Dragon\'s Den

Title: Dragon’s den
Author: ejab
Pairing: SS/LM and a little SS/RL
Rating: the story is slash and NC-17
Feedback: a true gift and highly appreciated
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling invented them and I play with them
Warnings: character death
Category: dark
Summary: Lucius wants to keep his family together and takes extremes measures to do so
A/N: eternal gratitude towards my faithful betas silentpawz and Sparky. This is the last chapter of this story. I left out several chapters but am still hopeful that I managed to round this up nicely.

9/9


The day the Dark Lord had casually announced he'd changed his mind revolutionised Lucius' feelings and opinions. About his life in total.

The Dark Lord no longer wanted Lucius and Severus to raise their still unborn child. He now demanded them to hand the child to him the day after it had been born. The Dark Lord himself would raise it. Severus and Lucius merely were to give the child private lessons on a regular basis.

Teachers. They were being reduced to teaching. Lucius found that he could not accept that. Granted, the child was forced upon them but that didn't alter the fact that it was theirs. He would never allow anybody to take what was his. Never. Not even the Dark Lord himself.

It had nothing to do with paternal feelings. Even with Draco it had taken time to develop those. Pride and fierce possessiveness; they had been there since day one. Fatherly feelings had probably started to develop the day little Draco had looked at him and cooed something that sounded like "Faffy."

Oh, he was well aware of the consequences of his decision. They would have to go into hiding. Most likely in another country. Even then they'd probably have to alter their appearance every time they stepped outside their house. Would Severus be able to cope with the never-ending fear of being detected? Would Draco? Because Draco would come with them; that was not up for discussion. Leaving him behind would mean a tool for the Dark Lord to use as well as a certain death for his son.

**~**

Remus stood in front of his window. He had not noticed it getting dark outside. He didn't notice a lot of things lately. Or maybe he didn't give a damn these days.

Dairmuid had left him two weeks ago. Just like that. A lame "Sorry" and off he went.

Sorry? The man had destroyed his hope of finally finding a mate, someone who could see him, not the werewolf. Someone capable of healing the pain left by Sirius' death. Someone even almost capable of getting over a married Severus. A pregnant Severus.
Dairmuid's modest home had given him the feeling of belonging there, a place to go home to; a concept denied to him ever since his parents had died.

Oh, he knew why Dairmuid had left. His lycantrophy. They always left because of that.
Thanks to the new potion he no longer transformed or lost control over the wolf. It did nothing, however, to suppress the fierce need to be the alpha male. His overly sensitive senses never were a problem, his need for dominance was.

Now he had to start all over again. Alone. Circe, were would he be able to get the strength from to do so?

"You look filthy, Lupin. And you… smell." Severus had entered the room.

When did that happen? Confused, Remus turned around.

"You are neglecting yourself. Why? Some pathetic boyfriend who hasn't got the courage to tame you perhaps? Has this Connolly left you?"

"Stop it, Severus. I'm not in the mood for a lecture."

"I don't care. You are not to thrive in your pathetic depression. It reflects badly on me." Severus handed him the potion.

"I beg your pardon?" Remus drank while his irritation grew.

"If you get depressed, people will say it is a reaction to my potion. I can't have that, Lupin."

"I have to pretend to be happy so you look good, you mean."

"Exactly."

"I already have a curse, Severus. I don't need another one," Remus snapped.

"Don't be such a spoil sport; join the club."

That got Remus' attention. He slowly closed the distance between them, giving Severus a scrutinising look.

"You have a curse? What might that be then? Too much money?"

"Oh my, a Gryffindor with sarcasm. Wonders will never cease."

"What is your curse, Severus?" Remus was more than happy to let the wolf take over. He couldn't care less about fair play at this point in his life.

Severus noticed the change, of course. It never failed to have a huge impact on him. Only this time, instead of freezing with fear which would be his normal reaction, he sought his own advantage. Perhaps the knowledge of never seeing Lupin again gave him strength. He didn't know. It didn't matter either. A plan quickly formed in his mind. He knew from past experience how violent and deep the werewolf fucked. Maybe the damage, stress and fear the wolf would provoke would be enough to overrule the protective spell placed on his pregnancy? Hell, it was worth the risk.

Lifting the spell he used to hide his pregnant state, Severus placed his hand on his protruding belly.

"Your pregnancy?" Remus stood gaping.

"I hate children, remember?"

"Then why… ?"

"The Dark Lord."

