Chapter 36: Domestic Disturbance
Enjoy! This chap was challenging. I hope it was worth it :)
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Harry looked at the castle as if he hadn't seen it for years. He couldn't yet tell if he were home or walking into a disaster. It seemed bigger than it ever had. He spun to check on Draco. Traveling by portkey had drained him further. It was easy to see that his frame was supported fully by Sirius. "He can't make it to the castle on his own, I'm not convinced that you will either."
"That is precisely why I've been lurking." Lupin smiled at his husband and the two boys, joining them from the forest. "Harry, Draco, I'm glad you've returned with relative safety." His forearm tucked around Harry's back, taking some of the burden of his physical weight.
"It's good to see you Remus." Harry breathed. "I don't believe you've met Draco Malfoy." He gestured to the man in front of him, seeming frail against Sirius. Harry so badly wanted them to know the Draco that he did.
"No I haven't had the pleasure." Lupin touched Malfoy's head momentarily. "We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other. You did accept our invitation correct?" The werewolf looked to Draco.
"Yes..Sir...I don't know... how to thank.." The blonde was winded.
"No need." Lupin assured him. "Sirius we must get them inside. A stasis charm, don't you think?"
"It would allow you to sleep uninterrupted while Poppy runs her tests Draco." Sirius urged his student.
"I'll stay with you until they get you into bed Drac." Harry squeezed his hand in comfort. He knew that Malfoy had a fear of sleeping charms, he couldn't stand the thought of being unable to wake should something go wrong.
"Promise?" Draco hadn't released his friend's hand. He never wanted to let go of Harry. When he woke, the man he loved would be in the arms of another.
"I swear." Harry smiled. Malfoy nodded in agreement. Remus cast the charm quickly. Sirius lifted Draco with ease. "Will he be alright? You promise that you'll take care of him? Does Sev know that we're here?" Potter questioned rapidly as they made their way to the castle.
"It just takes time Harry. He didn't die, so he's been over the largest hump." Black showed no sign of struggle carrying the full grown man.
"We'll treat him as we would treat you pup. He'll be well cared for. You have our word." Lupin walked at a slow speed to keep Potter's pace. "As for Severus... No I don't believe he does. He's been locked in your rooms all day." They entered the castle through a small door that led directly to the dungeons. Remus and Sirius's rooms were just a few doors down. Harry looked over the portraits in the long hall. He'd forgotten how foreboding the architecture of the dungeons could be.
"The password is Piccadilly... mostly because Severus would never guess it... let alone say it." Sirius informed Harry, leading him through their doors and into the sitting room. He'd almost forgotten that they needed to hide Draco from his bond mate. An extra room had been added, through a door just off of the main room. Sirius placed Malfoy carefully on the bed, pulling the moss green blanket around him and spelling him into night clothes.
Harry placed a chaste kiss on Draco's forehead and unnecessarily readjusted the blanket. "His room is lovely. This was thoughtful. He'll like it." Harry looked around the room, not knowing what to do next. "Is Severus going to punish me? Will it hurt?" Harry finally gained the courage to ask as they left Malfoy sleeping in his new bed.
"No pup. You haven't done anything wrong. He's just got his knickers in a twist." Sirius poured a drink. "Just don't make any sudden movements... or eye contact...maybe just let him yell." Black hugged his Godson for the first time in weeks. "He's... he's taking all of this, Malfoy...Marius..." He broke off before continuing. "He's taking it badly. I'm sure your first meeting won't be pleasant but he'd never do anything to harm you."
"Don't fear being redirected Harry. It doesn't happen often. I can't remember the last time Sirius..." Lupin tried to be of comfort.
"1980. I slapped you when you accused me of sleeping with Lily after you drunkenly decided I must be Harry's father because he both had black hair." Sirius and Remus both laughed at the memory as if it were nothing. "The language you were using! You woke Harry with your bellowing!" Harry had missed his bickering, old, married Godfathers.
"I should go... see Severus." Harry turned to the door weakly.
"Can you make it on your own?" Black reached out his arm, ready to aide Potter.
"It's 4 doors down. I'll make it. If you don't see me by tomorrow night send a rescue party." He attempted a joke. "Thank you again for... taking him in." His voice was soft.
"He made a great sacrifice for you pup. He's stuck as family now." The Gryffindor smiled again before exiting the room.
He crawled the wall to make it to his door. His thoughts were racing along with his heart. What would he say? What would Severus say? What would he do? He inhaled deeply, his hand slowly turning the doorknob. He was terrified.
