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To Have and To Hold	By : MontanaDan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 67410 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
I could go on and on with excuses for the delay, but instead I�ll simply apologize profusely, thank you all for hanging in there and express my ever growing gratitude for all your wonderful comments and reviews. That, sincerely spoken and honestly felt, on with the story.
Author�s Notes: Warning violence, attempted rape. If this bothers you, please skip this chapter.
To Have and To Hold

Chapter 12 � Repercussions
"Get his legs."

More than one then. Wait a minute. Harry recognized that voice. Zabini? Oh, no. How could he have been so stupid? He had walked right into it. Severus was going to be so disappointed in him.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" someone asked, their voice trembling slightly. Fear? Maybe Harry could use that.

"Be quiet and do as you�re told," Zabini commanded, sounding rather breathless. Harry couldn�t tell if it was pride or exertion which affected his voice.

A hood was trust over his head but he managed to notice three sets of feet. They moved quietly and quickly but Harry couldn�t tell where they were taking him. At least he wasn�t bumping into anything.

He tried to think. He still had his wand, and although he couldn�t move at the moment, eventually he�d have to be let go. But what if Zabini took him straight to some Death Eaters?

Would his wandless magic work even though he was immobilized? He had to get out of this. He had to think logically. There were three of them, but one was probably scared. Also, since Zabini was in charge, they were probably younger than him. The other seventh years rarely did anything without Malfoy.

He was set down on a rug and Harry could feel the heat from a fire. Maybe, he could use it to set fire to the room. After some more shuffling and odd noises that Harry couldn�t make out, he was magically lifted again and came to rest on something soft.

"Make sure you put them on properly," Zabini said, firmly.

Restraints were clamped around Harry�s wrists and ankles and Harry�s dread started to build. Shackles? Shit. This is bad. He told himself to breathe.

"Comfortable, Harry?"

The hood was pulled off his head and Harry took in what he could. He was on his back, tied to a large bed with his legs slightly bent. The room was dark except for the fire and some candles, which dimly lit the area around the bed.

What was this, some twisted romantic fantasy?

He returned his gaze to Zabini, who leaned over him. Zabini smiled and raised his wand. After some muttering, Harry�s body relaxed as his muscles were released from the curse.

Finally free of the spell, he frantically struggled in the chains, testing the strength of the restraints.

"Get these off me, Zabini," Harry growled, pulling uselessly at the fetters.

Zabini laughed softly. "The Dark Lord himself couldn�t get out of those bindings," Zabini informed him smugly.

Harry looked at the thin iron bands and modest looking chain and considered that, yeah, they were probably enchanted. His heart was pounding now. His ideas for freedom were becoming less viable. He breathed in. Keep him talking and Harry might find out something useful. "Where�d you get them then?"

Bloody Zabini. Harry was going to kill him.

"They�ve been in my father�s �playroom� for years," Zabini admitted. "I finally read up on how they work."

Harry tried to push magic up through his hands to release the clamps. "Does daddy know you�re playing with his toys?"

Zabini smirked. "No. But he will, and he�ll be very proud of me."

"Really?" Harry challenged, distracting him with questions as he worked with his magic. "Why?" Find out Zabini�s plan. It had always worked for him before. A glance around showed that they were alone now. At least his odds were better now. If only he could get out of the steel�

"When he�s able to present you to his master, he will be rewarded."

Harry froze. Bugger. Voldemort? This is definitely not part of the plan. It wasn�t Voldemort�s plan either. Harry wondered if Zabini even knew about Voldemort�s plan.

"So what are you waiting for?" Harry asked. "Why aren�t we-"

Zabini�s hand on Harry�s chest cut him off.

"Because I have plans for you first," Zabini said, as he watched his hands trail over Harry�s chest. He looked back up at Harry. "You should have been nicer to me, Potter. We could�ve had a great time." He scowled. "And you should have stayed away from Draco."

