SCENE #The danger waiting at the forest

Harry counted nearly twenty of them. Their numbers grew as the night wore on and dawn rose on the horizon. Before, when he passed a window on the way to Draco’s classed, he noticed two sitting at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, the creatures glowing bright and unmoving. While Draco studied, Harry slipped down to get a closer look and discovered more joined the pair of white dragons.

It was unsettling the way they stared up at the tower. They ignored Harry completely to glare through the dimensional plane to where Draco was sitting in class, oblivious to his observers.

Harry continued to watch from Draco’s side where he could glare out windows and through walls. Once night settled and Draco was fed, shagged and asleep, Harry guarded the castle doors. It was his only way to make sure the pack of white dragons didn’t try to come in and attack Draco. Harry wasn’t sure exactly what they wanted from Draco. He was fairly certain if he so much as turned his back the white creatures would swarm and steal his mate away in the middle of the night, never to be seen again.

Harry didn’t bother to explain to Draco he was now his mate even though he couldn’t bit him properly while he wore the ring. Draco accepted him at some point. Looking back, it was when he finally saw him with the dimensional glasses and still loved him enough to fight for him. The ache in Harry immediately receded. When he felt and saw how much Draco truly cared for him, it dulled the need in Harry to pull and pull until to try and make Draco feel what he already did.

Draco would probably be upset about being his mate. Everything seemed to upset Draco. Harry had little interest in relinquishing his claim be it to the annoying white beasts sitting outside in the forest or to whatever prim and proper lady Draco was to be married to if he didn’t survive. Harry was determined to live. Not for Draco so he wouldn’t be alone but for him so he could be with Draco for as long as possible.

Something shifted in the subconscious animal mind after mating with Draco, something which insisted Harry do everything in his ability to empower and protect his new mate. Harry didn’t see Draco to need his protection the way Blaise seemed to think he needed saving. Draco was damn strong, even when sad and making what looked to be shit choices about marrying straight women. Given he was facing disinheritance from his mother and a life of exile from society because he was the son and nephew of the two villains who helped to kill The-Boy-Who-Lived, Draco’s choices made a lot of sense. They still sucked, but Harry understood them.

Harry used the time to practice his magic. He didn’t want to botch the spell to come which would bond him to Fawkes and free him from the empty prison he was in. Part of that practice involved flinging magic at the forest. He continuously flicked sparks at the white creatures to see if they would back off. They didn’t. Each one he targeted glowed brighter and snarled at his interference and then swiftly returned to stare at where Draco slept within Hogwarts. Curious, Harry changed his view to the fifth plane and followed its gaze to see what the creatures saw.

For all of Draco’s denials he was not becoming more beast like and instead just letting go of his steel self control over his emotions, he certainly looked to be changing as a beast. Even with the ring on, his power was glowing and far brighter than when Harry first noticed him in that realm. Much brighter than the creatures out in the forest. The longer Harry stared at Draco’s light, the more he wanted to go to him, even though he knew it would be better to speak with Dumbledore. Especially without Draco present and angry.

Harry glared at the white dragons still at the forest’s edge who had yet to move beyond, and returned inside as morning dazzled overhead. He left a note for Draco on his hand—Draco didn’t miss the notes actually written on him—which stated he would be around if needed but preparing for the spell to come. He clicked his ever present pen as he made his way up Dumbledore’s staircase and sought the wizened headmaster out.

Dumbledore was pensive at Harry’s approach. He looked tired today like he hadn’t slept much. Harry used the pen to tap at the desk when there was no paper to be found. Dumbledore unfurled a sheet and Harry touched it and imbued the material with enough magic so he could manipulate the paper as well.

“Very good, Harry. You’re getting your control back,” Dumbledore said softly, with fingers lighted on the table as he peered at the moving pen.

Sorry to disturb you but I’m afraid we might have a problem with the vesper. There are a pack of them out sitting at the edge of the Forbidden Forest watching the castle.

Dumbledore sighed and nodded and managed to look even wearier in that moment. “Yes, I was told a group lived there deep in the forest. They are shape-shifters who had little interest in humans.”

They seem interested now. They’re watching Draco.

Harry stopped and studied Dumbledore’s face carefully. Maybe it was because of his condition the old man looked so tired. It couldn’t have been an easy choice when faced with the death of his students but Harry understood it was the correct one.

Sir, what do we really know of the vesper? Draco’s worried they’re dangerous, more so than what I am.

“There is not much, I’m afraid.” Dumbledore said after some thought as his fingers combed his beard. “They avoid human contact and are very territorial. Then again, that could describe every beast in the Forbidden Forest. They are unique in their ability to shift and appear human, and to become invisible in any form. It is thought they hunt their prey that way, unseen.”

A shiver ran down Harry’s spine, one more of instinct than based in known fact. They would come for Draco like that. Perhaps they’d move as a pack and slip in through an unguarded entrance of Hogwarts to hunt him down. They would clamp razor sharp teeth on Draco’s beautiful limbs and drag him away deep into the forest. Draco was different from the creatures waiting outside. They wanted him.

Are there other types of vesper? Besides the kalistar? Genders? Roles? Hunters, leaders or maybe something else?

“Likely, but no one has every gotten close enough to study them. They are very private creatures and the kalistar is thought to prevent any human from getting close with a swift death.”

Harry shook his head. If the vesper could become invisible, then who really knew what happened to the people who stumbled too close into their territory? Harry suspected as Draco did; the vesper were truly the violent ones and the kalistar was intent to protect everyone from them. Otherwise, to see a kalistar over dead bodies would mean to die by its fangs as well. But to see a dead body alone could lure another in, into a pack of invisible, bloodthirsty creatures.

The victims, are they ever eaten? Do you think it could just be territorial and not the need to feed?

Dumbledore nodded his head. His expression was looking a bit grim from the turn of conversation. “The dead are found always at the boundaries of the vesper village where the kalistar is said to roam. Some are very much devoured, others just shredded. But Harry, we don’t fear the vesper because they don’t kill humans when they hunt the forest.”

But they can shift into looking like a human, maybe even for the soul purpose of luring humans in. There are plenty of magical creatures that would lure and feed in different ways off of humans. Shifters tend to be those types.

“You are right; that is normally the case. We have no records on it when it comes to the vesper. They are very private and reluctant to interact with humans whenever found. That they are outside right now is confusing enough. And concerning.”

I am certain they are here for Draco. Harry tapped his pen idly, not sure what to do.

“It would seem it.” Dumbledore sighed thoughtfully. “Do you think they wish him harm? He said something has stalked him before, invisible in the forest. They didn’t harm him then.”

That was true. Draco had interacted with a few invisible creatures growing up, one he even claimed to have been his friend. He was afraid of them, even then. Said they wanted something from him.

“I recall, but perhaps that was just fear of the unknown? Maybe they’re reaching out to one of their own, hoping Draco will join their pack.”

That shiver returned again to warn down Harry’s spine. I don’t think it’s that innocent. Watching them, they seemed almost hungry. They’re waiting patiently with great hunger.

Dumbledore exhaled slowly, his head bowed in thought. “We will do what we can, Harry. We have the glasses now, which we can give to Draco so he won’t be completely unaware to their presence. The vesper never invade human territory, so I doubt they will seek him out. As long as Draco stays indoors he should be safe.”

Harry wasn’t so sure, but there wasn’t much more they could really do for Draco he could think of. It’s not like they could lock him up for the rest of his life. Harry was pretty sure Draco would have some very persuasive and violent means to stop that idea.

Sir, I would like Sirius and Remus to be there for my spell. Early, so that I can speak with them. I wish to make a will, just in case.

With a sigh, Dumbledore nodded. “I think that would be a wise course of action. I will contact them now.” Dumbledore stood slowly and Harry thought again just how weary he looked. How many times did his mentor failed in his goal of protecting his students? Today, Albus looked like he felt each death.

Harry wrote a quick farewell. He wanted to stop by the windows before he sought out Draco again.

SCENE #An intense reaction to the vesper

Harry left the pen on top of the door frame where no one would think to step on it or take it, then slipped invisible into the potions classroom where Draco was halfheartedly paying attention to his bubbling cauldron. Blaise and Pansy were passing notes to him. Given Draco’s expression, a truce was brokered. Blaise still looked angry, but Harry figured he’d get over it eventually. Draco didn’t bend when he was determined. No he instead dug his heels in and holding tighter out of pure stubbornness. It was appealing when it wasn’t directed at Harry who had his own level of stubborn pride he had to get through at times.

Draco noticed him before he made contact. His silver eyes glanced in Harry’s direction as his magic came into his bubble of awareness. Harry was careful to be slow with his touch as he ghosted over Draco’s shoulders, not wanting to shock him into drawing attention to himself. Once Draco was embarrassed there would be no playing with him. Draco had a fine line of what he was willing to put up with.

The last few days though, that line definitely moved.

Harry watched with a smirk as Draco bit down on the side of his thumb, tongue no doubt flicking out to taste his flesh idly while Harry ran hands down his sides. Draco seemed happy to have him around more than anything. And well, Harry liked being around if it meant Draco wasn’t yelling at him for indulging in pressing skin to skin. Touching Draco also kept the mating drive bearable. Especially when he knew for certain Draco wanted to be touched, his flashing silver warnings and all.

Draco stopped writing, his jaw clenched slightly when Harry slipped fingers down his throat. It was a dangerous move since he knew just how sensitive Draco was there. But Draco made no objection, just breathed out his nose slowly and stared down at the desk. Careful not to shift his hair, Harry crouched down next to Draco’s seat to peer up into his heavy lidded eyes. He slowly traced his flushed lips and pushed his thumb into mouth. Draco nipped lightly and he smirked, wishing he could see.

Harry leaned closer to breathe up Draco’s neck. His tongue flicked out to lap at the hollow of his throat. Draco bit down on Harry’s thumb and hissed softly. Harry licked him again and wet his throat all the way up to his chin.

“Mr. Malfoy, if I could have your assistance for a moment?”

Harry pulled back with his eyebrows furrowed and watched as Draco looked up and turned bright pink. Harry followed his gaze, and scowled when he saw Jaz in a familiar pair of round glasses smiling lazily from the doorway. Fucking spoilsport.

With a huff, Harry stood and followed Draco to the door. Draco was beyond embarrassed and threw Harry’s arm off the moment he touched his shoulder. Jaz stared right at Harry and looked him up and down with something less than appropriate glinting in his eyes. Harry glared back and Jaz snickered in laughter and moved out of the way.

He snagged his pen and followed into the classroom across the hall where the specialist was working out of to ready the spellwork for Harry’s return. The room was completely bare except for the small table Jaz set up to hold his notebook and instruments. If it wasn’t already, the room would be warded for all scents, never mind any stray magic which could interfere with the complex work to come.

“Sorry to interrupt you, gentlemen,” Jaz chirped. He sounded far from sorry as he shut the door and swept in the room. “But I’ve been asked to relay anything I know about the creatures outside and of course, relinquish these curious glasses to you, Draco.”

Draco’s arms folded and he again pulled from Harry’s touch. It took him a moment for Jaz’s words to sink in. “What creatures outside?”

“The ones Mr. Potter has spotted. I’ve been out back observing them after Dumbledore informed me of their existence. The vesper have taken an interest in you, Draco. For your own safety, I’d recommend you do not give them an opportunity to get you alone.”

“So they’re… dangerous?” Draco asked and bit his lip worriedly.

Jaz waved his hand dismissively. “You live in a world full of magic; everything is dangerous. The vesper, well, they could be problematic. They’ve gathered outside in a large group and they’re visible only with the glasses. There are so many I suspect they may be expecting one of their leaders or diplomats or such. It will be one who can shift so they can meet you on familiar territory in that sense. They have a very strict hierarchy from what I’ve learned, so I don’t believe the ones currently out there will do you harm. Well, as long as you don’t approach them.”

