Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

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

Chapter List
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Suspicions

May 20^th, 1995

Zabini Manor, Italy

“How?” Severus demanded, rubbing at his temple, eyes wide. “How did you…?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Laine snarled. He’d seen enough to believe them man’s claim, but that was all. It hadn’t softened him or made him want to trust the man. “Go on. What happened with Hale then?”

“It’s true? He’s my father?” Hale was turned so he was chest to chest with Laine and he looked up at the older teen in surprise.

Laine stroked his hand through Hale’s hair soothingly. It might be, he acknowledged.

Severus blinked. He was still shocked over the Legilimency attack he’d just suffered.

Laine glared at him. “Well? What happened?”

Severus’ hands clenched. He did not relish going back through that horrible time. But he must. For his sons. “I saw neither Lily nor the baby until a year and three months after Harry’s birth. The Dark Lord heard of a prophecy that foretold his death, and he feared the Potter child would be the one to destroy him. He went to Godric’s Hollow, and he killed Lily and James Potter. ”

Laine’s cold blue eyes narrowed dangerously. “You were there when he attacked?”

“His favorite followers were told to wait outside. I was there, under a powerful mind spell called the Imperius Curse. When I heard of the plan, I tried to escape to warn Dumbledore. However, I was found out. They thought I was merely getting cold feet. If they had suspected I was a spy, I would have been killed instantly.”

Severus bowed his head so that his hair curtained his face from view. “I was not in the room when they were killed. I do not know exactly what transpired there. The spell I was under shattered when suddenly we could no longer sense the Dark Lord. It felt like he was painfully ripped out from under our skin. The Death Eaters fled. I remained and entered the house. The spell residue was thick. It was like walking into an inferno even though the house appeared untouched to the eye.”

He paused, voice thickening with emotion. “I found Harry in the nursery. Lily was dead on the floor next to the crib. Harry was crying. It was clear that when the Dark Lord attempted to kill Harry, the killing spell backfired and ripped the Dark Lord from his body, leaving Harry with that curse scar.”

Hale whipped his head around to stare at the man – shock panic fear guilt. His eyes glimmered with unshed tears, his face completely pale.

Severus looked away, avoiding that stricken expression. “Harry was very frightened and lashed out at me with magic. When I came to, the manor was in shambles. I couldn’t find the baby. Dumbledore had come and taken him, not knowing he was my son, and gave him to Lily’s Muggle sister to raise. I was going to tell him the truth, but then he told me the Dark Lord was coming back. So I said nothing, thinking it was the best way to protect my son from enraged Death Eaters who wanted vengeance. No one would find Harry in the Muggle world.”

“But you were wrong.” Laine couldn’t put into words the fury he felt toward this man. He stroked Hale’s hair so very gently, but his eyes… His eyes were death. “You abandoned both of us. You failed to protect Hale from this madman. You were right there, and you did nothing. Then after that, instead of guarding him more carefully, you abandoned him again.”

Severus suffered that condemning gaze unflinchingly. “Yes. I did, but I did not know what would happen. I believed he’d be safe. Now that I know the truth, I’ll never completely be able to atone for that mistake.”

“Tell me what you know,” Laine challenged, outraged. How dare this man pretend to understand what they had been through! But even furious his first thought was for Hale, and his hands came up and covered Hale’s ears. He forced power into his palms gently, ensuring the teen wouldn’t hear a word. Hale didn’t need to relive anything Severus might bring up.

“I was the one sent to fetch Harry on his eleventh birthday.” Severus stared beseechingly at his son, letting all his masks fall and revealing the honest anguish beneath. “That’s when I found out he’d been severely abused. He was kept in a small dark cupboard under the stairs and was starved for days at a time. Petunia struck him often, telling him he was worthless, a freak, or just plain bad. Dursley, Petunia’s husband, was the one to sell Harry to cover a gambling debt. I was devastated! I left the instant I found out, intending to find him and protect him. Now that I have found you both, I will not fail again.”

Laine couldn’t believe the gall of this man, asking them to trust him after everything he’d done. “How are you protecting him by bringing him back?” he practically snarled. “From what you’ve told me, you’ve brought us closer to the enemy by bringing us here!”

Severus scrambled to assuage the growing fury he could sense in the powerful teen. “It’s not that simple and you know that! The Death Eaters hunted you all across America. The Dark Lord will not rest until he kills Harry. There is no arguing that point. It is fact. Harry is not safe anywhere in the world. We need magical wards to protect us for a while, until we can come up with a better strategy. Here we can teach you both to use your power more effectively. We can teach you how to defend yourselves better.”

