Some Dangerous Liaisons

A/N: I can't believe that I'm here at the end of this. This has been a wonderful experience to write a fanfic story for HP. This is my original ending that I had planned for this story.

Based on feedback from you all, will determine if I add a few more chapters to it. If everyone likes this ending. I'll probably leave it alone. So let me know what you all think!

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed over the last year, sent me PM's to tell me how much they liked the story, offered me encouragement when I didn't want to continue cuz I didn't think anyone liked it or was even reading this thing.

You all have been great.

I'm still writing other stories, so keep an eye out for me!

Much love,

ScorpioPhoenix


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The Ties that Bind.

The Daily Prophet

HOGWARTS OR HELL ON EARTH?

By Rita L. Skeeter

Tragedy struck at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry yesterday, when two students were killed in what Ministry officials are describing as a “full scale House riot”. Justin Finch-Fletchley of Hufflepuff and Theodore Nott of Slytherin, both seventeen, were killed by unknown means during a brawl that lasted for almost an hour.

This reporter wants to know where the teachers were during a riot so violent, that it shook the castle walls. Reports poured in from residents of Hogsmeade, who felt the earthquake like tremors.

The Ministry dispatched Aurors to the castle when reports streamed in that a “dark” presence could be felt from the centuries old castle.

Upon arrival at the school, head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt was quoted as saying, “What the ruddy hell-“

Auror Hestia Jones stated, “the school was covered in a very powerful magical presence and that several Dark curse, including Unforgivables, had been utilized” once they had been admitted into the castle.

Dark curses indeed.

Taken into custody were seventeen-year old Pansy Parkinson of Slytherin and sixteen-year old Ginerva Weasley, daughter of Ministry official Arthur Weasley and sister of Percy Weasley, current aid to Minister Scrimgeour.

No comments could be secured from either Weasley on the subject of the arrest of the youngest Weasley. Wand signatures indicated that Parkinson and Weasley had cast the Cruciatus and the Killing Curse, respectively. Reports are sketchy on who the intended targets were supposed to be.

Two students were admitted to St. Mungo’s in grave condition. This reporter was only able to glean that the students admitted were Blaise Zabini of Slytherin and one Harry Potter, Hogwarts most famed student of Gryffindor. Both are seventeen. (See page 2A for the full story of Harry Potter and his legendary escape from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named)

The Boy-Who-Lived is apparently…still living. Both Hogwarts and St. Mungo’s staff are quite tight-lipped on the condition of its most famous patient. Attempts to speak to Hogwarts staff proved futile, which makes this reporter all the more convinced that something sure stinks in Scotland.

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, recently returned from whereabouts unknown, issued this statement:

We here at Hogwarts, are deeply saddened by the tragedy that claimed the lives of two of our students. We send our condolences to both the Finch-Fletchley and Nott families. We are in full cooperation with the Ministry and making a full investigation into the happenings at the school.”

Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration professor and Head of Gryffindor had this to sayhhen pressed to say more regarding both the security at the school and teacher awareness in the earlier phenomena of the castle shaking,

“We are still investigating the matter.”

This reporter was not able to print what Potions Professor and Head of Slytherin House Severus Snape had to say regarding the death of one of his students and the arrest of another.

Another curious side note is the discovery that another member of Slytherin House, Draco L. Malfoy, son of convicted Death Eater Lucius A. Malfoy, is missing from school grounds. Is it too much of a coincidence that the son of a vicious Death Eater is currently MIA after such a foul attack on fellow students?

This reporter thinks not.

Is it also coincidental that Harry Potter, the well-known rival of Malfoy in both Quidditch and moral issues ends up in the hospital or that a Muggle-born student is now dead? It is no secret that the Malfoys harbor deep-rooted prejudices against half bloods, Muggleborns and Muggles.

No doubt that Aurors will be calling on Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire to ascertain the whereabouts of the fugitive Malfoy junior.

Let us hope it will be before any more maimings and random killings happen.

Narcissa lowered the paper with a shaky hand. So it was true then. Potter was still alive. And now Draco was…

Best not to think of it now.

“Twinkles!” She called sharply.

The house-elf popped beside her. “Twinkles is here, Mistress.”

“Brandy…a large one.” She ran her fingers through her hair, something she never did unless she was extremely tired or upset. Both conditions applied here. “No…wait…a FireWhiskey…bring the whole bottle.”

Twinkles stared, her bulbous eyes blinking rapidly. “Is Mistress needing…more rest?”

“Just get the damn drink, elf!”

Twinkles vanished with a sob. Narcissa stood up from the table and headed towards the parlor. The Manor was eerily silent, unlike the day before.

Draco’s sudden appearance into the entryway of their home yesterday afternoon was something Narcissa truly wanted to forget. She’d never think she would have wished to not see her son.

He’d been covered in blood and had been shouting like a madman. Dried blood was all over his hands, hair, clothing and his face. Narcissa had swooned and house-elves had popped in from all over the Manor, not sure who to tend to first.

Draco was incoherent in his ranting. What was worse, his magic was completely out of control and objects exploded and pictures rattled and the curtains caught fire, which ended up scorching an entire room before the elves managed to put it out.

Narcissa made the mistake of trying to grab a hold of him and Draco stared at her with wide, pain-filled silver eyes.

“Dead…Potter’s…dead…killed…I…Harry…oh…god…Harry…”

Narcissa went very white and she shook him roughly.

“Draco….Draco!! What happened? Listen to me! Tell me what’s going on! Potter is dead? Did you kill him? Draco!!”

Draco’s eyes narrowed and he pushed his mother away from him, so hard that she almost fell. Two house-elves immediately rushed to her aid, but Narcissa held up her hand, her other hand clinging to the hallway table.

“You’d like that wouldn’t you, Mother? You’d love that I killed Harry Potter! Isn’t that what Father wanted, tried to do! It landed him in Azkaban, didn’t it? Will the Dark Lord reward us like you wanted, Mother? Are you happy now?”

Narcissa stared at her son, who looked completely maniacal with his face and hair streaked with blood and his robes soiled beyond repair.

“Draco? Every Auror in Britain will be here for your blood! We must get you out of here!”

Draco started laughing. “Let them come, Mother! I’m going to Azkaban! Right beside Father! Will you visit? Will you bring me sweets? Will you tell me a story about Beedle the Bard??”

As Draco spoke, his voice was rising higher and higher, much to the alarm of the elves and Narcissa.

“MUDBLOODS AND WEREWOLVES DESTROYED MY LIFE…FILTHY HALFBREEDS!”

Narcissa blanched and walked cautiously toward Draco. “Draco? Please…we must get you to safety. I know a place that we can go. We must leave before the Aurors get here. Who saw you? Where is Severus? Severus must be able to help!” She turned to a house-elf.

“Go to Hogwarts now, get Severus Snape immediately. Do not speak of any of this to anyone but him, do you understand!”

The elf nodded with terrified eyes and disappeared.

Narcissa pulled her wand. “I have to strengthen the wards. I can’t let them in, until we are safely away.” She looked at Draco who had grown strangely quiet. “Draco, we will be leaving very shortly.”

She pointed at another elf. “Go pack some things for my son. As much as you can get into our trunks.”

“No.”

Narcissa spun around. “What?”

“I said, no. Call her.”

“Call who?” But Narcissa already knew who.

Draco turned hatred filled eyes toward her. “Don’t play games with me, Mother. I said call her. Now.”

“No, Draco. Please…it doesn’t have to be that way. Let me get you away. I don’t want to lose you like I lost Lucius. Please, Draco. We can get away. We have friends who can help us.” She had stood in front of him, her eyes pleading with her only child, her heart and joy. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

Draco hissed, his eyes glittering with malice. “Do I have to tell you again? I said, CALL HER NOW.”

Another portrait went up in flames, its occupant howling in indignation.

“Dra-“

Draco sent his mother flying into the far wall with a wave of his hand. She landed on a side table and it crashed to the floor. Narcissa rolled over in the broken glass from the flower vase. She pushed herself to her knees, her hair in her face. She cringed when Draco’s feet appeared in her eye view. He reached down and grabbed her arm and pulled her up roughly. She whimpered in pain.

“Now, Mother. I don’t want to hurt you.”

She swallowed hard and finally nodded.

