Unexpected Mates

Scheming Old Men

Behind his desk Albus Dumbledore felt his control slip, and it was all he could do not to let his surprise show. Blinking slowly as his, usually brilliant mind, ground to a halt as it attempted to process the new information. Harry Potter  was Malfoys' mate? He almost scoffed aloud, but remembering that he wasn't alone, he swiftly schooled his face into something more neutral. Smiling charitably, Dumbledore hesitated before speaking.

"Young Harry, well. This is indeed surprising, though I have always thought you boys were more similar than either of you realised. Still, to be destined mates, it is something else entirely. Yes, well. I must of course question your surety on this matter, after all. I would not like to mislead Harry. After the events of the summer, the loss of a godfather..." the false sincerity was strong in Dumbledores voice, even as his mind toiled on.

"Headmaster as you well know, there is no way of visually discerning a Veelas' mate before the bond is fully complete. In any case, you make take my word for it. My son has displayed all the characteristic behaviours of an early, Veela mating bond." Lucius' voice was firm as he interrupted as his son started to answer.

"Of course, Lucius. I had to ask; you understand. Very well, allow me call Harry here so that we might explain everything to him quickly. We want to ensure he hears this from us, as secrets tend to find a way around the entire student body before dinner each day." He finished with a chuckle, quickly writing out a message and handing it to a house-elf to be delivered.

He looked up once he was finished and scanned the faces of those in the room. Severus seemed bored, as per usual. Looking down his nose in derision, he seemed unbothered an above it all. Lucius on the other hand, looked as though he were trying to calm himself, jaw clenched, and hands wrapped tightly around his snake-head cane. Dumbledore imagined he had rather got one over on the man, summoning Harry in this way ensured that the elder Malfoy wouldn't get the opportunity, to manipulate the story to his sons' advantage. The boy in question looked as though he may vomit, going as pale as his hair. Dumbledore knew he had them, after all he knew Harry best, and if he didn't push for the two to mate, then little Draco would surely meet a fatal end. Everyone in the room knew it, and so Dumbledore continues to smile gamely at the trio. Waiting for the proverbial axe to fall. Either way the day went, he had found a way to remove Toms of his greatest political asset. It was well known that the senior Malfoy held considerable sway over the minister. Often being seen talking quietly to Fudge about a range of issues passing through the ministry at the time.

This was truly a victory for the light. If Harry could be persuaded to bond with Draco, then Dumbledore would have them both in his pocket. For surely, they would be drawn to his side in the coming war, Draco because he would be forced – by nature of his Creature – to ensure Harrys' happiness in all things, and Lucius out of loyalty to his son. And if Harry decided against the bonding, then Draco would die and Lucius, as loyal to his family as the Malfoys were known to be. Would be entirely distracted by it, and thus be useless to Tom. 'No', Albus thought to himself, 'Lucius will likely do anything I ask in order to prevent the death of his son.' This development could very well change the outcome of the war. His eyes twinkled brightly as the thought of such things. He would have to be patient; Lucius would need some time to come to grips with his change of alliance after all.

But the outcome of the war was looking surer, and Albus was beginning to think of all that may be accomplished by having the Malfoys on side. 'With Lucius backing me, I may finally have a second spy in Toms' ranks. Severus is a subtle man, but hasn't the ambition to really hunt for information, a surprising issue to run into when considering the main attribute of every student in his house. But now perhaps I shan't have to depend on him so much, and if handled delicately I wouldn't wonder if the man actually volunteered himself for the job, probably hoping to further endear his son to the boy. And after the war the Malfoy backing will be most helpful in ensuring that all the suitable amendments are made to the current laws. What a brilliant day this is turning into.' Mentally he rubbed his hands together in anticipation of future triumph over Tom.