At Your Doorstep

Chapter 7: Fading Barricades

It had been two days since Harry told Draco about the incident, how he was abducted by the mysterious man. The blond hadn’t asked Harry again about why the man captured him; Harry didn’t want to answer that anyway. The answer to that question might shock Draco. The brunet needed time; Harry needed to feel more comfortable talking about his capture. He wasn’t quite at that level yet.

It was a sunny, slightly breezy--judging from the trees outside--Sunday afternoon. Harry and the couple were in the greenhouse; Harry sat on a white wooden bench while Draco and Severus tended the flowers and herbs nearby. Harry could hear the soft murmurs that came from the two men; Severus was telling Draco that they should pick all the rosemary before the November weather turned snowy and cold.

Harry smiled softly as he listened to them bickering on the side. The warm sunshine caressed his whole body, giving him a sense of calm. He had asked Severus to let him tend the flowers; it was an opportunity for him to learn more about the flora. But Snape sternly told the younger man that the flowers in the greenhouse were all very delicate. With a pat on the back, Severus sent Harry to the bench, with Draco snickering behind his back.

“You know, I think I’m starting to grow roots from sitting on this bench,” Harry called out, “My arse is getting numb!” He saw Draco’s shoulders shook with laughter and Severus stopped doing whatever he was doing. “I swear I won’t step on any herbs of flowers.”

Severus turned his head and glared at Harry; Draco had a smirk on his face as he took some herbs from Snape’s clenched hand.

“Potter, I told you you’re going to sit there and wait until we’re done,” Severus said, “You will have plenty of chances to learn and watch us work with flowers and herbs.”

“Aww… But I promised I won’t--”

“Remember what Severus said about whining Harry,” Draco said, a huge smile plastered on his face, “He strictly told you not to whine.”

Harry frowned and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“Fine! I’ll just sit here and become a tree or something,” Harry said moodily, “Then you guys would have a new plant to take care of.”

“Potter I assure you if you turned into a tree I might just chop you up into firewood,” Severus drawled; Draco let out a bark-like laugh, “Now stop whining and sit still.” The ex-Potions Master turned back to his rosemary and continued picking them. Draco sent Harry a playful shrug and went back to work.

Harry let out a frustrated sigh and sat on the bench, quietly, just as Severus had asked him to. As he watched on, Harry’s expression softened and his lips formed a smile once more. It wasn’t so bad, sitting in the greenhouse, enjoying the sunshine on his skin. Harry was getting use to the sun now, after four months of being kept in the dark, dingy cell.

His smile faltered as the quietness surrounded him, wrapped him up and began suffocating him; shapes blurred together as Harry’s mind began to wander. The soft whispers from Draco and Severus hummed and swirled around his head. Harry furrowed his eyebrows and blinked, trying to focus.

But it was no use. The world around him suddenly tilted to the side. Flashes of green, red, yellow swam in front of his eyes. Dizziness overcame him and then…

Harry blanked out.

HPDMSS

“Come on Potter, be an obedient little boy and give me what I want,” The man in the shadows said; his forefinger trailed down Harry’s jaw. “Give it to me and I’ll release you. You want that don’t you Potter?”

Harry jerked his head away from the finger; he felt the clamminess from the skin.

“If I give you the power… You’ll just cause havoc across the world,” Harry murmured angrily, “I destroyed the Dark Lord three years ago just so that people can live peacefully once more. I don’t need another one rising because of the misuse of powers and whatever you have in that demented mind of yours!”

“Tsk tsk… such words coming from one without a wand to defend himself,” The man tutted, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Potter,” The man moved his face close to Harry’s, but still, Harry could not see the person’s features.

It was always cloaked in shadows.

“… I can kill you and nobody can help you escape.”

Harry let out a bitter laugh and turned away from the vile breath he was breathing in.

“I rather die than give you what you seek.” Harry turned angry green eyes on the man’s hooded head, “I’m not the coward… You are.”

The man growled and backhanded Harry right across his cheek. The stinging slap resounded around the small room. Harry’s head was snapped to the side from the force of the slap. He felt his skin heating up; Harry opened and closed his jaw just to make sure nothing was dislocated.

“How dare you speak to me like that,” The man snarled, “How DARE you call me a coward!”

