At Your Doorstep

Italics – Bits of Harry’s past (when he was captive by the mysterious person)

Chapter 5: Tender Caresses

“Potter… Are you going to sit there and stay silent, which would result in me hurting you…” The man in the shadows drawled, “Or are you going to answer my question?”

Harry’s head was hung low, his chin touched his chest. Painfully, he brought his head up and looked in the direction where the voice came from.

“My answer’s the same,” Harry gasped; his chest ached as he spoke, “You will not get an answer from me.”

It had been days, weeks, or maybe months since Harry was kept in the same dark room. There wasn’t a window in sight, not even a crack in the walls. Time meant nothing to Harry as he was trapped in this room.

“Tsk tsk… That’s a shame really,” The man said; Harry could hear his footsteps coming closer to where he was, “I was hoping you would cooperate so that you wouldn’t have to suffer.”

“You can kill me because I would never tell you or give you what you want!” Harry yelled; he coughed and spat out blood. It was a wonder why he wasn’t dead from blood loss yet.

“As much as I want to kill you Potter,” The man stopped walking; Harry heard the man tapping his wand on his palm, “Everything would be lost if you died, and I can’t have that.”

Harry remained silent, except for his heavy breathing.

“Very well,” The person said softly, “I guess I’ll just have to wait another day…”

Harry didn’t even bother to look up. He had been through this everyday; he knew what was to come. A faint, purple light glowed in front of Harry; the green eyed man closed his eyes and waited for the spell.

“Incidere!”

The purple light grew brighter as an orb flew out from the man’s wand. As it neared Harry, it turned into a beam and slashed across Harry’s chest.

Harry cried out and once again darkness consumed him.

HPDMSS

Sunlight shone through the curtains hanging in front of two large windows in Harry’s room. The brunet slowly opened his eyes; Harry absently touched his chest, the spot where that purple beam had slashed him. The pain he felt that day was overwhelming. Beside the searing pain when his flesh was tore opened, Harry also felt a burning sensation rippling across his upper torso. The curse had not only given Harry a long, wide gash across his chest, but had also destroyed the skin tissue so that the cut would not heal properly.

Or better yet, it wouldn’t heal at all. Blood constantly was flowing out. The thing that had sustained Harry’s life was his magic. If all this torture was done to a Muggle, he or she would’ve died long ago. Harry clutched the front of his shirt; the only reminder about that curse was a long pink scar. Severus healed him, Harry knew. It was a cursed wound; nothing can get rid of it completely.

Harry smiled as he heard birds singing somewhere outside his windows. Pushing himself to sit up from the bed, Harry then used the back of his hand to rub the sleepiness away from his eyes. He let out a huge yawn and stretched his body. The first thing Harry noticed was that his body was not filled with pain.

Harry could’ve almost cried out in pure joy. When was the last time he hadn’t felt pain?

‘Since before I was captured… That’s how long it has been.’

He threw his legs over the edge of the bed and put his feet into his trainers and stood up, but winced as pressure was put on his right foot, not to mention that his legs felt weak. Harry had been in bed for two days and this was his first time actually standing. As Harry half limped, half walked to the door, he thought back on how he had always spent days lying on the cold, stone floor of his cell, bleeding. He never had the energy to sit up or even crawled to another spot. Everytime Harry had some strength coming back to him, the man in the shadows would be there.

Then, the questionings and tortures would happen again and again, until Harry lost consciousness.

Harry gritted his teeth as he placed a trembling hand on the doorknob and pulled the door open. He took a shaky breath before he turned right and limped down the hallway. Harry began to feel slightly dizzy by the time he had reached the main part of the house. The brunet pressed his palm against a wall and steadied himself. His emerald eyes took in the surroundings.

A quaint, medium-sized kitchen stood to Harry’s left. From what he could see, the kitchen faced a beautiful green front lawn.

‘I guess that was where I landed that night…’

Harry walked slowly towards the kitchen. Nobody was in there. Shrugging to himself, Harry turned and came to what he guessed was the living room. The house wasn’t exactly big, but it had a cozy feel to it. Harry saw two bookshelves that lined the wall of the living room. There were three couches, a fireplace, and vases filled with fresh flowers.

“No surprise there…” Harry smiled, “Snape is a florist after all. He probably used a spell to keep them from dying.”

