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Freedom Bound in Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 58477 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Harry Potter characters. I did not make money from this story.

Chapter List
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- 23
Decisions
August 14^th
Remus had his orders. He was to capture the blond child no matter the cost. The Head Auror's suggestion still rang in his ears; “Stupify on sight.” What if the boy didn't show up at the zoo? What if the shield had spooked him and now he didn't trust Remus? Worse, what if the Scourers had found them? What if the boy and Harry were both dead right now and Remus didn't even know it?
He was sweating by the time he hit the Tropic Zone, and he reached up to adjust the collar on the white button-down shirt that he wore tucked into jeans. It was uncomfortably damp with sweat, but that was easily forgotten as he looked around for the boy. About half a dozen people were scattered throughout the room. He looked closely, but there were no blond children.
Habit brought him to the same bench he'd sat on last week. He'd been sitting there for three hours when he heard something hit the ground under him. He leaned down and saw, under his bench, a white envelope. Heart in his throat, he reached for it and picked it up. It'd been taped under the seat until gravity had finally pulled it off. Remus opened the envelope and pulled out the letter from inside:
“Remus I still have things I want to talk about befor I leev every thing behind. I'm going to trust you. Please come here alone. We will talk and then we will see. You know we wer slaves. I don't want to be a slave ever agan. I want it to be a choys.”
Remus memorized the address and quickly tore the letter up and then set fire to the remains just in case. The childish handwriting had touched a deep cord in him, and the trust in the letter made him responsible – not the Aurors or even the President. He was not going to take a child so abused and 'stupify on sight'. The child wasn't some criminal! He refused to treat him that way when the child up to this point had only been reasonably hesitant and surprisingly rational.
Eyes gone gold, Remus rose from the bench and sprinted from the room. He had a few Aurors to shake, but he would arrive at the address alone. He'd be sure of it.
…
Harry sat unhappily at a table in the lobby of a movie theater. He looked over at Draco and the blond smiled and brushed his fingers across Harry's cheek. Tears burned Harry's eyes. He loved Draco so much, and he felt so bad because of his freak curse. Brendon was his fault, now Liam was going to be gone, too. He was causing Draco so much trouble.
* Harry. *
The word resonated with warning and love both, and Harry ducked his head and took a sip of his soda. He didn't want to think about it, his curse. It made Draco mad, but he couldn't stop. They'd spent the last week with Liam doing special things, like picnics and late night tv and going to the park. Draco was trying to say goodbye. They'd left this morning, Draco promising they weren't going to the zoo, just catching a movie. Harry had had to look away, which forced Draco to lie further and say Harry was sick so that Liam wouldn't get suspicious.
- sad unhappy guilt -
“Harry,” Draco said firmly and pinched the back of Harry's hand painfully hard. “Do you wanna go see a movie while I meet Remus?”
Harry shook his head hard. “No, Draco. Sorry.”
Draco sighed and pet his hand where it began to bruise. “It'll be okay, Harry. Promise. Trust me. I'll take care of ya.”
Harry knew that. Knew it utterly. But he was worried about the cost to Draco, to Liam, to everyone around him. He had a feeling that it was only going to get worse and worse. He was going to pull everyone down, make everyone suffer...
“Harry!”
His head snapped up. He realized he was bleeding, having bitten through his own lip. Draco's eyes were silver and he looked furious. Harry gasped, horrified that he'd upset Draco so much, and all his fears spilled out. The moment Draco's eyes softened back to grey, Harry burst into tears. Helplessly, he covered his face, sobbing.
He felt Draco's arm go around him, the blond now standing next to his chair. He held Harry tight, so that he felt safe and impossibly loved. Draco's cheek rested on his head and Harry felt soft lips brush his forehead.
* Thought you didn't trust me, * Draco's voice spoke into his mind. * It scared me. Love you so much, Harry. You make me happier than I ever was without you. You're the only one... The only one! … To love me more than anything else in the world. Did you know that? I'm yours as much as you're mine. You're NOT my curse, Harry. All these bad things were here before you and will be after you. For me, you are the only good. *
Harry cried harder – joy hope – streaking through his heart. He closed his eyes tight and turned so that he had his arms around Draco's waist. He'd never thought about it that way. Draco was his. It felt like sunbeams were breaking through the cracks of his heart. Draco was his. Draco needed him. Harry laughed in between sobs and clung even tighter - love joy.
Next to them someone cleared their throat. Draco went tense in his arms before pulling away. Harry looked up through his bangs and fogged glasses to see a blurry figure standing close. Another worker asking questions? (Where's your parents? How old are you?)
“Are ya alone this time?” he heard Draco ask.
