A/N: My apologies to all of you who wanted this to be a Harry/Draco story. Not this time I'm afraid. No, Harry will be given another soul mate, although I'm not going to tell you who it is just yet, grin.
As alwyas, a big thank you to all of you who reviewed, I truly do appreciate all the positive feedback.
And The Guilty Shall Pay
Albus Dumbledore was not having a good day. First, there had been the mess with Ronald Weasley and the Sever of Ties he had accidentally cast, leaving Albus with a gigantic headache as he tried to figure out a way to work around the complications of one rash act. The Potters had counted on the marriage contract between Harry and Ginevra, wanting to cement the bond between the two families. Not to mention that with the Weasleys' firm grounding in the Light, there truly couldn't be a better spouse for the Boy Who Lived. It didn't exactly hurt that the girl was a redhead. The Potters had always had a certain weakness for redheads.
Besides, there truly wasn't many suitable girls available for young Harry. Since Lily was a Muggleborn, Harry needed to marry a Pureblood, and it was a sad fact that most of the Purebloods were on the wrong side of the conflict. Not that James would ever allow his son to marry a Slytherin.
Albus chuckled to himself. James Potter might have matured a lot since his school days, but he was still as prejudice today towards the Slytherins as he had been when eleven. Not that Albus disagreed with that. The Slytherins needed to be kept on a short leash, and to allow one of them to marry the Boy Who Lived… that was simply unthinkable. Why the political powers the family would get from such a union... No, that was too dangerous to even consider.
But now all those plans were ruined. Broken. All because one hot-headed boy who couldn't see past the end of his nose! Never before had Albus been so close to throttle someone. Finding another Pureblooded witch for Harry to marry would be a nightmare. They might have to look abroad after all, something that Albus had been happy to avoid since most of the Light families of Europe was far too stubborn and independent for Albus' peace of mind. It would be much more difficult to rule Harry Potter if his wife and her family should insist on meddling in Albus' affairs.
Dumbledore sighed and reached up to rub at a temple. As if the mess that young Ronald had created wasn't enough to ruin his day, now the Student in Mortal Peril alarm had sounded for the first time in three hundred and sixty-two years. What else was going to wrong this wretched day?
Once he had made his announcement about everyone meeting in the Great Hall, Albus hurried to get there himself, wanting to be on the scene, hoping that his commanding presence would keep the children in check and prevent them from panicking.
As he had expected, organised chaos met him as he reached his destination, but the Prefects seemed to have everything well within hand. Looking out over the room, Albus noted with approval that the various Houses were seating themselves at their respective table. Good, that would make it easier to find out who was missing.
Stepping up to his normal seat at the Head Table, Albus lifted his wand into the air and emitted a few loud bangs along with a shower of sparks. "If I may have your attention please," he called out, forced to raising his voice to be heard over the infernal racket of the alarm. "Prefects, if you would make a headcount please. We need to find out who is missing as quickly as possible. Does anyone know of someone who is not present?" Albus asked, looking out over the assembled students.
"Kelly Potter is with Professor Umbridge, serving a detention," Theo shouted, looking up briefly from where he was attempting to keep his charges calm.
"Thank you, Mr Nott. Does anyone know of anyone else missing?" Albus called, trying to ignore the churning sensation at the pit of his stomach. Oh, no! Not Potter again, he thought with some dismay. Why is it that every time something happens, Potter is in the middle of it? And why is it that he insists on coming out of every confrontation victorious? If this keeps up, I'm going to have to arrange for an 'accident' for the boy. One he cannot possible wriggle out of. He is starting to becoming an embarrassment to me, not to mention a dangerous liability.
Albus suppressed the urges to rub at his temples or to pinch the bridge of his nose. Both were gestures that made him look human, something he could not afford to do in front of his students. He needed to keep his image as an omnipotent, if slightly mad, wizard un-besmirched. It would not do for the children to start doubting him. Not now when the war was so close to being resolved.