But the living room was empty also. With a sigh, Harry continued to explore the cottage.

“I should better myself with the house before I walk into a wrong room or something,” Harry muttered, “Where are they? They should know better than let a sick man be all alone.”

Harry was now near a door in the back of the house, which probably led to the yards, he had thought. Harry pushed open the white wooden door and poked his head through the gap. His eyes were greeted with the most beautiful greenhouse… Well not that he had seen many, but seriously, it was really nice. Different types of flowers, herbs, and small shrubs were scattered at different places. Harry walked inside the greenhouse and closed the door behind him. Shading his eyes, Harry looked up; the sky was light blue with brilliant sunlight pouring through the glass walls of the greenhouse.

Clusters of small white flowers at the corner of his eyes caught Harry’s attention. He walked up to them and knelt down on the dirt ground. The brunet brought his head down and took a deep breath; a light, sweet scent traveled up his nose. Harry moved away from the flowers and caressed them in his right hand. The small, white petals were soft to the touch.

“They’re called Baby’s Breath,” A deep voice sounded behind him.

Harry turned his head sharply; his hand dropped away from the white flowers. Severus was looking down at him with a smile that looked more like smirk. Harry stood up shakily; Severus’ hand shot out and held onto Harry’s arm. Harry tensed a bit, but he let Severus help him. The Gryffindor smiled sheepishly at the older man.

“Thanks… Er, these flowers are called Baby’s Breath?” Harry asked, gesturing to the white flowers, “Why such a name?”

“I can’t really answer that question, however, I would venture a guess that it’s because they’re small and delicate like a human child. You also might have noticed that their petals are quite soft.” Severus answered; he let go of Harry’s arm and clasped his hands behind his back, “Why are you out here Mr. Potter?”

“Oh… I woke up and felt way better than I had felt for… for a long time,” Harry told Severus, “I walked out of my room and didn’t see you or Draco so I started exploring a bit and came here.” Harry looked around the greenhouse, “You have some very beautiful flowers growing here, Severus.”

Snape inclined his head from the praise, “The flowers and herbs that are grown here are the ones that cannot be under direct sunlight or any types of weather.” Severus walked to the Baby’s Breath and crouched down, “Like these, their stems are so thin. If they are caught in winds they would snap easily.”

“Ah, I see,” Harry nodded; Snape stood up and brushed his hands on his trousers.

“Care for a tour around the greenhouse, Harry?” Severus suggested, “I think walking would do your legs some good.”

Severus held out his hand; Harry looked down at the calloused fingertips. Years of potion making gave Snape not so smooth skin. But as Harry looked down at the proffered hand, he found that the former Potions Master’s skin did not look as bad as he thought it would. Maybe working with flowers had positive effects. Harry hesitantly took Severus’ hand and the older man wrapped his fingers around the smaller hand.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me or Draco,” Severus said, not looking at Harry; he was already guiding the green eyed man to the far left side of the greenhouse, “We will not hurt you.”

Harry walked beside Severus; they were taking slow strides, accommodating to Harry’s weakened state.

“I’m sorry for acting this way around you both… But please understand… I-what I had gone through,” Harry took a deep breath, “It will take me time. But I promise, I will tell you what happened to me.”

“You don’t need to apologize Harry,” Severus said softly; they had stopped walking and were standing in front of some purple flowers.

“You and Draco changed so much…” Harry let out a short laugh, “It’s almost disbelieving.”

“Well I can’t stay the same snarky, greasy bat forever.” Severus turned his head and smirked at Harry, “I’ve been living a peaceful life for the past three years, the people in this village are very nice, and I’m working with flowers, not insufferable brats.”

Harry grinned at the taller man, “And of course you found someone you love. Can’t forget that.”

“I never expected Draco would become part of my life,” Severus let out a low chuckle; Harry shivered as the sound sent a tingling sensation down his spine. As soon as he felt the tingle, Harry blushed.

“Well… there are many things in this world that are unexpected,” Harry mumbled; he was very interested at the purple flowers in front of him, “Look at me, I bet you never expected me to show up at your doorstep…”

Severus’ grip on Harry’s hand tightened, “I think it’s good for all of us to forget that night.”

