Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Icarus Syndrome	By : WhiteNightmare66 Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 21216 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series. I am not making any money from the production of this fic.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warnings: Re-affirming bonds! Angst! Dark memories! The climax begins!

Thank you, dear readers, for the hits, reviews, alerts and favorites. Special thanks are extended to those that continue to visit and wait patiently for an update. I am deeply sorry to take so long on this story. When I insisted that I move this story to hiatus, it was done under the consideration of an accelerated college curriculum and the research still being conducted for future chapters. (Apparently, it takes a bit more effort than I had predicted to reconstruct a court of law I felt comfortable with in the Wizarding World, having only the canon HP material and my own methodical research process.) Please do not think that I feel this excuses my absence. I will continue to post chapters. However, the breaks may be one to three months. I will finish Icarus Syndrome.

Please enjoy the following chapter, and accept my apologies for leaving you to wait so long, dear readers. (PS – This chapter is brought to you in courtesy to all dear reviewers who leave me motivating messages. I would like to specifically thank sMiLeSmAkEeVeRyThInGbEtTeR and trancekid, whose inquiries into my status inspired me to be a better author.)

-X-

“The spell shouldn't go wrong. All of the elements are there just don't forget to have Granger read it first. Spend tonight looking it over and memorizing the lines. They aren't hard. Once you have my wand, stun and tie the bastard who took it. Lock them in the Room of Requirement for all I care. Find out why he did it. Then take my wand and the thief to Dumbledore. You're going to have to testify again and this bond is going to surface publicly. Don't say anything about it. Neither confirm nor deny anything. Don't let any of your Gryffindor friends say anything either.”

“Draco.”

“No, Potter. You must stay here.”

Draco's eyes were brilliant silver, shining in a way Harry hadn't seen before and he thought he'd seen Draco's expressions completely over the years. He must be so terrified, Harry thought, holding back his own fear. He's being so damn brave about this.

“I don't know what the Dementors will do to us. What if they effect both of us?”

“There hasn't been any mention of a bonded pair experiencing the ill effects of a Dementor together. There might be vague emotions, but they would not be able to harm you, Potter.” Snape answered unexpectedly.

“But Draco-”

“I'll be fine. I swear I'll be fine.” He promised. “I've spent time with Dementors when I had to attend the Dark Lord. You learn survival tips quickly.”

“God, I can't stand this.”

Draco's fingers squeezed his even harder. He could feel Draco shaking and all he wanted to do was run. Hide Draco away somewhere where no one would be able to find him and they could spend forever protected from the nastiness of the world.

“We can do this, Potter.”

“The final transfer could be tonight, Draco. What are we going to do if it's tonight?”

“I'll make it through. I'm not as fragile as that. They aren't going to win.” Draco promised, resolve flooding Harry through their bond. Draco shone like a star, even brighter with his determination. Their hands sparked with magic. Snape snapped the password to the gargoyle and it sprung away. They stepped on the staircase, Snape in the lead and Harry took the split second that he had shadows and Draco to hug the blond to him.

Draco's arms were around his neck and Harry's were about his waist, fitting the blond against his body. Magic jumped between them, lighting them up with the cackle of electricity. Harry's nose was buried in the silky blond hair, breathing in that unique scent. He felt something wet and hot against his neck and tilted Draco's face to brush away the tears.

“I'm not going to let this take you from me. I'll fight the entire Ministry before they take you from me. I'm never letting you go.” He promised with all the makings of an Unbreakable Vow. Silver eyes were still bright with tears but no more slipped past.

“I'm going to keep you to that. Harry Potter never breaks his promises so you better keep them. I'll never forgive you if you break them.” Draco's voice was tight and he knew that Snape was probably anxious and irritated at the two of them but he didn't care.

He cupped Draco's chin, feeling his erratic pulse under his fingertips. His fear made him slightly short of breath and Harry felt his warm breath hit his face as he lowered it slowly. Draco's insistent hands pulled him the rest of the way, sealing their mouths together. Harry poured everything he was feeling into that kiss and through their bond. His anger, futility, rage, determination, fear and pride crashed into Draco's nerves like a wave against the bluffs and he could only return it with his own. The bond raged like a coastal storm until they struck the emotion that bound them. Love, white, pure and wild, quieted the rage and buoyed their determination to make it through this.

