Pretty Boy

Chapter 11

Heart failure And Determination

"Do you really think we are going to find him? It's been three weeks, non stop searching, I'm tired and I want to go home." said Ronald Weasley dragging his feet, scowling at his girlfriend petulantly. "Mum can make us something really nice to eat…" added the boy wistfully. This coming from a nineteen year old boy was rather odd to say the least; even the Muggles were giving him strange looks. Such a grown up adult moaning in the streets like a child.

"Shut up Ron, we are following Orders!" snapped Hermione. "You heard what he said, we have to find Harry. Without him the war will be lost."

"He didn't say why though," said Ron still petulant, yet a sheepish grin was appearing on his face.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "It's obvious isn't it?" she replied in her I know better than you tone, in a haughty voice she continued. "He will defeat You-Know-Who, just like he did when he was a baby."

"Why him?" said Ron jealousy written across his face. An image of his life, if he would be the one to defeat you-know-who passed across his face. He'd be known everywhere, better than his brothers. Accepted into the Auror training academy despite the fact he'd failed Potions and numerous subjects, was needed to get in. The grand house he'd have, the money, he'd get from people, the acclamation and adoration. He would have the money to spoil Hermione and give her a dream wedding.

"Look there's a café, let's go get some lunch." said Hermione, ignoring Ron's question as they ducked in. "Sit down I'll go and get us something."

"Okay." said Ron, he preferred that, Muggles were strange creatures; they looked at him like he was dirt. What he failed to realize, was it wasn't him; rather it was his clothes that made him stand out. If he'd just listened to Hermione, he would know. Sitting down looking bored and uncomfortable, glaring at any of the Muggles who gave him a wide berth or stared at him oddly.

"Here," said Hermione handing him a tray, giving him as close to wizarding food as possible. Ham sandwiches, orange juice and a chocolate gateau. That should keep him happy and quiet for a while. She loved Ron, she really did, but he was intolerable, especially since leaving Hogwarts sometimes. He hadn't been able to get a job, no offers, no interviews acceptances, the one job he'd wanted - he wasn't qualified for. She had repeatedly warned him, but he hadn't cared.

She begun eating her own sandwich and drinking her coffee, Ron didn't like it, in fact he hated any drink that was warm and had to cool down. He was too impatient; it seemed he would always remain that way no matter his age. Hermione had honestly thought he'd mature with age; she'd lost hope a few years ago.

"I can't believe they didn't get back to me," sighed Ron munching on his food. "I mean I'm probably better Keeper than this new guy they've chosen." his hero's the Chudley Cannons, had accepted a new keeper, he'd sent in an interview request but had heard nothing back.

"You don't have the experience they are looking for, it's a professional sport." said Hermione avoiding using any names that would give them strange looks, if anyone overheard them.

"I played Quidditch for a year! We won for the first time that year." said Ron irritated.

"Yes, against a second year seeker, since Draco Malfoy was no longer playing." said Hermione simply, she hated the sport.

"I'm still a good player, only three Quaffles got passed me." said Ron smugly, as if that was a good thing. His mind automatically replaying the games he'd been part of.

"Ron, Ron, Ron, RON!" shouted Hermione looking out of the window her eyes wide and filled with excitement hitting Ron each time she spoke his name urgently.

"What?" snapped Ron not happy to be pulled from his daydream.

"Look!" she said excitedly, pointing towards a figure she could see walking passed the bus stop. Since it was still extremely early, not many people were around so she'd been able to catch him.

"What?" asked Ron glancing around in confusion but secretly not interested, he didn't like the Muggle world.

"It looks like James Potter! It might be Harry, hurry go to the bathroom and Apparate, I have my medallion I'm going to follow him. HURRY!" she said, running from the café leaving her coffee behind as she caught up with him. Not even looking back to see if Ron was doing as he was told.

She gasped out of breath, and slowed down; she didn't want to give away her position. Bringing out her map in hopes of passing herself off as a tourist visiting the country. She continued to stealthy follow him, but the boy didn't seem bothered or aware he was being followed. Surely if this was Harry Potter he'd be worried against such a thing? Perhaps he wasn't scared about someone her age? Either that or she was passing herself of convincingly.