He had felt the younger man trembled and knew that Harry wouldn’t want to remember that night any more than he did. Severus looked at Harry; the man looked like a kicked puppy. His head was hung low, shoulders were slumped forward, and even from the side, Severus saw how dull those emerald eyes were.

This Harry Potter was nothing like the teen he knew years ago.

As their fingers were still locked together, Severus felt the bones underneath the skin. If Harry was lean back then, he was way too skinny now. It made Snape wonder what exactly happened to the man beside him. This young man had suffered tremendously.

“I see you are quite interested in the flowers before you,” Severus said, wishing to get Harry’s attention, “Do you know what they are?”

Harry shook his head and looked up at Snape, “I told Draco that I’m shit with flowers and plants,” he sent Severus a lopsided smile, “Guess now you know as well.”

Severus arched his eyebrows, “You will be learning a lot then,” he reached out and cradled one of the flowers in his hand, “These are called Canterbury Bells. As you can see, they are somewhat shaped like a bell.”

Harry nodded, “Yes they do look like bells,” he gave Snape a wide smile, “Can they be used as potion ingredients?”

“Indeed they can,” Severus answered; his lips were curved upward. Seeing Harry smiling again lifted a pressure from his chest, “Their petals can be crushed and then be used to make a potion that relieves headaches.”

“Wow… I never knew flowers could be used for potions. I’ve always thought they’re just something to be put in a vase and make the environment pretty.” Harry said in awe.

“Every flower has their own special properties,” Severus tugged on Harry’s hand to indicate that they’re walking again, “They may look delicate, but looks can be deceiving.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Harry laughed. Severus stopped in his tracks and turned around abruptly. An amused glint shone in his onyx orbs.

“Why is that Harry?”

“Truth be told… I’ve always thought you were a scary man,” Harry squirmed under Severus’ gaze, “From the day I first started Hogwarts, I saw you, sitting at the Head Table wearing all black. I thought you were intimidating.” Harry brought his unoccupied hand up and scratched his face absently, “Then when I was in your class… you yelled at everybody, except for the Slytherins, and your face would contort into a snarl… and yeah.”

“I see,” Severus said evenly. He wasn’t angry Harry said all those things, instead, he was amused.

“Please don’t take any offense to it,” Harry said hurriedly after a stretch of silence, “I know you’re not really like that… now.” Harry blushed again, only this time it was from embarrassment.

“Don’t worry Potter, I’m not offended. Shall we go on?”

Harry smiled sheepishly and nodded. They stopped at almost every specimen of flowers. Harry was pointing and was genuinely interested in learning the names and properties of each. Snape patiently answered all of Harry’s questions. Their hands continued to be linked together; Harry had relaxed quite a bit and did not seem to mind the contact. As they finally finished with the tour, Harry suddenly realized that a certain blond was not present.

“Severus, where’s Draco?”

Severus and Harry were now at the entrance to the greenhouse, their hands no longer intertwined. Snape had just told Harry to take of his dirt encrusted trainers when Harry asked the question.

“He’s down at the shop and should be home in a couple of hours,” Severus answered; he had just taken his own shoes off, “Since you are going to be bathing with flowers as you had nicely put it and is still in the process of healing, Draco said he would open shop by himself today and I should stay here and help you if needed.”

“Oh… uh so when am I going to start the therapy?” Harry asked, his voice laced with uncertainty; he held up his shoes and Severus cast a charm and got rid of the dirt. Snape did the same to his own shoes. Then, both men put their shoes back on.

“Later, at night preferably,” Severus opened the white door and held it for Harry to go inside; he noticed that Harry was limping slightly, “Harry, does your right foot hurt?”

“Huh?” Harry stopped and turned around, “Oh, it’s just a bit sore. I’m fine.”

Severus closed the door and briskly walked passed Harry. Harry slowly followed the older man and found Severus moving around in the kitchen.

“Sit down Harry,” Severus called from the kitchen, pointing in the direction of the living room.

Harry half hobbled over to the living room and sank down into a plush sofa. He let out a sigh; he did not noticed how tired his legs were. Even his knees felt weak. Snape came a moment later, holding two steaming cups.

“It’s Chamomile Tea,” Severus handed one of the cups to Harry and sat down next to the younger man, “I dried the flowers myself.”