Tongues dueled. Dominance flashed from one to the other as quickly as a snitch's wing beats. Long, thin fingers gripped the black hair at Harry's nape fiercely. Harry's arm was a steel band, keeping Draco pressed against him. Callused fingers were firm on his neck and chin. It was everything Blaise's kisses weren't. Everything no other person's could ever possibly be. It was passionate and forceful. Gentle and firm. Draco pulled away first, breaking their mouths apart but tucking his face into Harry's neck and clung back to the brunet.

“Your promise is sealed now. You can't back out.” Draco said softly, drawing strength from Harry's body. He let his weight sink into Harry and he was supported effortlessly.

“Only to be broken by death.” Harry vowed. Formal words mixed with passionate emotion. Draco never stood a chance.

“We have lingered here as long as we are able. Draco, Potter, we must face this.” Snape's voice cut through the air and they slowly separated. The bond hummed with magic and power between them and sent Snape's eyebrows up. “I can feel the magic binding you. What did you do?”

“Reinforced it.” Draco said shortly. “I'm not going to let him forget that he's bound to me and must do everything in his power to set me free.”

“Clever. Foolish and disgustingly emotional, but clever.” Snape looked them over and didn't seem to find any fault and then nodded. “To meet your fate, Draco.”

He knocked. They heard Dumbledore's voice admit them. Snape turned the knob and let the door swing open.

-X-

Severus barely kept his hiss within himself. Scrimgeour stood before Dumbledore, two Aurors on the sides of the door, and smiled as his eyes fell on Draco. He could tell that Draco was no longer clutching at Potter's hand, but had schooled his face into the same disinterested mask Lucius affected in public. The Minister's thoughts were as blatant as if he were speaking them aloud. He wished briefly that he could take action against this man for destroying the Malfoy family so completely, for doing this to his godson.

“Finally. Mr. Black, you are under arrest on the grounds of being a Death Eater and charged with using illegal Dark Magic, participating in the murder, rape and torture of numerous unnamed individuals of both magical and muggle descent, and threats of extortion and bribery. Will you come peacefully?”

“Of course, Minister.” Draco's soft voice carried into the room as he moved forward and allowed the Aurors to bind his wrists.

“Your wand. We must confiscate it.” Shacklebolt said brusquely. Severus narrowed his eyes on the man and his callous actions. Lucius had saved this man's life and now the very same man was escorting his son to jail.

“I'm afraid that I haven't been in possession of my wand since before I was admitted into the Hospital Wing. In fact, I'm certain that it has been stolen, or so I have been informed and verified.” Draco said, head still lifted and proud. Scrimgeour's eyes narrowed and his lips drew back into a sneer that he quickly dispersed.

“Dumbledore, you said nothing of this. Is this true?”

“It is, Rufus. I have begun to organize the search for Mr. Black's wand, but it was interrupted.”

“Interrupted? I am to believe this? We know the boy is capable of Dark Magic. Are you certain it isn't being hidden from you?”

“No Dark Magic has been preformed in my school without my knowledge.” Severus kept his smirk to himself. That was the problem with this breed of politician. They never listened correctly.

“Nevertheless, we must be... sure.” Scrimgeour nodded sharply and items began to leave Draco's pockets, his tie unraveled and slid off, his belt unbuckled and hung loosely, his sleeves unbuttoned and jumped back, showing creamy arms, and his robes shook themselves heartily. Draco bore the indignity with all the grace of a hunting panther, standing there and allowing it but his eyes glittered brightly and his lips drew back in a snarl. Potter made a nasty hissing sound that reminded Severus greatly of the Dark Lord and finally drew attention to himself.

“Potter? What are you doing here, boy?”

“I heard that the Ministry was coming to arrest someone I had vouched for in front of the world. I wanted to hear from the Minister's own voice that he doubted the testimony of the Boy-Who-Lived-Again.” Potter answered in cold, composed tones that he was certain Potter stole from Draco. The Minister flushed with anger and bit back his acidic comments.

“We have cause to suspect that you were and possibly still are under the influence of Dark Magic. Your testimony alone could not be trusted and the new evidence that has come forward requires a renewal of the trial. If you wish to defend him again, you will submit yourself, along with every other member of the court, to tests which will determine your eligibility. Once we are satisfied that no one is under any Dark influence, the trial will commence.”

The other Auror had cast the other spell that straightened out Draco's wardrobe, though the items in his pockets were confiscated.

“We will only wait three days. If we do not have his wand within those three days, we will hold him in confinement under charges of deliberately tampering with evidence for the two weeks it takes to file the appropriate paperwork and reassemble the court.”

