DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
A/N: I had intended to post this earlier but went out for a little party at Sunshine Park, but due to the weather have returned home to get this posted.
Chapter 25 – Tea and Transfigurations
Harry's spoon sank into the creamy mushroom soup he was playing with. While it was intended to be his lunch, he had quickly lost interest in it when the Slytherin table begun to fill. Draco sat next to him, speaking quietly with Blaise about some important Ancient Runes assignment Harry had no intentions of finishing let alone starting, he was sure Blaise was in the same predicament.
His eyes were focused on the lone Slytherin sitting at the foot of the long table. Panther senses struggled to overcome human, desperately wanting to attack and kill the individual he saw as a threat. Emerald eyes followed every movement Pansy made, observing the witch as she ate her lunch. Harry could almost smell the deceit on her; her scent was swathed in death and evil, telling Harry she had indeed been up to something.
"Harry?" A low voice asked. Turning his head, he met the questioning gazes of Draco and Blaise.
"Huh, sorry I wasn't paying attention." Harry admitted, fingers idly spinning the spoon through the soup before him.
"I asked what was wrong. You were growling." Draco murmured, studying Harry very carefully. Harry winced internally; he should have been paying attention to what he was doing. Pansy had become an outcast throughout Hogwarts, Slytherin leading the hit parade. Her actions the day of duel had completed her segregation; he couldn't help but watch for signs of treachery, expecting a dagger in the back at any moment.
"It must have been my stomach?" He offered, knowing neither would believe him. Harry watched the slow rising of eyebrows and the identical looks pass across the faces of the Slytherin's.
"Your stomach sounds very angry this afternoon." Blaise stated, full attention on Harry as he watched the nervous play of fingers. "Perhaps it would prefer something more tasty." With that said, a plate piled with chicken breasts was set before him, the spoon and soup moved from his reach. Harry blinked slowly, looking back and forth between the pair.
"What?" Blaise grumbled, "We'd rather you ate chicken than Pansy. After all, we wouldn't want you to catch something not to mention it would be terribly messy." Harry snorted softly before turning to the chicken and beginning to carefully pull it apart, taking comfort in the hand Draco had rested upon his knee. His eyes couldn't help but flick back to Pansy before he began to eat. The witch was up to something.
Ron reclined on the soft hospital bed, idly thumbing through the pages of his transfigurations text. The hospital ward was completely empty save for him. His eyes traveled around the room, searching for anything of interest that might entertain him. The loud ringing of voices had him jerking about to face the main entrance door, eyes squeezing closed at the bite of pain that rode him. The loud thud of the doors swinging open had him slowly opening his eyes and whimpering at the sight that met his eyes. There, in the doorway, stood his mother. Molly Weasley looked none to happy to be standing in the hospital wing at Hogwarts, the look on her face enough to send even the bravest person running for the hills.
"Ronald Weasley! I can't believe you! To accept a wizards challenge after beating someone up! Without cause! I thought I had taught you better then that! Your father and I are so disappointed in you. You'll be lucky if you see daylight when you come home for summer break. I swear I don't know what to do with you!" Mrs. Weasley hollered, hands resting on her hips as her eyes narrowed in on her son.
"But mom-" Ron began, trying to explain his actions in a way that wouldn't get him into more trouble.
"I don't want to hear another word from your mouth unless it's an apology to those two boys. You had no right to do such a thing! What were you thinking!" Ron winced at his mother's deafening shrieks. Normally he would at least be able to make a run for it but with his leg broken he didn't stand a chance.
"H started-" He tried vainly to argue his point but quickly stopped when his mother began to loudly tap one of her shoes.
"I've arranged your detention with the Headmaster. You'll be assisting Professor Snape for the rest of the year." Mrs. Weasley looked slightly smug as she stared her son down.
"The rest of the-"
"I suggest you go no further with that thought. There's no getting out of it now. What's done is done Ronald." Ron gave a miserable nod, inside he was fuming. Once again Harry Potter had bested him. He'd find a way to get back at the stupid prat. Ron sat back and crossed his arms over his chest, ignoring his mother's lecture while pouting unhappily.
