Thanks again to my reviewers. You keep me going. Ignore the tear stains. I always cry at weddings.
Disclaimers et al in part 1
Chapter 11- Going to the Chapel
The day of the bonding ceremony dawned bright and clear. Harry had hoped for dreary and overcast; it would have matched his mood. It was a little after seven and he was sitting by the window watching the sun come up. In just under twelve hours, he was getting married to Draco. By this time tomorrow, he would probably be pregnant.
He shuddered. That was the one thing he really hadn't allowed himself to think about while all of this was going on. Even when he and Draco were moving their things to the new quarters, neither one had entered the nursery. By unspoken agreement, they wouldn't talk about it until they had to.
The last two days had been busy, Moria had seen to that, and most of it had nothing to do with the bonding. The two boys had been put to work helping the younger students get ready for Christmas. There was wrapping and decorating and games, all done to keep the young ones minds off the fact they couldn't go home and Draco's and Harry's minds off the bonding. There was a brief rehearsal with the headmaster but it lasted less than an hour.
Harry heard a brief rustle of robes behind him but he didn't turn around. He knew the only one that could possibly been was Dumbledore.
"Harry." He was right.
"Hello, Headmaster," Harry said without turning around.
"You're up early this morning," Dumbledore said.
"I'm used to it," Harry said. He turned to look at the man.
"It's not too late to call it off, Harry," Dumbledore said. "No one would think any less of you if you did."
"Can you guarantee Sirius' and Remus' safety if I did?" Harry asked. "I mean, even if they were here at the school, could you tell me they wouldn't get caught?"
"If they were here, they would be safer, but no, I couldn't guarantee that," he said, shaking his head. "And something tells me Lucius has people in place in case that does happen."
"I wouldn't doubt it," Harry muttered. "Headmaster, will it ever happen?"
"Will what happen?"
"Will I ever get a say in my own life?" Harry asked. "For as long as I can remember, someone else has had control over my life. You, Voldemort, the Dursleys, Lucius Malfoy. There are times that I wish Voldemort had killed me when he killed my parents then I wouldn't have to live up to anyone's expectations. I wouldn't be the bloody Boy-Who-Lived."
Harry got up and began to pace. "I get so tired of living up to that name," he ranted, running his hands through his hair. "Do well in school because how can you defeat Voldemort if you don't learn everything. Don't break the rules because the Boy-Who-Lived can't be seen not following the law. Don't be friends with the Slytherins because everyone knows they're just Death Eaters in training. Don't let anyone get too close because Voldemort can use them against you.
"I'm getting bonded when I don't want to and having a baby with someone I'd rather not to protect someone who will never know it and wouldn't understand it if they did. When Sirius and Remus find out about this, and I have no doubts they will, I could lose them. I don't know which will make them madder, the fact I bonded with Draco or the fact that I did it to save them. They are the closest things I have to a family and I will probably lose them over this but at least they'll be safe... from Lucius any way."
Tears were running done Harry's face. "Will my life ever be my own?" he asked. "Will I ever have a say in what I can do, what I want to do?"
"I am so sorry, Harry," Dumbledore whispered. He walked over and wrapped his arms around the teenager as he cried. "I wish there was something I could to make this better for you. I really do."
Harry cried for a few minutes then began to quiet. The headmaster handed him a handkerchief and he wiped his face. "I'm sorry, sir," Harry said. "I don't really blame you, not for everything at least. Even as great a wizard as you can't know everything and you're not a seer."
"I thank you for that," Dumbledore smiled. "As for Sirius and Remus, yes, they will be upset and angry when they find out about this and the reason behind it. but I doubt you will lose them. They both love you too much to let you go. For what it's worth, I think you should tell them and the sooner, the better. They would be more upset if they heard it from someone else."
"You're right," Harry agreed. "I'll write them when things have settled down. I'm going to have to tell everyone else as well... about the bonding, I mean. They don't have to know why I'm doing it."
"You and Draco will have to come up with a believable story," Dumbledore said.
"Maybe I'll just tell them he got be pregnant and decided to make an honest man out of me," Harry smiled. "We've been having this torrid affair and just got carried away."
"Tell them there was a potion accident," Dumbledore suggested. "They might believe that."
