Harry Potter and expecting the unexpected ending

Day 6 noon

Ron and Neville sat down beside Hermione's bed just when noon bell finished. The last footsteps could be heard making their way down to the great hall. Vague shouts and chatter reached their ears, the hum of it producing background music.

Both boys felt unsure about being here. Sure Hermione was a friend, but the last few days were hard to forget. And with everything going, on they had lost touch. Now being together felt a bit strange, especially since one of them was sleeping.

After a few minutes, neither boy had spoken. Neither were really sure how to go about it, should they just speak to her? She was asleep so she wouldn't hear it, what would be the point? And another thing, they might wake her up and Hermione needed to rest now more than anything else. Professor McGonagall had been very clear about that.

"You may see her misters Weasley, Longbottom. You will, however, make sure she rests and I absolutely forbid you to even mention school and anything to do with it. Did I make myself clear?"

Both boys had nodded, almost saluting, before turning to Hermione. And now that they were here, they just didn't really know what to do with themselves. As the minutes passed by and the time they had grew short, Neville pulled something form within his robe. Ron looked questionably at him.

"It's herbs, my Gran always says that a good herb never hurt anyone. I made it last night, it helps with breathing. Makes it easier. You think I should burn it for her?" Neville seemed more insecure then ever.

"I think it would be best to just put it on the nightstand with a note. Burning it wouldn't go too well on the professor's list of things not to do." Ron answered, smiling at Neville with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "She'll like the idea though, Hermione loves to find out about new things."

Neville nodded and placed a cotton bag with pink and yellow flowers on the nightstand.

"You think she'll be back at school soon?" Neville asked next.

Ron shrugged his shoulders. "No idea mate. But Hermione would want to be back as soon as possible. Honestly, I think she couldn't survive without learning something new each day."

The next few minutes were spent in silence one more. Then the bell rang, and Neville and Ron stood and left. It had been an uneventful visit and the patient had been completely out of it the entire time. Still Ron felt a bit better knowing he had done this. He had been thinking too much about his own condition and problems. Thinking about Hermione helped put things back in perspective. Of course that howler he had received had done much the same thing. He wouldn't ever be pulling a stunt as that again.

Well not unless it was absolutely necessary.

X

Harry felt like he had too much energy, and no way of getting rid of it. Already he had started pacing the hospital wing, using some of the gym exercises he remembered from way back when. Halfway through, Madam Pomfrey had come in and ordered him to his bed. He had gotten an earful about the condition his body was in, and that he needed rest and not exercise.

So sitting in his bed feeling like jumping but not allowed to do so, made Harry wonder what else he could do. Remus and Sirius would come by at noon, Madam Pomfrey had told him. Apparently they had some news to tell him.

With two more hours to go till noon, Harry found that he really needed something to think about. Anything would do, just as long as it could make him forget about his body. Which was aching in the strangest places by now. His wings spread out behind him seemed to be suffering cramps, it was really irritating and painful at times. His horns seemed to have gained a half an inch, as did his fingers.

On the other hand, the rest of his body was still the same. Now if only he could manage to gain his human form, he would have been allowed out of the hospital wing. Or at least he hoped he would be. By now Hermione and Ron would think he had died or something. Though knowing Hermione, she would probably be researching about what could be keeping Harry away. He was sure that this time she wouldn't be able to find it out on her own. In a way, this pleased him, this time he could tell her what was going on, when everything had settled down. Not something that happened a lot, if ever.

And now that he thought about it, Sirius had left him one of the books about clan history of magical creatures a few days ago. He had forgotten about it because of training, and the information he had gotten from Sirius. Leaning over Harry picked a small green book from inside the nightstand. Sitting back he flipped it open.

The first page held a short note of gratitude to different people. Next was a short piece on what the author wanted to accomplish with his work. Harry smiled as he read the last words. So in short this work is for the better understanding of beings different from us. May it create a bridge that one day may become wide enough for all of us to march down side by side.

