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.

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The sky was blue, the morning crisp. Lucius stood amidst the beauty of his land and felt peace. It was the perfect day for riding. He was just lifting his wand to summon the horses when some sense made him look behind him.
The boys were approaching from the direction of the manor, dressed in their riding clothes. They were holding hands as was their norm, their heads tilted together as they spoke. Harry's face was lowered, his bangs obscuring the upper part of his features. Lucius could just make out the small smile the boy wore, lips pink against his fair skin.
Draco, on the other hand, was intently focused on Potter. His free hand gestured around him, as he did most of the talking. “...walk right into your hands. Just a little longer and you can reveal who you really are...”
Lucius frowned.
Just then, Potter lifted his head. Red gleamed through black bangs and a smirk slid across the child's features. Hate and malice boiled in that look, and Lucius's forearm felt as if it had caught on fire. Slamming his hand over the excruciating mark, Lucius stared at the child in horror. The Dark Mark had awoken.
… Gasping, Lucius sat up, heart thundering. He quickly turned to sit on the edge of the bed. His hands shook, his eyes falling on his left forearm. The Dark Mark was barely there, barely a shadow. Clenching his hands into fists, he stood and made his way to the window.
Parseltongue... How did Potter know Parseltongue? The image of the Dark Lord formed before him. Red-eyed, masterful, malevolent – ready to destroy the world and remake it in his image. It had been thrilling to be part of a revolution that would save wizarding kind.
He still believed that allowing Muggleborns into their world was slowly rotting it away from the inside. The birth of magical children continued to decrease every year. Out of the sacred twenty-eight Pureblood lines that existed at the turn of the twentieth century, only twenty had decedents alive today. And out of those decedents, only thirteen families had produced children this generation.
But the Dark Lord had grown unstable. The mission had become blurred. Lucius suspected the Dark Lord had worked some form of Dark Magic and it had gotten away from him, affecting his mind. Dark Magic was powerful and vast, but it was unforgiving.
What had truly taken place that night? Iason had classified Potter's mark as a curse scar, but what if it signified something more dangerous? What if the child was still connected in someway to the Dark Lord? Did Potter have some strange access to the Dark Lord's power? His knowledge? Had Potter somehow absorbed it that fateful night as a child?
Lucius shivered as his dream came back to him. He remembered how closely his son stood practically intertwined with the smaller boy, how closely their heads rested together. Sharp anxiety spiked through his chest.
Why hadn't Narcissa mentioned the boy's use of Parseltongue? To give her credit, it was possible she didn't recognize it for what it was. She had never been in the presence of the Dark Lord and having a snake manifest was certainly distracting. But it was also possible she was already under Potter's influence.
Wiping his damp brow, Lucius rested his forehead against the windowpane and closed his eyes. He had no idea what to do. There was too much he didn't know, and he didn't understand the facts he did have. Glaring, he turned from the window and went to his desk.
He quickly took out some parchment and penned a note to Snape. Certainly Dumbledore must have theories about the night his enemy had been defeated. Snape would find out what Dumbledore suspected or Lucius would have to come up with stronger motivation for his old associate.
His second note was much more polite. In it, he wrote the magical core expert who had been recommended and requested a meeting at their earliest convenience. His third note was equally polite as he wrote Iason instructions to contact the best Mindhealer he knew and send them to the Manor for a home visit as soon as possible.
Opening his window, he gave three sharp whistles, and owls came swooping toward him. He gave them room to perch on the sill and tied the letters to their legs. In a cloud of feathers, his letters were off. He was just about to close his window again when he saw a fourth owl swooping through the night sky.
He waited patiently until it perched in front of him, two newspapers in its talons. Lucius went to his desk and pulled out a few galleons, placing them in the pouch on the owl's leg. He had to pay extra, but it was worth getting the news a few hours earlier than the general public.
