Phase 4-A – What Other People Say

Saturday morning arrived. Draco woke up on the floor as he'd rolled out of bed during a comical dream about Harry Potter and Professor Snape chasing after him. It was still in crack of dawn. A rapping on his window prevented him from going back to sleep. A school owl was waiting to deliver him an early post. Draco opened the window and took two letters from its talon.

The first letter was from Dumbledore. It read:

Dear Mr Malfoy,

I hope you have had a good night. I apologize for disturbing you this early morning. Please come to my office after lunch today. We will discuss about your engagement to Mr Harry Potter. I have also asked Harry to come at the same time. I have written a letter to your mother, explaining the situation and requesting her presence today as well. We need to talk over this important matter together.

I'll be waiting for your presence.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Draco's heart was throbbing wildly. Last night was not a dream, no matter how unbelievable it was. He was bound to Harry Potter. For a lifetime, probably even beyond that. He shakily opened the next letter. It turned out to be a pass from Snape to access restricted section of the library, accompanied by a letter which asked him forgiveness for what happened last night, offered support for everything he needed regarding his engagement to Potter, and recited poetic rubbish of Draco's amazing beauty. He groaned. It seemed that all the strange happenings on his birthday night were real.

He went to bath and then came out to Great Hall for breakfast. For his immense relief, Potter hadn't arrived yet. He finished his meal hurriedly and returned to Slytherin's common room. He was about to go back to his room when a voice halted his step.

"Draco!" The Slytherin turned and saw Blaise approached him. He waited for his friend to reach his side.

"Where have you been yesterday? I haven't seen you since Dumbledore called for you."

"Let's go to my room. I want to tell you something."

They went to Draco's private room. After locking the door, Draco strutted to his bed and sat there. Blaise followed and sat beside him. Blaise noticed that his friend looked weary.

"So what did the old geezer want from you? Did he tell you something?"

"He practically delivered me two news, good and bad. Which one would you like to hear first?"

"Good news first, as always."

"I don't have to marry Pansy anymore. I've been engaged to someone else and it effectively breaks off any other engagement for me."

"What? How?"

"My grandmother had originated a testament for determining my future spouse on my seventeenth birthday. She was apparently influenced by some kind of future prediction about me. What really surprising is, that testament contains an ancient and very powerful magic that bound me to someone it chose. Dumbledore showed me the testament and it has already had a name on it. It's another Hogwarts student. I have no idea what kind of condition required for this person to be suddenly selected as my ideal spouse, but the charm has bound our souls together. This binding is permanent, even Dumbledore doesn't know how to revoke it. So the point is I'm forced to spend the rest of my life with a person chosen by a charm…" He deliberately hid the fact that Amora Aevus was said to bind two soul mates. He, the soul mate of Potter?? Hah!

Blaise scratched his chin. "Ancient charm to bind you and someone else… What kind of thing is that, sounds like a bonding marriage? It's your soul which is bound, did you say?

"Yes, it is. And it's rather similar to bonding marriage indeed. Just this time it's the soul, not the magic, which is bonded. We're inseparable now. Either together or die."

"How romantic."

"For you. Imagine if suddenly you were going to marry someone, you had no choice whatsoever because the only one with whom you could have physical relationship was this person. Still romantic?"

"Still interesting anyway. But who's the lucky girl going to marry our hottest Slytherin here?"

"It's a guy."

Blaise hold his snicker and amended, "And who is this lucky guy?"

Draco stated glumly, "This is the bad news. I'm going to marry a guy and it's Harry Potter."

Blaise gasped. "Harry Potter?? The Harry Potter??" Draco nodded, and became totally baffled when his friend hugged him and laughed.

"Draco! You lucky old git! I can't believe you. Congratulation, mate!"

"What? This isn't funny, Blaise! I'm serious!" Draco pushed the other boy and glared at him.

Now it was Blaise's turn to be confused. "What's your problem? You said you were going to marry Potter, right?"

"Yes! Can you see? It's Harry Potter we're talking about!"

"Exactly there it is: it's Harry Potter we're talking about. The extremely sexy, handsome, charming, delicious, present Head Boy and Hogwarts Sex God Harry Potter! You're going to marry the hottest bloke in Great Britain (quoted from Witch Weekly)! Mind you, he might be a Gryffindork but boy, hasn't he a body to-die-for! Once I watched him in Quidditch changing room last year. Those biceps were amazing. You saw them too last night! Have you ever seen his abs? I tell you he had a six pack. I bet now he has developed even more nicely. Oh and I love his arse! Under his robe we ca…"

"Hold it!! And stop drooling on my sheet, will you?! Thanks for the depiction but I. Don't. Care. No matter how great his body is, I do not swing that way. And I know you don't either, Blaise." During Blaise's flattering rant about Potter, Draco had developed a headache. Draco wanted to know how the hell Blaise could watch Potter in Gryffindor changing room, but Slytherins used any means to get whatever they wanted.