Narcissa Malfoy sat in a small café located in Diagon Alley. It was a quaint little place that had captured her heart and she always managed to find time to stop for a cup of tea and some cakes. She often dragged Draco here on their weekly shopping trips, knowing that he may not admit to enjoying the place he secretly loved it. Smiling softly, she looked up from the little folded card menu in the center of the table and rose fluidly, embracing one of her dearest friends.
"Narcissa!"
"Melinda!" She exclaimed. Both women stared at each other as they took the other in, noting the latest fashions and the expensive jewelry the other witch wore. Narcissa sat and gestured for the other witch to take the seat across from her, immediately the pair launched into an animated conversation, ignoring the looks the other patrons were giving them. A waiter brought a steaming silver teapot and placed a tray of pastries and cakes between them. Narcissa watched the retreating waiter, waiting for him to be beyond the sound of her spell casting. Grinning she cast silencio before turning back to face Melinda Zabini, knowing the spell would allow her to discuss business with her friend without fear of discovery.
"Can you believe it? Harry Potter bound to Draco!" She gasped out, pouring a warm stream of tea into a pair of mismatched mugs.
"I know! Garrick was furious! He's on about it night and day, thinks Lucius is going to increase his chances of becoming Tom's right hand man." Melinda murmured, preparing her tea just the way she liked it while watching the people rushing about the street.
"Those two are going to end up in Azkaban." Narcissa stated, adding sugar to her tea then stirring it slowly. "How they think they'll capture Harry Potter is beyond me. I personally don't even understand why they bother following that crazy man; he's only leading them into trouble."
"Not to mention the fact that they'll have to go though Blaise and Draco first." Melinda added, sniffing proudly at the mention of her son.
"Hm indeed, and we both know that what's Draco's stays Draco's." Both women nodded in agreement, thoughtfully pondering the foolishness that their husbands had got caught up in.
"It's come to that point though. Lucius has a very important decision to make and I worry he won't make the right one. My little Dragon's life is on the line. I believe Harry could protect him but what would it cost; his life or Draco's?" She wondered softly, eyes saddening for a moment before hardening to a deep solemn grey. "I swear if that man harms my son I'll kill him myself."
"I will, of course, assist you. Draco is like a son to me." Melinda whispered, seizing one of Narcissa's hands and giving it a quick squeeze before reclaiming her cup. Sipping tea and admiring the robes worn by passing witches, they discussed the fall of Voldemort as if it were something as simple as the weather.
Draco trailed Blaise into the transfigurations room, ignoring the many greetings Harry was receiving. Rolling his pale blue eyes, he dropped into his usual seat and waited for Harry to sit down. He carefully pulled his books and papers from his bag, checking to make sure he had everything he needed. Harry thumped into his chair with all the grace of an elephant, spilling his crumpled ink stained books across the desk.
"Are you done the Ancient Runes assignment?" Blaise hissed softly at Harry. Draco snorted and sat back in his chair, admiring his neatly trimmed nails. The answer Harry gave was lost in the mass Gryffindor greeting as Professor McGonagall entered the room. All eyes followed the professor as she took her place at the front of the class and waited for silence.
Draco eyed the apple sitting innocently before him angrily. The stupid thing was supposed to be an orange now but no, it remained an apple. Admittedly it looked a horrid brown and orange but still resembled an apple more then an orange. Narrowing his eyes, he gave a flick of his wand and returned the miserable looking fruit to its natural form. Contemplating the apple, he missed the snarl of annoyance Harry loosed before stabbing his apple with his wand. A small explosion had bits of red apple raining down on the students.
"Um, oops?" Harry offered, taking a look at Draco before bursting into laughter.
