Where Lies Will Not Blossom

Author: Akumu Suta-Raito

Fandom: Harry Potter

Rating: R (Adult)

Genre: Romance, Drama, Angst, H/C

Pairing: Harry/Draco

Warnings: Language, Anal, Explicit Torture, Disturbing imagery.

Summary: HD Dark Epic. 'A single tear found its way down his cheek, hidden by his death-mask.' In the summer before sixth year, Draco Malfoy attended a Dark Revel. It wasn't what he expected.

Author’s Note: I want to get in the habit of updating at least once a week or two, so I’ll try not the slack off. Unfortunately, school can put a damper on my creative juices – but I am really excited about this story. I’m finally out for summer break, so yay! Once again, thanks to all of my wonderful reviewers! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

P.S: There isn’t much Harry in this chapter, but I promise that’ll all change in later chapters. For now, I’ve decided to give a bit more Remus, Sirius and Severus!

Chapter Five: Progress (In More Ways Than One)

“Blimey, ‘Mione – and this guy is still alive?”

Hermione sighed heavily. “Yes, but I don’t even want to think of what condition he might be in. Snape said that he’s being kept to teach the other Death Eaters about what happens to traitors. Hopefully that means there will be some of him left when the Order gets there.”

“You shouldn’t be spying on Order meetings, Hermione,” Remus reminded her mildly from his seat on the edge of Sirius’ bed.

Hermione flushed slighted, but looked decidedly unrepentant regarding her eavesdropping. “Professor, it’s not as if we aren’t aware of the Death Eaters, or what they are capable of. As much as I adore Mrs. Weasley, I’m tired of her treating us as if we can’t handle ourselves. Some of the current members haven’t even been in an actual battle, meaning we have more experience than them.”

Harry, who had been oddly quiet while Hermione explained the latest development, quietly stated, “I understand their wanting to protect us – if I had my way, the only people fighting this war would be Voldemort and I. But this is a war. War kills indiscriminately, and so long as the Order sees fit to withhold information from us, the more dangerous things are for us. It’s not like a Death Eater is going to point their wand at us and say, ‘Oh, wait – you’re not of age’ and walk off.”

“Too right, Harry,” Ron murmured.

“I fully agree with you all – but some members, Molly included, will look at you and see nothing more than three sixth years,” Remus explained.

“And how do you suggest we go able changing that?” Hermione asked archly.

Raising an eyebrow at her tone, Remus smirked slightly. “Not much you can do about that, I’m afraid.”

“You don’t think that you could, y’kno, have a word with me mum? Convince her I’m old enough,” Ron mumbled, obviously not believing anyone had much hope of convincing his mother to do anything.

Sirius snorted slightly. “I don’t think Remus would have much luck – this is my house, and all Molly ever gives me when I try to talk to her about letting Harry into the meetings is a dirty look and says something under her breath I’m pretty sure is more vulgar than anything I’ve ever said.”

“Oy, my mum doesn’t curse!”

At this statement, both Remus and Sirius gave Ron slightly incredulous looks.

“What?” Ron stated defensively.

“Nothing, Ronald,” Remus said with a slightly amused smile, not seeing the sappy expression on Sirius’ face as he accidentally brushed the other man’s hand with his own.

Harry sighed heavily in disgust – he’d never met two people who were so oblivious to each other’s love. Glancing at Ron and Hermione, who were strategically seated as far away from each other as humanly possible, he amended that to four people.

They didn’t know what they had and it incensed Harry to see them waste time with meaningless arguments and unsaid feelings – it was pointless, completely and utterly bloody pointless! Harry had never felt love like that, the only romantic feelings he’d ever had for another person had been with Cho, and even they were rather shallow. The thing he liked most about her was that she was a decent seeker, for Merlin’s sake! For all he knew, he might never even get to experience “true love” when one considered the likelihood him living past the war. The whole “…neither can live while the other survives…” line was less than reassuring.

“… and so I’m not really sure what tactical plans can be made at this point, but we’ve scheduled meetings every night until after the rescue can take place. One can’t just invade Malfoy Manor on a whim – it would be suicide to even think of such a thing. But it’s rather definite that a rescue attempt will be made, despite all the risks. Albus is quite inspired by the story Severus gave, and will do all that he can to insure the survival of the recruit.”