Blaise shrugged. "I tended to think so before last year, before suddenly Potter became the most shag-able person in Hogwarts. Admit it, Draco. Potter is that type of man who could make anyone reconsider their sexual preference."

Draco scrunched his face in disgust. "Make me an exception. Potter is a dirty hypocrite. I still cannot forget when he and that Weasel Twin sent me to infirmary on fifth year."

"You admitted it was your fault."

"Correction: I admitted I started the fight. That doesn't justify what he did to me afterwards! I just spoke the truth, and they got physical!"

"I believe it was part of your great scheme to make Potter and the Weasleys expelled, no?"

Draco scowled at Blaise's smiling face. "Maybe it was. Too bad they were only banned from Quidditch. Damn that old senile Dumbledore for granting them to return the next year. Moreover, I will never forgive him for what he did to me on the train home after fifth year."

"That wasn't Potter's doing. His loyal followers did that to you."

"On behalf of Potter!"

"Come on, Draco. You didn't expect him or his cronies to stay still when you were going to hex him to eternity, right?"

"Geez, he made my father go to prison! It was just even if I wanted to take revenge!"

Blaise patted Draco's shoulder to calm him. "Relax, mate. It's all in the past. Well then, we're just talking about your opinion on this whole binding arrangement. But how about Potter? He's already known, right? What did he say?"

"He's fine about it." Draco shivered when he remembered how Potter had tried to (maybe) kiss him and Hermione telling him that Potter loved him.

Blaise raised an eyebrow. "Wow, really? He's okay to be married with you? And have his soul bound to you?"

Draco inhaled sharply. "We won't just get a normal marriage. From the testament instruction, we're going to have bonding marriage. Potter likes it because the bond will considerably amplify our magical powers and most likely invoke some new enhanced abilities. This certainly gives us advantage for the battle against the Dark Lord." He didn't mention that Potter seemed keener on the sexual prospect.

"That's great, Draco. You and Potter are going to be very powerful! Together you could defeat You-Know-Who."

"Yes, but at the same time if Voldemort kills him, I'll die as well. Great, isn't it? I don't even have to wait till we're bonded in marriage, since our souls have been linked to each other by now."

"Err, now that you mention it, it's kind of scary really, this bonding of soul. But don't you believe that Potter is going to win this war? He's so powerful already; didn't you say he could do wandless magic? After you and him unite in bonding marriage, both of you will be even much stronger. Potter won't die easily, and neither will you."

Draco said nothing. Blaise scooted closer to him. "It's not so bad, Draco. Your chosen spouse could be worse. It could be Millie, even Vince or Greg! Or that horrible toad-like fifth year who's crazy about you. Or Longbottom!" Blaise shuddered.

His blond friend smiled slightly. "Funny I thought of that too earlier. But it doesn't really lift the mood, you know."

"Why do you oppose it so much, being engaged to Potter?"

"Isn't it normal? What's not is: why are you so enthusiastic in convincing me to accept it?"

"Well… But I thought you've been friends with him."

"I never say so. I may act civil towards him, but it doesn't mean I like him even in the slightest bit."

After a silent contemplation Blaise suddenly blurted out, "Are you in love with someone else already?"

Draco tried his best to stay composed and fought the blush that crept over his face. "No! I don't… I'm not in love with anybody. It just… this is so sudden. And it's Potter." He finished lamely. Blaise didn't look convinced.

"So I take it that you don't like being engaged to Potter."

"That's right. I don't like being engaged to Potter."

"You don't want him at all."

"I don't want him at all."

"You're just jealous of him."

"I'm jus… What? Damn you, Blaise! I don't like him, but I'm not jealous of him!"

"What is it you don't like about him actually? His goody-goody attitude? I thought we've made it clear that Potter could be as sneaky as any Slytherin. His brain? You told me yourself he was smart. Him being a male? I know you're open-minded. His looks? No way are you going to complain about it!"

"He's not that perfect! And I prefer girls, thank you very much!"

Blaise sighed. "Just admit it, Draco. This is the boy who never stops trying to befriend you for about a year. You have no reason to dislike him so much."

Draco glowered dangerously and spoke through gritted teeth, "Fine. I'm jealous of him. Who's not? Everybody favours that bloody Golden Boy, putting him on the pedestal, treating him like a saint. They think he's the only hope for the Wizarding World. We, Slytherins, are just worthless garbage. Death Eaters wannabe, Dark Lord's little followers. If not because of Potter's words we would have been unfairly treated for those accusations. He only said: 'I believe them' and everyone else believes us too. Damn Gryffindor hero and his loyal devotees!"

He stood up and began prancing. "Harry Potter always gets what he wants. He wants me, and abracadabra, through a sick old binding charm which he didn't even have to cast by himself, he got me!"

Blaise perked up. "He wants you?"

"Uhm, yes. I'm not sure, but Hermione told me so. He tried to kiss me yesterday… maybe."

"He did? Hell, Draco, if Potter likes you then now it's only up to you to sort out whatever disagreement left between you two. After that you and Potter will make a hell of a couple!"

