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
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- 43
A/N: If you are interested in art for this story, keep checking Freedom Found in Chains – Fanart by Pixi56 on AO3. Pixi adds new pictures to the same chapter frequently, so you should check on it once in awhile. It really is amazing! :D
Unspeakable
Lucius and Draco stood in the receiving room together, awaiting the magical core specialist. Nerves were attacking Lucius, making him feel like he was racing head long on a broom. Draco, on the other hand, looked looked perfectly calm.
“Remember, this wizard is an Unspeakable with the Department of Mysteries,” Lucius warned his son. Heart beating strong, stomach warm from the whisky, he stood ready for anything. “They don't like to be questioned. He likely won't even give us his name.”
Draco would do what he had to do, including asking questions, so he ignored Lucius and studied the painting of a no-doubt long ago Malfoy who was watching him back.
Lucius sighed and straightened his robes. The fire flared green and he quickly stood straight. Draco, meanwhile, leaned against the wall next to the fireplace. He'd placed himself there purposefully. While Lucius stood in the center of the room to greet the wizard, Draco, at the wizard's back, would have time to observe this person before letting them near Harry. Except it wasn't a wizard.
“Welcome to Malfoy Manor,” Lucius greeted the woman. There was no surprise evident in his face or tone despite having expected a man. “I appreciate your time. You came very highly recommended.”
The woman was dressed in plain black robes and shook Lucius's hand firmly. She had white-gold hair in a wrist-thick braid falling down her back to her hips. Her boots were plain and short-heeled, and she stood with very straight posture. From the back, she could have been a Malfoy.
“Why exactly were my services requested?” she asked, words clear yet her voice quiet, neither high nor low.
Lucius gave a cool smile. “My son has formed a rare twin bond. I'd like you to analyze the bond and help us determine the possible effects and costs,” he answered simply. It was best not to get straight into the 'I think my son's bonded is possessed' quiet yet.
Draco placed her as shorter than Narcissa and only slightly taller than Lucius's shoulders, and she was too skinny as if she often skipped meals. However, she didn't seem small. There was power and self-control in her bearing that made her seem larger than she was. She used very little extra movements, keeping mostly still.
“This is my son, Draco,” Lucius told her and gestured to the boy behind her.
The woman turned. She had pale skin, even paler eyebrows, and large blue eyes. She was too exotic to be pretty. She had owl-like blue eyes, a small nose and tiny lips. Her cheekbones were high and angular. As Draco studied her, he impressed that she didn't smile or make small talk like most people did when they first met. She just quietly watched him back.
Pushing off the wall, he stepped forward into her personal space. “Can you tell the difference between someone's magic and something else's in someone you just met?”
Lucius frowned from over the witch's shoulder, but Draco ignored him, keeping most of his attention on the woman.
“Is that what you need me to do?” she asked calmly.
“Maybe.” Draco shrugged. “I'll get Harry.”
Lucius felt his shoulders relax as his son left the room. Draco was accepting her. He offered the woman a cool smile. “If you would be so kind as to offer me a vow of secrecy?”
She regarded him for a long moment. “Under what terms?”
“That you will not reveal the information you gain regarding my son or his bonded while you work with them,” Lucius answered, eyebrow raised in challenge.
“I will keep your son's and his bonded's identity secret, but should anything I learn help me pursue further knowledge, then I may have to reveal certain details.”
Lucius did not like it that she was not submitting easily to the vow, but the image of thick, oily black smoke spilling from Harry's wide-open mouth and forming into a massive black and green snake forced his hand. “Very well. I agree to those terms.”
He lifted his wand and cast the spell. The woman calmly swore to keep secret the identity of Draco Malfoy and his bonded if she ever had to communicate what she learned while working with them.
Lucius was very unsatisfied, but there was nothing to be done. “Follow me. I believe the sitting room would be more comfortable for something like this.”
The woman said nothing as she followed him, and they reached the sitting room quickly.
