DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 26 – To Eat the Red Ones Last
Severus Snape paused before the door that led into the Headmaster's chamber. Sliding a hand into the pocket of his robes, he drew forth a pocket watch and glanced at the time, seven forty five on a Saturday morning. His hand froze above the pale wood as a cheerful voice invited him in. The smirk that had graced his face vanished, replaced with a grimace of unhappiness; he'd been looking forward to waking the old fool up.
"Good morning Headmaster." His cool voice muttered, void of any emotion.
"It's good to see you this morning Severus. Wonderful to see you demonstrating the initiative and spunk required to get up early on one of your only days off." Dumbledore all but cooed. Severus moved forward to take the seat before the large desk, sneering at the mess of papers and trinkets spread across the once glossy surface. Disorganization had to be a Gryffindor trait, the inability to keep an area clean and organized without threat or praise.
"I've come to speak about the bond." Severus began.
"What bond Severus? You can't expect me to remember everything my boy." The old wizard queried cheerfully, pulling a large drawer open and rifling freely through its contents. Severus' mouth fell open in shock as he watched the Headmaster, suppressing a groan as a colourful box was slapped onto the desk and pinned beneath a wrinkled hand.
"The bond, Headmaster. The one currently binding Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter together. Surely you remember asking me to check on it?" Severus inquired, a single dark eyebrow rising as an arm casually cleared a space on the crowded desk, wincing at the sound of shattering glass he watched his mentor in bemusement. The box was torn open without further ado, spilling coloured candies across the desks scuffed surface.
"Oh, that bond. Do tell me what you've found." Muttered Albus, fingers diligently working to separate the candies into small piles seemingly based on colour.
"The bond in question seems not to be a single bond but many. A super bond if you will. It grows everyday, creating new pathways between the pair. It's fascinating really. The way the bonds are interacting and reinforcing each other." Severus explained leaning forward, hands gesturing wildly as he tried to express what he had viewed while under the bond detection spell. "Some of the bonds should be struggling for control but instead they have begun to merge." Severus stated, placing his elbows on his knees, hands spread out before him as he racked his mind for the right words to express his thoughts.
"Ah, interesting. Have you discovered anything that may create problems in the future?" Albus asked quietly, full attention on the maneuvering of his chocolates and the tidy piles he had created.
"No Headmaster, everything seems fine."
"Excellent. Well if there's nothing else you'd like to discuss with me you may return to your duties." The older wizard muttered, wiggling his fingers in a gesture of finality as he leaned closer to his desk and the awaiting chocolates.
"Thank you sir." Severus said, quickly rising and heading towards the beckoning door, stepping over a pile of books stacked haphazardly in the middle of the room. Throwing a last look over his shoulder as he pushed through the door, he observed Albus Dumbledore contemplating the candies before him, softly murmuring 'Should I eat the red ones last?' to himself. Shaking his head, Severus left the room and fled towards the warmth of his private quarters.
Draco stood before the mirror in his chambers, fingers fidgeting with the collar of his silk shirt. The dark blue made his eyes appear paler and his blonde hair shone under the dim candlelight. He tipped his head to one side as he watched Harry approach him from behind, emerald cloth clinging to his form. The pair stood frozen next to each other, obviously admiring the other silently while waiting for some unknown sign.
"What are you worried about?" Harry asked quietly, hands moving quickly as he worked to straighten the collar of Draco's shirt.
"Nothing really. I am expected to present myself as a gentleman not to mention the fact that we're meeting a very old friend of your parents. His judgment will mean a lot to everyone else, they'll take their cues about our relationship from him." Draco explained, shoving Harry's hands away and returning his shirt to the correct position. He slid a finger under the collar carefully; pulling slowly he revealed the silver chain that carried the small silver bell. The small bell sat gleaming on his chest, tinkling softly with every breath he drew in.
"Relax Draco, it's only Remus. Besides its not like he doesn't know you, he did teach you for a year." Harry pointed out, fingers going to the silver collar around his neck and tugging gently, making sure it sat perfectly straight on his neck. Draco rolled his eyes and pushed Harry's hands away, reaching out and positioning the collar carefully, making sure each of the charms hung neatly and could be seen. Shaking his head, Draco turned and headed towards the bed, gathering the black cloak he had chosen for this meeting. He was unprepared for the impact of Harry's body as he was pinned to the bed.
