Harry spent most of the day in the library reading and thinking about what it might all mean. He cooked dinner for him and Severus, they spent some time chatting on the sofa which is something Harry hadn't felt he could manage, something had shifted in him, he could feel his heart and soul were healing he didn't know how or why, he felt better when he was near Severus a warmth that he couldn't explain. He spoke about Hermione, something he never thought he would be able to speak of again. Severus didn't ever interrupt him just listened and asked the odd question when it seemed relevant to do so. Harry still tired easily he said goodnight to Severus showered and climbed into bed.
Severus stayed in the living room for a time after Harry had gone to bed. He smiled to himself at the change in Harry; he was opening up about the trauma he had endured and the hurt of losing his best friend. Severus' heart soared as he replayed the evening in his mind. He felt lightness in himself that hadn't been around for years, being a death eater then a spy for Dumbledore Severus wasn't entirely certain that he had the capacity to feel like he was. Harry made him feel, he made him come alive, and the sensation wasn't something he could explain. He went to bed with a happy and contented smile on his face.
Harry woke from another nightmare soaked in sweat, he took a few minutes to calm himself he rested his head on the pillow and tried to fall asleep again. Half and hour had passed and he was still wide-awake. Getting out of bed he walked to the doorway of Severus' bedroom and quietly entered. 'Excuse me Professor' Harry spoke loud enough to be heard. Severus stirred opening his eyes he saw that Harry was standing beside his bed. 'Harry are you alright?' he asked turning on a bedside light and sitting up. 'I had a nightmare and couldn't get back to sleep' he said shyly. 'Would you like me to come and sit with you for a while?' Severus asked gently. Harry thought for a moment then spoke again. 'Would you mind if I stayed in here with you? I don't want to be alone' 'of course you can stay in here' Severus replied pulling the covers back on the other side of the bed. Harry walked around to the opposite side and hopped in, he got comfortable and closed his eyes. 'Would you mind holding my hand until I got to sleep?' asked the sleepy voice. Severus took Harry's hand in his and closed his eyes. Though neither of them spoke they both felt the familiar jolt when their hands touched.
The headline of the Daily Prophet the next day was dedicated to the Dragon Pox outbreak at the Ministry. It was now heavily guarded no one getting in or out. Anyone who tried would be sent to Azkaban. Ginny slammed the paper down on the table top and fumed. The next stage of her plan had been foiled; she had ideas of entering the Ministry and using the Minister as target practice. Now she would have to rethink that part and focus her attention elsewhere, it really was annoying, but she had no choice other than to keep causing harm to those who stood in her way. She decided that a little vandalism would have to suffice for the minute. It was only a matter of time before they gave in and handed Harry over.
When darkness fell they apparated to Diagon Alley, strolling up and down the cobbled streets Ginny considered the best place to attack, she saw a light on in the Quidditch supply shop, that would do, she could stun someone and reek havoc at the same time, it was a bonus and not a bad consolation for not being able to get near the Minister. Carefully opening the door she and Ron snuck inside, footsteps echoed from near the back of the shop, before the owner could react Ginny stunned him sending him hurtling backwards. Ron trashed the place knocking things over, smashing things. They took two expensive brooms and walked out the door. They floated the owner out and left him in the middle of the cobblestone walkway. Ginny turned waved her wand and the shop ignited in a burst of flame. Her and Ron apparated back to the cottage. Not entirely satisfied, she walked outside into the night air, she spotted two people walking along the beach, creeping down using the shrubs as cover she killed the couple, levitated their bodies into the ocean. Much better she thought.
It didn't take long for the news to spread about the shop in Diagon Alley. The owner was discovered unconscious by the owner of Flourish and Blotts the next morning; he was taken to St Mungo's to be treated. He couldn't tell the Aurors very much; he said that he didn't get a look at them before he was stunned, although he thought he saw a flash of red or ginger. Ginny had been lurking around a nearby corner using the disillusionment charm, hearing this she decided that the owner would have to be dealt with. Apparating to the alley near the wizard hospital Ginny waited until she saw a Mediwitch walking towards the building, she quickly stunned her and dragged her into the alley, pulling out some of the witch's hair she placed it into the flask of Polyjuice potion she carried and wandered nonchalantly into the foyer of St Mungo's.
Slipping behind the desk she quickly found the room where the owner Mr. Sanders was. Ginny walked into the room cast a silencing charm, walked over the sleeping man there was a spare pillow on the empty bed opposite, picking it up she placed it over the mans face and put all her weight onto the pillow, only a minute or two passed and the man had stopped struggling, she put the pillow back onto the bed and walked out the door. She walked back to the alley turned on the spot and disappeared. Ron asked her where she had been when he entered the kitchen not long after Ginny had returned; she told him she tying up some loose ends, then went back to eating a slice of toast.
It was a busy morning for the Minister first there had been the report of the fire in Diagon Alley, no sooner had that been dealt with then he got an urgent floo call from the Head Healer at St Mungo's saying that Mr. Sanders had been found dead, he appeared to have been suffocated. Kingsley and two Aurors attended St Mungo's. The healer explained that one of their Mediwtiches had come staggering in the door saying she had been stunned and left in the alley, with her she had a piece of parchment. It read Give me the object I desire or the tragedy continues. Kingsley felt sick to his stomach. He organised for the body to be transported to the Ministry; Aurors were left outside to guard the entrance and apparated back to Hogwarts.
