Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Shades of Grey	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 103955 -:- Recommendations : 6 -:- Currently Reading : 21
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor do I make any money off this dance in the realm of strangeness and smut

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Chapter 6

Sitting in the parlor, Severus was having his first cuppa after waking up. Though an elf delivered him some breakfast, it was still sitting beside him on the small table with a warming charm on it. Frankly, right now he had no appetite. The events of the night before were still playing over in his mind and he was trying to think back over all the interactions Potter had over the years with the headmaster, attempting to dissect whether or not the boy had been manipulated into doing some of what he had. As he hadn't had much sleep since he had been busy all night with moving the odious Dursleys then visiting the Dark Lord to feed him the story about the Ministry's possible involvement in Potter vanishing, he hadn't the time to get his normal amount. Neither had been a pleasant task but had been successful. The Dursley's were ensconced in a safe house controlled by the Order and the Dark Lord seemed to buy the story he had fed him, looking thoughtful, nodding and vowing to look into it so he could see if he couldn't get his hands on Potter if the Ministry had him stashed somewhere. That meant that it behooved him to inform Lucius of it since, when it came to most anything in the Ministry that dealt with Fudge and such, he was the being that the Dark Lord went to.

Sighing, still tired, the Potions Master sipped more tea, trying to wake up. He had gotten some sleep when he had come back but not much, certainly not as much as he would like. His mind was too busy to allow him to do so for the most part, even when he did lie down. There was also the fact that when he finally made it back in, a very tired looking Lucius met him then said he had to go visit Narcissa for something or other. Just before taking off, however, he had made the ominous statement that they had to talk when he came back, that it was serious. He hadn't liked that and wanted at least a clue as to what was going on but the elder Malfoy had been in a hurry to leave so he didn't get any hint as to what might be happening. The only thing that might lean there was the fact that he had, in parting, just as he was about to step into the floo, stated that they couldn't give Potter any more Dreamless Sleep. That they also had to watch how drugged he was and not let him get too out of it. That didn't bode well. It also meant that he had to assign a couple house elves to watch over the brat while he got some much needed shut-eye. Now, though he hadn’t slept well and was pretty much functional only because of the Pepper-Up Potion he had taken, he was awake and pondering what all that could mean. He was a patient man and could, usually, wait for answers on things, no matter his curiosity on the topic, but right now, with all that was going on, he was finding it hard to do so.

After finishing his tea, he had one of the elves bring him another cup then inquired as to what Potter was up to. No, he didn't think the brat would get into anything or try to leave, he was too drugged up still for that, but with the way trouble followed him around, it was best that someone keep an eye on what he was doing then head it off at the pass before it could happen. From what he was told though, everything seemed fine. The boy, apparently, was just walking around outside enjoying the fresh air was all, nothing more. He was probably too groggy and out of it to do much else, like flying. Nor did Snape think he was 'with it' enough to attempt something like plotting an escape. That was fine with him, as long as Potter was out of his hair so he could think, he was fine. Eventually, probably later that day with the way things looked, he was going to have to deal with him but, for now, he had to sort through his own thoughts and prejudices about the boy before he could even think about doing that. After all he had heard the night before, going back to treating him the way he used to rubbed him wrong and made his stomach curdle with guilt.

Sighing, he took a sip of his fresh tea then began to poke at his breakfast. He was hungry so it wouldn't do to ignore the food. Doing so wouldn't help him think things through at all at this juncture so he had to eat something, though his appetite wasn't there despite feeling hungry. It was just the situation he found himself presented with was all. That wasn't conducive to feeling like eating but he needed to so that he ensured his mind was clear when he did have to think or come up with a solution to something that was bound to be pressing. What Lucius had said probably meant he had to do that or work on solving an issue of some kind so he needed to be at his best to manage that.

Shaking his head, he picked up the plate then began to eat though the food didn't seem to have any taste, something he was certain had more to do with his state of mind than the way the elves had prepared the food.

When Lucius stepped back through the floo after his trip to see Narcissa, the first thing he did was go to find Severus. They had a great deal to discuss then they had to work with Potter once that was done. He was sure the 'working with Potter' part of the whole thing was going to be the worst of it but it was something that needed done sooner than later. Nor could they do what they had the first day and just force the issue. Trust was going to be needed in this nightmare and they had to start building it. Now was as good a time as any to start that since Severus was going to be going back to school soon then it would be just he and Potter alone. An all out war between the two for months on end wasn't something that he wanted or looked forward to. The sooner they got along, the better it was going to be for all of them. Shouldering the bag full of books, spelled to be light, he went in search of his cohort. There was much to be done before the afternoon was over and it was best they get started.

