A huge bunch of thanks to those who have reviewed!
Crystal56: I didn't realize Harry came off effeminate. That was not my intention. He's still very much a man, as is Severus. Hence the slash warning!
Corgi1: Love your reviews, as always. I hope this chapter explained everything for you!
Moonysgurl: I'm glad you like it, so far!
idril.tinuviel: Thanks. I hope it's managing to keep you interested!
Mikee: Thank you! Hope you still like it now that I've dropped the bombshell!
texasjeanette: I hope you like the direction I've chosen. Ever since I read all those soul-mate fics, I couldn't get this idea out of my mind!
AN: This story is a continuation of all those fanfics in which Harry and Severus are forced together by a "Soul Mate" potion (or spell), usually masterminded by Albus Dumbledore. I've never written such a fic myself, but after having read more than my share, this plot bunny just wouldn't let me be. I've chosen to remain true to the variety of fics I'd read which sported this particular plot so Harry is an Auror, Sev is no longer teaching at Hogwarts, and the rest you will find out in due time…
Warning: HP/SS Slash!
He Who Knows BestChapter 2:
The following week flew by for everyone but Ariel.
Harry was busy dealing with the group of young wizards his team had trapped during the sting operation. The wizards, all in their early 20s, were in a 'dark magic' gang and had been vandalizing wizarding towns over the past few months.
Severus, as head potions researcher for the leading medicinal potions company in Britain, had his hands full as usual. He held a most prestigious post and with that came deep dedication and a strict work ethic.
Ariel, however, had been counting the hours since learning she would finally get a chance to visit Hogwarts over the weekend. She was so excited she could barely fall asleep at night.
She'd already owled Luke informing him his dad, father and baby sister would be paying him a visit. She couldn't wait to see him as well as Albus, whom she considered to be her grandfather. She was secretly hoping Luke would give her a tour of the Slytherin Dungeon, but knew that might be against the rules, since she didn't belong to the house, herself.
She hoped she would, one day. Even though she knew dad and his parents had been proud Gryffindors, she couldn't help but hope to be sorted into her father's house. She'd never voiced this wish to either of her parents, and she knew each one was secretly hoping she'd end up in his house. Furthermore, it was almost expected of her to end up in Gryffindor, since Luke had been sorted into Slytherin. She knew getting sorted into Gryffindor was the 'fair' outcome, but she still hoped and prayed that wouldn't be the case.
As much as she loved her dad, Slytherin struck her as her kind of house. Ariel loved her family above all else and she was sweet natured and playful, but deep down were personality traits that didn't surface that often. She was cunning and devious and she knew how to manipulate people to do her bidding. Her angelic face hid a raw ambition, drive and passion to have things go her way. So even if the sorting hat would think otherwise, the young witch knew she could talk him into seeing things her way.
* * * * * * *
Friday at noon the three Potter-Snapes took their turns flooing from their living room fireplace to that in "The Three Broomsticks". Rosmerta smiled at them upon their arrival and asked if they'd like to have a drink before trudging up to Hogwarts.
"People started arriving as early as 8 am, if you can believe that!" Rosmerta told them, as they politely declined the drinks.
"Hope this little shindig of Dumbledore's helps business some" she chuckled as the three left the pub.
As they started walking towards the castle, Harry and Severus on either side of Ariel, Harry asked his husband:
"Do you reckon everyone will be there, Sev?"
"You read the invitation, Harry. I imagine all those who received it will comply with Albus' veiled order."
Harry laughed heartily just as he heard someone calling his name from behind.
The Potter-Snapes all turned around at once and found themselves facing Draco, Hermione, and Troy Malfoy.
Ariel immediately rushed over to Troy, who was just her age and a good friend of hers. The 10 year old boy had his mothers light brown hair, but it was slicked back neatly imitating his father's hairstyle. Furthermore, his eyes were silver and cold, not unlike Draco's. The boy seemed to have a permanent smile on his face, reminding more of his optimistic mother. All in all, a good blend of both parents.
Harry and Severus stood in place, waiting for their friends to join them. Once they arrived, Harry and 'Mione shared a hug while Severus and Draco nodded politely at one another.
"Dragged you two down here too, did he?" Draco sneered at Severus and Harry.
"Draco, behave!" Hermione chastised her husband lightly. "How many times must I remind you of the fact that when a wizard of the stature of Albus Dumbledore tells you he wishes to enlighten you about something, you should feel privileged rather than tricked!"
Draco's expression remained impassive as he sighed at his wife's reprimand and continued speaking to Severus as the group walked towards Hogwarts.
"So any clue as to what this is about?" Harry asked Hermione while making sure Ariel and Troy weren't lagging behind the adults.
"I have no idea, Harry! That's what makes it so exciting! I mean what could he possibly tell us about the 'Animus Ligare Act' that we don't already know?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know, 'Mione. But for some reason, I don't find it at all exciting. I have a bad feeling about all this."
