Life Debt

The decorations were perfect. Fleur and Bill had put the finishing touches on the event. White benches were set up in the middle, with two ramps coming along either side to the archway in the center in front of a regal oak tree. Lilac flowers blossomed up and down the arch. Harry could see many flowers. He was currently hiding inside the house, in Ron's room, trying to keep from panicking.

Why the hell did he pick such a complicated suit!? Well, it probably was the same for all suits. He was just overwhelmed. He was halfway into a full panic attack when Draco came in. He calmed him right down and held him until he could breathe easier. Hermione brought a Calming Potion in.

"Sorry... the clothes... the suit... I couldn't figure it out...."

Hermione nodded and shared a look with Draco. "Well, we are here to help. Just breathe."

He did and, between the three of them, they got him ready. The green suit looked fantastic. Draco was wearing a matching silver one that matched his eyes. He just realized why Draco picked the colors that he did.

"There, my fiancé, you look amazing! Dashing!" Draco exclaimed.

"So, do you," Harry mumbled, embarrassed that he had flipped out over getting dressed.

"Hey... I love you," Draco said, making Harry look up into his eyes.

"Can we just skip the ceremony and be bonded already?"

"No," Hermione said.

"I agree with Granger. We need all the steps in between, Potter."

Harry sighed. "Okay...."

"Do you want to be alone with Ron and Hermione? I can go schmooze the guests into behaving. Ensure that there are no unauthorized guests and make sure George doesn't pull any pranks."

Harry giggled. "Okay. Hermione will watch out for me."

"And me," Ron said, coming in wearing fancy robes. His best man, a title he shared with Hermione.

Draco kissed him, again, and wandered off. Harry wanted to sit, but Hermione wouldn't let him – something about wrinkles. Harry looked at his best mates. "It's finally happening."

"Finally? You two were practically pushing to go sooner!"

Harry shrugged. "Too much stress in waiting. Waiting for the Equinox was long enough."

"Harry, you are sure? This is... there's no going back," Hermione warned.

"You waited months to tell us this was possible. Why did you? Neither Draco or I were interested in researching ways out. You could have waited a longer time."

"No... Draco... he felt so guilty that you were hurting because you hated the power over him. You were miserable every time you accidentally triggered it. It needed to be gone, but you both denied the traditional ways of dealing with it. And... you both were right... the magic wouldn't let go, unless you wanted the bond to be broken. You love him and he loves you," she said, gently.

Harry smiled. "I do. Fuck... how much longer?"

"Three hours," Ron responded.

"Three?!"

"No! Hush Ron! It's like thirty minutes. Breathe."

Harry glared at Ron. "Git. You don't think... we're being stupid?"

Ron shook his head. "Mate... you two are so mashed together that it's like your one person. You know that Malfoy talked to me about how impressed he was with my chess match against McGonagall's set? And even laughed about our Divination homework assignments. Fuck, mate... he knows everything about you. And do you know how much he's apologized for what he did to me? You know... when we're alone? We talk a lot... about you, him and how much he loves you. He's your soul mate... and I told Hermione that she needed to tell you both."

"Ron...."

"Harry... I know I got problems... had problems with the prat... but I'm going to be at your side through this. You two are perfect for each other."

Harry started crying and hugged Ron, and he then pulled Hermione in, too. "I love you guys. I went for months believing you were dead until Draco told me otherwise. Thank you for having my back... for rescuing me... for believing in Draco."

They embraced for several minutes until Mrs. Weasley came in. "Alright! Time to start heading down, Harry! No time like the present!"

Harry nodded and walked over to her. Mrs. Weasley hugged him and kissed his head. "I'm so proud of you, Harry. He's a fine young man, who loves you."

"He does. Thank you for having this here... for... umm... giving me away?"

She laughed. "It's similar to that. It's just a magical blessing, Harry, from Arthur and I."

Harry cried some more and hugged her, again. Hermione cleaned him up and straightened his suit. "You look so handsome."

"Not the half-starved, tortured guy you found at Malfoy Manor?"

"No. Draco's been making sure you are well-fed," she said, holding his hand.

"Let's go, mate. Time to get hitched!" Ron said, and led them down the stairs.

The setup was beautiful. A warm spring day... not a cloud in the sky... wildflowers in the distance behind the archway. Guests were being corralled into their seats by Charlie, George, Bill, and Fleur. Thirty people came to see this. His old professors and his friends were seated, and the Headmistress was at the archway in regal robes. Harry couldn't see Draco. The other walkway went to the dinner tent. He supposed that was where Draco was. Merlin... what was about to happen?

"How... I... what..." Harry started as the panic set in, again.

"Hey... breathe..." Hermione reassured him. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are going out first for you. Then Ron and I will escort you down to meet Draco. Blaise will be with Draco, okay?"

Harry looked at them. "You will?"

"Course we will. I hope you remember your vows?" Ron said.

Harry nodded. Some words were required, but others were a necessity. Holy fuck... what if he didn't remember? Fuck fuck fuck.

"Breathe. You got it," Hermione reassured him.