“You made this?!” Harry’s mouth slacked, “From your own flowers?”

Severus chuckled and took a sip; he set his cup down on the coffee table in front.

“Drink it while it’s still hot, it tastes better that way.” Severus smiled lightly when he saw Harry complied.

“Mmm… this tastes… it tastes…” Harry seached his brain for the right word, “… Flowery.”

So much for a right word…

Severus let out a laugh. Harry jolted and set his cup down before he spilled the tea on the sofa. He had never heard Snape laugh quite like this before. The sound was warm and almost… relaxing to Harry’s ears. Harry turned and smiled at his former Professor.

“You should laugh more often,” Harry said, “It sounds nice coming from you.”

“Why thank you Mr. Potter, I think that was my first time receiving a compliment for my laugh.” Severus chuckled; he reached forward and took his cup.

“Well it’s true you should--” A loud rumbling stopped Harry from speaking further.

Harry looked down at his stomach then back up at Severus, the corner of his mouth were twitching. Harry placed his hand on his stomach and rubbed it.

“I think I’m hungry,” Harry grinned, “All I’ve eaten so far was that bowl of chicken broth Draco brought me last night.”

Severus couldn’t take it anymore and laughed again.

He had not laughed so much, not even when he started living his new life. Harry seemed to make his life more cheerful. The young man even affected Draco as well. Severus had never seen the blond worry so much before, like how he was worried about Harry when the brunet was in great pain. Then Severus remembered yesterday when both Draco and Harry were talking in Harry’s room. Draco seemed like he was enjoying Harry’s company.

Harry Potter had affected them both. And he had only been here for two days.

Snape gracefully stood up, taking his and Harry’s cup with him, “I think lunch is in order.”

Harry snapped his head up at stared at Severus, “You can cook? Merlin… Severus Snape cooks?!”

Severus shook his head and went to the kitchen with Harry muttering behind him.

HPDMSS

After an afternoon meal made by Severus, which had consisted of a plate of pasta covered with melted cheese and tomato sauce and sprinkled with a dash of basil for each of them, Harry was sitting at the dining table with his hand resting on his now slightly bulging stomach. He smiled lazily at the empty plate in front of him and reached for his glass of ice cold lemonade.

“Thank you for making lunch,” Harry said after he had taken a sip of his lemonade, “I wouldn’t believe it if somebody told me you can cook!”

“You are welcome Harry,” Severus stood from his seat and took their plates away, “I had to learn how to cook seeing how Draco never stepped foot into a kitchen before he lived with me. There are no reasons for both of us to starve.”

Snape set the plates on the kitchen counter; he took out his ebony wand and waved it above the dirty plates. With a sparkle of white, they were clean. Severus opened a kitchen cabinet and stacked the plates inside. He turned back facing Harry and leaned against the counter, his arms crossed in front.

“Do you feel well enough to come with me to the shop?” Severus asked, “Think of it as exercise if you want.”

Harry chuckled, “You just want to see Draco,” he gripped the edge of the table and pushed himself up, his legs shaking lightly, “But sure I’ll go with you. I’ve been sleeping for the past two days and I have to say, it’s boring.”

Severus extended his hand towards the younger wizard. Harry limped to Severus and hooked his arm with Snape’s, this time without the hesitancy. Severus led Harry to the front door and they both stepped out. Harry closed his eyes as the sunlight glared down at them; he hadn’t seen direct sunshine for a long time. The sun was high on top of their heads. Severus noticed the way Harry had flinched; he used his other hand and patted Harry’s arm.

“I know your eyes might be a bit uncomfortable,” Severus said, “But you’ll be fine later on.”

He and Harry were now walking down the steps of the front porch. The same porch where Draco had found Harry lying in a heap, blood pooled underneath Harry’s body… Severus shook his head lightly and they both walked down the road that would lead them to the main part of the village.

Harry had only closed his eyes for the first five minutes they stepped out from the house. Even with his eyes closed, he somehow ‘saw’ the calmness around him. Harry finally opened his eyes; everywhere around him was green. There were small little cottages alongside the road they were walking on. The Gryffindor smiled when he saw two small children playing with their dog. They saw Severus and waved at him; Snape returned the greeting and continued walking.

“Everybody in this town knows you huh?” Harry asked; his head was moving side to side, taking in the sceneries around him, “Even the kids.”

