The hallways of the Ministry of Magic seemed sinister to Theo as he walked alongside his father, Thoros. Unsettling glances followed them from the moment they had set foot in the ministry, making Theo's unease grow with each passing step.
They entered an elevator, and as the doors closed, Theo couldn't help but voice his concerns. "Dad, did you notice all those prying eyes on us? It's like they've been waiting for us."
Thoros nodded, his face etched with a mixture of determination and concern. "I've noticed, Theo."
The elevator descended to the second level, and the heavy oak doors of the Auror Office swung open before them. Theo's eyes widened as he took in the vast, open space divided into small cubicles, each housing an Auror.
His attention was drawn to a man approaching them. The man was dressed in a black vest and pants, complete with boots, a white shirt, and a tie. Messy black hair framed his face, reminding Theo of his Uncle Enzo, while his hazel eyes bore a striking resemblance to his friend Jace's. The man also wore glasses.
The man extended his hand towards Thoros. "I'm James Potter. Thank you for coming so quickly," he said, acknowledging their prompt response.
Theo observed James, growing increasingly uneasy about their surroundings. "Dad, where are they taking you?" he asked, his voice low.
James overheard Theo's question and turned to face him. "Theo, I need to talk to your father in private. It won't take long," he replied, though his words did little to ease Theo's concerns.
Frowning, Theo put two and two together. He deduced that James was leading his father to an interrogation room. Panic surged through him, and he blurted out, "They can't treat you like a criminal, Dad! You haven't done anything wrong."
Thoros exchanged a silent look with James, seeking permission to address his son. James nodded, granting the request. Thoros knelt in front of Theo, his eyes locked onto his son's worried gaze.
"Listen, Theo," Thoros began, his voice calm and reassuring. "I promise you, there's nothing to worry about. I'll be out of there in no time, and then we'll go meet Mia and Jace in New York, just like we planned."
Theo, still frowning, looked into his father's eyes, searching for the truth in his words. After a moment, he nodded, albeit reluctantly, and said, "You better keep that promise, Dad."
Thoros ruffled Theo's hair affectionately. "I will, Theo. Now, stay here for a bit. I'll be back before you know it."
With that, Theo watched as his father followed James into the small room, his heart heavy with concern for what lay ahead.
Inside the dimly lit interrogation room, James and Thoros took their seats on opposite sides of the sturdy, wooden interrogation table. The room's atmosphere was tense, and the overhead light cast elongated shadows that danced across the walls.
James tried to break the ice with a touch of humor. "Your son, Theo, doesn't seem to be a big fan of us Aurors," he remarked with a wry smile.
Thoros leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, his expression unyielding. "Can't say I blame him," he replied coolly. "Aurors haven't exactly inspired much confidence to him, especially not after the way they handled my wife's death."
James lowered his gaze, a look of regret flashing across his face. "I'm genuinely sorry for the way things were handled back then," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity. "I promise you, we're here to make this as quick and painless as possible.
Thoros nodded, a trace of tension in his jaw easing slightly. "I appreciate that. Let's get this over with, then."
In the small interrogation room, James leaned forward, his expression grave. "Do you have any idea why you've been summoned here today?" he asked Thoros, his voice steady.
Thoros shook his head. "No, I haven't the faintest clue. I received an owl with a summons, but it didn't provide any details."
James took a deep breath before delivering the unsettling news. "You've been summoned because you're a possible suspect in the kidnapping of Hermione Potter, my daughter."
Thoros recoiled, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Kidnapping? I haven't kidnapped anyone, and I wasn't even aware of the existence of the heiress to House Potter."
James nodded, his gaze never leaving Thoros's face. "The birth of my daughter was kept a closely guarded secret. Very few people knew about it."
Thoros's confusion was evident. "But how did I end up being suspected of such a heinous crime?"
James explained, "An elderly woman provided a description, and you seemed to fit the description."
