Chapter Text
...
Harry sipped at a beer as he went over the Accords. Mac was eyeing him as if he knew that Harry was planning something stupid. Which to be fair, he was. The Accords weren't exactly a guarantee of a safety. It just made the various supernaturals of the world think long and hard on the consequences of picking a fight with Mab. Nicodemus had proven it could be done and done easily.
Chicago needed its resident Baron as much as he hated to admit it. When Marcone had taken control of the city, the underworld had become more organized and the crime rate had gone down. Despite being a crime lord, Marcone protected innocents and children. He would die to protect Chicago from those wanting to destroy her. It was something he agreed with Marcone on.
"Mac?" He asked.
Mac grunted and looked at him.
"You've been around a long time," he said slowly, "Have you ever heard of a mortal Baron taking up a Knight?"
Mac frowned at that and began cleaning the bar. It was a busy night, but not so busy that Mac couldn't talk to him. There was a lull in orders, and Harry wasn't going anywhere. He was just sitting in the corner of the room. Mac could take the time to chat.
"Can't say I have," Mac allowed after a minute, "Most of your Free Holding Lords aren't mortal in the typical sense. The closest would be your White Council and their Wardens. What are you thinking, Harry?"
Harry's lips twitched at that. Of all the people to see right through him, of course, it would be Mac. Out of everyone in Chicago he'd known Harry the longest. He probably knew him best, aside from Murphy. He sipped at his beer again before looking at the Accords.
"Just a thought," he said quietly, "Would binding a wizard to him be like adding a Knight under his power?"
Mac's hand stilled for half a second before starting back up again. His frown deepened at that. He was considering everything he knew and Harry's words. Mac wasn't stupid, and he'd seen enough of the world that his opinions were valuable in their own right.
"I can't say," Mac finally admitted, "There's no precedent for it. I might know someone though who could give you a clearer answer. If you do this, there's no going back."
Harry snorted at that. There was never any going back in the supernatural community. That was the point of being involved. Once you were in, you couldn't leave unless it was on your shield. He appreciated the consideration though.
He took another sip of his beer before standing and heading out the door. He'd need Bob to confirm that it was even possible. Then he could go to to Marcone and talk.
...
"Well, the idea is interesting," Bob hummed. "But we can't be certain it'll work the way you're intending. He's still mortal Harry."
"Then let's make him a little less so," Harry snapped, "With Nicodemus's success I'm surprised the Red Court hasn't tried something."
"It'll be tricky," Bob sighed, "We're talking about creating a bond that no wizard or Fairy has made before. We have no clue what side effects that'll happen to either of you. Are you sure, that's a risk worth taking? It could kill you."
Harry nodded. If anyone had asked him years ago, if he would protect Gentleman Johnny Marcone from the supernatural, he would have laughed at them. After the last couple of years, Harry wasn't laughing. Not when the safety of the city was concerned. Marcone as much as they argued always stepped up for Chicago.
Bob hummed and began drawing on a piece of paper. It was a complex design that would take a week to draw on his basement floor. It would also require some ingredients that would be tricky to find. It was a complex and powerful ritual. They were doing something no one else had attempted. The price of failure was death.
"Alright," Harry muttered, "Let's get started. If I'm doing this, then it's going to be done right. Which means I need to talk to Gard."
That was not going to be a fun conversation. Hell's bells, he needed a vacation if she didn't kill him for the suggestion.
...
She didn't kill him, which was nice. She had given him a look that should have sent him running the other way, but had allowed him into the her office. Then she had listened to his explanation without interrupting. When he finished, she had sat back and studied him for a few seconds. It was difficult to get a read on what she was thinking.
"It's a possibility," she agreed, "But why would you agree to this?"
"Marcone protects the city," Harry answered honestly, "If anything were to happen to him, the entire place would fall apart. We've already had a close call with that attack by Nicodemus. I realized how bad it would be if we lost him during that. I know you work for him contracted by Vadderung. But your loyalty will be to Vadderung first."
