Title: Visions of Fire

Summary: AU, Part One of 'The Dark Tales' trilogy. Year Six. A little girl appearing out of nowhere in his bedroom was not exactly what Harry had expected on his sixteenth birthday. And what's this about leading a country to war? Slash, creature fic, Harry/Draco.

Pairing(s): Harry/Draco

Genre: Romance/Fantasy

Rating: Mature

Warning(s): * blood, sexual situations, dark elf! Harry, veela! Draco, strong language, character death, violence *

Author's Note: Only four more chapters until part two, guys! Who do you think is the spy? Brody? Snape? Or Someone Else (Specify who)?

. . . .

Chapter Eleven: Of Severus Snape and Trust

. . . .

Harry Potter

November 11, 1996

"Please."

Harry shuddered at the sheer desperation in his mate's voice, he refused to turn around and look into those pleading grey eyes. He knew he wouldn't be able to refuse if he did, he hated Snape and nothing would change that. Not even his mate's pleading.

How could his mate think he would so easily allow Snape entrance when he didn't trust the man and the fucker was spying for both sides? No, that wouldn't do at all.

Snape had only ever showed animosity and hatred for him which Harry returned gladly. Just like oil and water, the two didn't mix; plain and simple and Harry knew they would never have a healthy relationship, not after what he saw last year in Snape's mind. How utterly and completely humiliated he felt when Harry's father bullied him and he knew, he just knew Snape only saw James when he looked at Harry.

It irked him, angered him because he wasn't his father. He was a better man than his father, he hated bullies and knowing his father was one only left a bitter taste in his mouth. Snape only wanted to make him suffer as much as James made him suffer, wanted him to feel the pain just as much as he did. Harry was atoning for his father's sin and it only made him hate Snape even more for hating Harry before he even met him or got to know him.

Snape didn't know the first thing about him, only assuming that Harry was pampered and spoiled while growing up, that he had a lavished life and he was arrogant. He never stopped to look past Harry 's resemblance to James to truly look at just Harry Potter, the boy who grew up unloved and alone, starved for love and thrust into a confusing world with manipulators at every corner.

He couldn't let Snape in, not when he held such ill intent for Harry and hated him, not when all Snape wanted was to see Harry suffer. He would be a fool to put Omnira in such danger if Snape was playing them all, stringing them with a sob story only to gain their trust before leading their enemies right to them.

"Harry?" Shari began, looking at him cautiously. When Harry looked up to him with dark eyes he continued, "What should we do with him?"

He hesitated briefly, thoughts of how his mate would feel about his decision tossing around his head before he said, "Send him to the dungeons and don't give him treatment for his wounds."

"Harry, no!" Draco said, rising from his place on the bed. Harry turned to him, slowly, as Draco looked at him, desperately. "Don't do this, Severus…you can trust him."

"Draco," Harry began, slowly. " Snape has never given me any reason ever to trust him. He hates me and would gladly hand me over to either side if the occasion ever arised."

"Fine don't trust him but at least, trust me." Draco said, imploringly, and Harry was strongly reminded of the conversation they had a few days ago on Brody.

But Brody was different, Brody never gave Harry a reason to doubt him only showing Harry how to control his magic and his dark elven abilities. Snape, however, spent all of fifth year mind raping him and belittling him at every given opportunity.

"No, Snape is probably only here undercover. Both Dumbledore and Voldemort knows that I'm the king so obviously they would had sent someone to manipulate me from the inside." Harry wanted Draco to see reason, he wanted him to see that Snape was a slimy, conniving Slytherin looking for his own gain.

"Sev isn't like that," Draco said, shaking his head firmly. "If he's here than he must have left both sides and is looking for asylum."

"Well, he won't find it here." Harry snapped, the bitterness and anger of being mistreated for someone else's sin only made him even more ready to just throw Snape back into the hole he had crawled out from.

Draco grew angry, stalking to stand in front of Harry and glare at him defiantly. Harry didn't let up though, sending back the glare with just as much ferocity. Val, Inala, and Shari shifted uncomfortably in front of the door, unsure how to stop the two royalties from outright brawling.

"He's good, just give him a chance." Draco growled, giving Harry a shove which he didn't expect and caused him to stumble back a little. Harry's instincts flared and he had to fight the urge to make Draco kneel in front of him and submit to him, knowing that it would only make matters worse if he did so. Instead, he let out a warning growl, a deep guttural sound that warned Draco of pain if he so dared to question his authority but Draco stood tall, his eyes hesitant but defiant as he resisted and ignored the warning.

This only angered the dark elf even more as he hissed out, venomously. "I never heard of a good Slytherin before."

Draco's eyes widened in shock and hurt making Harry instantly regret his words but before he could say anything, Draco's hand was raised and coming down to make contact with his face. Harry caught his hand by the wrist, only centimeters from his face and guards were immediately by his side, weapons pointed at Draco.