With a smile he flipped through the pages to the dragon section. The book might be small but Harry soon noticed that it covered anything magic. There were even chapters on wizards and witches, who were listed as magical beings. This author really was good.

An hour later a soft breeze ruffled Harry's hair. Looking up Harry noticed a plate of food, he hadn't even heard the house elves bring it. As a matter of fact Madam Pomfrey had yet to come and check on him.

Wondering if the medi-witch might have been called away for immediate emergency, Harry placed the book beside him and picked up a cucumber sandwich. In the next few seconds Harry found himself pushed back and the sandwich ripped from his hands. Juice from the sandwich left his hand wet and slippery, but Harry didn't really notice. A huge humanoid form covered in fur was blocking his view.

Swallowing his last bite, almost chocking on it, Harry pushed himself away from the creature. His wings had started to spread but were stopped by the wall behind him. Pupils narrowing Harry felt breath moments of first shock, and then panic, and then shock again before it tuned down to a low, steady fear. Hands tucking the blanket high he waited for anything.

When after a few minutes nothing happened, Harry dared to look at the creature again and found it gone. Carefully he looked around almost ready to release a sigh, he found the creature walking near the windows. Harry scooted back so hard his wings got crushed against the wall and he let out a startled yelp. The creature was on him faster than lightning.

"Master?" It spoke. The experience was rather strange, because while the creature might stand on two legs and be capable of speech, the rest of it resembled a large cat. And from between it's black coloured lips and sharp teeth came a voice that had a distinct purring undertone.

"Master, you mustn't." It spoke again and all Harry could do was stare in fascination. He noticed that the eyes were a bright golden, and seemed to glow in its warm brown furred face.

In shock, he did absolutely nothing when the creature reached out for him with paws and pulled him away from the wall. He also let it fold his wings back and prop him up with a second pillow. After that the cat took a few steps back, pulled up its lips in what was probably a smile (this showing of very sharp teeth did not help calm Harry) and nodded its head.

"Master, please rest. We will take care of everything, Rinrin is bringing in the food as we speak and Tanka is preparing suitable living arrangement until your mate has found you." Then the cat bowed, pressing its paws together, and left. Again it walked up to the windows and started looking outside.

The moments after this were spent in a dull, dreamlike state for Harry, until he finally managed to process what had just happened to him. After that, it took a while longer before he could think about what the cat might be implying by calling him master.

From the corner of his eye, Harry watched the cat walking before the windows. His hunger was completely forgotten for the moment. As he watched the cat, he took in what he saw and grabbed the green book. Leafing through it, he compared the cat with some of the creatures in the book. It wasn't in there though.

Maybe he should just ask. It did appear that the cat did not want to harm him. Leaning forward he looked at the brown cat. It had a head full of hair like a human would. It was braided, and from between the hair the tips of round ears could be seen. The head was also a strange mixture of human and cat. Shaped like a human but with cat features. The body again was formed like a human but held many likenesses of a cat. The hands and feet were paws and Harry imagined that if needed claws would extend from those. The only piece of clothing was an odd tabard of sort, long enough to cover the cats upper legs. It was male, he also noted.

Suddenly the cat turned around again and looked straight at Harry. "Master, do you need for anything? The food is coming soon, Rinrin will be done preparing it in just a few more moments." The honest look of tenderness threw Harry completely off. Never before had anybody looked at him like that. Sirius was closest, but it did not hold this degree of fondness. Too many shadows made it impossible for Sirius's eyes to ever have a look like this.

"Master?" it asked again.

Startled Harry blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Who are you?" The whoheld a lot more than just that, but at the moment getting this question answered was enough. The cat smiled.

He walked back to Harry in a few strides and bowed again, it paws pressed together. "Master, my name is Shuuhei. It is my job to provide, care and protect you. You who will give life will always have three of us. Myself and my two wives have been chosen for you by the council."

Shuuhei stepped back and beamed down on Harry, giving the strange toothy smile again.

