The loud crack of Apparation rent the cold evening air in Wiltshire as Harry and Draco suddenly appeared outside the looming wrought-iron gates of Malfoy Manor.
Harry looked through the open gates towards the daunting Manor silhouetted against the darkening sky. "Why couldn't we Apparate directly inside?" he asked, shivering a little against the late autumn chill.
Draco clasped Harry's cold hand in his warm one and began to lead them inside. "The wards are set to keep any but Malfoy blood out tonight. We have to ensure that every attending member passes through these gates, which have layered security charms on them, and then request admittance at the front doors."
A strong wave of protective magic washed over and through Harry as he passed under the archway.
"Every possible safety precaution is taken for these meetings," Draco continued as they strode along the gravel drive. "And they are never held in the same location twice in succession."
"And they selected your home tonight so that your father could attend?" Harry asked, breath coming out in little white puffs in the cold air. It was quite dark, with no lamps or torches lighting their way, so Harry kept close to his mate's side. The lack of light was obviously to help keep any attending guests concealed as much as possible. Harry wondered if perhaps Nundu had night vision like a cat, and therefore didn't need any artificial light.
"Yes, all family members must be able to attend any meeting concerning one of their own. Nundu families are very close and we support one another. Regardless of what may have happened in the past, my parents will advocate on your behalf Harry."
Harry smiled but Draco's words failed to diminish the tension that was currently stringing his body tight with anxiety; he couldn't shake the feeling that things were not going to go their way tonight.
"They can't… split up couples once they've chosen a mate, can they?" he asked, suddenly realising that he didn't know all the possible outcomes to tonight's meeting.
Harry could see the frown on Draco's face when he glanced over at him.
"They can reject a proposed mateship, if they have sound reasons, but they can't reject a mateship once the two in question have bonded."
"And what do they consider as being 'bonded'?"
Draco glanced at him. "A claiming mark."
Harry felt his insides twist. "But I don't have a mark, does that mean they can split the two of us up?"
Draco's expression hardened. "No, they can't deny our mateship now because you already know our secret. It's too late for them to do anything about it."
"So you were supposed to ask permission beforedeciding to be my mate?"
"Yes." Draco nodded, frown clearing as his lips quirked into a tiny smirk. "I may have skipped that step in order to secure you as my mate prematurely."
Harry exhaled unevenly. "Good, I… Good," he repeated, relieved. The thought of losing Draco as his mate now was unthinkable. Even though their mateship was still relatively new, he still felt as though his body and soul were already intrinsically connected with Draco's, and breaking that connection would be… unbearable.
Draco stopped walking and turned to face him. "Harry, no matter what happens in there, I promise that you and I won't be separated. It may take some time to convince them that allowing you in on our secret is a good thing, but eventually they'll see reason. Plus, you're good at charming complete strangers," he added with a smirk.
"I am?" Harry replied in surprise as they began moving forward again.
"Potter, you have no comprehension of your own appeal, do you?"
Harry blinked. "I have appeal?"
Draco chuckled and shook his head. "Yes - how do you think you managed to snag this particular Alpha?" he said deprecatingly.
"Because I'm male and an Omega," Harry shrugged.
Draco stopped him dead in his tracks at the bottom of the wide stone steps that led up to the front entrance doors. "You don't really think that, do you?" he asked with a frown.
"Erm…" Harry squirmed, looking away. "Well yeah."
Grey eyes narrowed. "Why would you think that?"
Harry met his gaze, chin lifting defiantly. "Because look at you - you're all tall and blond and handsome, and you always know the right thing to say and how to say it, and I'm this short, scruffy-"
"Gorgeous man," Draco firmly interjected. "Harry, I'm not only attracted to you because you're an Omega, the fact that we can share this bond and the fact that you can bear our children definitely adds to your desirability, but it's certainly based on more than just that." Draco paused to slide one hand over Harry's cool cheek, thumb softly stroking over his cheekbone. "I've been attracted to you since before you turned eighteen."
Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You have?"
"Yes." Draco nodded then added with a smile, "as much as I am loathe to admit it, I have been obsessed with obtaining your attention for as long as I can remember. You didn't want my friendship so I satisfied myself with your irritation instead. Satisfied myself in other ways when it came to my obsession with you as well…"
Harry laughed, feeling suddenly light as a feather. "Wow… I had no idea, why didn't you tell me?"
"I was hoping you would admit to the same thing first," Draco confessed self-consciously.