Draco never took his eyes from her as Narcissa flicked her wand and closed her eyes. She whispered an incantation softly and went very still. She didn’t move for several minutes and a thin film of sweat appeared on her forehead. She frowned a bit and then murmured again. She opened her eyes and looked at Draco.

“It’s done.”

Draco nodded, stepped back and let go of her hand. Narcissa moved weakly to lean against the only hallway table still standing. The telepathy she had just used was very taxing and drained most of her energy.

There was a loud crack of Apparition in the main foyer.

Bellatrix looked around and spotted Narcissa leaning against the table, looking quite ill.

“Why have you summoned me like this? We haven’t done that in years.”

Draco stepped forward and Bellatrix turned to look at him. She raised an eyebrow at his bloodied appearance. “Well, Draco…looks like you finally got your hands a bit dirty! Finally stepping into Daddy’s footsteps, eh?” She laughed, and it was a harsh hard sound.

“Take me with you.”

Bellatrix cocked her head and looked at him. “What? Take you to the Dark Lord? You’re not worthy to stand in his presence, boy! Not after what your father did!”

“From what I heard, you didn’t do what you were supposed to either.”

Bellatrix snarled, “Don’t talk about things you know nothing about, boy! The Dark Lord still favors me above all the others! I am his most faithful and He honors me!”

Draco narrowed his eyes. “Good, then you get me an audience with him. Now.”

Narcissa spoke up weakly, “Draco…please…don’t do this. You’re just a boy still…”

Bellatrix laughed again. “Awww…trying to get your Mummy’s permission? How cute!”

Draco’s eyes glittered again and Bellatrix’s smile faded. “Do I have to show you what I’m capable of, Aunt Bella? I’ve business to take care of…with the Dark Lord.”

Bellatrix smirked. “So, you’re ready to serve our Lord? To rid this place of the filthy Muggles and Mudbloods, and the nasty half-breeds?”

Draco smiled, “Yes. I understand now how destructive they are. They…can take away what you care about the most. I’ll never let that happen again.”

Bellatrix missed the flash of pain that crossed Draco’s face, but Narcissa didn’t. She pushed herself up and was about to walk to Draco when the house-elf reappeared with a crack.

It bowed low. “Mistress, Master Severus isn’t being able to get away from Hogwarts. Hinky was trying his best to take Master Severus, but there is being Aurors at Hogwarts. They is asking questions about Master Draco and the deaths of the students. Master Severus is being most sorry about not coming, but is saying he is trying to fire-call, but is not getting past the wards.”

At this Bellatrix’s look sharpened considerably. She gazed at Draco shrewdly. “You killed a student, Draco? Was it a Mudblood? Someone else unworthy?”

Draco shrugged, “Yeah, something like that. I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Bellatrix smiled at Narcissa who was now moving quickly to intercept them. “Draco, wait! Let me talk to Severus first, before you go!”

Narcissa rushed to the closest floo and accepted the call. Severus’ face popped into the flames, and Narcissa noticed that his usual calm demeanor was long gone. He looked anxious.

“Narcissa! Where’s Draco? I don’t have much time!”

“Severus, what’s happening? Draco is in a right state! He practically destroyed the Manor!”

“Never mind that! Tell him Potter isn’t dead! Is he there? Let me speak to him now!”

“Potter’s not dead? Then what happened? Why’s he covered in blood? Why are the Aurors-“

“Draco killed a Muggleborn classmate! Wandlessly! There is a lot going on that we don’t understand and it’s all part of Potter’s condition! I need Draco so we can work this all out!”

“A Muggleborn?? Severus! With our history, Draco is still going to go to Azkaban! I have to get him away!”

“NO! Narcissa, just listen to me! I can still help Draco, but he can’t run. It only makes it worse! Dumbledore said-“

The call ended abruptly.

Narcissa gaped at the dead fireplace. She quickly threw some powder into it again. “Severus Snape! Hogwarts!”

There was no answer. She tried again and waited anxiously. The floo remained dark. Narcissa cursed and ran from the room. What was Severus going to say?

She rushed back to the corridor. Bellatrix was stroking Draco’s hair, crooning. She broke off to look at Narcissa, who was panting from her race across the house.

“Draco has become so handsome, Cissy. You must be so proud.”

Narcissa nodded absently, staring at Draco, who was looking rather repulsed by his Aunt’s ministrations.

“Draco, that was Severus. He said that he can help you. That Potter-“ She shut her mouth, suddenly remembering that Bella was a Legilmans. If she read Draco’s mind or saw his reaction to the fact that Potter was alive, she would surely find out about their relationship.

Bellatrix’s eyes narrowed. “Potter? What about Potter??” She let go of Draco’s hair and looked at her sister. “What is that traitor Snape talking about now?”

Narcissa moved hesitantly toward them. Draco was looking at her with an expression that was mixed with pain and anger. “What?”

Narcissa wanted to get to Draco before Bellatrix made a move. If she could just get him away from her, then perhaps she could tell him what Severus said. Maybe he could make sense of it all.

“Draco, I need to speak with you, before you go. Please.”

Draco sneered, “So he’s told you? The Aurors are at school. Looking for me, I suppose?” He shrugged and turned towards Bellatrix. “You’re keeping me waiting.”

Bellatrix nodded and she walked towards Narcissa and then grasped her shoulders.

“Cissy, this is our family. Draco is serving our Master. Master will favor us all after this. He has proven that he is devoted to our cause. He killed in the name of the Dark Lord.” She grinned and Narcissa winced at the gauntness of her sister’s face.

Bellatrix turned abruptly and walked to Draco. “He’ll be in the presence of greatness. Those pitiful Aurors won’t be able to stop us!” She grabbed Draco’s hand and they both disappeared with a crack.

Narcissa screamed, and her voice echoed throughout the empty manor.

What had she done?


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Remus paced impatiently in the small waiting room at St. Mungo’s. He stood outside of the “Dangerous” Dai Llewellyn Ward.

The last twenty-four hours had been a mind-numbing blur.

Dumbledore had stepped out of the fireplace and calmly brushed off his robes. He looked at Harry, still and lifeless on the floor and then at Blaise who was taking slow shallow breaths.

“Dumbledore!” Severus and Remus had shouted simultaneously.

The man was entirely too calm for either of their liking.

“Poppy,” he said, “Take Mister Zabini to St. Mungo’s immediately. He will survive the trip, but any more delay with lessen that possibility. Have them send Healer McElroy to tend to him. Tell them I will be along shortly with the other recipient.”

Poppy jumped up and levitated Blaise towards the fireplace. She disappeared with him in a loud whoosh.

Dumbledore surveyed the common room. His eyes rested on Theo and Justin. He sighed deeply and rubbed his temples. “Minerva, please find a place to put their bodies. The Aurors will be here soon. And take any upright and conscious students to the Great Hall.”

Ron had loosened his grip on Ginny at Dumbledore’s appearance. She bolted across the room and fell to her knees beside Harry’s body. Hermione was still trying to stop the blood from gushing everywhere.

“Harry! Oh god, Harry!! Please don’t be dead! I’m sorry! Please!!” She tried to hug him to her, but Hermione pushed her away, tears streaming down her face.

“Leave him alone! You’ve done enough, Ginny!” Hermione gasped. “You don’t deserve to touch him after what you’ve done!”

Dumbledore’s voice boomed across the common room. “Miss Granger! Please go the hospital wing and start getting things prepared for the arrival of a number of students. Madam Pomfrey will be returning shortly and will need all the help she can get.”

“Headmaster! What about Harry? I don’t want to leave him, please!”

“I have this under control, Miss Granger. Please do as I ask.”

Hermione looked defiant, but at Dumbledore’s stern look, she stood awkwardly.

“Please find some clothing before you go.”

Hermione’s face turned bright red. She had completely forgot she was only in her bra and a skirt. She pointed her wand and summoned a shirt from her room.

“Mister Weasley, take your sister to the hospital wing and give her a Calming Draught. I’m afraid Aurors will be here soon and she will most likely be taken into custody. Same for Miss Parkinson.You may want to contact your parents. Use the floo in my office. Password is Honeydukes.”

Ron walked to Ginny and pulled her up. She collapsed against him and Ron half dragged her out of the common room.

He looked at Remus and Severus, who were both covered in blood. Both men looked stricken with grief about the events of the day.

