Author Notes: I would like to apologize for once again taking so long to update. I swear to you all that I think about this fic every day and work on writing it as often as possible. It's just that it's difficult to find the time in my increasingly busy mundane life and coordinate that with those times when the muse is actually willing to work with me.
You are all so amazingly awesome. Thank you to everyone who reads. Thank you again to everyone who reviews. Extra big double thanks and hugs to everyone who has me or my fics on their favorites lists. You rock, you're awesome and I am writing this for each and every one of you! Please keep the reviews coming – I love to know what you all think of this craziness that comes out of my head!
H&D~H&D~H&D
Harry spent the evening laying on Draco's bed staring silently at the wall. He was lost in his thoughts, somewhat expecting to feel anger, sorrow, trepidation, something. He felt nothing – numb. Draco spooned behind him, holding him closely and silently offering his strength, his comfort and his love. Somewhat caught up in his own thoughts of the bizarre situation, and his conversation with Lucius, Draco didn't pressure Harry with questions. He knew that Harry would talk when he was ready to. He could feel Harry's emotions radiating from him and knew that just being there was the best thing he could do to help. They slept that way, a deep and dreamless sleep for them both despite the lack of potions. The events of the past 48 hours had exhausted them; mind, body and soul.
~*~*~
Hermione cried. She didn't sob or scream, but shed a stream of tears for that which had been lost. She told Ron how stupid she'd been, and how she hoped Harry could forgive her. Ron held her, offering comforting murmurs and soothing touches. Eventually he leaned back on the bed and tucked her head under his chin, wrapping his arms around her tightly. They were both flabbergasted by the revelations of the day and saddened by the death of a beloved former professor. Lost in thoughts of time travelers, Professor Lupin, Harry's new powers and his startling relationship with a perceived rival, it was approaching the early morning hours when they finally fell asleep. An exhausted, but restless sleep.
~*~*~
James and Lucius went back to the guest room Dumbledore had prepared for them. They sat in near silence for hours, contemplating the deep and emotional discussions they'd had with their respective sons. Every so often, they shared a snippet of conversation, a revealing bit of emotional thought, a random observation or a theory on the project. James didn't seem comfortable with the fact that his son was the "big bad" they had come here to stop. Lucius didn't seem comfortable with the fact that his future self was associating with and influencing the Dark Lord he'd heard so much about. Fatigue finally took over, forcing them both into a few hours slumber. James slept rather heavily despite his misgivings, but Lucius' sleep was fitful, his dreams alternating between images of dark curses cast by hooded figures and sensual activities involving himself and Severus.
~*~*~
Morning came all too early. Harry slowly came to consciousness, realizing that he was wrapped tightly in Draco's arms and that there was nowhere on earth he would rather have been at that moment. Draco seemed to sense his thoughts, as he subconsciously held Harry just a bit tighter. Harry opened his eyes, verifying that it really was Draco holding him. It was nice – the opportunity to observe the Slytherin as he slept, memorizing the softening effect that a relaxed sleep offered to the face he had come to love. Harry's gaze focused on the pale pink lips, stirring up thoughts of kissing and licking and sucking and the feelings that Draco brought on when he bit Harry's neck. Harry was so consumed by the memories of his stirring hormones that he didn't even realize the blue-gray eyes had opened and begun watching him in return. He was pulled from his reverie by a low, sleepy chuckle.
"Need I ask what's on your mind?"
Harry raised his eyes to Draco's, "you think you know?"
"Harry, it's obvious. I recognize that glazed over, aroused look in your eyes, not to mention the fact that you're lying very close to me and my hip seems to have been invaded by your, erm, thoughts." Draco grinned and captured Harry's mouth before there could be any retort.
Mere moments passed before the kiss was abruptly cut short, both of them trying to withhold their embarrassment. "I, uh…" Harry wasn't certain how to express what he saw as a problem. He didn't want to offend Draco and was feeling a little self conscious himself.
"Yeah, me too," Draco responded with a grin. He reached to the bedside table and grabbed his wand, bringing confusion to Harry's eyes. "You don't mind do you?"
"Um, mind what?" Harry said, careful to angle his face slightly away from Draco's. He wasn't sure what Draco needed his wand for, but then, he was so focused on what he could transfigure into a toothbrush, that he was barely paying attention. Just as he was about to get up he felt a tiny surge of magic come toward him, followed by a tingle and minty flavor in his mouth.
