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
- 48
- 49
- 50
A/N: A very special message of love and appreciation for Babyvfan, who has inspired and supported me wholeheartedly through this journey so far. Thank you!
August 1987
The day after the ball Harry packed their Muggle clothes into two backpacks and they said their goodbyes to the Malfoys. It was Andromeda’s turn to host them for a month. Draco would be lying if he said he wasn’t looking forward to it. The ball had reinforced that they would need the skills the Malfoys were teaching them to navigate the old-world society of the Wizarding world, but the freedom promised at Andromeda’s was very much welcome.
“I will write every week,” Narcissa promised as she saw them off. The boys were flooing to the Leaky Cauldron; Andromeda would meet them there.
“Be sure to continue your studies,” Lucius added.
Draco rolled his eyes, knowing he was mostly concerned about Occlumency. “We will.”
“Bye, Narcissa. See you soon.” Harry waved and smiled as Draco pulled him into the green flames. Then they were gone.
Lucius wrapped an arm around Narcissa’s waist. She rested her head on his shoulder, staring sadly into the now warm gold and red flames. She missed them already. Time had flown by. It hardly seemed four weeks had passed, but she doubted the next four weeks would go as quickly. She anticipated a long, tedious month of waiting ahead of her.
…
Andie opened the door to their apartment and Draco was almost tackled by a laughing Dora. He gave a put-upon sigh as the overenthusiastic girl yelled in his ear, “You’re here! You’re finally here!” Disentangling himself, he actually smiled when she then glomped Harry and a feeling of - embarrassment happiness - sparkled along the surface of the bond.
“Mum! We’re going out, okay?” Dora asked, her hair flushing a dandelion yellow. She wore ripped jeans, purple hightop sneakers, and a tie-dyed baggie t-shirt, clearly ready for a day spent at the park.
Andie put her hands on her hips. “Let them put their stuff in their room, Nymphadora. Where are your manners?” Then, smiling, she ran her hand over her daughters hair. “Be back by dinner, and stick to one color!”
Dora grinned. “Okay!” she promised and turned excited eyes to Draco.
Not at all averse to going out, Draco hurried Harry down the hall, through the living room, and into their bedroom. Dropping their backpacks off on the floor, they were ready to go. Dora shouted another goodbye to her mother, her hair a pretty pink.
“There’s a baseball game in the park. I didn’t think you’d want to miss it,” she explained as they ran down the stairs.
Fifteen minutes later, the three of them were sitting in the grass, the warm August sun shining down on them. Draco watched the neighborhood baseball game with interest and explained the rules to Dora. She was pretty impressed to learn that Harry’s favored position was pitcher.
“Seems like that’d be a lot of pressure. Like the Seeker in Quidditch,” she said curiously, looking at him.
Harry smiled and pushed his glasses up his nose, - adoration - in his eyes. “Not with Draco behind the plate.”
Draco grinned back and reached over to tug on a lock of Harry’s wild hair.
Smiling at the obvious love between the boys, Dora jumped to her feet. “Come on. Let’s get hotdogs.”
She took off and almost immediately fell to her hands and knees, tripping over her own feet. A couple of teenagers saw her on the ground and started laughing. Dora turned red with embarrassment.
A small hand reached out to her and she looked up in surprise to see Draco standing next to her. Smiling sheepishly, she took his hand and got to her feet. Draco let go as soon as she was standing, and she sighed as she saw the grass stains on her knees.
Harry took her hand with a sweet smile. “What do you like on your hotdog, Dora?”
Holding his hand, she walked much more carefully this time as they made their way to the vendor. “Everything, of course!” she answered with a grin.
Green eyes bright behind his glasses, Harry looked up at her and said very seriously, “Draco hates raw onions.”
She laughed. “I’ll remember that.”
…
The next morning Harry slipped out of bed early and made his way to the kitchen. The sun had just risen, so the rest of the apartment was quiet. He carefully got out the frying pan, some bacon, eggs, and other ingredients, and with practiced skill, he began to make a batter.
Draco woke to the feeling of - love sadness. Rubbing his eyes, he slid out of bed, pulled on his jeans and a t-shirt, and padded barefoot to the kitchen. He leaned in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest and hair mussed from sleep.
Harry looked up, acknowledging him, but when Draco didn’t speak, he knew he was allowed to finishing cooking.
Eyes on his boy, Draco watched as Harry put on the finishing touches and carried over two plates. Harry was smiling, but there were tears in his eyes as he showed Draco what he’d made: two fluffy pancakes with bacon for a smiling mouth and eggs for eyes - Liam’s traditional birthday breakfast.
