Chapter Thirty-Nine: Astute Decimation

Petunia was pathetic in Lily's eyes, so shameful to do such atrocious things to her nephew, let alone her own child. To let such unspeakably neglectful things happen to them by her own husbands hands-- even seeming to rejoice in it all? No she had no shame, and Lily felt no remorse for these thoughts.

Harry on the other hand was reveling in the sight of the two people who had caused him such pain. He had no love for them, no longer felt the need to appease or even fear them. No he felt light and happy, as he watched them be brought down. He'd had his time to imbue pain upon them while they were incarcerated. At the moment he was content to just let his actual family have fun.

But all good things must come to an end, especially when Petunia's eyes began to dull and Vernon started to choke on his own inflated tongue. Severus was becoming bored of the two, and though he wanted to drag this out as long as humanly possible, they were-- quite pathetically, he would say-- almost at the end of their ropes. With a deep put upon sigh, he asked if they had any last words, sadistically setting them aflame before they could even open their mouths. Honestly Vernon would have been unable to speak either way, but as he bit most of the way through his own tongue in pain it didn't seem to matter.

Blood spurted several feet ahead of the burn man, and while he continued to scream, he and his wife began to take on an acrid odor. Death was surrounding them even now, encroaching on and within their lungs while they slowly lost blood, skin, oxygen, and energy. It was well and truly over, but Severus had to make sure that his attack was the last and fatal blow. Harry would surely kill him if any of his family had to spend time in jail, coven members -- unofficial by way of technicalities-- or not.

The vampire vanished the flames after a moment, still not done with the pair, despite his indifference to their continued existence. No he pulled out his wand for a final bit of disrespect. A sadistic and very attractive smirk lit up the vampire's face. He knew what he would do, and it would not take long to execute this plan. The two muggles would be dead before their heads touched the ground.

Oh... he would not use the killing curse on them, no instead he used one of his own handcrafted spells-- Sectum Sempra-- to slit their throats, slash their eyeballs and cut away several layers of crisp blackened flesh. Their fingers clawed at the areas most afflicted by pain, but they had no way of screaming anymore. They started their fall to the ground finally, gurgling as their blood flowed around their bodies. Life passed before their filleted eyes so many times that night, but these few glimpses they were now treated to were their last. Their lifeless borderline drained bodies crashed into the floor like a slab of rotten unwanted meat, which in all actuality was what they were.

Severus had indeed dealt the final blow, but no one was unhappy with the amount of carnage they'd inflicted. The taller Lord levitated the burned and battered bodies into a spot in the woods where he dropped them, leaving them to the elements and their souls to the wrath of the dead. With a breath of fresh air, the man turned back and made his way to his mate.

The rest of the Potter family thanked him for putting on the marvelous event, and after reassuring Harry that they would be back once everything was settled with the Dursley's in the land of the dead, left. They each had their own forms of transportation, much like Harry had 'Lily'.

Remus and Sirius travelled together, swept up by the large shadow of a Grimm, and James and Lily were pulled away by fluttering flower petals.

After seeing the group off, Including Albus and Elder a few moments later, taken away by an ashen version of Fawks, Severus picked Harry up and scented the younger man. In doing so he was keeping himself from draining the revolting bodies he had just dumped. Harry understood, tilting his head to the side as he was carried back into the castle. His mate was still feeling the bloodlust, and he would need something to take his mind off of the prone snack just a little ways away.

A soft appreciative lick was placed on his neck before being penetrated by the elder mans sharp fangs. "Ooh..." Harry sighed, loving the contact and knowledge that only he alone could satisfy his mate. Only he could bring the man from the edge of a murderous rampage, or from sullying his precious body with blood from the likes of the Dursleys.

Severus sighed as well, not expressly needing his mates life force at the moment, but almost addicted to it nonetheless. And it was offered so nicely, so easily and without a catch that he couldn't resist. He held his little one closer, giving comfort as he gained it, and walked steadily into the entrance hall of the castle.