Jaz again turned his gaze to Harry and his blue eyes seared into him with some unspoken question. “Your Mr. Potter might be causing them some agitation with his energy fluctuating the way it is. But I think they might fear him a bit, which is a good advantage right now. We will be performing the spell on Thursday evening, now all the materials are gathered. Have you been feeling pain yet, Harry?”

Harry frowned and shrugged uncomfortably. He raised his hand up and pushed thumb and forefinger toward each other to indicate a little. His back was hurting and his shoulder blade stung with a dull ache.

“That’s what I thought. You’ve started to bleed from where I can only assume the first wing was torn off. It’s only a dribble, but given everything else, it seems time is catching up with you. If you are capable of feeling that, you may begin to start feeling it all. I do not believe it will be pleasant, given the extent of your wounds.”

Harry nodded briskly. He wasn’t about to start bitching over excruciating pain to come. Draco looked pale though and he slipped his hand into his, glad when Draco gripped him back tight.

“What do the vesper want with me?” Draco asked quietly.

Jaz shrugged, scooped up his notebook and flipped through. “I’ve only met one briefly in person, one of the vesper shifters. They sometimes get stuck invisible, spark and then die like many other creatures who become ungrounded in the main reality. He was intelligent but completely stripped of emotion when I worked with him. His own kind spelled him that way before allowing him to be in my presence. I believe they were concerned for one or both of our safety otherwise.”

“Did you manage to save it?” Draco wondered, curious. Karia had sparked before she stopped visiting him. Draco went off to Hogwarts shortly after. She never returned and she warned she was likely dying before she left.

“I did. What I learned actually helped me to understand just how moving through dimensions can be done. Before the vesper, I was still struggling with a lot of the spellwork.”

Harry moved closer to Draco and wrapped an arm around his chest. Draco frowned but leaned back against him, still full of questions. “Then this is how you know of the kalistar?”

Jaz shook his head while he still thumbed through his notebook. “Nope. Pretty sure they were all gone by that time. The vesper mentioned that his protectors all grew ill from the sparking. They didn’t know how to cure them but were able to spell them into some sort of suspended animation.”

“But they didn’t cure them once you figured out how to? Why wouldn’t they heal them?”

“I have no idea. If they’re violent, that could be a reasonable explanation,” Jaz pointed out.

Harry didn’t disagree but felt there was likely more to it. He clicked his pen and waited for Jaz to throw him an empty notebook to jot in. Draco held it while Harry flowed magic into the pages enough so he could hold it himself.

You have shifters, protectors and the hunter dragons out in the forest. Are there any other types? Harry moved over to Jaz so he could read his writing easier.

Consulting his notes a moment, Jaz nodded. “The shifter mentioned they hold a group of them away in their village. Very much pampered and sheltered by the surroundings.”

Harry glanced over at Draco, who was fiddling with his hair distractedly and not paying them much attention. These wouldn’t be human halflings, would they?

Narrowing his eyes on the page, Jaz didn’t answer right away. He also glanced at Draco through the magically enhanced glasses he was wearing.

Draco had changed recently, not just in attitude and glow. Up close, Harry could see his other form and how his feathers were longer, tinged with purples and blues at the tips and arranged in an elegant headdress among waist long white hair and sharp elf like ears. His eyes were slanted, the silver almost beacons against his luminous flesh. Dazzling scales sparkled color at each facet. His tail was even longer now, sleek and curled with blue feathers which tipped the end to accentuate Draco’s even longer, lithe frame.

“I think it is a distinct possibility,” Jaz finally answered as he shut his notebook with a snap. “He’s responding to either your energy or the creatures’ outside. Considering the closeness, I’m going to say yours.”

Even with the ring?

“The ring is just a cage to keep his flesh from transforming. The beast within is still very much a living, growing thing. Draco looks to be quite willing to grow now, while before he held himself back and denied the beast.”

Draco raised his brow, unable to miss what Jaz was saying for too long. “Are you saying not fighting myself anymore will increase the beast’s power?”

“It’s not just the beast, its your’s as well.” Jaz waved a hand to indicate all of Draco as he saw him through the glasses. “Your magic radiates. Your body is stronger. I do believe you might even have a warm aura now.” He looked to the side. “Harry, does it call? I want to say it does, but it isn’t on my plane to read it properly.”

He’s calling. When standing outside looking at him, I felt the need to return to him.

Draco peered forward to read what Harry said and huffed at the news. “So they’re out there because of me. Not just me but that I’m calling them here. Shit. What if they hurt someone, like Hagrid or the halfwits who always run into the forest? It’s not like anyone can see them to defend themselves.”

Harry tugged on Draco’s hair sharply. He was one of the more well known halfwits who played in the Forbidden Forest. Then, still looking at Draco through the fifth plane, Harry slunk around behind him and ran his hand down his tail.

Draco eyes widened and he shivered. He turned to look behind him at nothing. Harry continued and pulled the sleek appendage up and traced fingers gently over the scales. He watched as Draco twitched from the odd sensation.

“What the fuck is that?” Draco breathed out. He jerked slightly when Harry moved one hand to the point of his left ear and squeezed lightly.

“Your tail,” Jaz said simply and smirked when Draco gasped again. “They can be very sensitive, so don’t let Mr. Potter step on it. For now, I think we should focus on keeping you as far from what is outside as possible. I believe Harry is concerned the pack wishes to take you away. Now that we understand you’re giving off a magical call, I have to agree with that concern.”

“Right,” Draco said distractedly. His eyes were half closed while Harry continued to stroke fingers over his tail. Now he was aware of it, Draco was nearly moving the thing and the tail flicked in Harry’s hand in a halfhearted attempt to wiggle free. “I should probably see them. Right? Just to know what to avoid.”

It sounded like an intelligent and very terrible idea to Harry and a fresh warning shiver ran down his spine. But Jaz agreed and led Draco out the door before Harry could fully comprehend his innate fear. Once they were up the stairs and at the nearest window, Jaz handed the glasses over to Draco and pointed in the direction of the largest mass of the group. Harry approached slowly. He saw when Draco caught sight of the vesper for his glow increased and responded in recognition.

Harry growled and quickly pulled Draco away from the window to glare outside as the creatures who were glowing back in greeting. Draco’s call was suddenly much louder and his aura expanded into the hallway. Harry didn’t like what any of it suggested. He grabbed Draco from around the waist, threw him over his shoulder and carried him back down to the secluded classroom. He left Draco dazed on the floor with the door shut tight. When Harry returned with the magical glasses, he handed them to Jaz, who was still at the window. Together they peered out at the white creatures.

A shiver went through the group of dragons the same time another one crawled up Harry’s spine. Together the pack went from stillness to motion. They took small steps until they were a meter out beyond the border of the forest. They stopped and moved from foot to foot as if something was holding them back. Harry begged it was an invisible wall and not just the border of territory. With Draco calling, borders would mean much less to such famished looking creatures.

“This is not good,” Jaz muttered and Harry silently agreed.

Harry wasn’t sure if he’d rather stand in front of the castle and make sure the dragons didn’t rush in, or stay with Draco and curl around him until there was no doubt his mate was safe. For now he continued to glare out the window. So many were out there, so many who could easily overwhelm Draco while he was distracted by the spell on Thursday. And if he didn’t survive… What would happen to Draco then? What did the damn things want and why was Draco’s energy calling to creatures who seemed to want to hurt him in response?

The questions left Harry confused with anxiety tight in his stomach for the many things he had no control over. He turned away and clicked the pen a few times to let Jaz know he was leaving. Jaz didn’t seem to care as he took detailed notes of the creatures’ behavior outside. Draco was still on the classroom floor, his silver eyes beautiful and dazed. When Harry touched him in greeting, Draco moaned, sought him out and pulled him close.

“I won’t let them have you,” Harry promised into Draco’s throat as he ran his hands over his back and shoulders.

“Harry, I’m scared. I want to go out there,” Draco whispered. He pressed into Harry’s chest and grabbed at his sides heatedly. “Something inside me wants to go out there.”

“No. I won’t let you,” Harry growled and held Draco still by the arms. Draco’s head lolled back, his eyelids heavy with need. “Stay with me, Draco. Stay only with me and forget about them.”

But Draco couldn’t hear him and couldn’t respond to Harry’s direct command. “They want to hurt me. I can feel it. They hate what I am…yet. Yet they keep calling me.”

“You will not, Draco!” Harry raised his magic up. He slammed the door shut and warded the room. Whatever pull the white dragons had on Draco, it could not compare to Harry’s need for him. Harry let the desperate feeling grow in him and willed Draco to feel how much he had to stay with him, how much he needed Draco to need him. His fear made it stronger and Harry was afraid. If Draco was so easily swayed by his need, would he be the same with a full blooded vesper? Maybe they wouldn’t have to steal Draco away but just make him need until he followed the dragons out of the castle willingly?

Draco fell back on the floor. His slender body arched and pink mouth gasped as Harry’s mating call overtook him full force. Harry filled his palms with magic and drew them over Draco’s clothes until they shimmered. He pulled the material from the writhing Draco to reveal every pale, glowing inch of his flesh to the castle air. “You’re mine, Draco. No one else can have you. No one. No thing, either. You’re mine and I’ll keep you with me.”

Draco didn’t answer, unhearing still. His cheeks were pink as well as his neck as fire raced over his skin followed by Harry’s possessive touch. Harry didn’t need him to answer; his eager body told him as long as he called, Draco would listen. Harry directed his power to the very first and seemingly most important actual spell he learned since getting his magic back and summoned lube that would work in his dimension. He pushed Draco’s knees up and watched his flushed face while he probed slick fingers into his clenching hole.

“Oh god… Oh fuck!” Draco cried. His hands scrambled on the floor and then up. When he found Harry’s shoulders he gripped hard. “Harry. Harry, fix this… Oh god. Please, fuck me so I’ll stay,” he sobbed out. His head fell back too heavily on the floor. Harry reached up to see if Draco hurt himself but Draco clawed at him. He wrapped long limbs around Harry and pressed onto his fingers desperately to get them deeper.

“I’m going to fix it,” Harry promised. He pulled Draco up while he sat and arranged his shaking form in his lap as he held him upright. “I’m going to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.” He moved unsteady hands over Draco’s hips and then back to his ass. As he ran fingers between his tight cheeks with one hand to continue stretching, he gripped his thigh firmly with the other. “I think… I think if you smell like me, taste like me… they might be afraid to touch you.” The dragons didn’t like Harry, were even somewhat afraid of him. He would let them know Draco was his and they’d have to back the fuck off.

“Need you. Fucking need you, Harry,” Draco whined. His eyes were closed and body refused to listen to his own commands. Harry stared at him, and watched sweat and a stray tear drip down his tormented face. Draco was so beautiful, so fucking beautiful, and no one was going to take him away. Harry leaned forward and licked up his jaw and cheek. He called his magic once again until it was moving across Harry’s skin in soft waves.

Draco felt the change against his skin. His eyes peeking open and then flew wide. “I can… I can see you,” he gasped and hesitantly raised his hand to touch the shimmering flesh before him. “Not fully proper, but damn near. Oh, oh hell. Harry, you need to keep going,” he finished with a groan and pressed forward to rub his body against Harry’s. “Really, fucking need this.”

Harry did not want to think how Draco seemed to need sex before he touched him. The silver hazy eyes started all the way back in the hall when his aura exploded out and Harry tried to suppress the dread that rose up in him at the knowledge. “You aren’t taking the ring off, Draco. Not ever. I know you think it’s going to fix things but… but I don’t think it will.” He pressed his face into Draco’s hair while the other whimpered and pulled at his shoulders expectantly.

