author's note: So this is my first fic. I've been dying to read new Harry/Draco fics with veela!draco, and I eventually decided to write one for lack of finding any. Maybe I'm the only one who still hangs on -_-* Oh well. But here are the first two chapters. I have a few more written but it's not finished, and I really just want to see if I should bother to continue. Feedback would be pretty cool. Constructive criticisms will not be ignored, but please, no flames. Oh, and characters may be OOC. This story is not according to most of cannon because hey, I like to play with my toys.

warning!: mature. not graphic or anything, but touches on things of a sexual nature. also, Slash!Male/Male love. Don't like it, don't read it.

pairing: Harry/Draco, but there are mentions of Ron/Hermione and Remus/Sirius. (Yes, Sirius is still alive!)

disclaimer: everything from Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. Duh. Plus, I am making no monies from this! Don't Sue!

Chapter One

An Unusual Awakening

I knew this was coming. I expected it, anticipated it even. But still, I hadn't thought it would be like this…

This hell.

And it was hell. A burning, aching hell that came as quick as lightning. But unlike the speedy flash of light, this hell was not fleeting. Not fading. No, this was a lasting hell that consumed him, hours now, without showing the faintest hint of an end.

This was his "Inheritance", his Awakening.

Draco lay there in the darkness, twisted and tangled in the remnants of the bed curtains, trying to convince himself it would be over soon.

Yes, soon it will stop. I will stop. Stop writhing. Cringing. Screaming out in pain.

Soon, this piercing twinge in my chest will subside. These needle-like stings coursing through my every nerve will finally end. I won't endure what feels like every damn fiber of my being burning and tearing apart. Finally, then, I can sleep...

But thinking of the coming relief was like telling himself Christmas was soon... while roasting in the heat of July. It wasn't soon. Soon enough anyway! There would still be hours before the breaking light of dawn. It would end at dawn, yes, but it wouldn't be the end of everything. In fact, with the new day, he would only gain new problems.

He knew this.

As soon as the pain ends, sleep overcomes.

When finally awake again, the longing begins.

Thank God for my parents. He thought as he tried to lie still.

They'd prepared him, telling him all that would happen. From the first night sweats, the need to find his mate, and everything in between. They gave him books, introduced him to organizations. Helped him through everything. They'd even taken him to the Quidditch World Cup just to see some like them. Hell, it's why his family were spies for the Order! The Malfoys are pureblood magical beings! And the Dark Lord liked that. Especially their Veela history.

His parents had told him the truth. Yes, at first they had sided with that snake. He was powerful, and offered them high places due to their names…and their nature. Soon after they had Draco though, right before Voldemort vanished, trying to kill Potter, the couple knew they couldn't let their son be bound by this. The two had been lucky, both half veela - half wizard. Draco's eventual mate might not be. How would that fair with the maniac's plans? They didn't want to find out. Going to (of course) Dumbledore for assistance…ahem...protection…they'd both made and unbreakable vow. They would assist Dumbledore, serving as spies, in return for their family's protection, that including Draco's future mate.

They needed Dumbledore's help. He was in need of their services. It worked. Even though Veela were powerful, especially mixed with wizards, but there were just certain wizards who they could hold no candle to.

Wizards like Harry Potter. Draco mused to himself.

Bloody Potter.

He had tried to say hi to him. Draco had known it was him in the robe shop all those years ago. He, of course, tried to impress Potter. The black haired boy had seemed insulted. Then again on the train, he tried to befriend him. Held out his bloody hand for Merlin's sake, and he rejected it!

Aided and abetted by that weasel he calls a best friend.

Of course, for appearances, Draco needed to act like he hated the Weasley boy, but the fact that he just disliked him makes it that much easier.

But Potter…he plagues me. After all these years. Even now, I think of him. Look at me! I'm going through my damned inheritance, and still, I think of him. Stupid Potter. I want him to think of me like I do him. Every time I see him I just want to get under his skin. Annoy him, rile him, anything to just remind him of what he thinks he's better than. Him, and the little weasel, and Granger. Stupid, bloody Potter! I want to scream! Ugh! I can see him! His messy, black hair and jewel-green eyes. His full pink lips. .