"Get your bloody hands off me," Harry warned, struggling again. This was unbelievable. He was the most powerful wizard of his age. He wasn�t going to let Zabini, of all people, get to him.

Zabini scowled. "Bloody Draco," he muttered, ignoring Harry�s plea. "He always gets what he wants." He returned his gaze to Harry�s and his smile was positively predatory. "Not this time."

Was he going to rape him? Fuck. He desperately struggled in the chains again. There had to be a trick, a spell. It�s only Zabini for crying out loud.

"Look, Zabini - Blaise, don�t do this," Harry said, attempting to assuage him. "I�m not worth it."

Zabini ran one hand down his thigh. "I�ll be the judge of that."

Harry panted, his breathing labored. Zabini started cutting off his clothes with his wand. "You�re making me angry now, Zabini. You don�t want to brass me off."

Panic was setting in as the cold air seeped over his skin. This wasn�t as easy as Harry had thought it would be. He tried to summon a candle, maybe burn Zabini in the process. Nothing.

"Expelliarmus," Harry shouted.

Zabini only laughed at that as he touched each piece of Harry�s skin as it was revealed. Harry was shaking with rage and frustration. Oh, God. This wasn�t fair. Despite Harry�s protests and useless struggles, Zabini didn�t stop until Harry�s clothes were bits of tattered cloth piled around him.

What would Severus have him do? Harry shivered, cold now and choking on his own vulnerability. Don�t give up. Necessity is the mother of invention. Severus� words came back to him. He had to fight this.

Finally, Zabini just stood up and stared down at Harry. "By Merlin," he breathed. "You�re perfect."

Panic and rage turned to determination as the steel bands still refused to open. "I�m warning you," Harry growled.

"What are you going to do?" Zabini smirked. "Hex my balls off?"

He leaned down and licked one of Harry�s nipples. Harry growled in frustration, pulling some more. The clamps had broken the skin around his wrists now.

"Don�t fight me, Harry. I want you to enjoy this."

"Fuck you," Harry spat, his gaze fixed on Zabini�s face.

Zabini smirked. "We can do that, too, if you want. Just say the word."

Harry pulled at his wrists again then glared at Blaise. "I-don�t-want-you!" He made sure to stress each word. His heart was pounding furiously now and he couldn�t catch his breath. He had to stop panicking.

"Pity." Zabini clucked his tongue.

Bile rose to the back of Harry�s throat as Blaise�s hand ran over his now naked flesh. He took deep breaths trying to focus.

The Slytherin robe came off and Blaise started working on the buttons of his own shirt, his smile a mixture of triumph and animal lust.

This couldn�t be happening. Harry was not going to let this happen. He had Severus now. He took a deep breath, internally reaching for his magic.

Zabini crawled over him, his now bare skin rubbing against Harry�s.

Harry fought against his panic. Breathe. He just had to breathe. Letting his power back-build, he tried to relax. He felt something solid in his chest, almost like heartburn.

Frowning, Zabini started touching various tender spots on Harry�s neck and torso. "You�re covered with his marks." He lifted his wand and pointed it at Harry, muttering a healing spell. With a satisfied grin, he laid his wand back down and began to touch Harry again. "Can�t have that," he murmured. "You�ll be covered with my marks soon enough."

Harry tried desperately to focus and stay calm. He tried to replicate the exercises that Severus had taught him but it was difficult to concentrate with Blaise�s hands all over him, making his skin crawl. His instincts were screaming at him to run but he was held fast. Harry tried again to ignore Blaise, reach for the power but it seemed just out of reach�

Something hard pressed against Harry�s inner thigh. Zabini was very hard, digging and grinding his erection into Harry�s groin. He closed his eyes to block out the sights and sounds as Zabini�s mouth moved over his chest. He focused on the bindings around his wrists, forcing his magic to repel the magic around the steel.

Nothing.

Blaise continued his ministrations, fooled by Harry�s lack of resistance. Harry tried to draw his mind away from what Blaise was doing, concentrating on using his magic, pushing the power from his chest-

Something slick touched Harry�s opening.

