Harry Potter looked nervously around the great hall, wondering what was going on. All he and the other sixth-years had been told was to show up, and all would be explained when all were there. Looking around he noticed Ron looked smug, and that he was whispering to Hermione. Not that it really mattered; Harry knew he wouldn’t be getting any information from the two of them. The Golden Trio was a thing of the past, and it was entirely his fault that his friends wanted nothing to do with him. He never should have told them his secret; he never should have confessed he was gay to either one of them.

He had told them at the beginning of the year that he thought he was more attracted to the males in school than the females, but he thought at least Ron would have understood. But he had been wrong. Ron was instantly calling him a queer, telling him he should have never been born, and for some reason Ron telling him these things hurt worse than having anyone else say anything to him.

“I’m sure you are all wondering why you’re here today, but let me assure you this is a tradition as old as Hogwarts.” Dumbledore said as he stood in front of the podium at the front of the Great Hall. “Back when Hogwarts was still young, the Founders saw that Magic was slowly leaving our world. They also noticed that one of the reasons was that people were marrying others who’s magic wasn’t compatible to theirs. Because of this they started having the sorting hat look for traits in all the students that would make them compatible with one another. Then at the end of their sixth year the students would be paired up who was most compatible, and expected to bond before the end of the summer prior to their 7th year.

“Many of you may have noticed that there isn’t a 7th year room in your dormitories. This is because of this tradition. As most of you will be bonded by the start of the next term there are living quarters set up for all of you where you and your spouse will live.” The old man said, his eyes twinkling. “Now, you have all been given a card with the name of your future spouse. If your card is blank it means you are not the dominant in your relationship, and you will have to wait for your partner to approach you.” That said, the students everywhere opened their cards, read them, and most of them sought their partner out.

Harry watched as Ron and Hermione kissed, as Malfoy and Parkinson hugged, and Crabb showed Goyle the card and the two clasped hands…much to his disgust.

Before long the students all cleared out, and Harry was left to follow them alone. His card hadn’t been the pastel color like the other non-dominants, but rather pure white. He knew then and there that he was meant to be forever alone in this world. Not that it really mattered; he was going back to the Dursleys the following day. Who knew…maybe if he were lucky he wouldn’t be there long before he was finally sent home to his parents.

Meanwhile, somewhere else in the castle, the school’s dour Potion’s Master walked into his office, the golden card on his desk catching his eye. Walking over to it he turned it over in his hands, staring at it in fascination.

“I wondered when your turn would come.” A voice said from the door, and the man turned to look at his mentor.

“To be honest with you I didn’t think it would.” Severus said with a sigh. “I suppose you already know who it is.”

“I have a suspicion.” Albus said as he gave a slight nod. “You are going to have to do something big to win him over Severus. I’m afraid it might already be too late for you.”

“Then you do know.” Severus said, and was sure he had figured it out as well. Slowly he broke the seal on the back of the envelope, and opened the card. There in elegant silver writing was the name, “Harry James Potter.”

“I’m sure you will think of something.” Albus said. “I seem to remembered a certain group of powerful witches, each owing you a life debt. Maybe you could start there. Or who knows, maybe you should just approach Harry.”

Severus had decided to follow the headmaster’s advice, and had approached his partner, but Harry had, much to his shock, politely refused him. As tradition calls for Severus then asked that if he could provide Harry with what he wanted most, that Harry would agree to willingly be his. Harry had heard Ron speaking with Hermione about the traditions of this event, and so knew that should he accept, and Snape was able to give him what it was he most desired he would have to marry the man. But at the same time Harry knew the man couldn’t give it to him so accepted the offer, and calmly boarded the train.

That had been a week ago, and Harry hadn’t heard anything the man since. He was back with the Dursleys. He was a little unnerved with Dudley had offered to help him unpack the first day back, but declined the offer, not wanting to imagine the beating he would have gotten if he had accepted. As it was he was still beaten for ‘having bewitched Dudley into offering to help.’

Dudley had apologized the next morning for the trouble he had caused his cousin, and then made it his goal to try and keep Harry out of Vernon’s way. When Harry had finally worked up the courage to ask why, Dudley shocked him by pulling out what looked to be a brand new wand.

“Mrs. Figg took me to buy it right after you left last year. Your headmaster contacted her saying they had missed me by mistake, He has been having the teachers come tutor me to help me catch up, so I can go with you to school this year. I just wanted to start one year there with a friend.” Dudley said as he helped wash the belt marks on Harry’s back, trying not to wince when he felt Harry’s body jerk when the cloth so much as touched him.

Severus had finally finished the potion that would allow him to call the Fates to him. He was going to cast in all his life debts in order to win his mate. He still wasn’t sure what he had done to obtain these debts, and he wasn’t going to complain. Not when he had what he needed to win over his partner.

“I’m assuming you have decided on what you want.” The tallest of the three fates asked. All women were remarkably beautiful, and each seemed to look at him knowingly.

“I’m sure you know of the situation I have found myself in, and know what I am going to ask. My question is, can you do it?” He asked them.

“We can do it, but only if it truly what you want.” They told him.

“If it will give me what is meant to be mine, then it is what I truly want.”

“Then I suggest you prepare for visitors. They will need a place to live, as would your future spouse.” The smallest of the three said before all of them disappeared in a flash of light.