“Harry, come on,”

Harry swallowed hard and slid his hands over Draco’s back again to feel every soft give of flesh and hard yield of bone and muscle. Draco was so sensitive like this. He gasped and whimpered at mere brushes of touch, never mind the hard, dragging motions Harry ran down his long sides which made Draco moan loudly. He let Draco push him back a bit so he could rising to his knees. Draco swayed as he wrapped his pale fingers around Harry’s shimmering length and guided it to his entrance. “Shit, Draco, you really need this bad.”

Harry steadied his hips but didn’t control his movements as he watched Draco’s face intently. Draco had his eyes squeezed shut and bottom lip trapped between white teeth. He pushed down and his slick hole opened to Harry’s thickness. He was going too fast and Harry gripped him harder. He groaned when Draco whimpered as being stopped. “Harry, please!”

“No, you’re going to hurt yourself,” Harry muttered hoarsely, unable to look away from Draco’s gasping mouth. He leaned forward and licked at the red lips before meeting his tongue. Draco descended on him like a man possessed. His hands pulled Harry’s hair and kept his mouth there for him to devour hungrily. Draco pushed down to get him deeper and Harry struggled to remember why he was holding his hips so tight.

“That’s it. Oh god, yes.” Draco murmured appreciatively and his hands gripped Harry’s hair tighter. His body stretched and rocked back in slow, heady movements that made Harry’s head spin. He was fucking tight. So damn hot and tight inside. Harry didn’t know when exactly it happened, but he found himself pushing Draco back on the floor. He pulled his knees up over his shoulders with shaking hands, and then drove into him forcefully.

Draco clung to him. His nails and fingers dug in and then his teeth when he bit Harry’s shoulder to muffle his loud shouts at each hard thrust. Harry shuddered as he felt Draco clench around him even tighter. With a sudden jerk, Draco spurted hot cum between them, his cries even more frantic in pitch as his seed spilled in hot spurts.

“Oh god, Draco. Fuck, you’re mad.” Harry gasped as Draco bit him repeatedly on the neck. His hands pulled harshly at Harry’s flesh as he urged him to continue. Harry couldn’t have stopped in that moment even if he wanted, deep inside his tight hot flesh with Draco clenching again and again as if trying to milk the seed from him.

Harry grabbed at Draco’s hands, pulled them from their current targets and pinned his wrists down on the stone floor. He paused and licked his lips while Draco’s head thrashed back and forth. Draco was still full of so much need and seeing it sparked the familiar, dangerous feeling. “You’re so fucking mine, Malfoy. I could toss that damn ring down a drain, bite your long neck bloody and you wouldn’t fight me. You would beg me.” Harry closed his eyes and breathed deep to smell Draco’s arousal and sweat. “You’re still hard. You’ll always be hard when around me. You’re mine, and you know it.”

Harry reached between them and his fingers dragged in the stream of fluid Draco left on his stomach to bead prettily. He waited for Draco to open his eyes and silver blazed at him intently. Harry first pressed some of Draco’s cum to his lips and tasted it slowly, relishing the flavor while Draco whimpered. When Draco seemed ready to reach his tongue out and steal the fluid from Harry’s lips, he took his fingers and wiped it over Draco’s face and smirked at his fucking delicious, wanton expression. He deposited the rest of the fluid on Draco’s throat, smeared down the center of his flesh and lingered around the hollow by his collarbone. Draco gasped and hips jolted and moved around the hard flesh impaling him.

Harry fought with the damn near crazed urge to pull the ring off Draco’s finger and claim him fully. He pulled out of Draco’s tight passage and unhinged his long legs from his shoulders. “Harry,” Draco whined in his ear, only to gasp in delight moments later when Harry licked down his stomach. Harry needed to make sure he didn’t miss a drop of Draco’s precious seed. He descended on Draco’s still hard cock, and teased and taunted with his tongue and breath.

Draco squirmed, and hands clutched at the ground behind him to keep from falling sideways. “Harry. Fuck… fuck yes.” He really had a terrible vocabulary when it came to sex. Harry thought it was sexy to have Draco become so unhinged all he could do was swear and say his name. Harry removed his mouth from Draco’s sweet cock with a wet pop that only he could hear, grabbed Draco’s hips and forced him over and onto his knees. Draco gave a giddy laugh. He stretched forward to rest on his arms and then pushing back and rubbing his ass and thighs against Harry. “Fucking do it, Potter.”

Harry wrapped himself around Draco’s bent body, pressed his erection against his hot hole and growled when Draco pushed back against his cock. “This is how you want it, isn’t it? On your knees like one of those fucking white things outside. You want them to fuck you. You want them to fill you until you’re just like one of them.” He bit the back of Draco’s neck and wishing what he said wasn’t true even while his body knew it was.

“Fuck… fuck me, Harry.”

“I can fuck you like that. As hard as you need it. Fucking wild so you won’t want to go to them. I’ve got everything you need, Draco. I fucking promise.” He bit between Draco’s shoulder and neck, hands tight on his slender hips. “Just stay with me. Fucking stay and be mine.” Harry thrust into him with a smooth push forward. Draco howled in surprise and pleasure as Harry sheathed himself in tight. Harry didn’t let up, and drove in again and again, and pulled desperate loud cries from the gasping body beneath him.

Draco slid as the sweat on his shaking legs and arms stole his position away. Harry changed his grip to hold him still and growled at the fucking begging for it sound Draco replied with when he found his prostrate. Harry slowed his thrusts, and made sure to press against the bundle of nerves each time while Draco shrieked and sobbed in his arms.

“Just like that. Just how you need it. You are so. Fucking. Lost.” He could feel Draco clench again, his entire body tensed around him as they rocked together. Harry was buried so deep in Draco it was difficult to say they weren’t the same person in that moment. “That’s it. Show me how much you like it, you fucking tease. My fucking tease.”

Draco choked on his cry, his eyes squeezed so tight to match how tight he was squeezing Harry’s cock inside. He came again with Harry’s fingers wrapped around his long length to feel Draco’s orgasm thrum through his hot flesh.

Harry groaned as he felt Draco come for the second time. He pumped into his clenching channel again and again and then stilled as he came. He filled Draco’s tight heat with his first shot of cum, then pulled out quickly and covered his beautiful thighs and ass with long streams of his seed. Draco muffled another cry from the feel of it. He bent forward and rested his head on the floor while Harry rubbed his spilled seed into Draco’s flesh with his palms, fingers and cock.

“Fuck… fuck, you’re all over me, Harry. No one can see that your, god, your cum is all over me.” Draco gave a desperate moan at the very idea, and ran his fingers over his face where his own cum still sat. Harry groaned with him, rubbed his face against Draco’s thigh and licked slowly. He didn’t want to remove his scent from Draco, even though he very much wanted to lick every inch of his body again.

Harry didn’t understand all of the animal inside him just yet, but he was learning more everyday. Each time he interacted with the fucking delicious mate who woke his beast in the first place, Harry unearthed more of the creature within. Some of it was damn near terrifying and some, right now, just felt fucking amazing. Harry moved to lie out on the floor and pulled Draco down to rest tight on top of him.

Draco was coming back as his eyes cleared and his heart rate slowed to something normal. As long as Harry was there, no other call would be stronger than his. He was almost certain of it. What Draco would want if the ring was taken off and his beast allowed to run wild, was something Harry wasn’t certain of at all. Worse, he didn’t know if he should share his concerns with Draco, when he was already so shaken by the things outside. Draco was so goddamn stubborn too; telling him not to do something usually only led to Draco running head first into said something instead.

Harry looked down to where Draco was sighing softly as he watched the magic swirl patterns on his chest. If he felt the call of the creatures outside, Draco gave no sign of it. His eyes were completely clear of haze. Harry touched his face softly and Draco looked directly at him, but in an unfocused way since Harry’s eyes weren’t visible properly.

“I’m in trouble, Harry,” Draco whispered. “I can feel them pressing in my head. They’re trying to talk to me. They… they’re angry you touched me.”

“Too fucking bad,” Harry muttered. He smoothed Draco’s hair back from his face. “You belong to me, not them. Let the poor losers be angry.”

Draco rolled his eyes. He summoned the notebook Harry wrote in earlier and Harry called the pen to him in reply. My scent will protect you.

Draco nodded distractedly as his eyes slide up to Harry’s face again. “Is that why you, uh, covered me?”

Harry grabbed his chin, and pulled Draco’s face against his so he could breathe the scent of cum on his skin. “You’re going to walk around this castle covered in my scent and seed, and you’re going to know you’re mine.” He flicked his tongue out and tasted Draco’s lips. “Those bitches outside are going to know it too.”

“Harry, I can’t fucking hear you,” Draco murmured. His tongue reached to meet Harry’s briefly.

“Good, you’d only yell about it anyways and then I’d have to grind you into something sturdy for being so sexy.” Harry picked the pen up again, and jotted a quick yes to Draco’s earlier question.

“Potter, I know you said a shit ton more than that,” Draco said warningly when Harry looked like he was going to put the pen back down.

“I can’t help you’re deaf, Malfoy.” Harry made sure to breathe it into Draco’s throat so he could know he was talking. “I say lots of terrible things right to your face and you don’t even know. Like how fucking tight you are.” He moved his palm down Draco’s back, grabbed his ass and squeezed. “You are fucking tight. Tighter than that hot little mouth of yours and that was fucking tight. You never had dick in your mouth before but hell, you figured it out sure fucking quick. I’ve only had two other guys give me blow jobs and they weren’t even half as excited as you were—and they fucking knew they were gay. You like cock a lot. A whole fucking lot. You don’t even know how much.”

“Tickling,” Draco growled. He pushed at Harry’s head to stop him mumbling against his throat. “Potter, just use the damn paper.”

Harry was having too much fun. Draco’s expression grew stormier by the minute as Harry twirled the pen and refused to write. “Shit, let’s see. You moan like a damn whore. I’ve never heard a noise like that outside of a porno and it was coming from the girl at the time. You make noises that would embarrass a seasoned slut and I love knowing you’re making them for me. Mmm, and they are definitely for me, Draco.” Harry dropped the pen and used both his hands to pull Draco’s angry form up his body.

Harry cupped Draco’s very tight ass and spread his long pale legs to either side of his waist. He nuzzled his half hard dick against Draco’s crack, and held his breath so he could hear the soft whimpering noise of approval Draco made from the feel. “You want to fuck again, Draco? I can pull you with the call and you can come all goddamn day if you want.”

“Ah… ah, I have to get to class,” Draco panted, his anger drained away for lust once again.

“I know, you little tease.” Harry let his eyes roam Draco’s beautiful face. A part of him wished he could freeze this moment and never have to leave it. “In two days we’ll know. I’ll either be alive or no longer able to worry about all the fucked up shit that seems to follow you around. To think you thought I was trouble. After this week we are definitely even.”

Draco, not able to hear him, just sighed and bit Harry’s neck gently. “Don’t go too far from me. Don’t… Don’t let me see them again, and don’t leave me alone where they can find me.”

Harry kissed the top of his head. “I won’t let them have you. I’ll kill every one of them if I have to.”

“I don’t trust myself,” Draco whispered hollowly. “Harry, I… I don’t know what I’ll do if I see them again.” Seeing Draco’s expression, Harry feared it was very much a lie. Draco knew exactly what he’d do.

“It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.” Harry could kill them all if he had to. They might finish him off to do it, there were a shit ton of them out there, but he would do his best while he had the strength. “I love you, Draco. You’re beautiful and brilliant and I’m never going to let anything hurt you while I’m around. I promise. Just hold on and I’ll fix it all.”

SCENE #Unexpected side effects

Harry found Jaz at the window where he left him. He was sitting on the ground with head in his hands and notebook discarded on the floor. Jaz looked up at his approach and his blue eyes narrowed behind the magical glasses to focus on Harry and the pen and notebook he carried.

“You need to know something, Mr. Potter.” Jaz stopped and looked up and around to make sure they were alone in the hallway. Harry nodded but kept walking so he could look out the window to see the dragons. He frowned when he found them lying on the ground instead of sitting. They were in small groups outside the border of the forest, moved but at least not closer to the castle. He counted them to make sure none slipped his notice of the twenty-three who were there before he turned to Jaz.

