A Veela's Mate || Draco Malfoy

Rᴇᴠᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴs

It took awhile, but eventually everyone had finished their meal, even Iris. After sending the leftovers back to the kitchens, Lucius glanced over at the Elf, and noting the way she was drooping, she stood up and went to scoop the youth into his arms.

Draco made it to his feet as well, and looking quickly around the room, he made his way over to the divan that had yet to be returned to its original state. Taking out his wand, Draco changed the piece of furniture back into a couch, changing the armrest slightly so it would support him better.

Settling onto the couch, wriggling slightly to become more comfortable, he patted the seat in front of him, looking up at his father expectantly. Lucius took the hint and gently placed Iris where Draco had indicated. As soon as the older Veela had removed his arms from around the brunet, Draco immediately latched on to her, gently pulling her back until she was reclining against the blond. Both Lucius and Severus watched the fussing with amused smiles, assisting when needed, adding several pillows and a blanket charmed to always stay the perfect temperature.

"Now then, those three have informed me of what they could, but I need to hear the story from you to know how to help you the best," Helga said in a businesslike manner once Iris was settled to everyone's satisfaction. "Don't leave anything out now. This is very important."

Iris looked up at the Hufflepuff Founder and found herself at the center of attention from everyone, both living and dead. Blushing hotly, she asked "What exactly is it you want to know?"

"Everything! Start with when you first noted something different. I understand you had your sixteenth birthday this summer? How long before that day did you start noting the changes?" Helga asked, still using a no-nonsense voice. It was clear to everyone that this was important, and that she was not about to be put off.

Sighing deeply and burrowing deeper into Draco's embrace, Iris cast her mind back to the beginner of the summer.

"I think it all began the night Sirius died. I was so angry that night. Especially after Dumbledore 'apologized' and finally told me what it was all about. So much could have been avoided. I would have done so many things different if I'd had even the smallest inkling of what was going on.

"When I was finally allowed to leave his office, I could feel my magic crackling around me and I just knew I had to find a way to safely get rid of it." Iris smiled wryly. "So, I went to the Room of Requirement. It was most helpful, producing I don't know how many tea sets, apples, and pumpkins for me to smash. By the time I was no longer crackling, I was exhausted and I barely made it back to the tower.

"For the next few days I felt... normal, I guess. There were no more outbursts of magic or anything like that. Then again, I spent most of my time on my own, roaming the hallways, so there wasn't really anything that could set me off. I was still in denial, I guess. I just refused to believe that Sirius was gone. I kept waiting for him to pop up around some corner and shout 'Surprise!', or something just as inane."

Iris sighed and smiled a bitter little smile, devoid of any and all humor. "He never came though. I don't think I will ever forgive him for that. He promised he would always be there for me, but in the end he left too." Iris sighed once more, this time in appreciation when Draco began to run a hand through her hair. It was very soothing, and she shifted slightly so she could rest her head against the blond's chest, suddenly needing to hear his steady heartbeat.

"When Remus and the others dressed Uncle Vernon down, threatening him with bodily harm if they didn't take good care of me, I was so happy. I took it as a sign that they truly cared for me. I mean, even Mad-Eye Moody joined the fray to ensure that I was safe. I had this big ball of something in my chest, and I was positively beaming all the way home.