Pretty Boy

Chapter 7

Not His Day

Severus hadn't slept in three days; he spent twenty four hours, every day, searching for his answers. Thankfully his body was used to his weird ways, when he got into a project he couldn't sleep until he had completed it or had his answers. His body was hyped up on pepper up potions and coffee. It was beginning to have an affect, he was exhausted but he didn't have long. Harry would be turning twenty years old in a year. He couldn't let him down, he'd sworn to do all he could to help him. Lily would also never forgive him for it, this was her son. She would have moved heaven and hell to help him if it came to it. She would have sold her soul to the devil, that's how much she loved her son. Everyone knew that of course, she had died for her son. He went to meals, knowing if he didn't Minerva would come and check on him. He didn't want her to see all the books he had lying around, otherwise she would get suspicious and refuse to leave him alone. She was such a mother hen, no not hen, she had the right kind of Animagus (feline) just wrong size, and she should have been a lion.

"Your coffee sir," said Rizzy giving the Potions Master an impenetrable look. He was used to Master Snape, it wasn't the first time he'd stayed up for days. It was also known that no matter what anyone did, it didn't get through to the wizard. Instead of telling him to go get some sleep, the elf disappeared.

Severus was unaware of just how many people/beings actually cared about him and worried.

Severus gratefully picked up the coffee, black and strong like he was taking it at the moment. Sipping it as he read through another book, all but one, every single binding counter curse had been found. He was having trouble finding the one he'd placed on Harry when he was eleven. He'd had to delve into his own books; he also had twenty from Hogwarts library. He was holding off on it, thinking it highly doubtful it could be found in a school library. If that didn't work he'd look through the restricted second - if nothing then he'd have to give up. Remove the rest of the binds in hopes that Harry somehow could pull through in a year's time when he turned twenty. He wasn't an optimistic man, he didn't see the good first he saw the bad.

Hissing out in pain, he put the cup on the table as he instinctively grabbed at his arm. Squeezing painfully, he rode the pain out, until it dulled somewhat. With no choice, he grabbed his Death Eater garb and used the Emergency Portkey. Which would deposit him outside Hogwarts gates, just beyond the wards - where he could Apparate. The downside to it was the fact Dumbledore knew when he used it, he was the Headmaster and he had created it. He Apparated to the Dark Lord's side, placing the disgusting mask over his face, inwardly cursing his bloody timing. He wasn't going to hold his breathe; he'd probably go home in some type of agony.

Looking around, he saw they were in the old Riddle Mansion, were the Dark Lord had murdered his father and grandparents. He'd actually also bought the property, a very long time ago of course. Not that anyone knew that, except him. He wasn't sure if Dumbledore did or not. Rolling up his sleeves, he walked forward letting the wards identify him. Having the Dark Mark was all that was needed to be granted access. His robes billowing out around him, he stalked up to the Mansion and took his place on the large table. Nagini was curled up by the fireplace, hissing contently, he hated that thing it gave him the willies. He liked snakes; he just hated that one in particular. The Dark Lord had done rituals to it, it could constrict you, poison you, eat you as well. The bones magically disappeared; she didn't even need to regurgitate them. She was quite lethal; he'd hardly been able to save Kingsley Shacklebolt's life when he'd been attacked by it. It was thanks to the powerful and smart thinking healers at St. Mungo's Severus even had the time he did to help. Together, working in the lab below St. Mungo's he'd succeeded in coming up with an anti-dote to the poison Nagini caused. As far as he knew they still had it, he'd taken one for himself just in case. It wouldn't be the first time the Dark Lord had ordered his snake to kill one of his Death Eaters.

Thankfully as a Potions Master he was too valuable for the Dark Lord to wish hurt or maimed permanently. There was none better than him; it's why the insane wizard had wanted him to begin with. Still he was extremely creative in his bid to bring Severus to heel so to speak. Instead he'd given Severus a way to destroy both the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. Neither one of them would harm another soul if he got his way, Harry would have to agree of course. Considering the darkness he could see, he didn't think he'd have a problem in that regard. He was innocent in some ways, but jaded in others. Perfect for a man like him, anyone that could stand up to him though, was deserving of respect.

