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Chapter 21 Tic Toc











“Cant you just do a spell to find him or something?” Rachel whispered to Atheena in the corner of Dumbledore’s office. She looked around nervously at all of the people that were silently crying. Hermione and Ron were being comforted by the twins, who were doing their best to hold back their own despair. Sirius had broken down. His head was in Lupin’s lap and Tonks was softly rubbing his back, her other hand held Remus’s tightly. Albus sat behind his desk, his head buried in his hands. Severus had slouched into a far corner of the study away from everyone else. His eyes seemed drained, void of his presence.



“It doesn’t really work that way sweetie. We could if they had taken him somewhere muggle but they didn’t. They have wards up so that we cant track him.” Atheena sighed. She truly hated her family.



“Can we go look for him? You must have some ideas.” Rachel seemed desperate.



“They would know enough to take him somewhere that none of us knows.” Atheena stood. “I’m going to go try talking to Sev.” She approached her brother slowly. He did not rasie his eyes to meet her. “Hey you…” She kneeled down by his side. “Sev…I need you to think…anywhere that they might…”



“What do you think I could possibly be doing over here?” He still wouldn’t look at her. “They wouldn’t go to any of the Manors, they couldn’t take him to any of the Dark Lord’s hideouts because he doesn’t know that they have him…”



“What do you mean he doesn’t know that they have him? Aren’t they going to take Harry to him?” Ron sat up and rubbed his tear stained cheeks.



Snape didn’t speak. Atheena took a few steps towards the boy and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “That wasn’t what this was about. This is just to hurt Sev…our brother, Marius…he…god…” Her voice fell off. She put her hand over her mouth and shook her head.



Ron looked to Tonks. “What is it?”



Tonks looked to Albus, who nodded in approval. “Marius Snape is…a monster.” She filled her lungs with air. “He’s always been a monster. He wasn’t even right when we were younger.”



“You knew him?” Hermione questioned.



“We went to school together he was a few years a head of me…there were rumors…well you don’t need to hear all of that. He has a lifestyle all his own…” Dora was startled when Severus jumped to his feet.



“Don’t give them the childproof version…lord knows their friend isn’t getting it!” He placed himself in the center of the room. “Marius likes to have new toys. Right now that toy is Harry. He’ll use him in what ever way seems titillating in that moment. A few years ago my brother was walking down a muggle street in London. He spotted a young boy that he instantly fancied.” He seemed as if Snape’s blood was boiling. He held the attention of everyone in the room. “He grabbed him. In front of everyone he apperated them both to Snape Manor…and he…” His voice caught in his throat. He remembered what had happened at Snape Manor. He had seen it. He had been forced to allow it and now Harry was living it.



Albus stepped in, sparing his friend the burden of recounting the tale. “Marius kept the boy as his prisoner for nearly eight months until one day he walked into the room that they shared and decided that the boy was weakened to much from Marius’s torturous sexual practices. He cast Avada Kadarva without provocation. He gave the explanation that he had grown bored with his conquest. Severus was called upon to clean up his brother’s mess, who had traveled to America to find a new ‘pet’.”



“After serving Voldemort for all of those years I never expected I’d witness greater evil. What I viewed in that room…no human could do such things. Magic couldn’t even remove the blood.” Snape retreated back to his corner.



“We have to find Harry.” Sirius shot up. “We have to find him now.”



“That’s great Black. We should do that.” Severus berated.



“Don’t start that!” Hermione sobbed at her professor. “That wont help. We all just need to think!”



“We cant inform the ministry…it’ll be all over the papers. Then Voldemort will know.” Lupin added. “We’re on our own…Headmaster please tell me that you have an idea.”



“I’ve tried all that I can think of at the moments. Harry, Draco, the Snape’s they aren’t anywhere to be found. I’ll need time to research alternate methods…I swear an oath to all of you that I wont sleep until he is brought home…in the mean time I have an idea but it’s dangerous and doesn’t promise any results.”



“What is it?” Severus rushed the desk.



“We cant find him, but eventually someone who knows their whereabouts has to show up. It may be foolish but I propose that we pair up and wait them out at selected locations. Snape and Malfoy Manors, Azkaban, anywhere that they may show up.”



“Both the Snape’s and Malfoy’s have summer homes.” Atheena added.



“Marius has a loft in London.” Tonks was ready.



“Those are our most likely bets. I’ve paired us up. Severus you’ll take Hermione to Snape Manor. Ron you and I will go to Malfoy Manor. Atheena and Tonks you’ll go to The Snape summer home. Remus and Fred, the Malfoy Summer home. Sirius, you and George will take Marius’s flat in London. Minerva I’ll leave the school to you and Rachel. Let them out for the Holidays. We wont be back in session until Harry is found.”



“Of course Headmaster.” The elderly witch nodded.



“I think it best if we leave tonight. We are going in blind. We’ve no idea of the wards around these locations. Stick to the grounds around these locations an determine if you can enter in relative safety. Now is there anyone who does not want to go?” The room remained silent. “I wish you my best.” Albus was proud the warriors that stood before him.



