The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter Thirty Five: The Quidditch World Cup

The end of the holidays was approaching faster than anyone would normally want, but this year was different. Every child, teenager, and adult was looking forward to the end of the holidays.

The reason was simple.

The Quidditch World Cup.

It was tomorrow night, and two particular boys could not sleep. They were far too excited.

"You awake?" Draco whispered, resting his head against Harry's neck.

"Yeah," Harry replied softly.

"Can't sleep either?" Draco asked, looking up into Harry's eyes.

"Nah," Harry said, gazing down lovingly at his boyfriend.

Harry still loved the way that sounded. His boyfriend.

"I cannot wait for the game," Draco whispered, excitement evident in his voice.

"Same. Who are you going for?" Harry asked, smiling.

"Bulgaria, obviously. They have Krum, and he is like the best seeker ever," Draco said confidently.

"Nah, the seeker is just one person. I reckon Ireland is going to win. They have better players overall, well, literally every player except for the seeker," Harry said.

"We will see," Draco commented, smirking.

"Oh, you are on," Harry said with a matching smirk.

"Let's make a deal. If Ireland wins, I get a kiss," Harry proposed.

"And if Bulgaria wins?" Draco countered.

"Then you get a kiss," Harry said simply.

"I can live with that," Draco smiled.

The two relaxed into each other, counting sheep until sleep finally claimed them.

The next day, they were seated in the Minister's box, watching the game unfold.

So far, Ireland was dominating Bulgaria. The odds were clearly not in Bulgaria's favor.

Harry looked at Draco and smirked. Draco simply rolled his eyes and kept watching.

When the game ended, Draco turned to Harry in defeat.

Harry laughed quietly and whispered into his ear, "I will be collecting later."

Draco shivered and smiled.

"Boys, I am glad you could join me up here," the Minister for Magic said, noticing them.

"It is good to be up here. Thank you for inviting us," Harry said politely.

The Minister nodded. "Harry, there is actually something I wanted to discuss with you."

Harry looked confused. "What about, Sir?"

"About Albus Dumbledore and what happened to him," the Minister said carefully.

Harry's blood ran cold.

"What do you mean, Minister?" he asked with a fake smile.

"Well, he seemed traumatized, and after inspecting his memories-" The Minister started but Harry cut him off.

"If you inspected his memories, then you know that what I did was legal and justified," Harry said coldly.

"I-I know," the Minister stammered. Lucius noticed and stepped closer. "I was hoping you would consider a job at the Ministry."

"Trying to recruit him already, Minister?" Lucius asked, strolling in.

"No, it is just that someone with his specialties has not been seen in a long time and would be a great asset," the Minister tried to reason.

"You mean somewhere you could control me? Hard luck. I already know what I want to do with my life, and it is not being controlled by the Ministry. Good day." Harry walked away.

"Good try, but when his mind is made up, there is no changing it," Lucius said to the gaping Minister before leaving to find Narcissa.

Back at the Manor, Lucius had burning questions.

"Harry, why was the Minister trying to recruit you so young? What could he possibly know?" Lucius asked.

"Well, apparently he inspected Dumbledore's memory, so he knows what happened at the end of last year," Harry replied.

"So he knows what you are?" Petunia asked.

"Yes. He knows the rougher side, but not the full extent. I protected that memory. It would be dangerous to anyone who does not know me well," Harry said casually.

"What do you mean the full extent? Do we know?" Dudley asked.

"Not exactly. The Goblin that trained me told me not to show anyone unless I trusted them with my life. I trust all of you, but my true form can be scary," Harry admitted nervously.

"Well, we know you. We won't be scared," Draco asked.

"Not entirely. You know me and will hopefully see me the same way afterward. But my true form is not something to be shown lightly. Actually, I have a way to show you without changing how you see me."

Harry ran off and returned moments later with a huge book, flipping through the pages until he found what he was looking for.

"Aha," he said and turned the book toward everyone.

Gasps filled the room.

"That is your true form!" Dudley exclaimed.

"Uh, yeah. The Goblins gave me this book when they trained me to control my powers," Harry explained.

Draco leaned closer, taking in the image of a snarling beast with enormous fangs and razor-sharp wings. That was his mate's true form.

"Hey Harry, why are your wings never that sharp? I don't think I have ever seen them like that," Draco asked.

"You probably won't, unless someone threatens you," Harry started, then paused, as if listening to someone else.

"Bris thinks he can explain better. I'll let him take over," Harry said. His green eyes rolled back, turning black.

"Hello, everyone. It is good to see you all in better circumstances," Bris said cheerily.

"It is good to see you again," Snape replied.

"As Harry said, unless someone threatens you, Draco, you will never see his sharp wings. You are his mate. They will always remain soft for you. Anyone else who tries to touch them without permission will feel the full force. The picture shows his true form, but do not be afraid. He will never take that form toward you or family unless you are threatened," Bris explained.

"This is not the real reason for my visit tonight," Bris added.

"Oh?" Draco asked, braver than the others.

"I will be leaving Harry soon. He has mastered his abilities, and there is nothing more for me to teach. I will stay until the start of the year to ensure no one follows Dumbledore's path," Bris said, smiling.

"Oh really?" Draco asked.

"Yes, but do not worry. I will always be watching over Harry. I will not communicate personally unless needed. I must leave now; Harry is becoming impatient," Bris concluded.

Harry returned, his familiar green eyes glowing.

"Right, I think that is enough excitement for one night. Off to bed, you three," Petunia said, signaling the end of the night.

Once in bed, Harry turned to Draco. "You know, babe, you haven't paid up."

Draco chuckled, leaned in, and kissed him. Harry smiled into the kiss, pulled Draco closer, and they cuddled contentedly. Slowly, they drifted off to sleep, smiles on their faces.