"No fear's Draco. Remember that I'll be right next to you and if you don't like the way something is going just tell me and we'll leave. It's as simple as that." Harry whispered softly against the nape of his neck, lips brushing the sensitive flesh. Draco lay still, taking comfort from the close presence and the warmth that wrapped itself around him both physically and mentally. He nodded his head slightly, chewing his lip in protest as Harry rolled off of him and climbed to his feet. Rolling over he looked at Harry standing above him and smiled, extending a hand and allowing Harry to pull him to his feet. He couldn't help but chuckle as he was pulled tight against Harry's chest, lips falling to nibble along his cheek playfully.
"Stop it, we have to go now or we'll be late." He protested half heartedly, trying not to sigh as Harry let go of him and scooped up the fallen cloak before setting it across his shoulders. Draco gave one last look in the mirror before trailing Harry from the room; eye's absently checking his mate's appearance before flicking his cloak straight.
Pansy crouched in a dark corner of the common room; eyes locked on the door that guarded Draco's private room. She had been waiting for the pair to leave, knowing that they would most likely be heading out to Hogsmeade with the rest of the students. She shifted into deeper shadows when the door was flung open and Harry paraded out of the room. Pansy bit her lip when he paused and raised his head slightly, nose seeming to search the air before shaking his head lightly and continuing across the room. Holding her breath, she observed the gliding gait that carried Draco from the room, each step purposeful and quiet. Leaning forward intently, her ears struggled to pick up the mutterings occurring between the two but the thumping of several third years coming down the stairs destroyed any chance she may have had of hearing their conversation. As the noise of the group vanished, the click of the wall falling back into place seemed to echo in the room.
Pansy held her position for a moment longer, waiting patiently to see if either wizard would return to retrieve something they had forgotten. Stalking from her hiding place she approached the massive doors, her hands extended before her as she pushed lightly against the cold wood. The door creaked softly but refused to open.
"Damnit!" She hissed, fists pounding unhappily against the door. Drawing her wand she aimed at the doorknob, her hand shook as her lips whispered the incantation of the spell she had been given. The door shuddered and groaned, wood struggling to protect the contents of the room hidden behind it. With a low pop, the lock disengaged. Pansy smirked and pushed the door open, strolling inside and glancing about the room. Tossing the small wrapped box she carried in her hand, she watched as it landed with a small bounce in the center of the bed.
Her eyes took in the emerald and black bed coverings and the thick carpets spread across the floor. Her mouth watered as she opened one of the trunks and began searching its contents, pausing when her hand closed about a long velvet box. Drawing it out, she moved into brighter light and stifled her gasp of admiration as she looked at the necklace lying upon the white silk. The outline of a gold heart with a small sapphire dangling from the center swung back and forth on a thin finely crafted chain. Tucking it in her pocket, she slammed the lid down and headed towards the door, pausing one last time she looked at the brightly wrapped present lying in the center of the bed. She closed the door softly and looked around the common room before proceeding to her dorm, the bottle of champagne her father had sent calling her name every step of the way.
It was a cold day. The type of day that forewarned the arrival of winter and sent people fleeing for the warmth of blazing fires. Students running around were dressed in heavy winter cloaks, the thick fabric pulled tight against their bodies by the brisk wind. Fallen leaves swirled around the paths and roads of Hogsmeade, a flag of colour representing the death of the season.
Harry entwined his fingers with Draco's, tightening his grip as they moved slowly down the road of Hogsmeade. The slow stroll they had left Hogwarts at had since turned into a defiant march. Their eyes had hardened as they observed the reactions of the witches and wizards who lived in the small community. It was the first time they had left the school as a couple in the public's eye, and the reactions they had got had been strangely satisfying. Some people had looked horrified while others had smiled and called out greetings to the pair. Harry shivered and cuddled closer to Draco, smiling when the blonde slipped an arm around his shoulders.
You okay? Draco whispered internally, magic curling around Harry's. For a moment power rode the pair as their magic's sought each other out. A burning sensation crawled around their joined hands, making both gasp in shock. The burn faded quickly, replaced by a soothing feeling of love and devotion.
What the hell was that? Harry demanded, withdrawing a small portion of his magic but continuing to keep contact with his mate.
I have no idea. Perhaps I should ask Severus about it. Draco murmured, pulling Harry closer.