"Did you listen to me or not? Who wants to be with Potter? I'll kill myself first! No, I'll kill Potter first!"

Blaise didn't even miss a beat. "I know it! I've always known it's kind of fishy that Potter seems to be too interested in you. The way he always looks tenderly at you, the way he speaks to you, the way he keeps defending you from others… If I look at it now, it's so obvious he fancies you. And that song! I knew he was referring to you, but that's not the whole thing. He referred himself in that song to you! He loves you! Harry Potter loves you! Ohh, Draco, this is fantastic!"

When Blaise turned to look at his friend, he saw Draco had sunk his face onto the pillow. "Draco?"

Silence.

Blaise put his hand on Draco's back. "Draco, I'm sorry. Are you mad at me?"

A muffled whisper was heard from the pillow, Blaise leaned closer. "Excuse me?"

Draco turned his head slightly so his voice wouldn't be stifled anymore and spoke, "I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at myself. Sorry, Blaise. I lied to you before."

Blaise frowned. "What are you talking about, Draco?"

"I told you I wasn't in love with anybody. Well, I am. There's someone I like a lot. I love her so much. Therefore it's hard for me to accept that I've been bound to another person. Potter is a great man, I agree with you. I don't think I even deserve him. If he really loves me, it will be an honour for me. But you see, Blaise. I have my heart for someone else…"

"Draco…" Blaise was at loss. "Would you tell me who it is you really love?"

After waiting for a whole minute Draco answered, "Hermione Granger."

"Ah, Granger. But isn't she with Weasley?"

"Not yet. I'd planned to court her this year, before Dumbledore revealed to me about my grandmother's testament."

"So what are you going to do now?"

"No idea. But at least I don't need to worry about marrying Pansy anymore," Draco said bitterly.

"I'd like to give a suggestion, Draco. You said this binding to Potter is irrevocable. Now what you can do is just keep moving on. Potter is already in love with you, I'm sure of it. It's best if you also try to love him back. Trust me, that way you would be happy. Maybe some ancient magic has decided a spouse for you but whatever happens, your happiness is in your own hand."

Draco stared at his friend. He must admit that Blaise had a point. There was no use for him if he kept wallowing in self-pity. Besides, he had repeatedly admitted that Potter was kind of nice. 'Can I actually love him…?'

"I'll think about that."

Blaise nodded. "Well, I leave you now then. Don't push yourself, you already look ruffled. Very un-Malfoy-ish, if you ask me." He stood up and went to the door. As he grabbed the door's handle, Blaise heard a softly whispered "Thank you" from Draco's direction. He smiled and closed the door.

Alone, Draco continued to think. Dumbledore's words came into his mind. '…someone who would give you this happiness…' Potter was said to be the one who would give him happiness. Could it be true?

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Harry was awakened by the arrival of Ron and Hermione in the morning. He let them in and was soon enveloped in a tight embrace by Ron. The red head was laughing. "Harry! Mione told me you're engaged to Draco now. Is that true? How did that happen? I can't believe this! No one can be this lucky without trying!"

"You should see him when I told him about your bond, Harry. Ron was practically in frenzy, as if it were him who got bound to the love of his life," Hermione was smiling happily. "Hey, it's almost past breakfast time. You've just woken up I see. Too much sweet dreams last night?"

Ron grinned. "Hope we didn't disturb your pleasant dream about a particular pretty Ferret boy."

"Yeah, you did. You woke me up just when the best part was going to commence."

"Harry! Honestly, you boys. Can you for once think about non-sexual things, like your study maybe?"

"God, Hermione. Who said I was dreaming about sex? It's your own conclusion coming from your own sex-filled mind. Silly girl." Hermione punched his arm.

"Tell me the detail, mate. Mione said you should tell me yourself about this whole soul-binding thing with Draco."

So Harry retold this soul-binding thing with Draco, and just like to Hermione he told Ron about his failed kissing attempt. Ron exclaimed, "What a Gryffindor thing you did, Harry, that bravery! Mind you, I used sarcasm. Draco must be pretty scared, accosted by you that way. I bet that boy has never been kissed before."

Harry stared at him suspiciously. "How do you know?"

"Easy. He blushed like a virgin when we (me, Seamus, and Dean) were talking in front of him about some… uh, activities and… girl's body. He kept shifting awkwardly during that time. He finally ran away when our discussion became hotter and more… explicit." Hermione looked at him disapprovingly. Ron continued, snickering, "We all laughed at Draco's attitude afterwards. Even Neville laughed too when we told him. He was even shyer than a first year!"

"He ran away when he heard about sexual stuff, Draco is so adorable…" Harry said dreamily. Ron laughed and declared that he must agree on that matter with Harry.

"Well you think it's funny now, don't you? Remember, Harry, if Draco is really as shy as Ron's version of him, you will find it more difficult to approach him, not to mention kissing him," Hermione pointed out.

