The Leader

Chapter 44

Both Severus and Harry lay on the floor the mess surrounding them, having absolutely no desire to move. Although one thing they did think almost in sync was they were extremely glad Vampires healed quickly Severus more so he ached in more places than he thought possible. Feathers from the duvet floated around the room randomly as a gust of wind from the open window disturbed their resting place. The springs in the bed were poking through in various places, some bent beyond belief. The bed itself was scratched or sanded down to dust in various places where they'd gripped it too tightly during their mating last night. To Harry the first time didn't count, it had been instinct and lowered inhibition guiding him alone, last night and this morning he had been extremely willing and very enthusiastic. Harry found if he let his magic flare out it turned his mate on, and so he had allowed it.

Harry turned onto his side, using his elbow to prop himself up, and he gazed at his exhausted mate satisfaction thrumming through him. It had taken a long time to break through the shields Severus had up, a lot longer than anticipated especially when it came to Severus being his already. It was worth the wait, it couldn't be denied, his fingers brushed against Severus' chest before coming to a stop at his hips. His handprints were showing against the pale skin, but he knew they'd soon disappear.

Leaning forward, Harry licked at Severus' neck, getting the few droplets of blood he had missed beside the mark he'd left behind which was bright purple, after his actions last night he wasn't surprised. He absently contemplated just staying right here where he was, and he sorely wanted to, but he had responsibilities he couldn't dismiss for long. He would though remain for a while more, there was nothing urgently needing his attention.

A tormented moan left Severus' lips; his black eyes opening, observing Harry through hooded eyes. He hadn't been under the belief that a vampire could get exhausted, yet their recent activities were forcing him to revaluate what he knew. He wasn't sure he would be moving at all today, not for anything in the world.

"Are you hungry?" Harry asked his green eyes filled with fondness.

Severus just opened his eyes further and gazed at Harry pointedly, he was a fledging vampire, and he was always hungry. Fortunately he had a solid grip on his instincts, whether it was because of how he became a vampire or if it was his own determination furthered along by his ability at Occlumency he wasn't one hundred percent sure. The little amount he'd recycled from Harry during the night wasn't anywhere enough to quench the thirst.

Harry chuckled at the look he was receiving from Severus; perhaps it had been a silly question on his part. He just didn't want Severus to go hungry, he knew how it felt, and he wasn't taking about a vampiric hunger, but human hunger, which was very similar. He also didn't want to overfeed him; otherwise he wouldn't build up a tolerance, which was needed especially in this new world he intended to create. Any feral vampires would make his task a lot more difficult in the long run.

"Dobby?" Harry called out, remaining where he was, chuckling again as Severus grabbed the completely destroyed duvet and put it over his lower half. Slightly disappointed that he was no longer able to see the bite marks he'd left all over his mate. He had pleasured Severus beyond endurance and he was proud of that. The smug look remained on his face as Dobby appeared in the bedroom, not even perturbed by the right of the destroyed bedroom, or the fact Harry was baring all in front of him, Harry had long ago lost the human modesty, that and his body was nothing to be ashamed of.

"What can Dobby do for Master Harry?" Dobby asked his green eyes boring into jewelled green.

"Bring us up a goblet of blood, Dobby, human blood today," Harry stated, "If it's not fresh make it up to the normal temperature." giving Dobby a nod of thanks before the House-elf popped away, ready to do his favourite Masters wishes, despite how he'd ended up in Harry's services Dobby would do it all over again. He wasn't beaten, wasn't punished, wasn't hurt or made to feel as if he couldn't do anything right. He was given a bedroom, a bed, time off, fabric to make his own outfits, but the only thing Harry asked was that he made sure they were respectable for the House of Potter.

"Do you ask him to get you human blood often?" Severus queried, quite surprised, it also explained why when Harry asked for blood he didn't just say blood, he specifically said animal blood.

"Often? No, I have only used him to get human blood twice in all the years he's been in my service, its much easier and simpler for me to just hunt." Harry answered turning back to Severus. "That and I don't have to worry about something going wrong, the last thing I want is the ministry getting wind of a story about a House-elf collecting blood from Muggles, it would create chaos amongst the Muggles and the wizards."

Severus made a noncommittal noise, he believed it was more to do with Harry's control issues; he liked to try and control everything. Not in a bad way like he'd seen for instance the Dark Lord be like, but Harry was much too cautious, admittedly he had a right to be, it had worked in his favour so he couldn't say a single thing regarding it. It also explained why he mostly stuck to animal blood. Moving just slightly, wincing at the flare of pain in his backside, how long would it take for the damage to be repaired he thought grouchily.

Dobby popped back in with two goblets, floating them over beside the two wizards before leaving, he knew his Master would call him back if his presence was desired.