What? No! What was he saying? Not Harry Potter! Draco needed to focus on seeing his mate right now!

I'm just starting the Lust, I think. Yes, the pain isn't so bad. It's actually fading! It must be morning!

But Draco still felt a little incomplete...like he wanted something, but wasn't sure what it was that he wanted. He should be tired by now, though. It was supposed to be sleep before the Lust, wasn't it?

Lying there in bed, he wondered why he hadn't fallen asleep. It bothered him to know he missed a step, or that something hadn't gone to plan. This worried him to no end. He wanted to focus on it, discern the problem. Alas, there was something else, though, something much more worrisome, much more prevalent in his stream of thought.

Damn. Green. Eyes.

No matter how he tried to stay focused, tried to think of reasons for his skipped step, Draco could not keep the image of one certain bespectacled boy out of his mind. All he wanted was to find out why he hadn't slept!

I'll have to ask Father when he wakes. Right now, I need to take a shower and get dressed. I'd never be caught dead looking so un-presentable.

..*****..

There is nothing wrong with me. Just because I had a wet dream about...ugh…Malfoy ..doesn't make me crazy. It's just pent-up hormones or some...some evil spell the git is using to...to, uhh…ughh! But I'm not crazy! And it not my fault! It's his! And his eyes! And his arse! It's hardly my fault at all! I cannot help it if I'm under the influence of some dastardly curse and Draco's hot! When I get up, I'll just go and see Sirius, and I can stop thinking about bloody Dra…damnit!...Malfoy… and be about my day. There's so much to prepare for and I don't need my mind muddled by thoughts of ...him!

It took all Harry had to rouse from bed and begin the day, which in all reality, had begun hours ago. Last night had been so crazy. He had been back at Number 4 Privet Drive for a few weeks, and he was thoroughly over it. Over his baby whale of a cousin, pathetic excuse for an Aunt, and the especially the always perfectly delightful Uncle Vernon. Ha! The same uncle who'd berated Harry earlier that day for not knowing it was going to rain. Who just a few minutes before, roared for him to get down the stairs and clean the dishes the family(of course, excluding Harry) had just eaten from. Harry was almost done, just washing a final glass out in the sink , when he had seen something out the kitchen window. A closer look, and Harry's jaw dropped, stunned.

Without even an owl's notice, members of the Order had apparated in his backyard. Harry could see Tonks and the Weasley twins among them. He didn't stop to think be before he immediately snapped to action. Instantly, he drew his wand, running out the back door. Reaching Tonks first, he'd asked, his voice not strong nor even, but low enough to hide his fears,

"What's wrong? What's happened?"

"Nothing!" the purple-haired witch had cried. "We just figured you wanted out, you've been here long enough, anyway, and just wanted the extra security. Relax, Harry! All's fine, nothing's happened! I told them we should have warned you! Sent an owl, or something!" she said, sending a glare towards Mad Eye Moody, who just grumbled something about interceptions and vigilance. "Here, come, take my arm." The young woman offered, "You know where we're going. Don't worry. One of the others will collect your trunks."

Harry did as he was asked, though not too happily. He hated the sensation of apparating. But, it was over quick, and he was soon standing in front of the door to Number 12 Grimmauld place. When finally inside, he was instantly greeted by Sirius. Harry had known it must have been Sirius who'd campaigned for his retrieval. The man always had the best intentions.

It was such a normal night after that, though. Tonks had stayed, and so had the twins. A very late dinner was waiting for them and they'd all sat down to eat. Conversation and dessert went well together, and the group had hardly noticed the time go by as they laughed and reminisced. Completely normal, infact, until Tonks and the twins had departed , and Sirius had finally told him.

"There's another reason I'd brought you here tonight, Harry." His godfather had said to him. "There's a meeting… tomorrow, actually. It's going to be a right bit of information, but, don't worry, it's nothing terrible. Well, Dumbledore says it's good, anyway. Hell, it's one less secret kept from us. But, anyway, just try to remember that in…in this war, Harry… people are not always who they seem to be." With a last, knowing look, Sirius had ascended the stairs.

Harry just stood there for a few minutes, contemplating his godfather's words. He didn't have a clue what he could be talking about. He wasn't naïve, Harry knew that there were people who he couldn't trust, no matter whose side they said they were on. Shaking his head, he really tried to forget it all.