"I'm not worried about that. I've decided to take it slow. Be patient, as you said last night."

"Are you sure you can handle it, mate? Maybe your head can be patient, but it won't be the same for your healthy 17-year-old body."

"Oh, there's always a way to satisf… to divert my attention, for example Quidditch or studying," Harry eyed Hermione, who nodded appreciatively.

"Speaking of Quidditch, you remember today we'll start practising for the new season, right? Don't let your binding business with Draco affect you too much. I still remember last season, after you started falling for him, you were completely distracted during practises and the real matches. Lucky for us, the Snitch loves you so much. Otherwise Slytherin would win the Cup for sure."

"Don't worry, Captain. Quidditch Cup won't run off from Gryffindor's possession." Despite his solemn promise, Harry knew he was going to repeat his distracted state like last season. He couldn't help it; Quidditch and flying were two things which always reminded him of Draco, among many other things of course.

"Do you know the exact consequences of your soul being bound to Draco, Harry? Amora Aevus is a Dark Magic, wouldn't it have some kind of negative effect after all?"

"Strange you didn't try to find it out by yourself from the library, Herm. Dumbledore basically said that soul binding is just that. Soul binding. The bond would never tamper with your mind or power. Although it's a Dark Magic, this charm has neither aggressive nor damaging nature. The only couple things from the bond that make us must be together are one: we cannot live separately in a distance for long. Two: since we're supposed to be the true love for each other, the bond will not allow sexual intercourse with other people."

Ron patted Harry's shoulder. "So now you're officially engaged to Draco, as mentioned in his grandmother's testament. And you're bound to him eternally. Neither of you could cheat on each other this way, right? You've both become truly inseparable."

Then Hermione uttered her concern, "I think it's going to be very dangerous, Harry. What I'm afraid of is when someone wants to hurt you, they could use Draco for that. If Draco dies, it will cause your death too."

Ron gasped, "I didn't think about that! Harry! This is serious, mate!"

Harry frowned. "Even without any bond, I'll die if something happens on Draco. And you two are just worried about me. It's the other way around too, if I die, Draco will also die."

"We're worried about both you and Draco, Harry. Have you thought over this, anyway?"

"Yes, I have. Dumbledore mentioned it last night in his explanation about our bond. But I'm not afraid. I'll protect myself and Draco with everything I have, and I can do it."

He wasn't just bragging, and his friends understood this. Ron and Hermione sincerely and firmly asserted their supports for him and Draco. Harry was very thankful that he had such great friends on his side. Harry knew his life would change in more ways than just about his relationship with Draco. This would influence his approaching battle against the Dark Lord. He remembered saying that he would defeat Voldemort, or die trying. But now this was different. He would defeat Voldemort. Period. He couldn't allow the other option, because if he died, so would Draco.

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Draco went to the library and searched the restricted section thoroughly. Near noon he had collected a few books containing details of Amora Aevus. He wasn't allowed to bring the books back to his room, but he magically copied the parts he needed and took them to his place. Draco had decided to skip the lunch in Great Hall. He suited himself with some yesterday biscuits from his mother.

He was very disappointed with all he could make out about Amora Aevus from those excerpts. Everything Dumbledore had told him was true. He was shocked that the limit of distance allowed to divide them was a mere 72 metres. They could separate farther than that just for 3 days within one month. This charm must be created to make people's life difficult.

Moreover this binding charm was said to have no effect to the mind and emotion of the people it bound. So he couldn't explain his unusual favourable feelings towards Potter last night. 'God, am I in love with him already?' He groaned disbelievingly.

As the time to go to face Potter and their bonding business came nearer, he could feel his heart beating faster and faster. He wished he didn't have to go, but he knew this was important. This was his own life they were talking about. He wondered what his mother's reaction was when she found out her only son had been bonded to the Boy-Who-Lived, a family's enemy and a boy. Was this going to be the end of Malfoy's line?

Someone knocked on his door. Draco nearly jumped, his hands sweating. He hoped it wasn't Harry or Hermione. "Dracoooo! Wake uppp!" Oh, good… just Tonks. He breathed in relief. Draco got up and ran his fingers through his hair, fixed a cool façade, then snapped his fingers to make the door open.

"Wotcher, cousin. You almost miss lunch," Tonks barged in and plopped on his bed. Draco joined her.

"That's my intention, don't you see?" He offered his biscuits to her, which she eagerly welcomed.

"You okay? Still having hangover from last night? I didn't see you at breakfast."

"Your breakfast is when everyone else is already at class." Draco sighed, "Listen, Tonks. If you want to congratulate me or something like that, just stuff it."

Tonks gasped and stared at Draco with awe. Draco shifted, "What?"

"You called me Tonks…," she breathed. "Wait. Why should I congratulate you again? Your birthday was yesterday. I am right this time!"

This time it was Draco who stared at her in astonishment. "You mean you didn't know? About me and Harry, err I mean Potter?"

