DISCLAIMER: None of the characters belong to me, but to JK Rowling.
Hercules!AU
The first time Charlie truly — truly — feared, it was when the pillar fell on his beloved Draco's body and his soul was sent to the Underworld. It was the first time Charlie had felt so helpless, heartbroken, and it made him angry. It made him want to find Severus and rip him in half, and the destroy the Underworld until he found Draco.
See, Charlie had made the mistake of making a promise, of agreeing to a deal with a god — they always tried to trick you in some way so they benefited and you were the one who lost.
Well, Charlie didn't want to lose — but it was never about losing or winning. All he wanted was him and Draco to live a life undisturbed by the gods. He wanted them to grow old side by side. He loved this man more than anyone and it was him he wanted to spend his life with.
Unfortunately, Severus wasn't willing to let that happen. All for the sake of power.
He saw his love's soul exit his body. He cradled his limp body in his arms, remembered his sharp wit and the gleam in his eyes, and felt rage.
How dare Severus? How dare he take Charlie's world from him?
He went to the Underworld. He dove into the River Styx to recover Draco's soul. He almost lost his own life, but his heroic act was not missed by the gods and at the last moment, granted him immortality. He carried Draco's body out of the water and shoved Severus and his stupid mug into the river, not caring what happened to him. That man had ruined enough.
"My love," he whispered as Draco awakened in his arms, his eyes fluttering open.
And he wept, Draco murmuring reassurances into his ear and holding him this time.
At last, they were reunited.
315 words
Auction - Hercules (16-1)