The coven stayed outside until the two separated, giving them just enough privacy for an intimate moment. However they were still in the courting phase, so no one could allow the two to be alone for too long just yet. Especially not with emotions running so high with everyone. When they heard Harry's heeled shoes tap lightly against the stone tiles, and Severus thanking the boy for his snack, they finally moved.

As the coven started piling back into the castle, Ginny found Harry and pulled him off to the side. Hidden in her eyes was a mix of excitement and nausea which Harry understood immediately. The girl needed to talk, and she had thought of him first to speak with regarding it all. He felt elated that the girl thought him friendly enough despite everything. His first meeting with the girl and her family could have been better, but he was happy she saw him as no sort of threat.

For that he gave the young girl an indulgent smile and allowed her to pull him away. Catching Severus' eye, he smiled and blew him a kiss. The mans eyes widened and he blushed, causing a giggle to bubble up in Harry's chest.

Severus almost stumbled on the first few steps up towards his private wing of the castle, but caught himself. Sending a look to his mate that promised revenge for his flustered state. He knew what the gesture meant, but he had never expected to be on the receiving end of it. Especially given the fact that it was not a gesture from their-- or really his-- time. Harry was detached from the time loop, but always managed to pull Severus in for more, and he genuinely loved it.

Once the red headed girl and his mate were out of sight, Severus called his advisors to his study. His first though had of course been bed, but there was much that needed to be dealt with.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Harry and Ginny were in a small room on the first floor. The door was closed, but the windows crossed the whole outer wall, and with the lit lamps, they could be seen by anyone outside. Which was quite a few people, as the clean up of the grounds and nightly duties were being seen to at that very moment.

Ginerva looked to be pale, so Harry offered her a seat. After sitting and taking a few deep breaths she began to speak. Her voice was soft, but heavy with emotions the other could not quite place. Was the girl upset at the sights bestowed upon her on this night? Had she thought herself ready for the carnage but unable to truly process what had been done unto the deceased? Did she want to leave, or had her supposed mates not been enough to comfort her?

Speaking of, Harry had met the two vampires who claimed Ginerva as their destined, and they were fun and kind. But that was before the girl spoken up about her suspicions about the two being her mates. He would love to speak with them again, more in depth this time around, but that would need to wait. Ginerva was talking at the moment and Harry did not want to seem uninterested in either her thoughts, feelings, or opinions.

"Oh it was unlike anything I'd ever seen. The way they rushed around was almost too much, but I could not turn my sights away!" She spoke. She had not seen the two die, but she heard their screams throughout the hunt. Her group had come upon the Dursleys somewhere in the beginning of the night, and after sending a few hexes she felt like she had done enough. This she told Harry before her mood lifted and she spoke about her supposed mates and the way they kept her safe even within the forest.

She seemed to swoon, and Harry could only giggle at her starry eyes. They spoke throughout the next hour or so, mentioning each others crushes and mates, saying "you love them" teasingly or "I heard you two are very far along hmm?" With jokingly fluttering eyelashes.

Hermione and Ron had joined in not too long into their talk, and it was such fun for Harry to just be. He hadn't any need to act like a child, for the three were fairly mature. But he also did not have to force himself into the position of the adult. He was happy to just sit and tease his newfound friends about their blossoming romances, and talk about anything and everything with the group.

Almost two hours later however, the four made their way back out of the room, laughing giddily and nudging one another as they all went back to their rooms. Severus was waiting outside of Harry's room by the time he came up the stairs, and smiled at his mates bright emerald eyes.

Harry beamed at his mate, the man who gave him a second chance at life, as he walked forward to bid the man goodnight.

They stood apart for only a second before Harry leaned in, hugging the taller man around his waist and relaxing his shoulders. As fun as the Weasley's and Lady Granger was, nothing beat the warmth of his mate. The two basked in the embrace for scant moments before reluctantly pulling away.

"Until tomorrow..." Harry smiled, leaving a hand on Severus' chest for a moment and just basking in the Potions Master's presence.