The minutes passed as she walked, but nobody appeared beside her, she was worried Ron hadn't gone to get Dumbledore as she'd demanded. She refused to give up, even if she had to question him herself. The streets were deserted which made it possible; she excelled at the memory charms if it became needed. She fingered the coin in her pocket, she never went anywhere without it.

A few seconds later, she heard the tell tale signs of Apparation, the sound of a car backfiring. Not just one but three distinctive pops, she looked back and saw Professor Dumbledore with Professor Snape and Ron. Dumbledore took one look at the boy they were following and his eyes began to twinkle. It did have a remarkable resemblance to James Potter, down to the shaggy mane of brown hair. Honestly the way they went on, you'd think there wasn't anyone out there that could possibly resemble him.

Severus relaxed upon seeing the teenager, he looked nothing like Harry. He'd been terrified Harry had used magic outside his bedroom and got caught. He'd been reluctant to go, but as always, had to remain in Dumbledore's good graces. The fact Harry didn't know Occlumency yet added to his distress, since his deception could have been found out. He'd all but given in when he heard Dumbledore say London, so with relief he followed the old fool with the knowledge his secret and Harry's life was safe.

"Excuse me young man?" asked Albus when he got within hearing distance.

The boy turned around, but he seemed to regard them blankly, if he did know them he was hiding it well.

"What's your name?" asked Ron drinking in the sight of Harry, ideas running through his mind. With Harry Potter as his best friend doors should open, he'd get lots of job offers for sure and maybe even be allowed to get into the Auror academy.

"James Bond," said the boy eyeing them wearily, as he should be, four strangers approaching you in the street, at six thirty in the morning. He was tired; he'd just finished his night shift and wanted his bed.

Hermione choked to hide her laughter, until she realized he was playing her for a fool as well.

"It's not him." said Ron disappointedly.

"He lied about his name, he looks like James Potter - its him." said Hermione. "What's your real name?" she snapped glaring at him.

"Daniel Cunningham," said the boy stepping back looking at her wearily, feeling a presence around her that he couldn't explain. What he did know was that he didn't want to be near her. He unfortunately felt glued to the spot, in a weird fascinated way.

"We'll see about that!" said Hermione, removing her wand and casting a paternity test without thought. So sure she was right, but the results…proved her wrong. She flushed bright red, biting her lip, completely mortified. Swallowing thickly when the ramifications sunk in, she'd just done magic in front of a Muggle.

A pop surrounded the area when Arthur Weasley was in front of them staring wide eyed.

"What are you doing?" he snapped angrily, how dare they do magic in front a Muggle? They were putting him in a very difficult position; he wouldn't be able to report this call out. Otherwise the Ministry would come down hard, not just on the others but his son. Ron was finding it difficult to get a job without having a record as well.

"I apologise Arthur," said Dumbledore, glaring at Hermione clearly angry, "A mistake on our part."

"Obliviate!" Snapped Arthur, and once the boy were in a trance he glared at them saying tersely. "He won't remember the past five minutes, I suggest you get out of here before it wears off." before he too Apparated, not even waiting to see if the young man would be okay.

"Let's go." said Albus, with that he Apparated himself to the gates of Hogwarts.

"Sir, I'm sorry, I didn't realize…" said Hermione weakly, her eyes filled with tears, she seemed incapable of forming a coherent full sentence.

Severus hid a smirk, as he watched her; he'd never seen her like this and was extremely grateful to get to see this. He'd always thought she needed brought down a few pegs, and by her beloved hero doing it will sharpen the knife so to speak, sticking into her heart.

"That's your problem Granger, you do not think. You assume you know better than anyone else. If you had just been smart enough to let the adults handle this, you would have known he spoke the truth. Do you think yourself above Albus Dumbledore? Smarter? More powerful perhaps? Well let me tell you something girl, you aren't. You are nothing on the grand scale of things." snarled Severus. It was heaven to say that, and without Dumbledore interrupting him or scolding him like an errant school boy.

"As much as it pains me to say this, Severus is right Miss. Granger; your actions today could have exposed us all. You have broken one of the most important rules governing our world, the very one that keeps us safe." said Dumbledore, his twinkle missing his mouth twisted in a frown of displeasure.