"What is it between you and Harry? You're going to marry each other?" Tonks gave him a lopsided smile. But Draco suddenly blushed and it piqued her curiosity. "You are going to marry him?"

Draco stood up abruptly and his voice rose with panic and embarrassment. "I was forced! My grandmother had cast the spell to bind me without telling me first! There's nothing I can do to revoke this bond! Now Harry and I are bound forever! If I die, so will he. I mean, if he dies, so will I! And we also must spend the rest of our lives as married couple! 72 metres, for Merlin's sake! What am I supposed to do now?"

Tonks resisted from asking the details. She caught the gist of what Draco had said and that her cousin was quite distraught at this moment. She didn't want to trouble him even more, and despite her bewilderment at what had really happened, she pulled Draco to her embrace and rubbed his back soothingly. Draco whispered, "What am I supposed to do?"

"Draco, everything will be all right. Harry's a good boy. He loves you."

He stiffened immediately. "He told you that?"

"Erm, no. I made the conclusion myself. You see, with all his caring attitudes and gooey eyes on you, it's hard not to notice. He cares so much for you."

Draco felt his eyes sting. "I don't. Love him."

Tonks pulled back to look him in the eye. "Not yet."

"You know I'm in love with someone else. I can't love him."

"You'll learn to. You can do it, Draco. Can you see how much Harry adores you?"

Draco smiled bitterly. "He sang a love song for me."

His cousin grinned. "Don't you agree with me that he was so sexy last night? His body, and also his voice. Anyone would kill to take your place now."

"Hm," Draco replied unenthusiastically.

"Draco," Tonks paused a moment. "The girl you said you're in love with… is she Hermione?"

Draco stared at her. Tonks sighed, "Please, I'm not as clueless as some others might be. I've thought about it. The only girl you seem interested with is Hermione."

"Yes. You're right," Draco admitted quietly. Tonks looked at him with sad and apologetic eyes. "She isn't for you, Draco. Hermione likes Ron."

"So? I can't like her if she likes someone else? Harry can like me even though I like someone else! You and Hermione are just the same, you only think about Harry!"

"Ain't true! Draco, you're just like a little brother for me. You're what matters the most for me. If Hermione loves you, then I'll encourage you to be with her instead of Harry."

Draco pouted. "But after I've bound to Harry, it doesn't matter anymore whether she loves me or not."

"Then why fret?"

"Because I'm bound to Harry!"

"You call him Harry now."

Draco tensed. "Do I? Well, that's his name. I'm bored calling him Potter."

Tonks smiled understandingly. "So who knows about your bond with Harry?"

"Besides the obvious? Severus knows. Hermione and Blaise too, I told them. I don't know why I told you too. Please don't tell anyone about this."

"I won't. How did you find out about your bond anyway? Your mother told you?" Draco just narrated the whole story to his cousin, exclusively left out the part of Harry and him in the classroom. It was embarrassing, and he actually didn't know if Harry really intended to kiss him that time.

"Whoa, Harry must be over the moon after Dumbledore told him! You didn't see him afterwards? And today?" Draco shook his head. Tonks continued, "I must go see him! Harry probably couldn't believe his luck, but after all his deeds, Heaven must sympathize to him a lot. The boy deserves happiness more than anyone else does."

"Do you think I deserve him?" Draco suddenly asked, his voice hesitant and rather timid. Tonks looked incredulously at him. "Of course you deserve him! You are a good boy, Draco. But what's important is Harry loves you. That's enough reason."

Draco didn't say anything anymore. He just leaned to the side and rested his head on Tonks' shoulder, while Tonks lightly stroked his hair. They stayed like that until the time to go to Dumbledore's office came.

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Remus Lupin calmly sipped the tea from an antique china. Dumbledore stroked his beard in front of him. Lupin put down his cup of tea and fixed his eyes on the old man who had summoned him there.

"About the Charm, Albus. Amora Aevus is a supreme level magic in Dark Arts nature. Would it be any chance Mrs Malfoy had performed a slightest bit of incorrectness – a mistake, when she cast it?"

"Mrs Malfoy was deeply proficient in ancient magic, even Voldemort was afraid of her. I dare say the probability of mistake when she cast the most difficult of spell is nought. Besides, after the spell was cast, there would be still opportunity to examine any fault or inaccuracy. She was dead serious whenever it concerned her beloved grandson."

"I see. It's not that I don't believe her, or hoping that this was a mistake. I'm concerned because this involves Harry. This boy has long since he felt happiness in his life. You told me before Harry loves Draco, seriously in love, not a simple crush. Do you know how long he has been keeping this feeling?"

"I've started noticing Harry's change of heart towards Draco ever since they had first become friends. Harry seemed to pay special attention for his new friend more than a friend normally would do. But I know Harry had completely fallen in love with Draco around the first month of this year, after that incident in Hogsmeade. It troubled me at first, because I knew about Draco's future bond arrangement. But I realized that all might have a nice possibility to end well for both of them."

"So you have known about this beforehand? That Harry is Draco's soul mate?"