Laine said nothing. He was panicking. They were in a completely foreign place and he was being told that a magical madman was out for Hale’s blood. That there was some fucking prophecy that would drag his boy into a war. Worse yet, he had no idea who these people were except that they had power like he did and, most likely, better control of it. If things went south, Laine wasn’t sure he could protect Hale and that terrified him. His whole existence was wrapped around one thing: protecting and caring for Hale. On top of that, Hale was overwhelmed with the emotional toll of reuniting with their father and learning about the death of his mother. The pressure made Laine’s mind snap completely.

Hale tilted his head back and stared at Laine with wide eyes as he felt the panic turn into lethal intent. His protector was beyond reason. Laine saw everything as a threat right now and would react with deadly force. Hale leaned his weight against him, covering the hands that deafened him with his own, and sent – trust calm love – through their bond. Without looking away from Laine, he whispered to their father, “Please. Leave us until we calm down.”

“What’s wrong?” Severus asked quietly. Laine was staring at him, eyes flat and lifeless but tracking every little movement.

Without warning, the teen lashed out, blue power streaking for the man’s chest. Out of pure reflex, Severus snapped his wand out and cast a shield that redirected the wild attack to the side. This only made Laine feel even more defenseless. He grabbed Hale and pulled him violently from the couch, shoving him back against the wall so he could stand more firmly between him and any threat.

Hale pressed his back hard into the wall. “Please. Leave us alone. Just go.”

Severus was left with no other choice. He carefully backed out of the room and shut the door.

Laine immediately seized Hale’s power to put a barrier up.

Hale gasped and dropped to his knees at the sudden drain. He leaned against Laine’s legs and hugged them tightly – need anxiety.

Laine sighed in relief once he was satisfied no one could get in. His trance-like state broke away and normal emotions and thoughts trickled back through his mind. He turned his attention to the trembling boy at his feet. He regretted upsetting Hale and ran his hands through the messy hair a few times until the younger boy calmed. Comforted, Hale sat back on his heels, knees on the floor with head bowed.

Tense, frustrated, Laine began to pace, his lanky strides taking him across the room quickly. He wanted to lash out, but he had no real target. He couldn’t kill Severus – though how he wanted to! But unfortunately, the bastard was right. They needed him right now. They knew nothing about the magical world. That would have to change, fast. He would not be helpless. He would just have to endure Severus. He’d endured worse to ensure their survival.

“Laine?”

He looked over at the kneeling teen.

“Severus wants to help. He didn’t know what would happen to us.”

Laine kept his face blank, not letting Hale see his agitation. He didn’t want the boy to think he couldn’t say what he was thinking. “You forgive him?”

Hale ducked his head, thinking. His emotions swirled too chaotically to really pinpoint, but he didn’t blame their father. “I think he did what he thought was best. To protect us. You would have done the same.”

“I wouldn’a left you,” Laine exclaimed angrily, surprised at the accusation.

Hale flinched, eyes wide with fear self-hatred. “I’m sorry, Laine! I’m being stupid!”

The older teen sighed. He put the wall to his back and slid down, pulling Hale into his lap so they were sitting chest to chest. No. I’m sorry. You’re right; we should give him a chance. Don’t worry, Hale. I will keep you safe. We’re going to be okay.

relief trust

They sat peacefully for a while, but as time passed, Hale began to understand that his mother and her husband had been killed because of him. That Laine and he had been chased all these years, attacked and hunted… that Laine had suffered… all because of him! – horror fear desperation. And they were brothers. He understood that their relationship wasn’t normal, but this made it even more questionable, didn’t it?

Green eyes peered hesitantly into blue. “I’m still yours?”

Laine growled. He pulled Hale’s head back, making his chin rise. Who takes care of you?

“You, Laine.” – relief

Laine’s hand tightened still further. Who do you belong to?

adoration – “You, Laine,” Hale gasped. He flexed his hips and felt an erection press against him. His eyes widened in recognition and gratitude. Laine still wanted him, still loved him. He was safe.

Mine, Hale. Always. Love you. Want you. Laine wrapped his free hand around the teen’s slender hips, encouraging him to rock against him. Slowly. That’s it.

Hale was in heaven. Laine had him. He was still wanted!

Slowly, as ordered, he thrust against his protector, their clothed bodies making a delicious friction as the pleasure rose ever higher and higher. His belly and groin tightened deliciously as Laine’s warm breath panted against his extended throat. They were safe. They were one. Hale’s eyes flew open as he arched, warmth washing through him in a gentle wave.

