Icarus Syndrome

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warnings: Dinner between Slytherins and Gryffindors.

Thank you, dear readers, for the hits, reviews, alerts and favorites. An author loves to know their work is appreciated. I am impressed so far by the amount of attention this has garnered so far. Please keep it up. Seriously, keep it! I love to read reviews!

-X-

Hermione and Ron watched the foursome warily. Parkinson, Crabbe, Goyle and Nott were staring back at them with the same uncertainty and nervousness. The door to the Hospital Wing loomed between the two of the groups.

“You're here to see them?” Hermione asked, using some of the Gryffindor courage she possessed to make the first move. Parkinson nodded.

“We haven't seen Draco for some time. We had no idea that he was shut away.” She said, moving forward until both groups stood before the door. Ron glared at them all but Hermione's tight hand gripping his kept his mouth shut.

“He's...” She trailed away, since the last time she'd spoken to the blond boy, he had verbally lashed out at her. She supposed she could forgive him for that. Too much information at one time, someone you didn't like trying to smother you in concern, anyone would be a little testy. She was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt anyway. Harry saw something in the Slytherin. She wasn't happy with this, but if Harry could throw off the Imperius, there wasn't anything anyone could force him to do.

“I want to see him with my own eyes. Can you show us his room?” Parkinson asked, her eyes pleading. Hermione nodded gently and began to lead the Slytherins into the room and toward Draco's private room.

-X-

“That's the way.” The ferret said happily. Harry gave it a small smile and sat relaxed on the bed. It was suspiciously quiet in the bathroom but Harry didn't care. It was worth it to see Draco so lost and flabbergasted. The ferret fished the tie out of the bedding and pressed it in his hand, saying that Draco wasn't feeling too good and he needed helped. So, he was sent with a ribbon to distract him.

“I don't think he appreciated it as much as you think.” Harry said, shaking his head as the ferret began to pace around a spot on Draco's pillow. It settled down with a knowing look and the lion rumbled a laugh.

“He appreciated it.” That was all the ferret had to say before Draco strode out, immaculately dressed in his uniform and wearing a small frown. Harry jumped off the bed.

“Draco.” He said with a smile, seeing the green ribbon knotted perfectly in place. There wasn't a bit of scar in sight, expertly hidden by Draco's care. “You didn't have to hide them away. You don't look bad.”

“This coming from you? Potter, I'd rather take advice from a sprite than you concerning fashion.” He said with only a slight curl of his lip. Harry rolled his eyes and gave him a fond glare.

“Fine, fine. Don't get your back up.” Harry said in a placatory manner. “You look good.”

“Merlin.” The blond said, rolling his eyes and rubbing his temples. “It's unnerving when you do that so desist. You're just pissing me off.”

“Doing what, Draco?” Harry asked, a bit confused and more than a bit interested in what Draco thought he was doing.

“Hitting on me.” Draco hissed back, eyes flashing. “It only makes me mad because I know you don't mean it and it's only this stupid curse. I want you to stop.”

“Listen, Draco. Magic can't change basic nature. Even love potions are temporary and only supplement emotions. It suppresses all but love and small magic makes that love focus on the one who used it. I'm not under a love potion. This curse can't make me forget about how horrible you were since we were kids. I still have a very vivid memory of what exactly you've done.” Harry touched his nose briefly, eyes sparking fire. They needed to speak about this now. “It doesn't make me obey. It doesn't make me obsessed. It just makes me...notice.”

Harry cast his hand out, spilling out some magic as harmless sparks of light. He could feel his core pulse as he used it and even better, he could feel Draco's magical core react to his. He stared at Draco's face as he felt Draco's magic pulse longingly.

“You can't tell me you don't feel that. It's amazing, Draco. I can feel every part of you, mental, physical and magical. You can't tell me you don't feel it, too.”

Draco shook his head, looking confused and guilty. Harry advanced on him, watching as Draco backed away. Draco's back hit the wall and he pressed himself back, eyes never moving from Harry's. He didn't want to frighten Draco, but, Merlin, he wanted him to listen, damn it.

