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Chapter 4 - The ordeal isn't over

"Well, those two certainly know how to stave boredom." The vampire laughs.

Gabriel comes closer to Remus, his movement quick like a breeze. The other man shivers ; it's true the vampire is handsome. He wears tight black slacks that shows his slender waist, ankle boots, a long leather jacket that gives him a dangerous look and a white shirt partially unbuttoned revealing his hairless chest. His long hair is braided. He is such a fine vision that Remus' body reacts to him.

No, no ! Remus thinks. I have to focus on something else. Don't look at his lips, idiot wolf, they're plump and enticing. He does his best to repel his lust. Think, Mad-Eye Moody and McGonagall together. Yuck, ugly thought ! Oh, Merlin, he's speaking to me...

"I was just asking if you like what you see."

Remus flushed deep, red as a beetroot.

"So..." Gabriel insists.

"You're a vampire !"

"Yes, I know."

Remus rolls his eyes. "That's obvious. I suppose you know as well that werewolves and vampires are incompatible creatures."

"There's a first time for everything." The vampire smiles.

"Do you like me that much or are you just playing with me ? Because you must know that lycanthropes mate. They mate only once in their life and love their mate forever."

"Remus," Gabriel's voice is soft. "Shut up."

He moves like the wind and presses his powerful torso against the wolf. Remus feels his mouth taken by a masterful snog. He gives in ; it's been so long since he's been kissed or even wanted. Gabriel slips his tongue inside his mouth. The two men let the pleasure of the embrace wash over them as their hands grip each other.

As he silently enters the room and witnesses the scene, Severus clears his throat to separate the kissing couple. Remus steps back hurriedly, a bit embarrassed.

"Dinner is ready." The deadpan delivery is enough to mellow the mood.

"Are you staying, Gabriel ?" Lucius asks, when he realises the vampire doesn't want to leave.

"If you're inviting me, of course I'll stay. If only to be in company of the wolf a bit longer."

With a wave of his wand, Severus dresses the table and Harry's tray. He leaves the other men in the kitchen and climbs the stairs to Harry's room with his meal. Two torches are burning in the room already, serving as a night light in case the young man wakes up frightened. The Potions Master lights another one and discovers his patient awake and looking bothered.

"Harry, is there something wrong ?"

The Gryffindor lowers his eyes, mumbles and looks towards the bathroom.

"Of course, I'll carry you to the loo." Severus pushes the bedclothes away and swallows a gasp of surprise. Harry is hard and the poor boy is nearly purple in discomfort. "Don't think about it, it's perfectly natural."

Severus carries him in the bathroom and sits him on the edge of the tub. "Would you prefer I leave you alone ?" At the terse nod, he says. "Call for me when you're done."

Once the door is closed, Harry decides to take care of his problem. It's not easy with his hands all bandaged. He can still hear in his mind the sound of the passionate lovemaking that occurred in the neighbouring bedroom. It's Severus and Lucius' fault if he's in that state now, but it's also good to let go. After he comes, Harry stands up gingerly because his back pains him and he gives himself a cursory wash at the basin. He's still too weak to shower by himself.

He takes a clean towel and wraps himself in it. He doesn't want his body to be seen. His body is scrawny and dirty. Harry feels so filthy. Even his soul must be disgusting. Overwhelmed by his feelings, the Boy-Who-Lived falls on his knees on the cold tiled floor and he can't stifle the loud cry escaping his mouth. He cries at the thought he's a wreck, scum, just a body that must be spoon-fed and carried to the loo. His only thought is desperate. They shouldn't take care of me, they should have let me die.

Severus opens the door and finds the young man prostrated on the floor. He kneels and embraces him wordlessly. Harry hides his tears in the dark-haired man's robe and calms down.

"I am ugly, I look like I'm not even human anymore." The young man wails.

"Don't say that, Harry ! We'll take care of you so well that - "

" - No, I'm sure I'll stay like that !"

" Please, don't give up. Give us a chance, we can help you." Severus says as he carries Harry back to his bed. "I brought you dinner and a restorative potion. Then, I'll give your legs a massage."

Harry finds it difficult to eat, but he slowly finishes his plate. The Potions Master clears the dishes and leaves the bedroom a few minutes, to fetch Lucius and pick up a jar of cream in his lab. The two men go back upstairs and once in Harry's bedroom, they fuss over the young man and his legs.

