Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Freedom In Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 29614 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. All original characters and plots are mine. No money was made with this story.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
Rebirth and Understanding

May 28^th, 1995

Zabini Manor

Severus opened his eyes, unsurprised to feel his cheeks wet with tears. He stared blindly up at the ceiling as his emotions surged and churned like a restless sea. Everything he’d dreamed, everything he saw his children endure, it had happened ten years ago. There was nothing he could do to protect them from the horrific abuse they’d suffered. Severus had been too busy isolating himself in England, stupidly going along thinking all was well and that he had no power to change it even if it wasn’t.

He hadn’t saved his children when they had so very desperately needed him, needed anyone to save them. Instead, Laine – a seven-year-old boy – battered, sick, feverish, weak and alone – his little boy had stood up and saved himself and his brother. He had braved the Hold master’s wrath, jumped into the New York Bay in November (which would have been about 56 degrees F), and had been pulled out only to flee rescue. He had then forced his injured and ill body to move forward; he had marched right into a pedophile’s home, knowing what could happen to him.

Laine had had no plan. He’d had no strength. He’d known only the determination that Harry would be saved. That Harry deserved to be saved. And when it was all over, after the small, beautiful five-year-old Harry had been raped, after Laine had been beaten with a belt, after the club and their abusers had burned to death in a fiery inferno of accidental magic, Laine had carried Harry out of New York City. He had walked at least eight hours, carrying a boy at half his weight without stopping once, until he’d collapsed at the feet of a strange woman who had stopped out of concern. With his last breath, Laine had begged her to take him away from New York and by some miracle she had complied, driving him to a hospital in Philadelphia.

Severus covered his face with his hands and sobbed. He’d seen what training Harry had undergone at the club. The child been there for at least two weeks, maybe even a month, before Laine had been able to get there. Severus had seen the way the sick bastard had twisted the boy’s desperate need for attention into an honest, twisted desire to be prepared for sex. Harry had been absolutely convinced he deserved no kindness, that any small thing he wanted or needed had to be earned. Added to that, the child had honestly wanted to make his molester happy. He was so terrified of being rejected that Harry had been willing to do anything.

Acid burned the back of Severus’ throat. Some of that lack of self-worth still lingered in his youngest son. Harry was absurdly grateful for the simplest things. However…

Severus dropped his hands and closed his eyes. He took deep breaths and forced himself to calm.

… Harry did take some things for granted. Laine’s care of him, for one. Harry obviously enjoyed it, but he didn’t abase himself or grovel for Laine’s attention. He accepted it as if it were right. Severus couldn’t imagine how Laine had managed to convince the boy to do even that much. That was how badly Harry’s psyche was damaged from what Severus saw in his dream.

And Laine… Merlin! Severus could barely comprehend how Laine could possibly have possessed the drive and self-sacrifice needed to do what he’d done. At seven years old, Laine was already a hardened warrior. When the club had begun to burn down, Laine hadn’t even flinched or tried to escape once. The pure agony of a burn hadn’t stopped Laine as he wrapped himself protectively around the younger child. There had been a million chances for Laine to take care of himself, but he hadn’t taken a single one. His only goal had been Harry’s safety and happiness. It was the sole motive for every single one of his actions. There hadn’t been a selfish cell in his son’s body.

Severus sat up and punched the bed in frustration. It didn’t make sense! If Laine held no selfish motive, then why were the boys having sex? How had that come about? And why in the hell was Laine leading the boy around blindfolded and marking him? Severus still didn’t understand or approve, but he knew now that he’d been completely wrong in thinking Laine was using Harry or taking advantage of Harry’s training.

“Damn, Armand,” he hissed. It galled him that the younger man had been correct. What wasn’t Armand telling him?

Standing, Severus strode to the bathroom and roughly scrubbed his face. He’d withhold judgment until he understood the reason behind the things Laine did. Armand had been correct in chastising him. He should have trusted Laine from the beginning. Laine deserved at least that much.

xXx

Hale woke blindfolded. He had no idea if it were night or day. He wanted to reach out to Laine, but his hands were still bound together. He bit his lip. On one hand, he knew this was part of his punishment. He should accept it and be grateful, but on the other it had been a long time since he felt so… helpless. Even when he submitted to Laine, he wasn’t this helpless.

“Laine…” he called out softly, filled with doubt worry uncertainty.

“I’m here, Hale. I wouldn’t leave you,” Laine reassured. He’d been awake for a while and had been reading quietly, his back against the headboard as he waited for Hale to wake. Setting the book aside, he leaned over to caress his boy’s cheek gently. “Are you hungry?”

Hale relaxed greatly now that he knew Laine was near. “What time is it?”

“Breakfast again,” he answered patiently. He was pleased Hale made no move to take off the bindings despite being uncomfortable. “We’ll eat here. Sit up against the headboard.”

Hale obeyed and wondered when the bindings would come off.

“That creature from yesterday is called a House Elf. They act like servants. The cook and clean, but they are taken really good care of usually because they are so rare.”

Laine projected the room into Hale’s mind as he called for Ryrie. The pop made Hale jump, but the boy watched with great fascination as the little creature snapped its fingers and a breakfast tray appeared in its hand.

“Is that being all?” the creature asked in nearly perfect English.

“Yes, thank you,” Laine answered, smiling at Hale’s delight.

The creature disappeared as quickly as it appeared, and Laine cut off the picture of the room, leaving Hale in darkness once more. He made up for the loss by sitting pressed against Hale’s side. He wanted Hale to know he wasn’t alone and would never be alone again.

Hale blushed bright red as Laine again fed him as if he were an infant, but there was a small part of him that enjoyed the attention and care. He’d never felt so secure in depending on another person in his life. And this was Laine! Of course he should feel secure! He trusted Laine completely… Didn’t he? It seemed that he hadn’t on some primal level or why else would he be so surprised? He felt shame that some part of him had doubted Laine.

“Relax, Hale. Don’t think so much,” Laine soothed him. He was actually enjoying this. He rarely got to focus so completely on his charge and not have to worry about the outside world. “I’m here. I’ll take care of you. Okay?”

The blindfold grew damp with tears. “Okay.”

The rest of the day was spent in companionable silence. Laine fed him by hand, took him to the bathroom, and even cleaned him afterward. It was surreal, humiliating, and amazing. Despite trusting Laine, Hale felt like he should fight against this, but he had no idea why he would. By the time he was tucked safe and warm in bed beside Laine again, he was shaking.

“… don’t deserve this …” Hale whispered so quietly Laine barely heard him. I’m not worthy, he thought, a sob catching in his throat.

“Sleep, Hale. I’m right here.”

Hale did the only thing he could. He obeyed.

xXx

May 29^th, 1995

Zabini Manor

Severus had spent all yesterday sequestered away from the others in the house brewing potions (and had stayed up all through the night; he wasn’t ready for any more dreams yet) before he felt he could deal with his boys reasonably. He needed to be calm. If he were going to make changes or influence his sons into a more healthy direction, he would need their trust. More importantly, he would need to move slowly. With this in mind, he didn’t react outwardly as Laine again led a blindfolded Hale into the dining room for breakfast.

“Good morning,” Severus greeted them.

“Morning,” Hale answered softly, sitting with Laine’s guidance.

Tonks snorted at the attempt at normalcy. “What’s with the blindfold? I didn’t get to ask the other day.”

Laine didn’t answer, but he did sooth his hand down Harry’s arm when the younger teen tensed. Severus shot the woman a glare. “It’s no one’s business but their own,” he told the room at large, voice cool.

Armand lifted an eyebrow, a bare hint of a smile quirking his lips. However, Gloria couldn’t look any more disgusted if she tried. Remus and Tonks were just confused. Laine ignored them all since Hale was blissfully ignorant due to the blindfold.

“Will you continue dueling in the next few days?” Armand spoke a few minutes later.

Laine’s eyes fell on Hale. His charge still needed him. Hale wasn’t ready. The message he was trying to instill in Hale hadn’t taken hold yet. “Not right now.”

Hale ducked his head in shame, sensing he was holding Laine back.

Armand wiped his mouth and set his napkin aside. “Very well. Then I will use this time to visit my sister and her new husband in Spain. Madre has made me aware of my duty to visit considering I haven’t seen them in years.”