Draco’s eyes grew bright and he sank his hand into Harry’s hair, grabbing hold as he pressed his forehead against Harry’s. “I miss him, too,” he whispered roughly. “Come on.”
Letting go, he led the way to the table in the living room. They sat together, sharing the same chair, and ate breakfast silently. In between bites, Draco left kisses and little bites along Harry’s shoulder. They were just finishing, Harry's - happy pleasure - filling them both, when Ted came out of the bedroom. He was dressed for work in a button down and slacks, his dirty blond hair damp and combed back from his face.
“Good morning, boys,” he called softly so as not to wake Andromeda. He gave the kids a smile, choosing not to remark on the fact that Harry was sitting between Draco’s legs on a single chair and that the smaller boy’s shirt had been pulled nearly off one shoulder.
“There’s pancakes, bacon, and eggs warming in the oven,” Draco informed him as he rested his chin on Harry’s shoulder.
“Why, thank you. That was very nice of you boys. I hope you were careful?”
“Course,” Draco answered and gave a soft nudge. Harry slipped off the chair and began to collect their dishes. “Have a seat. Harry will make you a plate.”
“Would you like coffee?” Harry asked, balancing the plates and silverware from their breakfast in his arms.
After a pause, Ted answered, “Just milk would be good, Harry. Thanks.” He sat at the table with Draco, dark brown eyes bright with curiosity.
Draco watched him lazily, his chin propped up by one hand. “So, you make watches?”
Ted nodded, bemused. He felt like he was being interviewed. “Watches and clocks of all sizes. I’m also a magical artist. I’d love to paint you and Harry one day.”
Draco lifted an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
Harry returned with the hot plate and a glass of milk. He set them in front of Ted and moved to stand next to Draco. Draco wrapped his arm around Harry’s waist, hand sneaking under the boy’s t-shirt, his thumb stroking Harry’s warm skin as he waited for Ted’s answer.
“This looks wonderful,” Ted praised, very surprised at the quality. It was cooked near to perfection. He gave a big smile and cut his first bite of pancake. As soon as it hit his tongue, he gave a moan of pleasure. “It’s delicious!”
Red in the face, Harry ducked his head, pressing his body against Draco’s - happy relief.
Taking a sip of milk, Ted cut his next bite and answered Draco’s earlier question. “Your bond is beautiful. I’d love to put that on a canvas.”
“Thanks, but I’d have to think about it.” Draco stood. “Come on, Harry. Let’s finish getting dressed.”
Ted watched them go and gave a shrug before returning to his delicious meal.
…
Later, Andromeda took the boys and Dora to the public library. She expected them to read one book and write a report at the end of each week. She also bought them math and science workbooks. She expected one page of each to be completed after breakfast before they were allowed to go outside and play, but that still left a lot of time. Dora and the boys saw movies, ate at cafes, went shopping, and played in the park. Better yet, Remus came over nearly every night for dinner and told stories about his travels or his time at Hogwarts.
…
Andromeda flicked her wand and the serving plates floated out of the kitchen and hovered at their elbows, slowly rotating so that they could serve themselves from each. She smiled as Remus helped himself to the potatoes.
Dora, who sat at Remus’s side, eagerly asked him to tell them a story.
“What would you like the story to be about?” he asked in his gentle way.
“Some place mysterious,” Dora gushed, her currently blonde hair brightening with a golden shimmer. Her eyes were a beautiful violet.
“In a foreign country,” Draco added. He liked those stories best.
“Good choice,” Ted agreed happily as he dished up some oven-roasted Brussel sprouts.
Remus smiled gamely. “There is a valley in Italy called the Po Valley. It is a land rich in verdant fields, soft hills, and the crystal clear waters that irrigate it. In this valley is the city of Lodi, which is crossed by an imposing river, the Adda. The Adda divides the city like a big silvery ribbon and, in a delicate way, traces a line in the citizens' disposition.”
“What’s that mean?” Dora asked, wide-eyed.
“That the people on one side act a certain way and the people on the other act a different way,” Andromeda answered, pointing her fork at her daughter. “Disposition is the tendency of a person’s mood. You, my dearest, have a playful disposition.”
Remus nodded. “Exactly right. People born in the area near the river feel proud, and this makes them feel different from those who live in the center, situated on the top of Eghezzone Hill. You see, the people of the river who I stayed with tell stories of the birth of the river. The water begins in the Rhaetian Alps as a tiny gush that makes its way through debris flows and later down grassy slopes to become, at first, a spring, and then, nourished by pools, a torrent, and at last, it becomes the beautiful Adda River. Great poets have argued over this river. Alessandro Manzoni believed it to be a wonderful woman and Giosuè Carducci referred to it as a bold young man.”