Of course, after that, Harry couldn't go to sleep. He went straight to the Living Room, deciding a good boring read would indulge his natural state of sleepiness. Grabbing one of the books from the far shelf, he'd walked over to his usual, green chaise and plopped down. Opening the first page, he sighed slightly, thinking of how proud Hermione would be if she could see him right now, despite his indolent intentions. Reading some random fact about the Goblin Rebellions was the last thing he could remember.

Well, until now.

Yes, now he remembered his dream, and where he was. How he'd gotten to his bedroom was beyond him, but he really didn't care. The whole Order would be here in a few minutes, and he needed to at least look presentable. Harry got dressed and tried to fix himself nice, looking at his reflection in the large mirror. He was just so thin! Famished-like! How could the Boy-Who-Lived save the world when he looked like the Boy-Who-Starved?

With a resigned sigh, Harry headed out the bedroom door.

On the way down to the Dining Room, voices Harry could only recognize, not put a face to, came drifting up the stairs. They seemed so familiar, but so different at the same time. The tone was different, Harry noted as he came to the bottom of the staircase. Standing there a moment, his ears perked at the familiar sound of his very disgruntled godfather. Harry could now hear every word.

"Don't you dare try to tell me about heritage! Believe me when I say its one thing I could never forget! Oh, didn't think I know about you, eh? Of course I knew! And, you! Cousin Cissy! We are blood, of course I knew about you!"

Cousin Cissy? But...that must be.. Narcissa?

Perplexed, Harry continued listening.

"Don't give me that tone cousin! I have never wronged you! I had always stood up for you! You should keep your promises well! Remember, Sirius? The day I had saved you from Grandmum Irma? She was going to hex you to high hell! And, me! I had lied for you! Told her it was me that had transfigured her precious vases into cheap plastic! The same day you swore to always protect me and my kin? You-"

Harry couldn't continue listening. What the hell was going on? Why were the Malfoys of all people doing in his home? Invited in? Not flinging dark curses and destroying lives, laughing evilly as they skipped away?

Harry knew the answer. He was still asleep! He must be! He was dreaming, of course! As soon as he walked into the Dining Room it would all fade away, just like all his other dreams about…well, a certain Malfoy, anyway.

With renewed resolve, Harry didn't stop to listen to all the incensed yelling he was walking into. He pushed the doors open with a resounding BANG! The whole room turned, instantly silenced, to see.

Harry just stood there. He couldn't speak. He didn't know what to say. He had expected to be waking up right now all panicky, and sweaty, but in his bed like he always had before. But, no… this was real. There really was two Malfoys sitting graciously across the table from a ruffled looking Sirius and a twinkling-eyed Dumbledore. Harry was now thoroughly confused. His throat was so dry, he tried to say something - anything, but

Dumbledore was quickly at his rescue.

"Harry, my boy! You look well! " the old man smiled at him. "Don't be alarmed by your guests tonight-" Sirius coughed violently at the word "guests", quickly being stemmed by a stern eye from the Headmaster-"as they have been imperative allies, longer than I have let anyone be aware. Out of necessity, of course," Dumbledore added casually at the end, sounding as if had never been of simplest explanations.

Harry looked up at his Headmaster, his utter disbelief showing clearly on his face. With not even a nod, a wink from the older man, Harry turned to his godfather.

"Sirius?" Harry looked to the man for an answer. Sirius could only look back at him with a "sadly-its-true" kind of look.

Anger swept over Harry. He couldn't believe, yet alone understand, why in Merlin's-silk-robes were the Malfoys in his Dining Room! They were what? Allies? How could this be? And why were Molly and Arthur Weasley sitting beside the two Death Eaters, like they were old-time pals and not the sworn enemies that they were?

Staring straight towards Lucius, he found none of the familiar. No glint in his eye, no scowl or even a curled lip to be found. Harry noticed, though, the furrow of his brow and the slight bags under his eyes. He looked so tired, so worried.

If Ron knew about this, he would flip! He'd never believe it! Ha! I'd love to see his face-

It was at that moment, the doors flew open once again, this time bringing in one flushed and flabbergasted red head and one blushing, windblown brunette. The two instantly composed themselves, offering quick nods to their fellow members, and quickly making a bee-line for Harry.