Harry took deep breaths and shoved his anxiety and panic behind the wall that Draco so carefully tended. It wasn't the hair-trigger wall that existed in the basement. Draco made it strong... durable.

The music started, and Mr. Weasley led his wife down the aisle toward the center. He saw, on the other side, Andromeda Tonks walking down with a toddler barely staying upright. His godson that he had completely forgotten about, like the shitbag he was. Teddy was trying. He was gripping his grandmum's hand, but managing on his own. He was even in a cute suit. He needed to talk to him... to Andromeda.

"Alright, Harry. Time to walk to Draco," Hermione said and took his hand. Ron took the other.

He breathed and went out to the Tchviosity's 7th symphony, rather than the traditional muggle bridal song. Draco walked next to Blaise, but didn't hold his hand. He nudged him a bit, and it looked like he told him not to fall. Draco paid him no attention, though. He was staring at him... at Harry, and he was smiling. Harry smiled back, jitters finally calming. Draco was going to be there at the end of this walk.

Almost nineteen years later, Harry made it. Ron and Hermione hugged him and stood next to him. Blaise clapped Draco on the shoulder and stood beside him, looking formidable. Harry took deep breaths as McGonagall held out her hands.

"We are gathered here today to bring together these two soulmates in marriage and bonding. Harry, who is blessing your union?"

Harry wasn't sure what to say, but Mrs. Weasley stepped forward. "My husband and I stand as Harry's adopted parents. On our magic, we give our blessings to Harry and Draco," she said, and both she and Mr. Weasley raised their wands, lit the tips in blue light and made a circle in front of them.

"May Magic bless their bonding," they said together.

The crowd, filled with Weasley's, Harry's friends and their significant others repeated, "May Magic bless their bonding."

Small fairy lights from their wands broke off and rose to hover over Draco and Harry's heads, circling them both.

"The blessing was accepted. Draco, who is blessing your union?" Professor McGonagall said.

Harry looked and realized that Andromeda was there, standing for Draco's parents. She stepped forward. "I stand for Draco as his blood aunt and as designated representative for his mother and father. I give mine and his parents' blessing for this union." Then she copied the circular movement that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had done. "May Magic bless their bonding."

"May Magic bless their bonding," chanted the crowd.

Harry was very uncomfortable with the ceremony aspect of their bonding... he just wanted to get to the vows. He steadied his nerves by meeting Draco's eyes, again.

Professor McGonagall declared that her blessing was accepted. He wondered if Narcissa and Lucius had really given her permission. Harry did ask Narcissa if it was all right... via owl... and she had given her permission. Lucius wasn't mentioned by either of them. Harry smiled at Draco as McGonagall went on with her speech about the hi온라인카지노게임 of bonding and the seriousness of their plea. It has to be real for magic to accept them. That was another reason why it was so rarely done.

"If there is anyone here who has cause as to why these two shall not be bonded, please step forward now."

Draco glared at the audience in challenge, and no one protested. Harry chuckled at his response. Professor McGonagall went on and said, "This knife represents not violence or death, but the force of your love, your courage and your honor to each other," she said. "Harry...."

She handed him the dagger. He took in a deep breath and remembered what Narcissa had said, "I, Harry James Potter, give my blood to show that my desire to join the Malfoy clan is true and without coercion. I ask to bind to thee, Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy as my husband and bondmate."

Harry made a small cut across his palm between his thumb and pinky. He thankfully didn't cut too deep or shake. He handed the dagger to their bonder. She handed it to Draco, who stared at him intently.

"I, Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy, give my blood to show that my desire to join the Potter clan is true and without coercion. I ask to bind to thee, Lord Harry James Potter-Black as my husband and bondmate."

Harry's eyes widened, but he didn't comment about his title. He assumed he would be a lord after the marriage, but Draco said he was one anyway. The Black Lordship. Draco cut his right hand open, too.

"The request to join has been made. Gentlemen, clasp your betrothed's hand," she said.

Harry and Draco smashed their bloodied hands together. Even without the vows, they were now bound by blood... family. McGonagall tied a green ribbon with the Malfoy crest on it around their hands. Then she tied a tartan cloth with the Potter crest around their clasped hands. Harry trembled at the symbolism. They were here... together.

"Magic will now hear your vows... make no mistake... they are binding," she said, and brought her wand to their joined hands. Then she added, so only they could hear. "Keep to the official script. Do not put too many words in there... it's binding, remember. You can say any other vows after."

Harry nodded, glad for the reminder. "I, Lord Harry James Potter-Black, swear on my life and magic to give you, Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy, my heart and my soul. I renounce all other oaths of fealty and bind my soul to yours for as long as we both shall live."

A blue ring shot out of the Headmistress's wand and circled their combined hands.

"I, Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy, swear on my life and magic to give you, Lord Harry James Potter-Black, my heart and my soul. I renounce all other oaths of fealty and bind my soul to yours for as long as we both shall live."

Another blue circle came out, and Harry had tears coming out.

"I, Headmistress Minerva Winnifred McGonagall, accept your oaths and bind you together by magic!" she said and a third blue ring came out of her wand and encircled their hands.

