I own nothing of Harry Potter and make no mistake, this is slash. HP/SS
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A pirates life for me! Yar, me mates! Tis a jolly day for plunderin'. Seeking adventure with the old pirates, ya? Yeh've come ter the proper place. But keep a weather eye open, there be pirates lurking. And mark well me words mates, Dead men tell no tails!
Again no Bata… sorry… but enjoy. YAR! But where's the rum gone?
Severus Snape and the Boy-Who-Is-Missing
After the dinner on Vladimir 's ship, Severus avoided Harry at all costs. Snape was in a terrible mood, every little thing would set him off. He was mad, jealous and mad that he was jealous. This more then anything pissed him off even more.
He really had no reason to be jealous. Draco constantly reminded him of that, because he was sick and tired being in the middle of Severus and Harry's drama. "If you think you can just ignore him," Draco sneered over his cup of orange juice. "Then you're wrong." When Severus didn't reply, the younger professor asked, "Why are you acting like this. You're just hurting him more."
Severus stared hopelessly at his untouched breakfast. "He's got his first mate to help him with the 'hurt' then." He whispered, not meaning for anyone to hear him.
Get fed up, Draco slammed his cup down, spilling it and causing some of the students and staff to look his way. However he didn't care. "Why you little, insecure, self absorbed, greasy, codpiece! He's been mopping around, while thinking that he's done something to upset you. He's trying to talk to you and all you can do is run the other way. What kind of man are you?" Professor Malfoy stood, sneering down at the shocked potions master. "He doesn't deserve to be treated this way." With that, Draco left a depressed Snape, snarling at all who looked his way.
To busy doing just that, he didn't notice that someone sat in Draco's chair. "He's right you know."
Severus jumped when Vladimir 's breathe tickled his ear. "What are you doing here?"
Softly chuckling, Vladimir turned away from him. "You must have been very gone to not of heard the Headmistress's introduction." Picking food off of Malfoy's plate he added, "Hagrid went with Albus to, where ever they went and I'm subbing for his class." All Severus could do was blink and notice that all the heads that were on them, seemed to turn away. Not even the students wanted to tempt their fate watching the warrior at Snape's side. "Listen, I don't know why you're mad at me. Despite what I have learned, I refuse to brake into your mind. So, you either have to tell me, yell at me, just say something to me. I don't like to be kept in the dark for long, Severus."
Lowering his head, Severus was as silent as the grave.
Sighing, Vladimir took his hand in his. "If you wish to talk to me in a less… populated place, then have dinner with me tonight. Just us."
"On your ship?" Snape finally lifted his head high.
"Yes," Harry gave Snape's hand a squeeze. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a class to teach." Severus watched the warrior walk through the side door and wondered again, how everyone else failed to notice all the weapons the young man kept with him.
Sneering down at his plate, Severus realized how childish he was acting. His heart ached because of it. He was so mad seeing Stratus playing with his Harry, but the way Vladimir acted just now really made Snape loathe himself even more. It discussed him that he thought Harry would leave him when a better man came along.
Quickly he got up and trailed after his Harry. Rounding a corner into a long hall, Snape spotted the younger dark wizard. " Vladimir , wait!" Harry stopped, but did not turn around. He didn't want Snape to see his big goofy grin. "I'm sorry." Severus said vigorously to the back of Harry's head. "I've been jealous and I'm sorry."
Turning around, Vladimir dropped his smile. "What could possibly make you jealous?"
"Your first mate." Severus whispered looking tenderly at Harry's uncovered red eye.
"I won't lie to you Severus." The younger man crossed his powerful arms a crossed his chest. "Stratus and I used to be lovers. He was my first in fact and there will always be a place in my heart for him, but we haven't been lovers in a long time. I am yours for however long you want me." Steeping closer he added, "And I hope it's for a long time." He placed a gentle kiss on the potion masters lips, sighing in pleasure.
