chapter 43

On the way up to the apartment, Harry took them through the trophy room and showed them the displayed award given to one Tom Marvolo Riddle, and showed his name in gold leaf on the board of the previous one hundred Head Boys and Girls.

When Matthias had asked why Harry was showing them this, he replied, "All will be explained in private. But, once you hear it, you won't want to believe it."

Once in the apartment, with Crookshanks getting another bum-steer off the armchair, Matthias and Deece seemed to relax; as did Daphne and Astoria.

"Mister... Harry," said Matthias, starting the conversation. "Perhaps you'd best start with how all this came about. A soul bond being initiated between two is extremely rare. For it to be a three-way soul bond is completely unheard of.

"I worry for my daughter to... be in a position where she'll be sharing her bonded with another," he explained. "I'm concerned the bond, and her, will be harmed by this situation."

Harry nodded and turned to Daphne. "Daphne? Do you feel as if I do not give you enough attention? Do you feel the bond between us could be harmed by this?"

After a moment she replied, "No. But, we also have no experience of this situation on which to fall back upon. How would we know? Other than..." and she shrugged.

Turning to Hermione, he asked the same.

"I know even less, Harry," she shrugged.

Then he turned to Matthias and asked, "Is there a reason you're concerned? Or, is it just a concept of which you don't know, and it concerns you as such?"

Matthias sighed and said, "That's just it. No one knows. We know a pair bond is fine. But a three-way?"

"Then, perhaps, we can ease your mind on that."

As fast as Harry could move, even he was surprised by the speed at which Matthias rose from his seat, spun about and raised his wand. So did Deece. Only their wands were no longer in either of their hands.

"What in Merlin's...!" exclaimed Matthias, as Astoria let out a little shriek of surprise.

The three Grim Reapers - or, Guardian Angels, as they preferred to be called in this form - stood near the corner of the room, a little apart from the couches.

"Be at peace, Matthias Dean," said Della. "We mean you and yours no harm."

"Wh-who are you?" he asked.

"We three are the guardian angels for your Daphne Anna, Hermione Jean and Harry James," she replied.

"Whaaat?" he exclaimed.

John chuckled and said, "You heard right, Matthias Dean. You and Candice Marigold have nothing to fear, here. Nor does young Astoria May."

Daphne approached her father and said, "It's alright, father. They are who they claim to be."

Matthias looked at his daughter for a moment before turning back to the three beings. "How do I know you're who you say you are?"

Roma replied, "Because you know it to be true. Your soul tells you it's true."

Matthias started to shake a little, but it was clear he knew and understood.

"You're worried about the soul bond between these three," said Della. "You need not worry about what it is you're worrying about. We would not have allowed the bond to be if it was going to be a problem for them."

"So it's true then?" asked Deece. "A soul bond is magic made in H-heaven?"

"Yes," John simply replied.

"Harry James has a favour to ask of you, Matthias Dean," said Della. "Please, help him."

And, with that parting comment, the three beings winked out. At the same time, Matthias and Deece found their wands back in their hands.

"Mother... father... please, sit down again," said Daphne.

Both adults returned to their seats, clearly stunned by what they'd just seen and learned.

"This is incredible!" sighed Matthias, trying hard to comprehend what he just saw. He then looked up at Daphne and asked, "Which one was yours?"

"The dark skinned lady," she softly replied with a smile. "Her name is Della."

When Matthias turned to Harry, Harry answered, "The young man. His name is John."

"And, of course, the auburn-haired lady, Roma, is mine," said Hermione.

The three let Daphne's parents and her sister process what they'd learned by keeping quiet for a few moments.

"Alright," said Matthias. "Alright, then. I don't need to worry about the three-way nature of the bond."

"It seems not," sighed Deece before she turned to Daphne, clearly concerned. "And you, daughter? Are you happy with this?"

"I am," Daphne replied with a smile of contentment. She indicated Harry and said, "Small, dark and broody over there is the one that needs convincing. But, he's very good to me, Mum."

"Is the bond finalised?" Matthias suddenly asked.

"Matthias Dean Greengrass!" exclaimed a scandalised Deece. "That is not for you to ask!"

Though he winced at the rebuke, Matthias quickly brushed it aside. "I'm her father. Her happiness means as much to me as life itself. You know what happens if the bond is not finalised.

"On top of that, our daughter is a beautiful young woman. And, Mister Potter is clearly a fit young man. I don't want to see our daughter hurt!"

"The answer is no, Sir," Harry firmly stated.

"Harry!" rebuked Daphne. "You don't need to tell him."

"Maybe not," Harry turned to the girl and replied. "But he clearly cares about your welfare. I respect that." Turning back he said, "We do not need to rush this. And I believe I'm just as concerned for your daughter's welfare as you are.

"We know it needs to happen. We also know it does not need to be rushed. And it most certainly won't happen until both girls want it to happen. As I've already told them both, I will not force the issue with either of them. Merlin, I don't even know if I'm ready yet."

Matthias stared at Harry for a few long moments before he blinked and stated, "You're a most unusual young man,

.

.

.

🍀Visit my site at tiendup for more advanced content...🍀

🍀Read the complete novel in PDF, available at my Store!🍀

https://sunflowersfic.tiendup.com/