"This was my favourite shirt." Draco grumbled, attempting to swipe the chunks of apple off the dark blue silk shirt he was wearing. He sighed sadly as he peered down at the mess the explosion had made, his third best pair of dragon hide boots would never be the same. Draco froze in mid swipe, wincing as a small whisper of pain traveled through his head. Directing his attention internally, his mind sought out the glowing bond. His eyes widened as a surge of power flowed over the bond, gathering and growing before sweeping back the way it came. The bond pulsed and heaved, expanding before it contracted, wiggling unhappily. Shaking the feeling off, he turned back to his awaiting apple. Biting his lip, he leveled his wand and whispered the incantation. To his surprise the apple changed into an orange. Seconds later, it exploded, as did every other fruit in the room. As orange and apple rained down, his gaze blurred and he was vaguely aware of Harry slipping slowly out of his chair. With a last thought to the bond, darkness pulled him down.
Minerva McGonagall stared in shock at her classroom, which was now decorated in apple and orange. She peered about anxiously for the offender but froze when she noticed the pack of panicked Slytherins gathered around the desk that Harry and Draco shared. "Everyone back to your seats!" She yelled, drawing the students attention, for one shining moment she thought they would obey but it was with a look of annoyance her orders were ignored. Pushing through the gathered Slytherins, she caught sight of the still forms lying limply on the floor.
"Hermione, go and fetch the headmaster, have him meet us in the hospital wing." Minerva ordered, hands frantically checking the boys over. "Mister Zabini, please inform Professor Snape of this incident and request his presence in the hospital wing." Both students glanced at each other before rushing out the door and down the halls, ignoring the curious students who called out questions. Minerva carefully cast a spell before levitating the pair off the floor and beginning to leave the room. She paused in the doorway to dismiss the stunned students before hurrying towards the hospital wing, mindful of the students crowding the halls.
Professor Snape stalked into the hospital wing, ignoring the lone Slytherin trailing him closely. His eyes were immediately drawn to the still forms of his Slytherins resting on separate beds. Blaise had already informed him of the occurrence in the transfiguration class; Severus's only explanation was a magical surge. The recent fluctuations of the magic passing between the pair had most likely gotten out of hand.
"Severus!" McGonagall's plaintive whine had him grimacing as he studied Draco, searching for any outward signs of damage. Finding none, he moved to look Harry over and was disturbed when he saw found burn marks on the back of his hands. Stepping back he began the careful casting of a delicate spell. Minutes later he eased his eyes open and turned to look carefully at the bonded pair, wincing at the flood of glowing colours.
The pair were swathed in various colours, each shifting like water as the magic surged and pulsed through the boys bodies. Pale blue swirled about their heads. Violet danced about the still hands. Shimmering silver encased the bonded pair completely, etched with lines of an angry red. Studying the colours carefully, he flinched and turned his head, seeking the dash of gold he thought he'd witnessed. Before he could continue his search, the colours began to merge and join, fading into a strange shade of dark blue. The colour held before separating slowly, returning to its original shades and positions. A swish of his wand ended the spell, leaving him standing there in a daze. Whirling about, he stormed from the room quickly.
Harry surfaced slowly, narrowing his eyes against the bright lights twinkling above him. He blinked as his eyes worked to focus. The slide and dilation of his pupil gave him the perfect sight of a panther. Wary emerald eyes met a pair of bright blue orbs as the figure above him leaned further over the bed he occupied, the mass of red curls spilling over her shoulders.
"Harry dear, how are you feeling?" Molly Weasley questioned, fingers pulling and straightening the sheets Harry held clenched in his fists.
"Draco." He demanded, first thoughts about the safety of his bonded.
"Oh, he's fine dear. Madame Pomfrey sent him back to the dorms. He was worried about you and wouldn't leave you alone. The Headmaster felt it was best if he try and get some sleep." Mrs. Weasley informed him, still tugging uselessly at the sheets. "Now how are you?" Harry paused and concentrated, he felt fine. The bond was still shifting restlessly but the power was flowing calm and even.
"I feel fine. Can I go?" He asked, trying not to whine as he attempted to free his blankets from her clutches.
"Madame Pomfrey felt it would be best if you remain here for the night." Letting go of the sheets, the older woman stepped back and pulled the chair she had been resting in closer to the bed. His eyes darted about the room as she sat down, still eyeing the crooked blankets with disapproval. Harry's eyes searched for Ron, who should have been resting in one of the beds next to his.