“I...I'm your guardian Draco.” He said, inspiration shooting through him. He slowly dropped to his knees, hands resting on the ground beside him with the palms flat against the surface. “I was chosen as your guardian. I'm not leaving you. I can't. But I don't care. I want to know you because you want me to know you. I already know you well but I want to know...you.”

He looked up, seeing that Draco was a bit more comfortable now that he was prostrate before him. Draco scowled and turned away.

“You're not making any sense. You want to know me...but you can feel my magic. How well could you know me after that?” He said.

“With your permission. I want to know things because you'll tell me about them. Because you want to tell me about them. I'm not hitting on you Draco. I want...to be your...friend.” He said finally. “I'm already your guardian. Let me be your friend.”

“What about earlier?” Draco suddenly accused. “You kissed me, you speccy git! Not very friend-like behavior.”

“I'm not in love with you.” He said and quiet fell as Draco nodded decisively. “But I could easily fall for you. I don't mind that.”

“You won't.” Draco said sounding sure. “You won't fall for me. Fine. You can be my...friend.”

Harry smiled up at him, reaching forward and taking his hand in a tight handshake. “So that means you'll call me-”

“Oh no. You're still Potter.”

“Brat.” He said, rising up and letting Draco's hand slip from his hold. Draco sniffed and tossed his nose in the air as he went to the bed. He sat on the edge and wandlessly snagged the books that were on the bedside table. He tossed the one Granger had brought aside. It wasn't needed anymore. Harry sat in the chair across from him as Draco held the two books in his hands. Harry took the mythology book and began to leaf through it.

“What story were you reading when we were interrupted last time?” He asked as Draco stared at the book in his hands. Draco looked up and rolled his eyes.

“Trust you not to know anything. It's the story of Galatea and Pygmalion.” He said, opening Scieran's journal with sure fingers.

“It was good. Do you think Atlanta's story is inside this somewhere?”

“Probably. Honestly, Potter, just use the index.” Draco sighed, setting aside the journal and moving over to look at the mythology book. He sat on the edge of the chair arm, flipping pages until he found the index. Harry stared at those long sure fingers as Draco searched for the proper page. “See, it's right here. Page three hundred seventeen.”

Harry watched as he turned back and the illustration on the next page showed the same woman they had known as a statue. She had brilliant black hair, golden skin and she ran swiftly, just as she had boasted. He moved his stare to Draco's face, suddenly much closer than ever before. Draco looked up and gasped at Harry's blatant staring. Harry couldn't look away and his hand covered Draco's over the picture of Atlanta. Draco looked nervous and frightened, but Harry smiled softly and Draco relaxed a bit.

“I still can't get you to call me Harry?” He asked. Draco's eyes turned darker silver in defiance.

“I'm never going to call you that.” He promised back. Harry's lips twisted into a laugh and Draco's into a frown, but his eyes were amused.

“Never is going a bit far, isn't it?” He asked.

“Harry!”

“Draco!”

The door swung open and Harry grabbed Draco, shoving him behind him and sweeping out his hand. Magic followed his fingers, spreading out into a shield. The stone lion roared, lunging forward to stand beside him and he heard the ferret chatter angrily but it stayed back with Draco. His eyes scanned the room quickly and he relaxed when he saw Ron and Hermione staring at him in shock, and four Slytherins behind them with equal disbelief.

“Pansy! Greg! Vince! Theo!” Draco cried out happily. He shoved past Harry and the barrier went down. The lion stepped aside and the ferret hopped off as Draco passed the Gryffindors to clasp hands and hugs with the Slytherins.

“Hell, mate. That's impressive, that.” Ron said, coming forward to grasp his hand and pat his back. “Looks like Pomfrey's helped you out with that magic thing.”

“Er, yeah.” He agreed and cast a tempus spell. “I had no idea that it was dinner.”

“Potter! Get a house elf to bring up food, enough for everyone. And change this...stuff,” Draco said, bringing the Slytherins into the room. “Into a table and chairs.”

Harry rolled his eyes, but did as Draco asked, even levitating the newly changed bed/table into the center of the room and arranged the eight chairs around it. It reminded him of King Arthur's Round Table and he ignored the awe in everyone's eyes but Draco's at the ease he preformed wandless magic. Draco settled into a chair at his left and Ron on his other side. Pansy sat on Draco's other side and the Slytherins wrapped around until Nott was beside Hermione. Harry gave them a calculating look and saw that they were all happy to see Draco. He gave the blond another exasperated smile as he summoned a house elf to Hermione's disapproval and ordered dinner for eight.