“Did Professor Snape tell you the name of the recruit? It’s rather awkward to continue calling him or her that,” Hermione asked curiously.

Remus was halfway through a shrug before he froze, an odd suspicion wriggling its way into his mind. It was rather odd that Severus had gone through lengths to avoid naming the recruit – and surely he would have known. A death eater that was immediately admitted into the Inner Circle would most probably be the son or daughter of a current member of the Inner Circle, perhaps even someone that Severus had taught and knew relatively well.

Seeing the odd way everyone was staring at him, Remus put his suspicions to the side for the moment. He would figure it out eventually, no doubt.

“No, he never did; I’m sure it wasn’t purposely.”

Hermione looked doubtful; not surprising considering that anyone who’d ever known Severus knew that little he did was unintentional. The Head of Slytherin could write a series of books on lies of omission and manipulation.

A small smile that seemed slightly strained on his face appeared as he addressed the three teens. “It’s been a long day and it’s getting rather late. Why don’t you all get a bit of shuteye while you still can; I have a feeling things are going to be rather hectic for the next couple of weeks.”

As polite as Remus was, a dismissal is still a dismissal and the trio left the room after saying their goodnights to the two men. No doubt they would be up for much longer discussing the new developments, especially considering Harry was rather quiet. Harry could be closed-mouthed on a subject for a while, but once he got to talking about it, little could stop him until he felt the problem was resolved.

Glancing at Sirius, who shared this trait with his godson, Remus decided it to be a Gryffindor characteristic.

“So… uh, Moony… I, um,” Sirius began, hating the awkwardness between them. There had been a time when the two of them could spend the entire night up talking about nothing, or more often than not Sirius talked while Remus listened. He missed having those intent amber eyes focused on him as he spoke, seeing them slip down to his lips occasionally until Sirius gave in and planted a long slow kiss on Remus’ pouty lips.

Gods, how he missed it.

Especially now, with Remus staring at him expectantly with those damned eyes. If only he could look away from those spirited pools for a moment, perhaps he could think of something to say that wouldn’t make him sound like a complete and utter pillock. There was also a time when Remus would have teased him for being speechless for once, but that was either here nor there so Sirius better think of something to say because Remus was still looking at him and – and…

“I miss you, Remy.” There, he had said it. He’d finally touched on issue that was causing the both of them so much grief. Now the snitch was in Remus’ field.

“I missed you as well Sirius,” Remus replied mildly and Sirius had the distinct feeling that they were talking about two completely different things.

“No – I mean, I missed you. As in missed you.” ‘As in I want to spend the rest of my bloody life with you.’ He wished the werewolf would stop playing dense.

All at once, Remus’ eyes darkened in grief and filled with tears as he turned his face slightly away. Startled by the sudden change in his demeanor and once again struck dumb by the other man’s unassuming beauty, Sirius remained silent.

“I, I’d thought I’d lost you. When I saw you fall through that veil – it was like another of your pranks. Remember that one you and James played on me in sixth year, when I thought your neck was broken and it took you hours to calm me down? I thought it was like that – I kept saying to myself, ‘he’s just joking around’ and eventually that led to ‘this joke’s not funny anymore, when is he going to give it up?’” Remus’ voice cracked in that moment, and Sirius reached out to lightly lay his hand over the other man’s.

“I think it took me a while to finally take it all in. It must have finally hit me when I’d had a nightmare – you know, the one where I turn and never change back – and I walked to your room. You were always there to calm me down after my dreams, but when I opened the door no one was there. It wasn’t just that; the room looked unused, dusty as if you’d never even been there at all. I couldn’t even smell you anymore. That’s when I thought to myself ‘He’s gone forever’ and I remember falling to my k-knees. I-I can’t, oh Gods.” Remus attempted to pull his and away from Sirius,’ but the dark-haired man yanked back hard, pulling Remus to his chest and holding onto him tight.

It was then that Remus began to sob in earnest, and Sirius felt as if a dementor was slowly sucking out his soul. How could he not see how much his death had affected the other man? Instead of seeking Remus out and making sure he was alright, Sirius had allowed the wound of losing him to fester, one that could not be immediately healed by his miraculous reappearance.