I suppose I should be thankful that the alarm didn't go off every time that Harry was off on his adventures, or the wizarding population would realise just how dangerous those things really were. Fortunately, the alarm does not cover the Secret Chamber, and I managed to muffle them for the area that Fluffy was protecting. It was pure luck that Sirius didn't activate them in Harry's third year, then again, considering how we had to modify them so that the Dementors wouldn't set them off… I guess those blasted creatures were good for somethingAlbus thought sourly.
And with Harry being a 'legal' participant of the Triwizard Tournament, the alarm didn't respond to when he was in danger that year. It really was too bad that Harry wasn't killed during one of those tasks. He surely had plenty of opportunity, Albus thought bitterly, once again fighting the urge to rub at his temples.
"Sir? Draco Malfoy is also missing, along with Professors Snape and Umbridge," Pansy called out, having been looking for her friend in vain for several minutes. The blond boy had been just behind her, for Salazar's sake. What could have happened to him on the way to the Great Hall?!
"Thank you, Miss Parkinson. I shall head off and investigate this immediately. Minerva, Filius, would you please come with me? I trust I can count on the rest of you to keep the students under control?" Albus said, looking out over his staff, noting for himself that both Severus and Dolores was indeed missing.
Hmm, if I am fortunate, Dolores has managed to create that accident for Potter. There is no secret that there is little love lost between them. Or maybe I can arrange for something after this that will entitle me to kick that vile creature out of my school.
Feeling immensely more cheerful, Albus set off for the dungeons, intent on finding his missing people.
oOo
Unfortunately, the rescue mission turned out to be much more difficult than the professors had expected. Unfamiliar magic kept the three from entering the part of the castle where Umbridge had her office. Not even Dumbledore was able to pass through the invisible barrier, and it was the first time in his long career as Headmaster of Hogwarts that Albus was denied access to an area. Not even his professors' private quarters were closed to him. Not that he abused that privilege. Well, the only teacher's privacy he didn't respect was Severus', but the silly boy owed him and Albus didn't see any need to adhere to common courtesy when it came to a Death Eater. No matter how useful that Death Eater was.
Severus, just to be contrary, had put up the most impressive wards to protect his quarters, but Hogwarts usually overruled those wards if Albus enforced his will upon the castle strongly enough. It got tiresome at times, but Albus refused to be bested by anyone.
Glaring hotly at the invisible barrier barring his way, Albus sought out the connection he had with Hogwarts, mentally calling on the castle's aid. To his shock there was no reply. Never before had Hogwarts refused to answer him, and Albus made a second, stronger call, making sure to make his displeasure known.
There was still no reply.
"Albus? What is going on? Why can't we move forward?" Minerva asked, looking worriedly between the Headmaster and the corridor they needed to enter but couldn't.
"I don't know, Minerva. There seems to be something blocking us. Worse, this unknown power is interfering with my connection with the castle," Albus said with a tired sigh, not seeing any point in keeping that information secret.
"Do you think Dolores has done something?" Minerva asked, clutching at her throat in alarm.
"I don't know. I suppose anything is possible. I confess that I am most worried that Miss Potter is missing at a time when that particular alarm went off. It does not look good," Albus said gravely, his mind spinning with various options to turn this disaster in his favour.
"Albus, something is happening," Filius said excitedly. The Charms professor had been examining the unfamiliar barrier, attempting to find a way to remove it, or, at the very least, bend it enough so that they could get through.
Holding his wand high, the small professor stepped forward, astonished to find no trace of the magic that had kept them at bay. "It is gone!" Flitwick exclaimed in shock.
Albus didn't bother to ask question as to why, he merely hiked his robes up and took off down the corridor at a sprint, intent on getting to Potter as soon as possible, wanting to see if he could 'help' the child along onto his next grand adventure.
Minerva and Filius exchanged a look before taking off after the Headmaster, albeit at a more dignified speed.
oOo
Bursting into the Defence professor's office, Albus was not pleased to note that the entire Malfoy family was present along with Severus and an unfamiliar youth that looked frighteningly similar to Lucius' offspring. Not that much of the youth could be seen, sheltered as he was by Severus' arms.
"What is happening in here? Why did the alarm go off? Why didn't you come to the Great Hall? What happened to Dolores? And who is that?" Albus asked, stepping more fully into the room.
