduce-"
"We are aware of who that is Draco," Lucius interrupted with controlled impatience. "What we do not know, is why Harry Potter is standing in our parlour?"
Harry refused to look away when Lucius' dismissive gaze flicked to him briefly.
Narcissa cleared her throat lightly. "Draco, when Trinket informed us of your arrival with Mr. Potter, we thought she must be mistaken," she said serenely.
"Trinket told you?" Draco replied, the trace of disappointment in his voice reassuring Harry that the Alpha was not only not nervous, but also not about to cower to his parents.
"Surprise," Harry said under his breath and Draco glanced at him with a smirk.
"Yes, she informed us the moment you arrived - which was some time ago," Lucius added pointedly.
Harry felt his cheeks flush but Draco quickly gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Yes, we were in my room," Draco replied unconcerned. "I required some time alone with Harry to tell him the truth about our family. I could hardly do that at Hogwarts now could I father?"
Both of Draco's parents seemed to pale; Narcissa's lips parted in shock and Lucius froze, body tense.
Harry knew a challenge when he heard one and he winced, preparing for certain backlash.
Lucius' pale eyes flared with controlled rage as he gathered himself to respond. "Mr. Potter, would you be so kind as to leave us?" he asked through gritted teeth. "I need to have a word with my recalcitrant son."
Draco rolled his eyes. "I've already told him everything so there's no need to send him away. Harry is my mate and, as a part of this family, he can hear whatever it is you feel the need to say to me."
Lucius opened his mouth to retort and Narcissa quickly placed a calming hand on his arm. She turned to Harry with a delicate smile. "Forgive my husband Mr. Potter, won't you please sit down? I am certain we can discuss this in a civilised manner."
Harry glanced to Draco for what to do next, and followed his lead when he stepped forward to seat himself in the pretty two-seater sofa across from his parents in their stiff-backed armchairs.
"Thank you," Harry replied to Mrs. Malfoy, smiling tentatively as he took a seat across from her. He was relieved when Draco kept ahold of his hand, laying their joined hands on his thigh, eyes on his father.
Narcissa glanced at Lucius and Harry saw the minute pressure she put on his arm before turning to Harry. "Now Mr. Potter, my son may have explained certain… aspects of our family to you, but I would be remiss not to mention the fact that under no circumstance shall he encumber himself with a Beta as a life partner. I'm sure you understand."
"Draco, how could you be so foolish?" Lucius hissed angrily, clearly unable to hold back any longer.
Draco leaned back in his seat and calmly crossed his ankle over one knee. "Harry isn't a Beta."
"Not a…" Narcissa trailed off, a slight crease between delicate pale brows. "What do you mean darling?"
"I'm an Omega," Harry spoke up, gazing steadily at Mrs. Malfoy when she turned to him with a soft gasp. "I came into my inheritance over the summer and I've been drawn to Draco ever since."
"You're lying," Lucius instantly accused.
"Scent him for yourself," Draco countered sharply.
Harry turned alarmed green eyes towards Draco but remained silent.
Lucius appeared as averse to the idea as Harry but he eventually pushed himself to his feet, straightened his deep blue formal robes with a sharp tug, and strode over to stand next to Harry's chair.
The urge to jerk back and away from Lucius Malfoy was strong and Harry had to clench his hand on the armrest to keep himself in place, his other hand safely anchored in Draco's.
Lucius leaned in towards Harry's neck and inhaled. His eyes immediately widened and he straightened up, stunned. "It… It's not possible," he surmised faintly.
"Of course it's possible," Draco said, narrowing his eyes as his father leaned in and sniffed at Harry again.
"Lucius, come away from the boy, you're making Draco uncomfortable," Narcissa commanded gently.
Lucius' gaze swivelled to the possessive expression on Draco's face. He stared at him a moment before eventually moving back to his vacated seat beside his wife.
Nobody seemed to know what to say and Harry licked his lips as the awkward silence stretched on a little too long to be comfortable. He firmly gathered his courage and forced himself to look at Lucius.
"I know you're concerned about me knowing something so… er, incriminating," he said, "but I can assure you that your secret is safe with me." Harry's eyes sharpened when Lucius made a dismissive sound. "I know we have a colourful history that would prevent you from trusting me, but one thing you must know is that I always protect my own - no matter what. And you may think that this came about rather fast but I have been around other Alphas and none of them have made me feel the way Draco has. I want to be with him, I want Draco as my mate, and if this means accepting you as my family as well, then I will, regardless of how you feel about me in return. You must know that I would never do anything to endanger Draco's life or the lives of any children we may have."