“Severus, Mister Malfoy will need your assistance. What he has done may not be completely his doing. Everyone here may be under the influence of Harry.”

Severus barked, “What are you talking about?”

Remus interrupted, “Albus! I can’t find a pulse on Harry, but he’s still breathing!”

Dumbledore raised a hand. “Harry is fine for the moment, despite his injury. And fortunately, the demon was able to re-establish a link with him, but it’s a partial one. The demon is what kept him from bleeding to death. The blood infection seems to be spreading like a cold. Its violent and dark energy has affected the student body. There is a dark presence that has encircled the castle.”

Remus frowned, “The demon made a partial connection? Where is the rest of it? Still in Blaise?”

Dumbledore looked at Severus. “I would wager that it’s in Mister Malfoy.”


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By the time Severus had finally convinced a Hogwarts house-elf to apparate to Malfoy Manor to get Narcissa to take down the wards so he could come through, it was late evening.

He’d dodged the Aurors as best he could, but Kingsley Shacklebolt was a lot smarter than the rest of that lot. He hadn’t been intimidated by his sneering at all.

“I know your relationship with little Lucius,” he’d hissed. “If I find out you’re involved with this in any way…”

The threat was left unsaid. Severus had sneered some more and Kingsley left to harass some other people. Then he’d had to dodge Rita Skeeter. He’d sure left her with some great quotes.

Then he needed to reassure his students. Most of them were in the hospital wing with various hexes, some quite serious. The death of Theodore Nott and Draco’s disappearance had scared a number of the students. Tracy Davis and Daphne Greengrass were both heavily sedated in the hospital.

When Narcissa’s head finally appeared in the fireplace to let him through, Severus was exhausted. He was not equipped to handle hysterical students.

He wasn’t equipped to handle hysterical mothers either.

“Severus! Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for hours!”

“A drink…now.” He snarled, not at all in the mood for her complaining.

Narcissa summoned a house elf. Severus sunk into a chair and took the drink the house elf had brought. “Where’s Draco? I need to take him to St. Mungo’s.”

“Draco’s not here, Severus.

The man paused before taking a large gulp of his drink. “What do you mean he’s not here? Where is he?”

Narcissa paled. “Bella took him.”

The glass dropped from Severus’ fingers and rolled across the floor. He was on his feet in seconds. “What?”

“Bella came and took him! Draco demanded I summon her. He was out of his mind, Severus! He almost burned the house down! I’ve never seen him so angry before! And the things he shouted! I didn’t know what else to do!”

“You could have done anything but call Bellatrix! Narcissa, what the hell have you done! You let her take him to the Dark Lord? Do you know what this means?”

“I told you he was out of his mind! He was covered in blood and he kept talking about killing and Potter and nothing was making sense. He threw me across the room and he didn’t even have his wand! He looked mad, Severus!”

“He is mad, Narcissa! Didn’t you tell him that Potter was alive? He’s thinks he’s going to avenge his death! Why didn’t you tell him Narcissa?”

“I tried, but Bella wouldn’t wait! They were gone before I could tell him! You have to go to the Dark Lord, Severus. You have to get Draco back!”

“I can’t do that, Narcissa! I don’t know where he is. I haven’t been summoned lately!”

“Severus, please! You must do something! Draco can’t serve the Dark Lord in his condition! He was completely out of control! He’d kill Draco if he mouths off like he did earlier!” Her face paled even more and she clutched Severus’ robes. “What if the Dark Lord reads his mind and finds out about Potter! Oh my god, Severus! We have to get him back!!”

Severus tried to extricate himself from Narcissa’s talons, but the woman held onto him with strength only a distraught mother possesses.

“Narcissa, let me go! I have to think! I can’t think with all of this hysteria.”

“What did you mean when you said that you could help Draco. That this wasn’t his fault?”

Severus was loathe to tell Narcissa that her son was carrying around half of demon’s offspring.

“The Malfoy family shadow demon has taken partial possession of Draco.”

Narcissa’s hand flew to her mouth. “What?” She said breathlessly.

“I only know part of the story. I have to go to St. Mungo’s to see Dumbledore. He will finish explaining it.”

“I’m going with you!”

“No! There will be Aurors there. You’ll be taken into custody. If they use Veritiserum on you, Draco will be finished if you repeat what you told me. You have to stay here and away from them.”

“Severus! You’ll do whatever you can to get Draco back, won’t you? Please!”

“Draco is my god-son, Narcissa. I’ll do whatever I can to save him.”

Severus tossed powder into the hearth. “St. Mungo’s!”

He disappeared in a flash of green flames.


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Remus leapt to his feet when he saw Severus coming along the corridor.

“Where’s Draco?”

Severus didn’t answer right away. “Where’s Dumbledore?”

“He hasn’t come out yet.”

Severus looked annoyed but then motioned Remus to a quiet corner. “Draco is gone. Bellatrix came and took him to the Dark Lord.”

Remus slammed his fist against the wall. “How did that happen?”

“Draco demanded that Narcissa call her. She said he was out of her control. Destroyed a large part of the manor. But she didn’t tell him that Potter is actually alive after I had explicitly told her to.”

Remus stared at him blankly. “How could she not tell him?”

“I don’t know but she claimed that Bella wouldn’t wait and that they were gone.”

Remus slid down the wall and onto the floor. He looked as if he’d aged twenty years.

“Remus? Severus?”

Both men turned to the sound of Dumbledore’s voice. He looked as if he’d aged a hundred years.

Severus walked quickly to Dumbledore’s side. “Draco has gone to the Dark Lord. Narcissa couldn’t stop Bella from taking him.”

The last bit of strength seemed to go out of Dumbledore. He nodded gravely. “That is most unwelcome news. Is there any way to retrieve him?”

“I don’t know his location right now.”

Dumbledore sighed. “I have Healer McElroy working on Mister Zabini. The damage was extensive, but they will be able to repair or replace the internal organs that were removed or damaged. Has Missus Zabini arrived yet?”

“I only just arrived myself. Minerva was handling notifying the parents of students.”

“Mister Zabini will need medical assistance for the rest of his life, but he will live.”

Severus nodded at the grim news, but at least he would live.

Remus asked the most pressing question. “Harry?”

Dumbledore placed a hand on Remus. “They can’t help him, Remus. He is now in full manifestation of the infection. They are keeping him sedated right now until they can figure something out. I’m afraid it doesn’t look good. I’m doing my best to try and keep this under wraps. But we are going to be in for a difficult time ahead. The parents are going to want answers.”

“What of the demon presence?” Severus asked.

“It is digging in. We have detected the presence but the healers don’t want to try and remove it just yet. Harry’s magic is very strong and destructive. They’re afraid with the demon in him as well, they won’t be able to control Harry.”

“Will the same be happening to Draco?” Remus asked.

“I would suspect that Draco’s magic will be stronger, yes. You say he performed a wandless Avada Kedrava? Definitely demon magic. His grief and agitation is only fueling it and making it worse. I fear for Draco and anyone in his path.”

“This is a nightmare, Albus! What are we supposed to do now? Harry is the most powerful wizard alive and we can’t help him and Draco is the newest Dark Lord!” Remus shouted.

Dumbledore sighed wearily and Severus asked, “What of the Vargulf werewolf? If we can find him?”

Dumbledore shook his head. “Finding the boy won’t matter. Only female Vargulfs are the carriers. The males don’t have the antibodies. Did he give you any information at all?”

Remus looked surprised at this news. “Only the females? How do you know that?”

“Healer McElroy is an expert in dark creature bites, infections and the like. He knows quite a bit about werewolves and has studied the Vargulfs…and demons.”

Remus brightened suddenly. “Has he ever come into contact with a Vargulf before?”

“No, but he has more information on them than any of us. He will help us and Harry as best he can.”

Remus’ smile faded and sighed in frustration. Then his eyes danced excitedly. “Wait! I never talked to Ginny Weasley! With everything that happened, I completely forgot about her!”

Severus snorted in disgust and Dumbledore looked pained. “Miss Weasley helped him to escape?” He asked.

