Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Lost and Damned	By : danniperson Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 24087 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters or the world or anything, and I make absolutely no profit from this.

Chapter List
- 29
- 30
- 31
LOST AND DAMNED

Part Two

Will You Swear on Your Life

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Draco couldn't help but wrinkle his nose as they Apparated straight into a run down wasteland of a Muggle neighborhood. Everything was so dreary and old and broken here. Draco frowned and cringed as his mother's tight grip on his arm tightened further as she stalked along after him. He sighed heavily as a cracking sound behind them alerted them to the presence of his Aunt Bellatrix. Narcissa Malfoy ignored her sister and Draco tried his best to walk tall and proud despite being dragged around by his mother in such a cheap and awful place. Did his godfather really live here? Draco had never been to visit Severus at his own home in his life. Normally, when Draco had seen Severus during his childhood it had been at Malfoy Manor or a fine home of another wealthy pureblood family. Certainly never in this godforsaken area. His parents surely would not have allowed it.

"Wait! Cissy, wait!" Aunt Bella was calling.

"Go back, Bella!" his mother was saying.

Draco sighed heavily, listening to his mother and aunt bicker the entire way there. Aunt Bella didn't trust Severus and Mother did and even brought up that the Dark Lord did. It was no secret that Severus was steadily becoming the Dark Lord's new favorite. Aunt Bella made an awful lot of nasty comments directed towards Severus's "tainted" blood, the fact that he lived in such poverty, and the fact that he was gay. Draco highly suspected most of Aunt Bella's frustration was because she was jealous of Severus for gaining such favor from the Dark Lord recently. He had abandoned the Dark Lord when he fell, she said. He was a coward, she said (and Draco certainly hoped she didn't utter that word in the man's presence). He was a lot of things. Mother didn't defend him much, but Draco knew she wasn't being swayed by her sister's words. She trusted Severus deeply, he knew. He was practically family, close enough to the Malfoys that Narcissa and Lucius both looked over his severe "faults", as they liked to call them. Draco figured nowadays he had a better understanding of his father's acceptance of the man, and it didn't sit well with Draco at all.

At least, for now, Lucius Malfoy was rotting away in Azkaban and Draco had been free of him thus far this summer.

Unfortunately, the absence of his father hadn't made for a great summer…It only made everything a bit more bearable. Not even a week after school ended there was much talk of Draco joining the Dark Lord. Draco didn't want to, really, but he had to. Despite his hatred for his father, he did still love him and didn't really want anything too awful to happen to him…And then his poor mother…With his father's failure, it now rested upon Draco to protect his family. It was also, as Severus pointed out, a good plan to help spy on the Death Eaters, to pick up what Severus himself might miss. Severus didn't much like the idea, but aware that there was little that could be done, he at least shed some good light upon it. Draco hated himself for the Dark Mark he wore on his arm now and hated the person he had to be. He especially hated the very reason they were coming to visit Severus today.

They reached a house near the end of Spinner's End. A small, brick house that was as old and worn as the other houses, though far nicer. The yard was cut and neat and the windows were not broken and looked far cleaner, though mostly smudged and impossible to see through, as though it would take a bit more cleaning before it would be clear. How anyone could live here, Draco had no idea. He finally managed to yank free from his mother's grasp and scowled as he followed her up to the front door. He didn't want to be here and didn't want her to do this, but he figured he had a better chance of knowing things and fixing things if he was present.

His mother knocked on the door and Aunt Bella was right behind her, cursing under her breath. Draco wrinkled his nose at the awful smell in the air and wrapped his cloak more securely around himself. After a moment the door creaked open. The light that came through was dim and the tall, dark figure of his godfather was barely visible. The door suddenly opened more fully when Severus saw who it was. "Narcissa! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Severus," his mother whispered. "May I speak with you? It's urgent."

"But of course," Severus assured her, standing back and eying each person as they stepped through. The front door led directly into a tiny sitting room that surprised Draco. It was small. Draco doubted any of the rooms at Malfoy Manor, including closets, were this small! The walls were entirely covered by books, mostly bound by old black or brown leather. That didn't surprise Draco much. There was a threadbare sofa, an old armchair, and a rickety table grouped together beneath a pool of dim light cast by a candle in the lamp hung from the ceiling.