"NO!" Harry shouted.

Zabini flew off of him and landed on the floor.

Harry was staring fixedly at Zabini as he pulled himself up. The Slytherin looked surprised for a moment then covered it.

"Nice trick, Potter," he said, moving back to the bed. "But if you think a few little defensive shields will stop me, you�re-"

"Pello pepulli pulsum semen-inis enim vita," Harry chanted, his eyes still locked on Zabini�s.

Zabini laughed. "What?" he said, leaning over Harry again. "I don�t think I caught that. Are you trying to banish me?" He chuckled again as Harry chanted it a second time. "You don�t even have a wand."

He leaned closer to Harry, intending to shut him up with his mouth, but his eyes grew wide as magic flared around them.

"What-?" He pulled away and looked down at himself.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

"Bastard," Zabini growled and when Harry looked up he saw a very enraged Slytherin with a wand pointed at him.

"Agonius," Zabini roared, and pain raced through Harry like a rush of molten lava.

He screamed as it locked his muscles in a spasm. Zabini jumped on him, the curse ending, and began to pummel him with his fists.

"You fucking prick!"

Harry felt the blows to his face and closed his eyes again, trying to focus once more. Separating himself from the pain, he concentrated on getting Zabini off him. Exhaustion was closing in on him.

Harry�s body jolted under the attack on various parts of his body. Both fists and hexes ravaging his frame.

Suddenly, Zabini backed off. Harry didn�t know if it was his own magic or if Zabini was just getting tired of torturing him, but then he heard the noise.

Zabini rushed around the room, collecting his clothes, but Harry found he didn�t care. Breathing was hard enough as it was.

"You�ll pay for this, Potter," was Zabini�s last remark before he threw a handful of powder in the fire and was gone.

Bloody great. How was he supposed to get free now?

"Relax, no one knows about these rooms but us Slytherins," a voice said from outside the door.

Harry swallowed his pride. "Help me," he called as loud as he could. His lungs protested, wheezing sound through his throat. Broken ribs?

There were sounds of a scuffle and some whispering. Then the door opened.

A blurred form approached the bed. "Fuck! Potter, are you okay?"

Harry squeezed his eyes closed. Malfoy. This just kept getting better and better. "Does it look like I�m okay?" he said with a sneer that probably didn�t look half as convincing as he�d hoped. "Come to gloat?" he added.

"It may have escaped your notice, Potter, but I hardly need to force sex on anyone," Malfoy replied, looking over the chains.

"Sorry," Harry mumbled, taking stock of his aches and pains. His chest was on fire. Half his face felt, well, he couldn�t really feel it. He did feel something dripping down his neck. His arms ached, but he guessed that would be par for the course. "When you get me out of these things, I�ll be out of your hair."

"Don�t be a moron," Draco said, indignant. "We�re supposed to be a couple, remember. Besides, you�re in Slytherin territory. We�re a lot of things, Potter, but we�re not heartless. You�re a mess."

"Just rapists and murderers," Harry said, then he sighed. "Sorry."

Draco froze. "Were you?" he asked. "Raped, I mean?"

"No," Harry said blandly.

Looking around, Draco seemed to be weighing the evidence. "Are you sure?"

"Malfoy, just get me out of this."

Draco snorted and pulled a blanket over Harry�s naked form then turned to the manacles on the bedposts. "So who did this?"

Harry sighed. "Like it would matter."

"Fine be that way," Draco snapped. He tried several spells on the clamps around Harry�s wrists. "Bugger, we�re going to need help with these."

"No."

"Shut up, Potter," Draco said with annoyance. "You need help. I�m surprised you�re still conscious. Do yourself a favor and just pass out already." He tried several more spells then sighed. "I�ve seen this type of bondage equipment but I have no idea how to get them open. I have to get help."

Draco moved to the fire and threw in some powder. "Any teacher in their office," Malfoy called into the flames.

