Title: Skull

Warnings: Violence, angst

Harry stared at the skull. It wasn't the first time. He ran his hands over the familiar markings. He had never been able to identify any of them. He knew, without a doubt, that the skull most certainly didn't bind Bob to life. If he smashed it to bits, he knew that Bob would still be here, though he might be damaged beyond repair. The skull was simply the post for Bob's chain.

And possibly the anchor to the spell that bound him here. Harry glanced down at the powder in his hand. A memory spell. One that would let him see the creation of the markings and possibly the secret to releasing Bob. He waved his hand over the skull, scattering the powder on and around it. He pressed a bit of energy into it, to activate the spell and placed his hand ceremoniously on the skull.

He gasped and was drawn instantly into the world of memories, into a world of nightmares. The memories came in sharp wicked flashes, like knives. Screaming. Cruel voices and laughs. Blood, hot, running down his head. A knife, carved with runes to cut the bone. His hands tied behind his back. Manacles as heavy as death itself. The grip of vicious hateful fingers. Tearing, ripping, shredding pain. And the screaming.

Harry was jerked back into reality by a soft familiar voice. He was on the ground, shaking and gasping. He quivered in fear as a dark clad figure bent next to him and a pale hand brushed his skin. Brushed through his skin.

He looked up and met Bob's eyes. Bob knew. He nodded softly, confirming the reality of the experience. Harry watched the grey eyes shiver with remembered pain and a slow understanding began to grow in him. "Oh, Bob. I'm so sorry. So, so sorry."