Icarus Syndrome

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

NOTICE: I may have a beta-potential chosen. I'm going to do a few more chapters and look at the feedback and then we'll see. If you would still like to offer services, I am willing to give you a test run. Please provide me with an e-mail address, and you can PM me the address if you are afraid that FF with erase it.

ANSWERS:

thrnbrooke: Sevvy attacked Cissa and Luc and stole their memories! Dun Dun! What will this mean?!

SecondStoreyStairwell: I actually didn't do very much research when picking the Alexandian librarian woman. I knew there was one and went with it. So... Maybe! Sorry, I'm so bad. I put more research into other things so it's a bit embarrassing to be called out.

BlissxTearingxEyes: The major spell is Latin, yes. Which goddess are you talking about? The conversation between Atlanta and Harry? The spell is in Latin because that's the language the spells are in for the HP books and movies. I like using the Greek names for the gods and goddesses because it's more familiar to me. Personal preference.

Pen-name-Kitsune-Chan: Good guess but it's not Penelope!

SP777: You picked Venus... Not the correct answer, sorry.

(Hint!! She's not a very famous character, but we even name really good days after her!)
(Hint!! She's not a goddess!)

Warnings: Demonstration of the bond between Draco and Harry.
Thank you, dear readers, for the hits, reviews, alerts and favorites. An author loves to know their work is appreciated. I am impressed so far by the amount of attention this has garnered so far. Please keep it up. Seriously, keep it! I love to read reviews!

-X-

Severus collapsed into the chair in his study. He was running late. Breakfast was nearly over and he had a class immediately following. He would need potions to heal his body. His prizes from earlier would have to wait.

Narcissa had been vague enough about her answer. Her Patronus said she was being watched, and through her, they were watching Lucius as well. Someone was very interested in the Malfoys. Supposedly it was for Draco's own protection that they cast him out.

He would have to see for himself. He could only get through today and watch their memories. If they were lies, he would be able to tell. He only hoped that his task yielded fruit. He would have liked to visit Draco before his day started, but there was simply not enough time.

-X-

“Narcissa.” Lucius shook her shoulder. He had cast the reviving spell, but she had yet to wake. His attempt at healing himself wasn't completely successful and he needed her skill. The crack announced the house elf returning and he took the warm cloth from the creature. He began to clean away the blood that had managed to splash onto her face and she gave a small groan.

“Lucius?” She blinked hard a few times and reached up to take the washcloth from his fingers. She pressed it against her eyes and inhaled slowly for a few minutes. “What happened to Severus?”

“He's gone now with the memories.” He helped Narcissa sit up and move her hair back behind her and out of her face. “I am in need of your healing touch, however.”

“That I can see.” She grabbed her wand and began to ply his wounds with cool green light. Lucius sighed as they healed. “You do know that as he knows the truth, he will attempt to take the matter to Dumbledore.”

“He will not. Draco will not suffer any retribution. He may threaten, but he will have his hands tied. I can only hope that he will aid Draco as the hereditary magic tries to bond with him.”

“Won't that be Potter's job?” She asked absently. “That is why you chose him.”

“Draco has been obsessed with being closer to that boy. I had to pick someone near his age, magically strong and too honor bound to take advantage of him. It was fortunate that Potter proved to be all these things.”

“Then what will Severus accomplish?”

“Do you honestly believe that Potter knows about pureblood traditions? Severus will need to guide him through the rituals for hereditary magic.”

“You are not expecting to survive?” She whispered, never pausing in her treatment.

“You know my answer.”

“And myself?”

“I expect you to do as you must. You will want for nothing.”

“I will want forever from the moment you pass.” She whispered. It may have been arranged for them, but their marriage was...happy. She had learned to love him and appreciated him for who he was, even if who he could be was frightening. She only loved Draco more, physical evidence of how her life turned out and her love for the man she had married.

“My shoulder, please.” He asked after a moment of silence.

“Of course, my husband.”

-X-

Harry stood before the wall. It had been fixed and both the tapestry and portrait were rehung. She noticed him immediately and began to glower. It was a response he was quite used to.

“Will you tell me how to get past or will I have to force myself through?”

“I think we know what will happen if you force yourself.” She smirked suddenly. “I don't know how to get past once the room has been accessed.”

“Is there a way to go there yourself and ask the person inside to let me in?”

“No.”