Carefully listening Harry groaned inside at all the new questions arising from the one that was just answered. Looking to his nightstand he noticed that in less than half an hour Sirius and Remus would be here. It would be better if he and Shuuhei had most of his questions answered by then. For everybody's peace of mind.

"So you're a bodyguard of sorts?" Harry asked.

Shuuhei showed his toothy smile again and made a strange coughing sound. Harry thought that might actually be laughter. "Master, we are that and more. Our race has been servants to your kind for almost as long as Dragonseekers exist."

The cat seemed to have a habit of answering the question and at the same time create more. Pushing the blanket back completely Harry settled down before the creature. "Your kind you say, but what are you and how did this strange bond come into existence?" Harry asked his eyes intend on Shuuhei.

"We are children of Ubasti, we are the chosen one to serve the half gods. So the old legends say. Even our library or lore keepers cannot tell how it came to be. Only that old legends exist. It does not matter though. We are happy to serve." Shuuhei bowed again. Then at a sound from the window he turned around.

"Master Rinrin has your food. You will notice that it will help your body greatly." From behind Shuuhei a black coloured cat with blue green eyes emerged with a plate in her paws. She smiled a toothy smile and placed it on the bed.

"Master, I have prepared your meal for you." The female cat said bowing and pressing paws together.

Looking down Harry noticed a bowl filled with brown liquid. Looking at it questionably, he picked up the spoon beside the bowl and took a small sip. As soon as the liquid hit his tongue he felt delighted. This was the best tasting soup ever. (At least he thought it was soup)

Rinrin smile grew bigger and her eyes became more blue than green. "Master I am happy that you enjoy this simple meal." She spoke bowing once more. Next to her Shuuhei looked proud, then he abruptly turned to face the windows once more. Rinrin and Harry followed his example.

Harry assumed the cat by the window was Tanka, the last one of his three servants. This female was large, larger even than the male and well over 6'4. She was also built heavier. Where Rinrin was shapely built, with a large bosom and hips, Tanka was built almost like a male. Except for a few aspects which were definitely female.

This cat was a dirty gray in colour with a white main of hair and gray eyes. Her face held great gentleness, if you could actually tell something like that from a humanoid cats face. Harry stared he kept eating. Rinrin had stepped forward and stood on her toes as she pressed her nose against Tanka's cheek.

"Welcome sister of my heart. Have you found it yet, a good place to build?" Rinrin stepped back and Shuuhei stepped forward. He also pressed his nose against Tanka's cheek but instead of stepping back he went to stand beside her.

"Thank you sister of my heart, Husband. I have found a place nearby, and our separation would have not needed to be so long. I scouted the surrounding and will start building right after our husband has warded the place." While explaining the three walked back to Harry.

"It already seems to have some protection, but it can still be found by humans. I had to remove a sick girl earlier. I want to be sure no one can find our den unless our master wants it to be found." With that Tanka turned to Harry completely and also bowed pressing her paws together.

"Master." She simply said.

Almost automatically Harry nodded at her. Shuuhei looked proud all the while and moved back to Harry. "Master, you had more questions?"

Surprised Harry blinked. Was the cat a mind reader of sorts? He couldn't help but smile and in his mind he shook his head. Because of the soup, he had completely forgotten about his other questions.

"Yes you are right. Please tell me how to address you all, and why your kind is not in this book of mine." Harry held up the green book. Shuuhei's eyes flitted over it before bringing his paw up to his mouth. He made the coughing sounds again as did Tanka

"Master we mean no offence. But we are keepers of your hearth. The world has no business to know about us. In fact there is an inscribed tablet, which holds a contract. In short, we are like ghosts in this world. Our birth and lives are never to appear in any writing. Even when we die, we leave no body behind to be buried. Only our own scribes keep writings in our library." Rinrin nodded showing agreement with Shuuhei's words.

"As for how to call us, our names are enough. We are very honoured if you would consider to use them." Shuuhei bowed again this time without pressing his paws together.

