Injuries are the Least of Your Worries – Chapter 3 (Touching the Distance)

Harry had a lot on his mind since the day in the Hospital Wing. But he also been in his happiest moments because of two things, and they both revolved around Marcus. One of them had been where he actually had the nerve to ask out Marcus Flint. He had thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest. It had been beating that hard. Though Harry wasn't sure if it was out of nerves or just being anxious. Almost assuming that he would turn him down. No matter if they were indeed soul bonds, whatever that was. And that had been another thing, Marcus was his soul bond.

Harry didn't understand what that really meant. But he knew that this soul bond was specifically between him and Marcus. He was still confused about the touching thing. He had guessed it had made enough sense. That he would feel the touch if someone had a hand on Marcus. He was curious if the bond required them both to be married. And he wasn't sure if that was a topic he could breech with Marcus just yet. It was a little embarrassing and he didn't think he would ever be able to form the words. He felt like every time that he saw his imposing form that his face would heat up. And Marcus had already commented that it was adorable. And he went even redder when Marcus placed a gentle kiss to his cheek. Oh, how Harry wanted to hide his face away that day. Though he could feel his lips turning into a gentle smile.

That had been his thoughts for the first few weeks. Though it was surprising to Harry that he never saw Malfoy trying to taunt him. Considering that he had when he had passed out because of a Dementor on the train. But he didn't when the entire school knew about him falling off his broom during the match. Though maybe that was because the Dementors had a little bit to do with it. Though Harry didn't know Marcus well enough yet, he had a feeling that his boyfriend was behind it. Marcus didn't know it yet, but he had caught the disapproving glare that the Slytherin shot at Malfoy at the Begin of Term feast. And Harry had noticed, amazed, that Malfoy had stopped his antics almost immediately.

That had been another thing, his Gryffindor teammates had let him know about the destruction of his own broom. Harry had felt devastated at that. That broom had been given to him during his first year. Harry had never really had much of anything to call his own. Hedwig and his invincibility cloak, yes. And Hedwig has been his very first gift. Although, that list of his own personal belongings had slowly grown. It wasn't like the Dursleys could use the items in his trunk. Besides, they tended to avoid anything that had to do with magic. Too unnatural, if he had to guess.

Harry had to shake his head, he didn't really want his mind to go down that road. He had always felt miserable because of the Dursleys. So, he liked to spend as little thought on them if possible. Especially while he was in a place where he could actually be free of them. He couldn't wait for the day that he would turn 17 and could finally break free of them. But that would be another four agonizing years under their roof.

Then came another genuine surprise from Marcus. It had honestly surprised Harry when he had asked about it. Harry had already known that Marcus would probably choose places for any dates they would have. But he definitely didn't expect them to be held in Hogsmeade. And whenever Harry tried to question him about it, Marcus would just give him this warm, secret smile. Harry's lips had twitched at that but figured Marcus would eventually tell him. But if he was going get in trouble for being in Hogsmeade, Marcus would be taking the full blame. There was no way that Harry was willing to take the wrath of his Head of House. She was frightening enough on a good day and he'd been taking her classes for three years. But he didn't say a word about the Marauder's Map that was currently resting in his trunk in Gryffindor Tower. He knew that Fred and George probably expected him to use it to sneak into Hogsmeade, but he never took that chance.

Harry was a little surprised that Marcus decided to take him to Honeydukes first. But he had shrugged it off and followed his boyfriend into the shop. His eyes started to widen when he realized that Marcus had made a special order.

"You spied on me," Harry accused.

Marcus smirked, "I would call it taking an opportunity for a good cause."

Harry snorted but could feel a smile forming, "it's still spying…" Though he knew that his words sounded weak. He was too happy at Marcus' surprise.

Marcus paid for the items, they weren't very many though. It was a handful of sugar quills, Honeydukes Best Chocolate, and two specially made items.

Harry slipped the some of the quills and chocolate in his robes for later. He popped one of the jelly beans in his mouth and practically moaned at the taste. And since Harry wasn't looking at his boyfriend at the moment, he didn't notice him shift uncomfortably for a few seconds.

