"Good morning Harry. Morning Draco."
Harry smiled at Hermione's friendly tone as he and Draco slid into their seats at the Gryffindor table early the next morning. The day trip to London had worked wonders for the relationship between the three of them, even Ron looked up with a smile of greeting for Draco as he shoveled scrambled eggs into his mouth.
The zoo had been a brilliant idea and they had all gone to dinner afterwards at a local fish and chips shop. The zoo had been the perfect ice-breaker and everyone was much more relaxed after that; the conversation over dinner a lot friendlier, with no talk of attacks or secrets or odd behaviour. They didn't even mention classes or Hogwarts at all. They mostly discussed future plans and Quidditch - and Ron took great pleasure in teasing Draco over the fact that it was his first time in a fish and chips shop.
Harry decided not to mention the fact that it was Draco's first time having fish and chips. Draco had confessed later that he had rather enjoyed the chips but couldn't understand why Muggles would ruin perfectly good fish with that disgustingly greasy coating.
"Morning," Harry replied cheerfully as he reached for the pumpkin juice.
Draco usually went straight for the tea as though his life depended on it, but today he seemed to be glancing about the table with a diminutive frown.
"Looking for someone?" Harry enquired as he stabbed a couple of juicy sausages with his fork and slid them off onto his plate with one finger.
"Mmm…" Draco hummed distractedly. His expression suddenly cleared and Harry glanced up to see Neville walking into the Great Hall.
Neville took his usual seat across from Ron, absently uttering good morning to everyone while simultaneously examining the plates of steaming food crowding the long wooden table.
Draco cleared his throat. "Longbottom."
Neville paused, a piece of toast clutched in one hand, as he looked up at Draco in surprise. "Uh… yes?"
"I just wished to thank you for saving Harry's life. I hadn't the chance to say it to you until now, and if it hadn't been for your involvement, my mate wouldn't be sitting here today."
The entire table fell silent - including Harry.
His Alpha's expression was impassive as he stared back at Neville but his voice was tight with controlled emotion.
Harry turned to his gobsmacked housemate just in time to see his cheeks flush.
"Er yeah, no worries," Neville stammered in embarrassment. "Harry has saved all our lives more than once… it's the least I could do, right?"
"If you ever need a night off from your late night plant feeding," Draco continued magnanimously, "let us know and we will be happy to step in for you."
Harry almost laughed outright as Ron's fork froze halfway to his mouth, staring with wide-eyed amazement at the Slytherin.
Hermione kicked Ron under the table as Neville thanked Draco and said he would let him know.
Draco nodded in response and Harry slipped his hand under the table to give his mate's thigh a supportive squeeze. He then returned to his breakfast as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. He hadn't known Draco was going to do that and the Slytherin's oft unseen thoughtful side usually remained concealed in public.
Draco then began to prepare his tea and everyone else gradually stopped staring and returned to their breakfast as well.
A few students - mostly from other tables - continued to glance in Harry's direction with openly curious expressions throughout the meal, but Harry just ignored them. The staring had become a lot more prevalent after the attack. He knew the rumours would be running rampant about what had happened to him and why; no one else knew that he'd gone into heat upon his return, so the majority of the school now assumed Harry had been so grievously injured in the mysterious attack that he had had to remain in the hospital wing for a full week.
One of the advantages to having an over-protective mate was that it kept the invasive questions to a minimum; no one dared to approach Harry in the corridor - even just ask if he was all right. His friends were also very tight-lipped about the incident, not revealing the details of what had happened to anyone outside their little circle. Only a handful of Aurors and Professor McGonagall knew the description of his attackers and the details of the attack itself. This way, any student found to possess more information than was purposely leaked would be instantly under suspicion. The hope was that the two men would be daft enough to boast about what they'd -almost - accomplished to friends or family.
Once they were finished with breakfast, the eighth years at the Gryffindor table collected their things and began to make their way to the first floor DADA classroom.
"So what's the new professor like?" Harry asked Hermione as they strode through the corridors together.
"Oh that's right, you haven't met him yet," Hermione replied, and then added with a strange little grin, "you really missed out."
"What do you mean?"
"She means the new professor is young and fit," Ron answered with a roll of his eyes, "and she thinks he's just yourtype."
"My type?" Harry replied, baffled. "I didn't realise I had a type."
Ron snorted. "You'll see."
They rounded the corner and headed for the open classroom door.
Harry glanced at his mate with amusement when Draco slipped his hand into Harry's as they entered; it felt as though Draco was staking his claim for the new "fit" professor to observe.
Harry looked towards the desk at the front of the classroom and had to stifle a laugh. The new professor did look awfully young - and was tall, lean and had shining blond hair.
He was about to comment to Hermione when he felt his mate stiffen beside him.
"What is it?" Harry asked, hoping his Alpha wasn't thatsusceptible to jealousy.
"Later," he murmured out of the corner of his mouth and Harry instantly knew it was something other than a fit of jealousy.
The four of them took their seats, placing their Defence texts on top of their desks and sitting back to wait. Harry silently studied the new professor and wondered if he would last more than a year. The man was calmly leaning against the edge of the desk, arms crossed over his chest and gaze on the door as the last few students wandered in. He was dressed in brown tweed trousers and a white buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows beneath a fitted vest.