“I’m pretty sure she did. Draco and Hermione both told me that she had drugs in her bag and that she had been feeding them to Harry. And Ron told me that she had asked that very morning where I transformed and went looking for me. I believe she encountered Nicos in the Shrieking Shack. Ginny was desperate enough to let him go if he promised to help her. He probably gave her the drugs in exchange for his freedom. But there is no way that Ginny could have broken those bonds. Only another werewolf could have done that. I think Nicos managed to summon another Vargulf.”

“Miss Weasley is being held at the Ministry, Remus. You should go over there before anything else happens.” Dumbledore said sadly. “This will break Molly’s heart.”

Remus nodded and quickly walked down the corridor. His mind was in turmoil. This was such a mess. He should have worked harder to get that information out of Nicos. Beat it out of him if he had to. He swore to himself that he would not hold back if he ever found the man again.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he failed to hear his name being called.

“Lupin!”

He turned and saw Severus following behind him. He stopped and waited for him to catch up. “I am coming to the Ministry with you. Miss Parkinson is also being held there. I am sure her parents are there.”

Remus nodded and then grabbed Severus’ hand. “Severus, no matter our history, I’ll do whatever I can to help Draco. Will you do the same for Harry?”

Severus stared down at the hand gripping his. For the first time in his life, he was grateful that someone seemed to care about him.

“I will do what I can for him, yes.”

Remus squeezed his hand and stepped back and Severus raised his eyes to look at the man’s face.

The love clearly showed on Remus’ face and Severus felt a jolt inside his chest. There wasn’t time to dwell on what that could have meant.

Severus swirled away from him and continued to the entrance of the building. Remus followed behind him, but his heart felt a little lighter.


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They arrived at the Ministry with no interruptions, care of a Disillusionment Charm for Severus. His dubious relationship with Voldemort prompted the caution.

It was late evening by then and it was fairly deserted when they arrived.

Remus and Severus hurried to the lower interrogation areas. They saw Arthur and Molly sitting together talking in quiet tones. Arthur stood when he saw Remus and strode towards him hurriedly, his hand outstretched.

“Remus, glad you could come. The Aurors haven’t released Ginny yet.”

Remus clasped Arthur’s hand. Molly stood and rushed over as well, her round face pinched. Severus nodded to them both.

“Remus, can you tell us anything? What’s going to happen to Ginny?” Molly asked anxiously.

“I don’t know Molly. We are still trying to sort everything out. Ginny did use the curse against Draco, but now Albus is telling us that Harry’s blood infection may have been affecting her. This disease hasn’t been seen in five hundred years. And the documented cases are incomplete and don’t give us much to go on.”

Molly clutched at Arthur for support. “So there’s a chance that Ginny may be able to go free? That she hasn’t been in her right mind?”

“It’s a possibility, Molly, but I can’t say for sure. There’s nothing they can do for Harry right now. Albus just told me they are keeping him drugged.”

“Oh, for heavens sakes!” Molly said sharply.

Arthur frowned. “Surely that can’t be allowed. Is there anything we can do to help?”

“I need to talk to Ginny, Arthur. She may be the key to finding a cure for Harry.”

Molly spoke up. “How’s that?”

Remus looked grim but answered anyway. “Ginny may be able to identify a Vargulf werewolf. He or she could be the cure we’re looking for.”

“A Vargulf? Ginny has been dealing with werewolves??” Molly gasped, her hand to her mouth. “What has been going on at that school?”

Severus interjected. “Isn’t it obvious that your daughter has extremely poor taste in whom she chooses to associate with?”

Molly glared at Severus. “Why you-“

But Arthur put his arm around his wife and tried to shush her. “Molly, please.”

Remus gave Severus a look and the potions master rolled his eyes. “Surely she can’t be suggesting that we allow renegade werewolves to run amuck at the school.”

“Why not? They allowed me,” Remus said irritably and Severus sneered. “We don’t have time for this.” He looked at Arthur. “Where’s Ginny, Arthur? I need to talk to her now.”

Arthur looked uncomfortable. “Tonks is handling her case for now.”

Remus nodded. So, he’d have to deal with Tonks then.

“Where are they?”

Arthur pointed down the corridor. “Room ten.”

They both headed down the corridor and saw Tonks standing outside talking to another Auror. Two dark-haired people were sitting down in waiting chairs. When they saw Severus, both stood quickly.

“Professor Snape! What’s happening with my Pansy! Is this true?” The woman cried out.

“Violet, Ludovic…I will try to find out all I can.” Severus said, his voice tired.

Violet Parkinson was the spitting image of her daughter. “It can’t be true! Pansy use the Cruciatus? We have never taught her such things!”

Dawlish, the Auror, snorted with laughter. “Well somebody sure taught her some things. She’s in a lot of trouble.”

Violet paled and tears filled her eyes. “This can’t be happening!” She whipped around to look at her husband. “Do something!”

Ludovic looked helpless in the face of his wife’s wrath.

Remus left Severus to deal with the Parkinsons. He approached Tonks with a smile.

“Tonks? How are you?”

Tonk’s lips set in a thin line. “I’m just fine, Remus. A girl is always peachy after she gets dumped for no reason. And when a young girl has ruined her life over a boy.”

Remus sighed. “Tonks, I’m sorry about all of that. Please, I need a favor. I need to speak to Ginny.”

“Only family can get in, Remus. You know that. Ginny is under a suicide prevention spell.”

Remus looked stricken. “Oh, Tonks! Does she know that Harry is alive? If she doesn’t someone must tell her right away, please!”

Tonks smiled happily. “Oh, thank Merlin! We hadn’t heard a thing about Harry. He’s all right, then?”

“You have to keep this quiet, Tonks. But no. Harry’s not well and they don’t know what to do with him. The infection is out of their control and there’s no cure. Ginny has information that can help. Please, let us talk to her. The Ministry is going to vilify Harry once this gets out. We need to act quickly.”

Tonks looked uncertain for a moment. Remus clutched her hand. “Tonks, please.”

Tonks sighed in defeat. “Five minutes, Remus! I could get in big trouble for this. Hurry up!”

“Severus!” Remus called as Tonks waved her wand to unlock the door of Ginny’s holding cell.

They entered the cell and Tonks closed the door behind them. Ginny was sitting at a table, with her head on her arms. She didn’t move at all when the door opened.

“Ginny?” Remus said, sitting down in front of her. “Ginny, we need your help. Can you tell me what happened in the Shrieking Shack?”

Ginny stirred slightly and she looked up at him. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were practically swollen shut from her crying.

“What for?”

“It will help with Harry’s condition.”

At the mention of Harry’s name, Ginny jumped from her seat and Remus could see that each of her hands was bound with a bracelet. Her lips trembled and fresh tears rolled down her face. “He’s dead! You came here to rub it in! I loved Harry! I’ll always love him and I’m not sorry for what I did! If it kept him away from that rat, Malfoy!”

Severus snarled nastily, “It’s nice to know that your hatred for Draco will keep you warm in Azkaban. And that if Potter has any common sense, which he most likely doesn’t, he won’t waste his time on visiting you.”

Ginny turned wide eyes towards Severus. “What are you saying?”

Severus smirked with glee. “Potter’s alive, Miss Weasley. And now that you have secured a spot in Azkaban for your little stunt, he’ll move on with his life.”

Ginny paled and she looked at Remus desperately. “Professor, is that true?? Harry’s alive?”

“Yes, Ginny. He’s very ill though. Please, tell me what happened in the shack. You can help save his life.”

Ginny gave a whimper and sat down heavily, blinking rapidly. “Is he OK?”

“We’re wasting time, Lupin! Do you know anything or not, stupid girl!”

“Severus!”

Ginny shot hate-filled eyes at Severus, but then said to Remus, “Nicos had me owl someone for him. She was really old and had a funny accent. Nicos called her ‘Farusha’ and then Mother. I don’t know if it was his mother or not. She was angry with him though and she said something about Harry changing into something, but it wasn’t going to be a werewolf. I didn’t know what she meant though.”

Remus brightened considerably. “It was a woman? Very old? Like how old? And what did you send her?”

“She was older than Auntie Muriel and Professor Dumbledore. She was really wrinkled and shriveled up. And her accent was…sort of like Viktor Krum’s, but different.”

Severus and Remus exchanged glances. “Albanian, maybe?” Remus said to Severus, hopefully.