Please not Snape, anyone but Snape. He didn�t think he could bear facing Severus

"What�s the problem, Mr. Malfoy?" McGonagall said. "Good heavens. Potter-"

Between exhaustion and pain, Harry finally succumbed to unconsciousness.
****
Severus grumbled about interrupted sleep as he moved toward his hearth.

"What is it, Headmaster?" Severus said. He wrapped his robe tighter around himself against the early morning chill. He had slept very little as it was.

Serves you right for entertaining guests in your bedroom until all hours.

Severus almost snorted at the thought.

"I�m sorry to wake you, Severus. I just need to know if you saw Harry at all last night," Albus inquired.

Oh dear.

"I don�t-"

"We are trying to ascertain why he was down in the dungeons so late," Albus expounded.

He must have forgotten his cloak again.

"Yes, he did come down, briefly," Severus admitted. "He had some questions regarding the plan and wanted his answers, as he invariably does, immediately."

"Hm, yes," Albus said. "And he sought you out."

Severus sighed. "You did want me to encourage it, Albus," he said.

"Well, yes, but-"

"What has happened now?" Severus demanded. Something was not right.

Albus sighed. "Mr. Malfoy found him in one of the hidden Slytherin rooms," he explained.

A Gryffindor in the very heart of Slytherin territory? Your snakes are becoming careless.

"Found him?" Severus prompted.

"Harry was assaulted," Dumbledore told him. "And, I fear � Well, Poppy fears he was raped."

Severus heart stopped. "No," he said softly.

No, no, no.

"She is still with him now," Dumbledore went on. "I just wanted to know what he was doing down there. Mr. Malfoy didn�t seem to know."

Severus forced his face to mimic calm concern. "Do you know who did it?"

"Unfortunately, Harry was only conscious briefly and he would not say who attacked him."

Severus nodded thoughtfully, while on the inside he was seething.

Someone touched your Harry. Someone hurt him.

"I had hoped," Albus continued. "That you could speak to Draco and�"

Severus understood. "Of course," he said. "I will come at once."

And get the answers. You have too many Slytherins in your house anyway.

"Thank you, Severus."

Severus spun away from the fire, his mind a blur. Harry? Attacked? He swallowed, tamping down his temper. His beautiful Harry, raped? Draco found him?

He had things to do.

Someone is going to die.

********
"What were you doing there?"

Severus cornered Draco in the infirmary�s waiting room. It being so early, the ward was mostly deserted.

"I was just heading back to the dormitory, Professor," Draco said.

"Oh?" Severus said suspiciously. "In that part of the dungeons?

"Okay, so I was with someone," Draco admitted. "Everyone knows I can�t be with just one person. The chit just thought I needed some variety," Draco said, with an unrepentant grin.

"And you just happened to find Potter?" Severus clenched his fists again to keep from wringing Draco�s neck. He wanted answers, not analysis on Draco�s love life.

"Oh, please, Severus. If I had attacked Potter, do you think I�d be stupid enough to hang around and help him, and then call a teacher? I�m supposed to be shagging him already remember."

Snape nodded. "Do you know who did this?"

Draco shook his head. "Potter wouldn�t tell me."

"Hm. Yes. He refused to tell anyone else as well," Severus said thoughtfully.

He may tell you.

"Why would he protect them?" Draco asked.

Severus head came up. "Them?"

"Well, it was obviously more than one. Potter could defend himself against one attacker easily enough. I don�t like him but I know what he�s capable of."

Smart boy.

That was exactly Severus� thought. Who could have done this? "My guess is he�s ashamed," he murmured.

Draco snorted. "Ashamed?"

Severus straightened, focusing back on the conversation. He could not get distracted now. Harry needed him. "Rape is an act of violence, Mr. Malfoy."

"I know that," Draco said defensively. "I�m just thinking if it were me, I�d want to take revenge myself."

"That is a Slytherin attitude."

"Well I have it on good authority that he should have been in Slytherin. And you have to admit, sometimes he displays Slytherin characteristics."

Damn. He�s right.