Hermione was first to get there.

"Harry!" she squealed as her arms wrapped around his neck in a tight embrace. " You look wonderful! Much better than last time! How are your studies? Keeping up, yes?" The bright eyed girl gushed.

"Hey, give him a minute to breathe, 'Mione!" Ron joked to his girlfriend. "Harry, mate! How ya getting on?" The tall, lanky teen held out his hand, shaking Harry's thoroughly.

"Good, Ron! Considering.." Harry smiled to him, indicating the two seated Malfoys. Neither of them had noticed this though, as they were again in a heated debate with Sirius.

"Yeah, blimey, I know! Who'd have thought? The ferret face's parents were spies for the Order! This will really be sweet revenge on that little-" Ron had fervently began, before being interrupted by Hermione

"You will NOT use this information to fight with Draco! You know now why he was such a prat all this time, and still, you find you must continue this childish school boy rivalry! And don't you try to cry Slytherin, because you know that we, of all people, have to promote inter-house unity! Ronald Weasley, you are a prefect!"

Ron just stood there, grinning sheepishly. He knew better then to look to Harry for help. Hermione would hear none of it from either of them. Harry felt a pang in his chest at knowing, yet again, everyone had known this before him. Curious, though, about what they had said, Harry asked,

"What do you mean, 'Mione? Why ferret-, sorry, Draco, was such a git towards us?"

"Well, Harry-" Hermione started, but this time, she was interrupted by Ron.

"They were spies, mate! They had to pretend to hate you, and us, and all muggleborns, or else old Voldy wouldn't have let them into his inner circle once he'd come back. And, well, Dumbledore had told us they couldn't risk being found out, or else the Headmaster would lose out on what information Snape can't even get. Apparently, the whole family's been risking their lives since before you were born."

Harry didn't get it.

What about second year? And the Diary?

He had to ask.

"Well, did Lucius explain why he put Tom Riddle's diary in Ginny's cauldron? He was trying to kill her!"

Hermione was the first to jump-

"He was trying to give it to Ron's dad, Arthur! He didn't want to be seen handing it to him though, and thought if he slipped it in her cauldron, she'd automatically be a "good little Gryffindor" as he put it, and give it to Arthur, or even Dumbledore. He never expected it to...to...you know..." She trailed off at the end, everyone remembering what exactly had happened that year..

"Okay, well.. I don't know then!" Harry said, at his wits end. "I should just trust

Dumbledore, I suppose, but how could I ever get along with them, yet alone Draco Malfoy! Of all people to come to the side of the Light!" He blurted out, quite exasperated.

Ron shot him a look like, "Sorry mate, I know it sucks quaffle", while Hermione gave him her best sympathy face. The young girl then gave Harry quick hug, patting him on the back a little.

Harry thanked his stars he had such great friends. Surprised as he was at both of their quick acceptance, he knew he should try to be more like them, more trusting of the allied family, yet he just couldn't shake the feeling they had ulterior motives for their generous assistance. Busy pondering this, Harry instantly jolted when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. Turning to see who it was, he smiled.

"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed, hugging the man. He hadn't been able to when he first walked in, and his godfather always gave the best hugs. Sirius hugged him back, somewhat retrained. Harry's smile quickly faded.

"Harry, I must speak with you. Alone, please." Sirius' voice was solemn, and stern, but not unkind. The man's gentle face was drained, heavy with what Harry thought was a mix of worry and helplessness.

Deeply concerned, Harry only nodded.

What could he want to tell me? Harry questioned himself as he followed his godfather into the small sitting room, sliding the doors closed behind them. Harry took a seat by the fireplace, and Sirius stood at the mantle. The older man looked tired and brooding. As if he didn't know where to begin.

"Harry, you know that Narcissa Malfoy is my cousin, correct?" He asked the younger boy.

"Yes, I've seen the family tree...is that why they are here? Why they are with the Order?" Harry answered with another question. Harry suddenly felt it best not to mention his dreams of a certain Malfoy to his godfather. Not right now..