"I'm not a seer, my friend. But I have this persistent feeling that Harry would end up as Draco's chosen match. They give me a strong impression they were born for each other. I even had the audacity to insinuate about their unusual love prospect during the start-of-term banquet, although I must admit it was very stressful for me when Draco's birthday was nearing. I was worried it wouldn't be Harry who was going to be bound with Draco. That would certainly destroy our poor boy."

"You were seriously thinking Harry truly loved Draco, weren't you? Couldn't it be a teenage boy's infatuation? Well, after this entire affair I suppose you're right all along. I must admit Harry becomes a definitely different person when Draco is near him or whenever Draco is concerned. Or more likely, he suddenly turns on all the best parts of him."

"It shocks me sometimes, Remus. The love Harry feels for Draco is so strong, so unshakeable. This is what I call an eternal love. Harry would still love Draco even after he dies. Harry, I'm afraid, will give everything for Draco. Everything."

Lupin stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Does he really? If it is true then, Draco will become the centre of everything in this war. Because he is the centre of Harry's mind and heart, and the source of his real power, right Albus?"

"He is the source of Harry's real power. And wouldn't it make him also the source of Harry's most fatal weakness? This is not a teenager's love issue. This is even more than just a soul binding affair, Remus. There's war waiting for Harry, and it would make everything complicated. I pray all would really end well after all."

The two men paused on their conversation at the sound of the Gargoyle moving to open the office's door.

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"Remus!" Harry and Lupin embraced warmly. Lupin patted Harry's back. The boy was taller than him now.

"Harry my big boy. How are you? My god, you look even much happier than I imagined."

Harry grinned widely. "You know about me and Draco?"

"Yes, Albus told me just this morning. This is unbelievable Harry. Is that true you love Draco?" Harry nodded vigorously. Lupin smiled a fatherly smile to the boy. "How could I never see it coming? I should've been suspicious seeing how you always appeared all sunny and cheery whenever you received Draco's letter during last summer."

"You'll never know. I love him so much, Remus. He is everything I want, everything I need, everything I dream about. I live my life for him. Now he's mine, forever and ever. He's…" Harry stopped and grinned sheepishly at Dumbledore, having just realized this was the Headmaster's office.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he smiled leniently at Harry. "It's all right, Harry. Don't mind me. I actually found it rather amusing and very much refreshing to watch the young express their passion unreservedly. Don't you agree, Remus?"

"Certainly. It's much better to pour out your feelings in front of other people than to suppress them inside so that you're the only one who knows."

"But Harry, you remember very well our controversial old regulation of no kissing within school ground, don't you?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously. Harry spluttered. It shouldn't have surprised him, however, the Headmaster spying on him. This old man sometimes had nothing better to do.

Lupin perked up. "What was that? Did you really kiss him, Harry?" Harry groaned. Now everyone knew he had tried to kiss Draco.

"No, I tried to. He ran away. I was too hasty I think. Just suddenly had this need to prove my sexual prowess to him," he said sarcastically.

Lupin laughed. "Harry, I have a good reason to say that the untouchable Draco Malfoy will not recognize it when he encounters a display of sexual prowess, or even any sexual matters. He must've never kissed a girl before."

"I know he hasn't been involved in a relationship, but won't it be strange if he's really never kissed any girl? He is one of the best looking guys in Hogwarts. And he's 17."

"I heard the Malfoys are quite a conservative family and they have strict rules about man-woman relationship. But I'm sure you know him better than I do, Harry. Do you think he's kissed anyone besides his mother? "

The sound from the office's entrance stopped Harry from replying. Draco walked into the office with his usual Malfoy grace and distinction. It was important for him to maintain that refinement, since his intuition said that the others had just been talking about him, judging from that odd grin on Dumbledore's face.

"Ah, Mr Malfoy. Glad you come after all. The letter didn't disturb your sleep I hope," Dumbledore greeted the newcomer. Draco caught the sight of Remus Lupin standing beside a too familiar figure.

"Headmaster. Lupin," Draco acknowledged the elders. Lupin was there probably as Harry's godfather representative, he thought. The young Slytherin didn't look at his fiancé, knowing very well he would blush. 'Pathetic. Didn't you say you don't love him?'

"Draco," Harry smiled affectionately at him. Draco quickly averted his face to opposite direction, but Harry caught a slight blush appear on his cheeks. He smiled even wider.

On the other hand Draco tried futilely to place an indifferent mask on his face. His heart raced uncontrollably, and just the mere presence of Harry… Potter… Harry… whatever, distracted him to the core. Since when the black haired boy had this effect on him, he had no idea. Maybe since the last night encounter, or maybe it was since the first time they met at Madam Malkin's robe shop.

"My mother hasn't arrived yet," Draco stated.

"Don't worry, Draco. She would be here soon. Severus has specifically gone to fetch her from Malfoy Manor. Now, sit down. We will wait for Mrs Malfoy to arrive before we start our discussion."