-X-

Ron scowled as he saw Harry submit to the Ferret's request. It was cool that Harry was so comfortable and powerful with wandless magic, but not when that meant he was at the beck and call of the Ferret. He really needed to talk to Harry about the git. The Ferret didn't deserve to have someone as good as Harry rooting for him. Harry smiled sheepishly as he turned back to them.

“Sorry, guys. Draco's magic isn't really all that steady so it's best if I do the casting for the both of us.” He said as the house elves began to apparate food to the table.

“That's alright, Harry. I don't suppose he's gotten nicer about his requests though, has he?” Hermione asked as she sipped the goblet of pumpkin juice in front of her.

“Not really.” Harry sighed and began to pile food onto his plate. Ron exchanged glances with Hermione and gave her a warning look. She sighed and looked over at the Slytherins. Draco and Pansy were very intent in a discussion. Crabbe and Goyle were eating slowly, watching Draco just as intently. Nott was watching Harry. She bit her lip and tried to decide how to ask.

-X-

“We talked to Snape and he wouldn't tell us anymore than that you and Potter were soul bound because of Lucius' Curse. I know there's more to it than that. Please, Draco. You have to tell us.” Pansy said, taking his hand in hers. “Blaise has already suffered for what he's done in this.”

“Pansy? What did you do to Blaise?” He asked, eyes narrowing. He tensed and leaned forward. “I thought I asked him to be pardoned.”

“That's not the way it works, Draco.” Pansy said, watching him carefully. Draco glared at her.

“I asked for it. That's the way it works.” He shot back.

“Not when you're not there.” She said coolly. “I am in charge of Slytherin while you are gone.”

“What have you done to him?” He hissed. “He's an idiot. He didn't do it on purpose.”

“I think you'll find that he did, Draco.” Theo spoke up. Draco sneered at him as the entire table's attention turned to him. “Blaise knew exactly why you had kept it a secret from all but our year. He told his mother knowing she would tell Lucius.”

“He's not that smart.” Draco denied. He felt Potter's presence and attention suddenly tense.

“He is that grasping, however. As soon as you disappeared, he took advantage. The only reason he is not in charge is because all of Slytherin House follows the Seventh Years and we follow you. What has been done to Blaise has been retribution from us. All of us.”

“What did you do to him?” He grit out, setting down the goblet of wine the house elves sent.

“Draco.” He heard Potter say but he brushed the concern off.

“What?” He asked them again. Pansy sat up straighter.

“He is the Exile of Slytherin.” She said tonelessly. “He has been punished for his crimes.”

“That-” Granger suddenly gasped out. Draco's silver eyes sought out hers. She looked...malicious.

“Yes, Granger?” Pansy asked. She sounded sharp.

“That's...fitting.” She said finally. Draco's mouth dropped open. He noticed the stunned looks most everyone else sent her way and she smiled bitterly. “It must be a girl thing. I understand perfectly. He deserves that.”

“How do you even know of Exiles?” Theo asked mockingly.

“I've read.” She sniffed. “They're even mentioned in Hogwarts, A History. It was very brief so I decided to research it. Zabini deserves it. I had no idea he was part of the cause behind this, Draco.”

“He didn't cast the curse on me! It's not his fault.” He denied. “I can't believe you do this, Pans. Behind my back. I thought Slytherin's had honor.”

His friends gasped softly and Draco turned away from their faces. Potter suddenly grabbed his hand and Draco winced. His grip hurt.

“Apologize to them, Draco. They are only worried about you. Why are you defending Zabini? It's not like you. And what the hell is an Exile?”

“An Exile is the scapegoat. He's the new target for misery and scorn. If there's a potion to test, a spell, a hex, blackmail, anything, he suffers it. I wanted to forget him. If I struck back, he'd never forget me.” Draco said firmly. “Now, he'll never leave me alone, if only just to get back at me.”

“Apologize. And if Zabini ever tries to get back at you, remember he'll have to go through me.” Potter said. Draco only nodded. Potter let him go.

