Chapter 2 The Poseidon Vase
'You have got to be fucking kidding me…' Potter groaned.
Draco looked at him, disapproval written all over his face. They were sitting at one of the secluded little tables at the Leaky Cauldron. After much useless pleading and begging of the engaged couple, Draco and Potter had reluctantly agreed to meet here to fulfil the first of their duties as Confidants.
'Unfortunately not Potter,' he drawled. 'Anyway, what are you complaining about? It's obviously your friend Weasley's bad influence that made Pansy decide to go along with this'.
'My friend? I thought George was your friend as well these days?' Potter shot back.
'Not when he's being stupid he's not,' Draco huffed. 'Then he's all yours'.
Potter rolled his eyes.
'Whatever you say Malfoy. Let's just get this over with, yeah? Now tell me again what we need to do first,' Potter sighed.
Draco silently counted to ten. Merlin, the man tried his patience…
'As I was saying, before you so rudely interrupted me, the "Aequalis Bond" or "Bond of Equals" comes with a ceremony rich in wizarding symbolism', Draco explained patiently. Or as patiently as one could be when confronted with the likes of Potter… 'The bond was used in ancient times when two equally important and influential Pureblood families were about to become linked through a marriage bond. In order not to snub either family, they painstakingly loaded the ceremony with symbols of balance and equality, making it clear that neither party was deemed lesser nor higher than the other. Not just any symbols would do mind, they would have to be representative of both of these particular Pureblood families'.
'That doesn't make any sense,' Potter complained plaintively. 'Why on earth would George and Pansy choose such a ridiculously pretentious bond?'
Draco stiffened at the words.
'Oh, I'm sorry this is so offensive to The Saviour's delicate sensibilities,' Draco sneered. 'I'll have you know that the "Aequalis Bond" is actually quite popular these days. I think the idea of equal partners appeals to both Purebloods and Muggleborns alike, but hey, what do I know, right? No doubt you're so used to your little lackeys, running after you, licking at your heels, that that's what you'll expect the little Weaslette to do after you tie the knot'.
That seemed to get Potter all riled up. Well good. Draco wasn't going to put up with any of the git's crap, Potter might as well start realising that now.
Potter took a deep breath in an obvious attempt to calm himself.
'You know what? Fine. I'm not even going to bother. Just tell me what we need to do so we can fucking go and do it and then I can get the hell out of here,' he said.
Draco felt oddly disappointed. He hadn't realised that he'd actually quite enjoyed arguing with Potter like that. At least nothing was ever dull when Potter was around.
'The two Bond Partners, that would be Pansy and George, will each take care of a symbol for either femininity or masculinity. The Bonder, that would be the witch that will lead the bonding ceremony, will bring the symbol of unity, usually rings for each Bond Partner,' Draco continued his explanation.
Potter was listening attentively. It felt quite satisfying to have those expressive green eyes focussed entirely on Draco for a change. He sat up a little straighter, feeling ridiculous while doing so but still unable to stop himself.
'Alright,' Potter said. 'So I gather we're supposed to find some symbols as well?'
Draco nodded.
'That's right. It's the job of the Bond Confidants to find the last remaining items, symbols for the four elements'.
Potter bit his bottom lip and squinted thoughtfully. Draco caught himself looking at the white teeth worrying the tender flesh and shook himself. What on earth was the matter with him? He was paying Potter way more attention than strictly necessary and that needed to stop right now.
'That seems doable,' Potter said thoughtfully. 'So which two do you want to take?'
Draco shook his head regretfully. If only it were that simple…
'No splitting the task I'm afraid. The ceremony requires us to find the symbols together, one for each element,' Draco said.
Potter eyed him miserably, which for some reason annoyed Draco to no end.
'Hey,' he complained, 'don't blame me! Can't say I'm looking forward to spending all my free time with you of all people'.
'What do you mean all your free time? We'll manage to find all four symbols today won't we?' Potter asked, looking puzzled. 'I mean, how hard can it be? We'll buy, I don't know, a candle for fire, a glass for water, a potted plant for earth and… actually I can't really think of something for air off the top of my head…'
'No!' Draco cried out, looking aghast. 'Will you bloody listen! I told you, it can't be just anything. We'll need something representative of the Weasleys and the Parkinsons specifically. And it needs to be something meaningful and magical, not just some random bits and pieces!'
'Fine!' Potter bit back. 'I don't know why you're bothering though. You said yourself Pansy and George are only doing this as a joke. I'm sure they're having a right laugh at our expense, picturing us bickering about what symbol to choose'.
Draco raised his eyes to the heavens in exasperation.
'Not the point Potter. So not the point…' Draco sighed. 'Regardless of Pansy and George's intent, I for one actually respect the old Pureblood traditions and therefore will take my duties seriously. I would advise you to do the same'.
Potter snorted.
Draco bristled and said: 'Yes Potter, I realise you couldn't care less about tradition. But the symbols are fairly important you know. Strong, powerful symbols will serve to strengthen the bond. You know as well as I do that Pansy and George, oh irony of ironies, are pretty much perfectly suited for each other. Don't you want to give them the strongest base for their marriage and future happiness that you can?'
oOoOo
Not fair, Harry thought sulkily.