And Harry did say the sorting hat wanted to put him in Slytherin.

Severus would have to watch the brat closely.

"Besides," Draco went on, "he said that he wasn�t raped."

"He did?" Draco nodded, and Severus released a tense breath. Unless Harry was in denial�

If he were in denial, Harry would say nothing, rather than say anything and he certainly wouldn�t say anything to Draco Malfoy of all people.

"I�m really tired, Professor."

Severus looked at Draco again and nodded. "Very well, Mr. Malfoy," he said. "If you think of anything else that might be helpful, inform me immediately."

Severus was about to enter the ward proper when he saw Draco making himself comfortable on one of the room�s sofas.

"What are you doing?"

"Laying down," Draco said, arranging a blanket over himself.

"Mr. Mal-"

"Don�t you think it would look funny if I left now?" Draco challenged. "Everyone�s going to find out that Potter�s been attacked. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I left before I found out how he was?"

Severus blinked. Boyfriend?

He�s right.

Severus pushed the possessive thoughts out of his head, reminding himself that it was all an act. The important thing now was to find out what had happened, ensure that Harry was safe.

He found the Headmaster and McGonagall standing with Madame Pomfrey near Harry�s bed. Harry seemed asleep, but Severus knew better than to assume that the brat actually was. His face was ravaged with bruises and cuts, but even as Severus watched, he could see the healing spells slowly taking effect.

Feelings converged upon him. The denial that he had tried to cling to evaporated with the confirmation at hand in the form of Harry�s beaten body. Severus wished he could rush to Harry�s side, hold him and assure him that no one would ever hurt him again. He wanted to run his hands over every cut and bruise and sooth away any lingering soreness. He wanted to whisk Harry away and protect him.

Instead, he squared his shoulder and approached at a brisk pace.

Control it.

As Severus reached the bed, he heard the medi-witch giving her diagnosis.

"There is evidence of rough sex but not rape," she said. "Which is consistent with the fact that Potter is insisting that he wasn�t raped. He says he was with someone before he was attacked, and that he thwarted his assailant. His attacker apparently was stopped from raping him but not from taking out his vengeance. The attacker was obviously not disabled and was angry enough to take out his frustrations on Potter anyway."

"And," Minerva prompted.

"He was hexed with several pain curses," Poppy told them. "Probably to distract him, and then physically beaten. One particular curse was a nasty one and will leave him aching for a few hours. Considering that he couldn�t fight back, the physical abuse his body took could�ve been worse."

Minerva agreed. "It�s my guess that Mr. Malfoy�s presence interrupted the beating."

Poppy nodded. "Most of the physical injuries have been healed but he�ll be somewhat sore for a couple of days."

"I believe you�re leaving something out, Poppy," said Albus. "He should be awake, should he not?"

"Then there is that," Poppy said with a sigh. "I�ve done a scan and his magic is taxed." She went on to explain. "Whatever Potter did to stop the rape was a strong bit of magic and without a wand-"

"Without a wand?" Severus asked.

"His wand was found on the floor across the room," Minerva explained.

"Right," Poppy went on, "And the stress drained him a bit. He�ll be fine by tomorrow though," she assured them.

Albus eyes met Severus� and his look became searching. "Did you know about the wandless magic, Severus?"

Bloody hell.

"To a degree," Severus admitted. "I saw him summon his wand once but we haven�t researched just how much he could do yet."

Albus sighed and nodded. "Very well. When Harry wakes up-"

"Albus," Severus cut him off. Looking down at Harry�s faux-peaceful expression, he sneered, "You may as well open your eyes, Potter. I know you�re listening."

The scowl that instantly replaced the peaceful look didn�t surprise Severus. He wanted some answers, though.

"Who could sleep with this racket over my head," Harry muttered.

Poppy began to fuss, checking Harry over again and forcing some potions down his throat. Severus recognized them as a mild calming potion and a healing draught.

"This is very serious, Harry," Albus said. "You need to tell us-"

"No," Harry said, that stubborn look coming over his features. "It�s fine."

