Bonds by the Book

Bonds by the Book

Chapter 2

“Father, what are we supposed to do now?” asked Draco. He had been pacing the floor for the last five minutes; ever since Dumbledore had left the room as a matter of fact.

“I don’t see that we have much choice at the moment, Draco. We’ll have to deal with it a little at a time. Let’s face the facts. Fact one- we both share a soul bond with Potter. Fact two- soul bonds cannot be broken. In fact, they get stronger with time. Fact three- he’s very powerful and could be a great asset to the family. Any children as a result of the union would be incredibly powerful. Have I left out anything?” said Lucius.

“Just one thing. How long have you been eyeing Potter? I notice you came running as soon as you got the letter that he was in a coma,” said Draco, staring at his father.

“I don’t know what you mean. I just came to assess the situation,” said Lucius in a bored tone, picking off invisible lint from his robes.

“You can’t fool me that easily, Father. I know you too well. It’s not like you’re the only one to notice how hot he’s gotten over the last year,” said Draco, smirking at his father knowingly.

“I take it that you don’t protest the bond as much as you proclaimed in the infirmary?” he asked.

“Potter would think I had lost my mind if I hadn’t given those protests. It’s better to let him believe I’m unwilling at the moment,” said Draco.

“The bond is still in the early stages so that shouldn’t be a problem. The bond will intensify the more contact we have with him so I suggest spending as much time as possible with him,” said Lucius.

“Tomorrow should prove interesting,” said Draco, sitting in the armchair to stare into the fireplace.

****

“Albus, I heard Harry awoke from his coma. Did you find his soul mate?” asked Minerva, walking into the headmaster’s office.

“Yes, Minerva, he’s awake. He doesn’t have a soul ‘mate,’” he said, raising a hand to stop her from speaking. “He has soul ‘mates.’ Harry has a soul bond with Draco and Lucius Malfoy.”

“But that’s impossible. Isn’t it?” she sputtered.

“Apparently not. Lucius touched the book first and was engulfed in a golden aura proclaiming the soul bond, but Harry didn’t awaken. Draco came in looking for his father and managed to touch the book. He, too was engulfed in a golden aura proclaiming him a soul mate, and that’s when Harry awakened. He only woke up after both Malfoys had touched the book,” said Albus, sitting back and staring at Minerva.

“What are we going to do about this?” she asked. “Poor Harry. Everything does seem to happen to him.”

“Well since Christmas holidays start after next week, I believe I’ll ask Lucius to invite him to Malfoy Manor so they can get to know each other. The bond can’t be broken so we may as well get them to strengthen it. I believe they can make Harry happy,” said Albus with twinkling eyes.

“Are you sure, Albus? We are talking about the Malfoys. You remember how they have both treated Harry over the last six years. How can you be sure they won’t hurt him?” she asked seriously. “He’s had such a hard life. I just don’t want to see him hurt anymore.”

“I know, Minerva, but I really do not believe either Malfoy will hurt Harry. You’ll what I mean tomorrow,” said Albus. “Was there anything else you needed?”

Minerva just shook her head and walked out of the office. A moment later she stuck her head around the door and said, “What time should I meet you in the infirmary?”

“9:00 will be fine,” said Albus, smiling as Minerva nodded once again and left.

*****

Morning came all too soon for Harry. He had a feeling that he wouldn’t like what was said today. He heard a knock on the door and looked up. He smiled when he saw Professor McGonagall standing in the doorway.

“Good morning, Professor. What brings you here?” he asked brightly.

“I heard you were finally awake and came to visit. I saw Albus last night and he told me what happened. Are you all right?” she asked in concern. Harry was very precious to her. He was like a surrogate grandchild.

“I really don’t know right now. Everything seems a little surreal at the moment, you know. It feels like a dream and that I’ll wake up at any time and find things the way they were, but in my head, I know they won’t. It’s a little, okay a lot, scary. I just couldn’t get a break, could I?” he asked, smiling sadly with the last statement.

“It’s called Harry Potter Syndrome. If things can go wrong, they will,” said Minerva mock seriously.

Harry smiled and said, “The muggles call that Murphy’s Law.”

“Well we’re not muggles, are we?” she said arrogantly with her nose in the air.

“No we certainly are not. I’ve missed talking to you like this. With the defeat of Voldemorte, and the subsequent coma, I had so much schoolwork to catch up on, I barely had time to think, much less socialize in any shape, form, or fashion. I’m glad you came to talk with me this morning,” said Harry, smiling at his Head of House.