Everyone went still when the Dark Lord entered the room; Severus tightened his shields and focused on right now. He couldn't be caught thinking of anything else, he did observe that the Dark Lord was in a good mood. Or rather pleased, either way it didn't bode well for the meeting. He sat at the head of the table; Nagini was hissing and making her way over to her master.

"Lucius," was all the Dark Lord needed to say.

"My Lord," said Lucius respectfully, his dulcet tones nowhere to be seen today. He knew better than to speak to the Dark Lord in the manner he spoke to everyone else. He'd tried it once, and he'd been on the receiving end of the longest Cruciatus Curse cast by the Dark Lord on his Death Eaters. He had been at the time, honestly surprised the wizard had remained sane. "Cornelius Fudge is ready to join our cause; his fear of what Dumbledore is up to has convinced him." Lucius was chuckling lightly; he had of course ensured Fudge became even more paranoid of the old man. He'd do anything to keep the Dark Lord's approval.

"And your son?" asked Voldemort, his red eyes gleaming with something impenetrable. Either way Severus did not like that look, he remained impassive as he watched both Lucius and the Dark Lord closely without being obvious. The mask he wore helped him with this so it wasn't all bad wearing it. He didn't understand the need for them, he knew every Death Eater there, and they all did. So did everyone else, it's why Karkaroff had succeeded in naming so many of them when he betrayed the Dark Lord.

"Is eager to prove his worth," said Lucius immediately, sitting proud and tall, his son had turned out greater than he'd expected. Draco was his greatest accomplishment, so obedient yet spoiled.

"Good, I shall make the preparations for him to be my consort, once I have everything I want him given to me…willingly." said the Dark Lord, he didn't want to have to break him, he had other pressing matters to attend to. Although nothing would turn him on more than breaking Lucius Malfoy's son. Unfortunately he doubted the father would care much. He seemed all too eager to hand him over, his lips twitched; he had full control over his servants, good. He wouldn't want any of them trying to break the mould. They were his to do as he pleased, as were their children. Draco Malfoy would carry his heir, and nobody would suspect or think for a second it was a half blood. The Slytherin line would continue, and it would be as pure as it came. No one would be any the wiser, the name Riddle would be lost to obscurity as he wanted.

"Yes My Lord," said Lucius, his eyes gleaming with supreme satisfaction and wickedness.

No doubt Lucius was thinking on how this would make him climb higher up the ranks. Being the best was all Lucius cared about, Merlin he was just going to hand his son over to the evil wizard. Severus was furious, he didn't show it though, and they were talking about his godson as if he didn't have feelings of his own! His godson was a spoiled brat, and always used to getting his own way. He hadn't settled down or married, just content to spend the Malfoy money and laze around. It got on his nerves when he knew what Draco was capable of. Now he wouldn't get the chance to change, if Narcissa found out…maybe it would be all that was needed to make her up and leave. Taking Draco with her perhaps, he was limited to what he could do to help them. Hopefully soon though, it might not be needed, training Harry was suddenly even more important if he could just find that last bloody counter curse. The news that Fudge was joining did cause him to feel disheartened but not surprised. Fudge was terrified of Dumbledore, of what he was doing with Harry. He believed he'd be out of job, now look what happened, he'd betrayed his country and job. Joining the enemy, if and when they found out - he'd be given the kiss for sure.

"Avery?" demanded Voldemort.

"Everything has been quiet my lord, there is no news worth reporting." said Avery bowing low.

"Bella?" asked Voldemort, his hand twitching, stopping himself from cursing his servant. Avery was useful; he overheard a lot in his job, a job he'd be going back to after the meeting so he couldn't curse him. He wasn't a stupid wizard, if he showed up shaking they'd put two and two together. He needed all the Death Eaters he could get; nearly all of them were terrified of him already so he didn't have to do any breaking in. Although the new recruits in a few months were another story altogether…a blood thirsty grin stole across his lipless face.