Hermione hugged Ron tightly then joined Snape’s side. “I need to make a stop at Gryffindor tower. I’ll meet you at the main entrance.” She left before he could tell her to make haste.



“Be careful.” Atheena trailed her hand down her brother’s arm.



“You as well. Do you remember the incantations to get past the wards?”



“I do.” She promised, then turned to say her goodbyes to Rachel.



“Dumbles watch out for our baby brother. He whines something awful when he gets hurt.” The twins took turns hugging Ron.



“I’ll be in great hands.” The red haired boy looked to his professor.



“As will I.” The old wizard grinned.



Sirius and Remus talked quietly in the doorway. “Promise that you’ll be careful.” Remus urged strongly.



“I will. Mooney watch yourself and watch Fred. The Malfoy’s are notorious for their wards around their properties.”



“I know my way around them.” He kissed his boded quickly, when they parted they were stunned to see Tonks standing next to them.



“I want both of you to be careful. I couldn’t tell you how absolutely irate I would be if you put me through all of this hell just to get seriously injured or captured.” Neither man could find words.



“They’ll be back to give you more hell.” Fred and George joined their partners in this cockamamie stake-out.



“Let’s go then.” Sirius motioned for George to follow him. Fred and Lupin chose to trail closely behind them.



“Shall we be on our way?” Albus outstretched his hand to Ron. “We’ll be traveling with Fawkes.”



“Like bursting into flames?” Ron gulped.



“You’ll barely feel a tingle.” The moment Ron clasped his and in the Headmaster’s the phoenix swooped down and all three vanished in a bust of fire.



“Atheena we have to go.” Tonks approached the couple.



“I’ll see you soon.” Rachel rubbed her wife’s cheek. Atheena smiled before she turned to Tonks.



“We’ll have to go by broom. I can’t remember well enough to apperate.” With that they were gone.



Rachel turned to Minerva. “Do you think that this will all work?”



“I’ve no doubt child.” The witch lied. She had her doubts pertaining to this plan, but she knew the love everyone of those souls carried for Harry and that gave her hope.



*** *** ***



“This is where you grew up?” Hermione was in awe of the gothic château that loomed in front of them.



“Will you keep it down…merlin knows how you’ve made it all of these years. Don’t you know how to display some stealth?” Snape chastised as they made their way through the undergrowth of the forest surrounding the house. He perched them in a small cave that looked over the property. “It’s not safe for us to attempt to enter until morning. You should sleep while you can. I wont have you slowing me up.” The man didn’t allow his concern to show.



“Do you really think I could? He may be your bonded but he’s been my friend for six years. I’ve been with him through everything. You are not the only one who’s scared for him.” She snapped.



“If you wont sleep will you at the very least grace me with silence?” Sev snarled his retort. The girl was more than happy to oblige.



*** *** ***



“Did you know that they had a castle?” Ron’s eyes widened when they stopped in the hills above Malfoy manner. There were no lights emulating from the house.



“Yes I was aware.” Albus smiled at his students naivety.



“So we’re just going to sit here?” Ron was uneasy.



“For the time being. We’ll go in before sunrise.”



*** *** ***



Sirius exhibited lest tact as he magically unlocked the door to Marius’s loft. Both men rushed in, wands raised. There was not a soul to be found. “Settle in.” Sirius said after he had walked through all of the rooms. “I fear we may have an extended stay.” George made no attempt to be respectful as he plopped himself down on the plush white couch and threw his feet onto a glass coffee table.



“That man does have god taste.”



*** *** ***



Remus circled carefully around the house that had obviously not been used in years. “I just need to check for…” He turned to see that Fred was not behind him.



“Hey Remus.” A whisper care from above the werewolf. “No magical wards on this one…a few booby traps…” He pointed painfully to arrow imbedded in his shoulder. “Just come through the front door.” Remus chuckled and followed his companion’s premature footsteps. “



“With your reconnaissance skills we wouldn’t make it through this without immortality.” Lupin shook his head with a light-hearted grin.



*** *** ***



“It will take us until sunrise to get there.” Atheena yelled to the woman on the broom next to her. “There are some caves in the cliffs that we can stay in until nightfall.”



Tonks winked and zoomed forward.



Atheena slowed the coldness of the British air to wash over her skin. She was home.



*** *** ***



“Bullshit.” Harry reminded himself as he batted away the beams of sunlight that were offending his newly opened eyes. The sun just had to get in a few laughs at my misfortune…wait…catch up here Potter…sun…window…wake the hell up and see if you can get out that way! The man’s thoughts raced as he eased himself out of the bed. Marius was nowhere to be seen. He stalked over to the window and slid his fingers under the pane. It slid open without a sound. He searched his environment frantically for signs of life. There where none. The room was on the ground floor, sprawling manicured lawns stretched out before him. If he could just get out he might be able to apperate. Harry cautiously lifted one leg out and placed it on the ground. Nothing. He was ok. He swiftly crawled the rest of the way out and took a satisfied breath he…was back in the bedroom, looking in from the doorway. “Bullshit.” He sighed, dejectedly.



