Guilty as Sin

CHAPTER 37

“Merlin it’s so cold.” Draco shivered as he tucked his head further beneath the hood of his cloak as the three of them trudged through the fields towards the darkened hilltop. Harry too was unbelievably cold despite the many layers Snape had told him to put on before they’d left. Snape was ahead of them a little way the man pausing occasionally to look back to make sure they weren’t being followed. At the bottom of the hill Harry could still see the derelict house his parents had once owned, its shutters banging in the wind and echoing up the valley. Having struggled against the icy wind the three of them made it to the top of the hill and Snape gathered the two of his Inferei together in the wrap of his cloak. Harry couldn’t see much and merely snuggled into Snape’s warmth as the elder wizard pulled out a small gold ring from his pocket and slipped it onto his middle finger. Harry recognized the ring; it was the same one that all Death eaters wore. Snape twisted it twice left and then three times right and with a pop and swirl the three of them were being pulled into the vortex of the portkey.

The three of them landed heavily on grass and Harry was stunned when he opened his eyes to find a clear warm night sky that greeted them. The temperature change was instant and Harry stared up at the moon and the stars, which he hadn’t seen in weeks.

“Why have we come here?” Draco broke the silence first and Harry drew his attention from the clear warm summer sky to look around him. They were standing in a garden with the looming shadow of a large manor house looking down on them.

“Where’s here?” Harry inquired before Snape could answer Draco’s question.

“Malfoy Manor, my home.” Draco whispered in reply to Harry causing the other boy to stare wide-eyed up at the place and its magnificent stature. “So why are we here?” Malfoy snapped again upset that he was being brought home, to the place he despised more than school.

“I’m recalling a favor Draco, now the two of you follow me. Keep you hoods up, heads down and don’t say a word.” Harry nodded and followed Snape eager to see how the other half lived. Draco however hesitated, concern and worry flickering in his eyes as he looked up at his ancestral home. Harry stopped half way up the path and looked back at his friend.

“Come on Draco, Snape knows what he’s doing.” With an exaggerated sigh Draco pulled his cloak tighter around him and with his reservations still lingering he caught up with Harry. Snape was already heading for the front door and Harry and Draco had to run to catch up.

Harry stood at Snape’s side as the wizard lifted the large brass knocker on the door and tapped loudly three times. Harry noted that Draco stayed behind Snape making himself as invisible and small as he could possibly be. While Draco was not eager to be returning to Malfoy Manor, Harry was more than interested in what environment Draco had grown up. Admittedly anything was better than Harry’s cupboard under the stairs but the nosey part of Harry wanted a look.

It was a short wait before they heard a scurrying noise on the opposite side of the door. Snape raised a curious eyebrow at the short, doe eyed, floppy eared creature that opened the door and addressed them in a high squeak.

“May Mixy be helping you sir?” Harry stared sympathetically down at the house elf, remembering all too well Lucius treatment of Dobby when the house elf had been in his service.

“You may inform your master Professor Snape is here to see him.” Snape’s authoritative tone made the house elf squeak and jump in surprise.

“Oh Master Snape sir, Mixy did not recognize you please be coming in.” The door to the house swung open wider and Snape strode inside Harry eagerly following him in his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur of the front foyer. Draco skulked in sheepishly behind them staying dubiously close to Snape with his head down and his hands tucked into his robes. Harry however was enjoying the change of scenery and ogled at the marble staircase and the massive portraits and tapestries hanging in the hall. “Mixy will get master quickly.” With a squeak and a hop the house elf scuttled off through one of the many doors leading from the entrance foyer. Harry was still eagerly taking in the sights and stepped enthusiastically over to a stone bust of what Harry could only assume was one of Draco’s relatives. The bust was so lifelike, every crease and wrinkle in the skin of the face perfect. Harry went to reach out and touch it but Snape’s voice made him stop.

“Don’t he bites.” Harry looked back Snape in shock and with a horrified look at the bust stepped back over to Snape’s side.

“Ah Severus my dear friend I had wondered when I would be seeing you. His lordship mentioned that you’d have probably been squirreled away underground.” Harry consciously pulled his hood further down over his face as Lucius Malfoy appeared on the staircase from one of the upper rooms.

“Lucius a pleasure to see you.” Snape’s lips twitched upward in what Harry could only describe as a half smile as Lucius swept down the staircase his outlandish blue robes swirling around him. Lucius Malfoy was a showman and loved attention it was the first thing Harry noticed about the wizard when they’d first met. However for all his harmless performance his sky blue eyes hid evil dark intent.

“And you brought your little family with you I see, how charming. Shall we?” Lucius came to the bottom of the stairs and Harry lowered his head to his chest as Snape and Lucius exchanged a strained hug of greeting before Lucius gestured towards an open archway.