Severus nodded in reply; the dirt under their shoes crunched as they walked on it. Harry, by now, had let go of Snape’s arm and was in front of him. Trees lined the dirt road; Harry was walking near the shades so that his eyes wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Severus kept a small distance between him and the younger man. He watched, with a smile on his face, as Harry waved and greeted whoever he saw. The villagers at first was surprised to see a new face in town (Severus had heard an elderly woman gasp when Harry waved at her), but they all had quickly put on a smile and waved back.

Harry had stopped walking and waited for Severus to catch up (he wasn’t that far behind). Harry felt happy. He was happy that he was no longer in that hellhole, happy that he was still alive and breathing, happy that he got to see and meet all these nice villagers. Most importantly, Harry thought in his head, he had gotten the chance to know Draco and Severus better.

“Are you alright Harry?” Severus voice sounded behind him; Harry turned back and grinned.

“I’m fine. I just thought I’d wait for you to catch up that’s all,” Harry said cheerfully; he took a deep breath. The scent of fresh dirt, the trees around him, and the purity of the air assaulted his nose.

Severus smirked, not one of those nasty smirks Harry had seen back at Hogwarts, but a softer, almost nice, smirk. The taller man took Harry’s arm and again they walked down the road together.

HPDMSS

Draco was tending a pot of Spider Orchids when he heard the bell jingled. He wiped his hands on a white towel and walked to the front of the shop.

“Hello, how can I--” Draco stopped in mid sentence when he saw his lover supporting Harry by the waist and helped him walk through the door, “Severus! Harry! What are you guys doing here?”

“Oh… Hi Draco,” Harry greeted weakly, his face slightly pale, “Severus asked if I wanted to come to the shop and I agreed.”

Severus clucked his tongue and guided Harry to the back of the counter. Draco promptly pulled out a stool and Snape plopped Harry on top of it.

“Harry here was excited to see our shop,” Severus explained; he was giving Harry a hard look. The brunet blushed, “And so he half ran, half walked all the way here once we entered the main part of the village, despite his weakened state.” Severus then waved his hand at Harry’s flushed face, “He got himself all worked up and told me he was feeling a bit dizzy by the time we were at the front of the shop.”

“You didn’t have to run here Harry,” Draco snickered, “It’s not like I would disappear; I still have an hour before I close shop.”

“Well… I just want to see the inside of the shop before you closed it.” Harry retorted, his lips formed a pout, “Severus was walking so slow he… OW!”

Severus had smacked Harry upside the head.

“You insufferable boy,” Severus chastised, “If we walked too fast you might have fainted. Harry, do I need to remind you that you hadn’t moved for the past two days?”

“No…” Harry mumbled. ‘I hardly moved when I was kept in that cell…’ Harry kept that thought to himself.

“Draco since we’re here, why don’t you close shop and we can all go home?” Severus turned to look at Draco and left Harry pouting.

“We’re going back now?” Harry protested, “I’m fine! I can walk around the shop and--” Severus looked at him, scowling; Harry stopped rambling and gulped, “Okay… Maybe I’ll come back once I’m all better…”

Fifteen minutes later, Draco had cleaned up the front shop while Severus had tidied up the back. Harry was still on the stool, swinging his legs, when both came back at the counter.

“Since we already walked here, I suggest we take the Floo back home,” Severus gestured for Harry and Draco to follow him to the back.

“We’re Flooing?” Harry asked, his green eyes wide, “But-but I hate Floo!”

“Don’t be such a girl Potter,” Draco sneered; Harry glared at the blond, “It’s a short way back.” Draco gave Harry a cheeky smile.

“Come on you two,” Severus called; he was standing next to a fireplace. Harry looked around the room.

“You have a fireplace in a lab?”

“Well we can’t have it in front,” Draco rolled his eyes, “Harry, go first.”

Harry let out a sigh and grabbed a handful of grey powder from a small pot hanging near the fireplace. He looked at Severus and frowned.

“What do I say?”

Severus reached for the pot and grabbed his handful before replying.

“Larkspur Lane. Say it clearly, do not mumble! Or you might end up in some other village,” Severus warned, “I heard about how you landed in Knockturn Alley back in your second year.”

