Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Freedom Bound in Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 58478 -:- 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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Updated: 10.13.16
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Severus stepped free of the floo in the Hog's Head with a scowl firmly in place. Without acknowledging anyone, he strode from the filthy pub and made his way back to Hogwarts. His expression didn't change until he was safely within his personal lab, the wards locked tight around him.
Glare melting into something more thoughtful, he calmly pulled his hair up into a ponytail. Growing up with his father and then later being under the power of a capricious Dark Lord, Severus had become very skilled at reading people. He felt confident that Lucius had fully believed his persona. He had expected to see a poor, cowering, bitter man with washed up ambitions, so it had not been difficult to convince him that it was true.
Hands moving with practiced ease, Severus poured purified water into a pumpkin-sized, iron cauldron, filling it halfway. Meticulously, he set out his rods, stirrers, knives, and measuring spoons as he continued to reflect on the meeting.
From what he could tell, Lucius was taking Potter as his ward seriously. Severus had deduced this from two facts. First, he'd wanted to take personal revenge on Potter's family, and second he was willing to relinquish a priceless artifact for information on Dumbledore's knowledge and plans for the boys. Such motivation was much stronger than simple curiosity. He also would not be as invested in Potter as he already was if he did not feel genuine obligation toward the child.
Severus had yet to see the magical readings regarding the bond the boys had somehow developed, but it must be powerful indeed if Lucius was not committed to breaking it. Lucius had emphasized spying on Dumbledore more than the twin bond research, therefore the research he'd requested into how to break twin-bonds was merely to keep his options open.
On the whole, the meeting had eased Severus's worry regarding Potter's safety, but he was still concerned. The Malfoys would introduce Potter to questionable circles and subtly work on the boy's sense of morality. And there was the fact that Dumbledore was absolutely certain the Dark Lord would eventually return. That would pit Lucius against Potter, making the man desperate to break the bond between the boys in truth.
Additionally, if Potter was foolish enough to love the Malfoys as parents, the loss could devastate him on top of whatever ill-effects breaking a soul bond would cause him. For now, though, there was little choice. Severus did not have the power to separate them, and Potter was relatively safe in Lucius's care.
Severus diced, chopped, and minced over two-dozen ingredients, adding them when required and stirring in set patterns. The water took on a black hue that brightened again into the blue-violet range. Steam and bubbles rose off the potion's surface.
The only question left was what to do regarding Lucius's audacious demand. The man had offered friendship if Severus complied, but he knew that was false. Lucius could have no true friends when he'd always put himself and his family first. Going along with the mad scheme, however, would convince Lucius that he could control Severus, would relax his guard and build trust.
Dumbledore had ordered him to get closer to the Malfoys, but was Severus willing to pay the cost? Despicable or not, Petunia and her son were Lily's only remaining blood family. Frowning, Severus doubled the temperature of the cauldron flames as he considered his next move. The potion was nearly done.
…
Remus had sent Draco and Harry's luggage, so they were dressed in a clean pair of jeans and t-shirts when they went down to breakfast the next morning. Narcissa greeted them warmly, but Draco could see her eyeing their clothes. He mentally sighed, knowing he'd likely be wearing something uncomfortable soon. He envisioned being dressed up in something like what Lucius and Narcissa wore and grimaced.
Lucius was dressed in an open dark-blue wizard's robe that molded to his broad shoulders. White lace peeked out from the robe's sleeves from his long-sleeved button-up, and a blue jewel sat at his throat, pinning his shirt closed. Plus black slacks, socks, and shiny black ankle boots, the outfit seemed cumbersome. As for Narcissa, her golden hair was folded into a multilayer bun that sat loosely on the back of her head. Her dress was a pale purple that had an open neck revealing her collarbones and almost falling off her shoulders. The sleeves were long, flaring open at the wrist.
Draco had gone most of his life naked, wrapped only in blankets when he was allowed to cover up at all. He didn't like anything that restricted his movements, which was why he really liked the jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters that made up his wardrobe.
