Guilty as Sin

CHAPTER 53

“How’s it going?” Harry looked up from his dusty tome to refocus on Draco who had just entered the library.

“I’m just going in circles.” Harry was exhausted and slumped heavily in his chair as he watched Draco carry over the silver tray, a small rack of blood samples balanced precariously in the center, along with a dry biscuit and some pumpkin juice. “How is he?” Harry whispered as Draco perched himself on the edge of the desk covered in parchment and handed Harry the first of the five fresh vials of blood.

“No worse than yesterday, although I think he’s sleeping a little better since I bathed his arm.” Draco smiled weakly at Harry who nodded in silent thanks. It had been two months since Harry had discovered Snape’s curse and as yet Harry had not decided what to do. If indeed it was Harry who had to kill Voldemort in order to cure Snape’s curse then Harry was no better off than when he’d been at Hogwart’s under Dumbledore’s manipulations. He had no idea how to defeat the dark lord, or even how to find him with the Ministry along with their international helpers taking back control of England from the ravishes of the Analysian Curse and scattering the remaining dark forces around the country side. Draco handed Harry the second vial of blood coaxing the now heavily pregnant boy to feed himself despite his dilemma’s. Snape was now bedridden the curse taking over his body, sapping the life from him with each passing day. The ominous red line had reached Snape’s breastbone, and with every inch the line moved closer to Snape’s heart the more pressure Harry felt.

“What am I to do Draco, I don’t have any ideas.” Harry whispered as he forced down the third vial of blood making himself swallow despite feeling thoroughly ill. Draco sighed and sipped on the pumpkin juice, knowing Harry wouldn’t drink it after forcing down the blood vials.

“Perhaps the simplest solution is to just let your magic guide you. Maybe there’s no written spell or curse that’s going to end Voldemort’s life, perhaps your magic will just know what to do when the time comes.” Draco offered by way of explanation as he handed Harry the final vial of blood hoping that the boy would drink it all.

“It’s a theory Draco, but when the time comes it may already be too late.” Harry protested as he took one sip of the vial before passing it back to Draco in disgust. Slowly Harry rose from the chair, supporting his weight with a hand in the small of his back as he lifted himself up. Draco obediently stood up and helped Harry around the edge of the desk wary of the boy knocking his overly large stomach on the sharp corners. Harry had swollen to twice his size over the last few months, and with each week he drew closer to his season again, the closer the impending birth got. Snape had been preparing Draco to help Harry deliver when the time came but Draco knew very little. Between hunting for Harry and looking after the ailing Severus, the blonde hardly had time to sleep and look after himself.

“Well if we haven’t got time to wait for Voldemort to seek us out, why don’t we lure him here?” Draco continued as Harry began pacing slowly back and forth past the fireplace, gently rubbing his stomach as the child within moved restlessly, mirroring Harry’s own unrest.

“How do we do that?” Harry snapped loosing his patience quickly as a swift kick to his bladder from the child made him wince in pain.

“Lower the wards and use Snape as bait.” Draco spoke plainly and calmly as Harry spun around and stared at him in horror.

“What, and have the Ministry swarming on us the instant the ward’s were dropped. Voldemort would be the least of our worries if the Ministry come for us, which they will do as soon as they realize we’re here.” Harry bit sharply causing Draco to sigh and roll his eyes.

“We’ve not got a lot of other options Harry, besides I reckon Voldemort’s already sitting outside this place waiting for an invitation in and if we give him it, then we can get this over with. He wants to kill Snape and you too if he get’s the chance, he wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity of exacting his revenge in person.” Harry nodded in reluctant agreement his hand still rubbing his swollen belly in the hopes of calming the child within.

“Snape won’t agree to it.” Harry whispered as he heard the tell tail mutterings of Mrs. Snape, floating above stairs.

“With all due respect Harry, he doesn’t have a say. If you and I want him around for much longer we’re going to have to make some of our own decisions.” Draco snapped in reply the truth hitting home a little too closely for Harry who sighed heavily.

“Alright we’ll do it, but we’ll have to put Snape somewhere safe and if I die you have to promise me you’ll leave us and save yourself, even if it means pleading with the Ministry for clemency.” Harry stared pointedly at Draco who rolled his eyes dramatically but nodded in agreement.

“Fine, I agree but you’re talking crap. Now let’s get going, the sooner we get organized the sooner I can lift the wards and this can all be over.” Harry nodded in silent agreement and watched as Draco drained the last vial of blood Harry had left before plucking up his courage and striding towards the door to the library. “I’m going to go and see if I can get Mrs. Snape to let me into the tower, it’s the safest place for Severus. You better start brushing up on some protective curses incase the Ministry turn up first.” With a smile Draco hugged Harry tightly before pressing a chaste kiss to his lips and disappearing through the door. Leaving Harry to gather his courage and his focus. The next few days were going to be crucial and Harry was determined to see next week.

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