“How can a river be a girl or a boy?” Draco asked, wrinkling his nose.
It was Andromeda who answered. “Places have an energy, much as people do. A woman feels very differently to a man, and sometimes places can have that same energy.”
“What’s so special about the river?” Dora wanted to know.
In a low voice, as if revealing a deep secret, Remus said. “A water dragon swims there from a lake further down the valley.”
Gasps went around the table, except for Draco and Harry who didn’t understand the significance.
“On rare nights,” he continued. “You can see it’s big head breaking the water and taking a big breath of air. It’s dark green like the river, with long feelers like a catfish and glowing green eyes. The people of the river help guard the dragon from the rest of the world. It is one of the last in Europe. I saw it almost six years ago while I was passing through. The moon was full when it rose from the water, sleek in the moonlight, and seemed to almost dance on the surface. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.”
Dora stared enraptured up at Remus. “Wow.”
“How inspiring,” Ted said excitedly and looked down the table at his wife. “A water dragon, Andie, and a full moon! I bet it’d make a beautiful painting.”
Draco noticed Harry looking at him and tilted his head curiously.
- love pride - “My dragon’s the best,” Harry said softly, his hand pressed to his side where his tattoo was curled up asleep.
Dora overheard, however, and grinned. “Draco is cool, but I want to see a real dragon! Can we go to a preserve, mum?”
Draco felt his heart expand with love for his boy, and he took Harry’s hand under the table, squeezing it. This was probably the first time Harry had ever felt pride, even a little, and it made Draco fiercely happy. * I love you, * he said honestly, his words filling Harry’s mind.
“That sounds like a great idea,” Ted chimed in enthusiastically.
Harry ducked his head, his face red, as Draco looked at him with a gentle expression.
“Maybe when the boys are older,” Andromeda corrected. “Even at the preserves they are wild and dangerous creatures.”
Watching the boys while the family continued to talk, Remus smiled. He had to agree with Harry. This was a much more miraculous and beautiful view than the water dragon. He was so thankful that the boys were together and that he was allowed to be a part of their lives. Every day with them was a gift.
…
Before they knew it, a week had passed since they had arrived at the Tonks’s, and they were in the middle of a science worksheet about photosynthesis when there was a knock on the door. Andromeda opened the door with a polite smile to see a tall, sallow-skinned, hooked-nosed professor from Hogwarts.
Severus inclined his head. “Good morning. I’m here for my weekly lesson with Draco.”
“Yes. Narcissa wrote me about them.” Andromeda didn’t move out of the doorway and didn’t invite him in. “However, I do not understand why they must be conducted without supervision.”
Severus scowled through his long greasy bangs. “I assure you, ma’am, my time is precious. If my services are not needed, say so at once.”
Andromeda frowned at him, but before she could say anything else, a small hand pulled the door wider open and Draco stood at her side.
He stared up at her with luminous grey eyes. “It’s okay, Andie.”
Andromeda gave him a stern look, not at all pleased. “I will know why they must be done in secret. I do not approve of him in your bedroom alone with you. It is very inappropriate.”
“I assure you that I have knowledge that no one else in the world possesses, and I’d like to keep it that way,” Severus told her dryly. “Feel free to vacate the premises and we will not have to use the bedroom.”
Andromeda huffed and crossed her arms, unintentionally making her breasts heave. “Very well,” she gave in reluctantly.
Draco led the man down the hallway, past the kitchen, and into the living room. He was at their bedroom door when he realized Snape had stopped following. He turned around to see the man staring intently at Harry.
Harry hadn’t noticed. He was on his stomach, his legs kicking slowly above him. His messy hair hid his face as he bent over his work, but Draco knew the tip of his pink tongue would be visible between his lips. Dora, on the other hand, had very much noticed Snape’s presence. She had gone tense and wary, watching the man closely.
It put Draco on edge and his voice was sharp when he called, “This way.”
Severus seemed to come out of his thoughts and followed Draco into the bedroom.
Draco shut the door and glared up at him. “What do you want with Harry?”
Severus glared back, but when he spoke, his voice was soft. “I was checking that he was well.”
Draco was very confused. “Of course’s he’s well. I take care of him.”
Severus said nothing to that. He turned his back to Draco and walked over to the window. “I am concerned at what I saw during our last meeting.” Turning to face the boy again, he met Draco’s unflinching stare. “Is it really necessary to be so violent? I’m certain a less punishing approach would be just as effective.”