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Severus looked up when he heard the unmistakeable sound of his door opening. Harry. There was Harry. The man stood in the entryway staring at him. His eyes sunken in and glassy, his skin was pale. He rocked slightly as if the room was moving. He was a mess. Snape wanted to rush over and seize him in a fierce embrace. He also felt the great urge to hex him into oblivion. He didn't dare move, fearful of what course he would take.
"Hi." The green eyed man smiled sheepishly. Snape sat in his all black robes, reading next to a half eaten sandwich. Harry had forgotten how big Severus was. He commanded the attention of the room without speaking a word. Severus made no move to get up. His face showed no expression or reaction to his fiance's sudden appearance. Harry began to panic. "Should I go..." He was hot and dizzy. The floor moved in waves beneath his feet. He closed his eyes momentarily to gain his bearings. Severus hated him. He didn't care that he was home. Harry jumped back when Snape stood quickly and strode down the hallway, slamming his potions lab door loudly behind him. Harry had his answer. He'd rest against the wall for a bit before deciding where to go next. Tears fell from his closed eyes, dripping silently to the wood floor. He wanted Severus to hold him, to tell him that everything would be alright.
Harry gasped as he was picked up abruptly. He knew that smell. Severus was carrying him. There was no affection in his movements. Potter was placed on the couch with care. Snape slammed three vials onto the the table. "Take them." He ordered. Harry had known not to question that tone in his first year. He recognized the first potion as a calming drought, the second was a healing potion for general injuries, the third was not familiar. Severus had whispered several spells and seemed to be analyzing his findings. "You should be in the hospital wing." The sentence was issued without eye contact.
"No, please... I just want to be here." Harry begged quietly. He didn't want to go. He wanted to stay close to Severus. He wanted to stay home. He feared that if he left he'd never be allowed to return to their rooms. Severus had never seen his bonded look so frail in both body and spirit.
"Had enough mountain air?" The professor shot back. Feeling both regret and satisfaction when hurt flashed over Harry's face. "Those potions will keep you on your feet long enough for a shower. I can smell Malfoy. It's disgusting. Wash it off before you touch anything." The dark man flung the insult before retreating back to his lab.
Harry made his way through his bedroom to the bathroom in a haze. It took all his concentration to undress. The shower was hot and stung his skin. His dizziness was nauseating. Disgusting? Severus had called him disgusting. Harry felt like he couldn't breathe. The air around him was too thick. It was too hot. He was too dizzy. The expression on Sev's face was not one he had seen before. It wasn't just blank, as was common for the Potions Master. There was anger. It was evident by the tight clenching of the older man's jaw. But, his eyes, Harry didn't know what he had seen in them. The steam of the shower engulfed him. Hr tried with all of his might to draw air into his lungs, despite his frantic panting he was unable to take a breath. His head felt strange, as if detached from his body. He was cold, unable to find comfort in the warm spray of the shower. The room spun around him. His vision blurred as his knees gave way. He didn't hear himself hit the ground.
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Severus had been waiting in the bedroom impatiently when he'd heard a loud thud. Instinctively he rushed into the bathroom to find his bond mate sprawled out on the bathroom floor, soap suds pooled around him. He looked so incredibly helpless. Snape must have overestimated what the potions could do for Harry in this state. He kneeled quickly by Potter's side, cradling his head in his hand. With little effort, Snape lifted his fiance and laid him on the bed, bringing the sheet to his chest. What had he done? Had he been so eager to humiliate the other man that he ignored the level of his incapacitation? Harry lay unconscious over foolish pride. Severus's heart ached. He didn't want it to be like this. He didn't want to feel this way.
Green eyes fluttered open soon enough to see worry reflected in the black orbs above him. "I think I... fainted." Harry whispered. "I was done showering. I'm clean." He mumbled.
"Shut up Harry." Severus ordered through his remorse. He looked over the bruises, scrapes and bite marks that littered Harry's body, a fresh cut ran along his brow ridge where he'd hit his head during his fall. Rage. All he could feel was rage and disgust. Harry had let Malfoy leave those marks and he had enjoyed it. Snape had felt Potter relish in the roughness and pain after all of the care Severus had taken with him after Marius and this is what Harry chose.
