The fourth letter, dated 1 April 2020, marked a time when things started taking a really strange twist in Harry's world.

Harry didn't often pay close attention to happenings outside of the wizarding realm, but he was well aware of the mysterious virus that was sweeping through the Muggle world. Hermione, who was working as a top researcher at the Ministry of Magic, had confided that there was a special potion being formulated for wizards who had no choice but to come into contact with Muggles. The potion was meant to work as both a prevention and cure rolled into one.

He remembered the conversation clearly. Hermione, Ron, Ginny and himself were having dinner at the Weasleys' when Hermione mentioned that they had found an unlikely volunteer to test the potion – none other than her immediate boss, Draco Malfoy.

"Muggles don't quite trust us enough yet, so we'll have to test it ourselves first before they're willing to do their own experiments. Of course it's all top secret," she'd said, warning them to keep the information to themselves.

"Well yeah, but why Draco, of all people? I mean since when did he care so much about anything Muggle-related?" Ron had asked, confused.

Hermione had sighed exasperatedly before answering. "How many times must I tell you, before you'll believe me? He's changed, Ron. Maybe you'd know if you bothered to invite him over for dinner sometime!"

Ron had wisely kept his mouth shut, but not before sharing a knowing look with Harry.

Later, Ginny had confided in him that Ron was becoming suspicious of Hermione's relationship with her boss. Apparently, she had been spending an unreasonable amount of time in the office, sometimes staying overnight or even for days in a row. When she did spend time at home, all she talked about was the cure she was working on and how wonderful Draco was.

Harry tried to keep a neutral stance on the matter. He himself had formed a strange sort of relationship with the ex-Slytherin over the years. Scorpius and Albus had somehow managed to become the best of friends, and as a consequence, Harry and Draco found themselves communicating regularly about their sons' whereabouts (always via Owl post or some other form of communication, never face-to-face). Draco was respectful and cordial, albeit a bit standoffish. Harry didn't push it – he was happy to keep the other man at arm's length.

He did, however, notice that Draco had become more and more preoccupied with work. Scorpius had started asking, with increasing frequency, if he could stay in the Potter's spare room. Draco was apparently busy with a secret project with work (presumably the "cure" that Hermione spoke about) and often spent days on end at the office. He hadn't remarried after the death of his wife some years ago, which left Scorpius all alone at home for the majority of the time. The teenaged boy apparently preferred being around the Potters.

Harry had to admit that Scorpius was a wonderful addition to their home. He'd had somehow become the glue that rekindled the spark in the Potter's home; the same spark that had been dampened by Cassia's letters. Indeed, Harry had all but forgotten about Cassia's letters, such that her fourth letter (dated 1 April, 2020) was only opened on 1 May 2020, together with the fifth letter that had arrived on the same day.

As if she had known this beforehand, Cassia's fourth letter was short and to the point.

"Dear Mr. Potter," it began, as usual.

"I know this is a busy time for you, with an extra family member to take care of. Scorpius is a fine young man, isn't he? I'm happy that he has been able to bring you some much-needed joy. Believe it or not, your energy impacts your soulmate and vice versa. But he feels it more at the moment, because he is much more sensitive to your bond than you are.

I'm afraid I'm the cause of that. I have met him and told him everything that I have told you so far, with one exception – I have also told him that you, Harry Potter, are his soulmate.

The reason you can't meet him yet is simple...it is not yet the right time. He has other things to do first, other things to learn and experience, before you two can come together. You have other things to do, too. You need to help Ginny make the right decision, so that she can allow this to happen the way that I have seen it happen. That is the only way that this will work…at least that I know of.

I must mention the gravity of the situation. As your soulmate awakens, I am beginning to witness just how strong your bond is. This soul contract is far more powerful than I had originally imagined.

You see, your soulmate feels a deep emptiness because of not having you by his side. He is filled with desperate longing and throws himself into his work to distract himself, but I don't think he can keep this up for long. He will soon feel the urge to be around you, physically...

This is not of your concern at the moment, but be prepared, Harry. You will feel the same when it is your time.

For now, enjoy the time you have with your family, and with Ginny Weasley, before it is your turn to awaken to this contract – the one that YOU chose to create, may I remind you.

Cassie"

Harry remembered the hollow pit in his stomach when he first read it. He could also remember Ginny's look of stubborn determination; the way she had pursed her lips and declared that it was time to take action.

"This is getting out of hand, Harry," she'd said angrily. "I may not have any clue who this bitch Cassie is or what she thinks she's doing, but what I do know is that I need to keep my family – and Scorpius – safe. Either you get to the bottom of this, or I will," she had warned. "And if you leave it to me, the results will not be pretty for her."

"I know, Ginny," he'd said quietly, as he reluctantly opened the fifth letter.

"Dear Harry," it began. Harry wasn't sure why Cassie had suddenly switched to using his first name.

"I'm afraid I must apologise for what I'm asking of you in this letter. You see, your soulmate is far more stubborn than I had realised. Rather than giving in and accepting this...situation, he has chosen to rebel.

He has taken a lover for himself – an outlet, rather – but the more he gives of himself to her, the more he loses himself.

He is trapping himself, and he won't get out of it until you meet.

I know you're busy, but I have a solution that will take care of this...for now.

Your dear friend Hermione has met with me and she understands completely what I'm asking.

You will hear from her soon. I hope you agree to what she asks. Believe it or not, it is in your best interests to acquiesce.

Tell Ginny that she has all the right to feel angry – but there are forces far greater than her at play.

Remember, Love conquers all.

Cassie"

Needless to say, the last bit had sent Ginny through the roof. To Harry's surprise, Scorpius had been the one to soothe her. He was sensitive to moods around people and had an exceptional flair for potions, much like his father. A magical, calming mug of tea had made an instant difference.

But Harry wasn't allowed to let go of his worries as easily. True to Cassie's word, Hermione had visited the following week with a strange request. She wanted a drop of his blood to capture his serum for a secret potion.

She had been in a massive hurry and promised to tell him more about it later. He had chosen to trust her, his smartest friend, even when she told him that it was best for Ginny not to know. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat as the memory of that incident resurfaced. He'd toyed with the idea of going back in time to say no...

He must've sat ruminating about the past for longer than he'd realised. A painful rumble in his stomach jolted him back to his present. A curtain of darkness had descended around him, and with a start, he realised that the sun had almost completely set outside the seaside AirBnB apartment. Lumos, he whispered, and the lights switched on. He reached for the sixth letter, remembering the incredible confession Cassia had made in it…