Draco strode forward, closing the gap the man had created between them. “You don’t know anything about us, Snape,” he said, voice dangerously silky. “Harry’s not your concern.”
Severus’s expression grew thunderous. Voice nearly at a hiss, he spat, “Not my concern! If you can’t handle a little scrutiny, then perhaps you know I am correct and merely cannot admit it!”
Draco stopped a few feet from the man so that he did not have to tilt his head too far back to stare him down. “I won’t say it again, Snape. Harry’s not your concern.”
Ignoring Draco’s warning, Severus flung his arm out, pointing behind Draco toward the door. His eyes were wide, his face red, and his breathing had increased. “You take things father than Harry strictly needs because of your own twisted experiences! How can you justify saying you take care of him when you ignore that fact?”
“You don’t know the first thing about Harry,” Draco growled. “You don’t even know enough to make a guess about what he feels, what he needs. Why the hell do you even think it’s your business?”
Before Severus could answer, Draco stared deep into his eyes, felt his power surge protectively from deep in his belly, and whispered, “Legilimens.”
It wasn’t like going into Harry’s mind. It was rough, like being dragged along sandpaper and squeezed through a too small hole, but then he was in Snape’s mental space. He could feel barriers folding and shifting around him in the dark. Draco, disoriented, had no idea what to do next or how to get the information he needed, but he felt the moment the darkness chose to part and something hooked him violently forward into the middle of an explosion of sound and color.
“Sev, I missed you!” a high, girlish voice cried.
On a train, in a compartment, green eyes and red-orange hair. Warmth and being held in a careful hug.
Sitting in a dark, dank classroom. The redhead with her hair pulled up into a bun standing next to him. Feeling comfortable and safe, working together easily to create a perfect potion that everyone else would screw up.
“Thanks for being my partner.”
“I like working with you, Sev. You’re brilliant at potions,” the girl answered with a bright smile.
Feeling love.
At the top of a tower, the wind blowing hard and the stars sparkling coldly. The warmth of another person pressed against you, the gentle swell of her breasts, the wet heat of her mouth. Feeling the heavy weight of her long hair. Hot and giggling and never wanting it to end.
Enemies tripping him, hurting him. Books falling, deep bruises, work destroyed, Housemates staring at him, demanding he defend himself, to be cunning. Desperate to get revenge, to be strong. The girl standing between him and them. Deepened disgust in his Housemate’s eyes. Failure. Weak.
In an abandoned classroom. “Just leave it alone. I don’t need your help, don’t you see that?” -begging and angry.
“You’re my best friend. I care about you!” - angry and defiant. “What do you want me to do? Watch? I can’t, Sev! We’re supposed to be a team!”
Frustrated and in love, afraid and desperate.
Hanging upside down, ugly torn underpants kept hidden now shown to the school. A sea of laughing faces. Housemates turning away. Knowing that he had lost the chance to become more, to become strong. He’s never going to be able to make it right. Then she is there. Defending him. Calling her a hurtful name - just trying to get her to go away! Seeing her cry and run away is like dying.
Wanting to die.
Pulling her into an empty classroom. Begging forgiveness.
“Loving you is too hard, Sev,” she whispers tearfully and pulls away, her long hair trailing behind her.
For a long time watching her. Watching her, helpless and worthless. But then she is suddenly all over HIM. One of the enemy. He knows she hates him. Hates his cruel ways. Even if they are ended, she would not love HIM!
He tries to talk to her. Tries to get her alone. But she is angry at him. Angrier than ever. No more tears. She looks at him with HIS eyes. It doesn’t make sense!
He follows them obsessively. Trying to get close. Trying to get answers. Desperately worried. Terrified that he knows what’s happened. Following and coming face to face with a MONSTER! Terror! Saved by a huge deer. Running, running, running.
Dumbledore. Telling him there’s a MONSTER. Telling him about HER. Understanding and sympathy, but they are still THERE the next day. The monster and his enemies. And she is still with them. He feels physically sick as he watches HIM kiss her. Touch her. Watches how she gives herself to him blindly.
Going to kill him. Months of work in the dark and he has it, the poison. Getting him alone. Angry and desperate, ready to kill.
“I’m glad we’re alone. I wanted to talk to you, Snape,” he speaks before he dies. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what Sirius was thinking, but I’ll make sure we leave you alone from now on.” Hazel eyes behind glasses suddenly so earnest and not filled with hate.“I think you’re right about her,” he confesses with clear pain in his voice. “I asked Dumbledore to investigate. He says there’s no residue, but it’s clear she was altered. There’s nothing they can do now.”