Hermione tutted at her friend and mumbled something about too much stress and always expecting the worst, but just then the two families reached the gates to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Albus Dumbledore himself was standing at the gates welcoming his guests. He was his usual jovial self, chatting with his former students, meeting their young children and thanking them for having accepted his invitation.
When the Potter-Snapes and Malfoys approached the gate, Dumbledore looked like the cat that ate the canary. He eyed the two couples proudly while licking his lips as if he'd just finished munching on a delicious sweet (which he very well may have).
"Well, well, well, I'm so pleased you lot could make it for the party" Albus exclaimed.
Draco and Hermione shook the old man's hand courteously and Hermione also flashed him a warm smile.
"Thanks for inviting us, Professor Dumbledore" she added as she presented their son Troy.
"Ah, young Mr. Malfoy. You're the opposite of your older brother now, aren't you? He has your mother's eyes and your father's hair color." Troy smiled bashfully at the kind old wizard.
"Don't slouch, Troy. You can shake his hand. He doesn't bite." Draco's voice resounded from behind.
Just then Ariel made her appearance from behind her father's overflowing black robes as she ran straight into the open embrace of Albus Dumbledore.
"Albus! You haven't visited us in AGES!"
Albus chuckled as he hugged the little girl. "I've done better than visit, my child. I've forced your parents to finally bring you to Hogwarts, haven't I?" He gave Ariel a conspiratorial wink as he straightened up to greet Harry and Severus.
"My boys, it's wonderful to have you back here. It's been quite some time since you were here last."
"Good Day, Albus" Severus replied curtly.
"Thanks for the invite" Harry added. "You managed to pique our curiosity, that's for sure".
This brought on a wave of chuckles from the old man as the twinkle in his blue eyes deepened.
"I assure you, all will be explained tonight at the ball. Your rooms have been prepared in the West Wing of the castle. Severus, I'm certain you can lead the group there, can't you? Each family will find a suite of rooms with their surname on the door where you will be staying for the duration of your visit. I trust you will be comfortable there. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to summon one of the house elves."
The two families made their way to the West Wing, where they found their respective suites.
"Why don't you drop Ariel off at our suite before heading for the ball? I'm sure she and Troy will enjoy spending the evening together. We will pay one of the house elves to sit for them, of course." Hermione offered the Potter-Snapes.
Severus eyed his daughter and nodded at Hermione. "Thank you for the offer. She will be over by 7:20 pm". And on that note the two families parted, each entering their own suite.
* * * * * * *
After settling in Hermione graciously invited Ariel to join her and Troy on a short tour of the grounds. Ariel was ecstatic at the idea of finally getting to see the places she'd heard so many storied about from her father, dad, and brother.
Severus and Harry chose to make the most of this unexpected private time by sharing a nice hot bath. After all, this was their 15 wedding anniversary and they were both alive to tell the tale. Not only that, but they could honestly say they'd arrived at a time and place in life where they were perfectly content with what they had. As they held one another tightly, Harry nibbled gently on Sev's ear and whispered, "I love you". Sev drew him into a deep kiss and offered one of his rare replies: "Merlin knows when it happened, Harry, but I'm completely enamored with you as well".
* * * * * * *
At precisely 4 pm Luke knocked on the Potter-Snape suite door. Ariel was the first one at the door and she gave her brother a bear-hug while screaming to their parents "Luke's here!!!"
Harry and Sev greeted their son warmly and the family sat down and enjoyed a full report on Luke's life at Hogwarts. Luke was in his 3rd year and the Slytherin Quidditch team seeker. Though his build had always been similar to Harry's, he'd recently gone through quite a growth spurt and was getting a bit too tall for the position. Unlike the rest of his family members, Luke did not have raven black hair. He had inherited Lily's beautiful auburn hair, which was every bit as unmanageable as Harry's. His onyx eyes were identical to Sev's, as was his cool exterior and snobbish manner.
Luke was happy to visit with his family since he had last seen them during the Christmas break. They were a close-knit family and the distance was pretty difficult for him at times.
Luke left their suite at 6 pm, leaving his parents enough time to dress for the ball. He'd promised Ariel he'd try to sneak her into the Slytherin common room the next day, but was secretly hoping his sister would let him off the hook. He was not a foolish Gryffindor and did not wish to break silly rules for no personal gain whatsoever…
* * * * * * *
By 7:20 pm Severus and Harry were dressed in their best robes as they brought Ariel over to the Malfoy suite. Hermione and Draco were almost ready to leave for the ball as well.
"Have a great evening, sweetheart. We'll come get you tomorrow morning" Harry said as he kissed his daughter goodnight.
"Thanks dad. You two have fun too, ok? And remember that you have to tell me all about it tomorrow!" The young witch teased as she hugged her father.