Harry stopped and held his breath. Draco squeezed his hand as he watched Malfoy Senior inhale and share a private look with his wife.
Lucius visibly swallowed and Harry didn't think he'd ever seen the man so wrong-footed.
"I cannot help but think that this… relationship will be ruinous to what we have worked so hard to protect," he finally said, and though the words were severe his tone was remarkably mild. "I do not know what my impulsive son may have divulged to you about our kind Mr. Potter, but there is a reason that the Ministry felt it best to force our race to die out. The acts of violence Nundu have committed throughout history are not for the faint of heart. With that knowledge, I cannot see you allowing our secret to continue and therefore I cannot in good conscience condone your bonding."
Harry ignored the impulse to be instantly defensive and tried to see the situation from Lucius' viewpoint; from a man who has made tough decisions throughout his life in order to protect his family. And while Lucius may have known Harry for years, he didn't really know Harry. Yet.
"Draco has told me about your Board members which govern Nundu and, as you have not been found out, I assume they do their job well," Harry replied evenly, knowing that he could hide behind his Alpha and allow Draco to do all the talking, but he knew it was important for Draco's parents to hear him speak if he was ever going to be taken seriously. "I am not new to keeping vital secrets Mr. Malfoy, having had to keep fairly significant ones since the age of eleven. You should also know that one of the wizards I looked up to most was a werewolf and I would've done anything for him, regardless of what he was capable of in his werewolf form. The Ministry enjoys using me as their personal poster boy but I have absolutely no respect for that organisation. I consider myself a friend of Kingsley Shacklebolt and that's it - which could be in your favour if any of you ever were found out."
Harry felt slightly out of breath as he came to a stop. He glanced uncertainly at Draco and was warmed by the admiration shining in grey eyes. He gave him a soft smile which was instantly returned.
"I know you are a good person Mr. Potter."
Harry turned to look at Narcissa, pale eyes gazing back, appraising.
"I do not doubt your strength of character, I have seen it for myself," she continued in the same effortlessly elegant tone. "We are merely acting out of love for our only son who has surprised us by initiating the bonding process a little out of the proper order. Instantly telling you the truth should not have been Step One for him." She paused and darted a pointed look towards Draco. "We had a suitable candidate already selected for him as a matter of course."
"Astoria Greengrass?" Harry interjected, unable to stop the slight scowl at the name.
"Yes, she is of a respectable family whom were already aware of the truth," she replied prudently.
"But she may not even turn out to be an Omega," Draco countered. "She still has a full year until her eighteenth. Plus, I would not have been satisfied nor happy with her. I know it sometimes escapes your notice, but I'm gay, I want to be with a man, and I want to be with Harry. Certainly you can see how this is the perfect solution? The first male Omega in decades and he actually wants me in return?"
Harry's stomach swooped with delight at Draco's words. The fact that the Alpha seemed to acknowledge and value the fact that Harry wanted him was utterly heartening. He was confident that their relationship would be about equality and not dominance - regardless of how other bonded Alpha/Omega couples acted.
"I must agree with my husband," Narcissa was speaking again, "that this is not a preferable mateship, however," she stressed when both Harry and Draco opened their mouths to argue, "as Mr. Potter has already been apprised of the truth, I do not know that it would be sensible to refuse their wishes at this time."
Harry felt a flicker of hope at her words, too happy to be offended by the reluctance in her tone. "What is the proper order of things?" he asked, wondering just how much Draco had broken protocol.
Lucius cleared his throat and Harry had almost forgotten the man was there.
"The proper order of things would have been for Draco to inform us of his attraction before speaking to you or promising anything. It is the right of the Alpha's parents to approve their son's choice in mate prior to bonding," he explained derisively.
"And if I'd asked your permission in advance you both would have refused," Draco retorted scornfully.
Lucius' stare hardened on his son. "Of course we would have. You have deliberately disobeyed us in order to secure your own selfish desires," he seethed in a deadly whisper. Narcissa's hand immediately tightened on his arm.
"Selfish?" Draco countered incredulously. "Who is being selfish?"
"We have your best interests at heart Draco-" Narcissa spoke up soothingly.
"No, you don't," Draco replied tersely. "If you did, then you would accept the fact that I want to be with Harry. I'm not a child-"
"As much as you loathe it, you are a part of the Nundu clan Draco," Lucius snapped, "and as such, you have a responsibility to us, and one of those responsibilities is to keep your clan safe. How long do you think it will be before someone realises the truth? How many bloody Prophet reporters follow you around every day Mr. Potter? Did you think about your children when they're too young to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation and transform into their feline forms without a thought to where they are or who they're with? How long before Harry Potter's illegal offspring are splashed across every newspaper in the country?"