Quickly, he found his partner in crime sitting in the library, pouring over those two potions in the books, making a list of what he needed for ingredients when it came to them. It appeared that they had most of what was required and only a few things were needing to be picked up. Sitting down the bag of books, he said, “Just make a list, one of the elves will go get what you need.”

Sneering at the thought of a house elf picking up potion ingredients, Snape shook his head then said, “No, this is something I do myself. I don't trust anyone to just hand over the best of what they have just because an elf tells them it's for me. This is something I will do myself.”

Understanding what the finicky man was saying about it, Lucius just nodded then flopped into a chair and rubbed his eyes in a tired way. “We need to talk. This is more serious, and strange, than we originally planned for, Severus.”

Giving a dry snort, Severus reminded him, “That's always the way with Potter.” Ensuring he had everything on the list he needed, he then tucked in inside his robe before seating himself. After casting a heating charm on his cold tea, he took a sip then said, “I believe you said there was something you needed to discuss with me?” When he saw Lucius nod, he then added, “And there were some revelations last night I need to impart to you as well from what I saw at that the debacle with the Order.”

Rubbing his eyes again, Lucius nodded, “How about you go first. Mine is going to be... quite complicated and is going to take a great deal of discussion, not to mention brain storming, once I'm done imparting the information.”

Not liking the sound of that, Severus scowled slightly then, quickly, organized his thoughts before telling his cohort in this mess what happened and the things he saw when he delved into the Dursleys' minds. After that, he told him about what he learned from Dumbledore. Then came the bit with the Dark Lord. Though, of all of that, the chunk with Voldemort was the easiest there was of the lot. It was more of a heads up than anything else.

Sitting in his chair, Lucius looked at his old friend, horrified. In almost a whisper, he said, “That cupboard we set the fire in... that is where Potter was forced to live for 10 years? They forced a wizard to live in a cupboard and work like a house elf?”

Nodding, sour look in his face, Severus told him dryly, “It rather explains the laughter when Potter found out where the fire was set.”

“And Dumbledore knew how he was treated but didn't bother to take him from there and kept sending him back after he started school?” The blonde then asked, pitch and volume of his voice rising as he spoke.

“For the greater good,” Severus told him sourly, looking away. “He said it was the blood wards, that they were the thing to protect him.”

“Bollocks!” Lucius ground out, eyes sparkling in anger. “There are plenty of wizarding dwellings that have wards that are all but impenetrable, like here. Even if they are substandard, they can be strengthened! There is no excuse to put a child, any wizarding child, through that kind of hell just over some wards!” Stopping, he took a deep breath to calm himself then said, tone much more normal, “I am not a fan of Potter but even I wouldn't wish something like that on him!” Stopping, he took a sip of the tea the elf had quietly brought him after he came in then added softly, almost as an afterthought, “It would explain some things about him and his attitude. Probably more of a cover than anything else to hide insecurities and overcompensate.”

Nodding, Severus said nothing, understanding, more than he would ever admit, to what Lucius was saying. It was something that he, himself, had done in school as both self preservation and to ensure no one got too close so they wouldn't find out about what his home was like. He hadn't thought about things that way until this point but it did make sense. Potter, after being treated terribly all his life, would do about anything to please those around them, be they friends or staff at the school. It also would make him ripe for Dumbledore's manipulations.

“I do believe,” Severus started slowly, “that, on my end, I may have, indeed, seen things from a skewed point of view.” That's where Severus stopped, not wanting to go down that road any further and admit that he was treating someone badly because he reminded him so much of his father, in the looks department, when it was evident that there was no way Harry was the spoiled brat James was.

Nodding, Lucius said nothing for a minute, looking down into his teacup, thinking. Then he said, softly, “Perhaps that's what many of us did, thinking that this was just the reincarnation of James. Now that we know better, however, things can change.” Sighing, he shook his head then told his partner in this whole scheme, “One of my thoughts was to send Potter back after the best obliviation we could manage. Now, though, there is no way I'm willing to do that. Even if he is unwilling to help us or fights it every step of the way, I believe it's safer for all involved, especially him, if he stays right here with us. At least he won't be manipulated into his own death by thinking he's doing the best thing for the Wizarding World or jerked around to the point that he is the next Dark Lord in the making because that old fool has manipulated him to the point that he becomes an angry young man that hates the world and everyone in it.”

“No, he's not going back,” Severus told Lucius firmly. “I made a promise that I would protect him and I no longer feel I can do that if Dumbledore is moving him around like some kind of chess piece on a board. He is staying put for now. At least until the war is over or a better option crops up if it becomes clear that he's not going to fall in step with what we want. Either way, I plan to ensure that he isn't within the grasp of Dumbledore and is safe from his manipulations.”

