Phase 3-C – For a Lifetime

Draco walked down the stairs in decidedly bad mood. His seventeenth birthday had turned out to be a total disaster. True he had just been released from arranged marriage with Pansy, but as an exchange he was pushed into another forced engagement. And this one involved his soul being bound to another's. To Harry Potter's. He cursed Potter and whoever idiot invented Amora Aevus. If he didn't love his grandmother very much, he would have cursed that meddlesome old woman too for ruining his life. 'It could be worse,' Draco comforted himself, 'The charm could pick someone like Longbottom… or a Weasley. Hell, I'd kill myself if it were Vincent or Greg!' Shuddering, he reached the bottom of the stairs and continued his way to the dungeon. He must talk to Professor Snape as soon as possible.

Too much wrapped up in self pity, he looked down when he was walking. When a pair of shoes came into his vision, he abruptly halted and prevented himself from bumping to none other than Harry Potter. For a moment Draco couldn't say a thing and just stared dazedly at the boy who had just been revealed as his new fiancé.

Harry had seen Draco walking down the aisle with his head down and on purpose waited in the way. He was aware that Draco would most likely bump him, but the blond stopped in time. Draco looked so cutely confused and distracted, that Harry forgot about their row just a few moments before. Harry smiled at Draco while thinking what had made his beloved Ice Prince lose his usual poised self. "Draco, where have you been?" he asked casually.

At Harry's voice, Draco woke up from his stupor. Ignoring Harry's previous question, he demanded, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to Dumbledore's office. He told me he had something to tell me."

Frantic thoughts jumbled through Draco's mind. Dumbledore was going to tell Potter about their bond. That old man really didn't waste a time. After Potter found out what happened with him, what would he do to Draco? Would he accept it like a man? Would his hero-complex force him to bear the consequences of their bond? Did he really love Draco? Looking at Harry Potter in front of him, a sudden thought flashed. This was the boy who had been put on various perils and threats since a kid, burdened with the duty as a saviour. The same boy who had faced many losses and sadness in his life. Now that he was suddenly bound to another boy without his assent, what kind of new misery awaited him? Harry Potter didn't deserve this!

Acting on impulse Draco grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him away from the dreaded Dumbledore's office. Harry was confused, though he couldn't deny he was enjoying Draco's grip on his arm. "Draco, I must see Dumbledore now. He said this was important."

Draco whirled around, his grey eyes narrowing. Potter didn't need to know about this and get troubled because of it. "Don't go there, Potter. I happen to know what important thing Dumbledore's going to tell you. It's not a good thing, but don't worry. I'll find a way to put a stop to it. I won't let you suffer."

Elated by Draco's display of concern, Harry teased good-naturedly, "Why, Draco. I didn't know you care."

Draco stiffened and let go of Harry's arm he had been gripping subconsciously. What the hell was he thinking? Why did he feel bad for Potter instead of pitying himself as it was supposed to be? Since when did he consider Potter's happiness above anything? Must be a drawback because he was in love with another Gryffindor, their virtue could be contagious. Composing himself, he answered haughtily, "I don't care about you, Potter. It's just this thing concerns me as well." 'I won't let you suffer, my arse! I should think first before I speak.'

Harry watched him closely. He could swear that he had sensed sincerity and worry in Draco's eyes before. "Well, what is it that Dumbledore wants to tell me?"

Draco kept silent, contemplating what he should say or do next. After a long moment he decided that he couldn't find a single thing that wouldn't make things worse. Let Dumbledore tell Potter whatever he wanted to tell. He just had to wait and see. Draco realized that Harry was still waiting patiently for him to say something. Again, he wondered if this boy actually had some feelings for him. His attitude clearly showed that either Harry Potter was a tolerant hermit of thousand virtues or he actually enjoyed just being with Draco. Draco dismissively waved his hand and said, "Go to Dumbledore's office, Potter. But don't blame me on anything he's going to say."

After that, Draco turned his back on Harry and left. Harry just stared with calculating face before he too went back towards his original destination.

-xXx-

"Good evening, sir."

"Harry, my boy. Come and sit down. Sherbet Lemon?"

Harry took the offered sweets. "Thank you, sir. Why is it that I have a feeling you're going to reveal something big to me?"