Severus nodded quickly. “Perhaps…”

Ginny looked from one to the other. “Does that help, Professor? Will that help Harry? I’m so sorry for what I did to him! I didn’t know he was sick! I wouldn’t have given him those pills! You believe me, right? I’d never hurt Harry!”

Remus nodded at her. “Yes, Ginny. I know how much you cared for Harry. What did you send for her to show up?”

“It was just a piece of parchment with her name on it. Nothing else. He said she would know where to come.”

Severus frowned but Remus looked thoughtful. “That’s ancient magic. Combined with…scent. It’s an old way that werewolves used to use to find one another. Because of the restrictions on werewolves traveling and wands often being taken from those infected, there had to be another way to get to one another.”

“Can you use this way to find Nicos?” Severus asked sharply.

Remus looked doubtful. “I don’t know the spells. And I’ve never lived in a clan before. This is very old magic. Even though we’re still restricted, it’s not to the extent it was centuries ago. This Farusha must be at least two hundred years old or she has learned it from elders. We must find her at all costs. I have no idea how we’re going to do that.”

Severus shook his head and glared at Ginny. “I hope you’re happy, Miss Weasley. You have definitely mucked this all up, haven’t you? All for your precious Potter! And you say you love him. For the first time in my life, I feel sorry for Potter.”

Ginny’s face contorted into a mask of fury and she snapped, “Just because you don’t know anything about love! All you know how to do is insult and hurt people! You’re just jealous that Harry actually wanted to be with me, and that you had to put him under spells to get him to even look at you!”

Remus uttered an expletive and Severus flushed a dark crimson color.

“Why you sanctimonious little bi-“

“Ginny! That’s enough!” Remus shouted. “Severus is still a professor and an adult!”

Ginny stared at Remus defiantly. “Well, he wasn’t acting like it! Pansy Parkinson told me she saw them together and that Harry was under a spell while Professor Snape touched him! He should be the one in Azkaban!”

Severus growled and Remus stood up.

Severus was reaching for his wand and Remus was afraid he was going to hex the stupid girl right there in the Ministry. Then he would be going to Azkaban for hexing a minor. Remus realized how distressed Severus must be for him to react that way to Ginny Weasley. He’d never seen him lose his icy demeanor like that.

Draco and the Dark Lord, his obsession with Harry, the death of Nott, the news about Blaise and now Parkinson’s arrest was taking its toll on the man.

He stepped in front of the other man, who was practically snarling. He grabbed his arm and Severus cried out in pain.

“Severus?” Remus said, concern filling his eyes. He hadn’t known how hard he’d grabbed him.

Severus was gritting his teeth.

“What is it?”

“He’s furious.”

Remus let out a low moan. His eyes fell to Severus’ arm.

Severus straightened up and Remus saw that Severus’ eyes were bright. The pain must have been horrible for Severus to look like that.

“The intensity of the burn is telling of his mood. I have to leave…now.”

As if on cue, the door opened and Tonks’ head appeared. “Time’s up.”

Severus shot Ginny a nasty look and then hurried from the room, his robes swirling dramatically.

Remus watched Severus go and then said to Ginny, “I’m sorry for what has happened, Ginny. We’ll try and get this all sorted out. Try to take care of yourself, all right? I’ll see you again as soon as I can.”

“What’s going to happen to me, Professor?” Ginny cried out. “No one is telling me anything.”

Remus looked sad a moment and then said, “I don’t know, Ginny. The Wizengamot will determine the punishment. I’m sorry.”

Ginny swallowed with an audible gulp. “Just tell Harry that I love him, please? That’s all I want him to know. That I did what I did because I love him.”

Remus sighed. He knew all too well what one will do or forgive for love.

By the time he left the room, Severus was a small black dot at the end of the corridor.

Tonks touched Remus’ arm. “Did you find out what you needed to know, Remus?”

“It’s a start, Tonks. But we are working against time. The longer Harry is infected, the worse it’ll become. Dumbledore said the infection was digging in, meaning that eventually it won’t matter even if we did have a cure. There’s just so much we don’t know!”

“I’ll do whatever I can to help. I can’t believe that any of this happened.”

“Thank you, Tonks. I have to go.” He smiled at her tenderly and she closed her eyes for a moment.

“I still love you, Remus. Be careful, OK? I’m still waiting for you.” She said quietly.

Remus’ heart surged at the words. “I’ll be careful, Tonks. I promise.” She was such a lovely girl; why couldn’t she find a man that deserved her?

Remus turned and hurried back down the corridor. He was going back to Hogwarts. He had a date with the Restricted Section of the library.


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Severus apparated to a large country house nestled off a very isolated dirt road. The house was not familiar to him, which meant it was a new “acquisition”. That meant some Muggle family had been “displaced.” In other words, their bodies were probably thrown into a tool shed.

Severus hurried to the door, immediately feeling the strong wards guarding the structure. He waited impatiently, and then sneered at the house elf that appeared at the door to let him in.

Upon entering the dwelling, he knew that he was in trouble. There was the sound of screaming and begging and more than one body was lying on the floor in the foyer.

A door opened and Alecto Carrow stumbled out, blood pouring from cuts on his body. Rastaban LeStrange crawled out behind him, then collapsed almost at Severus’ feet.

This was going to be a long night.

Fear gripped Severus.

Was Draco dead? Had his unannounced arrival and demands sent the Dark Lord into this curse fest?

Severus shielded his mind and entered the room, terrified that he would see Draco’s mangled body or something equally distressing.

So he wasn’t prepared to see Draco kneeling by Voldemort’s side. Voldemort was sitting in a cushioned armchair and handing out punishments. Nagini was coiled around the neck of Wormtail, choking him. Vedas Drake was writhing on the floor from a Cruciatus.

Severus moved to the front of Voldemort’s chair and kneeled with his head lowered.

“My Lord, I am at your service.”

Voldemort’s slitty red eyes past over Severus with absolute fury. “Snape! I summoned you more than half an hour ago. I am quite disappointed with your lackadaisical response to my summons.”

Snape saw Draco’s eyes fall on him just before the Cruciatus hit him. He braced himself as best he could and he bit his lip to keep from yelling. He fell on all fours, shaking and digging his fingers into the carpet.

The pain was blinding.

Severus felt as if the skin was peeling from his bones and Voldemort didn’t feel the need to remove the curse.

He dimly heard him shouting. “I suppose you all think you can just do whatever you want? Show up whenever you want? Bring anyone here whenever you want? Let Harry be killed? He was mine to finish!”

Severus fell to the carpet gasping as Voldemort stood up.

Severus gasped out, “My Lord! Potter….alive!”

Voldemort turned and looked down at Severus, who was twisting in agony at his feet. “What is that you speak, Severus?”

“P-P-Potter…is…alive…”

Voldemort flicked his wrist and the curse ended on Severus. Severus groaned in pain and relief. He felt the bile rising up to his throat and he hurriedly swallowed it back down and struggled to his feet. Sweat was running down the sides of his face. He thought he heard a gasp from Draco, but couldn’t be sure.

“My Lord, it is why I was late. Potter is alive, but in St. Mungo’s.”

Voldemort’s skin raised into his non-existent hairline. Having no eyebrows made this look like someone was kneading dough to make a pie.

“Alive, is he?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Then young Draco here will be dead by sunrise for bringing me ill news.”

Voldemort turned to Draco and the blond looked back at him, defiance in his features. Severus was in shock. Draco showed absolutely no fear at all. The challenge was in his eyes and his stance.

Dumbledore was right. Part of that demon had to be in him.

Severus spoke up hastily from his place on the floor. “My Lord, Draco didn’t know that Potter was revived. He…was dead. But Dumbledore was able to revive him.”

Voldemort eyes never left Draco’s face, but he continued to speak to Severus. Draco never dropped his gaze from the Dark Lord.

“Dumbledore…always there to save the day! How wonderful that he has brought Potter back so I can finish him myself.”

“Of course. He lives only for you to end his life.”

“And what of Draco’s tale of killing students?”

“He did kill a student.”

“A Mudblood?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“And Nott’s son was also killed? By Harry?”

“Yes.”

Voldemort smiled at this. “And did he really rip through another student’s chest and rip out his heart?”

Severus was not certain where this questioning was going. “Potter didn’t remove Mister Zabini’s heart, but he did remove some internal organs.”

Voldemort finally looked at Severus.