Snape threw his hands in the air with a growl. "I don't know which of these were caused by the fall and which from Draco's teeth and nails!" He jumped from the bed, cursing under his breath. "Fuck!" Harry jumped as Snape's yell was followed by the bed stand sailing across the room, splintering helplessly on the far wall. Severus had lifted it like it was nothing. Harry shrank back in fear. "God damn it!" The snarl echoed off of the walls. "You're a bloody mess! Just look at you! What am I supposed to do with this Harry?!" His hands and face shook. His hair hung unkempt over his blazing eyes.
"I'm...I'm sorry." Harry pulled the sheet around him, self consciously. He didn't know what words to say to make his fiance feel better. He didn't know his bonded was capable of such an outward showing of emotion. It scared him.
"You're sorry? You don't get to be sorry! You left without word! You ran away and rolled around with Draco before tying yourself to him through blood magic only to return home with almost no power! Tell me Potter, what is it exactly that you're sorry for?" Snape paced back and forth along the bed furiously. His footsteps thudded through the room, punctuated only by vile swearing.
"I'm sorry that I hurt you. I never meant to. I never wanted to hurt you." Harry pushed himself up on the bed. "I didn't know..."
"You didn't know that I might find the idea of my fiance fucking my godson upsetting? You're dimmer than I'd already guessed."
Harry fumed although he didn't feel he had a right to. "...The Marriage Codes! I'd never heard anything about them and I got them in the mail! You couldn't have waited until I was back to explain it to me? You asked if I could abide by them, I thought that I was! I'm... I'm indenturing myself to you because it will make you happy. What else do you want from me? " Potter drew back sheepishly, awaiting a response.
"What of our code Harry? The promise you made our first night together?" Severus's voice softened slightly.
"I don't know." Harry answered honestly. "Everything got so out of hand with Marius and it made me have all of these feelings and I just... It just happened. I didn't think that I was doing anything wrong." The boy twisted his hands together. "Severus I love you. Look at the bond, you'll know."
"You blocked the bond! Did it occur to you that by doing so, what you were actually blocking was me? I am your bonded and you shut me out!" He snapped. "You chose a path away from me when you ran off in the middle of the night." Snape gained enough control to be seated on the bed.
"I was never running from you." Harry spoke quietly. "I had to get him out of my head."
"You should have come to me! It was my place to help. It was not Draco's." Snape roared, slamming his fist into the bed.
"You couldn't! I didn't want you to drive yourself mad trying. I wanted to make a decision on my own. You all make them for me so easily!" Harry's head was spinning. "My choices are never my own. I wanted to make at least one by myself."
Snape chuckled sadly. "And the choice you made was him?"
"No. It wasn't like that. We hated each other when we got to America. Nothing just...turned into something. I don't know what I'm supposed to say to you. I don't know how to make this ok!" Harry began to cry, unashamed that Severus could see him. "I lost it Sev. It was all too much and I made a choice that hurt people."
"Yes you did." Snape refused to take notice of the tears. "I didn't expect this from you. I expected more." His voice was defeated. "I thought, foolishly, that you were mine."
"I am yours." Harry bravely initiated contact, his hand resting on Snape's. "I've been yours. I'll always be yours. I couldn't wait to come back to you."
"Come back to me right after you got a good shag by a man that aided in your abduction and rape?" The potions master shot.
"He's not like that! He didn't mean... It doesn't matter. You're going to think what you want. What can I do? How do I make this better?" Harry was pleading.
"Get dressed. I don't wish to see the remnants of what looks to have been a very rough night." Snape threw pajama bottoms and a T-shirt at Harry, which he quickly scrambled into.
"Can I find Hermione? Have her cast a glamor charm?" Harry sat on the bed with his knees pulled to his chest.
"If you need a spell cast you will come to me." It was a command that Harry would not question.
"Will you? Cast the glamor?" Potter tried to shrink into himself.
Severus thought for a long while. "No. I will not. I want you to have to look at them for a few days. Remember what you've done. Besides, this..." He picked up Harry's wrist and examined the deep cut running along it. He tossed it aside in disgust. "...that won't be covered by any spell. You can't cover blood magic marks."
"Oh... Ok..." Harry dropped his gaze to the bed.
Snape starred at him, still fighting the urge to gather the man in his arms and forgetting the last few weeks. He had to be stronger than that. "Have you eaten?"
"Um... No... I..." Harry was surprised that Severus even asked.
"I'll have Dobby bring you something. Unless you were meeting Malfoy in the great hall for dinner?" Snape's smile was sickening.
"Please stop," Harry pleaded. "Please? Am I with Draco? I came home as soon as I was able to hold my shield."
