Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

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
- 29
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- 31
A/N: I worked really hard on this chapter. A lot of summary and exposition, but I really like how it turned out. I was able to get through a lot of information this way and move forward through time. Please let me know what you think.
Interlude
Remus and the boys – all three naked – were seen by a few neighbors as they made the dash to their cabin. No one was home, but all of their things still remained. If Draco's assumption was correct, and it really looked like he was, then it wasn't surprising that Laila wasn't there. She had a life and a job. She couldn't stay puttering around a cabin in a secret village far away from society for three months or so just to wait for them. Remus was just grateful the village leader hadn't given the cabin to someone else. That meant the people of Lusio hadn't given up on their eventual return.
They were barely dressed when visitors arrived: the Shaman and the village leader, a petite blonde-haired women who was going grey. Lucinda Balfour had intense blue-green eyes and a no-nonsense expression as she eyed them suspiciously. Remus let them in, cheeks still warm from having to streak naked across the village.
“Thank you,” Balfour said politely as she stepped into the living room, the Shaman silent at her side. “We are very happy that you've returned.”
She caught sight of Draco standing with his arms crossed, leaning in the living room doorway. His eyes had gone silver and the suspicion in them made her own seem like nothing. Remus shivered and turned his back, trying to focus on their visitors. Draco had been an intense child before the abduction, but there was something even more strange to his stare now.
“Thank you for holding this cabin for us and keeping our things,” he said quietly, gesturing for them to have a seat at the couch. He sat with them in the armchair adjacent.
“Do you remember what happened?” Balfour demanded. Her gaze was still on Draco as she asked, but it was Remus who answered.
He told them the story just the same as he'd told the boys. He left out the sex scene and fight. First, it was ingrained habit to keep everything werewolf a secret. Second, it was only a very blurry memory. He remembered the rage, remembered pain and submission, and the vague impression of a black monster, but that was it. And as for the sex...
He kept that secret for obvious reasons. The Asclepius and Laila both emphasized how important it was to keep the boys together. Bringing the fact that the two six-year-olds were sexually active was not the way to go about that. Even he still struggled with that knowledge. He didn't want to give Balfour any excuse to claim Draco and Harry were unhealthy and tear them apart.
“It sounds like a very trying ordeal,” Balfour remarked, but even though the words were sympathetic her delivery made them perfunctory. Remus's metaphorical hackles rose.
Harry entered the room, head bowed shyly, carrying a tray with three cups of steaming hot tea, a small creamer, and a small bowl of sugar. Balfour's watched his every move, clearly interested. Harry said nothing as he set the tray on the coffee table and then handed each adult a cup.
“How are you feeling, Harry?” Balfour finally asked.
She reached for his arm, and Remus's eyes snapped to Draco who still leaned in the doorway. The blond watched unblinking, but he made no move to enter further. Remus looked back at Harry and saw the boy had sidestepped her hand and now stood just out of reach. His hands were folded in front of him as he answered politely.
“I feel okay. I don't remember it at all. I was meditating at the statue and then woke up in the forest with Draco and Remus.”
She smiled, but it was not a warm expression as she looked the small boy up and down. “I'm glad to hear that.”
Harry gave a vague nod of his head and turned to leave the room, but Balfour stopped him, saying, “Would it be okay if our Shaman looked you over. We want to be sure there aren't any compulsions or strange faerie magic active on you still.”
Harry faced her again, but his head lifted to check with Draco. The blond strode into the room. Remus couldn't take his eyes off the boy. He felt strange around Draco now. He had no idea what it meant. Everything was still so strange. He found himself holding his breathe waiting for the blond's decision.
Draco took Harry's hand in his and gave their visitors a look of innocence. “Will it hurt? Is he gonna try and see what happened to us?” he asked, voice small and shaded with hesitation, maybe even fear.
Remus felt his eyes go wide in surprise, having never seen Draco act like that before, but otherwise he held himself still. Draco's act was near perfect. Only the cold intelligence in those still silver eyes gave Draco away. Glancing at his visitors, he saw that they had relaxed, obviously not knowing Draco well enough to see this for the deception it was.
Balfour offered Draco a reassuring smile. “No, sweetie. He's just going to check for foreign magics.”
Draco gave a shaky smile and pulled Harry closer to his side. “Kay.”
The Shaman stood, staff in hand. He looked exactly as he had the night they disappeared. Silver hair in low pig-tails that fell over his shoulders, face creased with age, dressed in traditional Native American leathers. He placed his staff in the crook of his arm and held his hands out to the boys, a melodious chant rising from his throat as he tipped his head back.
Remus watched in fascination, but nothing really noticeable happened. He felt magic rise in the room slightly, and the boys stood still, hands clasped, and stared up at the Shaman, blinking occasionally. Two minutes later, the Shaman turned to face Remus and continued chanting. Surprised, he held still, but he didn't feel anything odd. The Shaman dropped his arms and retook his seat.