He ground his teeth and summoned his magic. It felt like a dragon snarling over his shoulder.

“Then it looks like I'm going to force my way inside.”

He pushed the magic outwards, forcing itself into the smallest crack in the wall and channeling all his magic in through the space. If he could reach Draco, let him know he was outside, he could get the entrance open. He imagined his magic as an arrow, shooting for a bull's eye. He motivated all his magic with the intent of reaching Draco. Draco who was hurt or scared or both. Draco who needed his protection. Draco who made his entire magic obey and calm.

He felt his magic spiral and spin. It encountered magic both ancient and foreign before touching something he recognized as well as his own magic. Draco's magic twined around his and grasped it desperately. Draco's magic was as desperate for rescue as his own was to do the rescuing.

“Let me in.” He whispered, conveying his words to Draco's magic. “Let me in.”

The portrait gasped as the magic, Gryffindor red so it must have been Draco's, covered his hands and spread up until it covered his body. There was a brief moment of suffocation before he felt like he had been grasped in Apparition. He squeezed out of existence and vanished.

-X-

“Let me in. Let me in.” He heard it whisper at him. He knew that voice. His magic reached for it, grabbing the other's magic and pulling him inside. His magic peeled away, unfolding around him and slipping backwards. It swept back and took the form of large wings in Gryffindor red. Harry was there as soon as the magic pulled away, eyes wide and bright with concern. He knew he was crying horribly but couldn't stop to speak.

“Draco?” Harry dropped down to his knees and reached his arms out. Draco scrambled up and hesitated only a moment before he wrapped his arms around the Savior's neck. Harry's hands settled around his waist, rubbing his back soothingly. “What happened to you?”

Draco shook his head, his nose pushing into Harry's neck. His world was shattering around him. He needed one constant. One thing that wouldn't change. Harry Potter would always come to the rescue. That he could trust.

-X-

“He witnessed something he shouldn't. That is what happened to him.” Harry's eyes widened further at the creature that climbed out from under the stone bench. The ferret came to a stop beside him, pushing itself up onto his knee and climbing up his shoulder.

“What are...I mean...What did he see that did this?” He began to glance around the room before settling on the mirrors. His eyes narrowed suddenly. He knew intuitively that those mirrors had something to do with it.

“He saw a man whom he must love fight a woman he loves and nearly kill his father.” The ferret said softly but sternly. “He is suffering having seen something he never should watch.”

“Someone tried to kill Lucius and Narcissa? Who would? How would they even get inside the Manor?” He asked just as softly.

“He had asked to see a Severus Snape. The same man appeared when he wished to see Narcissa Malfoy.”

“Snape.” He hissed, hatred and anger making his eyes dark. “Of course it was.”

“Put aside your anger. It will only hurt him. He loves all of them.”

“How do you know anything?” He demanded. The little ferret wasn't anything but a nosy and useless guardian. He glared at it, but how do you intimidate stone?

“I know because I'm his soul guide. I am a creation of his soul and this room. I can tell the room what he needs, what will heal him. I then can tell him what the room knows and what it can do to help. The room doesn't understand how you are here. Not completely. Two should not be in this room. It is private. It is sacred.”

“I don't know how I'm here either.” He defended. “My magic was called by Draco's. He needs me here so I'm here for him.”

“Really?” The ferret suddenly bounded away and toward the willow tree. The water below rippled as it approached and it sat there on the shore for a while. Harry ignored the stone creature and turned his attention to comforting Draco. He knew that he would have been terrified if he had just watched Sirius try to kill his parents.

“Draco. I'm here.” He soothed, watching as the magic slipped back through those scars and back into his body. He was still slightly amused that Draco had scarlet red magic.

“Why would he do that?” He heard Draco whisper. His tears had wet his shirt by then and Draco's voice was raspy.

“I don't know. We'll have to find out.”

“I don't want to go near him. Not right now.”

“Whatever you want, Draco.” He promised, hugging him hard. “We'll do whatever you want.”

“Just stay.” He felt Draco's hands tighten around his neck and gave a pained smile.

“As you wish.”

“I know why the room accepts you.” The ferret had returned. He glared down at the creature and opened his mouth to yell at the thing when a sudden movement caught his eye. A stone creature climbed out of the pool, shaking itself when it stood on the shore. The stone lion yawned broadly, showing sharp teeth and began to approach them..