Nodding, Lucius replied, “Good plan. If he's out of play even the Dark Lord will be at a loss and fumbling for a time. That will give the other side an advantage, something that can only aid us.”

Severus said nothing. For the time being, the topic was still very uncomfortable for him. But it would have to come up again so, after a minute or so, he said, “If we can get the boy to calm down and talk to us, I think it would be in the best interest of all of us to walk him through all his 'adventures' to see which ones have Dumbledore's fingerprints on them.”

“That, I will concede, is a good idea,” Lucius agreed with a tip of his head. “I have a feeling that there has been a great deal of Potter being led down the garden path by the old goat. The more we know about that, the more we may be able to suss out what his plan is or at least get clues as to what it might be or the direction it leads.”

“True. With what we know now, we might be able to see a pattern emerge. I also feel that Dumbledore, like the Dark Lord, might start to panic if the boy isn't found soon and reveal a few of those cards that he holds so close. That will only aid us in the end. Or at least give us substantial clues as to what might be going on or what needs done,” Severus added.

Sighing, Lucius looked down into his tea cup then called for an elf to bring him something stronger. This conversation was tough enough that he felt he was going to need something to bolster his nerves. After the elf brought him some of his finest brandy, he took a drink then settled back. “I might have some clues we can follow on that. None of them are pleasant either,” he said quietly, looking at the floor.

Eyebrow raised, Severus inquired, “What are those? And this doesn't sound good, Lucius.”

Shaking his head, the blonde said, “It isn't. If I'm right, or the clues I have are leading the appropriate direction, it's not good, old friend, and complicates things beyond what we can even fathom.”

Eying the drink his friend had, Severus pondered having an elf bring him one as well, assuming that whatever Lucius had to say was going to be something he didn't like but, in the end, he decided against it. It was too 'early' in the day for him to start that. There was too much to do and the temptation to over indulge would be too great. Besides, if he had to start working in the lab, he couldn't be less than attentive about it. Booze would make him that way. So, rather than ponder a drink any further, he sighed then made a motion for Lucius to continue.

Sighing, Lucius told him of the events from the night before then the readings of the spells he did. Swallowing thickly, he explained, “Something is very odd with this, Severus. The binding of the magic alone is all but unheard of. But that bit with the scar...it's something that set off warning bells to me. That's why I went to see Narcissa. She's a Black. If it's dark magic, she would at least know of it.”

Though Lucius knew plenty of dark magic in his own right, Narcissa was no slouch in that area herself. After all, growing up in that family, one that was well known for the dark aspects of things, she would know plenty herself. She just wasn't well known for people seeing her do such things as Lucius was nor the threats of doing so as her husband was wont to do. Sipping at his tea, not liking the direction this was meandering, Severus asked, though not sure he wanted to know, “Did you find anything that can explain it?”

“We did,” Lucius nodded. “Took us some digging and hunting for information on cursed scars in the library we have where she’s staying, but we found something.” Reaching into the bag, he pulled out the book on top then opened it to where he had the bookmark before handing it to Severus.

One look at what was described on the page and Severus went white then swallowed thickly, feeling the breakfast he had eaten start to churn. Looking back at Lucius, he asked, “Are you sure about this? A Horcrux?”

With a shrug and sigh, Lucius shook his head, “No, I’m not sure but it fits. If that's what happened then it would explain why Potter survived the killing curse and how the Dark Lord was able to stay alive after what happened then make a return. Part of him still lived in Potter so he was never truly dead to start with.”

Quickly reading through the text, Snape then shut the book with a visible shudder, shaking his head. “It would. But how would that have been managed? The Dark Lord had done such things before. In fact, not moments before he went after Potter. He had, after all, killed both his parents just before he went after him. Wouldn't that have done the same thing?”

“That's what I wondered myself,” Lucius nodded. “Narcissa seems to know more on the topic than I do so she told me she thought he might have been about to use Potter to create one and it backfired in some way.” Stopping, Lucius downed the last of his drink then shivered before dropping his voice then saying, “She thinks that he may have done it before, thus making his soul unstable. That might be what caused this to happen.”

Shuddering again, Severus licked his lips then muttered, eyes taking on something like a sick look to them, “Done it before...”

Nodding, Lucius replied, tone horror struck, “That diary, Severus. We were around it. It gave off the same kind of malevolent aura Potter's scar does, now that I think about it. She thinks, and I tend to agree, that it might have been one as well. That may be why he wanted me to guard a mere schoolboy's object so stringently. Also why he was so furious when he found out it had been destroyed.”