"Precisely, Harry. This is something big. However, I have a very good reason to say that I believe you would love this news altogether. But beforehand, let me ask you one thing. Harry, how do you feel about Young Mr Malfoy?"

"Draco? Uhm… Professor, I think this is a private matter."

"So is the news I am going to relate you. Correct me if I am mistaken. You said this is a private matter, hence it should mean that you consider Mr Malfoy more than just a friend."

Harry was quiet for a moment before he answered, "Yes. So much more than a friend." 'He is the centre of my life.'

Dumbledore smiled at the quiet confession. "That is what I want to hear. See, Harry, this thing I am going to tell you is about you and Draco."

Harry waited in anxiety mixed with anticipation at what Dumbledore would reveal to him. This was about him and Draco, and as the Headmaster had said before, he would love this.

"Harry, Draco is now officially your fiancé."

"I beg your pardon, sir. Draco is my what?" Harry's heart was thumping loudly. It couldn't be…

"Your fiancé. Bound to you for ever."

"My fiancé? Bound to me for ever?" 'Am I dreaming?'

Dumbledore nodded.

Harry stared in disbelief at the Headmaster before laughing aloud. Dumbledore waited patiently for Harry to calm himself.

"A… are you sure about this, Professor?" Harry was still a little breathless.

Dumbledore proceeded to explain to Harry about Amora Aevus and Draco's grandmother with her testament. He also explained the procedure of magical bonding marriage and its consequences. Harry listened intently and when the Headmaster finished, he had a stunned expression and could only mutter, "Wow…"

The Headmaster retrieved Mrs Malfoy's testament and showed it to Harry. Just like Draco, Harry traced the words on the parchment and stared for a long time at his name on the bottom of the paper. He took a deep breath and said in soft voice, "I can't believe this. I'm bound to Draco for eternity."

"What do you say about this sudden revelation, Harry?"

Harry smiled, all his love and happiness were shown in his eyes and that smile. "For me, it is just one of my best dreams coming true."

Dumbledore felt his breath taken away by Harry's genuine smile, not only because of its beauty but also because the smile was so full of bliss. He hadn't seen so much happiness in one person for quite a long time. He hated it that he must say his next words which could ruin those perfect smile and look. "Well, surely you know that Mr Malfoy himself is not too thrilled with this situation?"

As predicted, Harry's smile faltered. But it didn't disappear. "I know he doesn't love me. But I love him with all I have and I'm willing to do anything to make him love me back. You told me that Amora Aevus binds two persons who are soul mates. Draco is my true love, I know it, and therefore I must be his true love too."

"It is true, Harry. Your love for Draco is real and indisputable. But Draco told me that he is currently in love with someone else."

"Yes, I've already known it too. But the person he's in love with doesn't like him in that way. They wouldn't get together."

"Ah yes. Miss Granger is so much taken by Mr Weasley. They will make a great couple, as will you and Draco." Harry was hardly surprised by Dumbledore's perceptiveness. He blushed lightly at the thought of Draco and him as a couple. Dumbledore continued, "Tell me, Harry. Why do you think the charm picked you of all people to be bound with Draco? Why not Miss Granger?"

Harry didn't take a long time to answer. "I believe the charm chose me because in this world, I'm the one who loves Draco the most."

Dumbledore beamed at Harry's confidence and determined expression. "It is possible, Harry. This charm must have sensed your love for Draco. The person Draco's grandmother saw in her vision could be you, a perfect match for her grandson." Dumbledore stood up, followed by Harry. The old wizard extended his hand. "Congratulation, my boy. Your dream has come true. Now it is time for the next step. I must say this will not be easy, but I am sure you will be able to win Mr Malfoy's heart."

Harry shook the offered hand, smiling with poise and stating his promise. "Don't worry. I will be."

-xXx-

Grinning widely and whistling like he had just conquered the universe, the Boy-Who-Lived walked down the stairs, skipping occasionally. He couldn't believe his fate. 'I'm the luckiest man in the whole world.' Harry was still wearing his I'm-the-King-of-the-World-and-Voldemort-is-dead face when he caught the sight of Draco. He ran towards his beloved Slytherin – now officially his fiancé – and almost pounced on him.

Draco had been waiting for Harry at the bottom of the stairs to Dumbledore's office. He hadn't reached the Dungeon when he suddenly decided to get back there and wait to confront Potter. He wanted to know how exactly Potter's reaction would be about the bond.

