Chapter Text
Sixth year was a very tough time for Harry. There was that whole Chosen One business for one thing. The Prophet was publishing almost daily articles about him, one more hilarious than the next and people were whispering and staring at him even more than usual. He didn't think he'd ever get used to that. This completely stupid hero worship, just because of something that had happened to him when he'd still been a baby. His mother was the real hero. If she hadn't sacrificed her life for his, he wouldn't be here now.
Then there was the fact that Sirius had almost died in the fight at the Department of Mysteries. Only Remus quick reflexes had saved his life and Harry was all too aware of how close he'd come to losing his godfather. His only family. And he also knew that it would have been his fault, for being reckless and running into danger without thinking yet again.
He'd been allowed to spend most of the summer at Grimmauld Place after that, which had been a relief. Not only because it meant getting away from the Dursleys, but also because of the nightmares, which were getting more and more frequent and revolved mostly around Sirius dying for a few weeks. Harry had been glad to find his godfather at his bedside when he woke up from those nightmares, very much alive and ready to offer comfort.
Thankfully the nightmares had gotten fewer now, but Sirius had assured him that Harry could use the mirror to contact him whenever he wanted. Day and night. Even if he was only feeling down or wanted to chat. He would always be there and Harry couldn't express how grateful he was for that.
Lessons got more demanding too and free periods were mostly used to study and catch up on homework. Being Quidditch Captain was also a lot more work than he'd anticipated, especially with Katie missing from the team. And then there were the private lessons with Dumbledore, which proved a challenge of their own. All this, topped off with the strange new tension between Ron and Hermione had him stressed out after only a few weeks of school.
Strangely enough, watching Draco Malfoy turned out to be a good way to relax. He was still convinced that the blond was a Death Eater, even if no-one (save maybe Sirius) wanted to believe him. So he had decided to follow the blond Slytherin and spy on him to find out what he was up to. People would have to believe him once he'd found proof. Right?
He couldn't help but notice that Draco seemed stressed out too. There were dark circles under his eyes, he had lost weight and he looked even paler than usual. Whatever Voldemort had ordered him to do was clearly taking its toll on him. Harry almost felt bad for the other boy.
Ron and Hermione of course wanted to hear none of that and got exasperated whenever he mentioned Draco. They just didn't get it. But as the weeks wore on, they were too busy with their own lives to admonish him much. Ron seemed permanently glued to Lavender's lips nowadays and Hermione threw herself into schoolwork even more than usual. Which left Harry with a lot of free time. He used it constructively, by following Draco around school underneath his invisibility cloak or watching his dot moving around on the Marauder's Map.
So yes, it was a stressful time. Probably even more so than the last couple of years, which hadn't exactly been a picnic either. Still Harry thought he managed quite well. At least until fate decided to turn his life upside down once more. Because weird things always seemed to happen to him and trouble seemed to find him, no matter what he did.
It all started at breakfast, a few days after the Christmas holidays, when a barn owl landed in front of him with a package. Since their mail was still undergoing a screening for cursed or dark objects, there was no need for caution. At least that's what he'd believed. So Harry opened the package without thinking. Peeling back the wrapping paper he discovered a small, leather bound book. Guessing that Remus must have sent it, he picked it up with a frown.
As soon as his fingers touched the cover however, an electrical jolt ran through his whole body. He quickly snatched his hand away, but it was too late. His fingers felt like they had been burned and the pain was slowly radiating onward, finally pooling on the inside of his right wrist. It felt like his skin was on fire. Harry was distinctly aware that he was screaming and he thought he heard an answering yell from the other side of the Great Hall, but he couldn't be sure. Clutching his burning wrist he toppled off the bench and lost consciousness before his body even hit the floor.
***
When Harry came to, he found himself in the infirmary. He'd been here often enough to recognize it immediately, even without his glasses on. He sat up slowly and found his glasses on the bedside table. A bandage was covering his right wrist, which still felt hot and sore. A curtain hid him from the rest of the room and judging by the silence, someone had also placed a spell around his bed to make sure he wouldn't be disturbed.
Therefore he was startled when Madam Pomfrey appeared at his bedside, accompanied by Professor McGonagall. The matron looked him over critically and waved her wand over him, muttering a few quiet spells, before nodding to the professor and leaving again.
"Mr. Potter, how are you feeling?" McGonagall inquired.
"Fine. Only my wrist feels weird."
She nodded, looking grim. Harry felt his stomach drop. He knew that look and it never bode well.