When the specialist didn’t bother to stand, Harry sat next to him so he could read his writing with ease. What do I need to know?

Jaz took a while to answer, his expression hesitant but determined. “You’re changing him. Just now, in the classroom. Draco’s beast form has changed again.”

Harry frowned as he remembered everything on the fifth plane was just colorful swirls of magic from magic which did nothing to hide the solid forms of Draco, the vesper and Harry. The glasses would have made it easy for Jaz to see them whether he intended to see or not. There was no way he’d mention it to Draco; the prat would never let him touch him again.

Harry shifted his vision to the other plane and looked toward where he could feel Draco calling even now. The call was greater than before. Not as bad as when Draco saw the vesper but still noticeably stronger. “Oh, for fuck sake! How the hell are those going to help anything?” Harry asked no one in particular. He couldn’t help but scowl as he saw Draco’s new wings, small and fluffy and absolutely going to get him in trouble.

What’s happening to him? Do the shifters have wings? Do any of them have wings?

“The kalistar have wings but much larger and of course, the antlers,” Jaz said with a shake to his head. He refused to look in Draco’s direction. “His tail and hair feathers have also grown again. To put it bluntly, every orgasm he has with you is changing his magic. I can’t say if it’s the same without you—I have not been so compelled to look—but I saw the change now. Bloody serves me right too. The damn light nearly burned my retinas,” Jaz muttered, not looking pleased.

Harry tapped his pen to the notebook idly. So, what? Is this a problem? A good thing? Running for the hills thing? What the hell does it mean?

“I have no idea. I’ve never known any beast to respond to sex in such a way. He’s growing stronger, more powerful magically and his aura is calling louder. For all we know this is common with the vesper or it could be an anomaly. I just thought it needed to be brought to your attention, seeing as you’re half of the cause.”

Harry sighed long and low and echoed Jaz’s slumped position of earlier. It was something else to worry about. Now something to worry about every time he wanted to have sex. Fuck.

It got Harry wondering about the other thing he worried about every time he was alone with Draco.

Jaz, I need your help with something. I need a spell to make sure no one can remove the ring off of Draco. Not me and not those creatures outside.

“Is that a concern?” Jaz glanced behind him through the castle wall at the dragons lying on the ground outside.

A huge concern. I fight my beast every time to keep from taking it from him. And those things out there…

Harry paused and looked through the wall as well as the creatures started to slowly move and sit up unsteadily. What happened to them? Were they fighting?

Jaz raised a brow, then rubbed the bridge of his nose as if to ward off a headache. “They were rutting, Potter. The two of you raised so much sex energy the creatures damn near blacked out. Some of them literally did when Malfoy started glowing. Thankfully, it seems to be contained to just your realm because I dread to think of the effects of such energy on a castle full of hormonal teenagers. The things out there were brutal enough.”

“Fuck, they do want him. Fuck!” Harry stood with a scowl and paced agitatedly in the wide hall. Just as quickly he crouched again to write furiously.

I need him protected! Barriers, wards, armies! I don’t care what but he needs to be safe if I’m dead!

“The vesper taught me how to traverse the dimensional planes. I don’t know if I have knowledge they can’t overcome.” Jaz’s voice was even but his face revealed how concerned he was, his dark lips set in a deep frown.

How long do I have if I don’t go through with the spell? How many weeks would I have to protect him?

“It would not be weeks, you fool. Have you not even looked at yourself?” Jaz snapped. “You’ll be lucky if you last the week.”

Harry looked down at himself for the first time in a long time while looking through the fifth plane. He was bleeding. A lot. Every large splotch of black was now covered in red. It looked wet but didn’t move under his hand. “Shit.”

“That is the end result of sex with him on your body, Potter. You change when he changes. It’s not pretty.” Jaz gave a heavy sigh as he ran fingers through his white waves of hair. “He’s speeding your progression and pulling you toward reality but still without a way to ground you into it. Voldemort’s damage is catching up and fast. If you want to hold on, I would recommend not touching him again.”

Harry growled. He knew it was damn near impossible. Not just because it was Draco and he was sexy and gorgeous and all he wanted to do was make up for every moment they hadn’t touched. If those fucking things outside called for Draco too loud, he needed to make sure he was louder. There was no way to make such a demand and not follow through. Not anymore.

A spell for the ring. Please, Sir. And some sort of barrier, just to try. He’s going to need help and he won’t ask for it. Please.

“You don’t need to ask. We all owe you enough.”

Harry blinked and nodded after a moment. Right, Voldemort. That thing he survived—Or hadn’t. Where he changed the world around him, while his went so still. Draco’s too. When he disappeared, Draco’s world seemed to stop just as much.

This is all I ask of everyone, Jaz. For what I have done and sacrificed, I want only one thing in return. Protect Draco.

Jaz stared at the paper a long moment. He stood and stretched out his cramped legs. “You’ll have it, Harry. I give you my word.”

SCENE #Harry’s plan

Harry spent Wednesday morning with Ron and Hermione during their study period. Jaz lent the magical glasses to Draco, who refused to wear them outside the bedroom for fear of seeing the vesper. Draco then proceeded not to wear them while in the bedroom either. Harry suspected his appearance was just a bit too bloodied, even if he didn’t feel much pain still. Ron seemed to think so and refused to wear the glasses after a quick look at him. Hermione wore them perched on her nose, fearless as always even in the face of this.

With pen in hand, notebook underneath and Hermione’s steady gaze on him, Harry almost felt like a person.

“Yes, well Blaise is excitable,” Hermione said slowly as her fingers fiddled with the notebook pages. “But honestly Harry, after hearing everything, I can’t blame him. You were a bit mad last year, if you can remember. And the situation is, well, odd. You have to admit that, at least.”

Harry didn’t and was not really interested in doing so, even for his best friends. I was not mad last year.

Ron snorted and placed both hands on the table as if he were going to get up and leave. He stayed, his gaze fixed on the swirl of light over Harry’s form. It showed where he was but not the extent of his wounds, which seemed easier on Ron. They were in the Gryffindor common room with no other students there to bother them while they talked. They pulled soft chairs around the coffee table and Harry direct enough magic into his to make it solid to his weight. He couldn’t smell the air and sound was muffled, but it was still familiar, comforting territory.

“Har, you would do a one-eighty every time he walked in a room. A month before school was out, you were like a damn yo-yo. You’d be fine, yourself and then wham! Draco Malfoy. You couldn’t look at anything else. You couldn’t talk about anything else. Pretty sure you weren’t thinking of anything else either. You once took a header down the moving staircase when he walked by. And I swear, I think it was on purpose because you wanted the git to see if you were okay.” Ron was shaking his head in a mix between disbelief and disgust.

Harry scratched the tip of his nose and tried to think back. Once he found himself in the echo of life, real life sort of fuzzed away out of his mind. He knew things, innately, like he always took for granted when being solid and among the rest of the world. But he hadn’t really thought of living, not for months now. It was difficult, sad even, to think back to how things used to be.

He did take a header down the moving staircase, but it hadn’t been on purpose. He was blindsided when he glanced up from his perusal of the floor to find Malfoy at the bottom of the stairs, his silver eyes trained on him before he quickly glanced away. Harry happened to land right at the prat’s feet in an embarrassing, if no serendipitous, coincidence. Now he looked back, he could see the signs he hadn’t known to look for then. The way Draco’s nostrils flared when he helped haul him up to his feet or the flush on his cheeks Harry brusquely told himself was just exertion on his part. Not to mention the ever skittering gaze where Draco seemed determined to look anywhere but directly at him.

Malfoy called him a klutz and said he should watch his back because tripping over the Dark Lord wasn’t going to save his life. When their gazes locked, silver bored into him, warning, pleading. Harry never even guessed. During those moments all he ever wanted to do was kiss Draco. Such need would rise up in him when he stared in those expectant eyes. Draco was beautiful; brilliant, determined to die to be free, and beyond gorgeous.

“It wasn’t just Malfoy, Harry. You were different during that last month. You were aggressive. I thought maybe it was some weird latent puberty thing, like you just got hit with a ton of testosterone,” Hermione broke in. “You were kind of a prick.”

Ron nodded. “You were a total prick. Moody, explosive… Not the way the Slytherins were, but yeah. When someone crossed you, you stomped them in their place. And if it was Malfoy? Well, you were just fucking weird every time it had to do with Malfoy. You were always staring. I think I caught you smelling his hair once.” Ron made a face. “Things got more concerning when we thought back to last year. You two were alone all of a sudden, and you could actually touch him. I mean, he’s kind of delicate.” Ron trailed off and frowned at his perception of Draco. “Not delicate. Shit, yes, kind of delicate.”

“He’s sensitive,” Hermione supplied. “I really thought he was going to have a break down this year. I never noticed; I always just wanted to hex the prat for the crap he used to do. But after you told us what you heard…”

“And started acting like a royal, lovestruck idiot,” Ron added with a sizable smirk Hermione mirrored.

“Yes, that. Well, we couldn’t help but notice him. Malfoy’s an interesting bloke. And we like Blaise and Pansy; although Blaise is trying at times. But he means well and that’s the important part. Anyways, our point is, we didn’t want to see Draco hurt. Even by you. Especially by you because, well, let’s face it Harry, you could do the most damage. Not because of your power or invisibility or anything, but because he obviously cares about you.”

Harry nodded distractedly while he drummed his fingers on the notebook. He didn’t know how to tell his friends Draco was his. Even last year, even the summer he thought Draco was dead and wondered if he was going to end up similar. The moment Draco admitted to not wanting to be a Death Eater was the moment he became his. Part of why Harry couldn’t explain it was because he didn’t fully understand it himself. He grew stronger after that moment, taller, meaner when he needed to be. He changed because Draco was going to be his and he needed to be strong enough to protect him.

Have you learned anything useful about the kalistar and vesper? Something about how they interact with each other, maybe? I think whatever Draco is makes me the way I am.

“I did some preliminary stuff. There really isn’t a lot out there. I guess they’re private creatures and anyone who goes near their village ends up dead.” Hermione shot him a concerned look. “Harry, if you survive this, you’re going to be one of them. Full instinct, full animal. You might not be yourself. You might not even remember yourself. Beast awakenings can be intense and you’re clearly head over heals for Malfoy on human and beast level. We’re worried.”

You think I’m going to hurt him. I would never.

“We’re worried,” Ron sternly repeated Hermione’s words. “No one knows what you’re going to do. Neither do you, so don’t fucking pretend with us. I know you’re freaking out thinking these vesper are going to drag him away, but hell, Har, it might just be you dragging him off into the forest at the end of all this.”

Harry scowled. He was more angry there was truth to what they were saying than anything else. He can stop me if he wants. He knows how to make me behave.

“Yes, well, as interesting a visual image as that is, I don’t think it’s necessarily foolproof,” Hermione said with a faint blush. “Maybe you decide you don’t want him to control you? You could knock him out, spell him asleep, tie him up; you’re a powerful wizard, Harry. Even more so since you defeated Voldemort.”

As he stared at his oldest, sweetest friend, Harry had to wonder when Hermione started thinking of him capable of tying Draco up and having his way with him. Although, hardly a terrible thought. especially with the way Draco fucking moaned about everything…

“He’s doing it again, isn’t he?” Ron muttered to Hermione as he saw Harry’s magic shift. Hermione nodded and a half frown quirked her lips. “See, Har? You’re fucking sitting there thinking about him again. You’re spacing out and he’s not even in the room. What the hell is it going to be like once the beast is in control and not just whispering in your ear?”

Shit, will you stop worrying over everything? Whatever is going to happen is going to happen and there isn’t a damn thing worrying is going to do except piss me off. Him too, for that matter. He hates no one listens to him and thinks they all know best. I need you to stop butting in on the unimportant stuff and just make sure he’s protected!