He carelessly waved one hand to quietly shut the door behind the last student and then turned to his expectant class with an easy smile.
Harry glanced at his mate out of the corner of his eye, trying to read his expression. He didn't look upset, just… uneasy, as though taken off-guard by something.
"Welcome back class, I hope you all had time to look over Chapter Eleven," the professor began, gaze travelling around the room. His eyes lingered on Harry and Draco for a split-second longer than the rest of the students. "For those of you who were absent, my name is Professor Garrick. I'm afraid you will need to review both Chapters Eleven and Twelve this week to catch up." He paused and his smile widened. "Not to worry though, it's all very fascinating."
Harry flipped open his book to Chapter Eleven. The title in thick black lettering read 'Hex Deflection.' He turned to Chapter Twelve and blinked at the title spread across the page: 'Controlling Your Inheritance.'
Harry scanned down the page and it seemed that the chapter was mostly directed towards Alphas. It went into detail on specific methods for repressing baser instincts so as to remain clear-headed in any given situation - including in the midst of battle.
Harry suddenly realised how serious that could be - especially for an Auror. All the criminal would have to do is throw an Omega in the path of an Alpha Auror and they could be suddenly rendered utterly useless.
"This subject is usually taught in Seventh Year, prior to any of you actually coming into your inheritance," Professor Garrick continued. "As this year is such a unique situation, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to test these techniques out in real life scenarios. The younger you begin to master these techniques the better."
Draco made a low sound of displeasure in his throat and Harry knew his mate didn't like the sound of that. Come to think of it, Harry didn't really like the sound of it either; it sounded as though the professor was going to use the students as guinea pigs.
Professor Garrick's brown eyes swept over to Draco as though he'd heard him. "Not to fear Mr. Malfoy, we will not be using your mate as an Omega test subject in order to trigger Alphas. I would never consider such a thing in my classroom."
Draco's tense expression eased a little.
Harry was now watching Professor Garrick with renewed interest; it was common knowledge who Draco was - especially after being continually splashed across the cover of the Prophet as Harry Potter's mate - but something in the man's tone almost made it sound as though the professor knew Draco personally.
If that was true, then why would Draco be uncomfortable in his presence?
Harry pushed that thought to the back of his mind and refocused as the young professor walked forward to stand in front of the first row of desks. "Now that most of you have read the chapter on Hex Deflection, we shall be ready with the practical work."
Harry smiled and withdrew his wand, eager to get started.
Professor Garrick spotted him and addressed him with a rueful smile. "I'm afraid as you and Mr. Malfoy have not yet had a chance to study the theory, I must ask that you both merely observe for today." He turned back to the rest of the class as Harry visibly deflated. "We are taking class outside this morning, so grab your warm things and a wand and head out to the entrance hall."
"It's for your own good Potter," Draco said with a smirk as the class stood and gathered their cloaks.
Harry glared at his mate, who was looking quite pleased about the professor's decision. He knew Draco disliked it when others practiced dueling with him in class but the bastard didn't have to look quite so smug about it.
The students began to file out the door as they pulled on mittens and hats, excited grins of anticipation on their faces; they never took class outside.
Ron and Hermione joined Harry and Draco as they walked between desks to the front of the room.
"Could I have a word with you Mr. Potter?" Professor Garrick interrupted as Harry was about to walk past.
Harry paused, a slight frown of apprehension on his face.
"Mr. Malfoy is of course welcome to join us," he continued amiably.
"Oh, ah… sure," Harry replied uncertainly, wondering what he'd done wrong already.
Ron and Hermione continued on past them out the door, both of them darting looks of concern over their shoulders as they left.
Harry unconsciously stepped a little closer to Draco and he instantly wrapped an arm around Harry's waist in response.
"Nice to see you again Draco," Professor Garrick said, turning to him with a warm smile once the door had fallen closed behind Ron and Hermione.
Harry immediately bristled, his mind buzzing with jealousy from the over-familiarity with which he greeted his mate. Was this man one of the men whom Draco had 'experimented' with?
"I think the last time we saw each other you were still in nappies."
Or not.
"Not quite," Draco replied dryly, he didn't return the smile but his tone was friendly enough. "I believe I was about nine or ten, close to Hogwart's age." He turned to Harry, who was shifting impatiently, waiting for someone to explain what was going on. "Harry, this is Michael Garrick. He's a part of the Clan."
"Oh," Harry responded in surprise, stilling. "Er, nice to meet you."
Professor Garrick reached out to shake his hand. "It's nice to finally meet you too Harry," he said. "I wish we had time for a proper chat but the class will be waiting. I just wanted to let you both know that I've been sent here to help keep an eye on Harry. I'm sorry that there was no time to warn you Draco, it must have been quite a shock walking in to see me at the head of the class."
Professor Garrick began to walk with them towards the door, grabbing his cloak from off of a wooden coat rack as they passed.
"There have been some… developments," he continued, sounding reluctant to broach the subject, "and the concern was that you are somewhat vulnerable at the moment Harry." He turned to them both, one hand on the door handle. "Obviously I cannot speak of such things here, but your parents have been apprised of the situation Draco. If you wish, I can accompany you both to Malfoy Manor after the last class of the day to discuss this further."