“You bastard!” - screaming in rage.
“I swear to you it wasn’t me, Snape! I know you don’t believe me, but I loved her. I’ll never stop looking for who did this, but whatever happened, whoever did it, it can’t be undone.” Tears. Actual tears in Potter’s eyes. “It’s not fair, and it’s not the way I wanted it, but she’ll always be madly in love with me now. I’ll make you a vow, Snape. I swear on my life. On my magic. I will take care of her. I’ll never hurt her. I won’t even do things that I know she would have hated.”
“She would have hated being with you!” - rage and pain nearly swallowing you up.
“I know, Snape. I know, but I’ve never been more serious in my life. I’m going to try and make this right somehow. I give you permission to hurt me if I mess up, Snape. I can’t trust my friends with this. You love her. You’ll do what’s right for her. I know that she can’t resist or protest even if I were to abuse her, so I give you the same power. If you come for me, I won’t resist. I won’t lift hand or magic against you. You have my permission to punish me if I deserve it.” Suddenly fierce, he presses you against the wall. “But you can’t kill me, Snape. You have to make sure I don’t die. I already offered to kill myself to free her, but Dumbledore told me that if I die, she won’t make it. Her depression would be so great that she’ll likely kill herself, so you have to make sure I don’t die. Hurt me but don’t kill me. Swear it!”
Unable to bear the thought of her dying, you take his hand and make the vow…
Draco was flung from the man’s mind. He was dizzy, but he was immediately aware Snape’s hands were clutching his shoulders. With a hiss, he knocked his hand away and staggered over to the bed, practically falling against it. Glaring, he stared through sweaty bangs at the man kneeling by the window.
Severus sat back on his heels, expression filled with honest pain. “Don’t you see?” he rasped. “Whatever spell or potion was used on her, it went deep and was extremely powerful. What if it’s still active in her son? What if he can’t help being in love with you? He’ll never tell you when he’s uncomfortable. No, worse than that. He never will be uncomfortable even if he should be. He’s defenseless against you.”
“He’s mine,” Draco snarled and pushed up so he was standing straight. “You can’t see what that means. You’re too caught up in your own fucking past. Pay attention, Snape. I don’t need some vow to keep me in check. I don’t need someone watching to make sure Harry’s okay. He’s mine. Body, mind, and soul. His needs, his comfort, are my only priority. I take care of him, Snape. I protect him.”
“You choked him. You collared him!” Severus spat, desperate for the boy to understand.
“I protect him from bastards like you,” Draco hissed, taking a step closer with his fists balled up. “Had that girl been mine, I would never have forced her to stand between me and the world. But had I been that weak, I would have rewarded her for protecting me. I would have rewarded her love. I wouldn’t have kicked her in the heart like a sniveling brat. If I had wronged her the way you did, I would have stripped myself naked and allowed her to punish me for my absolute failure to take care of her!”
Severus stared back at him, eyes wide, breathing harsh and ragged, as Draco continued to stalk closer, those hate-filled silver eyes filled his vision.
“And if that was my girl, who had been spelled to think she loved the one she hated… I would have killed her! I would never have let her live to be raped day in, day out! In fact, from what I saw, Potter was a better man than you in every way! Her enemy took better care of her than you ever did!” Draco lashed his hand forward and grabbed a fistful of the man’s oily hair, forcing his head back to look up at him. Snape was too shocked to resist. “Don’t you dare think you know how to take care of Harry! You don’t know the FIRST THING about taking care of someone.” Shoving Snape away from him, Draco took a step back and crossed his arms. “You’re here to teach me a spell to protect my mind. That’s all. Now shut up and do your goddamn job for once.”
Severus used the wall for support as he climbed to his feet. He said nothing, his face averted as he crossed the room and slammed the door behind him.
Draco staggered back, his head pounding, and climbed into bed to lay down. Almost immediately, the door opened and Harry slipped into the room.
Harry quietly climbed into the bed with him. Draco lay limp under Harry’s touch as the boy tried to smooth his wrinkled forehead. Soon Harry began leaving butterfly kisses over his eyes, nose, lips. Draco sighed and pulled him into a hug. He rolled so that he was on his side facing his boy and slipped Harry’s glasses off his face. Harry continued to pet Draco’s hair - lovelovelove - and soon Draco fell into a fitful sleep.
…
No one asked Draco what happened with Snape, Andromeda did ask if he expected the man to return. Draco had said simply, “Oh, he’ll be back.”