Sirius looked at him and scoffed. "No, no..." He said laughing slightly. "Ahh...let's say they are only on whatever side is the winning side, in order to keep their son, Draco, safe. Now, they aren't as soulless as I paint them, Harry-" the man gave him a serious look-"family is of utmost importance to them, that is why they had be so tempted by the dark, the status and stability it offered. But you should know.. a Malfoy always keeps his word. But, I digress, Harry. What I need to tell you, is that...they must live here now. Draco must, anyway, for his safety. Voldemort has found certain..attributes about the young Malfoy appealing" Sirius visibly shuddered. "..and has asked Lucius to hand him over. Now, Lucius will not, of course, do that, so he has told Voldemort the boy had run away. Really, he is at the family manor right now, recuperating, but ..he will need to be brought here until school starts. We wanted to inform you of his coming, knowing your past with the boy."

Harry didn't know what to say. He couldn't stand the thought of Draco Malfoy living with him until September! But how could he let him fall into the hands of the Dark Lord? Why must he live here of all places?

It's the safest place he could be.His mind told him. Would you deny him that safety?

No..Harry answered himself.

Then tell them Malfoy can stay. You're not twelve anymore, put this rivalry behind you.

Harry hated it when his mind started to sound like Hermione. Then, he knew, the voice was right.

Sighing, he looked at his godfather. Is this what he had been nervous about? Why he had looked so defeated? Harry thought the man must have argued for hours by the look of his drawn face. Sirius always looked out for what Harry would want. Harry would have to make it seem as if he was more put-off by this whole situation than he really was. He couldn't let his godfather think it was all for naught. On the outside, he had to let Sirius think he was a very unhappy, but willing- and, on the inside, Harry felt like he might just explode with the news.

Draco Malfoy would be living with me. There was a chance I could catch him, barely in a towel, just after showering…

No! Harry had to push the thought from his mind. Thinking back to last things Sirius had said, it hit him like a smack to the face.

"Wait, what do you mean, recuperating?" he asked.

"Well, Harry..in pureblooded families like the Malfoys..like the Blacks..there were some very powerful magical beings thrown into the ancestry. Veela, to be precise. Many years ago it was considered the ultimate honor to be chosen as a mate, or to have the veela blood in the family. It still is to those who know. Well, Harry, those dominant traits can carry through to future generations, giving the recipient much stronger magic, and..other gifts, as well. Narcissa, Lucius, Draco, they are all half Veela. Lucius and Narcissa are bonded, and they are..unusable, so to speak, to Voldemort. Draco, however, is just now recuperating from his Awakening. The Dark Lord wants him, and he is very...well, very vulnerable right now..and that is why he needs to be guarded. Here." Sirius explained.

"Oh, " Harry stated dumbly, still going over everything in his head. "I guess, yes, it's certainly okay for him to stay here. I'm not really pleased with thing whole thing, though, so you'd best let the others know. Well, no… they know my general disposition towards the prat, I'm sure their expecting something. Ughh …so, well…when will Malfoy be arriving?"

"This afternoon, actually. Sorry to spring this on you so quick, Harry-" Sirius started, but couldn't quite finish.

" S'okay, Siri, don't worry. We should get back out there, before Mrs. Weasley comes looking for us." Harry told him, trying to end the conversation before it steered anywhere near anything else Draco related.

"You are definitely right, my boy, I do not want an upset Molly Weasley after us!" Sirius replied chuckling, and the pair both started for the Dining Room.

..*****..

Draco Malfoy walked, pacing back and forth, in the Den of his family's manor. He was furious, absolutely furious, that his parents had left before he could find them. All he had found when he made his way to the breakfast table was the usual food made by the house elves, and an envelope. Inside, a short, white parchment with ornate, elegant script told him of his parents' intentions, but not their whereabouts, or how long the couple might be gone. Draco wondered why, on all days, would they choose to be doing business when they should have been home? He had so many questions about what had happened between last night and this morning, and they were nowhere to be found!

They should have been waiting for me to wake! To be there, to help me! Draco complained to himself.

As soon as he had thought it though, a crackling burned in the fireplace, green with what Draco knew was the Floo. All he needed to see was the paleness of his parents' hair, and he immediately set into a tirade.

