The slaverbond
When Harry closed the heavy door behind him and stood leaning against it he could feel his entire body shiver. Snape made him loose control each and every time. How could the Order give Harry so much control over a man he only wished to destroy? It made no sense to Harry, and it scared him on some deep, unconscious level. He'd be able to master Snape's magic for Merlin's sake, every order Harry was to give, Snape had to obey!
Harry wondered whether Snape had really believed his implications about the slaverbond. He had looked suitably horrified, but it seemed he still kept some faith in the Order, or at the very least a tiny bit of hope. Perhaps Snape even believed that the Order would get him out of his tough spot.
But not this time. This time the Order had every intention of laying Snape's entire life in the hands of his once youthful student who withered in grudges. Oh, there was justice after all!
Grinning sedately to himself, Harry pulled away from the door, making sure that his legs would be able to support him sufficiently this time.
Harry had no clue how the Weasley's meeting with Scrimgour was going. Percy had seemed quite confident that his plan would work and that the Ministry would have no choice but to hand Snape over to them. He had explained to Harry that the magic of owning someone their life was extremely strong and would in some cases even override the Law. Like in this case, Percy had explained, where Harry could stand forward and claim back what his father had given Snape: his very life.
Percy had also said that the Ministry was very interested in the information Snape possessed, and would agree on the basis of that alone.
Indeed, the future looked bleak for Snape.
The young aurors who had granted Harry access into Snape's prison cell sat by a small table further down the corridor. They pretended to be engrossed in their game of wizarding chess, but Harry could see them turning around and give him quick, curious glances now and then. They probably wondered why he looked so rattled. Straightening up completely, Harry wiped his hands off on the legs of his pants and walked towards the elevator. He was planning to find Scrimgeour's office so that he might find out how the meeting went. Harry had quite the belief in Percy and his inside information on how the Ministry worked.
The light blinked above the elevator, and Harry was just about to step inside as the doors opened when he got startled by finding Mr. Martin standing inside, scowling at him.
'What are you doing here?' asked Mr. Martin darkly and tossed the young aurors on duty a suspicious glare. Harry debated on the wisdom of telling the truth, as he really didn't want to make trouble for anyone. But then again, Mr. Martin would without a doubt find out sooner or later, and Harry felt compelled to take revenge for the argument that had occurred between them a few days previously.
'I've been visiting my dear old professor,' Harry smiled brightly, his green eyes glittering mischievously in a decidedly Weasley-like fashion. Mr. Martin stepped out of the elevator and pointed a finger in Harry's face, the latter being just a few inches shorter than the former.
'I gave you specific orders to stay away from my prisoner,' growled Mr. Martin, his grey hair falling into his reddening face, 'who the hell do you think you are to disobey my orders?'
Harry got the disconcerting feeling of déjà vu and found Mr. Martin to remind him of an aggravated Snape just too much for comfort. Narrowing his eyes, Harry took a step away from the accusing finger.
'You needn't worry,' he said casually, 'I didn't harm him; I just removed his blindfold for a few minutes.'
'You what?' hissed Mr. Martin, 'are you aware of how dangerous that man is?'
'As a matter of fact, I am. He has been inside my mind countless of times because Dumbledore got the brilliant idea of wanting him to teach me Occlumency. Quite the disaster though, I assure you.'
At the mention of this, it was Mr. Martin's turn to take a few steps backwards.
'Snape taught you Occlumency?' he asked doubtfully.
'No, as I told you it didn't work. Some… things got in the way.'
Mr. Martin was silent for a while as he studied Harry up and down. 'Snape must really have been devoted to Dumbledore to let anyone even near his mind,' he said quietly after some time.
A burning hot explosion suddenly awakened the anger inside of Harry at the thought of this, and he could hardly keep back from throttling Mr. Martin right there in front of the aurors.
'How dare you,' hissed Harry instead, 'Snape killed Dumbledore! I was there! I saw it with my own two eyes! I was there god damn it but I couldn't stop it and I saw that MONSTER murder Dumbledore!'
