The Death of a Soul
folder
Harry Potter AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
41
Views:
55,473
Reviews:
335
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
41
Views:
55,473
Reviews:
335
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter Five
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Five
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After Snape had walked away, Harry turned to the fireplace, and crossed his arms. Sooner or later, he’d have to face the “authority figures”, but for now, he wanted time to calm down. It was useless to argue any further with them, and on top of that, he had a splitting headache. He closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. In. Out. In. Out.
Realising that he was as calm as he’d ever be, he walked back over and stayed silent; listening to the one-sided “discussion”. After a good hour, the others had finally noticed that Harry was no longer speaking. He had hoped that they would have figured that out 45 minutes ago. He wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Away from them and away from him.
Professor Dumbledore released him from attending classes for the next three days, which Harry thought was redundant because the first day was when he found out about the Life-Debt, and the third day was the trial. So that only left the second day to himself. Harry spoke to no one, and skipped lunch, dinner, and breakfast the morning of his second day. At Dumbledore's request, Dobby was sent to find Harry, bringing him a plate full of food along with the order to eat. Dobby had no trouble finding him, even though Harry was trying his best to hide.
By now, the entire school, as well as the Wizarding World knew of Snape’s Life-Debt. Not much else was told except that there was a minor discrepancy, but nothing to worry about. Harry snorted when he heard that. Discrepancy indeed. He wondered what lies they were telling everyone. Probably something to make Professor Snape look like the good guy, and not the villain. Harry snorted again at the mere thought of that.
Harry leaned back against the tree, where only two days ago, he had sat here with Ginny. Two days. Only two days had gone by. So much had happened in just two days. Harry wrapped his arms protectively around his chest, and let his eyes close. His mind closed off the images of his girlfriend – his ex-girlfriend he had to bitterly remind himself - and tried to get some perspective on his current reality. He secretly knew that he would, in the end, have to marry that greasy bastard.
Harry didn’t know what bothered him more. A forced marriage to 1.) someone who hated him and who he hated back; 2.) the vindictive Professor Snape; 3.) a man; or 4.) because he had no say so in this whatsoever. He decided all of the above, and the more he dwelled on it, the angrier he became. And there was something else, as well. He’d never be happy again.
Harry had thought the worst part of his life was over. He’d been forced to live with the Dursleys; he had watched Cedric die; he had lost his godfather; faced the enemy of the Wizarding World and now this. True, he had good friends and a sport he loved, but what about love itself? He would never have that chance to find it. Ever. What good is life if you don’t have someone who loves you and who you love in return? And what of children? Now the Potter name will die with him.
Harry sighed. The words “Nothing will change” echoed in his mind. Yes, Azkaban would be better.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry woke abruptly, and looked frantically around. Since the first part of the war, he had become a light sleeper. But, he was still at Hogwarts, and was still sitting under the large tree. He gave a small sigh of relief, and relaxed his shoulders enough to hunch over. He started aimlessly picking up the blades of grass, only to let them fall to the ground. Harry heard a slight noise behind him, and immediately tensed up.
“Go away,” he hissed. “I told you before that I’ve got nothing to say to you.”
“Such manners, Potter,” Draco Malfoy drawled. Harry jumped to his feet. “Perhaps you’ll finally learn some once you’re…married.”
“Shut up, Malfoy! I have nothing to say to you either,” he spat, then spun around to leave.
“What’s the matter, Potter? Snape got your tongue?” he laughed. “Or does that come after the wedding night?”
Harry whirled back around. He panted with rage, advanced towards the blond, and then growled through clenched teeth. “I. Said. Shut. UP!”
Malfoy just rolled his eyes. “Pity you don’t have your wand. I’m sure you’d be blasting me into next week.”
“Next year is more like it,” Harry scoffed.
“I heard they took it away from you, Potty,” Malfoy whinged with a pout. “Now, why would they do that to their favourite Golden Boy, hmmm?” he said, batting his eyes.
The furious Gryffindor lunged at Draco, but he had already moved aside, causing Harry to land on the ground face first.
“Mr Malfoy!” a loud voice rang through the air. “You will remove yourself from here at once! Now!”
The blond glanced to Professor Snape, then back to Harry, who was now standing only a foot away, ready to pounce again. Malfoy curled his lip into a smirk.
“Another time, Potter.” As he passed by Snape, he gave him a smug nod. “Professor.”
Both Severus and Harry watched the arrogant Slytherin strut back to the castle. Snape looked over to Harry.