"What happened?" he wanted to know.
"It seems someone sent you an enchanted object. I have no idea how it got past our security measures. But I guess it doesn't much matter right now. The damage is done. You triggered the spell when you touched the book."
"What... what kind of spell?" he asked cautiously, bracing for the worst.
"A bonding spell. We don't know which one exactly as of yet. Only that it is very old and complex."
Okay, that didn't sound too bad actually. At least not life threatening. Right?
"And what exactly.. does it do?"
McGonagall gave him an unimpressed look, like she was thinking he was purposely being dense here.
"As the name already indicates, it binds you to someone." When he still looked puzzled she heaved and exasperated sigh and explained: "Bonding spells were originally created for marriages, though nowadays only some old pureblood families still insist on using them."
"Wait, so I'm... married to someone now?" he croaked.
"A magical bond goes a lot deeper than that, Mr. Potter. Especially a soul bond. But for all intents and purposes - yes."
Great. As if his life wasn't already complicated enough. He almost didn't dare to ask.
"Who?"
He could already tell by her expression that he wasn't going to like the answer.
"Mr. Malfoy."
Okay. He was technically married to Malfoy now, just because he had touched a book. Sure. Why not.
"Mr. Malfoy awoke at about the same time you did. As I said, we don't yet know the exact nature of this spell. But if you're feeling up to it, I'll explain to you both what we know so far and how it will affect you."
Harry was most definitely not feeling up to it. He actually felt close to a panic attack, truth be told. But if the last five years had taught him anything, it was to cope with unexpected things happening to him. He had learned that it was better to just go with it and get as much information as he could. So he nodded bravely, not trusting himself to speak. McGonagall disappeared for a moment, most likely to talk to someone, before pulling back the curtains.
Draco was sitting in the bed next to his. He looked shaken up and very pale, the dark circles beneath his eyes more prominent than ever. Snape was standing next to his bed, his arms crossed over his chest, scowling at nothing in particular. Madam Pomfrey was nowhere to be seen. McGonagall cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention.
"As you already know, you were both sent a book this morning and when you touched those books you triggered the bonding spell placed on them, which created a soul bond between the two of you. As of yet we couldn't determine which spell was used. We only know that it was ancient and very complex. Which still doesn't explain why you both reacted as violently as you did. Professor Flitwick is currently examining the books. Hopefully he'll be able to give us more details tomorrow."
Draco flinched slightly, but remained quiet, so Harry decided to ask the most important question. "And what are we supposed to do now? I mean... how does this … bond thing work?"
"The bond will try to draw you together, because that is what all soul bonds were created to do. There might be some side effects if you're apart for a prolonged period of time. These can vary in intensity and usually range from a light feeling of anxiousness up to headaches, nausea and panic attacks." McGonagall explained.
"From what we can tell you won't need to be around each other constantly." she hastened to add, upon seeing Harry's panicked look. "You'll be able to sleep in your separate dorm rooms and go about your lessons as usual. But I would suggest spending time together outside of class. I'm afraid, you'll have to test how much time is necessary, since we're not sure yet which bond we're dealing with. Some bonds also require physical contact. Again, you will have to try to find out if this is the case."
Tense silenced followed her words.
"Can it be broken?" Draco spoke up for the first time.
"I'm afraid, I can't really answer that question, Mr. Malfoy. Some bonds can be broken as long as they are not yet fully sealed. Others take effect immediately. So we can't say for sure until we've discovered what spell exactly was used on you." McGonagall admitted.
"And how do you seal a bond?" Harry asked. Maybe there was still hope.
"Since they were usually used in marriage rituals, bonds are either sealed with the kiss at the end of the ritual or when the marriage is consummated."
"Consummated?"
"Sex, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall replied bluntly and Harry felt his face heat. He didn't dare look at Draco.
"So … there's a chance that we can just … break this bond, yeah?" he checked.
He didn't like the look the two professors exchanged and how his head of house seemed to stall.
"There might be." she said slowly. "But… with the marks appearing on both of your wrists… I think it is unlikely."
Harry did look at Draco at this, noticing for the first time that there was a bandage wrapped around his left wrist.
"You should get some sleep now. Madam Pomfrey wants to keep you here overnight, because of the unusual reaction you both had to the bond. I'm sure we'll know more tomorrow." the assistant headmistress tried to reassure them.
"What do you mean, unusual reaction?" Harry wanted to know. She had said that twice now.