When no one made a move to answer his question, Albus began to lose his patience and he demanded, "Just what is going on here?" Giving his Potions master a hard look that promised retribution if Snape didn't start give Dumbledore the information he wanted.
Lucius, who had straightened the moment Dumbledore came rushing through the door, gave the aged wizard a sardonic look. "Your quest for information is understandable, but I believe this young man's need for medical attention must come first," he said calmly, wanting to get his family away from the old meddler. He knew better than to confront someone with the Headmaster's powers while magically weak, not to mention mentally and physically exhausted. This confrontation was needed, but Lucius would be damned if he allowed Dumbledore to dictate the rules or hold the higher ground.
"Now, now, Lucius, there is no need to be so defensive. I am merely worried considering the nature of the alarm that sounded earlier. And I can't help but wonder how much of a coincidence it is that you are here at the same time the alarm went off," Albus said, his eyes twinkling merrily. If he played his cards right, he might be able to get rid of two of the biggest thorns in his side, if not three.
Lucius arched a pale eyebrow. "I suggest that you look to your Defence teacher before throwing baseless accusations around, Headmaster. After all, she was the one who was locked in alone with Miss Potter, doing Merlin knows what to the poor girl. Now, if you'll excuse us, this child need medical attention, and he will not get it while we are standing around satisfying your curiosity," Lucius said, allowing some sharpness to creep into his voice.
"Of course. Why don't you take whoever that is to the hospital wing? I will join you there shortly, as soon as I have a better idea of what went on in here. Dolores is here you say?" Albus belatedly asked, looking around the office for his professor, finally spotting her lying in a crumbled heap in a corner, resembling a rag doll more than a human being. "By the way, where is Miss Potter?"
Lucius paused and glanced over his shoulder, his hatred for the other man clearly visible in his silvery eyes for a brief moment before they shuttered and became studiously blank. "Albus Dumbledore, I have just helped save the life of this boy, and although he has vastly improved, he is far from stable. I find it curious that you consider your quest for answers more important than the welfare of those under your jurisdiction. Might I suggest that you focus on your professor? She is the one responsible for what happened here tonight, not this young man.
"Now I am going to ensure that the boy gets the care he needs. I would suggest that you do not bother me or my family until such a time that we are ready to talk to you. In other words, do not contact us, we will contact you. Good day, Headmaster, tend to your school while you are still able," Lucius said, his voice just as ominous as his words.
Giving Dumbledore one last dark look, the head of the Malfoy family swept out of the office intent on catching up with the others who had already left, his focus shifting to how best aiding his family, completely putting the Headmaster out of his mind – for now.
"Hey! Don't you walk away from me! Just what in the name of Merlin happened in here? Where is Harry? Who is that boy? Why are the Malfoys here? And what exactly happened to poor Dolores?" Albus demanded, forced to raising his voice as the group of Slytherins completely ignored him and merely kept walking further away.
Grasping his wand tightly, Dumbledore fought to keep his temper in check. He was incensed that his questions went unanswered. Just who did those people think they were? How dare they ignore him like that? Didn't they realise who he was? Didn't they realise what kind of power he held over them? Over the entire wizarding world? Didn't they realise what he was capable of?
But what truly worried him was that the entire Malfoy clan, including Severus, had looked like they wanted to squash him under their heel, as if he was some tiresome bug that had gotten in their way. Just what had happened here tonight? How much did the Slytherins know? What did they know? Were they a threat to his power and position? And how much of a setback for Albus' plans would this mess cause?
"Albus, who was that? For that matter, what are the Malfoys doing here? Did you find out what happened to set off the alarm?" Minerva asked, glancing over her shoulder in an attempt to catch one last look of the unknown child cradled in Severus' arms. Something strange was going on here, but for the life of her, Minerva could not figure out what.
"I'm afraid that I have no answers to give you at this time, my dear," Albus replied somewhat distractedly as he moved slowly around the office, attempting to find out just what had occurred in Dolores' office. It looked as if a miniature tornado had gone through the room, tossing everything that hadn't been nailed down around, creating one gigantic mess.