Gloria very nearly kept her expression neutral, but Laine and Severus were sharper than most and could detect the gloating in the back of her eyes. She was deeply pleased to take Armand from them. Most likely she would maneuver and manipulate to keep Armand in Spain for as long as possible.

Severus was surprised at the powerful dismay and fury that burned at the realization. How dare she assume she could maneuver Armand! He belonged with them more than he did his so called family! Severus quickly focused on his plate, fearing some of his absurd thoughts would be read in his expression or eyes.

Laine felt his own reservations. Something in him was disquieted by the thought of Armand being out of reach of either him or Severus. Which annoyed Laine greatly. He never felt like that for anyone. The only one who mattered to him was Hale; his world had a population of one. His reactions to Armand made no sense, unless… Laine’s eyes went wide and sharp as they stared across at the older man.

Armand nodded his head, gracefully avoiding full eye contact. “I’ll see you in a few days. If you need me, fire-call and I will return.”

“Thank you,” Hale answered for them both, Laine unable to say anything. There were too many words and questions crowding his throat.

“Come, Amadeo.” Gloria stood gracefully, her head held high. “They will be fine here.”

Armand bowed briefly and left the room with his mother on his arm.

Slightly disturbed, Laine fixed his attention on Remus. He’d consider all the ramifications of what he’d discovered later. Really, it was a wonder it had taken him so long to figure it out. “So. Remus. You can change at will?”

Golden brown eyes warmed as the wizard smiled. “I can.”

“Do you think we could practice together this afternoon?” Laine asked politely, beginning to spoon-fed Hale.

Remus exchanged a meaningful glance with Tonks before agreeing. “I’d love that… And Harry?”

“He’ll sit with us outside. The sunshine will do him good,” Laine decided.

“May I join you?” Severus asked politely.

Laine shot him a suspicious look, his stringy black hair falling across half his face. He wondered how much Severus knew about who Armand was.

“I could read to him,” Severus continued.

Hale blushed hot with embarrassment desire. “You don’t have to do that.”

Laine took Hale’s wrist in his hand and squeezed it warningly. He held Severus’ solemn eyes. “Sure. If you’d like.”

“I would,” Severus answered stiffly.

“Thanks, I’d like that,” Hale admitted still embarrassed.

Laine gently brushed the spoon against Hale’s bottom lip and the boy obediently took the last of the fruit yogurt in. “You finished?”

“Yes!” Hale answered, happy.

Laine smiled and ran his hand through the teen’s hair. “All right. Let’s go.”

They made their way to the front yard. A blanket and a few treats were placed down by Ryrie the Elf. As promised, Severus read to Hale; the chosen book was about Wizarding fables by some famous bard. Tonks joined them, adding funny remarks or making silly voices while Remus and Laine practiced a few feet away. Laine obeyed the older man’s instructions as carefully as he could. He centered himself, focused on his magic, and tried to visualize himself transforming into a big wolf.

It was hard. Some part of Laine was always aware of his connection to Hale. It was difficult to really find his magical center when his mental center was elsewhere, residing in another human being. It helped that Remus allowed him into his mind. Laine experienced the transformation through him over and over again. By the end of the day, Laine was getting closer to being able to transform. He could feel it. He was certain he’d succeed tomorrow.

xXx

February, 1986

Ford Memorial Hospital, Pennsylvania

“You’re as good as new,” their nurse said happily, unhooking the last of Hale’s IVs. The little boy was being given a clean bill of health today and officially released from the hospital. After two months, it had been a long recovery.

Laine looked up at her hopefully. “Do you think the scars will ever fade?”

“Definitely. Soon they’ll just be small, little lines, barely noticeable against that white skin of yours.” Hale laughed as she tickled him and Laine sighed in relief. He didn’t want Hale to have marks from what happened. “I think this is a day to celebrate,” Beth said with a wink. “I was thinking I can even sneak you in some chocolate cake. I’ll be by to bring it in later.”

As she left the room, Laine climbed up so that he was sitting on the end of Hale’s hospital bed. It would be so nice to get out of here. All the sick and dying, the crying and terrified, it wasn’t the type of environment anyone wanted it live in. Their small room was filled with equipment, a single hanging TV, two railed beds, and the overly strong smell of industrial cleaner. It wasn’t exactly welcoming. They had a few coloring books and a deck of cards, that was it. So it wasn’t hard to understand why Laine was practically bursting with the desire to escape.

“Do you know what Beth told me while you were taking your nap?”

“What?” Hale looked over at him as he shuffled a deck of cards, sitting cross-legged on his bed.

“They found out where we’re gonna be sent.”

“Where?” Hale dropped the deck, his attention fixed solely on Laine.

“We’re going to a special orphanage. It’s a place where people believe in a God that protects children from any hurts at all. We’ll go there, you and me, and they’ll look after us ‘til we’re strong enough to do it ourselves. It’s in Georgia. Do you know where that is?”

Hale shook his head.

Laine flashed him an excited grin. “It’s a state far to the south. It doesn’t snow there, and it’s so warm in the summer that you melt. The sun shines all the time. We’ll live in an old city called Atlanta, in a huge house owned by a Catholic organization. The place is called Boys Town.”

“Wow.” Hale’s expression grew dreamy. “A house as big as a town and just for boys like us? And it’s in the underwater city with merpeople?”

Laine laughed. Beth told them a lot of fairy tale stories and Hale ate them up, never having heard most of them before. “That’s Atlantis not Atlanta. It’s not even near the ocean.”

“Oh… But what if it was under water once and they used their magic to move it onto land because they were tired of water, and then they changed its name some so people didn’t come bothering them for their secrets. I bet if we look, we’ll find secret mermen!”

“Maybe so.” He hugged the smaller boy. Hale’s head fit perfectly under his chin, the messy hair tickling his jaw. Laine ducked his head, letting his chin length hair curtain his face. He didn’t want to see the tears that burned in his eyes. Hale would think he was sad, but Laine was just so relieved that it was over, that they could leave New York behind them at last.

“Will you help me look?” Hale asked innocently as Laine’s thin arms tightened around his body.

“Of course I will,” Laine answered, keeping his voice steady.

“Promise?” Hale pulled away to look up into his protector’s fac.e

Laine stared back evenly, tears having dried. “I promise, Hale. I’d never lie to you.”

Hale bounced happily with a large grin brightening his face. “I love you, Laine!”

Laine laughed and pulled the little boy in for another hug. Hale didn’t mind, he leaned into the embrace hungrily. “I’ll take care of you, Hale,” he promised again. Those blue eyes seemed to swallow Hale whole. Laine claimed every inch of his body and soul with that possessive look.

Hale sighed happily and snuggled into Laine’s loving hold, tucking his head up under the older boy’s chin. Life would be different from here on out, Hale knew. But it wasn’t scary at all. Now that Laine had him, things wouldn’t be so horrible, and for that Hale would willingly give everything to Laine. Everything.

xXx

May 30^th, 1995

Severus woke with a gasp. His chest ached with sympathy for his boys, but hopefully the worst was finally over. The two boys had been taken to a hospital, healed as much as physically possible, and due to the deal Laine had struck with the FBI, he wouldn’t be separated from Harry. The information he’d provided on the Muggle black market and sex trade had been priceless. Severus could only hope the boys would continue to heal emotionally and mentally as they had physically.

Feeling almost cheerful, Severus went down to breakfast to greet the boys. After a quick breakfast (with Harry still blindfolded), they spent the day outside once more. Hale was getting stronger and happier. The blindfold and wrist bindings were still on, but it clearly didn’t affect the boy too negatively. Laine’s spirits were uplifted, as well. Before dinner he managed a partial transformation; his hands and feet turned into paws, a large tail grew behind him, and fangs filled his mouth.

Tonks had laughingly taken a picture to show Armand and Hale, once the younger teen was freed from the blindfold, how adorable Laine looked partially changed. Severus noted that Hale didn’t need the picture to enjoy the moment. The child couldn’t stop grinning as he stroked Laine’s new tail.

xXx

February, 1986

Atlanta, Georgia

After a four hour flight, Laine led an exhausted Hale off the airplane. His charge hated flying. It reminded him too strongly of the hellish trip in the dog crate, and Laine vowed to find alternative ways of travel in the future. He wouldn’t put Hale through that again. The boy had gotten sick and had been on the verge of a breakdown no matter how Laine reassured him. Thank god the flight had only been a few hours long.

