Chapter Text
Leo was snoring on Harry’s shoulder by the time he floo’ed home with Eliana, their Yule purchases in toe. Eliana was quick to zip off to her room, greeting their mother as she darted up the stairs. Lily Potter stood in the doorway to the floo room, eyes warm as she looked them over.
“How was your morning?” She asked, smiling, “Finish your holiday shopping?”
:Yeah, someone’s cutting molars again: He added, nodding at Leo.
“Bloody hell, I’m sorry, you could have woken me,” She chided, Harry shrugged.
:He had a good time getting out. It’s no fun being cooped up.:
His mother’s eyes flickered, perhaps reading the ‘I would know’ beneath Harry’s words. Harry gently shifted Leo, and Lily took him, smiling with a bittersweet tenderness.
“They grow up so fast, one day when, well,” She gave a tired smile, “I’ll put him to bed. How was the party last night?”
She doesn’t think I’ll ever have any of my own. Harry realized as he watched his mother dote on Leo, tucking hair behind his ear. To be fair, before last night, I didn’t really either. It still stung.
He pushed the sensation away. Buried it with so many other tiny hurts. :Great. Theo and Deveraux started courting.:
His mother’s expression softened, “Oh, that’s good, for both of them. They suit each other.”
Harry gave a weak smile, then gave a nod to the stairs, :I’m going to put my gifts away.: He took a few steps, then turned, :Oh, I’m going to visit Draco tonight, so don’t wait up for dinner, alright?:
“Of course, dear.”
Harry padded up the stairs, stomach twisting with a sense of old pain and new excitement.
~You can come out, hatchling~ Harry murmured once he’d entered his room, putting his bags from Eeylops on the bed. His new familiar snuck out from beneath his collar and perched herself on his head, watching him.
~Is this my new home, mother?~
~Yes, it will keep you safe when I’m not with you.~ Harry pulled a box from his back, setting it in the far corner of his room, and tapped it. The enclosure broke free, transforming into a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure. Harry tapped a small pattern into the class, and it fell away on one side, allowing him to step and begin furnishing the space, with his hatchling’s guidance.
In the end, he added a tree that spanned the height of the enclosure, branches splaying in all directions and filled with fresh leaves. Rocks and a burbling pond were added below, enough to play on and give steppingstones for climbing up the tree.
~It’s beautiful, mother~ His hatchling hissed, eagerly sliding onto the nearest branch, winding her way into the leaves, ~I will rest here while you visit father. Will you be making more hatchlings?~
Harry choked, wand freezing where he was setting the temperature and humidity for his familiar. Finally, he shook his head.
~No. We are not mated yet; babies must come after mating.~
~Okay.~
Bloody hell.
Harry’s treacherous omega body throbbed at the idea of pups with Lord Gaunt. Thomas, according to the notebook Harry now plucked from his shopping bag. He let his fingers trail over the plain leather and basked in the flush of dark magic that emanated from within.
Not yet. Not tonight. Be normal for twenty-four-hours. Harry took a steadying breath, then knelt before the fireplace tucked along the far wall of his bedroom, ~Malfoy Residence~
A house elf appeared in the fire and Harry waved; it popped away, and a few minutes later, Draco appeared.
“Shove over, I’m coming through.”
With a chuckle, Harry leaned back on his heels, and Draco bustled out of the floo, elegant as ever. He glanced around the room, then frowned softly.
:This isn’t about whatever you and Monty are doing: Harry signed quickly, and Draco flushed, :This is about this:
Harry took the courting letter out of his pocket and proffered it, Draco’s eyes flickered over it, then widened.
“You, you and, and him?” Draco began bouncing mindlessly, “Oh Harry!” Draco darted forward and hugged him, and Harry felt a rush of gratitude and flushed, hugging Draco back. “Oh, this is brilliant news, this will distract from me and Monty nicely,”
Harry smacked the blonde who cackled—and Harry’s door opened, revealing Monty’s wide eyes.
“Wait, what—”
“He showed me his courting letter,” Draco cut Monty off, eyes glinting with humor and something darker that Harry did not want to investigate.
“Oh, oh that,” Monty closed Harry’s door, leaning against it, “okay.”
