Soulmates - Mating Ritual and Effects

Soulmates may sometimes unintentionally complete a mating ritual. However, the ritual will remain incomplete. This happens when they engage in sexual activity during a mating cycle. The ritual can be considered complete when the soulmate accepts the bonding mark from the wizard or witches spirit animal. Even with the ritual incomplete the bond is made stronger. Find more information on the effects in the next section.

A mating cycle happens within the days of a full moon. It will start two days before and end two day after. Sometimes the period is shorter. If the pair mate on the day of the full moon their bond is usually stronger. The mating ritual, if fully completed, will prevent either mate from falling under incantations and/or any other magic that influences ones mind. If the ritual is incomplete in any way it leaves room for love potions and the like to influence one or both mates.

The mating ritual is the final stage of completing a soulmate bond. Partners may wish to start with the ritual, however this leaves room for error in the other aspects of the bond. There are rare occasions where mates complete the mating ritual almost immediately after finding each other, but these mates have grown up together or more often than not already been romantically involved.

The power of the witches or wizards may also create a need to complete the bond as quickly as possible. As sometimes the bond can be broken due to a drawn out period of time. Find more information in the next section that deals with broken bonds.

An incomplete mating ritual can result in two things.

1. The soulmate bond can be immediately severed if both parties reject each other.
2. The soulmate bond will demand to be completed. This will cause physical pain to both parties if left.

Find more information in broken bonds section.

*~*

Harry found that he was struggling more and more to get through the days. His breathing became an every day battle. He sometimes passed out from the lack of oxygen his body was provided. He fell asleep more often in class and constantly looked like his life force was stolen from him. A ghostly figure roaming the halls.

Draco was struggling himself. His body constantly ached. He couldn't sit for longer than 25 minutes without a searing pain coursing through his back. He couldn't concentrate in class and always had to leave early. His heart ached for physical contact. Not with just anyone, but with Harry specifically. His usual upright posture was slumped and curved from the pain.

Neither boy wanted to reject the other. Their feelings for each other being the only thing they wanted. Harry was rather stubborn. He avoided Draco every chance he got. Draco was rather persistent. He desperately wanted to clear the air with Harry.

One day they got trapped. "What is your problem? Why are you doing this to each other?!"

Pansy, Blaise, Hermione and Dean had cornered them and pushed them into an abandoned classroom. Draco stepped towards Harry who promptly stepped back and summoned Adriana. She was in her human form as she observed Harry and Draco.

"Massster Harry ssshould tell them."

Harry growled at her. Not happy with the fact she stepped out of the way. He stepped back again to create more distance. Then he huffed. The small group didn't take notice of the two observers.

"I would have thought Malfoy told you." Harry barked out, the pain still evident.

Pansy shook her head looking at Harry with sad eyes. Adriana disappeared without anyone taking notice. They waited a moment longer for either boy to explain.

Draco sighed. "Harry please let me..."

"Shut up Malfoy. Tell them what you did you coward." The words left Harry's mouth like acid but there was only pain in his voice.

"I've been trying to tell you that..."

"Your best friend is guilty I caught him making out with Theodore Nott." Harry cut him off.

Pansy gasped and looked wide eyed at Draco. "You hate him... How? Why?"

Draco shook his head. "Pansy listen..."

"No I'm sorry but Harry deserves better. Can I even call you my friend." Pansy shook her head.

"Pansy that's not fair on Draco. Let me explain." Hermione piped up.

Harry frowned at her. "You're supposed to be my best friend and you're defending him!? I don't have time for this. Goodbye have fun."

Draco rushed forward and grabbed Harry's arm. The pain they both felt disappeared almost instantly. Harry almost melted into Draco's touch. Almost. He composed himself quickly and yanked his arm away. Pansy shot a glare at Draco and dragged dean out after Harry. Draco broke down and started to cry. Hermione hugged him and waited for him to calm down.

"He w...won't listen t...to me." Draco stammered.

"It wasn't you was it?" Hermione asked.

Draco shook his head after a moment of hesitation. "I don't k...know why or how. It just w...wasn't me. I mean it was b...but also wasn't."