Harry chewed his lip; the man did have a point.
"Harry."
The warning in Draco's voice had Harry turning towards him.
"Don't listen to him," the blond said firmly, angling his body sideways in order to speak to him, ignoring his parents. "My father has been under intense scrutiny ever since the Dark Lord's return, including his trial and subsequent house-arrest, and still they never uncovered the truth. If we have to move to the other side of the planet while our children are young in order to protect them and everyone else, then we will alright?"
Harry felt the tension gripping his body lessen a little at Draco's calm logic. "Of course," he said with a nod, holding his gaze. "Of course we will." He took a deep breath and turned to Lucius. "What can I do? As Mrs. Malfoy pointed out, I already know the truth, so what can I do to earn your approval?"
"You will never-"
Narcissa turned to her husband with a quelling look and, amazingly, he fell silent. She clasped pale hands in her lap overtop of her silky rose-coloured dress robes and turned her piercing pale eyes on Harry. "You could make an Unbreakable Vow."
Draco sighed. "Must you be so dramatic mother? Harry, you don't have to do that."
But Harry's interest was seized. "Why didn't I think of that? Yes of course I can."
"Harry-"
Harry turned to Draco with earnest eyes. "I would need to approve the wording before I did it of course, but why not?"
"Because no other Nundu has ever had to make such a vow," Draco said, directing a glare at his parents, voice rising with annoyance. "I trust Harry and you will just have to trust him as well - without the threat of death hanging over his head."
Narcissa seemed to sag a little in her chair and shared a look with her husband.
Lucius also appeared slightly defeated and weary. "We could Obliviate him," he finally suggested aside to his wife, causing reserved Narcissa Malfoy to smirk a little in amusement.
Harry was shocked by the demonstration of what could only be described as humour from Malfoy Senior. He suddenly saw a bit of Draco in both of his parents and found this discovery oddly reassuring.
Draco snorted and rolled his eyes. "If you have quite finished with your interrogation for tonight… I think Harry and I shall be getting back to school."
"If you don't mind darling, I'd like to have a word with Mr. Potter alone," Narcissa said calmly.
"Whatever for?" Draco replied with a long-suffering sigh.
"It's alright, I don't mind," Harry interjected with a reassuring smile at Draco before turning back to Narcissa, back straight and chin lifted self-assuredly.
"I'll be right outside," Draco finally relented, giving Harry's knee a squeeze before rising and exiting the room, Lucius not far behind after levelling a look at Harry that he couldn't quite decipher.
Narcissa rose from her chair and Harry watched in surprise as the elegant woman walked over to perch in Draco's vacated seat beside him on the small sofa, bringing a waft of pleasant floral perfume that swirled about her silky dress robes and long pale hair.
"I still believe your relationship with my son is irrational and impractical - but I can see that you are as stubborn as he is when it comes to the things you want," she began evenly. "And I can see that my son cares a great deal for you already. I can only hope that you are able to return those feelings, despite your shared history."
Harry relaxed once he saw that she wasn't here to dissuade him from bonding with Draco. "I can assure you Mrs. Malfoy that I do care for Draco, more than I thought possible after such a short amount of time."
Narcissa's lips pulled into a gentle smile and she nodded her head in satisfaction. "Being with an Alpha Nundu is not an easy task Mr. Potter," she continued in a conspiratorial tone. "They are prone to allowing their emotions to get the better of them, as well as being completely and exasperatingly protective."
A cautious smile bloomed across Harry's face, an amiable feeling of camaraderie sweeping over him as he realised that Mrs. Malfoy was in the same position as him and could advise him and share what lessons she may have learned along the way; not only in dealing with an Alpha Nundu but how to do deal with a Malfoy as well.
"Do you desire children Mr. Potter?"
"Yeah, I do. Very much."
Narcissa's pale eyes warmed to show her obvious pleasure and Harry instantly knew he could win her over in time. She rose gracefully and Harry quickly stumbled to his feet in order to follow her.
She turned to him just before the doors, one hand resting on the burnished gold handle. "Do not concern yourself about Lucius, he cares very much for his son and being an overprotective Nundu Alpha with so much to worry about is not easy for him. He will adjust to this news in time - as will I," she said with another tiny flicker of a smile.
"Thank you," Harry replied and meant it.
Draco gave him a searching look when he joined him in the entrance hall, a touch of anxiety in grey eyes. Lucius was nowhere to be seen.
Harry smiled and slipped a hand into his, silently reassuring. "I'm ready."