It seemed to Severus whatever the girl had done, had struck a genuine cord within the unfeeling bastard. If it killed him Severus was going to find out exactly what that was.

Hermione burst into tears fleeing into the school; Ron glared at Snape but didn't dare do so with Dumbledore and ran after her. He didn't even have the guts to stand up for her, or perhaps he too saw the direness of her actions.

"Excuse me I must go and sooth Arthur," said Albus Apparating to the Ministry again.

Seeing his chance to get away for a while, Severus Apparated away. It had been nearly a week since he'd seen Harry last. He was putting ever Ravenclaw to shame the amount of reading he was doing. Harry's thirst to know everything about magic had just been an accumulating mass just added each day he'd been without it. He'd picked up Ancient Runes like a child picked up bottles.

Harry was oddly enough not in the bedroom, every time he'd Apparated he had been. Shrugging it off, he went through to the living room; the kitchen was open plan so he could see Harry wasn't there either. Frowning, hoping Harry hadn't been out that night, he felt deeply uncomfortable with Harry going out at night. Especially when he wasn't here and couldn't keep him safe.

Flicking out his wand, feeling a deep seated fear, he hated feeling that way but nobody could totally control their emotions. Even with Occlumency all you did was bury them, but the basis of them remained. He did a point me spell, and found his wand pointed towards the bathroom. Relief flowed through him, he was here and fine just simply in the bath or toilet. Sitting down on the leather chair he'd brought he waited on Harry coming out, intending on surprising him.

Forty five minutes had gone by, and nothing had been heard within the bathroom. All manner of horrors were flashing through his mind. Standing up abruptly, uncaring if Harry got unhappy with him, he had to know he was fine and it wasn't his overactive imagination. Harry's showers only lasted ten minutes, no longer than that, never this long.

Opening the door he saw Harry in the shower, his skin red raw and bleeding. Cursing he went over to Harry, intending on comforting him the only way he could. Harry's eyes were rimmed red indicating he'd been crying recently.

"Get out of here." hissed Harry in face contorting in anger.

"No," said Severus ripping the shower curtain away. Putting the plug in the bath and started both the hot and cold taps. Once that was beginning he removed two potions and dumped them into the water. From that position he could see Harry's anus was red, it didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. Prying the cloth from Harry's hand he moved it out of his reach. Stepping in, uncaring he was getting soaked, banishing his clothes, leaving on his boxers on. He forced Harry's neck back and poured a pain reliever down his throat. Ignoring the protests, he didn't let go until he'd swallowed it. The glare had no effect on him, he'd rather Harry angry than suffering. Spelling the bottom of the bath soft, he sat Harry down.

"Please get out," said Harry gritting his teeth, hating he had to beg. Hopefully this would make Snape just do what he asked, he wanted to be alone.

"What happened?" asked Severus washing Harry with his hands, allowing the potions to sink into the raw and bleeding skin.

"I didn't peg you for stupid." snapped Harry, taking his frustrations out in the only way he knew.

Severus remained silent, biting his tongue to stop himself snapping back. He knew Harry was releasing his anger at him because he was the only one here. There would be times to snap back, but right now wasn't one of these times. Instead he just held him close as the potions did their work, knitting the abused skin back together.

"I'm not fucking weak." said Harry adamantly.

"I know." said Severus in honesty. He was glad he got back when he did, now he was more adamant than ever to get Harry away from here. Somewhere where he could keep an eye on him, keep him safe from everyone wishing him harm. Which apparently didnt just mean Dumbledore and Voldemort but the Muggles in this area too.

"Good." said Harry warily; slumping against Severus as the potion he'd been forced to drink started taking affect.

Severus waited until Harry was slumbering completely before he levitated him out. Drying his hair and body with a spell, he placed him in his pyjamas and put him to bed. He got in beside Harry a plan of action in place. Whether Harry wanted it or not, it was going to happen. He wasn't going to lose him, not now. He refused to stand by and let anything like this happen again. He was beginning to think it had happened before, since Harry didn't seem…completely torn about it. Angry yes, hurt probably, but not devastated as one would be after being violated.

Harry would sleep for a couple of hours, until then he'd have to wait to tell Harry about his plan.

There we go, I only added the bit at the bottom becuase it happened in the other version :) hope you are still enjoying the story! R&R