Thoros sighed heavily, his patience waning. "Can we get on with the questions? My son is waiting outside."
James nodded, the gravity of the situation settling in. "Of course. Let's begin. Where were you on the night of August 8, 1979?"
Thoros raised an eyebrow, disbelief evident in his voice. "That's almost eleven years ago."
James remained resolute. "Can you recall where you were and what you were doing on that night?"
Thoros thought for a moment before answering, "I was most likely at home with my wife and our son, gazing at the portal of the lion's gate."
James probed further, "Can anyone corroborate your alibi?"
Thoros's voice grew somber. "The only person who could confirm it is no longer alive, and my son was just a toddler at the time, too young to remember."
James inquired about house elves. "Were there any elves who could confirm your whereabouts?"
Thoros shook his head. "I don't employ any house elves."
Surprised by this, James asked, "How is it that a man from a pureblood family like yours doesn't have any elves in the Nott mansion?"
Thoros's expression darkened. "My wife didn't believe in elven slavery, and the Nott mansion is my brother's property, not mine."
James nodded, making a note of this information. He then delved deeper into his line of questioning. "Have you ever visited Godric's Hollow?"
Thoros looked genuinely puzzled. "Godric's Hollow? I've never even heard of that place."
With that, James reached into his pocket and produced a black rose and a note. He placed them on the table between them and explained, "Ten roses and matching notes have appeared on the memorial statue of my family, one for each year since Hermione's disappearance. Do you recognize these roses or the handwriting on the notes?"
Thoros examined the black rose and the note, his brow furrowing. "I don't recognize the roses, and the handwriting on these notes seems too neat to be mine."
James pressed further, intrigued by Thoros's observation. "Why do you say that?"
Thoros leaned back in his chair, a determined look in his eyes. "I'm left-handed. If you'd provide me with a piece of parchment, I could prove it to you."
Outside the interrogation room, Theo was a bundle of nerves. He couldn't shake the feeling of distrust toward James and the Aurors in general, not after what had happened to his mother. His thoughts swirled, his eyes darting around the hallway anxiously.
Suddenly, a gentle voice broke through his reverie. "Mind if I sit here?" a red-haired woman with freckles and green eyes asked, gesturing to the empty chair beside Theo.
Theo looked at her and nodded, feeling a bit of relief at the company. The woman was dressed in a gray jacket and skirt, a white shirt, and tall black boots.
Smiling kindly, the woman introduced herself, "I'm Lily. Waiting for someone?"
Theo replied, his voice trembling slightly, "I'm Theo. I'm waiting for my father."
Lily leaned in slightly, her expression filled with curiosity. "What's your father doing in there?"
Theo sighed, his unease bubbling to the surface. "I don't know, but he's not a criminal. They shouldn't be interrogating him like this."
Lily smiled gently, trying to ease Theo's discomfort. "You don't seem to be a big fan of Aurors."
Theo shook his head adamantly. "I don't like them, and I don't trust them. Not after what they did when my mother died."
Lily's smile turned somber. "I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. But remember, not all Aurors are bad."
Theo's frustration was evident as he retorted, "My father was treated like a criminal after my mother's death just because his last name is Nott."
Lily nodded sympathetically. "Boys your age shouldn't know what prejudice feels like."
Theo stood his ground, his voice filled with pride. "I'm proud of who I am and who my father is."
Lily's smile softened, and she said, "You remind me of my son."
Intrigued, Theo asked, "You have children?"
Lily nodded, her eyes glinting with maternal affection. "Yes, I have a son named Harry. He's a little younger than you."
Before Theo could respond, the door to the interrogation room swung open, and both he and Lily turned to see James and Thoros emerging.
Without hesitation, Theo rushed into his father's arms, his worry and tension finally breaking free. Thoros held Theo close and whispered reassuring words, "See, Theo? It didn't take long."