"I followed Dumbledore as you requested my Lord; he's been searching for something. Leaving Hogwarts regularly, especially during the night. Mostly accompanied by Alastor Moody, I think it's a person they are looking for My Lord. They were showing a picture to people, but I did not get a look at it. I did ask one of the people they stopped about it, all he could tell me was he had brown hair, glasses and some weird robe thing on." said Bellatrix grinning viciously. "If I didn't know any better I'd say it was Potter they were searching for."

"Well done Bella," said the Dark Lord, causing Bellatrix to puff up proudly, looking at him with total adoration. Her husband and his brother didn't so much as twitch, they were used to Bellatrix's ways. Hell she would probably have slept with the Dark Lord if she could, but his preferences didn't lie with women. As seen with the fact he wanted Bellatrix's nephew, Draco Malfoy. "Try and get confirmation of who it is."

"Yes My Lord," said Bellatrix still sitting there smugly as if she'd done something nobody else could.

Severus was curious how she'd successfully hid herself from Moody's eye. He hated to admit it but he was rather impressed she'd followed Moody without getting caught.

"Severus?" hissed Voldemort, his angry eyes latching onto his slippery spy. He wasn't happy with him at all, the information he was bringing back was useless to say the least. He was beginning to think Dumbledore no longer trusted him, and if that was the case…he was useless as spy. Severus should be lucky he was a Potions Master; otherwise there would have been no redeeming for him whatsoever.

"I think Bellatrix might be right," said Severus smoothly, "Dumbledore has been panicking, leaving the school for no reason. There are only a few things that could cause him to be alarmed, there is a big possibility that Harry Potter has ran away."

Voldemort burst out laughing, even in his amusement it sounded dark and sinister. His red eyes were gleaming with wickedness; it was time to send a few of his Death Eaters out to look for him then. With a bit of luck he might find Potter before Dumbledore did, negate a threat before he got even more powerful or trained further. "Lestrange's, I think its time you did some hunting for the boy, bring him to me before Dumbledore finds him." he was speaking to all of them, Bellatrix, Rabastan and Rodolphus.

"Yes, My Lord." said the three in unison.

Severus noticed the brothers had a look of doubt in their eyes. They obviously didn't have as much faith in Bellatrix in finding Harry Potter when even Dumbledore couldn't. Well at least the attention was removed from him, it seemed they might be the next on the Dark Lords to torture list.

"What are you all still doing here? Go!" said the Dark Lord, glaring at them all in warning before the hall was filled with individual pops of Apparation as they all left.

Severus had just Portkey'd back to his Quarters, when he felt the wards change. Dumbledore was trying to convince the Portrait to let him gain entrance. It was the only warning the Portrait could give him. Staring at the mess, he realized he would have to go to Dumbledore or risk exposure. Removing the Death Eater garb, banishing it back to the cupboard and opened the door and exited. Pretending to be surprised to see Dumbledore there trying to get in.

"Albus what are you doing?" asked Severus glaring at the old fool half heartedly.

"I was just coming down to see if you were well, after what happened last time." said Albus looking concerned.

Severus blinked; arching an eyebrow somehow he didn't believe that. Casting the 'Muffliato' spell he faced Dumbledore. If there was anyone trying to eavesdrop, they'd find their ears filled with an unidentifiable buzzing. Like being too close to a swarm of bees or a TV that was on the Fritz. "According to Lucius Malfoy, Cornelius Fudge has decided to join the Dark Lord. Bellatrix has been following you, she's come up with the idea that you are looking for Potter. He currently has the three Lestrange's looking for him. It's a waste of anyone's time, but at least the attention will not be on me." said Severus, giving him a run down of what had happened. Pretending to be ignorant of the fact he knew Harry wasn't with Dumbledore.

Dumbledore paled drastically, the vein at the side of his head pulsed was the only sign that he was extremely angry. He couldn't believe it, he'd kept a lid on it this long, how had Bellatrix managed to follow him and Moody? Now the Death Eaters were looking for him. As if he didn't have enough to worry about with Harry's twentieth birthday. He had to remove the bonds or Potter would die, he was terrified rightfully so.