Severus gives some instruction . "Begin with soft circles on the calf, and then long strokes up to the thigh."

Harry melts under the caring hands of his rescuers. He's happy they're taking care of him and not bothered by his nudity. The two men - one light-haired, one dark-haired - have saved his life, whereas none of his so-called friends did. Not Hermione and not Ron. Not even Dumbledore. They have abandoned him to his fate. This heart-wrenching thought makes a tear roll down his cheek.

"Does it hurt, Harry ?" Lucius asks, worried.

"No." He whispers.

Lucius puts a hand of his cheek and wipes the tear away. He offers a small smile and says. "Don't cry, love, and tell us what grieves you..."

Harry shakes his head in denegation. He grabs the bedclothes and pulls them over him. He turns away and closes his eyes. He won't speak about the hole his friends pierced in his heart, nor will he speak about the abuse he suffered. Never. Understanding, The two men leave him alone and go back to the kitchen with the tray. Severus sits down and eats without a word. Lucius answers to Remus's questions and says that Harry has talked a little, though his recovery will not be easy.

"I'll go see him after dinner, I'm sure he'll be pleased to see me as well." The werewolf says.

The Potions Master doesn't answer. He clears the table with his wand.

Considering his lover's mood, Lucius suggests. "Let's have a nightcap."

He leads them to the living room and the three men settle on the sofas, enjoying the fire burning in the fireplace.

"It's Christmas tomorrow," Remus explains. " Harry will not be well enough to celebrate the holiday, but we should do something, because I know the Muggles locked him up in his cupboard the previous years."

"What !" Severus shouts. He stands up and glares at Remus, feeling angry. "You never said anything about this !"

"Well, if I can go on... When I asked Harry about it, he said it wasn't true..."

"So, who told you about this ?" Lucius asks.

"Sirius did. I don't know how he knew." Remus goes back to his Christmas idea. "I thought we could have a small dinner in his bedroom. I could find one or two trinkets so he could find some gifts under the tree on the twenty-fifth."

"I'll take care of the gifts," Gabriel interrupts. "You're not safe outside, Remus."

"Alright, I'll take care of the meal then."

"I'll decorate his bedroom in the night." Lucius adds.

Severus summons glasses and a bottle of Firewhiskey, and serves the drinks.

"So, what kind of gift do you buy for a seventeen-year-old boy ?" Gabriel inquires. "Severus, do you have any idea ?"

"He likes sweets, so a big chocolate box. And maybe a drawing kit."

"What from you, Lucius ? A Quidditch book ? What else ?"

"I'd like to offer him some fashionable clothes. You can choose them yourself, I trust you."

"From Remus, did you want a writing case ? Parchment, quill and ink ? And a box of Bertie Bott's beans ?" Gabriel concludes. "I noted everything and I'll get it from Hogsmeade tomorrow."

It's getting late, so the vampire takes his leave and disappears with his cloak billowing around him. As Remus follows more sedately, there's a draft and suddenly cold lips are kissing his mouth, a tongue is teasing him and asking for entrance in his mouth. Remus flails a bit and tries to speak.

"Gabriel, we have to talk... I am... We can't... Listen, please !" But another draft and the vampire isn't here anymore.

Remus sighs, shakes himself and climbs the stairs to go see Harry. He sits on the armchair close to the bed and looks at the sleeping young man. Harry is tossing and turning in his sleep. His older friend speaks to him in a low voice. "You have suffered so much, child. I wish with all my heart that from now on you'll have better days."

The werewolf stays with Harry for a few hours then when it is time for him to get some sleep, he kisses him on the forehead and leaves quietly the room. Severus is asleep, but Lucius is in the kitchen, warming a bowl of stew for their young patient. The tray put on the bedside table, Lucius sits comfortably in the armchair to wait for Harry to wake up. He falls asleep a few minutes later.

During the night, Harry whimpers as he feels a great pain in his back. He pushes the bedsheets away and turns with difficulty on his stomach. At least, the fabric isn't irritating his wounds anymore. His weak voice calls for Lucius or Severus, but he can't see who is in the room with him.

The blond wakes up immediately and rushes at his side. "Harry, where does it hurt ?"

"My back." Harry utters.

Lucius sends a calling spell to Severus who bursts in with a vial and a cream jar. The Potions Master sees Harry is sweating from the pain and helps him drink the potion. The relief is almost immediate and welcome.