"Where's Ron?" He asked quickly, trying to figure out if Draco was safe in the dorms without him.
"He's been sent home for now, dear. Arthur and I felt it would be for the best." Harry grimaced as the woman sniffled; all he needed was the poor woman breaking into tears.
"I never thought he'd do such a thing!" With that final sentence, she erupted into tears. Harry sighed and patted her shoulder lightly, ignoring the discomfort he felt. Her arms wrapped around his neck tightly, causing him to gag. Harry waited patiently as the woman slowly calmed down, wiping her tears away with a bright purple handkerchief she pulled from a deep pocket. Mrs. Weasley slipped into sleep with her head resting on the edge of Harry's bed. Harry smirked as he slid from the bed and crept towards the door, casting one last look over his shoulder before sliding out the door and down the hall.
Pansy was lounging in a small alcove located in the owlery. In her left hand she clutched a bottle of perfectly aged Scotch while the right conveyed a cigarette to her mouth. Inhaling deeply, she held the smoke in her lungs before exhaling, smirking at the stream of thick grey smoke. Her thoughts were broken by the sudden shrill of an owl. The massive bird stuck, talons scraping her shoulder before fanning its wings and landing on a small perch. Clutching her wounded shoulder, she looked at the shattered remains of the whiskey bottle, leveling a glowering gaze at the owl she approached slowly after stubbing out her cigarette. The black owl flashed amber eyes before extending its leg and offering a small package to her. Reading the words carefully, she smiled and touched her wand to the corner of the parchment, setting it aflame before dropping the paper to the ground. She slid the small package into the pocket of her robe before beginning to exit the tower, pausing to glance back at Voldemorts owl sitting calmly in the schools owlery as if he belonged there.
Severus sat in his office, drinking liberally from the glass of brandy he had poured himself immediately upon arrival. The book before him contained information on a bond detection spell. The spell he had used on Harry and Draco. Used to detect various bonds, it allowed the user to observe each type of bond and understand what it entailed. His eyes floated over the notes he had recorded from his observations.
The violet he'd noted was the most obvious bond, the one that had begun it all. The familiar bond in all its glory. Used to share magic between an animal and a wizard, its basic purpose was the storage of magic. It also allowed for the telepathic communication, however that could have been brought on by another one of the bonds. The pale blue was a simple telepathic bond, allowing the users to speak mind to mind. Severus leaned back and closed his eyes, chewing his lip as he tried to pull the various bonds apart. The red was a bond used among nobility. A bodyguard bond, which would explain the protectiveness the pair had shown for each other. It was sometimes used as an insurance factor. The silver was also one of the most significant and easy to understand. A lovers bond. He doubted the bond had been consummated but the beginnings of it were present. Sooner or later it would demand consummation but as it was still growing chances were it would lie still below the surface for a few more years. He sat back and looked over his notes, it would take forever to work out every nook and cranny of the bonds. They were so thickly intertwined the chances of breaking them would be practically impossible. Dumbledore wouldn't be happy but at this point in time there was nothing anyone could do about it.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to review. Hope everyone has a wonderful Victoria Day weekend. Also, the promised lunch between Harry, Draco, and Remus occurs in the next chapter. Thanks again!
sigi – lol, something like that may happen.
XXxEmileighxXx – I checked my spelling and its correct, thanks for the help though. I'll definitely take a look at your story
Natasha AKA Tash – lol, glad you're enjoying it. I'm trying to explain and strengthen the bond as I write; hopefully this chapter helped a little.
sbkar – lol, you'll just have to wait and see.
ToyoKadiyaMikayla – lol, of course Harry's still friends with Hagrid, could I really have it any other way? I also don't believe that I'll be bringing the ministry in at all, or at least not until the very end.
D Ollivander – Basically I had Harry taking his clothes off because he was untrained and thus was having difficulty getting his clothes to change with his forms.
I-Y-T-Y – Thank you very much, I'm trying my best.
Dreamer of Destiny – You're correct, and just because Snape is studying the bond doesn't necessarily mean he's trying to break it.