Narcissa sat perched in one of the armchairs in a simple and yet elegant pale blue floor-length dress. Her hair was tied in its customary knot and she offered the woman a polite smile as they entered the room. Lucius moved to stand at her side and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing lightly. The boys were sitting in their customary position, side-by-side on the couch.
Green eyes behind black-framed glasses and under a mop of black hair stared up at the woman from a slight angle, posture timid. Draco sat tall, staring at the woman head on. His hair softly framed his face, his grey eyes sharp and alert.
“Harry Potter,” the woman said softly, still standing in the doorway as she took in the scene. “I understand better your mysteriousness, Mr. Malfoy,” she said with a smile, eyes cutting to Lucius for a moment before returning to the children.
“You must not have read the papers,” he remarked, eyebrow cocked. “Draco's return and his bond to Mr. Potter is major news right now.”
“I've been involved with research and my own family as of late,” she dismissed not bothering to look at him and stepped further into the room. She met Draco's eyes and asked, “Are you afraid his magic is inside you? Is that what you need me to determine?”
Draco laughed and wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders, pulling him more tightly against him. “I already know his magic is in me, and mine is in him. What I want to know is if our magic is the only magic inside him.” He snaked his hand up into Harry's hair, causing Harry to relax and his eyes to half-close.
The woman tilted her head curiously as she watched the boys interact. “Interesting.” She lifted her hand and slowly moved it side-to-side in a wavy pattern in front of her. “I have some sensitivity to magic. It helps me in my studies on the source of magic, and I can only sense one signature from the two of you. There's definitely a bond in place.” Her hand returned to her side, and she strode across the room to sit in the chair across from the children.
Harry's green eyes opened more as he watched her curiously. She gave him a small, genuine smile. It softened her face, made her look younger, and Draco relaxed a little more, approving of her gentle approach with Harry. He also liked how she was talking to them and not his parents since it was his magic and bond they were discussing. He gave her his undivided attention.
The woman seemed unbothered by his intense focus, and in fact became more animated as she spoke, her pale cheeks flushing pink. “In large part, magic is still a mystery. It is unsubstantial in and of itself, but it can somehow produce measurable and substantial effects on all planes of existence. I've been studying the magical core in all kinds of magical beings in an attempt to unravel some of magic's mysteries, and magical bonds have naturally come under study during the course of my career. Bonds are as unique as the people who form them, but there are common behaviors that allow for classification and further analysis. I will be able to tell you how your magic functions together and even give you insight on how that will effect your use of magic as well as your relationship.”
Draco felt a sharp pang in his chest and held Harry tighter to him.
Harry looked up at Draco's face, so close to his own, – grief love – falling like rain through the bond. He whispered, “Jess?”
Draco felt his throat tighten. Yes, the woman was so much like Jess, and he had to mentally shove away the jumble of emotion as thoughts of Liam, Drey, and Jess tumbled through his mind. He gave Harry a brief hug, comforted by the fact Harry knew without having to ask and shared his sense of loss.
“What do you need us to do?” he asked, voice raspier than normal, forcing him to clear his throat.
The woman turned her attention to Lucius and Narcissa. Her features hardened into the exotic, wide-eyed Unspeakable once more. “I know it might be discomforting, but I will need to work alone with the boys. I'm going to need to be fully focused on the magic and can't afford to be distracted.”
Draco released Harry to lean forward. “Is this dangerous?”
“Working with magic is always dangerous,” she answered him seriously. “Even the smallest spells can be unpredictable at times. But yes. There is a small chance our magics are incompatible and we might see a flare up. It is likely the room will be damaged if that happens, but from my experience, I am the one most likely to be hurt or targeted if such a thing were to occur.”
“Are you certain this is necessary?” Narcissa cut in, looking up at her stone-faced husband.
Lucius glanced down at her, voice and expression remote. “Yes. I feel it is.” He turned from her, waiting for Draco's decision. He knew if he pushed it, his son would rebel and the Unspeakable would likely be hurt. This had to be of Draco's free will.
