Eclipsed Fate | Drarry Soulmate AU

[ Unexpected Alliances ]

The next morning, Harry awoke with a sense of determination. He had always been one to face challenges head-on, and this situation with Draco was no different. After a quick breakfast, he made his way to the Great Hall, where he found Hermione and Ron already seated.

"Morning," Harry greeted them, sliding into his usual spot.

"Morning, Harry," Hermione replied, her eyes scanning his face. "You look... determined. Did something happen?"

Harry glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "We need to talk. Privately."

Hermione's eyebrows shot up in curiosity, while Ron merely shrugged and continued eating. After breakfast, the trio made their way to a secluded corner of the castle.

"What's going on, mate?" Ron asked, looking concerned.

Harry took a deep breath and recounted the events of the previous evening—the encounter with Draco in the courtyard, the transformation of their soulmarks, and their decision to meet in the Room of Requirement.

Hermione's eyes widened with each detail. "Harry, that's incredible! I've read about soulmarks before, but this... this is unprecedented."

Ron looked confused. "So, you and Malfoy are soulmates? That's mental."

"I know," Harry said, running a hand through his hair. "But we need to figure out what it means. We thought maybe Professor McGonagall could help."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "She might. She was close to Dumbledore, and he knew a lot about old magic. Let's go see her."

The three of them made their way to Professor McGonagall's office. Harry knocked on the door, and after a moment, they heard her voice call out, "Come in."

They entered to find Professor McGonagall seated at her desk, her sharp eyes studying them. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, what brings you here?"

Harry stepped forward. "Professor, we need your help. It's about our soulmarks."

McGonagall's expression softened slightly. "I see. Please, sit down and tell me everything."

Harry and Hermione took turns explaining the events of the previous day, while Ron interjected occasionally with questions. McGonagall listened intently, her face a mask of concentration.

When they finished, she leaned back in her chair, her eyes thoughtful. "This is indeed unusual. Soulmarks changing colour upon the first touch is common, but the intensity you described... it's extraordinary."

"Do you know what it means, Professor?" Hermione asked.

McGonagall shook her head slowly. "I've never encountered such a phenomenon. However, I believe it signifies a particularly strong bond. Perhaps there's an ancient text in the library that could shed some light on this. I suggest you look in the Restricted Section. I will grant you permission."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation.

"Be careful, Mr. Potter," McGonagall added. "This bond could have significant implications, both positive and negative. Tread carefully."

With that, they left her office and headed to the library. As they reached the entrance, they saw Draco waiting, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Harry approached him. "McGonagall gave us permission to look in the Restricted Section. Let's see if we can find anything."

Draco nodded, falling into step with them. It was strange, walking alongside his former enemies, but the gravity of their situation transcended old rivalries.

Inside the library, they quickly made their way to the Restricted Section. Madam Pince, the librarian, eyed them suspiciously but said nothing as Hermione handed over the permission slip. They began searching through the dusty tomes, looking for any mention of unusual soulmark transformations.

Hours passed, and frustration grew. Just as they were about to give up, Hermione let out a triumphant gasp. "I found something!"

The others hurried over as Hermione laid the book on the table. "It's an ancient text on soulmarks and magical bonds. There's a section here about rare cases where the bond is so powerful that it manifests in extraordinary ways."

She read aloud: "When two souls are intricately connected by fate, their marks may exhibit an explosion of colours upon the first touch. This indicates a bond of profound significance, often linked to powerful magic or destiny."

Harry and Draco exchanged glances. "So, our bond is... special?" Harry asked, trying to wrap his head around it.

Hermione nodded. "Yes. And it might mean that your connection has a deeper purpose. We need to be careful and understand it fully."

Draco, who had been silent, finally spoke. "So, what do we do now?"

Harry looked at his friends, then at Draco. "We learn everything we can about this bond. We understand it, and we figure out what it means for us."

Ron, who had been unusually quiet, finally nodded. "Alright, mate. We're with you."

Draco hesitated for a moment before nodding as well. "Together, then."

As they left the library, Harry felt a strange sense of unity forming among them. They were on the brink of something extraordinary, and for the first time, he felt hopeful about what lay ahead. Their journey had just begun, and they would face it together, united by a bond that was as powerful as it was mysterious.