Emotions locked away, he took the papers back to bed with him and quickly skimmed the articles for the most interesting portions:
Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter returned to the Wizarding World after being kidnapped! Are our children safe? … The boys were quiet and subdued, although it was reported they are healthy … Harry Potter calls Lady Malfoy mother! Does Mr. Potter finally have a family after losing his own six years ago? … Malfoys have long been at the center of Dark rumors. Will taking in the Child of Light finally clear the Malfoy name? … Potter sensitive to magical travel? Boy grows ill after his first time flooing! Rushed home! Are the reports of his good health false? … Mysterious man reported to have won the promised fortune for Draco Malfoy's return …
Lucius tisked, setting the papers aside, but it wasn't as bad as he had feared. The rumors focused mostly on Potter, and even then it wasn't too damaging. The shadow of ill-health wasn't necessarily bad at this age. It gained sympathy, and there was plenty of time to out-grow it before adulthood when it would be seen as weakness. In fact, the most disturbing bit was the report about the reward. Heaven forbid the media discover that the reward hadn't been given as promised. He would instantly be shamed and his business reputation would be ruined.
Returning to his desk, he wrote out another note:
Dear Mr. Lupin,
I apologize for not following up with you as I had intended. I'm sure you understand things have been very busy. Please join me at my manor after breakfast at your earliest convenience. My floo address is as follows: Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England.
Sincerely,
Lucius Malfoy
…
Draco rolled over and came face-to-face with a sleepy Harry. The boy smiled and Draco pressed their foreheads together. He felt good. Better than good. He felt like he'd slept a week and was ready to get back to work. But first...
“What happened yesterday?” he asked, voice low and rough from sleep.
Harry blinked slowly, eyes unobscured by his glasses. “While you were upset?” he asked softly.
Draco nodded and sat up. Harry sat up with him and bit his lip, nervousness creeping along the bond. Draco took the his hand in his and pinned him with a stare. Head ducked, Harry explained what happened.
“I called Narcissa mother and asked to go to the restroom.” Harry's fingers twisted in the blankets as he remembered what happened. “I wan'ed to make sure to get her attention.”
Draco's grey eyes widened and he stroked Harry's hair, soothing the boy's anxiety.“What then?”
“Andie came with us. They got rid of the people in the bathroom, and I pulled you in a stall away from them. You were... away.” He looked up and met Draco's eyes, feeling - protective. “Then Lucius came. He pulled the door open.” Harry's little face screwed up into a look of stubbornness. “I told him to leave us alone and wait for you to get better.”
Draco giggled. Flinging his arms around Harry's neck, he hugged the boy close. It felt like a whole flock of birds were taking off in his chest. He could just imagine sweet, little Harry glaring up at Lucius. Draco grinned; Lucius had probably gotten the shock of his life!
Harry, squished against Draco's chest, stared wide-eyed as the blond kept chuckling. His lips twitched and soon he was smiling, too, glad Draco was happy.
“I wish I could've seen his face!” Draco rubbed his cheek against Harry's thick hair. “Then what happened?”
“Well,” Harry began, smiling unsurely. “He said we'd be safer here. Said he'd make you sleep and you'd be better, but I... I didn't want him to move you, not when you didn't know.” He turned in Draco's embrace, sitting sideways in the blond's lap. He blinked up at Draco, unsure if he'd done the right thing.
Draco leaned over to kiss Harry's cheek, still grinning. “You did great, Harry. How'd you make 'em back off?”
Harry's expression screwed up in a look of deep thought. “I don'know. It's like it all just came out of me. How much everyone hated me before and Brendon and you being hurt all the time... I felt everything come out and a big snake appeared!” He looked earnestly into Draco's eyes, waiting for condemnation or acceptance. “I told it to keep Lucius away.”
Draco stared at Harry with his mouth slightly open. Then he threw his head back and howled with laughter. He fell back onto the pillows, laughing so hard he almost peed himself.
Harry's heart beat with - happy nervousness. He smiled unsurely, eyes riveted on Draco as the blond held his stomach and laughed, his hair fanned out around him with cheeks red and eyes sparkling.
“You... you summoned... summoned a huge... snake... to guard us?” Draco panted as his laughter died down. The fierceness of Harry's love filled him with electricity. He got up on his knees and tackled Harry. He rolled the boy and ruffled his hair, fingers darting in to attack Harry's sides. “Harry, you did so good! Bet you shocked the hell outta 'em all!” He rained kisses down on Harry's face.