"True," she acknowledged, "Theoretically, the bonding would work. What it does to both of you would be unknown. You understand?"
"Yes," Harry agreed.
"I will inform him of the situation," she replied, "You have my support."
That allowed Harry to breathe easier. He half expected her to throw him out of the office.
...
It was a week before he got his answer from Marcone. It probably would have been sooner if he hadn't been called away for Warden duties. By the time he got back, he was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. Which was not in his cards because he'd just showered and was stitching his injuries when his phone rang.
"Hello?" He greeted, pinning the phone between his ear and shoulder, as he checked the wound on his leg.
"Mr. Dresden, a car is coming to pick you up in twenty minutes," said Gard from the other line, "I suggest being ready."
Harry blinked at that and looked at his half dressed state. Yeah it would take longer than that to finish treating his injuries.
"Would it be possible to make it an hour?" He asked.
"No," she answered, hanging up.
Well that was lovely. Harry shook his head and finished dressing the wound on his leg. Then he checked his arm injury. It was bleeding sluggishly, but not enough to need a new dressing. He taped the bandage in place before standing and making his way to the bedroom. Mouse watched him from his bed and gave a soft boof in question.
"Going to see the Marcone," Harry explained, "No idea how long I'll be gone, so don't wait up. Hold down the fort?"
Mouse woofed in agreement and laid his head down. Harry smiled and grabbed a green button-down shirt and dark jeans. He left his staff and blasting rod at home, along with his shield bracelet. This was not a confrontation. So, he didn't want to come off as threatening. He would wear his duster though.
Right on cue, there was a knock on the door. Hendricks stood on his doorstep looking better than the last time Harry saw him.
"You look like shit Dresden," he commented dryly, "Get in the car."
"Good to see you too," Harry said sarcastically, locking the door behind him.
Hendrick's lips twitched, but he didn't reply. He opened the door and slid in the back seat. Harry followed him and they were off to wherever they were meeting Marcone. He relaxed into the seat.
"Long week?" Asked the redhead after a few minutes of silence.
The unasked question was obvious. He'd seen the bandages and knew something had happened. Harry sighed and sat up.
"Ghoul attack," he answered truthfully, "It's been dealt with. I just got back. Gard didn't exactly give me a choice in the timing."
"Hn," was the only response.
They lapsed into an awkward silence. The rest of the way to Exectutive Priority. Which was the building where the offices were. Slowly he got out of the car. Gard was waiting for him at the entrance and looked him over. He showed his hand with a single ring, his shield bracelet, and pentacle. She nodded approvingly.
"Follow me," she ordered.
Harry did. They were in the elevator and heading towards the top floor. Where Marcone kept his office. When the doors opened, the Marcone was sitting at his desk. He looked up as they entered. There was a flash of concern that disappeared quickly.
"Baron Marcone," greeted Harry formally.
"Dresden, have a seat," the man gestured to an empty chair, "I believe we have some things to discuss. Thank you, Ms. Gard. That will be all."
Gard inclined her head and left the room with Hendricks and closing the door. Leaving him alone with Marcone. He was a little surprised that he was being trusted enough to be alone in the same room as Marcone.
Harry approached the desk and sat. He waited until Marcone put his pen down. He was only distracted for a moment before he pulled out a copy of the ritual that Harry'd given Gard.
"Gard explained to me about this ritual," said Marcone, "And the dangers. Are you certain you wish to go through with it? As I recall, our relationship is more strained then most."
"You protect Chicago," Harry replied, "When you came into power, the crime rate fell drastically. Most of that was from organized crime. You do not target children, and you are willing to work outside of your organization to protect the city. Yes, we have had problems. You helped me against the Necromancers and again against the White Court. Then with Ivy. You were willing to risk dying on that island just to ensure she got to safety."
"That's high praise coming from you," noted the Baron, his eyebrows raised a fraction, "Is that a sign of the apocalypse?"
