No Other Cure

by Silent Cure

A picture ruins Malfoy's life. But what happens when a certain raven begins to develop feelings for him? What if those feelings become action? And what happens when Malfoy becomes deathly ill and Snape finds himself facing charges? DMSS. NC17

4. Cyteryus' Kiss

† No other Cure †

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They belong to the author. Exscept

For Peter, he's mine.

Pairings: Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy

Rating: M for sex scenes and language. This is a MM, meaning a man having sex with another man. If you don't like, don't read.

Genre: Romance/Angst

Theme: Harry Potter Chapter IIII Cyteryus' Kiss

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Snape's POV

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I looked with surprise at the door as a tall man, with the longest, fairest hair I'd ever seen flooded in. Of course I knew him, for he was my old friend, Luscious Malfoy. I call him friend in the way a cockroach might call poison food. I took a step back as the blond thundered in such a tone you swore he was related to dragons. He stormed over to the bed, with the sick boy in it and looked taken aback by his son's condition. He turned to Dumbledore with such a fierce look, "YOU DECIDE TO TELL ME OF THIS NOW?" he bellowed.

"Calm yourself Luscious, he has gotten better and our friend Peter here is going to find a cure, so if you could lower your voice my boy." Said Dumbledore calmly, even though he himself seemed to be a little fearful of the man's rage. Luscious snorted.

"So what exactly is it my poor son's suffering from?" He asked in a demanding voice, turning from Dumbledore to Madam Pomfrey, who was unable to answer so, I, myself took the floor.

"Poisoning. I found him all cut up and half dead." I left out the details of when I found the boy and exactly where I had found him, for this information wouldn't help us calm the man. Luscious, wasn't the kind of man I had or would ever trust. Luscious eyed his boy than Snape. He turned his gaze to Dumbledore as he began to speak again, steel burning into light blue.

"We will do our best to help him further and cure him, but it will take time. You need not worry though, Luscious. We currently have Severus watching over your boy day and night." I looked from Malfoy to Dumbledore at the mention of my name, then further onto steel. Luscious looked a little more eased hearing his 'dear friend' was watching over his boy. Luscious beckoned Albus and the two stepped away, talking in low voices before Luscious wished Severus farewell and walked out of the door, a nice new dent imbedded in the wall where the door had struck, without so much as a farewell to his boy, but then again, Draco probably didn't even know his father had just stormed in. I looked over at him and walked back to the bedside, resting one of my hands on his forehead. He was so hot to the touch, burning like a fire. Good Merlin. His cold sweat had slowly gone away but it lingered. After a few moments we parted with Peter who promised to owl Albus as soon as he had the antidote. Dumbledore returned to his office to do some work and that was that. I settled into my seat, looking to the clock. Oh for Merlin's sake, I had to go teach those brats in a few minutes. I sighed and looked to Draco. He looked so ill. His eyes were half closed but I knew that grey was focusing on my every move. His fair hair lay on the white pillow, the green sheets scattered around his body, offering heat were necessary and cool where it was needed. "Well boy, stay alive, I'll be back later." Was all I could say in my signature unemotional voice and got up, my robes billowing after me as I left the wing, Madam Pomfrey taking my place.

I stopped in my room for a shower before I took to the classes. A painting of an emerald dragon noticed my presence and opened without a word or request for password. My room walls were a dark green, almost black, it was furnished with black oak floors and black desks and couches and bed. It was dark and this was how I liked it. I took to my bathroom, emerald tiles and black rugs. I stripped of my cloaks and black shirt and black dress pant's. I was thin; I knew so, my ribs pressed lightly to the scared pale skin. In my younger years I had been rather, say depressed and most if not all the scars painted on my body were self-inflicted. But that, that's not your business, is it? (I'm sure our author will bring it up again anyway…) I took to the showers and washed my thin frame, though I must admit, I felt a little less boney since I had felt and seen Draco's ribs jutting out. I got dressed in some clean robes and took off to my classes. First half hour, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, Seventh year. How fun. Class didn't go great. My mind was elsewhere. That's not to say I didn't pay enough attention to keep my students in order but I had to admit potions weren't on my priorities. I wanted to get back to Draco, for a reason I didn't understand fully myself. Maybe fear I would be skinned alive if Luscious found out I was taking some hours to teach and not guard his son? Or maybe there were other reasons, reasons I didn't understand. I was also looking forward to seeing what Draco's blood revealed. I was so lost in thought now that I didn't notice Hermione raise her hand to ask a question. When I noticed I raised my voice a little. "What is it Miss. Granger?" came my cold hiss. When classes were over I sat at my desk. Now I was not one to lower myself to slouching like a muggle but now I was so tired I folded my arms and laid my head down on them, closing my eyes for a few minutes. Minutes turned to an hour. I woke up to a soft hand on my shoulder.