Giggling, Harry wiggled underneath Draco.
Draco kissed him soundly. * Mine, Harry. You're mine.* Pulling away, he looked into Harry's shining green eyes. *And I'm yours. * He leaned down and bit hard into the collar around Harry's throat.
Harry gasped – joy exhilaration lovelovelove - and flung his arms around Draco's neck, tears falling down his cheeks.
Draco lifted his head to kiss Harry breathless. Heart pounding with a joy he couldn't contain, he resumed his assault, tumbling Harry right off the edge of the bed. The room was soon filled with the shrieks and squealing laughter of two little boys.
…
Dumbledore set Lucius's letter aside and steepled his fingers in front of his face. He stared solemnly across his desk at Severus who sat with dark eyes unfathomable. Dumbledore frowned. “What is your interpretation of the letter?”
“I would assume something has happened to cause Lucius to become suspicious or concerned,” Severus answered evenly, staring right back.
Dumbledore dropped his hands with a sigh and leaned back in his chair. It was early, breakfast not yet served, and he was already exhausted. “You must ingratiate yourself to the Malfoys, Severus. We must know what is happening with Harry.”
“What should I tell him?” Severus asked, voice low, expression intent.
Sighing again, Dumbledore closed his eyes. “I do not keep my theories from you to torment you, Severus. I merely felt it did your heart no good to know what I believe happened that night.”
Severus said nothing. He revealed nothing. Even as rage and grief tore through his chest with almost physical force.
Dumbledore's faded blue eyes opened. “Tell him the truth, Severus.” He rose and came around the desk to stand by Fawkes's perch. The bird trilled and leaned into the old man's gentle touch. “Voldemort went to the Potters' home to kill Harry. He found James first and killed him before moving straight to the nursery.”
“And then?” Severus asked harshly when the Headmaster paused.
Dumbledore turned back to face the younger man. “And then he tried to kill Harry.”
Severus felt his heart beating with violence in his chest. “Lily.”
“Yes,” Dumbledore answered gently. “Lily stood between them. She sacrificed her life.”
Severus sat there transfixed as Dumbledore spoke the long held secret.
“I cast a terrible spell, Severus. I walked the shadows of that night. James died quickly and in pain. Almost five full minutes passed before Lily died. They must have spoken, but what could Voldemort have possibly wanted to say to her?” Blue eyes gentle, he admitted. “I believe he took your plea into consideration. Or perhaps he was forced to offer her mercy. You revealed the prophecy to him. His magic may have considered that a life-debt and your request as payment. Whatever the reason, I believe he spent that time telling her to stand aside. His intent was to spare her in that moment.”
Severus's heart beat with violence in his chest. Every breath was agony.
“Instead, she died, standing between Voldemort and her son. The backlash of betraying a life-debt coupled with the power of her sacrifice when she could have lived...” Dumbledore fell silent as Severus crumpled in on himself, head hanging.
No more was said between them. Dumbledore turned back to Fawkes, and when Severus felt he could stand, he fled the Headmaster's office.
…
Narcissa sat at the vanity in one of the guestrooms. She was about to pin up her hair when the elf popped in and delivered her a letter. She took it and felt her brows lower in a glare when she saw the handwriting within. Her expression darkened as she read the words.
Dear Narcissa,
I write to you out of concern. The children have experienced hardships beyond true understanding. I am as eager as you for them to have a successful and productive future, however I am concerned the typical agenda for an Heir to a Noble House is detrimental to their health at this point. They are not typical, and I suggest that to treat them otherwise is careless.
Upon consulting a Muggle healer - and before you scoff in racist disgust, sister-mine, I did this because I felt it of the highest importance to keep the boys more delicate details away from Wizarding ears – In any case, I was informed the boys likely suffer from something called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, among other things. It is not a permanent condition if treated. Treatment involves giving them a stable, safe environment, a manageable schedule, and talk therapy.