Harry snorted and some of the tension leaving his shoulders. There was a faint twitch of lips from the mob boss. Something was off. Harry could feel the difference, but couldn't place what it was.
"Harry," said Marcone after a moment and Harry sat up becoming more serious, "This will tie us together and will change everything. From what Ms. Gard says you don't know how to bond will affect us?"
"No," he answered with a wince, "I've done what I can to research it without going to the White Council."
The Senior Council would be completely against this idea. If word somehow reached the Merlin's ears, Harry was sure he'd be executed immediately. It wouldn't do anything to stop him. He was determined to protect his city.
"Are you sure about this?" Asked Marcone and when he saw the surprise he sighed, "I'm not objecting. Just making sure. If we're doing this, we will do it right."
Harry took in a breath and thought about it. That's what Marcone was looking. Not just a snap judgement. While he'd been working on this since the end of the Island incident. Marcone was giving him a chance to backout now. It showed how things had changed between now and their first couple of years.
"Yes," he finally answered, "If you're willing to bond."
Marcone nodded at that and pulled open his desk drawer. He pulled out a file and slid across the table. Harry picked it up and flipped through it. It was similar to the contract from all of those years ago. Though this time, the terms were a bit different. He would be Marcone's direct protector. Similar to a bodyguard. However, he'd retain his ability to operate as a PI with an NDA clause. The pay was significantly anymore money than he'd ever seen.
He looked up at Marcone who was watching him carefully. Then looked at the next page. It detailed the rules of the contract and his duties. All of them were reasonable. One of the clauses was that if a situation arose that required him to choose between duty to the city and to the Baron, the city would take precedence.
"What? Marcone..." he tried to argue.
Marcone held up a hand and said, "Chicago comes first."
Hell's Bells, the man was serious. Harry swallowed at the implications. He tilted his head in acknowledgment to show his understanding. Then went to the next page. This detailed his benefits. Including the fact that the Baron would pay for his healthcare, and any other medical bills. He also would get access to the Baron's lawyer's and his accountant. Basically, he was getting the full protection of the criminal empire in exchange of his services to the Baron. It was a good offer.
It was the collar he'd been afraid of before. He shuddered trying to keep an old panic from returning. No. This was not the same.
Soft footsteps brought his gaze to Marcone's. His face was blank, but his eyes were calculating. He was studying Harry. Looking for something. Harry didn't move and waited for him to continue. Whatever the Baron was looking for, he must have found it.
"If you're having second thoughts," said the Baron, "We can stop this here."
"No," Harry disagreed, "My decision was made before I came to talk to you."
"Then we're in agreement," the mobster stated and stepped back giving Harry room to breathe.
"I believe that we are," agreed the wizard. "How soon can the ritual begin?"
"As soon as we sign the contract," was the answer from Marcone, "Ms. Gard will witness the signing."
"Okay," agreed Harry and stood.
Marcone moved aside and let him read the contract again. While he did that, Marcone left the room to grab Gard. They returned a moment later. Gard was carrying an ink pen that was used for contracts. She handed the paper and pen to Marcone who signed in the correct spot. He passed the pen to Harry. Who did the same and gave it to Gard. She scrawled her name on the line, then stepped back to observe.
"Is there a place you'd prefer the ritual to take place at?" Asked Harry.
"The basement of my estate," was the immediate answer, "It's the best location. With the least interference from the Nevernever. Do you have everything you need for it?"
"Almost," answered the Wizard, "I have to pick up a few more ingredients. But it shouldn't take long."
Marcone looked to Gard and said, "Get the necessary materials to the estate. Have them delivered by tonight. Also tell Mr. Childs to clear my schedule for the next week."
"A week?" Asked Harry confused.
"It's a new bonding, and we won't know the effects," explained the Baron, "That should give us time to figure out the side effects and allow it to settle."
"Good point," admitted the Wizard, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Mr. Hendricks will drive you home," continued the Baron, "If you need to pick up anything else we'll pay for it."