“I have requested that a healer come today,” Lucius said, drawing Draco's attention.
He gave him a cold look. “Why? Didn't tha' woman at Hogwarts give us a check-up already?”
“I want to make sure nothing was missed,” Lucius returned easily, grey eyes shadowed and unreadable.
“You've been gone for so many years. We just want to be sure you are well,” Narcissa cut in, ever the peacemaker.
“Whatever,” Draco muttered, turning back to his food. He was too tired to argue at the moment. If the healer tried anything funny, Draco would take care of it then.
Glancing at Harry next to him, he smiled to see the boy with his tongue-tip sticking out as he tried to hold the little fork just right. Draco's eyes dropped to the black collar that sat snug against Harry's throat. So far the Malfoys hadn't asked about it. That meant Remus's Notice-Me-Not spell was still in effect. Draco knew it would wear off soon, and he eyed Narcissa thoughtfully. She would be his biggest ally. Maybe he should get her on board before it became an issue?
Breakfast took nearly an hour. Harry and Draco mostly listened as Narcissa and Lucius talked about things like the weather and the interview Lucius wanted to have regarding Draco's return. Apparently, the papers were already printing speculation over the fact Lucius had canceled the notice of Draco's kidnapping and reward for his return.
“I think Friday afternoon would be a good time to take the boys to the Ministry and make the guardianship official. Andromeda can join us. Afterward, we can meet a few of the press in the lobby to give a brief statement, and Andromeda can take them for the weekend as agreed.”
“I'd like to throw a ball at the end of the month,” Narcissa added, avoiding talking about the boys going to her sister's. “To celebrate Draco's return. It will give the boys a chance to meet their peers, and a chance for their peers to meet them.”
“That's a wonderful idea,” Lucius agreed, patting his lips daintily with a napkin and smiling across at his wife. “I will contact Tonks this afternoon. ”
* I want to test them. Tell them you want to have a birthday party instead of the ball, * Draco ordered, irritated that the adults were making decisions without his input.
Harry blushed, but he immediately lifted his head and said, “I'm gonna turn seven at the end of the month. Can we have a birthday party, please? Instead of a ball?” He made his eyes big as he looked pleadingly at Narcissa.
Draco watched as she smiled back at Harry, as if she couldn't help it. He smirked, proud of Harry's puppy-dog eyes. “Harry's birthday is the thirty-first,” he added helpfully.
“Is that right?” she asked, looking pointedly down the table at her husband. “Well, I don't see why it can't be both a celebration ball as well as a birthday party.” Her attention returned to Draco and her smile became sharper. “That means we have a lot of work to do to make sure you're ready for polite society.”
Draco nodded, understanding that Harry would only get his party if they had perfected their manners.
…
Narcissa led the boys to the parlor while Lucius went to greet Iason Greengrass in the receiving room. Pureblood and traditional, the Greengrass family was famous for producing healers and artists, but Iason stood out even amongst his family. He was extraordinarily gifted in the healing arts, which like Snape had made him a rising star in his field. He'd earned the title of Master Healer at twenty-one years of age, which was six years faster than the average.
Lucius had been one year ahead of Iason at Hogwarts and in a different House, so it wasn't due to friendship that Iason had agreed to be their healer. His healing gift also made him wealthy in his own right, so it wasn't the money. Lucius suspected it had been Iason's wife who had insisted. Iason had two daughters around Draco's age. Mrs. Greengrass was likely angling for a marriage contract in the case of Draco's return.
Stepping out of the fireplace, Iason took Lucius's hand in a firm handshake. “How is Narcissa?” He was tall and skinny with short golden blond hair and brown eyes behind silver-framed glasses. He wore simple Healer-green robes, having come from the hospital. Lucius had never seen him in anything else.
“She is well,” Lucius answered with a smile. “I have called you here regarding another matter, but first I would have your word you will keep it between us.” He held out his cane meaningfully.
“Of course.” Placing his hand on the snake-head of the cane, Iason intoned, “I hereby swear on my magic to never reveal by word or deed the information I will learn here today.”