Rubbing one long, stained fingertip over his lips, a faraway look in his eyes, Severus thought over that diary. After the whole debacle, he had run some scans on it at Dumbledore's behest. Though he didn't remember the exact readings right off the top of his head, he did remember there was some very dark magic involved. At the time, he had thought it might have been related to the basilisk venom that had been used to destroy it. But now he wasn't so sure. Dumbledore had been most interested in it, which, at the time, had struck him as odd. In his mind, the whole focus should have been on the Chamber and what other nasty things might be contained down there. But the crafty old coot hadn't seemed at all concerned about that. Sitting up straight, he looked back at Lucius then asked, “Is there any kind of spell that can detect if the scar contains it or not?”

“Yes,” Lucius told him with a firm nod. “We were able to dig around and find something that should tell us if it is. But, if it is, we have another huge problem; how to get rid of it. Everything we found all said the same thing; only death will do it.”

Eyes widening, Snape stared at his friend then shook his head, “No, that's not an option!”

“I agree, it isn't,” Lucius told him firmly. “But that leaves how to get rid of such a thing without it involving Potter's death. Narcissa did have a suggestion of where to look though but that will involve you doing it, Severus.”

Firm and resolute that there would be another way to go about this, Severus looked at him then motioned for him to continue.

“The Black family library at Grimmauld Place. She said if anyone has books on how to manage something like that, it would be there. If Sirius wasn't there, not to mention it being Order headquarters, she would be able to get in and hunt for it. But, now, that's not possible. You, however, can manage when you go there next time. She wrote up a set of instructions on how to go about finding things with a spell that was used to catalog and organize the thing. It should bring you just what you need to know. Only thing is, you're going to have to be careful using it. Sirius, if he catches you, will know what it is and how to figure out what you're trying to find. If he does, then he will go to Dumbledore.”

That was true so Severus nodded. “Understood. But I've been in it before to look up things, both personal and for the Order, so I should be able to slip in then out without anyone thinking anything of it if I am caught.” Looking, thoughtfully, down into his teacup, he longed to add a generous dollop of brandy to it so as to steady his nerves but didn't. There was going to be much to do after they finished so he needed to keep on his toes. With a sigh, he downed the last of what was in his cup then set it aside. Leaning forward, he put his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands, looking at the floor. After several minutes of contemplation, he said, “We need to figure out if that is what the connection comes from first, before we plan for anything else.”

“True. But, Severus, I'm certain it is from the spells I used last night. Not to mention what I saw and heard. It's just going to be a matter of confirming it is all.” Stopping, Lucius shook his head, looking slightly green over it, then added, “Either way, we need those potions done soonest. There is no time to test them either. We have to give it a shot. The Dreamless Sleep and pain killers are doing nothing but shutting down whatever involuntary defenses Potter is using to keep that connection at bay. Shutting them down is going to open a direct line to the Dark Lord. That, old friend, is not something we need to deal with right now!”

With a deep sigh, Severus nodded, “I'll start on them today once we confirm this. We both better hope that they work because, if they don't, we are in real trouble and I don't see many options on how to block it otherwise, except the obvious one. And that, right now, isn't an option until we can get Potter to trust us enough to want to learn. Even then, he might not be able to master it.”

Looking gloomy, Lucius nodded then sighed. “Very true. But I brought more books back with me to see if we can't come up with something else. Narcissa was most helpful in assisting me to find them. She's also going to see if she can't find some others before she leaves.”

One eyebrow arching, Severus looked at him, slightly puzzled, then asked, “Leaves? Leaves to go where?”

Sighing heavily, a hurt look briefly passed over Lucius' face then he said, slowly, voice low, “We knew that she and Draco wouldn't be safe on the continent for long, especially if the Dark Lord finds out that I've decided I no longer side with him. Now that we have Potter, and this whole thing with the connection, it will put the two of them in more danger than they already are. As we well know, the Dark Lord doesn't take betrayal well and will do anything in his power to punish me for it, including using the two of them to do so. I can't take that chance. So, she and Draco, within the week, are moving to the states. California to be precise. He's going to school there and she'll file for divorce. They are protected that way as it looks like she is angry with me over the betrayal thus protecting them from his wrath. Not to mention they are so far out of his grasp that they should be safe. Though neither of us like it, it's best for her and Draco.”

Nodding, Severus said nothing, knowing that Lucius was doing what he felt was best for his family, to protect them. It wouldn't do to push the subject. Instead, he felt it best that they move on from it and let his old friend deal with it in the best way he knew how. Changing topics, he said, “Well, let's call Potter in and see what we can find, shall we? Then we can move from there.”

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. You're the best, woman, and thank you!

Please review!

For notification of update for this, or any of my stories, spend an e-mail to SpeedyTomato_updates@Live.com with the name of the story you want notified about. Thanks to Rogue for running that for me!
- 5
- 6
- 7
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Shades of Grey