Mate or not, he knew they wouldn't allow anyone to harm him.

"Its fine," Harry told them causing the guards to fall back reluctantly though they were close enough to intercept any other attacks. Harry looked at Draco darkly before he said, "Snape will rot in the dungeons and that's final."

It was like they were back to being Potter and Malfoy, the two archrivals and enemies who hated each other and couldn't stand to stay in the same room as the other. It hurt Harry to see those beautiful gray eyes become so cold and emotionless when he had worked so hard to get past all of Draco's defenses. He had thought they were past sneers and jeers but maybe they were not with the way Draco was sneering so fiercely at him.

He knew it was bound to happen; a relationship wasn't healthy if they didn't argue over something and they both had a fierce pride that wouldn't let the other win. It was only a matter of time when their prides and morals would clash in an argument but Harry wouldn't have it any other way.

Draco was opinionated and stubborn; he wouldn't comply with Harry's order so easily if they were against what he wanted. Harry knew this and welcomed it, it was a part of Draco and any part of Draco was endearing to him.

Draco was the perfect mate for him.

"Do as you please, Potter." Draco hissed wrenching his hand from Harry's grip and stalked past him and out of the room.

No one tried to stop him; they all needed time to cool off and collect their thoughts. They were both too angry to sort out their difference, now, and emotions were running high, running after Draco would only crumble the last bit of relationship that Harry had made with him these last few months. There were hurt enough and Harry didn't want to say anything that he would regret.

No, it would be better to wait it out and see how things played out.

Though, he did know one thing; he had a lot of making up to do later on.

. . . .

Harry postponed his visit down to the dungeons to see Snape for as long as he could. He did paperwork, visited Inala and Val, he even went to Hollygwen to start on his coronation training but he knew it was inevitable as the morning came and went and soon it was early afternoon. He hadn't see Draco all morning and wondered if he was hiding in Narcissa's room. He would check later once he finished with Snape.

He dreaded the meeting because he knew they wouldn't get anything done, they would only end up throwing insults and sneers at each other. His hate for the greasy git was immense and he wouldn't think twice of killing him if it didn't mean that his mate would be in distress at his death.

His frown deepened as he descended down the stairs to the multiple dark cells that held prisoners that were waiting for execution, they were empty now as Harry wasn't officially king to hold prisoners but Snape was a special case.

He stopped at the very last and coldest cell, looking angrily at the shivering form of the injured Severus Snape.

"Hello, Snape," He said, calmly, he watched as the form jolted and looked up, black, obsidian eyes glared hatefully up at him.

"Potter." Snape greeted him, coldly. "To what do I owe this deep honor for the king to personally see me?"

"Cut the crap, Snape." Harry snapped, grabbing the bars of the cell to physically stop himself from cursing his professor. He hated this side of Snape, the side that instantly became defensive and hid behind sniping remarks and sneers. "Why are you here?"

Snape remained silent though his dark eyes never strayed from Harry's hard stare.

"Why are you here?" Harry said, evenly, he had a short temper and seeing Snape only made it shorter.

"I am in need…of your…assistance." Snape looked as if the words had physically pained him as he choked on the air and a painful grimace grace his face. The shackles on his feet clattered noisily as he shifted to look at Harry fully.

"You need my assistance?" Harry asked, incredulously. Okay, now, he knew this was a trap; Snape would never willing ask for his help this he knew. The man would rather die than do such a thing. "Why should I believe you?"

Snape sighed, looking at Harry as if he was an idiot and Harry bristled at the look. "Honestly, Potter, if I was planning to betray you I would not do it in such a dismal manner nor in any way your fickle mind have concocted."

It only took a second for Harry to catch on to what Snape was doing and his rage boiled deeply inside him, "Stop looking into my mind!"

"Then, learn some Occulmency. Your thoughts are louder than a hippogriff stampede." Snape snapped back, leaning against the cold wall as Harry seethed.

The nerve of him as if he didn't know what he did to him all last year, how Harry became even more open to Voldemort's manipulation after Snape's session and it only made him hate the man more, if he had properly showed Harry how to close off his mind instead of exacting revenge on a dead man than maybe Sirius would had lived.

"I wouldn't have to if I had a proper teacher." Harry hissed out, his knuckles were white with how tight he was holding the bars of the cell. "I've only managed to be mind raped for a whole year, I'm lucky to not have a bed next to Lockhart at the mental ward at St Mungo's."

"You were idle and wasn't taking it seriously," Snape said, glaring at him.

"Shut up," Harry snapped. "I knew what you were planning, you're so petty. Making me suffer for my father's sins? How pathetic can you get, Snape?"