"Severus, this can't be the most comfortable place to rest, why don't you go to bed?" Asked a gentle voice I knew. I looked up at Dumbledore, wondering how it was he had found me. He must have been heading to dinner. I shook my head.

"I can't go sleep, I need to go check on Malfoy." I mumbled quietly. Since I had taken the post of guarding Draco and waiting for something miraculous to happen I had gotten no sleep except for a few minutes after the end of my four hours and sometimes a few minutes at night. Dumbledore eyed me with such a pleasant gaze.

"I can inform him Severus, you look so tired my friend." He said, his hand squeezing my shoulder gently. I was cautiouse, I did want to sleep but I also didn't want to leave Malfoy. But Dumbledore's kind eyes and gentle touch made me realized I would be no use if an intruder appeared anyway, I was too tired. So with a thank you to Dumbledore I went to my room and fell asleep without even removing my robe.

What I didn't know was that my prim student hadn't been rested by Dumbledore's word that I would not be coming and hadn't slept himself; he had just stared at the door for hours, waiting for me to come. I didn't know he cared that much. When I woke from a good rest I found myself thinking of that stupid picture Malfoy had drawn. That stupid boy had been worrying about my reaction too it all throughout being sick. Stupid child. I was warm in my room and really didn't feel like moving, mostly since I had a bad headache now from lack of sleep. I kept closing my eyes and feeling as though I was falling, the sign one gets when the body is very tired. I lay quietly in my bed but than I reminded myself of Draco. No, my tiredness could wait. I slowly got up but felt dizzy and leaned to the wall before waking up fully and making my way to the dinner hall, going in through the back so as not to be noticed to much. Dumbledore smiled at me, asked if I had gotten enough sleep. I shook my head, no. Dumbledore frowned a little. "You should go back to sleep than Severus." Again I shook my head no. And ate a few things, a pasta and some form of salad before putting some food on a smaller plate, and putting a knife and fork into a goblet (to make it easy to carry) and exited through the back. I headed straight for the hospital wing and relived Pomfrey of her post. She smiled and took to the dining hall. I sat down. If I dare say, I think Malfoy smiled when he realized it was me. "Silly boy, you should have slept." I growled and began slicing some mango thinly and then went and filled the silver goblet with water.

He drank some water, three glasses and a half, and ate a mango slice before I could tell from his sore gaze it hurt too much to keep eating. That was fine, he had eaten and drunk today and so we managed to maintain some life in him. I sat by his bed and read to him some potions but once more wasn't focused on it. It became dark soon and the night found me with my book away, watching Malfoy, for he had gone to sleep. I watched him breath, raspy hard breaths. I reached out my hand, for what reason I didn't know. My fingers touched his lips, they were cold. Something stirred in my body as Malfoy opened his mouth ever so slightly, his warm breath washing my hand. I watched him closely, with my proud black eyes. I dared a little further and pressed just the tips of my fingers into that warm mouth. As I was about to withdraw them a silver flicking tongue ran back and forth across them. Shivers sent through my body and I took back my hand quickly. I leaned back in my chair and breathed deep a few seconds, finding something in myself not relaxing properly though my mind not dare wonder what it was.