“It was my first time using the Floo!” Harry cried, “I was scared… I mean green flames surrounding you and ‘poof’ you’re gone?” Harry gripped his hand tighter, grains of powder fell to the ground, “I flew out of the fireplace in a heap… in the middle of some scary looking shop!”

“Typical Potter,” Draco laughed, “Was that why you looked so dusty when I saw you and the Weasley family in the bookshop?”

“Yeah…” Harry muttered and looked at Draco pleadingly, “Can’t you go first instead? So if I land in a heap, you can catch me.”

“Fine Harry,”

Draco rolled his eyes and grabbed some of the powder. He stepped into the fireplace and threw them down the same time he called out ‘Larkspur Lane’. Harry backed away as the green flames swallowed the blond.

“Go ahead,” Severus said; he pushed Harry lightly and the brunet stumbled into the fireplace.

“Larkspur Lane!” And then Harry was gone too.

Harry felt himself being sucked into something. Then there was the spinning sensation; he felt as if he was floating in air before he started to plummet down… down…

And then he was flying out from the fireplace at Snape’s house.

Draco had been waiting for the Gryffindor. When he saw a puff of smoke, he braced himself in front of the fireplace, and not a moment too soon. Harry then came flying out, arms flailing, and was about to fall face down until Draco caught him. Harry held onto Draco as he stood up straight. He looked up and found the blond smirking at him.

“You are very graceful Harry,” Draco told the other man sarcastically, “Well at least you didn’t land on your face.”

“I have to thank you for that huh?” Harry said; he then realized he was still being held up by Draco and immediately pushed himself away from the blond.

Another puff of smoke appeared and Severus stepped out gracefully from the fireplace. Draco was brushing his sleeves to get rid of the dust that were on Harry’s clothes while Harry had sat down on the couch.

“Did he really stumble out of the fireplace?” Severus addressed the question to Draco; the blond gave his shirt one last pat before he looked at Severus.

“He did, but I caught him.”

“Ah, so he didn’t fall on his face?” Severus chuckled.

Harry was still recovering from the shock of being held by Draco when he heard Severus’ voice saying something about him falling.

“Hey! At least I landed on my feet this time!” Harry whined.

The other two men laughed.

HPDMSS

“Here we are,” Severus said, opening a door.

Draco, who was standing behind Harry, pushed him through the doorway. Harry stumbled in and then gasped as a large bathroom lay in front of him. On his left was a gigantic bathtub, big enough to fit at least three people. Harry craned his neck and peered inside; he caught a glimpse of water spouts on the side of the tub.

“Is this a hot tub or something?” Harry asked, pointing at the bathtub, “Those spouts are for water massages right?”

“You are correct,” Severus answered; he walked to a small cabinet on the wall, in the far back, and took out several vials, “Here we are, the oils to put in your bathwater Harry.”

Harry padded over to the older man and looked at the vials Snape was holding. There was one filled with purple, one with pink, and the last one was a light yellow.

“Those are the flower oils?” Harry arched his eyebrow, “I thought I was going to take a bath with the petals.”

“You were… but the oils work the same way,” Severus set the vials on the bath counter, “Using them would be less messy than using actual flowers.”

Draco, who had been standing near the door the whole time, now moved to the side of the huge tub and turned the faucets on. He let the cold and hot water run until the bathtub was filled. Severus then handed the blond the three vials. Draco pulled out the stopper for each one and poured all the contents in the warm water.

“Well, the water’s ready now Harry,” Draco said after he had mixed in the oils, “You can go in now.” Harry shifted his weight on his foot and looked at the other two.

“Right now? With you guys here?” Harry asked meekly.

“Harry… Remember what I told you this afternoon,” Severus looked at the green eyed man, “But if you really don’t feel comfortable with us in here, we’ll leave.”

Draco was going to say something but Snape put his hand on the blonde’s shoulder; Draco stayed silent.

“Can’t… Can I do this myself?” Harry swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat, “If I need help, I’ll call out to you or Draco.”

“Very well,” Severus nodded; Harry sent the man a grateful smile, “Draco open the drawer and take out a fresh towel for Harry. Use it to dry yourself later Harry.”

Draco took out a fluffy dark green towel and placed it on the ground, near the tub.