Snape didn't answer him, choosing instead to have dinner brought to the man's bedside. "Eat." He slammed the plate down in front of Harry. "You will not leave these rooms until term starts in two weeks time. That will allow me to deal with Draco before he sees you again. If you need something you will ask me. I will not be sharing my magic with you. It will replenish on it's own while you're... resting. You will obey me without question. Do you understand me?" Snape's voice indicated that he not be questioned. Harry's heart sank. He'd promised Draco that he'd see him right away.
"I understand." Harry picked at his food. He'd do anything for Snape to stop looking at him in that way. Severus seemed so distant as he spoke, like a stranger.
"You are to never block the bond again. If you do so, I will find a way to end this arrangement." Snape lied. He looked directly at his mate.
"Merlin Sev don't say that." Harry felt tears threatening his eyes again. "Please don't ever..." Harry set his plate to the side and moved to his knees so that he was next to Severus. "I would never consent to breaking the bond. I love you Severus. I love you so much." Harry carefully took Snape's hand again. He didn't pull away which, Potter counted as a good sign. He noticed that Severus still wore his ring. "Please forgive me? Please Sev? I didn't know. I'm begging that you grant me your forgiveness."
Severus allowed his hand to grasp Harry's for a moment. "It will take time Harry. I do not share and I do not forgive."
"Do you still want me to be your husband?" Harry was scared of the answer. He could never give up his bond-mate.
Snape said nothing for an uncomfortable amount of time. Harry grew more distraught with each passing second. "Yes." He responded when Potter began to squirm. "And it is my wish that you begin to act accordingly."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "I will. I'll figure out how. You have my word."
"Your word means very little to me as of late. You will show me and if you have any questions you will ask me." The dark man addressed his fiance.
"I'll fix that. I'll show you that you can trust me again." Harry agreed readily.
"I truly pray that you do Potter." Severus released his hand. 'Potter'. Harry hadn't heard Severus address him as such since they'd been bonded. It caused him great pain. Harry began to panic. The pain was physical. His head was splitting.
Severus startled when Harry put his hands over his ears and moaned. ((Harry! I hadn't realized you'd returned. I expected a visit! We're very close friends after all.))
"Harry what is it? What's wrong?" Severus ran his hand through Harry's hair and tried to force his face upward. ((Draco wasn't enough to keep me out I see. Then again he usually proves to be not quite enough. That's why you've returned to my dear brother is it not? Malfoy's cock just didn't measure up?))
"Oh god no..." Harry pleaded. "Please no... Sev help... Marius... I don't have enough power to block him this close."
Severus growled, quickly blocking Harry's mind. Harry took notice that Snape's shield felt different than Draco's had. It seemed thicker, stronger. Marius was gone.
"You said you could hold your mental shield. I thought you've been studying Occlumency." Severus loathed that his brother had made an appearance so soon after Harry's arrival. He attempted to rub the tension out of his eyes. He hadn't intended to maintain the close proximity to Harry that it would take to block his mind. He'd be unable to shield Harry if he left the dungeons. The distance would be too great.
Harry shook. It had been the first time he'd heard Marius's sickening drawl in weeks. He wanted to run, to get as far away from Marius as possible. "I can... or I could." His voice was unsteady. "With my magic so low I guess he's stronger than my ability to use Occlumency. He hasn't gotten through in a couple of weeks."
"If I share my magic with you it will all be transferred to... Draco... because he's in stronger need of it." Severus closed his eyes. "I won't do it. I'll occlude your mind until you're strong enough on your own. I'll also have a word with Marius, see if I can't... persuade him."
Harry's eyes widened as his fingers clutched at the blankets. "You've seen him? You went down... "
"If you're worried that he's been sharing the secrets of your American getaway, he has not. The bond has done well enough on its own." The professor's voice was cynical.
"That's not... I have nothing to hide. I just hate that he's here... that people see him..." Potter trembled at the thought. He'd been so far away from Marius. The man was now a few hundred feet below him. "I'm sorry... that you had to see..." Harry didn't know the correct way to apologize to Severus for having to see what transpired between himself and Malfoy.
"You and Draco in the throws of passion? So am I." He sneered. Snape moved to the chair at the end of the bed. He was unsure of what he would do to Harry if he were able to reach him.
Harry felt his anger boil in his chest. "I saw you..." He managed to grind out. "When I was with Marius... I've seen you with dozens of men... full color... crystal clear audio."
"They were before you." Severus defended. "Draco was two days ago..."
