Eclipsed Fate | Drarry Soulmate AU

[ A New Understanding ]

The morning after the ambush, Harry and Draco felt the weight of their new reality pressing down on them. As they walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, they could feel the eyes of their peers on them, curious and suspicious. But amidst the uncertainty, there was also a sense of solidarity growing among their close friends.

At breakfast, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Draco huddled together at the Gryffindor table, discussing the events of the previous night.

"We need a plan," Hermione said, her voice low. "We can't keep reacting. We need to be proactive."

Draco nodded. "Agreed. But we also need to figure out more about this bond. It's the key to everything."

Harry sighed, pushing his food around on his plate. "Where do we start? We've already combed through most of the books in the Restricted Section."

Hermione looked thoughtful. "There might be other sources of information. People who have experience with ancient magic and soulmarks."

"Like who?" Ron asked, frowning.

Hermione hesitated. "Well, there's one person who comes to mind, but... it's risky."

"Who?" Harry pressed.

"Luna Lovegood's father, Xenophilius. He's an expert on magical lore and unusual phenomena. He might know something."

Harry exchanged a glance with Draco. "It's worth a shot. But how do we get to him without attracting too much attention?"

Hermione smiled. "Leave that to me. I'll send a message to Luna. She can arrange a meeting."

With their next move decided, the group dispersed to their classes. The day passed in a blur, and by evening, Hermione had received a reply from Luna. Xenophilius Lovegood was willing to meet them the following weekend at the Lovegood residence.

On the appointed day, Harry, Draco, Hermione, and Ron made their way to the outskirts of Ottery St Catchpole, where the Lovegood house stood like a whimsical tower in the countryside. Luna greeted them with her usual serene smile.

"Hello, everyone. Father's very excited to see you. He's been talking about soulmarks all morning."

They followed Luna inside, where Xenophilius Lovegood welcomed them with open arms. The eccentric man seemed genuinely thrilled to have visitors interested in his knowledge.

"Welcome, welcome!" Xenophilius exclaimed. "Luna tells me you have a fascinating mystery to unravel. Soulmarks, you say?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir. Draco and I have these marks, and they changed in an unusual way when we first touched. We've read that it indicates a powerful bond, but we need to understand more."

Xenophilius's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Show me the marks, please."

Harry and Draco extended their hands, revealing the intricate, colourful patterns that had replaced the black stains. Xenophilius examined them closely, his expression one of awe.

"Remarkable," he murmured. "I've read about such bonds, but they are incredibly rare. They're called 'Celestial Bonds.' It's said that when two souls are destined for a significant purpose, their marks manifest in this extraordinary way."

"What kind of purpose?" Draco asked, intrigued.

Xenophilius looked thoughtful. "It varies, but it often involves great magic and profound change. The bond strengthens both individuals, making them more powerful together than they could ever be apart."

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine. "So, we're meant to do something important together?"

"Indeed," Xenophilius replied. "But you must also be cautious. Such bonds attract attention, both good and bad. You'll face challenges, but if you stay united, you'll overcome them."

Hermione leaned forward. "Is there anything we can do to learn more about our bond? Any way to understand it better?"

Xenophilius nodded. "There are rituals and spells that can help you explore the depths of your connection. I can give you some resources to start with."

He handed them a collection of old books and scrolls, filled with information about Celestial Bonds and the rituals associated with them. As they left the Lovegood residence, the group felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Back at Hogwarts, Harry and Draco dove into the new materials, eager to learn more. They performed the rituals, each step revealing more about their connection. They found that when they worked together, their magic was amplified, creating effects that were impossible for either of them alone.

Their newfound understanding also brought them closer. Late-night study sessions turned into deep conversations, where they shared their fears, hopes, and dreams. The bond between them grew stronger, not just magically, but emotionally as well.

However, the closer they grew, the more their bond seemed to attract unwanted attention. One evening, as they practised a particularly complex spell in the Room of Requirement, they were interrupted by a loud bang. The door flew open, and a group of students led by Theodore Nott stormed in.

"We know you're up to something," Nott sneered. "You think you can hide it from us?"

Harry and Draco exchanged a glance, their wands at the ready. "We're not hiding anything," Harry said calmly. "But we're not going to let you interfere."

Nott's eyes flashed with anger. "We'll see about that."

Before they could react, Nott and his followers launched a barrage of spells. Harry and Draco stood back-to-back, their combined magic creating a protective barrier that deflected the attacks. The room filled with the sounds of duelling spells, the air crackling with energy.

Hermione, Ron, Pansy, and Blaise, alerted by the commotion, rushed in to help. Together, they managed to drive Nott and his gang out, but not before a few spells left their mark on the room.

As the dust settled, Harry looked at Draco. "This is only going to get worse, isn't it?"

Draco nodded. "Yes, but we're ready. We have each other, and we have our friends. We'll face whatever comes our way."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of determination. "Together."

As they stood amidst the remnants of the battle, they knew that their journey was far from over. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but with their bond and the support of their friends, they were prepared to face anything.

United by their Celestial Bond, Harry and Draco were ready to embrace their destiny, whatever it might hold.