“Oh, come off it, he’s the most eligible bachelor in town, now what does it say?” Draco demanded of Harry, tugging him over to the seating area in front of the fire. “Tell me everything.”
Harry blushed but obeyed, :He gave me the snake as a gift and invited me to dinner with him tonight, at a restaurant.:
“Hmm, good, good; private but not inappropriately so,” Draco praised, “have you picked what you want to wear?” Harry shook his head, “Probably best, I will pick something—are you going to be useful or just stand there,” Draco cast the last at Monty, but there was no bite in his tone, just a bit of over-the-top snobbery that Monty smiled at.
“I’m covering for Harry, what do you want me to say?”
“He’s going to be having dinner with me and Mother, of course. Something about me courting someone, perhaps seriously,” Draco’s eyes glinted, and Harry looked away to avoid the scents of arousal the pair were trading. “Can you manage, that, alpha?”
“I won’t let you down, omega,”
Harry gagged loudly, and the moment broke, Monty flushing, then ducking out of the room, flipping Harry the bird as he went. Draco let out a petulant huff, but he was grinning.
“Hush, that’s something you’re good at, yeah? Now, let me do your hair.”
A few hours later, as Harry was perched on the edge of his bed in his under-romper and nothing else, glowering with Draco at the robe options on the bed, Eliana knocked and burst in.
“Merlin! Have you no manners?” Draco demanded, summoning a robe to cover Harry, scowling at the young alpha who flushed and looked away.
“Sorry, sorry, but did you guys hear?”
“Hear what, stupid girl?” Draco snapped, ignoring it when Harry gently flicked his ear in chastisement.
“The Head of the Department of Mysteries was murdered! Dad just got called into work by Madam Bones herself!”
Harry stiffened, understanding crashing in on him and taking his knees out from under him. Draco shifted, shoving Harry so he fell on the bed and mildly blocked him from view.
“How ever did that happen?”
“I heard Madam Bones say there were no magical traces, it might have been muggles, but something about it was ‘messy’ so there’s that.” She explained excitedly.
“Morbid. Now get out,”
“Ugh, I hate you, why are you always here?” Eliana declared dramatically, hardly for the first time. She and Draco had always had an antagonistic relationship, though Harry could hardly focus on that thought because he kept seeing Lord Gaunt’s reaction to hearing Sirius mention Rookwood. The flash of darkness, the pulse of magic.
Oh, oh Merlin.
The door shut and Harry turned to see Draco locking it with a flick of his wand, then turn back to him.
“Did something happen at the party with Rookwood?” He demanded, and Harry gave a weak nod, “And the Dark Lord found out, I assume?”
Harry flushed, then nodded, Draco made a short, ‘tsk’ sound, then knelt in the fire for a moment. When he came out, he had newspaper in hand.
“The Prophet ran an emergency issue, do you want to read it? It seems Skeeter got quite the scoop, with pictures.” He wrinkled his delicate nose, and Harry hesitated.
If you can’t look, this is already doomed. He nodded and took the paper.
BREAKING NEWS: MINISTRY HEAD FOUND DEAD!
A few hours ago a private source revealed that the head of the Department of Mysteries, Augustus Rookwood (42), was found dead in an alley in Muggle London. While some details are still emerging, the current evidence points toward a non-magical cause of death. The details are disturbing, so please proceed with caution.
Mr. Rookwood was found with obvious physical signs of torture, including burns, cuts, and the intentional severing of several appendages, including his tongue, several fingers, and possibly genitals. It seems that no magical malpractice is suspected at this time.
We’ll continue to give you updates as we get them.
-Rita Skeeter
Arousal crashed through Harry as suddenly as the shock had mere moments before. His hands trembled as he read over the description over and over, remembering the way Rookwood had grabbed him, ground against him, and felt nothing but grim satisfaction. He looked up and saw Draco standing by the bed, looking him over critically.
“The green one, I think. It’s the color of Slytherin.”
Harry looked himself over in the mirror, tugging on the sheer black shirt beneath the emerald green, sleeveless robes, a rich brocade trimmed in silver. Draco had insisted he wear a black waist cincher and had promptly laced Harry’s waist into oblivion, showing off the fullness of his hips and richness of the fabric as he felt along his legs, and the wide legs framed his low-heeled boots.