"A spell gone wrong."
"An accidental bonding." By this time, they were both smiling.
'Why don't you get dressed and come down for breakfast," Dumbledore suggested. "You've a big day ahead of you and you need to eat."
"All right," Harry agreed. "I'll be down in about thirty minutes." Dumbledore gave him a final hug and walked out of the dorm room.
After Harry finished his morning ablutions and dressed, he headed down to the great hall. He sat down next to Draco who had also just arrived. Not much was said as they filled their plates and began to eat. They had almost finished when Draco leaned over to Harry.
"Nervous?" he asked.
"Yeah," Harry answered. "You?"
"Yeah," Draco admitted. "Any ideas?"
"Other than not going through with this and possibly getting both of us hurt or killed?" Harry asked and Draco nodded. "Not a one."
"Me, either," Draco said. Both boys sighed.
Just then, Moria appeared and sat down across from them. "Good morning," she smiled. "How are you feeling today?"
"Fine," they said in unison.
"Good," she said, not really sure if she believed them but she let it go. "Draco, your father will be here at six. He'll help you get ready while I help Harry."
"Oh, joy," Harry said without much feeling.
"After the ceremony, we'll have dinner here," Moria continued.
"What about our robes?" Draco asked.
"Just tell them you're going to a party," Moria said. "You two can decide when you want to leave." Draco and Harry just looked at each other. Neither of them really wanted to think about 'that' right then.
Once breakfast was over, Draco and Harry left the great hall. Walking down the corridor, they came to an alcove where they could sit. For the longest time, neither of them said anything. It was Draco who finally broke the silence.
"We can make this work, you know," he said. "This bonding, we can make it work."
"We have no choice," Harry said.
"There's always a choice," Draco said. "Remember the united front. Arranged marriages in my family are nothing new. Some come to love each other and some, like my parents, never even become friends."
"They didn't like each other?" Harry asked.
"They couldn't stand each other," Draco snorted. "They slept together only long enough to conceive me. Other than that, they had separate suites in separate wings of the manor."
"And when she died?"
"He didn't shed a tear," Draco said. "Oh, he played the part of the grieving spouse for about a week but then it was business as usual."
"And you?" Harry asked. "Did you shed a tear?"
"A few," Draco shrugged. "She did give birth to me but she was never really a mother to me. Father cared more about my than she ever did. She had the Malfoy name, the Malfoy position and the Malfoy money. That was what mattered. She married Father because she had to. She had me because she had to. Doing that got her everything else she wanted."
"That must have been hard on you," Harry said.
"Most of my acquaintances grew up the same way," Draco said. "It's not unusual among pureblood families. I always knew Father would pick out who I would marry. I just always assumed it would be a female."
"I thought I would marry a female as well," Harry said, "but I... I like being with you as well."
"I like being with you, too," Draco said. He moved over and sat next to the other boy. "We will make this work." He slipped his arm around Harry and pulled him close.
"Yes, we'll make this work," Harry said, leaning against Draco.
At three in the afternoon, Moria found the boys playing exploding snap with some of the others in the great hall. Pulling them away, she sent them to their rooms to rest until it was time to get ready. Neither teen thought they could sleep and told her so. She told them they just had to lie down and relax before everything got started. With a sigh, they headed to their dorms.
Draco had just reached the Slytherin common room when Severus found him. They walked into the room together.
"I have placed the fertility potion next to the bed in your chambers," Severus said, "along with two other vials. It is the blue one. Potter needs to take that at least thirty minutes before intercourse takes place. The clear vial is a lubricant that will make it easier on the both of you. The purple vial is a mild aphrodisiac. It is for the both of you. Even with teenage hormones being what they are, it will help the evening along."
"So will a good bottle of brandy," Draco smirked.
"Yes, but the aphrodisiac won't interfere with the fertility potion like alcohol does," Severus informed him.
"I guess that means no getting drunk tonight," Draco said. "Pity. It would help us forget that neither of us wanted this bonding."
"Draco, if there's anything I could do, you know I would," Severus said.
"I know, Uncle Severus," Draco said, giving him a small smile. "Just be a little nicer to Harry, if at all possible. Something tells me we're going to need your help later on."