"HOW could you even think to leave the morning after my Awakening! I have been waiting for hours! Do you know what happened to me?" Draco cried out.

Instantly, he was wrapped up in Narcissa arms. "Shh," the woman comforted him. "We need to make arrangements, dear, for you! You know what the Dark Lord wants with you! And what do you mean? What happened to you?" the woman fussed over him.

Lucius tried to hide his smile at the tenderness his wife always showed their son.

Reminding himself of the task at hand, and looked to Draco, waiting for his response.

"Mother, I haven't slept! I feel it, I feel the longing, but I haven't slept at all! I've gone and went straight to the Lust!" Draco cried, doing his best not to sound like a whiny child. But he was confused, and his family understood .

"Draco, are you sure?" His father asked him, giving a knowing look to his wife.

"Yes! Of course! And I'm not tired now, either!" the young blond retorted.

Narcissa hugged her son again, all the while looking intently at her husband.

Both of them knew what this meant. Why hadn't they thought to mention it to their son earlier? Well, neither had expected this! It not appearing in either family for centuries now!

"Draco, darling, do not fret" Narcissa's lulling voice consoled him. "This is such wonderful news. Wonderful!" she smiled excitedly.

"What you mother means to say, Draco, is that this is rare, and yes, extremely good news! There hasn't been a powerful Veela descendant like you since..well..I'd actually have to look that up! We had never told you of the rarest form, we didn't think for a moment you would be a Royal Veela! None had even been recorded in either of our families for centuries! Believe me Draco, this is something to celebrate. Your power will be almost unfathomable!" Lucius quipped with a smile. "Quite an unusual Awakening to say the least!" the older Malfoy said to himself as he was leaving the room.

Draco watched his father walk out, looking much happier than he thought he had ever seen the man. Turning to his mother, he remembered what she had said first. They had made arrangements for him to stay somewhere. Draco just had to ask.

"Mother, where is it I will be staying then? And..do they..do they know of my..condition?"

"Yes, darling, they know. And as much as you may fight it..you will be staying with Harry Potter." The woman answered him simply. With that, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and started for the door. "Do go pack, dear, clothes, and all your school things, too. You'll be going directly to Hogwarts when semester begins. Oh, and dear, do try to be on your best behavior, you are still a Malfoy, you must act like one."

Draco turned, coming to his senses to respond, but Narcissa was gone.

Be on my best behavior.. Ha! Having to live with the Golden Boy? I don't think so! I do believe I will make my stay there as comfortable as possible..for myself that is. How in the world did I end up like this? It just had to be Potter, huh? Stupid Golden Boy. At least I'll be well protected. Not to mention..the wickedly hot arse of a certain green eyed Gryffindor to keep me entertained..

Trying to push that last little snippet out of his thought, Draco headed to his rooms to gather his things. He knew his parents would expect him back in the Den shortly, and rushed to get his trunks in order.

When he finally had all he thought he could need, the young blonde minimized his things, put them into his robe pockets, and headed back for the Den. Upon entering, he saw his parents were already waiting for him. Draco was confused though, at their faces. His parents looked almost sad, like he hadn't ever seen them.

"Draco, son," his father was the first to speak. "We cannot join you in living there. The Dark Lord must believe you ran away, and it would be highly suspicious if we happened to disappear now, too, and I cannot risk exposing us. I have gathered all the information available about Royal Veela, as I know you must be interested. I've shrunk the trunk they're in, here, take it-" the older man said, pushing a small figurine into the boy's palm, " and remember, we will visit often. I love you son, I'm sorry it has come to this." Lucius had tears in his eyes. He felt like he had somehow failed his son. Failed to keep him safe.

Narcissa, noticing her husband's unrest, pulled her two boys into a tight hug. She held them both, waiting for the uneasy auras they were casting to dispel. Once satisfied, she gave her son a little peck on the cheek, pushing him into the hearth.

"Oh I almost forgot!" she said, slipping a paper into her son's open hand. Grabbing the elegant pot off the mantle, she opened it, throwing some floo powder at his feet

Draco stared down at the paper.

"Number 12, Grimmauld Place?" Draco read aloud, more a question than anything.

Instantly, the green fire flickered, engulfing him, and he was gone.