Draco gave a firm nod. “Yes. Let's do this.”
The woman stood. “If you would take me to your room? It's where you will be the most relaxed and comfortable.”
Draco shrugged and stood, taking Harry's hand in his. He didn't bother looking back at Lucius and Narcissa, but Harry did, smiling and giving them a wave.
Narcissa smiled back. She waited a few seconds to be sure they were out of hearing range before catching Lucius's hand and forcing him to look at her. “Lucius, I understand the mind healer. Draco was completely destroyed by that... attack... he had in the Ministry. However, I don't understand your insistence on a magical core specialist. To invite an Unspeakable here... What are you hoping to achieve?”
Lucius pulled away and moved to stand in front of her. His expression and voice turned cold, bringing fear into her eyes. “If I thought for one second I could separate Mr. Potter from our son, I would, but I am not ignorant to the fact that at this point it would kill Draco. A more expert opinion on the composition of the bond and Potter's magic cannot hurt. If it should happen to reveal an escape for our son...”
“Why?” Narcissa asked him desperately, tears in her eyes. “Why are you so set against them? Is it because of their relationship?”
“It is because Potter is tainted!” Lucius roared, fists clenched. “How can you be so blind, Narcissa?”
Narcissa furiously dashed a hand across her eyes. How dare he yell at her? Standing, she met him glare for glare. “I'll have you know I already love that boy, and I have seen no taint in him.” Cruelly, she threw words in his face like weapons: “You have a history of bad judgement when it counts, Lucius. You were wrong to grovel to that madman, and you're wrong about Harry.”
Face red with rage, Lucius practically shook with anger. “How dare you!”
Fearlessly, Narcissa lifted her chin. “I dare because you are wrong! You had better erase separating those boys from your mind. Nothing will part them, Lucius. Nothing! It is a waste of time and energy to even try! You'd do better by accepting Harry for who he is. Try calling him by name instead of Potter. Because if you don't...” She gave him a shove with her wand hand. “You won't have anything left to protect.”
“He might harbor the Dark Lord's soul,” Lucius whispered hatefully, eyes narrowed into angry slits. “Potter's life will burn away as the Dark Lord grows stronger, and then Potter will die and it will be the Lord you hate so much looking out from his eyes. What of Draco then, Narcissa! What then?”
She felt cold at those words, but she met his eyes and answered, “Then I will enjoy the time I do have with him as much as I can.” Even more softly, she added. “With both of them. Because Draco will not remain without Harry.”
Lucius turned and exploded one of the chairs with a roar before turning back to face his wife. “You'd give up on our son!”
Narcissa rallied, raising her voice to match his. “I answered your stupid question, Lucius! If that came to pass, that is what I would do! However! I plan to work with Draco to make sure such a future never comes to pass! While you spin uselessly, focusing on solutions that will have the same result, with Draco dead or gone, I will work on solutions that save Harry. Did you even give such a strategy a single thought?” Disgusted, she tossed her head with a vicious sneer. “You're frightened, Lucius, and that's made you weak and blind!”
Lucius swung his hand around in a vicious slap. The sound of his palm meeting her face was loud and sent her tumbling off her feet to sprawl dazed on the ground. Her hair fell lose, spilling over her shoulders. Voice dropped to a near hiss, Lucius spat. “I'm not blind, Cissa. I saw what could be in him while you were blinded by your desperation to play mummy. So while you dwell in happily ever afters, I'm going to deal with hard reality.”
Sprawled on the ground, Narcissa gasped for air, shaken by pain and shock. Her hand trembled as it cupped her cheek.
Lucius coldly reached down, grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet, ignoring her fearful cry. He pushed her at the couch and she collapsed on it. “If Potter's soul is contaminated, the Dark Lord would have had nearly six years to take root. There will be no saving that boy. I will not allow Draco to die with him.”
“And if the Unspeakable has a different explanation?” she challenged, crying.
