Devil's Snare
How?
Title: Devil's Snare
Rating: R
Word Count: 647
017: How?
Paring: Harry/Draco
Summary: Harry is told to bring Draco to the light side of the war at any cost. Post-HBP, D/s, dubious consent, Post-Hogwarts, war!fic.
Disclaimer: Unoriginal characters and situations belong to JKRowling. No copyright infringement is intended.
Table of Contents found at http://www.livejournal.com/users/mahoganyhandle/9713.html
~
Harry broached the subject of whom Malfoy was protecting hours later when Malfoy had calmed and sobered up considerably. Malfoy pretended that he hadn't heard at all. Harry would have a time of extracting the information out of him.
But before Harry got the chance to push the issue, he felt the protective spells around himself go haywire. It started as a warm, light tingle that escalated into buzzing burn. A spell swept over him, a rush like ice water, and he drew in on himself, curling up in the chair and going still.
"Potter?" asked Malfoy quietly, blinking curiously at the chair where Harry sat.
"Shh," insisted Harry impatiently. "Can you see me?" Malfoy shook his head. "That's good."
"Wha--?"
"Draco!" The door slammed open, bouncing back off the wall. Judging by the way Malfoy reacted – merely turning his head whereas Harry nearly jumped out of his skin and knocked the chair over – it seemed like this was a regular occurrence in his household.
Bellatrix Lestrange blazed into the room, still dressed in Death Eater's robes and carrying the skull mask. Her hair flew wildly about her face and her eyes were bright, mad even. Malfoy stood as she came into the room, casting one last curious glance at the chair.
"What is it?"
"It's… Snape," she hissed the name with disgust, face twisting into a hateful sneer. "He's disappeared."
"Has he, now?" Malfoy replied, turning away. He poured himself another glass of brandy. "Would you like something to drink?"
"I can't stay," she told him. "Your mother sent me to warn you…. The Dark Lord thinks that you know what's going on, why Snape has disappeared. He's allowing you an audience with him to explain before – Draco, you will answer his summons this time, won't you?"
"Of course. Is that what this is about?"
"Snape won't be there to protect you from his wrath this time. It is imperative that you understand that. Your mother is distraught and Lucius…."
"You can tell them not to worry about me. I know why Snape left. I know where he went, what he has taken with him, and what he plans to do with it. I will, naturally, answer any of the Dark Lord's questions. When am I expected?"
"And that's it…?" Bellatrix said, eyes narrowed in suspicion. She looked at Malfoy with measure then sneered. "After six years you'd betray him so easily."
"Is it a question of whom commands my loyalty?" said Malfoy, giving an icy laugh and drained his cup. "Really, my darling aunt, you have forgotten so much about me! Have I been so distant?"
"Do not play games with me. Greyback is on his way to escort you to the Dark Lord's side as we speak. You've made a horrid mess of the Dark Lord's plans – I don't know if you can repair all the damage you've done!"
"Greyback?" said Malfoy as if he hadn't witnessed his aunt's outburst. He shrugged and poured another glass. From his seat, Harry glowered balefully. He found it extremely hard to believe that Malfoy drowned his problems in alcohol. "Voldemort sent him here?"
"Merlin! Draco watch your tongue."
"His name is not a curse, as he would have us believe," Malfoy sniped. "Anyway, he knows my thoughts about that werewolf. What would make him send Greyback here – especially when my daughter could be in the house!"
"That werewolf will have you if you are not careful!"
Malfoy snorted. "Hardly."
"Don't be too sure of yourself."
"He hasn't had me in six years."
"And Snape's no longer around to protect you, is he? The Dark Lord never liked that you have not taken his Mark. He resents your independence. You know this." Malfoy nodded. "How are you going to fix this?"
"I—" Malfoy hesitated, glancing down at his glass. His hands were shaking. "I just will."