I sighed and slumped back. This was so tiring; I needed sleep that was all! But I paused again to look at the boy, than touched the fingers he had run his tongue over to my lips, I dare mention I actually gave them a little taste, how nice it tasted, like the mango's Draco had just ate. But I quickly lowered my hand as I heard shoes coming to the room. McGonagall looked my way and walked over. "Severus, Albus has sent me to relieve you and let you go rest." She whsipered in her elder voice, standing by me. "It's fine." I told her, in a slight hiss, for I didn't want to leave Draco. "This is a order from Dumbledore, Severus. Go sleep." She repeated, not looking like she'd give up. I sighed, I knew I couldn't win with her and stood. My hand touched Draco's cheek gently before I withdrew it sharply and left the room and returned to my own, for a good night of whiskey and sleep.

The next day was, thank god, Saturday. No lessons today, I could sleep in a little and I did so, for my headache hurt. But when I did get out of bed, at 9:37 I took some pills to bring the pain down and made my way sleepily to the Hospital Wing, but paused outside and instead went into the dining hall, using the main door since breakfast ran from 6am to 10am on weekends and was less organized than during the school days. I made my way to the back of the room and ate a small helping of eggs and toast. Dumbledore smiled at me. "Feeling better now Severus?" he asked putting that hand on my shoulder again.

"Yes, thank you." I replied with a kind nod but an unwavering gaze. I filled a plate with egg and strawberries and some honey on toast and went to the hospital wing with some milk, to try and get some calcium in the boy.

My arrival was to a slightly bitter looking boy. McGonagall had left to eat, promising I would be in soon, but I have decided to sleep in and hadn't come when he had been promised. I suppose that gave him some reason to look bitter at me as I sat down in my chair and put the food down. "Now now, don't give me that." Malfoy cast him a slight glare, as if asking, 'where the hell were you last night?' "I was too tired last night, so I went to bed. Your fine so don't fret." I muscled up a stern voice though it hurt a little to exercise it on Malfoy. I snorted and moved to his side, helping him sit up. "Try milk." I muttered, draining some into his throat, he swallowed but with difficulty, my hand rubbed his left shoulder gently. There was a moment before he let off a small groan and closed his eyes tightly and coughed and wheezed. I put the drink down immediately and rubbed his back. "Easy, breath." I calmed but his body kept shaking. I laid him down and emptied the milk down the sink and filled it with water quickly, returning to him careful not to spill. I sat down and sat Malfoy up and let the water go down, running my nails down his warm neck, draining the water. He coughed a little more and closed his eyes. He was in some pain. I laid him down and put away the water, going to the medicine cabinet and pulling a water sack out of the closet and filled it with warm water, casting a spell on it with my wand to keep it warm constantly till drained and brought it over, placing in on the boys stomach. "Better?" I asked in a calm voice, Draco's eyes answered me. Those pretty eyes, so much like his fathers, so revealing of feeling. But unlike his father, he wasn't as cold blooded. Now that some time had passed they tried strawberries and honey on toast, but the eggs didn't sit well and he drank some more water. Each day got just a little better; two steps forward one step back. Snape kept hoping for some meriacle and for a happy Dumbledore to run in and give them the answers to the poison.

"Ah Severus! I've received a message from Peter!" called a delighted Dumbledore, a barn own with a white face perched on his shoulder and a scroll in his hand. What do you know? Wishes do come true.

"And…?" I asked interested in what it said more than ever. Dumbledore began to read it aloud so Draco and I could hear.

Dear Professor Dumbledore, Snape and Mr. Malfoy

We have figured out what is in the poison and what a poison it is! I've never seen such a mix before in my life!

This poison consists of Basilisk Venom; Spider's poison and non other than Cyteryus! Cyteryus! Who ever poisoned our Malfoy must be caught and charged for so much as the growth of such a plant!

Such a mix is bad though. They aid each other. The basilisk causing fatigue, the Cyteryus causing organ swelling, such as in the stomach, and the spider sealing it in the blood stream! At the pace this poison travels it must be getting very close to his heart and lunges by now. I swear, we are doing our absolute best to get an antidote, but it's a hard mix.
Keep him alive and we will find a cure!

Sincerely,

Peter W. Flike

Dumbledore handed the letter to me, I took it and read it a few times to myself. Malfoy must have been panicking at the ingredients. Oh good, he paid attention in his classes.