Remus lifted his head off of Sirius’ chest and attempted to reign in his emotions, but seeing Sirius’ own teary eyes nearly sent him into hysterical sobs once more. He couldn’t help but hang on to the irrational fear that he’d wake up and Sirius would no longer be there. No one knew how the Black heir had managed to escape from the veil. What if whatever had brought him back took him away again? Remus couldn’t imagine who devastated he’d be – it would be his end. He couldn’t live with loosing Sirius twice.

Almost as if the other man could read his thoughts, Sirius attempted to reassure him. “I’m not going anywhere, Moony. I promised nothing on this earth could take me away from you again. Only a fool would not want to see your face everyday.”

This of course caused him to snort with laughter despite his tears. Severus must have really put something in those potions if Sirius thought he was beautiful.

“Hey! I’m not joking, you’re one hot piece of arse.” Although this comment nearly caused Remus go start with full-blown laughter, he felt the deep flush on his face that Sirius always managed to inspire.

“Your delusions never fail to make me blush, Padfoot.”

“I’m not delusional – if anything, you’re the delusional one for not being able to see how bloody attractive you are!”

Smiling tiredly and wiping his tears away, Remus settled into one of their oldest arguments. “You’re attractive, I’m – scarred.”

“Your sexy, and each scar you have only deepness your beauty,” Sirius stated solemnly, aware of the fact that he sounded like the biggest pouf, but not caring so long as he was able to keep the cute blush on Remus’ face.

“Going to start writing poetry about my eyebrows now Siri?” Remus teased, an unwitting smile finding its way on his face.

“I might if it gets you to kiss me,” Sirius murmured, regretting the statement the moment it left his lips. He was moving far too fast, and he didn’t want to scare Remus off.

Imagine his surprise when Remus leaned over him, slowly placing his lips on Sirius’ in a chaste but electrifying kiss.

“Oh,” was all Sirius was able to say afterwards, hoping he wouldn’t wake up soon with sticky shorts.

That soft smile still teased Remus’ face when he replied, “Yes, ‘oh.’”

“Gah.” Sirius’ intelligence was steadily increasing – maybe after the end of an hour he might be able to get out more than one syllable words. If ‘Gah’ was even a word.

“You must be rather tired. I’ll leave you to catch up on your rest.”

With that Remus left the room, closing the door silently behind him as Sirius watched in utter silence.

For a moment Sirius remained frozen before a huge smile broke over his face. Whooping slightly while waving his arms around like a madman, Sirius congratulated himself for a job well done.

Remus kissed him.

Actually kissed him!

Things were far from perfect and there were still many problems to address before they could rekindle their relationship – but hell, it was a start.

Severus was nervous, an emotion he hadn’t truly felt since his teenage years. Oh, he’d been enraged, indignant, disgusted, and even fearful – but never nervous. He thought anxiety to be a truly useless and lackluster feeling, and yet, what he was currently experiencing could only be described on such terms.

He’d gotten clearance from the Dark Lord himself to visit Draco in his cell by giving a truly inspiring performance concerning his absolute rage and desire to punish the boy for his traitorous actions.

It was nearly enough to make him laugh.

Currently, he walked the halls of Mal de Foi, drawing nearer to the staircase that would lead to the massive underground dungeons. Severus’ feet felt weighed down with lead, making each step a trial of strength of a magnitude he’d never felt before. Being a Death Eater, albeit a disloyal one, he’d seen sights that would break even the “strongest” of men.

He’d laughed as women and children were raped outside their burning homes, pretending to be aroused by the atrocious display. He’d watch guard dogs tear their owners apart with an impartial face, seemingly reveling in the agonizing screams. He’d played the part of an amused sociopath as members of the Inner Circle took turns throwing pain curses at a small girl not a full two weeks ago.

But Severus wasn’t sure he was prepared for the sight of his godson’s torture ravaged body. He was under no illusions – if Draco was not at the shores of the river Styx (1), his mind was most likely gone, caved under the pressure of dozens of Dark spells and curses. He was not sure he could bear to see the remains of a once vibrant boy – a boy that on occasion could make even the likes of Severus Snape smile.