Harry stayed silent; he suddenly felt drained of energy.

“Let me tell you Potter, I never liked the ideas the Dark Lord had,” The man said, his voice dripped with venom, “But that doesn’t mean there weren’t similarities. Do you know what I want Potter?”

Harry gritted his teeth and refused to answer; the man didn’t seem to mind.

“I’ll tell you since you’re being such an obedient boy, all quiet and sitting there.” The man chuckled, “I was there when you destroyed Voldemort… I watched you from afar. I’m not one of his followers nor am I on the Light side. I was in between.”

Harry’s eyes widened a bit but he let the man continue.

“I was there, on the side, waiting… watching. All the people that had helped you in the war saw what happened right after you killed him. I saw what happened as well.”

“… Who are you?” Harry grounded out; he was staring at the man now. “Who the fuck are you!?”

“I’m not stupid enough to tell you my name Potter,” The man backed away just a little, “But anyway, once Voldemort’s body was destroyed, his power remained. That ball of light everybody saw that night, it was his power.” He stood back completely now and Harry could no longer feel his breath on him, “You, Potter, took in that ball of power. The purest essence of Voldemort’s power. You shouldn’t even need a wand, but yet, you kept it… Wandless magic should come to you with ease Potter.”

Harry pursed his lips tightly together. Everything the man was saying was true.

“I’m certain you know why you obtained the magical core, don’t you?”

“… Yes.” Harry muttered begrudgingly, “Not that I wanted his dark powers. We were connected, me and Voldemort. Once his body was destroyed, his power needed another host. I knew it would happen. My friends feared it but we had no choice. I had to kill him, even if it meant that I would become more powerful, half Light, half Dark.” Harry looked straight ahead, “I went away, away from people. I didn’t want them to know I was the most powerful wizard. I hated all the attention; I researched, went over old texts to see if there was any way for me to get rid of Voldemort’s power…”

“But you didn’t find it, am I correct?” The man asked; Harry nodded curtly, “Ah, but I can help you there… Get rid of Voldemort’s power and leave your own core untouched.”

“No… No you can’t,” Harry shook his head, “Our powers were merged! There is no way you can separate them!”

The sound of shoes on hard floor came closer to Harry and once again the brunet saw the outline of the man before him. A hand reached out and patted Harry’s cheek, the one that was slapped minutes before.

“It’s a win-win situation really,” The man sneered, “You get what you want, I get what I want. We both win.”

“You lie!”

The man gave one hard smack to Harry’s face and then he pulled away.

“You better watch your mouth, Potter.” The man spat, "And never call me a liar."

With the fluttering of robes, the man walked out of the room, leaving Harry sitting on the chair, dazed.

HPDMSS

Fingers were gripping his shoulders; they tightened around the bone and Harry instinctively shot out his hand to push the offending fingers away.

‘Get away from me!’

The hand released his shoulder and Harry heard a faraway voice.

“… ‘Ry?”

Harry’s eyes fluttered open when he felt the hand was back again, shaking him this time, by the shoulders. He winced and sat up; he had fallen sideways onto the hardwood bench. Harry reached up and rubbed the side of his head.

“Gah… I think I have a bruise,” Harry muttered; he looked up and found Draco and Severus looking down, worryingly, at him. “Oh… uhm… Good afternoon?” Harry said meekly.

Draco sat down next to Harry and frowned, “What happened? We were picking our herbs and all of a sudden we heard a loud thump. Severus turned around and saw you lying sideways, unconscious.” Draco shot out, “Do you feel lightheaded? Is it the sun? Are you tired? Hungry?” Draco kept on blasting questions out until Severus clamped his hand over the blonde’s mouth.

“Are you alright Harry?” Severus asked, his eyebrows were knitted together.

Harry smiled as Draco tried to rip Snape’s hand off of his mouth.

“Yeah, I’m fine…” Harry scratched the back of his head absently, “I ah… blanked out.”

Draco rolled his eyes and said something, but all that came out were some muffled grunts.

“We know you blanked out Harry,” Severus said, rolling his eyes, “But what caused you to blank out?”

Draco nodded in agreement to Snape’s question.

“I think it was the quietness or something…” Harry muttered, “The colors started to blend together and start swirling in front of my eyes and then… You saw what happened.”