“What did he say to you?” he asked evenly.
“Nothing.” Snape raised an eyebrow. “I said nothing!” Harry spat, narrowing his eyes.
The Potions master held his chin high, waiting for an explanation. Harry stared at him, then grunted as he walked towards the forest. Severus caught his arm.
“Harry, once we’re married, you will be given the same respect as…”
“LET GO OF ME!” he screamed, loud enough to scare the birds away.
Harry yanked his arm from Severus’s loose grip, and took a step forward.
“How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t. Touch. Me,” he said in a low dangerous voice.
Snape’s face was emotionless. He quietly sighed. “Like it or not, Mr Potter, we will be married four days hence.”
Harry was too angry to speak. He roughly pushed Snape aside with his shoulder, storming up to the castle. Before reaching it, he yelled over his shoulder.
“Never!”
Harry spent the rest of the day avoiding everyone, and their annoying questions. Dumbledore eventually had to step in and instruct that no one was allowed to speak to Harry unless he spoke first. The speech was given at lunchtime, and again, Harry was not present. Nor was he there for dinner. As before, Dobby sought him out and brought another plate of food. This time, Harry was in the Owlery, talking to Hedwig. He spent the night there, but he just couldn’t sleep. He wondered if he would ever sleep again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was about 7 when Dobby arrived to wake Harry up. He nearly jumped out of his skin, scaring the elf with him. Dobby had brought a fresh change of clothes, and informed him that he could use the closest prefect’s shower area. Harry nodded his thanks, and Dobby vanished.
After scrubbing himself clean, and putting on his dress robes, he slowly and reluctantly ventured down to Professor Dumbledore’s office. The Hogwarts castle was as quiet as death. Harry chortled. Perhaps everyone had died. Or better yet, Snape did, and everybody was spitting on his grave. But, unfortunately, he got his answer when he entered Albus’ office. Everyone was already waiting at the trial.
Harry and Dumbledore Floo’d just outside the courtroom door. He took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm. He flinched slightly when Albus placed a hand on his arm.
“Harry. It’s not too late,” he whispered. “Please reconsider.”
Harry looked at the huge wooden doors, then back to Albus. He shook his head. “Sorry, Professor. I can’t.”
Dumbledore sighed loudly, then nodded. “Very well,” he said softly. “I’m sorry, Harry.”
Harry knew he was doomed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Five
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After Snape had walked away, Harry turned to the fireplace, and crossed his arms. Sooner or later, he’d have to face the “authority figures”, but for now, he wanted time to calm down. It was useless to argue any further with them, and on top of that, he had a splitting headache. He closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. In. Out. In. Out.
Realising that he was as calm as he’d ever be, he walked back over and stayed silent; listening to the one-sided “discussion”. After a good hour, the others had finally noticed that Harry was no longer speaking. He had hoped that they would have figured that out 45 minutes ago. He wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Away from them and away from him.
Professor Dumbledore released him from attending classes for the next three days, which Harry thought was redundant because the first day was when he found out about the Life-Debt, and the third day was the trial. So that only left the second day to himself. Harry spoke to no one, and skipped lunch, dinner, and breakfast the morning of his second day. At Dumbledore's request, Dobby was sent to find Harry, bringing him a plate full of food along with the order to eat. Dobby had no trouble finding him, even though Harry was trying his best to hide.
By now, the entire school, as well as the Wizarding World knew of Snape’s Life-Debt. Not much else was told except that there was a minor discrepancy, but nothing to worry about. Harry snorted when he heard that. Discrepancy indeed. He wondered what lies they were telling everyone. Probably something to make Professor Snape look like the good guy, and not the villain. Harry snorted again at the mere thought of that.
Harry leaned back against the tree, where only two days ago, he had sat here with Ginny. Two days. Only two days had gone by. So much had happened in just two days. Harry wrapped his arms protectively around his chest, and let his eyes close. His mind closed off the images of his girlfriend – his ex-girlfriend he had to bitterly remind himself - and tried to get some perspective on his current reality. He secretly knew that he would, in the end, have to marry that greasy bastard.
Harry didn’t know what bothered him more. A forced marriage to 1.) someone who hated him and who he hated back; 2.) the vindictive Professor Snape; 3.) a man; or 4.) because he had no say so in this whatsoever. He decided all of the above, and the more he dwelled on it, the angrier he became. And there was something else, as well. He’d never be happy again.