Sure enough, one week later, Severus knocked on the front door. He nodded a greeting and went immediately to the bedroom, although he did stop to look at Harry. Seeing the boy at the table, he gave the boy a once over, trying his best not to stare into Lily’s green eyes as he did, but then he moved past. Once he had Draco alone, he gave the lesson in an efficient, no nonsense way and left again.
…
They did their reading reports and workbooks, ran the city with Dora, helped out around the house, and Snape behaved himself, coming two more times. Things were going well. It felt like a vacation really. Draco had sunburnt cheeks, his hair was even paler than normal, and Harry had turned a golden tan. They were due back at the Malfoys in a few more days, and Draco was actually feeling ready to go.
He wanted to set up “play-dates” with some of the other kids and try to secure a hold on them, and he still had so much to learn in order to be ready when Voldemort came back for his boy. He also wanted to contact Pandora. It had been a month now with no word. He still wanted that darkness out of Harry as soon as possible.
He was thinking about all of this as he sat on the couch watching Doctor Who. Harry and Dora were in her room. Andromeda had grown upset when she’d seen the messy state of her daughter’s room, and Harry had offered to help her clean in while Andromeda cooked dinner.
…
“Wow,” Harry said, seeing the tall stack of books shoved into Dora’s closet.
She wore a t-shirt and jeans, her pink hair pulled up into a ponytail, her eyes matching Harry’s emerald green. “All of them are from Hogwarts,” she said, hands on her hips. “Can you believe it?”
“You must know a lot,” he said, impressed.
She laughed. “Believe it or not, I’m top of my class in Hufflepuff. Mum would kill me if I let my studies slip.”
She pushed and shoved so that the piles were more even and then stood to push her clothes toward one side, to give her room to hang more up. She noticed Harry had stopped working and looked to see him staring longingly at something. Glancing back to her closet, she smiled and pulled out the ballgown she wore to his party.
“Pretty, isn’t it? Mum and I had so much fun when we went shopping.” She held it up to her body and swished it side to side. “Tried on about thirteen before we settled on this one. She says she hates her sister, but she cared an awful lot that we look good for her.”
“It’s beautiful,” Harry breathed, voice soft.
Dora was used to his hesitancy by now and dumped the dress into his arms. “Here, you can touch it.”
She giggled at his horrified look, but when nothing bad happened, he relaxed enough to give her a smile. Almost reverently he ran his hand over the lavender silk and chiffon. Cheeks bright red, he swished side to side like she had done.
…
Draco was pulled from his thoughts as golden sparks danced and shimmered through his mind. Harry had never felt so… He couldn’t put his finger on it. It was like happy, but there was something more. Maybe it was self-worth?
…
Harry was just so adorable, holding the dress with his cheeks bright red. Without thinking, she said, “Try it on.”
Looking up at her with wide eyes filled with wonder, he asked, “Can I?”
“Yeah! It’ll be fun!”
She wasn’t a big kid, but she was taller and thicker than Harry. It was easy to slip it over his head, clothes and all. The skirt pooled on the floor around his bare feet, and he had to clutch the bodice to his chest so it didn’t fall completely down.
Dora clapped, mirroring his happy smile. “You look beautiful!” And he did. Wild, messy hair, big green eyes, pink lips and blushing cheeks, he looked perfectly adorable. “Try a spin.”
Harry turned in a tight circle, careful where he put his feet. Joy bubbling up from his chest, he giggled and imagined dancing with Draco. Imagined how beautiful the dress would be next to Draco in his dress robes, and imagined how great it would be to be the one in Draco’s arms, made beautiful by the gorgeous dress.
…
Draco grinned. He slipped from the couch and made his way down the hallway. He wanted to see what was making Harry feel so good. Whatever it was, Draco was going to keep it.
…
Harry was in the middle of a turn when the door opened and Andromeda stepped in. Everyone froze. It seemed as if time itself had stopped. Then Andromeda’s face became etched in horror and she practically tore the dress out of Harry’s hands.
The gown fell to the floor, and Andromeda grabbed Harry’s arm to yank him out from the middle of it. “What is the meaning of this!” she hissed, furiously.
- terror shame disgust - “I’m sorry! Please, I’m sorry! I won’t do it again!” he cried desperately.
And then Draco was there.
He almost seemed to materialize between them as he bit down on Andromeda’s wrist, making her scream and let go of Harry. Harry staggered back. His back hit the wall and he slid down to the floor, sobbing. Dora - hair white with fear and shock - stumbled over to him, almost tripping on the dress. She tried to hug him, but he flinched away from her, scrubbing at his arms as if he were dirty. She sat next to him helplessly.