Harry placed his hand over Draco's on his cheek and leaned into the touch, letting his eyes fall closed for a moment. "I was fixated on you too, only I didn't really understand the reason for it. I thought you were attractive, I wasn't blind, but I only just recently realised that there may have been something deeper there; why you were able to rattle and infuriate me like no one else." Harry suddenly grinned. "Ron was right."
"Hmm?"
"He said that you probably didn't know you were drawn to me as an Omega because you'd always fancied me and couldn't differentiate between the two."
Draco smiled and wrapped his other arm around Harry's waist, pulling him close. "That is probably the most perceptive assessment to ever pass through Weasley's lips," he murmured.
"That's what Hermione said," Harry chuckled.
Draco slid his hand round to the back of Harry's head and leaned in for a kiss. He gently encouraged Harry's mouth to open to him, allowing him to instantly deepen the kiss, yet keeping the pace slow and intense.
Harry couldn't help but moan breathlessly as he grabbed ahold of the thick lapels on Draco's woollen cloak and kissed him back with fervour. They hadn't gone beyond a few lingering kisses since the incident in DADA, and Harry was certainly ready for more.
Draco caught Harry's bottom lip in his teeth for a moment before pulling away. "I'll have to show you later just how alluring I do find you Potter," he murmured.
Harry felt his stomach flutter in anticipation. "I look forward to it. Malfoy," he replied heatedly.
Draco smirked then stepped back and took Harry's hand in his. "Come on, let's get this over with."
Harry dutifully followed Draco up the steps to the front entrance doors, not nearly as tense as he'd been when they'd first arrived.
The considerable doors swung open soundlessly upon their approach and they walked inside without stopping. Harry assumed the doors were responding to Draco's presence as there was no intrusive wave of protective magic this time as they walked through. Two small house-elves were standing on either side of the foyer and bowed to them in greeting.
"Master Draco," the female one greeted respectfully. "Master Lucius and Mistress Narcissa are being in the front parlour room."
"Thank you Trinket." Draco turned to Harry and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before leading the way to the same sitting room in which Harry had first met with the Malfoys.
Harry lifted his chin, readying himself for another battle, as he entered the room behind Draco.
"Father, mother," Draco greeted formally as he moved to kiss his mother on the cheek.
"Draco," Narcissa welcomed him with a smile that could almost be considered warm.
"You remember Harry of course," Draco said, stepping aside and indicating his mate.
Harry blinked in surprise as Narcissa immediately reached out to take his hand, the same half-smile she directed towards her son now presented to him. "Hello Mrs. Malfoy," Harry greeted with a polite smile. "It's nice to see you again."
Lucius snorted derisively and Harry turned to him as Narcissa released his hand.
"Father, behave," Draco admonished with a roll of his eyes.
Lucius' smirk was a lot like his son's but without the attractive teasing light in his eyes.
"I always behave," he scoffed then turned to Harry and extended a hand. "Good evening Mr. Potter."
"Mr. Malfoy." Harry swallowed and shook his hand, dropping it again as swiftly as possible.
"I hope you are prepared for tonight Potter," Lucius continued, still in the same falsely pleasant tone.
"In what way?" Harry replied stiffly, refusing to allow the man to frighten him.
"The Board are very… meticulous in their interrogations."
Harry immediately frowned. "Interrogation? I thought this meeting was called so that they could meet me?" he said with an uncertain glance towards Draco.
Lucius smiled but it was far from affable. "Yes, it is their chance to meet with you - and deign whether or not you are a suitable Nundu mate."
"And as I've already discussed with Harry," Draco interrupted evenly, "the Board is not here to approve or reject a proposed mateship, they are here to meet Harry; to set their minds at ease that he is in fact a brilliant partner for me."
Harry relaxed into Draco's side as his mate wrapped an arm around his shoulders. For a boy who once seemed to cow to his parent's every whim, he wasn't hesitant in the slightest to stand up to them when it came to matters concerning Harry.
Narcissa stepped up to her husband's side and linked her arm through his, pale gaze on Harry. "I was sorry to see that dreadful article in The Prophet Mr. Potter," she said, breaking the strained silence.
"Only the first of many I can assure you," Lucius added, no longer looking at Harry but at his son, with a pointed expression.
"I was sorry to see they dragged you into the article as well," Harry snapped before he could stop himself. "It's such a shame that the public at large doesn't trust Draco because of you."
"Harry…" Draco uttered warningly before turning to his father. "Father, you know we must show a united front to the Board, if they sense discord in our family they will not trust Harry. And if you cause complications for Harry and I..." he trailed off threateningly.