If he didn't know better, he'd say that the office had been subjected to a magical ritual gone wrong. However, there were no signs of the usual tools needed for a ritual, and although the Malfoys had been present when he arrived, there simply hadn't been enough time for them to do a thorough clean up after it went wrong. Simply banishing the candles and the runes wouldn't be enough to remove all traces of the magic performed, and Albus should have been able to pick up at least the general gist of the type of ritual that had taken place here tonight. But Dumbledore couldn't pick up anything, and that worried him more greatly than he wanted to admit, even to himself.
"Albus, we need to get Dolores to the hospital wing immediately," Filius stated in alarm, worried that the Headmaster was more concerned about the state of the room than of one of his professors. True, all of the staff hated Dolores Umbridge with a passion, but the woman needed medical aid and she needed it now!
"Why don't you and Minerva bring her to Poppy, Filius? I will remain here and attempt to find out what set off the alarm. It has had to be something extremely serious for that to happen, and I would prefer to have as many details as possible before Cornelius descends on us."
Flitwick nodded his head hesitantly, understanding the need for information but still not happy with the way Dumbledore had completely ignored the Defence professor. After all, Umbridge was the one who had been present when whatever had happened occurred, so it was only logical to turn to her first for answers.
Sensing the man's unease, Albus moved over to where the Charms professor was hovering and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "I know that I can count on you and Minerva to look after Dolores. The sooner we find out what happened here tonight, the sooner we can start working on damage control. I fear that Minister Fudge has gone far too far in his eagerness to keep Harry from threatening his career. The man simply will not realise that young Harry doesn't have any political aspirations," Albus said with a soft laugh, adding another pat for good measures.
"Albus? What happened in here?" McGonagall asked as she watched Flitwick conjure a stretcher and levitate the unconscious woman onto it. "This place is a mess, no, it is worse, it is in shambles! No accidental magic could have done this, no matter how panicked or threatened Potter felt. Just what was Dolores up to? And why didn't you know about it and put a stop to it before it got this far out of hand?"
Dumbledore bristled slightly at the criticism of his leadership. First Severus and now Minerva, how dare they question his authority? "I don't know yet what took place in here, Minerva. That something grave happened here is obvious, perhaps if the two of you vacated the premises I might be able to contact Hogwarts and with her help get a few answers while Poppy work on Dolores," Albus said, giving his two professors a pointed look.
"But Albus, for the alarm to sound-"
"Minerva, please, the longer we stand around arguing amongst our selves, the harder it will be to find out just what exactly took place here tonight. The only thing I can pick up for sure is that nothing evil has occurred in this room," Albus said, having no computations breaking his Deputy off, not feeling in the mood to deal with her rants and reprimands at the moment.
"But Albus!" McGonagall snapped, pointing towards the large pool of black liquid clearly visible on the floor. "How can you claim that nothing of a Dark nature took place in here tonight? How do you explain that, not to mention the alarm-"
"Minerva, please," Dumbledore said with forced patience. "I have no doubt that some form of Dark Arts was performed here tonight. All I am saying is that nothing evil occurred. There is a slight difference between the two as you well should know. Now, could you please take Dolores to Poppy so that she can be treated and revived? We need answers badly, and the more facts I have before interrogating her, the better I will be able to discern when she is lying and when she is telling the truth."
McGonagall gave the Headmaster an uncertain look, but in the end she followed Flitwick from the room, her mind troubled by the things she had seen and with the many questions that were swimming around in her head. Still, it was clear that Dumbledore didn't have the answers they were seeking, or at the very least, was not yet prepared to share them with her.
oOo
Once he was finally alone in the room, Albus began to prowl around the edges, attempting to get a feel for what kind of magic had been cast here this night. Not many knew that he was that sensitive to magic, or that he most of the times were able to 'smell' what type of magic a person had used, even if he could not always name the individual spells. He especially had an affinity to tell when the Dark Arts had been used, something that had helped him immensely in his fights against Grindelwald and Voldemort both.
But this time his senses were silent. It was obvious that something had happened, but for the life of him, Albus couldn't figure out what that something was. Sighing heavily, he made his way over to the pool of blood. At least it smelled as if it was blood; it sure as hell didn't look like any blood Albus had ever seen. Just to be certain, Dumbledore cast an identification spell on the liquid and got the answer back that yes, someone's blood had been spilt here tonight, and it was human blood at that. Unfortunately, that was the sum of the information his spell gave him. It did not identify whose blood it was, something that would have helped Albus immensely in figuring out what had happened.