"I think we need to have an Order meeting Severus," said Dumbledore, removing the coin and using a spell on it. The one Severus owned heated uncomfortably in his robe pocket. Dumbledore had been looking for better ways to contact everyone, without using so much magic (Patronus') and of course owls. Granger had turned to Dumbledore in the next order meeting with the coin. It looked like a normal Galleon, but the thing was it had been magically created, it was a fake. Nobody would think take it from someone if they were being searched. Money wouldn't help them if they were in a situation they couldn't get out of.

"Why? It's not true is it?" asked Severus feigning confusion.

"All shall be explained later." said Dumbledore stalking off, no doubt towards his office.

Sighing in exasperation, Severus removed his coin and found the meeting was immediately. Rolling his eyes, he went back into his quarters and Floo'ed to Grimmauld Place. Black had given it to Dumbledore to use for the Order meetings. Despite the fact more often than not Black didn't bother attending. He remained in his bedroom just sulking like a school girl. Under the impression that Harry didn't want anything to do with him.

Almost everyone was already there, sitting down in one of the free seats. Ignoring the food and drink that had been laid out by Molly Weasley. He didn't trust anyone to not have tampered with them. He crossed his arms, and stared broodingly over at the door, wanting to be anywhere but here. Actually he wanted to be looking for the book that would free all of Harry's magic. Having just attended a Death Eater meeting made him even worse tempered.

The Floo flared admitting Dumbledore, and for once he didn't start with pleasantries. He went straight to it, and Severus had to stop the incredulity showing. Dumbledore was good, very good, he'd have believed him if he didn't already know the truth.

"Harry Potter has run away," said Albus looking years older. "I and Alastor have been searching for him for a fortnight, with no success. With his training he's going to be difficult to find. We must pull all our resources and find him, I'm afraid Voldemort has also found out. Our first priority is bringing Harry Potter back home."

Severus had seen Moody's surprise before it was covered up; Moody wasn't an Auror for nothing it seemed. Fortunately Severus knew every single tell the body isn't able to hide properly. None of the others seem quite as put out, just shocked and surprised by Dumbledore's words.

"Why would he run away?" asked Hermione, she was baffled by that, the magical world was the best. She'd never consider going back to the boring Muggle world, despite her parents living in it and her sister during the summers. Her sister was still at Hogwarts, and she was very proud when she'd received her letter.

"I do not know, perhaps the pressure finally got to him." sighed Albus sadly.

"We must find him before he comes to harm," said Minerva quite shocked.

"Indeed we must," said Albus, "Alastor why don't you divide up areas we can search? We if we can pull a net on at least one area tonight and search thoroughly."

"Hasn't he made a withdrawal at Gringotts? He cannot go anywhere without money, or Muggle money. Perhaps Tonks could stake the place out see if we can get lucky?" said Shacklebolt.

"He won't do that," said Dumbledore dismissively, not bothering to go into details as Alastor began giving the Order members streets to patrol. It was imperative they found him. He didn't bother about the area's he and Albus had already searched, so he crossed those off.

Shacklebolt just stared at him uncomprehendingly, before two pieces of paper were stuffed into his hands. Two street addresses were written down on the paper and a picture of James Potter. "Why do I have a picture of James Potter? Isn't there picture of Harry?"

"He looks like his father," said Dumbledore, once against dismissing Shacklebolt. "He doesn't like getting his picture taken, so we do not have one of him."

"Severus, you go back to Hogwarts, if the Death Eaters are out searching we cannot have them coming across you. It's important you keep your duties intact." said Dumbledore.

"Of course," said Severus impassively. With that everyone who was helping disappeared out of the house and began there own duties. Shaking his head in irritation, he entered the Floo Network and whizzed away back to his Quarters. He was rather grateful he didn't have to look for Harry, or rather pretend to. He had more important things to do. Hopefully he could get to the nineteen year old soon, hopefully with all counter charms. If not he had an entire year to search for it, so he couldn't loose hope.

As promised the longer chapter :P R&R please