Narcissa raised a hand, the sleeve of her elegant gold dress robes sliding down to expose a slender wrist. "No need to worry my darling, your father shall conduct himself most respectfully whilst standing before the Board members."
Harry chewed his lip; he hated the tension he'd created in Draco's family. He certainly didn't regret his decision to be with Draco but it was troubling to witness the detrimental effect his presence was having on a family that was still obviously recovering from the events of the war. Now that he knew the background on why Lucius had made the decisions he'd made, he really didn't blame the man for those choices, he just wished Lucius would make it a bit easier to bloody like him.
"I would appreciate it in private as well," Draco responded, levelling a look at his father.
"Something to work towards, hmm?" Narcissa said lightly, pink lips curving up into a diminutive smile.
As Narcissa stroked a hand down Lucius' arm, Harry noticed that she seemed to always touch him in some way when he needed to be calmed or his behaviour modified. He stored that information away to ask her about when they were alone, wondering if the same trick would work on Draco when he was upset.
The small female house-elf who had greeted them at the front doors appeared and bobbed an uneven curtsy. "Master Lucius? The members is all being here now sir."
"Yes, thank you Trinket. Shall we?"
Harry raised a brow at Lucius thanking a lowly house-elf but didn't comment. He figured he was in enough hot water with the man tonight as it was.
Draco slipped a hand into his and they followed behind the elder Malfoys.
Harry looked around with interest as they walked, trying to remember the directions to Draco's bedroom from his last visit, but he was hopelessly lost already. He only recalled that it was upstairs and then down a long network of corridors to the… east wing? Or perhaps it was west?
Draco had filled him in on as much as he could think of regarding the procedure and protocols of the Nundu Board meetings. Harry knew that he and Draco must always enter behind Lucius and Narcissa, until such time that Draco becomes head of the household - which would only happen upon his father's death or mental incapacity. Draco told him that elderly Nundu must be closely watched and are generally segregated from non-Nundu as a precaution against letting something slip to the wrong person.
Harry knew they were making their way towards the grand ballroom, as it was the largest space the Manor afforded and had no windows to speak of, so no prying eyes. He also knew the full contingent of house-elves were on duty tonight, watching every conceivable entrance or exit, as well as keeping an eye on the guests themselves. Every Floo connection had been shut down and all post owls diverted until morning.
It was quite the operation and Harry was impressed. In his weaker moments, he irrationally fretted that he might accidentally divulge something to the wrong person and then be blamed for the genocide of an entire group of people. With that hanging over his head, he wasn't even tempted to tell Ron or Hermione about it.
Part of him suspected that they would disapprove; Hermione because of her knowledge of how violent a past the Nundu had, and Ron because he was, at heart, a bit of a staunch Ministry supporter. Harry thought it had something to do with his dad working there, along with the fact that Ron himself wanted to work for the Ministry one day.
They rounded a corner and the sound of low chatter from a large group of people reached Harry's ears. He instantly felt his heart speed up. Draco had warned him that there would probably be more members in attendance than was customary, as they all knew the meeting was being held to introduce famous Harry Potter to the Nundu clan. Draco had told him that with a smirk on his face but Harry was not amused. He hated being the centre of attention - especially for the purpose of being judged by a group of people whom he did not want to disappoint. He really did want to make Draco - and even his parents - proud, or at the very least, not embarrass the fuck out of them.
Harry unconsciously shifted closer to Draco as he walked into the impressive ballroom. The elder Malfoys were obscuring his view of the raised platform at the far end on which he knew the Board to be situated, but he could see all around the sides of the mirrored room and there were quite a few faces staring back at him; some curiously and some with narrowed, distrustful eyes. Harry startled when he saw that some of the gathered group were in their cat form; large feline beasts prowling the edges of the crowd, dark tails slashing and noses lifted as they sniffed the air upon his entrance.
The chatter had stopped abruptly as soon as the four of them had entered, and there was an expectant hush that filled the room, broken only by a few quiet rumblings that may have been either growls or purrs.
Harry swallowed; he certainly didn't feel very welcome, but then, these people had a lot to lose if they couldn't trust him.
Draco stuck close to his side, hand firmly clasping Harry's as they approached the long table on the dais.
Lucius and Narcissa both bowed their heads to the table in deferential greeting to the Board before stepping aside to stand on either side of Harry and Draco.