Severus released his hold on Draco’s mouth and nodded, “I think we’ve been outdoors long enough. Let’s go in.”

“But--!” Draco started; Severus gave his lover a hard look. Draco sighed and stood up, “Fine, time for lunch.”

Harry smiled lopsidedly and pushed himself off the bench; his knees wobbled a bit as he stood. Harry wagged his head to clear his senses before he followed behind Draco, who was already telling Severus what to make for lunch.

“Can we have chicken fettuccini? What about some nice spaghetti with cream of mushroom sauce?” Draco asked, his eyes sparkled with anticipation, “I love pasta.”

“I’m going to give you an empty plate if you don’t stop yapping.” Severus muttered and walked ahead; Draco pouted and Harry quickened his pace so that he was walking together with Draco.

“Did you have those flashbacks again?” Draco whispered when he saw Harry walking next to him; his lips barely moved.

Harry made a noncommittal grunt, “Yeah… it just bombarded my head all of a sudden.” When Draco threw him a concerned glance, Harry smiled feebly, “They’re coming less and less though, so don’t worry so much Draco.”

“I wasn’t the only one. Severus dropped everything and ran over to you when he saw you toppled over,” Draco murmured; Harry’s green eyes widened. “He kept on calling your name, kneeling beside you. I’ve… never seen him that way before.”

“Oh. Sorry I made you both worry.” Harry said apologetically.

Draco flapped his hand at Harry and gave him a small smile before he went after Severus, hooking his arm with the taller man’s. Harry stalled behind the two lovers, his eyes never leaving their backs. Severus was chuckling at something Draco said and the blond now had a huge grin on his face. Harry tilted his head to the side; the picture in front of him was pure happiness. Harry laughed silently to himself.

‘Never would I think there would be a day where I’ll live with two former Slytherins.’ Harry mused, ‘Two Slytherins that I used to… dislike.’

Hate was too strong of a word. Harry knew, deep down, he never hated Snape and Malfoy. Sure, they were a pain in the arse back in their school years, but it was different now. Extremely different.

“Come on Potter, you walk too slow!” Draco called.

Harry blinked and broke away from his musings. Severus was already through the door to the house and Draco was standing to the side, holding the door open.

“Hurry your arse up Harry!” Draco smirked; Harry scowled at the blond and rushed to the door.

Harry paused next to Draco and gave the blond an innocent smile.

“You know, I was going to ask Severus to make you some of that pasta you adore so much,” Harry said cheekily; he barely held in his snort when Draco’s mouth slacked, “Since you’ve been helpful and caring while I was hurt and all.”

Draco continued to gape at Harry; the brunet couldn’t help but laugh out loud at Draco’s expression.

“But now, you called me slow… I don’t think I’ll ask Severus anymore.” Harry sent the blond a sinister grin and walked through the doorway.

Draco snapped his mouth shut and hurried after Harry, the white door slamming behind him.

“No! Wait! I’ll be nice to you Harry!” Draco grabbed Harry’s arm and made the brunet stop in his tracks. Harry slowly turned his head, the evil grin still on his face. “Severus never makes anything I like for dinner.” Draco gave Harry a full blown pout; Harry dropped his grin and just chuckled at Draco’s antics.

“Fine…” Harry mocked annoyance, “Only because I wanted some pasta as well.”

“Ah, so you’re a pasta lover, too?” Draco asked; he dragged Harry to the kitchen.

“I’m okay with them… Been eating too much soup lately,” Harry shrugged, “Soup doesn’t really give me a full stomach.”

“Well, I’ll sit here while you go and tell Severus what to make.” Draco ordered; he flopped down into a chair by the dining table, “Remember to tell him I want extra sauce on my plate!” Draco added, waving his hand at Harry.

Rolling his eyes, Harry turned away from the blond and made his way to the kitchen; he was already thinking up ways to persuade Snape to make their desired lunches.

HPDMSS

It was well after dinnertime and Harry had finished another delicious meal whipped up by Severus. Tonight they had lasagna, topped with melted Mozzarella cheese and some freshly shredded basil. Harry had never tasted something so enticingly good; flavors exploded on his taste buds when he took his first bite. After finishing their dinner, Snape shooed both Draco and Harry out of the dining room and the blond dragged Harry to the living room.