“Very well, Rufus.” Dumbledore sighed. Severus clenched his fists.

“Mr. Black, we will be escorting you out of Hogwarts School and into custody of Azkaban. An Auror and the requisite Dementor guards are waiting outside of the wards. You will come with us peacefully or we will be forced to relocate you to Azkaban for an indefinite period of time for resisting arrest.”

Draco swallowed hard but nodded, barely flinching as the Aurors took one shoulder each and began to lead him out of the office. Scrimgeour followed immediately, darting a wary and angry look at Potter. Dumbledore was right on the man's heels, ushering Potter and himself along with a glance and hand gesture. Severus' eyes narrowed on him. Surely, Dumbledore wouldn't be plotting anything. It was too late in the game. They needed to regroup. Allowing Potter to expose himself to Dementors would not be productive.

-X-

Dumbledore caught his arm, letting the Aurors, Minister and Draco move further ahead. Harry glared at him, forcing him to let go but remaining beside him.

“What?” He asked curtly, nerves sharp and aggravated.

“You must not try and go with him. The Minister does not care about anything you may say. He believes that you are firmly under Draco's influence. You cannot press him into bringing you along.”

“I know.” Harry answered, venom dripping from his words as he glared at the officials shoving Draco down halls and corridors. “I promised Draco that I wouldn't.”

“Very good.” He turned his glare onto Dumbledore and dropped back to walk in step with Severus. “Very good.”

The doors opened as they approached and saw the two floating creatures abruptly shift their attention onto Draco. Without warning, they moved forward into the wards and the Aurors backed away. Harry let out a choked sound that was either a gasp or a pained moan and turned deathly pale. He wavered on his feet, stepping forward and leaning back all at once.

“Albus.” He turned to meet Minerva's worried gaze as it darted between Draco and Harry. The blond aristocrat was completely still and even his breathing slowed. He could see that his eyes had dimmed and face gone partly slack. Harry was shaking now and Severus moved abruptly and grabbed his arm, supporting and restraining him all at once. The Dementors glided about Draco and then hesitatingly, almost as if they were afraid, they laid their hands on him. Tension was suddenly spiked as Draco went slack in their grip, nearly falling to his knees. Something silvery jumped from Harry's direction toward him. A silver stag pawed at the ground, stopping and pacing in place as Draco's head lifted.

“You promised.”

The stag still paced, but remained far away from him. Dumbledore let out a breath he couldn't remember holding. Harry was strong, stronger than he thought to manage a Patronus without either wand or spoken spell, and utterly lacking control. The Ministry officials nodded once and then continued to the designated Apparition points. The Dementors and Draco were swallowed in thick fog where they stood, slowly vanishing into the night.

Silence fell over the group. The stag lifted its head and tossed it once before melting away, a silvery fog that floated back toward Harry. Severus was holding him more securely and Harry's hand was tight on his supporting arm. The residual fog drifted away and Dumbledore heaved a sigh.

“Harry.”

“No.” His voice was low and raspy. He struggled onto his feet and pulled away from Severus gently. “No. There is nothing you can say anymore. I have things to do. I'll be in Draco's room.”

He swept away, the tension lessening as the magical presence he carried moved further away. Severus heaved a sigh and began to follow after him, dismissing himself with a curt nod. He heard Minerva shift, unsure if she too should follow.

“Come. Let us return inside. Things will look different in the morning.” He told her gently. She nodded and they began the trek back to the castle.

-X-

Draco was stock-still under the hands of the Dementors. He knew why they danced about him. Dementors fed on good things, but... There was a trick he learned in the Malfoy archives that gave tips on how to handle these creatures, back when they were used to torment enemies. He found all of his thoughts, everything he knew they fed on and forced it down the bond toward Harry. He could feel the bond flare up and channel it, until nothing remained but his sense of justice, determination and belief. He'd read that bonded wizards could shuffle emotions between them and wizards who dealt with Dementors created temporary bonds with another or used Occulmency to box that part of the mind away.

He knew it was hurting Harry to take these emotions. He knew that it was hurting him when he plied the bond with magic and constricted it. He slumped in the monsters' hands when he finally drained himself through effort. He could feel the emotions he sent at Harry manifest in his magic as a silver stag. The patronus was lost between obeying its purpose and obeying his caster's wishes. Draco lifted his head and stared at Harry.

“You promised.” He said softly.