Harry finally got his first look at the Board members themselves. There were five in all, and he knew that they were all full-blooded Nundu. There were two females and three males sitting on the Board. Harry's gaze swept across the five figures staring back at him, emerald eyes lingering on one of the females who appeared to be heavily pregnant.
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry caught Draco bowing his head in greeting and he quickly copied, putting as much respect as he could muster into the action.
"Good evening Malfoys," the elder gentleman in the centre greeted with a brief smile. He had kind eyes which creased congenially when he smiled. "Good evening Mr. Potter, it is an honour to finally meet you."
Some low grumblings from the crowd superseded his words.
Harry forced a smile, feeling his cheeks heat self-consciously. "Good evening members of the Board," he replied with a respectful nod.
"I am Hugh Sloane, the Chair of this Board," he continued amiably, then glanced to the end of the table. "I shall introduce the other members of our Board; there on the end is Terence Fancourt."
Harry nodded at the man who had dark hair streaked with grey. Mr. Fancourt nodded in return but did not smile.
"He is our second longest-running Board member after myself," Mr. Sloane said. "Next to Terence is Sophie McDougal."
This was the pregnant Nundu and Harry nodded at her with a tentative smile. The blonde woman merely narrowed her eyes as she slid one hand over her protruding belly, as though trying to shield it from his eyes.
Mr. Sloane indicated the young man seated next to her. "This young lad is Lorcan Hipwell, who joined the Board in place of his father late last year."
"Mr. Hipwell," Harry greeted with another polite nod.
The angry, heated glare he received in return made Harry want to shrink behind Draco. He quickly looked to the last Board member, the only other female.
"And this is Perpetua Bagnold," Mr. Sloane introduced and the older woman nodded courteously. She didn't smile but she also didn't look hostile like some of the others.
"Pleased to meet you all," Harry said as graciously as he could muster under the circumstances. He hated being the centre of attention but he also hated formalities and treating people as though they were better than others, no matter their social standing or professional position. He held his tongue and behaved as well-mannered as he could manage though because this was vital to a peaceful life with his mate.
Hugh Sloane folded his hands on top of the table and leaned forwards. "Now gentlemen," he began with a dry chuckle, gazing down upon them both. "The clan has been in quite the bother over the two of you due to the fact that this mateship was not approved in advance, and, of course, that young Mr. Malfoy has aligned himself with someone so famous as his mate."
Draco bowed his head then looked back up at the Board Chair. "That was my doing Mr. Sloane, and I apologise for my haste in choosing a mate and divulging our most closely guarded secret to him without your blessing first, but please know that Harry was not aware that I had acted out of accordance with our laws."
Mr. Sloane smiled at Draco and Harry was strongly reminded of Dumbledore in that moment. Mr. Sloane looked at Draco with that same indulgent, fatherly expression that Harry used to receive from the late Headmaster.
"I am interested to know how this pairing came about Draco."
Harry looked at his mate and was met with warm grey eyes before Draco turned back to Mr. Sloane.
"There really isn't much to tell," Draco explained forthrightly. "We were both drawn to each other from the start of term. Harry kept his Omega status a secret until he questioned my feelings one night and I confessed that I felt compelled to be with him, to protect him. He confessed the same and… here we are. There was no question of wanting to be with each other - exclusively and indefinitely."
Harry couldn't help but smile a little, stomach fluttering happily, repressing the distinct urge to bury his face in Draco's neck and kiss his warm skin. He settled for giving his mate's hand a soft squeeze instead. Draco instantly returned the gentle pressure.
"I must say it was quite the surprise," Mr. Sloane replied before turning to Draco's parents. "And were you both aware of the rather rash actions of your son?"
Lucius cleared his throat before answering. "He brought Mr. Potter to our home, introducing him as his mate, so yes we were aware of his intentions prior to the publication of that article."
"And do you believe he will be a suitable mate for your only son?" Mr. Sloane asked with interest, his gaze thankfully turning to Narcissa.
She gave a single nod, smiling reverently. "Yes, I believe Mr. Potter to be a perfect match for my son. Not only is he a powerful wizard and an Omega with an immense capacity for caring, I also have no doubt that he will look after my son to his fullest extent."
Hugh Sloane nodded in approval before glancing at the other members of the Board. "Our Board have some questions for you of course, so we shall start with Mr. Terence Fancourt."
Harry turned to look at the older man with the grey-streaked hair and waited, teeth gnawing nervously at his bottom lip. He knew a lot was riding on his answers and he had never considered himself a very articulate bloke at the best of times. He reminded himself that Draco thought him to be charming to strangers and desperately held on to that belief.