"God! Stop it! Severus I made a mistake..." He paused, drawing courage to be honest. "No, you know what? I didn't. I didn't do anything wrong. I should not have blocked the bond and I'm sorry for that but..." Harry began to cry uncontrollably. This was all far too much. "What do you expect? Marius held me in his bed for days! I dream of him! I hear him! He's right below my fucking feet!" Harry gestured angrily at the floor. "I have the Dark Mark and scars and him tied to me! I had to get away from him! I had to Severus... when I couldn't hear him anymore... I felt like myself again... not the mousy freak arguing with himself in the bathroom! Draco did that! He taught me what I needed to stay sane! Can you really not see that?" Harry's eyes searched his mate.
"And you chose to thank him with your flesh?" Severus was doing his best to remain unaffected by Potter's revelations. He couldn't allow himself to sympathize.
"No! I don't know what I... felt... I just... Sev...after Marius...why would someone..." Harry sobbed. His hands clutched at Snape's robes. "...Marius made me ugly." He cried. "Inside and out. Everyone was treating me like I would shatter at the slightest touch. I couldn't look at myself in a mirror... You looked at me differently. You touched me differently. Everything was wrong and then Draco... he became my friend. He ignored all the shit and got to know me and while we were doing lessons I saw the things Marius had forced him to do during the times that they were together... the same things he did to me... I felt like someone understood." Harry drew a breath. "...when he kissed me I couldn't believe that someone would want me... that way. Not after... I'm ruined Sev. Why would anyone want me?" Harry's cheeks were red, his nose stuffy. His eyelids were weighed down by tears.
"I have always wanted you Harry." Snape had given in to his emotions and softened his tone. He hesitantly lifted his hand to Harry's face, wiping away his tears. The boy did not flinch away. "Always. Marius has had no effect on that."
"You don't have a choice." Harry choked through sobs. "You have to love me. He didn't. He had every reason to hate me and he..." He trailed off, not wanting to finish his thought.
"He loved you without a bond." Severus said the words he knew to be true.
"Yes." Harry hiccuped. "Everyone loves me because of who I'm supposed be but he was raised to hate that person. He wanted just me. I still don't understand that."
"Do you really think yourself that unworthy of affection?" Snape ignored the stabbing pain he felt when Harry spoke of Draco so openly, in favor of tending to his bond mate. "Have I not done enough to show you..."
"The choice was made for you. You are bonded to me for eternity. It's not really an option for you to feel anything but fondness." Harry tried to explain.
The professor took Harry's face between his hands. "I've asked you to be my husband. That was not required of the bond. I loved you long before I died, you stupid child." The words were said without malice. "As you are aware."
Harry collapsed into the strong arms of his protector. "I'm sorry that I've hurt you." His tears soaked into black robes. "I didn't mean to. Really, I didn't. I just wanted to feel... normal." Harry's fingers latched on to the man holding him. "I know that you hate me right now..."
"I could never." Severus breathed into a mop of dark hair. "I do not hate you Harry. I am upset because I love you. I don't want to share that. Not for a moment." He held Harry close to him, enjoying the warmth coming off of the other man. Underneath all of his anger and raged he had missed having Harry in his arms.
"You don't have to. I'm yours." Potter couldn't believe that Severus was holding him, when an hour ago he was sure that his bonded was going to dispose of him as he had the bedside table.
"You are and I'll be doing a more thorough job of monitoring your well-being. Physical and otherwise. However, you are also now linked with...Draco." Snape tried to hide his disgust.
"It was one night..." Harry sighed, not wanting to go over it all again.
"Not that." Severus growled. He calmed himself before continuing. "The spell he used links your magic."
"I read about it on the plane. It seems like it's just for war." Potter hadn't moved from the older man's grasp.
"That is where it gained it's popularity, yes. You and I have a soul bond, our particular bond is the strongest bond known to wizarding kind. Soul bonds are, by definition, romantic in nature. They do allow connection to each other's magic but that is not the intended purpose, simply a side effect. There are also power bonds, or core bonds, second only to soul bonds. They are not necessarily romantic in their expression. The spell Mr. Malfoy used is the strongest of these. He should have died." Snape had mused numerous time that this would have been the preferred outcome. "It's dangerous for much more skilled wizards than him to attempt the spell. It's one of the many reasons it fell out of favor. The way our souls are bound as one... Your and Draco's magic is now bound the same." He finished softly. He had researched the spell Draco had used earlier in the day to gather any information about the spell that he might have forgotten. He had not wanted to admit that Harry's power was now bound to his Godson's.
