AN - I don't know how much I like this chapter, I feel like I've lost the humor. Bear with me guys, I'll try and get it back on track with the next chapter. Expect some arguing between the newlyweds, perhaps a bit of banter with the Death Eaters, and a no confidence vote that will make Magical Parliament look about as good as the Muggle one.

Bonded For Life

"Will you stand still," Andromeda huffed, arranging and rearranging Harry's robes around him. "Right, you're as pretty as I'm able to make you. You look gorgeous."

Harry snorted, but leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Thanks, Andie."

"It's almost time," she told him, spelling her own robes to fall elegantly around her feet. "Did you get chance to see the reception room this morning?"

Shaking his head, Harry replied," Nope, Narcissa wouldn't allow me near it. As far as I'm aware, Tom hasn't been allowed to see it either. Lucius was looking rather nervous this morning."

Andromeda laughed, shaking her head. "My sister is one of the most stubborn women on the planet."

"Must run in the family," Harry muttered, dodging the swat she aimed at his head.

Kreacher appeared in the room then, catching Harry's attention. "Tis time, Sir."

Harry nodded, smiling at his elf. "Thank you, Kreacher. I'll be down in a moment."

Andromeda stared at him for a moment before she nodded. "I'll go and take my seat. Come down when you're ready, Harry. After all, it can't start without you."

The decorations were beautiful, Harry thought to himself as he arrived at the room set aside for the ceremony. Andromeda and Narcissa had done a wonderful job with the planning. Making his way to where the officiant stood, Harry was surprised that the room wasn't overly full. He wondered how they'd managed to keep the numbers down without causing widespread offence, but he'd ask Andromeda about it later.

Tom was waiting for him, his robes the same as Harry's, only with opposing colours. Where Harry had green, Tom had a muted silver, and vice versa. The older man smirked when Harry arrived by his side, giving him a rather obvious once over.

"You look... quite enchanting," he murmured, low enough that the crowd wouldn't be able to pick up on his words.

Harry offered him a small smile but didn't reply, turning instead to the Ministry official who was officiating, who cleared his throat nervously to get their attention.

"Are you both ready?"

When both men nodded, the man stood straighter, gesturing for them to hold hands and face each other.

"We are gathered here today to witness the bonding of Tom Riddle Slytherin, and Harry James Potter Black. They are both here of their own free will, and the marriage contract has been approved by both parties. If anyone has reason to object to this joining of houses, please speak now."

Harry wanted to look at their 'audience', but he managed to quell his curiosity, choosing instead to smirk slightly at Tom. As if anyone would dare to object to Lord Voldemort's wedding. The idea was laughable. Tom quirked his eyebrow slightly in answer, clearly sharing Harry's amusement.

"Very well. Do we have the bonding rings?"

Lucius stepped forward, two gold bands resting on a silver satin pillow. He dropped to one knee, holding the rings out between Harry and Tom.

"Tom, take Harry's left hand in your right and repeat after me."

Tom did as he was told, his thumb caressing Harry's palm as he did so.

"I, Tom Riddle Slytherin, pledge myself to Harry James Potter Black. I bind myself to him, mind, body, soul and magic."

The repeated words glided from Tom's mouth smoothly, a look of triumph easily detectable in his eyes. A flash of white between them almost blinded Harry, but when the light died down, there was a clear connection between their chests.

"Place your ring on Harry's finger," the officiant murmured, his eyes on the connecting light. The gold slid over Harry's finger, settling comfortably in place.

"Swap hands, please. Harry, take Tom's left hand in your right."

Harry repeated the same words, gently placing his ring on Tom's finger. The two connecting lights between them seemed to glow brighter for a second before they slowly disappeared from sight. Oddly, Harry could still feel the magic connecting them.

At the officiant's prompting, the two of them took their turn to sign the marriage contract before they stepped back for Andromeda and Lucius to sign as witnesses.