"What made you think that they could make these taste like treacle tarts?" Harry asked, turning his head slightly.

"Bertie Botts always advertises to try new flavors. And it's been on the factory backlist, I'd imagine it'll be released to the public within the month," Marcus explained.

Harry had looked excited at the prospect and knew that he'd be buying it frequently if that were true.

Marcus wound up showing Harry around Hogsmeade for the remainder of the day. They didn't really go inside any of the shops after Honeydukes. Harry didn't seem to mind and followed Marcus around. He was more excited at the prospect of being in a small wizarding village.

"Next time, I'd like to take you to the Three Broomsticks," Marcus brought up as they walked back to the castle.

Harry nodded, "you said they have the best Butterbeer."

"They do," Marcus confirmed, brushing his lips across Harry's.

Harry melted into the touch, feeling Marcus' hands brush up against his hips. "I'd like that," he murmured.

Harry hadn't paid much attention to who he passed on their way back to the castle. It was just an assortment of faces that had no meaning. He was too hyped on the feelings of Marcus' kiss as they made it inside the castle.

Marcus did flick Harry's hair out of his eyes, he found he loved the shade of emerald. "As much as I love your company, I believe you have Gryffindors and homework to get back to."

Harry sighed, "I hate that you're right."

Marcus snorted, "you'll get used to it. Just be glad you haven't run into Terence quite yet."

Harry grinned, "I'll take your word for it." Before letting out a loud yelp.

Marcus just smiled innocently, though there was a hint of laughter in his eyes.

Harry went red, not expecting the playful slap to his arse. Though he did start grumbling under his breath. But that didn't stop him from dashing up the stairs soon after. No doubt Marcus would be laughing about this later. The only thing satisfying about this, was the knowledge that he hoped that Marcus would feel the slight sting to his arse.

It felt like Harry was almost constantly in the library for the next few weeks. And he still couldn't find any helpful information. He didn't have the nerve to ask Marcus more about soul bonds. So, he thought he might find an answer in the Hogwarts' Library. But there was nothing, it didn't make any sense to him. Shouldn't there at least be some information about the topic?

Harry probably should have considered that he would need to talk to Marcus. Since he probably would be more aware of the topic. But Harry was still trying to avoid doing that. He wasn't sure on why. Though he figured it was to do with wanting to figure it out on his own.

Making up his mind, Harry decided he should ask Remus. The man seemed like an abundance of knowledge and he wouldn't get embarrassed, he hoped. That in mind, he headed for the 3rd floor corridor. He peeked through the door to see Remus grading papers.

"Oh, Harry, I didn't expect to see you today," Remus commented, noticing a sudden presence in his office.

"I can come back later if this isn't a good time," Harry rushed out, feeling panicked.

Remus waved off Harry's worries, "You're always welcome to talk, Harry."

The small Gryffindor blushed in embarrassment, "thanks."

Remus gave an encouraging smile, "what's on your mind?"

"Marcus is my soul bond," Harry blurted out. His eyes went wide with horror, he didn't mean to just say it. He covered his face with his hands in mortification.

Remus let out a small laugh. He had wondered when Harry would figure it out.

"Sorry," Harry muttered lowly.

"No worries," Remus said soothingly.

"Does that me and Marcus are married?" Harry asked shyly.

Remus shook his head. "No. You two are connected to complete each other. But a lot of soul bonds don't actually end up together."

Harry actually looked a little relieved at that. He just started dating Marcus a few months ago, marriage was just a little too fast for his liking. 'Maybe one day,' he thought.

"You don't have to worry about rushing anything, Harry. You are still thirteen, after all," Remus comforted.

Harry nodded, "why is there no information about soul bonds?"

Remus looked thoughtful for a moment. "Mostly because they are a very private matter and kept within their families. Nobody wants them to be public knowledge that can be used against them. And it is very rare that a witch or wizard has a soul bond."