Severus gestured for them to sit on the sofa. Draco sat beside his mother, a complaint of discomfort on the tip of his tongue, though he bit it back. Any other person he would have completely torn them apart, pointing out every awful flaw. Considering this was Severus, Draco couldn't be so disrespectful. He only frowned and sighed in irritation when his mother scooted closer to him and he felt Aunt Bellatrix come up to stand behind them.

"So, what can I do for you?" Severus asked, settling himself in the armchair across from the three.

"We…we are alone, aren't we?" Narcissa asked quietly.

"Yes, of course. Well, Wormtail's here, but we're not counting vermin, are we?"

He pointed his wand at the wall of books behind him and with a bang a hidden door flew open. A narrow staircase was revealed and a small man stood there frozen. Draco wrinkled his nose at the sight of Peter Pettigrew. That piece of trash looked like he belonged in a place such as this. The man crept down the last few steps and into the room. His small, watery eyes lit up when he saw them and his lips pulled back over crooked, yellow teeth into an awful grin.

"Narcissa!" he said in a squeaky voice. "Young Draco! And Bellatrix! How charming-"

"Wormtail will get us drinks, if you'd like them," Severus said. "And then he will return to his bedroom."

Wormtail winced. "I am not your servant!"

"Really? I was under the impression that the Dark Lord placed you here to assist me."

"To assist, yes! But not to make you drinks and clean your home!"

"I had no idea, Wormtail, that you were craving more dangerous assignments," Severus said silkily. "This can be easily arranged: I shall speak to the Dark Lord-"

"I can speak to him myself if I want to!"

"Of course you can," Severus said sneering. "But in the meantime, bring us drinks. Some of the elf-made wine will do."

Wormtail looked prepared to argue, but ended up turning and obediently heading through a second hidden door. There was a lot of banging and the clinking of glasses. Within seconds he was back, carrying a dusty bottle and four glasses upon the tray. He dropped them gracelessly on the rickety table and scurried from their presence, slamming the book covered door closed behind him. Severus, meanwhile, poured the wine into the glasses and handed them to the three in front of him before settling back with his own.

"The Dark Lord," he said, raising his glass and draining it. The sisters copied him, but Draco only took a small sip of his. Severus went to refill their glasses. As she took her second drink, Narcissa said in a rush, "Severus, I'm sorry to come here like this, but I had to see you…I think you're the only one who can help me-"

Severus held up his hand to stop her and then pointed his wand at the concealed door that Wormtail had gone through. There was a loud bang and a squeal and the sound of Wormtail scurrying back upstairs.

"My apologies," Severus said. "He has taken to listening at doors. I do not know what he means by it…You were saying, Narcissa?"

She took a great, shuddering breath and started again. "Severus, I know I ought not to be here. I have been told to say nothing to anyone, but-"

"Then you ought to hold your tongue!" snarled Bellatrix. "Particularly in present company."

"Mother, just stop," Draco sighed. "Please."

"'Present company'?" repeated Severus sardonically. "And what I am I to understand by that, Bellatrix?"

Draco just sighed, wishing he could tell his Aunt Bella to just keep her trap shut. She didn't really need to be such a bitch, did she? Bellatrix went on about how she didn't trust Severus and Draco settled down and sipped more at his wine with a deep frown, zoning out as they argued. Severus demanded to know the reasons behind Bellatrix's mistrust and for everything Bellatrix gave, Severus had an argument, an excuse. Draco, meanwhile, did his best to think of the best way out of this.

Finally, Severus and Bellatrix seemed through with their argument. He turned to Draco's mother, instead. "Now…You came to ask me for help, Narcissa?"

"We don't need help," Draco finally said as his mother opened her mouth.

Bellatrix grinned smugly. "Listen to your son, Cissy! He understands!"

"Hush," Narcissa whispered pleadingly before turning her eyes to Severus. "Yes, Severus, I…I think you're the only one who can help me. I have no where to turn and with Lucius in jail…And…and…" Fat tears began rolling down her lovely, pale face. "The Dark Lord has forbidden me to speak of it," Narcissa continued. "He wishes none to know of the plan. It is…very secret. But-"

"If it is forbidden, you ought now speak. The Dark Lord's word is law."

Narcissa gasped and Bellatrix seemed satisfied. Draco didn't relax just yet.

"There! Even Snape says so: You were told not to talk, so hold your silence!" Bellatrix exclaimed.

"It just so happens that I know of the plan," Severus said, his dark eyes drifting over to Draco. "I am one of the few the Dark Lord has told. Nevertheless, had I not been in on the secret, Narcissa, you would have been guilty of great treachery to the Dark Lord."

