Magnetic Attraction

Chapter 1:
New Discoveries:

Harry stood outside Professor Dumbledore's office, hesitating to go in when he heard the raised voices from inside. He frowned, moving closer so that he could hear better, but the sound was still blurred and he could not tell who was in the room.

"...No...unbelievable...Death Eater...Vee...mad...insane...can't...believe...Harry...impossible...Malfoy..."

Harry knocked on the door loudly and all noise stopped. There was silence for several moments before anyone answered.

"Ah, Harry, come in," said Dumbledore, beaming.

Harry walked into Dumbledore's office cautiously, somehow knowing that something was wrong. His suspicions were confirmed when he spotted Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, and Draco Malfoy waiting for him inside.

His eyes wandered to Malfoy, widening in curiosity as they met silver orbs that stared at him with a strange emotion in their depths. He caught Sirius' slightly stunned face, so he assumed that it was Sirius who had been shouting. He allowed Dumbledore to lead him towards a chair next to Malfoy, which he frowned at but sat in all the same.

"You look just like James," Sirius finally managed to choke.

Harry blinked, turning confused green eyes on his godfather. It was true that he had changed over the years. He had grown taller, and at six foot was one of the tallest boys in the school. He had grown slightly muscular and his shoulders had broadened due to the Quidditch practices he had every day.

His hair was slightly tamer, now messily styled rather than a complete mess it used to be. He had grown it slightly longer than it used to be and the heavier weight helped keep it under control - most of the time. He had changed his glasses for magical contacts, claiming that it would help with his Quidditch if he could see in the rain. They were a new make, which allowed the contacts to change with his vision. He didn't really want to try the new potion that corrected eyesight...he was wary of anything Snape had invented.

Harry supposed he did look like his father, thinking about the photos in his album that Hagrid had given him. He did have his father's face; in fact, he was the exact double of James Potter except, of course, for the green eyes, which he had inherited from his mother. He found it strange that although many people said he looked like his father, he never really found any connections to his father through his looks. He had no living memory of his parents; after all, they were all moments captured by photographs or described to him by other people.

"I suppose you're wondering why I asked you to come," began Dumbledore, interrupting his thoughts.

Harry nodded.

"Before I start, Harry, I need to ask you a few personal questions..."

"Okay," Harry said uneasily.

"Are you currently in any relationship?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes meeting Harry's with a strange gleam.

Harry noticed that they were twinkling and inwardly groaned. Twinkling eyes, to him, always meant that he was going to do something that he would not want to do. Harry knew from experience that Dumbledore could persuade anybody to do anything. The old man could make Snape sit in a room and have a civil conversation with his worst enemy, Harry's godfather, Sirius Black--which Harry considered a bloody miracle.

" No..."

" Have you been in a...serious...relationship in the past?" asked Dumbledore, blushing.

"What do you mean?" asked Harry, blinking in confusion.

"He hasn't," snapped Malfoy, eyes on Harry in an almost predatory way.

"How do you...?" began Harry angrily, not liking the fact that they were discussing his love life with none other than Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin leader, who apparently hated him, in the room.

"I know everything about you, Harry," said Malfoy, lips lifted into a half smile.

"What did you just call me?" asked Harry, a little startled by the use of his first name.

"Harry. That is you name, isn't it?"

"Since when have you called me Harry?" demanded Harry in a strangled voice.

"Since now," mocked Malfoy.

"And which orientation are you?" Dumbledore rushed in quickly.

"What?" Harry gasped in amazement.

"I realize how embarrassing these questions are Harry, but it is important that they are answered," muttered Dumbledore, blushing slightly.

If he weren't so embarrassed Harry would have laughed at the fact that Dumbledore was embarrassed about something. He had always assumed that the man was unable to be anything as humane as embarrassed.

"I guess I've never really thought about it..."

"Why not?" asked Dumbledore.

Harry looked at Sirius with a pleading expression, begging Sirius to get him out of this mess that he had somehow got into. Sirius, however, was grinning at him, clearly waiting for an answer. Harry scowled darkly, feeling betrayed by the only man he considered as a father.

"I guess it never really bothered me because I always thought I'd die before I reached the age of sixteen," he snapped, grinning mockingly, watching as Sirius' face clouded with anger.

"So you do not have a preference for either sex?" questioned Dumbledore hastily.

"I guess not. I suppose it wouldn't bother me if I cared about the person...."

Snape snorted back what sounded like a sarcastic laugh and Harry looked at him in confusion. What did Snape find so funny about this? 'Snape probably liked seeing me embarrassed,' mused Harry angrily, sending the man a glare.

McGonagall frowned at Snape, clearly ready to say something to him. Harry grinned, amused at the uncomfortable expression on Snape's face. It was very rare that any emotion except disdain was on the Potion master's face. Draco Malfoy was the same. He gave off the impression of distance and coldness but he often snapped, mainly in anger, when he had had enough. Harry assumed it was because of the fact that they were Slytherins.

"I think that Mr. Malfoy should explain," said Dumbledore, looking slightly relieved to turn the matter over to the young boy who was still eyeing Harry with the same strange expression.