“Now Harry, for this session, all I want you to do is get in the tub and soak in the water,” Severus instructed; Harry listened with his full attention, “Sit in there for about fifteen minutes, relax your whole body and mind. Then I want you to turn on the water spouts.” Severus then pointed at a black button on the edge of the tub, “Let the water massage you for another ten minutes, then you can get out.”

“That’s all?” Harry asked; Snape nodded.

“We’ll leave you to it Harry,” Snape grabbed Draco’s hand and took the blond with him, “We’ll be outside if you need us.” He opened the door and went out with Draco in tow.

‘It’s not so bad then…’ Harry shrugged and stripped off his shirt.

He turned and looked at himself in the mirror. Harry traced the scar on his chest with his index finger. He will always have that scar. It will be a constant reminder what he had gone through. Sighing, Harry unbuttoned his jeans and shimmied out of them. The next thing to go was his boxers. Once he was stark naked, Harry gingerly stepped into the tub; the fragrance of the flower oils went up his nose. He sat down into the water, his back against the end of the tub. The brunet then closed his eyes, and did what Severus told him to do.

Relaxed and let his mind wander…

HPDMSS

“It’s a new day Potter… Are you ready to answer my question?”

Harry stirred; he was lying on the ground, on his back. His chest was throbbing with pain… The man had just slashed him again with the curse.

“No… Never,” Harry hissed, “You won’t have it.” The rustling of cloth told Harry that the shadow person had kneeled down in front of him.

Harry was only partially conscious, but nonetheless, felt his windpipe being pressed down by the man’s thumb and forefingers. Harry gasped out and his eyes snapped open.

The man was so close to him… and yet the face was still covered…

The fingers tightened around Harry’s neck and the green eyed teen began to gurgle from lack of breath. Harry was sure he was turning blue.

“Forfeit Potter… You can’t win,” The man spat.

Harry swallowed, a hard task when there was a hand around his neck.

“You’re the one that won’t win,” Harry choked out, “If you kill me… You’ll lose.”

“Why you--!” The man snarled

The fingers once again tightened some more. Harry now had his mouth opened, gasping for breath. The man never relented. Harry saw stars before his eyes and he couldn’t breathe… couldn’t—

Harry screamed and flailed his arms around in the water. He kept on screaming and kicking; water splashed out from the side and landed in puddles on the bathroom tiles. Harry’s scream subsided just as Severus and Draco barged into the bathroom. The Gryffindor was huddled in the middle of the tub, his arms wrapped around his bent legs; his whole body was shaking, and not because the water hand turned cold. The emerald orbs were blank and unfocused.

Severus kneeled down and reached out to Harry; the brunet flinched and moved away from Snape. Draco now was also kneeling, the water puddles were wetting his trousers but he didn’t care.

“Harry?” Draco whispered softly, “Harry… It’s us. It’s okay.”

Harry let out a whimper and tucked his chin on his chest; he showed no signs that he had heard the blond.

“Harry… Look at me,” Severus ordered; Harry shook his head and did not look up. Severus scowled but did not raise his voice, “Harry, please, we’re here to help you, not harm you. We promise no harm will come to you.”

Harry slowly looked up at Snape; tears were rolling down his cheeks. Draco reached out again, and this time he succeeded in touching Harry’s face.

“Draco… Severus?” Harry’s eyes were now more focused, “I- I’m sorry… I must be a burden and all…”

Draco shook his head and offered a small smile, “You’re not a burden Harry. Let us help you. Please.” Draco moved his thumb to wipe away Harry’s tears, “You have to let us help you. Come on, stand up and let’s get you dried.”

Harry shakily stood up from the tub, forgetting that he was naked. But neither Draco nor Severus cared. Draco wrapped the towel around Harry’s lower body and helped the brunet step out. Severus had gotten another towel and was drying Harry’s mop of hair when the Gryffindor broke down in tears once more. Alarmed, Severus stopped drying.

“Please… Please I need you both to be here…” Harry sobbed, “I don’t want to be alone…”

Draco looked up at Severus, worry evident in his grey eyes. Snape gave the younger man a solemn nod. With that, Draco slowly wrapped his arms around Harry and held him close to his body. Harry buried his head in the crook of Draco’s shoulder, his body shook with each intake of shaky breath.

“We’ll be here Harry, we’ll be here.”