Harry finished with a large exclamation point and narrowed his gaze on Hermione. She glared back an cracked her knuckles in a way which suggested she was moments from one of her nagging rants.

We’ll worry about it if I live, okay? The bigger thing is to make sure we have a defense against the vesper.

Hermione relented and her glare lightened. Ron tussled his hair; he was irritated but wasn’t about to yell about it. “You need to stop throwing it in our face, Har. Having to bite our tongues because you may be dead is just shit.”

“Fuck.” Harry sighed and turned to a fresh page. Sorry. I’m worried too and this is the only way I know to deal with it. There are so many things I have no say in. I won’t compromise on Draco’s safety, even though I have little power to do anything about it.

Ron rolled his eyes and Hermione snorted softly. “Seriously, that’s bullshit,” Ron exclaimed. “You have the most powerful witch in Hogwarts on the case, and well. Hey, no one says no to me when I get my family to help. We’ll get it sorted out and you damn well know it.”

I do. That’s why I came to you.

“I want to start researching now before your spell. I want as much time as possible before you’re either out of commission to heal or because you’re dead,” Hermione said bluntly. She stood and reached for her book-bag. “You should be by Malfoy’s side, and make sure none of those dragons are stalking him. Make sure to say goodbye before the spell, Harry. Don’t forget.” She was nearly out the door before Harry stopped her and gently removed the glasses from her face.

Hermione smiled ruefully and carefully touched Harry’s magic-soaked cheek. “Thanks, Harry, for giving us something to do. It’s been a difficult year; summer was horrible. I feel like I can at least do this for you. I hope.” She frowned as her hand slipped and passed through his head. “Sorry.”

Harry smiled sadly. Ron came up behind Hermione with his things and the two walked out the portrait door to get to the library. They were trying really hard not to get their hopes up, Harry could see it. Bad enough they thought he died the first time; putting them through it all again felt cruel. It was the biggest reason he avoided talking to them. Guilt was a damn heavy burden and he imagined if he allowed himself to indulge he’d never be able to lift himself up again.

Still, Draco needed his help for as long as he was here. Harry might be the type to battle dark wizards alone, but he didn’t hesitate to get as much help as he could when it came to solving problems. He collected his notebook and pen, and let the glow fade from his skin so he was once again invisible. He’d peek out at the dragons and make sure they hadn’t moved, and then find Draco to see how he was dealing.

SCENE #The other Malfoy

Draco still wasn’t certain how it had happened. His Wednesday morning ended with him locked in Dumbledore’s office with his mother and Serene Vellamorn, his fiance to be. He was called from class to the headmaster’s office for vague reasons he assumed had to do with Harry’s spell coming up. Instead he found his mother and fiance there with twin delicate smiles on their pale, pinched faces. It smelled of an ambush and he was immediately alert for foul play.

There was something wrong with Draco, something he was only starting to comprehend. The last couple days he kept laughing quite crazily. Odd, random bursts of joy and noise would jolt through him. He could have been sparking like the way Harry did, but instead of energy flashing, it was feeling which rushed up to the surface. Narcissa looked perfectly elegant in her lace, and Serene was a damn near double except she was younger and shorter, a waif of large blue eyes and long blond hair. As Draco stared at him he couldn’t help but laugh at their expectant faces.

“Draco, are you well?” Narcissa stepped forward but didn’t reach out to touch him. Draco noticed it. He couldn’t remember his mother holding him even once and it only made him laugh harder.

Serene took a different approach. She smiled bemusedly and gently touched Draco’s arm. “He’s excited. It must be such a surprise to find us both here. I’m glad I insisted on coming to finalize the arrangements. Draco, you’re near glowing.”

Draco’s eyes widened at the implication and his laughter faded as suddenly as it started. Narcissa glared at him and her gaze ran down Draco’s arm to see his father’s ring was still indeed in place. The anger in his mother’s expression did something to Draco. It was like looking into a challenging predator. Today he was feeling very much a predator.

“Yes, Serene, I glow now. I also laugh. I hope you aren’t too disappointed.”

Serene’s laugh was like a crystal bell as it lilted through the air. “Oh, Draco, you jest. How could I ever be disappointed in a husband such as you?”

Draco hadn’t seen Serene in three years but she was being ridiculously familiar with him like they had grown up in the same house. Well, a house not wasn’t Malfoy Manor, anyways. More like a Weasley house where family members talked to each other instead of plotted against. It was extremely confusing and Draco tore his challenging gaze from his mother to assess the young woman who would be his fiance.

“You’re drunk.” Draco stepped away from the clinging Serene.

Serene blinked lovely blue eyes at him, and her small mouth pursed slightly. “Draco, you’re teasing me.”

Draco shook his head although he smelled no alcohol. “Inebriated, then. Something is off.” He glared an rounded on Narcissa. “Are you out of your mind? Whose benefit is this for? Hers, to keep her from upsetting me, or mine? You spelled her without her knowledge. It’s beyond inappropriate.”

Narcissa stiffened and clasped her hands tightly together. “What choice did you give me? If she were to truly see you now…”

“What? Am I wearing a huge fucking rainbow or something? What the hell would make you think she would know a damn thing?” Draco stopped and a terrible laugh tore free when he remembered how he woke up.

It was to Harry’s hands on his body. His hot, invisible mouth slowly sucked Draco’s waking erection, teasing, tasting, and swallowing his seed down until the world faded away to nothing. Before Draco was able to ask for more and feel Harry inside him—all he ever seemed to want now was to be full and tight with his cock buried inside him—Harry streamed his hot cum all over his thighs and stomach. It was so surprising, so arousing, Draco thought he was going to come again. What was hotter when Harry rubbed the fluid into him, coating as much of his flesh as he could. He left Draco covered in his drying seed all day to hopefully keep the vesper at bay.

It wasn’t a rainbow but he was definitely covered in a ton of gay.

“This isn’t about your proclivities, my son,” Narcissa said tersely as her eyes moved to Serene and then back to him. “Serene, dear, please give me a moment to speak with Draco. He’s clearly distraught over Lucius’s condition.”

“Oh, leave her. She won’t be the first pureblood to marry a gay man,” Draco sneered. “I’m sure her closet is full of something just as shocking, otherwise she wouldn’t have agreed to begin with.”

Serene, who looked dazed and more than a little baffled, took a seat when Narcissa offered it. “I can assure you, Serene’s heritage is impeccable. The only thing she faces is some black magic tarnishing.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “As long as it’s not beast tarnished, right mother?”

“Hold your tongue!” Narcissa’s masks were down and Draco was surprised to find fear in her eyes. Yes, her voice was full of anger, but his mother was terrified. “Tell me, and don’t mince words. Have you lain with one of them? Is that why you’re glowing? Have you taken the ring off and soiled yourself in such a way?”

Draco was taken aback. He snapped his mouth shut with an audible click. Something dark and hot twisted in his stomach and he remembered briefly the feeling right after he saw the white dragons for the first time. “Why would you…? You mean the vesper, right?”

Narcissa looked torn and her small hands pulled at the front of her immaculate dress. She abruptly slipped out her wand and spelled Serene asleep in her chair. Her eyes were wild when she turned to Draco and tucked her wand away. “Please, I must know. We’ll find a way around it, but if they’ve claimed you…”

Draco actually felt sorry for her. Narcissa’s fear was so strong, it could have flavored the air around them. “Mother, I can assure you I haven’t lain, as you so put it, with any dragons.”

Narcissa touched her forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. “Your father warned me about this school. He told me a pack lives in the forest. But they’ve never gone near the castle and you showed no signs of the blood. You mustn’t go near the forest, Draco. As you are, they will surely steal you away.”

It was that feeling again. It clawed up his throat, breathed heat and made his skin prickle goosebumps. “Why, mother? What the hell do they want with me?”

Narcissa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was paler than normal with sweat glistening at her hairline. “I’m not certain. Conner never returned to tell us.”

“Conner?” Draco frowned; his mother wasn’t one for being so familiar.

Narcissa couldn’t meet his eye. “Your uncle, Lucius’s brother. There was only ever one ring.”

Draco hissed and stared down at his hand where the ring glittered. “Father had a brother with the beast blood?” No one told him. It must have been damning to erase his own sibling. Lucius was cold hearted but his own brother? It had to have been terrible.

“He was younger than your father. The Malfoys only ever have one male child a generation since the females are free of the curse. Your grandfather ignored tradition. He was free of the cursed blood and…” Narcissa stopped and her eyes strayed again to Serene to ensure she was still asleep. “He sired two sons who inherited the curse. Lucius wore the ring and stayed the same. Conner changed. He looked… he looked like you now, Draco, before he left with them.”

Draco’s skin crawled but it was not as unpleasant as he wished. Lust in equal proportion to fear shivered through his flesh and whispered in his ear. He spent his entire life thinking there was no place for him to be but in his home with his parents, doing as he was told. Today he woke to his father in prison as a monster, an uncle who lived with a pack of wild animals and a boyfriend who touched and covering him with cum just like one. It was thrilling and awful; the entire world opened up to him but such a dark path yawned for him to follow.

“What happened to him? Did he…? Was he willing?” He asked softly, afraid of any answer. Narcissa took a long time to answer and Draco saw she didn’t want to, her lips tight in fear. “Mother, please. How can I protect myself if I don’t know everything?”

“I don’t think you want protection,” Narcissa whispered. “I think… I fear they’ve snared you even now.”

Again fire rushed up his spine and Draco’s skin flushed. “Mother, you must help me.”

“Yes. Your father can’t, so I must.” Narcissa nodded and closed her eyes as if she could not bear to see Draco and speak at the same time. “Conner was fifteen when he visited friends by the Red Forest for summer. Lucius and I were married already, two years. Conner was an excellent marksman for his age and I was told they spent weeks out there among the trees.”

Draco clutched his arms to keep them from shaking. “That’s where…”

“Yes, the vesper had a pack. Conner spoke of hearing something while in the woods. It frightened him beyond anything he ever feared before. He seemed so normal before then, even ordinary, unlike Lucius with his white hair and skin. No one suspected he was tainted.” Narcissa suddenly stepped toward him, her hands outstretched and eyes beseeching. It was so unlike his mother Draco flinched away.

“Draco, no one knew. You have to understand.” She let her hands fall to her side, then quickly clenched them together. “He was so normal. Such a sweet boy and not a mean bone in him. The pack found him in the night while he camped. Conner could feel them, their presence, and he heard their howls. While he slept, the pack killed his three companions. They never woke to even know there was danger. Conner awoke to the sounds growls. He said it was like a spell descended upon him. A fire overcame him and he couldn’t control his body.”

“Shit… shit!” Draco wrapped his arms around his chest and tried to fight the way his body was reacting to the words. Narcissa paused to stare at him, worry deep in her eyes. Had his mother ever looked to care for him before? Even when faced with Voldemort, even after he tried to take his own life? Was this so terrible his mother could finally see he was a human worthy of affection?

“Somehow Conner managed to escape in the morning when the fire was quenched and the beasts slept. He said something dark was there; a creature with antlers helped lead him from the enchanted forest and back to familiar territory. He apparated to Lucius once he got his bearings. He wanted the ring.” She took a step forward, her eyes wide. “When Lucius saw how Conner was changed, he readily gave him the ring. He was wild, Draco. His eyes were full of fire and his skin glowed like an otherworldly creature.” She reached up as if to touch his face but held back before connecting. “He kept laughing.”

Draco’s mind raced. Too many thoughts slipped in and then out for him to keep track. “But father gave him the ring!”

“Yes.” Narcissa didn’t say anything else. Her expression closed off and she stepped away to stare blankly at the wall.

“Mother, he gave him the ring! Why didn’t it stop? What happened to him?”