"Indeed." The man smirked, taking the others smaller hand and kissing his knuckles. They backed away from one another, and went into their respective rooms, keeping an eye on the other until they absolutely could not do so anymore.

Harry fell onto his bed with a heavy blush and almost giggled uncontrollably. Life seemed so good right now. This thought was reflected by many in the estate at the moment.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

The next morning found the two mates having an early discussion about Severus' meeting the night before. While Harry was off with the others, the older man and his advisors got down to figuring out who beneath him had been an active or inactive part of the latest Death Eater raid.

Harry felt devastated. Not only over the fact that he was not there, but that he'd gone and chosen fun over the serious priority. Severus on the other hand simply raised an eyebrow and smiled, letting his mate know that he'd deserved the break.

"You had too much on your mind last night. I could not in good conscience add more to your sorrows." He said softly, kissing the smaller man's hand.

Harry melted, but it didn't reassure him. He would just make sure to pay extra close attention today and do what he could to find a balance between the work and fun. He was good at adapting, if nothing else.

During their talk the two came to a disagreement about when or if Severus should deal with the coven members who participated in the raid. They were either known supporters or suspected supporters-- now confirmed-- and Harry didn't want his mate going in alone. Severus knew that going with others would rouse more suspicions than simply rounding up those who had been at the raid, and this made Harry heave a sigh.

Of course going with someone would be suspicious, but going alone could lead to an ambush. He didn't want his mate to be led into a trap, but he also knew that he himself could not go. He had defeated the death eater group's first leader as an infant, he couldn't show up with their king. They would see that as a blinding betrayal, not to mention the fact that they would definitely turn against the man afterwards. In the end Harry clenched his jaw and agreed to sending his capable mate off to lands in which he'd never been.

Severus would not be leaving for another day at the most, but now his little lioness was unhappy with him. In the end he resolved to placate Harry about his upcoming trip, by reminding him that they had an open mind link with one another and should he need help Harry would be the first to know. They carried on through the day much the same as always. Harry would flip between wanting to hold the man closer, and then ignoring him as the day went on. In the end he gave in to Iris, who advocated heavily for holding the other lion animagi as close as possible before his departure.

By the time dinner had rolled around, Harry was fidgeting almost imperceptibly. Severus knew his mate was nervous about being apart for the next few days to come, but what was the excitement for? Harry was known by Severus and the entire coven as a wanderer, and a somewhat mischievous man. He was biting the inside of his lip and stealing sideways glances at Severus throughout the entire meal which tossed curious glances from many around him. He hardly ate, and blushed whenever Severus caught him looking.

The man finally had mercy on his mate, and after dinner ceased, lead the smaller man out. He wanted to sigh, or ask his little love what had captured his mind, but knew to wait until they were securely within Harry's own study.

Harry was nearly vibrating by now, he had questions and suggestions. He wanted his mate to stay beside him and hear him out. He took his seat, for the second time ever, behind the desk, and waited for his taller mate to get situated.

Before he could begin to touch on his thoughts, Severus raised an elegant brow and ordered food from the kitchens. One tap of his wand on the empty desk space and up popped a plate of food. Harry realized it was his neglected plate from dinner. The man wanted him to eat, no matter how improper the area, nor the fact that they would be conversing as he ate. A pretty lavender blush lit up his pale blue cheeks, and Harry could only smile.

Calming himself, the corpse Lord took a few bites of his food before slowly starting his proposal. For in all honesty it was in fact a proposal.

"Severus, my dear beau, this section of your coven is not completely attached to your mind link correct?" He swallowed delicately, watching as his mate traced his adam's apple as it bobbed.

"Indeed." The man answered easily enough. He should have known that his adventurous and fidgety mate would not leave the topic alone.

"Then..." Harry paused for a moment to drink, purposefully trying to distract this mate. His eyes were innocent enough, and he knew it wouldn't give too much away. "Then how much would you say they know regarding my status as your mate? Were they informed of just who I was??"