"Oh." It took a moment for Remus to take it all in. The wolf, however, immediately howled with joy. Remus shivered.

"The wolf is stirring?" Severus tried to sound as casual as possible.

"Of course he is." A strained whisper.

"Good."

That comment got him a lightning glance before Remus' eyes strayed to his belly once more.

"Don't fight him. Let the wolf take what he wants," Severus pushed.

"You want - ? Have you gone mad?!"

"The end justifies the means." Severus shrugged, trying hard to ignore the rising fear.

"You could get seriously hurt! You n - " Remus trembled in every limb; he was losing control fast.

"We've done it before. I survived. Let him out, Lupin." Severus started unbuttoning his shirt.

It was all the encouragement the wolf needed. Before Severus knew what was happening, a growling Lupin threw him to the ground and tore his clothes to pieces. No time was wasted on tenderness or foreplay of any kind; all the wolf focused on was claiming this man as his and destroying the intruder. Now.

The brute force of the penetration made Severus cry out in pain. Merlin, that hurt! Surely flesh had been torn; it hurt too damn much for that not to have happened. A reflex action made him try to move away from the tearing pain but nails digging in his hips kept him where he was. Every next thrust felt as an assault. The wolf's only concern was to enter his mate as deep and hard as he possibly could and all Severus could do was scream, whimper and prey it would be worth it in the end. Contrary to the previous time, he felt no arousal whatsoever. The wolf wasn't fucking him out of lust; he was staking his claim.

As the wolf spilled his seed, Severus lay gasping for breath. The pain was overwhelming. Not only from the brutal sex but also because the wolf had forced him to lie on his belly practically from the beginning.

"Can I please - " Severus moved in order to get some pressure of his belly. Increasing pressure on his back told him that moving was not tolerated.

A wave of nausea accompanied by stinging pains forced Severus to try and move again. A growl made him freeze. Teeth grabbing him at the back of the neck, Severus felt cold shivers along his spine as the cock inside him hardened again. Oh Merlin, no!

The wolf started fucking him a second time. Less violent although it still felt as being ripped apart.

At one point he heard himself give a voice to the all-consuming pain in an almost inhuman scream before passing out.

When Severus came to himself, he was on the bed. Pinned down by Lupin's arm and legs. There was no pain. Apparently Lupin had healed him with the wand the sleeping man was still holding in his hand.
Undoubtedly dictated by typical Gryffindor feelings of guilt. A kind gesture nevertheless.

A quick look down told him that his belly still looked as pregnant as before. Damn.

Lupin moved a leg. Severus watched him sleeping. It was weird to know he'd never see him again. Would he miss him? Hardly. Severus didn't consider Lupin a friend. He had helped him become a Grandmaster, though, and for that he'd would always think of him with due respect.
As from next month, Lupin would have to get used to transforming all over again. Severus' thought went back to the time he'd watched the transformation first hand. Excruciating pain, distorting and tearing bones, muscles, tendons, nerves; an inconceivable monthly torture.
Knowing that there was a cure and therefore a way around this horrible suffering would make it even more unbearable for Lupin.

Despite of their bitter past and the man being a Gryffindor, Lupin deserved better than that.

Severus stayed absorbed in thoughts for more than half an hour. Then, decision made, he carefully positioned himself, grabbed Lupin's head with both hands and gave a quick jerk to the right. A dry snap echoed through the room as the neck broke.
Shivers, nausea and revulsion took over. Dropping the head, Severus made a run for the bathroom as his body reacted to what he'd just done.
Several minutes later his body had calmed down enough for him to act out the second stage of his plan.

**~**

"Tell me." One look at his husband was enough for Lucius to know that there was something wrong.

"You'll be glad to know that I've killed Lupin." Severus gave a wry smile.

"What?! Did he attack y-"

Severus sat down as he shook his head. "Let's just say that I wanted my potion to die with him," he smoothly lied.

"A worthy closure." Lucius wisely reacted calm and reserved. Severus looked like he could burst into tears any moment and he needed him to keep it together. For now. He could break down later and then Lucius would be there to pick up the pieces.

"Have you taken all the necessary measures? Draco?" Severus heard the shaking in his own voice. He took several deep breaths and took heart.

Lucius nodded. "We're ready to go."

"How does he feel?"

"Sad that he'll never see his mother again. Glad he'll never have to marry the Parkinson girl. What can I say?" Avoiding his husband's eyes, Lucius gestured for Severus to follow him.