Harry stops sobbing. After ten minutes, Severus has coated his back with the cream and helped it penetrate the skin. The young man quickly pulls the sheets back on him, so his emaciated body is no longer on display. Lucius and Severus exchange a sad look but refrain from comment.

"Are you ready to eat, Harry ?"

"'M n't hungry..." Harry mutters.

"Even if I tell you Remus cooked this delicious stew ?"

Harry raises his head in surprise . "Remus is here ?"

"Yes, he is. He's sleeping right now." Lucius answers.

"Why ?" Harry sounds bemused.

"Well, because he's tired..."

"No, why is he here ?"

"I went and got him from his house. He was in danger so it was better this way. And we knew you'd be pleased to have your friend close to you. So, we suggested he lives here and he said yes."

Harry looks desolate. "He didn't come see me..."

"He did, Harry." Severus corrects. "He came to see you several times, but you were asleep. Except when Gabriel was here to heal you."

"Gabriel ?" Harry asks. "Who is Gabriel ?"

"You don't know ? No, it's okay, you'll remember later. Now try to eat a few bites. Remus and Lucius would be pleased if you ate..."

"Sure." The young man agrees.

He slowly eats his bowl until it is empty. Severus observes him closely because Harry has been eating for the last two days and his innards are rebuilt. He fears some very difficult times are once more ahead of them.

"Severus !" Lucius is calling him ! "Severus, you're terribly distracted !"

"What ? No, not at all."

"Come on," Lucius says. "I will put the kettle to boil. A spot of tea will do wonders. Come in the kitchen." He takes the tray, wishes good night to Harry, already dozing off and kisses him on the forehead. Grabbing Severus' arm, he leads him out of the bedroom to the kitchen. The Potions Master sits heavily and frowns.

"So, what's wrong ?" The blond asks.

"Nothing. Everything is fine."

"Severus, stop ! I know you, I can see you're worried about something. What is it ?" Lucius tries to ask without being forceful, because he can see the dark-haired man is looking for his words.

"When... when I took care of Harry the first day, I saw blood flowing along his legs..."

"Yes, I know." Lucius interrupts. "He was bleeding from everywhere."

"No, Lucius." Severus pauses and he sighs, a little depressed. "The blood was from his bum..."

"What do you mean ?"

"Merlin, Lucius, you're not that thick ! What don't you understand ?" Severus is getting riled up and his voice is getting louder.

"Yes, I understand perfectly. Don't raise your voice." The blond stops before asking. "Why didn't he say anything ?"

"For once, I think he believes if he doesn't admit it, then he can pretend it didn't happen. Then it's probable his uncle raped him while he was unconscious from the beatings."

"Merlin, it's terrible. But you're sure he knows ?"

"Yes, he knows." Severus' shoulders slump and the man looks defeated.

"What are we going to do, Severus ?"

"Right now, nothing." The Potions Master decides to explain why he's worried. "Tomorrow... well, nature will take care of reminding him, because he ate for the last two days." He sighs. "I can't imagine what's going to happen, but I'm going to the lab right now. I'll be brewing another healing cream."

The promised cup of tea is forgotten. Severus locks himself in his lab and Lucius helps himself to a large glass of Firewhiskey. Christmas won't be a happy one for Harry this year. The blond knows he won't be able to sleep right now and decides to do something constructive. He silently slips into Harry's room and uses his wand to decorate : blue spells, green spells, red spells and fifteen minutes and the man contemplates the result.

There is a small fir tree in the corner, near the windows, wrapped in tinsel and decorated with coloured balls and little golden angels hanging from the branches and frolicking around. At the top of the tree, there is a beautiful star. Candles give off a diffuse light, Christmas stockings hang from the mantel of the fireplace and Lucius' best feature, the ceiling is now a sky snowing down the bedroom. Lucius is proud of his creation and glances at Harry to make sure he's still asleep.

"Tomorrow, angel, it will be a delightful surprise for you. You'll even have gifts under the tree."

The blond goes down to the lab and notices Severus is bottling up his cream. The Potions Master sees his cheerful face and asks. "Did you decorate the room ?"

"Yes. Do you want to see it ?"

"No, Lucius." He yawns. "Only three hours before daylight, let's go to sleep, love. Tomorrow will be gruelling. I don't like when our Harry suffers."

"Neither do I, Severus." Holding out his hand to his lover, Lucius takes Severus to their bedroom. The two men settle in bed and cuddle before falling asleep.