"Well.. a bond isn't supposed to cause pain. And I've also never heard of anyone fainting, let alone being unconscious for the better part of a day." she explained. "But never mind that. I'm sure you'll be fine. Sleep now." she finally ended the discussion in a voice that allowed to argument.
Snape swept out of the room without sparing them another glance. McGonagall gave Harry a tight smile and followed the potions master, leaving the two boys alone.
Harry risked a glance at Draco, who was sitting there, staring off into space. "So… do you know anything about these.. bonds?" he asked tentatively.
The blond flinched and then shot him a dark look. Without answering he laid down with his back to Harry. The younger boy sighed in defeat and laid down as well. If the bond really couldn't be broken, he would be in for a hard life. Getting killed by Voldemort suddenly didn't sound so bad anymore.
***
Harry and Draco were released from the infirmary late the next morning. After spending a sleepless night staring either at the ceiling or Malfoy's back, Harry was glad to escape back to Gryffindor tower. Since it was Saturday, most students were hanging out in the common room and all eyes turned to him as soon as he entered. Ron and Hermione ushered him towards a squashy armchair in front of the fire and shielded him from the others as best as they could. They seemed to have forgotten their ongoing quarrel for the moment and were united in their concern for Harry.
"Harry, are you okay? You just screamed and then you fainted. We were so worried. McGonagall wouldn't allow us to visit you." Hermione let him know.
"Malfoy fainted, too." Ron added.
Harry nodded tiredly. "I know. He was in the infirmary with me."
"What happened? Was it that book you were sent? McGonagall wouldn't allow anyone to touch it. We thought it might've been cursed." Hermione again and Harry was only surprised that she hadn't started berating him yet for touching the bloody thing.
"Yeah, it was cursed. And Malfoy got one too."
"Bloody hell, mate. But you're alright now, aren't you? I mean, they wouldn't have released you if you weren't." Ron reasoned, obvious concern in his voice.
"No, I'm not alright." Harry whispered, sinking deeper into the armchair. "It was a bonding spell. I'm bound to Malfoy."
Saying it aloud made it feel all too real. Seeing the shocked looks on his friend's faces, he realized for the first time just what he'd gotten into. He was bound to Malfoy. He might have to spend his whole life bound to an arrogant prat who hated him. And who was also a death eater.
"But… they can break it? Right?" Ron asked, once he'd found his voice again.
Harry shrugged helplessly. "They don't even know what spell was used. And until they find out, there's nothing they can do."
He didn't add that McGonagall had little hope of breaking the bond, even if she discovered the spell. His friends were shocked speechless already and he didn't want to be reminded of the facts himself.
"I've read a bit about bonds, but I don't know much. I'm going to the library. See if I can find out more." Hermione decided.
Harry simply nodded, having already expected this reaction. Really, it was Hermione's solution for everything. Find a book about it.
"Is there anything you can tell me, that might help me narrow down the research?"
"Umm.. McGonagall said it's a soul bond. And… she said something about marks…" he trailed off, looking at the bandage still wrapped around his wrist. Madam Pomfrey had told him he could take it off if he wanted to, but so far he hadn't dared.
Now, with Ron and Hermione looking at him curiously, he undid the bandage with trembling fingers. And then he stared at the intricate symbol, that looked like it had been branded into the skin on the inside of his right wrist. The skin still looked red, despite the healing salve, but at least it wasn't hurting any longer.
"That's a Celtic knot." Hermione observed. "And Malfoy has the same?"
Harry shrugged. "I didn't see it. I guess so. Oh, but it's on his left wrist."
"Really? That's fascinating. I wonder…" And she ran off without finishing her sentence.
Harry and Ron shared an amused glance. They were used to her antics after all.
"So… someone sent you that book. You and Malfoy. Who the hell would want to bind you to Malfoy?" the red-head wondered.
"Someone who hates me." Harry groaned, burying his head in his hands.
***
He spent some time talking things through with Ron. And Ginny. And Seamus, Dean, Neville, Lavender and Parvati, who all joined the discussion at some point. When it was time for lunch he felt worn out, after going on about the subject again and again.
McGonagall shook her head when he caught her gaze, letting him know that there were no news yet. Hermione had her nose buried in a book and barely acknowledged him. Harry glanced over at the Slytherin table and was surprised when he didn't see Draco. He shrugged it off and concentrated on his food.