“Severus, I find this behavior of Potter’s very…intriguing. Such a noble and loving boy…now ripping through his classmates with his bare hands? Breaking necks? Is there something that you have not been telling me, Severus?”

Severus kept his face neutral. “I do not have an explanation for Potter’s actions. He has always been unbalanced and high strung. Perhaps it is now coming to the surface.”

“Perhaps. And Draco finally getting his hands dirty. I didn’t think he had any of Lucius in him at all. I confess myself…pleased at this unexpected turn of events.”

Severus nodded and chanced a look at his god-son. Draco was staring at Severus now, with a glint of…wickedness in his eye. He winked at him and Severus almost gaped. He carefully schooled his features back to his expressionless gaze.

A loud gasp was heard and Snape turned to watch Wormtail sink to the floor, his face blue. Drake had stopped moving completely.

“Nagini…leave him.”

The snake uncoiled and Wormtail rolled to the side, spittle running from his lips. Severus wasn’t sure if he was dead or not.

Voldemort flicked his wrist again and removed the curse from the other man. “Wormtail, if Drake is still alive then have him fetch Bella. If not, Nagini will have dinner now.”

Voldemort left the room and cut his eyes at them. “Come, Severus, Draco.”

Severus fell in behind Voldemort, with Draco bringing up the rear.

“I want you to keep a close watch on Potter, Severus. There is something…delightfully destructive about him. I can feel it. Sense it. It is interesting that Draco is now displaying traits that I so highly value. He was every bit as vicious as Lucius ever was. I did not expect that from Draco.”

They had approached another room with a closed door. Voldemort stopped and looked hard at Severus. “Do not fail me, Severus. Draco has shown much promise. I leave you to train him up. I have plans for him.”

He pointed at the door. “His handiwork.” Voldemort looked at Draco and Draco lowered his head slightly this time.

“My Lord, please excuse me for bringing wrong information. I apologize for my mistake.”

“You are young, Draco. I will allow you this one mistake, but only once. Your news greatly disturbed me. Harry dead? How I have waited so long to end the life of a boy who has thwarted me time and time again. Fed by Dumbledore’s lies of his greatness? He’s mine and mine alone.”

Severus did not miss the slight narrowing of Draco’s eyes.

Voldemort opened the door and Severus saw the body of a man, whose skull was crushed. It was Flexum Nott, Theo’s father.

Severus was careful to keep the alarm from showing through on his face.

Voldemort glowed in appreciation. “Nott was quite agitated to hear of Theodore’s death. He wanted to alleviate his grief with young Draco here. But as you can see, Draco had other plans.”

The elder Nott was naked and had been thrown haphazardly on the bed.

Severus could only guess at what had happened in this room. And for Draco to crush the skull of a fully-grown wizard…he didn’t even want to think of the implications of this.

Severus wasn’t sure if he should tell Draco that he had part of a demon in him. The Dark Lord was already suspicious of his behavior. Using a demon-aided grief-stricken enraged Draco was something that the Dark Lord would exploit for his advantage.

Bella came hurrying up to them, her eyes sparkling with something that might have been love. It was too scary a thought to contemplate.

“My Lord, is it true? Potter is still alive?” She asked breathlessly.

“Yes, Bella. Severus has brought word of his miraculous resurrection.”

Bella shot Severus a nasty glare but smiled demurely at Voldemort. “I am so happy that you are pleased, my Lord. A drink of celebration?”

Voldemort gave her an appraising look and Severus had to swallow back the bile that was rising in his stomach.

“Bring me something to my chambers.” Voldemort said and he left them.

Bella rolled her eyes at Severus but smiled at Draco. “Our Lord is pleased, Draco. He was most upset at the news about Potter, but now things are right again.” She reached up to stroke his face. “We will rid this world of the filthy Mudblood scum.” She hurried away.

There was a tense silence.

“Potter is in St. Mungo’s?” Draco asked, his voice tight and controlled.

“Yes. After you left, he was revived.”

Draco didn’t say anything, but Severus saw that his eyes had softened.

“Have you seen him?” He asked quietly.

“No. He’s under guard and the most elaborate warding system that St. Mungo’s is capable of producing. He’s out of control. And so are you!”

Draco pursed his lips. “Oh?”

Severus finally erupted in anger, all control over his emotions gone. What the hell did you think you were doing? You came here willingly? The Dark Lord could have killed you. Now you’re never going to be able to have a life! This is it, Draco! You’re either going to be living on the run from the Ministry, spend the rest of your life in Azkaban or get yourself killed by either the Dark Lord or some Auror!”

“But he didn’t kill me, did he? I know what I’m doing.”

“No you don’t, Draco! You have no idea what’s going on! And the things that have happened aren’t natural! Potter’s condition has affected people and we don’t know what is real and what was his doing. You’re being influenced, Draco!”

“You said that before, Severus! You said that about our relationship also! That none of that was real! So was your relationship fake too? Do you tell yourself that to explain what you did?”

Severus’ obsidian eyes raked over Draco in disdain. “What did you say?”

Draco raised himself to his full height. “I know what you were doing, Severus. I know that Harry fucked you and you liked it! You tried to keep us apart by blackmailing Harry! You forced him into doing things with you. I know he wouldn’t have done anything willingly with you.”

Anger coiled in Severus. “Don’t be so sure of that, Draco.” He said with a sly smile. “Potter can throw off the Imperius, remember? And do you think me that stupid to use Unforgiveables in school?”

Severus was moving towards Draco and he wanted to stop talking and not do this, but Draco had pushed those insecurity buttons and he wanted Draco to hurt…like he was.

“Potter wanted it, Draco. He came to me first. Did he tell you that? He came to me.”

Draco snarled and shoved Severus away. “You saw him, Severus. He was a demon for fuck’s sake! Is this the only way you can get someone to care for you, Severus? Demonic possession? Spells? And to think I used to look up to you!”

That hurt.

Severus winced and said nastily, “It’s no matter, Draco. Potter is dead anyway. Either by his own madness or the Dark Lord’s vengeance. The next time you see him will either be in battle or at his funeral.”

Draco gritted his teeth. “Fuck you, Severus! Just shut the fuck up!”

Severus smiled. “You’re realizing what you’ve done now? You’re a Death Eater, Draco. You serve our Lord. You think Potter is going to welcome you back with open arms? You think you can just waltz back into his life, even if he did survive this illness? You killed a Muggleborn, Draco! The Aurors are going to be after your blood. You’ve killed Nott’s father. You’re a murderer, Draco. And do you think you’re precious Potter will forgive you for that?”

Draco began to feel a tightening in his chest and his breathing became labored. Blood pounded in his ears and a surge of energy was building in his body.

“He’ll forgive me, Severus! Just because you don’t know anything about love, doesn’t mean that no one else does!”

Severus smirked. “And you know something of love? You’ve been telling me all year that you didn’t love Potter. So why should you care if he dies? And he is dying, Draco. And he’ll die hating you for what you did to Finch-Fletchley and joining Voldemort!”

Draco’s hands flashed out and he watched as he hit Severus with a wandless hex. The potions master as blasted off of his feet and flew backwards into the room. He hit the back wall with a sickening crunch and slid to the ground.

Draco wasn’t even aware he was shouting until two Death Eaters came running to see what was going on.

“FUCK YOU, YOU BASTARD! HE’LL FORGIVE ME! LET ME GOOOO!”

MacNair and Crabbe had grabbed Draco’s arms and were pulling him away from Severus, who was stretched out on the floor, his head bleeding.

“Malfoy!! Cut it out!” MacNair shouted, struggling to hold onto the viciously fighting young man. “He’s not going to get back up!”

“He’s wrong! He doesn’t understand anything! He’s wrong!”

Crabbe Senior managed to drag Draco away from Severus’ prone form. He was a lot bigger than MacNair.

The fat Death Eater pushed Draco against the far wall. “Malfoy! Get a grip on yourself! You’ve already killed one of us tonight! You want to kill your god-father too?”

“Get off of me! Leave me alone!”

“Shut your gob, brat! You’re my son’s age! I don’t take orders from some little sprat that just got his willy wet. I don’t care what you’ve done tonight!”

Draco’s eyes narrowed and he shoved at Crabbe. “Leave me alone, then!”