Exhaustion, stress, and things that mirror the past will cause something called a flashback: a mental attack that will trap Draco in the traumatic memory. I was told it is as if he were experiencing the memory all over, more vivid than a Pensieve. I'm sure you understand my horror at such a possibility.
I can only assume the stress of being in a new environment and the exhaustion caused by the strict schedule he is on contributed to Draco's attack at the Ministry. Therefore, I respectfully request that you cut two subjects from their daily lessons and allow them a rest period of at least three hours in the afternoon.
I wait in anticipation for your answer.
Sincerely,
Andromeda Tonks
Narcissa flung the letter onto her vanity table in disgusted fury.
It infuriated her that Andromeda had taken action without consulting her and was deeply offended that her sister had the audacity to suggest an ignorant, primitive Muggle knew the best thing to do for Draco. In any case, Narcissa had already decided before the wretched letter that they would have to scale back the lessons. The boys were exhausted, that was plain to see. Perhaps in time the lessons could be increased again, but for now they needed more room to breathe.
Not bothering to fetch fresh parchment, she took a quill and flipped the letter over onto the back, writing:
The boys will alternate riding and fencing in the mornings after breakfast. Then they will have their reading, maths, and elocution lessons before lunch. After lunch, they will have a few hours to themselves. I've decided they can continue their French lessons at a later date. However, they will continue their dancing lessons before dinner.
She didn't bother to sign it. Striding to her window, she whistled. She only had to wait a few moments before an owl swooped down. Still burning with anger from her sister's cutting words, she stormed toward the informal dinning room. Her hair was left unbound. She was too angry to mess with it now.
Lucius glanced up at her from a newspaper, expression guarded. The boys had yet to arrive. Good.
Eyes cold, she informed him, “I'm going to contact our healer for a recommendation of a skilled and trustworthy Mindhealer.”
Lucius gave her a stiff smile. “I have already done so. A Mindhealer will arrive after lunch, if you wish to be present during the interview. If it goes well, he will take an Unbreakable Vow before he sees Draco. I have also employed a magical core specialist. They will arrive tomorrow to help the boys understand and manage their bond.”
Narcissa narrowed her eyes dangerously, but she could not say anything cutting because the children had arrived. She gave the boys a smile, locking away her restless fury. “We will be changing your daily schedule,” she told them after they politely placed their napkins in their lap.
The boys looked over at her curiously.
Narcissa took great pleasure in pretending Lucius was not in the room as she explained the changes she had decided on. In this, he had no say. The boys' education was under her purview until they reached Hogwarts age.
…
Remus took a staggering step out of the floo into a receiving room that would have been at home in a palace. Inhaling, he caught faint traces of his boys. It helped settle him. An elf popped into existence. It looked female with blue eyes and less pointy features.
“Come this way, sir. Master be waiting for you,” she said softly.
Remus followed her, smoothing a hand down his robe front. They were a chocolate brown, simple but new. He wore black slacks and a cream dress shirt underneath. His boots were worn but well made. Sandy blond hair fell loose around his face to soften the scars there. Nerves set a fine tremor through his fingers as they transversed hallways with marble statuary and gorgeous paintings. Eventually, the elf led him to a closed door. He took a deep breath, hand resting lightly on the latch, and stepped inside.
The study was done in dark browns and golds. A massive bookcase filled with old, well-cared for books stood against one wall. Shelving displayed mysterious objects. A large square window let in the morning light. Against the far wall stood a massive desk. Lucius sat behind it in a luxurious day suit. Pale blond hair loose around his shoulders, grey eyes sharp, face expressionless, he gestured with a ringed hand toward the armchair across from him.
“Good morning, Mr. Lupin. I appreciate your timely arrival.” Lucius fingers carelessly drummed on the desktop. “Would you care for a drink or some food?”
“No, thank you,” Remus answered politely, sitting.
Grey eyes so reminiscent of Draco's pinned him in place. “I'm sure you know why I called you here.”
“How are they?” Remus asked softly, not looking away.
“Well.” Lucius stared at him a long minute. “Why did you contact Dumbledore and not the Aurors when you discovered the boys on your vacation, Mr. Lupin?”
