Draco Salus

Disclaimer: Harry Potter & Co. were created by J.K. Rowling. I own naught but the plot. Reviews make me go squee.


The house looked like it had been abandoned over a year ago. Over twelve months with no upkeep had begun to take its toll on the building. Shingles from the roof were missing or broken, dangling off the side of the house, making it look decidedly weather-worn. The only signs of life in the cabin-like house was the dim light from several flickering candles and the sounds of a man fixing tea in the half-lit kitchen. His movements were mechanical and precise as he handled a dingy tea-kettle. Fixing tea was no different than making a potion. He filled a chipped mug with hot tea and brought it to the living room. Like he always did, he set the cup down on the table without a word and walked away. This time, he stopped halfway to the kitchen. His profile glowed in the candlelight. His face didn't soften (it never did) and his features remained the same- his hooked nose, dark, empty eyes, and black hair matched his thin-lipped mouth as he spoke. His voice was resolute.

"It'll get better."

Draco Malfoy watched Severus Snape disappear into the tiny kitchen. When he heard the sound of the kettle clattering against the stove, he leaned forward and took the mug in his hand, grasping it gingerly. Salvation. That's what this cup would bring to him. At least, that's what he decided to tell himself every time he drank from it, before the Dreamless Sleep would make him weary enough to sleep off the nausea and pain that came in waves each time his fair skinned left arm burned black. He would sleep for hours on that couch, unaware of its torn, lumpy cushions, or of the stale smell of dust on the armrest where he rested his head.

Severus Snape clenched his teeth as he too ignored his master's angry Call.


A/N: I haven't read any fics that pick up where JKR left Snape and Draco running away from Hogwarts. Links, anyone? This plot bunny's been nagging at me for a while now. Leave a review and let me know what you think...