"I shall do my best," Severus said, returning his smile. "Go on. I'll see you at the ceremony." Draco nodded and headed for his dorm room.
Harry looked around at the bare dorm room. Everything of his except what he would need to get ready for the ceremony had already been taken to his, their new quarters. With a sigh, he climbed on his bed and laid down. The rest of this day would be very long.
Draco was sipping a cup of tea when his door opened and his father walked in. "Hello, Father," he said. "Would you care for some tea?" Lucius nodded and Draco poured his cup.
"How are you doing today, my Dragon," Lucius asked as he sat down.
"About like you would expect on your bonding day," Draco said.
"Understandable," Lucius said. "Everyone is nervous on their wedding day, even if it is an arranged marriage."
"Even you?"
"Even me," Lucius admitted. "Your mother was several years younger than I so I didn't really get a chance to get to know her before we married. I don't think it would have made much of a difference in our relationship, however, other than to discover we couldn't stand each other that much sooner."
"At least Harry and I can be in the same room without hexing each other," Draco said.
"Are you two falling in love?" Lucius asked, leaning forward. That couldn't happen. It would ruin his plans.
"Of course not," Draco said, hoping his father believed that lie. "Neither of us wants this bonding and I doubt he would ever love someone that was forced upon him. No, something tells me our marriage will be something like yours." He took a sip of his tea trying to hide his true feelings.
"I understand," Lucius said. Inwardly, he smiled. His plans were coming together quite nicely.
"Time to wake up, Harry."
Harry slowly opened his eyes. Reaching for his glasses, the blurry shape standing over him turned into Moria when he put them on. He yawned, stretched and sat up.
"I can't believe I fell asleep," he said. He grabbed his robe and pulled it on.
"I can," she smiled. "I brought tea. Why don't we have a cup and then you can get ready." Harry nodded then followed her over to the table. They sat in silence for a few minutes as they drank.
"Harry, you do know Draco cares quite a lot for you," Moria said finally.
"And I care for him as well," Harry admitted. "Did his parents really hate each other?"
"Very much so," she told him. "Narcissa Black was never an easy woman for anyone to like. She cared for one person and that was Narcissa."
Harry looked wide-eyed at Moria. "Her maiden name was Black?" he asked. "Is she related to Sirius?"
"Cousins," she said. "I'm not surprised he never told you. They hated each other as much as she hated Lucius, if not more." She sat down her cup. "Finish your tea," she said. "It's time to get ready."
The room the ceremony was being held in was tastefully decorated. There were chairs for the three guests. Several kinds of flowers were scattered around the room and the only light was from the many candles that were burning. Soft music was playing from and unseen source. Severus and Dumbledore were already there when the door opened and Lucius and Draco walked in. They were followed a minute later by Moria and Harry. Dumbledore quietly cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.
"Since everyone is here, we can begin," he said. He walked to the front of the room then motioned Harry and Draco to take their places. Once they were in place, the ceremony began.
"We are gathered today to witness of the bonding of Draco Octavian Malfoy and Harry James Potter. The bonding is the joining of two never to be parted in this life. Draco, would you repeat after me."
"I, Draco, take thee, Harry,"
"To be my bonded spouse,"
"To be one with you,"
"To share all with you,"
"Standing together against all others,"
"So long as we both shall live."
"I, Harry, take thee, Draco,"
"To be my bonded spouse,"
"To be one with you,"
"To share all with you,"
"Standing together against all others,"
"So long as we both shall live."
"Do you have the bracelets?" Dumbledore asked. Lucius and Moria produced them and slipped them onto Dumbledore's wand.
"Draco, take the bracelet and slip it onto Harry's left wrist and repeat after me," Dumbledore said.
"Harry, accept this bracelet as a symbol of our bonding, never to be removed except in death." Draco slipped the bracelet on Harry's wrist.
"Draco, accept this bracelet as a symbol of our bonding, never to be removed except in death." Harry slipped the bracelet on Draco's wrist.
"If you would touch the bracelets together," Dumbledore instructed. The teens placed their wrists next to each other. The headmaster touched them with his wand and whispered a quiet spell. The bracelets glowed for a few seconds then returned to normal.