No, leave it for now. I'll ask Hermione later. He stated, nodding to an older witch who was waving at them. I think Severus has enough on his mind right now. Shivering in the cold, Harry pulled the dark hood over his head, letting go of Draco for a moment while the blonde tugged his own hood into place. Grinning at each other they continued their walk, meandering through the road packed with their fellow students while looking for anyone who might mean them harm. Stopping in front of the Three Broomsticks, Harry placed his hand on the door, and met Draco's eyes before pushing the door open and entering the small establishment.
Remus Lupin sat impatiently at a table he had commandeered upon entering the little pub. He had many good memories of this place. Lunches and drinks with the Marauders, and the discussions they had had. The slow creak of the door and a sudden chill heralded the arrival of more patrons. He rose slowly when both individuals flicked back the hoods of the cloaks they wore, one head crowned with locks of ebony while the other appeared to glow under the soft lighting. A slight flick of his fingers garnered the attention of the boys who immediately headed towards him. His fingers pulled on each other as he awaited their arrival, silently wondering how well this would go and trying to remember to be careful of what he spoke about in the presence of a Death Eater's son.
"Remus!" Harry greeted him cheerfully, immediately hugging the werewolf. Remus tightening his arms around the son of his best friend, just managing to choke out Harry's name in response. His eyes locked with the pale orbs of the blonde standing behind Harry, observing the meeting quietly. Loosening his grip, he stepped back and held Harry at arms length, eyes immediately going to the silver collar around the youth's neck. His first instinct was to growl and try and free Harry of the collar but quickly shook the feeling off and waved a hand at the table he had claimed. The small group sat slowly, arranging themselves around the table while trying not to stir up any problems or disagreements.
"This is Draco Malfoy." Harry introduced proudly, one hand wrapping itself around the thin pale hand resting upon the table. The blonde nodded at the introduction, eyes still watching the older man.
"It's a pleasure to see you again Draco." Remus murmured, eyes examining Harry's claimed mate.
"As it is to see you sir." Draco responded politely, obviously judging Remus while pretending to glance over the menu resting before him. A harried waitress arrived and took their orders, which took surprisingly long. He watched as Harry and Draco argued the pros and cons of every menu item before choosing their entrees.
"What have you been up to Remus?" Inquired Harry, fingers absently spinning a small knife on the table while he peered around the room.
"Not much really. I've been moving around through the various werewolf packs trying to get some more supporters for the light side. It's not easy." Remus said, picking up the glass of water sitting on the table before him.
"It wouldn't be," Draco's voice was cool. "People see them as monsters and a threat to society. They're used to being ridiculed and hunted. The dark lord has promised them equality, which is what they desire above anything else. What are you offering them that could top that?" Draco questioned, leaning forward. Remus widened his eyes in amazement, before bursting into a full out argument with the younger wizard.
Time flew by before their plates were placed before them. The dispute was unsettled but revealed a lot about the relationship and character of Draco. Remus sat silently eating his meal while watching the pair across from his in amusement. Their plates had been pushed practically together so both could eat off either plate. His eyes had widened in shock when they had first begun to eat. Their movements flowed as they easily worked around each other. Harry picked the mushrooms from the top of Draco's steak while the blonde diligently cleared the green beans out of the thick stew Harry had pleaded and argued for. The fact that they managed to share the plates without once clashing or even bumping elbows gave him a greater insight into the relationship the pair had.
"Dessert?" Remus questioned, raising his eyebrows and placing his napkin on the table next to the cooling coffee he had ordered.
"No thank you." Draco said, sitting back and stretching his arm across the back of Harry's chair. Harry widened his eyes and nodded happily, quickly selecting a pudding off the dessert menu and wiggling in his seat while waiting for the waitress to bring his treat. Remus watched in amusement as Draco rolled his eyes over Harry's excitement. While Harry plowed his way through a large bowl of banana pudding, Remus discussed several other political points with Draco, surprised over the knowledge and theories the younger wizard had to offer. Glancing at his watch he noted that he had spent over three hours with the pair. He sighed softly and murmured his excuses before paying the bill and leaving. Pausing in the door he turned and looked back at the pair lounging at the small table, he smiled as he watched Harry grab Draco's hand and pull him closer before waving a spoon heaped with pudding under the blondes nose. Allowing the door to close behind him, he looked at the sky and chuckled. Harry was happy and that was all that mattered to him.
"I think that went fairly well." Draco said, hand sinking into the thick black fur of Damian. He stopped on the small path before the little establishment, hands working themselves into thick wool mittens while the panther before him pounced playfully on a leaf skittering about. "Are you a kitten or a cat?"
