Bound by Potions | Snarry

/ Understanding the Unthinkable

The days that followed their discovery in the Restricted Section were tense and awkward. Harry and Snape avoided each other as much as possible, but the magical bond between them was a constant, unyielding presence. The mark on Harry's hand throbbed occasionally, a reminder of their bizarre predicament.

Despite the awkwardness, they continued to search for a way to undo the binding spell. Hermione, once informed of the situation, threw herself into research with her usual fervour, while Ron offered moral support and occasional distractions from the overwhelming stress.

It was during one of their research sessions in the library that Hermione found a clue.

"Harry, listen to this," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "According to this text on ancient magical bonds, the key to breaking a forced marriage contract lies in mutual understanding and acceptance."

Harry sighed, rubbing his temples. "That sounds a lot easier said than done, Hermione. Snape hates me, and I'm not exactly fond of him either."

Hermione gave him a sympathetic look. "I know it's difficult, but you both need to try. Maybe start by talking to him, finding some common ground."

Harry groaned inwardly but knew she was right. He couldn't spend the rest of his life bound to someone he despised. He had to make an effort, no matter how unpleasant the prospect seemed.

Later that evening, Harry found himself standing outside Snape's office, his heart pounding. Summoning his courage, he knocked on the door.

"Enter," came Snape's voice, as cold and sharp as ever.

Harry pushed the door open and stepped inside. Snape was seated at his desk, surrounded by stacks of parchment and potion ingredients. He looked up, his expression unreadable.

"Potter," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "What brings you here?"

Harry took a deep breath. "We need to talk, Professor. About... this situation."

Snape's eyes narrowed slightly, but he gestured to a chair. "Very well. Sit."

Harry sat down, feeling awkward and out of place. "Hermione found something that might help us break the bond. It says we need to understand and accept each other."

Snape's lips thinned into a line. "Indeed. I have come across similar information in my own research. It seems we have no choice but to attempt this... cooperation."

Harry nodded, feeling a flicker of hope. "Right. So, where do we start?"

Snape leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Harry. "Tell me, Potter, why did you meddle with that book in the first place?"

Harry hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. But he knew honesty was essential if they were to make any progress. "I was looking for information about my parents. I thought maybe there was something in the Restricted Section that could help me understand them better."

Snape's expression softened, just for a moment, before his usual mask of indifference returned. "I see. And did you find what you were looking for?"

Harry shook his head. "No, not really. Just... more questions."

There was a long silence before Snape spoke again. "Your parents were complex individuals, Potter. Your father was a talented but arrogant young man, while your mother was exceptionally gifted and kind. Their love for each other was genuine, despite their differences."

Harry was taken aback by Snape's unexpected candour. "You knew them well, didn't you?"

Snape's gaze grew distant. "Yes, I did. Your mother was... a dear friend, once. And your father, well, we had our differences."

Harry felt a pang of sympathy for Snape. "I'm sorry. For everything."

Snape's eyes flickered with an emotion Harry couldn't quite identify. "It is in the past, Potter. What matters now is how we move forward."

They lapsed into silence again, the weight of their shared history hanging between them. Harry realised that, despite his initial reluctance, this conversation was a step towards understanding.

"Professor," Harry began hesitantly, "I know we don't like each other, but maybe we can try to... I don't know, find some common ground?"

Snape regarded him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well, Potter. We shall attempt this... endeavour. For the sake of breaking the bond."

Harry nodded, feeling a small spark of hope. It was a tentative beginning, but it was something. They had a long way to go, but perhaps, just perhaps, they could find a way to understand each other and break the spell that bound them.

As he left Snape's office, Harry couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of relief and apprehension. The path ahead was uncertain, but at least they were no longer completely at odds. It was a start.