"We can share power." Harry shrugged slightly. "That seems to be all the rage. Isn't that what Marius did to me?"
"Harry you cannot just simply share power. His power is now yours. He gave it to you. Your magic is not shared, but one. A singular entity." His tone was beaten down.
"What does that mean? How is it different from the spell Marius used?" Harry asked sleepily.
"It's different because you now lay claim to all of Draco's power. It was a sacrifice he made by giving up his magic, sealed in blood. The regulation of both of your powers falls to you alone. It was used in battle because it create the perfect bond between an army and it's leader. Counterparts are able to draw from the same magical reserve, now doubled in strength. Their magic fights to maintain balance, allowing the wizards to find each other on the battlefield. With practice, it's been recorded that wizards who'd had the bond for years were able to communicate wordlessly through their magic. The leader, being you in this case, has the ability to command the well of magic, therefore commanding the wizard or witch he is bound to. Draco will never cast a spell that you don't want him to. He'll never be in control of his own power again, you will. He will fight when you fight. He will protect you with his life because power wants to live. It will side with the stronger party. He will obey you because he's caused himself to rely fully on you. The bond will force you to see to his safety and wellbeing, as he has given himself to you." The professor stared down at his bond mate. "Marius simply found a spell to latch on to your magic, he is not bound to you. It is an unnatural link." Snape waited for a reaction.
"You can feel my power... does that mean you can...feel him?" Harry whispered.
"I haven't tried." Severus answered in truth. He didn't want to know. "Your magic is separate from mine. I believe I would have to make a strong effort to find Malfoy in it."
"Are you mad?" Harry sounded like a child.
"Am I..?" The potions master sputtered. "Of course I'm 'mad'. You are mine and now, by magical law, he belongs to you. You are immortal, your magic is supernatural. We have no idea what effect this will have on you or him. You are tied to him Harry. Do you understand that? He will always be a part of you and your life, meaning he'll always be a part of mine and I'd really rather forget him." He finished loudly.
"He didn't know. When he cast the spell he just thought he was saving me." Harry excused.
"And he probably did... save you, that is. He's also wise enough to know that you never cast a spell without knowing it fully. It was blood magic, no less. It is a crime in every developed nation, a crime he is aware of." Severus removed himself from Harry, pouring a drink.
"He was trying to help. He thinks he'll die in the war. He doesn't care about his power because he doesn't expect to be alive to use it. You used blood magic." Harry reminded.
"If we could only be so lucky." Snape mumbled into his drink. "I used blood magic to..."
"Save me? So did he. If you're going to be mad about this be mad at me. I blocked the bond causing the repercussions that led to him casting the spell. It's my fault." Potter allowed himself to lay back on the bed, too tired to think through all of the information he had been given.
"I'm upset with both of you for so many reasons." The potions master poured his third drink since he'd gotten up. "None of which we'll solve tonight. You will rest. Where is Malfoy?"
Harry bit his bottom lip nervously. He did not wish to anger Severus further. "With Sirius and Remus... they're caring for him."
"That's just lovely." Snape deadpanned. "The mutts have a litter. I'm leaving the rooms for a short time. You will not. You will remain in bed and sleep." His voice was not gentle.
"Will you return?" Panic took over Harry's features. He didn't want Severus to leave him. He wanted the man to stay next to him.
"Where else would I sleep?" Snape softened his tone in a moment of weakness. He couldn't bare the pain on Harry's face. "It'll just be a short while."
"You're leaving the room... you won't be able to hold your shield around me... Marius..." Potter once again reddened in fear.
Snape chuckled darkly at the door. "I am far stronger than Draco Malfoy." Harry watched the door close behind him and cuddled into the safety of his bed, his mind still tightly protected.
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"Open this door!" Severus's deep voice bounced off of the dungeon walls as he pounded on the door of Sirius and Remus's rooms.
"Severus quiet down! What if a student sees you?!" Lupin answered the door in a hush. He pulled Snape inside. "You'll behave or I'll hex you."
"You aren't fast enough." The darker man challenged. "Where is he?"
"Sirius? He's around here somewhere." Lupin grinned ever so slightly at himself.
"Malfoy, you insufferable mongrel." Severus snarled, his voice growing louder.
"Oh him, yes. You can't see him Severus. Not right now and not in that mood." Remus stood his ground, crossing his arms over his chest.
"It is my right! I demand..." Snape was interrupted.