They stepped out into a busy concourse. The terminal was huge, so it was a good thing one of the teachers from Boys Town was waiting by their gate. The woman was older, in her fifties. Her hair was silver-white, her skin a dark brown. She smiled warmly at them, but that faded when she saw how shaky Hale was. Laine gripped the small hand in his even tighter. He was suddenly afraid the woman would try to take Hale from him. He stared her down with cold blue eyes, just daring her to try.

“Welcome to Georgia, Hale, Laine. I’m Sister Marybeth. I’m one of the nuns who live at Boys Town.” She crouched so she could be more on level with Hale. Laine felt fierce satisfaction when Hale hid his face against Laine’s side. “Are you boys hungry? We can stop to get something good to eat on the way back if you’d like.”

Hale peeked at her and then glanced up at him for direction. Laine didn’t like the way Marybeth frowned at Hale’s show of dependence. This one will be an enemy, then, he thought and catalogued her accordingly. However, he didn’t want to project his bad mood or dislike. He wanted Hale to be happy here. So he pasted on a cool smile and kept his body relaxed. He gave Hale a brief nod.

“I’m not hungry, ma’am,” Hale answered her question shyly.

“Call me Sister or Sister Marybeth,” she corrected gently. She stood and offered her hand to him. “Then we’ll go straight home.”

Again Hale looked to Laine for permission. Marybeth’s frown grew deeper.

Laine narrowed his eyes. He didn’t like this at all. They weren’t normal. Hale needed Laine to take care of him. And Laine had made Hale his. Other people would never understand. People like this nun would just see them as abnormal and set out to ‘correct’ them. He wouldn’t allow it. He needed a way to make them appear normal, to keep their true relationship secret. Basically, he needed a way to communicate with Hale where others couldn’t see.

Desperation fueled his need. He reached out for his charge’s mind and grabbed hold. Hale gasped, green eyes wide. Laine stared into their depths. He sank down, down, meeting no resistance, Hale opening himself fully. He latched on, spun out a rope between them, and anchored it in his own mind. It sank deep.

She’s not going to hurt us. I won’t allow it. You may go with her, but remember not to talk about what happened at the Hold or the club. To anyone. Ever.

obedience acceptance love - the sensations echoed into Laine, unrefined. They weren’t words exactly; instead it came across as emotion with only a vague context.

“Are you okay?” Marybeth asked in concern as the boys stood silent in front of her with dazed expressions.

“Air sick,” Laine said shortly. He was distracted by the new bond. It thrummed in his mind, raw.

“Poor dears. Let’s go over here and rest before we leave. I’ll order you Ginger Ales.”

Hale took her hand and followed her. They began to talk about Georgia’s history and its possible connection to Atlantis. Laine trailed behind, not really paying attention. Instead, he explored the feel of his charge’s mind. Hale was his absolutely. He wanted to know all of him, but he didn’t want to hurt him, so he didn’t go digging. He just absorbed the feel and shape of the little boy’s mind. It was bent and twisted, almost to the point of irreparably shattering into insanity.

That didn’t bother him really. Insane or not, Laine loved Hale, but he didn’t like the implications of such mental scarring. His boy had been hurt long before he came to the Hold. What happened at Club Slasher had only twisted and deepened wounds that were already there. In fact, the only thing keeping Hale calm and rational was the steel-flavored focus he had on Laine. It cradled his mind. This satisfied Laine. He couldn’t erase what Hale had suffered, but he could protect him from incurring more damage and soften the consequences of whatever had marked him so.

None of that was why Laine felt rage begin to simmer in his chest. The white-hot fury Laine felt as he moved through Hale’s mind was because of the dark, swampy sensation that came from the boy’s horrible self-image. True self-hatred weighed Hale’s mind. Hale was already self-destructive, almost took pleasure from ill treatment since that was what he was certain he deserved.

Hale was perfection, he was the very definition of beautiful! It literally made Laine sick to feel the hatred Hale directed toward himself. It hurt Laine far more than anything else could have, and he grew determined to crush this out of his charge! It would be hard and he had no idea where to begin, but he would this horrible pressure. He wouldn’t let Hale hurt himself!

“Here we are!”

The cheerful voice snapped him back to reality. Laine blinked, surprised to find himself in the backseat of a car. Hale was next to him, his head lying peacefully on his shoulder. At the call, Hale sat up to look out the window. A huge manor house, four stories tall and built from red brick, loomed ahead of them. They drove past a large, black, wrought-iron fence and drove up a white, gravel drive. Marybeth stopped the car directly in front of the building. Laine unlatched his seatbelt and climbed from the car. The air was heavier and wetter than he was used to. Hale appeared next to him and grabbed his hand.

I love you, Laine sent almost reflexively.

shock doubt self-hate, whispered back at him as Hale stared up at him with wide, green eyes.

Laine realized that he’d never said those words to his precious boy and felt hot shame roll his stomach. He crouched and took Hale’s hands in his own. He completely ignored the impatient woman. She didn’t matter. No one else mattered. “I love you, Hale. Everything’s going to be all right now.”

Hale gasped softly – adoration love uncertainty – and flung his arms around Laine’s neck. “I love you, Laine,” the little boy whispered aloud with a wide smile.

“Come on. We don’t have all day,” Marybeth voiced, clear disapproval in her tone. She opened the front door and ushered them in. “Before we do anything else, I want to give you the opportunity to select last names, since neither of you have any on record. Traditionally we use the names of the Apostles. Their names give protection to those who have them.” She led them to a room with couches, a large table with eight chairs, and book shelves. “This is the library. Would you like to know about each of the Apostles?”

Hale nodded slowly, still overwhelmed at Laine’s declaration of love. No one had ever loved him before. He couldn’t take his eyes off the older boy. Laine stayed quiet as he took a seat next to his charge. They spent the next half-hour listening as Sister Marybeth described each of the twelve men and what they did of significance. Harry enjoyed the stories, but he had no idea which to pick as his namesake. It was such an important decision and he was terrified he’d choose wrong. It literally made his breath catch as if there were a hand grabbing his throat. Sweat beaded his forehead and his hands began to sweat.

Laine’s voice cut through the fear and anxiety like a sharp knife. Matthew.

Hale relaxed, almost slumping over the table with powerful relief. “Matthew. I like Matthew.”

“That’s a good choice, Hale. And you, Laine?” Marybeth questioned politely.

Laine looked down at Hale, the little boy looking back at him with innocence and trust in his eyes. The Sister had said the name Matthew meant ‘gift of the Lord’, which was perfect for Hale, so that had been easy. It wasn’t so easy to pick one for himself. Laine didn’t relate to any of these saintly men, but looking down at the damaged little boy sitting close against his side, he had an inspiration.

Luke was the physician of the apostles from what the Sister had said. Laine didn’t know exactly how he was going to do it, but he was going to protect and heal Hale as much as he could. “Luke was all right,” he finally answered. Besides, the name meant ‘light’, and Laine was determined to create that for the little boy at his side.

Marybeth smiled at them proudly. “Those are good names. So you’ll be Hale Matthews and Laine Lukas from now on. I hope you do your strong names justice.”

She stood and offered her hand to Hale. The boy didn’t take it. He pressed himself into Laine’s side and clung, still not entirely recovered. Laine did nothing to discourage Hale. He felt how overwhelmed his charge was with everything. This time she didn’t frown. The Sister merely let her hand drop and gave a gentle smile.

“Let me give you a tour and show you to your rooms. The rest of the boys are eating dinner, so you shouldn’t feel too overwhelmed as we take a look around.”

The bottom floor had an equally large kitchen, a dining room that sat fifty, a greeting hall, library, and half a dozen rooms/offices for the permanent teachers and guardians. Apparently, the rest of the staff drove home every night and came back every morning. The middle floor consisted of two lounges, one game room, a large study with many tables, and the very large communal bathroom. The top two floors consisted of dorm rooms, seven rooms per floor making fourteen in all.