"I do hope they send the antidote soon." Said Dumbledore going over to Malfoy and pulling his sheets back, touching Draco's warm head than his ribs and his slightly swollen stomach, kidneys, liver and such, he was worried to feel the bottom of his lunges slightly swollen, but he didn't raise the concern to me.

"Yes…" I said, closing my eyes and handing the letter back to Dumbledore who nodded and took it, putting it up a sleeve.

"There must be something we can do while we wait…" I said with a sigh, looking at Malfoy.

"Pray, Severus, pray." Said Dumbledore, touching my arm before excusing himself and walking back upstairs just as none other than Malfoy's bat, Fawne flew in and landed on the bed crawling about with a small letter tied to it's leg. Snape took it and looked at Malfoy.

"Shall I read it aloud or let you read it yourself?' I repeated the question when I got no sign and this time I got a happier look to the first option, so I opened it and read the second letter.

My dear, dear boy!

I've just heard! How are you my poor boy!? I bet you're father didn't even go see you! Oh my boy I would visit but I'm so busy. Oh my, I'm in such a fret; I hope you get better my son!

Love,

Your mother!

I had to say, she sure could worry over his son but being in London or wherever she was wasn't much of an excuses not to visit, that's what the fireplaces are for no? Traveling quickly from one spot to the other. Oh well, it didn't seem to anger Malfoy much so I wouldn't bring it up. I looked at him.

"Ugh… I'm so tired. I think I might head back to my room, don't worry I'll be back in a few hours." I stood and turned to leave but found a hand on my arm. How he had managed such a great movement as to grab me was beyond me, it must have hurt a lot. His hand slid down my wrist and into my hand weakly. I looked at him and swore I say him mouth the words, 'don't go' but I can't be sure. I turned and leaned down a little, bringing his hand to my lips and kissed the alabaster skin lightly before laying his hand back down. "Then let me grab some papers to correct." Malfoy let me leave to gather my papers from the dungeons.

So to the dungeons I went and gathered my papers from my desk. As I was leaving I stumbled into Granger and scolded her.

"There are no classes today, Granger." I hissed, gathering myself after stumbling a little. Se looked a little hurt.

"I'm actually glad I found you, I was wondering, how Malfoy is doing?" she asked, not looking me in the eyes.

"He's fine. But if you're so concerned you should go visit him, not ask me." I couldn't help but be stern with her; she didn't need to get me to find out if Draco was ok.

"I'm sorry sir. I was also curious, what, um, poisoning was used?" Her eyes flicked to mine and I felt a little more tempered.

"That Granger is none of your business at all. And I don't," I paused. "Recommend you go looking for the answer." I than turned without another word to her and headed back to the Hospital wing, where I set up my camp and began checking tests, a test I had recently given out Wednesday. Malfoy watched me with his nice grey eyes the whole time, just watching, but I felt like he was asking me something… a question he needed the answer too but couldn't bring himself to use his voice. I looked to the clock and checked the last test before putting them on the bed behind me. I stood up next to Draco's bed and touched his cheek very gently, so warm it was. "I'll be back soon." I said but would hear no complaints and walked off before a confused Draco could grab my sleeve again.

I went back to my room and had a shower and changed robes and then headed back to the wing where I found none other than McGonagall, Dumbledore and Peter standing by Draco. Peter had a large container in his airs, that looked heavy enough to Snape his back in half but he managed to keep it up before placing it neatly at the end of the bed and opened it up.

