Harry cautiously opened his eyes once everything felt as though it had stopped moving and Trinket's hand was no longer clutching onto his wrist. He immediately recognised Draco's bedroom at Malfoy Manor; the large, elegant room decorated in soothing hues of pale blue. For reasons beyond his understanding, Harry instantly felt at ease in the space, something about it alleviating some of his lingering anxiety.
Harry noticed a sizeable tray of potions on the bedside cabinet as he idly watched Trinket pad over to the large bed and turn down the bedding.
"Is Master Draco needing anything else?" she asked earnestly as she turned to Draco.
Draco shook his head and Harry watched as the little house-elf bobbed a short curtsy before swiftly disappearing.
Harry shivered, despite being held against his mate's warm chest. He'd forgotten how cold the Manor was and his recovering body was clearly sensitive to the sudden drop in temperature.
Draco's arms tightened around him in response and he quickly walked over to the bed and carefully deposited Harry onto the thick mattress. He untied Harry's dressing gown and carefully pulled it off before placing a hand on his mate's pyjama-clad chest and gently pushing him to lie down.
Harry silently watched as his mate pulled the thick bedding up over his shivering body before stepping back and removing his wand from the waistband of his pyjamas.
"How did you know I was in the infirmary?" Harry asked absently, feeling utterly worn out as he watched Draco cast a few silencing and locking charms at the closed door. "You're still in your pyjamas, like you just jumped out of bed and ran straight there."
Draco walked around to the other side of the bed and set his wand on the bedside cabinet before calmly undressing, grey eyes flicking up to meet Harry's curious gaze. "I wasn't asleep, I… I'm apparently unable to sleep properly without you there," he said stiffly, causing Harry to smile a little; he loved it when Draco became flustered by expressing his emotions, it was so… adorable. "Therefore I felt it when Longbottom brought you into the castle," he continued.
Harry's smile faded. "So you knew something was wrong?"
Draco stepped out of his silken pyjamas, leaving just his pants on, before climbing into the wide bed. He shuffled over to lie alongside Harry and Harry nearly sighed in relief at the welcome influx of body-heat.
"Yes," Draco finally replied, cheek propped in one hand as he looked down at Harry. "I knew it the moment the two of you stepped foot into the castle." He paused a second before adding, "and then the scent of your distress faded away. It was strange, as though you'd walked into the school and then back out again… I didn't know what it meant. I thought perhaps… that maybe you'd…"
"Died?" Harry interjected bluntly and then winced.
Draco shrugged, undoubtedly playing off what had probably been a rather terrifying stretch of time. "I didn't really believe that that's what happened, but I also couldn't help imagining it."
"You must have lost the scent when I lost consciousness," Harry said distractedly, imagining Draco running through the corridors, frantic with worry, rushing to the hospital wing to find out what had happened, and whether his mate was in fact still alive or not.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, quietly, intently. "I'm sorry I put you through that." He paused and took a deep breath. "I promise that no matter how angry I become with you in the future, I will never just leave without telling you and put myself in that kind of situation again." He reached out to affectionately smooth Draco's blond hair out of his eyes, stomach clenching with guilt at how weary his mate looked.
Draco leaned into the touch a moment before reaching up and tightly grasping Harry's hand in his own. "To think, you were outside on school grounds that whole time… the entire time you were being tortured…" he broke off with a shake of his head, grey eyes haunted.
Harry wanted to look away from the anguish in Draco's eyes but he forced himself not to, he needed to hear how much his actions had affected his mate. He deserved it. Yes Draco had over-reacted about Blaise, but he hadn't done anything so foolish as to walk out and get himself nearly killed. Harry knew it was a lesson that he sorely needed to learn, and now he most definitely had.
Life wasn't the same as it was before he was an Omega; there were new rules now, he couldn't just go anywhere on his own and do as he pleased - even more so than when he was merely famous Harry Potter, walking target for Voldemort - now it seemed he was a walking target for any slightly unstable Alpha out there. He also couldn't be selfish, no matter how unintentional; he had to remember that what happened to him also affected his mate.
Draco swallowed, struggling to compose himself. "If I… If I'd only known… You almost died Harry, if Longbottom hadn't found you…"
"I know," Harry responded softly, reassuringly. "And if only I'd let you claim me right from the start, then you would have known. You would have known right away. But I'm still here. I'm here," he repeated steadily.