"Yes." Mr. Fancourt shifted in his seat, gaze flicking between Harry and Draco. "I am concerned that the ever-present media attention on Mr. Potter will lead to the discovery of our people. Journalists are persistent and not below sinking to underhanded means to get what they want, these types of people will now be following Mr. Potter and the Malfoy family around for a significant amount of time - especially once Mr. Potter falls pregnant. How do you propose to counteract this in order to preserve our secret?"
"Mr. Fancourt," Draco nodded in greeting before continuing. "We will of course be cognizant of these factors as we conduct our lives together. The same rules that have always applied to Nundu shall still be in place, such as no transforming into my natural form except here at the Manor or on the protected grounds of our own home once Harry and I leave Hogwarts. We have discussed the idea of perhaps moving away for a time when Harry is pregnant and when our children are young, to escape the media and any other curious onlookers during those times."
Mr. Fancourt nodded in approval. "I am pleased to see that you have planned ahead."
Draco nodded in appreciation. "One does not consider a mateship with a celebrity without considering it from all angles Mr. Fancourt."
Harry couldn't help but smile at Draco as he smirked at the Board member, clearly unbothered by the proceedings - or hiding his nerves with remarkable aplomb.
"No further questions Chair Sloane," Mr. Fancourt spoke, looking to the elder.
Harry couldn't believe how civilised it all was; except for the giant prowling cats in the background, he could be in the middle of any refined English courtroom.
"Sophie?" Mr. Sloane indicated the pregnant female next and Harry didn't miss the look of warning he shot her.
The young female kept her hand over her baby bump and pierced Harry with cool blue eyes. "Mr. Potter, do you fully comprehend the consequences of what it would mean for the Ministry to find out about us?"
Harry swallowed and held her gaze, even though she looked ready to eat him alive. "Yes, I believe I do; possibly more than anyone who has not been a part of the clan their entire lives could. I have spent most of my life trying to protect a particular group of people - half-bloods - from being slaughtered just because Voldemort deemed them to be unworthy for wizarding society, and this is not so different to that same ideology. Draco has of course told me about the history between the Nundu people and the Ministry and, while you probably see me as someone aligned with the Ministry, I am not. I don't trust the government as a whole; there are good people there but there will always be the corrupt and the money-driven as well, and so they will never have my absolute trust or support." Harry took a breath and pressed on. "And even if I did believe in the Ministry and everything it stood for, I could still never reveal you to them because it would mean the execution of not only hundreds of innocent people, but the death of my own mate as well. This thought alone would keep my lips sealed."
Ms. McDougal narrowed her eyes at him. "And when one of our own attacks someone? When an innocent witch or wizard, or even Muggle, is ripped to shreds - what then? Will you allow us to carry out our own justice without involving anyone from the outside world? Even when you disagree with the punishment handed out. Or will your sense of righteous injustice stretch that far?"
"Y-yes, I will not interfere with your ways," Harry stammered, knowing it was a fair question and also knowing that it would be difficult for him to stand by and watch such a thing.
Sophie looked as though she didn't believe him but Hugh Sloane intervened. "Thank you Ms. McDougal, I believe that will suffice. Mr. Hipwell?"
Sophie sat back with a huff of irritation but remained silent.
Harry turned next to Lorcan Hipwell; the one who looked as though he had been quietly seething for the entirety of the meeting so far. He shifted closer to Draco, taking comfort from the heat seeping into his shoulder from his mate's body.
Lorcan didn't look to be much older than Harry himself. With dark auburn hair and brown eyes, he would've been rather attractive if it wasn't for the harsh scowl drawing his face down.
"How dare you so blatantly disregard our traditions and bring a fox into the henhouse Mr. Malfoy," he said with quiet ferocity, glaring at Draco.
Harry immediately bristled and stood a little taller, a flare of indignant anger igniting in his chest. He felt much more comfortable with the Board attacking him and leaving his mate alone.
Draco merely narrowed his eyes in return and remained composed as he replied. "And as I've already explained Mr. Hipwell, I acknowledge that the process was not carried out in the usual way of things and have apologised for the lapse, but what's done is done, and I think we all just wish to move forward in the best way possible now."
"You should be punished!" Lorcan hissed.
"Mr. Hipwell," Hugh interjected warningly. "This is not a punishable offence. Revealing our secret is an unforgiveable transgression but not when it is to an intended mate. They clearly have a bond and are not here to deceive us."
