Love, Lies & Loneliness

Chapter 44
(Possession)

“So are you staying this evening Severus?” Lupin inquired at the potions professor as Mrs Weasley handed out what was left of the baked potatoes.

“If I’m welcome.” Snape replied his gaze shifting across to where Sirius was already tucking into his meal.

“This is really nice Molly, I don’t know how you cook for all of us.” Sirius totally ignored Snape’s inquiry as he complimented Molly Weasly on her cooking. Molly nodded in understanding as she too sat down around the overly large table ready for her own meal.

“Of course you are welcome to stay Severus, but you’ll have to share with Draco I’m afraid, we’re a bit short of bedrooms now.” Snape nodded understandingly at Lupin and turned back to his meal. Harry sat opposite Snape at the dinner table and while he desperately wanted to stare at the man all evening he knew he couldn’t. The meal passed in pleasant conversation Harry idly listening to what everyone had to say on the picnic. Harry didn’t participate however instead he was mulling over the ‘possession’ thing again. No matter how much Harry tried to put it out of his mind he kept coming back to it in confusion. He badly wanted to know what Draco had been on about but with the subject taboo Harry was unlikely to get an explanation.

The meal was drawing to a close and Harry had done nothing but pick at his food, his mind still on the topic of irritation. Finally though Harry could handle it no longer and pushing his butterscotch pudding aside sat back and looked confidently across at Sirius.

“Sirius.” Catching his godfather’s attention was easy and Sirius looked up from his conversation with Tonks to smile at his godson.

“Yeah what’s up?” Sirius inquired as he licked his spoon clean of butterscotch sauce.

“What’s ‘possession’ mean as a wizarding term?” No sooner had the words come out of Harry’s mouth than the entire kitchen had fallen silent. Arthur Weasley practically spat his tea out of his nose in shock, while Mrs Weasley dropped the plate she’d been carrying onto the floor with a shatter. Everyone was staring at Harry as if he’d grown three heads and the dark haired boy was stunned by how his comment had affected everyone.

“Um, well, its, I...” Sirius struggled to find his tongue as he stared at Harry. No sooner had Sirius spoken than Snape stood up sharply from the table.

“Thank-you for the meal Molly it was wonderful, I think I’ll go a read book.” With that Snape left abruptly leaving a silence in his wake. Harry swallowed nervously and glanced across at Draco who was staring at him knowingly.

“I told you Potter, it’s not polite.” With that Draco took what was left of his pudding and followed Snape from the room.

“Ah Molly let me help you clean up love.” Arthur rose from the table and quickly went about helping his wife. Charlie, Bill and the twins made some lame excuse of playing wizards chess in the living room. Ron grabbed Ginny by the arm and with a handful of biscuits said they were going to feed the owls. Tonks and Mad eye made a quick retreat too, until finally it was only Sirius, Lupin and Harry still sat at the kitchen table. Harry had never seen a room empty so quickly and he looked surprised at Sirius. As if on cue Sirius stood up and looked down at Lupin with a cheeky grin.

“You can take this one my friend.” With that Sirius up and left as well leaving Lupin staring dumbfounded at his friend as he disappeared through the door. Harry watched as his godfathers best friend sighed heavily and turned to look at him.

“Sorry.” Harry whispered and lowered his head, having not really believed Draco when he said it hadn’t been a polite topic of conversation to talk about. Remus sighed again and with a gentle hand reached out and placed it on Harry’s shoulder.

“Its okay, come on lets got upstairs and talk.” Harry nodded and following Remus left the kitchen and headed upstairs to Harry’s bedroom.

Remus sat Harry down on the end of the bed and pulled up the chair from in front of the fire and sat down opposite the younger man. Harry watched, as Remus got comfortable before the elder man took a deep calming breath.

“Now I know there’s a lot of things in the wizarding world that you’re not familiar with Harry and no one blames you for being interested in it but this particular thing is a rather sensitive subject and you shouldn’t go talking about it openly.” Harry nodded at the werewolf who smiled indulgently, at having a smart boy listening to him.

“So what is it?” Harry queried impatiently hoping that Remus’ explanation was better than Draco’s had been. Remus thought for a moment to himself before crossing his leg over and relaxing back into his seat.

“It’s difficult to understand but it’s something that only affects Purebloods. No one knows truly how it works but it’s said that when the first Wizards started to appear that their magic wasn’t very strong and they had to congregate in groups to combine their magical energies into a useful level. As happens in nature the offspring of these first wizards were purebloods born solely of two magical parents, and so it was assumed that their own magic would be self reliant and thus more powerful. As you yourself know your true magical power doesn’t occur until ‘Transition’ and such it was with the first purebloods. However where it had been assumed all the purebloods would be self-reliant they found some who were and some who weren’t.” Harry was confused and shook his head, his expression blank. Remus sighed softly and worried his lip with his teeth as he thought of another way of explaining.

“Alright let me put it a different way. You know what a Squib is?” Remus looked at Harry seriously and waited for Harry to reply.