"Blast it all to hell, just what were you up to, Dolores? And who put you up to it? Was it Cornelius? I know the fool is worried about his public image, but would he go so far as to attempt to murder the Boy Who Lived?
"Or was this a plot thought up by you alone, my dear? But why would you do something that drastic? Harry is no threat to you, so why go to such extremes?" Albus asked the air, feeling secure in the knowledge that he was alone and that no one could hear him mumble to himself. He had acquired the habit to talk to himself over the years, finding it easier to sort out his own mind if he was actually voicing his thoughts. Usually Fawkes was there to listen to his ramblings, adding a trill now and then as if voicing his own opinions.
Unfortunately, the Phoenix wasn't here tonight, and Albus was forced to do what he could to unravel this mystery on his own. He didn't even have the assistance of Hogwarts and that troubled him more than he wanted to admit. Just what had happened here to cause the castle herself to go silent?
Muttering to himself, Albus voiced and discarded various theories as he made a second and then a third circle around the room, always careful to stay clear of the suspicious looking pool of blood. The more the magic resisted being analyzed, the darker Dumbledore's theories grew, until he had all but convinced himself that Dolores Umbridge was not the one behind whatever had taken place, but Harry Potter himself.
As the thought took root, Albus began to plot a failsafe plan to finally get rid of the boy who was truly becoming a threat to his plans. He suspected that Voldemort could get to the boy's mind, which was why he had been avoiding looking at the so-called saviour of the wizarding world. Had the Dark Lord finally managed to sway the youth towards the Dark? Had Potter decided to side with the man who had murdered his parents? If that was the case, then how could he get rid of the boy without having suspicions fall on himself? The Light needed to show a united front, not to mention a positive front; they truly did not need more rumours and suspicions.
Albus sighed and rubbed at a temple, thinking resentfully, I really should have made sure that the brat died during the Triwizard Tournament. Then all the blame would have been placed on Tom Riddle where it belonged. Blast that boy for always managing to come out on top of any and all confrontations, smelling like roses to boot. What would it take to kill off the little menace?!
Snarling angrily under his breath, Dumbledore was unaware that he wasn't as alone in the room as he had thought. Invisible to mortal eyes, two unusual cats were watching the Headmaster pace around, listening in to the man's thoughts and learning just how deep the wizard's treachery went.
We will have to deal with this one soon, dear brother, the smaller cat with a white spot sent to her sibling, a sense of anticipation going through her. She loved giving the guilty their just reward, and this one was a particularly Dark specimen.
Oh we will, dear sister of mine, we will. But first we need to check on your bonded. He will need some help to adjust to his new circumstances, and this one will keep for later. Besides, this is one guilty party we won't want to rush, don't you agree? the larger cat sent, butting the smaller cat gently with his head.
The spotted cat snickered and sent her brother a few suggestions of suitable punishment.
Sensing a presence behind him, Albus whirled around, wand in hand and ready to defend himself, only to be brought up short as nothing met his searching eyes. Completely baffled, Dumbledore moved forward cautiously, attempting to pick up on what had caused his magic to tingle just now.
Casting a few spells designed to locate a living person, no matter what they were hiding under, be it spell, potion, or cloak, Albus was most dismayed when the results kept coming up empty.
Are you sure we can't play with this one? Just a little? the female feline asked wheedlingly, giving her brother her best puppy dog look.
The other cat merely snorted. Down, girl, this one will keep. First we need to help healing our cubs. Besides, don't you think that they will want to be present when we do get to play? This one has hurt both of the boys if you recall, not to mention their parents and the Dark Protector. They will all want to be present when this one gets his due, and I for one do not want to explain why they missed out on the fun, do you?
Besides, it has been a long time since Magic gave us such a tasty morsel to play with; you don't want the fun to end too soon, do you? the male added with a mischievous grin.