"Yes but he revealed the existence of our people to Harry Potter!" Lorcan exclaimed, losing any thread of equanimity that he had been clinging to. "Malfoy's impulsive decision to bed the Chosen One is now going to cost us all our lives!"
A loud rumbling of agreement seemed to come from some of the gathered members in the crowd.
Harry's lips parted with indignant anger but a squeeze to his hand from Draco had him closing them again as he turned to his mate. Draco shook his head minutely, eyes clearly entreating Harry to rein in his outrage.
Harry pressed his lips together and held his tongue, knowing he would just make it worse if his temper did get involved.
Relief showed in grey eyes before Draco turned back to the front. "I believe Harry has already spoken to that effect Mr. Hipwell," he spoke, tone calm but cool. "He has no desire to reveal our secret or to put any of us in harm's way."
"If it weren't for him, we'd all be free!"
Harry felt as though he'd been slapped in the face. Of course; some of these people had hoped that Voldemortwould come out the victor in the war so that they could live their lives unrestricted. Harry had fought hard - even sacrificing his own life - but it meant nothing to them because they hadn't actually wanted Harry to succeed.
"We would never have been free under his reign."
Harry's head snapped to Lucius in surprise.
"The Dark Lord promised many things which he had no intention of following through on," Mr. Malfoy continued evenly. "He was not a wizard of his word and killed many a loyal servant in order to achieve what he desired."
Harry saw Draco's expression flicker with sadness and knew his mate was thinking of Snape.
"He also could not stand the thought of anyone being considered superior or more singular than him," Lucius stated knowingly. "Do you really believe that he would have allowed the unhindered existence of our people? A special group of people that he was not a part of? How long before he forced himself on an Omega - on one of our own? Would we have been able to carry out judgment on his wrongdoings?"
Harry gaped; he couldn't believe Draco's father was actually defending him.
"Of course we would have," Lorcan retorted, but his confident tone had flagged somewhat. He shook his head. "But that is not what is on trial here today-"
"I don't believe anyone is on trial here today," Narcissa inserted icily. "The Board is here to meet Harry and allow him the opportunity to answer any questions or to put to rest any reservations you may have. He, and the rest of our family, is not here to be verbally attacked or insulted by you."
"She is right Lorcan," Hugh Sloane interjected, looking to his fellow Board member with disapproval. "If you cannot carry out your questioning in a respectful manner, then I shall have to ask you to leave. Let me reiterate to everyone here," he said loudly, taking in the rest of the crowded ballroom with a discerning gaze. "Harry Potter is not on trial here today. He is mated to one of our own and is here to be accepted into our clan. We simply want his word that he will abide by our laws - and he has given it. Our questions are so that we may get to know Mr. Potter a little better, and to perhaps impart our wisdom on matters which they may need to consider whilst entering into this partnership."
"So that's it," Lorcan snapped, "we just allow the Malfoys to do whatever they want and damn the consequences?"
"You are out of line Mr. Hipwell," Hugh Sloane replied sharply.
"I say we Obliviate Potter!"
Harry's eyes widened and he took a step back, hand twitching towards his wand.
Draco instantly stepped in front of Harry, blocking him from the Board's view as he withdrew his wand and, without hesitation, aimed it directly at Lorcan.
Harry glanced behind him as some of the pacing cats made growling noises of displeasure, as though waiting to pounce. He suddenly felt very exposed and very human.
"Mr. Hipwell! That is enough! You are disgracing our clan with this behaviour and creating a very poor first impression. You will not speak again for the remainder of this meeting and that is an order!"
Lorcan's expression was apoplectic but he did as he was told and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest, face flushed.
Hugh Sloane exhaled and turned back to Harry, who was now peering around Draco's shoulder. "I apologise Mr. Potter, please do not judge all Nundu based on this youngling. He is still new to the Board and I fear the power is going to his head a little."
Draco sheathed his wand but kept his gaze on Lorcan as Harry slowly stepped out to stand at his side again.
Harry noted that both Lucius and Narcissa had also drawn their wands. Draco hadn't lied when he'd said that his family would stand by them when it came to the Board.
"Of course," Harry replied with a nod, still feeling on edge.
"I think we may continue now." Hugh gave a tight-lipped smile and turned to the other female Nundu on the panel. "Ms. Bagnold, do you have any questions for Mr. Potter?"
The older woman didn't smile but her eyes were sympathetic and Harry felt some of his tension release a little.