"Like you were under a spell?" Draco nodded. "I think I know why. Let's try and figure this out." Blaise said helping Hermione and Draco off the floor.

*~*

"We need to do something. They started picking sides."

"Nev hun calm down. Professor Snape said he's working on something okay.

As if summoned, Snape turned the corner. "Finnegan, Longbottom. I need you to bring me Potter. Then go find Malfoy. We will sort this out."

Both boys nodded and walked off. They found Harry sleeping on the lawn with Pansy and Dean. Not wanting to wake him yet they asked Dean to carry him. The four made their way to Snape's classroom.

*~*

"I know I wanted Harry to suffer but I think we went to far. Should we do something?"

"Why the change of heart Cho?"

Cho shifted. "Theo it's just. I thought I hated Harry for taking away Cedric. I've realized that it isn't Harry's fault Cedric is gone. And Harry was just as broken up about it. I think maybe he's suffered enough."

Theodore nodded. "I thought I loved Draco. But when we kissed it didn't feel right. I felt so... wrong?"

"Do you know why?" Cho asked.

"I have an idea. But I felt like I deserved the beating Draco gave me." Theodore sighed.

"Did we take things to far?"

"Maybe."

Theodore and Cho had been hanging out in the Astronomy tower since the roses had been officially delivered. They made light conversation and enjoyed each other's company. They weren't ready to admit it yet, but they were rather fond of each other.

Theodore watched Cho's expression fall as she shook her head. She looked up at the stars sadly. He started wondering what was going through her mind that kept her beautiful smile at bay... 'Wait what? Beautiful? Did I just... Well looking at her now she is rather beautiful. Like a princess that could fight her own battles. What was that heroine's name? The one who pretended to be a man to save her father. Molen? No Mulan. Yes that is Cho. Cho is like Mulan. Except she's real.'

"Theo?" Cho waved her hand in front of his face.

"Oh sorry I spaced out didn't I?" Theodore smiled.

"Yeah. What were you thinking about?" Cho asked.

Theodore shrugged. "Oh nothing. Just... Do you think we should go tell Mcgonagall?"

Cho eyed Theodore. "Yes. Tomorrow though. Hopefully everything will work out."

Theodore nodded. "Cho? Is Cedric the only reason you wanted to hurt Potter?"

Cho nodded. "Is Draco your only reason?"

Theodore nodded.

"We're so stupid." Cho sighed. "I'm supposed to be smarter than this. Petty revenge and it's just hurting more people other than Harry."

"Well yeah. He never really didn't anything to us did he. Just existed." Theodore leaned against the railing.

Cho observed him as he closed his eyes and shook his head. He mumbled something about pure-blood pride and having been raised better. His hair blowing lightly in the cool breeze. Cho found herself realizing the real reason she jumped to his aid when he needed. 'I like him. Can I really say I like Cedric the same. I hardly knew him well enough to claim to like his personality. But Theo is something else. It's not just his looks but personality as well. Stupid girl you're supposed to be a Ravenclaw. Known for wit and knowledge.'

"...iss you."

Cho blinked. "I'm sorry what?"

Theodore stepped closer to her. "I said. I feel like I want to kiss you."

"Then why don't you?" Cho asked a slight blush on her cheeks as Theodore stepped closer.

"Am I allowed to?" He asked.

That was one thing she really liked about him. He always gave her a choice with everything. Then he would ask a confirmation question to make sure she didn't change her mind last minute.

"Yes if you want to Th... mmmph."

Of course he didn't want longer for her to change her mind. He kissed her and sighed as he pulled her closer to him. His arms wrapped around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

'Now this definitely feels right.' He thought to himself before gently pulling away.

Cho looked at him. Her arms still around his neck. He smiled lightly before he asked if she would want to kiss him again. She pulled him closer and pecked him before completely letting go.

"Curfew is in a few minutes." She said.

"Will you still meet me here every night?" Theodore asked still holding her waist.

"It depends. Am I only meeting my friend?"

Theodore smiled. "Be my girlfriend?"

Cho nodded. "I will gladly."