The spotted cat sighed but knew that her sibling's words were true. Her cub would want to be present when they took their revenge on Dumbledore. Besides, she had a feeling that Magic herself would like to have a say in what happened to this arrogant wizard. Who did he think he was, abusing his powers in such a way? Did he really believe that no one would take him to task or make him accountable for his crimes? Snorting derisively at the mortal's folly, the cat sighed and acknowledged the truth; for her cub she would do anything, even wait to deliver well-deserved justice. At least for a little while.
Very well, she said with another sigh, adding a pout for good measure. Just because she knew it would be better to wait didn't mean that she had to like it. I guess that the bumbling bee can wait for a day or two. But promise me that he will suffer for what he has done to my cub. To our cubs, she amended, recalling the feelings of agitation and turmoil coming from the older twin when he realised that his brother was in fact alive. The same feelings had been pouring off from the three adults as well, she belatedly recalled.
Sighing once more, the elemental cat gave Dumbledore one last, glowering look before melting away into the shadows, promising herself that she would keep close tabs on the wizard, ensuring that he couldn't hurt her charge ever again. If needed, she would put him down, swiftly and as painfully as possible, prolonged suffering be damned, before she allowed him anywhere near her cub. Satisfied with her promise, she turned her focus on the child that had called her and her brother to his side. He needed her now, and so did his family.
Finding their charges, the two cats turned visible and climbed up onto the bed, snuggling down next to their bonded, happily falling asleep. They would watch and they would wait, and then the time was right, then they would strike, and strike swiftly. Yes, it was good to be allowed out to play again. It really had been too long.
oOo
Albus suddenly shuddered, looking around the office with a wild glint in his eyes. For just a moment he had felt something, something unworldly, that caused him to feel fear in a way he had never felt before. It was almost as if someone… something… was measuring his worth and he was found lacking.
Another shudder worked its way up his spine, and Albus looked around almost desperately, hoping to catch the smallest glimpse of whoever was in the office with him. Still not seeing anything out of the ordinary, Dumbledore swiftly left the room. He wasn't fleeing. Nope, it was just that he was needed in the hospital wing, that was all. Poppy should have a preliminary report ready for him by now, and if he was lucky, Dolores should be awake and able to give him an account for what had taken place here tonight. Nodding vigorously to himself, Albus was only too happy to leave this part of the castle behind.
Glancing over his shoulder, Dumbledore was unable to suppress the cold fingers of dread wrapping themselves around his soul. Deep down he had a feeling that he did not want to know what had happened in that room, and if he was fortunate, he would be able to pin the entire mess on either Potter or Umbridge. If he was truly fortunate, then he'd be able to pin the mess on them both, giving him a sound reason to kick both of them out of his school.
oOo
Severus swept down the corridors leading to his private chambers. He couldn't believe it. He just couldn't believe it! But the indisputable proof was resting in his arms. Drake Malfoy wasn't dead. He was very much alive, if not exactly well.
Scowling darkly, Severus pondered the unpleasant truth that had been revealed this night. He still couldn't believe it that Drake was alive. For all these years, he had been alive and forced to masquerade as the blasted Boy Who Lived. Severus' blood ran cold as he recalled the many so-called adventures the youth had been involved with, and he had a feeling that there were many more incidents that he knew nothing about. Potter had proven to be quite sneaky when he wanted to be, and the older he got, the more Slytherin he became.
Severus snorted to himself, no wonder. The boy was born Slytherin, bred and true, and no matter what he looked like, and no matter what had been done to him to take on Potter brat's appearance, that fundamental truth could not be altered. He couldn't believe that the Potters had done this.
Severus' scowl deepened. Just how had James managed to pull this off? Malfoy Manor was extremely well protected, generations of paranoid Malfoys had seen to that. Lucius himself had increased the safety precautions around his home the day he found out that Narcissa was pregnant, so there was no way in hell Potter could have just waltzed inside the Manor and steal the baby. Not to mention that no matter how much of a jokester the older Potter had been, he had never been particularly studious. The only subject he excelled in was Transfigurations, and Severus doubted that he had learned anything useful in that class to help along his career as a kidnapper.
Lily on the other hand…
Severus took a deep, shuddering breath, a cold fist clenching his heart.
Lily.