Marybeth led them to a room on the top floor, third to the right. “This will be Laine’s room,” she said with a cheerful smile.

There were six beds along the walls. Large chests sat at the end of each bed and there was a single writing desk under the only window. To the right was a single closet they’d all have to share.

“Hale stays with me,” he told her calmly, still looking around the room.

“We separate the boys by age. Hale will stay with the other little children,” she soothed. “You’ll get to be with your friend all day. It will be good for you both to gain some independence.”

He turned and looked up at her, unrelenting but calm. “I stay with Hale. Either he stays with the older kids, or I’ll go stay with the lil’kids.”

Marybeth frowned severely. “You have to learn a new way of living here. There are rules you will follow and…”

“I’ll follow them,” he cut her off. “But Hale stays with me.”

She crossed her arms, her brown eyes narrowed. Laine stared back. He didn’t care what she said about rules. She could tell him no until she was blue in the face; he would be sleeping in the same room as Hale. Hell, he might even sleep in the same damn bed. These people couldn’t stop him. She must have seen this in his expression. She let her arms fall.

“Very well, but if you break any other rules, this privilege will be revoked. Do you understand, Laine?”

“Yes, Sister Marybeth.” He understood all right. It’s okay, he soothed Hale. The boy trembled against him, sending – fear need confusion – through the bond. He rubbed gentle circles across his back.

“He’ll stay with you then. I don’t want you upsetting the younger children.” Marybeth turned and left them to get settled, warning them that their roommates would be up soon.

Laine led Hale over to the three beds where the chests were open and empty. He sat on one and Hale sat on another, facing him. “It will be different, living here, but it’ll be good, Hale. You’ll see,” he said gently.

Hale nodded –nervousness need anxiety – and held Laine’s eyes expectantly.

Feeling his way through the boy’s emotions, Laine slowly realized Hale needed more than just reassurances. Tight, anxious feelings echoed through Laine and it made him ache. He had to do something to stop it, to make Hale understand he wasn’t alone or adrift. Laine was there. He’d always be there.

“I will protect you. Say it,” he ordered gently, expression intent.

Hale blinked slowly – trust relief. “You will protect me.”

“I will take care of you.”

“You’ll take care for me,” was repeated with a rush of gratitude surprise need.

Laine gently cupped his boy’s cheek and stared intently into his eyes. He knew that his charge was thinking of Damien and narrowed his eyes. “I won’t be your master, Hale. I had masters and I hate them. I won’t be that for you.” There were no words for the sheer revulsion he felt for what had been done to him by his Masters. He’d be something different for Hale. Something better.

Hale’s green eyes grew round –confusion need fear – His heart began to beat faster as his hands clenched in the sheet underneath him.

“Hey.” Laine pulled him forward so that Hale knelt on the floor between the beds. The boy immediately put his head in Laine’s lap, hugging his legs. “I said I’ll protect you and take care of you. You will let me make the decisions. Because you need me to, because you trust me, because I love you.”

– pain hope trust – “Yes, please, Laine…”

“Then I’ll be that for you. You will call me Laine. Never Master. But you are mine. My Hale.”

Hale drank in these words. He didn’t really know what Laine was talking about. He didn’t like the man at the Hold who’d hurt Laine, but with his Master at the club, he was the happiest he’d ever been. He wanted that, to be happy and not have to worry about everything anymore. But Laine was so much better than his old Master. Laine was his first ever friend, and he loved Hale when no one else ever had. He wanted everything Laine promised. He wanted it more than anything. But he didn’t deserve Laine, really, did he? He was a horrible, no-good, filthy freak and…

Laine’s hand snapped forward and grasped Hale’s hair, pulling tight, causing Hale to yelp at the sudden pain. “You’re mine, Hale. Mine. You won’t question me about this. You won’t doubt me.”

Hale flinched in horror. No no! He didn’t doubt Laine. He didn’t! “I’m sorry,” he rasped tearfully. “I’m yours. Please.”

Laine held him like that, neck extended and exposed, poised in that painful position. “Tell me you’ll trust me. Tell me you want me to be in charge.”

“I want you!” – desperation – “Please, I will obey. I trust you, Laine! I do!” Tears spilled down his pale cheeks.

Laine let him go. “I forgive you, Hale.” I love you. I want you. You’re mine.

They were interrupted as three boys came into the room. One was a blond who was as pale as Laine, another was Spanish-looking, and the last boy was black. The blond was the smallest and had watery blue eyes. The other two were about the same height and size. They all looked about Laine’s age, or maybe one or two years older.

“Hey! My name is Trent,” the black boy said as he came over. “Don’t worry about anything. This place is pretty sweet.”

“Thanks.” Laine gave him a completely fake smile. He couldn’t care less about these other boys. Hale was his only concern. However, he knew how hungry his boy was for friendship. He would do what he could to see that these kids would be that for him. “I’m Laine Lukas. This is Hale Matthews. He’ll be staying with us.” They won’t be mean to you. Laine would make sure of that. They might even be our friends. It’s okay. You can talk to them. Go on… he encouraged mentally.

“Hello,” Hale said shyly. He stood when Laine pulled him up by the arm and sat down next to him on the bed.

“I’m Matt,” the Spanish boy offered with a smile. He had hazel eyes and spoke almost in a whisper. “I’ll show you the best places to play if you want.”

Yes, Laine instructed.

“Yes, please,” Hale obediently relayed and smiled happily when the boy grinned in excitement.

“I’m Blake,” the blond introduced himself. “Do you guys play soccer?”

“No, but if you teach me, I’d like to try,” Laine offered, knowing he had to do his part to act normal for these kids. They’d be rooming with them, after all. They could be assets or spies. He was determined to win them over.

“Sure!” Blake agreed.

Laine was certain the next few months would be a challenge. His eyes lingered on Hale as the boy talked quietly with Matt. Things would definitely be interesting, but as long as Hale was happy, he would endure anything. Even put up with the Sisters and all these kids.

xXx

May 31^st, 1995

Zabini Manor

Severus stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. It was so confusing. Laine wouldn’t take up the mantle of Master if he were tortured to death to do it. Not even for Hale. But Hale (Severus didn’t even realize he’d stopped calling the boy Harry) had needed structure. He’d needed consistency and familiarity in a world that seemed so alien to him; a world without cupboards, starvation, abuse, decadence and molestation. If Laine hadn’t stepped up and become the younger boy’s guidance, Hale would not have survived sane.

Severus was quiet and thoughtful during breakfast. Laine’s clear eyes had watched him, but he said nothing. Instead, he focused on Hale’s comfort and entertainment. They went outside again after the meal. Hale played tag with Tonks. Even blindfolded and with his hands tied, he had superior reflexes and excellent senses. Laine approved and praised the teen’s ability highly, making Hale beam with true joy.

After lunch, Laine changed his head into a wolf’s. It was clear his coat would be a dark brown with lighter brown around his mussel and eyes. His large ears were completely black. His eyes… They paled into a husky blue that was nearly white. It was a striking combination.

That night before Severus went to bed, he very nearly flooed Armand. He felt lost. He was losing his grip on his perception of what was right. It felt like his view of reality was becoming warped the more he experienced of the boys’ childhood, and if he felt like that watching it secondhand, then what must the insides of Hale and Laine’s heads feel like? The ground was shifting beneath his feet, and for the first time in his life, Severus wasn’t certain about anything.

xXx

February, 1986

Boys Town, Georgia

Hale stood in front of Laine, arms limp as the older boy gently dressed him in the new clothes they’d been given. He felt a bit numb and shaky. So much had changed since they had come here. Big meals where he actually sat at table, tons of other kids who didn’t seem interested in hunting him down, women who were always busy with activities and church. He’d never even known there was a God, much less that he was supposed to be praying to Him. Which was just proof that he was a Freak. Everyone good knew about God from birth. Hale hadn’t. He was a bad Christian and God was mad at him.

On top of that, there were a ton of rules here. Before coming here, Hale thought he was okay at following rules, not great but not terrible, but at Boys Town, there were dozens! There were so many things that he was supposed to be doing every second of the day. Some were easy to remember, but others seemed so strange. Hale knew for certain that without Laine, he’d be utterly lost.

