Bound by Potions | Snarry

/ The Unseen Bind

Harry Potter hurried down the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, his mind occupied with thoughts of his upcoming Potions class. Despite the growing tension in the Wizarding World, his focus was currently on not being late for Professor Snape's lesson—a fate worse than facing a Hungarian Horntail, in his opinion.

As he rounded the corner, he collided with a small figure. Books scattered across the floor, and Harry found himself face to face with Luna Lovegood, her dreamy eyes wide with surprise.

"Sorry, Luna!" Harry apologised, helping her gather her scattered books.

"It's alright, Harry. You seem to be in a hurry," Luna replied serenely, her gaze drifting to something behind Harry. "I hope you're ready for a surprise."

Harry raised an eyebrow. With Luna, surprises could mean anything from discovering a new species of magical creature to uncovering hidden secrets of the castle. "A surprise?"

Luna nodded, her expression distant. "Yes, a rather unexpected one, I'd say."

Before Harry could inquire further, a loud bell echoed through the corridors, signalling the start of the class. "I've got to go. See you later, Luna!" he called, sprinting towards the dungeon.

He arrived just in time, sliding into his seat beside Hermione and Ron. Snape's black eyes narrowed at him, but he said nothing, turning instead to the blackboard.

"Today, we will be brewing a complex Elixir of Euphoria. Instructions are on the board. Follow them precisely, or face the consequences," Snape's voice drawled, dripping with menace.

As they began the delicate process of potion-making, Harry couldn't shake off Luna's words. He tried to focus on the instructions, but his mind kept wandering. He was jolted back to reality when his cauldron emitted a faint, green smoke—an indication of a near-perfect potion. For once, he was ahead of the class, a fact that didn't escape Snape's notice.

"Impressive, Potter," Snape said, his tone laced with scepticism. "Perhaps you've finally taken my lessons to heart."

Harry grinned, but his triumph was short-lived. A sudden, searing pain shot through his left hand. He gasped, clutching it as a strange, glowing mark appeared on his skin. The room went silent, all eyes on him.

"Potter, what is the meaning of this?" Snape's voice was sharp, and for the first time, Harry detected a hint of concern.

"I—I don't know," Harry stammered, staring at the mark. It was intricate, resembling ancient runes intertwined in a pattern he couldn't decipher.

Hermione leaned closer, her face pale. "Harry, that looks like a binding mark. But how...?"

Before she could finish, Snape's wand was out, casting a diagnostic spell. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he took a step back, his usual composure shattered. "This... this is impossible," he muttered.

"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked, panic rising in his chest.

Snape's eyes met his, a mix of anger and confusion. "Potter, it appears you are bound in a magical contract of marriage. To me."

The classroom erupted in gasps and whispers, but Harry's mind was blank. Married to Snape? It couldn't be true. Yet, the mark on his hand and the look in Snape's eyes told him otherwise.

"How?" Harry whispered, his voice barely audible.

Snape shook his head, his expression dark. "That is what we need to find out. Class dismissed," he announced, his voice firm.

The students filed out, casting curious glances back at Harry and Snape. Hermione and Ron lingered, but Snape's stern look sent them away.

"Potter, come with me. We need answers, and we need them now," Snape said, his tone brooking no argument.

Harry nodded numbly, following Snape out of the dungeon. His life had just taken a turn he never could have imagined, and he had no idea what lay ahead. The only thing he knew for sure was that his world had just been irrevocably changed.