“Indeed.” Snape fell into step beside Lucius easily falling out of his traditional potion professor persona and into the swarve, sophisticated yet ruthless death eater routine he seemed more at home with. Draco and Harry obediently followed the two elder wizards both of them remaining silent as they listened to Snape and Lucius’ friendly banter. “I see the lord has spared your estate.” Snape casually discarded his robe as he sat down in a plush armchair by the fireplace, while Lucius poured two glasses of brandy over by the bar.

“Yes I was fortunate that he seems to favor this place, I have it on good authority he is in the process of removing the vermin from your own families fortune. A gift perhaps for the part you played in his recent successes?” Lucius handed Snape the glass of brandy but as he went to sit down his gaze caught on the two-hooded boy’s standing awkwardly near the door still. “Do tell them to sit Severus, they’re cluttering the place.” Severus glanced over his shoulder at his two Inferei and snapped his fingers sharply before gesturing to the rug at his feet. Both Draco and Harry got the message and both walked calmly around to sit at Snape’s feet on the floor. “I was under the impression you only had one bitch Severus, I’m surprised you have gained another this year.” The hairs on the back of Harry’s neck stood on end as he heard Lucius description of him and Draco. Severus must have sensed the boy’s rising temper and gently placed a calming hand on the top of the boy’s head.

“I thought it prudent to ensure the Snape name survives this war.” Harry bit his lip in irritation as Lucius and Snape chuckled casually as they both sipped on their expensive liquor. It suddenly became apparent to Harry why he hated Lucius as much as he did. It wasn’t the man’s connections with the dark lord or his evil deeds but the simple face he thought himself above everyone else. Harry gritted his teeth as he wrapped his arm around Snape’s leg and rested his head against the man’s knee. Draco however sat cross-legged on the other side of Snape his hands twisting nervously in his lap.

“A sensible decision Severus, just as was my decision to ensure Draco made it underground. In times like this we must ensure our offspring survive. Did you happen across my son during your time beneath us?” Harry felt Draco stiffen opposite him as Lucius began talking about him casually. Daring to glance up Harry watched as Snape downed what was left of his brandy in one go before answering Lucius’ question.

“Indeed I did. He is coping well, and understands your decision to activate the portkey when the school was attacked.” Snape put the empty glass aside his other free hand now falling onto Draco’s shoulder in silent comfort. Harry was sure he could see the glistening of a tear slipping down Draco’s cheek from beneath the shadow of the hood concealing his identity.

“And a fine executed plan it was Severus, a shame perhaps we didn’t get Potter but I’m sure he will turn up…” Harry swallowed nervously as Lucius stood up to refill both his own and Snape’s glasses. “…Now show me these two you’ve claimed as your own, or do you wish me not to know their identities for fear of ridicule of your choices.” Lucius laughed darkly and Harry watched as a flicker of lavender passed over Snape’s gaze. Indeed the two supposed friends tolerated one another for mutual gains, there was no love loss between Snape and Malfoy.

“My choices are impeccable Lucius you know that.” Snape whispered coolly as he fingered the hem of Harry’s hood.

“Indeed Severus, or you would not have had me.” Malfoy smiled sarcastically at Snape who smiled back at him. “Well come along Severus surprise me.” Lucius sat back down in his chair opposite Snape’s and crossed his leg over as he swilled the glass of brandy about in his hand.

“Surprise you…” Snape whispered cautiously as he continued to tug at the hood of Harry’s cloak as if contemplating what he was about to do. Harry braced himself his gaze meeting the hooded eyes of Draco opposite him before he felt Snape pull back the thick woolen material. “Very well, I will…” The warm material slid easily from Harry’s head and the boy closed his eyes as he heard Lucius take a sharp breath in. Lucius was silent for a long moment before Harry heard the man let out a shocked chuckled, as if not really believing it.

“My god Severus…” Lucius’ voice trailed off as he let out another chuckle this one more genuine than the last as reality set in. Harry slowly opened his eyes and dared to glance over his shoulder at where Lucius was sat. The minute Harry’s tentative gaze met the elder Malfoy’s Lucius let out another bark of disbelieving laughter. “Impeccable taste indeed Severus.” Lucius whispered in aw as he let his gaze wander dubiously over Harry’s face. “I had wondered what had drawn you back to Hogwart’s after the attack. I knew it would be only the best for you but Harry Potter?” Lucius paused and sat back in his chair taking a long sip from his brandy as if to settle himself. “Who would have thought the boy who lived would turn out to be an unforgiven.” Lucius whispered still shaking his head even though his dangerously sparkling eyes looked over Harry hungrily. “His lordship will be royally pissed when this gets out.” Lucius chuckled as he finally looked away from Harry and up at Snape who was staring coldly at the other wizard. “…and he will find out Severus. You may have kept your own secret well guarded but this is too much to hide.” Harry watched Lucius raise a calculating eyebrow in Snape’s direction the unspoken blackmail passing between the two elder wizards. Snape however remained calmly expressionless and merely inclined his head to the side indicating to Draco whose identity was still hidden.