Draco wanted to take the farthest seat from Harry, but gently Remus guided him so he ended up sitting beside Harry. Their chairs were too close for Draco's comfort. Both Dumbledore and Lupin exchanged smile as they watched the two boys' interaction. Harry kept smiling and staring at Draco. Draco kept blushing and averting his eyes from Harry.

"Sherbet Lemon anyone?" Dumbledore kindly proffered. Draco took the offer so he could have something to distract him from Harry's penetrating gaze. But he stretched out his hand at the same time with Harry reaching for the sweets bowl. Their hands touched, and Draco felt electric current shocked his entire body. With a startled gasp, he quickly retracted his hand.

On that moment, they were alerted by the arrival of the next concerned party. A distinguished tall woman appeared on the doorway as scent of classy pure blood and expensive lifestyle flooded the other men's sense in the room. "Mrs Malfoy. Welcome to Hogwarts. Please, come in."

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Narcissa Malfoy entered the office, accompanied by Severus Snape. Draco wanted to approach his mother, but Snape's presence rather alarmed him. After she greeted Dumbledore and Lupin, Narcissa hugged her son warmly. For once she forgot her cold aristocratic manner and just acted as a loving mother she was. "Draco love, oh I was so worried when I received the post from Headmaster this morning. But apparently there is nothing to be worried about. How are you, son?"

Draco questioned himself what her mother meant by nothing to be worried about. "I'm fine, Mother. How are you?"

"Excellent. Everything is in order at the Manor. It's such a relief that your engagement to Pansy has been cancelled."

'But now I must marry Harry Potter instead. How could you say it's such a relief?' Draco said inside his mind. What had Dumbledore actually written to convince his mother?

Everyone took their respective seat. Both boys still sat next to each other. Harry turned to Draco and in a quiet voice asked disbelievingly, "You're engaged to Pansy?"

"Not anymore. All thanks to you and my grandmother's brilliant vision."

Harry looked apologetic and miserable, whispering, "I'm sorry." Draco felt a twinge looking at him.

"I wasn't being sarcastic, Potter. I'm really glad my enforced engagement with Pansy is off now."

"Even when you end up being bound to me instead?"

Draco was silent for a moment. "Yes. I like you better than Pansy anyway."

The euphoric and relieved smile on Harry's face was startling. It felt great to Draco that he had managed to lift Harry's spirit significantly, only by simple, not-really-praising words.

Narcissa squeezed her son's hand affectionately. She whispered to Draco, "Harry is a nice boy, isn't he Draco? He's also very fetching." Draco nodded dumbly. He couldn't deny it anyway.

"Mother, are you really all right with all of this?"

"I was surprised at first, Draco. But I've thought over it again and again, and I could not find a single flaw that disappoints. You are bound to Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. Not only it's an honour for us, with this bond, you're going to be even more protected. Your father couldn't force his will on you anymore, because you have become the responsibility of Mr Potter. Oh, and what really relieves me is that Headmaster mentioned in his letter that Harry is quite fond of you."

Draco cursed that old wiseacre and his presumptuous big mouth. He coughed delicately and glared at the chuckling Harry.

Meanwhile, Lupin was confounded when he saw the way Snape looking at Harry. Snape most likely wasn't excited to have his godson engaged to Harry Potter, but the glare directed to Harry was not normal. Lupin was strongly reminded of a scorned woman when he watched Snape. He prayed this whole thing was not like what he thought it was.

Dumbledore stated formally the reason they were gathering today, then he rose from his seat and showed the charmed testament of Draco's grandmother to Narcissa. After she seemed satisfied, Dumbledore returned the testament to its place.

He walked around his desk to stand in front of the others. "Everyone here must be curious as to the existence of the bond created by Amora Aevus. Therefore we can now perform a simple disclosing charm to reveal the bond between Harry and Draco. Please stand up, gentlemen." Harry and Draco stood up, and Dumbledore summoned various ancient ritualistic items from his cabinet. The Headmaster stood in front of the boys at the centre of the room, with the other three persons watching from a bit afar. He directed the boys to stand opposite each other, with the items circling them.

The charm turned out not simple at all. Dumbledore seemed to exert a lot of power to finish some incantation causing the items to float and shine brightly. Fawkes sent out loud noises and fluttered his wings. "Close your eyes, boys," Dumbledore instructed. Harry and Draco followed his words, and suddenly they both felt terrible pain. They were thrown into a space which was filled with intermingled colours, indescribable shapes, and indistinct voices. Harry didn't see Draco, and Draco didn't see Harry. However, both sensed the presence of one another. They knew this extraordinary space was where the bond was situated – the representation of their souls. It mystified them that they actually understood all those things they saw and heard there, yet at the same time couldn't describe any of them. But altogether, inexplicably, they were certain of one thing: the bond was there. It connected everything there.

They heard Dumbledore asked them to open their eyes. When they did that, they were presented with the office's view and the awestruck expression on people around them. Harry and Draco looked at each other questioningly.