“You have residue of another plane, but it is not alive. You are clean of spiritual interference,” he intoned.
Balfour smiled and took a sip of her tea. “That is very good to hear. You've been through enough already.”
Remus eyed her, but he couldn't tell if she was sincere or not. “May I ask the date?”
“Of course. My apologies.” She set her tea cup down and gave him a smile. “It is March 23^rd, the day of the Spring Equinox, 1987. You have been missing four months.”
Remus swallowed hard. Even though they had already suspected that, it was still disorienting to hear. A hand touched his shoulder and he looked in surprise to see that Draco had moved to his side. He wasn't looking at Remus, his eyes were still on their visitors. Something warm moved through him at the blond's touch and he felt his nerves steady.
Draco dropped his hand from Remus and moved back to Harry. “We're gonna go to our room,” he said, looking at Remus as if for permission.
“Of course,” he murmured. He gave their visitors a smile as the boys took their leave. “We're still trying to find our feet. A little rest and I'm sure we'll be put to rights.”
Balfour smiled a politician's smile. “I will leave you three to get settled. Please let me know if you need anything. President Smackhammer has rented this cabin for you indefinitely for as long as you need it.”
“Thank you.” Remus bowed his head and made a mental note to contact both Smackhammer and Dumbledore to give them updates.
…
Draco cornered Remus as soon as their guests left. He listened as Remus explained his impressions of the meeting and what was normal and what wasn't due to it involving Harry Potter. He thought furiously as Remus explained he'd have to contact the American magical president, to offer polite gratitude for the cabin and for the permission to stay in the country without the visas technically required, and also make a report to Dumbledore.
Draco predicted Dumbledore would demand their immediate return and ordered Remus to stall as long as he could. That would give him the time to really buckle down and learn what he needed to know about the Wizarding world before he and Harry arrived there. The time for recovery and play had ended. The world was breathing down their necks, and Draco would not go in blind.
In the end, Remus managed to secure their stay in America until June 29^th. Hogwarts closed for the summer on the last Friday of June, so Remus had convinced Dumbledore that the following Saturday, the 29^th, would be the best time to return. Dumbledore agreed that the boys would reside in Hogwarts until they could work out who would become their legal guardian.
So Remus and the boys settled into the cabin for their extended stay. Once she heard of their return, Laila arrived. She was overjoyed to see them, weeping and hugging them for several minutes before calming. She promised to continue their therapy sessions for as long as they were in America, and as she started up again, Draco noticed Remus no longer looked like road kill afterward. Something had settled in the man. He was still timid and soft-spoken, but there was a stability and loyalty there that Draco was glad to see.
Draco did eventually get Harry's collar. After much badgering, Remus brought home a black one, a thiner version than the red had been. It also didn't have a loop to attach a leash, only a slim silver buckle. It annoyed Draco that it mattered so much. It was basically jewelry and it made Harry more comfortable, so what was the problem?
After a longer conversation with both Laila and Remus, Draco was made to understand that it was unacceptable to society and made people uncomfortable, but it annoyed Draco that he had to care what other people thought. That he had to care about the opinions of a hypocritical society who created a world that allowed sex slaves and child abuse to exist and then felt they could judge others on how they chose to cope in such a world.
Those people who would judge Harry had no idea how hard life could get and were willfully blind to how disgusting human beings were at their core. Draco didn't care about them or their opinions in the slightest, but Laila and Remus had convinced him how important it was to play the part in order to make use of the conveniences of society, for Harry if for nothing else.
And it was true that Harry liked people. He liked stories and being useful and belonging. None of that compared to how much he loved Draco. He'd give it all up if he had to choose, but Draco didn't want him to make such a choice. He wanted Harry to have all the things he needed to be truly happy.
So over the course of the following months, Harry joined Draco as Remus and Laila instructed them on Wizarding culture and history. They taught the boys the names of important people and the expected behaviors of someone of Harry's status.
However, Draco made sure Harry was occupied with housework, practicing reading, or with Laila when he cornered Remus for lessons on the war. He wanted to know everything he could about Voldemort and how the war had been fought. He wanted to know about other wars with Dark Lords, and Remus taught him a lot about Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
By June Draco wasn't an expert, but he felt he had a good understanding of what they were walking into. He'd also spent some time helping Laila teach Harry how to behave differently around others. They called it a 'public mask', a persona both haughty and impervious. It wasn't perfect, but over time they hoped it was something Harry could grow into more.
