Chapter 20 - Forcing the Issue

                                        

                                              
Published: 4/3/2025
TRIGGER WARNING: "R" word, mentions of past non-con
Over the next few days, Draco was taking several nutrient potions, and Harry insisted that he eat balanced and healthy meals three times a day. He also brought him snacks. Draco's mind approved Harry's desire to prove himself to be a good mate. He then rolled his eyes at his brain's labeling of Harry. It was subconscious now. Draco wasn't sure what it meant, but he didn't fight it.
They returned to the healer, with Draco's decision made, and she explained pregnancy details that he didn't want to think about and what to expect. He looked at Harry, tasking him with remembering.
"I got it, Draco."
"Here's for the morning sickness, and here's for aches and pains. He will need massages, too," she said, passing two papers for potions.
"No problem."
Draco seemed excited about that, and he was also surprised that he was. After they went home, Harry left again to go to Diagon Alley to get the scripts and supplies. Draco was not going outside for anything.
Knock, knock, knock. Came from the front door. He could already smell him. Lupin.
"Draco! Let me in. I know Harry is gone. I need to talk to you... without him. Please bear in mind that I can magic my way in, but I don't want to frighten you!" Lupin yelled through the door.
That was true. He knew the man wasn't going to wait, either. He steeled himself. Harry trusted him, so he needed to give him a chance. He walked to the front door and opened it, cautiously. Lupin had his hands up in a peaceful way.
"I'm sorry. I will not hurt you, but it's imperative that I talk to you... for your sake, if not Harry's."
Draco didn't meet the werewolf's eyes. Lupin cared about Harry, so he didn't try to slam the door in his face. Draco could have called Kreacher, too, who might show up.
"Can I come in, or do you want to talk about it here?" Lupin asked, keeping his voice and emotions calm.
Draco moved so the wolf could enter. Lupin led the way down the hall into the den.
"You're already nesting," Lupin muttered and sighed. He smelled upset and annoyed.
Draco wasn't sure what he meant but snapped, "I'm keeping it."
"I heard. That's your choice. What I need to explain is... well... Harry told me that you let him touch your bite scar."
Draco immediately growled and barred his teeth. He did not like this at all. Lupin was another wolf. He didn't smell malicious, but he wasn't his pack either. He blinked, noticing his terminology of pack. He decided to ignore it and focus on Lupin, and his reference to his mark.
"Easy... do you understand what it is doing when Harry keeps touching it?" he asked, still emitting a calm scent.
Draco didn't know exactly just that it felt good, but he wasn't going to admit that. He glared.
Lupin smelled disappointed and shook his head. "I told him not to do that... but... are you already calling him your mate in your head?" Lupin asked pointedly.
Draco winced and backed away. How did he know that?
"Yeah, then? That's what happens when someone touches it when you're not mated. That person is subtly injecting their feelings and desires into you. I know, in Harry's case, it's consensual, but I'm sure you know what happens if it's not, right?"
Greyback, Draco thought and grimaced. He looked away.
"I'm sorry, but that spot is for... werewolf mates to share their feelings and bond. It's not for... healing psychological wounds. Harry has good intentions, but he's imprinting on you or, rather, making you imprint him. Your wolf will see him as its mate and will obey him."