He climbed the spiral staircase and entered the Headmistresses office. Minerva was sitting behind the desk scratching on a roll of parchment. Kingsley filled her in on the morning he had had. 'We have to tell Harry Minerva, this is getting out of hand something has to be done and I fear that Harry is the only one that can end all this' Kingsley paled even as he finished speaking. 'You can't use Harry as bait Kingsley not again and not after what he has been through it will surely destroy him' Minerva's voice was shaking with anger and frustration. ' Of course I don't want to use him as bait, but I need to figure out exactly how we are going to stop these two and unfortunately I think the answer lies with Harry I don't want think this way Minerva but we may not have another choice.'
Minerva and Kingsley gathered in the living room with Harry and Severus. As the Minister told Harry of Bill and Fleurs death he paled and began to shake violently. As he explained the rest he noticed that Harry had grabbed hold of Severus' hand and held on tightly. Something changed in Harry's face when he did, Kingsley wasn't sure what, but a cursory glance at Minerva told him she noticed it too. 'I'm so sorry Harry to be the one that has to tell you this, I thought you should know as the Weasley pair are escalating in their attempt to get to you, I give you my word they will not find you here, you are protected and nothing can get through. We are doing everything we can to stop them. 'Who are they going to go after next?' Harry muttered. 'I wish I could answer that Harry but we just don't know. Leaving Harry to process what he had been told the pair left and returned to the office.
'I take it you noticed the change when Harry took hold of Severus' hand?' Kingsley asked looking closely at Minerva. 'Yes I did, Poppy told me the same occurred when she examined Harry last week, he seemed calmer.' 'Do you know what it means Minerva' he asked suspecting that she might. ' I don't know Kingsley but I may know of someone who does.' Kingsley bid her goodbye and returned to the seventh floor. 'All right Albus out with it' she spoke to the portrait of the late headmaster that hung behind her desk. ' I was wondering when you would get around to asking me Minerva' replied the painting.
'Have you heard of soul mates specifically those of the magical world?' he inquired. 'Once or twice Albus' she raised her eyebrows at the man in the painting. 'It seems that Harry has found his soul mate Minerva' he chuckled. 'Severus' Minerva gasped. 'Yes Minerva between them they have created a spiritual phenomenon, when Harry sought comfort from Severus and they touched the phenomenon was formed, it is the reason why Harry seems to calm when he touches Severus, he is healing Harry's heart and soul, the most damaged parts of him, parts that are often never fully whole again after something like Harry has endured.
I also believe that our young Harry is doing the same with Severus healing parts of him that have been broken for a long time.' 'That's why Severus chose to protect Harry, to take him into hiding, do you think he knew?' she asked completely astounded. 'I believe that neither of them were aware of this until recently and they not be aware of it yet, but if Harry is seeking physical contact then it may not be long this is old and rare magic that has not occurred in centuries and only does occur when two powerful beings become connected. But at its purest form.' I hope you're right Albus, I don't think Harry can take anymore suffering' Minerva replied.
Minerva mulled the conversation over in her mind for the remainder of the day, it was certainly true that the magical world worked in mysterious ways; nothing in Harry's life had ever been straightforward, but if Albus said rang true this was the most straightforward thing that had happened. In all the years she had known Harry she always believed that he had never truly healed from all he had endured. He would simply get on with it and face the next battle with vigor and strength. If the phenomenon had occurred maybe it was the answer to Harry being able to win this one last battle, to finally be able to have the life he had coveted for so long.
Harry had retreated to the library after the Minister and Minerva had left. Severus gave him some space and went to work in his potions lab. Harry was pouring over the book that contained information about Soul mates and magical bonds. Once again he had felt the familiar jolt when he held Severus' hand and he was sure the Professor had felt the same thing. Feeling braver than he had for a long time Harry ventured out of the library and made his way down to the potions lab where he knew Severus would be.
He knocked gently on the door and waited for a response. 'Come in Harry' the Potions Master said as he looked up. Harry walked into the lab and sat down still holding the book in his hand. ' I have been reading this book for the last couple of days and I wanted to ask you about it' Harry said shyly. Severus stepped over to Harry and took the offered book from his hand. As he read Severus felt the familiar fluttering in his chest and the warmth that travelled through his body. Looking at Harry he could tell that the boy had felt the same. ' Am I your soul mate Professor?' He asked not taking his eyes off the Potions Master. 'I believe you may just be Harry, what makes you think I am?' 'When I had that nightmare about Mione and I lay against your chest I felt a jolt of electricity flow through me and again when you held my hand. It has happened each time you have done that. Also I have started to feel better than I have for a long while. I found this book in the library and started reading about it. If you are feeling the same things than I think I might be your soul mate and your mine' Harry's heart was pounding.
Severus placed the book on the table and looked at Harry. 'Do you mind if I hold your hand Harry?' he asked in a whisper. Harry held out his hand and Severus took hold. The familiar feeling flowed through their veins neither one taking their eyes off the other. 'What does this mean Professor?' Harry asked. 'It means you are correct Harry it seems we are soul mates we are healing each other like the book states. It means our minds are connected; we have unconditional respect and love for one another. We are being our true selves Harry following each others thoughts and feelings, knowing that the other will be right by their side no matter what. This is the purest form of magic I have ever come across' he was breathless.
'Does this mean we have to have sex, I'm not ready for that' Harry had a panicked look in his eyes he let go of Severus' hand and retreated slightly. Severus looks at Harry for a few moments before he spoke choosing his words carefully. 'This form of magic entails more than falling into bed with each other Harry, we are sharing a journey it is in the early stages, in time a stronger bond may mean that we have sex, but for now it means we are finding out about each other what this all means. I will never force you to do something that you don't want to do Harry, if you don't want this then it will not happen I care a great deal about you but I have a great deal of respect for Harry and that comes first.' Harry looked at the Potion Masters face and saw nothing but sincerity and respect.