"Draco!" "Potter!" Both boys called simultaneously, one with joy, the other with agitation.

Draco ignored the silly grin on Potter's face and hauled him into the nearest empty classroom. He pushed Potter to the centre of the room while he himself leaned his back on the door. A little breathlessly he spoke up, "What did Dumbledore tell you?"

Harry's grin widened and somehow his eyes had a wicked glint as well as pleasure. This quite confused Draco. Harry took large strides towards Draco and halted a foot before him. The black-haired boy purred, "It was exactly about what you thought he would tell me. We have been bonded."

The Slytherin thought that something must be wrong with his ears. Potter didn't purr. And he wasn't supposed to take their engagement as if it were the best thing in the world. "Do you know what it means, Potter? Now you can only live with one person, me! We'll be forced to live together, for a lifetime! We cannot be separated, not even by death."

"Isn't it a good thing?"

Draco stared. Harry continued speaking, "Dumbledore told me that according to the testament we're going to be united in magical bonding marriage. After we carry out the bond, our magic powers will increase greatly. We could also obtain special abilities which not all wizards may have."

'Oh, so that's all about it. He thinks it's a good thing just because he'll become even more powerful.' Draco was actually miffed because Potter only thought about power. It was supposed to be a Slytherin's trait. He decided to remind Potter that there were things to be considered other than power. "Don't forget the fact that the only sex you could have is only with me."

Harry chuckled as he saw Draco blush with his own words. He had a beautiful shade of pink on both his cheeks and looked so innocent and pretty. 'Bet he's a virgin.' He took another step closer and caught Draco's eyes before stating confidently in a positively seductive tone, "That's the best part of the whole deal."

If there weren't a closed door supporting his back right now, Draco would've been fallen backwards. What did Potter's sudden flirtatious attitude mean? Since when was Potter capable of flirting? Was he flirting?

For his further surprise, suddenly Potter grabbed his hands and pulled him from the door. Potter led him to the front of the classroom and began to swirl their bodies together and he hummed a melodious tune to accompany their movement. For some minutes they were dancing like a young couple in love playing on a flowered meadow, spinning around together, hands in hands. Harry looked at the bewildered eyes of his fiancé and smiled lovingly. He pulled the other boy closer, then he let go one of Draco's hands to caress Draco's cheek. And suddenly their movement changed so now they were slow dancing like old married couple celebrating their gold anniversary. Draco was so stunned and instead of pulling away, his body moved on instinct to dance gracefully with Harry. Draco's first thought was that he didn't know Potter could dance. Then with a shocked expression, he abruptly released himself from Potter and stepped back.

'What the hell…? I danced with Harry, I mean Potter. Dancing! That Amora charm must be more powerful than what I thought if it could affect the minds.'

Harry couldn't believe his own nerve either. He suddenly had an urge to seduce Draco and make the blond boy completely his. He acted on his desire as the delicious back-up thought of 'He is my fiance' encouraged him. Harry flashed towards Draco and pulled the boy against his chest. He heard a shocked gasp and felt Draco tense against him. Harry wound his arm round the lithe body and made comforting circle on Draco's lower back, while his other hand entwined to the silky platinum strands on the back of Draco's head. Soon the boy in his arms relaxed visibly. Smiling, Harry pulled back a little and stared at a bewildered face of his beloved. He moved his hands to cup Draco's cheeks and brought his face closer. He wanted to show Draco his feeling subtly. What would be better for that than a good kiss?

As Harry's face became closer to his, Draco gulped. 'Whoa, déjà vu... Wait, this is just like in the dream! Was that a vision?' Letting out a very undignified girlish squeak, Draco wrenched away from Harry. He ran out of the classroom without looking back, his thoughts swirling around the circle of: 'He's going to kiss me! He's going to kiss me! Why did I run? He was going to kiss you, idiot!'

Harry was left in the classroom and sighed, berating himself. "Great, Potter. You scared him. So much for subtlety." He lamented over the previous encounter for some times before walking out there and returning to his Head Boy room.

-xXx-

Hermione was in the middle of memorizing the history of Eleanor Winchester, a witch with tragic life who became headmistress of Hogwarts ca. 1770-1800, when a very dishevelled Draco Malfoy came panting to her desk in the library. Draco dropped on a chair in front of her, trying to catch his breath. Hermione watched him curiously. He looked flushed and panicked as if a troop of bogies had molested him inside a broom closet.

