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Unbreakable Ties
By So Yun
Chapter two
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Afterwards Draco stopped himself short and frowned and let the pendant fall from his hands back against his chest. He then turned around and walked out of the Hospital wing. He knew Severus and Sirius Black would be staring at his retreating back but he didn't care. He felt foreign.
Half of him wanted to run back to Harry and assure himself that his friend was indeed alright. The other wanted to run away, get away from the infirmary at the least. That part won out.
For the while that he sat in the small alcove a few corridors away from the infirmary he was confused. But soon he became calmer and something became more evident, he rushed back to the infirmary where he knew Severus would be.
He burst through the doors and said loudly, "I want to see my father Severus,"
The older man looked up through his curtain of lank hair; he was sitting by Harry's bed side reading a book. He narrowed his eyes and hoped to ignore his Godson's comment and continued reading, looking up every now and then to check on Harry.
"Severus! I need to see him." Draco yelled, not caring whether he would awaken his friend.
This made Snape's head snap up and he stood up quickly and sauntered over to Draco.
"That is for me to decide Draco, and my decision is absolutely not. Now quiet down before you wake Harry up."
Draco stormed across back to the seat where Severus had sat done again. In a hushed voice but still slightly loud he demanded, "I must see him! You cannot deny me of it!"
Severus just continued to ignore the temperamental boy, he rolled his eyes at the unhesitant curses the boy used. He would chastise him for it later. But the boy's tempered ranting became too much and louder as well. He looked over to Harry to find the boy's eyelids opening wearily.
He stood up darkly and stormed over to his godson, clenching the boy's shoulders in a vice grip he shook him; hard. His godson's adolescent frame shook raggedly until he stopped speaking all together.
He let go of the teenager roughly and then him stumble to regain his balance.
Draco's silver hair was flyaway, half covering his now haunted looking face, his thin lips set into a vicious snarl.
"Desist, at once Draco!" Snape's whip like voice rang the air, nearly freezing it with its coldness. The boy's face went blank and he slid to the ground. Snape looked down in horror at the boy, not realizing what had just happened.
He turned at a strangled swallow to find Harry's wide, vivid emerald orbs staring at the scene. "What on earth just happened?"
Severus felt his jaw slacken, somehow he felt guilty looking down at his godson and surrogate son.
Harry, felt oddly disconnected, he had awoken to Severus's angry, no furious voice. Then he watched as his best friend was shaken to hard that Harry thought Draco's head would fall off his shoulders.
Draco now sat crumpled on the ground, crying and silent.
No one answered his spoken plea as he scrambled out of his tangled sheets and his feet landed with a splat on the cold floor. He timidly neared Draco's silent form and passed Severus's still one.
Once he neared the other teen, Draco's head whipped round and he snarled, "Don't come near me, Potter!"
Then he scrambled to his feet, but with his head held high marched out of the hospital wing. Harry stepped back in hurt and just ended up landing on his behind roughly.
What is going on? What the hell is going on?" He murmured to himself and clutched his head in his heads.
"Language," Severus chastised gently, standing exactly where he was before.
Harry turned to him and said in spite, "I don't know why you had to do that, and I don't know what's wrong with him. But I-I…I can't believe you were so harsh,"
Snape looked up, softness mirroring his eyes; he fully expected Harry to storm out just like Draco. But Harry's loyal faith held in and he stayed on the floor in an uncomfortable sitting position.
When Harry did not move, just stayed silent, Snape leaned down and gently lifted the teen in his strong arms. Harry was startled at first and began to stammer, "Really Severus…I can manage on my own, I-"
"No you will not Mr Potter, you need rest. It was I who disturbed it so I shall make you as comfortable as possible,"
He gently lowered Harry onto the bed and pulled the blankets around him. He smiled grimly at the teen, "I'm sorry for my conduct Harry, it's just; Draco is being difficult,"
Harry cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes in confusion, "What about?"
"I'm not sure if it worries you or not, I do not ever know for sure; perhaps I should let Draco tell you himself,"
Harry snorted then blushed and mumbled, "Didn't you see how cold he was to me? One minute he's fine, the next its back to Potter," Harry scowled at that then turned to his side and said softly, "I think I'll nap a bit more, thanks Severus."
Severus wished that Harry would open up a little more, show some feeling but he didn't push it.
"Sleep well Harry."
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Severus found Draco shortly after Harry had nodded off. He was sitting calmly by the Slytherin common room fire, he seemed in a doze. He startled easily when his Godfather laid a gentle hand on his broad shoulder.