But when Draco failed to show up to dinner, Harry felt his unease growing. Returning to the common room with Ron and Neville, he was twitchy and nervous. It was only when Ginny commented that he looked unwell, that he finally made the connection.
"I think I need to find Malfoy."
Not willing to run around the castle, looking for the blond git, he fetched the Marauders Map, which reminded him that he really should contact Sirius and tell him what had happened. Later, he decided, staring at the map until he spied the tiny dot labelled Draco Malfoy. He was in the kitchens. Well, not that surprising, considering that he'd missed lunch and dinner.
Harry hurried downstairs and breathed a small sigh of relief when he finally found the blond sitting at a small table with a large book and what looked like a mug of hot chocolate. The dark-haired boy took a seat across from him and asked one of the elves, who had started fawning over him as soon as he entered, to bring him some hot chocolate as well.
"What do you want?" Malfoy snapped, without looking up.
"What I want? You heard what McGonagall said. We're supposed to spend time together." Harry snapped back.
The blond did look up then and Harry had to stifle a wince. Up close the pallor of his skin and the dark rings beneath his eyes were even more prominent. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.
"Fine. Stay here. But don't bother me." That said he dropped his gaze back to his book and proceeded to ignore Harry.
The Gryffindor sighed and sipped his hot chocolate. The feeling of anxiousness had passed, now that he was close to Malfoy. But he had no idea how much time he would have to spend around the git. After simply sitting there for what felt like hours, he finally asked Dobby to bring him his school bag, so he could at least do something productive and get started on his Charms essay.
When Dobby returned and handed over the bag with his usual excited demeanour, he noticed Malfoy looking at the elf curiously. Remembering that Dobby had been the Malfoy's house elf, Harry quickly thanked him and shooed him off, before Draco could say anything mean. The blond seemed about to say something, but then simply shook his head and went back to reading.
They stayed like that for several hours. Draco reading his book and Harry doing his homework. He was surprised that he managed to finish his Charms essay and get started on Transfiguration. He would've never gotten that much work done in the common room, that was for sure. And sitting quietly together like this actually felt okay.
When Malfoy finally closed his book and got up, Harry stopped him. "Malfoy, wait."
The blond looked at him wearily, but made no move to leave.
"Look… I hate this as much as you do, but you heard what McGonagall said. We need to spend time together or there will be side effects. So… can we just try to get along for a few hours a day? With a little luck they'll find a way to break this stupid bond in a few days and we'll be free."
Harry watched fascinated as a range of emotions passed over Draco's face, before the usual, cool mask slid back into place. He looked ready to argue, to lash out. In the end he nodded curtly.
"Tomorrow, then. Same place, same time."
Knowing this was as good as he was going to get, the Gryffindor nodded. "Alright. See you tomorrow."
Malfoy gave another curt nod and hurried off. Harry watched him go, before turning back to the table to gather his things.
Dobby appeared out of nowhere and started cleaning up.
"I'm sorry if Malfoy being here makes you uncomfortable, Dobby. You can just avoid him next time, okay?" Harry suggested.
The elf looked up at him with his large eyes. "Oh no, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby does not mind seeing the young master. Young master has always been kind to Dobby, sir."
This came as quite a surprise to Harry. "You mean… he didn't hit you or anything?" he checked.
Dobby started twisting his ears nervously, his gaze darting around. Probably looking for something to hurt himself with.
"It's okay, Dobby. You're not their elf anymore. You can tell me about the Malfoys." Harry reassured him.
"Master Malfoy is a bad wizard." the elf said bravely. "A very bad wizard. But the young master Draco is not bad. He ordered Dobby to play with him. Hide and seek and other games. And he told Dobby secrets and sometimes he even gave Dobby some of his sweets. But Dobby never told anyone. Master Malfoy would have been very furious."
Yes, Harry had no doubt about that. "Thanks for telling me, Dobby. Goodnight."
As he made his way back to Gryffindor tower, Harry tried to picture a young Draco playing hide and seek with Dobby and sneaking him some of his sweets. It was a strange thought and didn't fit in with what he knew about the haughty Slytherin. He couldn't help but wonder what else he didn't know about Malfoy. Maybe the blond actually wasn't as much of a git as he'd always believed.
The common room was mostly deserted when he arrived, so Harry went up to his dorm. Ron and Neville were already asleep, while Dean and Seamus were talking quietly in Dean's bed. Harry changed into his pyjamas and crawled into bed as well, drawing the curtains shut. Despite feeling tired and worn out it took him a long time to fall asleep.