Draco stared at him, looking as though he desperately wanted to ask for more details, a muscle in his cheek twitching as his jaw clenched and unclenched. "And… you believe your presence is required for our trip to the Manor?" he finally asked.
"Yes."
"Is it safe for me at Hogwarts?" Harry asked, trying to rein in the strong urge to demand the specifics right bloody now.
"We believe so," Professor Garrick replied slowly. "Your Headmistress stepped up security measures and alerted the Aurors after the initial attack, and those measures are still in place, so within these grounds you should be safe."
Harry pressed his lips together into a hard line; the emphasis on 'should' hanging in the air between the three of them.
Professor Garrick looked at Harry sympathetically for a moment before turning and opening the door.
All conversation ceased as they strode through the corridors to the entrance hall, Draco's hand clasped around Harry's; his firm grasp speaking volumes on his current state of mind.
Their classmates were all amassed near the door, talking and laughing loudly, not a care in the world.
Harry wanted to glower at them; why was he always singled out? Now that the war was over, they were all able to move on while Harry felt as though his problems were almost as bad now as they were at the height of Voldemort's reign of terror.
He slanted a glance at his mate, feeling a tug of guilt for dragging Draco into this mess. He wondered if Draco was starting to doubt whether or not Harry was worth all the stress of having him as his mate.
"All right everyone, let's go!" the professor called out above the din.
"What was that all about?" Ron asked as he and Hermione joined the pair while everyone else trooped outside into the snowy grounds.
Harry clasped his heavy cloak around his shoulders and walked out with them into the muted winter sunshine, squinting a little at the glare of sun off of the snow.
"McGonagall had spoken to him about the attack and the extra security, so he just wanted to know if there was anything he could do to help," Draco replied smoothly, handing over a pair of grey gloves to his mate who had neglected to bring his own. Harry flashed him a grateful smile as he slipped them on. "He's an old friend of my family's as well, so he asked after my parents."
"Was he living locally?" Hermione asked with interest, looking over at the professor as he led the pack of students across the grounds to a flat, open space near the frozen lake. "He sounds as though he has a slight accent."
"He's been living in Germany with his wife for the past eight or nine years," Draco explained. "I believe they were planning to make the move back to the UK when the Hogwart's post came up, so he applied."
"Was he an Auror?" Ron asked as they joined the back of the group forming a semi-circle around the new professor.
Draco shook his head. "No, just a bit of an expert in his field, he's been teaching for years."
"Well, I like him," Hermione whispered. "He seems kind; reminds me of Professor Lupin."
Harry leaned against Draco's side for added warmth and forced himself to push all gloomy thoughts to the back of his mind in order to not ruin what trust he'd managed to rebuild with Ron and Hermione yesterday. "Yeah, he seems nice," he commented.
"Nice?" Ron snorted. "Is that what you're calling it these days?"
Harry turned to him. "Just because my mate is blond, that does not mean that I am into all blonds. Though he is quite attractive," he added with a sly grin.
Harry stifled a laugh when Draco elbowed him in the side. The four of them turned their attention back to Professor Garrick as he began to introduce the lesson.
Harry quickly discovered that he really didn't enjoy sitting on the sidelines while everyone else got to have all the fun, especially when he felt full of nervous energy which demanded to be expelled. He desperately wanted answers and it didn't look as though he was going to get any until the end of the day.
He and Draco retreated to the outskirts of the group while the class took turns standing alone in the centre of the circle. The professor then proceeded to fire some weak hexes at each of them in turn, pushing them to employ the new techniques they'd studied last week, and gradually increasing the speed and ferocity of the spells as the students grew more adept.
Professor Garrick wanted each and every student to be able to deflect hexes as though it were second nature; to not even think about it before their wand was up and deflecting in the wide arc movement from their Defense texts. It was very different to a shielding spell; it was a spell to counteract another spell. The goal was to send it ricocheting back towards the attacker.
Harry was itching to join in, his wand hand felt empty and useless as he watched the action unfold in frustration.
He didn't think it looked that difficult; surely he and Draco would be able to pick it up and give it a go, at least a couple of times…
"Steady Potter," Draco murmured out the side of his mouth. "We can practice with the professor later if you're that desperate to have hexes thrown at you."
Harry smiled dolefully at his perceptive mate. "I just think it would be a good idea to learn this one, especially with my attackers still out there somewhere."
At Harry's words, a slight furrow appeared between Draco's pale brows.
"Hey." Harry turned to him fully and reached up with one hand to smooth away his worried expression. "Stop it; we're on our guard now so no more surprise assaults, right?"
Grey eyes flicked to meet his but Draco's anxiousness was still evident. "I just wish I knew what these new developments were that Michael mentioned."
Harry sighed and turned back to absently watch as Neville deflected a bright blue spell back at Professor Garrick, who had a shield spell up and at the ready. "If it was something really serious, he wouldn't have let me come outside for class today though, right?"
"His idea of what is safe enough for you, and what mine is, are quite different, I assure you," Draco replied coolly.
Harry glanced at him. "Merlin, you're hot when you're in protective Alpha mode," he said with a straight face.