Snape rounded the chair to kneel in front of Draco, he looked up into his godson's soft grey eyes and began, "I'm sorry Draco, forgive me for being so harsh. I am just concerned about your safety and well being. If you wish….if you wish to see your father, I shall take you,"
Draco looked up wearily and nodded, "Thankyou Severus," he smiled weakly then let his pale haired head fall back against the chair. His guardian gave him a sympathetic look and in a rare moment of affection, he kissed the boy's forehead.
"I wish you any happiness I can give you, if it means visiting your father then I shall let you. I can't stand to see you, my Godson like this. I don't why you are suffering, but I cannot stand and watch, you or Harry, or any child. Go to sleep soon."
Draco stared wide eyed at Snape, mouth agape and his eyes fell and lulled. He smiled briefly to himself before getting up and heading to the dorms.
Black was busy watching Harry for now, he knew no harm would come to the boy if a stark, craving mad half dog was guarding him. He entered his own quarters and fell on the bed fully clothed, he had an odd sense of something off happening.
But right now he couldn't care or even take note, he needed sleep and peace.
Sirius smiled at his Godson. He knew that James and Lily would be clawing in their graves from worry. But Sirius knew that no matter what danger Harry was in, everyone and anyone was willing to save him.
Sirius was also worried, and deep inside frightened. It seemed, that no matter what; his family would never be in peace.
He intended on finding who nearly stole his precious godson's life away, who on earth would poison a fifteen, nearly sixteen year old child? He had fumed over in for the past hours, he wished Moony had been there to help brainstorm.
But he was busy on a mission and wasn't expected back for another five days. He smiled as Harry's eyes fluttered open, vivid green staring right at him. He handed Harry his glasses carefully and watched as he put them on. As soon as he could see Harry was focused and could see clearly, he exclaimed brightly,
"Hello sleeping beauty,"
Harry yawned and blushed, "Severus and Draco were in here earlier. But I've been meaning to ask, what happened?"
Sirius frowned and shuffled his chair closer, he opened his mouth to speak but stopped. He didn't know how to say this to the teen, "Well…what do you remember?"
"Not much," Was Harry's curt reply, Sirius crumpled his mouth and started again.
"Well….you see; you were quite sick…-"
"Hmmm… I sort of remember being really cold then really hot…."
"You had a very dangerous fever…..you see Harry-someone poisoned you,"
Harry frowned and his mouth closed as he went to interrupt. He seemed to be analysing what had happened over and over. His eyes widened a bit and he exclaimed, "Someone poisoned me?!"
He sighed loudly and ran his fingers limply over the sheets; fine tremors of nerves running through them frailly. He lifted his right hand up and ran it nervously through his hair, messing it up even more from when he had slept.
Sirius nodded grimly and ran his own hand through his hair also, the two sat in awkward silence. Harry sighed again and asked softly, "What have I done to anyone? Maybe it's because I exist…." He finished haughtily and pulled the covers up to his chin as he pulled his knees up also.
Sirius moved closer again and laid a hand on the top of Harry's perched knee, he looked directly into Harry's eyes and uttered softly, "Don't say that Harry,"
"It's because they're bastards,"
Harry stifled a giggle, "True Padfoot, true," Sirius relented a little and smiled. He shook Harry's knee a little before leaning back into his chair, he sighed and stared out the window.
They enjoyed each other's company even if they only talked a little. Neither seemed to be in the mood to talk on end, they were content just in silence. There were times when Harry was laughing and giggling like a little kid at times, but then simmering down to thinking.
Soon it was night time and Sirius insisted on sleeping on a bed next to Harry's but his Godson desisted.
"I'll be fine Sirius! Leave it be!" He twisted in his sheets, pleading at his Godfather. He did love his godfather, but this was just plain smothering.
Sirius rolled his eyes and his shoulders slumped, "I want to protect you Harry. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you…if something happened…-"
"Nothing will happen! Hogwarts is perfectly safe!"
"Harry…-"
"Sirius please, I don't want people watching me day and night. I-I just want to be normal…"
Sirius relented, understanding the teen's plea. Harry's whole life consisted of being sheltered and smothered with protections. He nodded dimly and gave a weak smile, at the door he waved, "Goodnight Harry, I'm sorry for smothering you….it's just-"
"I understand Padfoot, thankyou." His godson said with earnest in his voice. Sirius left the hospital wing, the door clicking shut in the silence of the night.