"Hermione…," Draco panted, "Can I talk to you for a second? Sorry for disturbing your study." It was a good thing he had memorized her nightly schedule, so he knew where to find her.

"It's okay, Draco. What happened? Have you been running from Forbidden Forest to here?"

"No, just from Dumbledore's office."

"Did you go there after you suddenly left your party? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Just a bit confused. That's why I need to talk to you."

"I want to talk to you too about Ginny. What happened between you and her earlier?"

"Forget Ginny. That's not what I want to talk to you about."

Draco smoothed his hair and calmed his entire body before he faced Hermione again. She waited for Draco to talk.

"Have you ever heard about an ancient magic called Amora Aevus? It binds two people it thinks as soul mates."

"Amora Aevus? No, I haven't heard of it. But I think I know what you're talking about. An ancient Dark Magic binds two people for ever and once put into action, its effect cannot be revoked. Is that the one?"

"Sounds similar. Where did you find out about it?"

Hermione blushed and whispered her answer, "In the restricted section of the library."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "I want to make a research about this charm. Professor Snape could help me to obtain a pass to access the restricted section."

Hermione raised an eyebrow in return. "What is that for?"

Draco contemplated telling Hermione the truth. She would probably help him too. "My grandmother cast that spell years ago to bind me with someone she thought would be my perfect spouse. I want to cancel that."

Hermione gasped. "Your grandmother cast that for you? Have you been bound yet?"

Draco nodded with a grim expression, "The charm was activated today and it has found my so-called soul mate." Hermione's face fell. Harry didn't have a chance any more.

"Well, as far as I know any ancient spell could never be cancelled. But I will help you."

Draco's face brightened. "Really?"

Hermione nodded resolutely. "Absolutely. I don't want you to be bound without your consent. You're my best friend, Draco. Your happiness matters a lot for me."

The Slytherin smiled and his face softened with hope and happiness. "Thanks, Hermione."

"Don't mention it. By the way, who is it? The person who is bound to you now?"

Draco groaned. "Oh, I can't believe it and you probably cannot either. It's Potter."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You mean Harry?"

"Yes, the one and only Harry Potter."

"You… you're bound to Harry? I can't believe it!"

"I told you so."

"No, you don't understand." Hermione had an overjoyed expression and she laughed. "Merlin, it's Harry!"

Draco watched her incredulously. What had got into her? "Yes, it's Harry. So what? It's not that funny." He felt offended that anyone would laugh at the fact he was bound to Harry Potter. He wondered whether Hermione thought he was too good for Potter or the other way around. Strangely neither of the options appealed to him.

Hermione sobered and beamed at Draco. "I didn't laugh because I thought it was funny, Draco. I just couldn't believe that Harry is so lucky!"

Draco snorted. "Yeah, he certainly is. But what about me?"

He started when Hermione suddenly placed her hands on top of his. He looked up and saw her watching him calculatingly. "Do you hate Harry, Draco? Because he'll die if you do."

"Oh, please. This is the Boy-Who-Lived we're talking about, even Voldemort couldn't kill him. Besides, what if I do?"

"Draco, listen to me," Hermione said with a serious expression. "Harry loves you."

Sweat began forming on Draco's temple and both his palms. "Are you kidding me?"

"Draco, he's been in love with you for quite a long time. He told me he fell for you since the beginning of this year. Why do you think he always wants to stay close to you, always looks at you, always seems dazed and distracted whenever you're near him? What do you think the meaning of that song he sang for you earlier?"

'So that was really a love song!' "That's… that's impossible! How can he feel like that for me? We used to be enemies, and for 5 years it was!"

"Just like you and me before, yet now we're good friends, aren't we?"

"But… but… I've never given him a chance to see anything good in me! Moreover, I'm a boy!"

"Well… Harry has his own point of view about that. He sees you beyond your outward appearance; it doesn't matter whether you're a boy or a girl. Nevertheless you've changed a lot, Draco. You may not be the friendliest person to him, but Harry loves you for who you are. Believe me, he truly does. He'll give anything for you."