Mr. Martin's eyes widened and he took yet another step away from Harry.
'Calm down boy,' he said as he watched Harry nearly hyperventilate. 'I said what I said because I was on Snape's case during the first war as well. I only know that Dumbledore trusted Snape completely, and I think I can understand why.'
'What do you mean?' growled Harry, aching because the mentioning of Dumbledore's trust continued to cut him so deeply. Harry had thought the wounds to be healed, but the feeling of acid pouring into his bloodstream testified to the opposite.
'Lets just say Snape has a way of making one see his point of view even if one doesn't want to, and that is why he is currently blindfolded.'
'Just because he can see inside our minds doesn't mean he knows how to control it,' muttered Harry, but he knew what Mr. Martin was referring to. Perhaps Snape hadn't been as weak and helpless as he had appeared, bruised and pale, chained like a beast to the floor.
'God, what am I getting myself into?' murmured Harry quietly, resting his burning forehead against the palm of his hand. Mr. Martin looked at him curiously, but didn't ask what Harry had meant.
Harry felt slightly panicked, but calmed himself as he remembered that he would be able to control Snape's magic. He was not entirely sure how the slaverbond worked, but if he gave Snape orders not to use his Occlumency skills then he most probably wouldn't be able to do so.
'I need to be going now,' said Harry in a slightly more collected tone, trying to brush past Mr. Martin, but the older auror wouldn't let him. Mr. Martin took a heavy grip around Harry's upper arm and kept him in place. Staring deep into Harry's eyes, Harry knew that even though Mr. Martin was no occlumens, there was no doubt that all his years as an auror had taught him one or two things about understanding the human psyche.
'You're a good guy,' Mr. Martin said, the delicate wrinkles around his eyes deepening as he smiled, 'just try and be careful around someone who appears vulnerable, for a Slytherin knows how to play their games. I know, as I'm one myself.' Mr. Martin winked and let go of Harry's arm. The elevator door had opened once again, but Harry didn't step into it. What had Mr. Martin meant? 'Go now,' urged Mr. Martin, and pushed Harry in the back.
---
'There you are, Harry,' said Bill who stood outside Scrimgeour's office, his arms crossed over his chest and legs slightly parted, ready to stop anyone trying to enter.
'How are things going?' asked Harry, already having calmed a bit down after the walk from the dungeons. Bill just shrugged his shoulders and looked at the office door. Apparently he had been standing outside the entire time and had little clue as to what was going on inside. 'Do you think I can enter?'
'Sure, you're the one they're discussing after all.'
Harry nodded as he stepped up to the door and gave it two knocks before entering. Inside he found Percy with his notes spread out all over Scrimgeour's desk. The owner stood behind it, a finger to his lips and seemingly in deep concentration. The others were scattered all over the room. Mr. Weasley stood by the window and seemed reluctant to have anything to do with what was going on at all. The twins kept rapt attention, and so did Charlie.
'Ah, Harry,' beamed Mr. Weasley from the window as Harry closed the door behind him, 'I was just wondering where you were.'
Harry just nodded and moved over to Percy and glanced down on the many documents. They didn't make much sense to him, so Harry decided to concentrate on Scrimgeour's reactions instead. The Minister was currently studying Harry quite intently, his yellowish eyes narrowing dangerously behind his glasses. Harry and Scrimgeour did not enjoy each other's company, and Harry wished they could have managed their case without contacting him about it at all.
'So you think you have the strength to Master Snape do you,' said Scrimgeour after having stared sufficiently at his young rival. 'I would have liked to tell you that this is completely out of order, which it is, mind you, but young Percy Weasley here does have a point. We all need the information Snape carry, and not even veritaserum seems to do the trick.' Percy raised his chin at the mention of his name, looking quite pleased with himself.
'You need not worry Harry,' said Percy calmly, 'the magic of the slaverbond will protect you from any assault Snape might make on you. Minister Scrimgeour knows this, of course.'
