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Shades of Grey	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 103926 -:- Recommendations : 6 -:- Currently Reading : 21
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor do I make any money off this dance in the realm of strangeness and smut

Chapter List
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Chapter 22

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. You're the best, woman, and thank you!

Wandering out to the pool area where the elves had told him Lucius and Harry were, Severus was reading through a tome he managed to pick up on the topics Kaliya had asked for. Quite honestly, though they were looking for something very specific, the book was fascinating! There was so much here he didn't know that he planned to fully read all of them they had procured just for his own enjoyment. Besides, one never knew when they could use such information.

Looking up as he stepped close to where the chairs were, he stopped and smirked. Oh, this was amusing! Harry was sprawled out on a lounge chair beside Lucius, one positioned sideways, with his head resting on Lucius' thigh, soundly sleeping. Lucius had a book in his lap, one that was still open, head back, eyes shut, sleeping himself. Kaliya was draped over both of them, hissing softly. Snorting in amusement, he saw Lucius jump slightly then start to rub his eyes before looking in his direction. “A very dry read, Lucius?”

“Oh, no, not that,” Lucius said quietly with a dismissive wave. Shifting slightly, being careful not to disturb Harry, he took a sip of his drink. Rubbing his eyes some more, he blinked several times then snorted, grinning slightly, “Harry and I were discussing how Kaliya does the serpent form of a lullaby at night for him. He was imparting that it was soothing, something that helps him fall asleep. I can now safely attest to the fact that it is indeed and does just that! He started and before I knew it I was out cold.” Reaching up, he rubbed the snake's head and smirked, “I'm going to have to remember that for nights when I have a case of insomnia.”

Snorting again, lips quirking, Severus sat down and shook his head. Setting the book he had been going through aside after an elf delivered a cold drink, he said, “I have some very good news.”

Shifting slightly, Lucius motioned for him to continue while he reached down to stroke the still sleeping Harry's head.

“I have the sheet with Wormtail's blood on it,” Severus told him smugly, looking pleased with himself.

Eyes widening, Lucius looked at him then smirked bigger himself. “How did you manage that?”

“Dobby,” Severus told him. “He is—odd, as you well know. It took me getting him alone and telling him he was helping Harry to send him into raptures then he produced the sheet. The elves at Hogwarts, apparently, have a room they store old bedding and whatnot in that can't be repaired or cleaned. As one would expect, those types of things are used for rags as they are needed. He managed to find it for me. Though the blood is a few years old, I can easily extract it from the sheet, multiply it then make it appear fresh. This will be an immeasurable assist!”

Nodding vigorously, Lucius said, “Good! Combine that with the hairs you were able to find, and we can start pointing everyone to Wormtail as the culprit in this. That will at least shift everyone away from looking for me or questioning what they are finding.” Stopping, brow furrowed, he then added, “However, with how Dobby is, coupled with him working at Hogwarts, I’m leery of him giving up information to Dumbledore.”

“He won't,” Severus told him with a firm shake of his head. “Dobby is very protective of Harry, as you well know. I invoked his name and that's all it took. Add to that how Dobby is a free elf, so not bound by their strict code of conduct, and he'll be fine. I made it clear that Harry is fine, being protected, but that we need help to keep doing that and he went into normal house elf raptures then agreed to assist. We are safe of that front.”

Relieved, Lucius said, “Very good. This will work well. I think, when you can this week, send some of both over to Lupin and Black. Tell them to have fun with it and we can start running everyone in circles.” It had been about a week since the two had been at the manor, so thing should be ready to be put into play on their end.

“I'll work on it tonight,” Severus told him with a firm nod, shifting in his chair. Looking down at the sleeping Harry, he snorted, “He appears comfortable!”

Rubbing Harry's head, Lucius nodded, “Yes. He had been horsing around in the pool. That is good exercise, but tiring. Then he stretched out to relax while I read to Kaliya.” Stopping, he smirked, before imparting smoothly, “He said my reading voice is soothing. Between that and the hissing, he fell asleep.” Waving his hand, Lucius said, “It's no hardship to let him sleep like that, so I didn't bother to wake him.”

Taking that in, Severus nodded. He also looked at the young man. Eyeing him closely, he said, softly, “I'll brew up some extra nutrient potions this week. I already have some so we'll start him on it tonight. He's small, as you said. If there is no damage from early malnutrition or other things, it won't do anything to him. If there is, it'll help correct it. It can't hurt. I can't be sure if this is just adolescence or issues from the neglect. Nor do I know the spells healers employ to diagnose such things.”

“I believe that is wise,” Lucius concurred with a brief nod. “Even normal teens need extra nutrients during this time. It can't hurt.”

“I agree,” Severus said, shifting around. Taking another sip of his drink, he asked, “Did you find anything useful so far? I've managed to procure a few more books that might help.”