"May we sill have dinner together?" The professor asked as the parted.
Chuckling, Vladimir nodded. "But right now, I'm going to be late for my first class. Good day, Professor."
Watching the powerful leather clad man walk away, Severus's day got a lot better… that was until the start of his first year, Gryffindor and Slytherin class. That class made him wish that Longbottom was still in school. At least the boy was predictable.
***
Seventh year Gryffindor and Slytherins waited out by Hagrid's hut for their new Care for Magical Creatures Professor. After five minutes went by and their new professor didn't show, they started to look towards the lake, but it was when they heard a thunderous beating, that they looked to the forest.
The ground shook as the galloping got louder. The students were in a slight panic. No professor around to save them from what ever it was that was coming from the forest. The Slytherins moved to the back as the Gryffindors were at the front, wands at the ready, waiting for the thing to come out and come out it did.
A large, lager then most, horse jumped out of the forest into a clearing just feet away from the students. The horse looked like it was made from the powers of war. The god Aries would have such a horse. Its coat glittered with white in the sun light, making the black coat look like the night time sky itself. The long black mane and tail waved uncontrollably as it ran out of the forest.
When the seventh years saw the rider of the giant war horse, they calmed a bit, pocketing their wands. Vladimir steered the horse towards his class and pulled back on the reins, slowing down to a walk. Stopping just in front of his class, Vladimir smiled brightly at all the stunned and shocked faces.
"Sorry I'm late class." He said as he pushed himself up, swung his leg over and dismounted his war horse. "Set here," He patted the black horse's neck. "didn't want to cross the lake. So, we had to ride the long way around." One Gryffindor in the back raised his hand. "Yes, Mr.—"
"Kien, sir."
"Yes, Mr. Kien?"
"Sir, are we going to study your horse?" The tall brown hair boy asked starring wide-eyed at Vladimir 's steed.
"Yes, we are." He smiled as Set rested his head easily on top of his. "No can anyone tell me what Set is?" When no one answered, Harry wasn't surprised. "I never learned about his kind at school either. " He smiled and shook Set's head off. "Now before we begin, I will ask that no one walk near until I give the ok." Getting a nod from every student, he went on. "Set is what you would call a Unicorn, although, he has no horn." Satisfied that he got several gasps he went on with out interruption. "Every thousand years or so, there is a Unicorn born unlike all the rest. That would be Set here. He is almost the complete opposite of his mother. Black coat, red eyes and," Vladimir genital opened the horse's mouth showing everyone the sharp teeth. "He eats meat. He loves it almost too much."
Another hand went up. "Yes, Miss?—"
"Turner."
"Yes, Miss Turner?"
"If he is the opposite of a Unicorn, does that mean he's evil?"
Before Vladimir could answer a Slytherin put his hand up. Harry nodded to him. "Sir, didn't you say that he was almost the complete opposite? That doesn't mean he's evil."
"Very good, ten points to Slytherin." Harry beamed at the Slytherins. "Set is just as pure as any Unicorn could be. When I talked about being opposite, I was talking about appearance. There is a good lesson to learn from Set."
"That appearance is just that." A small boy from Gryffindor blurted out and blushed as all turned to look at him. Harry awarded the boy ten points and went on teaching.
'This is easy.' He thought to himself as he answered all the questions they could fling at him. Through it all, Set stood sill, his colossal black hooves never moving. Only twice did he move his head, nudging Harry, telling him to 'Pet me'.
With thirty minuets of class left, Harry let each willing student to pet Set. The great war horse aloud it and Vladimir knew he liked the attention.
Harry dismissed his class in time for lunch. As he mounted Set, Professor Snape followed by the Headmistress came rushing out, making a beat line for him. The students passing them stopped to wonder about the worried look in their professor's faces. Moving Set in their direction, he asked, "What's going on?"
"Professor Malfoy missed his morning class and we can't find him anywhere." The Headmistress spoke in a rush. "I've cancelled all classes and asking all the teachers to help in the search."