"Drinking human blood will help you recover much quicker," Harry explained, it had been the reason behind it, that and he did not have the desire to have animal blood today. With everything he had to do today after he finally got up, he wasn't sure he would get the opportunity to drink let alone hunt.

A moan of appreciation tore out of Harry's throat was he took a single gulp of the blood. It was fresh, extremely so, Dobby had retrieved it for him. Licking his lips catching every drop of it, oh this was much better than animal blood, so much tastier, using spells to heat it up made a complete different taste. Some humans tasted better than others as well, all to do with lifestyle choices. "I'll need to find a way to praise Dobby for this," he murmured.

"I agree," Severus whispered hoarsely, eyes blown wide, he'd fed before, and while it had been delightful he couldn't remember much about it, he remembered more about sleeping with Harry after it though but not everything. He was more grounded enough to appreciate it now. Desire was coiling within him already, it seemed even if he could stop himself from giving over to the feeing of euphoria the sexual desire wouldn't cease. He was surprised though, you'd think chasing your prey would be the most thrilling part…maybe it was, but Severus couldn't see anything being better than this. He arched up at the feel of Harry's fingers trailing down his erection, biting out a curse as some of the blood spilled from the goblet. Not wishing to lose a single drop more, he swallowed down he remaining blood, licking the inside of the cup getting each drop.

Harry began to lick and tease Severus, getting the spilled blood before it dried up; the feel of Severus trembling in his hold was the headiest aphrodisiac…even more than the blood, especially knowing it was him causing such a reaction from a wizard who was known for his composure. To see Severus coming undone before him, yes it was unlike nothing else in the world. He continued stroking the wizard to completion as he nibbled and bit at Severus, occasionally coming up just to watch him come undone. Regretfully it didn't take long at all despite their activities earlier, the blood he'd consumed saw to that. "I could watch you cum for days without pause," Harry said hotly against Severus, green eyes overly bright as he stared at his mate. His own erection he paid no mind to, this wasn't for him it was for Severus.

Severus thanked Merlin he was incapable of blushing, he was by no means a prude, but the things Harry had said to him, tonight, this morning, and just now certainly would have elicited the most horrifying blush from him. He'd never considered himself good looking; even now he couldn't see what Harry saw in him. It didn't help that he felt like a teenager again, at least his emotions sometimes but he kept a good grip on that. "When are you leaving to interrogate the Lestranges?" changing the subject ignoring the knowing look and smug smirk on Harry's face, he knew why he was changing the subject, probably knew his thoughts too (thankfully though he knew it was just accurate guesses and not mind reading since he would know if anyone slipped passed his defences).

"Soon," Harry revealed his amusement at Severus still on display, lazily casting a cleaning spell on them. The cleaning charm did its job, but their scent was forever joined. He was content for the moment just to enjoy the uninterrupted time with his mate, after he had a firm control over the magical world he would be able to relax more often and show Severus the attention he deserved. "Perhaps sooner than I thought," he sighed as Dobby popped into the room with mail in his hands.

"Master Harry's mail," Dobby said, "And mail for Master Severus," once again floating them over to the wizards instead of trying to get in between them.

Severus sighed, sitting up, the pain was completely gone, for that he was thankful, "Let me guess…Dumbledore," he sighed accepting the letter; it was quite thick as well. Turning it around a surprised eyebrow rose, interesting, it wasn't from Dumbledore, it had the Malfoy crest, judging by the very feminine calligraphy he was going to make an accurate guess that this was from Narcissa. He felt slightly guilty, he knew Narcissa had loved her husband despite the fact it was an arranged marriage between the house of Black and Malfoy before the two were even out of Hogwarts. No doubt she blamed him, Draco as well, he loved his godson, but he couldn't follow the road they were going down.

Harry flipped through his mail, finding one from Granger, she was quite tenacious. Honestly that girl didn't know when to quit that was for damn sure. The rest seemed to be updates, judging by the thinness of the letters, he knew who they were all from; the scent was imbedded in the paper. Nothing from Dumbledore, it seemed as if the old fool was at least listening to him in regards to not wishing to keep in touch. He was no fool though, he knew the old man would just be biding his time, or looking for another way to get what he wanted. He would read them once he was dressed, he thought absently as he stood up, noticing that Dobby was already gone. Stretching out, he made his way to his thankfully untouched wardrobe as magic permeated the air, repairing all the damage done to…well nearly everything.

Severus' breath hitched just watching him so carelessly use magic in such a fashion, which shouldn't be possible…or rather easy as he made it look. Instead of opening the letter he watched Harry dress, not that it took long, since within a few moments he was dressed impeccably as always. He wore the latest fashion with such dismissive ease, and made them look as if they had been created for him and him alone. Today he wore a loose royal blue silk shirt, with extremely tight fitting leather pants, dragon hide boots. He rarely wore cloaks, the one he did use completely obscured him, and none of the cloaks so fashionable by wizarding standards which were the standard ones the students of Hogwarts wore.