Harry pulled his glasses off and wiped them on his red sweater. He also wiped his face with his sleeve. Harry slid his glasses back on and looked up, blinking. Remus was staring at him. He had tears in his eyes and a weird expression on his face. Harry flushed red and looked away, down at the white table top and the brown tiles on the floor.
“Yes,” Remus spoke with a voice hoarse with emotion.
“Sit,” Draco ordered. He still stood next to Harry's chair, close enough that Harry's shoulder brushed his arm. Harry smiled a little; he liked that.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Remus sit down across from him. The man put his hands on the table and linked his fingers. Harry could hear him swallow. His fingers were slender, but they were rough with healing cuts and strange callouses.
“Harry, you look so much like your father.”
Harry peered at Remus's face through his dark bangs. The man was smiling as tears dampened his cheeks. Draco put his hand on Harry's shoulder, and Harry looked up at him, but the blond was watching Remus.
“If you loved 'em so much, where were ya when they died? Why didn't you help Harry?”
Harry followed Draco's eyes to see Remus's hands clench and face go pale.
“I... I was not in the country at the time of their death. Even if I had been... I was not allowed to take care of Harry...”
“But nothin' would'a stopped you from visitin' or watchin',” Draco pressed. His blank expression had grown curious. “From makin' sure he was okay and not livin' in a cupboard under the stairs or treated like a monster, starved and mistreated.”
Remus looked terribly ill. His shaking hands were pulled back into his lap, out of sight. Harry didn't like how terribly sad he was. He looked like he cried often. “I...” Remus met Draco's eyes for a minute and then caught and held Harry's. “I cannot excuse my absence. I was grieving the devastating loss of my dearest friends, my family. I did not feel I was in any state to be near a child. There were also other reasons. Harry's location was secret for his safety. It would not have been an easy thing to see him.” His eyes shifted back to Draco. “But I could have made the effort. That is a guilt I must bear.”
“How... How'd they die?” Harry was surprised the question was in his voice. He glanced up at Draco with large eyes, but Draco was still looking at Remus, so it must be okay. He looked back at Remus for the answer, but the man sat silent.
“Harry asked you a question,” Draco said pointedly and Harry felt like melting. He loved Draco so much.
“They died very unfortunately,” Remus finally answered, looking down at the table top. “More than that, I fear it is too much for you to know.”
“It's too late for that, Remus,” Draco said gently as he ran a hand through Harry's hair, soothing him. “We need ta know these things before we go with you to this magic world. I will have a say in the decisions, so I need the facts ta make good ones.”
Remus sighed. One of his hands returned to the table. When he spoke, his voice was low, reluctant, but he looked up to meet their eyes. “There was a dark wizard... He wanted to rule the magical world, but good people fought him in secret. Harry's parents were a part of that group. They were heroes... One night... He came and murdered them both... But when he went to kill Harry, strange magic happened and the dark wizard disappeared... The war was won.”
Remus folded both hands on the table. His face softened with a small smile. “Harry is very famous in the magical world. That scar on his head is known to all. Everyone thinks him a hero and were very, very grateful...” The smile disappeared and Harry's stomach dropped as Remus's voice grew dark. “But there were still bad wizards who were angry that the dark wizard was gone, so Harry was hidden away with his only family, hidden in the Muggle world, away from the magical one, to keep him safe.”
Harry looked up at Draco, heart pounding. He had no idea what to think. He'd thought his parents were drunks killed in a car crash. He had no idea why he'd asked except he still wished it wasn't true. This new story was not as mean, but it was still so sad. And scary.
Draco bowed his head slightly and said, “Thank you for telling us.”
Remus sighed again, eyes a sorrow-filled amber. “Harry's fame is such that it could not really have been hidden. I just wish I could spare you both.”
“You'll have chances ta help us,” Draco reassured. “But not by keeping stuff from me. That'll never help.” He wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders and squeezed gently in a quick hug. “One way is ta help me think of a way we can make sure no one'll try and split Harry and me up.”
Harry's head whipped around to Remus, eyes wide. His hand unconsciously took hold of Draco's black sweater and held on tightly.
Remus gave Harry a gentle smile. “Don't worry. I think we can arrange to keep your friend with you.” He turned that smile to Draco. “It's about time you introduced yourself, don't you? I still don't know your name.”
Draco smiled back, polite, guarded. “Draco Black.”
Remus frowned. “Draco... Black...” He shook his head slightly. “Odd name.” He looked to Harry again. “May I ask why you still wear a collar even though Draco said you've escaped?”