"Breath charm – it's much easier, more convenient and often more thorough than a toothbrush. That is why you stopped, isn't it?"
Harry relaxed, grinning in embarrassment. "Yeah, should have thought of that myself. How'd you know?"
"It's why I stopped too. Besides, Harry, I know you. I may not be able to read minds or feel emotions like you do, but I'm beginning to be able to read you. I almost feel like I can read your mind at times. And I'm starting to predict your reaction to certain things. I understand your feelings better than my own sometimes. I think…I'm not sure, and I've never paid as much attention to this kind of thing as I should have, but I sort of think there's some sort of bond between us. That glow, the way our magic feeds off each other, the connection, I think it's something we should talk to Dumbledore about – see if he has any information for us."
"Oh." Harry paused a moment to let that sink in. He made a mental note to return to this topic later, but quickly set his mind back to the issue at hand. "We can do that later, right?" Draco nodded. "Good. Because right now, I want to get back to that good morning kiss."
Harry grinned as Draco closed the distance between them and captured his lips once again. The kiss was loving, affectionate and comforting. The moment Harry sucked gently on Draco's top lip and then traced Draco's mouth with his tongue, the kiss became hot, needy, devouring.
Licking, sucking, tongues tracing burning trails on sensitive skin. Teeth nipping earlobes, lips, necks. Hands fumbling, pulling clothing, revealing skin, some pale, some tanned. Gasping, moaning, holding tighter, tangling long elegant fingers in dark tousled hair. Full moist lips closing over pale pink nipples, licking, flicking, teasing. Hot short breaths catching in throats as hips thrust without conscious thought.
Devoid of shirts, hands free to explore bodies that hearts love and loins desire. Kisses become explorations, caresses make way for discoveries. Breathy gasps bear voice to names and moans offer declarations of love. Titillating sensation of whispered words stimulate bodies, minds and souls. Hearts burst with love and fuel more desire, a passion born from the depths of a soul.
No patience for shyness, nervous hands blunder about, seeking buttons and zippers to remove all barriers. Eyes feast on love's perfect form, beautiful to the heart of each beholder. Looks question, kisses answer, caresses and feathering touches elaborate on desires, needs, permission and acceptance.
Uncharted lands bring discovery and joy; anticipation heightening each new sensation. Each soul speaks desire, each body answering wordlessly as they become one in this heated conversation. No words need be spoken as bodies and souls instinctively know what is needed and wanted.
With sighs of completion, sated libidos ebb like an ocean tide, making way for the peace and fulfillment of desire and passion, destiny and love. Driving, devouring need gives way to gentle, tender, exploring touches. Shivered gasps at sensuous kisses, erotic touches send lightening shivers through sensitive, stimulated bodies. Slow, deep desires build exponentially, bringing bodies to new heights once again.
Newly charted territory is explored once again, leisurely, reverently, lovingly. Lingering kisses and subdued coupling brings languid thrusts and deep throaty moans to fill the senses with fervor.
Twice satisfied, arms holding shivering bodies, souls connected eyes and hands and lips expressing depths of love eternal.
New young lovers bring new meaning to 'afterglow' as their magic combines and swirls throughout the room, before the charged currents permeate their bodies emit unconsciously to declare the strength of the completed bond to other powerful wizards.
~*~*~*
Ron woke and quietly slid out of the bed, hoping he could shower and dress before Hermione woke up. She'd been so exhausted last night, so upset at the loss of Professor Lupin; so worried about Tonks and so angry at herself about her reactions to Malfoy that she berated herself long into the night, until sleep finally claimed her. Ron wondered when they might get some news on Tonks, fervently hoping she'd be returned safely.
Ron tried to keep his focus even as his tired muscles began to relax under the hot spray of water. He didn't want to lose himself in the shower; Hermione needed him. He wondered briefly if it was wrong for him to enjoy the feeling of being needed. Before her capture she had wanted his company, enjoyed it, maybe even wished for it. Nothing so strong as need, though. He felt guilty when her need stirred happy thoughts, comforting, warm and loving thoughts and feelings. He felt as if he were somehow benefiting from the torture and kidnapping that had created the need within her. Stop it, Ron. You'll just drive yourself crazy with that. You love Hermione, it's okay to worry about her and it's okay to feel happy about being able to make her feel better. He hoped that someday he would be able to convince himself that these statements were true.