Draco exhaled shakily and Harry gave his hand a squeeze, wanting to soothe his rattled nerves as much as he was able.
Draco laughed unsteadily and pressed his forehead to Harry's. "I should be the one comforting you, not the other way around Potter," he murmured, sounding as though his tension was finally easing a little.
Harry smiled, his own nerves beginning to settle a bit as well. He extracted his hand from Draco's and gently slid it around to the back of Draco's neck, pulling him down into a soft, chaste kiss.
Draco returned the gentle pressure, smiling against Harry's mouth as he pulled back a moment, allowing his lips to lightly brush against Harry's for a single breath before leaning in for another tender kiss.
Harry felt his body melt into his mate's touch, the way Draco's thumb was rubbing gentle circles over his skin where his hand was resting over Harry's ribs.
The kisses were slow and gentle, a reaffirmation that the other was okay, that everything would be all right. Harry didn't think he'd ever felt as connected to his mate as he did in that moment.
And perhaps that was what prompted Harry to pull back from the kiss and tilt his head to the side, arching his neck and deliberately exposing the pale column of his throat to his mate.
Draco swallowed audibly as his gaze tracked over the pure, unblemished skin laid out before him. He lifted a hand to skate his fingertips down Harry's neck to the collar of his pyjamas.
Harry held very still as Draco began to unbutton the top few buttons of his cotton hospital pyjamas and push back the sides to uncover bare shoulders. Harry bit his lip as the cold air hit his skin, causing him to stiffen slightly.
Draco's gaze flicked up to Harry's face; trying to read his expression. Without a word, he shifted over to cover Harry's body with his own, keeping his weight on his forearms so as not to crush his still recuperating mate.
Harry automatically spread his thighs to allow Draco to settle comfortably between his legs, one arm wrapping loosely around Draco's naked back, his smooth skin warm to the touch. He shuddered as Draco's naturally warm body-heat began to slowly seep into him, chasing away some of the chill that had settled into his body from the cool room.
Draco dropped his head down to sniff at Harry's neck, causing Harry to shiver; no longer from the cold but from an oddly thrilling sense of anticipation.
Draco pressed his lips to Harry's skin, pausing a moment to inhale his mate's scent, then moved up the side of his neck, kissing each new stretch of bare skin with warm seeking lips. He moved all the way up to just beneath Harry's ear and then back down again, lingering over his pulse point and then again over the soft juncture of his shoulder.
Draco's lips parted and he began to lightly suck at the soft flesh, drawing it gently into his mouth and wetting it. Harry's eyes fell closed as his mate then began to lave the site with his tongue, as though thoroughly cleaning the area in preparation.
Harry could feel Draco hardening against his inner thigh as he continued to lap at Harry's skin, utterly absorbed in what he was doing. Harry knew he probably would have been aroused as well if he wasn't so exhausted.
Draco eventually pulled back and Harry opened his eyes to meet his gaze. "Ready?" Draco asked thickly.
"Yeah," Harry whispered back, voice hoarse but sure.
Draco looked as though he wanted to say something more, perhaps to remind Harry that it would hurt or that it was irreversible, or to remind him of the Nundu venom that would forever more flow through his veins, but he didn't. Maybe he didn't want to say anything that might change Harry's mind.
Harry arched his neck and closed his eyes in clear submission.
He was ready.
He felt Draco lean forwards, felt warm breath drifting across the damp patch of skin that he'd created.
Harry shivered, and then suddenly he felt the distinct sensation of teeth closing around is flesh. Harry's heart pounded and he was suddenly wide awake, body buzzing with instant awareness.
He inhaled sharply through his nose as the teeth slowly began to clamp down, harder and harder, felt the sharp pressure of pointed canines straining to break through his skin. Harry idly wondered if Draco's Nundu heritage made his teeth elongate for the purposes of making a claiming bite.
The thought was soon overtaken as his mate's teeth suddenly, and easily, pierced through his skin, as though biting into a piece of fruit. Harry stiffened but made no noise, biting his lip hard in order to stifle a gasp of shock and pain.
Draco continued to sink his teeth in a little further before finally stopping and letting his lips close around the wound, teeth still firmly embedded in Harry's flesh. He let out a muffled moan against Harry's skin, hips reflexively thrusting against Harry's thigh, erection hard and insistent as his primitive Alpha instincts slowly took over.