"As these two have repeated their vows and exchanged symbols of their bonding, by the power of Merlin, I pronounce them husband and husband, duly bonded," the elder wizard said with a small smile. "You may now seal the bonding with a kiss." The two briefly kissed, more for show than anything else.
There was a moment of silence before Moria spoke up. "A lovely ceremony," she smiled.
"Indeed," Lucius said. "I couldn't have hoped for anything more." Harry wanted to tell him what he had hoped for but decided to keep his mouth closed. Draco took his hand and gently squeezed it in support.
"And now, I believe there is a small feast awaiting us in the great hall," Dumbledore said. "Why don't we move this party there?"
"Why don't you go ahead?" Draco suggested. "Harry and I will join you in a few minutes." The others agreed and left the two alone in the room.
Once they were gone, Draco took Harry in his arms. "How about a proper kiss?" he asked.
"A very good idea," Harry smiled and they moved together.
Once they were out of the room and heading for the great hall, Lucius looked at Severus. "Is your... wedding gift ready?" he asked.
"It is," Severus nodded. "It has already been delivered and I gave Draco the instructions on its use this afternoon. It will do what you want."
"Excellent," Lucius said, a small smile crossing his lips. "Soon, everyone will have what they want."
"Especially you, my brother," Moria said. Lucius just smiled.
"Once should be careful, Lucius," Dumbledore said. "There can be a world a difference between what one wants and what one sometimes gets."
"Not this time," Lucius said. "This time, I will get what I want. I'll make sure of it."
"Oh, I have no doubt you'll get everything that's coming to you," Dumbledore said. The twinkle in his eye was shining brightly.
"Why do those words coming out of that mouth scare the hell out of me?" Moria whispered to Severus.
"Because you were always smarter than your brother when it comes to things like this," Severus said. "Something tells me this little scheme of Lucius' is going to bit him in the ass before everything is said and done."
"And we'll have front row seats when it does," Moria grinned as she slipped her arm through his.
"Indeed."
TBC
Was the bonding too sappy. I know the actual bonding part was short but I didn't think Draco or Harry would go for a long ceremony, especially for an arranged marriage.
Disclaimers et al in part 1
Chapter 11- Going to the Chapel
The day of the bonding ceremony dawned bright and clear. Harry had hoped for dreary and overcast; it would have matched his mood. It was a little after seven and he was sitting by the window watching the sun come up. In just under twelve hours, he was getting married to Draco. By this time tomorrow, he would probably be pregnant.
He shuddered. That was the one thing he really hadn't allowed himself to think about while all of this was going on. Even when he and Draco were moving their things to the new quarters, neither one had entered the nursery. By unspoken agreement, they wouldn't talk about it until they had to.
The last two days had been busy, Moria had seen to that, and most of it had nothing to do with the bonding. The two boys had been put to work helping the younger students get ready for Christmas. There was wrapping and decorating and games, all done to keep the young ones minds off the fact they couldn't go home and Draco's and Harry's minds off the bonding. There was a brief rehearsal with the headmaster but it lasted less than an hour.
Harry heard a brief rustle of robes behind him but he didn't turn around. He knew the only one that could possibly been was Dumbledore.
"Harry." He was right.
"Hello, Headmaster," Harry said without turning around.
"You're up early this morning," Dumbledore said.
"I'm used to it," Harry said. He turned to look at the man.
"It's not too late to call it off, Harry," Dumbledore said. "No one would think any less of you if you did."
"Can you guarantee Sirius' and Remus' safety if I did?" Harry asked. "I mean, even if they were here at the school, could you tell me they wouldn't get caught?"
"If they were here, they would be safer, but no, I couldn't guarantee that," he said, shaking his head. "And something tells me Lucius has people in place in case that does happen."
"I wouldn't doubt it," Harry muttered. "Headmaster, will it ever happen?"
"Will what happen?"
"Will I ever get a say in my own life?" Harry asked. "For as long as I can remember, someone else has had control over my life. You, Voldemort, the Dursleys, Lucius Malfoy. There are times that I wish Voldemort had killed me when he killed my parents then I wouldn't have to live up to anyone's expectations. I wouldn't be the bloody Boy-Who-Lived."