Closing his eyes, Severus came to a halt as memories assaulted him.
Lily.
She had been his friend, or so he'd thought. Bright, sensitive, caring, brilliant at Potions even though it was not her most favourite subject. Vivacious, tender hearted, almost too much so. Lily had been the one good thing from his time as a student at Hogwarts, and he had kept her memory close to his heart, attempting to live up to her expectations of him once he had managed to turn away from the Dark Lord's sway and false promises.
Lily. She knew how thrilled he had been to be named godfather to the twins. She hadn't cared that they were the sons of Lucius Malfoy, but had cared for them just because they meant so much to him. She had loved hearing about their antics, and she had laughed and celebrated with him the day the boys had called him Sevvie for the first time.
They hadn't managed to meet often once they had graduated, but they had kept in touch, and Lily had gone against James' and the Marauders' wishes that she keep away from him. So why had she agreed to this? Why had she agreed to steal one of his godsons and put him in the place of her own child?
When had she become cold-hearted and uncaring of others pain and sufferings?
"Severus? Are you all right?" Lucius asked compassionately, placing a gentle hand on the Potions master's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze.
"No, I'm not," Severus reluctantly acknowledged. He hated admit any kind of weakness, but Lucius would know the lie for what it was so why bother? Besides, this was Lucius, perhaps the only friend he had left in the world and Severus didn't want to alienate him unnecessarily.
Lucius gave him a twisted smile. "No, I don't suppose any of us are all right at the moment. I apologise for asking such a stupid question. Come, let us move to your rooms and make ourselves comfortable. Tomorrow will come soon enough, eh?"
Severus found himself unable to speak, so he just nodded his head and forced his legs to start moving again. He would deal with the loss of his friend later. Much later. When he was alone and armed with a bottle or two of whiskey.
When he realised that the Potters were still alive he had harboured a small hope that he would get his friend back. The part of his heart that had been waiting to beg her forgiveness for getting her and her family killed had been dancing with joy that he would finally get the chance to actually do so.
But the Lily Severus had known while in school would never have agreed to this cruel scheme. The Lily he had known would never have agreed to treat a child so callously and so… inhuman. I guess this means that the Lily I knew most definitely is dead. No matter whether she is alive or not, the girl I knew is no more and I will never get her back. Damn you James for corrupting and destroying everything you come near! You weren't happy with making my life miserable, you just had to go and ruin Lily too, didn't you?
But there are still something missing, I can feel it in my bones. This plan, it is too… elaborate for James Potter, even with Lily helping him. Perhaps if all four Marauders were working together I might have believed them capable, but no…
Face it Severus, Albus Dumbledore has to have been a part of this scheme. I don't want to believe that the man I looked up to, the man I considered a father and a mentor would do something like this, but he is the only one I can think of beside the Dark Lord who would have the resources and the skill to make this happen.
I've known that Albus has gotten more… ruthless over the years, especially after the Dark Lord's return, but to do something like this? How did I miss the signs? How could I have been so blind that I didn't see…?
A soft whimper from the boy in his arms brought Severus out of his angry thoughts, and he increased the length of his steps. Snapping out the password to the door guard, the Potions master entered his last sanctuary. Hesitating only briefly, Severus made his way to his bedroom where he gently placed Drake in the middle of his bed before stepping back to allow the boy's family to crowd around him.
Before he could do more than move a few steps to the side, intent on leaving for the living room, wanting to give the Malfoys some time alone with their lost son, two sets of hands shot out and grasped hold of his arm and his robe respectively. Looking up, Severus was caught in two sets of eyes, one silver and one pale blue, both filled with compassion and tears.
"You are family too, Severus. Stay, the boys will need you as well," Narcissa said, gesturing for him to move closer again.
"You know she is right, Sev. Besides, I've learned never to argue with my wife, it just isn't worth the effort. She always wins in the end, no matter what I do," Lucius mock grumbled, slanting a loving smile at the blond woman standing next to him.
"Which is why you are married and I am single," Severus promptly snarked back, but his heart wasn't in the banter. Giving his friends, no, his family, a grateful smile, Severus moved forward until he was once again standing next to the bed, smirking slightly at the sight before him.
