𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐔𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆

Chapter 4

Consciousness returning, Harry groggily pulled himself up into a sitting position from where he lay, recognizing his surroundings immediately as those of his home at Number 12 Grimmauld Place. The only thing out of place was Dumbledore, who sat in a chair at his bedside watching him with a twinkle in his eye. "Harry," he greeted.

Harry swallowed and ran a hand back through his eternally messy hair. "What happened?"

"What is the last thing you remember?"

"The trial," he answered after a pause. "Malfoy. He said--"

"Yes, I myself was not present at the trial, but Severus has filled me in on the details."

"Malfoy said that I'm his match. Then everybody panicked."

"Quite a stir, indeed. I am sorry you two were separated in such a disconcerting manner, but the court feared for your safety. Matched Veela can be... unpredictable."

"But what does that even mean?"

Dumbledore reached in his robes for a tin of hard candy, offering one to Harry who declined. "What do you know about Veela, Harry?"

"Just what was taught in school. They're powerful, bird-like creatures with the ability to seduce you to do their bidding."

"Hmm. You said you were immune to Mr. Malfoy's charms, did you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did you never wonder why that was?"

"Well, sort of. I mean, I thought maybe Veela power was an extension of the Imperius Curse in which case I would be able to throw it off."

"Yet Mr. Malfoy is not the first Veela to have crossed your path, is he?"

"No, sir."

"Did the last Veela... affect you?"

"Yes," Harry said, thoughtfully. "At first."

"Hmm," Dumbledore repeated. "Well, you're not wrong, Harry. Veela charms are related to the Imperius Curse, just not in the way you're thinking."

"Please explain, sir."

"Veela mate for life. They can recognize their mate by scent, sight, or touch."

I saw you... I smelled you...

"A Veela mate can be witch or wizard, muggle or pureblood, male or female. It matters not. The match is one between two twin spirits. Heart halves, if you will."

You are my match.

"Wait," Harry stuck out his hand. "Wait, just a minute. Are you saying that he... that Malfoy and I are..."

"Match, mate, companion, twinstar. These are all words used in connection with the intense bond between a Veela and her -- well, in this case, his -- intended."

"And that's me?"

"Harry, please understand. You are not obligated to Mr. Malfoy in any way. You can choose never to see him again. You have the option of loving whomever you please."