Harry got up and began to pace. "I get so tired of living up to that name," he ranted, running his hands through his hair. "Do well in school because how can you defeat Voldemort if you don't learn everything. Don't break the rules because the Boy-Who-Lived can't be seen not following the law. Don't be friends with the Slytherins because everyone knows they're just Death Eaters in training. Don't let anyone get too close because Voldemort can use them against you.
"I'm getting bonded when I don't want to and having a baby with someone I'd rather not to protect someone who will never know it and wouldn't understand it if they did. When Sirius and Remus find out about this, and I have no doubts they will, I could lose them. I don't know which will make them madder, the fact I bonded with Draco or the fact that I did it to save them. They are the closest things I have to a family and I will probably lose them over this but at least they'll be safe... from Lucius any way."
Tears were running done Harry's face. "Will my life ever be my own?" he asked. "Will I ever have a say in what I can do, what I want to do?"
"I am so sorry, Harry," Dumbledore whispered. He walked over and wrapped his arms around the teenager as he cried. "I wish there was something I could to make this better for you. I really do."
Harry cried for a few minutes then began to quiet. The headmaster handed him a handkerchief and he wiped his face. "I'm sorry, sir," Harry said. "I don't really blame you, not for everything at least. Even as great a wizard as you can't know everything and you're not a seer."
"I thank you for that," Dumbledore smiled. "As for Sirius and Remus, yes, they will be upset and angry when they find out about this and the reason behind it. but I doubt you will lose them. They both love you too much to let you go. For what it's worth, I think you should tell them and the sooner, the better. They would be more upset if they heard it from someone else."
"You're right," Harry agreed. "I'll write them when things have settled down. I'm going to have to tell everyone else as well... about the bonding, I mean. They don't have to know why I'm doing it."
"You and Draco will have to come up with a believable story," Dumbledore said.
"Maybe I'll just tell them he got be pregnant and decided to make an honest man out of me," Harry smiled. "We've been having this torrid affair and just got carried away."
"Tell them there was a potion accident," Dumbledore suggested. "They might believe that."
"A spell gone wrong."
"An accidental bonding." By this time, they were both smiling.
'Why don't you get dressed and come down for breakfast," Dumbledore suggested. "You've a big day ahead of you and you need to eat."
"All right," Harry agreed. "I'll be down in about thirty minutes." Dumbledore gave him a final hug and walked out of the dorm room.
After Harry finished his morning ablutions and dressed, he headed down to the great hall. He sat down next to Draco who had also just arrived. Not much was said as they filled their plates and began to eat. They had almost finished when Draco leaned over to Harry.
"Nervous?" he asked.
"Yeah," Harry answered. "You?"
"Yeah," Draco admitted. "Any ideas?"
"Other than not going through with this and possibly getting both of us hurt or killed?" Harry asked and Draco nodded. "Not a one."
"Me, either," Draco said. Both boys sighed.
Just then, Moria appeared and sat down across from them. "Good morning," she smiled. "How are you feeling today?"
"Fine," they said in unison.
"Good," she said, not really sure if she believed them but she let it go. "Draco, your father will be here at six. He'll help you get ready while I help Harry."
"Oh, joy," Harry said without much feeling.
"After the ceremony, we'll have dinner here," Moria continued.
"What about our robes?" Draco asked.
"Just tell them you're going to a party," Moria said. "You two can decide when you want to leave." Draco and Harry just looked at each other. Neither of them really wanted to think about 'that' right then.
Once breakfast was over, Draco and Harry left the great hall. Walking down the corridor, they came to an alcove where they could sit. For the longest time, neither of them said anything. It was Draco who finally broke the silence.
"We can make this work, you know," he said. "This bonding, we can make it work."
"We have no choice," Harry said.
"There's always a choice," Draco said. "Remember the united front. Arranged marriages in my family are nothing new. Some come to love each other and some, like my parents, never even become friends."
"They didn't like each other?" Harry asked.
"They couldn't stand each other," Draco snorted. "They slept together only long enough to conceive me. Other than that, they had separate suites in separate wings of the manor."
"And when she died?"
"He didn't shed a tear," Draco said. "Oh, he played the part of the grieving spouse for about a week but then it was business as usual."