Laine groaned, hands tightening on hips and hair as he was swept up into a euphoria they shared. He trembled in reaction and slowly his hands fell limp. His arms wrapped around Hale in a loose embrace, and he sighed in contentment as the smaller teen curled against his chest, a small smile brushing his lips. Hale had already fallen into a light doze. Laine tried to stay awake, eyes pinned watchfully to the door, but slowly lethargy and Hale’s – peace love happiness – pulled him under. He slept.

xXx

Severus found Armand in the parlor, just pulling his head out of the fireplace. Severus grabbed a glass ornament from a side table and flung it at the wall. It shattered with a satisfying crash and tinkle. Armand stared down at the glistening remains impassively. It wasn’t one his mother would miss.

“What am I going to do?” Severus hissed, pacing the room furiously. “Laine will be seventeen this year, of legal age. It will be a miracle if he ever accepts me. Harry might open up to me, but he won’t do so if Laine rejects me. They’ve been hurt. That much is obvious. And the way they act with each other… It’s not healthy to be so entangled.”

“Possibly,” Armand allowed. “However, we know what kind of places the boys lived in, and we know Harry was abused from infancy by the Dursleys. If they had not found each other, it is likely that they would not be alive today. There is hope, Severus. They are still boys, no matter their maturity or experiences. Children can survive what an adult cannot. They are young, resilient, and powerful. With care, they can be bolstered and the pains in their minds can be soothed.”

“With care,” Severus repeated. He sighed and crossed his arms on the mantle, leaning his head against them. Armand stood behind him silently. His steady, calming presence had kept the team together when they wanted to go in different directions. Severus had come to depend on him far more than he would ever feel comfortable admitting. “How can I help them if they don’t let me in? How will I protect them in this war-stricken war when they are so obviously fragile?”

Armand squeezed his shoulder briefly. “We will show them that we care. We will tell them the truth about the Wizarding world and their situation. And we will let them make their own decisions. You are not the kind to give up, Severus. You just have to hold on to that.”

“Of course I’m not giving up.” Severus straightened his back and turned to look at the other man with a glare. “I wasn’t even thinking of it. But what do I do?”

“You do what feels right,” Armand answered, stepping away. He watched as Severus pulled himself back under control and smiled slightly when those ebony eyes hardened. They told him Severus would do what he had to for his family; whatever he had to. Armand nodded in approval. “Let’s go see your boys.”

They found the room warded, but it was a simple thing for Armand – who had a talent with dismantling wards – to gently break them. Severus knocked softly and pushed the door open. At first the room seemed empty, but then they saw the teens sitting on the floor against the far wall. Both were sound asleep. Severus’ expression softened as he silently cast a sleeping charm to be sure the two wouldn’t wake up. He levitated Harry off his older brother gently and a very faint musky scent rose into the air.

Armand lifted an eyebrow; Severus froze. “No…” he whispered, scowling. “It can’t be…”

“They did not know they were brothers, you said.”

“Still,” he snapped.

Armand stared into his eyes, demanding rationality.

Severus flushed in response and forced his heart rate down. “I need to think. Grab Laine.”

Armand did as requested, levitating the teen. They walked in absolute silence, and when they reached the teens’ bedroom, Severus looked displeased to put them in the same bed. In the end, he gestured for Armand to lay Laine next to his brother. He wasn’t fool enough to underestimate his oldest son’s reaction if he woke and Harry wasn’t with him. Severus stared down at the two boys. They looked so young and peaceful as they slept. Gently, he lifted Harry’s glasses from his face and set them on the nightstand.

“I’m going to make the Membrosis Potion.”

Armand shifted his attention to his Severus’ face. “Laine wouldn’t want you to.”

“He doesn’t want me to be a part of his life, either,” Severus countered wryly. “If I’m going to understand them, I need to see what they’ve been through. I can have it ready in twenty-three hours. That is if your lab is well stocked.”

“It is,” Armand answered. He considered his friend carefully. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he nodded. “Very well. I will help you.” He summoned a chair and settled into it, crossing his legs comfortably. “You may begin now. I’ll wait here for the boys to wake.”

Severus couldn’t voice his gratitude, but he briefly brushed his fingers over Armand’s shoulder before leaving.

xXx

Laine was immediately aware of someone watching him. He kept his body relaxed, his breathing even, showing no physical sign that he was awake. He reached with his mind and was shocked at how close the person was. Only a few feet away at most! Gently touching his bond with Hale, he discovered the younger boy was still asleep and lying next to him. Luckily Laine was still dressed and on top of the blankets. In a smooth, quick movement, he leapt into a crouch, his knife out and glowing blue with poisonous power.

Armand watched him calmly, undisturbed by the threat of the blade. “I hope you feel more rested. Are you hungry?”

Laine scowled, unknowingly looking very much like his father in that moment. “I’m fine,” he snapped in answer. He sat on the bed and returned his knife under his shirt.