Remus's expression became guarded. “I was very good friends with James in school. I've been involved in Harry's life since his birth. I consider him a type of nephew. So I was aware that the Ministry had limited dealings with Harry for his protection and the Headmaster had been appointed with some authority regarding Harry's safety. I had no idea Draco was your son until we arrived here. I thought he was an American Muggleborn Harry had bonded. If I knew his identity, I would have contacted you and the authorities right away.”
Lucius gave a slow blink. “I understand.” He leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers over his stomach. “Your rescue of my son was coincidental, wouldn't you agree?”
Remus said nothing, just sat and watched him.
“Therefore I intend to grant you only half of the award.”
Personally, Remus didn't care one way or the other about the money, but he was hoping to forge some type of understanding with the man. “I am extremely grateful for your generosity, Mr. Malfoy. I in no way expect a reward for my actions. I've come to care for the boys through our experiences together, and I only care that they are with people who will do their best by them. I'm content just to know they are safe.”
Lucius inclined his head. “Rest assured they are more than well.” He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a bank draft. He placed it on his desk and slid it across to Remus.
Remus lifted it and almost felt like gaping. This was only half?
Lucius stood. “I hope I can count on your support in the future, Mr. Lupin.”
Remus stood by reflex, still holding the bank slip in nearly numb fingers. “May I see them?”
Lucius stared at him through eyes that had gone flinty. “I appreciate the circumstances that led you to bringing my son home, Mr. Lupin. However, you are not a family member nor are you my son's peer. Any further contact would be inappropriate until they are older.”
Lucius's coldness chilled him to the bone, but Remus wasn't about to leave without a fight. “Considering all we've been through together, I wouldn't count my concern inappropriate,” he argued, refusing to drop his eyes from Lucius's angry stare. “I ask you to reconsider. I merely want permission to keep in contact with them.”
Lucius was unbending. “Good day, Mr. Lupin.”
Remus felt rage stir in his gut. He was tempted to throw the bank draft on the desk in disgust, but instead he deliberately folded it and placed it in his pocket. Harry had inherited some wealth but would not be able to access it until he was seventeen. The boys may need money before then if something happened that caused them to split from the self-serving, contemptuous Malfoys.
Bowing his head with a blank face, Remus turned and took his leave. He was tempted to search for the boys by scent, but he knew that would start an unnecessary fight. Remus suspected Lucius was not finding it easy to bond with the children. Another male in the picture who already had a connection was competition Lucius would not allow.
Remus understood, but it was still difficult not to hunt the boys down and see with his own eyes they were well. He missed them terribly and worried about them constantly. He wanted to let them know he was here, that they weren't alone. A powerful urge to tip his head back and howl nearly overwhelmed him, but long years of keeping his secret kept him in check. Plus, it helped to know Andromeda was not adverse to the idea of Remus visiting.
He was just about to throw the floo powder down when he heard his name. He turned and saw the boys standing in the doorway. Harry was smiling and offered a wave, his hair a mess as always and his green eyes shy behind his black glasses. He his other hand was holding to Draco's sleeve. Draco was busy looking him up and down, making sure he was okay. Remus felt all his nerves disappear, his whole being steadied by that single glance.
“Remus,” Draco said and entered the room.
Harry bounded up to Remus with a big grin. “Remus!”
Well-accustomed to Harry's habit of never touching another person even if he wanted to, Remus knelt to wrap the small boy in a hug. He smiled over Harry's shoulder at Draco. He reached forward to squeeze his shoulder. Draco allowed it, face relaxing in a genuine smile. “How do you like it here?” Remus asked them.
Draco shrugged, but Harry answered more reassuringly. “It's nice! Narcissa is teaching us so much, and we have a big room, and a big bathroom!”
Remus stood and smiled down at the happy child. “I'm glad.” He turned his eyes to Draco. “If you need anything, let me know.”
Draco nodded, his head tilted curiously. “How're you? Where're you staying?”