“The room has never been used in pairs. But it is fitting. We must remember this.” The lion said, voice grating like it hadn't been used often.

“You are tied to his soul through magic. The curse on him binds you together. You are his other half. That is why it will allow you entrance.” The ferret climbed until it was sitting in the lion's mane and stared down at him.

“When he is ready to heal again, we will guide you both to the proper mirror.” The lion slowly lowered itself beside them, tail thumping into the grass every so often.

Harry looked around at this unusual scene. If anyone had ever said he would be comforting Draco in some garden with talking stone creatures, he would have had them taken to St. Mungo's to get a check for spell damage. But there wasn't anywhere he would rather be. If this was the effect of some spell, he couldn't tell. It wasn't controlling his emotions or actions. Not that he could tell anyway.

“Talk to me Draco. I can't help if you won't talk to me.” He whispered, turning the boy so he sat more on his lap than on the ground. He knew how to comfort a person at the very least.

“I want to hate them. Why are they fighting against each other? Why would they?” He seemed to latch onto the suggestion and babbled through his tears. “Why can't I hate them for hurting each other? I don't want them to hurt each other.”

“Sometimes, people forget that their actions can hurt the ones they love worse than themselves or the one they are trying to hurt. They forget about consequences.”

“It's just...I thought they wouldn't. I thought they would just drift apart. I didn't think they would do this.” Draco was so hoarse that his voice was barely over a whisper.

“Don't think about it, okay? I'll be right here. I'll keep you safe.” He promised, letting his hands rub Draco's back again. It was odd to feel the slight raised edge of his scars through the clothing if he concentrated and pressed hard enough.

“I trust you.”

Three little words. It was those three little words that he never heard out loud, because everyone just seemed to do it already. But Draco had once only trusted him to hurt him. Draco had never trust him to keep him safe. He trusted him now. He trusted him.

-X-

“I'm not sure, Professor. He was pushing his magic against the wall and then suddenly he was being covered in this red glow. He vanished soon after.”

“Thank you, Madam. You have been very helpful and I would like to apologize for his rude actions.”

“Thank you, Professor.” She said pleased, before turning away and smiling into the distance.

“How do you think he made it inside, Albus?”

“I'm not sure, Poppy. We can only hope that he will not be in as much danger as Mr. Black.”

“I still don't understand. How could he have heard his distress? Unless Mr. Potter placed the boy under a monitor spell, he should not have been able to guess that he was in danger.”

“I believe we must investigate Mr. Black himself. The curse must be reviewed. I must look at those memories. Something is wrong, Poppy. I don't believe that it is truly Icarus Syndrome. Not any longer.”

“What else could it be, Albus? There is no counter, no similar spell. What else could Lucius have cast?”

“The memories hold the key. Perhaps it is time we review them. Carefully.”

“I will attend the Hospital Wing then, Headmaster. I wish you luck in solving this problem.”

“Thank you, Poppy.”

She strode down the corridor, heels clicking on the stone floor. Dumbledore gathered his robes about himself and turned the opposite way, striding for the Headmaster's Staircase. He would need to get in his office posthaste and collect the memories from Severus. His letter had been returned unopened. Lucius wouldn't communicate with him. He would have to look elsewhere for his answers.

-X-

“Have you seen Harry?” Hermione asked, scanning the Gryffindor table.

“I heard him leave this morning. It was really early. Maybe he went out for a fly?” Dean answered, taking the jam from Seamus.

“Maybe. I would have thought he'd be back by now though.” Ron said at Hermione's other side. “For all we know, he's eating in the kitchen now.”

“Well, he wouldn't miss class.” Neville said, matter-of-factly.

“I didn't think he'd miss breakfast.” Ron muttered.

“Dumbledore and Snape are missing too...” Hermione said, voice trailing away. She nudged Ron and gave him a meaningful look. “You don't think they doing something with...him...do you?”

He gave her an uncomprehending stare. She scowled and nudged him harder, making him wince. Comprehension dawned and he nodded enthusiastically. She sighed and grabbed her bag.

“Where are you going? We still have fifteen minutes before class.” Ron protested.

“I'm going to find Harry. I need to ask him something. You can stay here and eat breakfast if you want.” Her voice was steely and definitely implied that it wouldn't be what he wanted at all.

“No. No. I'll go with you.”

He gave his breakfast a remorseful stare and grabbed his bag to follow Hermione.