Draco had not bothered to pay any attention to the adults. He had merely crawled onto the bed the moment Severus had released his armful and pulled his brother into his arms, holding him as close as humanly possible, shedding a few tears of gratitude to have his twin back.
He could still remember what life had been like when they were together, albeit vaguely; he still remembered the connection they had shared. How there had always been an awareness in his heart and soul that had been his brother. Draco could also remember – vividly – the exact moment that awareness had been abruptly cut off, leaving him alone and bereft in a world that had suddenly seemed a lot larger and scarier, not to mention darker.
Since that fateful night, Draco had never felt whole. He had always known that something was missing, that a piece of his soul had been torn asunder, leaving him emotionally crippled. Oh, he had lived his life the best he knew how, determined to live life to the fullest for both of them. But it had been so hard at times, so difficult to fill both their shoes. It didn't exactly help that his parents had never recovered from the loss, no matter what brave face they showed the world. Their family had fallen apart that day, and none of them had believed that they would recover from that blow.
Until now.
Tugging Drake closer, Draco vowed to make sure that the other boy was never out of sight ever again! Feeling the tight springs in his chest finally start to loosen, Draco relaxed into the soft mattress and promptly fell asleep, emotionally and mentally drained from the effort to keep his brother in the physical world.
Narcissa cooed at the sight and Lucius smirked. Whishing he had a camera, the blond helped Severus to change the boys' clothes into something more comfortable to sleep in before charming the covers to move on top of the children, adding a warming charm for good measures, wanting to keep his most precious treasures warm in the somewhat chilly room.
Severus cast a glance at the two exhausted parents. Lucius looked like he was about to drop any second, and Narcissa was positively grey with fatigue. Shrugging his shoulders, the Potions master came to a decision and pulled his wand, shrinking almost all of the furniture in the room and moving them to the side before enlarging the bed until it comfortably could accommodate four persons, giving the two Malfoys a pointed look once he had finished.
Lucius opened his mouth, about to protest, but then he closed it again and shrugged his shoulders elegantly. He knew when he was beat, and at the moment he was beat in all senses of the word. He would not be able to do anything for his children while this exhausted, and tomorrow promised to be a day filled with unpleasantries.
Transfiguring his clothes into a set of black silk pyjamas Lucius crawled into the bed, snuggling close to Drake's back, slinging an arm over both of his boys, needing to feel them both tonight. It wasn't long before Narcissa joined him, snuggling up to Draco and doing the same. The twins never stirred, and the two parents had almost fallen asleep when a soft purring reached their ears.
Moments later something small yet heavy was walking on them and the purring grew stronger. Cracking open an eye, Lucius came face to face with one of the cats that had bonded with his sons, and he arched an eyebrow as if to say, 'where the hell have you been?'. The cat just gave him an unimpressed look as it plonked down on Drake's torso and began to studiously wash a front paws. For a moment Lucius considered snapping at it, but in the end he decided that he was just too tired to bother and settled down to sleep once more.
Severus watched the exchange with an amused smile. It wasn't often that Lucius Malfoy was bested and for it to be a cat… no matter that it was as far from an ordinary cat as you could get, it still was enough to cause the dour man to crack a smile.
Sighing softly, Severus summoned his favourite armchair from the living room, modifying it slightly so that it would be more comfortable to sleep in. Once he was satisfied, Severus changed out of his teaching robes into something a bit more comfortable, and settled down into his chair to keep a watchful eye on his charges. If Dumbledore were stupid enough to come visiting tonight, then he would get a shocking reception. Literally. Grasping his wand tightly in his right hand, Severus settled down for the night, conjuring a soft afghan that he tucked snugly around his legs and feet. Once he was satisfied that he would stay warm, the Head of Slytherin started to plot all the things he would do to the one he had once held in such high regard.
On the bed one of the cats opened a sleepy eye and gave the Potions master an apprising look. Yes, the Dark Protector would do everything within his powers to protect her cub. And my, didn't he have a vivid imagination? She would have to share the man's thoughts with her brother; they simply had to include him when they planned the lesser punishments for the judged ones. Oh, but this was going to be so much fun!