Snape struggled against his chains, the noise rattling as he tried to leap and attack Harry, a growl in his throat and a wild, angry look in his eyes. If Harry was a lesser man, he would had shit all over his pants but he wasn't so he merely looked at the struggling man coolly.

"You know nothing, Potter." Snape hissed, still struggling to free from his bond so he could attack Harry. His feet and wrist were bruised as he pulled against the chains and Harry could see blood dripping from his left wrist. "Your father was an arrogant, vile, pampered, pompous—"

"Yes, I know." Harry hissed out, he just wanted to punch that man's face so badly. Severus stopped his struggling, heaving and panting at the exertion as he glared at Harry who returned it with as much hate. The air seemed to crackle around them as they stood there for a few moment, basking in their hate for each other "But I am not any of those, I was hated for the first eleven years of my life. I was never pampered and I never had anything handed to me. I lived in a fucking cupboard for most of my life, you fucking git! I hate bullies and I hate my father for what he did to you but I can't change the past nor can I atone for my father's sins. I can only show you that I am a better man than he was."

Severus said nothing, looking at him with an unreadable expression and Harry sighed, feeling tired all of a sudden. He shook his head as he said, "I am not my father. My name is Harry Potter and the sooner you realize that, the sooner I can aid you in whatever you need. That doesn't mean I trust you and it hell sure doesn't mean I like you but I will hear you out."

"The feelings are mutual, Potter." Snape said, sneering and Harry quirked up his lips in acknowledgement before he called over a guard.

"Yes, my Akil?" The guard said, bowing.

"Send him to the infirmary to get his wounds treated." Harry said, surprising Snape and enjoyed the shocked look that he got from his words. He chuckled softly as he turned and left, his mind now set on finding his mate.

. . . .

"Hello, Harry, dear." Narcissa greeted him when Harry knocked on her door in search for Draco. "What can I do for you?"

Harry knew that she knew, he could see it in the glint of her eyes and knew that she only wanted him to confess to what he's done but he wouldn't, he had made the right choice. Snape couldn't be trusted and he never given Harry any reason to trust him.

"Is he here, Cissa?" Harry asked, cutting straight to the chase because he knew Narcissa just wanted him to confess. He liked her and she was technically family but his and his mate's business was solely there's.

Narcissa looked at him closely and Harry fought the urge to fidget under gaze before she gave him a soft smile and said, "Go to your room, Harry."

Harry looked at her in surprise and protested, "I have to find Draco and make things right."

Narcissa looked pleased with his words, saying, "Not whilst you're like this, go to your room, Harry."

Harry sighed, he slumps his shoulders in dejection before he nodded, sulkily, before he turned and made his way to his room. He would calm down since he was indeed frazzled from his meeting with Snape and his emotions weren't all that controlled, so he would calm down before he went in search of Draco.

Yes, that's a good idea. Harry thought, nodding to himself as he passed the guards that stood in front of his room and opened the door. He froze at the sight that welcomed him.

Draco was sleeping peacefully in the bed, his head buried deeply in Harry's pillow and his eyes red and puffy as if he was crying. Harry smiled, shaking his head at Narcissa's antics before he walked towards the bed and climbed in carefully, not wanting Draco to wake.

Harry smiled softly, running a hand through Draco's soft platinum blond hair. The affection that he held for the Slytherin had grown since that day in September and he felt himself falling more deeply in love with the blond every day.

Their bond wasn't completely solidified as they hadn't consummated it but Harry was content with what they had now, sex could wait just a little bit longer. They had many years of animosity to smooth over and a mate bond wouldn't erase past hurt, they would have to talk it out and it would be a long journey before their words wouldn't affect the other.

Harry looked down at Draco, his hand still running through the veela's hair and he knew it would be worth it in the end. The love Draco could offer would be immense and everlasting, something that could never be broken. It was what Harry had yearned for since he was a child, abused and alone, it was what Harry wanted from Draco.

He wanted a companion and someone that would always be by his side, that would question him when he thought he was making a wrong decision and would support him when he made good decisions.

"Harry?" A sleepy voice called out snapping Harry from his thoughts. He looked down to see Draco, sleepy eyed and everything. He smiled, leaning down to plant a loving kiss on the veela's lips.

"I'm sorry," Harry murmured against Draco's lips, nibbling on the bottom lip. "I should had said what I said, your opinion means more to me than that."

"I'm sorry as well," Draco said, looking up at him and Harry's heart broke to know he was the one that brought those tears to his mate's eyes. "I should had thought about the situation in your eyes instead of being blinded by my own opinion and feelings."

"I guess we're both sorry," Harry chuckled, nuzzling Draco's neck before he climbed on top of him. He waved his hand and thanked Merlin that wandless magic came easier for him here than at Hogwarts as both their clothes vanished.

Draco shivered at being exposed to the cold air but wrapped his arms around Harry's neck to pull him closer. "Is Sev…here?"