Sirius entered the sitting room from the kitchen. "Lower your voice when you speak to my husband Snape." He warned harshly. "I told you I wouldn't let you touch Malfoy until he was well. He's been sleeping for barely a few hours. Poppy's only just left. It's out of the question. Might I suggest you turn your attentions towards your bond mate?" Sirius held a threatening tone. He had never been sure which of them would win in a fight, magical or otherwise but, he was confident enough to test it.
"Do not tell me how to run my home Black. I want Draco. Now." His voice icy. "I swear to Merlin that if you do not produce the boy I will blow these room through the castle walls!"
"You will not come into my chambers issuing threats Snivillus!" Sirius took several steps forward. "My bond mate is here, my charge! I'll not allow you to put either in danger! Now, I am sorry that you feel upset over Harry's time with Draco. But, I refuse to discuss it further. You will see him when he has recovered and not a moment sooner!" His voice thundered off of the walls. "Now get out!"
"Give me my Godson Black. He is mine!" Snape roared.
"Not everything is yours Severus! He..." Black was diverted by a weak voice behind him.
"Sev..." Malfoy stood with the aid of a wall. Sirius didn't think his color had returned at all. His posture was tired yet proud. His eyes hung open, trained on his Godfather. "If you're truly upset enough for a display like that... lets just get it done with. At least then I'll be dead or able to sleep in silence." Black was surprised to not hear the usual taunting tone in the boy's voice.
Severus stared at his Godson, not expecting him to appear so frail and lifeless. There was no self-entitled cockiness that generally oozed from the youngest Malfoy. "Draco..." There were too many emotions loading the name. Rage, sadness, pity, surprise, time seemed to slow as the two men locked eyes, years of history held between them. "Where is all of that charm Mr. Potter fell for?" Acid once again dripped from his voice.
"Do you want to come in?" Malfoy didn't wait for an answer before turning back towards his room. Snape followed.
Remus stopped Sirius from intervening by placing a hand on his chest. "It's his Godfather. As you are to Harry, family is family Padfoot."
"Yes well, being Snape's family hasn't worked well for anyone now has it?" Black retorted but did not stop Severus from following Draco.
SSS SSS SSS
"Is Harry ok?" Malfoy asked without thought as he seated himself on his bed, using pillows to support his weight.
"Don't you dare speak his name." Snape growled lowly. "You've done enough!" He loomed over the bed.
"By saving his magic you mean?" Draco may be drained and concerned for his lover but he was still a Malfoy and he'd be damned if anyone was going to best him in a battle of words. "Is that where I did enough? Or was it when I booted your brother out of his head? Or perhaps it was the lessons I was able to teach him, where as you had failed? Tell me Godfather, what horrible thing have I done to Harry to incur such wrath?" He coughed loudly having spoken too much at once.
"You bedded him and bound yourself to him through blood magic!" Snape roared, his hands wrapping tightly around Draco's shoulders, pulling him closer.
Malfoy grinned at his Godfather. "Careful Uncle Sev, your dark side is showing. How disappointed Harry would be?"
"Oh Draco you stupid, stupid child." It was Snape's turn to sneer. "What makes you think he hasn't already seen it?" He deposited the blonde angrily back to his pillows.
"Because, you'd never let your evil seep into Harry's life. I'm aware of how you act with your soon-to-be husband... I've seen all of his memories or have you forgotten?" Draco managed a sip of water to wash down the jab at the professor. He loved his Godfather. They were family. He loved Harry more. "Why are you here? Is your big plan for us to sling insults back and forth all night? If so I'd like to reschedule."
Snape was quiet for a long moment. He picked his words carefully. "You are to stay away from my bond mate until I tell you otherwise." He straightened his robes stiffly. "At a time I feel better equipped to...control myself... we well have a conversation about the blood magic." He lowered his face close to Draco who, in turn, stared past him unaffected. "When you are well godson, we will duel and you will pay for what you've done."
Draco's eyes narrowed, his neck became rigid. "You are not yet married to him and therefore hold no sway over the company he keeps. I'll, of course, discuss the spell for Harry's benefit and out of respect for you as his bond mate and my Godfather." His words were sincere, equally as was his next comment, "As for a duel uncle Sev...if you'd like to humiliate yourself in front of witnesses I would be more than happy to oblige."