“You know how you said you wanted to learn more about flowers?” Draco asked; Harry nodded and sat down on the couch, his green eyes watching Draco.

Draco walked over to one of the bookshelves and plucked a black tome from it. He cradled it in his hands, smiling softly as he traced one finger down the spine of the book. The former Slytherin walked back to where Harry sat and stuck the book under Harry’s nose.

“Here, you should read this. This book has all the names of flowers, herbs, and trees. It also has pictures so you would know how each looks like. It gives you the Latin names, the properties of each plant if they’re used as potions ingredients, and under what conditions they can grow in.”

Harry took the book from Draco’s hand, “Wow… This is a huge book!” Harry turned the book side to side, weighing it in his hands.

“Just read the book Potter. I guarantee you can learn something from it. So when Severus asks you a question in the future, you can answer him and not just open and close your mouth like a fish.” Draco winked and patted Harry’s shoulder before walking away. He paused after a few steps and turned his head to face Harry, “Severus… He really cares about you, you know?” Draco’s lips curved into a half smile, “I’m going to take my nice, hot shower now.” Draco waved at Harry one last time before he left Harry by himself with the heavy book on his lap.

Harry gazed at Draco’s retreating back. He frowned as his mind played over what Draco told him. The blond sounded almost… sad when he told Harry that Severus cared. Shaking his head and thinking what an absurd thought he had in his head, Harry stood up—book clasped between his arm and hips—and slowly trekked to his room.

‘Draco’s not… jealous is he? Nah of course not…’

HPDMSS

With a bowl of popcorn by his side, Harry was on his bed, head propped up by his left hand. He thumbed through the pages of the book Draco recommended. Pictures and information of the Vanda Orchids—big, violet flowers with white spots on its petals—went on for about three pages. Harry read through everything the book had to offer. Occasionally, Harry reached over to his bowl of popcorn and popped some kernels into his mouth. The warm, buttery goodness crunched between his teeth.

It had taken several attempts in order for Harry to conjure up a bowl of popcorn. His first try was a major flop. All he did was making a huge mess on his bed; the mattress was covered with kernels. After he made sure that neither Severus nor Draco was near his room, Harry waved his hand over the mess and in a flash, it was gone. Harry had waited for the wave of fatigue to wash over him because of not using magic for such a long period of time, but the tiredness never came. The brunet was half surprised, half glad and with a shrug he tried again to get him some popcorn.

After five tries and a lot of kernels later, Harry finally managed to conjure a bowl filled with warm popcorn. Now, twenty minutes had gone by and having only gone ten pages of the book, his bowl was already half empty.

“Vanda Orchids… Grown in cool, misty areas, preferably where there isn’t much sun,” Harry read from the page, “It gives off a scent that is closely related to the Spider Orchid. Hmm… I wonder if Severus has any of these in his shop.”

“To answer your question Potter, yes I do.” A deep voice drawled; Harry snapped his head up and found Severus leaning against the doorway, arms crossed in front of his chest.

“Oh! Uh… you do?”

“Yes Harry, I do. Now can you kindly tell me why you have a bowl of popcorn on the bed?” Severus pushed away from the door and walked closer to Harry, his dark eyes never leaving the bowl and the crumbs on the mattress.

“Oh. Uh… I magically conjured it?” Harry suggested; he gulped when Severus glared at him.

“Is there something you wish to tell me Harry?” Severus asked calmly, his eyes slightly twitching.

Harry’s jade colored eyes never left the calculating gaze that came from Severus’ onyx ones. Harry grabbed a handful of popcorn and threw it in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed. The brunet pushed himself to sit on the mattress, the book stayed open on the sheets. Severus continued to watch him, never moving an inch. Just as Harry was about to grab another handful of popcorn—he really wanted to finish it—Severus snapped his fingers and the bowl was gone.

“Hey! I wasn’t finished with that!” Harry exclaimed; Severus arched one eyebrow at Harry and the Gryffindor immediately silenced from the pressure of Snape’s glare.

“Well?” Severus asked; Harry sighed and scooted over on his bed so that there was space for Severus to sit.

“You probably noticed that I didn’t have my wand with me,” Harry started; Severus nodded and waited for Harry to go on. “The truth is… I-I’ll just tell you from the beginning.”