“You must tell me how he likes the hair—will you come back to my house or here afterward?” Draco asked, tucking one of his curls around his ear. Harry smiled at the fussing.
:I do: Draco had added a dash of sleekeasy to tame the frizz of his curls, styling them artfully around his ears but braiding in a few silver charms.
“Good, you’re sure you don’t want more makeup?”
:The eyeliner is fine.: Harry reassured him, then took a deep breath, picking the letter up from his nightstand. :I think I’m ready.:
“Good, you’ll be just on time, I would suggest making him wait if he were a normal alpha but…” Draco trailed off and Harry gave a smile, ducking forward to hug the slighter omega.
:Thank you, Draco.:
“Oh, don’t get all emotional, Potter.” Draco hugged him, then stepped back. “Off with you.”
Harry chuckled, then took a steadying breath: ~Dark Lord~
The world tipped and spun, then Harry’s feet touched down on rich carpet in a low-lit room with dark paneling.
~There you are, right on time~
Harry turned at Lord Gaunt’s rich voice and stopped for a moment, taking the alpha in. he was bedecked in rich, black velvet robes over a crisp white shirt tailored to broad shoulders that made Harry’s mouth water.
Get a grip. He swallowed and gave a soft smile, ~Of course, it’s only polite.~
The alpha smiled and held out his arm, ~Shall we?~
Harry took his arm and allowed himself to be led from the room and into a short hall where a host was waiting beside a floating book. He dipped his head when they approached, and another wizard appeared at his side as if from nowhere.
“Please follow me, my lords,” The new man murmured, and they slipped through a door and into another hall ending in double doors.
The man opened them for them, revealing a large room, filled with tables and the hum of indistinct voices. Stunning chandeliers peppered the ceiling, and waiters zipped through the aisle, floating trays of delicious-smelling food aloft. Harry missed the finer details as they waded through the room, too caught up on the electric sensation of his magic mingling with Lord Gaunt’s, teasing and tender.
The sensation reminded him suddenly that he had never been on a proper date before.
Deep breath. It’s not a big deal. This isn’t a prospective mate or anything. Fuck.
Harry’s fingers flexed on the man’s forearm as they turned a corner to a much quieter, more private area, with tables ensconced in sheer curtains that completely obscured the diners and their voices. He almost jumped when Lord Gaunt’s off hand reached over to brush against his fingers reassuringly. He glanced sidelong at the man and saw him wink subtly.
“A step down here, sirs,” The waiter murmured as they walked down a few steps into an even darker room, and the waiter stopped at a table set away from the rest. “As you requested, sir.”
“Thank you,” Lord Gaunt dipped his head, a dismissal that the waiter took without hesitation.
Gaunt gestured at the curtain, which opened obediently, and he handed Harry up into the slightly raised space, pulling out the plush chair that waited for him before joining on the other side and twitching the curtain closed.
~We shall not be disturbed again~ He purred, tapping his fingers on the table, ~what would you like to drink?~
~What do they have?~ Harry asked, glancing around for a menu. Gaunt smiled winningly.
~Whatever you like.~
~Elf wine.~ Harry replied after a moment, it was his favorite and usually only served on holidays. It always reminded him of his first Solstice party with Draco when they were teenagers.
“Elf wine for my companion, Ogden’s 78 red for me, please.”
The drinks appeared before them and Harry dared a sip from the elegant wine glass, humming in appreciation. ~Delicious.~
~I’m glad you approve.~ Lord Gaunt murmured, dark eyes glinting with real pleasure, ~It was lovely to see you this afternoon. Did you accomplish all your Yuletide shopping?~
Harry nodded, taking another sip of wine, ~I did, in fact, I got you a gift, but I wish to save it until after dinner.~
Lord Gaunt looked genuinely surprised, then cocked his head, ~Do you seek to encourage my good behavior with a bribe?~ He asked archly, and Harry chuckled, shaking his head.
~Not at all. I am confident you will misbehave a great deal regardless.~
~You wound me, darling.~
~Ah, but am I wrong?~ Harry raised an eyebrow and the Dark Lord smiled indulgently, leaning back slightly in his chair.