Harry had thought the worst part of his life was over. He’d been forced to live with the Dursleys; he had watched Cedric die; he had lost his godfather; faced the enemy of the Wizarding World and now this. True, he had good friends and a sport he loved, but what about love itself? He would never have that chance to find it. Ever. What good is life if you don’t have someone who loves you and who you love in return? And what of children? Now the Potter name will die with him.
Harry sighed. The words “Nothing will change” echoed in his mind. Yes, Azkaban would be better.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry woke abruptly, and looked frantically around. Since the first part of the war, he had become a light sleeper. But, he was still at Hogwarts, and was still sitting under the large tree. He gave a small sigh of relief, and relaxed his shoulders enough to hunch over. He started aimlessly picking up the blades of grass, only to let them fall to the ground. Harry heard a slight noise behind him, and immediately tensed up.
“Go away,” he hissed. “I told you before that I’ve got nothing to say to you.”
“Such manners, Potter,” Draco Malfoy drawled. Harry jumped to his feet. “Perhaps you’ll finally learn some once you’re…married.”
“Shut up, Malfoy! I have nothing to say to you either,” he spat, then spun around to leave.
“What’s the matter, Potter? Snape got your tongue?” he laughed. “Or does that come after the wedding night?”
Harry whirled back around. He panted with rage, advanced towards the blond, and then growled through clenched teeth. “I. Said. Shut. UP!”
Malfoy just rolled his eyes. “Pity you don’t have your wand. I’m sure you’d be blasting me into next week.”
“Next year is more like it,” Harry scoffed.
“I heard they took it away from you, Potty,” Malfoy whinged with a pout. “Now, why would they do that to their favourite Golden Boy, hmmm?” he said, batting his eyes.
The furious Gryffindor lunged at Draco, but he had already moved aside, causing Harry to land on the ground face first.
“Mr Malfoy!” a loud voice rang through the air. “You will remove yourself from here at once! Now!”
The blond glanced to Professor Snape, then back to Harry, who was now standing only a foot away, ready to pounce again. Malfoy curled his lip into a smirk.
“Another time, Potter.” As he passed by Snape, he gave him a smug nod. “Professor.”
Both Severus and Harry watched the arrogant Slytherin strut back to the castle. Snape looked over to Harry.
“What did he say to you?” he asked evenly.
“Nothing.” Snape raised an eyebrow. “I said nothing!” Harry spat, narrowing his eyes.
The Potions master held his chin high, waiting for an explanation. Harry stared at him, then grunted as he walked towards the forest. Severus caught his arm.
“Harry, once we’re married, you will be given the same respect as…”
“LET GO OF ME!” he screamed, loud enough to scare the birds away.
Harry yanked his arm from Severus’s loose grip, and took a step forward.
“How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t. Touch. Me,” he said in a low dangerous voice.
Snape’s face was emotionless. He quietly sighed. “Like it or not, Mr Potter, we will be married four days hence.”
Harry was too angry to speak. He roughly pushed Snape aside with his shoulder, storming up to the castle. Before reaching it, he yelled over his shoulder.
“Never!”
Harry spent the rest of the day avoiding everyone, and their annoying questions. Dumbledore eventually had to step in and instruct that no one was allowed to speak to Harry unless he spoke first. The speech was given at lunchtime, and again, Harry was not present. Nor was he there for dinner. As before, Dobby sought him out and brought another plate of food. This time, Harry was in the Owlery, talking to Hedwig. He spent the night there, but he just couldn’t sleep. He wondered if he would ever sleep again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was about 7 when Dobby arrived to wake Harry up. He nearly jumped out of his skin, scaring the elf with him. Dobby had brought a fresh change of clothes, and informed him that he could use the closest prefect’s shower area. Harry nodded his thanks, and Dobby vanished.
After scrubbing himself clean, and putting on his dress robes, he slowly and reluctantly ventured down to Professor Dumbledore’s office. The Hogwarts castle was as quiet as death. Harry chortled. Perhaps everyone had died. Or better yet, Snape did, and everybody was spitting on his grave. But, unfortunately, he got his answer when he entered Albus’ office. Everyone was already waiting at the trial.
Harry and Dumbledore Floo’d just outside the courtroom door. He took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm. He flinched slightly when Albus placed a hand on his arm.
“Harry. It’s not too late,” he whispered. “Please reconsider.”
Harry looked at the huge wooden doors, then back to Albus. He shook his head. “Sorry, Professor. I can’t.”
Dumbledore sighed loudly, then nodded. “Very well,” he said softly. “I’m sorry, Harry.”
Harry knew he was doomed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~