"Okay," Harry said hesitantly, switching his gaze to Malfoy, who appeared to be wearing an almost dreamy expression. Harry blinked in amazement and the other boy's face returned to its renowned emotionless mask which he had apparently inherited from his father.

'It's amazing,' Harry thought, 'how much the boy is like his father....'

"I suppose the first thing to tell you is that I am not entirely human," Malfoy began.

Harry snorted.

"Harry!" admonished Dumbledore with a smile.

Sirius grinned, clearly amused.

"I have Veela blood from my mother's side," Malfoy explained.

"And?" asked Harry, not understanding what the other boy was getting at.

"Part-Veela are different from normal Veela in many ways: they don't change in anger; they remain in human form, although they do inherit inhuman strength and beauty; on their sixteenth birthday they come into their Inheritance," Malfoy continued.

"What's that?" asked Harry in curiosity.

"It's when the blood from a Veela comes into full power. The magnetic attraction towards them starts in full force and they tend to look for a mate," explained Malfoy, eyes unreadable.

"How do they do that?"

"They go by scent, selecting the person they are attracted to. The Veela will usually feel a pull towards that other person before they reach the age of sixteen, but as they develop towards that age it increases. On the day of their birthday they usually have the desire to mate with their partner, bonding with them..."

"How do they do that?" asked Harry.

He failed to notice the other people in the room blushing as Malfoy smirked wickedly.

"The Veela, during sex, casts a binding spell, allowing them to grind some of their attraction to their mate; however, this does have some disadvantages. The Veela will become overly protective, especially every spring in the mating season. The desire for their mate grows rapidly, increasing the need for a physical relationship...at any time or any place..."

By now Harry was blushing, crimson, as were the other occupants in the room.

"Without a mate the attraction gets totally out of control. So far I have managed to control it, but without a mate I will not be able to walk around the school without people trying to...accost me..."

"So what you're trying to tell me is that on your birthday you are going to be looking for a mate," concluded Harry finally.

"Yes."

"But you said that you still had the Veela attraction...your birthday was last week," Harry said with a frown, remembering the Slytherin party, which had resulted in the whole House in the Infirmary with hangovers.

Harry barely prevented a laugh as he remembered Pansy Parkinson's pale face and the time she had thrown up all over Snape. The whole of the Slytherin House had been punished severely and surprisingly it had been Snape to do it. Although that probably had to do with Pansy's vomit over his robes, Harry thought, a grin appearing on his face.

"Yes," Malfoy agreed.

"Then why don't I feel it?" asked Harry in curiosity. "I mean, if you have been a Veela for over a week then I should have felt some attraction to you, but I haven't...."

"That's a good question," mused Malfoy, eyes switching to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore beamed, popping a lemon drop into his mouth. He offered one to Harry, who refused quickly, not wanting Dumbledore to go off track or start talking in riddles. Even he had to admit that however brilliant Dumbledore was he still had moments of insanity.

"I assume you remember the Veela from the Quidditch World Cup?" asked Dumbledore gently.

Harry nodded.

"Then you were aware of Mr. Weasley's attraction to them, ...and Miss. Delacour?" he added with a smile, deliberately emitting the fact that Harry himself had been attracted to the Veela in the World Cup before his fourth year, although Harry suspected he knew due to the bright blue eyes watching him. He blushed uncomfortably.

Harry grinned, Sirius coughed, and Snape smirked. McGonagall looked disapproving while Remus poked Sirius in the ribs to silence him.

"Can you remember Miss Granger's reaction?" Dumbledore beamed.

"What do you...? Oh! You're on about Ron fancying Fleur and Hermione being jealous," Harry grinned lopsidedly.

"Yes," Dumbledore chuckled.

"Yeah, it was hilarious. They are still denying how they feel for one another even though they are hopelessly in love. It's weird--I always thought Hermione was clever, but she's still in denial."

"One point to Gryffindor," spat Snape.

"Severus!" exclaimed McGonagall in shock.

"What? The boy actually said something that made sense," snapped Snape irritably.

"Don't you dare insult my godson!" raged Sirius.

"Gentlemen!" roared Dumbledore.

Everyone went silent instantly and both Sirius and Snape looked sheepish.

"Can you remember a little gift she gave the pair of you in your fifth year?" queried Dumbledore.

Harry appeared puzzled for a moment before realization hit him and he blushed, crimson, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Sirius looked between Dumbledore and Harry in amusement while Malfoy eyed Harry with unreadable eyes.

"What did she give you?" Grinned Sirius, clearly thinking it would be something to tease Harry about at every available opportunity later on.

"She took me to a tattoo parlour," Harry muttered, squirming uncomfortably in his seat.

"What?" shrieked McGonagall.

"What did you have done?" Smirked Malfoy, eyes filled with interest as he leaned over slightly, eyes raking over Harry's uncomfortable frame.

"She blackmailed me into having my nipple pierced." He blushed, his voice so low they barely heard it.

Sirius howled with laughter.