Snape's hand moved with angered speed the back of it whipped against his Godson's cheek. Draco closed his eyes but did not flinch. "You will obey me! Your coward of a father abandoned you. Your mother is probably sitting on a beach with no thought to you. I am your Godfather, your only guardian. Do not test me boy!" His eyes shown with fury. Severus stepped away from the bed, angry that he had lost control. "Do you understand your rules as I have given them to you?" His voice was a snarl.
"I understand them, yes. I fully intend on following most of them." Draco did not move his hand up to touch his reddening cheek. His eyes burned with defiance.
"Draco... It would be best if you did not question me." Severus warned.
"Why is that exactly? I taught him. You were unable. I don't know what any of you have been doing? You call yourself wizards! Why is Marius still breathing? It's a spell, break it! You think that you're protecting Harry? I'm protecting him! I'm the one that can feel Marius's grip in his magic, Not you. You do what you'd like uncle Sev just get the hell away from me." Draco growled, his posture was stiff.
"I had best...before I forget myself." Snape fought with all of his might not to pummel the boy. "Count yourself lucky that you have no power Draco, It wouldn't be fair to duel someone in such a weakened state. You'll find me rather unpleasant when you're well. Although if you try to contact Harry I will not hesitate to kick you while you're down." His voice roared through the room. Snape swept out of the rooms as quickly as he had come in.
Draco's eyes lit up, showing more life than he'd be able too since bonding to Harry. He made his way to the living area as quickly as his body allowed. "Sirius... Remus. I need books. I need any research anyone has gathered on the spell Marius used. I may have an idea... please?"
Sirius inspected his charge's cheek. "I need to go... speak... with Snivillus."
"No." Draco begged. "A family feud, nothing more. Please, the books..." Draco was not a man to beg but if his idea proved correct then the humiliation would be worth it. "Any thing that's been collected. It may be very important." His eyes pleaded.
"What did Severus say that made you think you have an idea Draco?" Remus set down his tea.
Draco laughed sadly. "That he wouldn't hesitate to kick me while I was down. Now please... the books? I need to get started."
SSS SSS SSS
Snape made quick work of his assault on Marius before returning to his rooms. He didn't believe he'd done any good, except add to his brother's collection of broken bones.
He found Harry sleeping deeply in their bed. Severus allowed himself a moment to enjoy his fiance, forcing everything out of his mind. Harry was home. Harry was his. He was safe and awaiting the return of his bond mate. Severus's shaky hand ran through his lover's hair. He relished the sight of the dark haired man once again occupying his side of the bed. His presence made their rooms feel whole again. The Potions Master carefully removed his bonded's glasses and placed them gently on the night stand. Under the cover of the dimly lit room, Snape pulled the blankets up around Harry, placing a soft kiss on slightly parted lips.
The older man changed silently into his night clothes and climbed into the bed, soaking in the warmth that the Gryffindor filled their bed with. He found he couldn't help himself but to gather the smaller frame against him in a tight embrace. His face buried in wavy hair as he thanked the gods for yet another chance to hold the foolish man that held his heart. Severus felt as though his could finally draw breath. He had, on many occasions, feared that he would never again get the chance.
Harry stirred slightly. "You came back." He smiled slightly.
"This is our home Harry. I'll always return." Snape gave him a long hug before rolling him back onto his pillows. "Go back to sleep." He demanded.
"Can I stay in your arms? I've missed them. I want to feel you next to me, smell you, know that you're really here. Please?" Harry implored.
"No." Snape answered. "I may find a desire to be by you too strong to overcome but, I do not wish to hold you." Severus said into the dark. He rolled onto his side to avoid the hurt expression on Harry's face.
Harry stared at his lover's back in a mixture of hurt and disbelief. "I understand." His voice cracked. He shrank back to his side of the bed. Severus cursed himself silently, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep with Harry in his arms. He couldn't bring himself to be that intimate with the other man quite yet. Especially after the talk with his Godson. He tried not to pay attention to the soft noises issuing from the man next to him. He was crying. He was trying to hide it.
Severus waited several long moments. The crying did not stop. He squeezed his eyes shut. "I love you Harry." It was a whisper, declared into the darkness. "For now that is all I can give. Go to sleep."
"I love you Severus." Harry touched the man's back briefly with his finger tips and retreated to a safe distance. Severus still loved him. It would be enough to allow him to sleep. Snape would be relying on a potion to reach slumber. His hurt, anger and guilt would surely prevent it. As he was sure it would for weeks to come. The hurt he'd felt with Lily paled in comparison to the pain that was caused by lying next to a man he loved with all of his heart. A heart that felt broken.
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