“Would you like a tour of the gardens?”

“Gardens?” Hale lifted his sleep-mussed head and blinked twice before squinting. Laine immediately reached for and handed him his glasses. “Thanks.”

A few minutes later, the three of them made their way outside into the warm summer sun. It was only mid-afternoon, so they had plenty of time to explore before dinner. Of course, Hale couldn’t resist the stables when they found them. It seemed the Zabini’s owned four beautiful horses. Laine hung back as Hale gushed over the animals. Instead, he watched Armand. The man was an enigma. Laine had never known anyone to be so honestly calm all the time. It was almost unnatural. But at the same time there was something familiar about it as well, something that tugged at Laine’s instincts.

“Would you like to ride?” the strange man asked Hale.

Hale looked to Laine for permission – happiness eager – and Armand followed his gaze, also staring at Laine.

Laine glared back at him. “Is it safe?”

“Shiba and Gigi are high-strung, but Bushy and Lulu are good mounts for beginners. They are very sedate.”

“Funny, I could say the same about you,” Laine snarked, fishing for answers.

Armand merely returned his gaze, unperturbed.

Laine sneered in disgust. “Fine. We can try it.”

“Going for a ride?” Tonks called. She and Remus walked across the grass toward them, but the older man stopped well away from the stables, letting the woman continue on alone. “I’ll join you.”

“Does Remus want to ride?” Hale fidgeted with the bottom hem of his shirt, his weight shifting from foot to foot with anxiety. He realized there were only four horses and hated the idea he might take a horse when someone else wanted it.

“No.” Tonks looked sad briefly before grinning. It was obviously her normal expression. “They don’t much like him. Throw him right off.”

Laine frowned. “They won’t throw us off, will they?” He grabbed Hale’s arm and pulled him closer.

“They are safe,” Armand reassured as he easily began putting on leather bits around the horses’ heads. “It is a singular dislike in the case of Remus.”

Laine wasn’t convinced, but Hale was so excited, he couldn’t say no. Within minutes, the four of them were mounted. Laine sat tense in his saddle, eyes on Hale as the younger teen bent forward to stroke his mount’s neck and mane.

“Come on, Laine,” Tonks called playfully. She made her horse prance in a tight circle. “Aren’t you excited? I promise not to laugh too hard if you fall off.”

“I won’t fall off,” he sneered in contempt. “You’re the clumsy one.” She had tripped twice in the stable and had gone completely over the saddle, landing hard on the other side, the first time she tried to mount.

“Care to make a bet? I’ll race you to the next hill!”

Hale’s eyes lit up at this challenge.

“No one’s racing yet,” Laine countered. Hale settled down with a pout. “Let’s get used to riding first, okay?”

“Okay, Laine,” the teen answered easily, smiling again.

Armand observed as Tonks continued to goad and tease the older teen. Laine was surprisingly immune. A normal sixteen-year-old male would have broken long ago when challenged by a female, but his focus was Hale’s safety first and foremost. Nothing distracted him from that job. Armand watched, but more than that, he began to understand what he was seeing.

“They’re no fun,” Tonks complained, coming up beside him.

“They’re about to become more fun,” he reassured her.

Sure enough, Laine began to pick up the pace from a walk to a fast trot. Hale eagerly matched him, obviously hungry for speed. Tonks whooped and chased after them, hoping to goad them into a gallop. The three horses crested a hill and ran over. Armand rode to the crest and reined Shiba to a stop.

The blue sky complemented the rich green color of the fields in summer that spread for miles. Off to the right, he could just make out the blue shimmer of the nearby lake. To the right, tall oaks and camphor trees made up an ancient forest. Laughter decorated the scene, rising in volume depending on the breeze, and reminded him of home with his ten siblings. Armand felt a smile stretch across his face as he watched Hale and Laine’s mounts chase each other. Tonks circled them, trying to garner their attention, but the two teens were content with each other. Galloping and racing, learning to move with the horses under them, the boys were beautiful.

“My horse is much more powerful.” Laine’s voice suddenly reached his ears as the wind changed. His mount, Bishop, reared playfully before spinning around to race in another direction.

“Well, mine’s prettier!” Hale taunted back, spurring Lulu on to greater speeds to catch up.

The mare stretched her neck to nip Bishop’s white’s streaming tail. Suddenly, Tonks flew between the two horses, and sending Lulu veering sharply to the side, away from Bishop and Laine. Immediately, Laine adjusted his course to continue to run parallel to Hale, always keeping close.

“Take that,” Tonks crowed triumphantly. “I win!”