~I will admit to nothing.~
Harry laughed despite himself and shook his head. ~Of course not~
~Are you hungry?~ The alpha asked, and Harry nodded; he’d been so anxious he’d been off his food all day. ~What shall you have?~
~Do they have a specialty here?~
Gaunt looked thoughtful, then cleared his throat, “Two lamb dinners, please,” He raised an eyebrow and Harry nodded his agreement.
Two plates appeared within a moment, delicious roasted lamb steaming in a nest of vegetables, drizzled in a light green sauce. Harry hummed his approval at the first delicious bite, trying hard to ignore the alpha watching him greedily.
~I did not have a chance to ask before, what are your future plans, darling?~ Lord Gaunt asked after taking his own bite.
Harry fought the urge to answer evasively. ~I am considering wandlore and wand crafting.~ He murmured, ~I need to reach out to a master, of course, but it would be an interesting field, I think, and suite my…limitations.~ Harry winced even as he said the words, but froze when a large alpha hand reached over and caught his. He looked up into serious maroon eyes.
~You can do whatever you wish, I will ensure it, my queen. Do not let your gift factor into your decisions.~
Harry’s mouth went dry and he stared at the alpha for a moment, then swallowed, throat clicking. He reached over and sipped his wine, looking down and away.
~Noted, alpha.~
Alpha lust flooded Harry’s nose and he flushed, taking another bite of food while the man across from him got himself under control. They ate in silence for a moment before Harry dared to speak again.
~I would say my favorite branches of magic are runes and blood magic~ He flicked a glance up to see the man’s eyes intent with interest again, ~I imagine you’ve dabbled a fair bit in both?~
They spent the remainder of their meal and another drink chatting about the Dark Lord’s ventures in blood magic and ancient rune work. It was fascinating, and Harry was quickly swept up in bouncing ideas off of one another, trading stories and favorite books.
Once their food was finished, Gaunt stood and vanished the table, transfiguring the chairs into a plush loveseat. They sat side-by-side, a small table appearing in front of them, a selection of chocolate truffles atop it. As their drinks filled up a third time, and three of the truffles were already sweetening Harry’s mouth, his body was feeling warm and fluid but not drunk by any means.
~I saw the article about Rookwood~ He said, apropos of nothing. Gaunt stiffened for a moment, then slowly cocked his head.
~And what did you think of it, my dear?~ He purred, and Harry gently swished his wine, looking up at the alpha from beneath his lashes.
~I think it was a lovely Yule gift.~ He took another sip of wine, ~thank you.~
His drink was vanished, and he gasped as hands gripped his hips, and he found himself sprawled on the alpha’s lap, hands bracing against his broad chest, frozen with shock.
~My stunning Serpent Queen, how could I have doubted you?~ The alpha’s hiss was closer to a growl, and Harry flushed, whimpering when the alpha cupped his cheek, thumbing over his lower lip, ~Gorgeous, perfect creature.~
Harry found himself drawn forward, his tongue darting out to just touch the alpha’s thumb. A snarl was Harry’s only warning before the alpha took his mouth. The kiss was desperate, the hand on his hip flexing bruisingly, while the one on his cheek shifted to his hair, burrowing into his curls to guide his head as he wanted it.
Harry had exchanged a few hurried kisses with alphas in his youth, mostly just to see what all the fuss was about, because he had been a late bloomer. They had been between friends, almost sexless, if pleasant. They had not been in any way proper preparation for what was happening now.
A whine escaped his lips as he shifted in the alpha’s lap, gasping as Gaunt shifted away from his mouth and sucked a kiss into the tender skin of his neck. Harry cried out as pleasure bolted down his spine, between his legs, and he rocked down, gasping again at the erection that greeted him.
~L, Lord Gaunt,~ He choked out, gripping the alpha’s shoulders, forcing himself not to rock down again, even as the man kissed down to his collarbones.
“Marvolo,” The alpha growled, nipping his way toward Harry’s mating gland, which throbbed in anticipation.
~M, Marvolo,~ Harry tried the name, it rolled off his tongue pleasantly. ~Ah! Alpha, please.~ He lost track of his thoughts as the alpha sucked over the bonding gland, and his back arched as pleasure spiked through him, thigh shaking, just on the edge of an orgasm, ~Please, my lord, wait~
The words produced an immediate reaction, the alpha leaning back, hands falling to his sides, eyes concerned.