'Such an ambitious boy you are,' growled Scrimgeour to Percy, 'but, I'll give you my assent to this. On the condition that the Ministry may know all the information that is forthcoming from Snape. But young Mr. Weasley knows this, of course.'
'Of course,' ground Percy out and bent to collect all his papers, but Scrimgeour stopped him by laying a hand on his wrist.
'Let me look through these papers once more, it might help me in persuading some other Ministry personnel.'
Percy retracted his hand from Scrimgeour's touch as if burned, and took a step backwards. It seemed like Harry was the only one noticing this, however, as the other Weasleys were busy standing up and exiting the office.
Once outside, Harry turned to Percy who was absentmindedly cleaning his glasses on his robes.
'You're certain the magic of the slaverbond will be sufficient to keep Snape at bay?' asked Harry, not liking the vulnerability in his voice one bit. But what Mr. Martin had told him had made him think, and Harry wasn't certain he knew how to control Snape at all. The man had managed to trick Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard of the century!
'Of course I am certain,' nodded Percy as he replaced his glasses on his freckled nose, 'the aristocrats who invented the slaverbond spell certainly didn't want their slaves to be able to rise up against them.'
'I'm curious though, how come enemies doesn't enslave each other as revenge and such?'
'Well, a few centuries ago, that happened quite a lot, I assure you. But because of that, a few restrictions had to be made; one can't just pick a random person on the street and bind them with the slaverbond anymore. The Ministry has to approve, which was what we just made them do right now.'
'Oh…' said Harry, trying to follow Percy's pace after the other Weasley's down the corridors. 'So it's really happening; I will become Snape's master?'
'We'll have to wait for the green light from the Ministry first, but yes, it's happening.'
'Shit.'
---
Harry was pacing up and down the kitchen, making the other occupants decidedly uncomfortable. This was the day. Four days had passed since the meeting with the minister, and just yesterday they had received an owl from Scrimgeour himself, telling them that Snape was being cleaned up and made ready. Harry had been asking countless of questions of anyone who happened to pass him by, and he had read Remus' book from cover to cover twice. He knew approximately what was going to happen, but he could have sworn his legs would give out underneath him at any moment. Taking a chair by the table, Harry sat down heavily, making the others breathe out in relief.
What if he did something wrong? What if he screwed it all up? Hermione had already dropped by the Burrow, trying to talk some sense into Harry. This had made Harry almost give in and agree to not enslave Snape, but Percy had made a timely entrance. He had scowled at Hermione, the heat rising in his face, and a huge argument had broken out between the two of them. It had not been pleasant as they both used their highly advanced intellect in trying to force the other into a corner. It had eventually ended when Mrs. Weasley had entered the room and ordered them both to be silent. She had stated that she agreed with Hermione that this was a despicable action to go through with, but it was the only chance they had. Hermione had stood with her mouth open, staring at Mrs. Weasley whom she had always counted on as a companion in such discussions. The final blow against her seemed to have crushed some of Hermione's spirit, but Harry had been mistaken as she had ruffled her feathers, given them all one last burning glare before exiting the Burrow in a rage for the second time. Mrs. Weasley had taken to tears and left them all to make some tea in the kitchen. Percy on the other hand had sunk down in a nearby chair on shaking legs. Resting his elbows on his knees he had hid his face in his hands and sighed heavily.
'You're in love with her, aren't you?' had Harry asked, but Percy hadn't answered.
Staring out of the kitchen window at the greying sky, Harry tried to calm himself again. Mr. Martin had just scared him with his ominous warnings, and Harry shouldn't listen to that old auror. He was if possible even more off his rocket than Moody. The entire Order wouldn't have been for this idea if there was any danger to it.
'Ready?' asked Fred settling himself in the chair opposite Harry.
'You look dreadful,' chimed in George, taking the seat beside his twin.
'No, and thanks,' muttered Harry, slowly taking his gaze away from the window.
'It'll be alright mate,' nodded George, 'we're all going to be there with you, there isn't a thing Snape can do against you.'