Before long the four of them were in a discussion in which many things were told to Harry he had not read in the books or had been told by Sirius. All too soon, the noon bell rang and in the distance Harry could here footsteps. His godfather and Remus were coming for their visit. Turning around to tell the cats, he found the room empty. The only evidence was an empty bowl and an open window.

Turing back to the doors that had opened, Harry suddenly wondered what happened to Madam Pomfrey. She had not been around for the whole morning. Hopefully nothing bad had happened.

Still wondering what might be keeping Madam Pomfrey, Harry nearly jumped from his bed when a hand landed on his shoulder. Without thinking he pulled back and let out a low hiss, displaying fangs and behind his back his wings had started to spread.

"Harry, my boy. How are you this fine morning?" Sirius boisterous voice calmed Harry. Remus, however, noticed what had happened and pulled Sirius back a bit.

"Sirius, have some decorum. You know Harry's instincts about who to let close might be a bit frayed at the moment." He gently scolded his friend. Sirius smiled and ran his hand through his hair.

"Ah, your right Moony." Sirius moved back a bit further and took the only chair by the bed.

"But Harry we have news for you, about your mate." And with that all laughter and merry fled from Sirius face. The seriousness that replaced it made Harry dread what was to come

"What kind of news?" When Sirius shook his head Harry wanted to escape through the nearest window.

"Just a few moments Harry. Remus wants to be here too." Harry noticed a delay when he saw one. And this was definitely one because Remus was only a few feet away getting a second chair. Deciding that he might as well get some other curiosities satisfied, Harry started talking.

"What happened to Madam Pomfrey? She has not been here the whole morning."

Sirius face made a funny expression, but again he was saved as Remus settled down beside them. Another moment of delay. Luckily Remus started talking the moment he settled down.

"That has to do with your mate. He is already here, actually what I'm trying to say is that he is a student from here. He was searching for you and I think when he felt your pain he went into a rage."

For the second time that day Harry's mind drifted off while he tried to process information. This information he both dreaded, and yet for some reason he was also very happy. A flash of his dreams came with a flood of warm feelings. So maybe it wasn't all that dreadful.

"Who is he?" Without meaning to Harry asked the question. Of course he wanted to know, this was his life. He needed to know so that he could start making decisions.

Sirius squirmed in his seat and looked away when he answered the question. "Draco Malfoy."

It was silent for a few moments. Then Harry blinked, blinked again and tried to speak. For moments all he could do was move his mouth while no sound came out. Then he screamed.

"WHAT."

Remus flinched and leaped away, while Sirius merely winced and hung his head. And this was not all he had to tell Harry. He had promised that he would tell what would happen if Harry refused the Malfoy kid.

"There's more Harry. Something you need to know about your mate. You might be able to live without him. But he isn't able to, he will die if you refuse him." Next to Azkaban, this was one of the worst experiences in Sirius life. And the hurt in Harry's eyes was like salt in an open wound.

Still, he had only wanted to assure Harry HE had a choice in all this. In the end, with this knowledge revealed to them, it might not seem like a choice at al any more. Not with Harry's character trait to save people.

"Sorry Harry, it was just that I wanted you to make a choice. A choice form the heart-

Harry shook his head, cutting Sirius of. "You should know more than others that choices can only be made when you have all the information you can find. I know that there never is such a thing as knowing everything when making a choice, but this time you kept something that was there and could be told."

Sirius looked even more miserable and Remus sighed. For a moment it looked like Remus was going to say something, but in the end he merely stood and pulled Sirius with him.

"We will come back in a few hours, we'll talk then." He smiled at Harry and then turned to the door dragging an unwilling Sirius with him. "Come Sirius, give Harry some time to think it all over. He still loves you, even now. I'm pretty sure."

The door closed behind them and after a while not even footsteps, or in Sirius case clicking of nails, could be heard. He was alone again.

Settled back in his bed, back against the wall Harry started to turn his new information around in his head. And one thing kept drifting up again and again. Malfoy was his mate, the person in his dreams. The one to die if Harry decided not to mate.