The snake stuck, biting deeply into Iason's wrist. Lucius watched for evidence of pain, but Iason remained stoic as he took his hand back and tended to his bleeding wrist. A quick spell stopped the blood and then healed the bite into a faint scar.
Smiling politely, Lucius turned, his blue robe flaring around his booted feet, and led the way toward the sitting room. It wasn't far. Sweeping his arm out, he gestured his guest in before him.
The sitting room was done in peach and cream with hints of ruby red in the patterns of the wall, rug, and furniture. A fireplace stood against an interior wall, the massive golden-brown frame and mantle matching that of the furniture in the room. A large open window let in morning light as well as warm breezes carrying the scent of summer. Narcissa had chosen hyacinths to fill the tall crystal vases that stood on the elegant end tables. Matching blue-purple petals were scattered delicately across the surface of the beautifully carved coffee table.
The room held four peach-colored armchairs and two cream-colored couches. They were arranged in a loose circle to ease conversation. It was a peaceful and calming environment, which was why they had chosen the room for this meeting. It was best to keep the boys as relaxed as possible.
Unfortunately, Lucius didn't think they had succeeded, at least not with Draco. The boys sat side-by-side on one end of a couch, closest to Narcissa, who sat in one of the armchairs facing the doorway. Eyes wide and unblinking, Draco looked alert and watchful, taking in everyone in the room at once. Potter was more relaxed, leaning into Draco's side and looking up at the healer curiously.
Narcissa looked beautiful in her lavender dress, her skin having regained some color and her eyes a bright blue. She was still gaunt from the Blood ritual, but despite her illness she looked as if she belonged in the room, surrounded by beautiful things. The boys, in contrast, looked out of place in their basic Muggle attire, and Lucius made a mental note to send for a seamstress.
Narcissa smiled politely at them as Iason straightened from his greeting bow. With a graceful gesture of her hand, she indicated the children. “Healer Greengrass, may I introduce you to our son, Draco, and our ward, Harry?”
Iason gave Nacrissa a genuine smile. “Congratulations on finding your son, Lady Malfoy. I gather you'd like me to check his condition?”
“Yes,” Lucius answered as he moved to place himself next to Narcissa, a hand resting on her shoulder. “The Madam at Hogwarts did a preliminary scan and focused mostly on their magical cores, but we felt an exam by a more skilled healer was in order.”
“Of course,” Iason murmured. “If the boys would separate to either ends of the couch so that I can get clear readings, this shouldn't take more than a few minutes.”
Draco squeezed Harry's hand and stood, leaving Harry next to Narcissa and taking the further end of the couch for himself. Lucius watched with rapt attention as Iason stood directly in front of the child and traced the air above Draco's body, lips moving in a constant nonverbal mutter for several minutes. Draco never once took his eyes off the man, but he didn't seem in distress.
Eventually, Iason moved to Harry. Lucius noticed Draco go tense. It was as if Draco's whole being was focused on the smaller boy. Lucius was not pleased, but there was nothing to be done at the moment. Iason paused when he caught sight of the famous lightning scar, but he continued on without comment. It was over in less then ten minutes.
Iason swayed slightly, his forehead shiny as he began to sweat. Lucius moved to support him, grabbing him by the upper arm, and shot Narcissa a meaningful look.
Narcissa stood, her long skirt swishing. She held her hand out to Potter. “Come, boys. Let's go riding.”
“No.” Draco stood and moved to the other end of the couch, retaking his seat in the corner and pulling Harry to his side. He stared straight into Lucius's eyes, his own having gone silver, in direct challenge. “I wanna know what he has ta say.”
An awkward silence filled the room.
“I am well,” Iason spoke, distracting Lucius from his defiant son. The healer pulled away and took a seat on the now empty end of the couch. “May I have a glass of water?”
Narcissa slowly retook her seat and summoned Lottie. Soon they all had glasses to sip. Lucius returned to Narcissa's side. He was not pleased by Draco's insistence on being present. Iason's expression did not bode well, and Lucius did not trust his or Narcissa's reaction to any bad news. He would prefer for Draco not to witness any loss in composure.