The stag was visibly vibrating with the overflow of emotion and he exhaled as it remained away. He wasn't sure what he would have done if Harry fought the Ministry. The Dementors' powers began to effect him and he tried to hold his innocence, truth and sense of justice to himself. It wasn't working well but he wasn't falling into the deep pit of insanity, but he could feel himself being dragged toward it, chains steadily drawing him closer and closer to the edge.

Screams echoed in his ears. The heavy musk of sex and blood filled his nose. He stood near the edge of the revelry, seeing flashes of skin in the circle of black robes and white masks. The snarling and growling alerted him that Greyback was here, other wolves following his example as he grabbed a small body. Draco could see the way her body twisted as she fought his hold; her hair was thick with dirt and blood. Her screams were the loudest. Greyback's ugly, large hands snapped wrists and teeth bit into her throat until blood flowed. Her head fell to the side. Her eyes were wide and innocent, afraid and screaming. Draco held her gaze as she died slowly.

His fingers bit into his palms and the tears poured down his face. Images were coming on him so fast. He relived every death. Witnessed every horrible thing humanity could be capable of every single minute. Remembered smells of blood, death and despair mixed with the smell of filth, insanity and the sea. He could hear the screams of the insane and the bereft. The innocence he had clung to washed away from him the moment the Dementors ushered him into his cell.

The iron bars slid shut. More screams and pained cries. He was in his own purgatory.

-X-

“Stupid child.” Snape hissed, taking his arm and dragging him down the corridor. He'd walked mindlessly, allowing his feet and body's memory to carry him. What this greasy bastard was trying to do by manhandling him he didn't know and he wrenched his arm away with a snarl.

He looked up to see Hades and glared at the empty seat beside the god as if it was mocking him. He couldn't remember the password and wasn't going to say anything to either of them. What did they know? He had just lost his bonded to soulless creatures which were dying to suck his soul out. His head was thick with all the memories and emotions Draco shunted onto him and the lack of being able to feel him made him dizzy and weak.

“Persephone.” Snape said in an agitated voice and as the painting swung forward, his arm was grabbed and he was shoved into Draco's room. He was sure he'd snarled something derogatory, but this room smelled like Draco, felt like Draco, and he abandoned his frustration to settle in the same chair where he'd held Draco so much earlier. He curled into it and pressed his nose into the fabric, savoring the smell of Draco's shampoo and cologne.

“Potter.” His shoulders were seized and shoved back against the chair. He gritted his teeth at the treatment and stubbornly kept his eyes closed. If he didn't open them, he could pretend that everything was the way it had been hours before. “Potter! Fine! You'll force my hand then!”

“Harry.” His eyes snapped open. Draco's voice! He glanced around wildly and turned on Snape as he lowered his wand looking smug.

“You bastard!” He snarled, magic rising and undulating around him, making the furniture quake. “How dare you!”

“Potter, you've left me with little choice and I must assess the damage. I knew Draco would use this bond to cut you even further away from the Dementors and unless you want to be insane before he can be freed, kindly allow me to examine your mind.”

“No.” He glared at the man. “You're not touching it!”

“Stupid, arrogant child.” Snape smiled tightly and when Harry glanced up, “Legilimens!”

“Snape!”

Harry felt the presence in his mind and tried to push it away, but he couldn't force the man out. Memories flashed through his head which he knew weren't his own.

“He died to protect this family. We honor him by watching over the place of his sacrifice.” He didn't understand what she meant, but the forest in the house was cool even if the red stain on the ground, preserved through charms, gave him the creeps.

He cried out loud as the bottom dropped out of his stomach, adrenaline rushing through him as the ground came closer. He twisted the broom, robes skimming the ground.

Heat flashed through him. Blaise's mouth was wet and so warm and he had to bite his lips to keep the boy from knowing how much he enjoyed this because any second now he was going to-

He loved the feeling of the shifting fabric and Pansy's waist as they turned and dipped circles around these other couples. He'd danced with her forever; he could move with her like this until the world ended. Forever twirling in the same steps, light and airy, and it felt like flying without a broom.

The smell was noxious but the result would be a bit of heaven in a bottle. He cut, chopped, mashed, skinned, diced, plucked and peeled each ingredient perfectly. He only glanced at the textbook briefly but he had the steps memorized. He loved the precision and skill required in making potions. Severus was watching him like a hawk and he preened under the scrutiny.

His skin felt like lightning where it was pressed to Harry's. This quiet bit of forever in Harry's arms, it soothed so much of his anger and resentment.