Hale shouted a war cry and steered Lulu into chasing after Tonks and Gigi. Laine pulled next to him, and the two horses ran in perfect synchronicity, much like the boys who rode them. Armand could see Laine’s grin from here, an echo of Hale’s loud laughter. He hoped Severus would be able to come to terms with what Laine and Hale were. It was obvious interference at this point would only cause harm, and Armand was rather firmly committed to seeing that no harm befell these boys, especially now.

With a precise kick, Armand spurred Shiba into a gallop, chasing after his wayward companions.

xXx

After hours of riding, the four came in sweaty and stinking. Everyone wanted a bath, but their empty bellies demanded attention first. They were the last to arrive at the dining room table. Remus and Severus fell silent as they entered while Linc’s voice rang out in boisterous laughter. Armand sat down gracefully. The others more fell into their seats rather than sitting in them.

“Maybe you should have taken a bath first,” Severus suggested as he eyed all four of them.

Remus chuckled as he eyed Tonks.

She glared at him, her hair flashing a warning red.

He ignored it with an easy grin. “You look like you were rolling around in a haystack.”

“Do you know you have some straw sticking up behind your right ear?” Linc asked with an innocent look.

“The boys don’t look much better than me.” Tonks scowled, but her cheerful blue eyes gave her away. “Tease them if you must tease someone.”

“They don’t have hay in their hair,” Armand pointed out.

“Maybe the black one doesn’t like you,” Hale said innocently. “You should try the white one next time. She was very nice.”

“Gigi likes me fine,” Tonks protested with a dramatic flourish of her fork.

“Do tell. Did this Gigi throw her?” Linc asked as the food was served.

“No.” Laine smirked at the embarrassed woman. “Gigi wanted to get to Hale who was scratching so vigorously at Lulu in the next stall. Tonks just happened to trip over a pail when Gigi knocked into her and went flying into the feeding trough.”

Severus cracked a smile while Remus howled in laughter. Linc shook his head, grinning. Tonks stuck her nose in the air and pretended to ignore them.

“I really liked riding. Can we do it again?” Hale asked, looking from Armand to Laine.

“We can go tomorrow,” Armand offered, reaching for the potatoes. “There’s a nice trail through the forest.”

“You can pack a lunch,” Severus suggested, pleased with the way things had turned out. This would allow him enough time to finish the potion without the boys becoming suspicious about his absence.

“Sounds okay,” Laine allowed and smiled when Hale grinned at him, happy.

“Perhaps I shall ride with you,” Linc murmured.

Laine gave a tense shrug of permission. Tomorrow would certainly be an interesting day.

xXx

the next day

Severus stared into the innocently boiling potion. His eyes burned from almost thirty hours of non-stop brewing. The potion had taken longer than he thought, and he’d barely finished in time. The boys were already on their way back from their ride with Armand and Linc.

If Laine ever learned of this, he’d hate it, and most likely never forgive Severus for the invasion. But how else would he discover what happened to them? Laine was adamant that Severus learn nothing of their pasts. The only way he could understand would be to see it for himself. And the thought of his boys in love made him almost desperate with anxiety.

“Master, diner is ready.”

He nodded absently to the elf and ladled exactly 1/3 of a cup of the Membrosis Potion into a crystal vial and carefully stowed it in his robe pocket. The potion only needed some blood from Laine and Harry, and it would be ready to drink. Quickly, he cast cleaning charms on his clothes and concealing charms over his face to hide his fatigue. This would soon be over, one way or another.

Severus was the last to arrive at the dinner table, and he frowned at the tension in the air. Harry’s head was lowered while Laine’s cool eyes observed the room behind a carefully expressionless mask. “What happened?” he asked Armand, even as he eyed Linc. The old man was the most likely source of any conflict. The team had quickly learned to ignore his peevishness, but the teens had yet to develop an immunity.

“Nothing dire,” Linc spoke, even as he casually served himself potatoes. “Harry merely demonstrated a remarkable ability. It took us off guard, but it’s reassuring. Especially if they’re going to catch up on all they need to know for the upcoming war.”

“His name is Hale,” Laine snapped. “And don’t get any ideas about using him in this war. We aren’t getting involved.”

“You’re already involved,” Linc pointed out mulishly.

Laine’s hands clenched into fists and the malevolent glare he shot Linc from behind his ink-black bangs would have made even the most hardened man pause.

“That’s enough. No one here will be joining the war unless it is their choice,” Severus cut in. He sent his own sharp look Linc’s way.

“Bishop spooked at a snake in the woods,” Armand cut in with the requested explanation. “Laine broke his arm, but Hale healed him soon after. They are both fine.”

Severus tensed at the mention of such a grievous injury, but forced himself to relax. If Armand said they were healed and well, then they were. There would be time later to question the boys about Hale’s miraculous ability to heal. Right now he just wanted to erase the tension in his sons. They looked cornered, ready for an attack, so he offered them a faint smile and let the matter drop. “Other than that, did you enjoy your ride?”