'Yeah, well…' Harry trailed off as he didn't really want to appear doubtful or weak in front of the twins. 'I'll be ok; it's just a big thing to be doing, after all. I mean, once it's done, it can't ever be undone.'
'Kinda like marriage, just worse,' agreed Fred, tapping his chin, 'sounds awful actually.'
'Now now,' interrupted George, 'you're making Harry ill, he's going all green.'
Harry didn't argue that he felt like he was about to throw up all over the newly washed kitchen floor.
---
Just as Harry stepped out of the floo and into the gigantic entrance hall of the Ministry, he could feel all doubt leave. He was on a mission, he had a duty to do, and he would certainly enjoy this one. Or at least so he told himself.
Percy had gone through all the practical aspects of what laid a head of them with Harry once more, and this too had helped to calm him down a bit. Most of the magic needed were to be conducted by Ministry personnel, and in this case Scrimgeour had volunteered himself.
The ceremony, if one could call it that, would be taking place in an old abandoned office on the third floor, and that was where they where heading. Just a few people from the Order had been chosen to follow Harry through this, namely the twins, Ron, Remus, Moody and of course Percy.
As they reached their destination they found Scrimgeour and his assistants already there and ready to begin. Now they only needed Snape. Looking around himself Harry found all the things for the ceremony had been laid out, like a piece of black coal and a pair of manacles. On the floor they had drawn a circle with white chalk.
Harry startled as he felt a hand clamp down upon his shoulder, but when he turned around he was relieved to find it to be only Ron. The young Weasley had been uncharacteristically quiet since Hermione's departure, and Harry knew Ron felt more or less like a fish on land without her. Standing on tiptoes, because Ron had grown just that tall, Harry embraced him in a manly hug and clapped him on the back.
'Everything's going to work out fine,' Harry tried to comfort his friend just as much as himself. Ron nodded and gave a little smile, squeezing Harry's hand as a sing of good luck.
Looking around himself, Harry located Remus standing against one of the walls looking sickeningly pale. Harry knew this went against Remus' basic ethics, but why couldn't he just view this as payback for all the things Snape had done to him?
All sound and quiet talking died down as a sudden commotion from the hallway drew all their attention. Quite violently the door was forced open and in walked Mr. Martin and two aurors. Behind them came yet another pair, and these held between them a raging and kicking Snape. He was still blindfolded with the black piece of cloth, but his filthy robes had been exchanged with clean ones. They seemed to be old and discarded auror robes, and the shocking red colour made Snape look like an entirely different person. But Harry had little time to contemplate this as Percy nudged him to make himself ready. Still Harry got distracted again by Snape who seemed quite beyond himself.
'You can't do this,' he growled, his voice still raw and raspy, 'you can't!'
Every occupant in the room seemed to close in on themselves, disappearing in the shadows. Mr. Martin on the other hand wore an expression made of stone and motioned for the aurors to lead Snape into the circle. Snape had in the mean time managed to get a heel down on the floor and was forcefully kicking back. The aurors lost their grip on him for a few seconds, but regained it almost instantly.
Dragging him the last distance they finally managed to place him on his knees in the middle of the circle. As his knees forcefully encountered the floor, Snape hissed out in pain. Harry didn't doubt that nearly two weeks of being chained into a sitting position on a stone tiled floor could seriously damage one's knees. But even now Snape kept on trashing, making half sensible threats and pleas.
Scrimgeour coughed, waving Harry to step into the circle in front of Snape. One of Scrimgeour's assistants collected the coal and Snape's wrists were finally released from their chains. Snape predictably used this opportunity to try and wring his slender arms out of the auror's grips, but to no avail. One of the aurors untied the blindfold quite rudely and took a hold of Snape's hair to force his head back. Harry felt something inside him try to jump through his mouth as he stared down on Snape's eyes. They were looking right up at him, wide and pleading, but worst was the tears. The tears.
'Potter,' a voice suddenly commanded, and Harry's head snapped around to look at Scrimgeour. 'Your hands.'