“Thank you.” Iason set the glass on the coffee table and fidgeted with his glasses. “The boys are in acceptable health, although they do show signs of damage from long-standing malnutrition. Mr. Potter, especially. There are potions that can help remedy this.”
Draco shrugged. “After the Scourers, the Asclepius gave us a monthly potion, but he said it'd done as much as it was gonna, so we didn't need to keep takin' it.”
“I believe the potions here might still have an effect,” Iason spoke to Lucius, ignoring Draco. “I'd like to put the boys on a weekly potion and check them again in a month to see if it had any benefits.”
“Are there side-effects?” Lucius asked.
“I would recommend the Vitalis Potion for both, but a slightly more concentrated form for Mr. Potter. Hunger pangs and strange cravings are the most common side-effects. More rare side-effects include vomiting, fever, and sleepiness.”
“What's the point of the medicine?” Draco demanded with an icy stare. He refused to be ignored. “We feel fine.”
Lucius shot the boy a hard look for being rude, but fortunately Iason did not seem insulted and answered as matter-of-factly as he had the other questions. He still spoke to Lucius, however.
“Their bodies underwent extreme stress and did not have the fuel needed. That means nutrients were taken from other places. Their muscles and skeleton are not as strong as they could be. That makes them more vulnerable to breaks and tears. It has also impacted their future growth, as well as exasperated Mr. Potter's astigmatism, making him near-sighted.”
Draco scoffed, face radiating doubt. “And your medicine will fix all that?”
Pride stung, Iason finally faced the child. “It will restore your muscles and bones. It will also hopefully correct the stunted growth and stop any further deterioration of Mr. Potter's eyes.”
“Thank you. We will consider it, of course,” Lucius spoke, interrupting the standoff. He shot Draco a hard look when the boy went to speak. Wonder of wonders, the child closed his mouth. Lucius returned his attention to Iason. “What else did the examination reveal?”
Iason actually shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was the first time Lucius has seen the man as anything other than stoic, and his heart began to beat faster. Narcissa lifted her hand to rest on top of the one he'd placed on her shoulder, her lips pressed into a thin line as she braced herself.
Draco gave the healer a sharp and disturbing smile, slinging one arm over Potter's shoulders. “Oh, go ahead. Do tell.”
Potter looked completely unconcerned about the tension in the room. His green eyes watched the nervous healer with an expression of curiosity.
Iason cleared his throat and purposefully turned his full attention to Lucius and away from the children. “Both boys have old scarring. As you know, magic heals fresh wounds best, so there is not much I can do. The scarring is as faded as it's likely to get. Topical cream can be used to hide them, but it will have to be reapplied regularly.”
“What kind of scarring?” Narcissa asked with false calm. Her fingers had gone white, she was clasping Lucius's hand so tightly.
Iason straightened his shoulders and adopted a very factual tone. “They both have rectal scarring that indicates sexual abuse. In this case, Mr. Malfoy showed the greater damage. The scars are layered indicating long-term and repeated rape. Fortunately, the injuries have healed without leaving permanent damage. Mr. Malfoy also possesses significant scarring on his torso, back, and thighs that indicates extreme, long-term torture with various instruments. The most recent is the burn scar that spans his sternum and upper chest. There is evidence of the wound being healed magically. It was done with more power than precision, but it was effective in preventing permanent damage to the pectoralis major muscle, which would have limited his range of motion.”
Lucius felt like a burning block of ice as he listened to the brutal recitation. Narcissa trembled beneath his hand. Both of them kept their faces frozen and their eyes on the healer, afraid a glance at the children would break their control.
“There is one other thing.” Iason's professional tone fractured to reveal confusion. “Mr. Potter possesses fresh occlusive bite marks on his hips. Fortunately, there is no infection in the wounds, but I must stress that human bites have a higher chance of becoming infected and can lead to illness. Furthermore, there are older scars that match in various stages of healing on his thighs, wrists, and neck. Considering the width of the impressions, Mr. Malfoy is the likely source. ”
All eyes turned to the boys. Potter looked confused while Draco's expression was perfectly bored. If Potter was being abused by Draco, their behavior certainly didn't match. Potter was too comfortable with Draco and clearly adored him.