"It�s not fine, Mr. Potter," Minerva jumped in. "Assault and attempted rape are felonious crimes, punishable with sentences at Azkaban."

Harry turned his gaze away from the group and Severus saw his fists clench, tightening around the sheets. Severus considered that maybe Draco had been correct. Maybe Harry had his own plans for the culprit.

Wishing to change the subject, he crossed his arms. "So who were you with?" he challenged.

Harry�s gaze shot back to his own, but his expression gave nothing away.

You taught him well.

"None of your business."

"It was obvious to me, Mr. Potter," Poppy said with a sniff. "That you engaged in rough anal intercourse-"

"So?" Harry cut her off. "I might be dead in a couple of weeks. What does it matter if I engage in as much anal intercourse as I want? Why shouldn�t I have as much wild monkey sex as I can get?"

Wild monkey sex?

Severus had to give Harry credit. He had rendered all four adults speechless.

"Mr. Potter!" Minerva finally squeaked.

"The point is, Harry, that this attack-" Albus tried again.

"Wasn�t something I couldn�t handle," Harry shot back. "For God�s sake, do you think Voldemort-"

"Harry," Dumbledore interrupted again. "It isn�t that it�s you this time. This is unacceptable behavior."

Harry sighed, his anger draining. "I know. I�m sorry."

He was attacked and Harry is bloody apologizing again.

"I would just rather not talk about it right now," said Harry. He looked up at the Headmaster with a pleading look.

Albus sighed, patting Harry�s shoulder. "Very well, Harry," he said resignedly. "We�ll talk again later."

Sucker.

The brat really did have the Headmaster wrapped around his finger. It wasn�t just that Harry was needed. Albus really did care. The thought filled Severus with pride.

Quite an accomplishment.

"Come along," Albus bade. "Let�s leave the boy to rest."

"Professor Snape," Harry said. "Could you stay a moment?"

Severus met Albus� gaze and was surprised by the look he read in those normally twinkling blue eyes. It was a fiercely protective look that conveyed Albus� desire to find out who had done this. Severus wondered if Albus would seek vengeance himself.

Severus acknowledged Albus with a nod, and turned to Harry as the others moved away. He pulled a screen in front of Harry�s bed and heard Harry cast a silencing charm around them.

When Severus turned back to Harry, he was glad the healing charms had effectively covered most of the marks on his face.

"I told you, Severus," Harry said with a grin. "I don�t let anyone touch me but you."

He�s making light of it.

"Aren�t you upset?" Severus sat down on the bed beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Of course, but I�ve been hexed before. I didn�t panic, I stopped him from raping me. It proved that my wandless magic is pretty strong," Harry told him with pride. He bit his lip. "You�re not disappointed are you?"

Severus blinked. "What?"

Harry looked away. "They ambushed me," he admitted. "I wasn�t paying attention and they hit me with a binding spell."

Think before you speak.

It was true, that Severus should have berated Harry seriously for not paying attention but�

"Harry," Severus said, laying the other hand on Harry�s other shoulder and staring meaningfully into his face. "You have the right to count on some degree of safety here at the castle. You could not be at fault for expecting to walk down the halls unmolested."

Harry shrugged and peered up at Severus. "I did stop him eventually," he added.

Severus nodded. "Just what did you do?"

The grin was back. "What do you think I did?"

Smirking, Severus crossed his arms. "Tell me," said Severus, then he remembered Harry�s threat. "Don�t tell me you removed his genitals?"

Harry crossed his own arms and leaned back into the pillows. "Okay, I won�t tell you," he said, but he was still smiling, that adorable true Harry-smile that Severus had been afraid he�d never see again.

That�s rich. Very good way to keep from being raped. Should teach that spell to every girl over the age of 12.

"You did that spell-"

"I also repelled him," Harry said. "And it was only his bollocks."

"Without a wand?"

"Yes."

Impressive.