Severus had caught on by now, both to the younger man's line of thinking and his seductive manipulations. "Ah, my mate, you may very well have been a Slytherin in Gryffindor clothing, but you are dancing dangerously close to an open flame."

Harry licked his lips, eyes widening. He had been found out so easily? How?

"Your eyes sparkle incomprehensibly bright when you scheme my love." Severus purred.

"I do not scheme Severus!" Harry blushed even brighter, to which the man only smirked, that signature eyebrow again raised as if to say 'If you want to believe that, be my guest'.

"However you are correct to think they do not know much beyond the basic information into my life." Harry calmed a bit, knowing that his mate wouldn't verbally call out his lies. "They know I have found my mate, and that they are both high in status, and partial to genderless wardrobes. They know you are a lioness animagi, and that you are dead, but no my mate, I have kept your name well hidden outside of our loyal coven members."

This would prevent the Death Eaters, and Press from hounding his little one. The Ministry would not talk, as then they would be under scrutiny when Harry revealed why he had left. And most importantly, what the Ministry had allowed to happen to his estates in his absence. They would be hard pressed to explain why they had granted almost total control of his land and main property to the muggle family whom were now, and have long since been exposed for their treachery and lawless governing.

"Then, perhaps you could, oh I do not know, introduce them to your mate, Lady Black??" Harry whispered. This would be the first time he'd called himself by that name, preferring his given surname to his additional ones. He had not called himself Lord or Lady Gryffindor in decades either. A new blush surfaced, and Harry looked away from his mates intense gaze. The ravenet man was staring intently at him, and so he focused heavily upon his plate.

Taking a few pieces of potato onto his fork, he ate in a nervous silence. What would he even do to hid his true lineage from the outside coven members? He could glamour his scar, and he hadn't needed glasses for weeks, but would that be enough?? And how would they even get there? He continued to eat as his mate only sat back in his chair, obviously speaking to someone through his link with the coven. He wasn't sure with whom the man spoke, as he had elected to leave Harry out of this conversation.

It was not so much of an insult as the emerald eyed man thought it would be. Instead it gave him time to completely think his proposition through. He wanted his mate to be safe, he wanted Severus to have someone to lean on in case of an emergency. He knew the man was a capable wizard, and he had seen the man in his training, perspiration falling to his linen shirt, leaving translucent trails. Harry could almost feel the muscled torso as it moved to perform a particularly stunning spell, or when wielding a muggle weapon.

Severus had come out from his chat with Aleksi-- his right hand, or lieutenant if you will-- and three of the elders, all of which were in agreement with his mettlesome mates assessments. Harry was within his rights as Severus' mate to accompany him wherever the coven resided, whether they were fully loyal or not. The fact that the younger wizard had already called upon his title, meant that he would not be putting himself in any untoward danger, nor would he rush in with obvious signs of his familial line.

It was ultimately up to him whether or not the smaller man would go.

Of all the things he knew harry would do for him, listening to him when he says not to rush into danger would not be one. Harry is a bold and adventuresome man, and judging from his first impressions of the other;

Easily swayed by his emotions and heart, headstrong like his parents before him, unflinchingly kind and hard on himself, and not to mention an impressively formidable wizard. The smaller man could hold his own, that was for sure. However could Severus sit back and let his mate face rabid wolves without so much as a forewarning?

He watched Harry as he ate, a nervous air surrounding him. He was outwardly calm, but his eyebrows pulled together softly, leaving a crease between the two. He moved with assured motions, his land leading food into his body despite its ability to do without.

It was then that Harry looked up at him, offering a small but happy smile. One that reached his eyes and lit them like spring dew on grass. His cheeks lifted just the smallest bit, and he bit the inside of his lip before looking away.

Harry's heart did not beat-- would never beat again-- and even despite this fact, he still smiled and ran around in ways a living man could only hope to achieve. He'd seen his little mate using his power, both raw and angry, while helping and hurting. He'd seen this in the other mans memories, in how he treated the coven, and especially with their nights torturing the now deceased Dursley's.

The man sighed-- his little lioness had somehow won him over without another word. Again...