Harry felt dizzy as the stinging sensation steadily turned into an intense burning at the same time that the scent of his mate's arousal swirled around him, confusing him and pulling his body in two different directions. His own prick was half hard as Draco rolled his hips, seeking out any sort of friction to relieve his body's natural reaction at finally claiming its mate.
Harry gasped as the burning suddenly reached a crescendo and then began to flow outwards from the bite wound, travelling through his veins at breakneck speed. Harry could feel the venom's magic coursing through his body, curling around his magical core and fusing together. The searing pain began to ease as it continued to spread, turning warm and then slightly cool as it reached the tips of his fingers and toes.
Harry exhaled in relief as the pain finally dissipated, leaving only a deep throbbing sensation where Draco's teeth were still fastened over his skin.
Harry was beginning to wonder if his mate was having a hard time letting go, when Draco finally eased up the pressure of his sharp teeth and slowly released Harry's injured flesh from his mouth.
"Oh…" Harry's eyes fluttered shut in unexpected pleasure as Draco began to tenderly lick over the bite mark. All of a sudden, he felt… connected, tethered to his mate in a way that he couldn't even begin to comprehend. His Alpha's tender ministrations as he cleaned the blood and Nundu venom from his wound spoke more clearly than words of how much he cared for his Omega. Harry could feel it; the love ringing out clear and beautiful, like the pure and exquisite tone of a bell resounding throughout his whole being.
It was a connection unlike anything he'd ever experienced before, like a Legilimency for the soul.
Draco's hips had stopped their instinctive rutting but his erection had not diminished in the slightest, pressed long and hard against Harry's leg. Draco pressed a single kiss to the mark then sat up, straddling Harry's hips, surveying his work with approval before turning his heated gaze on his mate.
Harry looked back at him, blinking in astonishment at the way Draco's eyes had gone silver and how his pupils had grown distinctly oval-shaped rather than circular.
They were the eyes of a cat; of a Nundu.
Harry didn't know what it said about him when he felt a flare of arousal at the visual reminder of his mate's alter ego.
Draco licked his lips, eyes fixed on Harry as he reached down and unbuttoned the rest of Harry's shirt. He pushed the hospital-issued pyjamas open, exposing Harry's chest and causing him to shiver again - from the cool air as well as from his mate's intense gaze.
Draco sat back and promptly pushed his pants down, just far enough to allow his erect cock to spring free.
Harry's breath stuttered in his chest as Draco began to fist himself, gaze still locked with his. Harry ran his hands up Draco's thighs, which were lean but firm with muscle, eventually settling his hands at Draco's hips, watching his mate's expression with rapt attention.
Draco's breath was coming in rapid pants, huffed between parted pink lips, hand working quickly over his flushed cock.
Harry's mouth turned dry; his mate made such an erotic picture sitting astride him and wanking, and he wished he had the energy to be an active participant.
All thoughts of the attack were completely wiped from his mind.
Harry knew it wouldn't be long as he watched a rosy flush work its way up Draco's pale chest and neck. Draco's gaze suddenly shifted to the fresh claiming mark on Harry's neck and his eyes became half-lidded with a fresh wave of arousal.
A couple more pulls and Draco was suddenly groaning, long and low, spurting generous amounts of come and coating Harry's naked torso.
Draco paused a moment to catch his breath, eyes closed and head tipped back, one hand still lightly clasped around his softening cock, drops of clear fluid still leaking out the tip and over his fingers.
Harry watched with interest as Draco slowly opened his eyes and then leaned forward without a word; beginning to systematically spread his own ejaculate over Harry's skin, a slight crease of concentration between pale blond brows as he worked, silent and focused.
Harry found it to be the most base, most primitive, moment of his inheritance so far. Maybe this was more Nundu than Alpha, but it was so primal that Harry really didn't know what to say. First the bite and now this scent marking business…
All he knew was that he liked it; it was a possessive act but also one of cherishment too.
Once Draco was satisfied, he glanced up at Harry's face; eyes softening as he slowly came back to himself. He pressed a soft kiss to Harry's lips and then one to the claiming mark, before climbing off the bed. He slid his fingers into the waistband of his pants and began to slide them off.