As much as Harry didn't like pretending to be something he wasn't, he understood that it was necessary or other people might try to take advantage of him because of his famous parents. He didn't have the psychological ability to protect himself, but he would protect Draco. Once it was explained to him that people using him or hurting him was the same as people doing that to Draco, he had put more effort into learning. He represented Draco now, and he had to present a strong front because to do otherwise would make Draco look weak.
Still, it was hard at first, nearly impossible, and Harry had many panic attacks, terrified that he was incapable of doing what Draco asked of him. By June, however, he was a little more comfortable and had the beginnings of a good 'public mask'.
The only hiccup during this time was on June 5^th, Draco's seventh birthday. Draco had grown surly and withdrawn. He adamantly refused any type of party, much to everyone's confusion and worry. At first Harry had been upset that Draco was upset, but the blond had whispered a confession the night before his birthday as they tried to fall asleep.
“I'm sorry, Harry. I'm not mad at you. I just... I can't stop thinking about Liam. I miss him... I don't want to have a party, not right now. I know it's my fault he left, but it's just not the same without him. I know I'm upsetting you, and that makes me feel worse, but I can't do it, I'm sorry... ” Grey eyes bright with frustrated tears, he'd asked Harry, “Can't we go somewhere, just us? Please?”
Harry felt his heart break. Draco rarely asked him for something like this, something just for himself, and he became determined to give him what he needed. Feeling protective, Harry had taken the lead, standing between the adults and Draco as they argued about birthday traditions and asked over and over 'what's wrong'. He'd packed up the cake and told them they'd be back by dinner, pulling a silent Draco after him.
…
It was a warm day, blue skies and hardly a breeze. Birds chirped and green things grew everywhere. The hollow tree was solid, wrapping them in a soothing darkness with the smell of earth and life. Harry sat at the very back, deep in the tree's shadowed belly. Draco lay on his side, head in Harry's lap, his breath ghosting across Harry's t-shirt above his stomach. Harry stroked Draco's hair and hummed. He loved Draco so much, and it made his heart swell and fill near to bursting as those grey eyes stared up at him with a mirrored love and gratitude.
Eventually they grew hungry. They sat together, shoulder-to-shoulder, as they ate several pieces of cake. Draco tickled his sides and he giggled. When they were full, they raced each other to the near-by stream and drank water. Eyes glinting with mischief, Draco stripped out of his clothes and Harry quickly followed suit.
Laughing, they took turns tackling each other in the shallow stream, splashing and playing. As the sun began to sink, Draco lay on the bank to dry. Harry, feeling a rush of joy so strong he couldn't contain it, began to dance.
Harry, so beautiful, don't stop.
He danced for Draco, putting his whole heart into every movement. He spun, dipped, wove his arms and hands into swirling patterns. He kicked his legs and rocked to a rhythm he heard in his dreams. So wrapped up in his dance, he didn't see Draco stand. He opened his eyes, panting, as warm hands slid over his skin. Moaning, he draped his arms over Draco's shoulders. They moved together. Never once stumbling or tripping over each other's feet. They swayed and rocked, going from smooth slow movements to something more wild and rapid and back again.
Throughout the dance, Draco's mouth lighted here and there along his skin, setting Harry on fire. Those perfect lips skimmed the inside of his arm, brushed his jaw, moved over Harry's nipple during a dip before finally latching onto his mouth. Harry tumbled backward, Draco pressing him down.
Moaning, rubbing his tongue along Draco's as the blond licked hungrily at his mouth, Harry spread his thighs to cradle Draco's hips. They rocked together, a smooth undulating wave as the kiss went on and on.
Love you love you love you... Draco's voice whispered along his mind.
Yours forever always please need you love you yours... Harry's heart sang back.
…
Remus and Laila didn't ask questions when they eventually returned to the cabin, but they relaxed when they saw it was Draco in the lead. The blond's eyes were bright and fierce once more, and Harry was also back to normal, offering them a shy smile before moving to the stove to finish the dinner they had started.
Days full of lessons and shared meals passed until June 28^th finally arrived. Laila insisted on a Going-Away party, partially in revenge for having been denied a birthday party for Draco. They had kept to themselves mostly during their stay in Lusio, so they expected the party to be very small. The only guest they invited other then themselves was the Shaman, who had stopped by at least once a week to talk to the boys and Remus, usually about magic, but sometimes just to talk.
So it was a surprise, therefore, when two very unexpected visitors showed up at their little cottage, which was strewn with balloons and streamers: President Smackhammer, who seemed genuinely sorry for their departure, and the Asclepius, who arrived with apprentice in tow.
From President Smackhammer, Draco received a malachite pendant, the dark green and pale green stripped stone was intricately carved into the shape of a griffin. It was an exact replica of the statue at the center of the village. It was expensive and beautiful, but more importantly it was a portkey to Lusio in case he and Harry ever needed a place to rest or hide. About an inch tall, it hung on a chain, but when Draco slipped it over his head, he quickly took it off again. It's size made it uncomfortable to wear. Instead, he wrapped the chain around his wrist and fist, promising to put it somewhere safe.