If someone else said that to him, he would've smacked that person's head very hard. But now was different. He always completely trusted Hermione's words. Besides, this brought back memories of prior events. The beginning of this year… Potter suddenly broke up with Cho. People said there was someone else, but he never saw Potter approaching another girl. Instead he became like glued to Draco, always got close to him, conversed with him, helped him with anything (although Draco still lost the Snitch to Potter). He even regularly wrote letters to Draco during last summer. Draco thought those were just Potter's pathetic attempts to satisfy his hero-complex – saving a damsel in distress from deep hole that didn't exist. Was that actually more than that? Letting his mind open free, Draco felt a sudden enlightenment. This would perfectly explain Harry Potter and His Strange Attitudes. All Potter's lavish attention for him, Potter's various odd behaviours recently concerning him, everything made sense. The boy loved him. Not platonically it seemed.

Previous event when Harry suddenly held him close in the classroom was brought into his mind. Draco was still amazed that he didn't reject Harry immediately. He didn't mind Harry's proximity. His feeling was like in the dream, that being close to Harry was disconcerting as well as… nice. If Draco really wanted to admit it, the reality was much more pleasant. The taller boy had an intoxicating smell.

'So Harry… quit calling him that! So Potter loves me. And I… I like being with him, at least physically. Seriously, what does it mean? Hermione… I still love her, though.'

"Hermione, I… I…, "Draco wanted to tell her what his own feeling was, but found it difficult to push it out on his tongue. Looking helplessly at Hermione, he finished almost soundlessly. "He's not whom I love…"

The girl in front of him leaned closer. "Sorry? He's what?"

Draco recoiled, blushing furiously. "I said I don't love him. I've never considered him more than a friend."

"Oh, in any case you think of him now as a friend, I'm glad. Try to get to know more about Harry, Draco. You'll find him so easy to be loved, I assure you." Hermione sighed and smiled happily. "I love both you and Harry so much. You two are my best friends. I really hope you can find happiness together. Especially Harry. You know how much he has suffered all these times. Draco, you are the only one who can bring the greatest happiness to Harry. Please, at least consider my words. Do this for me, okay?"

Draco felt his world shaken upside down. What was he supposed to do now? He nodded dumbly at her pleading face and rewarded by a warm hug from Hermione. Draco couldn't look at her in the eye any more and hastily bid her good night. Returning to the dungeon, he felt like crying. Did he have no hope left for Hermione?

-xXx-

Hermione confronted Harry straight away after Draco left her. She met him in his Head Boy room, wearing a mixed expression between melancholia and extreme bliss.

"Why, Mr Potter. Mr Malfoy has told me about your bond with him. I believe congratulation is in order."

Harry smiled and hugged her. "Congratulate me later, Hermione. I've just made Draco angry. But I'm still so happy."

Hermione patted his back. "Of course you are. Bonded to the love of his life, who wouldn't be happy? Now tell me the detail about it. Draco didn't explain a lot."

"Okay." Harry led her to sit on the couch in front of fireplace and proceeded to tell her everything, including his attempt to kiss Draco afterwards.

"Wow, Harry. I didn't know you have it in you to make such blatant advances like that."

"I didn't know that either. I think the knowledge that Draco would be mine no matter what has boosted my confidence… and hormones."

"So that was why he looked so flushed and alarmed when he met me. He must've run directly from you to my place. You must apologize to him, Harry. Your action could be considered as sexual harassment," she said patronizingly.

"Yes, Ma'am. Of course I'll apologize to him. I also want to set everything right with him as soon as possible. I don't want him to think I've tried to molest him. But we should wait for the next day, after Draco gets over his shock, otherwise he would hex me once he saw me. You know him."

"Poor boy. He must've never encountered things like that before, especially by another boy."

"Yeah. I don't think he even has experience with girls. As far as I know he hasn't had any relationship before."

"Stop grinning like idiot, Harry. Are you happy because Draco is probably a pure virgin?"

Harry stopped grinning at once. Hermione was oblivious to shame flashing briefly in his eyes and continued, "You're right though, Draco has never had any girlfriend before. Wonder why, he is so cute. Do you think he's actually more into boys? Or he's just frigid? I'm kidding, Harry." The last one added as soon as Hermione noticed Harry frown in disapproval.

"Whatever. By the way, what did he actually tell you about it?" Harry wondered if Draco confessed that he loved Hermione during his confused state.