Harry watched him in silence; wondering what else he was going to do. He thought it was odd that they weren't speaking - but somehow it seemed fitting too; communicating by touch and eye contact alone. He began to shiver as the warm fluid on his chest and abdomen began to cool, his body still feeling overly-sensitive. His new claiming mark was beginning to throb dully as well.
Draco tossed his dark underwear aside, frowning a little when he noticed Harry's shivering.
Without a word, he took a few steps back and then changed into his Nundu form.
Harry startled but quickly shifted over to make room in the large bed, knowing that Draco was in protection mode, and well aware that his cat form would provide the most heat for his mate.
Draco leapt neatly onto the empty side of the bed and then nuzzled his way under Harry's upper body, lying across the two pillows at the top of the bed.
Harry smiled a little as he instantly curled up against his mate's soft furry side, dragging the blanket up over his shoulders and then sinking his fingers deep into Draco's fur as he lay his head on Draco's silky side.
Draco craned his huge silvery-black head around so that Harry's head was tucked in under his downy-soft chin. Draco huffed in contentment, warm breath ruffling Harry's dark hair.
Harry sighed and allowed his eyes to finally slip shut as the warmth of his mate surrounded him, chasing away any trace of cold. He covered a yawn and then chuckled in surprise as a loud rumbly purr started up just under his ear.
It wasn't long before the comforting vibration and soothing warmth forced him to drift off into a deep sleep.
. . . .
Harry woke with a start; eyes snapping open, a rough gasp tearing from his throat.
He lay there a moment, heart pounding, staring up at the white ceiling and waiting for his body to calm down. The nightmare had been a vivid one and he had to actively remind himself that he wasn't trapped and drowning beneath the ice again.
Harry swallowed and his throat felt tender. He shifted a little, wondering if he needed a potion, and noticed how sore the rest of his body was as well - not to mention the persistent throb of pain from the claiming mark making itself known.
It was then that Harry also realised that he was alone in the wide bed.
He frowned and carefully pushed himself up into a sitting position, grimacing at the pull of dried semen on his chest and stomach.
The sexy, romantic notion of scent marking was now completely gone; now he just wanted a hot shower.
The same house-elf who had brought them to the Manor last night suddenly appeared beside the bed with an almost soundless pop.
Harry quickly closed his pyjama top to hide the mess of dried ejaculate. He flushed and hoped house-elves didn't have a heightened sense of smell.
"Master Potter," Trinket greeted with a low curtsy, plucking out the sides of her 'dress' as she did so. She seemed to be wearing what appeared to be an old fabric bag which apparently contained apples at one point, if the label on the front was anything to go by. "Mistress Narcissa says you are to join her for tea in the conservatory."
"Erm, all right," Harry replied slowly. "I… I'm just going to pop into the shower first."
Trinket nodded and then indicated a pile of neatly folded clothes on the chair by the desk. "Master Draco brought you something to wear, and I was to remind you to take your yellow and red potions now."
"Oh… thank you," he stammered, glancing at the tray of potions and quickly spotting the correct vials. "I won't be long," he said, turning back to her.
Trinket merely blinked her large brown eyes at him and didn't move, and Harry suspected she wasn't to leave until he'd taken his potions.
He swallowed the potions in quick succession - the yellow one was vile and the red one tasted of strawberries - and then Trinket swiftly disappeared after bobbing another curtsy.
The pain instantly dulled into the background and Harry was able to have a quick shower and then dress without too much discomfort.
He peered curiously at his new claiming mark in the mirror; it was quite red and a little swollen. The indents where Draco's teeth had pierced his skin were scabbed over and ugly, but he knew they would fade into a smooth, silvery scar at some point.
Harry smirked a little at how visible the mark was; Draco had clearly wanted it to show above the collar of any shirt or robe that Harry might wear. It was an obvious declaration that he was already taken, and Harry just shook his head with a fond sort of amusement. Such actions would have irritated the fuck out of him not that long ago, but now he could see the other side of things. He understood that it was an act of possession, yes, but that it also stemmed from a deep-rooted concern for a mate's safety - as well as an act of love.
Harry made his way out into the hall, clean and with slightly damp hair, and walked towards the grand staircase which led down to the entrance hall. He tugged a little uncomfortably at the black trousers which Draco had selected for him. They were of very fine material and soft to the touch, but a little more snug than he was used to. The shirt and jumper were also of fine quality, lovely and soft against his skin, the deep green of the jumper setting off his emerald-coloured eyes behind his glasses.