"Good evening Mr. Potter, it is lovely to make your acquaintance," she said quietly. "I do not have any reservations about your character; I know you would not intentionally bring harm to our people. I do worry however that you have selected a mate rather quickly. I am aware that you did not register your Omega status with the Ministry, as I work in the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures Department." She paused and allowed a tiny smile to break through her sedate demeanour. "We like to have someone on the inside to keep an eye on things you see."
Harry nodded but was too nervous to return the smile.
"Without Ministry registration, you would not have received attention or proposals from other Alphas other than the few that may be at your school. You must admit that that's hardly a generous pool from which to choose someone to spend your life with." Her gaze flicked to Draco and back. "Not that young Malfoy is not a wonderful choice, but you see my concern?"
Harry swallowed, trying to work some saliva back into his mouth after Lorcan's round of harsh accusations. "I understand," he replied earnestly, not afraid to speak from the heart on this one, regardless of the large room now hanging on his every word. "There are a few Alphas at Hogwarts, I think about six in total, but Draco was the only one that I felt drawn to. I did receive attention from some of the others but it never felt right. While we have only been together a short time, we have been in school together since the age of eleven, and throughout those years we have always been interested in the other but never realised why until we came together after our inheritances. While it may seem hasty to you, it has actually been a long time in the making."
"And you agree?" Perpetua said, turning to Draco with interest.
"Yes, I…" Draco paused and glanced at Harry, an affectionate smirk flickering about his mouth. "He is the perfect mate for me."
Harry couldn't help but smile back, nerves retreating.
"And you have claimed him?"
Harry instantly snapped out of the warmth of Draco's gaze as the blond froze; appearing to be at a loss for words for the first time all evening. Harry's adamant refusal of being bitten and claimed suddenly seemed like a terrible decision, and would not look good to the people gathered in that room, all of whom probably didn't have any moral issues with the act of claiming. He quickly turned to Ms. Bagnold.
"He hasn't yet, but he will. Very soon," Harry responded firmly. He could feel Draco's gaze on him but didn't look over.
Ms. Bagnold smiled, looking pleased, and Harry knew he'd made the right decision. It was just a sacrifice he would have to make in order to keep everyone happy.
"And do you want children Mr. Potter?" she asked, still smiling.
"Yes, loads," Harry replied, relaxing. He could sense that this meeting was drawing to a close and he was almost giddy with the relief of it.
"Loads?"
Harry glanced up at Draco's quiet murmur to see a look of amusement on his mate's face. Harry grinned back. "Yup. Loads," he stressed.
"Well, I think that's all we need to know for now," Hugh Sloane announced with a clap of his hands, smiling down at the two mates. "I believe that concludes our meeting for tonight. Your answers have adequately satisfied the Board Mr. Potter and I thank you for your attendance. Please feel free to mingle everyone; I believe our hosts have provided some refreshments for your enjoyment."
Harry exhaled in relief and sagged against Draco's side. "Merlin, I'm glad that's over with," he exclaimed quietly.
Draco slipped an arm around him and leaned down to whisper into his ear. "What is this about being claimed? Did you change your mind?"
Harry shivered as Draco kissed the side of his neck, letting his teeth lightly scrape the surface. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad…
Before Harry could form a response, Draco's parents had approached. Narcissa looked pleased and even Lucius seemed content.
"You did well Mr. Potter," Narcissa commented, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder fleetingly.
"Thank you," Harry replied, grateful for her support.
Harry felt Draco tense beside him and glanced over. His mate seemed to be scowling at the crowd that was now wandering the room at will and drawing ever closer to Harry, dozens of curious eyes on The-Boy-Who-Lived.
"Relax Draco, it will do no good to become possessive in this crowd tonight," Lucius murmured to his son, his own gaze on the wandering clan members. "You know they will feel better once they meet your mate and scent him for themselves."
Harry almost grinned in amusement when Draco released a low growl under his breath before clamping his lips shut.
"Mr. Potter?"
Harry turned to see an older gentleman standing next to them, a crumpled hat in one hand and his other hand tightly clutched by a young girl who looked to be no older than ten. Harry smiled at the pair of them.
"Hullo," he greeted. "Please call me Harry."
The older man smiled and instantly stopped fidgeting with his ruined hat. "Good evening Harry, I am Stuart Goodfellow and this is my granddaughter, Gemma."
"Pleased to meet you," Harry shook Stuart's hand and then crouched down at eye-level with the little girl. "And very pleased to meet you as well Gemma. How old are you?"
"I'll be nine in a fortnight," she replied shyly, hiding half her face in her grandfather's sleeve.
"Wow, happy early birthday," Harry replied.