"Where do you want me?" Harry asked as he turned around in the large saddle to look into the dark forest. "I think I would be the best candidate to search the forest."
"I agree." She said hastily. "If you find him, send up sparks with your wand."
"If I find him," He looked towards Severus's distressed face. "I will bring him back." With that he spurred Set's flank. With a jump he dashed off into the forest, both horse and rider blinding in into the dark ominous forest.
By nightfall Harry and Set covered every square foot of the forest. They ran into no trouble in the forest. None of the creatures there wanted to approach them, all but the centaurs. All they said to Vladimir was "Gianfar is very dark tonight."
Looking up at the constellation Draco, Harry had to agree, the star Gianfar was very dark. This fuelled his desire to find Draco even more and he feared that he might need some extra help. Steering Set back to his ship; he put magnificent horse to rest. He was grateful for the help Set put forth, but he needed someone with a better nose.
"Stratus?" He called for his first mate as he walked into his cabin. The glowing pale man looked up at his once lover.
"What wrong?" He asked, his mystic voice caring the worry he felt.
"I need your help." Harry told him about Draco missing and Stratus didn't waist a moment. He rushed out of the cabin, Vladimir hot on his heels. Taking a hold of the dark wizard, Stratus flew them over the lake and landed safely on the ground as Severus walked out of the castle looking worse for the ware.
"Is there anything specific you want me to look for, other then his sent?" Stratus asked, ignoring the potion master walking briskly over to them.
"He might be hurt, bleeding some where." Harry nodded to Severus as he reached Vladimir 's side, but made no other indication that he was there. "If they had found Draco already, I would have known, but for the life of me I can't feel him anywhere. It might mean that his life force is running very low. We must find him fast."
Pulling his long white hair out of his face and into a tail, Stratus sat off, hunting for the lovely missing professor. Taking Severus's hand, Harry followed. "How can he find Draco when even your powers are not enough?" Asked the older man.
"He has more hunting skills then I do. Believe it or not, Stratus is a vampire." Severus stopped at those words. "Come on." Harry pulled his hand and they were on Stratus's trail again.
"I've never seen or heard of a vampire that looks like him." Snape added in wonderment. "My god I've never heard of a vampire being allergic to the sun before."
Shrugging Harry tugged Severus along with him. "He won't tell me much about his past or why he's different from other vampires, but I still trust him with my life. He's a good man." Frowning Harry watched Stratus suddenly stop and turn in to the forest. He'd just spent the day in that damn place.
Stratus started running and Harry let go of Snape's hand so they could keep up. It wasn't three minutes in that Stratus stop in front of a tree, shock written all over his face. When Vladimir came by his side he saw Draco. His nude bruised body hung, face first into the tree, blood running down his pale leg and dripping into the black soil of the forest. Feeding the tree from which he hung, hands tied above his head.
It was a sight that burned into his memory for all time and Harry lost it. His powers grew as his anger flared, knocking down all the trees within a twenty foot radius. Leaving the one Draco hung from to stand alone. Severus and Stratus were not affected by Harry's power and were very grateful that the wizard knew some control.
Lifting his hand, Vladimir pointed it at Draco, whose body unhooked from the tree and floated towards Harry. Taking off his cloak, Harry wrapped the floating unconscious Malfoy in it before he wrapped his arms around his friend like brother. "Put one of our hands on my shoulders." He ordered the other two men. The complied and before they knew it Harry was calling out, "Poppy!"
***
Giving out a long hard sigh, Poppy plopped in a chair next to Harry. "How is he?" Vladimir asked.
"Not good." She took in a deep shaken breathe. A bottle appeared in front of her face. Looking up at Severus she smiled and took the Pepper Up Potion. "Thank you Severus." He nodded and all three men, including the Headmistress waited for Poppy to compose herself. "I was able to cure most of the damage done to him. He will still have bruises and scars to deal with, he looks worse then he his." Digging a hand into her pocket, she pulled out a piece of bark about the size of a golf ball. "These," She handed it to Vladimir . "Were imbedded into his body."