Draco kept his grey eyes on the professor, but his lips twitched minutely as he replied, "I happen to know you truly do find that arousing Potter… and when we get back to our room I'll show you just how Alpha I can be when I have you on your hands and knees with my cock up your arse."
Harry's mouth went dry and his trousers suddenly felt a little too tight. That's what he got for provoking his mate.
He tried to adjust himself without anyone noticing.
"Fuck you," Harry muttered when Draco caught the movement and smirked.
. . . .
It was decided that Professor Garrick would Apparate ahead of Harry and Draco to the Manor, in order to avoid raising suspicion if any students or teachers were to spot them together. It also allowed the professor time to inspect the Apparation Point for any threats prior to Harry's arrival. The Apparation Point was just outside the Manor gates, and the only unprotected section of their journey, so they didn't want to take any chances.
They all arrived without incident and made their way through the front gates of Malfoy Manor. The wards felt thick and heavy in the air as Harry walked up the long drive towards the Malfoy family home, and he vaguely wondered if Draco's parents had recently stepped up their security to compensate for these 'new developments.'
As they walked, Harry had the strangest feeling that Draco resented the professor's presence. He wondered if Draco saw it as an affront to his ability to protect his own mate. Draco was acting unusually cool and short with Professor Garrick, hardly even speaking to him and leaving Harry to answer all of the man's seemingly friendly enquiries.
He didn't think Draco would ever admit to feeling inadequate in any way though, so Harry held tight to his hand, determined to show Draco that he made Harry feel safe and that he wasn't in any way deficient as an Alpha - no matter how irrational his mate's insecurities seemed from the outside.
"So Harry, it must have been a bit of a shock for you to learn of Draco's heritage," Professor Garrick said conversationally.
"Yeah it was," he admitted, glancing at Draco with a gentle smile, causing stony grey eyes to soften just a little. "A good surprise though."
"Oh?"
"Well yeah, I mean, who doesn't want an Alpha who has an even stronger side to him if called upon? I think it's amazing. I'm a bit jealous to be honest," he admitted, staring at the ground. "It'd be nice to not be human for a while. To just run around and… and pounce on things."
Draco coughed, trying and failing to hide a smile in the thick collar of his cloak.
The professor chuckled in amusement and Harry flushed, feeling suddenly embarrassed for voicing such juvenile thoughts. He quickly changed the subject. "So… you're a Nundu too then?"
"Yes," he admitted freely. "My wife, Anna, is not, and we have three daughters."
"Is your wife still in Germany?"
"No, we have a little flat in Hogsmeade. She looks after the girls while I'm teaching. I'm able to come home every night and put my girls to bed; makes a lovely change to the long distance position I had prior to this one."
Harry smiled and felt a little tug at his heart at the mention of the man's children and the thought of Professor Garrick's domestic nights at home with his wife and daughters. Harry found the longer he was with Draco, the stronger that urge to give his mate children became. He couldn't wait to create a little family of their own.
The three of them walked up the wide snow-covered steps towards the imposing front doors of the Manor.
"Do you have an Animagus form Harry?" the professor suddenly asked.
"Erm, no, I don't."
Professor Garrick smiled warmly, showing even white teeth in the light of the waning sun. "You may wish to explore that aspect of your magic in order to perhaps join Draco while he is in his Nundu form. My wife uses her Animagus form quite often whilst I'm in my true Nundu form; it's actually a lot of fun, as well as creating a closer bond between the two of us. Just a thought."
Harry was immediately intrigued. "What animal is your wife?"
"Anna is a Golden Eagle. I have heard that you are able to cast a Patronus," the professor continued, blond head cocked to one side thoughtfully. "If you are able to master the Animagus transformation, then it will most likely match your Patronus form."
"It's a stag," Harry replied absently, already lost in thoughts of running around with Draco in his cat form.
Draco wrapped his hand around the door handle and arched a brow at his mate. "I might accidentally eat you Potter."
Harry narrowed his eyes at Draco as his mate opened the door and walked inside, not entirely sure Draco was joking.
Professor Garrick laughed as he followed his two students into the grand entrance foyer.
They were immediately greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.
"Michael, how lovely to see you again," Narcissa greeted with a gentle smile, clasping his hand between hers and giving it a light squeeze. "How is dear Anna? And your beautiful girls?"
Professor Garrick answered her polite queries as they all retired to the front parlour together. The fire was crackling in the large hearth, warming the room, and there were some drinks set out on the low marble table situated between the deep green sofa and the two high-backed armchairs.
Harry and Draco settled on the two-seater while Lucius and Narcissa sat in the stiff armchairs opposite them. Professor Garrick pulled up another smaller chair to the end of the table next to Narcissa in order to continue their conversation.
"How are you Mr. Potter?"
Harry turned in surprise at Lucius' quietly uttered question. "Erm, I… I'm all right," he replied with a shrug. "I'd like to know what's going on though," he added honestly. "We're both in the dark about what these new developments related to my safety are."
Lucius nodded. "We are here tonight to discuss precisely that. No one wished to keep you 'in the dark' as you put it, but it is never safe to discuss Clan issues via post or the Floo network," he explained as Narcissa and Professor Garrick concluded their pleasantries and listened in.