"Tada! Cyteryus' Kiss!" chimed Peter proudly, obviously enjoying the work he'd done. They all stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate on this Cyteryus' Kiss. He pulled out a little container. "Here, bring me a needle and I'll show you." He said with a smile. Pomfrey who had been fixing some beds at the end of the room ran off and came back with a needle and a cotton ball and some cleaning agent to clean the spot. "There you go Mr. Flike." she said and went back to working. He poked the needle through the plastic top and put the liquid inside then threw out the empty container and going to Malfoy's side. He took a look at the spot the bruise was fading and ran his fingers north of it till he found the vein he had been looking for and cleaned the spot. "This might hurt but it'll be worth it my boy." He said smiling and gently slide the needle in and the liquid filled his body. He had a horrible reaction and began coughing and wheezing. He managed to grab his throat in pain as the medicine spread through his whole body. He felt like there was a war going on. I ran, yes ran, over to them and took one of the boy's shoulders. Dumbledore took one of his hands and I rubbed his shoulders, sitting his against my chest, trying to sooth him. 'Oh Draco, what are we to do with you?' I asked myself as he calmed down and I felt him lean all his weight into me. I sighed his hair was buried in my face and I felt myself, ever so gently, kiss the boy's head, going unnoticed by everyone else in the room. I laid him back down gently. Dumbledore smiled.

"Well if this works, we should hope to see improvement how soon, Peter?" asked the old man, turning to the younger skinny one. "No more than tomorrow afternoon. If it isn't working owl me." He said and Dumbledore nodded and they parted ways again. "If he's better tomorrow Snape I'll ask you to lend your bath to the boy so he can relax a little tomorrow." I nodded, but for some reason felt a little excitement build in my nether regions, much to my hate, for I didn't want to have those feelings when Draco was in such pain… but something about having the boy in my room in my bath excited me, I only hoped he would be better tomorrow, but at the same time, prayed he wouldn't.

"We will wait, and see." I said as coolly as possible before taking back my seat and parting with the headmaster and head professor. I leaned back in my chair and looked at the boy. "Until tomorrow."

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Tada! Chapter four is complete! This was a long one, I didn't mean for it to be this long but I wanted to finally start giving Draco some hope and move on with the story. I want to remind you all, this IS a M/M, which once more means, male on male and it is rated NC-17 because it will be descriptive when the time comes. There might be a little, little bit in the next chapter but I'm not sure cause I don't know yet.

Oh I forgot! Incase anyone is wondering what exactly Cyteryus is. Here's a link to a picture best describing it, but if you prefer to use your imagination here's a description too!

Cyteryus is a large plant with a bold head and mouth, ringed with sharp fangs. It had short tentacles around hit's mouth with black eyes at the end. Its mouth is a deep red and it has thick roots, which run along the surface around it than burry into the ground. The top of its bulb has poisons spines. It is illegal to grow in the Wizarding World and is used only in potions used for death.

Snape: Oh hey the whole chapters from my point of view

Malfoy: Oh hey things are looking better for me.

Peter: That's my genius at work!

Malfoy: Hey can I have a chapter too?

Author: Oh sure why not, but not the next one, maybe when your better.

Malfoy: Yay.

Snape: Why is it I seem to be getting feelings for Malfoy?

Author: Cause its part of my plot.

Snape: Your scary.

Malfoy: Hey Pete, tell us about yourself!

Peter: My name is Peter W. Flike. I am 34. I'm 5.11 feet and weigh 119pounds. I have blond hair (a lot blonder than the Malfoy family) and brown eyes. I like my red cloak, my favorite food is Chicken, and my favorite sweets are Bertie Bott's. I Dislike failure and enjoy success. I love my job, Alchemist of the Ministry of Magic and I am single.
Snape: Btw, Malfoy lets hear about you too… since were at it.

Malfoy: Um ok… My name is Draco Malfoy. I am 17. I'm 5.7feet and weigh 109pounds (currently under 75pounds). I have light, light blond hair and grey eyes. I wear my uniform; my favorite foods are (big breath) strawberries, mangos, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, melon, cantaloupe, Saskatoon berries, honey, brown sugar, French toast, maple syrup, jam, ice cream, apples, pears, star fruit, coconut and tea.

Everyone Else: 0.0;;;

Malfoy: My favorite sweets are chocolate frogs. I dislike Potter, Charms class, taking orders and being threatened. I enjoy evening, being obeyed, potion's class, my potions teacher and mantle fires (fireplaces). I am single and NOT gay. (Snort uh-huh)

Snape: So you have a god-complex?

Peter: That's like every fruit in the world…

Author: Alrighty we've learned about Malfoy and Peter, next time we can hear from Snape and hopefully another surprise guest!

Snape: Remember, R and R.