Malfoy had him there, no point denying it. Harry loved George like a brother and he'd become very fond of Pansy as well. He wanted them both to be happy, they thoroughly deserved it with all they'd gone through.
'Ok,' he said, resigning himself with his lot. 'The sooner we start looking for these symbols, the sooner we'll be done, right? So, where to first?'
Harry gulped down the last of his butterbeer and stood up. Malfoy remained seated for a moment longer, looking thoughtful. Then he nodded as if having made a decision and got up from the table.
'Let's go,' he said, walking out of the pub and into Diagon Alley without checking to see if Harry would follow.
'Wanker,' Harry mumbled, following Draco out into the daylight. 'Where are we going exactly?'
'Hmm?' Malfoy enquired, looking distracted. 'Oh. Over here…' He made a vague gesture, indicating Merlin knew what, and walked on in a quick pace.
'Well that was clear,' Harry complained, giving up for the moment and just following Malfoy obediently.
'Ah, here we are,' Malfoy announced with satisfaction.
Harry looked up to read the gold-leaf lettering above the elegant looking window display. Madam Woodcroft's Exquisite Antiques, it read. Harry followed Malfoy in, feeling a bit dubious. The items in the shop all looked equally dainty and priceless, not an environment Harry felt very comfortable in. He was careful to keep his arms by his side, making sure not to accidentally bump into some no doubt priceless artefact.
Malfoy of course moved around the store with ease, navigating his way around with purpose. He was the picture of elegance, he probably hadn't done anything clumsy in his life.
'What do you think Potter? See anything we could use?' Malfoy asked, looking back over his shoulder.
Harry shrugged.
'Not sure. What are we looking for exactly? I mean, is there a particular order in which we need to find stuff?'
Draco shook his head.
'Not really,' he said. 'Just look around, see if anything pops out at you'.
Harry stood still and then slowly let his gaze scope the entire shop. There were some beautiful things there, that much Harry could see. His eyes flew over some items, dismissing them instantly, then lingered on others, considering them more seriously before dismissing them as well.
Suddenly, he thought he saw something. Holding his breath, he took a few steps closer to examine his selection more thoroughly.
'How about this?' he asked, pointing at a rather large, elegant looking vase.
Malfoy pursed his lips thoughtfully and stepped closer to take a good look. The vase was made of glass in different shades of a subtle blue. Its lines were simple yet delicate, it had a slight curve and a quirky looking twist around the base.
'Maybe…' Malfoy considered out loud. 'Tell me why you like it'.
Harry shuffled his feet self-consciously. He was no good at this. As an Auror, he was used to going with his gut, listening to his instincts. He knew this vase was what they were looking for, but he had trouble finding the words that would explain what he knew to someone like Malfoy.
'I… I don't know,' he said. 'It would be for the element water obviously, as it's a vase and it's blue. It's beautiful, elegant, but I guess a bit different as well. Unique probably, which both Pansy and George are, individually and as a couple. I don't know Malfoy, it just feels right alright?' Harry finished lamely.
Harry was sure Malfoy would scoff at that, but he didn't. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully.
'I think you're right,' he said, looking at Harry with an approval that made a little flutter dance around in Harry's stomach. 'The shape is perfect, with just the right amount of refinement and quirkiness to be perfect for Pansy and sturdy and solid looking enough for George. I like it. I really do. Let's find out a little bit more about it, shall we?'
Harry felt himself blush with pleasure. The approval coming from Malfoy was highly unexpected and well, quite nice really. He smiled at Malfoy, but he had already turned away to signal the owner of the shop. The elderly lady made her excuses to the couple she'd been talking to and made her way over to them.
'Hello gentlemen, welcome to my little shop,' she said, smiling pleasantly. 'My name is Madam Woodcroft. How may I help you?'
Malfoy indicated the vase with a little nod.
'We're interested to hear a little more about this piece. Could you tell us something of its history and its magical properties please?'
'Of course, of course!' the witch exclaimed happily. 'A fine choice if I may say so. This is the Poseidon Vase, made of unbreakable glass and rumoured to have originated on the drowned, magical island of Atlantis. It has been in the Tekosis family for centuries, brought to England by Hesperos Tekosis over fifty years ago. He married into the Knightly family, bringing the vase as a wedding gift to his wife. It came to me in a large estate sale only recently and I'm rather proud of it'.
'Does it have any magical properties besides being unbreakable?' Harry enquired.
'Oh yes,' Madam Woodcroft enthused. 'It's enchanted to make flowers stay in bloom longer and it has an Aguamenti charm imbedded in the glass to make sure the flowers are never without water'.
'Excellent,' Malfoy said. 'I think we'll take it Madam'.
After a quick negotiation over the price, Madam Woodcroft wrapped the vase up and they were on their way.
'Good work Potter,' Malfoy said as soon as they stepped out of the antique shop. 'At this rate, we'll have our job finished in no time'.
'Er… thanks,' Harry said hesitantly.
Malfoy checked his pocket watch.
'Right. I think I'll just have enough time to drop the vase off at my flat if I apparate there now. I'll meet you all for the fitting after that'.
He left Harry feeling very much confused. The morning with Malfoy had almost turned out… pleasant. How was that even possible? He shook his head wearily, slowly strolling back toward the Leaky Cauldron and the door to Muggle London.