"First he asked whether I knew about Amora Aevus. I heard about similar charm, and told him so. He said he wanted to research this charm in library's restricted section. Then I asked him what was that for, which he answered that he was bound to someone by his grandmother using this charm, and he wanted to cancel this." Here Hermione saw Harry's face sadden. "Oh, don't worry, Harry. He was probably just shocked after your attempt to kiss him and had a bad idea about you."

Harry knew that Draco wanted to cancel the bond because of Hermione. "I don't think so. Before that he had already shown displeasure against this whole bonding with me business."

"Any boy would be shocked when suddenly he's engaged to another boy. Here, let me finish my story. I asked him who was bound to him. He said it was you, and for a moment I couldn't believe it. When he told me previously he had been bound to someone, I thought you had lost your chance. I asked him again if he hated you. Draco didn't answer directly, but I caught his meaning that he didn't. That's a good thing, isn't it? Then I told him that you loved him." Hermione grinned widely while Harry gasped.

"What? Hermione! I told you not to tell him that! I wanted him to hear those words directly from me!"

Hermione waved her hand in dismissive gesture. "Oh please. You had a perfect chance to say that to him before, but instead you resorted to kissing."

Harry blushed. "I thought it would've turned out better than if I had expressed my feeling with words."

"Honestly, Harry. You should lift your mind from the gutter. Oh, I see. You were hoping Draco would be so enraptured with your kiss and he would accept you afterwards since you're such a smashing kisser. Silly boy."

Harry blushed even more but didn't contradict her accusation.

"This is strange, Harry. Draco seemed surprised and unbelieving when I told him you loved him. If he knew you were going to kiss him, he should've guessed."

"I didn't quite touch him. Maybe he fought me without even knowing my intention," Harry sulked. "God, Hermione. I was so stupid. Even with my smashing kisser quality, I wouldn't be able to make him interested in me. Bonded or not, he doesn't love me at all. He may never will."

"Now, now, where's your previous confidence gone? Moreover, I disagree with you. Draco was raised without knowing what love is. I've shown him about friendship and tolerance, now it's your turn to teach him about love."

"He knows what love looks like, Herm. Do you think in whole 17 years he has never fallen for anyone?"

"Probably. I've had suspicion that he harboured a crush on Cho last year, but soon got over it. But I doubt he's ever felt true love."

"Have you felt true love, Herm?"

Hermione blushed. With a soft emotional whisper she answered, "Oh yes, I think I have."

Harry grinned at her. "Ronald Weasley is a lucky guy. Must be the sexy freckles, or the legendary red hair." This earned him a slap on his upper arm.

"Tonight we're discussing your pathetic soul, Harry Potter, not my love life. I repeat, Draco is still in a phase where he cannot distinguish between a crush and a true love. You have passed the phase obviously. So you'll know what to do to him."

Harry gave a blank face. "Yeah, I will. Especially since he never knew I love him till you told him."

"You've been bound together, Harry. Now Draco would be compelled to pay more attention to you. Convince him you love him from the bottom of your heart. With words, and then with real actions. Don't ask me how, I tell you this requires more than kissing and serenading. Oh, you know what? The song you sang to him tonight, it seemed to have effectively melted him. Trust me, Harry. Draco actually likes you, but he's just too stubborn to admit it. You were his long time rival. Right now, be patient and show a complete understanding for his situation. Then sooner or later he'll be completely taken by you."

Harry looked sceptical as well as expectant. "You seem so sure about everything."

"Of course I am! What do you take me for?"

'A Know-It-All who doesn't realize that a guy is in love with her,' Harry thought. But he didn't say anything. They both grinned at each other.

Hermione got up and said, "It's late. I'd better go back. We'll talk later in the morning. Oh, Ron will be so shocked!" Smiling, she continued, "One more thing, Harry. Next time tell him first you love him before trying to get physical contact."

Harry gave her a lopsided grin and shook his head. Hermione bid him good night and wished him sweet dreams of Draco before she left.

Harry lay down on his bed and sighed contentedly. This was the most wonderful day of his life. He had just been told that Draco was bound to him, and now Hermione convinced him that he had a chance to make Draco fall for him. Recalling the heavenly feeling of Draco's body pressed against him, his silky hair, his enticing scent, Harry couldn't help moaning in pleasure. Draco felt so perfect in his arms. It was even better than anything he had imagined. He couldn't wait till he met Draco again and hopefully they could finish their disrupted kiss. Harry fell into deep slumber full with pleasant dreams about Draco.