The Asclepius gave them matching silver rings. The round stone fitted to the top of the rings was white and glossy. The Asclepius explained that it was a selenite marble severed in half. The Asclepius had chosen selenite because it was a stone with powerful vibrations that called for unity. He fitted the ring on the index finger of each boys' dominant hand – for Harry that was his right and for Draco that was his left. He explained that many years ago, and still in the Jewish culture, a ring on the dominant index finger symbolized marriage. Woven into the unity stone was a location spell. Using the rings, the boys would always be able to find each other if they got separated.
Draco and Harry bowed deeply the way Remus had taught them and formally thanked them for their kindness. Both men gave slight bows in return, indicating that they were pleased with the reception of their gifts.
The other gifts they received were more mundane. The Shaman gave them a beautiful ten-inch dream catcher to keep nightmares at bay, Remus gave them both a miscellaneous bag of Wizarding candy, and Laila gave them each a book. For Draco a book titled Art of Manipulation: How to Get What You Want Out of People in Business, in Your Personal Life, and in Your Love Life by R. B. Sparkman. For Harry, a cookbook of traditional Wizarding recipes, including instructions on basic household and cooking spells.
Toward the end of the evening Laila brought out her Wizarding camera and insisted they all pose. Moving together, the diverse group stood in front of the couch, a Farewell banner hangin along the ceiling behind them above the windows and balloons drifting along the floor at their feet. It was a very interesting mix of people.
The Asclepius, who wore elaborate robes with beads, feathers, and precious stones worked in endless spiraling patterns. His hair stood wild around his head, white as a cloud. His face was cragged and wrinkled with age, his eyes a fogged hazel, his skin a soft tan. In his hands he held a staff with a slender brown snake wrapped around it. His apprentice stood at his side. She was in her late twenties. Her brown hair was pulled back into a short ponytail, her eyes a mix of blue-green, her skin a warm honey, and her expression serious. She wore a gem- and feather-strewn Healer’s robe.
Then there was the president. Cyrus Smackhammer was the tallest of all of them, standing at six-feet five-inches. He was of Native American decent and had long, glossy black hair that hung straight as a ruler down the middle of his back. He wore pale silver robes and at least a dozen necklaces in various lengths with charms and crystals. His skin was reddish-brown and he had black, piercing eyes. Smackhammer's face was angular with a strong jaw. There were faint scars on his right cheek and through his left eyebrow. He was smooth-skinned, wearing no beard, and his robes were decorated with feathers along his waist. A few could be seen woven into his long hair. He also carried a staff. It was thick and almost as tall as Remus. Runes were carved into its entire length. Bones, beads, and feathers fell from a cord wrapped around the top.
The old Native American Shaman stood next to Smackhammer. He was the last holding a staff. His was also decorated, but not as elaborately as the president's. It had runes and only a few feathers hanging from the top. He wore pale brown leather pants also with ornate stitching, a matching vest, and slipper-like moccasins. His long hair was silver-white and tied into low pigtails that fell over the front of his shoulders and down his chest. His face was creased and wrinkled with time much like the Asclepius.
Remus stood next to the Shaman. He was the shortest man there, taller only than the female apprentice. He wore a white button-down and dark blue jeans, his feet in brown leather boots. His dirty blond hair was brushed back from his face, his eyes a golden amber. He had a scar across his nose and two deep marks on his cheeks, but his smile was warm and genuine. He had a hand on Harry's shoulder, the boy standing in front of him. Draco - to Harry's right- stood in front of the Shaman. The boys were holding hands, Harry smiling shyly and Draco looking bored.
Laila stood at the far end with her dark skin, white teeth, and long dreadlocks. She wore a bright purple blouse and a pale pink skirt. Her smile was widest of all of them, her dark eyes sparkling with humor and life. She moved the most in the photo, nudging Remus's shoulder and flashing the peace sign. Harry would occasionally duck his head shyly or glance at Draco, and Remus would roll his eyes at Laila, but otherwise the other figures remained mostly still.
Draco placed the photo along with the one of Liam, Harry, and him at the zoo in Harry's journal. Remus had spelled them so they wouldn't fall out. Tucking their gifts and the journal into their few bags, Draco felt ready to leave. He knew things would be hard, but there was nothing left but to face whatever the future had in store.
Chapter end.
A/N: Next chapter they arrive in the Wizarding world! OMG!
Please let me know if you thought this chapter was sufficient or if I rushed. I'm also curious how many skimmed this chapter because it was mostly summary.
Anyone care to satisfy my curiosity?
- 29
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- 31
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Freedom Bound in Chains