"I understand," Harry replied, in complete agreement on that point. "I am a little anxious to find out exactly what's going on though."
Draco laid a comforting hand on his thigh and addressed his father. "Have you discovered the location of the two men?" he asked outright. "Are they nearby?"
Lucius sighed and sat back in his chair. "Not a location, no, but we have heard from another Clan that they have two missing brothers who possibly match your description."
"Missing?" Harry repeated with a frown, glancing at Professor Garrick.
The man nodded, looking sombre. "Yes, the brothers are from our one and only Clan in Norway. They fit your description apart from hair colour, which of course can be masked or modified easily enough." Professor Garrick clasped his hands in his lap, his gaze flicking between Harry and Draco. "The Clan in Norway is known for being a little more… intense, than the majority of Clans worldwide."
"Meaning?" Harry asked, still frowning. He was clearly the only one in the room who wasn't familiar with the Norwegian Nundu Clan.
"They have a very controlling and dictatorial approach to how they live and how they govern their Clan," Lucius interjected in a disapproving tone.
Harry would have scoffed at that statement coming from Lucius Malfoy if not for gravity of the situation.
"They won't approve a proposed mateship within their Clan unless they are full-blooded Nundu," Professor Garrick continued without missing a beat, "and they feel that other Clans should also employ this method in order to keep the secret. It's not that they have anything against non-Nundu, per se, it's just that they believe telling people outside of the Clan is a dangerous, and inevitably unnecessary, risk to take, and that it will one day expose us."
"But I'm not the only non-Nundu within a Clan," Harry protested, nerves quickly blossoming into anger. "Why single me out?"
"Because you're the only famous one," Draco answered for the Professor, tone flat and resigned. "They clearly fear you'll be the cause of our discovery, so-"
"So they wanted to eliminate me from the equation," Harry finished for him acrimoniously.
Professor Garrick nodded. "One of the brothers recently had his first child and I think that was the impetus for the decision to take out Harry; he's not quite in his right mind - not that I'm defending his actions - but it would be why the attack was so sudden and extreme. The other brother has children as well."
Draco dropped his face into one hand and rubbed his temple, eyes closed, looking overwrought.
Harry was swamped with guilt but he quickly pushed it aside in order to tend to his mate first. He gently pulled Draco's hand away from his face and placed his mate's arm over his shoulders instead. He leaned against him, resting his head on Draco's shoulder. Harry could tangibly feel his Alpha's fear and distress and had no words to comfort him; Harry's touch and presence would have to suffice for now.
"So they're willing to possibly be caught and imprisoned, just to ensure that I'm silenced forever?" Harry asked in disbelief, turning his attention back to the professor.
He nodded. "Yes, they will go to any length to ensure the survival of our kind."
Harry sighed and eyed the steaming cup of what looked like spiced apple cider in front of him on the table, wondering if there was anything stronger he could have instead.
Draco lifted his chin and seemed to get ahold of himself. "So, no location is known at this time? Just that the two men are most likely Nundu and intent on killing my mate, no matter what the cost."
Harry winced, stomach clenching; he was more concerned for his mate than himself at this point though. "Do you think they'll try again?" he asked, looking between the three adults in the room.
Lucius shared a look with Professor Garrick before replying. "Yes, they will most likely keep trying until they are successful. The fact that no one has heard from them since just before it happened is a good indication that they have not given up. They are unfortunately from a very tenacious Clan, who have a Board which is most likely standing behind their abhorrent actions."
"If their entire Clan condones my murder, then how did you find out?" Harry asked.
Professor Garrick shook his head. "Not the entire Clan, just the Board and elders of the group. Not everyone agrees with their rigid and old-fashioned ideals. We were notified by a young Norwegian Clan member who I believe is friends with one of the brother's children - and a fan of yours Harry. They alerted us at great risk to their own safety, I cannot imagine the Clan would look kindly upon such a traitorous act if they were to find out."
Harry picked up his cider and took a sip as a distraction from the guilt that continued to pile upon him. He was always putting people in danger, even people he didn't know. He didn't want people risking their lives for him, and he'd thought that once the war was over, that constant feeling of guilt would finally be assuaged.
The hot fragrant liquid slid down his throat and soothed his frazzled nerves a little. In fact, he wondered if there was a dash of Calming Draught in it.
"And what is our Clan doing about it?" Draco asked, expression uncompromising, as though issuing a threat.
"The Board is in agreement that we need to thwart their mission as quickly as possible, and are prepared to throw all of our resources behind it."
Harry looked at Lucius in surprise; he couldn't believe the Board was in agreement about helping him. He already knew there were members of their Board who didn't like him and didn't approve of his presence in the Clan.
"The few Aurors we have stationed across Europe are taking a leave of absence in order to find and capture these vile men," Narcissa interjected, sounding as though a great deal of anger was simmering just beneath her outwardly placid surface. "Once they have been found, they will be brought to justice. Swiftly."
Harry swallowed hard, remembering what Nundu justice entailed. He really didn't know what to think of that, especially considering that it would involve the violent participation of his own mate.