"It is my greatest honour to pronounce you husbands, bonded for life," the officiant finished, smiling at the two of them. "You may now share a kiss."

Harry swallowed nervously, but tilted his head up to accept the rather chaste kiss that Tom placed on his lips. They broke apart to applause from those watching, and Harry felt his face heating up slightly as he stared into Tom's eyes.

He had a sinking feeling that things were going to get complicated. After all, he was never actually supposed to like his new husband.

"The wedding was quite beautiful to watch," Andromeda told him as the two stood chatting. The food was due to be served shortly, before the rest of the guests arrived for the celebration. She'd informed him that by keeping the wedding ceremony to those who were close to the couple, but opening the reception to the more political crowd, it saved on any offence that could have been caused.

Harry shrugged. He really wasn't all that interested in the intricacies.

"Harry? Are you okay?"

He nodded. "Fine."

When Andromeda kept staring at him, Harry smiled slightly.

"Honestly, Andie, I'm fine. Glad it's out of the way if I'm honest."

She nodded. "I think we're all guilty of forgetting your youth," she admitted. "With all the responsibility on your shoulders, you carry a larger weight than most double your age."

"It is what it is, I suppose," he replied. "Besides, being married has got to be easier than heading up a war, I imagine."

She chuckled. "You'll be surprised how similar the two are."

Harry laughed, shaking his head at her. "You're terrible. I thought you wee supposed to be the good influence?"

"I am. Doesn't mean I'm going to lie to you."

"Of course. Silly me."

"Harry?"

Harry turned, hugging Hermione.

"Hey."

"How are you?" she asked, chewing on her bottom lip.

"I'm fine," he replied, barely stopping himself from rolling his eyes. Why was everyone asking him that? "How are you?"

"I'm good. The wedding was... uh... pretty."

Harry snorted his amusement while Andromeda chuckled.

"Are you coming back to school tonight?"

Before Harry could reply, his new husband appeared behind him. Resting a hand on the small of Harry's back, he answered Hermione.

"I hardly think I'll be allowing my husband to leave me on our wedding night, Miss Granger. He'll be back at school on Monday morning, have no fear."

Harry frowned. "Sunday night," he argued. "I have homework."

Tom rolled his eyes. "You can do your homework at the manor, Harry."

"Yes, almost as well as I can do it at school," Harry replied. "You're not trying to go back on our agreement already are you, Tom?"

Tom sighed. "Will you please remain at the Manor with me until Monday morning, Harry?"

Harry looked at him for a moment. "I don't see why not. I'll be back at school on Monday morning, Hermione."

As Andromeda chuckled, Tom shook his head. "Was that necessary?"

"Absolutely," Harry nodded, a cheerful smile on his face. "Is it time to eat?"

"Do you have any understanding of him?" Tom asked Lucius. "Because quite frankly, I'm at a loss."

"Aah, if I may, My Lord, I believe Lord Potter was asserting himself. Even though he is the junior in the relationship, I believe he feels like he must make it clear that you can't order him around. From what I know of him, he rather despises being told what to do and will often do the opposite just because he can."

Tom stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, perhaps if I phrase the things I want him to do as requests?

"I believe you will get more out of him that way, My Lord, yes."

"Quite. Well, I believe it is time I saved my new husband. He looks quite harassed."

Lucius followed Voldemort's gaze to Harry, who was apparently being bothered quite a lot by Minister Fudge. He shook his head. He'd always known the man was pompous fool, but he'd rather believed he had more self-preservation than he'd shown in the last few months. No matter that the Dark Lord had called a halt to the war, he was still a Dark Lord.

Tom crossed the room swiftly, appearing at Harry's side.

"Minister, are you bothering my husband?"

"Of course not, I'm merely speaking with him. Surely you will allow him the privilege of talking?"

Harry raised his eyebrow. "Beg your pardon, Minister, but Tom doesn't allow me to do anything. I am still and always will be under only my own control and a Lord in my own right. You ought to remember that as you are coming very close to offending me."