Harry blushed and lifted his fingers to the red collar that still sat at the base of his throat. “I... I like it. Feels safe.” He looked up at Draco, hoping he would explain because Harry wasn't sure how.
Draco put his hand over one side of the collar and glared at Remus. “Does it really matter?”
Remus looked so sad again. “I guess it doesn't.”
“How're ya gonna make sure we stay together?” Draco insisted, expression fierce. It made Harry relax. Draco would handle everything. He wouldn't let them be separated no matter what.
“If what you say is true and you've formed a bond, the magical world will respect that,” Remus explained. “I think before we go back to England, it might be best to have the wizards here document the bond. That way we can have that information ready when we arrive in England.”
“Tell me more about the threat. Why do we have'ta leave?”
Looking up through his bangs shyly, Harry admitted, “I don't want Liam to be hurt, but I wish we didn't have to go. I like it here.” Tears filled his eyes once more and he turned his face to press it into Draco's side.
Remus's voice was warm with understanding when he answered. “There is a group called the Scourers. From what I've been told, there was no law here at first. This country was just being colonized and it was chaos. So a group formed. They were paid to hunt down the wizards who committed crimes and called themselves the Scourers.
“At first they were just bounty hunters performing a service, but they began to abuse their power. Hurting others, stealing, and killing without cause, but they were the only law there was. Until magical America became organized and a leader elected. Offices were assigned; a police force was created. The Scourers were asked to retire or face exile or death.
“Some grew furious and hid from the new government. Hid in the Muggle world. They hated wizards with a passion and passed on their hatred to their children and their children's children. Any magical baby born to them was killed. Any they discovered to have magic, no matter how young, male or female, they killed. They were behind the hysteria of the witch burnings. Hundreds of innocent witches were murdered by Muggles and Scourers during that time of terror, and that is when magical America forbade connect between wizards and Muggles. Secrecy is safer for everyone.”
“So they're not magical?” Draco asked, head tilted curiously. “The Scourers. They're just normal people.”
Remus grew intense, eyes golden. “Do not underestimate Muggles. They are capable of killing you as quickly as magic can.”
Draco bared his teeth in a death head grin. “Oh. I know.”
“Especially with these infernal guns,” Remus insisted. He reached across the table, but he wasn't close enough to touch them without standing. He remained seated, his hand outstretched. “They get more refined every year that passes. A gun can now kill you from a block away. You'd never see it coming, never be able to shield in time. The Scourers are an organized group. They've had decades of experience killing a person with magic at their disposal.” He looked from Harry back to Draco. “It's not safe here, Draco. Truly it isn't. Please come with me to the magical district.”
“What's the plan with Liam?” Draco asked instead of agreeing.
Remus didn't answer for a minute. He'd noticed Draco's non-answer, but he did finally say, “Because he is not your family, he will be spelled to think you and Harry were found by a long-lost relative. He will be convinced you are both happy and safe, and the spell will spread to anyone who asks him about you, making everyone happy that you have gone to live with family.”
Draco's eyes were wide. “That's crazy.”
“But it will happen,” Remus said with finality. “You are magical children. You will not be allowed to remain in the care of a Muggle. And really, it could have been drastically worse. Liam won't be worried by your absence or suffer a feeling of loss. He will be able to move on. Had you been biological family, there would have been no hiding that sense of loss, so the Aurors wouldn't have tried. They would have made him remember seeing you die in an accident. That would have haunted him as it has other Muggle parents.”
Harry felt – horror – and Draco's hand tightened on his shoulder, but his expression continued to look only mildly curious. “Sounds like ya don't agree,” he said.
Remus shook his head slowly. “England does not adhere to such strict Secrecy laws. Magical children are left to be raised by their families until they turn eleven when they begin their magical education at Hogwarts School. At that time, the family would be spelled to prevent them from talking about the magical world to anyone else, but their child would still return to them during the holidays and summer when the school is closed. Of course, magical children are not allowed to do magic around Muggles or at home. If they break that rule, they would face punishment, but they can still have that connection to their blood family.”
“So if Liam was willing to go ta England...” Draco trailed off as Remus shook his head.
“You may write letters, sure, and he visit you and you him, but he still could not have custody of Harry, and if you want to stay with Harry, then he couldn't have custody of you, either.” Remus sighed. “He may be your guardian in the Muggle world, but the magical government would not recognize his claim to Harry. There is no blood tie there. Likely Harry will be put under the guardianship of a powerful wizard. It would be for Harry's own protection against any bad wizards and also serve to make sure that Harry receives adequate magical guidance. I suspect his custody will go to Albus Dumbledore, the strongest wizard in Europe and renowned for his steadfast adherence to the Light. He is also Headmaster of Hogwarts and has experience with children.”