Re-entering the bedroom, he saw that Hermione was awake and seemed to be lost in thought once again. "Morning, love. Did you sleep well?"
"I've slept better, but at least I slept." She smiled slightly, her eyes large and sad when they met Ron's. He joined her on the edge of the bed and offered a chaste kiss and a comforting hug, hoping to relieve some of her sadness.
"What do you think of it, Ron?"
"Think of what? Yesterday was bloody crazy and I've been thinking about all of it. Which part are you thinking about?"
"Well, right now, Harry. Harry and … Malfoy. They're…a couple, aren't they?"
"Looks that way."
"Doesn't that seem a little, I don't know, a little strange? I mean…he's Malfoy!"
"I think we might as well start calling him Draco, Herm. And you're the one who felt his aura and said there was nothing bad there. I know it'll take some getting used to, but I really think he makes Harry happy. He deserves to be happy, don't you think?"
"Well of course he deserves to be happy, but it's dangerous. I mean, even if Mal-Draco isn't up to something, just being with him could give Lucius or even Voldemort a chance to hurt him."
"With all those new powers he has now? You heard what he said yesterday; you saw what happened when he got upset. Do you really think it's going to be that easy to hurt him?"
They were both silent for a moment, recalling the explosions, the crackling magic and the tangible energy that had emanated from Harry.
"You're probably right. I just worry about him. I am glad he's getting the chance to know his father though."
"Right, it's gotta be good for him." He knew that meeting his parents had always been one of Harry's biggest dreams. He remembered their first year, when Harry discovered the Mirror of Erised, and all it showed him was his parents. Despite being glad for his friend to have realized a part of that dream, Ron couldn't help but worry about the possible repercussions of the whole time travel predicament.
~*~*~
Lucius had woken in the quiet hours just before dawn, shaken from yet another jumbled dream. He decided there was no point in trying to go back to sleep, opting instead for a walk through the deserted castle. As he moved silently through the halls, he found himself nearing the entrance to the Slytherin common room. Knowing that it would be fruitless to continue in that direction (as no one had given him the current password), he turned down a hallway to his right. He barely had time to wonder where this hallway led to when he found himself facing (and nearly knocking over) a very handsome and thirty-something Severus Snape.
"Sev!"
"Mr. Malfoy," Severus' voice held the coldness and formality that his students had been familiar with for years. Most anyone would have thought nothing of it, but Lucius had heard that tone before. It was the tone Sev used to cover up his real feelings. And Lucius had always been good at hearing those covered feelings as well.
"Sev, what's wrong? You sound nervous…and sad. You've been acting so strange since I got here, so different from the way you were…"
"Mr. Malfoy, I assure you that many things have changed in the past two decades, and yet some things have not. I would not presume for a moment that you could understand the reasons for my behavioral contrarieties. I will say, however, that one who acts the same at 38 as he does at 17 would have an incredibly difficult time adapting to and dealing with the struggles that adult life brings upon us. I dare say your elder self understands completely. If you will excuse me now, I have things to do."
Severus moved quickly, trying to walk around Lucius. Before he could take two steps, he was pressed against the wall by the young, lithe blond. "I have to tell you something first, Sev."
Severus chose to hold his tongue, focusing instead on maintaining his internal walls. He had to keep up the façade. This was the Lucius of his dreams; the Lucius he had loved so well, who was not a cold, heartless bastard; the Lucius who had not yet married and taken away the last of Severus' hope. This was the Lucius that Severus had fallen in love with, and being this close to him was sheer torture.