Fudge spluttered for a moment, but it was enough pause for Tom to lead Harry away.

"There are times when I wish you'd done away with him before the signing of the contract," Harry muttered, shaking his head slightly. "The man is a menace."

"Yes, he is. I believe it past time to call for a no confidence vote."

"Who would you have stand in his stead?"

"You misunderstand me, Harry. I won't be calling for it, you should. Of course you shall have mine, and my allies support, but it will be up to you to suggest his successor."

Harry nodded. "Leave it with me, I shall give it some thought."

Their attention was quickly captured by Cygnus Greengrass and Theodore Nott Sr, and they fell into political chatter quickly. Time passed, and before long, Tom was once more catching Harry's attention.

"It is time we left," he murmured, reaching a hand up to stroke Harry's face. "Allow me to introduce you to your new home?"

Harry swallowed but nodded. "Okay. I have to say goodbye to Andromeda. Give me five minutes, okay?"

"Of course."

Andromeda was waiting for him when Harry approached her, and she hugged him tightly. "Don't do anything you don't want to, remember that you are allowed to tell him no. If you need anything, anything at all, send Kreacher to get me, or have him fetch you to me. Okay?"

"Thanks, Andie. For everything. You know I love you?"

"I do. I love you too, sweetheart. If I don't speak to you before, I expect a letter on Monday morning, understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

She smiled at him. "I'm proud of you."

Harry felt his cheeks warm slightly, squeezed her hand, and nodded. He returned to Tom's side, offering goodbyes to those he passed as he went. He wasn't sure of what was about to happen, but he couldn't deny the nerves he was feeling. As confident and sure as he was with politics, miscreant Ministers, and playing the big shot, he was a novice at everything even remotely relationship based.

Harry paid little attention as Tom took him on a brief tour of the manor. It was a nice home, Harry was sure, but if asked the colour scheme or about certain items of furniture, he would have no idea.

When they reached the master bedroom, Harry was gestured to the left side of the bed. He looked around the room, his eyes going anywhere but at his new husband. It was a nice room, he thought, though perhaps not what he would have chosen had he been the one to decorate.

He was surprised when Tom stalked closer to him, his hands sitting on Harry's hips as he pulled him forward slightly for a bruising kiss. While this wasn't new territory, Harry still didn't know what to do with his hands. As he allowed the feeling of Tom's lips caressing his own to distract him, he raised his arms on instinct, wrapping them around Tom's neck.

He could feel himself hardening, but as Tom pulled him closer and their erections rubbed together, Harry yelped, pulling away.

Tom blinked, staring at Harry for a moment while Harry blushed and looked down, ashamed of his reaction.

"Harry? Look at me."

Hesitating, Harry glanced up to meet surprisingly compassionate eyes.

"Are you... innocent, Harry?"

Hating that his burning cheeks were probably glowing redder than ever, Harry nodded, averting his eyes once more. He was pulled back into Tom's arms.

"You have no idea how... irresistible that is to me, dear husband," Tom murmured sensuously against Harry's neck, laving it with his tongue. "But I believe a different approach must be taken than I planned. Ready yourself for bed, Harry."

Harry looked up questioningly.

"In your pyjamas," Tom clarified.

Harry did as he was bid, washing and changing in the bathroom attached.

Tom was already in bed when Harry returned to the bedroom, and Harry got into bed, his body tense as he lay beside his husband. He was surprised once more when Tom rolled him onto his side, spooning up behind him. With his arm around Harry's waist, he buried his face against the back of his neck.

"Relax, Harry. Go to sleep, I shall not push you until you are ready."

Harry felt the tension leave him slightly, getting comfier as the minutes passed by in silence.

"Thank you," he whispered into the darkness, closing his eyes. He didn't hear a verbal reply, but Tom's arm around him tightened slightly, and he was sure he heard a whispered "Mine", before sleep claimed him.