“Yeah a person born to two magical parents that posses no magic what so ever.” Harry looked across at Remus who nodded slowly in reply.

“Good, well a Squib is the extreme example of a ‘possessive’ pureblood wizard.” Remus paused this time allowing Harry time to process what he was saying. Harry nodded slowly beginning to catch on to what was happening. “Now a possessive wizard while still having magical ability never actually reaches their full power even after ‘Transition’. The possessive pureblood becomes reliant on other wizards, his own magic drawing its strength from another’s, just as those first wizards did.” Harry was beginning to see why the subject was so complicated and why Draco had made a big deal about it.

“So what you’re saying is that a ‘possessive’ wizard needs another wizard to draw strength from so that they can fully use their magic.” Remus smiled and nodded proudly at Harry who had worked it all out splendidly. “Alright so why is it such a big deal. No one pays much attention to Squibs why does no one talk about ‘possessive’ wizards?” Harry looked to Remus for more answers the werewolf pondering on the question for a moment before continuing.

“Well if you’re a Squib there’s nothing in the world that’s going to help you get magic, but it’s a little different when your abilities as a Wizard rely on solely on someone else. Purebloods are very proud of their heritage and aren’t exactly willing to admit their flaws. It’s hardly surprising though it’s not really the ideal way of living your life knowing that to survive you have to rely on someone else’s power, that’s why many ‘possessive’ wizards marry very young, so that know one knows of their little secret. It’s said that when a ‘possessive’ wizard finds his or her sole mate it’s as if their ‘Transition’ happens all over again and in a matter of moments their magic is just as strong any other Purebloods might be.” Remus sighed as Harry nodded yet again finally making sense of why the subject was so taboo. “That’s where the ‘possessive’ name comes from you know. When a ‘possessive’ wizard finds his or her mate he becomes very attached to his magic and is extremely possessive about his mate and anyone who tries to come between them.” At this a tiny light bulb came on in Harry’s mind and the boy smiled brightly as he thought of Snape. No sooner had Harry thought of Snape’s name than a loud bang came from downstairs along with a lot of shouting and cursing. Remus and Harry stood up and moved to the door but they didn’t get very far as the door swung open and Draco stood in the doorway panting.

“You’ve got to come downstairs. Black and Snape are killing each other.” At Draco’s declaration Harry pushed past the blonde and bounded down the stairs three at a time. Reaching the bottom of the steps Harry paused briefly to look at the chaos in the lounge room before sprinting down the hall and out the back door into the garden. Walking out in the cool night was like walking into a war zone and Harry braced himself as a whoosh of magic flew past him splintering the door behind him in half. In the darkness by the rose garden Harry could see his godfather and Snape circling each other ominously. Judging from the torn clothes and the bloodied faces the pair had already had a good going at each other. The order members had now gathered around the garden and were attempting to alleviate some of the tension but nothing seemed to work as Black and Snape threw curses at one another. Unlike when Harry had seen Draco and Snape duelling the curses in this duel were well aimed and every one of them hit their target, making each wizard stagger and groan in pain. Looking back into the hallway, Harry saw Mrs Weasley protecting her brood, Draco’s blonde hair tucked amongst the orange mops as the witch held back the younger members of the group.

“What the hell happened?” Harry ducked a blocked curse and fell into the grass beside Bill Weasley who was sheltering with Charlie and Mr Weasley.

“We don’t know.” Charlie shrugged his shoulders as all four men ducked another wayward curse.

“Severus was sitting reading in the window seat and Sirius walked over to him and said something. The next thing we knew Sirius was thrown through the window and Snape was laying in to him.” Bill added quickly in explanation. Harry looked up from over the safety of the planter box he was hiding behind and looked at the duelling couple. Snape was on his knees in the garden and Sirius was standing over him as if he’d won, his wand pointed at Snape’s chest. Although Harry couldn’t hear what was being said over the howl of the wind he knew it was serious. Sirius was screaming something into Snape’s face and Snape was growling back with just as much ferocity. Snape was unarmed now, his wand lying in the pumpkin patch thrown from him with a curse. Harry felt his anger rise in his chest as he watched Sirius continued to threaten his lover. Compelled to protect his lover Harry stood up from his hiding spot and ignoring everyone’s calls for him not to be stupid, Harry strode confidently over to where the two men were fighting.

“You’re a snivelling little piece of shit Snape. Nothing you’ve ever done has been for anyone else but yourself, why would this be any different.” Sirius was shaking with anger and although on the disadvantage Snape remained firm his gaze never wavering as he glared up at his attacker.

“Go to hell Black, selfish is the only two syllable word you know.” Snape spat back nastily and Sirius lashed out punching Snape in the face sending the wizard sprawling backwards into the garden. Steeling himself Sirius pointed his wand at Snape’s chest the whisper of a curse just on the tip of his tongue but before he could speak Harry put himself between the pair, his gaze firmly settled on Sirius’ wild irises.

