A Bond for the Ages

Chapter 31

Translations:
[English text] Efcharistó = [Greek text] Ευχαριστώ = Thank you

[English text] Spasibo, moy drug = [Russian text] Спасибо, мой друг = Thank you, my friend

[English text] O fílos mou = [Greek text] Ο φίλος μου = My friend

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"They are both hiding something," Leif said, gaining a nod of agreement from Alexei.

"Whatever it is, is getting worse," Alexei said. "Every time I see Harry, I smell more pain and blood than last time."

"Mr. Marcus. Mr. Romanov."

Leif turned with narrowed eyes and felt Alexei tense next to him.

"Albus," Leif greeted stiffly.

"Might I have a word with the both of you?" Dumbledore said, seemingly pleasant enough, but Leif knew better.

He and Alexei inclined their heads and followed the headmaster to his office, shooting each other furtive glances. They both sat upon his gesture, but remained uncomfortable. Dumbledore sat behind his desk and laced his fingers together on top, gazing at them over his glasses.

"I will get right to it," Dumbledore said. "I do not appreciate having my position in this school and the lives of my students undermined by encouraging the disregard of my orders."

Leif glanced at Alexei again, frowning.

"To what are you referring, Albus?" Leif asked.

"Harry, Draco, and Severus," Dumbledore said and Leif's eyes immediately hardened. "They were not to continue their interactions from the summer."

"And why is that?" Alexei said, his voice low and almost challenging.

"They will be unable to do what must be done if they care for each other, if their magic seeks each other," Dumbledore said. "The field was set years ago and it cannot be upset."

Leif's eyes blazed while Alexei growled.

"You mean in nineteen-eighty when you ensured Severus overheard Trelawney's Prophecy because you were desperate for someone on the inside?" Leif said angrily.

"Why do you not want their magic to connect as it is meant to?" Alexei asked.

"I fear the effect it could have on Harry and his power to defeat Voldemort," Dumbledore said. "It is why he needs proper training, to know how to use his power against Voldemort. There are things you do not know."

"Then tell us," Leif snapped. "Stop keeping secrets for once in your life."

"I cannot," Dumbledore said. "There is too much risk associated with too many people or the wrong people knowing such information."

Leif's eyes narrowed and he felt his magic sizzle inside him in response.

"Their magic is already connected," Alexei said. "They are the power you seek."

"The prophecy speaks only of Harry," Dumbledore said. "It is a task he must face alone."

"Trelawney's Prophecy spoke of no one specifically, no prophecy ever does," Leif said, a heavy suspicion that Dumbledore was holding back settling in his mind. "Hers is not the prophecy to follow."

"You know of what we speak," Alexei said.

"No one knows what that prophecy says," Dumbledore said.

"I do, for I was there when Lady Magic spoke," Leif said. "Those three coming together as they have is the end you seek."