“I had fun,” Hale admitted, looking up. He was glad they weren’t mad about the use of magic.

Laine relaxed slowly as Hale did, and soon Tonks had a conversation going with Remus’ help. Linc wisely stayed silent. By the end of dinner, Hale was falling asleep in his chair. Severus watched the teens as they headed for a bath and bed. He had a suspicion they would bathe together and frowned, anxious to use the potion and understand how their relationship had come about.

“What are you planning?” Remus asked, concern etched on his features.

Severus sighed tiredly. Of course, the wolf was able to scent his fatigue; the glamour had not fooled him. “I made a potion that will help me understand what they’ve been through. They have no intention of speaking of it, and it’s the only alternative I could think of.”

Remus frowned. “Are you going to tell them afterward what you did?”

“Depends on what I see,” Severus admitted. “If it’s not that urgent, then no, I need their trust. But if I see things that must be addressed, then I would have to explain how I know.”

The werewolf shook his head. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”

Severus actually agreed with him. This could blow up in his face in so many ways.

As he went upstairs, he felt the same as had thirteen years ago when he’d gone to Death Eater meetings. The sheer force of will he had needed to walk into those meetings knowing he’d be tortured had been nearly impossible to summon. The only difference in the feeling now was that he had Armand’s supportive presence at his back.

Severus took out his wand and waved it at the door. The simple spell revealed both teenagers were already asleep. Another ensured they wouldn’t wake until Severus released them.

They entered the bedroom silently. As Severus expected, Harry’s head was pillowed on the older teen’s shoulder. Severus quickly took the small amount of blood needed from both of them, a spell lifting the precious fluid from their pores, preventing the need to actually cut them. Severus quickly added the blood to the potion, anxious to get this over with.

“Are you sure?” Armand asked.

“I need to understand,” Severus repeated, starring at the now black potion in the vial. “They need it, too, even if they do not think they do.”

“Yes, but are you sure you’re ready to see what they’ve been through? We know it wasn’t pleasant.”

That was a very large understatement. It would be difficult, but he must. There was no other way. “I have to be.”

Armand’s fingertips brushed Severus cheek in a feather-light touch. “I will keep watch.”

Surprised by the gesture, Severus ducked his head and turned his mind to business. He settled into the chair drawn up close to the bedside. He needed to be within a few feet of the minds he intended to link with. Taking one last look at his boys, he drank the bitter brew. Instantly he felt resistance, felt a mind that rang with the sense of Laine, but the potion was too powerful for the teen to resist. Severus closed his eyes and fell unconscious as every memory that was charged with excessive emotion was siphoned from the two.

xXx

Severus opened his eyes ten hours later. His head felt overfull, as if his brain was pressed against his skull. The sheer weight of all the memories almost made him pass out again. He dreaded actually viewing what his mind now held; he could tell that very few had been extremely happy moments instead of moments of extreme stress. How long would it take to go through, a week? More?

He would only be able to view them while he slept each night, and until they finished playing out, he would suffer migraines until the memories were integrated into his own. Usually one night of sleep was sufficient, especially when used on those as young as Laine and Harry, but he could tell this would take much more time.

The sound of a low, painful groan drew his attention. Severus blinked and actually took in what was happening around him. Armand was bathing Laine’s brow with a damp cloth while the teen weakly churned his limbs in a restless motion. Thankfully, Hale lay still and peaceful. Severus stood carefully. The room dipped and swayed around him, but he needed to know if Laine was hurt.

“He shouldn’t have felt the potion’s effects…” Severus murmured lowly. “I think he actually fought it in the beginning.”

Armand didn’t look up at him, his attention fixed on the teenager. “He’s had two seizures and his fever has continuously risen.”

“He should recover now that the potion’s effects no longer involve him. It’s over. I have the memories.”

Laine gave another moan. His eyes blinked open.

The two men held their breath as Laine’s attention fastened on Severus. In a move almost too quick to follow, the teen snapped his hand up and locked his fingers around Severus’ throat. Simultaneously Armand grabbed Laine’s wrist. Firm pressure prevented him from being able to exert all his strength into strangling the life out of his father.

“You fucking bastard,” Laine rasped in a quiet whisper. Magic poured off him in waves. “Let me make this perfectly clear. You have no authority over our choices, our bodies, or our lives. The only reason why I’m staying in this house is because you’re our only source of information. Despite that, if you do anything concerning Hale without my permission, I will kill you and find another way to learn about magic.”