“We have actually,” Lucius told him. “Several things. There are more that I've marked that we need Harry to translate for, as he dozed off before we could get to them, but this may work, Severus.” Stopping, he looked at his friend and explained, “One of the bonds, the one Kaliya mentioned that was similar to a hive mind, sounds very promising! It can be used to pull abilities from one of the beings in the bond to another. That would work for all of us to speak Parseltongue and use your skill at Occluding. It's not one that is all encompassing, of course, and we can't know everything, but it can be used, as Kaliya initially imparted, as a passive way to learn a skill. It is also powerful enough that, if done right and it targets certain bonds, it can get rid of the bond from the Dark Mark.”

Taking that in, Severus nodded slowly, looking down. “It sounds good, if it can be done. The rub comes in that we don't want my Dark Mark negated yet.”

“Yes, that is something we need to look into. Kaliya wants more information before we even attempt it and to know if he can target specific bonds rather than all of them.” Lucius explained. Leaning over, being careful not to wake Harry, Lucius grabbed a piece of parchment off the table then passed it to Severus. “Those are a list of books mentioned that were used as sources in what we found. If you can manage to get them, it might help.”

Looking over the small list, Severus nodded then tucked it into his pocket. “I'll go out tomorrow and see if I can't get my hands on them. If nothing else, I'll order them.” Looking at the snake draped lazily over Lucius, he said, “From the bit I've read so far, Kaliya is the crux of the bond. And that they can be broken, all of them. That pleases me. Is that what you're turning up as well?”

“We are,” Lucius confirmed with a nod. “Everything we've read so far is showing they can be broken, everything. The skills are what is meant to be imparted, something done passively. Once that is accomplished, the bond can be broken with no lasting effects from doing so. However, the only part that is making both myself and Harry wary is this will involve being bitten. Kaliya assures us that it's done with the second set of fangs and will be painless, as the healing venom has an anesthetizing effect so we won't feel it. There is also a mark left, one that signifies the bond. Again, Kaliya assured us that it's something that can easily be hidden with a simple glamour.”

“The second set of fangs does have that effect,” Severus confirmed with a nod. “That's why their venom is so highly prized by healers and potion makers. It helps to not only heal, but deal with pain. However, the idea of being bitten is unnerving.” Reaching out, he rubbed Kaliya's head before saying, “In this case, though, I believe we can handle such a thing. He's not going to hurt us, that we know. It's just the idea. However, with what I know of snake fangs, they are sharp, very sharp, and it will be as close to painless as we can get.”

“Good,” Lucius told him. “It's just the idea, as you said. We trust Kaliya, so it won't be a big hardship.” Snorting, he grinned, “Harry just told both of us not to expect him to keep his eyes open for it. That is a way to deal with it, if it comes to pass, that I will employ myself!”

Smirking himself, Severus nodded, “Yes, I concur there.”

Softening his voice, Lucius looked at Severus and said, “I have real hopes this will work. There is plenty written on the bond, all of it agreeing other than on individual experiences, something that can be attributed to different people and their magic. Even with those accounts, the basics are the same, though put into different terms.”

“So far it's the best we've found,” Severus told him. “If it does as it purports, it will take two things out of play we have no way yet of doing. That only leaves the horcrux issue. If we block the connections, we have plenty of time to deal with that.” Stopping, he thought it over then asked, “Have you found any adverse effects that can come from it? Or anything odd?”

“Actually, no,” Lucius told him, looking at him. “The only thing close is nothing we need to concern ourselves with. It's something that states that it will just build on relationships that are already there, strengthening them. I don't see that as something adverse in any way. In fact, it'll only assist in the long run. Kaliya, when asked, said it just takes what we've already formed and strengthens it because of the close tie. It won't create something that is not there.”

“No, that isn't an adverse affect. In this case, it can only assist all of us. We're working on that issue to start with. That will only help,” Severus told him with a pleased nod.

“That was my thought,” Lucius agreed. “The only other thing we found is something I don't see as adverse either. Several accounts mentioned that you will always know if someone in the bond needs help or is in trouble. Again, that can only aid us, especially when it comes to you before you pull out.”

“It's not, in any way,” Severus told him firmly. “Any help in that area if I can't communicate that there is an issue, would be a great assist. It would just depend on how sensitive it is or what it perceives as in trouble.”

“That would be the only issue, yes,” Lucius agreed, nodding. “It's another part that just needs checked into, nothing more.” He was about to go on, when Harry started to stir. Rubbing the young man's head, he asked, “All is well, Harry?”

Sitting up, rubbing his eyes and groaning, Harry nodded, “I'm fine. Just waking up.” Grinning a bit sheepishly, he said, “Sorry about that. Didn't mean to use you as a pillow.” He then shook his head to get rid of the sleep fuzzies. Blinking, he looked at Severus and said hi.