Severus turned back to his letter, leaving Harry to brush his hair and do the last of his normal morning routine. Pursing his lips, before reluctantly opening the letter, there was nothing in it, no charm, hex or anything dangerous. He honestly had no desire to read what Narcissa thought of him, he must be a masochistic he thought to himself as his eyes were drawn to the light purple writing. Narcissa favored that colour of ink for personal correspondence - it was also her favourite colour. He tensed as he read what Narcissa had to say to him.

"What's wrong?" Harry stated, turning to face Severus, sensing the turbulent emotions.

"It seems as though the Dark Lord is taking his frustrations out on Narcissa and Draco for Lucius' death," Severus admitted, his brow furrowed as worry crawled up his spine. "The Dark Lord is aware that I am alive so to speak and no longer working for Dumbledore. He's stepped up his search for you, or rather the group he knows to be in London he's realized you're behind the attack on Malfoy Manor."

"Yes, we knew that he would find out, the second he was informed what happened he would have gleaned everything from their memories." Harry nodded, unsurprised by the turn of events. He knew Severus cared for Draco and Narcissa though, which did make this a tricky situation. "He will no doubt deduce that we also have his followers."

Severus nodded grimly, agreeing with that assessment, the Dark Lord was nothing if not extremely smart albeit most times too damn impatient to wait for smart results.

"He's going to mark Draco, Narcissa wants me to take him and hide him," Severus sighed in exasperation, Narcissa was asking too much of him. Not that it surprised him; Narcissa loved her son, more than her own life.

"When?" Harry demanded curiously, without his usual stern tone.

"Two weeks today," Severus mentally calculated from the date Narcissa had given him. Standing up he grabbed his wand from the floor, he used it to mend his ripped clothes, and giving them a clean while he was at it before dressing his stomach twisting unpleasantly with worry.

"You want to help them," Harry said observing Severus, not liking the feeling of worry and fear that was coming from him.

"Yes," Severus admitted as he buttoned his trousers. He understood if Harry didn't want to help them, sanctuary or not, Draco Malfoy would get on everyone's nerves and make them all want to turn him within a few minutes let alone a few days. "He's my godson I feel obligated to."

"You know it could be a set up? The Dark Lord is bound to know you are fond of the boy," Harry pointed out, caution thrumming through him; it's exactly what he would do to get to someone if they were impossible to find.

"Do you know disconcerting it is to hear you call Draco, boy? When he is older than you?" Severus stated, even if it was only a month.

Harry snorted derisively, "If he's anything like I remember he's still a spoiled toddler but just in a teenager's body, he and I will never get on…but if you wish, I will lend a hand - for you, not him."

"I thought you considered this sanctuary?" Severus questioned, it was almost a tease.

"For those in need, real need, Narcissa Malfoy could send her son overseas, they have family there, properties, admittedly mostly in France since that is where they originated but still, he's never known difficulty. I have no doubt a year ago he would smugly and proudly proclaiming himself an ardent follower of the Dark Lord Voldemort." Harry stated, it was very different, "Judging by your reaction I know I'm right."

"You are," Severus acknowledged, "Lucius has been grooming him his entire life, his mother sheltered him from the worst of it, preventing Draco from truly understanding what it is the Dark Lord had done to the magical world. When Lucius died…Draco would have probably been introduced to the Dark Lord for the first time…perhaps even experienced the Cruciatus Curse first hand."

"Does she have any suggestions on when and where?" Harry asked, still suspicious of the entire thing. If Narcissa loved her husband she could be willingly setting Severus up so that Voldemort could kill her husband's killer.

"She's informed me where Draco is going to be this summer, she's trying to keep him out of the manor, by sending him to his friends homes, which isn't any safer but at least it's away from the Dark Lord. She's also added the dates and times that she'll be in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade." Severus confessed, rubbing his temples tiredly, his own mind cautioning him, thinking the same as Harry, that it may well be a trap.

"She wants you to take Draco from her in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade? So what, when it's all said and done they can claim you kidnapped him? If you aren't killed by Voldemort then they can get you legally?" Harry snorted, "I don't think so."

"She's never wanted Draco to take the mark, she just wants him safe," Severus defended them quietly, his own thoughts weren't any better, but he was a spy he hadn't survived this long by being stupid. "She's going to be at tea with him in Hogsmeade, its something they began during the summers when Draco began attending Hogwarts at the age of eleven."

"When?" Harry grumbled under his breath, why the hell did his mate have to like the Malfoy's of all people?

"Eleven, it's a brunch, or as Narcissa puts it luncheon." Severus informed him, relaxing slightly, it was obvious that Harry was going to help and for that he was grateful. "Today." he added realizing the 'when' could be twofold.