Was there really a choice left.

And suddenly he could feel the kisses they had shared in their dreams. Blushing Harry hung his head. For a moment he hated how some part of him wanted Malfoy. Bad.

X

As night approached, Draco felt more and more aggravated. Sure the barrier that had been keeping his mate from him in everything but his dreams was growing thinner. It didn't mean he could locate his mate though. So instead he was pacing, in the room given to him by Dumbledore.

Sure he would rather turn the castle upside down, but at one point Snape had suggested just waiting it out. This would do lots to calm everybody's nerves. Well everybody's but Draco's. Of course if it were any other time Draco would have agreed with Snape, but this was not such a time.

Contemplating his own thoughts and corresponding actions showed Draco a really out of character part of him. He had expected to lose some of his control over his actions, okay maybe a lot of control, but this knowing you had lost it and not being able to help yourself was a whole new level of torture.

Hissing and growling Draco walked out of his room and calmly started running his claws through the repaired furniture. The ripping of fabric and splintering of wood gave some satisfaction. It helped with his frustration, just doing something seemed to help.

X

Back in the hospital wing Harry left his bed and headed for the bathroom. Under his arm he held a bundle of clothes. Behind him the cats were cleaning up and Tanka was pushing around furniture like there was no tomorrow. Shuuhei overlooked the two females, while at the same time watching Harry. "Please hurry master, we need to relocate, the hours are slipping away and your mate will be here soon."

Harry tensed and he closed the bathroom door harder than intended. His mind was filled with doubt, fear, anger and denial. Even now that he had taken this decision to mate he still kept asking himself if he really wanted to. Like Sirius had said, he had a choice after all. And this was Malfoy, the bane of school.

Pulling of his hospital gown he replaced it with a heavy silk robe. The design was simple and only the sleeves were decorated with tiny seed pearls. Wrinkling his nose Harry walked back out and was surprised to see three cats waiting for him by the window.

Rinrin was holding a canvas sack holding his possessions; Tanka and Shuuhei were both standing on the windowsill. The moment Harry walked in, Rinrin jumped through the window and Tanka followed suit. Debating with himself one more time Harry suddenly shrugged his shoulders and pushed all doubt away.

Walking up to the window Shuuhei held out a paw and Harry took it. The next moment both of them went sailing through the air. Shuuhei ran down the wall with sickening speed Harry watched the ground close in, then just before it would be too late the cat pushed away from the wall and leaped onto a nearby rooftop. A few jumps later Harry was back in the ground slightly nauseous. He couldn't wait to learn flying.

"Master you will have to wait here. Your mate will arrive soon." Rinrin said. The small female was all smiles and liquid eyed, apparently she was very happy for Harry to be mated tonight. Harry flinched and instead took in his surroundings. They were on a large clearing in the forbidden forest. For a moment he wondered about the clearing but shrugged it of. There were other things he wanted to know.

" So this is were your going to build the house." House was spoken hesitantly as if not sure what other word could be used to better describe his new home.

"No master this is the place chosen for you mating." Rinrin spoke up again. By now, the only one of the cats left. "You will need much room for the mating, my husband and bounded sister are finishing your residence as we speak. But it is not appropriate for mating."

A chill crept up Harry's spine and suddenly he found that the sky was turning dark alarmingly fast. What could he expect from the mating? How would it go, and why so much space? The pictures his mind came up with did not help calm him down.

Feeling more nervous by the minute he turned his soul attention in Rinrin and watched her build a fire and what seemed to be a bed of leaves, twigs and huge amounts of moss.

Slowly looking away from Rinrin Harry stared at the crackling orange and red flames. Again his heart was overcome by doubt and fear. He tried to tell himself it was normal, everyone would feel weird about the situation he was in.

Not only had his body changed, but with it his entire life. Nothing would be as it was before, and all his future plans, as far as he had any, would have to be reconsidered again. And the most prominent thing amongst everything was the though that he was actually choosing to mate with Malfoy.