“Hey Ron. Whoopah!” Seamus mimicked a whip crack and the boys began to laugh. He glared at them through his red face and flipped them off as he hurried after Hermione.

-X-

Harry had transfigured his cloak and tie into a pillow and blanket almost as soon as Draco had fallen asleep. The stone animals had watched his progress and eventually the ferret abandoned its position on the lion's neck to curl up beside Draco. He shook his head. He would have never guessed Draco's spirit guide would be a little rodent.

“Would you like to see the mirrors?”

He jumped as the lion spoke close to his ear. He glanced at the mirrors, nervous about approaching them. Those mirrors were just as dangerous as the Mirror of Erised.

“They can show you many things. Great and wonderful things.” The lion paused. “And terrible things.” Both of them turned to look at Draco who was curled up on the ground beside them. “There are things you should see and things would would like to remember.”

“Remember?” He said frowning.

“The Mirror of Desserper. It will show you what you have forgotten.” The lion rose and began to approach one of the mirrors on the far side of the circle. Its tail flicked irritably and Harry hurried after it. The lion stopped in front of a silver-framed mirror. It was free of any embellishment along the edges, but they weren't needed with the smoke that was billowing on the inside. It reminded Harry of Neville's Rememberall. “Cut your hand on the edge of the mirror.”

Harry looked at the lion sharply, but it ignored his look and stared only at the empty surface of the mirror.

“The Mirror requires blood to work and it must have a sample of your inner magic. Cut your hand on the edge of this mirror and it will wound your magical strength. Blood and magic will allow the mirror to show you what you yourself have forgotten.” The lion sank to its haunches at his side. “Your wounds will heal quickly. Do not be afraid.”

“I'm not afraid.” He lied, letting his fingertip touch the edge of the mirror. He ran it down the edge hard, wincing as he felt his skin slide apart and something just as painful cut into him inside himself. The blood clung to the frame, sinking in as if the mirror were drinking it. He could see the blood spread through the frame, creating images along the plain edge. Lions, dragons, snakes, hippogriffs, a dog, a stag, a wolf, a doe...The creatures blurred as they raced around the edge and then immediately froze as the smoke billowed blood red and then dispersed until he was staring into his father's brown eyes.

“Harry.” James smiled as he lifted the little baby from the crib. It was himself he realized. “Did Mummy not sing to you before she put you down for your nap? Bad Mummy.”

“James.” Lily came up beside him, swatting him on the arm. “Don't tell him things like that.”

“He's knows I'm just joking.” James winked at him, brown eyes crinkling with humor.

“Give him here.” She took him from James' arms and began to sway and spin slowly. “I'll sing you something extra special to make Daddy shut up.”

She began to sing. Harry couldn't stop the tears that were pouring down his face. These were memories he had of his parents...the old memories that people couldn't remember. It shouldn't be possible to remember these. But there they were. The memories of that pure and unconditional love he'd shared with his parents before they died.

Harry sat on the stone bench, watching the memories of his time as a baby. The lion pressed into his legs and he dropped a hand to its mane. It felt warm and realistic, even though he knew it was stone.

-X-

“Madam Pomfrey? Is Harry here?”

The nurse looked at them with nervousness and concern. She wrung her hands together and looked past them at the door. She sighed and ushered them into her office, gesturing at the chairs.

“Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley. I'm not sure I am allowed to tell you, but you are involved with so many secrets that I'm sure you can be trusted. However, I must ask you to make a Wizard's Oath to not act on this information. The Professors are already taking care of it.”

They had both paled abruptly and Hermione's hand held Ron's tightly. “What happened to Harry? Is he alright?”

“Yes. I'm sure he is fine, Ms. Granger.”

“You're sure? You don't know?” Ron interrupted.

“No, Mr. Weasley, I'm not sure. About six hours ago, Mr. Black went missing.”

“Draco's gone?!” Hermione asked stunned.

“Yes.” Pomfrey bit out impatiently. “If you would let me finish.”

“Sorry.” They muttered insincerely.

“Mr. Black has hidden himself inside the castle and Mr. Potter has gone to look for him. He has been gone an hour so far, but Dumbledore knows their location and is working on getting them out. I want to have your Oaths this instant.”

Ron and Hermione glanced at each other.

“Of course, Madam Pomfrey.” They took their wands in their hands.