分卷阅读15（2 / 2）

“Professor, I don’t understand. Why were you so adamant that Potter not know about my existence if the solution was so easy?”

“Because, Malfoy, until just a few days ago, I was under the impression that you hated the boy. I had always planned on finding a successor, but Potter did not seem like a viable option. But now that I know you wouldn’t particularly mind his company, I don’t see a better fit. Unless there is someone else you would prefer?” McGonagall asked, walking back towards Malfoy. “Because once he takes the vow, that’s it. He’ll be your sole companion.”

“You make it sound like we’re getting married or something,” Draco joked weakly. He was sure he wouldn’t mind having Harry around for the rest of his days, but he had known that since he was eleven and had seen Harry getting fitted for his robes. He hadn’t known who Harry was, but he had known he liked him. As for Harry, his feelings were so new, and the longevity of them could reasonably be called into question. Sure, Harry might want this now, but what about in ten years? Fifty? Merlin, a hundred? Wizards did tend to live terribly long lives.

“It’s not that different, is it? And far more important, anyway,” McGonagall added. “I’ll need to discuss it with Mr. Potter, then I suppose if he agrees, we should be back down here sometime today.”

“Back down here? Why?”

“To perform the Vow, of course.”

“Oh, will I be binding you?” Draco asked, rather nervous. He’d never been a Binder before.

“Of course not.”

“Then who? Surely not Hagrid.”

“Me. The bond will between the two of you, Mr. Malfoy.”

A knot formed in Draco’s stomach. Of course.

“What do you mean I don’t have to leave?”

Harry was standing in the middle of his office—what would have been his office, if not for Draco, if not for his incredible need to be near him—throwing things into a trunk that had barely been unpacked anyway. McGonagall was hovering near the doorway.

“I mean, Mr. Potter, that I require you here,” the headmaster said, sounding rather annoyed. “I’m going to ask something of you, and I need you to answer truthfully.

“What?” Harry swallowed audibly.

“Would you be willing to take my place? As his protector?” McGonagall asked.

“I—I don’t see why not,” Harry answered.

“Harry, you need to be sure beyond a doubt,” she continued. “This won’t just be a promise.”

Mcgonagall raised her eyebrows, her words heavy with their meaning.