“I've been staying at Hogwarts for now, but I plan to rent a little place in Hogsmeade.” A shadow filled the doorway and he quickly stood. Narcissa Malfoy gave him a neutral look. “Lady Malfoy,” he said politely with a small bow.
She inclined her head.
Lucius appeared behind his wife, his expression cold as ice. “Mr. Lupin.”
Remus caught the equally cold glance Draco gave his father and frowned. “Draco?”
The blond returned his eyes to Remus and gave him a sharp smile. “I'll write you.”
Lucius's expression darkened.
Remus cast Draco a worried look, but the blond firmly gestured for him to go. He hesitated, but he trusted Draco. Sighing, he ruffled Harry's hair and gave Draco a meaningful look before stepping up to the floo. He cast the powder down and disappeared with the image of Harry holding Draco's hand, the stern Malfoys standing behind them in an opulent receiving room.
“Harry, we left the sunroom a mess. Help Narcissa clean it up,” Draco ordered, never taking his eyes off Lucius.
“Yes, Draco,” Harry answered and immediately hurried past the Malfoys and out the door.
Narcissa shot her husband a look as she followed Harry out.
Draco gave Lucius a cool smile. “Not as weak as you thought he was,” he said lightly before his expression hardened. “What do you want, Lucius?”
Lucius frowned. “I could ask the same of you.”
Draco shrugged. “I want to be safe. I want Harry to be safe.” He paced up to the older man, eyes gone silver. “Safe from men thinking they can make decisions for us. Safe from manipulations and selfish desires.”
Lucius's cheeks went red. “Selfish desires!”
Draco took another step closer, predatory and dangerous. His teeth flashed in a hard grin. “You may not want to fuck me, Lucius, but you do want me to perform.”
Lucius went pale and took a shocked step back.
Draco stalked him. “You want a son in your image. You want a child to mold to think like you and obey you and hold your goals above his own.” Lucius's back hit the wall, and Draco cruelly pressed his point home. “That son died, Lucius, the moment I was sold into slavery. I've got my own plans now and a boy to look after. You either get in line with that or get out of my way.” Cold power licking through his blood, Draco swiped his finger across his tongue and grabbed Lucius's limp wrist. Lucius tensed as he felt the burn of a welt where Draco's spit touched his skin. “And if you ever touch Harry again... You won't like what happens,” Draco promised.
Lucius grabbed Draco's wrist with his free hand, holding the boy's hand in place, ignoring the sharp pain. He pushed off the wall to stare his son down. “If I merely wanted a son to mold, I'd wipe your mind clean and start over, Draco. Don't think for a moment I don't understand your relationship with that boy. You think the world's going to cheer when they find out?” His own eyes sliver, he bent to put Draco more on eye level. “You have a lot to learn, Draco. You're still a child, despite everything. Everything I've done is to protect you. Start paying attention. You'd notice I'm not the enemy.” With that, he flung Draco's hand away. It hurt terribly, but Lucius refused to cower.
Draco had the audacity to laugh. “You think you're not the enemy? You think you're protecting me?” He shook his head. “You won't even see me for who I really am. You don't respect me or Harry, but you think you can make decisions about my life.” Draco turned his back. “You may not be an enemy, but I'm not dumb enough to think you're an ally, either.”
Lucius watched his son leave, heart thundering in his chest. Powerful emotions stormed through him, making his hands shake. “Lottie,” he called. The elf appeared in a second and Lucius spoke before she could. “I need the burn salve in my potions case. The yellow jar.”
Lottie disappeared and Lucius staggered to one of the chairs. He sat heavily and tried to get his breathing under control. Lottie returned and handed him the small jar. Lucius dismissed her and quickly applied a liberal amount to his wrist. Merlin, it hurt!
Ripping his hair out of its tie, he tilted his head back and stared despondently up at the ceiling as he waited for the Mindhealer. “What am I going to do?” he muttered, exhausted.
Chapter end.
A/N: Still waffling on the Mindhealer. It's slowing things up. I should be back to updating every week, though. Look for the next update Friday, December 2^nd. Feedback and thoughts would be VERY welcome. Thanks again for your patience!
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Freedom Bound in Chains