A stolen kiss. Then another and another. Sensation lingered long after their lips parted and it both excited and terrified him. If he'd know that kissing Harry was like this he would have done it from the moment they met and never stopped.

A promise exchanged in an alcove. He knew Harry would keep it. Harry always kept his promises, unlike himself. Trust and love flooded through him and he wondered if Harry could feel it too. He imagined he did and that it was just as fierce and wild.

A single look that shared every scrap of faith he had left. He'd burn those emerald green eyes into his soul if he could. He tried anyway and savored the last few seconds he'd be able to spend with his bonded.

The memories stopped then. He'd felt Snape pulling all of Draco's memories, weaving them together until he'd had a chain. He wrapped them around the bond and anchored it to Harry's version of the final memory. Slowly, his presence vanished from his mind.

Harry blinked as Snape dropped heavily into the other chair. The man wandlessly summoned Firewhiskey and glasses. He poured one and then the other, handing it off to Harry. He took it without question, kicking it back and savoring the sharp burn.

“Draco will need you calm and focused tomorrow. Yes, the exchange may occur tonight but location is irrelevant. You are bound to Draco more firmly than physically, when the magic calls, you can respond. Tomorrow, I will be coming to collect you and you will proceed with the ritual to locate Draco's wand. Then, if the exchange has occurred and we have located the wand, we will take action against the Ministry.”

“You know what forced his dad to do this, don't you?” Harry asked, clenching the glass tightly.

“I know.” He replied and filled their glasses again. “I know and it is taking every bit of my self-restraint that I learned in Death Eater camps and Order meetings not to storm the Ministry and mete out justice on the Malfoys' behalf.”

Harry kicked back the glass again and sat numbly as Snape took it from him. A hand tugged him up and he rose heavily. Another hand at his back directed him toward Draco's bed and he collapsed on the silk with a groan. He heard the low sounds of Snape's heeled shoes exiting the room and drew the curtains closed. Draco the Dragon glittered over him and Harry pulled off his clothes, dropping them on the side of the bed, and slid under the sheets. He buried his face in Draco's pillows and forced himself to seek sleep, ignoring the burning in his eyes and the slow path his tears were cutting into his face.

-X-

“Oh God.” Hermione collapsed into the chair before the fire, staring at the paper in hers hands in horror. This was... Oh God...

The whispers has started long before she entered the room. She could hear them pick apart the words, expressing their disgust and doubt. Could Harry Potter really be under the control of Draco Black, former Malfoy? That was the center of the whispers.

“-haven't seen either for days!”

“-heard he was hiding out in the Chamber of Secrets-”

“-could use him to take over the Ministry-”

“-fooled Dumbledore even!”

“Hermione.”

She looked up, letting Ron tug the paper from her and the room. Whispers flowed like the tide as they moved through the crowd. With the professors regulating all students to their dormitories, the Prefects and Head Girl, and Boy, she thought with a pang, included, Gryffindor swelled with students intent on congregating to gossip. Ron shut the door to the Boys' Dormitory behind them, nodding at Neville when the boy looked up.

“I can't believe the Prophet would report this shit.”

“Me neither.” Ron agreed, ushering Hermione toward his bed. She sat down with a heavy thump and put her head in her hands.

“Have you seen Harry?”

“No. I can't imagine what he's going through.”

“He and Mal-Black are close, aren't they?”

“Yeah... Harry's really attached to him now.”

Hermione let out a strained laugh and shook her head.

“We've got to find him. He can't be doing good.”

“I know. Hold on.” He scrambled to Harry's trunk and dug around until he found the scrap of parchment. He noticed a few things missing and bit his lip. Harry had been here sometime but why he'd left the Map... He glanced at Neville, but the boy was just as used to keeping Harry's secrets as he and Hermione were and tapped the Map with his wand. “I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good.”

He knelt on the ground and spread the Map out on the bed. Hermione shifted and helped. Neville had come up behind them and hovered.

“What is that thing?”

“Map of Hogwarts. Harry's dad and friends made it.” Ron answered. Hermione grabbed his arm and pointed at the Map.

“I found him! He's in Draco's room, I'm sure of it.” She pointed at the stationary mark with Harry's name beneath it. Snape was slowly walking away from the room, obviously toward the dungeons. Dumbledore and McGonnagall were headed toward the Headmaster's Office. “They really took him. Harry wouldn't be there without Draco. Oh God, they arrested him!”