“He stayed with us a whole two days,” Narcissa said tightly. “In the night, Conner woke us. He said the pack had returned for him. They were there, waiting for him. Your father was oblivious, absolutely blind to them. Conner feared for Lucius and without thought for himself, he placed the ring on your father’s finger and he stepped away… He kept stepping.”

Draco swallowed hard. His throat was dry and tongue felt too large for his mouth.

“He laughed when he opened the front door. He began to glow, then moaned. He slipped away before our eyes. It was like he apparated but without sound. He was gone and he never returned.” Narcissa breathed deep to steady her shaky voice. She turned to Draco and took in his ragged appearance. “Lucius didn’t notice the creatures but he was changed for a moment. I saw a soft glow on him fade when Conner disappeared. It was enough to know his blood was just as tainted. He never took the ring off again.”

Draco could not, no matter how terrible he knew it was, stop the laughter from escaping him. “Oh, god… Haha, fucking hell. He took it off for me!” He broke down laughing as he knelt on the floor.

There was a pack of wild vesper sitting outside the castle door and his father gave up his humanity to save what couldn’t be saved. What a fucked up, bad joke he was living. Lucius prevented him from killing himself. Harry killed Voldemort and managed to come back. After everything, so many impossible odds, he was going to be savored and devoured by vesper. And he was going to laugh through the whole fucking thing!

Narcissa knelt beside him. Her hands hovered inches from his shoulders. “We’ll take you from here, Draco. We’ll find you a safe place to…”

“No,” Draco whispered. His laughter faded away and left him gray and hollow inside.

Narcissa’s voice turned shrill. “Draco, please, it’s not too late! Lucius left his father’s and grandfather’s journals. Surely some knowledge can be found.” She did touch him then, her hands feather light as she grasped Draco’s shoulders. “I’ll protect you, my son.”

“No!” Draco pushed her away and stood to tower in anger. “Protect me? You handed me over to Voldemort on a fucking silver platter! You made me pledge myself to a woman when I’m gay! You’ve pushed me every day down the path where I will only create another tainted, victimized son for the vesper to hunt! How, exactly, are you going to protect me, mother? Open the castle doors to them? Maybe tie me up and throw a ribbon on me for good measure while you kick me out the door? I can do without your help!”

“Draco, please! You’re angry but don’t…” Draco didn’t hear what his mother had to say. He ran out Dumbledore’s office door, down the spiral staircase and tripped out into the hallway.

God, he had a fucking uncle. How many of Lucius’s line came to this end? All eventually. There was only one ring and the fuckwits insisted on having children! Every father must have given in to the curse to protect their son. Even a father as terrible as Lucius.

Draco didn’t have to be such a father. He didn’t have to be a father at all. Fuck, he didn’t even have to wait to see when the fucking creatures would come for him.

He felt completely mad as fear and fire shook through him. He didn’t have to wait to be another victim. If anything, he could be the last. Draco looked down at his hand and with one swift move, pulled the ring from his finger. It fell with a clatter to the stone floor he didn’t hear as he turned and stalked toward the large entryway of the castle.

SCENE #Harry’s desperate search

Harry couldn’t find Draco. He wasn’t in Herbology class and hadn’t left for the loo. It was only once he remembered to switch to the fifth plane to find Draco he felt his call. It was loud frantic and beyond insistent. Draco moved through the castle, past the Great Hall and toward the main doors. Harry quickly jumped down the flight of stairs he was on and ran to catch up. He wasn’t certain why he was running. Draco’s call felt wrong and a part of him had to make sure his mate was okay.

Harry paused at the bizarre scene of Narcissa standing in the hallway. The normally refined woman was frenzied. Her wand was out and her hands shook as she cast a locating spell out. The light glowed and shot ahead as it searched for Draco. Harry lingered long enough to hear her mutter something about the dragon ring. When he searched, he saw it glinting in her hand instead of on Draco’s finger. Harry took off without another thought. He ran full speed through the castle following the trail of light.

SCENE #The pack’s call

Draco didn’t see Severus Snape, who was rounding the dungeon stairs as he passed. He didn’t hear him with the blood rushing in his ears. He could feel the vesper’s call pushing at the boundaries of his mind. Within him was only anger and terror. Need and emptiness. Far beneath it all was a cry for help to the only one who could stop the madness from overtaking him. But Harry wasn’t here and Draco couldn’t stop his feet.

He would never fear again. He would go to them, be done with it, and never fear another thought or want for another life.

What had Lucius felt when he took off the ring? He knew he would be transformed into the creature his brother became. Had his greater fear been for his own son’s safety than his own? Or did he feel the desire? There was a hot fire rushing over Draco’s skin even now. Had it been this wild madness pulsing an unceasing call that finally drove his father to pass the ring to the next Malfoy heir?

“Mr. Malfoy, can you hear me?”

Draco’s mind struggled as his walk remained steady. He took the ring off. Threw it somewhere in the hall. He needed the ring… No. No, he didn’t.

He didn’t need anything. They were outside. He didn’t need anything as long as his pack was there.

A hand grasped his shoulder. Draco started and stared into Severus’s black eyes. “Draco, you’re unwell. Come with me.”

Draco felt him try to push at his mind and compel him to obey. Severus was no watch for the vesper; he was one mind battling twenty.

Draco tilted his head and his lashes lowered like he was listening to something far away. He abruptly pulled away and a laugh caught in his throat. Another bubbled forth and broke free and he hunched forward. Something tickled in his stomach. Power licked inside him and Draco pulled at it. A white glow rose forth and pushed Severus back. The small tables that lined the hall went careening after him as portraits flew from the walls and crashed in an array of splintering wood.

Laughter bubbled from Draco’s lips as he resumed his walk to the vesper.

SCENE #Severus’s last resort

Severus couldn’t remember the last time he used magic on a student. There was a very extensive code of ethics handbook on this particular subject. It was so extensive he usually felt the best way to not get sued was to avoid the situation all together. That wasn’t an option now. Severus pushed all thoughts of consequence aside and cast a barrage of restraining spells on his current favorite pupil.

If Draco felt any of the spells, he showed no sign. He innately blocked the majority of Severus’s curses. An odd glow flared each time a spell came near and the magic bounced off ineffectively. The few that did hit, Draco walked off uncaring. Rope coiled around him and then abruptly fell to the ground limp. Fetter clamped to his ankles and wrists only to clatter open and crash to the ground. Strongly woven nets tore like spider silk beneath Draco’s glowing hands.

More concerning was the laughter; Draco sounded insane. The main entrance to the castle was just ahead and Draco moved with clear determination toward it. Dread tightened in Severus’s gut as he realized what exactly must be waiting on the other side of the doors.

“Malfoy, you’ve left me no other recourse,” Severus announced as he raised his wand. “If I can’t restrain you, then I must attack.” It was an action absolutely prohibited in the dusty tome of ethics. The sleeves of his black cloak billowed with his movements as Severus sent a hailstorm of bludgers down on Draco. If he was lucky, he’d break enough of his bones to keep him from getting out the front door.

SCENE #Harry finds his voice

Harry rounded the corner the same moment a blinding light encased Draco. He ducked as bludgers exploded out and smashed into the stone walls along with Severus. The shrapnel went through Harry and left him unharmed but the great power Draco was giving off felt like a tidal wave as it tried to push him back. It was breathtaking. Intense and wild. He found Draco within the bright light looking like some sort of angelic demon.

Harry opened his arms to Draco’s power. He pulled the magic to him, stole it from the air and away from the walls where Severus was crumpled and bleeding. Pain lanced through Harry’s shoulder blade, and then the other. It was a screaming, soul wrenching fire, like maybe he once had extra arms and they’d been torn from his flesh and bone. Harry kept pulling and absorbing the power even as the pain increased to near crippling.

He pulled until Draco finally stopped his steps. Draco wavered where he was stood. He was staring at the floor laughing hysterically while tears streamed down his face.

Harry’s arms didn’t want to move as pain continued to flare through his back. He kept them stretched wide as he stumbled to Draco. He pulled every bit of power Draco dared to release against him until he didn’t dare any longer.

“Draco.”

Draco stiffened and his laughter faded. Harry didn’t step any closer. Narcissa had the ring and he didn’t want to transform Draco by accident. “Draco, go put the ring back on.”

Draco grimaced. “You can’t fucking make me, Potter.”

Harry growled and pulsed his power out. It filled the hallway and pushed at Draco like crashing waves, again and again until Draco shook with the exertion to stand. “Put on the fucking ring!”

“No!” Draco held his hands out, raised his head and laughed one loud exultation. “All of them. Every fucking Malfoy heir became a monster. I will too. So why the fuck not now?”

“You’re not a monster. Damn it, Draco, you’re not!”

Draco scoffed, his eyes flashing. “I am! I feel it inside. They’re calling me. And… and I want to go. I can’t stop it. I fucking want to go!”

Harry shook his head fiercely as he fought his instinct to grab Draco and hold him until he was himself again. “It doesn’t matter. It’s just a call, not who you are! Stay with me, Draco. Want me more. I know you do. You know you do. They don’t matter as long as you have me. You’ll always have me, Draco.”

It was too much. Draco fell to his knees with his head clutched in his hands. “You lie. Even now, covered in blood. You’re covered in blood and dead.”

He wanted so badly to reach out to Draco, to hold him and rock him until his tears dried. Even if Draco was wearing the ring, Harry’s arms refused to move. “I’m here. I’m still here and you’re here. It’s going to be okay. For right now. This moment, right now, we’re both here. We’re together. And you… you’re so fucking beautiful. It hurts to look at you, you’re so beautiful.” It wasn’t a lie; Harry’s eyes watered the longer he stared at Draco’s hunched form.

“Draco, you just keep crying and I’ll be right here. No one is going to hurt you because I’m not going anywhere,” Harry promised softly.

SCENE #Draco faces Narcissa

Not once had anyone ever told Draco crying was okay. He let out a loud gasp as another laugh fought with his tears. It was funny. He suddenly had so much power brimming inside yet he’d never felt this powerless in his entire life.

God, he was so fucked. They were outside waiting for him. Angry. They were vicious and angry as they demanded Draco come to them. Why did they hate him so yet insist he answer? Draco curled in on himself and tried to block the sharp feeling of teeth, claws and hot breath. They were as fucked up as he was as they called for the things in life which repulsed and sickened.

“Harry?” he whispered hoarsely.

“I’m right here.”

Draco nodded and rested his head on the cold floor. Dust and tears filled his senses. Harry sounded far away, a soft echo in his ears. It was real, though. Harry was real, at least for now. “Call me. Please,” he begged. “I can’t move from the door.”

“I, uh, I don’t know if I can right now.”

Draco groaned as he turned his head but he couldn’t see Harry. He sensed him fine enough. Harry felt strong and his power pushed down, an invisible barrier pinning him in place. Draco raised his gaze. Narcissa stalked down the other end of the hall, her eyes nearly as wild as her crazy sister’s. Dumbledore followed swiftly behind her. Draco watched his mother and struggled not to laugh at her fearful expression. He failed and his body shook with each expulsion.

Narcissa didn’t say anything as she crouched beside Draco, grabbed his hand, and placed the ring on his finger. Draco closed his eyes as the world lurched around him and his stomach twisted in nausea. Narcissa again placed her hands on him. She rubbed his back in slow circles until sobs tore from Draco at the knowledge of how foreign it was to have her touch him.

Dumbledore saw to Severus and spelled the splintered furniture and thrown rugs into some sort of semblance while Draco fell apart. Everyone else seemed capable of pulling things back together while Draco was at the point where it all just unraveled. He didn’t know if he was ever going to get back to the other side when the world was so upside down. His mother was trying to comfort him. It only made him hurt as he remembered every time she denied a simple connection.

Dark blue robes swirled in his vision. Dumbledore crouched beside him and his aged hand touched Draco’s head carefully like maybe he was wounded. Draco flinched and realized with a start he was injured.

“What stopped you? What stopped the call?” Dumbledore gingerly probed at his wound before taking out his wand and casting a spell to stop the bleeding.