Harry idly wondered if he was going to regret this, if this was a trap, he would find and hunt down Narcissa (if she got away) and he would torture her for years, never once giving her a respite. He was vindictive and never pretended to be otherwise, so she would live to regret messing with him and those he considered his. "Very well, I'll send backup at ten o'clock, let them do what they like for an hour and keep an eye on the area, they'll keep you safe, just be warned Severus, if this is a trick, they will find what I have done to Amycus Carrow as child play." warning him that if he chooses to go and it is a trap he's also subjecting them to a fate worse than what Voldemort had in mind.

Black eyes met intense green, giving a grim nod of understanding, truthfully he wouldn't care what Harry chose to do with them if they were willing to betray him. He honestly didn't think it was, otherwise he would never be willing to go to her to help Draco.

He no longer had a death wish.

In fact he had a reason to live.

All the reasons in the world to have his continued existence, he thought staring into the eyes of the one he knew would (and could) destroy the world without people anchoring him.

Harry upon Apparating to the warehouse quickly gave Rick a rundown, normally he didn't feel the need to do that but this wasn't just any old mission, they had to be warned. Any sign of a trap around the tea shop they were to come back, if Severus was already there the mission was to get Severus out of there, stunning spells only unless things got out of hand if they needed to fight. He also informed Rick to take as many as he felt might be needed, certainly more than had gone on the mission to Malfoy Manor.

"That's no problem, Reg has been pestering his alpha to visit since the last time," Rick nodded his agreement, Reg had been only once before, the day he had received his wand from Ollivander's so the last time had been his first time. He already knew who he was going to take with him.

"How are Fenrir and his pack?" Harry then asked, he had been distracted and hadn't thought to ask as of late.

"They've all made a full recovery, and seem to be settling in; I think despite everything they're quite relieved to have a safe place. Even Greyback is taking a telling and not rocking the boat, probably for his son, it can't be easy for an alpha to bow down to the demand of another." Rick informed him. "Jack is doing what he can to keep the peace."

"Excellent," Harry nodded pleased, it wasn't forever, and they'd be able to make their own sanctuary as soon as he took over, without fearing that it would be taken from them. However, Jack would remain the alpha all others listened to, he would have a council, and he would be charged with overseeing justice and punishment to all werewolves. The magical community was in for a radical change, and the wizards and witches would go with it or they'd find themselves in trouble. "Anything else requiring my attention?"

"Nothing that I've been told, there's a meeting tomorrow at five am," Rick said, knowing Harry probably remembered but it didn't hurt to make sure.

"Yes, there is," Harry nodded, flinging over a bag of gold, "Let the youngsters get some sweets, bring some back for everyone else." not that the vampires could eat anything other than the blood pops but it was still something nice.

"I will do that," Rick said, slipping the bag of galleons into his pocket. "The young werewolf we found, the female, Greyback has taken over her care," whether it was because he wanted something to do, or perhaps because he'd been in her situation and wanted to help he honestly didn't know. They'd all been in the girls situation actually, well everyone here except Remus Lupin.

"She still not regained consciousness?" Harry frowned, slightly surprised by that, with werewolf healing and potions she should be awake by this surely.

"In and out, she seems quite dazed if I'm honest," Rick said, glancing at the time, he would need to leave soon, he would only have enough time to alert the others of the situation before going to Hogsmeade. "Darius is making sure she's going to be just fine."

"Good, you best head off, I have something to do," Harry stated, turning around he opened the door to the 'prison' leaving Rick to do what he had to. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, he thought sadistically, his green eyes going from one Lestrange to the other, making it clear he was having trouble deciding between them both. Rosier, Rowle, the Carrows and Dolohov just felt a wave of relief flowing through them that they weren't being picked for whatever was going to happen to them next. They'd all heard from Carrow what it had been like in the pit, and they were terrified that they were next.

Hmm, he thought, deciding to talk to Rodolphus first, Rabastan was still recovering, and Veritaserum didn't work well with other potions in their system and since he'd been given potions, Rabastan was out of the question. Smirking he slowly walked towards Rabastan's cell, causing the wizard to back away fearfully, gulping and stuttering out a relieved breath when the vampire walk passed his cell only to swallow any words he wanted to shout out, concern for his brother churning in his gut as he was magically thrust out of his cell and dragged along to another room, one that was silenced.

There we go! :D I hope you're all still enjoying it! There's still a few more horcruxes to go, will Harry and a team break into gringotts? Or will 'Thorne' make them a deal they cannot refuse? Give them something they want? Godric Gryffindor's sword or will I make up something even more 'revered' and have him hunt it down? It would certainly be better than Black going to get it or Harry breaking in...something different :D I quite enjoy making my stories unique! I can't even say eeny meeny miny moe without thinking of Glenn from the walking dead anymore *curses* HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I HOPE ITS FILLED WITH JOY ALL THE BEST FOR 2017!