But there was purpose behind his actions. Severus, along with other member of the Order of Phoenix, had begun to develop plans to extract Draco from the Death Eater stronghold. Before they could act, however, they needed to know how far off Draco was – not that they knew the recruit they were helping was the heir to the Malfoy fortune. They needed to know if Draco would even survive a siege, or if his condition was so fragile that Dark enchantments were being employed to keep him alive. It wouldn’t be a first for the Dark Lord to use a mixture of healing magic and necromancy to keep victims alive as the limits of the human body were stretched and breached.

If this was the case, then there would be no hope for Draco. Severus knew this, being far from an idealist – if necromancy was being used to sustain Draco, he would be forced to euthanize the boy. He refused to let his godson become a soulless sack of flesh so that the Dark Lord’s followers could gorge themselves on their desire to cause pain. He promised to not shed tears.

No, Draco deserved more than his useless sobs. Much more.

He was at the door now. The guard stepped aside and took his leave after giving Severus a leer and extracting a promise to ‘make that little traitor suffer.’ Simpleton.

The floor was grimly and the air cold as Severus stepped into the surprisingly large cell. The stone walls were dark and stained – too dark to see the blood there, although he could smell it. The door slammed shut as he took another step forward and Severus cursed himself for jumping.

After taking a moment to fire off about half a dozen silencing and anti-peaking charms, he scanned the room for his godson, dreading the macabre scene he eyes would soon witness.

He almost missed the huddled form of the boy that was situated in the corner.

He was dressed in rags, his pale arms and legs sliced in strategic places – blood steadily dripped from the shallow cuts. Severus could tell he was shaking, whether it was from the cold, fear, pain, or a combination of the three he did not know. Draco’s hair, free of the band that always tied it back, covered his face, shoulders and upper arms. The color was an unnatural pale blonde that rivaled the locks of a Veela, shining so brightly in the dimly lit cell – wait.

Despite the blood from his numerous wounds and the dark bruising seen on his exposed limbs, Draco was oddly clean for a prisoner. Most people put in these cells were swimming in their own filth, but besides the acrid smell of dried blood, the room failed to reek with urine and feces like the cells of other victims. Someone was cleaning Draco.

Even worse – Severus was positive the boy had sustained terrifying injuries; yet, he could see no evidence of them. They were healing him as well.

This chilled Severus to the bone. Why would the Death Eaters do such a thing? What were they planning to do with him? Ignoring the temporary stab of hysterical fear, he slowly edged closer to the shivering boy.

“Draco?” There was not response other than an obviously instinctive flinch. His heart ached.

“Draco, its Severus. I’ve come to help you, can you understand me?” He was close enough to touch him now, but he dared not.

Instead, he waited. The moments ticked by slowly, each second adding a horrid anticipation.

“Liar.” The voice was raspy from screaming and barely discernable – but it was Draco’s. Thank the Gods.

“I assure you I am not deceiving you. It is Severus. I’m going to help you, Draco.”

“Like you helped that girl? The false emotions in your voice are an old trick; you can do better. Don’t expect me to be surprised when you start t-torturing me.”

Despite the harshness of the words, they made Severus rejoice. Draco was coherent enough to carry on a conversation and even to snipe defiantly at him – it was much better than he’d dared to hope.

“Draco, look at me,” Severus demanded softly, knowing that their time would be up soon.

“F-fuck you.”

Severus had never found himself so ecstatic about his godson’s smart mouth, but this really wasn’t the time. “Fine then, just listen. The Dark Lord is not my master –”

“Bullshit, y-you –”

“Listen, I said. I am a double agent for the Order of Phoenix – I am their only source of inside information regarding the plans and movements of the Dark Lord. I am given clearance by Albus Dumbledore to do whatever I deem necessary to protect my position on the Inner Circle, including participate in Dark Revels. I regret that you had to find out the way you did but I am still the Severus you knew,” Severus explained quietly, hoping to regain the trust he lost.

Watching as heaving sobs began to shake Draco shoulders, he hoped the boy was beginning to believe him. “W-why didn’t t-tell me it was l-like this?”