Harry told Severus everything he told Draco two days ago. From what he was doing before he was captured and what happened during the four months he was there. After Harry was done reciting everything, Severus at there, stunned. In a matter of seconds, the ex Potions Master’s expression hardened.

“You never found out who the man was?” Severus asked tensely; Harry shook his head slowly and looked down at his folded legs.

“No… He was always wearing this cloak with a hood and it covered a good half of his face.” Harry muttered, “I think he disguised his voice as well…”

“Do you know if he cast any Tracking spells on you Harry?”

“Not that I know of… unless he did it when I was unconscious.”

“I see…” Severus murmured, “And what about today? I know you didn’t just faint from the sunlight.”

“Ah. You see… I-I uhm… I saw flashbacks. Again.” Harry stumbled over his words, “Do you remember what happened three years ago? When I defeated Voldemort?”

Severus shuddered as Harry spoke the Dark Lord’s name but nodded nonetheless.

“Yes Potter, I remember. How can I not? It was the day people rejoiced because you rid the Wizarding World of a great evil. I also resigned from Hogwarts after the war.”

“Well… Yeah, you know how there was this darkish purple orb floating around and then it rammed into my body? I think I was knocked unconscious after that. Do you remember?”

Severus’ eyes widened then he narrowed them, “Yes. I was nearby… I sensed this surge of energy from it. As I recall, you were then sent to St. Mungo’s and woke up a week later. You seemed no different… What was that orb?”

Harry shifted on the bed and folded his hands on his lap, “It was the core of Voldemort’s power. The purest form of it.”

“… And you absorbed it.” Severus stated.

Harry nodded, his shaggy hair falling into his face, “I tried getting rid of it. I researched, read ancient tomes, but nothing helped. I couldn’t get rid of Voldemort’s power. It’s been merged with my own magical core.”

“Are you positive there aren’t any ways?” Severus frowned. Again, Harry shook his head.

“The only way is… to get rid of my own magical core. Permanently.” Harry said, “To become a Squib; that’s my only choice if I want to rid Voldemort’s power.”

“This is why you can do wandless magic,” Severus said softly.

The brunet nodded once and let out a huge sigh, “The man that captured me wanted the power. He told me he found a way to just take out the Dark Lord’s core… I didn’t believe him.”

“He probably didn’t have a way; if you had trusted him, you might’ve become a Squib.”

Suddenly, Harry’s body was wracked with sobs. He buried his face in his hands and cried. Severus was taken aback and didn’t know what to do. Seeing the young man crying… Severus wanted nothing but to hold Harry and just let him cry on his shoulders.

But, that wouldn’t be the most rational idea. Severus had no idea how Harry would react if he did hold him. For all he knew, Harry could freak out and tried to push him off the bed. Snape didn’t want any imprudent actions.

“I-I don’t know how long I can keep my magic in check!” Harry sobbed, “Everyday, I can feel His power growing and I’m starting to lose control of it; I can feel it. I’m… I’m scared that I might not be able to suppress it any longer! What if I become Dark?!” Harry mumbled into his hands, “I might unleash a surge of magic and hurt people around me… I don’t want to hurt you or Draco!”

Severus furrowed his eyebrows and did not offer any words to the crying young man. But he did twist his upper body around so that he was facing Harry.

“I… can’t take this anymore…” Harry whispered, his voice laced with pain, “I can’t…”

The next thing Severus knew, he had an armful of a crying Harry. The brunet buried his face in Snape’s shoulder and cried, loudly. His tears spilled from his eyes and onto Severus’ black shirt, making wet splotches. Snape didn’t mind; he slowly wrapped his long arms around the shaking form and patted Harry’s back.

“It’s alright Pot—Harry,” Severus murmured, “Me and Draco will help you, protect you. We’ll find ways… I swear.” Severus moved his hand up and smoothed Harry’s messy hair.

From the doorway, Draco stood hidden in the shadows. He heard everything Harry said to Severus. And now, watching them embraced each other like that made Draco’s heart clench. It wasn’t jealousy, it wasn’t anger. It was the want to go in there and grab Harry to comfort him, to soothe all the pain away.

As Severus had said, Draco swore he will protect Harry.

No matter the cost.