Even with Laine, it was all so confusing and scary, but he’d just focus on his Master when he felt he couldn’t breathe and Laine would tell him what he needed to do, and suddenly it seemed easier. He’d concentrate on that one job and it wasn’t so hard. And Laine was always so proud of him when he did things right. It made Hale feel so good, like maybe he wouldn’t always mess things up, if he just tried hard enough. But he wasn’t so sure he could do this last thing.

Look at me.

Hale blinked, his eyes focusing on the clear blue staring right into him.

“I’d never ask you to do something I didn’t think you could do,” Laine said softly but firmly.

Hale flushed in embarrassment worry. Laine thought he was strong enough and smart enough to do this… But what if he wasn’t? What if he disappointed Laine? Tears gathered in his eyes.

Hey… Laine gently wiped them away and pulled him into another hug. Hale clung to him. “You’ll do fine. And it’s only for a short time. I’ll see you again when the little hand goes around to the two, okay?” You are brave and strong, Hale. I love you so much.

“You ready, Hale?”

Hale opened his eyes and saw Sister Cathy watching them with a smile. He took a shaky breath and told himself to stop being a baby. He’d make Laine proud of him. It was just school. He was old enough to go to Kindergarten. Dudley had gone to school, but not him. Freaks didn’t go to school. But now that he had Laine, he was a special kind of Freak. That’s why he could go to school now. At least, that’s what he understood from what Laine and all the Sisters were telling him.

Laine would go to school, too, but Laine was older and was supposed to be in second grade. He’d failed the tests badly so they were sending him to a special school to make him get caught up quick. So Hale had to go to school by himself. Without Laine. And he wasn’t sure he could go. This new world was just too scary without Laine. From the cupboard, to the Hold, to his first Master, to the hospital, to this orphanage with his new Master, it was all just too many changes.

As Laine let him go, Hale felt the shaky determination crack. Fear rose quickly as he was guided out of the building by his hand. He kept shooting darting looks behind him, watching as Laine stood on the front steps as they drove away. What if something happened? What if someone hurt Laine while he was gone –

BANG blood on the walls thump slide

- What if he came back and Laine wasn’t there?

Hale clawed at his throat. Terror knocked him to his knees; he couldn’t breathe. People were yelling. Voices inside and outside. Laine – he couldn’t hear what Laine was saying! Hot liquid trickled down his leg as he wet himself. Where was Laine? The world spun. Hands touching, holding, pinning him down. And suddenly he could breathe. He was screaming, knowing the awful pain was going to come now. They were going to hurt him again.

He must have gone somewhere, because all of a sudden he was back.

… never leave you. Love you so much. You’re my everything. It’ll be okay. Nothing will hurt you while I’m around. You’ve been so brave. It was just too soon. It’s okay now. I’ve got you.

Hale turned in the arms that held him so gently and blinked up at his Master’s tear-stained face. “Are you crying?”

Laine merely tightened his hold. Are you okay?

Hale nodded, face flushing with his shame. “I’m sorry I couldn’t go to school like you wanted.”

Laine shook his head. He kissed the boy’s still pale cheek.

Hale closed his eyes as deep sobs rose from his chest. He didn’t deserve Laine. He was so stupid. A freak. Why did Laine love him? He couldn’t even go to Kindergarten like a normal kid!

Stop it. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be with me. You’re mine. You’ll go to school when I do, and you’ll be perfectly fine and happy. I’m not ready for school yet, either, you know. Do you think I’m stupid, too?

Hale quickly shook his head, wiping at his eyes as he sniffled. “No. Not stupid.”

Then neither are you.

Hale didn’t really believe that, but his self-hatred did lessen. He trusted Laine. His Master wouldn’t lie to him. Maybe it was okay. He still felt miserable for letting Laine down, though.

As Hale fell back to sleep, Laine stared at the wall, fury burning in his belly. He’d been used to hurt his charge. He’d told them Hale wasn’t ready. It had only been a week and they wanted to send the boy to school? Without Laine? He’d been forced to try and make Hale okay with the impending separation, and now his boy thought he’d failed Laine. It would take weeks to fix this.

It made him so mad! Even here he was helpless to protect his charge. He’d have to make sure the stupid idiots running this place never had a reason to get between him and Hale again. He’d study hard to catch up to his peers so he could go to stupid second grade, and then Hale wouldn’t have to be forced to go to school by himself.

xXx

April 1^st, 1995

Zabini Manor

Severus sighed as he saw that Hale was still blindfolded. He wanted to ask Laine what he was trying to achieve, because he knew now beyond a shadow of a doubt that the blindfold was there because Hale needed it there, not because Laine wanted it to be there. If Severus missed Hale’s bright green eyes, then Laine must miss it ten times as much. But he didn’t know how to approach Laine, didn’t know how to explain that his perceptions were shifting, that he didn’t feel repulsed by their relationship any longer. He still didn’t understand it completely, but he knew it had been necessary for survival after the hell and training they had endured.

“You can do it, Laine!”

There was a rush of magic and suddenly a large, dark brown wolf stood opposite the russet Moony. Black dusted Laine’s back and tail; otherwise the large wolf was a rich brown. The black ears, lighter brown mussel and face, and pale blue eyes made Laine utterly adorable. Moony, contrastingly, had a more uniform coloring of reddish-blonde and bright amber eyes. He had a few inches and Severus would guess about twenty pounds on the smaller, younger wolf. However, Severus wasn’t surprised when the blue-eyed wolf bared his teeth at Moony in a silent snarl of challenge, his black ears pinned back flat to his skull in a remarkably intimidating expression. The blue eyes were flat and predatory, nothing human lay behind them.

Tonks made to stand, but Severus caught her arm. “Don’t interfere. Let them work it out.”

“What’s happening?” Hale demanded. His fingers twitched in their soft bindings, as if he were tempted to take off the blindfold.

“They are establishing the order of things,” Severus explained. He kept his body from tensing, but he couldn’t stop his heart beat from accelerating. If the wolves were to fight, they were capable of massive damage, but Severus knew this was inevitable. A hierarchy had to be established.

Moony bared his teeth back at the slightly smaller wolf, but then whined when Laine snapped his jaws threateningly at Moony’s flank in a lightning fast move. The russet wolf dropped to his belly and tilted his head submissively as Laine stood over him. Tonks held her breath, worried that Laine had lost his mind to the animal and might kill the older male.

The newly made Alpha wolf snorted in Moony’s face and trotted over to the humans on the blanket, pride clear in the stiff-legged gait and high tail. Hale was reaching forward before the others could move, and with an agile movement, the young wolf slipped his head between Hale’s bound arms. Hale’s laughter filled the yard as the younger teen swung his leg over the massive canine. Laine yipped and panted as he trotted around the property with Hale on his back.

Moony sat at Tonks’ side, tongue lolling happily.

Severus watched his sons play. He fervently wished things could have been different for them, wished the unconventional relationship between them had been necessary.

xXx

May, 1987

15 months after their arrival;

Boys Town

Laine kept the practiced smile on his face as his dumb as shit teacher complimented him on his report. The teachers here only wanted him to write about the sugar-coated history that they taught and pretend all the bad shit never happened, like war and famine and genocide – Yes, he knew a big word like genocide. He read as much as he could, read for hours every day; he needed to know everything he could. It was annoying that he couldn’t put what he really knew down in these school reports, but he knew it was always better to give them what they wanted.

Over the past year, he’d been very careful to construct a normal and trustworthy image. He followed all the rules to the letter, gave smiles, and caused no trouble. And it was working. The nuns left him alone and stopped watching him so closely. Hale helped, too. Laine told him to think of it like a game. When they were around adults, he was supposed to act like Matt or Blake and not look to Laine for everything. Laine called it their public masks. They were only allowed to be really themselves when they were alone or in their bedroom. It was hard sometimes but necessary.

So he couldn’t afford to mess up all their hard work by punching this guy in his throat to shut him up. Instead, he smiled vacantly and nodded as the old bastard rambled on and on about how President Hoover was his hero, too. Class had ended five minutes ago and his recess only overlapped Hale’s by ten. He had five minutes left to see his boy before their afternoon classes, and Hale had been feeling stressed lately due to a bully picking on him and his new friend.