"I don't know if I've ever told you, I mean my future self, I don't know if I'll ever tell you…" he paused. Trying to explain things with such circular references was getting increasingly difficult. He looked into the obsidian eyes that had plagued his dreams and decided to just say it. "I have a problem, Sev. I've always felt there was something wrong with me because I know Narcissa is a beautiful woman and I should be looking forward to marrying her, but I kept picturing something different when I imagined myself with someone. I miss you, I dreamt about you last night, and the night before. When I first saw you in the Headmaster's office I was so glad, so happy to see you. But you wouldn't look at me. You seemed like looking at me would burn you or something. You still seem that way, so nervous, so guarded. I want to know what happened to cause that reaction to me. I want to know why you won't meet my gaze. I want to know if I've done something wrong – or will do something wrong – so I can prevent it. I want…"
He took a deep breath, eyes scanning Sev's face, recognizing that there was still a mask there. His desire to get behind that mask caused his thinking to cease. His voice dropped to a purring whisper as he voiced his thoughts and desires for the first time. "I want to know what you taste like. I want to know if your lips are as warm as they look. I want to know if your hands would feel the way I imagine them running over my skin. I want to know if there's ever been a chance, or ever will be a chance that you could love me?"
Severus Snape; stoic professor, revered Potions Master, high-level Death Eater and valued spy had never felt such fear in his entire life. The mere proximity of the object of his desires brought that bizarre new memory to the surface. He had no doubt that the one night he remembered was somehow a result of Lucius being here in this time. With the intensity of that pleasurable memory, he wanted nothing more than to respond to those words and the desire and hope he saw in the glittering blue eyes. He knew, deep inside and without a doubt, that responding, accepting that invitation even for a moment, would crumble his resolve and, based on his current positions in the world and his daily dealings with Voldemort and the elder Lucius, it would probably mean his death.
Intellectually reminding himself of this, he made the decision to push Lucius away and retreat to his chambers until he could regain control over these alien emotions. Something in him was obviously a bit behind in following those orders, however. Before he accomplished that goal, he found himself ever so briefly and ever so gently pressing his lips against those that he'd dreamed of since the tender age of 14.
The contact was heavenly. Lucius was thrilled, even while a part of his mind was reminding him that he still had to marry Narcissa – for Draco he had to. But kissing Severus, it was like coming home. A surge of emotion ran through both men, triggering a similar surge of magic. Severus allowed himself to cup Lucius' face, his thumb tracing the smooth jaw, his fingertips reveling in the silky blond hair. They broke apart and stared at each other, eye contact allowing for a connection deeper in their souls than they realized.
After a moment, Lucius closed the gap between their lips and sighed at the contentment he felt in his heart. Before he could deepen the kiss, he was roughly pushed away and faced with stern resolve in the black eyes of the Potions Master. He knew those protective walls were coming up again.
"No." Severus left no doubts about his meaning. "This is not appropriate or acceptable for any number of reasons. Mr. Malfoy, I suggest you return to your room until breakfast." He turned, with his characteristic billowing robes, and quickly reached a portrait, which opened to let him into his chambers, leaving them both a bit cold and shaken. In the midst of their emotional turmoil, neither wizard noticed the crackle of magic that charged the air around them and surged quickly throughout the castle.
~*~*~*~
Dumbledore asked the house elves to take a brunch tray to the rooms of everyone who had been in yesterday's meeting. Along with the variety of breakfast foods, fruits, juices, teas and sandwiches, each tray included a note requesting that the recipients be in the Room of Requirement at noon.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, and refreshed and dressed themselves for the day, they made their ways to the Room of Requirement. James and Lucius, however, were met in the hall by Professor McGonagall so she could show them the way.
"What, exactly, is the Room of Requirement?" James asked.
"Precisely what it sounds like, Mr. Potter. It's a room that provides the seeker with whatever they require at the time. As the Headmaster called this meeting, the Room will use his plans to determine the current requirements."
"What do you think this meeting will require?" Lucius found the idea of such a room highly intriguing and wondered how one would go about acquiring a similar room in their own home.
"I honestly couldn't say, Mr. Malfoy. Having not planned the meeting, I have no way of knowing the proffered items for whichever events the Headmaster has scheduled."
She stopped just in front of a tapestry depicting tutu-clad trolls and seemed to be waiting for something. Just as James was about to ask if there was a problem, the Headmaster arrived and quickly walked a few feet down the hall, then back, and repeated this three times. Much to James and Lucius' surprise, a door appeared opposite the tapestry. Amazed and curious, they entered the room, closely followed by the others they were expecting.
Within moments, everyone was settled in the room which had been furnished with comfortable chairs surrounding a low table. A buffet table stood against the wall in preparedness for lunch (they knew it was going to be a long day). A rather large assortment of books was currently strewn across both tables.