James approached Lily, offering a smile. Thoros shook James's hand and said, "We're leaving." However before heading out he added, "For what it's worth, I hope you find your daughter, James."
In the bustling New York Institute, Mia and Jace stood with Magnus and his parents, waiting for Theo and his uncle Thoros to begin with the Parabatai ritual. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, and Mia couldn't help but feel a growing worry gnawing at her.
Turning to Jace, she voiced her concerns, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Do you think Teddy's okay?"
Jace offered a reassuring smile as he wrapped an arm around Mia's shoulders. "Don't worry, princess. Theo and uncle Thor are both strong. They'll be just fine."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of quick footsteps approaching. Mia's heart leaped in her chest as she turned to see Theo and her uncle entering the room.
Mia couldn't contain her relief and rushed forward, throwing her arms around Theo. "Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
Theo returned the hug, his smile warm and genuine. "I'm more than okay, Star. I'm ready to start."
Meanwhile, the conversation among the adults took a more serious turn. Thoros, his gaze fixed on Isabelle, spoke with a solemn tone. "Izzy, once our children finish the ritual, we need to have a serious conversation."
Isabelle's expression shifted to one of concern, and she glanced at her husband, Enzo, who instinctively wrapped his arms around her in a protective gesture.
Amidst the serious conversations of the adults, Magnus Bane interrupted them with his characteristic flair, he drew the attention of the young trio—Mia, Jace, and Theo.
Magnus smiled warmly at them and began, "Two years ago, I made a promise to you all. I said that in the summer of your third year at Durmstrang, I would ask if you wanted to become Parabatai. Well, that time has come."
He looked at the three friends, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation in his eyes. "So, the question is, do you still wish to become Parabatai?"
Mia, Jace, and Theo exchanged glances, their silent communication speaking volumes. In unison, they replied with conviction, "Yes."
Magnus nodded in acknowledgment. "Unfortunately, the Parabatai bond can only exist between two people. So, you must decide who will be the lucky ones—or perhaps, the unlucky ones, depending on your perspective."
Mia, Jace, and Theo exchanged another silent conversation, their expressions a blend of uncertainty and determination. Finally, Theo spoke up, "I think Mia and Jace should be the ones."
Jace and Mia looked at him in surprise and disagreement, their loyalty to their trio strong. Jace voiced their sentiments, "But Theo, it's always been the three of us, together until the end."
Theo gazed at them with affection in his eyes, his voice filled with sincerity. "I know, and you're right. But you two have a special connection, and you know it. Plus,I have an idea that could make us all bound as if we were Parabatai."
Magnus, ever patient and observant, redirected his attention to Mia and Jace. "So, are you willing to move forward with the Parabatai bond?"
Jace and Mia exchanged glances with Theo, who smiled at them with his thumbs up. Jace hesitated for a moment, his voice laced with seriousness as he addressed Mia, "Are you sure about this, Mia? Once we do this, there's no turning back. We'll be bound to each other for life."
Mia placed a reassuring hand on Jace's cheek, her eyes filled with determination and affection. "Nothing could make me more excited, Jace."
Jace's smile radiated love and trust as he turned to Magnus and declared, "We're ready."
With a solemn tone, Magnus addressed them. "I need you both to stand in the small fire circles in the middle of the room," he instructed.
The circles on the ground consisted of three rings of fire—two smaller ones and a larger one that connected the others. Jace and Mia took their positions inside the circles, their gazes still locked.
Magnus unrolled the scroll and prepared to break the ancient agreements by uniting Jace and Mia. He spoke with utmost seriousness, emphasizing the importance of secrecy. "Under no circumstances should you ever reveal that I've helped you with this. You understand? I'm breaking the Accords by doing this"
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, acknowledging the gravity of what was about to transpire.
Magnus held up the stele, explaining its purpose. "This is a stele. It's a tool used by Nephilim or Shadowhunters to draw runes on their skin or on objects. You will use them to draw runes and nothing more. You'll receive a book at the end of the ritual to guide you further."