Lucius grabbed her by the hair, ignoring her flinch, and put his face close to hers. “If the Unspeakable can explain the boy's use of Parseltongue and the ability to conjure a snake wandlessly and non-verbally in some other way, I am prepared to hear it. That is why she is here. However, I will not be mocked or derided for preparing for the worst, Narcissa. You may play nice with the boy all you wish. I don't expect you to be capable of making the hard choices, but rest assured I will do whatever it takes to ensure my son's survival.”
Releasing her with a short shove, he straightened his robes and left her there, weeping softly.
…
Draco smiled as he watched Harry show the woman around their rooms.
“And this is the toy closet,” he was saying. “There's so many!”
“Very nice selection,” she complimented, her long white-blond braid swinging as she turned.
Smiling, Harry led her to the bedroom door, Draco following behind them. “This is our room, and the clothes Narcissa bought us, and the bathroom.”
She nodded along and eventually they ended the tour by the bed. Draco hopped up to sit on the edge and held his hand out. Harry took it immediately and jumped up to sit next to them. They looked up at the woman expectantly.
“May I sit?” she asked with a smile.
Draco gave a nod and approved when she sat at the very foot of the bed, a few feet from them.
“My name is Pandora Lovegood,” she began, large blue eyes blinking slowly. “I went to Hogwarts and was sorted Ravenclaw. I fell in love with a very unusual man. His name is Xenophilius Lovegood. He is the chief editor and owner of the magazine The Quibbler. He's a bit misunderstood,” she admitted, a loving smile curling her lips. “But I don't think he tries to be otherwise. He was also sorted Ravenclaw, to my House's chagrin. ”
Draco cocked his head. “Why are you telling us this? Isn't it secret?”
Folding her hands in her lap, Pandora patiently explained. “Our magics will be touching, and it's best for you not to feel threatened. If you know more about who I am, it will help our chances of being able to work together.”
“That makes sense.” He looked thoughtfully over at Harry, his hair falling gently around his face from behind his ears. “I guess you'll need to know that Harry's mine, then.”
Pandora's brow crinkled just slightly as she watched Draco reverently touch the collar at the smaller boy's throat. Harry smiled and leaned into the blond's side. Her expression cleared as understanding dawned, but Draco could see a little bit of unease as she answered, “I see.”
“We were slaves for a while, but then we escaped.” He didn't look at her as he spoke, instead returning his attention to his boy. “I've been looking after Harry ever since.”
“It looks like you're doing a fine job,” she acknowledged, taking in Harry's calm, happy expression.
Draco smiled proudly, running his hands into Harry's hair and gripping. “Harry's a good boy. He heals me. He's always healed me.”
Harry blushed and ducked his head at the praise.
Pandora sat there for a long moment, and Draco let her think about what she'd been told. Eventually, she spoke, saying, “I have a daughter. She turned six this February. She's a delight to teach, a little of both of us in her. I love her very much. Her name is Luna.”
“Moon?” Harry asked, green eyes gazing up at her.
“Very good,” Pandora praised, eyes sparkling. “That is correct. It means moon.”
Harry grinned.
“So what do you need us to do?” Draco cut in, ready to get things started.
“If you could lie side-by-side...” Pandora stood and came to stand next to the bed. She pulled her wand out of a sheath strapped on her hip. It was light brown and longer than a ruler.
Draco pulled Harry up with him so they could lay their heads on the pillow. He took the outside edge, placing himself between Harry and Pandora out of habit. He didn't trust anyone, but something about her set Draco at ease and he wasn't too worried.
When she spoke, her voice was liquid smooth. “Close your eyes. I want us to fall into a trance. You will be aware the entire time, but not so aware of the outside... We need to go inside... Where the deepest parts of magic rests... We want to sink down deep and feel out the shape and flow of that force... We need to go down and meet it where it begins... Down... deep down... where the magic is...”
Chapter end.
A/N: I'm dying to know what you think about my choice of Pandora Lovegood as the magical core specialist.
I'm also interested in your thoughts on my portrayal of Lucius. He's been a tricky one to write.
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Freedom Bound in Chains