Harry took his time walking down the marble steps, hanging onto the hand-railing for support as he still wasn't feeling all that strong. He knew it would take more than a few potions and a bit of sleep for his body to heal completely.
Harry shook his head, not wanting to think about the attack, or about the fact that those two men were still out there somewhere.
He hesitated at the bottom of the steps, wondering which way the conservatory was, and more than a little annoyed that his mate hadn't waited around for him to wake up so that he wasn't lost in the massive home on his own.
The aroma of food finally directed him to the right. He passed through the large front parlour, into the library, and then on into what must be the conservatory at the rear of the Manor, adjacent to the kitchens.
Harry hesitated in the doorway when he spotted Narcissa curled up on the long window-seat, legs tucked beneath her, dressed quite casually in a lavender-coloured dress with a knitted grey shawl draped around slender shoulders. Her long blond hair was plaited down the side over one shoulder and the informal style made her look years younger.
She turned at Harry's appearance and her expression visibly warmed as she lifted a hand to beckon him in.
Harry smiled a little as he shuffled inside and made his way over to the window to join her. The octagonal-shaped seat had pale yellow and white cushions across the length of it and was situated beneath huge glass-paneled windows criss-crossed with white glazing bars. Beams of winter sunshine were streaming through the glass onto the seat and onto the white and grey marble table laden with lunch.
It all looked so wonderfully cosy and inviting, and Harry felt his reticence ease as he approached.
"Good morning Mrs. Malfoy," Harry greeted politely as he took a seat across from her.
"It is good afternoon at this point," she replied with a tiny smile over the rim of her teacup.
Harry blinked; he'd never seen Narcissa Malfoy so natural and light-hearted before.
"Sleep is good for you though," she continued, unperturbed by his lack of response. "Draco sends his apologies; he was quite… distraught and needed to burn off some excess energy. His father is with him."
Harry frowned in confusion as he followed her gaze through the window and out across the vast grounds. He quickly spotted two Nundu racing across the snow, bodies low to the earth and ears laid back to the their heads.
"Distraught?" Harry repeated, turning back to her.
Narcissa set her cup down on top of her knee. "He could not sleep; he was too full of anger and frustration. I told him to go outside before he crawled out of his skin." Narcissa sighed, gaze drifting back out the window towards her husband and son. "An attack on a Nundu's mate is a very serious matter, and it is not taken lightly. Historically, the people responsible would be immediately brought before the Board and the Alpha would then enact retribution upon the guilty. An attack on an Alpha's mate this serious generally stems from a moment of lost control, but this… " She paused to swallow delicately, turning troubled eyes on Harry. "This was a planned attack meant to kill for unknown reasons, and no one has any idea of who it was or why."
Harry dropped her gaze and reached for a scone in order to keep his hands occupied. "So, usually the Alpha would… do what exactly to the ones responsible?"
"Tear them apart limb from limb," she replied evenly.
Harry nodded, having expected that. "Even if they aren't clan members? That's still what happens?"
Narcissa nodded serenely. "Yes, otherwise the Alpha will not feel fulfilled, he will not be settled. He will always have this need, this compulsion, to seek revenge for what they've done. A Nundu's mate, the bearer of his children, is the most sacred thing on this earth to them."
Harry looked up. "Which is why Draco is so on edge?"
"Yes, my poor boy," she murmured, lifting her tea and taking another sip.
Harry bit into the jam and cream covered scone, not feeling hungry but knowing he needed to eat something in order to rebuild his strength. He chewed while Trinket appeared at his elbow and poured him a hot cup of tea.
"Thanks," Harry mumbled to the little elf before she disappeared again.
"He loves you."
Harry's head jerked up and he nearly choked on his food.
"Quite a bit," she added, eyes warm with approval. "Draco does not readily articulate his emotions, he keeps a tight hold on himself in that regard, like his father, but I can see how very deeply he cares for you."
Harry smiled shyly as he brought his feet up to sit cross-legged on the soft cushion, half-eaten scone still in one hand. "I know he does," he replied with conviction. "He hasn't said it out loud but I know he does."
"He will," Narcissa replied with a smile. "I wouldn't be surprised if this incident is the turning point for him. He may become desperate to ensure that you know just how much you mean to him."