“Calm down, Hermione! Come on, we've got to get to him.” Ron looked up to Neville, eyes solemn and serious. “Listen, Nev, we really need you to help us out. We've got to get out of the Common Room without being seen. Can you cause a distraction?”

“Hell yeah.” Neville nodded and stood up, grabbing his wand from the bedside table. “How big of a distraction are we talking?”

“Enough for Ron and me to slip out without anyone thinking twice about us. Anything to keep them from harassing us about Harry and this wretched article.” Hermione said, taking the Map from Ron and moving back to Harry's trunk. She dug out the Invisibility Cloak, surprised that it was still here. But then again, Harry really didn't need it. He had been with Draco, obviously not wanting to be anywhere else. “I'll use the Cloak. Ron, disillusion yourself and hold onto me. Thank you so much, Neville.”

“Don't thank me until you're out of here. I can wait for a bit.” She smiled and pointed her wand at Ron's bed. She spelled the curtains shut, casting wards and silencing spells on it until it was humming with subtle magic.

“Let everyone think we're sleeping in there. No one will think twice about it, especially not after that trash.” She draped the cloak over her shoulders and Ron tapped his wand to the top of his head. Slowly, he vanished from sight and Hermione felt his touch wrinkle the cloak's fabric. She pulled it over her head and waited for Neville's distraction.

-X-

“Lucius, what have they done?” Narcissa swayed before falling to her knees. The paper fluttered to the ground around her.

“The Minister has struck. He is putting everything in motion. He intends to cut the last ties Draco has to the Malfoy magic. Disinherited or not, Draco's still a blooded Malfoy. He'll motion for him to be executed, and if that fails, he'll have him killed in Azkaban.”

“Can the ritual be done with Draco in their custody? Will it work without Potter there?!”

“Draco will suffer without his Guardian, but the magic will call and Potter will answer. He'll have no choice but to enter the ritual, regardless of his location. Come, Narcissa. We will end this.” Lucius pulled her to her feet and swept toward the Alter Room.

The stone door to the Alter Room was carved into a myriad of serpents, a single one in the center, mouth open and fangs extended. Lucius brought his hand up, the serpent biting into it.

The serpents parted, drawing away until a polished wood door appeared. It opened as Lucius approached it, Narcissa's ring glowing gently as she passed the barrier.

-X-

Neville pulled his drawer open, digging out a small pouch and summoning a small pack of fireworks from Ron's bed.

“Sorry, Ron, but I'll need them.”

He opened the pouch and poured a handful of small dark balls into his hand. He opened the Dormitory door, scattering them down the stairs and holding it open.

“You'll want to get down to the base of the stairs. Count to ten and watch your feet. When this starts to grow, it'll go fast. Hurry.” He felt Ron's hand clap his shoulder as they passed and began to count under his breath. He tapped his wand to the wick and scrambled to the back of the room.

“Shit! Look out!” He tapped his wand to his throat and made his voice loud as the fireworks ignited and caught the seeds on fire. As soon as they grew hot, they began to sprout and grow rapidly, clinging to the walls. He ran to the stairs and pushed through until he was at the base of the stairs. The vines were over the walls and ceiling and spread toward the entrance. Screams went up as people were shoved and stepped on, trying to avoid the rapidly spreading vines. Younger students flocked to the dorms, away from the common room, until a boy set the girls' stairs into a slide, resulting in more confusion as students fell back into the vines. Neville began to cut the vines away, seeing others gather their wands and aim cutting curses at the vines. Neville made sure to cast a few Notice-Me-Not charms at the entrance as Hermione and Ron made their invisible escape.

“What happened, Nev? What are these things?” Dean demanded as the chopped vines began to sprout again. Neville put on a sheepish expression as he turned back to the Gryffindors.

“I think the house elves cleaned a bit too well. I accidentally set off some of Ron's fireworks and the sparks lit the seeds of my Edorbis Incendia plant! I barely got them out of the dorm before they began to grow!”

“Honestly!” Lavender cried as she cut vines off the stairs. “What are you keeping these things for? What are they supposed to be good for?”

“The seeds are really expensive. I had to save my money for months! They're really good deterrents and they can be used in potions that grant people immunity to fire! They're even ingredients in Floo powder!” Neville shot back as the Gryffindors began to chatter and chop vine. Finally, the plant began to die out and crumble to dust as they chopped it. Neville sighed. These were really expensive, but at least he hadn't used his entire supply.