"I thought you must know!" Narcissa said, seeming relieved now. "He trusts you so, Severus."

"You know about the plan?" Bellatrix said, her satisfied expression turning furious. "You know?"

"Certainly," said Severus. "But what help do you require, Narcissa? If you are imagining I can persuade the Dark Lord to change his mind, I am afraid there is no hope, none at all."

"Severus," she whispered, tears falling again. "My son…My only son…"

"Mother, quit! I'm fine…I'll be fine!" Draco exclaimed.

"Draco should be proud," Bellatrix added, her long fingers stroking through Draco's pale blond hair. Draco wrinkled his nose, but forced himself to relax beneath her touch. "The Dark Lord is granting him a great honor. And I will say this for Draco, he isn't shrinking away from his duty. He seems glad of a chance to prove himself."

"I am!" Draco said in exasperation. "It is…It's a true wish come true, Mother," Draco said, his voice strong despite his own fears. He wasn't really happy for it, but he had to play his role well. "He has asked no others my age! Has taken no others my age into his inner circle. I am very proud, Mother, and you should stop trying to mess this up!"

"You're sixteen!" Narcissa wailed. "You have no idea…none…! Severus, why my son? It is too dangerous! This is vengeance for Lucius's mistake, I know it!"

Severus said nothing, only looking away from her.

"That's why he's chosen Draco, isn't it?" she persisted. "To punish Lucius?"

"If Draco succeeds, he will be honored above all others," Severus said.

"But he won't succeed!" sobbed Narcissa. "How can he, when the Dark Lord himself-?"

Bellatrix gasped. Draco groaned. "Mother! I can and I will do this!"

"Hush, Draco! You are being ridiculous!" Narcissa shrieked. "You are a child!"

"I'm sixteen! The Dark Lord…The greatest wizard of all time…Thinks I can do this! Who cares if he's doing this to punish Father? I can do this! And when I do, the Malfoys will be great again! Your lack of faith is insulting!"

"Oh, Draco," crooned Narcissa. "I love you, my darling son! You are such a smart and talented boy with such a bright future!" she insisted, choking back a sob. "You have such promise…But this? I will not have your future robbed from you! I will not let you put your life at risk before you have the chance to live it! You will not die before me, Draco Lucius Malfoy!"

"I will not die, Mother! Now stop! You're embarrassing me," Draco muttered, turning away from her and her tears, feeling his heart break for her. He hated seeing her so upset, but he had to do this. He had to.

"S…Severus, please!" Narcissa begged, turning to Severus again. "You are Draco's godfather! Lucius's old friend…My dear friend…the Dark Lord's most trusted advisor…Will you speak to him…?"

"The Dark Lord will not be persuaded," Severus warned her.

"You could do it!" Narcissa exclaimed desperately. "You could do it instead of Draco! Severus. You would succeed. Of course you would! And he would reward you above all others!"

"He intends me to do it in the end, I think," Severus said slowly. Draco's eyes narrowed at him and turned from his godfather to his mother. "But he is determined that Draco should try first. You see, in the unlikely event that Draco succeeds, I shall be able to remain at Hogwarts a little longer, fulfilling my useful role as a spy-"

"Unlikely?" Draco snorted. He knew it was a ludicrous idea, but it was still insulting that everyone had so little faith in his abilities.

"In other words, it doesn't matter to him if Draco is killed!"

"The Dark Lord is very angry," Severus admitted. "He failed to hear the prophecy. You know as well as I do, Narcissa, that he does not forgive easily."

Narcissa's face crumpled and her arms snaked around Draco's neck, pulling him close. Draco resisted the urge to snap at her for being so clingy and awful. "My son…my only son…"

"You should be proud!" Bellatrix said. "If I had sons, I would be glad to give them up to the service of the Dark Lord."

Narcissa let out a scream of despair and held Draco tighter.

"Mother!" Draco exclaimed, horrified and embarrassed.

"Cissy!" Bellatrix sighed.

"Narcissa, that's enough! Drink your wine and calm down," Severus said soflty. She hiccupped and grasped at her glass and took a hesitant sip. "It might be possible…for me to help Draco," Severus said after a moment.

"No!" Draco exclaimed.

"Severus!" Narcissa gasped gratefully. "Oh Severus, would you?"

"I could try," Severus said.