Dumbledore smiled and explained to them, "These people here, my boys, realize how powerful the quality of your bond is."

"I have seen a few magical bonds revealed, and I know the standard of it, but this is the first time I see one of such an advanced level," Narcissa admitted. She continued in a whisper, "So this is how a soul bond looks like."

Lupin said with admiration, "That was the most impressive magic form I've ever seen. I could even feel its power strongly from distance. Amora Aevus is truly an amazing spell."

Snape only snorted, but he too had worn an astonished expression before.

Everyone returned to their seats after the display of the bond. Both Harry and Draco had different thoughts about the revelation of their bond, and how strong it was. Harry was thrilled, he felt vivacious and also relieved. He had been told before the charm was unbreakable, but after he experienced it by himself just now, it gave him more confirmation and confidence. Nothing could ever separate them now, and he would do anything to protect both of them. He could do it, definitely. But he was still worried about one thing. Was Draco happy with this? Meanwhile, Draco was… Draco didn't know what to think.

Dumbledore said from behind his desk, "I must emphasize that in spite of its Dark Arts nature, Amora Aevus does not tamper with your magic inside your body. The bond only connects both your souls. The people bound will never be separable in matter of space. Both Harry and Draco will only be allowed to be apart farther than 72 metres for 72 hours within 30 days. The bond will automatically attempt to pull each party together with force to restore the distance after the allowed time has ended, but if both parties refuse the force – and it requires very hard effort to refuse it – you two know the end result."

"The bond will also forbid any sexual intimacy with any person other than your bound partner. This one is absolutely undeniable," Lupin helpfully added, much to the discomfort of Draco and amusement for Harry.

"Isn't it charming? I've always been worried that Draco would fall in love with someone who would leave him after a while. This way Draco could have the perfect spouse and live happily together for ever. Harry is such a fine-looking boy, isn't he Draco? Girls must be totally wild about him. I can picture you and him together in wedding robes, what a handsome image you two would make. I can't wait for my son to be married as soon as possible, it would be a very lovely wedding!" Narcissa exclaimed, her mother instinct kicking in.

Draco restrained himself from turning around in his chair and burying his face to the chair's back cushion. Was this really his mother, the impeccable Narcissa Malfoy? He knew his cheeks were burning hotly, but he forced an apathetic expression. Harry was also blushing, although not as much as Draco. All the elders in that room, excluding Snape, beamed at the pair of the two shy-looking boys.

The next minute, Dumbledore's expression turned grave. "All of us have certainly taken in the consequences of soul bond between Harry and Draco. This whole binding affair is a dangerous thing if someone from Dark Side or anyone with evil intention finds out about it. To harm one of you will also harm the other. You must realize the importance of secrecy in this matter. Did you two tell anyone else about your bond?"

"I told Ron and Hermione, but they've promised not to tell anyone else."

"I've told Blaise. He's a good friend, I trust him completely and he isn't into gossip. I also told Tonks."

Snape looked unhappy at the mention of Tonks. "Did you tell her not to spread this news, Draco?" His godson nodded. Sensing Snape's distrust, Draco added, "I trust her too. She knows what's right or wrong."

"Oh, but we know how clumsy my niece is," Narcissa said. "She might slip someday." Draco put his hand on his mother's. "Don't worry, mother. Or should we Obliviate her?"

Lupin rushed in, "It won't be necessary, I assure you. We could talk her into being absolutely cautious about this whole affair. There's a code of honour for that."

Dumbledore spoke up slowly, "Let's see. Since Harry's soul is tied to Draco's, thus if Draco dies, so will Harry. And vice-versa. Harry would become Draco's greatest weakness, and Draco would become Harry's greatest weakness. Both of you depend on each other now, and you two must trust one another with your life. The disadvantage of this bond should not be so risky had the situation been different. It's all because of the war against Voldemort. I really wish this were all about happiness, but the reality does not permit. Certainly, we are hoping on the benefits of the magical bonding marriage you two will have."

"We should unite them in bonding marriage as soon as possible. I understand the process is complicated and needs a lot of preparation, but could it be done immediately?" Narcissa said with apprehension.

"We will do our best to ensure this bonding marriage is carried out without delay. Personally I'm positive everything could be all set within the next 6 months. It's not a very long time," Lupin assured her. Then he looked at Harry and Draco, asking, "Of course we take it that you two agree to do this, like Narcissa said, as soon as possible." Harry nodded decisively. The mood had shifted from joy to urgency.

Draco just nodded absently. Harry looked at him and took his hand to squeeze it gently. Draco looked up and saw Harry smiling reassuringly. He gave back a tentative smile, but soon bit his lips to stifle a groan. So now not only would he spend the rest of his life with Harry Potter, he would also become the boy's greatest weakness. And since this was the Harry Potter – main pillar of Wizarding World against Voldemort, he as a weakness might endanger Harry's life and, as the consequences, endanger the whole Wizarding World. Oh, the joy…

TBC