Draco hesitated. They didn’t need to know the call was still there, he just wasn’t listening to it. “Harry fixed it.”

Narcissa jolted as if struck. Her head reared up as she looked around the hallway. “Potter? That damnable boy is here?”

Dumbledore got to his feet. “Mrs. Malfoy, Harry is hardly…”

“Yes, mother. Harry is here,” Draco spat out. He glared at his mother as he sat up. “My boyfriend is here and he’s able to keep me from the vesper with simple willpower.”

Narcissa pulled away. She sat on the floor and stared at Draco like he was something she’d never seen before. She swallowed and reached out to touch his shoulder. “We’ll take you home. Your father installed wards against the vesper in the manor. You’ll be…”

“No!” Draco found his anger again. It frothed up the same way the laughter did. “I can’t be with him if I’m home. He’s all I fucking care about!”

“Draco, please, it’s nonsense.”

Draco braced his hands on the floor. “I love him.”

Narcissa hissed and her eyes narrowed on his rebellious expression. “Love,” she spat. “You’d choose your father’s oldest enemy over your family?”

Draco smiled viciously. “Every fucking chance I get, mother. On my knees, on my back; any fucking way he wants. I’m his and he’s mine.”

“Don’t be vulgar with me. He’s an abomination to pureblood kind with his soiled bloodline and welcoming in those worthless, mudblooded beasts into our circles. His kind would water us down until no one has a speck of power left. He would…”

“Shit. Shut the fuck up, you crazy bitch! My pureblood ancestor fucked dragons to gain your so called ‘pure’ power. My uncle is likely on his knees spreading to an entire pack as we speak, if they didn’t kill him years ago. You. You bore a fucking half human, half vesper into this world and you’d condemn muggles for being soiled? Do you even hear yourself, mother?”

Narcissa didn’t; her pale skin turned pink with anger. She stood with her hands fisted at her sides. “We’ll speak of this no more. I’ll leave the paperwork with your headmaster. You’ll sign it and be ready for the ceremony a week from today at eight o’clock sharp.”

Draco stared at his mother in disbelief, mouth gaped open. He pushed himself to his feet and swayed. The ring made his dizzy and his anger more so. He took a steadying breath. “Fuck you.”

“It would be the only thing you haven’t fucked, I would think,” Narcissa said with a disdainful sniff.

Laughter hit Draco hard and he doubled over. When he caught his breath he looked up at Narcissa through his hair. “Fuck you and the Malfoy name and your fucking blood hate. I’m not marrying her.”

“Oh, you are. If you want any sort of life, you’ll marry Serene and stop talking nonsense of Potter and mudbloods. As if they’re anything compared to us.”

Draco wasn’t sure if he was angry or just so exasperated with his mother and how blind she was to the world. “I don’t know if you’ve fucking noticed, but I don’t want any sort of life! I’ve been a goddamn zombie for the last year. I was just about to walk out the fucking door and live with creatures almost as fucking hateful as you—Almost! Fuck you and your fucking manipulative money and power.”

Narcissa’s hand twitched toward he wand as rage filled her eyes. “Do you think I can’t make you? Do you think power is just some silly idea and not the ultimate in controlling every element in this world including insubordinate, foolish children? We’ve endured for centuries and believe me, we will continue because we have the power to control the weak willed.”

Dumbledore abruptly placed a hand to Narcissa’s shoulder. Her eyes went wide and her body crumpled forward as if a great force were pushing her down. “You will not. Not in my school. Not to my student. It’s time to go, Mrs. Malfoy.”

Draco wasn’t done and he peered down to meet Narcissa’s surprised gaze. “I’m not weak willed, mother. I’m not weak at all. Cross me and I’ll show you just how powerful I am.”

Narcissa didn’t say anything. Her glare promised she’d have her way still. Dumbledore forced her back to his office to collect Draco’s ex-fiance with Severus’s unconscious body floating behind them. Draco continued to sway as the corridor emptied. He closed his eyes with a sigh.

“Potter, are you still there?”

“Of course I am. I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to hear me.” Harry stepped closer to Draco but still didn’t touch him.

“Just me. Just my ears today.” Draco sighed and moved toward Harry’s heat. He slid his hands around his waist. “Help me, Harry. I can’t push away from the door.”

Harry was silent for a long moment. Slowly, almost jaggedly, his arms fell to Draco’s shoulders and rested there heavily. “You were amazing. Absolutely breathtaking.”

“I was angry and out of my mind,” Draco muttered and pressed his face to Harry’s shoulder. “I’m still out of my fucking mind. What is it? Why are you hesitating?” Harry still wouldn’t pull him close. He wouldn’t hold him tight and pull his body away from the door like only he could.

“It’s nothing.” Harry slowly rubbed his arms down Draco’s back. When he pulled him closer, his hands shook in a way Draco never felt before and it filled him with fear. “You’re just amazing and I want to stand here with you for a while.”

Draco could tell Harry was lying but he didn’t know why he was lying. Draco swallowed hard and closed his eyes. With Harry wrapped around him, he pushed his foot forward and Harry took a step back in response. There was a howl from outside, an angry demanding call for him to stop what he was doing.

“Draco, I can do it,” Harry insisted even as his body shook.

“It’s okay. I’m going to have to figure it out on my own anyways, right?” Draco pushed his other foot forward. Harry steadied him when he swayed, his balance addled by the ring. Harry fell silent and let Draco slowly push the two of them backward down the hall. Neither spoke of the angry howls from outside.

“Where are the glasses?” Draco asked when he made it to the opening outside the Great Hall. When Harry remained stubbornly silent, Draco cast an accio. The lenses snapped in his hands after they flew down from the hallway above.

“Don’t do it, Malfoy. It’s not fucking worth it,” Harry rasped as he tried to grab the glasses from Draco’s hand.

“Shut the fuck up and let me decide what’s worth my attention.” Draco turned his head and pushed the round lenses on his nose. He stepped back so he could see all of Harry.

Tears stung the corners of his eyes but Draco refused to look away. He slowly walked around Harry and bit his lip as the devastation of blood and torn flesh came into view on his back. Draco slipped his hand forward and touched the damage lightly. Harry was oblivious to the sensation with so much pain already raw there.

“Is this because we fought? It got so bad…”

“No. You have nothing to do with this.” Harry turned as quickly as he could and grimacing from the pain. “Jaz said the damage is just catching up, uh, exponentially. That’s all.” Harry raised arms which didn’t want to raise and caressed Draco’s face softly.

Draco stared into his blazing green eyes and took in how Harry’s dark skin was littered with cuts and spatters of blood. He was lying again but Draco was unwilling to reveal he knew. If it allowed Harry to feel better by lying to him, he wouldn’t break the delusion.

Draco stood on tiptoes and kissed Harry’s frowning mouth.

“Can you walk or would you like to rest on me?” Draco’s palms smoothed over the blood soaked lines of Harry’s shoulders.

“I can walk fine,”Harry muttered. “The pain is minimal, just distracting. My arms are just resistant to normal motion.” He scowled down at his hands where his fingers twitched oddly.

“Harry?” Draco leaned closer and tried to pull his gaze. He missed seeing Harry’s eyes even if today they were surrounded by too much red.

“What do you need, Draco?” Harry asked, his eyes fixed on Draco’s face.

“I like your voice. I like hearing it again. It’s good to hear you again.” Draco watched as Harry slowly smiled at him.

“Yeah, well, it’s good to be heard, even though I’m sure I’ll say something to get myself in trouble.” He brushed his lips to Draco’s and his jaw tightened in pain from the simple movement. “Come on, let’s get you to Pomfrey. You can check on Snape and, well, it would be good if you had other people around to help.”

Draco licked his lips and nodded. He wasn’t going to argue with Harry about it. Not while he, well, looked nearly dead. Draco slipped the glasses off and folded them into his shirt pocket. With his arms around Harry’s back, they walked slowly to the hospital wing.

SCENE #Marking his mate

It was dark when Draco awoke. Harry’s breath touched his side, his body seen from the warm glow of magic. The pen slid over his skin. Draco raised the lights enough to watch the pen swirl across his flesh. The movements were jagged this time as Harry’s hand twitched from sparks and broken nerves.

Madame Pomfrey had assured them Severus was going to be okay hours ago. It was a surprise he wasn’t even angry at Draco, but instead proud. It was as if Draco’s show of power was a reflection on Snape’s teaching in the professor’s eyes. It was odd but Draco liked Severus and was glad he wasn’t upset. Jaz was there and asked if Draco would allow him to put some barriers up around his room. Draco wasn’t sure if they’d do much good, but agreed to try.

Jaz looked far more concerned about Harry’s condition than Severus’s. He went so far as to suggest they move the time of the spell up but it was impossible with Severus’s condition. They needed to wait for his bones to regrow, or close enough. He would be damaged when he administered the potion. Hopefully Harry would be too wounded, or just not crazy, when he smelled human flesh for the first time in his new form.

“Potter, you can just tell me this stuff now,” Draco whispered. He bit his lip as Harry finished writing on his thigh. Harry must have stripped him when he slept; blue ink nearly covered Draco’s pale skin from top to bottom.

“I need you to know,” Harry said softly. “I need you to know how much you’re mine.” He licked across Draco’s flat stomach and muffled a grunt of pain when his shoulders moved.

Draco shivered from the sensation of Harry’s hot tongue on his flesh. It took him a breathless moment to focus enough so the mess of lines turned into words. “Holy fuck. Harry, that’s… Damn.” He couldn’t continue. A dark laugh bubbled out quickly followed by a moan.

Harry growled huskily as he moved up Draco’s body. He held his palm and read aloud. “This hand belongs on my cock. All the time. Your arm should be wrapped tight around me, touching me and covered in my cum.”

“Harry, you’re fucking mad!” Draco laughed, his face flushed.

Harry grabbed his other arm and licked up the limb before continuing. “This hand should be on your cock. Except when I’m licking it or sucking your hard, long dick, then you can move it wherever the fuck you want as long as it’s touching me.”

“I’m going to have some very tired arms, hmm?” Draco opened his mouth to Harry’s tongue when he suddenly kissed him hard. “Oh, okay. Being quiet now.”

“That’s what I thought. Because your mouth should either be shouting my name, or filled with my cock and cum,” Harry growled in his ear. His fingers traced over the words he apparently wrote on his face.

“Oh god, that’s obscene.” Draco’s eyes were wide as fire tingled over his skin. “What else did you write?”

“Your neck exists to be breathed on, kissed, licked and bitten by me, and only me. You can touch it, because you look fucking hot when you touch yourself, but not more than that.” Harry touched his throat. His palm pressed hard until it nearly stole Draco’s air away. “Your mouth and throat are tight, and I’m the only one who’s going to know how tight.”

Draco nodded blearily with heavy eyelids. Harry moved his hand and pressed wet, hungry open-mouth kisses to his throat. “Yes.”

Harry fell silent as he licked down to Draco’s chest. His tongue ran wet trails while he grunted again when pain lanced through him. “Shit, you’re so fucking hot. Sexy and fucking hot.”

“Come on, read,” Draco insisted. He grabbed at Harry’s hair and pulled his head up. Harry chuckled as his palms clasped Draco’s sides.

“You’re the property of Harry James Potter, from your sweet little nipples you fucking love to have twisted red, to your strong, slim stomach full of all my cum you swallow, to your fucking hard, long cock which keeps coming every time I tell it to. You’re fucking mine, Draco Malfoy and you will always be mine, not matter what.”

“Oh, fuck. Fuck, Harry, you need to… You really need to fuck me,” Draco whimpered. His eyes squeezed shut and hips rocked up to rub against Harry’s body.