"What is it?" The headmistress asked.
"It's bark from a Razor Bark Tree. They only grow in this forest and are named that, well, you can see why." She pointed to were Harry cut his finger on the piece of bark. Taking in another deep breath, she fought the tears coming to her eyes. "When I was running the tests I found that he had been… raped."
"What!" Vladimir stood, clutching the piece of bark in his hand, slicing it open. The others watched as his hand turned white, blood dripping to the clean floor. "Who?" He asked his voice deep and threatening.
"From the seamen samples that I collected," Poppy's voice cracked, tears fully running down her face. "His father." Harry let out a howl of despair and madness as he threw the bark at the wall with enough force to imbed it into the wall.
Severus reached out to comfort him, but Vladimir pushed past him, his power looking like black sand swirled around the young man. "Where are you going?" Snape asked softly, fearful that Harry might snap.
"I have to challenge someone to a dual." He hissed.
"Killing Lucius is not going to solve anything." The headmistress said, whipping the tears from her eyes.
"I'm not going after him. I'm leaving Draco to do that." Harry turned, briefly placing a kiss on Severus's cheek. "I will return soon." Disappearing, Harry reappeared in his cabin on Mistrust, scarring Dudley to death. "Sorry." He quickly sat at his desk and wrote a quick latter. " Dudley ?" His cousin looked up at his name. "Do me a favorer. Take this note down to the stables and give it to one of the owls down there." He nodded and took the note from Harry. "Thank you." And Harry disappeared again.
Back at the waiting room at Hogwarts hospital wing, Snape fell into a chair next to Poppy. "I would like," Everyone looked up at Stratus as he fidgeted with his opened gray cloak. "to offer myself as a watcher for the boy." Severus opened his mouth to protest but Stratus went on. "I can stay all day with him if need be and if he needs anything, I can run faster then any of you could fly on a broom. If he needs help I will get one of you."
"I think that would be wonderful." Poppy put forward, hopping that McGonagall or Severus didn't objected. To her surprise, they both nodded.
***
Sitting down, eating a sandwich and reading a book, Percy missed the owl that flew in, until it dropped the letter on his head and flew out before he could counteract. Putting down his sandwich and book the young Dark Lord opened his mail.
Dear Voldemort want to be,
I challenge you to a duel at 8:00 a.m. Meet me in the middle of Nowhere. You know how to get there and no followers. We duel to the death, wands only.
Harry Potter
"Hit a cord, have I?" Percy mussed and finished his sandwich before he Apparated to the middle of Nowhere. Standing there waiting for him, was Vladimir . Arms crosses, his soft brown leather clad legs planted firmly on the ground. His face set in stone, legendary scar and the new one showing brightly. "Well I thought it was you. When I first came to this place I thought there was something about you I hated and recognized. It wasn't until Malfoy told me that you were at Hogwarts that I put two and two together." Percy yawned, looking around the deserted club. It just wasn't the same atmosphere during the day.
"This as gone on long enough." Harry hissed, sounding like the snakes he talks to.
"Oh, I don't think so." Before Vladimir could reach for his wand, Percy had his and cried out, "Avada Kedavra!"
It was like slow-motion. The killing curse aimed true, but something went wrong. Harry held up his hand and it stopped in mid air. Percy's eyes grew wide as he found that he himself could not move from his spot. He watched as Harry walked closer to the curse. "Amazing isn't it?" He asked gesturing to the curse giving off green light. "One little curse and your world ends in the blink of an eye." Vladimir stared sorrowfully at the curse, running his hand through the green smoky mass, it broke through the skin, melting it off to the bone, but when Harry pulled is hand away it looked like it had never happened.