Draco was waiting in the garden, greeting Severus with a strained smile.

"You look like hell." His complexion ever paler than usual, red eyes, strikingly timid - yes, Draco did look rather wretched. Well, that was to be expected; Lucius had only informed his son of their plans this very morning.

Draco shrugged.

"Let's go." Never leaving his son out of his eyes, Lucius led the way. They silently walked into the forest behind the estate until there was enough distance covered and magic could be used without being detected from the manor or its near surroundings.

Lucius took his son by the arm as they let Effy Apparate them.

"Oh my." Severus stared at the building. White, wood, large and surrounded by numerous trees in a rural setting.

"The nearest neighbour lives on the other side of that hill over there." Lucius pointed at a hill about two hundred feet away.

"Where are we?"

"Norway. Like it?"

"I do. It certainly has a certain grandeur." Severus felt his spirit lift. "Draco? What do you think?"

Draco managed a faint smile. "Loads of snow, that's for sure."

"Let's go inside and I'll give you two a tour." Lucius stepped on the veranda.

"'Dragon's den'."

"What did you say, Draco?" His father turned around.

"The house." Even though Draco's expression still told of utter confusion and shock, he already tried to accept and adapt to the inevitable.

"' Dragon's den' it is." Lucius gave his son a look of praise. "Would you like to do us the honour?" He handed his son the key to the house.

"No house-elves?" Draco's shocked look intensified.

"Effy is here," Severus said reassuringly. "He may be somewhat handicapped due to his unfortunate accident…" Lucius received a significant glare, "…but we'll manage."

"It would have raised suspicions if our servants were not found as well," Lucius reminded his son. “That’s also why we had to leave our wands.”

"This is a Muggle world. We’re going to live like Muggles, aren’t we?”

"It will be all right, Draco," Severus said. "Remember that Parkinson girl."

Feeling lost as never before, Draco closed his eyes for a moment. He understood what Severus was saying, though - focus only on what you hated about your past life and savour every second of this new life as long as it lasted. Self-preservation at its best.

"We can make snowmen in the winter," Lucius said casually.

Both Severus and Draco gaped at him.

"What?" Lucius looked from one to the other.

"You? Making a snowman?" Severus snorted.

Lucius huffed. "I assure you that I'm quite capable of making a snowman."

"Of course, Father."

"He can also wash dishes rather splendidly," Severus chuckled.

"Prepare the best meals ever," Draco added.

"You two are - "

"Precious," Draco flared.

"Disturbingly true." Lucius snatched the key back, opened the door and pushed them inside. He then followed, closing the door, already thinking of ways to ward the house and the land that now belonged to them.

At least Severus and he could pass the long winter days with the knowledge that Narcissa was now the disgrace of upper-class France. Their mission accomplished, she had become pregnant from the stable boy in service of her great-aunt. The same aunt that had graciously taken Narcissa into her house the day she had arrived in France. Narcissa was inexorably thrown back out into the streets the day her aunt found out about Narcissa's pregnancy. Shunned by her own class, she was forced to go and live with the father of her child. Without servants.

Yes, the thought of Narcissa having to change the baby's napkins herself would certainly help to lift their spirits every now and then.

Thank Merlin for Effy.

Realising what he had just thought, Lucius stopped and shook his head.

“Must be the Norwegian air.”

**~**

“Albus? Have you read the Daily Prophet yet?” Minerva burst into the Headmaster’s office, white as a ghost.

“No.” Dumbledore frowned. “Why?”

“Here.” She practically threw the paper in his hands. “Front page.”

Gruesome discovery at Malfoy Manor!
Lucius Malfoy not coming to work, his son Draco not returning at Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after having spend the weekend with his family and Severus Malfoy-Snape failing to appear at his own Apothecary - fearing the worst, a team of Aurors were sent to Malfoy Manor to investigate.
The scene they encountered was, as Auror Shacklebolt stated, "enough to regret having had breakfast."
The human remains could only be identified by locks of hair, blood,shreds of flesh and clothing.
Rumour has it that werewolves were detained at Malfoy Manor to serve as test subjects for Mr Severus Malfoy's famous Anti-Transformation potion for werewolves. Thorough investigations into found work notes seemed to confirm the rumour.
All evidence points to the werewolves having escaped and killing all present.
Perhaps the revolutionary potion is cursed? The death of Remus Lupin (unfortunate slip on wet bathroom floor ended in Mr Lupin breaking his neck) does seem to prove that theory.
- Continued on page two.