"And you?" Harry asked. "Did you shed a tear?"
"A few," Draco shrugged. "She did give birth to me but she was never really a mother to me. Father cared more about my than she ever did. She had the Malfoy name, the Malfoy position and the Malfoy money. That was what mattered. She married Father because she had to. She had me because she had to. Doing that got her everything else she wanted."
"That must have been hard on you," Harry said.
"Most of my acquaintances grew up the same way," Draco said. "It's not unusual among pureblood families. I always knew Father would pick out who I would marry. I just always assumed it would be a female."
"I thought I would marry a female as well," Harry said, "but I... I like being with you as well."
"I like being with you, too," Draco said. He moved over and sat next to the other boy. "We will make this work." He slipped his arm around Harry and pulled him close.
"Yes, we'll make this work," Harry said, leaning against Draco.
At three in the afternoon, Moria found the boys playing exploding snap with some of the others in the great hall. Pulling them away, she sent them to their rooms to rest until it was time to get ready. Neither teen thought they could sleep and told her so. She told them they just had to lie down and relax before everything got started. With a sigh, they headed to their dorms.
Draco had just reached the Slytherin common room when Severus found him. They walked into the room together.
"I have placed the fertility potion next to the bed in your chambers," Severus said, "along with two other vials. It is the blue one. Potter needs to take that at least thirty minutes before intercourse takes place. The clear vial is a lubricant that will make it easier on the both of you. The purple vial is a mild aphrodisiac. It is for the both of you. Even with teenage hormones being what they are, it will help the evening along."
"So will a good bottle of brandy," Draco smirked.
"Yes, but the aphrodisiac won't interfere with the fertility potion like alcohol does," Severus informed him.
"I guess that means no getting drunk tonight," Draco said. "Pity. It would help us forget that neither of us wanted this bonding."
"Draco, if there's anything I could do, you know I would," Severus said.
"I know, Uncle Severus," Draco said, giving him a small smile. "Just be a little nicer to Harry, if at all possible. Something tells me we're going to need your help later on."
"I shall do my best," Severus said, returning his smile. "Go on. I'll see you at the ceremony." Draco nodded and headed for his dorm room.
Harry looked around at the bare dorm room. Everything of his except what he would need to get ready for the ceremony had already been taken to his, their new quarters. With a sigh, he climbed on his bed and laid down. The rest of this day would be very long.
Draco was sipping a cup of tea when his door opened and his father walked in. "Hello, Father," he said. "Would you care for some tea?" Lucius nodded and Draco poured his cup.
"How are you doing today, my Dragon," Lucius asked as he sat down.
"About like you would expect on your bonding day," Draco said.
"Understandable," Lucius said. "Everyone is nervous on their wedding day, even if it is an arranged marriage."
"Even you?"
"Even me," Lucius admitted. "Your mother was several years younger than I so I didn't really get a chance to get to know her before we married. I don't think it would have made much of a difference in our relationship, however, other than to discover we couldn't stand each other that much sooner."
"At least Harry and I can be in the same room without hexing each other," Draco said.
"Are you two falling in love?" Lucius asked, leaning forward. That couldn't happen. It would ruin his plans.
"Of course not," Draco said, hoping his father believed that lie. "Neither of us wants this bonding and I doubt he would ever love someone that was forced upon him. No, something tells me our marriage will be something like yours." He took a sip of his tea trying to hide his true feelings.
"I understand," Lucius said. Inwardly, he smiled. His plans were coming together quite nicely.
"Time to wake up, Harry."
Harry slowly opened his eyes. Reaching for his glasses, the blurry shape standing over him turned into Moria when he put them on. He yawned, stretched and sat up.
"I can't believe I fell asleep," he said. He grabbed his robe and pulled it on.
"I can," she smiled. "I brought tea. Why don't we have a cup and then you can get ready." Harry nodded then followed her over to the table. They sat in silence for a few minutes as they drank.
"Harry, you do know Draco cares quite a lot for you," Moria said finally.
"And I care for him as well," Harry admitted. "Did his parents really hate each other?"
"Very much so," she told him. "Narcissa Black was never an easy woman for anyone to like. She cared for one person and that was Narcissa."