“Harry get out of the way, this isn’t to do with you!” Sirius went to push his godson out of his way but Harry remained firm and pushed Sirius back hard in the chest. Sirius was a little shocked and turned his wand on Harry. “Harry move or I’ll….” Sirius didn’t finish his sentence as Harry drew his wand out casually and pointed it at his godfather.

“Or what Sirius?” Harry inquired his wand point a mere inch from Sirius’ chest. Sirius looked down at Harry’s wand and the back up at the spectacled boy in confusion.

“Harry? You’re not protecting this arsehole are you, he’s not worth the air he breathes. Can’t you see the only reason he encouraged you and Draco was to ensure his own ‘possessive’ godson was looked after. It’s always something for him, he never thinks of anyone but himself.” Sirius spat nastily at Snape who was still kneeling on the ground his lip cut and bleeding from Sirius’ blow. Sirius tried to move past Harry again but the boy pressed the tip of his wand against Sirius’ chest making his godfather pause where he stood.

“There is no me and Draco, it was all a lie to get rid of the Ministry.” Harry couldn’t believe he said what he had but in that instant Sirius took a step back in confusion and looked over at where the blonde haired boy was stood in the doorway with Mrs Weasley. There was a gasp from Ronald, and then a quiet ‘I knew’ from Harry’s best friend.

“What?” Sirius questioned sharply demanding an answer.

“Harry, don’t. It’s not worth it.” Harry felt Snape’s hand sneak up to his own hanging limply at his side. Harry glanced down to look at the bloodied face of his lover but Harry shook his head at the pleading look.

“No, you are worth it. You’re worth everything I have and I won’t have them treating you like you’re nothing.” Harry looked up from Snape and pulled his hand free of Snape’s grasp to stare at Sirius who was now frowning in confusion at the conversation that had just passed between his godson and his enemy. “Snape and I are together and in love, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.” Harry glared at his godfather who for all the world looked as if his heart had been ripped from his chest. Sirius lowered his wand in shock just as Lupin ran up to stand beside his friend and stare at Harry in disbelief.

“You’re what? But I thought the Ministry had already investigated?” Lupin looked from Harry to Snape who was just now pulling himself to his feet looking extremely shaken.

“They have but we covered it up so Severus wouldn’t lose his job. We thought that by saying that Draco and I were dating it would take the focus off Severus and I.” Lupin shook his head in disbelief as he watched Harry reach back and take Severus hand in his own, his fingers entwining with that of his lovers. Severus stayed silent the entire time his gaze never leaving Black’s even when Harry squeezed his hand in comfort. “I don’t care if it’s wrong or whether or not you approve, it’s my decision and mine alone. If you can’t get over the past Sirius then it’s your loss. I love him and that’s all that matters.” Harry turned his head towards Snape and with a warm smile leaned up and kissed him gently on the lips. Snape hissed a little in pain and Harry pulled away with an apologetic smile. The moment was shattered however when with an almighty crack Dumbledore appeared in the garden a stern expression on his face. Harry was stunned to see the headmaster and dropping Severus’ hand stepped towards the elder wizard. No sooner had Harry moved through than Harry heard Sirius voice and the curse he sent towards the now unprotected Snape.

“I knew it would be you who took him from me. Not Voldemort, or the death eaters but you. You couldn’t have Lily so you’re having Harry instead, but it’ll be over my dead body.” Snape was already crying out in agony as the Cruiatious curse ripped through his body, leaving him writhing and screaming on the ground. The next curse Harry predicted and as he threw himself into the line of Sirius’ wand the swirling green spiral of magic hit him squarely in the chest sending him flying through the air and onto the wooden fence surrounding the garden. The pain that ripped through Harry’s body was unbearable and the boy screamed as if his lungs were on fire. Harry was aware of a tearing sound across his back and down his arm but nothing compared to the pain in his chest, robbing him of breath and life. In the darkness of the garden and his swirling vision Harry could see nothing but the horrified expression on Sirius’s face just as Tonks, Mr Weasley and Charlie tackled him to the ground. There was a sound nearby and Harry briefly heard a familiar voice speaking an incantation before the last of Harry’s consciousness slipped away and he was plunged into a world of darkness and pain.

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

A/N *Breaths deeply* God this is turning into a marathon fic again, damn I need to learn how to write a \'SHORT STORY\'.... oh well I\'m sure there\'s a uni degree somewhere that can teach me how....Anyway hope you enjoyed the update and thank-you so very much to everyone who reviewed, I hope the cliffy doesn\'t leave you to scarred.

TO WHOM IT CONCERNS...

To \'Cat\' - My god I love you, forever and ever and ever for those comments.....

To armpit - I\'m disturbed by your nic name btw, but apart from that I accept all your gifts and willingly bow before your demands, with more updates....did I tell you my muse is putting on weight??

To everyone else thanks for reviewing and your comments make writing worth while.

Cheers.

RIFFRAFF