Bound by Potions | Snarry

/ Unravelling the Mystery

Harry followed Snape through the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. The binding mark on his hand throbbed slightly, a constant reminder of the bizarre revelation. Married to Snape? It was beyond comprehension.

Snape led him to a seldom-used office, far from the prying eyes of students and staff. He closed the door behind them with a decisive snap and motioned for Harry to sit.

"Explain yourself, Potter," Snape demanded, his voice cold and clipped.

"I—I don't know what to explain," Harry stammered, feeling the weight of Snape's intense gaze. "I didn't know about this... this binding mark."

Snape studied him for a moment before letting out a frustrated sigh. "It seems we are both victims of this unexpected turn of events. Let us begin by examining the mark more closely."

Harry extended his hand, the glowing mark still pulsing gently. Snape murmured a series of incantations, his wand tracing intricate patterns over the mark. After a few moments, the mark shimmered and a faint projection of ancient runes appeared in the air.

"These runes are part of an archaic magical contract," Snape explained, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinised the symbols. "It is a form of binding magic that was outlawed centuries ago. The question is, how did it come to be on you?"

Harry racked his brain, trying to recall any instance that might have led to this. "I don't know. I haven't done anything unusual... at least, not recently."

Snape's expression darkened. "There must be something we are missing. Think, Potter. When did you first notice anything strange?"

Harry thought back to the past few weeks. "Well, there was that strange book I found in the library. It was in the Restricted Section, and I accidentally triggered some sort of spell."

Snape's eyes flashed with anger. "You meddled with a book from the Restricted Section? Do you have any idea how dangerous that could be?"

Harry winced. "I didn't mean to. It just... happened."

Snape rubbed his temples, clearly trying to maintain his composure. "Describe the book and what you remember about the spell."

Harry did his best to recall the details. "It was an old, dusty book with a black cover. There were no titles or markings on the outside. Inside, it was filled with strange symbols and diagrams. When I opened it, the symbols started glowing, and I felt a strange pull. Then, everything went dark, and when I woke up, the book was gone."

Snape's frown deepened. "It sounds like you activated a latent magical trap. Such books often contain hidden spells to protect their contents. This particular spell appears to have bound us in a marriage contract."

Harry's mind reeled. "But why me? Why you?"

Snape shook his head. "That is the true mystery. We must find that book and determine the nature of the spell. Only then can we hope to reverse it."

Harry nodded, determination replacing his initial shock. "I'll help in any way I can, Professor."

Snape regarded him with a mixture of scepticism and reluctant admiration. "Very well. We shall start by searching the Restricted Section for any clues. Follow me."

Together, they made their way to the library. Madam Pince eyed them suspiciously but said nothing as they headed to the Restricted Section. The dimly lit area was filled with ancient tomes and forbidden knowledge, and Harry felt a shiver run down his spine as they entered.

Snape began scanning the shelves, his wand emitting a soft glow as he checked each book. "Look for anything that matches your description, Potter."

Harry nodded and began his search, carefully examining each dusty volume. Time seemed to stretch as they combed through the vast collection. Just when Harry was beginning to lose hope, he spotted a familiar black cover hidden behind a stack of larger books.

"Professor, I think I found it," he called, pulling the book free.

Snape joined him, examining the book with a critical eye. "Yes, this appears to be the one. Let us see if it holds the answers we seek."

With a deep breath, Harry opened the book. The symbols inside glowed faintly, and he felt the same strange pull as before. Snape muttered a protective spell, and the glow intensified, revealing a hidden passage written in ancient runes.

Snape translated the passage aloud. "To those who dare disturb this tome, a bond shall be formed, sealing fates unknown. Only through unity and understanding shall the bond be undone."

Harry's eyes widened. "So, we have to... understand each other?"

Snape's lips thinned into a line. "It seems so, Potter. Our fates are intertwined, and we must find a way to coexist and break this spell."

Harry nodded, feeling a mix of dread and determination. "Alright, Professor. Let's do this."

As they left the Restricted Section, Harry couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Bound by an ancient spell, he and Snape would have to navigate this unexpected bond together, uncovering secrets and forging an unlikely alliance in the process.