Gemma giggled and Harry grinned at her before standing upright once more.
"Loads?" Draco repeated into his ear with a smirk.
Harry laughed and elbowed him in the side. He could tell that Draco was also slightly enraptured by the sweet child. He wondered if Gemma was a Nundu and if it was a polite question to ask someone or not.
"I think we've taken up enough of your time Harry Potter," Stuart said, looking pleased to have met him. "My granddaughter wanted to meet you and I just wanted to say that I'm glad you're here. We could use some decent wizards in our clan."
"Harry Potter!"
Harry startled as someone grabbed his hand and pumped it up and down exuberantly, spinning him away from Stuart and Gemma as they disappeared into the pack. He could practically hear Draco's jaw cracking as he clenched his teeth and glared at the interloper. The man was probably only a few years older than Harry and Draco and was smiling widely.
"H-hullo," Harry stuttered before carefully retracting his hand. "Erm, who are you?"
"Benjy," the man replied rapidly, as though not really paying attention to the words coming out of his mouth. "You have the most beautiful eyes."
Caught off-guard, Harry coughed, nearly choking on his amusement, but was quickly distracted by the growling sound emanating from his mate. He took a chance and placed a hand on Draco's arm, attempting to calm him the same way Narcissa had her husband.
"Thank you Benjy, but you should probably back off," Harry replied with a smile. "I don't think my mate appreciates your attention."
Draco fell silent but continued to glare at Benjy.
Benjy glanced at Draco for the first time and blinked. "Oh, right," he said haltingly. "Nice to have met you."
Harry chuckled as Benjy made a hasty getaway but he was quickly replaced by another Nundu. And then another. And another.
Draco's patience and strength were truly tested as slowly most of the gathered crowd introduced themselves to Harry, some rather quickly and nervously, while others seemed happy to chat the night away, despite the snarling Draco standing watch.
Harry found Draco's jealous streak endlessly amusing, especially because the blond himself seemed taken by surprise whenever it reared its ugly head. Harry was soon able to predict which clan members would set him off; if they were young, attractive and male, then Harry would precede the introduction by holding Draco's hand or slipping an arm around his waist. It definitely helped to ease Draco's unstable emotions.
The only part Harry didn't particularly feel comfortable with was when the clan members would approach in their cat forms, practically knocking him over as they wound their huge furry bodies around him and sniffed at his hair. He would tense up and keep his eyes on Draco's face for the duration; finding comfort in Draco's calm demeanour. He knew that just because they were in cat form, it didn't necessarily mean that they were hostile or would attack at a moment's notice – that's just how it felt.
All the cats had the same general colouring but each one seemed to have some type of distinguishing mark or feature that separated them from another Nundu. Some had features more obvious than others though and Harry knew it would take him a long time to match the cat to the witch or wizard. Other than Draco's grey eyes, he didn't know what other characteristics Draco had that would separate him from the others and vowed to get Draco to transform later that night so that he could familiarise himself with his mate's other form.
"Draco? Harry?"
Harry glanced up to see the Board Chair, Hugh Sloane, standing next to them. The smile immediately slid off of Harry's face as he took in the older man's sombre expression.
"I need to speak with you both in private."
Harry suddenly felt rooted to spot with dread but Draco slipped a hand into his and silently led him out of the crowded ballroom, following directly behind Chair Sloane.
The three of them walked up the corridor, which suddenly felt much too cold and quiet after the noise and heat of the ballroom, almost like an omen, Harry thought. They stepped into an empty guest room around the corner where two house-elves stood guard outside the door.
Harry frowned upon seeing Lucius and Narcissa already in the room; Narcissa's hands wringing together as she paced in front of the fire in the small grate. Lucius stood unmoving behind an armchair, hands curled tensely over the top of it.
"What is going on?" Draco asked, turning to Hugh with a deep frown and pulling Harry into his side protectively.
Hugh sighed heavily before answering Draco's question. "I'm afraid we've had a request for an inquiry."
"Against who?"
"Against you Draco," he replied grimly.
Harry's eyes widened. "For what? And what does that mean exactly?" he demanded, knowing it wasn't good judging by the dour expressions on all their faces.
Hugh raised solemn eyes to meet Harry's worried gaze. "For attacking a non-Nundu on public grounds."
Harry felt as though his heart had stopped beating. It hurt his chest as he tried to draw breath to speak, to force out the question he already suspected the answer to. "Isn't that… punishable by death?"
Hugh Sloane nodded grimly and Harry thought he was going to be sick.