“No hardship,” Lucius said with a dismissive wave. Quirking his lips, he admitted, “Kaliya had me snoozing myself with his hissing shortly after you went to sleep.”

Chuckling, Harry nodded, “Yeah, it's one of those real relaxing things.” Shrugging, he said, “Being read to was always one of mine. I used to fall asleep when someone did that.” Grinning a bit, he said, “Your posh accent and smooth voice exaggerated the effect I think.”

Snorting, amused, Lucius said, “It used to for Draco as well. He would always do the same thing. Didn't matter what I read to him, including financial reports in the paper. Five minutes into whatever it was and he was sleeping. Worked quite well when he was young.”

Stretching, Harry grabbed his drink and took a sip. Rubbing his eyes once more, he asked, “Find anything interesting or helpful?”

“Actually, yes,” Lucius nodded. Then he began to fill the young man in on what they were discussing.

Sitting crosslegged on the floor in front of a low table in the library, Harry had his wand out and was intently reading a charms book. In front of him on the table was a small stuffed duck, something about the size of the rubber duck Kaliya played with in the pool, walking back and forth on the table, quacking in a loud but exaggerated way, the kind of thing you saw in cartoons. What he was doing was trying to add charms to the duck so that it acted the way the rubber duck did, but was more realistic in what it did. Though it was stuffed, like most Wizarding toys it looked very real. This was something that was actually schoolwork for him, though it would be given to Kaliya to replace the rubber one when he was done. Lucius and Severus had devised several assignments like this in place of the dry things that were normally taught. It worked well, actually, and was something Harry liked doing. Not only did he learn what he needed, but it was fun to do.

Picking up the list of charms that he had to apply to the stuffed animal, he then consulted the book again before attempting the waterproofing charm once more. So far, this was the one that was giving him the biggest fits. He didn't know why either. It would go on partially, but didn't seem to work right.

After reading over what to do once more, he cast it again and was happy to see that this time it finally took. That meant he could press on to the one that enabled certain duck-like behaviors, though they were more exaggerated in a way that was meant to be comical to watch, such as an almost Donald Duck-like quacking speech.

Picking up the book, he was reading over what he needed to do before giving it an attempt while rubbing Kaliya's head as the snake rested in his lap. “This will be something you'll like when I'm done. It'll be almost like a real duck, though meant to be funny.”

Hissing contentedly, Kaliya told him, “Oh, I'm certain I will, Harry. The concept is a good one that I already appreciate. Yes, it'll just add to the enjoyment of the chase. And it'll be most amusing for all of you. I do like that!”

“We thought you might. It'll have more of a random pattern too, something that's supposed to act more realistic,” Harry told him distractedly as he read through the charms.

“Realistic is good,” Kaliya agreed, lifting his head and watching the duck walk around. “It is fascinating how you wizards can make them so real looking! Yes, this is good. I do like it.”

Lifting his head as he heard someone come in, Harry nodded when he saw Severus and went back to reading.

Walking over to the young man, Severus moved a chair closer and took a seat. “Is everything going well, Harry? No problems?” He asked as he pulled a couple potion vials out of his pocket.

“So far, so good,” Harry nodded. “I was a little stuck on the waterproofing charm, but I finally got it on right. I've moved on to the next one.”

“Yes, the waterproofing one in the books is tricky to work with. It takes practice and, usually, several attempts to get it functioning as it should,” Severus told him. Setting the vials on the table, he picked up the duck, which emitted a comical panicked quacking noise, wings flailing, then began to test the charms. Pleased that they were all on as they should be and functional, he sat it down, snorting as the toy scurried away in an almost hysterical manner, stuffed wings flapping. “You've done very well on it so far.” Pushing the vials over to the young man, he said, “Those are the nutrient potions we talked about. I'm going to have you take those three times a day from now on to see if they help any.”

Sitting the book down, Harry picked them up and listened to Snape explain what they were. Opening the first vial, he sniffed it then asked, grinning, “How nasty are these going to taste?” Potions—well, one never knew with them!

“They won't,” Severus said with an amused snort. “They actually are blueberry flavored. Nutrient potions, because they need to be kept down, are ones devised to have a good flavor so that you can get the younger set to take them. It's harder if you have to fight to get them down because of a foul taste.”

Happy with that, Harry nodded then downed them. Arching his eyebrows, he grinned, “Those aren't bad tasting at all!”

Smirking, Severus nodded, “I didn't think they would be. However, if you start getting pains in your joints or other odd, adverse effects, tell me. They are usually potions that have very few side effects, but there are some serious ones if someone is allergic to an ingredient. From what I know of you, you don't seem to have a sensitivity to anything so it shouldn't be a problem.”