Severus frowned and all the variables became clear. Merlin, he couldn�t have been that dense�

Zabini.

"Zabini," Severus growled, angry fire coursing through his veins. "I will kill him."

Harry sat up quickly, grabbing Severus� arm. "No."

But Severus wasn�t listening. Wonderful visions of retaliation were flashing through his mind.

"I have other plans for him," Harry said seriously, shaking Severus� arm.

Severus finally focused back on Harry. "What?"

"I said I have other plans for him."

"I heard what you said," Severus retorted, his anger tempered by the look of determination on Harry�s face. "Do expound on that comment."

Harry sighed. "I�ll just let Voldemort handle it."

Severus tried not to flinch at the name. "Oh?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Harry nodded. "It was obviously not part of Vold-the Dark Lord�s plan. Draco can complain that I�ve been distant and unresponsive after the attack. Thereby buying us more time and enraging Voldemort that his plans were delayed by a Death Eater�s son."

That�s rather clever, actually.

Severus could only blink.

"What do you think Vold- the Dark Lord will do to Zabini?" Harry challenged.

"I don�t really think you want to know."

"No, but�"

"Are you that angry with Blaise?"

Harry�s head shot up. "I knew what he wanted to do," Harry said harshly. "Did you want me to let him-"

"Shh." Severus pulled Harry into his arms. "No," he murmured. "Never. I didn�t mean that. Zabini deserves whatever he gets."

"You didn�t see his face," Harry whispered. "How mad he was when I stopped him."

"I know, Harry," Severus re-assured him, petting his hair and pulling him closer.

"I won�t be a victim anymore," Harry said.

Severus tilted Harry�s face up, proud at the resolute expression and dry eyes. He should feel sorry for Zabini, and his father, but with Harry in his arms, safe and relatively unhurt, he couldn�t dredge up any sympathy. Somehow, Harry had survived another personal attack and had come out of it stronger and more resolved than ever.

There seemed no end to Harry�s resilience.

Magnificent.

"By the way, Mr. Potter," Severus said primly. "I do not engage in wild monkey sex."

Harry pulled his head from Severus shoulder and blinked up at him. "You don�t?

You don�t?

"Certainly not."

"What was it that we did last night then?" Harry challenged curiously.

Severus recalled the wild abandon and his own loss of control. He pushed the hair that had fallen into Harry�s eyes aside. "That was copulation of a vigorous variety."

Harry snorted. "Like I said. Wild monkey sex."

Severus� smile fought controlled barriers to his face. "Brat," he muttered.

Harry�s face became serious. "You won�t tell them, will you?"

"Only what they need to know, Potter," Severus answered sagely.

Harry nodded.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON?"

Harry flinched, burying his face in Severus� robe. "Bugger," he whispered.

Black!

"Indeed."
*************

The remainder of the day progressed without incident. The students had heard that Harry was attacked but no details had been divulged. Speculation was rampant but it always was when it came to Harry.

Fortunately, Severus hadn�t had to deal with Black at all. He had quickly left the infirmary and he had heard later, via Minerva, that Sirius had been given a truncated version of what happened, laced with praise regarding Harry�s defense skills. The distraction had been enough to placate Black�s idiotic sense of duty and he�d left the castle secure in the knowledge that Harry could protect himself if needed.

Severus had been sent to the private Slytherin chamber where the attack had occurred. Dumbledore suggested Severus take a look around the room to see if Severus could ascertain the identity of the assailant. Severus couldn�t find any damning evidence, which would point to Zabini, but he didn�t want to find any. He would honor Harry�s wishes.

To vent his anger, he had destroyed the room, thereby eliminating any possible proof being discerned by the Headmaster. Torching the bed had also felt bloody good.

There was much satisfaction to be gained by watching those sheets and timbers burn to ash.

No one had seen Blaise Zabini. When Severus had inquired with the Headmaster, Albus had told him that Blaise�s father had collected him that morning, citing a family emergency. Severus would have sacrificed a kidney to witness the elder Zabini�s face when the boy explained his lack of testicles to his father.