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Harry was sleeping peacefully until he heard a rustling off sheets and his eyes flared open. Perhaps he should have let someone at least guard the door.
Panic gripped him as he noticed a silhouette standing over his bed. His breathes got quicker and he attempted to discreetly fumble for his wand or at least his glasses.
He nearly jumped an inch when a pale hand shot out and grabbed his, "Uh uh!" The person said and moved out of the shadows.
"Boo!" Harry hit his head hard on the head board then clutched his heart. It was just Draco of course. Only he would do something as mean and as scary as that.
He rolled his eyes at the childish gesture as Draco sat down on his bed, slightly creating a dip. Under the moonlight the two boy's remained silent for a moment before Draco burst out, "Pot-Harry, guess what?"
Harry frowned at the name usage but also conducted a confused expression. He shrugged and waited for his friend's reply. Draco looked positively excited, he looked as if he were about to bounce off the bed.
"I'm visiting father tomorrow!" he gasped in an awed voice completely taking Harry's by surprise. He screwed his brow in absolute confusion and replied, "Why the hell, are you visiting him?!"
Draco's eye grey eyes bunched in anger and Harry recoiled from the look. Draco stood up and straightened his crumpled robes carefully, "Why do you think Potter? You're so stupid! It's none of your business!" He then stormed out, shutting the door loudly enough to make Madam Pomfrey come running out.
Harry was sitting still up right in his bed, his jaw slack; Madam Pomfrey rushed over, gasping out, "I knew we should have kept someone next to you Potter!"
Harry jumped out of his reverie and looked wildly at her exclaiming, "No! Madam Pomfrey, it was only Draco, no need, really. Sorry if I woke you," He finished lamely and looked away.
She looked weary and said in a matter of fact, "You two have a little spat?"
Harry blushed in anger and embarrassment at the chastising tone she used and nodded. She sighed and started walking back to her room, "Goodnight Mister Potter."
"Goodnight Madam Pomfrey."
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Harry tossed and turned under the dim light of the sunrise, he had very little sleep since Draco's visit. Once he realized he would not get back to sleep he sat up and clutched his knees.
He couldn't understand why Draco wanted to even see his father or why Severus had even let him. He knew that Draco might have motives to want to see Lucius, but he himself didn't want his best friend to have to face his father.
After the horror of last year that was hard to shake off, he knew he would have to accompany Draco. He would be damned if he let his friend go without his support.
He struggled to pull back the covers; he was still building his strength. He began to get tangled in them and cried out in frustration. He continued like this for a moment until a pale hand stilled him.
"Harry," Severus's gentle voice made the boy look up into the obsidian depths; Harry stopped moving all together.
The man could see right into his soul and comfort every fibre of his being just as Sirius could. He immediately felt calmed and the gentle hands pulled away the sheets easily.
"There is no point distressing over something so simple, Harry."
Harry bowed his head in embarrassment and mixed emotions he couldn't decipher, but a long finger tilted his chin up.
"Never be afraid Harry, of things you can't understand. I know what happened last night, and I know that I cannot stop you from accompanying Draco and I,"
Harry nodded, his chin still being tilted upwards. After a moment Severus released it and sat on the bed.
"I don't understand why Draco is being so, but I intend to figure it out. If it means he has to visit Lucius then I shall allow it. He will thank you for being such a loyal friend one day Harry,"
Harry smiled weakly and was silent as was Severus. After a moment of them both looking out the window, Harry broke the silence, "Does Sirius know I'm going?"
Severus's breath hitched and he looked away, Harry took this as a bad sign.
"No," Was all the older man uttered and stood up, standing by the window.
Harry's frowned, Sirius had a right in knowing he knew it; he could not betray his godfather's trust. He looked questionably at Snape; the man did not say anything else.
"Well I better tell him then Severus, he might want to come you know," He managed and shuffled out of bed weakly, ignoring Severus's indifferent look.
His feet hit the cold floor and he winced and tugged at his pyjamas. He was nearly at the door, Snape still in what seemed like a trance. He opened the door but was stopped by Snape's voice, "No Harry, I'm sorry but you can't tell him,"
Harry whipped around so fast that his neck cricked; his face plastered with a rage that made Severus recoil.
"How can I not tell him?! He despises Lucius; he should know I'm going with my best friend to see him!"
"Exactly! He won't let you go is my point. Don't you want to be there for Draco?" Severus's soft, but devastating tone made Harry freeze; his guardian was right.