“I apologize.” Draco said, meeting their eyes. “Blaise deserves whatever you decide. I'm glad that you four are in charge.”

“You're still in charge, Draco.” Theo said, giving him a smirk. Pansy smiled. Greg and Vince grunted and commenced with eating. He gave them a sure smirk and took a breath.

“That's...more than I expected.” He said finally. “I'm no longer formally claimed and the position as Head Boy only means so much. I don't deserve to lead.”

“You are a blood Malfoy. That is all it takes to lead. You are still Draco, are you not? There is no more required. Nothing that has been done to you has changed you. Draco, you are our Prince, as your father before you and his before him. Slytherins are loyal under the proper leader.” Pansy said confidently, taking a drink from her goblet.

Draco grinned fleetingly and looked at the rest of his Slytherins. They deserved to know the truth. Everyone, he decided as he looked at Weasley and Granger, deserved to know the truth.

Potter brushed his arm and he stood up, walking to where the stone creatures were. He took the journal from the ferret and let the creature climb up his arm. The lion pushed against his legs, Potter's deep, weird ingrained sense of providing comfort. He made his way back to the table and set it down, opening it up to the correct page.

“Severus was right. My father cursed me on the day he disowned me. The curse has bond Potter to me, but not as what we had thought. Granger did some research for us and discovered that the original curse my father used was supposedly the Icarus Curse. However, while this may have appeared to be true, it's not. What my father has done isn't the Icarus Curse, but a similar spell created by a Malfoy ancestor during the days when Icarus' Curse was popular.

Instead of tying Potter into the spell as the 'ocean' or the archenemy, he's soul bound as my guardian. No, we can't break it, and yes, I would love to get rid of it, but we can't so we're stuck. My father's...doing this to protect me.” Draco sat down and slid the journal across the table to Granger. She immediately began to read quickly.

“Protect you? Why would he go through all this trouble to do this?” Theo asked.

“I don't know. I wish I did. I can't think of anything that I'm in danger of, especially some danger that requires the protection of the Savior.” Draco said as Potter rolled his eyes and flipped him off.

“Do you think Severus knows?” Pansy asked. “It looked like he was holding back on us.”

“If he knows anything, he'll tell me.” Draco said. “He's my godfather. He wouldn't let me stay in the dark.”

“He would if he thought it would protect you.” Vince said, pushing away his empty plate.

“I'm not a child any longer. He'll tell me.” Draco said with utter conviction.

“He may not, Draco.” The ferret piped up as it descended to the table. Pansy gasped and pushed backwards. “Hello.”

“What is that...thing?” Pansy demanded, staring at the little stone ferret with wariness.

“I was in this room for a while and it was supposed to help me.” He pet it a bit. “He's supposed to be the representative of my soul.”

“A ferret?” Theo asked blandly. Draco gave him a sharp glare.

“He's cute and he's helpful. He's also mine so shut your mouth about him.” The ferret chattered angrily and crawled back onto Draco's shoulder. “Potter got one too.”

“Yes, but I am more of an expected symbol.” The lion said, placing its large paws on the table and licking its chops. Potter laughed and rubbed its ears.

“He's right, you know.” Draco sneered at Potter and picked up the ferret, placing it on the lion's mane and shoving at the creature's head.

“Get down. Pets aren't allowed at the table.” He said, smirking as the lion growled and dropped back to the floor. The lion settled down under the table, both of the creatures seemingly content to stay out of the way. Draco hoped so. They could say a lot of things that he definitely didn't want spread.

-X-

“You have been in my Pensieve.” Snape said slowly, staring hard at the Headmaster, where he sat calmly behind his desk.

“I needed to understand the situation, my boy. You would not normally abandon class to run to the Hospital Wing.” Dumbledore said, un-sticking a lemon drop and popping it in his mouth. Snape's scowl only worsened.

“I have labored for years under the impression that my rooms were exactly that. Mine. My sanctuary, where I could be certain of both my protection and my privacy. The objects in my rooms are private and personal. I once had your promise that you would never invade my privacy. I'm glad to see that your outstanding Gryffindor morals survived the War.”

Dumbledore had colored slightly from the sarcastic insult.