“I’m not done.” Harry licked down the words he just read. He gripped Draco’s hips hard, nuzzled his flat stomach and dipped his tongue into his bellybutton. He slipped down lower, his grunt of pain lost in Draco’s firm skin. He licked down his groin and rubbed his face into his blond pubic hair where it turned darker the closer it got to Draco’s straining cock. “Look at you so fucking hard for me.” Harry snagged the pen from the sheets and nipped at Draco’s hip when he tried to smack him away. “No, it definitely needs a fucking name.”

Draco blinked down, a small smile quirked on his lips when Harry wrapped one hand around his dick and carefully stretched it out to write on. He gasped, a moan caught in his throat when the pen touched his sensitive length. His eyes rolled back and he clutched the sheets.

“That’s it. Fucking M.I.N.E,” Harry growled. He wrote the letters as large as he could fit then swirled the pen in a spiral over the head of his cock. Draco whimpered mindlessly and Harry dropped the pen to taste him instead. He ran his tongue over Draco’s flushed red length, refusing to suck it down until he thoroughly covered it with his saliva.

“Fuck, please.” Draco’s hands tangled in Harry’s hair and twisted his messy locks demandingly. Harry smiled against his hard cock and slowly let his wet lips stretch open, feeling how Draco’s swollen head pulsed in anticipation. He pressed the flat of his tongue up, catching every fresh drop of precum, while he slowly stretched his lips to let Draco sink into his hot mouth. He pulled Draco in until his tongue could not longer reach his head and Harry settled for rubbing along the underside of the aching flesh, Draco trying to thrust deeper with little rocks of his hips.

“Harry, I fucking need you,” Draco moaned. He turned his face to bite the pillow next to him.

Harry reluctantly pulled from Draco’s dick. His tongue caressed and lapped long after his lips left. “I know, you damn tease. I’m going to show you just how much you need me. And you are never going to think of anyone but me. Fucking ever.”

He grabbed Draco’s thighs and spread them wide. Harry carefully moved further down the bed to read. “This is the leg you wrap around my waist when you’re about to come while screaming my name for everyone to hear. And this is the one you crawl on, begging over the floor for me to fuck you so hard you can’t think anymore. Your feet will always bring you to me and your knees will break and you will fucking take everything I give you.”

“Holy fuck.” Draco exhaled heavily. “Harry, I’m not joking. Fuck me now. Right now.”

“You keep begging me, beautiful, while I still have your entire back to write on,” Harry drawled.

Draco made a noise between a moan and a sob, torn at having to wait but enjoying every damn moment of it. At Harry’s prodding, he turned, wiggled into the mattress, and propped his head on his folded arms. The sound of his panting filled his ears.

Harry clicked the pen open and began to write on Draco’s back. His voice slowed to match the speed of each word he wrote. “Your back was made to be covered in my cum.”

“Harry!” Draco shouted. Laughter and lust made him shake.

“Well, it was,” Harry murmured as he pressed a kiss to the back of Draco’s neck and nipped sharply. He returned to scrawling on his skin with Draco shuddering at each ticklish spot. “Just looking at the bend of your neck, your strong shoulders and tight waist gets me so fucking hard for you. And your ass. Fuck your ass. Literally, I want to fuck your tight, round, delicious ass every waking moment.”

“Oh, fuck, do me, Potter,” Draco demanded hoarsely. He tried to get up to his hands and knees, only to have Harry push him flat onto the mattress.

“Not done,” Harry rumbled lowly. He took his free hand and squeezed Draco’s ass hard and held him still when he cried out. He ran the pen over the soft swell of flesh and tight muscle of his ass cheek. Draco furrowed his brow as he felt the distinct motions of a heart being drawn on his left cheek.

“This ass is property of Harry James Potter to fuck and lick and fill whenever he pleases. And Draco Malfoy fucking loves every cum-soaked moment of it.”

“Oh, god. Yes. Now hurry the fuck up,” Draco groaned. He rubbed his dick against the mattress when Harry wouldn’t let him press back against him. “Need you.”

“Demanding.” Harry chuckled softly. He tossed the pen to the floor and pulled Draco’s hips up until he was on his knees. “I said whenever I please. I know, I wrote it right here.” Harry bit the words firmly, and Draco rocked back with a shout. “Right now I want to taste you until you’re begging. Well, you’re already begging, so I’ll have to figure out when to stop.”

“Harry,” Draco whined. We was still doing a lot of talking but very little touching. “Stop teasing.”

Harry licked down Draco’s crack with a groan. He flickered his tongue between the tight flesh and breathed hot air on his flushed sack. “Not teasing. Just need to, hell, to enjoy every fucking moment.” Harry nipped gentle, small, taunting bites to his inner thighs that made Draco cry out. He ran his hands down the outside of his thighs, squeezed tight and pulled Draco back onto his tongue. He thrust deep inside and felt Draco spasm moments before he shouted.

“Oh, fuck. Oh, god. I think…” Draco buried his head in the pillow while he gasped and whimpered.

Harry suppressed a growl and used his tongue for better things, such as bringing Draco closer to ecstasy. He slid a hand between his spread thighs and found Draco’s straining cock dripping even more delicious precum. Harry pulled away to lick at his fingers, before he moved up and sought out Draco’s face.

“Harry, you really need to… Oh. I really need you,” Draco whispered between pants. His eyes pleaded, lips flush and wide as he shook. “Take me. Please, take me.”

Harry sighed, licked his tongue out and met Draco’s. “I need you to bend over the bed. I can’t…” Draco didn’t let him finish the sentence. He growled and he pushed himself up and threw his legs over the side. He stood unsteadily as he waited for Harry to follow. His magic-covered form moved gingerly as he fought pain.

Draco closed his eyes when arms wrapped around him. He pressed back against Harry’s hard body and tried to ignore the way his boyfriend was shaking. Harry wanted him. He was hurt, was likely only going to get more hurt, and right now he needed to be inside him. Just as much as Draco needed him inside.

“Fuck me, Harry. Show me just how much I’m yours. Any way you want. Every way.”

Harry gasped against his throat. Draco couldn’t help but love every small noise. It was so much sexier to know Harry was responding, lost his breath, lost his control just over things Draco did. It made him want to do more things just to hear him. Draco spread his legs wider, bent forward and rested his hands on the mattress. He looked back at Harry with a teasing smirk, but he couldn’t stop his blush for thinking the words he was going to say. “You’ve got a lot of me to cover with your cum tonight. I don’t know if you’re going to have the time.”

Harry growled loudly, a deliciously animalistic sound that sent shivers down Draco’s spine. In a practiced move, he pulled Draco back and sheathed into him, already having spelled him slick and stretched.

“Oh, fuck.” Draco’s mouth gaped, eyes wide as he stared blindly at the covers. “Harry.”

“I know,” Harry rasped in his ear. He held Draco still while he trembled. Draco’s body kept jolting oddly like he was the one sparking. “You’re tight. Tighter than before.”

Draco moaned as his body jerked again and convulsed around Harry’s thick cock impaling him. He pushed his hips back to get Harry deeper. If he could just get a little deeper everything would be perfect. “Oh god, it’s different. Why. What?”

Harry let out a shaky groan and buried his face into Draco’s hair. “I didn’t tell you, but you have wings now. Damn, you’re fucking tight. So tight.”

“Wings?” Draco shook his head with a gasp. He moaned and pushed back harder. “Oh, oh please. Deeper. Get deeper.”

“Your body keeps changing.” Harry gripped his hips tight and pulled Draco back while he pushed all his weight forward. Something shifted and the world tilted dizzily. Draco shouted in absolute, tormented pleasure. Harry couldn’t help but cry in agreement as Draco’s passage moved, clenched and pulled with every intent to make him cum deep inside his hot, tight hole. “Holy fuck.”

They froze, bent over the bed. Harry’s sweat dripped down Draco’s slick body, their eyes squeezed shut as the two of them moaned together. The world was definitely shifting, everything spinning wildly even though nothing was moving at all. Draco kept pushing back on Harry’s cock, trying to get him deeper. Small, choked sounds broke through his desperate wail and his hands scrambled on the bed to gain leverage.

“This,” Draco gasped. “This is what it means to be yours.” He sobbed and his body jolted again and again. Harry pressed his full weight down and pinned Draco’s upper body into the mattress while he writhed beneath him. “Claim me.”

Understanding dawned. Harry lifted his heavy head off of Draco’s shoulder and pressed it to his throat. “Mine,” he whispered as he licked sweat and blue ink. “Always mine.”

“Fucking do it!” Draco gasped out. His body felt so tight he was certain his legs were going to snap. Harry bit his neck, teeth sharp as they sank in and held tight. Draco cried out as everything spun and his sight flashed black and red. “Yes… fuck, yes.”

Beneath it all, the pain, the sweat and groans, Draco felt when Harry came inside him. His thick cock swelled large and hot cum splashed deep, right where it was supposed to hit. Draco clenched tight, held Harry in and kept him deep in his passage.

“Damn, Draco. You’re… Oh, hell,” Harry mumbled hoarsely into his neck as Draco clenched tight around him. Draco’s skin glowed before his eyes, blood dripped scarlet, and scent… his scent changed. Harry breathed in deep and licked long swipes up his throat.

“Yours,” Draco moaned as he arched and stretched. Harry reached around, slid down his taut navel and wrapped his hand around Draco’s dick. He jerked him slowly while he held his breath to hear his gasps. Draco came with a sudden laugh. He released hot shots of cum over Harry’s fingers and the bed, his orgasm seeming to go on forever.

Harry wanted to tell Draco about the change, about the glow and the scent and very much he was his, fucking his and no one else’s. The words wouldn’t come, his head spinning and back screaming fire. Not the good fire but the painful fire. With a painful start, he realized he once had a tail, one now ripped off.

“Harry, what is it?” His eyes snapped open at Harry’s first loud hiss of pain. Draco dug his fingers into the mattress and pulled himself up the bed and out from under Harry’s weight. He turned on unsteadily legs and sat up to watch the glow on Harry’s skin fluctuate. “Should I put the glasses on?” He sought out Harry’s face and cupped it gently.

“No, I’ll be fine. Just a little pain,” Harry gasped out. He pressed his lips to Draco’s palm. “I’m going to go wait in the room for the spell while I can move.”

“Wait, I’ll go with.”

“Please, Draco, please. I don’t want you to see me like this.” Harry fought back another hiss. “Don’t remember me like this.”

Draco felt like he was going to overflow with emotion. He gave a slight nod and then pressed a swift kiss to Harry’s mouth. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Remember, I’m your boyfriend now and you have to do what I say. Right?”

“Right,” Harry groaned. He leaned his head against Draco as another tremor shook him.

“So, you’re coming home tomorrow and you’re going to get all better. Cuz I said so and you’re very good at listening when I ask nice enough.”

“Sure, Draco. Whatever you want.” Harry kissed him again. His mouth didn’t want to work properly, the kiss sloppy and harsh but Draco didn’t mind.

Draco helped him stand and led Harry to the door. “You’re still glowing,” Draco reminded as he wrapped a robe around himself. Harry let the magic fade from his skin and Draco’s expression grew more anxious without it. “You’re sure you don’t want help?”

“I’ll be fine. My legs are fine. Not tired, just pain,” he choked out. Harry opened the door before Draco could think of a good reason to come along. “Love you. Always going to love you.”

“Shit, Harry.”

Harry shut the door and blocked out the tears he couldn’t handle to see. He made his way unsteadily through the castle, knowing Draco was crumpled in his room crying. He knew because every time he looked back in his direction, he could see him, his body changed with a permanent soft glow radiating from his skin. Harry also knew the glow was for him; Draco’s body told any vesper who looked he was claimed.

Harry wasn’t sure how long it took to get through the dungeons; time slipped away as the world kept tilting around him. He eventually found the right room and stumbled to the floor while holding his groans of pain back. His gaze again moved through the fifth dimension and he turned himself on the floor until he was facing Draco’s glowing form. He rested his head on the wall, eyes half open as he watched Draco sleep fitfully.