Harry looked wide-eyed at Moria. "Her maiden name was Black?" he asked. "Is she related to Sirius?"
"Cousins," she said. "I'm not surprised he never told you. They hated each other as much as she hated Lucius, if not more." She sat down her cup. "Finish your tea," she said. "It's time to get ready."
The room the ceremony was being held in was tastefully decorated. There were chairs for the three guests. Several kinds of flowers were scattered around the room and the only light was from the many candles that were burning. Soft music was playing from and unseen source. Severus and Dumbledore were already there when the door opened and Lucius and Draco walked in. They were followed a minute later by Moria and Harry. Dumbledore quietly cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.
"Since everyone is here, we can begin," he said. He walked to the front of the room then motioned Harry and Draco to take their places. Once they were in place, the ceremony began.
"We are gathered today to witness of the bonding of Draco Octavian Malfoy and Harry James Potter. The bonding is the joining of two never to be parted in this life. Draco, would you repeat after me."
"I, Draco, take thee, Harry,"
"To be my bonded spouse,"
"To be one with you,"
"To share all with you,"
"Standing together against all others,"
"So long as we both shall live."
"I, Harry, take thee, Draco,"
"To be my bonded spouse,"
"To be one with you,"
"To share all with you,"
"Standing together against all others,"
"So long as we both shall live."
"Do you have the bracelets?" Dumbledore asked. Lucius and Moria produced them and slipped them onto Dumbledore's wand.
"Draco, take the bracelet and slip it onto Harry's left wrist and repeat after me," Dumbledore said.
"Harry, accept this bracelet as a symbol of our bonding, never to be removed except in death." Draco slipped the bracelet on Harry's wrist.
"Draco, accept this bracelet as a symbol of our bonding, never to be removed except in death." Harry slipped the bracelet on Draco's wrist.
"If you would touch the bracelets together," Dumbledore instructed. The teens placed their wrists next to each other. The headmaster touched them with his wand and whispered a quiet spell. The bracelets glowed for a few seconds then returned to normal.
"As these two have repeated their vows and exchanged symbols of their bonding, by the power of Merlin, I pronounce them husband and husband, duly bonded," the elder wizard said with a small smile. "You may now seal the bonding with a kiss." The two briefly kissed, more for show than anything else.
There was a moment of silence before Moria spoke up. "A lovely ceremony," she smiled.
"Indeed," Lucius said. "I couldn't have hoped for anything more." Harry wanted to tell him what he had hoped for but decided to keep his mouth closed. Draco took his hand and gently squeezed it in support.
"And now, I believe there is a small feast awaiting us in the great hall," Dumbledore said. "Why don't we move this party there?"
"Why don't you go ahead?" Draco suggested. "Harry and I will join you in a few minutes." The others agreed and left the two alone in the room.
Once they were gone, Draco took Harry in his arms. "How about a proper kiss?" he asked.
"A very good idea," Harry smiled and they moved together.
Once they were out of the room and heading for the great hall, Lucius looked at Severus. "Is your... wedding gift ready?" he asked.
"It is," Severus nodded. "It has already been delivered and I gave Draco the instructions on its use this afternoon. It will do what you want."
"Excellent," Lucius said, a small smile crossing his lips. "Soon, everyone will have what they want."
"Especially you, my brother," Moria said. Lucius just smiled.
"Once should be careful, Lucius," Dumbledore said. "There can be a world a difference between what one wants and what one sometimes gets."
"Not this time," Lucius said. "This time, I will get what I want. I'll make sure of it."
"Oh, I have no doubt you'll get everything that's coming to you," Dumbledore said. The twinkle in his eye was shining brightly.
"Why do those words coming out of that mouth scare the hell out of me?" Moria whispered to Severus.
"Because you were always smarter than your brother when it comes to things like this," Severus said. "Something tells me this little scheme of Lucius' is going to bit him in the ass before everything is said and done."
"And we'll have front row seats when it does," Moria grinned as she slipped her arm through his.
"Indeed."
TBC
Was the bonding too sappy. I know the actual bonding part was short but I didn't think Draco or Harry would go for a long ceremony, especially for an arranged marriage.