Jake was new to first grade. He was a cute, shy, little blond boy with a gentle personality that Hale had felt comfortable with immediately. Unfortunately, with Jake came an utter asshole of a brother. Tyler was in fourth grade. He was big, mean, and dumb, and he tormented Jake and Hale mercilessly whenever he had the chance. Laine had to be more watchful than ever before at school now that Tyler was lurking about the two small boys.

Finally, the teacher fell silent and let him go. Laine gave his best fake smile and walked out. As soon as he was out of sight, he was running. He had just burst into the play yard when terror panic sliced through the bond, almost dropping him to his knees. Screams sounded from the left and Laine sprinted forward, yelling in his mind.

Hale! I’m coming!

In response, Hale’s terror diminished, but the panic stayed strong. Laine dodged through the shocked kids, around the small playground, and raced toward the pond edge. Usually it was shallow and harmless, but they’d gotten a lot of rain this spring and it had almost doubled in size and depth. A few kids from Hale’s class stood on the bank, screaming, eyes on the violent ripples in the middle. From the corner of his eyes, he saw teachers running over, but he ignored their shouts for him to stop. He didn’t even slow, just dove in head first, reaching for his boy.

Hold on. I’ve got you.

As soon as Hale felt Laine grasp his flailing arm, he went limp with relief. Despite the black dots and his burning lungs, Hale relaxed. He was safe now. Then he was being dragged to the bank, mud trying to swallow his feet, and he couldn’t stop coughing.

Laine soothed his boy, helping him draw deep breaths. Now that the threat was over and Hale was relatively calm, he lifted his eyes to the snickering boys standing at the edge of the crowd of spectators. There was no way Hale could have jumped into the middle of the pond, and he certainly hadn’t swum out there. Hell, he couldn’t be pushed either. Someone had picked him up and thrown him. A grim smile twisted his lips. Laine put an extreme amount of effort into appearing normal, into appearing to feel things the way other kids did, that letting it all go, however briefly, was going to be fun.

He stared unblinking, killing intent rising in his eyes as he stared right at Tyler. The older boy’s laugher faded and he grew silent, unable to look away from Laine’s deadly stare. Laine said nothing. He made no threatening move, hyper-aware of all the people rushing about. He just looked at Tyler and let him see past his mask to the truth within, and Tyler began to visibly tremble.

It’s all right, Hale. You’re all right, Laine murmured into his little boy’s mind.

He stayed with Hale as his boy was taken to the nurse’s office and was wrapped in blankets. He stood silently, letting Hale doze peacefully against his side. Not an hour later, they were both allowed to go back to the orphanage in the care of one of the Sisters. Hale was tucked into bed and Laine entertained him with board games while he bided his time.

Finally, night fell. He waited until everyone was asleep and made his escape. He had to make a statement, had to make it clear what would happen if anyone messed with Hale, even if they were preppy little rich kids. Laine jogged at a quick pace, eyes unfocused as he ran. He never forgot anything he was told if it concerned Hale, and Jake was Hale’s first school friend. Jake had invited Hale over once when Tyler had been scheduled to have a sleepover elsewhere for the night. He’d given Laine his address and Laine still remembered it.

The house was huge with white walls and matching pillars holding up the roof over the wraparound porch. All the windows were dark. Laine moved silently, breathing deeply, his legs tingling from the long run. Slowly, confidently, he climbed a trellis to a second story window. It was unlocked. He lifted it and dropped inside a large bathroom. His sneakers barely whispered as he moved across the slick tile.

His instinct sight hadn’t disappointed him. The door opened on a dark bedroom. The nine-year-old he’d been hunting lay on his back, snoring. Laine stood over Tyler’s helpless form and calmly lifted a pillow. With all his weight, he pressed down. The bully thrashed, but he was confused and panicked; Laine had all the leverage.

Laine remembered how the water had pressed around him, the way Hale had struggled, the fear his charge had felt. Laine felt no sympathy as the kid’s flailing weakened. He could have killed Hale. Coldly, cruelly, Laine pressed down harder and harder as Tyler’s movements grew slower and weaker.

As the boy went limp, Laine lifted the pillow slowly. He put a hand over the blue-tinted lips. The kid was still breathing, although the boy’s breaths were shallow. Laine nodded and left as quietly as he’d come. He wouldn’t have cared if the kid had died, but he needed the bully to spread the tale of what had happened to him after he’d almost drowned Hale Matthews.

Back on the street, Laine stretched his legs and swung his arms, preparing for the long run home. He pulled his hair back into a short ponytail at the back of his head. His shirt clung to his chest, sweat dampening his skin. He was tired, but his expression held a darkly, satisfied grin. Gossip always spreads fast in a school. When weird things kept happening to people who hurt Hale, the bullies would begin to get the message. Maybe Tyler would even think it was a night-terror induced by his conscience and he’d stop his bullying, but Laine didn’t think that was too likely. It didn’t matter. Laine would take care of every single one of them. Hale would be safe; Laine would make it so.

xXx

April 2^nd, 1995

Zabini Manor

Armand stepped into the parlor, absently brushing off soot from his shoulder. His long brown hair was secured at the base of his neck in a ponytail, his white dress shirt was unbuttoned at the collar and cuffs. His feet were bare. The only thing that kept him from being indecent was the fact that his shirt was tucked in and he had a black, dragon-hide belt fastened around his waist.

“Severus?” he questioned softly, hazel eyes concerned.

Severus stood with his back to the fireplace, seemingly staring at a painting of a flowering field. However, Armand knew this man well. Severus wouldn’t call him back just after dawn for anything minor. The tension in the Potion Master’s shoulders and the way his hands were fisted at his sides screamed distress. Armand took a step forward, reaching for his friend’s shoulder.

Severus ducked his head. His hair fell forward, curtaining his face. “I am… concerned.”

The stiff sentence made Armand go still. He waited patiently for more.

“I dreamed…” Severus turned toward Armand slightly and lifted his head, revealing pale skin and shadowed eyes. “Laine and Hale were taken to an orphanage. Remember the first location we looked for the boys; the place the Death Eaters destroyed just hours before we could arrive. They were safe there and together. They were given shelter, education, regular meals, and care by the attendants.”

Armand felt his chest tighten. He had a feeling he knew where this tale was going. The boys were seemingly “saved”, but as Armand had tried to explain to Severus on multiple occasions, that didn’t mean the boys would reset as if the abuse and training had never happened. It didn’t mean they could be normal.

Severus paced away from Armand, turning his back once more. “A little after a year of arriving at the orphanage, Hale began to be bullied by a friend’s older brother.” Severus spun to face Armand, his robes flaring around him. “I do not condone what that boy did to Hale! He was a good three years older and could have killed Hale by throwing him into that pond!”

“But…?” Armand asked gently.

Severus glared heatedly at the painting. “But Laine’s reaction was extreme. He nearly killed that boy in retaliation.” His shoulders slumped and he covered his face with a trembling hand. “Laine was so… cold. He snuck into the boy’s house and calmly smothered him with a pillow. He wasn’t enraged or terrified. Laine was perfectly calm and rational. He had no care for the boy’s suffering or for his life. He just wanted to make it clear that Hale was to be left alone.”

Armand moved forward and caught Severus by the upper arm. He forced the older man to stand still and face him. “What are you trying to say?” he asked in a whisper.

Severus’ dark eyes filled with despair. “Laine was eight years old. Eight! And already he was capable of cold-blooded murder. My son’s a sociopath.”

“No, Severus.” Armand pulled the distraught man into a half embrace. “He’s not.”

Severus pulled away sharply. His expression had shuttered and gone blank, his defenses up once more. “How is he not? What would you call an eight-year-old murderer?”

Armand held Severus’ accusing stare without flinching. “I would call him a child with a different set of priorities, who possesses a rigid moral code in accordance to those priorities.”

An ugly sneer stretched Severus’ face. “Pretty words that mean the same thing. Laine’s a sociopath.”

Armand shook his head. He let silence fall between them, letting Severus calm his emotions and think about what he’d said so far. As he waited, he pulled his hair loose and over his shoulder. Absently, he began to absently braid the length. Severus’ eyes followed the dexterous movements of his fingers and slowly he grew calm.