“I know the feeling. I’ve been worried about you. You had just started spending time with your friends again, then this happened. Have you decided what you’re going to do?” she asked, sitting beside Harry.

“I really have no idea what to do. Professor Dumbledore said the bond couldn’t be broken. I don’t know, though, if it would stay as is if we left things as they are, or if one or all of us would suffer from that course of action. I do know the Malfoys don’t like me. If anyone can find a way out of this, I’m sure they can,” said Harry.

*****

Standing outside the door eavesdropping were the Malfoys. “Won’t he be surprised to find out we have no intention of trying to find a way out of the bond?” asked Draco, listening intently to the conversation inside.

“He does seem to think we hate him. I don’t know why he still thinks that. We helped him defeat Voldemort,” said Lucius.

“Are you two having fun, yet?” said a voice from behind them. They turned around and saw Albus watching them with that blasted twinkle in his eyes.

“We were just waiting on you,” said Lucius, smoothing the creases out of his robe.

“Well in that case, shall we?” he asked, gesturing towards the door.

Albus, Lucius, and Draco entered the infirmary. Albus conjured a plushy armchair for him while the Malfoys stood in a corner of the room. “How are you, dear boy?” he asked, smiling kindly at Harry.

“As well as can be expected, sir. And you?” he replied politely.

“Very well, indeed, thank you,” he replied brightly.

“Let’s get on with it, shall we?” said Lucius abruptly.

“Harry, what do you know about soul bonds?” asked Albus.

“Only what my mother told me,” he said, ignoring the looks from the other occupants in the room. “Don’t look at me like that. I told you I talked to her while I was in a coma. She’s the one who told me I hold two soul mates and that they were almost identical. Looks like she was right on both counts.”

“You do realize this bond can’t be broken nor will it remain in this stage of development,” said Albus.

“I knew it couldn’t be broken. I hoped it would remain as is, though,” said Harry with a self-deprecating smile.

“I’m afraid the bond will only get stronger. If you try to ignore it, you’ll end up suffering for it,” said Albus. “That’s why I needed to see you all this morning.” He turned his attention to the corner where the Malfoys were standing and said, “Lucius, you might want to consider inviting Harry to the Manor over Christmas holidays so you can all get to know each other better.”

“Professor, Ron already invited me to the Burrow for the holidays,” said Harry with an inward sigh of relief. If he was at the Burrow, he wouldn’t have to deal with this problem just yet.

“I have already talked to Molly about the situation. You are now free to spend the holidays with the Malfoys if they agree,” said Albus, blithely ignoring the glare he received from Harry.

“That is fine, Albus,” said Lucius. “I’m sure Draco and I can make room at the Manor for Mr. Potter.”

“Am I the only one that thinks this is a very bad idea?” asked Harry incredulously.

“I imagine so, Potter. The problem is not going to just disappear. You may as well spend the holidays at the Manor and we can discuss things like civilized adults,” said Draco, looking extremely bored.

“Whatever. It looks like I’ll be visiting the Manor for a couple of weeks,” said Harry, crossing his arms and pouting slightly.

Draco saw the pout and just wanted to pounce. Lucius was having similar thoughts. Harry really had grown into an attractive young man. His eyes had finally been repaired and the vivid emerald shade shone with intensity. His messy black hair had a small white streak through the temple, courtesy of Voldemorte, and though while not short, he wasn’t all that tall either. He had reached the height of 5’10 (both Malfoys towered over him at over 6’0) and had long, lean muscles that gave him a lithe, feline build.

“I’ll make the arrangements. Draco will let you know what has been arranged,” said Lucius, walking towards the door. “I’ll take my leave now. Owl me if you encounter any problems, Draco.”

Draco nodded and Lucius walked out the door. He turned back towards Potter, who still had that adorable pout on his face, and walked towards the bed. Ignoring Dumbledore and McGonagall, he stopped in front of Harry. When Harry looked up curiously, Draco grabbed his chin, leaned down and kissed him hard. Harry gasped in surprise and Draco took advantage by thrusting his tongue into the warm cavity. Harry couldn’t help but respond to the talented tongue invading his mouth and opened his mouth a bit wider.

Draco broke the kiss, smirking when he saw the delightful flush on Harry’s cheeks, and said, “Harry, we don’t hate you.” With that statement hanging in the air, he turned around and walked out the door, leaving a stunned soul mate, and amused headmaster, and an indignant professor.