Mia, Jace, and Theo all nodded in took out the scroll and instructed them to repeat the words he was about to say while holding each other's right forearms. Mia and Jace shared a look, their hearts filled with trust and affection as they followed the instructions, holding each other's forearms.
Magnus began with the words, "Entreat me not to leave thee, Or return from following after thee—"
Jace and Mia gazed into each other's eyes and repeated, " Entreat me not to leave thee, Or return from following after thee—"
Magnus continued, "For whither thou goest, I will go, And where thou lodgest, I will lodge."
Mia and Jace smiled at each other, repeating, " For whither thou goest, I will go, And where thou lodgest, I will lodge."
"Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried."
"Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried."
Magnus concluded "The Angel do so to me, and more also, If aught but death part thee and me."
Jace and Mia exchanged a final glance, their voices unwavering as they said together, "The Angel do so to me, and more also, If aught but death part thee and me."
With the words spoken and the bond reaffirmed, Magnus put away the parchment and handed a stele to each of them. He then conjured a book called the Shadowhunter Codex, flipping it open to reveal a page. Magnus instructed them, "Reproduce the Parabatai rune on each other's forearms, and it will be done."
With the Parabatai bond now established between Jace and Mia, Magnus turned his attention to Theo, handing him another stele. Theo accepted it eagerly, the excitement of the moment palpable in the room.
Magnus then addressed the group, explaining the significance of the Shadowhunters' Codex. "The Codex contains runes that could be of help to you. However, since you're wizards, it may not be entirely necessary for you to use it."
He shifted his gaze towards Jace and Mia, his expression earnest. "In case of danger, you two can use the Parabatai bond to find each other—but only if it's an emergency."
Jace and Mia exchanged a meaningful look, understanding the gravity of this new aspect of their bond. "We get it," Mia replied, her voice filled with determination.
With his guidance complete, Magnus bid everyone farewell. "My work here is done. Remember not to contact me, but if one day you find yourselves in trouble, don't hesitate to reach out. I will help you."
Theo's excitement was palpable as he ran to hug Jace and Mia, his face beaming with anticipation. "Now it's my turn," he declared, his eyes shining.
Jace and Mia exchanged puzzled glances, curiosity etched on their faces. "What do you mean?" Mia asked.
Theo grinned mischievously as he pulled several parchments from his pocket. "We're going to become Parabatai, but in the wizarding version," he explained.
He distributed the scrolls, one to his father, another to his aunt Izzy, and the last to his aunt Eloise. As Izzy and Eloise examined the scroll, they immediately recognized the spell inscribed upon it.
Thoros raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What is this spell, Theo?"
A little embarrassed, Theo confessed, "I was going through my mother's things and found this spell. It's the same one that linked Aunt Izzy, Aunt Eloise, and mum before she passed away."
Thoros felt a pang of emotion and asked, "What do you want us to do, Theo?"
Theo explained, "This spell works similarly to the Unbreakable Vow. It recognizes Jace, Mia, and me as if we were from the same family under magical law. It offers us the protection of House Nott, Beaufort, and Rosier. Essentially, under magical law, we'd be recognized as siblings."
Mia and Jace exchanged excited glances and eagerly agreed to go through with it. Theo nodded, taking charge of the moment. "This spell essentially replicates the Parabatai bond. It will prevent us from deliberately hurting each other, making us even stronger and more coordinated than before."
Jace and Mia readily followed Theo's instructions, their anticipation instructed them further, "Now, the three of us need to hold our forearms in a triangular shape and repeat the Parabatai Oath while our parents recite the spell."
Thoros, Izzy, and Eloise positioned themselves behind their respective children, ready to perform the spell. Together, they began, "Amicitia Vinculum Bellatoris."
As the parents recited the spell, Theo, Jace, and Mia looked at each other, their smiles growing. They repeated the Parabatai Oath wi