Harry's shoulders slumped, he felt deep down that he should tell Sirius, but he also knew that he would never be able to go and support Draco if he did. So he decided that supporting Draco was too important, he was far too loyal to leave Draco alone to face this, even if Severus was going.
He nodded, defeated then grabbed the clothes Ron had dropped off the night before and locked himself in the bathroom. He clutched his clothes and stared at the mirror for a second.
He was alarmed by his appearance, he was pale and he had black rings under his eyes. The poison had been stopped but it had taken a toll on his appearance. He could fit two fingers around his wrists and his eyes looked…haunted.
He stared for a moment more before scrambling to strip and change. He knew Severus would be patiently waiting for him. No doubt the trip to Azkaban would be very soon.
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The boat chugged through the murky and rough seas towards the dilapidated island. Severus looked sea sick, pale and his knuckles clenched on the edge of the wooden bow. Draco was quiet, his face impassive as he watched the nearing building in the middle of the island.
Harry sat beside him offering silent comfort that he knew Draco was in too deep to acknowledge but did it anyway. His mouth was set in a grim line; he had never seen Azkaban before apart from the photos in the Daily Prophet.
The building was grey stone and stood starkly against the misty horizon. Gulping black waves cascaded around the island shores making it stand clear and menacing above the sea.
The boat sailed closer and closer, roughly smashing through the waves until it stopped by a rusted and rotted planked deck. Rough ropes tying knots around the decayed wood posts.
Severus swaggered off while Draco and Harry followed silently behind. Harry could feel many bad feelings and things emitting off this place and he hoped to dear lord that the dementors stayed away.
He absently minded fingered his pendant under his shirt and followed the other two and the guards up a rocky path.
Once inside, Harry shivered and felt his skin tingling with coldness and the hairs on his neck prickling; standing on end.
The Dementors stayed away, but Harry could still feel their presence even though they were in another part of the prison. Harry could feel and smell the emotions carousing through the place.
It reeked of pain; terror; sadness and grief. It chilled Harry and he felt he was walking through a living morgue.
In front of him Snape seemed impassive but Draco, though looking calm had a wild sort of terrifying look glimmering in his grey depths. He had a small sheen of sweat painted across his pale forehead.
They followed the guard for less then five minutes, Harry feeling a whim of insane feelings that made him want to run and hide. He pushed the urge away and bumped into Draco as they stopped abruptly.
The jail cell was opened with a high pitched screech, the doors hardly ever being opened. Harry gasped at the site and quickly looked at his friend in worry.
The cell was greyed and dirty, every centimetre of the cement walls and floor covered in a brown and black grime, soot caking the corners. In the corner across from the door was a ragged lump of something that was breathing loudly, a small glimpse of white, but now dirtied and black hair. Pale skin nearly translucent though smudged slightly with mess.
As Harry stared at his friend, the ragged lump shifted and in a blur ran towards them. Harry recoiled and stepped back, frightened out of his wits while Severus barred the door to protect them.
The guard stepped forward and uttered something and immediately the lump; formerly known as Lucius Malfoy fell back into the corner, breathing harshly.
Harry tried to shake away the fright that had gripped him and stared at Draco. During the whole encounter he had not flinched, moved or said anything. He just stared coldly at his father for awhile in silence.
He smirked after a moment and laughed coldly, then stopped.
"Have a nice life, father." And turned back, walking briskly down the numerous corridors they had gone down before. Severus stared in quiet shock, though his face blank before turning back to follow his Godson quickly.
Harry stood, frozen for a moment before turning to leave. Before he did so he glanced at the emaciated man once more. He caught a flash of something red and a glint of silver underneath the rags he wore for clothes.
Harry moved closer right before the guard shut the door; he saw clearly, a pendant, a silver dragon pendant. A silver dragon pendant, just like his own and Draco's. But this one had ruby eyes.
Jus before the door slammed shut, Lucius Malfoy looked up and stared at Harry. Harry flinched at the look he could decipher in the cold, grey depths; it was a plea for help.
The door swung shut loudly.
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I am so, so, so, so, so, so extremely sorry for taking a long time to update. I've been a bit out of sorts with a writer's block and I acquired a busy job.
I hope you've enjoyed this instalment, hopefully I can update a bit quicker next time.
I've also been quite busy with a story involving Harry and Snape with a bit of a twist. Look out for "Reverent Longing" in the next couple of days.
If you are interested in any of my stories please add me to your alert list.
Pretty please review!
Next Chapter:
Lucius has a pendant like Draco's and Harry's? What does this mean? More bonding between Harry and his guardians and it's back to school!