Severus yanked away. His heart beat at twice the normal rate with both fear and fury. “You’re my son, no matter if you accept it or not. I need to understand if I’m to help you, and you left me with no other choice! Do not threaten me, boy. You have no idea of all the dangers in this world. If you think you’ll last a day without me, you are sadly mistaken!”

Laine sat up slowly. He swayed, looking suddenly like an ill teenager. The vulnerable image disappeared as he lifted his head again. It was his eyes that made him so impressive. They were as unreachable as the sky and as cold as winter.

“You know this isn’t healthy,” Severus implored. “If you really care about Harry, then you would…”

“You know nothing,” Laine snarled and surged from the bed. His magic snapped around him and the bed hangings writhed like snakes.

Both men backed away toward the door. Behind the enraged teen, Hale sat up with a gasp. He turned instantly to the older boy and crawled across the bed so he could take shelter behind his back. It was obvious he was afraid. His eyes darted around the room, squinting desperately, as he gasped in quick breaths. The magic instantly soothed, but Laine never stopped glaring.

“Don’t think you know what’s best for us. You are a stranger, Severus Snape, and don’t you EVER forget it.”

“I know more about psychic connections and the magical world than you,” Severus responded, voice tight as he tried to keep calm. “You should heed my advice.”

Laine had had enough. “Get out of here! And take your fucking drugs with you!”

When the men didn’t move fast enough, Laine thrust his hands forward. Severus and Armand slid backward. Only quickly erected shields saved them from slamming violently into the wall. Forced to withdraw, Severus gave a dark sneer and swept from the room. Armand bowed low before following.

As soon as they were gone, Laine staggered and fell to his knees.

“Laine!” Hale grabbed his shoulders and let his power rise. He filled Laine until his protector pulled away, his movements strong and graceful once more. The fever and muscle soreness were gone completely.

“Thank you. Now, let’s get out of here.”

“We’re leaving? What happened?” Hale scrambled off the bed and hurriedly pulled on some clothes. He noticed Laine choosing black slacks and a black long-sleeved shirt and winced. All black was never a good sign.

“I need some fresh air.” Laine handed him his glasses and fixed his hair so that it covered his scar. “Stay close to me.”

Hale nodded feeling a mix of anxiety and trust. He practically walked on Laine’s heels as the older teen stalked through the manor. They were mere feet from the front door when Remus stepped into the hall and called out to them.

“Boys,” Remus said with a happy smile. “Going out? May I come along?”

Laine eyed him, still not liking the way he stared at Hale. Still, he was confident he could overcome the weak man and he really did need to get out of this house. “Fine. I want to see the magical world. You can take us to one of the magic cities we were told about.”

“Of course.” Remus hurried and matched the lanky teen’s stride. He had some idea what must have happened and thought it better to go along with them than put up a fight. “Once we’re out from under the Apparation barrier, I can take you to Wizarding district in Rome. I’ve only been there a few times myself. I’m sure we will find many things to entertain us.”

They walked a mile before they reached the end of the wards. Laine grabbed Hale’s arm and pulled him close while Remus put a hand on their shoulders. They arrived in a dark alley across from a pub, much like the Leaky Cauldron. Laine and Hale stared. The whole building shimmered in the way they’d come to learn meant power was hiding something. Laine hid their money tin and his knives, but he couldn’t imagine the power it would take to hide a whole building!

Luckily, as it was still early, the pub was empty. They strode through the dimly lit eatery, made almost entirely of wood, and out a back door. The boys watched attentively as Remus removed his wand and tapped the bricks in a specific pattern. Like a puzzle coming undone, the bricks folded back to reveal an arched doorway. The street beyond could have been taken from a nineteenth century painting. All that was missing were the horse drawn carriages!

“Make sure your scar is covered,” Remus murmured. It was quite amusing to see the boys stand there gaping like everyone did on their first sight of magic.

Hale nodded. Laine bumped his arm and the two headed into the thin crowd.

Wizards and witches in robes strode along the cobblestone street in ankle high boots with large shiny buckles. They wore robes of varying styles and colors; some even wore top hats! Many had walking canes with gleaming heads that actually winked and looked around. One woman had packages floating along behind her. Another man was shouting down at his feet as they danced merrily under him. The feel of this place was overwhelming. Magic pressed in from all sides. It was in the very air they breathed.

As they walked deeper into the district, Laine realized they were garnering attention… Well, Hale was. Laine blended in a bit more as he wore all black, but Hale’s jeans, sneakers, and bright blue T-shirt with a rock band logo stood out. Laine slid his eyes to the man walking beside them. “Do you have money?”

Remus flushed in embarrassment. Due to being unable to hold a steady job, and chasing after the boys for the last four years regardless, he was essentially broke.