~Are you alright? I would not have you before our mating, should you prefer, and certainly not here. You deserve a proper nest, spread out on silk sheets,~ The alpha’s eyes flashed a brighter red, and Harry flushed.
~Ah, that, yes, I would prefer to wait, I,~ He swallowed hard, and saw the moment the alpha understood.
~You have not indulged? Not even in your heat?~ He seemed genuinely surprised, which Harry found quite flattering.
~I could hardly have intimate conversations with any of the alphas who have pursued me before. Talking through a translator is not…romantic.~ He admitted. ~And I was always afraid to let my secret out, so…~ He shrugged.
The alpha reached up, cupping his face with both hands, ~Then we shall wait until I have signed a betrothal contract, or until l our mating night, if you prefer?~
Harry swallowed hard, staring into those ruby eyes and felt a wave of emotion, something beyond lust and admiration, something deeper.
~I will let you know.~ He whispered, and the alpha nodded, caressing his cheeks again.
~See that you do.~ He leaned forward, kissing him with a shocking tenderness, ~Now, darling, may I continue to ravish you? Or shall we be done for tonight?~
Harry felt heady with power, he shifted, leaning forward to kiss the alpha, who responded eagerly, ~I desperately want to be ravished, I was just…overwhelmed.” Harry flushed, and the Dark Lord beneath him hummed.
~Would you be willing to visit my home?~
Harry swallowed, then nodded. ~I trust you will be exactly the correct amount of a gentleman, alpha~
Marvolo laughed, then helped Harry to stand. ~Then let us go.~ The alpha tucked Harry against his chest, ~I will have to apperate us in, hold on please.~
Harry obeyed and wrinkled his nose, in preparation for the discomfort of side-along apperation. Instead, his stomach swooped, and the world spun, then they were standing in a new fire-lit room. He glanced around at the dark wallpaper, polished darkwood floors, and stunning fireplace.
~Welcome to my home,~ He kissed Harry’s hand and guided him to a leather chesterfield couch sitting before a crackling fireplace, sitting and smiling up at the omega, ~Would you like a drink?~
Harry took a breath, sliding into the alpha’s lap. ~No. I am, however, quite hungry, alpha.~
Marvolo gripped his hips, then let his hands slide up to his waist, ~Darling, I would never leave you wanting~ He purred.
They kissed again, gentler this time, unhurried. Harry let his hands explore the alpha’s chest, drifting into his hair, nipping his full lower lip. The alpha growled and tugged on the laces of Harry’s waist cincher.
~I want to feel your skin, darling~
~Yes~ Harry gasped, pulling back and whined as the alpha began laying out a necklace of love bites along his sensitive skin.
Lord Gaunt’s fingers adeptly released the cincher, tossing it away and sliding his hands beneath Harry’s outer robes, peeling them back to leave only the sheer button-down. He pulled back, eyes rolling over Harry covetously, lingering on the beaded lace covering his nipples and breasts.
Harry usually bound his chest, but Draco had insisted against it, and Harry was all at once very grateful.
~Draco dressed me, I will let him know you approve.~ Harry purred, arching slightly as he felt the fingers sliding beneath his shirt, ~Above the waist is fair game, my lord. For tonight.~
~As you command, my queen.~
Harry gasped as the alpha licked over the beading above his left nipple as the hands drifted along the small of Harry’s back and traced up his spine, sending shots of pleasure straight to his core.
Harry whined, dipping down to nip at Marvolo’s throat, then over the mating gland, still protected by the high collar of his shirt. The alpha’s hips bucked, eyes flashing with surprise and then letting out a desperate snarl.
~Delicious, perfect omega,~ he growled, kissing Harry again before shifting down, pressing his mouth over his nipple again, hands burying in his hair and forcing Harry’s back to arch and press his chest into the man’s mouth.
Harry groaned into the stretch and gasped as his shirt vanished, and the alpha sucked hard on his breast, nipping the flesh and then lathing his nipple.
“Nng,” Harry rolled his hips, shuddering as the alpha’s cock pressed against him, casing his pleasure, ~Alpha, ah, y, yes,~ Harry trembled, clawing at the alpha’s chest, overwhelmed with the sensations that were crashing through him.
The alpha growled, sucking tenderly on the nipple while his other hand gently kneaded the first.