Narcissa flung away her glass and moved around the table and sank to her knees at Severus's feet. Draco groaned and turned his head away in disgust. "If you are there to protect him…Severus, will you swear it? Will you make the Unbreakable Vow?"

Draco's eyes grew wide. "Really? Mother, please! Stop this! This is…this is ridiculous!"

"Certainly, Narcissa," Severus said and Draco sank back into the cushions of the sofa, glowering at his godfather. So they were just going to ignore him, then? "Perhaps your sister will consent to being our Bonder?"

Draco glared as Bellatrix, stunned, joined the pair and performed the ritual. He watched as thin tongues of brilliant flame slid out of Bellatrix's wand to wrap around their clasped hands. His stomach sank as he watched the proceedings. Draco didn't want to die, but he certainly didn't want this…He had to succeed. Draco had to protect his family and Severus had to remain as a spy…Or what the Dark Lord thought was his spy. Draco wasn't that useful…Not enough to be alone at Hogwarts playing such a role. He wasn't even that involved with them! He didn't want his godfather at risk, either. It was safer and better for him to just do it. He hadn't wanted any of this, but he didn't want this taken from him, either. He had a bad feeling the consequences would be dire. Wouldn't the Dark Lord find some way to blame him even if Severus entirely took over his task?

When it was all said and done, Narcissa looked joyous and grateful and relieved as she sank back down beside Draco, who pushed her away halfheartedly. "I hope you're both pleased with yourselves," Draco grumbled.

"Stop being a child, Draco. Since you claim that you are mature enough to handle this," Severus scolded.

Draco glared at him and folded his arms over his chest. "Mother, may I stay here with Severus for the rest of the summer?"

Narcissa froze and frowned deeply, her icy blue eyes snapping towards Severus. Bellatrix gasped and began demanding why Draco would want to stay in such an awful place with such a terrible half blooded homosexual. "He might even try to touch you, Draco," Bellatrix finished, glowering at Severus.

Draco tried not to cringe and bit back any comments about his father that were tempting. "Severus can train me," Draco carried on. "Maybe then you'll have more faith in me…That I can do this."

"I trust Severus," Narcissa whispered quietly. "Would you mind, Severus…?"

"Mind? Of course not! He will molest your son, Narcissa!"

"Quiet, Bellatrix! You are being very rude!" Narcissa scolded.

"Rude? You're the one willing to surrender your son to some disgusting half blooded faggot who will spoil your beautiful, pure son!" Bellatirx snarled.

"No offense, but I have little carnal interest in Draco," Severus said dryly. Draco could sense the deep anger burning in Severus's dark eyes and wished that Bellatrix would just shut up.

"I want to stay," Draco insisted.

"Draco!" Bellatrix exclaimed.

"He may stay," Severus said quietly.

"Thank you, Severus," Narcissa said quietly, though she didn't seem nearly as thrilled as she had when Severus had made the Unbreakable Vow. "Come along, let us not disturb Severus further. We can…pack your things, Draco."

"Very well, Mother," Draco said, standing. "I will see you later, Severus."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

With Narcissa, Bellatrix, and Draco gone, Severus returned to his potions laboratory to continue his work. He supposed he would have to report to Albus soon with tonight's developments, but he was hoping to have a bit more to provide by that time. There wasn't much hope for the curse contained to Albus's hand, but Severus had hopes he could find some sort of curse…something to extend his life, maybe. He knew it would cause a bit of trouble with their plans, but Severus was sure something could be done. Hogwarts needed Albus…Hell, the entirety of the Wizarding World needed Albus Dumbledore. Still, even having been researching for the past week, he couldn't find much hope except to maybe give Albus a little more time than Severus had given him when he first called Severus to his office.

Severus spent a good few hours in his labs, pouring over books and theories as he thought of Albus's blackened, cursed hand. Eventually there was a loud knock outside of the door. "Snape! Young Draco has arrived!" Wormtail called out.

"Very well. Tell him to wait in the living room," Severus called out. He groaned in frustration at the lack of progress and reluctantly put his things away, locking away his journal and his books as an extra precaution before walking out of the lab and putting more security charms around the room. He didn't trust Wormtail at all, and found he was required to take such measures with many things in his own home to keep Wormtail from snooping in the wrong places and finding the wrong things.