“You have your own money.”

The three spun at the quiet voice to see Armand standing behind them.

The wizard withdrew a pouch and handed it to Laine. “The gold coins are galleons, the silver are called sickles, and the bronze are knuts. The Wizarding world has uniform currency so it is the same no matter what country you visit.”

Laine took the bag. Money was money, and if they thought he’d feel indebted if they gave him some, they were sadly mistaken. Often a thief by trade, he had no problems taking money from others. “We’re not going back yet,” he warned.

Armand lifted one shoulder in a minute shrug. “Do as you please.”

Still regarding the man suspiciously, Laine pushed Hale out in front of him so he could keep an eye on him better. The teen walked a few steps ahead, staring at everything with barely contained excitement. He looked curiously in every stop window they passed. Shrunken heads argued in one. In another, a tape measure and scissors cut out patterns in material all by themselves. Magic was incredible!

Laine didn’t agree. He saw these wondrous things as a display of power that could be turned against him. Those scissors could easily attack and the talking heads could have once been people. Tense and uneasy, Laine watched Remus as the man stepped forward to engage Hale in conversation. The two talked excitedly about magic while Armand walked silently beside Laine.

“In here,” Laine called and Hale practically bounced through the door into the robe shop. “How much do I have?” he asked Armand quietly.

“The equivalent of a thousand American dollars.”

Laine couldn’t help the widening of his eyes.

The matron of the store greeted them in enthusiastic Italian. Armand stepped forward and answered her in the same language, gesturing behind him at both Laine and Hale.

Laine’s attention focused razor sharp as the woman descended on Hale. She eagerly pulled the teen onto a low stool. A swish of her wand made a measuring tape fly. Hale watched with a delighted smile as they danced around him. He held out his arms and turned his head to watch as they measured his behind.

Ice descended in Laine’s gut as the past tickled at the back of his mind. He’d seen Hale stand like that for adults once before. He shook his head hard and took a deep breath as he pushed through the mild panic attack. That was then. He wouldn’t allow the past to rule him. He was no longer seven and helpless. If Hale needed him, he was perfectly capable of protecting the teen.

The woman spouted something in Italian, and Armand turned to Laine. “She thinks he would look good in green because of his eyes.”

“They’re his mother’s eyes. She had the exact same shade,” Remus said sadly.

Hale turned all his attention to the man at his side. “Really?”

“No. Something more discrete,” Laine interrupted. “Black or dark blue.”

The woman sniffed, obviously unhappy, but did as she was told. Hale didn’t seem upset by the choice. He was happy to get anything at all. They so rarely got to go shopping, and he was enjoying every minute of it. Laine was measured next. He bought a simple black over robe and left it open over his outfit, but he instructed Hale to button his robe up so no one could see the street clothes underneath.

“You look wonderful, Harry,” Remus complimented. “You look like a proper wizard.”

Hale smiled ruefully and picked at the material with restless fingers. “It feels like I’m wearing a Halloween costume.”

Remus ran a hand over Hale’s head, smiling. “Where would you like to go next?”

“Most people have wands. Where do we get some?” Laine asked, following the two men from the store, Hale’s hand held safely within his own.

“I know a wandmaker. It is who I needed to visit today,” Armand offered.

The group made their way through the district, easing away from the crowds onto less populated streets. Finally they reached a dark, narrow alley. Shadows grew here and the people who walked by kept their heads down and their eyes to themselves. Laine instantly recognized the type of place Armand had brought them to; a black-market.

Keep in front of me at all times, he ordered. You know what to do.

trust curiosity amusement – Hale slid in front of his protector and kept his head down, only taking quick peeks through his bangs around at the stores. He always thought it funny how people always overlooked him when he displayed his submissive nature. Granted Laine was the true threat, but Hale wasn’t helpless, either. He was ready to defend them as Laine was. To be honest, though, he much preferred being ignored and was grateful Laine took the attention.

As he subtly examined the shops around them, Hale noticed it wasn’t all that different from the normal black-market. Yeah, potions - actual magic potions! - took the place of drugs, but he saw several women wearing something like a silk bathrobe as they scanned the crowd for their next marks and those that shopped there moved in the same way the gangs would on the streets where they’d grown up.

They walked only halfway down when Armand pulled them into a small store. It was almost pitch black in the room. The only source of light came from the grimy windows. Remus pulled out his wand, saying, “Lumos.”

Soft white light filled the shop, and Laine almost jumped out of his skin when it revealed an old black man standing almost directly in front of him. The hand he already had curled about Hale’s arm jerked the boy back behind him, even as his left hand flashed out with a knife. The old man jumped back, just barely saving his throat.

Chapter end.

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Freedom In Chains