Then again, Draco did not act like someone as horrifically tortured as Iason was reporting, either. Potter, on the other hand, did act like someone who had been abused, even if he didn't act like Draco was the one who abused him. He was timid, afraid of making mistakes, obedient, and desperate to please. It would make more sense if it were Potter's body that evidenced torture, not the confident, unbreakable Draco.
“And their magical cores?” Narcissa asked, voice wavering. She did not want to discuss Draco's possible abusive behaviors in front of the healer.
Iason fiddled with his glasses, the tension running out of his frame now that his news had been delivered. “I am not an expert in cores, but my spells only pick up a single magical signature from the boys. I have seen the same in twins. It is possible that due to their extreme experiences, their magic formed a rare twin bond. Regardless, their cores are advanced for children their age. Again, this is likely due to the hostile environment they faced. If you want to know more about their magical cores or the composition of the bond between them, I can recommend an expert in that field.”
“Thank you, Iason.” Lucius forced himself to smile and move forward. “I appreciate your time.”
Iason bowed to Narcissa and took his leave, Lucius escorting him back to the receiving room.
…
Draco's fingers stroked along the outside of Harry's arm as he watched Narcissa. The woman sat stiffly, her hands alternating between clenched fists and clasped together. Her face was pale, her eyes glassy. He sighed and continued to subtly pet Harry.
His boy was - worried. Draco knew Harry wasn't embarrassed about having the healer tell the Malfoys about their past. In Harry's mind there was nothing wrong with a world where people hurt him. He wouldn't even think to suspect that other people would hear that story and think it was disturbing in any way. It was right and normal. No, Harry was worried about the bite marks. Liam had barely tolerated that aspect of their relationship. It wasn't likely that the Malfoys would react any better.
Eventually, Lucius returned. He'd probably used magic to swear the healer to secrecy. God knew Lucius wouldn’t want it known that his son was fucked up, quite literally. Hell, if magic could erase memories, Lucius had probably done that, too. Draco refused to be ashamed, though. He lifted his chin and stared defiantly up at the man.
Not that Lucius noticed. The man stood frozen in the doorway for a long moment before coming to sit on the other end of the couch. Draco didn't like that. It put Harry between them.
“Dobby,” he called, voice gone cold.
The elf appeared instantly. “Yes, young master sir!”
“Take Harry outside to see Caelius,” he ordered, never once looking away from Lucius. “Don't go outta sight of the house. I'll catch up in a minute.”
Harry obediently slipped from the couch, but – anxiety – burned through the bond.
Draco caught his hand and squeezed. He kept his mental voice light and teasing. * Everything is fine. I just gotta talk to them about a few things, and I want them ta take me serious. Go have fun. *
Harry nodded, green eyes full of trust. “Yes, Draco.”
Dobby smiled and took Harry's hand. “Come, Master Harry sir,” he said and happily led him from the room.
Draco turned his attention to the adults and waited. When they still said nothing, he arched his brow. “Are we done with this yet, or are ya gonna wanna know what happened to me?”
Narcissa stood and came to sit on the couch next to Lucius. It allowed Draco to sit with his back to the couch arm and see them both easily, so he was grateful. Her eyes were filled with tears, but her voice was steady when she answered, “Whatever you feel comfortable sharing, we will listen.”
Lucius nodded, expression stony.
Draco sighed and reached both hands up to hook his long bangs behind his ears. He met them stare for stare. “I don't remember much from when I was really little. It was a nice place, though. Good food and nice ladies. There were other kids around. I was always doin' stuff, but then there was a fire. I must'a been four. Someone came up to help me and I went with 'em, but he was really just a bastard who wanted ta play with me.”
Narcissa bit her lip but didn't make a sound. Lucius wrapped his arms around her.