Dumbledore stood to address the group. "I hope you all had a good night's sleep," he glanced around the room, the twinkle in his eyes showing that he knew quite well that some of them were not well rested. "It seems we have precious little time before Harry is expected back into the Death Eater's circle and will most likely be expected to take the Mark." Severus raised his head, prepared to intervene on Harry's behalf.
"I have no intention of this happening, never fear." Dumbledore continued. "I understand the implications and the possible ramifications of such an action. This is why I believe it to be of the utmost importance to find a way of killing Voldemort within the week." He looked at Harry. "We'll need your input on this, as well as your power. You know from the prophecy that Voldemort will ultimately have to die at your hands. However, there's no doubt in my mind that the joint efforts and joint power of the Potters and Malfoys will be the determining factor in your ability to get rid of him once and for all."
Harry simply nodded, wondering what would be the most effective course of action. He was so lost in thought that he nearly missed the Headmaster's next words. "The newly completed bonds will be of great value in this endeavor as well." It was James who spoke up first, voicing the question of most everyone in the room.
"What bonds are those, sir?"
"Two separate bonds between very powerful wizards. These particular bonds have been predestined for generations and once completed will combine the magical auras of those involved and bring about an unheard of level of power. It is my understanding that one of these bonds reached its final conclusion this morning and another is well on its way. There are many types of bonds; marriage bonds being the most common, also mind bonds are frequently seen. Most every bond, regardless of type, is a result of a conscious decision and a spell or ceremony using magic and will to forge the bond. This type of bond, however, is stronger than any other. It's called "du anima cordis junctum aeternus" which loosely translated, means "two souls and hearts joined for eternity." Many people simply refer to it as "junctum aeternus." It's created on a subconscious level by the hearts and souls of the wizards involved, usually building over a period of months or years and completing itself at a highly emotional time of faith and trust in each other. The fact that it's a subconsciously formed bond is a part of what makes it stronger. And once this bond is formed between two souls, it will stay intact forever, through death, reincarnation, even an alternate universe. This wizarding bond was actually the inspiration for the Muggle theory of soul mates."
Harry and Draco looked at one another; both somewhat hopeful yet terrified that Dumbledore might be talking about them. Everyone else seemed to be at a loss for information and there was a resulting group gasp of surprise when Dumbledore continued. "The Potter-Malfoy bond will allow Harry and Draco to join their magic which increases the strength of their magical auras exponentially. The Malfoy-Snape bond, though not yet completed, will provide extra power when used in an area of their natural strengths, such as Potions." The meddling old Headmaster offered a twinkle and a grin to his favorite staff member, knowing the Potions Master would be loath to admit his feelings despite this announcement. Snape responded with a simple patented glare before turning his eyes surreptitiously toward the other member involved in that announcement.
Harry and Draco looked at each other in wonder while Severus looked at Lucius in fear. Lucius, for his part smiled and gazed into the dark eyes with hope. Everyone else in the room seemed unsure who to watch, which bit of news was more surprising, or where to start working with the information given.
Gods, Harry and Malfoy are bonded? Ron couldn't seem to completely wrap his mind around that idea – it just seemed like too much irony for one sentence. Bloody hell, how's Mione going to take this? He quickly turned his attention toward the brunette, pleased to see that she didn't seem upset, just a bit shocked.
I've heard of that. The junctum aeternus isn't very common. They must really love each other and have a lot of faith in that love for that to have happened. Hermione wracked her brain, mentally reviewing everything she'd read about the ancient wizarding bond. Oh! Her eyes widened in surprise as she was struck by a sudden realization. If Lucius and Snape are bonding too, that could very well change our past in so many ways!
It's simply not possible. Albus has finally gone off his rocker. There's no way I've begun a bond with Lucius. Severus Snape had quickly thrown his attention into the nearest book; refusing to look into the hope-filled blue eyes of the one he was not forming a bond with. I don't even have feelings for him anymore. It's been years. Really!
Sev, look at me. Come on Sev, you have to face me eventually. I'm not going to let this go. I love you Sev. Come on, give in. I love you. And now that this bond has begun, even going back to my time won't erase it. We will be together. Lucius had never felt so sure of anything in his life. He knew that one day this bond would be completed and nothing would separate him from the one true love of his life.