Maybe he should not go through with it, there was still time. He could say no and run, hide. Harry swallowed and with a sudden flash of panic started to walk towards the trees. He could not do this after all; no one could expect him to be ready for something like this. Sirius had said he could be happy with other people. But what about Malfoy, his only chance was Harry.

Feeling like crying Harry stopped hesitating once more. Later Harry could not recall how long he might have stood there. It could have been seconds or hours. And when Draco arrived, he had not even noticed until a clawed hand had touched his arm.

The touch felt more like an electrical discharge going form his arm to his spine to his brain. Stunned Harry slowly turned around and saw a long male with outspread wings standing there. For a few moments he could not understand who it was or even why they were there.

In fact his brain didn't start functioning until the male abruptly released Harry's arm and took a step back.

Confusion and doubt laced through the eyes of his mate. Slowly the look of feral delight and lust was replaced with something close to horror and shock. Pupils dilated, Draco took another step back. "Potter?"

After that hell seemed to break lose. Both males glared at each other and eyes filled with accusation flung poisoned needle like stares. Lips were pulled into snarls, showing of sharp fangs.

In the back of his mind Harry wondered at his own behaviour, but when he saw Malfoy looking at him like that he felt hurt, and he wanted to hurt this other Dragonseeker back. So each stare was returned and each silent message was matched.

Behind them completely forgotten Rinrin moved away from the clearing. The Ubasti had the look of a cat who'd gotten the cream look on her face, and her eyes glowed a faint green. As she disappeared between the trees her eyes were the only noticeable thing until they seemed to wink out of existence.

Back in the clearing the two Dragonseekers had started moving, walking in circles around each other never breaking eye contact. Harry was certain that if he blinked or looked away something explosive would happen. By now he noticed that he could no longer control his behaviour, his body was acting out of its own accord. In the back of his mind he suddenly remembered something about mating rituals.

Draco was experiencing the exact same thing, he could still think and argue, but his body no longer obeyed. And while he felt like ripping Potters head off for daring to be his intended, his lust was soon eating away what sanity remained.

For a few seconds Draco tried to fight his instincts, but then he no longer had control. Within a moment the black Dragonseeker stopped his previous circling and lunged forward. Harry having his own body act of its own accord felt a sudden change at this. Before he had been ready to attack, now his body was melting. Hot lava pulled down and made his legs weak.

A giddy feeling took over and lust started to cloud his mind.

It was a feeling he had never had before, it caused his body to feel alien. Then Draco grabbed him and his world exploded into a feverish pit. Thoughts no longer formed and his body took over, reacting to an ancient ritual, reacting to the touches and demands from Draco most eagerly.

The silk robe was torn away and Draco looked at the pale body before him, it smelled so good. It looked even better. Driven, he grabbed Harry's shoulders and pulled him close, the both of them meeting halfway for a hot tongued kiss. Neither noticed the scratches and wisps of magic. Forgotten was their hurt and distrust.

Somewhere in his mind Draco finally thought about removing his own clothes when he felt unsatisfied with the contact. Soon though, he almost sighed in bliss when he felt Harry's skin on his own. The magic around them like a sphere, white and golden in colour.

X

That night an aurora borealis could be seen in the sky. It's main colours magenta, blue and green, playfully shimmered in the night. It was a beautiful sight. With it the whole world seemed to come to life, cries of animals sounded throughout the night and birds created their most delicate ballads with their voices. And in the middle of it all, Harry Potter was placed on his back on a moss covered bed. Draco covering him with his body, black wings spread out behind him in a display of dominance. Slowly, ever so slowly the blond entered, giving Harry time to adapt, trying to keep the pain to a minimum.

Both of their minds still ruled by their bodies urges. What was happening between them was not magical or heaven, it was basic, sweat, lust and hormones. Their blood and genes had taken over to do what needed to be done. And with it the bond formed, a red line circling around them binding them together. Their mind, body and soul, forever entwined as one.

