The Cat's out of the Bag

by Alatarielrose

Rated M

Warnings: Violence, Noncon/Rape, Torture, Slash, Multiple pairings (VD/HP, HP/SS)

Disclaimer:None of the characters are mine, they belong to J.K. Rowling and I am just borrowing theem for my own (and hopefully your) amusement. Enjoy!

Quick Authors Note: I'm going to update this story at least once a week (possibly more often - depends on work).

Chapter 6

Harry was becoming more and more desperate as he was dragged into the house and up the stairs. "I should start dinner, what would you like me to prepare for dinner?" He tried asking.

"No need to worry about dinner boy." Vernon replied gleefully. "Petunia is out visiting Ms. Jenning's and Dudley won't be home till late. It's just you and me tonight boy." Vernon leered throwing the boy into his room.

Snape had rushed into the house after the duo, following closely but not getting under foot, knowing that if the whale of an uncle were to step on him or see him, Dumbledore would need to find himself a new potions master. Slipping inside the small upper bedroom he quickly found a spot under the bureau in the corner by the door. He watched with mounting disgust as Harry was thrown into the room and heard the uncle say the aunt was out, knowing instinctively that this was not going to be pleasant and wishing there was some way for him to interfere or help the boy.

Snape saw Harry's eyes dart around the room and finally land on his corner before trying to spring past the whale. Before he made it out the door Vernon's fist caught Harry in the side and from the gasp of pain, Snape knew that at least one of the boy's ribs had been broken some point prior. Snape watched as Harry was forced back toward the center of the room and into kneeling at the bed, struggling fiercely the whole time before finally being subdued and bound by his uncle's belt. He heard the uncle's threat to 'make it good' before Harry was gasping in pain.

Snape's view didn't show much other than Vernon's massive form rocking backwards and forwards, the small boy's form was practically blocked from view, only small gasps could be heard along with the whale's grunts as he rutted against the boy. Snape was sickened by what was happening and what had obviously happened before. Realizing that Harry must be in extreme pain but was able to keep control of himself and was not giving his tormentor the satisfaction of hearing him cry out, had Snape respecting the boy more and also sickened him that Harry was so adept at covering the pain since it showed he'd received ample practice.

Snape tuned out Vernon's sick dialogue and let out a breath of air when the man finally finished and left the boy. He watched as Harry struggled to get completely onto the bed and attempted to straighten his clothing even though his arms were still bound. Panting heavily Harry was obviously startled when Snape jumped onto the bed.

Despite everything the boy had just been through he greeted Snape and apologized, "Hey there. You really shouldn't've followed me up here you know... Now you're trapped too. I'm sorry about my cousin hurting you. You're such a handsome cat. Did you get lost? You don't have a collar... and if you are going to stay I need to call you something other than 'Cat' or 'Kitty'."

Snape knew the boy was just trying to keep his mind off his injuries and what had just happened, so Snape just sat there looking at Harry, knowing that his presence was the only comfort he could hope to give him at the moment.

Harry continued to ramble, "Well I'm a wizard, what if I call you Salem?"

Snape narrowed his eyes and glared.

Harry snorted softly then grimaced, "Don't worry I wouldn't do that to you... um how about Felix..."

Snape thought about it for a second, thinking that it was actually a rather apt name. He noticed Harry was shivering and decided to settle himself against Harry's chest, trying to provide some extra warmth as the boy went on to explain his reasoning behind the name. Snape was glad to see that the boy was able to reason as well as he was and meowed in acceptance of the name and began to purr in an attempt to sooth the injured boy, slowly he felt Harry relax into sleep.

It was almost an hour and a half later that he heard the uncle start to move around downstairs. Snape knew it wouldn't really help Harry to be awake but figured it would be less startling for the boy to be aware, so he could attempt to protect himself as best he could and not be taken completely unaware. Snape butted his head into Harry's shoulder and began to growl. He knew when Harry awoke because he was soon shooed off the bed. Snape rubbed once more against Harry trying to give him some sort of support knowing that it was paltry in comparison to what Harry actually needed. Knowing that Harry would be concerned, not for his own safety but for that of a stray cat, Snape quickly jumped down and returned to his hiding place under the bureau.

He watched silently as the door opened and single light was turned on, it's naked bulb blindingly bright for a moment after the minimal light provided from the barred window and streetlamp outside. Snape watched as Vernon climbed onto the bed, and knew as soon as Harry began his fight that he would not win. There was no way a boy of his size could compete against the massive bulk pressing down on him even if he had been in good health. Snape sat witness to Harry's abuse as Vernon 'punished' Harry for his struggles. He heard Harry pleading and begging to be let go from his spread eagle position, until Vernon got tired and finally gagged the young man.

"I said shut it boy! I don't want to hear you." Vernon yelled, Snape glared, it was muggles like this who made him remember why he'd joined the Dark Lord in the first place.

Snapes stomach knotted as he heard the telltale whistle of leather cutting through the air ending with the thwack against flesh. Snape's attention was grabbed as a scream unlike any he had heard from the boy before pierced the room despite the gag. Seeing where the newest stripe had landed, he shuddered knowing the agony that strikes in that area caused. Finally the uncle dropped the belt and Snape knew Harry's torture wasn't finished.

Snape turned away, not needing to see what was about to happen to know, the sounds were bad enough. Harry's whimpers were drowned out by Vernon's grunting. Finally the monster was finished and he reminded Potter of the chores he'd be required to complete tomorrow before telling him he'd be back.

Snape was unsure what else the elephant had in store for the boy but he knew it was a miracle that Potter was still conscious. Snape couldn't believe what he was seeing as Vernon approached with a container of salt.

Harry screamed and began writhing as his uncle poured the container over his lacerated back and began rubbing it in. The boy's struggles didn't last long. Unable to deal with the pain, Harry finally let go and succumbed to darkness as Snape watched the older man continue to coat every slash before wiping his hand on the sheet and leaving.

Coming out from under the bureau Snape hopped up onto the bed and took in the form before him. Potter was covered in welts, his blood had turned to a paste as it mixed with the salt now coating his back. Snape recalled the thoughts he'd had before leaving Hogwarts and the condition Harry needed to be in for his trip to be worth leaving his potions. He was sickened. Yes he had thought the boy was spoiled, but not even in his worst nightmare would he have ever thought a child should be treated as Harry had been tonight. This had been one afternoon, he'd hate to know how Harry had lived the rest of the summer or previous summers for that matter. Harry's breathing was shallow and Snape had never felt so helpless. When had the abuse started? When had it devolved into the torture that it currently was?

Lost in his thoughts on how this started and trying to figure a way to get the boy help, Snape was rocked by an intense wave of power flowing over him. A weight had lifted and it took a moment for the shock to dissolve and for realization of what happened to settle. The power release was backlash from the wards as they fell.

Snape stared at the boy laying motionless before him. Harry was dead.

To be continued...

Authors Note: Please don't hate me! *Ducks for cover*