"Ohhh…" Harry said. "But I have one."

Remus nodded, "you do. I say Marcus is very lucky to have you as well."

Harry blushed under the praise. "What do you mean? Because I can feel his touch? I know he explained a little bit about it a while ago."

"You can only feel the touch if someone has direct contact with your soul bond. Say for example, I had placed a hand on Marcus' shoulder, trying to get his attention about a matter. You will feel like someone's hand is on your shoulder until I removed my hand," Remus explained.

Harry nodded, "that makes more sense."

"You'll get used to it. This is a new topic for you, Harry. Not everyone will know what a soul bond is. And I know Marcus will help explain it more to you," Remus smiled.

Harry still looked a little unsure but nodded again.

"Here," Remus said, digging through the drawer in his desk. He then laid a worn brown bound notebook on the desk. "This once belonged to Lily, I believe you may find some use for it and it may answer some of your questions."

Harry's eyes teared up, he stroked a finger across the cover. "This was hers?"

Remus nodded, "I believe she may have documented about her own."

"She had a soul bond?" Harry asked.

"She did, I believe she didn't figure it out until her seventh year. Marcus may also be source of information as well. But I believe that will be his story to tell," Remus hinted.

Harry looked confused at that but pressed the journal to his chest. "Thank you," he whispered.

"You're welcome, don't forget about the lessons later this week. I'll see you then," Remus said kindly.

"I won't forget," Harry said with a grin. He took his leave out of Remus' office and headed straight for Gryffindor Tower. He wanted to know what his mother's journal said. And maybe find out what Remus meant that Marcus may know more. Unless he was talking about the soul bond and what they meant. He still felt like there were a lot of questions and hoped that Remus was right about the journal containing the answers.

Though later, Harry would find out what Remus meant by that Marcus would be a source of information. Because Marcus actually grew up hearing tales about his parents. Marcus had revealed that the main reason he had wanted to talk to him since his first year was because of James and Lily. That he had grown up hearing about James and Lily and that they had a son. Especially when he found out that Harry probably didn't know anything about his. But because of the rivalry, he doubted he would ever have a chance. And it was common knowledge that Gryffindors hated Slytherins. Though Marcus had admitted that he hadn't wanted Harry to believe that this was the reason he had said yes. He said, yes, because he wanted to.

"My mother once told me that she was once friends with a Gryffindor that was a snake in a lion's pelt. I didn't really believe that until I met you. Even in the Hospital Wing, it didn't matter if we have a soul bond or not. Though I believe that we have one for a reason. There is something about you that drew me in. Though I do believe that your Gryffindor tendencies will get you into trouble one day," Marcus said with a warm smile.

Harry grinned, "most of the time, yes."

"Even during the months I've gotten to know you. I would never have said no. I do hope that I can live out my days with you," Marcus brushed a strand of hair behinds Harry's ear.

Harry blushed, "I don't blame you for it. Maybe earlier, I might have. But I know your reasoning for it. And I'll admit, some Gryffindors aren't the best and think Slytherin is evil. But that doesn't mean you are. I had even believed it for a while, because it's all I heard. But I know that's not true. And I do like the sound of that and I've grown fond of you. Though it would be nice to hear some of your mum's tales."

"Mother may expect you to attend dinners with us frequently," Marcus warned.

"That doesn't sound too bad of an idea," Harry grinned.

"Then, you might want to prepare for an unexpected trip to Diagon Alley in the near future," Marcus teased.

Harry paled slightly, "oh joy…" he had a feeling that Marcus was hinting that his mother would drag him along on a shopping trip of some sort.

Marcus snickered, knowing that he was thinking along the lines of a shopping trip. Which he knew that his mother would have Harry accompany her on. But he knew what the first trip would entail of. His mother and father would want his boyfriend to accompany them to Gringotts and get him out of the house he was currently living in. And legally make him of ward of the Flints, since his mother's name was technically one of his godmothers. He did wonder how long it would take Harry to realize that it was his parents that gave Harry permission to be in Hogsmeade.