Draco turned to his mother, a hard gleam in his eyes. "So we take precautions and remain on our guard until we hear anything further?"
"Yes," Narcissa replied with a nod. "And keep an eye on your mate at all times."
"Of course," Draco replied sharply, and Harry could still feel the tension stringing his mate's body tight next to him.
"I'll accompany the boys back to Hogwarts before I return home," Professor Garrick promised as he took a sip from his own warm cup of cider.
Draco stiffened next to Harry and he knew they couldn't return to school like this, Draco needed to let off some steam or else risk arising suspicion - especially if Ron or Hermione were to see them.
"Er, Professor?" Harry spoke up, setting his cup down and rising. "Do you mind if we stay here a bit longer before returning to Hogwarts?"
"Not at all," he replied with a smile.
"Come on." Harry turned to his confused Alpha and tugged him to his feet. "We're going outside."
"Outside?" Draco repeated with an arched brow, but followed Harry out of the room nevertheless. "You do realise they're going to think we're out here having sex?" he said as they strode across the entrance foyer.
Harry grinned. "Let them," he replied simply.
Draco's expression softened a little at his mate's playful tone, and Harry inwardly cheered that his plan was already helping ease Draco's stress.
"We're safe within the grounds, right?" Harry checked as he pushed through the doors and out into the cold air. He smiled at Draco's nod of affirmation and continued to pull him along, down the stairs and across the crunchy snow. "All right," he said, stopping and turning to his mate. "I really liked the Professor's suggestion of using an Animagus form, but as I haven't had any training yet, I'll just have to be human for tonight."
"So… you want me to change then?" Draco asked, puzzled.
"Yup."
"And what are you going to do?"
Harry smiled and shrugged, unbothered. "Watch?"
"Hmm… I see." Draco's answering smirk was extraordinarily devious and Harry narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
Before Harry could say a word though, Draco stepped away and in a flash of light and swirl of wind, had transformed into his Nundu form.
Harry gazed at the huge cat before him. He really was stunning; so majestic and sleek and dark, with piercing grey eyes. He walked forward and sunk his hands deep into the soft fur at the base of Draco's neck, meeting his Alpha's gaze with an affectionate smile.
Draco lowered his large head and gently butted his forehead into Harry's shoulder, that deep familiar purr beginning to rumble from within.
Harry stroked Draco's head and leaned into his sturdy chest, his body sinking into the thick coat. Draco dropped his head and nuzzled into Harry's neck, causing Harry to chuckle before pressing his face into that soft fur and hanging on.
Merlin, he loved every facet of this man.
Harry opened his eyes as Draco stepped back and then lowered his front to the ground, rump in the air and long tail swiping from side to side. It almost looked as though his mate was about to playfully pounce on him - then Harry suddenly understood.
He grinned and walked up to Draco's side, excitement fluttering in his stomach, while his mate looked on.
Harry chewed his lip, hoping he wasn't too heavy, and then carefully lifted one leg up and over his mate's back. He grasped handfuls of fur in both hands and then hauled himself up so that he was sitting astride the wide back.
Harry inhaled in surprise as Draco straightened and he suddenly found himself high in the air, precariously balanced just behind the large cat's shoulders, nothing to hang on to but tufts of fur, his legs clamped around Draco's sides as best he could.
Draco turned to look over his shoulder and Harry couldn't help but laugh at the smirking cat.
How does a cat smirk? Harry mused, but didn't get the chance to say it aloud before Draco was abruptly taking off.
"Whoa!" Harry exclaimed in surprise. He quickly regained his balance by leaning low over Draco's neck and gripping the thick fur tightly with his fists, as though they were the reins of a horse.
Draco didn't hold back; his easy lope quickly gave way to a fast-paced sprint, strong muscles bunching and stretching beneath Harry with the elongated stride.
Harry grinned as the wind whipped over him, stinging his cheeks. Draco bounded across the snowy grounds, moving them to the rear of the manor, breath huffing out in white clouds while his massive paws pounded the earth in a heavy rhythmic thump, sinking right through the snow and hitting the frozen ground beneath.
Harry laughed with exhilaration as Draco dropped his head and charged towards a low-lying hedge in the distance, the top of which was dusted with snow. Harry tightened his fists and his inner thighs as Draco adjusted his stride, preparing to leap.
They soared through the air and cleared the little hedge with room to spare, the powdery snow whooshing out behind them in a white sparkly trail as they flew over top.
Draco landed with a thud and kept going without losing even a fraction of his momentum.
Harry buried his chin in the soft fur, keeping his eyes peering out between Draco's dark ears to see where they were going.
Draco pounded up the path between the hedges, which gradually began to increase in height the further into the garden they progressed.
Draco rounded a corner into what appeared to be a central courtyard in the middle of the elaborate gardens. He immediately began to slacken his pace until he was moving at an easy walk, breath still coming out in rapid pants, ribs expanding and contracting between Harry's legs, as he recovered his breath from the mad gallop.
Harry sat up, finding the slower gait a lot harder to balance with, as Draco's shoulder blades pushed up prominently with each step and awkwardly tipped Harry from side to side.