The excitement just seemed to tire the Gryffindors out and they began to head off to bed as the mess was cleaned up. No one even mentioned Ron or Hermione's absence and when the Gryffindor boys entered the dorm, they took one look at Ron's sealed curtains and made themselves busy preparing to sleep.

-X-

The Dementors seemed fond of hovering right outside his cell. He wasn't sure what called to them but he was betting that it was the soul bond, regardless of how muted it was. Every time they appeared they brought back fresh memories of pain he'd hidden away. A new fear.

Moonlight streamed in from a barred window too high up the prison wall from him to see out. He could taste the spray from the sea in the air, as well as the despair. The Dementors were icy shadows of fear and insanity, circling like wolves around wounded prey.

His hand shook as he looked down at the bloodied and broken woman on the ground. The Revelry was nearing its end. Those who survived would be only those turning into wolves. Every other was either going to die of blood loss or exposure. Her eyes were bright emerald green, looking up at him with such despair, loathing and hope. She wasn't hoping for rescue; she was hoping he was granting her death. He glanced around quickly and dropped to his knees to her side.

“Please, forgive me for what I do. You will experience no more pain.”

He rested the tip of his wand to her chest and wordlessly cast the spell that would stop her heart instantly. Her eyes darkened in her death and with a shaking hand, he closed them. He could hear the screams and tortured cries of those still living. He stood to rejoin the Death Eaters.

Draco huddled into the silvery light on the far wall, uncaring that it put him closer to the Dementors. They effected him regardless of his distance from him. He buried his face in his knees and hugged himself tightly, trying to concentrate on the physical sensation instead of his memories.

-X-

He wasn't asleep. Every time he closed his eyes he slipped into another memory from Draco. He couldn't control which memories he fell in and twice he'd slipped into yet another of Draco's sexual history with Blaise Zabini. He'd woken from the first horribly turned on and guilty at feeling pleasure while Draco was being psychologically tortured but the second one had left cold and furious jealousy in his stomach and chest. The other memories were wonderful though. He knew what unconditional love from parents felt like along with the fierce joy and pride at meeting their expectations and making them proud. He savored them, trying to keep his calm.

He pulled the sheets down and sat up on the bed, moving until he could hold his head in his hands. It was throbbing with a slight headache but it was nothing compared to how he'd felt Fifth Year so he could easily ignore it. He pressed the heel of his palm into his temple and counted to ten. It didn't ease the headache much but it helped in some weird way.

He scooped his glasses up and slipped them on, raising his hand to the constellation twinkling above him. It gave off so little light that he had to have his hand on top of them before he could see his fingers but it was enough. It was so beautiful...

“Excuse me?” He jolted and stared around, grabbing his wand and lighting the tip. There wasn't anyone in the bed and he peeled back the curtains to glance around. Movement caught his eye and he frowned as he saw Draco's portrait guardian, Hades, standing in the flowered field.

“Hades? Are you speaking to me?”

“Is there anyone else here? Of course I'm speaking with you. You are Draco's bond mate, brought here by Draco's godfather. You are allowed here, however, the two Gryffindors without, while knowing the correct password, are not unless you grant permission.”

“Gryffindors?” He asked absently as he pulled on his trousers and grabbed his shirt. He didn't bother buttoning it or donning his robe. “Yeah, I'll be responsible for them.”

“Very well.” The god vanished and Harry made his way out to the Commons to meet them. He saw the portrait swing shut and then something heavy attached itself around his neck.

“Oh Harry!”

“Hermione!”

“Harry, mate.”

“Ron.”

He hugged the girl tightly and when she let him go, he reached out and hugged Ron too. He took strength from their presence and let him soak in the warmth he felt. God, he had no idea what he'd do without them...

“They really came and arrested him, didn't they?” Hermione asked, reaching out and taking his hand. He clenched their fingers together, not too tightly to hurt but tight enough, and leaned partly on Ron. He swallowed hard and nodded.

“Yeah, Scrimgeour, Shacklebolt and another Auror. They were in Dumbledore's office.” Harry began thickly. “They wanted his wand, said they'd hold him longer if they didn't get it soon. They think he's got me under some spell. They wouldn't even let me... Anyway, they took him and said if I wanted to testify again, I'd have to be examined. They had Dementors waiting for him.”

“Oh God.” Hermione swallowed back her tears and hugged Harry again.

“Dementors? I thought the Ministry was done with them when they joined You-Know-Who.”