“Now, Severus-”

“No, Dumbledore. You have inexcusably invaded my privacy. You know that Draco's curse is not what it appears and Draco knows this now as well. He does not know the motive for his father's actions and he will not hear of it from you. He will hear of it from no one. I have read about Draco's curse and divulging that information will not only negate the ritual, but it will take your Golden Boy with it.” Snape slammed his palms flat against the desk, making the items shutter briefly.

“I...understand, Severus.” Dumbledore said finally, defeated. His eyes were dark and sad. “I apologize for my intrusion, Severus. I will give you a Wizard's Oath that it will never happen again.”

“Keep your apologies and your Oath, Headmaster. I will accept neither.” Snape said as he strode out of the office. “I will continue with my day. Have a good evening, Headmaster.”

Dumbledore sat in the silence of his office. Fawkes appeared soon after Snape left and shed a few tears that splashed to the ground below his perch.

-X-

“These are the Golden Apples from the Greek legend?” Lucius asked as Narcissa presented them to him.

“Yes. They were given to the Blacks' ancestors by Hippomenes himself. Aphrodite could not take them back once the god-magic she created them with was used. These apples can only be used by a person once and then they will cease. There are countless things my ancestors have done with these apples. One even ensured our once mighty fortune with them.”

“And Draco will use them next.” Lucius said as he stared at the beautiful and beguiling fruit.

“You could use them to ensure you survive, Lucius.” Narcissa said softly.

“I am past that point, my wife. The ritual will no longer incorporate anymore magic. All requisites have been filled. Now, I will pass and Draco will be the Lord Malfoy. I would pity Scrimgeour if I had a Hufflepuff's heart.”

“Don't speak such blasphemy.” Narcissa admonished him as she folded the apples in a gold cloth with the Black family crest sown into the fabric. She placed it in an iron box and let a house elf take it away. “You aren't answering the Minister's summons, are you?”

“Now, my dear, do not suggest that I am anything but a decent, law-abiding wizard.”

“Forgive me, my husband.”

Lucius gave her a soft smirk that filled his eyes with more than what his lips could say. She had to turn away.

-X-

“Draco? I'm not sure he'll tell you at all.” Hermione said suddenly. Harry quickly glanced at Draco to see how he'd handle this statement. His silver eyes were dark with a glare and Harry blanched.

“What do you mean, Hermione?” He asked quickly, interrupting whatever Draco's nasty retort would be. No need to start a fight yet.

“Scieran Malfoy didn't want his son to know that his own grandfather was trying to either kill him off or banish him from the family. That's why he invented the curse. It looked like a punishment, but it only made him stronger. His son was never told exactly what was going on because it's one of the conditions of the curse. It even says so here. The recipient must never know the true intention of the curse, as it will unravel the ritual and destroy all who are tied together through it. Draco, no one can tell you what he's protecting you from. Not until...”

“Don't say it.” Draco said, eyes flashing like steel. “Pass me the book. I want to read it myself.”

“Of course.” She slid it across the table and bit her lip. Harry gave her a hard look and decided to ask while Draco was otherwise occupied.

“Hermione, just ask it.” He said. She turned to him and nodded.

“Alright. What reason did Draco say his father used to disown him?” Harry's eyes darkened.

“Draco's gay. That's the reason Lucius did it. He said he didn't want taint like that in the Malfoy line.” Harry said, anger and irritation marking his face. Ron snorted and he swiveled his glare to him. “What, Ron? Don't even think you'll make fun of him for it.”

“I'm not, I swear.” Ron said quickly. “It's just that kind of thinking that was bled into the Wizarding World by Muggles. Muggleborns brought that particular intolerance with them. I think it's ironic that Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Purebloods, has Muggle views.”

“Yes, well, as funny as it is, it's completely opposite of what Lucius is trying to do.” Hermione said, diffusing the volatile situation as Harry didn't look appeased. “He must not care about it because he's basically passing all the Malfoy's possess to Draco. He obviously doesn't care about Draco's sexual orientation.”

“If Lucius cared, Draco would have known long after his first kiss.” Theodore Nott said unexpectedly. Harry's eyes met his and he stared hard at the other boy. Harry knew that he would have to get along with Draco's friends. He was his bound guardian. He couldn't dictate Draco's life and if he pissed off Draco's friends, he was essentially pissing off Draco, which he would like to avoid doing.