“There is nothing I regret more than inadvertently putting you in this situation, but I couldn’t be sure of you loyalty – you always appeared…” Severus trailed off, unable to say it.

“L-like a murderous bastard? An idiot that would follow a half-dead Overlord with no m-morals?”

Severus closed his eyes, traitorous tears forming behind his lids. “I am so, so sorry, Dragon. I had no way of knowing.”

“B-but I-I was! I w-was so s-s-stupid… its my fault… its my fault… she’s dead… my fault…” Draco began to repeat the phrase over and over, gaining hysteria with each utterance.

Bending down and softly laying his hands on the boy’s shaking shoulder Severus stated, “No Draco, no. It wasn’t, it wasn’t.” This seemed to calm the boy marginally, so he began to speak once again. “It’s hard not to lose yourself here, I know. But I need you to hold on –”

“I can’t, I can’t,” Draco sobbed, his voice muffled from being curled into a ball.

“You can,” Severus said calmly. “Slytherins never give up their will to live. You just have to hold on until we can come for you –”

All at once, Draco started violently, his head lifting from his knees for the first time since Severus had entered the cell.

“Come for me?” Draco asked desperately.

Frozen in shock, Severus was unable to answer for several moments as he stared into the blank grey eyes of his student. Draco was blind.

“S-Severus?”

“The Order is planning the siege at this very moment,” Severus said, forcing his voice from shaking. How could he let this happen to the boy he considered to be his son?

Draco’s unseeing eyes closed and a few tears escaped behind the closed lids. His fine-boned face was free of bruises, another oddity that couldn’t be explained. “I – I –”

Heavy banging on the iron door interrupted whatever Draco was about to say. “Hey, Snape! Ya done with tha’ traitor Malfoy?”

Grimacing as the uncultured grated on his nerves, Severus began to speak swiftly, “Draco, you mustn’t reveal anything that I have told you, no matter the pain. They suspect nothing – keep it that way. Understand?” Relieved at Draco’s frantic nodding, Severus stood.

“Now, pretend I have put you under several rounds of Crucio. Quickly!” Watching as his godson once again curled himself into a ball while shaking and whimpering softly, Severus thought Draco’s imitation to be a bit to close for comfort.

Fixing the ever permanent scowl on his face, Severus made sure his robes were billowing behind him as he exited the cell before rounding on the incipient guard.

“You fool! Never interrupt me when I’m visiting a prisoner,” Severus hissed in his best Death Eater voice, before putting the man under a rather severe Stinging Hex. While not packing nearly as much a punch as the Cruciatus, the Stinging Hex wrecked havoc on one’s nerves and steadily increased the amount of pain the recipient experienced. Satisfied when the man began to scream in earnest, Severus took his leave, mind spinning with the revelations brought by the visit.

He just prayed that his godson wasn’t cursed with permanent blindness.

TBC

Note:

(1) The River Styx – In Greek mythology, the river that separates Earth from the Underworld.


Thanks to all my wonder reviewers!

Vittani – Your long reviews always make my day! Yes, Snape is so complex it nearly makes my head spin. This chapter in particular was difficult because I was trying to show his soft side with Draco, but still not lose his whole persona. Many people make him go too soft, and I’m trying to straddle a line. As for Sirius, I’m trying to make him immature without losing the fact that he is an adult; I also had to struggle with that for this chapter. And Remus, gotta love him – I had fun writing him this chapter.

As for the whole gay Harry thing, I am so tired of people acting as if Harry suddenly becomes gay the moment he sees Draco. In real life, it just doesn’t happen that way – people who are in a homosexual relationship tend to be either gay or bi before said relationship. I especially get tired of the whole ‘I’m only gay for Draco’ thing… it’s just dumb! Okay done with my rant, hope you liked my chapter.

suiri – Thanks for the review! I’m really glad that you like my story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

Lisa – Thanks so much for reviewing and I’m glad you liked the last chapter. Hopefully you enjoyed this one as well ;)

Werewolf Mistress – Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter!

thrnbrooke – Yes, the Malfoy name would have certainly made them lose sympathy. Dumbledore, as sneaky as he can be, suspects Draco’s true identity. Thanks so much fro reviewing and I hope you like the chapter.