Harry blushed, pleased, but also realising just how odd this conversation was. He quickly reached for his tea to avoid having to form a response.
"I see he has marked you at last," she observed, causing Harry's cheeks to flush even further.
Narcissa was nothing if not direct.
"Erm, yeah - yes, he has," Harry replied awkwardly, suddenly and inappropriately reminded of how turned on his mate had been during the whole claiming process. "It's hard to miss," he added with a wry smile.
Narcissa chuckled in amusement.
Harry wondered where her claiming mark was as he couldn't see any scars.
"Lucius did not wish to mar my skin so he was perhaps a little more discreet in his placement than my son," she said, correctly interpreting Harry's silent musing. Her smile of amusement slowly faded. "It is wise for your mark to be more visible though, being a male Omega will not make life easy for you."
Harry laughed - with only the barest hint of bitterness. "My life has never been easy."
Narcissa acknowledged his statement with a slight nod before reaching for one of the colourful little macarons on the silver tray, selecting a pale pink one and setting it aside on a delicate china plate.
Harry had finished his scone and reached out for one of the tempting sandwiches on the tiered silver tower. He was feeling a little hungrier now and eagerly bit into the thickly sliced bread. He hummed his approval as the flavour of tangy mustard and roast beef burst over his taste buds.
They both ate in silence for a few minutes, watching their mates through the window whenever they came into view.
Harry frowned when he noticed that the two giant cats were nipping and clawing at each other rather aggressively. He glanced at Narcissa but she didn't appear bothered by the vicious behaviour. He turned back to the window, brow still knit in thought.
Sometimes he had to remind himself that the Nundu people had such a violent past, a past that eventually led to their banishment and illegal status with the Ministry. It was hard to keep that in mind when his mate was so caring, and even when Draco was angry or upset, he wasn't explosive or dangerous like Harry thought he ought to be in order for his people to deserve such a harsh sentence.
As far as Harry could see, the Nundu clan were a responsible group of people who were able to intelligently and justly govern their own kind in order to live in relative harmony, but he knew trying to convince the Ministry of that would be nearly impossible, even stepping forward and declaring their existence could yield terrible consequences.
He knew it wasn't worth the risk, especially because exposure would mean the possible execution of his mate. The naïve, hopeful part of him refused to believe the Ministry capable of executing so many people if it didcome to light, but the side of him that had experience with corrupt governments and dark wizards, knew it was a distinct possibility. All the Ministry had to do was put fear into the public at large and they would soon clamour for Nundu genocide.
Harry shuddered at the thought.
He finished off his sandwich and then added a splash of milk to his tea before cupping it in both hands. He glanced at Narcissa; the woman seemed so serene and at ease. He found he was warming to her as a mother-in-law; she provided useful information and advice, but didn't pressure him or try to influence his decisions.
Harry cleared his throat. "Uh… is Mr. Malfoy very upset that I didn't allow him to take me back to Hogwarts after the party?"
Narcissa appeared surprised by the question. "I was not aware that he had offered." She paused, lip curling up into a tiny grin.
"What?" Harry asked, unable to hold in his own smile in response to the teasing gleam in her eyes.
"I do believe he is becoming fond of you Harry."
Harry laughed and they shared a moment of closeness and familiarity which warmed Harry from the inside.
"And do please call us by our given names Harry," she said. "I think we may dispense with the formalities now that you are a part of our family."
"All right, I'll… I'll try to remember that." Harry nodded, still smiling faintly. He suddenly remembered something he'd meant to ask her a while ago and he felt comfortable enough in that moment to finally voice it. "Erm, this may be a stupid question but, do Alphas and Omegas usually have some sort of marriage ceremony?"
Narcissa cocked her head to one side thoughtfully. "Some mated partners do," she replied carefully.
"You and Mr. Malfoy - sorry, Lucius," Harry amended, stumbling a little over the name, "are married, aren't you?"
Narcissa nodded. "Yes we are. A marriage ceremony is something some monogamous couples decide to take part in, but not all."
Harry ran a hand through his shower-damp hair, balancing his tea on one knee. "Monogamous? As in Omegas which only take a single Alpha as their mate?"
She nodded, head still tilted to one side as she gazed back at him. "Every partnership is different," she said. "Some mated pairs prefer to just let the claiming mark speak for itself, others like the idea of a traditional marriage as well."