When Armand began talking, his voice was measured, the topic only partially related. “The Wizarding world does not know the word sociopath. It still refers to the condition as ‘moral insanity’ as it was coined in the 1830’s. Only recently have Muggleborns introduced the word psychopath and sociopath, although most wizards still wouldn’t truly understand what those words mean.”

“I’m aware…” Severus grumbled and moved toward the door further from Armand, almost as if he were going to leave the room.

Armand ignored him. “Of course, even the average Muggle does not truly understand the clinical definition of sociopath and psychopath due to common overuse in their everyday lingo.”

Severus’ path took him around the couch and back toward Armand. “If you are suggesting that I am among the ignorant masses and that I have misdiagnosed my son…”

Armand stepped in Severus’ way and grabbed his arm for a second time that morning. “Indulge me.”

Severus sneered, but he allowed himself to be directed toward the couch where he sat next to the younger wizard.

“The essential feature for the diagnosis is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. Deceit and manipulation are considered essential features of the disorder,” Armand began.

Severus stared in incredulity. “How does that not describe Laine?”

Armand inclined his head, accepting Severus’ point. “A person must exhibit at least three of the following symptoms to be classified as such. One: Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.”

Severus narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Armand was sounding more and more like he was reciting something from memory and Severus wondered exactly why Armand had come to memorize the official definition of a sociopath. “Again, that describes Laine perfectly.”

“Two: Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.”

“Again, yes. I’ve witnessed him already deceiving the people around him to his true thoughts and feelings in order to get what he wants.” Severus eyed Armand, wondering why they were doing this. It was making the cold, despairing feeling in his chest grow.

“Three: Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.”

Severus nearly snarled. “Yes. Thank you, Armand, for making it excruciatingly clear that my son is morally insane!”

A slight smile touched Armand’s lips. “Think again. Laine may be indifferent about the suffering of others, but he definitely feels guilt and remorse when it concerns Hale. He feels a strong since of failure if he believes he has fallen short in his duties to the younger boy. This indicates he is perfectly capable of the emotions, which a true sociopath lacks completely.”

Severus fell quiet. He hadn’t thought to include Hale in his diagnostic of Laine. His perception tilted to the side. Black and white became grey behind his eye lids, and he was utterly sick of the sensation which had plagued him since his recovery of his sons.

“Let’s continue,” Armand offered. “There are still more symptoms and Laine only has to possess three to be considered a sociopath. Four: Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.”

“No,” Severus answered slowly. “Although Laine excels at creating and executing plans on the spot, he also works to fulfill long-term plans.”

“Five: Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.”

“Laine is no stranger to violence.” Severus gestured sharply toward Armand. “You’ve seen how he duels. What do you think?”

“He is aggressive,” Armand conceded. “He often turns to violence to solve problems, but we are at war. He is under threat of real violence from the Death Eaters. It is my opinion that he does not act out for the sake of violence alone, and should a peaceful existence be offered to him, Laine would choose that over violence.”

Severus agreed. “Very well. And the last symptoms?”

Armand held Severus’ eyes with a steady gaze. “Six: Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.”

Severus’ breath caught as he vividly remembered his son holding down the pillow over the face of another child. But… “No. He puts the highest importance on Hale’s safety and happiness.”

“The last symptom is consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations.”

“Laine is the furthest from irresponsible that I know,” Severus answered wryly. He’d taken Hale on as a self-imposed responsibility at the age of seven and hasn’t once turned from that duty from what Severus understood. “So two out of seven… Not a sociopath…” He wasn’t fully comforted by this discovery. The ability of cold-blooded murder at such a young age was not a good sign towards Laine’s mental health.

Armand reached forward and put a steady hand on Severus’ thigh. “If you would like my personal opinion, Laine demonstrates obsessive behavior, which places an item or person above himself or the rest of society. His obsession even deadens the value of everything else in comparison. Paired with his violent upbringing, he is desensitized to violence. If he sees a way that aggression will most effectively achieve his goals, he will not shy from using it.”

“Obsessive over Hale.” This was not pleasing news. He grabbed Armand’s wrist in a desperate grip. “How will I fix this?”

Armand allowed the grip and leaned his torso closer toward the other wizard. “Hale is Laine’s opposite in many ways. He is too empathetic and nervous, to the point that it paralyzes him and makes it hard for him to function. Laine gives him the security he needs to function normally, while Laine needs Hale to act as his conscience. Laine cannot do anything too horrible or he might lose Hale’s trust. They are perfectly balanced, Severus. They form a unit that makes them function the best they possible can with the crippling traumas they have been through.” Armand lifted his free hand and let his fingertips caress Severus’ pale cheek. “The only way you can help your children is by improving the system they already have in place, not by taking their relationship apart. Destruction will only cause more harm. They have had enough of that in their lives.”

Severus looked away before his eyes could betray the torrent of emotion let loose by Armand’s words. He stood, careful not to imply rejection, and looked once more at the panting hanging across the room. “Thank you for your help. If you would excuse me, I have a potion brewing.” It was a lie, but Severus desperately needed to escape and think about everything Armand had told him.

“I shall return from Spain soon.”

Severus inclined his head, acknowledging the statement, and left quickly for the basement. The implication that he thought similarly to the abusers in Laine and Hale’s life upset him terribly. Had he really only seen destruction as the only possible solution? Severus had thought of no other possible ending except for the boys to be apart. Despite knowing how much Laine and Hale felt for each other, how much they loved and needed each other, he hadn’t once thought about helping the boys improve the relationship that bound them so closely.

Well, that would change as of now. He would not damage his children further. Armand was absolutely correct. They had suffered far more than anyone should; Severus refused to contribute to any more. Now he just needed to think of a way to help his sons. He had a feeling he still didn’t know enough. And how infuriating was that! Where did Armand’s knowledge come from? If Armand was going to put himself as an authority regarding relationships like Laine and Hales, Severus had a right to know Armand’s sources!

xXx

This was the fifth day Hale had been blindfolded, and Laine felt like something momentous was happening. Hale had been quieter since he’d been bound, but his emotions were constantly shifting and churning. Laine knew his charge inside and out. He felt every feeling that Hale did. Sometimes Hale was cheerful and comfortable, but other times he was uneasy and confused. What had Laine holding his breath was the timbre to Hale’s feelings. It was as if Hale was hovering over the precipice of something. Laine was right there with him, ready to fall at a moment’s notice.

He hoped that by showing Hale on such a visceral level that he would take care of him that his submissive would fully accept that Laine loved him. It didn’t matter how many times Laine said the words, Hale was incapable of truly believing them. Not deep inside. Because Hale believed with unbroken conviction that he didn’t deserve to be loved, therefore no one could truly love him. Just one person loving him would undermine that fear.

Or there was always the chance that nothing would change. Even if that occurred, even if Hale was still not ready to fully believe, Laine would still be there. He just hoped for Hale’s sake that his submissive could take the plunge.

Laine tightened his hand around Hale’s. They were walking outside in the sun, alone. It was a beautiful day. The grass was warm under their bare feet, they were fully recovered from the physical and mental stress of the werewolf battle, and their magical power stores had been fully restored. Hale stood at his side, his head reaching Laine’s chin. He was more petite than Laine, but he possessed a wiry strength in his lean muscles.

They’d barely spent two weeks here at the manor and already Hale was looking less thin. Hale’s features were softer than Laine’s, but he still had the bone structure of high class. His mouth was smaller, his lips fuller. Laine felt a pang that he couldn’t see his charge’s remarkable eyes. To this day, Laine had never met anyone with eyes as captivating as Hale’s. Even partially obscured by glasses, Hale’s eyes were the first thing people noticed.

Hale’s soft voice broke into his thoughts. “Laine?”

“Yes?”

uncertainty vulnerability spiked through the bond. “Would you… Can I… have a kiss?”

Laine turned to face his charge, heart pumping hard in his chest, his acuity sharpening with a rush of adrenaline at the soft request. This was it! This was the first time Hale had asked for something for his pleasure alone. Every time before now, Hale had initiated sex to prove to himself that Laine wanted him or to allow Laine to prove his dominance over his body for their mutual pleasure.

Hale never thought of his own pleasure first.

Never.

Because he didn’t deserve it.