Harry didn't respond immediately instead covering his mate's pale flesh with tiny bites and butterfly kisses. "He is…he's in the infirmary."

Draco pulled him up to face him and kissed him to show him his gratitude. The touch of Draco's lips on his own was scorching; Harry claimed his mouth with a hunger and desire that took his breath away. So much want and need was behind that kiss and Harry felt as if he had become addicted to those lovely lips.

They separated when the need for air became too great, both gasping for air, their faces flushed as they gaze at each other hungrily.

"Fuck," Harry breathed, he was completely hard, his erection standing flat against his belly and he had the complete urge to dominate and claim Draco as his.

"Yeah," Draco replied, just as quietly.

"I never felt like that before." Harry said, worried that he was losing control over his dark elf half.

"It's the bond," Draco explained, looking at him expectantly. "It wants us to bond soon hence why we feel as kissing is the most addictive thing ever."

"What?" Harry exclaimed, making to pull away from Draco but felt a sharp pain in his heart so he settled back down. "We never had this problem before."

Draco shrugged, "The bond allowed us to get to know each other; I guess our time is up."

"Fuck," Harry cursed, he was nervous as hell since he never had any chance with relationships so this was all new to him.

Draco smiled, leaning up to kiss him on his nose. "Indeed."

. . . .

After getting over the shock that they didn't have that much time to consummate their bond, Harry and Draco, along with Narcissa, to the infirmary to see Snape.

Snape had healed and was leaning against the bedframe, white bandages wrapped around his arms. He looked as if he was about to bolt before the three had entered.

"Were you planning on leaving against medical advice?" Harry asked, amused, crossing his arms around his chest. "Nick wouldn't be too pleased about that."

Nick was the head healer for the palace and was just as fierce as Madame Pomfrey if not worst.

Snape sneered, "Now, you're holding me hostage, Potter?"

"No," Harry began, slowly. "But I won't have you bleeding all over the palace floors either."

Snape growled but didn't say a word as he settled back into the bed. Harry gave him a triumphant smile while Draco rolled his eyes at their antics.

Draco had a slight smile on his face as he stepped towards his godfather, "It's good to see you, Sev."

Snape's eyes seemed to soften at the sight of Narcissa and Draco and said, "I'm glad to see you two are well."

"Why are you here, Snape?" Harry intervened before their conversation strayed, they would have plenty of time to catch up but right now, Harry wanted answers.

Snape glared but sighed when Narcissa gave him a look that told him to play nice, "My house was burned and I was tortured when I refused to go with his plan."

"His plan?" Harry asked, an eyebrow raised in question.

"Dumbledore's," Snape clarified, looking at the raven-haired boy. "He found out that you were King from his spy as soon as you left, he was furious. He wanted me to go undercover and use my connection with Narcissa and Draco to get into Omnira, I refused and he burned down my home while I was in it before he captured me and tortured me. I escaped mere hours ago."

Harry ignored the triumphant smile that Draco was sending him that clearly sent the message, 'I told you so' but instead, frowned and asked, "How about Voldemort?"

Snape shook his head, "He doesn't know where I am, Dumbledore got to me first." He paused, clenched his fist before he looked up into Harry's eyes with a determined glint in their dark depths. "Please, let me stay here. I, Severus Snape, pledge my allegiance to you, Harry Potter, from this day forward my magic, soul, and life is yours."

Harry was only slightly surprised when the Loyalty Vow magic rushed through him for the second time in his life. "I didn't expect you to do that."

Snape shrugged, turning to look at Narcissa and Draco. "They are all that I have, if they trust you then I will as well."

"You mean that?" Draco asked, quietly.

Snape bowed his head in a nod, "Yes, I know that I haven't been the most affectionate or doting godfather but I do consider you both family and I would die to make sure you both were safe."

Harry saw no deceit in his words and believed him wholly, their was no evil intent in his aura though Draco was a better judge than he was when it came to reading someone's aura.

"Alright, you may stay. Though, you will have to gain my trust as I don't trust you much," Harry warned and Snape nodded.

"Understandable." Snape said, he hesitated for a moment before he said, "I wanted to apologize for my past behavior, it is true that I have seen you as an extension of your gather and that was wrong for me to do. Your father has hurt me greatly and left me with many wounds but you have not done anything to me and I am worse than your father for putting his sins on you. I am truly sorry…Harry."

Harry was smiling slightly at him, nodding his forgiveness and Draco beamed at him, proud of his godfather for taking such a step in healing from James Potter's bullying. It was small but it was a start.

Narcissa was touched by his words and went up to him, "Oh, Severus." Her eyes watery, she placed her smaller hand on top of his more calloused, larger ones.

Harry shouldn't have been surprised, really, when a rush of magic flowed from their linked hands and Narcissa's wings burst through from her shoulders and clothes for the very first time.

. . . .