“Don’t you ever touch Harry again,” Draco hissed, beyond furious. He stood with his feet braced, his arms loose by his sides. The look on his face was terrifying.
“Boy’s don’t wear dresses!” Andromeda shrieked, but she was losing strength. Her face was white and her breath came fast and loud as she clutched her wrist to her chest protectively.
Suddenly Ted was there. He grabbed his wife in a firm hold around the shoulders and took her from the room. They could hear her high-pitched voice muffled through the walls and then a door shut and there was silence. Draco spun around and stood over Harry.
Dora watched, mouth hanging open, as Draco grabbed Harry by the collar he wore and practically dragged him to his feet. Harry shook so badly that he had to lean against the wall to stay standing. He was sobbing as Draco held him there, but eventually she was able to make out what he was saying.
“Sorry, Draco. So sorry. I’m a dirty, disgusting freak. Never be beautiful. Sorry, Draco. I’m sorry…”
Dora could only gape in horror at the words spilling from Harry’s lips, the self-hatred in his voice.
“Take off your clothes,” Draco commanded. He pressed Harry against the wall more firmly before letting him go.
The boy obediently began stripping, his shaking hands pulling his shirt over his head and unbuttoning his jeans. Draco had to steady him as he stepped clear of the denim. Naked, trembling, Harry seemed to curl in on himself.
Dora froze as Draco suddenly pinned her with a look. “Get the dress.”
“No! Draco!” Harry cried desperately, sounding almost like he was going to be sick.
Draco pressed his hand against Harry’s throat and asked a single question. “Are you mine?”
“Yours,” came the immediate if whispered response.
Dora numbly picked up the dress and handed it to the blond. She watched as Draco slipped it over Harry’s head and made the boy put it on properly, arms through the arm holes and everything. Then he was looking at her again.
“Get your wand. You’re gonna shrink it until it fits.”
Harry whimpered.
Dora stumbled over to her dresser and got her wand. Then she did as she was told. She concentrated really hard and began to shrink the fabric. She didn’t do a perfect job. It bunched in a few places, but it mostly looked okay when she was finished.
Draco ran a hand down her arm and gave her a soft smile. The touch was warm and steady, and it made her calm down a bit. She looked at Harry, all ruffled and crying in the ballgown, but he was just as cute as she thought he would be.
“You look beautiful,” she said without thinking and then covered her mouth, hoping she hadn’t said the wrong thing.
Apparently it was okay because Draco smiled at her again. Then he took a handful of Harry’s hair and put his face close to the other boy’s. “You hear that? You look beautiful,” he whispered just loud enough for her to hear.
Harry still looked terrified. He was clawing at the wall behind him, his eyes wide and locked onto Draco.
Draco grabbed a bit of the skirt and swished it. “So beautiful. I love it,” he said almost sweetly.
Harry stared at him - doubt self-hate fear.
* You’re not just a boy, Harry. You’re mine. I’m special, and that makes you different from other boys. It means I can kiss you and put my collar around your throat, and it means you can look beautiful in this dress. And when we dance, I will look so beautiful holding you, Harry, and spinning you. *
Harry stared mesmerized as Draco painted a picture in his mind. Slowly his heartbeat slowed - self-doubt painful longing desire. “I can’t be beautiful,” he whispered brokenly, breath hitching.
“Yes, you can, Harry.” Draco swished the skirt again. “Such a beautiful dress. It can’t look ugly, can it? And I can’t look ugly, right? I’m beautiful?”
“You’re so beautiful, Draco!” Harry cried and reached for him. Draco allowed it, letting the boy hug him tight.
“Well, you’re beautiful when you’re next to me, and you look so beautiful in that beautiful dress,” he insisted, stroking Harry’s hair.
“Mum…” Dora spoke up. She paled when Draco looked over at her, his eyes piercing. If she fucked this up, he would kill her. “Mum, she grew up in a bad family. They hurt her. Taught her bad things. She met Dad and he helped her, but sometimes she talks like she’s with her bad family, not with us. It wasn’t you, Harry. I’m sorry she said that and hurt you.”
Harry sniffed, practically pressed against Draco’s chest. “Like Draco’s flashbacks?”
“Yes!” Dora agreed not knowing what he was talking about, but knowing that agreeing was a good idea.
Draco gave her another smile before pushing Harry away from him enough to look into his eyes. “Let me see you, please.” It wasn’t a question.