When they were bound completely a magical discharge ran through their bodies, cleansing them from former commitments. The lightening bolt scar on Harry's head was the last to be effected. Suddenly Harry could think again before he was overcome with pain as his forehead burst open like an overripe plum. Black blood oozed out until finally fresh, healthy red blood replaced it.

The pain dissipated but Harry had long before lost consciousness. On top of him Draco was already asleep, completely spent. They slept through the night joined at the hip.

X

That night hundreds of witches and wizards felt a magical discharge ran through their bodies. When they woke up the following morning they would find that they lacked one essential mark. A black marking on their left arm. The skin was left unmarked as if there never had been such a thing as a dark mark on them. It was the end of Lord Voldemort's terror.

Last of the Slytherin line, direct ascendant had fallen. Purified through the connection he had shared with Potter.

X

With the first rays of sunlight Harry began to rouse. His mind was hazy and the only things coming through were a throbbing dull headache and the pain and discomfort of his body. At first he wondered why he would be in pain. Then when he looked around, found himself staring at trees and grass, his memory slowly started to seep back.

Suddenly his body seemed to hurt ten times worse, and his headache concentrated to a single point in his forehead. Trying to move he found himself restricted by a heavy weight. Feeling stupid, Harry flopped down again and started to work on Draco instead. The other male was draped over his body and seemed content to stay there.

Harry's prodding became more urgent when another bodily function started to make itself known. Finally Draco reacted by rolling off Harry. With a sigh of release Harry made a beeline for the nearest trees and settled down beside one. His body was protesting with each movement he made. Finally he could make his way back and found that Rinrin stood beside the newly lit fire.

The feline held a bowl of steaming water out to him with a cloth. Grateful Harry started to wash himself, all the while trying very hard not to thank back to last night. When he pulled the cloth over his face and it came back with blood he started to frown.

"Rinrin, could you look at my head, I seem to have hurt myself." Harry called out, his eyes not leaving the bloody cloth. The Ubasti was at his sight in a flash.

She carefully lifted his head with her paws and she looked him over, then she smiled.

"It is nothing master, the cleansing has purified the scar you bore. With the first mating, a part of the bonding process consist of cleaning the mind, body and soul from anything wrong." She smiled and walked back to the fire, which now had a pan hanging above it.

Soon sounds of splashing water and birds could be heard. A delicious smell permitted the camp and a few feet away Draco started to rise. The blonds head and upper body rose and he seemed to sniff the air, his eyes still closed.

Near the fire Harry was dressed, again in a silk robe with decorated sleeves. This one was green with yellow ornaments. It felt good on his abused skin. Suddenly a yelp from behind made him turn.

"Potter, how could you do this." Draco snarled, then his gray eyes flickered with panic and he rushed forward. "No, no leaving, your mine."

As he reached Harry in all his naked glory, he stopped short and shook his head.

Harry looked at Rinrin, eyebrows raised. The female produced a snort and waved Harry closer. "As a dominant he does need you, in the first few days however his behaviour will be a bit erratic to allow the bonding to complete, because he feels conflicted with this weakness he has gained. After this, he will be the best mate possible for you. Until then have patience with him."

Harry nodded, still not fully understanding. But then again he wasn't feeling all to stable himself right now. Emotions were changing and replacing each other in rapid pace. It was confusing and extremely tiring. He hoped things would settle down soon.

After Draco had washed and dressed himself (he wore loose trousers and a shorter version of the robe Harry wore in blue with green ornaments) breakfast was dished out. Rinrin had made the brown soup again, this time accompanied with freshly baked scones.

Breakfast was quiet and Harry found that Draco's presence was comforting. At the same time his emotions were playing havoc with him. This wanting to be near Draco and he actually felt pleased at what happened conflicted with his more rational mind, which was saying they had been enemies and how could they actually fit together at all. Those two emotions were making him fidgety.

Next to him, Draco was going through the same process with one minor detail. Every time he debated with himself that Po... Harry was not the right one, a part of him went haywire and had this huge urge to grab Harry and have sex. To dominate his mate, and be sure he would not leave him.