Harry was released from Pomfrey�s care by dinner and he began his �ruse� immediately. The subdued, withdrawn act was flawless. He sat apart from the rest of his year, with his perpetual side-kicks, Weasley and Granger, keeping the others at bay. Draco approached him once. Harry spoke briefly to him but appeared to shy away from him as well. Anyone who dared to appraise his mood, which would include most of the school, would think he�d rather be anywhere else, preferably alone, which was exactly what Harry wanted them to think.

The act continued the next day and the next. Harry didn�t dare visit Severus, especially without his cloak, for fear of someone doubting his reclusive behavior. The problem with that circumstance caught Severus by surprise. He missed Harry.

And not just the sex. Severus had been celibate for large periods of time before, he could deal with that. It was his adorable lover�s company.

My, those adjectives have changed a bit in a couple of months, haven�t they?

Harry�s inquisitive nature, his no-nonsense attitude, his cynical perspective, his bloody expressive features now that Severus had seen them. The way he blushed to his toes when he couldn�t keep up with Severus� risqué comments. The way he clung to Severus like he never wanted to let go. The way he looked at Severus as if Severus was the only thing in the world that mattered to him.

Severus sighed and settled down in his favorite chair by the fire with a book.

Very inadequate substitute for Harry.

But he feared he would not be graced with Harry�s addictive company this night. He took a slow sip of port and dropped the glass, clutching his forearm as the Dark Mark burned.

It was an intense searing pain, which indicated impatience and displeasure.

"Bugger," muttered Severus, collecting his garb and moving to the hearth to inform Albus.
**********
"Why would you do this, Blaise?"

Lucius couldn�t help his smirk as he watched the Zabinis tremble before the Dark Lord. According to Draco, this little stunt could buy them another couple of weeks. Not to mention, deter the Dark Lord�s attention from themselves.

"Because I wanted him for myself," Blaise said softly.

The little twit. Did he have not one ounce of self-preservation?

"Such a Slytherin attitude," the Dark Lord murmured thoughtfully as he slowly paced before his throne. "And you would have turned him over to your father after you had your fill?"

"Of course, my lord."

"Of course," the master echoed, a strange gleam in his devil eyes. "It seems I may have chosen the wrong person for this endeavor." He turned those suspicious eyes to Draco. "Mr. Zabini seems much more capable, not to mention driven and ambitious, than others have been to bring fruition to my plans."

"More like obsessed," Draco muttered but the Dark Lord heard.

Surprisingly, he chuckled. "Much like myself then," the Dark Lord declared. "While Blaise�s actions were impulsive and not sanctioned by me, which displeases me greatly, I am not angry. One can not overlook such trivialities when the benefits of said actions are so auspicious."

Trivialities? Lucius sent a worried glance toward Severus. Of course, he could see nothing behind the mask, but he knew the potions master would also be sensing the impending decree. "Benefits?" he inquired.

"Indeed, Lucius," Voldemort favored him with a response. "Mr. Potter is � what were Draco words? � withdrawn and subdued. He was affected by this incident more than we could have expected. It is the perfect time to proceed with the plan."

"My lord?" Draco inquired. Lucius admired his lack of hesitation. It would not be good for Draco to appear to be unwilling now.

"Potter is vulnerable," the Dark Lord announced. "He will be easily misled."

"I think he would be wary to trust-"

"But he already trusts Draco," Voldemort interrupted Lucius. "Draco saved him." He sat back down in his chair. "It is the perfect opportunity."

"I suggest-"

The Dark Lord stared the offending Death Eater to silence, but Lucius took mental note of Severus� appeal.

"Potter is emotionally damaged," he said then looked to Draco. "Bring him to me, Draco. It�s time."

Draco immediately bowed low. "When?"

"Tomorrow," the Dark Lord declared with a satisfied grin. "I will send a portkey. You will bring him before the evening meal."

"As you wish," said Draco.
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To Have and To Hold