“Will do,” Harry nodded. “How long will I be taking them?”

“I would say, minimum, six months. Maybe longer. If, in a couple months, there is no reaction at all from them, we'll discontinue. That means that there is nothing to correct. Lucius and I will do monitoring charms to track anything to see if there is a reaction. It'll depend on the damage level, honestly. That we can't predict.” Severus explained.

“Alright,” Harry nodded, looking back at the charm he was going to work with, scratching his head. This one was complicated. Shaking his head, he held the book out and pointed to a line about some wand movement he wasn't clear on. “Can you explain that part to me or give me a show of how to do it? I'm a little fuzzy on what they are going for with that explanation.”

Taking the book, Severus read it over. Scowling at the instructions as they were written, he shook his head. “This needs to be worded better, something to make them clearer. However, I know what they are going for. Hold out your wand and I'll walk you through the movement.”

Doing as he was told, Harry waited.

Putting his hand over the young man's, Severus guided his hand in the basic movement a couple times. On the third rotation, his hand slipped down and touched the wand. Hissing loudly, he yanked his hand back, shaking it. Looking down, he could see what looked like a bite of some kind on it, something that was starting to swell and blisters were forming around it. Shaking his head, he called one of the elves to fetch Lucius and have the man bring him his kit.

Looking over, concerned, Harry chuckled and grinned sheepishly, “It bit you again I see.”

“Yes, your wand is most temperamental,” Severus sighed. “I keep forgetting that.” When Rostov had told them Harry's wand would defend him, viciously, he wasn't joking! Both he and Lucius had been bitten by the thing more than once up to this point. It seemed that anyone but Harry who touched the thing, especially if the young man had it in his hand, it would defend him, even if the act was as benign as helping him with a wand movement. Snorting, shaking his head as he held his hand up to assist in keeping the swelling down, he commented dryly, “One day I'll remember to put dragon-hide gloves on before I do this.” So far, that's the only thing that helped. Even if there was a defense mechanism triggered, it staved off having to treat an injury. Now, because he didn't think before doing, he could expect a couple days of having a stiff, sore hand.

Lifting his body, Kaliya watched Severus, tongue flicking, tasting the injury. Slithering off Harry, he wrapped around Severus' arm and examined the bite. As this was something he had seen happen before, he thought he could do a better job of attending to the wound than Severus' potions could. He could also minimize the pain far better. “Harry, if you would, please tell Severus I can handle this for him. No, it won't be a hard thing to attend to. Just tell him to relax and no harm will come to him.”

Nodding, eyeing what Kaliya was doing, Harry translated that.

Though wary, Severus nodded, stroking the snake's back, watching what Kaliya was doing.

Opening his jaws, Kaliya extended his second set of fangs and leaned down. Expressing some venom, he let it drip onto the wounded area then waited.

Hissing softly as the venom hit the tender skin, Severus then relaxed as it numbed the area before it began to tingle. Then, before his very eyes, it quickly healed the wound, making it appear as though it hadn't even been there. As this was the first time Kaliya had done something such as this, he was uptight about it, but pleased by the results. “Thank you, Kaliya. That was most helpful. Certainly better than the potions.” Flexing his hand, liking that there was none of the soreness or stiffness left, he stroked the snake and nodded. “Very good. That worked quite well!”

Curling up in the Potion Masters lap, Kaliya said, “I'll remember that from this point onwards. Yes, it worked well and I think I should attend to the bites. Tell him he is most welcome if you would, please, Harry.”

After hearing the translation, Severus nodded. “Yes, it's probably a good thing that you do. It's certainly more effective than what we've done up to this point.” Petting the snake, he leaned back, still flexing his hand.

Walking in, Lucius snorted, grinning, “Did you forget your gloves again, Severus?” Brandishing the kit, he sat it on the table then took a seat, reaching over to stroke Kaliya's head.

“I did. However, Kaliya attended to it for me so no need to treat it myself,” Severus told him, explaining what happened.

Looking at Severus' hand, Lucius nodded. “Oh, far better, yes! We'll let you take over that particular chore, Kaliya. Especially since Severus and I keep forgetting the dratted gloves!” Shaking his head, he watched the duck wandering around on the table, smirking. After consulting with Harry over what charms had been applied already, he smirked bigger then shot a mild stinging hex at the backside of the stuffed animal. Giving a snort of amusement at the loud, comical quacking and the panicked running around the table, he said, “You've done very well so far! Yes, this is good. How many more do you have left to layer on?”

Picking up the list, Harry led him through what was still left of the assignment. Then he began to ask about what some of the charms would do, ones he wasn't familiar with.

Relaxing in his chair after sending an elf for something to drink, Lucius began to explain which charm was for what.

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Shades of Grey