The rings started rapidly circling their hands, closer and closer, until they combined around their skin. There was only one handfasting cloth there now, too, a green plaid strip. The blessings from their family circling above their heads, spun faster and combined, spreading a magical aura over them.

Harry felt stronger... fuller... he could hear his mate's heart... Draco's feelings. Feelings of love and happiness. He could tell his hand was healed... sealed by magic. Bright bond lines formed around their wrists, forever reminding each other of their bond... their soul bond. It had worked.

"Magic has looked into Harry and Draco's hearts and found them true! They are now bonded soulmates!" the Headmistress declared, and their family and friends started cheering.

Harry forgot what they had to do next. Shit... are we going to kiss? he wondered.

No, my love. Not yet, Draco's voice said, in his head. Breathe. One more set of vows.

Harry quirked his head. Did you just speak to me... mentally?

One of the many perks of being soulbonded, Harry.

You can read my thoughts! he shrieked, panicked.

Not everything. You can block out things, but pay attention... it's your turn.

Harry looked at the Headmistress, who gestured for him to speak. Draco? he thought.

It's what you want to say... about me... give to me? Draco explained.

Oh, the gift, right. Oh... wait... is this vow mark going to stay silver? Harry thought distractedly, staring at their clasped hands.

Potter! Draco muttered.

"Oh... right... Draco... I... umm..." he said, blanking.

Breathe, my love. I'm patient. Look at me, Draco ordered, and Harry looked at him. I'm right here. Breathe....

Harry took in a deep breath. "Draco... I have loved you since before I was abducted. I know I told you differently... but I always had to know where you were... what you were doing... and look out for you. I just didn't believe that I could ever find someone who loved and cared about me as much as you do. You saved me. Not just my life but my sanity. You always put me first... and I shall always put you first, now."

Draco smiled and had tears in his eyes and love in his thoughts. "Harry... I have loved you since the moment I saw you... in Diagon Alley that day. You put me in my place, and I was so intrigued that someone didn't bow down to me, the son of Lord Malfoy. You checked me, Potter. You taught me right from wrong. I had to do a lot of soul-searching since that day. Outsmarting my father, out-flying a fire dragon, escaping the Dark Lord, and not becoming a killer. You didn't just save my life... you saved my soul, Harry."

Pain, love, and heartache flooded their bond.

"Harry... I am blessed that someone as loving and moral as you chose me to bond with. I am yours... forever."

Tears came out, as Harry and his soulmate couldn't hold them back. He wanted to hold him.

Wait... almost done, Draco reminded him.

Ron stepped forward, holding a box. McGonagall looked to him. Right... his part.

"Tradition says that though we are bonded, matching rings will also be exchanged," he said, remembering Narcissa's lines. Ron opened the box near them. "Draco, I choose green and silver for our eyes... I can never stop looking into yours. The black... it represents the darkness we had to escape from... together."

"It's perfect, Harry," Draco praised.

"I give this ring to you, Draco," Harry said, taking out one ring and placing it on Draco's ring finger.

Draco smiled and felt elated. He took out the other and slid it onto Harry's ring finger, "I gift this to you, Harry."

More clapping, and maybe it's over? Harry wondered. Oh, right, the gift exchange. Draco smirked at his faulty memory.

"For my first gift to my new lord husband, I give something that was yours... became ours... but now I will give it back to you with all my heart... to defend and protect our house," Harry said, in hopefully his last speech in front of everyone.

Hermione pulled out a box from her beaded bag. Harry opened the box and presented Draco with his own hawthorn wand. The one that Harry defeated Voldemort with. The one that saved them all. He could feel Draco's elation over having it back, as Harry had not returned it. Draco had been stuck using his mother's wand without complaint.

"Thank you, my love."

"It might have been yours... but it means a lot to me. I will be the one to get a new wand... one free from Tom Riddle and Dumbledore's affiliations. The Elder Wand is no more."

Draco murmured another mental thank you at being reunited with his wand. "For my first gift to my lord husband... I give him two rings... one the mark of his lordship that has been denied to him, and the other... given by me, the head of my family."

Blaise pulled out a large ring box and opened it.

"This is yours by right. You are officially the head of the Black family, and here is the Lordship ring that was held by the goblins. I was able to secure it... along with our official lordship grants. After I paid for a dragon and a new foyer."

Harry burst out laughing. "Oh... I'm sorry, Draco. The costs of war."

"Indeed. But your godfather gifted you this lordship, and I'd like to return this to you."

Harry held out his fingers for Draco to slip it on. It had the Black crest on it. Sirius... he thought, his heart aching.

"I hope we can teach our children one day that toujours pur... means always pure-hearted, like you."

Harry jolted at the idea of children. Children? You think we can have children? he exclaimed, mentally.

Yes, Draco said. Many.

"And here is another ring, gifted from my parents, welcoming in the new Lord Malfoy," Draco carried on, slipping it on another finger.

Their bonder clapped loudly. "The blessings, vows and gifts have been exchanged! Let us all welcome the new Lord Malfoy-Potters!"

Now, we kiss, Draco said, and grabbed him, bringing him in.

Harry's lips crashed into his, and they sealed their love with a searing kiss.