The two couples made their way towards the Great Hall, bumping into many familiar faces on their way over. It seemed everyone who'd been a part of the 'Animus Ligare Act of 2004' had shown up. Neville and Pansy (Parkinson) Longbottom, Seamus and Lavender (Brown) Finnigan, Dean and Justin Thomas-Finch-Fletchley, and Ron and Susan (Bones) Weasley, just to name a few.
Hermione and Harry instantly rushed over to Ron and his wife to say hello. The Golden Trio hadn't been together at a public event in quite a long time. Their friendship had lasted for some years, but as may have been expected, it had lessened as each one became more focused on his family and career. Furthermore, it had been much easier for Hermione and Harry to keep in touch, since their spouses were close as well. Once Ron and Susan had set up house, the other two lost common ground with him and over the past few years their contact with him consisted of birthday and Christmas owls only.
Ron seemed pleased to see Harry and Hermione and the three immediately caught up on their children, careers, and general events in life.
Within moments, they'd switched over to discussing the hot topic of the night. Ron was wondering if either one had any information regarding Dumbledore's news. He was disappointed to learn that they were just as in the dark as he was. Judging from the strained atmosphere in the Great Hall, everyone present was impatiently awaiting Dumbledore's eye-opening speech to commence.
Harry made his way back to Severus, who was sharing pleasantries with Emily Sinistra, who had been Emily Zabini for the past 15 years. A loud voice, possibly McGonagall's was suddenly heard in the Hall (no doubt thanks to an amplifying charm) requesting that the guests take their seats. Harry and Severus located their seats only to find out they were sharing a table with the Malfoys, Weasleys and Zabinis.
The Hall became silent as Albus Dumbledore strode in and walked to the podium in the front. The tension was so great, every little rustle could be heard in the Hall. Albus cleared his throat, took in the room with a calm glance, and began:
Former Students, Professors, and Friends,
I wish to thank you all for having accepted my invitation. It is wonderful to have you back at Hogwarts and to see the people you have become, over the years.
This evening we celebrate 15 years of marriage. Your bonds have matured over the time that has passed. You are nothing like the people I bound together, all those years ago. Your relationships have deepened; you've overcome obstacles, had children, built lives, shared triumphs together. I've no doubt you've all experienced hardships as well as joys in your wedded lives.
It pleases me greatly to see you have all remained together, after so many years.
You might be wondering why this would be an issue. After all, the 'Animus Ligare' spell pinpointed your one and only soul mate. If that doesn't ensure a 'happily ever after' scenario, what would?
Well, Witches and Wizards, that is precisely what I wish to enlighten you about.
The 'Animus Ligare Act of 2004' awarded me the right and responsibility to cast the complex soul-matching spell on anyone who so desired. As you well recall, the reason behind this act was Voldemort's second rise to power. I knew that binding wizards with complimenting strengths together would increase the Light side's power tenfold, as well as secure our continued existence. I had convinced the Ministry that I was fully capable of performing such a spell.
I don't need to remind you of the controversy that accompanied this decision. The 'Animus Ligare' spell was a revolutionary one, and the only love spells the wizarding community was familiar with until then were mere mindgames that forced unnatural emotions on its victim. Emotions which were very superficial and wore off within several weeks, or months at best.
So I invented the 'Animus Ligare' act and explained to the Ministry, as well as to you, that this was a true soul-matching spell that was completely foul proof.
You, my friends, are the brave, self-sacrificing individuals who rose to the challenge and agreed to fulfill the act.
I've waited 15 years to tell you the story behind the spell I created for you. I contemplated sharing this information with you 5 years ago, on your 10th anniversaries, but decided to wait a while longer. It was crucial that your bonds be firm and stable when learning the truth.
The 'Animus Ligare' spell was a hoax.
I did not invent a breakthrough spell, nor did I do so much as cast one. All I did was pair you up based on my own intuition and belief. I decided to ensure our side's victory by helping those of you, whom I believed would benefit from being bound to one another, figure this out. I merely nudged you in the right direction and by doing so helped you find the partners you've been with for the past 15 years.
I imagine this is quite a shock for all of you, but it is imperative that you realize I only had your best intentions at heart.
I sincerely hope you can understand my motives for having misinformed you, at the time.
Happy Anniversary, everyone!
* * * * * * *
The Hall was just as silent as it had been before Albus began his speech. Looks of horror, shock, and surprise graced the faces of all those present, but so far no one had moved or said a word.
Harry paled at hearing Albus' confession, and he now turned to face his husband. He had yet to fully comprehend what this news would mean for him and Severus. At that precise moment Severus' eyes turned to meet his for no longer than 2 seconds. Then the older wizard rose swiftly from his seat and rushed towards the exit.
As Harry watched his husband bolt through the door, he felt hurt, deceived, and helpless.
TBCSo, what did you think? I'd really love your feedback!