“I knew right away it was bad,” Draco continued. “I promised myself I'd escape, but he kept me in a closet. He was always in the way of the door, so I couldn't get out. He'd make me touch 'em or I wouldn't eat. I was there for a long time, I think. Then he brought a friend over. Took me outta the closet and put me on a bed. Fucked me. But I got away. I was hurt, though, so he caught up ta me. Sold me to this other place.”
“Draco...” Narcissa whispered, horrified. Tears spilled down her face. Lucius couldn't even look at him, staring at the wall instead.
Draco glared at them both. That shit didn't make him broken or weak. He didn't know why people kept thinking it did. They should be wary because it meant he was capable of brutal things in order to survive. “You wanna hear more or is that enough for ya?”
“I'm sorry,” Narcissa whispered and wiped at her face. “Please continue. I want to know.”
Draco shifted against the couch, still glaring angrily. “Well, I was chained and put on a table so people could see me. After that, I was taken to this boat. It was called the Hold. This guy Raymond from the mafia ran it, and I became his toy. I'd take care of the other kids he was sellin. He never fucked me, but sometimes he'd put other stuff in me. Like candles and plastic dicks. He did it to mess with my head. He mostly liked ta beat me up and whip me, make me hurt. It was real fun for him. Got 'em off.”
Narcissa covered her face and Lucius held her to his chest. He looked like he was ready to kill someone. Draco smirked; been there, done that.
“Well, I was there longest than anywhere else. More than a year. Then I met Harry.”
Draco's face softened, a light entering his dark eyes, making him look more human. It was then that Lucius and Narcissa truly realized just what the bond meant to their son.
“He was brought to the Hold and put in the catalogue. I was just suppose'ta take care of 'em like the others, but he was different. We took care of each other, but Raymond wasn't about ta let me keep 'em. So I worked out a plan and killed the bastard. I killed 'em, took Harry, and ran.”
Draco paused his story to grab his glass of water. Narcissa took the time to gather her strength; Lucius closed his eyes for a moment, calming his rage.
“It was winter, and we were naked, so we almost didn't make it, but this guy took us in. Didn't want to fuck us or anything. Just let us stay. We kept the place clean and Harry cooked. It was real nice, but then Remus found us. You heard the rest from Dumbledore.” Draco met each of their eyes, grim and unhappy. “If I had a choice, I'da stayed there. We were finally happy, ya know? And safe. But we found out the hard way there are Scourers who're out ta kill magic kids. Trust me, that wasn't fun. It's where I got the burn on my chest. They boiled oil and poured it on me, hoping the 'demon' would come loose.”
“Merlin...” Lucius whispered, horrified. Narcissa was breathing in quick little gasps as if she were trying not to be sick.
“Whatever.” Draco gave them a shrug. “Like I said, that's all done. We're here now.” His eyes sharpened and he focused on Lucius. “I told ya what you wanted, now I wanna know some things.”
Lucius braced himself; Narcissa clutched his forearm tightly. He could feel her practically vibrating with tension.
“I heard from Remus about Harry and his scar. I know there're still people pretty mad at 'em for everything that happened.” Draco's expression grew fierce. “Are you one of 'em? And don't even think about fucking lying to me.”
Narcissa looked wrecked, but she was the first to answer him. “We supported the Dark Lord because he promised to preserve our traditions, our culture. However, we were not aware of the extremes he would go.”
“I broke off from the Dark Lord months before Potter destroyed him.” Lucius added, meeting Draco's eyes. “I give you my word that no one in this house holds a grudge against Potter. As my ward, I will protect him from anyone who does.”
“Good.” Draco slipped to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. As he walked out, he casually said over his shoulder, “Cause I'm not gonna let anyone hurt Harry.” He stopped in the doorway just before leaving the room. He made sure to meet Lucius's eyes so that the man could see the truth in them. “If anyone tries... I'll kill 'em.” And he slipped into the hallway and was gone.
Chapter end.
I hope to hear how you liked it! Thanks again for all the support!
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Freedom Bound in Chains