Eclipsed Fate | Drarry Soulmate AU

[ The Black Marks ]

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was abuzz with excitement as students returned for their final year. The air was filled with the usual chatter and laughter, but there was also an undercurrent of anticipation. For Harry Potter, this year felt different. The weight of the prophecy had been lifted, and for the first time in years, he felt a sense of freedom. Yet, there was something else—something that had been bothering him since he turned sixteen.

On his right wrist, hidden beneath the sleeve of his robes, was a black stain. It was a mark that every witch and wizard received when they came of age, a mark that would change once they touched their soulmate for the first time. Harry had often found himself staring at it, wondering who his soulmate could be. He had hoped it would be Ginny Weasley, but their relationship had fizzled out over the summer. Now, the stain remained, a constant reminder of an unknown future.

Draco Malfoy, too, had a similar mark. It marred his left palm, a stark contrast to his pale skin. He had spent many nights pondering over it, loathing the mystery it represented. Draco had never been one for uncertainty, and this mark was the epitome of it. He had tried to ignore it, to pretend it didn't exist, but it was always there, a black blotch on his otherwise perfect façade.

As the first week of classes passed, Harry found himself distracted. He noticed the black stain more often, felt it tingling at odd moments. He wondered if his soulmate was close by. Hermione had tried to comfort him, telling him that the mark would reveal itself in time. Ron had joked about it, suggesting that maybe Harry's soulmate was someone they'd never expect. Harry had laughed along, but the thought gnawed at him.

Draco, on the other hand, was more determined than ever to hide his mark. He wore gloves during Potions class, much to Professor Slughorn's amusement. He kept his hands firmly in his pockets during meals and avoided touching anyone. He didn't want to think about soulmates or destiny. He had other things to worry about, like restoring his family's reputation and securing his future.

One evening, as Harry was walking back to Gryffindor Tower from the library, he saw Draco standing alone in the courtyard. The Slytherin seemed lost in thought, his usual sneer replaced by a contemplative expression. For a moment, Harry considered walking past without a word, but something made him stop.

"Malfoy," Harry called out.

Draco turned, his eyes narrowing as he saw Harry. "Potter. What do you want?"

Harry hesitated, unsure of why he had even called out. "Nothing. Just...you looked different."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Different? How insightful, Potter. Maybe you should consider a career as a Seer."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Forget it. I don't know why I bothered."

As he turned to leave, he felt a sharp tug on his wrist, as if the black stain was pulling him back. He glanced down at it, frowning.

Draco noticed the movement and his eyes widened slightly. "You have one too, don't you?" he asked quietly.

Harry looked up, meeting Draco's gaze. "Yeah. Do you?"

Draco pulled off his glove, revealing the black mark on his palm. "I do."

For a moment, they stood in silence, both staring at the other's mark. The realisation that they were not alone in this strange phenomenon was oddly comforting. Then, without thinking, Harry reached out, his fingers brushing against Draco's palm.

The effect was instantaneous. The black stains on their skin erupted into a dazzling array of colours, swirling and intertwining in a mesmerising dance. Harry and Draco gasped simultaneously, their eyes locking in shock and awe.

Neither of them could speak, the moment was too profound for words. They simply stood there, hands touching, as the marks that had haunted them for years transformed into a vibrant testament of their connection.

In that instant, everything changed. The enmity, the rivalry, the years of animosity—all of it seemed to melt away, replaced by something new, something unexplored. Harry and Draco had found their soulmates in the most unexpected of places: each other.

And so, the first chapter of their new journey began, coloured not by darkness, but by the brilliant hues of destiny.