Harry lay forward on his stomach and wrapped his arms around Draco's broad neck, effectively hugging him to help keep him stable. He smiled and simply enjoyed the soft prowling stride of his mate as he carried him to the glass gazebo located in the centre of a massive circle of rose bushes. The roses weren't in bloom but the gardens were still beautiful. They had a wintery appeal to them that Harry had always rather enjoyed as it reminded him of the upcoming holidays. It was nearly November and Christmas wouldn't be far off now.
Draco nudged open the narrow glass doors with his broad forehead and walked inside the gazebo.
Harry looked around with interest as he was enveloped in sudden heat. "Is there a constant warming charm on your gazebo?" he asked incredulously. Draco's pricked ears swivelled back to listen to him. "That's pretty fucking pretentious Master Malfoy."
Draco huffed and then abruptly reared up so that Harry slipped backwards off of his back.
Harry was caught by surprise but managed to land on his feet, only stumbling a little.
Draco turned his head to look back at him over his shoulder, and again Harry was struck by the very clear smirk on the feline face. He also looked rather smug.
Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling fondly as he leisurely strolled around Draco, taking the opportunity to really look at his mate in his Nundu form. Residing at Hogwarts meant that it wasn't often he had the opportunity to see it.
Harry laughed at the clear bemusement in Draco's grey eyes. "I'm just checking to see what separates you from another Nundu - so I don't accidentally ride the wrong one," he added teasingly.
Draco let loose a low warning growl and Harry grinned.
Harry continued moving around his mate, looking him over but not finding anything that stood out. Draco shifted restlessly under his gaze.
Harry crossed his arms over his chest with a frown, frustrated. He really wanted to be able to tell which Nundu was his mate from a distance.
Draco suddenly lay down and turned over onto his back.
"Er… you want me to scratch your belly?" Harry asked him, equal parts perturbed and amused.
Then he noticed it; a very thin white zig-zagging line which ran back and forth across Draco's stomach and ribs, right up to the base of his neck.
Harry slowly crouched down and reached out to touch the white fur. It almost looked like the remnants of a scar amongst the dark gray and black of his coat.
Harry's eyes suddenly widened as comprehension dawned; this was Draco's Sectumsempra scar - from Harry's own hand. It wasn't noticeable in Draco's human form though, Harry was sure of that, he'd purposefully looked for it the first time he'd ever seen Draco bare-chested.
Harry looked up with wide, horrified eyes. "Is… is that from me?" he asked, appalled.
Draco moved his front leg under Harry's gaze and on the underside was more white fur.
"The Dark Mark…" Harry murmured in understanding. "But all the Marks disappeared when Voldemort died, and these scars don't show when you're in human form. I don't understand…"
In a flash, Draco had transformed back into his human form and sat up, his body covered by clothing once more. "Any damage done by magic to a Nundu - regardless of what form they're in at the time - will forever mark their body," he explained. "We are very sensitive to magic. And don't you dare go blaming yourself for that scar Potter."
Harry scoffed. "But it is my fault," he replied instantly. "My moment of complete idiocy has scarred you for life."
Draco shook his head. "Please let's not go over how you almost killed me, because some of my more foolish decisions could've resulted in your death as well. We both have regrets Potter but at least we lived to tell the tale." He reached out and cupped Harry's cool cheek in his hand before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "I love you, and you're going to be the father of my children, I believe that more than makes up for you nearly murdering me."
Harry smiled faintly as he wrapped one hand around Draco's wrist; he still felt guilty for acting so rashly. Normally his impulsive, unthinking actions only had consequences for himself and not for others.
"Harry," Draco said sternly. "I know you have a guilt complex the size of Russia but you have to be sensible about this. Think about it this way," he tried when Harry didn't say anything. "You are the only male Omega that we know of in existence right now, and you chose me -out of every male Alpha in the world. You've given me a life I never thought I'd have; which still seems so completely surreal to me that at times I nearly resort to pinching myself."
Harry was astounded by Draco's frankness; he hardly ever spoke of his feelings in an open and sentimental way like that.
"Not that I'm grovelling at your feet Potter," he was quick to add. "I am quite the catch as well."
Harry laughed and tackled his mate to the ground. "And so modest too," he said, leaning over Draco with a grin. He pressed a chaste kiss to his smirking lips before crossing his arms over Draco's chest and dropping his chin down to rest on top. He gazed back at his mate as Draco began to absently card one hand through Harry's windblown hair. "Are you jealous of Professor Garrick?" Harry finally asked, lips pressed into the woolly fabric of his jumper. He knew jealousy wasn't the problem but he thought it might elicit a truthful response.
Draco snorted and moved his hand out of Harry's hair to flick him on the nose.
"Ow!"
"Don't be daft Potter," he replied glibly.
"Why do you dislike him then?" Harry challenged, rubbing his nose.
Draco sighed and stared up at the glass ceiling above them. "I don't dislike him, I just…"
"Don't think he's necessary?"
Draco frowned. "I think the more people looking out for you the better, but I don't want him becoming… possessive of you."
Harry blinked. "Possessive? He wouldn't become possessive of me - he's straight."
Draco rolled his eyes before giving Harry a look of derision. "You are so naïve Potter. Just because he has a wife and children, does not make him straight. He's Nundu, it's in his blood to procreate, remember?" Draco's gaze slipped away to stare broodingly at the ceiling.
