A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything

Chapter 11

Severus’ robes flowed around him in a very dramatic fashion as he walked down the dank hallways of Azkerban. Even in summer it was constantly chilled, the air dank and the stoned walls dirty. Certainly not a luxury spot by any stretch of the imagination. A guard walked in front of him, and one behind him, through the maximum security wing. He kept his shiver of disgust and loathing in check, knowing without seeing them that the dementors frequented this section of the prison the most.

He stopped just short of the door, looking over his left shoulder to a scrawny figure huddled in his own cell. That familiar burst of pleasure at the thought of his old tormentor, locked away and rotting in Azkerban filled him. The only justice he’d ever seen in the wizarding world was when Sirius Black had been condemned to spend the rest of his life here.

The guard tapped on the barred doorway, “Ten minutes.”

Snape nodded curtly, the door opening before he smoothly walked inside. Bare and dirty stone floors and walls. A single, barred window that gave a view of the ocean all around the wizarding prison. In the corner, a huddled figure trembled in a ball of misery and fear and Severus felt a deep satisfaction from it, “Well, now, this is indeed a sight to behold.” Half crazed blue eyes lifted to see the familiar face. At one time this man had been his friend. His only friend in Hogwarts. He’d been there for this blond man through some of the most important moments of his life, including the birth of his son and heir. But he could see now that matters were not as they should be. The mother was distant while Lucius constantly searched his new son for flaws. For Severus he’d taken one look at the bright eyed bundle of squirming pink flesh and fallen instantly in love, vowing to the boy to protect him from every danger. He just had no idea he’d have to protect him from his own father, “The great Lucius Malfoy, reduced to this in just a few weeks. A pity you seem to attract the Dementors so. I suspect they will give you the kiss soon.”

“Severus-...”

Hissing in barely contained fury, unable to remain even remotely controlled, “Do not for one instant believe that I will be helping you in any fashion.”

The proud wizard looked lost and confused, “Why? Why are you turning against me?”

Grinding his teeth together at not only Lucius’ complete lack of guilt, but also his complete lack of
remorse. The child was his own flesh and blood. Surely that should mean something. But then again, Lucius’ own father had beat him regularly so he wasn’t all that surprised. Truth be told so had the Potions Master’s, all the more reason Severus had vowed never to have children of his own, “I do not condone the actions of pedophiles...particularly when the bastard abuses my own godson.” Containing his emotions, portraying only cold satisfaction, “You won’t be able to escape your fate, Lucius. Soon they will send you to the dementors and Draco will finally be vindicated.”

“The boy is a liar.”

“The boy has never lied to me.”

Lucius stiffened, realization dawning on the blond man, “You...you helped them...”

Nodding stiffly, “Just as I have now, picking your memories from your vial mind, I will deliver it in a pensive to expedite your conviction.”

Hissing in fury, body too weak to stand, “You think I am beaten but I am not finished yet, Severus.”

There was a knock at the door, “It’s time.”

Giving his former friend a cruel smile, “Truer words were never spoken.”

***

On a whim, Draco looked over his blank parchment, flipping it back over to see several half started sentences before a paragraph caught his attention. And being the glutton for punishment that he was, he decided to read what the boy wonder had to say.


H: I’m sorry but you took that the wrong way, Malfoy. Not to be insulting, but we Gryffindors innocently tease each other all the time but I guess Slytherins don’t. I’m actually not all that surprised Hermione did something for you. She’s really a great friend to have. Even if we can’t be friends we do have to keep up these letters for school so can we at least be civil? I’m willing to try if you are. So, write me back some time if you like. I’ll be looking at the page at night.


Dipping his quill into ink.


D: Well, I was insulted and it was uncalled for. I had managed to keep our conversation completely civilized, obviously a concept lost on a half blood.


Rolling his eyes, he was about to turn the parchment over when words scribbled across the page. Too intrigued, he paused to read.


H: I will admit that I offended you by accident, but now you’re doing it on purpose.

D: And what of it, Potter? Will you be informing the Headmaster for being mean to me?

H: Dammit, Malfoy. I’m trying here.

D: Yes, you are trying and aggravating and an unaccountable prick.

H: You’re a no good asshole with an overinflated ego and absolutely no shame.

D: Prick.

H: Said that already, Git.

D: Boy-Who-Doesn’t-Have-The-Common-Curtesy-To-Die.


There was a significant pause, Potter no doubt preparing to blast him with something nasty and Draco was in eager anticipation. Why the hell hadn’t they thought of this years ago? No teachers or classes or well meaning friends interfering. Just the two of them name calling with the best of them. He loved banter.


H: That was pretty good, Malfoy.

D: You better not be laughing. Don’t you dare stop.

H: Why continue?

D: Because I’m angry here!

H: Well I’m not.


Draco flung away his quill and pouted, arms crossed, “Dammit!”


H: That’s actually the most fun I’ll have all summer and that’s the honest truth.

D: The summer’s barely started.

H: Won’t matter.

D: Not to be snide but...your relatives really don’t like you.?

H: Just call me the Boy-That-Lived-To-Be-A-House elf.