“Leaving so soon pet?” Marius slid in behind Harry.



“It was worth a go.” Potter answered, moving to the other side of the room. “Quite the trick.” He pointed to the window.



“I gave you ample warning last night. You wont be able to leave this room without my escort. I wasn’t lying.” The man rolled up the sleeves of his deep blue dress shirt. “Are you hungry? I brought us some breakfast.” He reached into he hallway and pulled in a silver cart. It was loaded with plates of food, a pot of tea and a pitcher of orange juice.



“I’m not eating that.” Harry shook his head and laughed slightly.



“It’s safe. I swear it. I’ll even eat with you. Would you feel better with some clothes? Vestis.” Harry looked down to see that he wore jeans and a tee shirt from his own closet.



“You’re right now that you’ve given me my own clothes I do feel like eating your poisoned food. Thanks.” Harry rolled his eyes and squared off his shoulders.



“Harry I want us to get along. Now I made you the lovely breakfast. It would be respectful if you joined me.” Marius’s demeanor seemed relaxed.



“I’ll pass. But hey I might be in the mood for some arsenic around lunch time.”



The older man chewed on his smirk and nodded his head. It was with lightening fast speed that he had Harry firmly by the hair, his face smashed into a plate of eggs.



“Harry perhaps I wasn’t clear! We will be eating breakfast!” He growled, furious heat burned Harry’s skin. He felt his body being roughly tossed to the ground “It’s rude to refuse a gift.” Marius once again adopted his serene tone as he lifted the young man up and handed him a cloth napkin. Harry was in awe. What the hell just happened? He brought the napkin to his face and wiped away the slimy muck. “Let me help you.” Marius gently brushed pieces of breakfast out of messy brown hair. “Go in to the washroom and make yourself presentable. I’ll clean this up for you and then we will sit down to a nice meal. Agreed?” The younger Snape had his hand firmly on Harry’s shoulder. Harry nodded his head, dumbstruck and entered the bathroom. He washed up quickly and retuned to his deranged captor. “Are you ready now?” His voice was cocky, as if Harry was late getting ready for a gala. Potter just nodded once more and sat down to the plate that Marius had prepared for him. What in the bloody fucking hell have I gotten myself into?



*** *** ***



“Where is everyone that lives here?” Hermione stayed close to his professor. The were wondering the dark, archaic halls of Snape manor



“Gone.” Snape rasped.



“I can see that moron. Where are they?”



“Miss. Granger If I knew that we would have Harry safely back in my arms. If you are not going to be of any use go back to Hogwarts and stick your nose in a book. I am trying to find my bonded.” His voice scratched painfully from his throat. The girl hesitantly touched his hand.



“I’m sorry that I called you a moron.” She apologized. “You aren’t a moron…and arrogant git maybe but not a moron.”



“Do not take advantage of the fact that I’m not allowed to take points at the moment. I’ll find ways of getting even once we return to the school.” Snape chided between opening and closing doors to the numerous rooms in the manor.“There isn’t anyone here.” He concluded.



“I know that already. I’ll ask you to remember that I told you that an hour ago when whe entered, when I did the ‘search for life’ spell. This place is dead.”



“Why does anyone like you? You’re proving to have a rather foul personality.” Severus turned to face the girl.



“Why does anyone like you?” She shot back.



“Touché.” He smirked sadly. “Perhaps our Mr. Potter is a poor judge of character. I’m not particularly fond of anyone he likes.” He closed his eyes tightly, longing to be reunited with his mate.



“Does this place have a study? I want to work out some location finding theories that came to me last night.”



“I knew you served a purpose.” Snape took off down the hallway.



*** *** ***



“I’ve heard from everyone except Severus and Hermione. No one has seen or heard anything.” Rachel was obviously panicky as she tapped her foot on Minerva’s desk.



“It isn’t unlike him to not send word. He’s not a man to care if we’re worried. Everyone else is safe?” The witch inquired.



“All except Harry.”



“My dear that is the story of his very existence.



*** *** ***



“I need to go out for a few hours…you know evil and all that. Be a good boy while I’m gone. They’ll be a reward in it for you.” Marius spoke after hours of silence. He had had numerous fire-calls that he had shielded with silencing spells. Harry had spent his time staring out of the window. He couldn’t even get a scheme to take flight within his mind. He was stuck.



“Will it be a new chew-toy?” He groaned under his breath. It was not lost on Marius. Harry’s stomach curled as muscular arms slid over his shoulders. The man remained behind him, his lips next to Harry’s ear.



“Those wouldn’t be the words I would choose but I do have something you could put in that naughty mouth.” His words molested Potter’s senses. He needed to vomit. “When I get back we can…get to know each other a little better.” Harry didn’t move, he didn’t breath as he waited for the other man to release him. Only when Marius was surely gone did the-boy-who-lived let his tears fall.









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