Harry blushed - confusion trust doubt need desire. He was mixed up and still recovering from his panic attack, but he let Draco step back and look at him. Feeling sick and dizzy, he nonetheless felt warm as Draco looked him up and down with heated eyes.
* I love it, Harry. You were right. We’ll look beautiful dancing together with you wearing something like that. *
Harry half smiled as tears spilled down his face once more.
Draco took him into his arms, knowing Harry had had enough. Carefully, he began undoing the buttons along Harry’s back. It took a few minutes, but he managed to get his boy out of the gown and back into his clothes.
“When’d you get a tattoo?” Dora suddenly asked. She was sitting on the floor with her back to the wall next to Harry.
Harry blinked at her, numb.
Crouched by Harry’s side, Draco grinned, showing his teeth, his hand holding tightly to Harry’s hair. “Oh, not long ago. It means he belongs to a dragon.”
Dora stared into his eyes and knew without a doubt that it was true.
…
Draco took Harry straight to bed. He kissed and soothed this boy until he finally fell asleep. While he slept, Draco thought about it carefully, but he decided they would stay the last day. Leaving would show Harry they were running instead of showing that Andromeda was in the wrong. Besides, Auntie Andie was going to be sick with the flu for a while. She was lucky he hadn’t broken her skin because then she’d be dead.
Harry brought her soup in the morning with Draco hovering at his side. Ted had taken off work to tend to her, and he smiled in welcome from his position sitting on the edge of the bed. Andromeda lay propped up on her back, her hair spread out around her, face damp and red with fever. She smiled when she saw Harry and spoke sweetly to him, and the last of Harry’s - fear - began to fade.
Draco took his hand and led him from the room. Dora was waiting for them. Her hair was brown and her eyes were muddy, and she followed them outside without a word. Draco gave her a smile and gently suggested to Harry that they should cheer her up since her mom was sick. Harry immediately perked up at a job to do.
He went to Dora’s side and took her hand, giving her his best smile. “What do you want to do today?” he asked sweetly.
She smiled back at him uncertainly. Why was he suddenly so cheerful? “Let’s go see a movie?” she suggested.
“Can we see a movie, Draco?” Harry asked, hopefully, still holding her hand.
Draco smiled at him, stroking his hair once. “Sure. Let’s see a movie.”
They ended up seeing Dirty Dancing. It was lighthearted and fun with some exciting bits toward the end, and the music was really catchy. They sang bits of the movie back and forth all the way back to their favorite cafe. Dora’s hair was, of course, dark blonde and curly and her eyes were a warm brown, just like Baby. Harry felt - happy - that they had succeeded in cheering her up, and they spent a nice afternoon at the park.
Andromeda was feeling a little better by that night. She sat on the couch with a mug of soup while the rest of them ate the dinner Ted had made. Conversation was quiet, but for the most part everyone was relaxed. It wasn’t until Harry and Dora went to the kitchen to do dishes, that Andromeda spoke.
“Draco. Come here please.”
Draco took the seat next to her, expression impassive, while Ted moved to sit on the arm of the couch. He put his arm around his wife’s shoulders in an obvious show of support.
Hair pulled back in a loose, messy bun, Andromeda stared at him with a pale face and fever bright eyes. “I’m sorry, Draco. I grew up in a Dark, pureblood House. They did not look kindly on things like that. I remember one summer. My favorite cousins were visiting. We were playing in the attic - my cousins, my sisters, and me. Somehow we ended up dressing my youngest cousin Regulus in one of Bella’s dresses. We were just playing…” Andromeda closed her eyes. “My Uncle caught us. Reggie was nine, I think. What they did to him, I’ll never know, but he wasn’t the same after. Quiet. Obedient. He never played with us again. Seeing boys dress up like girls still leaves me sick and scared today.” Opening her eyes, she stared at him in entreaty. “I hope you know how much I’ve come to love you and Harry. I’m sorry I scared him. I know he was just playing.”
Draco stared into her eyes unblinking. “Harry’s mine. If he needs punishment, you talk to me. That’s not your place. And let me make something clear. Harry wasn’t playing. He was happy, and if wearing a ballgown makes him happy, he’ll do so again. I’m not playing, either, Andromeda. Harry’s mine in every way.”
Eyes wide, she covered her mouth with shaking hands.
Draco gave her an innocent smile. “Better get used to it, ‘cause if you can’t, we’re never coming back.” Getting up, he went to the kitchen to find Harry.
Chapter end.
A/N: I’m very interested to know what you all thought about the history I crafted for Severus, James, and Lily. I’m also interested in what you think about Harry wanting to wear ballgowns when he dances with Draco.
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Freedom Bound in Chains