Harry nodded, absorbing this. "I once read that a mated pair become 'bonded' once the claiming mark is in place, is that true? And what does that mean exactly?"
Narcissa smiled gently, leaning back against the stack of white silk cushions behind her. "Bonded is merely a generalised term for mated pairs. Some believe a pair to be bonded once they have acknowledged their mateship, some believe it is when the couple has spent a heat cycle together, or it could be once a mate has received their claiming mark. It isn't something clearly defined and it doesn't change anything about a mateship, it's just a term which people throw around. You needn't concern yourself with it Harry. With Draco being a Nundu, you will have a much stronger connection with each other than most," she added upon seeing his bemused expression.
Harry swallowed the rest of his tea and set his cup down on the table. "It's all so confusing," he finally said with a sigh. "There should be a bloody course at Hogwarts about all this."
Narcissa laughed, the sound light and pleasing. "Perhaps you should initiate one?"
Harry snorted. "I am not qualified for that."
Narcissa laughed and Harry was once again struck by how young she appeared when she was relaxed. He hoped it meant that she felt comfortable around him now.
"What are you two giggling about?"
Harry and Narcissa looked up to see Lucius in the open doorway, pale gaze sweeping over his smiling mate with approval.
"Mr. Potter, how are you feeling?" he asked, turning to Harry.
Harry tried not to stare at the bleeding gash across Lucius' cheek and the rather deep one on his upper arm that was currently staining his white shirt a deep red. "Erm, better, thanks."
Narcissa rose from her seat with a tsk of disapproval. She swept across the sun-drenched room and placed a chaste kiss on her husband's uninjured cheek. "He's in better condition than you my love."
Harry nearly gaped when Lucius rolled his eyes at her, smirking good-naturedly.
"I'm fine, Trinket is waiting for me and she will have me healed in a moment."
"I'll accompany you," she replied, slipping her arm through his. "Where is Draco?"
"Trinket is seeing to him now, he'll be down shortly."
Harry watched as the two Malfoys turned and exited the room, Narcissa's gaze decidedly tender as she gazed up at her mate.
Harry exhaled heavily and flopped back against the pillows. He eyed the trays of tempting sweets, wondering how long he would have to wait for his mate to make an appearance. He selected a large chocolate-coated biscuit and happily munched on it as he turned to look out the window.
He hoped Draco had worked out all his pent-up Nundu frustration.
He smirked, wondering if there were other ways for Draco to excise his restlessness.
He absently reached up with his left hand and lightly traced his fingertips over the rough scar tissue of his new claiming mark. His pain potion was still holding strong and he didn't feel a thing as he gently prodded the disfigured skin.
He wondered if the potion was keeping his fear at bay too, because he was feeling oddly calm after nearly dying last night.
He finished off his biscuit and was contemplating having another when he caught some movement out of the corner of his eye. Harry turned to see Draco standing in the open doorway, his smile of greeting dying on his lips when he took in the fierce expression on his mate's face.
Draco strode briskly into the room to stand on the other side of the table from Harry, hands balled into fists at his sides, grey eyes wild.
Harry sat back in his seat, unconsciously leaning away from his mate who appeared slightly unhinged. "Wha-"
"I love you!" Draco abruptly shouted over him.
Harry blinked, and then felt the overwhelming urge to laugh; as though a huge bubble was expanding in his chest, ready to burst. He bit his lip but it was no good, he could feel his lips twitching. A sort of snort/snicker escaped as he stared back at his mate.
Draco visibly deflated and rubbed a hand over his face with a sigh. "I'm sorry…"
Harry laughed, and he couldn't seem to stop laughing. His mate looked thoroughly mortified.
Harry finally stood up and came around the table to sling his arms around Draco's neck. "Want to try that again?" he said with an amused grin.
Draco snorted softly as he looked down at his mate. "No, you laughed at me."
Harry's responding smile was all affection as he stared back at him. "I promise I won't next time," he said, then narrowed his eyes. "Did your mum put you up to this?"
"You think my mother forced me to say that?" Draco replied, affronted.
"She may have mentioned - and apologised for - your lack of communication skills over lunch," Harry said with a grin.
Draco frowned. "Firstly, I should think that you knew how I felt about you without me having to say it, and secondly, the intimate details of our relationship are really not my mother's concern."