I am whatever I want to be. Harry responded, halting his antics and watching the blonde tug his hood into place. The crowds had thinned slightly, many of the students returning to Hogwarts early due to the weather. The pair joined the tail of a small group of students heading up the winding path.
Something seems off. Draco murmured, hands clenching around the edges of his cloak as he drew the cloth tighter against his body. The sky had darkened and the trees whipped back and forth, pushed by the strong cold wind.
I think its just you. Harry muttered, padding softly ahead of Draco. His panther senses were disturbed but it seemed to be based on the weather rather then the possibility of an attack. I think its going to snow tonight.
It's way too early for snow. Draco responded, sliding a hand into a pocket to rest along his wand.
Snow usually doesn't start till at least November. It can't be natural. There has to be something influencing the weather, we should hurry and get back to the castle. Harry hissed, flashing his fangs at a fourth year Hufflepuff who had stopped in the middle of the path to tie his shoe.
Agreed. Draco snarled, sneering at the other student as he was forced from the clear path into the brush at the side of the trail. Damn I'll never get these boots clean. The panther ahead of him let out a coughing laugh and dashed up the path, pausing at the top of the slope and watching Draco slowly stalk towards him. The pair continued their playful bantering as they returned to the warmth and protection of Hogwarts.
A large tome slammed onto the desk before Severus, causing him to jump in shock and spill the red ink over his desk. Hissing in rage, he glanced up to threaten the individual only to find himself looking into a pair of icy orbs.
"Lucius?" He whispered, the words leaving his mouth on a sigh. The blonde pulled out a chair and sat down with a thump, lacking the usual grace and elegance associated with the Malfoy's
. "Severus." The voice was as cold as the pale eyes. The black robes settled around the thin shoulders, swishing gently as they settled. "I've come to give you your last warning. The bond must be broken."
"I'm afraid that breaking the bond is impossible. There is no way to possibly break the bond at this stage. The bond has…done something. Grown, merged, created more bonds. It's become an entirely new type of bond, to even try to break it could result in immediate death." Severus argued, his eyes resting on the book that had been dropped before him. A single pale finger tapped the book as eyes narrowed.
"I don't care. I will not have my son bound to that little prat, it's bad enough his blood is tainted." Lucius hissed, pale finger tapping the book slightly harder than before.
"The bonds have become so tightly entwined there is no way of knowing what could kill or damage them." Severus argued loudly, his own eyes narrowing as he watched that finger trace a pattern on the book.
"I don't care. Do something about it." Lucius growled rising slowly, his finger gliding across the hard cover one last time before he turned and slid into the shadows, vanishing through means unknown. Severus stared into the dark corner then pulled the book closer and slowly opened it. The curving writing sprawled across the page claimed 'The Transfer of Bonds'. His eyes widened as he quickly began to flip through the pages and read headings and chapter titles. He froze when something caught his eye. There snuggled between two pages was a leather bookmark, an L and M etched into the material. His eyes took in the title of the page and he sat back. A transfer spell based on a wizards animagus form. Why hadn't he thought of that? It would allow him to transfer parts of the bond and place them elsewhere, replacing them when the danger had passed. Smiling he slid his fingers through his black hair, for one moment it seemed like his world had straightened itself out.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to review. Glad everyone is still enjoying it and thanks for your continuous input. Thanks again!
brody0113 – I used the spell because I needed to give somewhat of an explanation for something that is going to occur in a future chapter.
crystal tears of betrayal – Thank you for both the correction and the suggestions of where I might be able to find some good fics.
kikasspunk93 – Pansy plays an important role in a future chapter (if this one didn't answer your question). Snape is trying to figure the bond out to see if it could possibly endanger the pair or weaken them somehow.
Natasha AKA Tasha – Pansy shall get her just desserts and more information on the bonds will be revealed in a future chapter.
Dartmoor'Swan – Clever you, lol. We'll find out about that bond later.
violet7amethyst – it probably would…but lets just say he doesn't want to think about his godson sleeping with his…new friend?
Elentari Elbereth – The bond won't really affect them so badly in the future, nor will they end up in the hospital wing. Snape will try and assist them of course.
DestinyEntwinements – They blacked out due to a power surge caused by the bond.
The Twisted Tales of Two – Canada and the U..S. have different spelling for several words.
ToyoKadiyaMikayla – lol, I loved writing the opinions of two of the Death Eaters wives, it made my day. More information about the bonds shall appear in a future chapter.