Harry did as he was told and held forth his hands. Scrimgeour took one of them in his own and proceeded to draw Harry's family crest in the palm with the piece of coal. The other hand went through the same process, and soon Harry was standing there and looking at two identical drawings. Slowly he turned around again and looked down upon Snape whose head was still being held in place by the hair. Stretching out, Harry took a hold around Snape's wrists and the two aurors let go of them, taking a grip on his shoulders instead. The arms where white as paper, but the bruises and wounds from the chains marred them in an ugly way. The strength in them as Snape kept fighting was surprising, seeing as he had been imprisoned for such a long time.
'Let me go, please,' Snape suddenly began pleading, staring into Harry's green eyes. 'Please.'
'Shut up,' growled Harry, tightening his grip around the bruised wrists on purpose.
'Very well, let's begin,' announced Scrimgeour, and stepped into the circle as well. 'I will now read some of the basic rights and laws for both the Master and the slave that will be forced upon you both by the magic of the spell I am about to cast.
Concerning the slave:
"A slave must never act against his master's wishes
A slave must obey all direct orders
A slave must also obey all indirect orders
If a slave has committed a punishable act, they will be taken to court, but will not be able to speak their own case
A slave may not work more than six days a week
A slave will no longer have a surname after the slaverbond has been completed"
Concerning the Master:
"A Master will be able to control the slave's magic at all times
A master has the right to put restriction charms on the slave
A Master is allowed to rename the slave whatever he or she wishes
A master is responsible for the slave's welfare
A master may not kill his slave by starvation, maltreatment or punishment"'
Retracting his wand from the sleeve of his robes, Scrimgeour held it over Harry's hands on Snape. Harry embraced himself by taking a deep breath, and locked his eyes on Snape whose head had to be kept in place. Scrimgeour was not a man to waste time, and began his spell casting before Snape had the possibility to wring his head out of the grip that held him. Once the incantation had begun, there was no way they could break contact.
Harry had no idea how much time they used as he stood there, Snape's wrists securely held in his hands. He could feel the coal drawings burn in his palms, but not unpleasantly. Looking at Snape's expression, it seemed to be quite painful to him.
Eventually Scrimgeour's voice died down, and a last glow of magic made its way around Harry's hands and Snape's wrists. It was over. It was really that easy.
Shocked by the fact that the climax had come and gone, Harry hurriedly let go of Snape's shaking wrists. The family crest had been burned into the white flesh and the black tattoo was red and pulsing.
Really, it had been that easy. Just like that a life had been forever taken away from another person. Harry couldn't quite believe what he had just done. Snape sat there, still on his knees with his hands limp in his lap, and all fight had gone out of him. The expression he wore was a mixture of anger and utter disbelief. Harry was certain that his own mimicked it to some degree, and he took a few steps backwards until he was outside the circle.
'Harry?" a nervous voice asked right behind him, and Harry nodded to show Remus that he had heard him, but he couldn't take his eyes off of Snape. 'Are you alright?'
'Yeah… yeah I'm alright,' he answered, but Harry could hear the slight quivering in his own voice. He wouldn't be able to fool anyone like that. Slowly but deliberately he let his eyes travel from Snape's defeated form and up to Remus' big, questioning eyes, and he smiled. 'It's done now. The plan has been executed successfully, we should celebrate.' Remus nodded slightly, but he didn't look entirely convinced as he studied Harry's eyes.
'Well, that went without a hitch,' Percy suddenly piped up walking towards Harry to give him a pet on the back. He looked paler than usual, his lips tightened into a forced grimace. Harry knew that Percy had always admired Snape as a fellow intellectual and someone to try and please. It must have been difficult for him to see someone he had always viewed as an authority become degraded in such a way. A lot of Percy's world had fallen apart since the beginning of the war and this must have been yet another blow to him. Perhaps he had thought Snape to be able to trick his way out of it, as he had always been able to do. Certainly Harry realized now that some of his shock stemmed from the fact that this had been too easy, Snape had been supposed to slither his way out of this. Yet he hadn't, and now he was bound to Harry forever.