Crabbe snorted in derisive laughter. “I’ve been friends with Flexum Nott for over twenty years, boy! You were friends with his son! And you just kill him?”

Draco laughed. “I did his wife a favor.”

Crabbe’s face turned a dark red and he blustered. “You miserable shite! You’ll never be your father!” He grabbed Draco’s scruff. Draco struggled against him again.

“Leave him be, Crabbe.”

Crabbe whipped around and saw Severus rising to his feet. MacNair stood awkwardly beside him, not sure what to do and what had been going on.

“He attacked you! Killed Nott, he did! He needs to learn his place!”

“The Dark Lord left that up to me, Crabbe. Perhaps you want to go and tell him that you’ll be taking over that bit.”

Crabbe looked uncertain and then he pushed Draco away. “You can have the brat then, Snape. Have fun.”

Crabbe left the room in a huff and MacNair followed, looking shiftily from Severus to Draco.

Severus walked towards Draco and Draco stared back at him, his eyes narrowed to thin slits.

Severus stood in front of him and Draco blinked back.

“Draco,” Severus said.

Draco felt the burn of unshed tears stinging his eyelids. “Leave me alone, Severus.”

Severus reached out and took a hold of Draco’s arm. The blond tried to jerk his hand away, but Severus held fast to it. Draco began to struggle again and Severus pulled him to his breast in a tight hug.

Draco fought against the embrace with his throat tight and stomach aching. The tears threatened even more and he fought back a harsh sob.

Severus held him tight and whispered. “It’s all right, Draco.”

It was too much.

A tear escaped his eye and rolled down his cheek. He bravely tried to squash the rest of them, but it wasn’t happening. Another tear escaped. A third.

Severus tightened his grip. “Let it go, Draco.”

A great shudder went through Draco’s body and he could no longer hold back the torrent of pent-up anger, fear and hurt.

“I don’t love him! I don’t love him…I…don’t…I don’t…”

Draco let loose with great wracking sobs and Severus held him, brushing his hair down.

“He…was…dead. I…couldn’t…deal…think…nothing…”

Severus didn’t speak, but just let Draco cry out his frustration. The blond had been through hell the last few weeks.

“I…didn’t mean…to…love…him…I couldn’t…stop…”

“It’s all right, Draco.”

“He’ll…hate…me…you’re…right…he’ll hate me…I…”

“You have to let him go, Draco. Now. You can’t afford any more mistakes. Do you understand that? The Dark Lord can’t find out about this.”

Draco pulled away from Severus and angrily wiped his face with his sleeve. He looked into Severus’ eyes. “I love him, Severus.”

“I know you do, Draco. But you can’t do both.”

Draco turned away from Severus. “How do I let go? How do I…become like you?”

Severus’ mind immediately went to a pretty red-haired girl with sweet green eyes. He’d lost so much over the years. And then his mind pulled an image of tender amber eyes, which looked at him with so much love.

How could he want that for Draco? Draco was capable of so much more than he had allowed himself.

“Don’t become like me.”


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It was well past midnight when a small figure in a dark cloak hurried towards the entrance of St. Mungo’s. Visiting hours were long over, but the figure didn’t care. The store dummy stared blankly at the figure and when a polite voice asked for admittance, the dummy complied without further comment.

The figure hurried into the reception area. The lobby had only two people waiting. The Welcome Witch turned out to be a Welcome Wizard and he was eagerly engrossed in the latest issue of Quidditch Weekly.

The wizard glanced up when he thought he felt another presence in the room other than the two who were waiting, but he saw nothing. He went back to his magazine.

The figure slid through a set of double doors and headed towards the first floor and the “Dangerous” Dai Llewellyn ward. The corridor was empty and the figure quietly slipped into the patient area. Only three beds were occupied and they all were sound asleep.

None of them were Harry.

The figure stopped for a moment and stood very still. The figure looked around the room for a moment and their eyes settled on a door at the end of the ward. The wards on the door pulsed with a strong magic, but it was directed inward. Someone could go in if they knew how to get past the wards but going out was next to impossible.

A tentative touch to the door sent the wards shimmering. With easy effort, the wards re-arranged themselves and the figure opened the door and walked through, closing the door softly behind them.

Harry was lying on the bed, his hands and feet bound with straps.

The figure walked over to the bed and pulled a bag from underneath the cloak. A hand reached inside and pulled out a Firebolt racing broom. It was placed on the floor next to the bed. The hand then came up and pulled the hood of the cloak back to reveal the face. .

A girl stared down at Harry, who was breathing softly in his sleep. She smiled mischievously and leaned over Harry’s body. She sighed and gently reached out to stroke his face tenderly.

The moment the hand came into contact with Harry’s skin, he abruptly opened his eyes. He frowned at the girl. There was something familiar about her, but he couldn’t place her face. There was some…aura around her also.

“Harry, it’s OK. I’m not here to hurt you.”

Brown hair and brown eyes gazed down at him. The face was dotted with small freckles.

The voice was strangely familiar but again, it evaded Harry. Then it dawned on him. “Ginny??”

Ginny smiled at him. “Ahhh…you pain me so. The brown hair is so much better than that horrible ginger. I couldn’t imagine living my life with that hair. Good thing a few of those horrible things were left on the cloak.”

Harry twisted more so he could sit up. “What? What are you doing here? I thought that you were taken to the Ministry. You tried to kill Draco…”

Ginny shushed him. “You should know better than that. You can’t keep a Malfoy down, Potter.”

Harry’s eyebrows raised and then Ginny’s face was melting and bubbling and the brown disappeared and revealed the exquisite blond of Draco’s head.

Harry whimpered softly. “Am I hallucinating again? Please no…not again.”

Draco leaned over him and held his face. “No, Harry. It’s real, OK? I’m really here.”

Tears sprung to Harry’s eyes. “Please…be real. Don’t leave me here, Draco! They won’t let me out of here.”

Draco’s heart was breaking. “I’m going to get you out of here, Harry.” He fingered the straps. “You can’t get out of these?”

Harry looked down at his hands. “I-don’t know why I’m awake. I’ve been drugged all day long. I normally can’t even keep my eyes open. I’ve put two Healers in the burn unit. And I don’t even remember doing it! There’s a house-elf that comes if I need something in the night. Everyone is afraid to come near me.”

Draco put his hands on the straps. “Harry, I wouldn’t have left if I’d known you were OK. I thought you were…dead.” He began to untie the straps.

Harry sat up as Draco began untying the straps on his ankles.

“It’s OK, Draco. You didn’t know. Dumbledore told me that I was pretty much dead but they were able to revive me. But something about the way he looks at me is odd. TheHealers too. Like there’s something they’re not telling me. I’ve overheard some things though. They were able to save Blaise. And that this blood disease that I have leaks Dark magic. A lot of people were affected by it, but no one knows exactly how much. The things that people did, Justin and Ginny…maybe even Pansy.”

“I killed Justin, Harry.”

Harry paled. “What?”

“After you died, I killed Justin. No one told you?”

Harry swung his legs from the bed and pulled Draco between his legs. “No! What happened? Draco?”

Draco sighed. “It’s not going to matter for me, Harry. My family’s history with Mudbloods is going to condemn me. Aurors are pretty much on the way for my head as we speak.”

Harry was shaking his head. “The blood infection made you do it, Draco! It wasn’t your fault! Kingsley and Tonks will believe you! Dumbledore will want to help too. Tell the Wizengamot that!”

“It’s not that simple, Potter.”

“Yes, it is. You’re not Lucius.”

Draco didn’t answer but just stared at his hands.

“Draco?” Harry was looking at him. “Draco, what’s wrong?”

He slowly raised his silver eyes to his green-eyed lover. “I can’t, Harry.”

“Yes you can! They want to help us. I killed Nott and there’s going to be hell to pay about that. I’ll probably be locked up here for the rest of my life or in Azkaban. At least you can still be free.”

Draco shook his head and slowly pulled away from Harry. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I just can’t, Potter!”

Harry grabbed Draco’s hand before he pulled away completely. “Don’t, Draco. Don’t turn into a prat now. We’ve been through so much already. Please don’t run again. I was asking for you and no one would tell me what happened! I want you here, so I can know where you are.”

Draco tried to pull away but Harry held his arms tightly. “Draco, stop it! We both have killed now. Now you know what it’s like! We can stick together with this! Face it together! Please! I love you!”