"You know, I liked you during school." Harry mused, looking at Percy with his red and green eyes. "I can't imagine what your death will do to your family. Ron will probably never forgive me." Lifting his hand, He made a twirling motion and the killing curse moved and was now pointed at Percy. "Good bye Percy Weasley. I'm sure your family will mourn your loss." Making a cutting motion with his hand the curse flew dead on to the young Dark Lord, killing him instantly.
***
"Professor Dumbledore, sir?" Hagrid called to the wine-red haired child in front of him.
"Dear Hagrid," Albus turned and smile at the half giant. "How many times to I have to tell you, I'm no longer a professor."
"Yes, sir. Bu' where are we goin'?" Hagrid stopped when Albus did. The small boy turned around and sighed.
Sitting down on a rock he motioned for Hagrid to join him. When the kindhearted large man sat down, Albus began his tail. "When I was still a young professor I found a room that in all my years since, I could not find again." Pulling a long scroll out of his sleeve, the young Albus opened it and showed it to Hagrid. "It's a map to the founders of Hogwarts. I never imagined myself that I would need to go to such a place."
"Wha's wrong with goin' there?"
The young boy ran a hand through his long red locks. "Something's, Hagrid, are better left buried."
"Says you." Jumping up from his spot, Albus turned to see a familiar ghost standing not five feet away.
"Who are yeh?" Hagrid asked steeping in front of the ex-headmaster. In a very Snape-like way the ghost raised an eye brow at the half giant. "I thought you went to my school? Tell me you don't recognize me."
"I don'" The proud dark haired ghost just slumped his shoulders.
"There you see." Came another ghost's voice, a dark powerful sounding one. "And you think that people would recognize the ghost of the great Godrick Gryffindor."
"Shove it Salazar!" The tall slender ghost called out into the thick sounding trees. Floating out of the trees was a tall broad ghost, his long dark slivery hair falling in his face.
"Oh, I see you've come for a visit, Albus." Salazar went around Hagrid to find the small boy. "So what got your robes in a twist to come to us?"
"Salazar!" Godrick went up to Slytherin with a look of pure loathing.
"I know why he's here, Gryffindork." Salazar rolled his eyes as Godrick blushed with rage. "He's here to ask us about Harry."
It took less then a second to wipe the rage look on Godrick's face. "Harry?" He asked and then spoke in a rush. "What about Harry? His he alright? He's not hurt his he? Can we go see him?"
"I'm afraid that Harry is anything but alright." Albus stood as tall as he could as he spoke to two of the founders of Hogwarts. "He's gone dark and is trying to rally up Voldemort's Death Eaters." Gryffindor just got a puzzled look on his face, as Slytherin just narrowed his eyes at the once headmaster.
"That doesn't sound like Harry." Godrick said.
"So, Harry really was here?" Albus asked the two ghosts. "Did he go into your tombs?"
"Yes, he was aloud to go into all of them." Salazar sneered, looking a lot like Snape. "Not that that's any of your business."
"Wha's so importan' in yer tombs?" Hagrid asked, sitting down on the forest floor.
"Knowledge, my dear half giant." Slytherin sighed. "I request that he go to Hogwarts with you."
"I'm afraid that we are not immediately going back there." The red headed child said in a clam voice. "We have more… friends to look for."
"Fine then," Salazar hissed, floating closer to Godrick, whispering in the Gryffindor's ear. Getting a nod from Godrick, Salazar turned back to Dumbledore. "We are going back to our school. If what you say about Harry is true, then hope that the gods help us all. But if you're wrong, then I hope that they help you." With out saying goodbye, the Slytherin left, Godrick following him after he waved goodbye to the ex-headmaster and half giant.
"There is little hope now, Hagrid." Albus sighed.
"Wha' do yeh mean?"
"Harry somehow found their tombs before anyone else could." The small child buried his head in his hands. "The things he could have taken from their tombs could easy end this world. And once more, he knows it. Harry could kill us all."