Until now.

Feeling as if fireworks of joy were exploding in his chest, Laine gently cupped Hale’s beautiful face in his hands. His voice vibrated with pride as he answered. “I will always give you what you need, Hale.”

Laine leaned down slowly, drawing this perfect moment out. The breeze caught his unbound hair and tossed it gently around his face. His arm snaked around Hale’s torso, pulling the smaller teen against his body, while his other hand firmly gripped Hale’s jaw, keeping the teen’s face tilted up.

Their lips came together, Hale’s immediately falling open. A whisper of sound escaped Laine as he pressed his tongue forward and gently laved that mouth with his tongue and lips, sucking and kissing until Hale was standing breathless and red-cheeked.

Laine wasn’t finished. His hand slid up along Hale’s cheek and into his hair as his mouth moved down Hale’s throat, tasting and worshiping the soft skin there. Hale whimpered with desire need. His lightly bound wrists trapped between their bodies, cupped over their racing hearts. Laine slid his lips to Hale’s shoulder, just a whisper of a touch, his teeth grazing the skin without pressure.

Hale’s legs gave out, the emotions rushing through the bond were too overwhelming to untangle.

Laine guided the move downward until he had Hale on his back. With a fluid movement, Laine straddled Hale’s thighs. He wanted to give his submissive pleasure that he would never forget. He wanted to reward Hale’s first request for himself.

“Hands above your head,” he ordered in a husky whisper.

Hale moaned loudly as he obeyed. His white t-shirt lifted, exposing the bottom of his stomach and protruding hip bones. Laine slide both his hands up under the shirt, up along Hale’s sides. Hale arched with a gasp, his fingers digging into the grass and dirt above his head as his shirt was bunched up under his armpits. With obsessive detail, Laine began to suckle every bit of skin he could reach on Hale’s torso. Hale moaned near continuously.

Satisfied he’d tasted every inch, Laine sat back and took in his charge. Hale’s wild hair was even more messily tousled with the dark locks curling around his ears and cheeks and covering his forehead. His red lips were parted and flushed with arousal, and sweat and saliva made the slender teen’s golden skin glisten.

Laine gasped, tears burning his eyes. “You’re beautiful.” His fingers trembled as he ran them down Hale’s hairless chest and down his stomach.

Hale gave a whimpering cry, his head weakly tossing back and forth in a negative. However, his blindfold was damp with his own tears and the bond swelled with his pain hunger ecstasy.

“Yes, Hale. You’re beautiful.” Laine took a sensitive nipple into his mouth as his fingers worked Hale’s jeans open.

As the older teen ran a finger teasingly down the hard shaft, Hale gasped. His hands came down so that his fingers could clutch blindly at Laine’s shoulders, and Laine pulled his hand away.

“Hands!” he ordered sharply.

Hale whimpered and placed his hands back over his head. Laine rewarded him by taking him back in hand.

Hale arched with the most erotic cry Laine had ever heard and he had to pause as he rode out the echoes of Hale’s dry orgasm. Laine’ shirt clung wetly to his torso, sweat salted his lips, and his pants had become him painfully tight. Involuntarily, Laine’s hips moved in shallow thrusts against the air. When he could see past the mental fireworks, Laine bent down to ghost his lips across Hale’s belly button. His silky, ink-black hair trailed over Hale’s heated stomach, making the teen gasp and writhe.

Both of their breaths raced through their lungs, loud and panting as they spiraled together toward a pleasure more intense than they’d never experienced. For a split second, old memories of pain and degradation flashed before Laine’s eyes, and he hesitated. But Hale’s pleasure drove him forward; this couldn’t be stopped now. With a deep breath, Laine opened his mouth and slid down the last few inches until Hale’s erection slid past his lips and into his wet mouth.

Hale arched with a hoarse scream - shock LUST pleasurepleasurepleasure

You deserve this Hale. I love you. You’re mine.

“Laine, Laine…” Hale chanted, gasping and shaking. “Laine, ah, Laine!”

Laine hummed as fear and memory disappeared completely. All there was, was this moment. Nothing else existed but the feel of Hale, the taste of him, the feel of him. There was nothing but mind-numbing pleasure. Hale slid deeper, and before he could choke, Laine swallowed, taking Hale into his throat.

Magic swelled around them, thrashed as Hale shook and screamed. Laine screamed with him, which made Hale’s cry rise another octave. Cum exploded down Laine’s throat, sending him into convulsive swallows. Hale’s muscles contracted so hard that he was forced to sit up and curled around Laine’s head. His hands had come loose. White stripes of clothe unraveling and trailing in the breeze as his hands latched onto Laine’s head and held him down through his orgasm.

Laine couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t move. He was locked into place, struck by lightning. Their pleasure looped back and forth, the echoes reaching into infinity. Slowly, bit by bit, Hale’s muscles unlocked and went limp. Laine was released and he collapsed onto Hale’s sweat-slick stomach.

Both of them hovered on the precipice of unconsciousness, but slowly the throbbing spikes of orgasm faded. The sensation of grass and dirt, of the warm sunshine bathing their skin, the feel of their skin sticking and sliding with every heaving breath trickled into Laine’s awareness. On shaking arms, he crawled up so that he was level with Hale. With uncoordinated fingers, he gently pulled the blindfold from Hale’s eyes.

Tears still trickled down Hale’s cheeks from the closed lids. Laine lifted himself so that his shadow blocked the sun from Hale’s now sensitive eyes and waited patiently, letting Hale take his time.

Slowly, centimeter by centimeter, Hale blinked his eyes open. The first thing he saw was Laine’s face, flushed and sweaty, his silky hair in unusual disarray. Laine was staring down at him, looking deep into Hale’s soul. There was so much in that gaze, that Hale could barely stand to meet the gorgeous blue eyes.

vulnerability shock hesitant-belief

Laine took pity on his charge and leaned down. He hovered over Hale’s mouth, drinking in the half-sobbing breaths for a moment before kissing him deeply. I love you, Hale. I love you.

Hale burst into loud tears, his freed hands coming up to cover his face. For the first time in his entire life, Hale believed those words. He was loved. More importantly, he was lovable.

Laine smiled and pulled the teen into his arms, rocking him gently.

When the storm of tears slowly came to a stop and peace saturated the bond, Laine gently guided Hale into sitting up and getting on his knees. Laine knelt in front of him so they were facing each other. He quickly put Hale’s clothes to right and then very carefully untangled the loose cloth from around Hale’s wrists and let it fly away on the breeze as the blindfold had done earlier.

Hale stared up into Laine’s face. He sensed their relationship had impossibly deepened. It was an incredible feeling, and Hale felt new purpose burning within him. Somehow he would find a way to give back to this man who had given him everything. Overwhelmed with absolute love, Hale flung his arms around his dominant’s neck.

“Laine,” he rasped, voice breathless with tears. “I’m yours. I’ve always been yours, Laine. Before my Master ever came to the Hold, I was yours. I’ve never belonged to anyone else the way I belong to you, because you love me. I understand that now.”

Laine’s face lit with triumph. Smiling, he gently brushed at Hale’s tears. Slowly, deliberately, he bent down for a kiss.

Hale’s heart beat faster as Laine ran his tongue inside his mouth, sucking lightly at his lips. Hale whimpered, eyes fluttering closed as he gave himself up to the wondrous feeling. Laine’s gentle touch reached to the deepest depths of Hale’s being and warmed him from the inside out.

Laine withdrew slowly, savoring his submissive’s taste. Hale’s mouth glistened, swollen lips slightly parted, and when his eyes opened, Laine was bathed in his charge’s adoration devotion. “Come on,” he rasped, voice husky. He took the younger teen’s hand and pulled him off his knees. “You have lessons to get caught up on.”

Hale nodded mutely. He stood on tiptoe and kissed Laine’s jaw. “Thank you.”

Laine looked into his eyes. “I’m very proud of you, Hale.”

Hale flushed with joy pleasure.

“Come on.” Laine smiled and took his hand. “Let’s eat.”

Still smiling happily, Hale followed obediently in his dominant’s wake. He felt reborn and the future seemed to shine before them.

Chapter end.

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Are my chapters too long?
- 10
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Freedom In Chains