Harry had no idea what Remus was talking about and he didn't like the way Draco's face was scrunched. Draco only did that when he had to concentrate really hard to understand something. That meant things were complicated and difficult. And it was because of Harry. Harry had understood the part that Liam could have custody of Draco but not Harry if Liam went to England, so it was his completely his fault that they couldn't stay with him.
* Doesn't matter, * Draco said into his mind, accurately guessing the source of his – guilt anxiety. * Liam wouldn't come to England anyway, remember? He doesn't want to leave New York. And even if we stayed here he isn't allowed to have contact with us at all for any reason. * Out loud, Draco said, “Let's say person A asks Liam and the spell gets 'em and they're all happy we're gone. What happens if person B asks person A?”
Remus narrowed his eyes. “What are you planning?”
“I'm just curious,” Draco insisted, hands raised to show innocence.
“Nothing unusual. They will believe or not believe that you are well with new-found family. Liam will be the spell's carrier and only he can transmit it. However, if they are worried and find it suspicious, they would likely ask Liam about it themselves, wouldn't they? And then the spell would move to them and they would stop being worried and instead be happy for you. They wouldn't think about it much after that.”
Draco nodded. He looked down and met Harry's eyes. * Go to the bathroom, Harry. *
Harry's brow scrunched. He could pee, sure, but not so bad that he had to leave right now. But then he glanced at Remus and knew Draco wanted to say something without him. His face cleared and he stood – trust. Looking at the floor, he said softly, “I've gotta pee,” and then he hurried away.
Draco took Harry's seat and looked straight into Remus's eyes. “You said the dark wizard disappeared not that he died. He's still alive?” Remus looked shocked, and Draco added impatiently with a glare, “Look, we only have a few minutes while Harry's gone. Hurry up.”
Remus paused a second, then asked, “Why don't you want him to know?”
Draco's glare darkened. “What happened ta'me messed up my head. Maybe that's why, but I notice stuff. Like the dark wizard only disappearin' not dyin' in your story. Harry's still a kid, still thinks like one, an' I wanna keep it that way as long as I can. But me. I'm not a kid. I gotta think about this stuff or we're gonna get killed or hurt. So tell me. Harry's still in trouble from this guy?”
Remus slowly nodded, eyes still wide.
“How bad is he?”
“His name was Voldemort, and he was a monster,” Remus told him seriously. “Evil and vile. No one could stop him for ten years before Harry did. He caused such terror that people cannot say his name and refer to him as You-Know-Who. He will never forgive Harry for hurting him. He will never stop hunting him. Harry will never be safe as long as Voldemort lives.”
Rage instantly flooded Draco's veins. With a hiss, Draco got to his feet and pressed his hands flat on the table top. Leaning forward, he demanded, “Why're we goin back to England then? That's where the dark wizards are, right? Where Vold'mort is?”
“Harry has a support base there. He'll need help to survive once the war starts again,” Remus protested. “And it's where he belongs. It's his home.”
“It was never his home,” Draco argued, eyes silver. “I'm his home now.”
“There's a school. I told you about it a little already.” Remus looked desperate to convince him. “The most famous school in the world where kids learn magic. Harry's on the books to attend. You'll both need to learn how to defend yourselves. Magic is very complicated.”
“Ya said kids go when they're eleven. That's six years from now,” Draco pointed out coldly. “I'm not sayin' we won't go, but I'm not convinced. Let's see how things go with the magic world here, and then we'll decide.”
Remus sighed, figuring that was the best he could expect for now. At least Draco was leaving the topic open for discussion later. “Okay,” he agreed.
Draco gasped and collapsed backward. Harry – the constant mutable hum of emotions – it had just snapped off. Draco hit the chair only for it to go clattering across the tile floor. The ground rose up and smacked him hard along the left side of his body. Sounds warped in his ears for a terrible second, but then everything was crystal clear.
“Merlin! Draco, what happened? Draco!”
Remus was kneeling by him, lifting his upper body off the floor and tapping his cheeks. He looked terrified. Draco snarled and rolled out of his arms. A faint, barely there whistle. Those amber eyes went dark. Remus didn't even have time to close them. He just folded, collapsed, eyes open but blank... dead.
Screams.
“Someone call an ambulance!”
Draco rolled under the table, putting his back to something, then he sprinted toward the hallway where Harry had gone.
Harry!
Draco had only gone four feet when he felt something hit his shoulder.
Blackout.
Chapter end.
A/N: Well, things took a drastic left turn. Honestly sometimes even I'm surprised when a story jags left. Hang on tight, things are going to get rocky.
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Freedom Bound in Chains