Harry reached up, wanting to smooth the frown from his mate's face; he was clearly regretting the whole conversation and Harry suddenly felt bad for teasing him.
"How are you feeling?" Draco asked, catching Harry's hand in his own and hanging on as he deftly changed the subject.
Harry gave his hand a squeeze before dropping it back to his side with a sigh. "I… I'm okay," he replied with a shrug.
"And this?" Draco said, fingers moving to rest lightly around the reddened bite mark on Harry's neck.
"It's fine," Harry answered honestly, "I think the pain potion is helping."
Draco's gaze moved back to meet Harry's. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke."
Harry shook his head. "It's fine, your mother explained everything, and by the looks of things you really needed to let off some steam. I can't believe you attacked your own father."
Draco seemed to recover from his previous embarrassment as he smirked at Harry's words. "He wounded me as well - once," he added smugly.
Harry just shook his head and wandered back over to the window-seat. He selected a pale green macaron for Draco and a blue one for himself before sitting down.
Draco joined him and poured some tea while crunching on the sweet meringue treat.
"Do you do that often?" Harry asked curiously as he drew his feet up onto the seat and hugged his knees to his chest. "Er, fight with your father while you're both in Nundu form?"
"No, not anymore," he replied as he sat back with a cup of tea, settling warmly against Harry's side. "I needed it when I was younger and still working through everything, trying to deal with the more… animalistic side of my heritage. While my mother may think that my father and I have trouble expressing our every thought and emotion, she forgets that trying to control our reactions is something we work at every single day, that it's something drilled into every Nundu from birth. If you don't, it could mean Azkaban - or execution by our Board. Sometimes it's hard to turn that off and let down your guard when you've been doing it for so long."
Harry nodded in understanding, chin resting on his knees. "It must be so difficult; living with that over your head all the time. It's hard to believe you had to deal with that at such a young age, it's amazing you've turned out as normal as you are. I mean, I still think you're a bit of a wanker but…"
Draco glared and bumped his shoulder, causing Harry to smile. "You're one to talk Potter; I'm not the only one with a messed up childhood."
Harry snorted. "Yeah and look at how much of a nutter Iam."
Draco chuckled in response as Narcissa and Lucius entered the room; Lucius all patched up and with a fresh shirt on.
Harry immediately slid his feet back down to the floor. He noticed a piece of parchment in Narcissa's hand as they walked over to join them around the table.
"I've had an owl from your Headmistress," she said, handing the short scroll over to Harry. "It seems they've found your wand at the edge of the Forbidden Forest."
Harry was immediately flooded with relief; he'd honestly thought it was lost for good, or at least until they apprehended the people responsible. He glanced up hopefully. "Were they able to track the two men down?"
She shook her head and Harry sighed as he glanced down at the short note from McGonagall.
"Are the Aurors investigating?" Draco asked.
"They would be," Lucius interjected. "Any attack of this nature on a Hogwart's student would require immediate action from the Ministry - particularly due to Potter being the one who was attacked."
Harry chewed his lip, wondering why they all looked so worried; surely the Aurors' investigation wouldn't include the Malfoys?
"Any news from the clan?" Draco asked his father next.
"Not yet." Lucius shook his head and Narcissa laid a hand on his forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Harry swallowed, taking in their grave expressions. "You don't… You don't think the Aurors would involve you, do you?"
"Not necessarily," Narcissa replied gently, "but if the men who attacked you are clan members, it could pose a bit of a problem if they are caught."
Harry's eyes widened as the scope of the issue finally sunk in. "Do you think they were clan members?" he asked, glancing between Lucius and Narcissa. "They were certainly human the entire time I was with them."
Lucius ran a hand over his chin briefly, looking a little weary, and Harry wondered if he'd been up all night with Draco. "We're not sure; the Board is looking into it of course. We've given them your description of the men, and the fact that you believe they were related, but hopefully they were not our kind. This will all be much simpler if they were merely leftover idealists from the Dark Lord."
Harry nodded in agreement. Mad Voldemort supporters he could handle. He glanced down at the Headmistress' brief note, reading her last line which stated that he could stay with the Malfoy's for as long as he needed and that his wand would be waiting for him in her office upon his return.
Harry sighed; why did everything always happen to him?
Draco slid an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close, obviously sensing his melancholy.
For the first time, he began to question whether he should be having children. If he and Draco were constant targets, then what hope did their children have for survival?