~Oh, oh, fu, fuck,~ Harry threw his head back, whining when the alpha gripped his hip with the other hand, guiding his movements, growling against his skin.
~Yes, darling, take what you want,~ The alpha pulled back just enough to hiss.
Harry nodded, desperate and rocking his hips urgently, chasing pleasure as the alpha ran his hands along his back, blowing lightly over his nipples, licking over his Adam’s apple, then into his mouth, swallowing Harry’s wail as he rolled his hips again, and—
Pleasure whited out Harry’s vision. He trembled, clutching desperately at the alpha above him, sipping kisses and guiding his hips to work through the waves of ecstasy.
~Beautiful, stunning creature. Look at you, falling apart under me, taking what you need. You’re gorgeous. I’ll destroy the world for you, kill a thousand alphas if they dare to touch you~
The vows should have made Harry shudder in fear, recoil. Instead, he moaned, thighs trembling and hips hitching again.
~Alpha~ He almost sobbed, and then gasped as Marvolo buried his face in his neck, mouthing his mating gland.
~Yessss, soon, say the word, my queen and I will make you mine~
For a dizzying moment, Harry considered saying yes.
Then, then haze of orgasm receded just enough for Harry to get control of himself. He swallowed and slumped against the alpha’s chest.
~Not yet, alpha~ He whispered, his voice hoarse. The alpha groaned above him, then kissed his mating gland softly in acceptance. ~we have to have proper contracts done up~
At this, Marvolo laughed, pulling back and cupping Harry’s face again, kissing his forehead.
~As you wish. ~
Harry stumbled through the floo in his bedroom and almost screamed when Draco popped up from the chair beside the fireplace—out of Monty’s lap.
~Really?! In my room?~ Harry hissed, too shocked to sign. Draco flushed, understanding the tone, if not the words.
“We were just waiting for you and fell asleep,” He insisted, then blinked and looked Harry over.
Harry knew what he looked like, despite not getting a chance to look at himself before prying himself out of the Dark Lord’s arms. His waist cincher was nowhere near as tight as it had been when he left, his shirt was missing a button, and his hair…
“Well done,” Draco murmured, pride in his eyes, “You left him wanting more, I hope? Until there are contracts you must keep some mystery.”
Harry gave Monty a pointed look, the alpha looking anywhere but at Harry.
Draco scowled, “Your brother has already spoken to my father, so it’s not the same thing at all.”
Harry raised his eyebrows, and Monty finally stood, gently slipping an arm around Draco’s waist. “I know Draco’s family is more traditional, his father wants to wait until I graduate to draw up a contract, but I am quite serious about this, and I’ll do whatever it takes to earn his respect.”
“He already likes you or he would have told you off for even asking,” Draco reassured him, “I think he was impressed at your insistence on speaking with him so immediately.”
“I didn’t want you thinking I was taking…liberties.” Monty’s face was as red as Harry had ever seen it, given their shared dark complexion.
“You only took what was offered, nothing wrong with that,” Draco purred and Harry sent a stinging charm at him, earning a yelp from the omega.
:I don’t want to hear about that.:
“Oh tosh, now, tell me everything; he liked your outfit, I take it?”
“Well, that’s me done,” Monty leaned over, kissing Draco’s temple, “see you in the morning, love.”
Draco smiled after the alpha as he left the room, then peeked over at Harry. “You’re sure you’re not angry? He is your little brother.”
Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head, stripping out of his clothes and into the long nightshirt he preferred.
:Hardly. He seems besotted with you. You’re accomplished and intelligent and I know you will be loyal to him. There’s not much else an elder sibling can hope for.:
Draco preened at the praise, then crawled into Harry’s nest, presumptuous as ever, and patted the space beside him, “Come, I want to hear all about it. How far did you let him go? He was respectful, I hope?”
And Harry, for a moment, felt like the teenager he’d skipped out on being, as flopped into his nest beside Draco. He blushed as he swooned over his night with the Dark Lord. He giggled and kicked his feet to recall some of the steamier moments while Draco teased him endlessly.
Most of all, he made a conscious choice not to think about what would happen in the morning, when he had to begin the process of telling his parents that he was halfway in love with a man they hated and feared.
Distinctly a tomorrow-Harry’s problem.