"That's a joke, right?" asked Sirius in between laughs.

Harry hesitated before shaking his head, watching as Sirius stared at him in growing disbelief. Snape smirked, Remus goggled, McGonagall nearly fainted, Dumbledore beamed, and Malfoy licked his lips, making Harry stare at him in shock.

"Would you care to show me, Harry?" asked Dumbledore merrily.

Harry shook his head dumbly and pulled off his robes. He lifted up the red polo shirt he wore underneath to reveal a tanned muscular chest. Everyone blinked as the top was pushed under his chin, revealing the right nipple, which was pierced with a small golden stud.

"Why didn't you tell me you'd had that done?" croaked Sirius.

"I thought you'd go mad with me," Harry mumbled, avoiding Sirius' eyes.

Malfoy made a throaty moan and everyone's eyes fixed on him. He was leaning forward in the chair, face flushed and eyes fixed on Harry's bare stomach. The desire in his eyes was noticeable now and Harry gaped, hastily yanking down his top and avoiding the young Veela's eyes.

"I think that Miss. Granger charmed yours and Mr. Weasley's stud to be attraction proof. As long as you wear them you will not be attracted to Veela charm, other charms, lust potions, or any other forms of desire unless they are real," Dumbledore informed him cheerfully, trying to cover the silence in the room.

Harry understood the reason why Hermione had done it. She had been in love with Ron for a while, although the boy was oblivious to the fact. Harry had thought that it was suspicious the way Hermione had insisted on it. Perhaps a piercing was one way of keeping the charm invisible from prying eyes; after all, the two boys wouldn't show off their nipple studs due to the fact that it wasn't allowed at Hogwart's.

"So that's why Hermione made sure that Ron was wearing the stud when the students from Beauxbatons visited earlier this year," laughed Harry.

He remembered Hermione's adamant face as she helped Ron to change the stud. She had even been smiling secretly, making Ron gape at her. Sometimes Hermione was too clever for her own good. Perhaps he had better tell Ron...

"So that's why you have not been attracted to me...no doubt Granger will laugh when she hears..." muttered Malfoy, trying to control the urge to pounce on Harry.

"Sir, forgive me for asking, but was has this got to do with me?" asked Harry uncomfortably.

Sirius let out a moan and Harry looked towards him. He was eyeing Malfoy in lust. On glancing at Snape, McGonagall, and Remus he discovered similar reactions. Even Dumbledore appeared dazed as the young Veela licked his lips, eyes glowing with lust. Even Harry had to admit that he was attractive.

Over the past two years Draco Malfoy had shot up to over six foot--taller than Harry. His body had filled out, become muscular and tanned. His hair was the same white-gold colour, but instead of being plastered down with gel it hung naturally to lightly skim his shoulders, framing a strong handsome face and a pair of silver, glowing eyes. He was the exact copy of his father, beautiful but deadly. He was the perfect Slytherin: a deadly serpent with a poisonous bite.

Now that Harry thought about it, he had heard the girls and several of the boys in Gryffindor commenting on Malfoy's new looks, particularly Parvati, Lavender, Seamus, and Dean. Malfoy was never without admirers; he was perhaps one of the most popular boys in the school, even if he was only in his sixth year.

"Mr. Malfoy's mate is at Hogwarts," sneered Snape.

"Who?" asked Harry cheerfully.

Harry had a mental picture of Malfoy trying to seduce a Gryffindor, or even worse a Hufflepuff. He couldn't stop the laugh that escaped him as he imagined Malfoy mating with Neville Longbottom. He hastily covered his mouth with his hand and went into a coughing fit. He wondered whether Malfoy's mate even liked him.

The adults all went silent and suddenly a thought struck Harry and he stared in shock at the Veela. What the hell...! It couldn't be! They hated each other, and yet it made sense...Malfoy had been avoiding them lately... He had barely said a word to them...That in itself was strange as he usually went out of his way to annoy them at least once a day.

"I don't believe it!"

"Harry," began Dumbledore hastily.

"Ron will kill him!"

"What does Ron have to do with this?" asked Sirius in confusion.

"You mean it isn't Ron?" asked Harry, relaxing instantly.

Everyone gaped.

"Whatever made you think that I would be interested in the Weasel?" drawled Malfoy.

"I don't know...I just...well..."

"Harry, I must say this before you find out. It is possible for the person to not accept Draco's bond. The person may ignore it..."

"Oh..." Harry said, not really understanding.

"The only fact is that once a Veela has decided on its mate it will continue to try and seduce him until they do bond...Veela are very persuasive creatures..."

Suddenly it all clicked. Dumbledore had wanted to know whether he liked boys or girls...he had questioned whether he was in a relationship...he had discussed Veela with him...Harry felt the sudden urge to run as he looked in panic towards the silver-haired boy. Oh my God, his mind screamed.

This couldn't be happening. His rival was not trying to seduce him...he couldn't be! It was impossible!

"It's you," moaned Malfoy, clearly wanting nothing better than to pounce on the stunned, horrified boy staring at him, as if he had admitted to having a crush on Voldemort.