Harry and I are bonded? Wow. Eternity. Gods and goddesses, that's big. I mean, damn, I knew I loved him and I thought there was something going on with our magic but I never would have guessed…oh, I hope he's not freaked out by this.
He's so cute when he's amazed by something. I love that wide-eyed expression on his face. It reminds me of the surprised look he had this morning when I…oh for heaven's sake, Dray. Harry leaned close to his lover and whispered quietly "I'm not freaked out. I'm happy about it, very happy." He looked deep into Draco's eyes, sensing the nervousness and hopefulness. "I love you."
Draco twitched at first, startled to be brought out of his internal musings, but quickly relaxed and smiled at Harry upon hearing what Harry was saying. "I love you too. I'm glad you're okay with this."
"Even if I were inclined to be upset about it, what good would it do me?"
"None – it's eternal."
"Good. That's what I was hoping for anyway." They refrained from kissing in front of the others, but sat there smiling at each other in that goofy lovestruck way.
I wish Lily were here to see this. Harry deserves to be happy, and he certainly looks like he floating on cloud nine right now. I wonder if Lily and I will have the junctum aeternus, too? I wonder what completes the bond? Oh, yeah, I probably don't need to know.
Once everyone had taken a few minutes to sort through those internal reactions, Professor McGonagall spoke up. "Well, now that we have that straightened out, what say we get down to business and determine how to get rid of this little Dark Lord problem we have?"
~*~*~*~*
TBC
Thanks so much to all of you for the wonderful reviews! And thank you to all the invisible readers as well, I appreciate each and every one of you!
Ters: I just got your review as I started writing these responses! I offer my deepest and most heartfelt apologies for not updating sooner. You know how muggle life can be. I hope this was quick enough to keep you from going insane!
Bob-marly: Geez, thanks! I think Harry and Draco are pretty happy together in this chapter, don't you? I hope you keep reading and keep enjoying!
Tangled-hair: Hey there! I'm so happy you finally got a chance to read it! Thanks so much for the review; I absolutely love reviews! Yes, I'm aware of those inconsistencies that occurred when I adopted the OOTP canon. I'm trying to correct them a little at a time (and have been doing a little editing as I post on schnoogle). I hope this wasn't too long of a wait!
Lanfear: oh thank you thank you thank you! You're so flattering!
Delie: Sorry to disappoint you, but I felt the need to stick with canon as much as I could. If you keep following through the sequel, I can try to offer a little something that might make up for it in some small way. I'm glad you're still reading, and don't worry about catching up. I seem to be taking a while to update so we're about even. (This is in response to your review of chapter 23.) Thanks for sticking with me!
Menecarkawan: I know, you miss him. You're not alone, but it'll be okay. Harry has to deal with things in his own way right now, but never fear – Draco is there for him to lean on. (Passes out more tissue).
TGP: Okay, I wrote more. I wasn't actually going to, but since you said I HAVE to, I changed my mind (grin). Seriously, though, there's still a few more chapters to this and a sequel planned as well. Thanks for reading!
Louise4: Here's a new chapter, hope your head hasn't exploded yet. I do sincerely hope you will all forgive me for what happened to Moony. As for Lucius, well, I can't spell everything out for you or you would have no reason to continue reading my updates, right? :)
Peachdancer: Thanks so much! I hadn't really put much thought into Ron's power. He's not a central figure in this world and not a part of the primary team. Nothing against Ron, you understand, it just didn't work out that way.
Vividian: I'm soooooo sorrryyy. (passes out more tissue, makes mental note to buy stock in Kleenex). I didn't even know they made little Remus plushies!
Azhure: I'm so glad you liked the canine-rat bit! That was in my head from about chapter 3! I'm having lots of fun with Lucius, too. It's amazing how much a cold-hearted, controlling witch can change a decent man! ;) (And that statement has nothing to do with my ex-husband and his current wife.) As for Snape's fingernails, what movie did you say that scene was in? I need to rent it.
HPIceAngel: I know, it was horrible. I'm so sorry. But I had to do it. You'll understand, I hope. I'm glad you liked the chapter despite Moony's untimely demise.
Malfoy Snogger: I'm glad you like Ron and Mione's roles in this. I was so happy when the aura thing popped into my head and gave me the perfect device to bring Hermione around without wasting lots of time. I hope you enjoyed this peak behind the closed doors and the confrontation between Lucius and Sevvie!