This tug of war was tiring, and that set Draco on edge. Life was no fun this way. It was not supposed to have been this way. Harry was not supposed to be his mate, and the circling thoughts had made it right back to grabbing Harry again to make sure he would not leave.

Both were startled by Rinrin banking the fire, and making sure it was completely out. The small woman had managed to clean the whole area without them noticing. And since when had the sun risen so high. How many hours had they spent thinking about nothing but each other.

"Masters, if you would follow. Rinrin will take you to your temporary home. Already my husband Shuuhei has gone to your headmaster to explain. You won't be disturbed for the next four days." She smiled real wide then, and a mischievous glitter in her eyes made Harry turn cherry red.

A quick look at Draco revealed a pink blush. Somehow that made Harry feel butterflies in his stomach. And the thought of being mated to Draco was becoming less and less disturbing.

At Harry's shy glance Draco felt a burst of pride, and he looked away to cover the smug smile that appeared on his face. Maybe Harry wasn't the worst thing in the world. And if those dreams were anything to go by they were indeed suited and meant to be. This could work.

The trip back to Hogwarts was silent, and no inhabitants of the forest were around. They reached their new temporary home in the late afternoon and found the other two Ubasti waiting for them. Warm welcomes were exchanged and Harry was let in by Rinrin.

This time food was prepared by Tanka, a thick pasta with lost of meats. It tasted great. When night fell Rinrin pointed out the bedroom to them, Shuuhei went outside taking first guard duty.

X

The next few days, the couple hardly left the bedroom. Among huge fights, which were started up by both, there were times of sweetness and bonding. Getting to know each other and accepting each other. Draco had it hard, since he wanted to push Harry away, but each time his thoughts or words hinted to this ,a flaring angst rolled in and he could be found seducing Harry.

At the end of their short honeymoon both Draco and Harry had come to terms with each other and themselves. In fact, Draco was telling Harry of the house they would be living in, telling in detail how it looked, smelled and felt. Of the gardens and forest that surrounded it, and of the rooms and pathways inside the small castle. Harry was looking forwards to the move. Already he felt connected to the place.

He also wondered if it was anything like the castle they had finally visited in real life, this time. Apparently their dream castle was an official meeting place for their kind. It also was the place they completed the final bond. It had been build by the first and was now governed by an almost ancient pare of Ubasti. It had been a great experience.

In this time, spent almost exclusively together, school was barely spoken of, though at one point both agreed that after battle with Voldemort was settled they would stay here and learn. Once the fight was fought, they would move, they had hundreds of years to learn, and it did not need to be here. This decision had been met with great dislike by Harry, and it had taken a lot to convince Draco to give in to this compromise.

"You can have your friends have you visit any time Harry." He had snarled out. It had hurt, that tone.

"Fine, be that way. I'm going out." Harry had turned to the door, but before he could so much as take a single step Draco had been upon him.

"NO! Please, I - I ca.. care for you. Don't leave." The last was but a mere whisper. It was enough to stir Harry's heart.

They had talked some more and finally come to an agreement.

Life was going to be interesting. Harry couldn't think how living with Draco could be anything else.

X

"So, we go face the world today." Harry said looking at the entrance hall of Hogwarts. It was filled with students, teachers and journalist.

"No, the world is going to face us, and we will tell it to keep it's nose out of our business." Draco answered smugly.

Harry snorted and waved at a bushy head of hair. Seeing Hermione's confused look he felt like gloating. For the first time she had not been able to figure it out. Beside him Draco shifted his wings and finally he reached out and yanked Harry's arm down.

"Let's go. Even you can't keep the world waiting Potter." Harry smirked at the jealous laced barb. "Course I can, I'm Harry bloody Potter after all."

Draco shifted his wings again. "Not anymore your not." Harry sniggered, his mate was preening.

No, Life was not going to be dull at all.

And a thousand miles away from them an empty house with broken windows had one room covered in ash. They would be moving to their castle sooner then expected.