“I thought that might be the case Lucius, you were always one to take advantage of any situation that landed in your lap so I took the liberty of preparing a little something to ensure your continued silence.” Harry watched Snape smile cruelly at Lucius as he reached forward to grab hold of Draco’s hood.

“And what could you possibly show me Severus that would make me hold my tongue?” Lucius laughed confidently at Snape and Harry swallowed nervously as he glanced at Draco sitting across from him. Draco was shaking his hands holding onto Snape’s leg in a deathly white grip.

“Let me show you and then you can be the judge.” With a firm tug Snape pulled Draco’s hood from his head revealing his familiar blonde hair and his tear stained face to his father. Harry heard the shattering of the glass in Lucius’ hand as the wizard’s eyes fell on his son. Lucius had broken the glass with his own shock the shards of glass breaking into his skin causing blood to begin dripping from his fist onto the floor.

“No.” Lucius breathed out in shock, as he vehemently shook his head not believing what his eyes were showing him. Draco didn’t look up at his father and Harry merely watched as Draco closed his eyes as another tear fell down his cheek. “No it can not be true.” Lucius was on his feet the tinkle of the glass falling from his hand to the floor echoing in the silence of the sitting room.

“I can assure you Lucius it is. Your son is an Elith-Furatu and my bitch.” Snape finished calmly as he petted Draco’s head by way of explanation. Lucius exploded then as he drew his wand and lunged at Draco his eyes wild with anger and hate. Snape was on his feet in an instant practically throwing Harry clear of the raging wizard and he stepped in front of Draco to protect him.

“I’ll kill him, I’ll kill him!” Lucius screamed wildly throwing curses at Snape who blocked every one without even raising a sweat. Draco cowered behind his Superei afraid of his father and what he was capable of. Harry watched from behind the safety of the chaise lounge as Snape flicked his wand casually at Lucius easily rendering him frozen and rigid held tight in a body bind that Lucius was too worked up to have stopped or thrown off.

“Now, now Lucius you know as well as I that will achieve nothing and only cause me to retaliate, something of which you know will only result in pain.” Snape stepped away from Draco and circled Lucius’ frozen form the elder blonde’s eyes following him even if the rest of his body was paralyzed. “But I have a proposal for you.” Snape came to a stand still in front of Lucius body and flicked his wand at the wizard who flopped like a dead weight back into his chair, his eyes still blazing with anger as they stared at Draco but his expression one of defeat. “If you keep your silence regarding Potter and his whereabouts, I will not expose your son. After all Lucius you know as well as I what the dark lord will do if he discovers the truth both about Draco and myself. The Malfoy bloodline is of well-respected wizarding heritage we would not wish to taint those members of it that will survive this war.” Harry smiled secretly to himself his respect for Snape growing with every carefully chosen sentence that came out of his mouth. Lucius was a cunning bastard but Snape was certainly his equal. Harry thought for a moment that Lucius would disagree but at length the elder blonde reluctantly nodded his head in agreement.

“Fine but if I am to play host to this abomination you will have to guarantee my safety from both yourself and your stock. I have not played servant to the dark lord for this long only to have my life and my magic taken from me by you or your bitches.” Lucius spat in Draco’s direction before glancing back at Snape who nodded in agreement.

“We pose no threat to you Lucius. I will hunt in other grounds and ensure I cover my tracks. Is there anything else?” Snape cocked his head to the side and Harry watched as Lucius looked cautiously across at his son who was still curled up at the foot of the seat Snape had been sitting in earlier.

“An heir. Draco will inherit nothing I have but he will give me a grandson so the Malfoy name may continue and I may pass everything on to him.” Lucius looked back levelly at Snape who for a moment considered the demand. It was obvious he was reluctant to agree but at length nodded.

“Very well but it will be of a woman and I suggest you choose his partner quickly, he comes into season next month and I will not have him fucking around with a whore when he should be with me.” Harry glanced across at Draco who having dried his tears was looking up shocked at Snape. Harry wasn’t sure what this agreement meant for Draco but he knew it wasn’t what Snape wanted. No doubt the only reason the Superei agreed was to keep Lucius on side.

“Agreed, I have someone already in mind.” Lucius seemed to recover his calm resolve then and stood up from his chair to stand opposite Snape who was still unconsciously protecting Draco. “Now I am sure you wish to eat and rest. I will show you to your chambers while Mixy prepares you a meal. Come.” Lucius turned and strode from the room Snape turning to follow having hauled Draco up by the elbow and collected Harry the same way. Both boys fell into step beside their Superei neither of them speaking as they all followed Lucius up into the manor. Harry knew Snape had taken a risk but it was a risk that at present seemed to have paid off…

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A/N Just a small update till tomorrow, when I have the whole day to update.....hope you enjoy it and thanks for the reviews

RIFFRAFF