“No. They keep them on tighter leashes now.” Harry gave a thick, painful laugh and took a breath to calm down. “Draco... he did something to the bond.... He shuffled most of his happier memories, the memories and feelings the Dementors feed on... He gave them to me and like, shrunk the bond. I can't feel him at all now. I know he's alive, I know he's hurting, but I can't feel it! I can't feel him and it really hurts! Hurts so damn much!”

Harry let himself break a little, safe with his friends. They stood by him through everything his shitty life threw at him. He trusted them above everyone else. They wouldn't think any less of him from breaking down in front of them and he really needed it right now.

Ron and Hermione guided him to the chairs and she quickly transfigured them into one large couch. They eased into it, Hermione leaning against the arm, Harry partly pressed into her side and Ron's arm around his shoulders. Neither of them said anything.

-X-

Severus sat on his bed, hands shaking. When Draco was arrested the first time, he'd dealt with it because not only was he in jail but so was Lucius. It had only been a few days, not under the Dementors hands, as the Death Eaters who were committed to their side were a very large number. Those who'd spied and switched sides belatedly were given a more lenient trial period. He'd thought that he'd won a sure victory. Draco was his accomplice, his student, his apprentice, his godson. If he would be excused, then Draco would surely. He'd forgotten the infamy of the Malfoy name.

Scrimgeour may have found new evidence, but it was certain that Draco had never willingly performed any of those deeds. He'd been forced to bring Draco to those Dark Revelries and then for longer times when the Headmaster was absent. Draco was not guilty of any of this! He hoped the final exchange was this midnight as much as he dreaded it. If Lucius waited, Draco wouldn't have any more time. Scrimgeour would succeed in having the boy assassinated, easily passing it off as a prejudice guard or Draco succumbing to the Dementors.

All of this heartache and struggle... for nothing but money... Nothing but common money. He'd always joked with Lucius that his fortune would one day kill him. He hadn't meant it to be so literal. Draco... He may be grown in the eyes of the law and he may even believe himself to be an adult... but he was young. Draco would live with the last memories of his father being cruel and hateful. He would forever remember that day, no matter how much he'd claim he was over it.

Severus put his head in his hands and stared at the floor. He wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.

-X-

“I've made all the arrangements. I don't want him to deal with this... I would spare him this, you know I would.” Lucius took his wife's hands in his, holding them tightly. His eyes were feverishly bright and pained, screaming all the words he'd never say to her.

“I know. He does love you, Lucius.” She whispered softly, squeezing back just as hard. “I would spare him any pain. No child...” She faltered then, breathing in with a heaving gasp. “No child should ever lose his father.”

“I've asked myself a thousand times if this was the right way. My death for his life...” Lucius trailed away and then turned her hands so he was staring at the Malfoy ring. “Do you remember the story I told Draco before we sent him to Hogwarts? Our fanciful family history.” He paused and leaned down so his forehead was pressed to hers. “When the first Malfoy came to this soil, he was fresh from the mainland and fought hard to earn a place in the Wizarding society here. There was a king on the throne, a half-blood, untrained and untried, ancestry dating back to the founder of Normandy, and even further to an ancient god.

This king was unloved, disliked and disregarded. The muggles could sense his magic and shied away from him. But, this Malfoy was drawn to him and the king to the Malfoy. Hidden from the muggles, they conducted their affair, and from their union, the first Malfoys were born on this soil, my ancestors. The king died without knowing of his child, shot with an errant arrow. To honor him, the Malfoy built this manor and hid it away from the world. He passed down this philosophy in our blood.

Malfoys hold family above everything. If it called for death to save the family, then you would die. My life isn't being traded simply for Draco... My death means Draco's life, the continuation of the Malfoy line, generations of magic, blood and heritage. The sacrifices of my ancestors, the lives lost in the name of this family, the blood spilled, the flesh torn, the souls shattered. It will not be for nothing! I will not let it be for nothing.”

“I will not let it either. My blood flows in Draco's just as surely as yours. He is my son. My flesh and my blood. He will know your sacrifice. He will not disappoint you.” She brought his hands up to her lips and kissed his knuckles. “You have sired a wonderful son, Lucius. Powerful, confident, cunning, intelligent. You have gifted him with a fine protector. Harry Potter will never let him come to harm. You are leaving behind a wife and mother, as ready as you to give her life should he ever need it.”

“I have asked myself a thousand times if I should walk this path...” Lucius said, slowly dropping her hands and taking hold of his wand. “...and a thousand times, the answer has always been yes.”
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Icarus Syndrome