Draco tried to push Harry but bumped his chair, toppling it over.

“Potter! Let go! I have to get out of here, let me go!”

Harry’s intense stare unnerved the blond. He continued to struggle in Harry’s grasp. Merlin, who knew that the Gryffindor was so strong! He twisted his hand and arm as hard as he could and he managed to break free. He stumbled backwards and ended up falling over the up-ended chair. He jumped to his feet, brushing his clothes down.

“Fuck, Potter! What were you trying to do, break my arm? I’m sorry, but I can’t do-“

Draco broke off, as Harry’s eyes widened and then narrowed to tiny slits. Draco frowned at him.

“What now?”

Harry was sliding off the bed, his expression frozen into a look of absolute fury.

“What’s the matter with you?” Draco asked, and his heart began to pound. Harry was looking at him just like he had looked at Blaise.

The room started to shake slightly and Draco looked around in alarm. He hurried towards Harry and leaned over him, gently kissing the boy on his forehead.

“Harry, calm down. They’ll hear and we’ll both be in trouble.”

“Your arm.” he said quietly.

“It’s fine. You didn’t really hurt it all that badly. Stop being such a ninny.”

“No, I mean the other side.”

Draco stiffened and he pulled away from Harry very slowly. During the struggle, his sleeves had pulled up and revealed a little of the skin on the underside of his right arm.

They locked eyes.

“Tell me you didn’t do it, Draco.”

“I did what I had to.”

“No you didn’t! You could’ve done the right thing! Instead you do that?”

“I’m not a bloody Gryffindor, Harry! I’m not noble or brave or any of that rubbish! I’m Lucius Malfoy’s son!”

“You’re not your father!”

“Well, I’m closer to him then I am to you, now aren’t I?”

“No! You’ve been Draco for the first time in your life! You were with me and you were brave and noble just by doing that! Now you’ve gone and destroyed your life and for what??”

Draco clenched his fists. “I WAS AVENGING YOU!”

“How?” Harry choked out, in shock at Draco’s shouting.

“That Mudblood killed you, Harry! HE KILLED YOU! He took you away from me! That werewolf is killing you again!”

“Draco, that’s ridiculous! Justin was only one person and he’s dead now. YOU KILLED HIM! It was done, but now...”

“It’s not done! It’ll never be done, Harry! Muggles hurt you, a blood traitor tried to kill me, a Mudblood almost murdered you! That filthy werewolf poisoned you and brought that demon out that hurt my friends! They have to be stopped, Harry! I can’t let them hurt you or me again…I can’t!!”

Draco yanked his sleeve up, revealing the blackened and ugly skull and snake tattoo, which was still red and blistered.

“This is all I need to remind me of what I have to do…to protect…you.”

“And are you going to protect me from Voldemort? Did you forget that he’s been trying to kill me! So you’re going to stand by his side while he does it? He doesn’t take too kindly to traitors!”

“I won’t let him hurt you, Harry! It’s not about serving him, it’s about…saving us!”

“You’re crazy, Draco! Do you really believe what you’re saying? You’re a Death Eater now! If the Aurors find you…now that you’re marked, they’ll think you killed Justin on purpose!”

“I don’t care about any fucking Aurors, Potter!”

Harry snarled, “Well, you should have thought about me! What the hell do we have now? I love you and you’re a Death Eater? How’s that going to work?”

“I didn’t know…I didn’t know you were still alive, Harry! If I’d known…”

“Even dead, I wouldn’t want you to be a Death Eater! You’re unbelievable! I must have been out of my mind-“

“What? Out of your mind to get involved with me? You’ve said that quite enough times, Potter! Well, let’s look at the bright side of this now. You don’t have to be anymore. Why? Because you’re going to be locked up for the rest of your life as a fucking psycho superwizard and I’m going to Azkaban or get killed by some fat-arsed Auror. Happy now?”

“You’re not going back to Voldemort, Draco.”

Draco stared at him incredulously. “And how do you plan on stopping me?”

Harry hissed and the room began to shake again. Draco narrowed his eyes and backed away from Harry.

“Don’t do this, Potter. I’m warning you! Let me go!”

Harry stuck out his hand and Draco immediately stuck out his. Their magic collided in the space between them and both of them rocketed backwards from each other. Harry slammed into the bed and Draco flew against the wall.

Their eyes locked again.

“Malfoy…”

“Shut it, Potter. It’s done. I’m not going to let them take me to Azkaban. But I promise that I’ll get you out of here.”

“I’ll get you out of Azkaban.”

“No!”

Harry apparated from one side of the room to land next to Draco. He grabbed him a fierce bear hug.

“Don’t hate me for this,” Harry whispered, “I promise I’ll get you out of Azkaban, if it kills me.”

He touched his hand to the invisible wards surrounding the door.

There was a pop and the elf appeared. Its huge eyes blinked in surprise at seeing Draco. Harry was still holding him in an embrace.

Draco struggled against him and Harry clung to him. Draco slammed him into the wall and Harry let out an “ummmph!”

Draco yelled, “He’s trying to escape! Don’t let him out!” He looked into Harry’s hurt and betrayed green eyes. “I love you, Harry. God…I’d do anything for you. And I’m doing it. I promise.”

He struggled against Harry’s grip and the elf moved forward. “Dilly is having to bind Harry Potter again. Dilly is hating to do that but Harry Potter is being bad again.”

Harry gasped as he wrestled with Draco, “No!! Don’t bind me, please! Don’t let him go! I need him here!” He looked back at Draco. “I don’t want you to run, Draco. We can…fix this.”

The elf looked sad. “Dilly is having orders to bind Harry Potter, not visitors of Harry Potter. Dilly is sorry to be binding Harry Potter.” It waved its hand and Harry was pulled from Draco. Draco stood staring at Harry, taking heaving panted breaths.

He pulled the flask from his pocket and quickly drank from it. He coughed and gagged but managed to get it down. He slowly turned back to Ginny, with red hair. He pulled his wand and said a quick incantation and her hair turned brown again.

Harry fought against the bindings just as the door flew open and several medi-wizards and Healers poured into the room.

Draco just managed to get out of the way as they all barreled toward the bed.

“Mister Potter, please! Calm down, it’s ok!” Four of the healers sent stunners at Harry’s body. Draco gasped as they rushed to strap him in again. Harry was thrashing wildly and he caught a healer in the face with his stocking feet.

“Draco!! Draco!!! NOOOO…Draco! Don’t let him leave!”

“Mister Potter, Draco is not here! You’re hallucinating again! For Merlin’s sakes, Pricilla! Hurry up with that potion! He’s really fighting tonight.”

“Dracooooo…I love you!!! Don’t…don’t leave me here!”

Draco clenched his fists and fought the urge to run over and kill the healers while he watched his lover thrash madly on the bed, while the healers struggled to administer the proper combination of potions to subdue him.

“Cassi, now your potion! Good, Dawlby, that was much better this time! Fiona…”

Harry had stopped shouting and the thrashing had almost stopped. The healers stepped back, looking exhausted.

The tallest healer glanced at him. “I say! What are you doing in here? How did you get in?”

“I’m sorry, but I really had to return these to Harry.” Draco pointed at the Firebolt and cloak. I’m a friend from school and I know he must be anxious about losing these.”

The healer quirked an eyebrow but said nothing.

Harry, who was slowly slipping into a catatonic state, saw the head of the brown-haired girl. He croaked out,

“Draco…”

“If I see him, I’ll tell him you said hi.” Ginny said sadly. She leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips.

“Please…”

“I have to go now, Harry. You’ll be out of here soon. I promise.”

“Draaaacoooo-“

Harry slid into unconsciousness and Draco thought he saw a hint of gold in Harry’s eyes just before he closed them.

“Wait…”

“You must leave now, Miss…” The healer looked angry.

“But…I just saw…”

“You didn’t see anything, Miss. Now please go.”

Draco looked at Harry again and then he turned and quickly left the room, hurrying through the ward.

He hurried out of the building and back through the glass window to the outside street.

He glanced back and saw Ginny’s reflection glinting back at him. He blinked and gold eyes blinked back.

His lips quirked into a smile.

“I’m coming back for you, Harry.”

The voice that spoke wasn’t his…or Ginny’s either.

Fin