“Exactly. Lucius must have another motive.” Harry agreed. “How have things been, Nott?”

“You mean after my father was tossed into Azkaban? Or when he died three days ago and my mother drove herself so deep into her grief that she's living in St. Mungo's?” Nott asked with an acidic tone.

“Theo.” Draco's suddenly sharp voice cut their conversation and Harry turned toward him. “If I must be bound to Potter, you will treat it as if Slytherin House has been bound to him.”

“So, he's an honorary Slytherin, then?” Goyle asked, looking at Draco with a careful yearn for approval.

“If it must be named.” Draco said grudgingly. Goyle grinned. “Regardless, Potter is to be treated with the same respect as any other Slytherin. That means I will not have you dragging up the War and blaming it on him. Our fathers made their decisions. The Dark Lord made Potter's. I know as well as you that he had no control over any of the decisions the Ministry made concerning Death Eaters. His testimony barely cleared myself and Snape. Not to mention my father who also had the words of several Order members. He barely cleared the vote.”

Most of everyone's eyes were fixed on Draco's stern eyes. Harry could already see what large scale mayhem he had caused to the Slytherin social hierarchy. Apparently, word of the Slytherin Prince was law and no one wanted to break it. He hadn't realized how much power Draco had at his command. The fact that Draco always got his hands dirty when dealing with the Gryffindor Golden Boy was astounding. Draco must have ordered Slytherin that he was to deal with Harry himself.

“Have you found what Hermione said, Draco?” He asked, breaking the tense mood. Draco nodded, a spark of relief kindling and then hidden away.

“Yes, she's right. If Severus knows, he won't tell either of us. The basic nature of this ritual is a sacrifice. Did you know that there are ways to negate sacrifices? If your mother had told anyone that she would sacrifice her life for you, the Dark Lord could have found a way to destroy everything her sacrifice meant. But, parents will always lay down their lives for their children. The Dark Lord wouldn't understand that.” Draco said, eyes dropping to the table to avoid meeting Harry's intense look.

“He grew up in a muggle orphanage. He never understood love.” Harry said a little bitterly. Silence again lulled among everyone.

“How long will you be hidden away up here? We do need you back, Draco.” Pansy said softly.

“Once...the ritual is complete, I guess. I...don't know.” Draco said, shutting the journal.

“That's alright. The day we will we have you back is a day we will anticipate.” She said, smiling and covering his hand with one of hers. “Slytherin awaits his Prince.”

“The Prince is just relieved that a revolution hasn't occurred.” Draco said back, faintly teasingly. Pansy giggled and rose from her seat. Draco stood with her, letting her thread her arm through his as he walked toward the door. The three other Slytherin followed them. Harry stood up but didn't follow. It felt like he was invading on a private moment. Draco and Pansy exchanged a few more remarks and she giggled as he kissed her cheek. Goyle and Crabbe gave him handclasps and Draco said something that made them smile. Draco stared at Nott coolly before the other boy capitulated. Nott accepted the hug Draco gave him and left with a smirk.

Draco shut the door behind them and turned back to the Gryffindors in the room. Harry caught his eye and tilted his head, silently asking for him to rejoin them. Draco's eyes narrowed and he stood there until finally moving back to his previous chair.

“Hermione, do you think you could do a favor for us?” Harry asked once Draco had sat down and began to drink from the goblet the house elves had refilled. The girl nodded and looked between them.

“Sure, Harry. I don't mind. What do you need to know?”

“It's about soul bonds.” He said nervously messing with his own goblet. “Could you research what exactly they do? For instance, I can see this glow around Draco and I know that it's to make sure I'm never fooled by an impersonator, but I don't know how I know it. It's starting to get me worried. I don't like things in my head I don't know.”

“I can do that, Harry.” She assured looking between them. “Is there anything else? It could help me with my research.”

“Er, well...” Harry trailed away as Draco's face grew red and he promptly excused himself to the bathroom. Harry watched him go helplessly. Harry sighed and reclined back against the chair. “Could you see just how permanent permanent is? This entire situation is going to make one of us claw out the other's eyes.”