When he was done he headed into the living room where Draco was waiting, brooding, on the couch surrounded by his trunks. Severus had no idea why the boy wanted to stay with him, especially since he looked so miserable at the moment. Severus didn't dare bring it up now, though, not wanting to have to worry about Wormtail eavesdropping again. "Come. I'll show you to your room," Severus said, flicking his wand so that the trunks would follow them. He walked ahead to the hidden door and led the way upstairs to a narrow hallway, leading Draco to the spare bedroom. It wasn't much…Certainly nothing the pampered Draco Malfoy was used to and nothing he would appreciate. It was a tiny, simple room with only a bed and a dresser. Severus sent the trunks to stack up neatly on one wall. Draco walked in behind him and stood in the middle of the room, facing away from Severus while Severus closed the door and cast a few privacy charms.

"Why are you here, Draco?" Severus asked bluntly.

"I already said. You can train me, can't you? You train Harry," Draco said, slowly turning around, staring at Severus through suspicious eyes.

"Of course, I can train you," Severus said impatiently. "I'm sure your dear Auntie Bellatrix would be pleased to tutor you. In fact, I daresay there are plenty of people willing to help you, Draco."

"No one I really trust," Draco muttered, folding his arms over his chest.

"Your father is in prison, Draco."

"I know that," Draco grumbled. "He could be set free any time, though, you realize," Draco pointed out. "That's not it, though. Severus…Honestly, I don't much like being around Mother right now. Most importantly, though, I really do want to learn. I want to be able to do this…I don't want you to have to. I don't want anyone else to have to. I won't let anything happen to you or my parents or anyone I care about. I don't want to be a murderer…Let alone be the murderer of Albus Dumbledore…But this is my duty, just like you have all of your duties."

"One of those duties is to protect you, Draco," Severus pointed out.

"Oh come off it!" Draco snapped. "At least try. At least give me the chance to make this work."

Severus frowned and looked at his godson. He stood tall and determined, though with all of his improved acting, he couldn't quite disguise that unmistakable look of fear in his silvery eyes. He was so willing to do this, something he hated and something he feared…For his family. Severus was almost proud of him, if he wasn't so irritated by his foolishness and his unwillingness to just step aside and be cooperative and let him help. He had grown up a bit, hadn't he? Not nearly so selfish and pathetic as he had been in his youth.

"I will teach you with what time we have left, Draco," Severus agreed. "But in exchange, I expect you to be honest with me and come to me with any help you may need with this project. You need not do this alone."

"Fine," Draco agreed reluctantly, relaxing a bit and sitting down on the bed. "This place is awful, by the way."

Severus smirked dryly. "Not everyone can be a Malfoy, Draco."

"Yes, yes, I know," Draco said, laying back into the flat pillows. "Speaking of Harry Potter and his lessons…What will you be doing about him this year?"

Avoiding him like the plague, I imagine, Severus thought to himself. "Hopefully things will be able to return to normal between Potter and I," Severus said instead.

Draco smirked. "Is normal before or after you discovered your feelings for one another?"

"Now is not the time, Draco," Severus said, his tone warning. The last thing he wanted to do was think about Harry Potter. His mind had been occupied throughout the summer so far and the last thing he needed was to be reminded of the things that had taken place last year.

"I think it's the perfect time," Draco argued. "C'mon, Severus. You've been miserable your whole life, you might as well take the chance you have to be happy. Why should anything else matter? Screw laws and morals and popular opinion…Like I said, you're a terrific triple agent. If you can lie to the Dark Lord, why not lie to everyone else? Have a little fun."

Severus's fists clenched. "You have never said anything more offending to me in your life, Draco," Severus snarled, startling the boy. "I do not care what has changed. Feelings are not the only thing that matters. I will not take something just because I can. I will not surrender to physical desires or cravings of the heart for anything. The fact of the matter is that he is a boy and I am a grown man. There are a great number of things wrong with the entire situation. I will not entertain such immoral ideas, regardless of what you say or how Potter feels. Not for any reason. And this is the last I wish to hear on the subject, Draco. Do I make myself clear?"

Draco was quiet a moment before slowly nodding. "Of course, Severus. My apologies."

Severus nodded curtly, trying to ignore the uneasiness in his stomach and in his heart. "Make yourself comfortable…Try to avoid Wormtail if you can. I'll let you know when supper is ready. We can begin our lessons after we eat."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Chapter title lyrics from "Life is Beautiful" by Sixx: A.M.
- 29
- 30
- 31
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Lost and Damned