-xXx-

After returning to his private room, Draco spent an hour tossing restlessly on his bed. He was torn between crying and screaming to release his built-up frustrations. He caught sight of the pile of birthday presents which had been moved into his room. This was the most bizarre birthday event in his entire life. What would happen with him now? What would his mother say? Screw Father, this is all his fault that caused this mess in the first place! Was his grandmother satisfied now with the result of her charm? The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that the charm was a mistake. I don't love Harry. I mean, Potter! He remembered his godfather Snape. He hadn't talked to him yet. Draco got up and put on his cloak. It had been past curfew, but to reach Snape's office he didn't have to worry about it. Dungeon was his home, and only his rules applied here.

Draco arrived in front of the office and knocked gently. He answered Snape's demand of who it was and the Potions Professor allowed him in immediately.

"Professor," greeted Draco. Snape looked at the distraught face of his favourite student and godson. "Draco. Come in and sit down."

"Thank you, Severus. I need to talk to you about something. I hope I didn't disturb you."

"No." Actually Draco's arrival had a bad timing since Snape was in the middle of brewing an important potion. However, his godson was far more important than that. "Now what do you want to talk to me about?"

"Just now Dumbledore told me something. Do you know about… uhm, my engagement with Harry Potter?" Draco blushed. He willed himself not to, but somehow he felt shy talking to his godfather about this. It felt like they were going to discuss about his secret lover. 'God, Draco. You're going to ask Severus about some unwanted engagement, not the wanted one!'

Snape sneered at the mention of Harry's name. "Yes, I've already known about it before that senile Dumbledore told you. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier, but Dumbledore made me promise not to. Damn that Amora Aevus, I don't believe that old charm. If it is really meant to bind a person with his soul mate, why did it pick Potter for you?"

"Do I have any hope to revoke this bond?"

"Unfortunately no, this charm's effect is irrevocable. I'm really sorry, Draco. You deserve someone much better than that Potter scum."

Draco shifted, suddenly felt embarrassed and angry that Snape had just insulted Potter. 'What's this with my obsession to defend Potter's dignity? Another bloody effect of being bonded?'

"I think I'm actually very lucky," he blurted out and regretted it at the same time.

Snape narrowed his eyes. "Why would you say so?"

"Uh, just kidding. I meant to be sarcastic." 'Smooth, Draco. Really smooth.'

"Right. That Potter brat, always thinks he could get whatever he wants. I can't stand the way he's always ogling you. Like in my classes, or during the opening ceremony."

'Potter ogling me? Well, I know he does it sometimes, but to make Severus so annoyed, it must be quite in extreme degree. And why did Severus sound like jealous?' "Professor, may I have your note as a pass to access the restricted section of library? I know what you said earlier about this charm being irrevocable, but I still want to make sure of everything."

"Of course, Draco. I'm glad you don't easily accept this silly engagement. I'll help you with whatever you need. I can't let you go like this. You're not meant to be with some prat like Potter. You're just simply too pure. Too beautiful." Snape stood from his desk and approached Draco, who felt like bolting out there as soon as possible. Did Snape just rhapsodize about him? Perish the thought!

Placing a hand on Draco's shoulder, Snape continued, "Potter could never give you what you really needs, Draco. He doesn't know you, not like me."

"Thank you, Severus. But please, don't worry about me. I don't want to be a burden for you. You've had enough."

"As long as you're going to be happy, Draco, I don't mind. I want to make you happy. And you're never a burden for me."

The hand on his shoulder started massaging him. Draco blushed furiously. This was getting weirder and weirder, even more uncomfortable than his encounter with Potter earlier. "Euh… Professor, I think I'd better go back to my room now."

"Do you want me to accompany you?" For Draco it sounded as if Snape had just asked to go to bed with him.

"What? No, no, it's not necessary. Good night, Professor. I'm sorry for troubling you."

Without waiting for Snape's reply, he left the office in a flash. Draco walked back to his room with an uneasy feeling tingling all over his body. He resisted banging his head to the wall. What did he do wrong? Why did people he didn't want hit on him whilst the girl he loved just wanted to match him with someone else? Life was so unfair!

TBC