“I'm thinking that permanent means permanent, but I'll look of that too, I suppose.” She said once she was done scoffing at him. “Is there actually anything else?”

Harry looked between them nervously and then glared at the shut bathroom door. That coward was holed away and left Harry to deal with this. He'd strangle the bastard if he felt he could manage it.

“I can feel him alright?” He hissed quickly. Ron's eyebrows shot up. “I can feel his emotions just barely in the farthest corner of my mind, I can feel his magical core right against mine and every time I touch his skin, it's like I'm getting shocked by static electricity.”

Hermione's eyes were wide and Ron's face quickly turned red.

“Don't read too much into it.” He said, flushed and eyes averted. They definitely didn't need to know about the kiss. Not until he could get Draco over it.

“So you're fine with this then?” Ron's voice was hard and thin, blush fading as he stared at the table. His face was pale and serious as he looked up into Harry's eyes.

“Fine with what?” Harry asked, eyes narrowing slowly and suspiciously.

“Fine with being bossed around by that-”

“I'm not being bossed around.” Harry interrupted before Ron could finish what ever he was about to call Draco. “Draco has absolutely no control over my thoughts or actions.”

“That's good to know.” Harry switched his attention to Hermione and she quickly continued. “There are some soul bonds that focus on merging souls. If Draco has no influence, that means you're not sharing a soul, only sharing magic between a bond.”

“You heard that prat earlier, Hermione.” Ron stood up and jerked his head toward the door. “He's been ordering Harry around since we got here. And you've been listening.”

“Could you get any more ridiculous? Did you suddenly expect the spoilt child completely driven out of him? And I have not been following his orders.”

“I don't trust this bond, Harry. I've never heard of a ritual that didn't require consent. Even You-Know-Who needed people to agree to take the Mark.”

“Everything that's know about the ritual is in that book there.” Harry pointed his finger at the book. “If Hermione doesn't know about the consent thing, then what do you expect me to tell you about it?”

“I... I just don't trust him, Harry. None of them. I'm not going to let them practically take your life over.”

“I know. I don't like it either. But I'm the one who's dealing with the consequences, and I don't think it's been terrible so far. We're figuring it out. I'd still really like to know what has Malfoy Sr. so worried and afraid he'd rather sacrifice himself so his son could live.”

“It's suspicious is what it is.”

“I'm not going to argue about it now, Ron.” Harry nodded once and held out his hand. Ron sighed and pulled a mulish expression on before taking his hand and patting his back with one hand. “I really appreciate you doing this, guys. And I'm sure Draco does too.”

“That's...Well...Alright...We'll stop by tomorrow morning and during lunch okay?” Hermione said as she stood up.

“That's fine guys. If we're not here...Well, I don't know where we would be. Use the Map if we aren't here. Or ask Dumbledore. I'll be glad to see you.” He said as he walked them to the door. He shut it behind them and cast his magic around the room, moving the bed back to its original position, along with the side table and he vanished the extra chairs. He sighed as he stared at the door Draco had hidden behind and went to meet it. “Draco? Everyone's gone now. Are you going to come out?”

“Do not patronize me, Potter. While you are willing to make a mockery of yourself, I am not. Besides, they're your friends. I doubt they would have wanted me to tell them everything that's going on. You didn't tell them you were trying to be my friend, did you? Dear Merlin, say you didn't.”

“You know, most people want to be my friend.” Harry said, kicking the door. Draco snorted.

“For your fame, money and supposed good looks.” Draco said back smartly. Harry kicked the door again on principle. “Whatever. Did you tell them or not?”

“That would be...No, at least not outright.” He said a bit guiltily. The door whipped open and Draco's eyes darkened threateningly.

“What did you do?”

“I just told them everything about how this bond's effecting us.” He said.

“Nothing else? Not even...”

“No, oh God, no. I think they would have hexed me on general principle if they found out I kis-”

“Ah!” Draco's hand was over his mouth again and he let out a muffled cry as Draco kicked his shin. “Don't say it, Potter!”

“Damn, Draco. Don't fucking kick me, you crazy sod!” Harry said, wincing and rubbing at his shin. Draco rolled his eyes.

“Suck it up, Hero.” Harry flipped him off.