Harry sat up, straddling Draco's hips, and stared down at him reproachfully. "And just because he may turn into an interested Alpha because he's helping to protect me, that still won't change my mind about how many mates I want. I do have a little choice in the matter, you know. So no more talk of adding mates - because it's just not going to happen. I'm afraid you're stuck with only me for company for the rest of your life Malfoy."
Draco sat up, arms sliding around Harry's waist to hold him steady. "That sentiment would have given my fourteen year old self nightmares Potter."
Harry smiled; Draco's tone may have been indifferent but the relief was clear in his eyes. It looked as though Harry would have to keep reminding Draco that he only wanted one mate until it eventually sunk into that thick Alpha head of his.
"If you're so concerned about my flightiness then perhaps you should marry me?" Harry countered mischievously.
Draco snorted and pushed him off of his lap before standing and extending a hand down. "Don't be a tosser."
Harry laughed as Draco helped him to his feet. Well now he knew where Draco stood on the whole marriage thing.
"Do you mind if we just walk back?" Harry asked as they headed for the glass doors, the windows of which were now opaque with steam.
"Not fond of my mad dash through the snow?" Draco asked as they walked out into the cold evening and began to make their way through the rows of rosebushes.
Harry smiled, looking at the ground. "No, that was fun, rather like riding Buckbeak."
He laughed when Draco visibly shuddered.
"I'm just not in a hurry to return to Hogwarts."
"Oh?"
Harry sighed, his warm breath coming out in a white cloud to hang in the icy air. "I almost feel like the safest place for me to be is right here." He glanced up, gaze resting on the massive Manor, lights flickering warmly in the windows as the sun slowly set. "I don't even know what I want to do now that I'm not focused on becoming an Auror. I don't know what classes I need high marks in - or if I even need to finish school…" He trailed off and kicked at some of the loose gravel mixed in with the snow. "My concentration this year has just been utter crap with everything that's been going on, so I probably won't pass half my classes anyway."
Draco slanted a glance at him as they exited the gardens and walked across the snow-covered grounds. "More so than previous years?" he asked with a raised brow.
Harry smiled reluctantly; his mate had a point. "I suppose not. At least I don't have Voldemort inside my head this year." He shrugged and faced front again. "I dunno, I'm just really tired, and staying here with you and your parents just seems so… easy. I… I'm just tired, I guess."
Draco pulled Harry in against his side in silent support.
Harry shook himself; he was supposed to be comforting Draco and easing his stress, not adding to it with his own trivial woes. "I have a question for you," he said abruptly, veering off-topic.
"Mmm?"
"When you're in your Nundu form - do you still find me attractive?"
Draco let out a bark of laughter that was most unlike him, before settling his expression into his usual smirk, eyes glittering with mirth.
"Well?" Harry pushed, grinning.
"I would have to say… I don't really think about that particular aspect when I'm in that form. All that's running through my mind when I look at you is mine, mine, mine, and that I must protect you at all costs because danger could be lurking around every corner."
Harry chuckled and shook his head. "So you're you, but not quite in the same frame of mind as when you're human?"
Draco nodded. "Yes, not quite as rational I suppose." He glanced over. "Do you find me attractive in my Nundu form?"
Harry grinned at the ground. "I think you're bloody gorgeous in your Nundu form - but do I want to shag your brains out when I look at you as a cat? No, I would have to say not."
Draco chuckled.
"I would like to practice transforming into an Animagus form," Harry mentioned casually. "Like Professor Garrick suggested. It may also be a clever way to avoid being recognised by my attackers. You wouldn't really eat me though, would you?" he added as an after-thought.
Draco laughed as they both approached the front of the Manor. "No matter what shape you're in Harry, you're still my mate. Even if your Animagus form is a mouse."
Harry grinned. "Wouldn't that by ironic? Cat and mouse."
"Very fitting for the two of us," Draco replied deprecatingly.
The front doors opened and Harry spotted Draco's parents, along with Professor Garrick, standing and conversing quietly in the open doorway next to two male house-elves who each held a door open.
Draco gently pulled back on Harry's arm, delaying him a moment. "It... it means a lot to me to hear you say that you feel safe here, with my parents and I." He swallowed, gaze skittering from Harry's face, to his parents, to the ground and then back to Harry's face again, cheeks flushing lightly.
Harry smiled warmly at his mate, heart swelling as he realised not only was Draco right; Harry did feel safe with the Malfoy's, he also found that he was coming to rather enjoy their company.
"It's true," he replied sincerely. "I know they care about me now, even if it's just out of love for you, but I... I actually feel like I'm part of a family. For the first time in my entire life," he added, realising – somewhat incredulously – that it was the truth. The Weasley's had always been warm and welcoming to him, but he'd never actually felt like he was a part of the close-knit Weasley unit, more like a temporary foster brother.
Draco held his gaze as he squeezed his arm once before letting go. "Shall we?"
Harry took a deep breath and slipped his hand into his Alpha's. He looked up at Lucius and Narcissa, who were now watching them, and Professor Garrick who had a genial smile on his face as he waited for his pupils.
"Yeah, I'm ready."