Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Lost and Damned	By : danniperson Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 24159 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters or the world or anything, and I make absolutely no profit from this.

Chapter List
- 67
- 68
- 69
LOST AND DAMNED

Give Me a Sign, I Want to Believe

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Unlike earlier today, the ballroom of Malfoy Manor was brightly lit and lively in celebration. The only thing keeping this from seeming like one of Narcissa's social gatherings was the fact that not everyone was dressed up (though some had gone all out in dressing for the event) and the fact that Bellatrix and Alecto had captured a few Muggles and Mudbloods from the nearby town and were busily inflicting tortures upon them to the amusement of a great number of people. The only ones who did not seem pleased were Antonin and Thorfinn who had gone after Harry Potter and had failed to bring him back. Not only had they failed to capture him, the Dark Lord had pointed out, but they had been off guard enough to allow themselves to be attacked with no memory of what had taken place. Both men were still suffering great humiliation, especially when the others in the group taunted them about the whole ordeal.

The Dark Lord had won his greatest victory yet. He had control of the Ministry of Magic…The only thing that would please the man more was Harry Potter's death. Severus found it hard to get into the proper mood of things…He didn't see any true reason to celebrate, but it would seem odd if he didn't appear to be in great spirits with this latest feat. He engaged himself in a brief conversation with Abaddon and Azrael Avery, Caliban Mulciber, and Walden McNair about what took place at the wedding, the Avery twins giving all of the sordid details, as Caliban, Walden, and Severus had been too busy with other tasks given to them by the Dark Lord to attend. When that was over they expressed their excitement over the new control over the Ministry and shared all of the things they intended to do now that the Dark Lord had so much power, as well as theorizing where Harry Potter would be.

"There isn't a doubt in my mind the blood traitors are hiding him," Caliban said.

"It would be rather foolish," Abaddon pointed out. "Everyone will expect him to be there. Though I don't doubt someone in the Order is housing him."

"He wouldn't go back to the Muggle's place, would he?" asked Azrael.

"Doubtful," Severus said with a sneer. "I heard enough of the brat whinging about his relatives and their unfair treatment of 'poor, pathetic Potter' to doubt we'll ever find him there again."

"But that makes it brilliant, though, doesn't it?" Caliban said with a broad grin.

"Possibly," Severus allowed. "But do you really think any of them have that sort of brains?"

They were all quick to buy that, and Severus resisted the urge to scold them for their stupidity. It was one thing to dislike one's enemy, but never underestimate them. While the likes of Black and Tonks were too ridiculous for their own good, let alone anyone else's, the Order did have people like Shackelbolt and Mad Eye Moody on their side. It wasn't much longer before Azrael took an interest in teasing her old lover, Antonin Dolohov, over his failure, and Severus, already bored with taunting Dolohov and Rowle, moved elsewhere.

He ended up spending a good twenty minutes with Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, Honor Avery, and Caliban's wife Wilhelmina Mulciber over their children. Honor and Abbadon were hoping their son, Alaric, would be able to join the cause soon and Wilhelmina dropped not so subtle hints about arranging a marriage between Alaric Avery and her daughter, Medea Mulciber. They moved on to questioning Severus about what he intended for Hogwarts and assuring him that their children would be most loyal to him and that he could call upon them for anything and inevitably led to an argument between Lucius and Narcissa about whether or not Draco would be going to Hogwarts come September. Draco had hopes of sticking around Malfoy Manor and involve himself with more Death Eater activities, but his mother was doing her best to persuade him to go back to school where it was safer. Lucius, on the other hand, thought it was good for Draco to follow his own desires, and Severus had a feeling Lucius only agreed with his son because of the benefits of having the boy around more. Severus had to bite his tongue to keep from saying so.

"What do you think, Severus?" Narcissa demanded after a while and Severus raised his eyebrow at her pleading blue eyes and Lucius's gray glare.

"I think it is up to the Dark Lord what Draco will be doing this upcoming year," Severus said reasonably, glancing to where the Dark Lord stood not too far away in deep conversation with Balthazar Avery and Erhard Mulciber. Narcissa's gaze followed his and she frowned deeply.

"Don't worry about it, Narcissa…You should be very proud," Honor told her. "I'd be very proud of Alaric if he managed to join their ranks at such a young age. There is still much to be done for our cause."

"Yes, I know," Narcissa said in a bored tone.

"Mortimer is hoping to take the Mark soon," Wilhelmina said with a bright smile. "We should all be very lucky our own children have taken such a passion for our cause…We could be in the same position as Oedipus Odell, you know." She looked around to where the man stood, now talking to Bertram Yaxley about something or other. "His son, Orson, is on their side. Complete blood traitor, that one. At least we know we did our job as parents. Can you imagine? And don't even get me started on that whole scandal with his wife Ursula…"

Despite their hostility towards one another, Severus and Lucius shared the same displeased glance towards one another as the women fell into their gossip. Honestly, though, Severus much preferred their spreading of rumors than the other more serious conversations floating around. It was nothing he hadn't heard before and Severus was bored of it all.

"Yes, well, there is a lot wrong with the Odell family, isn't there?" Honor pointed out. "His mum's a half blood…His dad, Obadiah, went to Azkaban for trying to kill the children when they were younger. His own children! Pureblooded sons, as if we could risk losing any of them! Aren't enough of us anymore, are there? Then…Let's see…His brother Orpheus is gay…No offense, Severus," she said with an apologetic smile, though the gleam in her eyes held more smug amusement than anything. "Then…oh yes, Odysseus committed suicide a few years back…"

"I thought Oedipus killed him because he wanted a sex change," Wilhelmina said.

"No, no he killed himself when Orpheus came out of the closet…He was a bit insane, you know, and couldn't live to bear the shame that his brother brought to their family," Honor said.

"I thought it was when he found out he was a half blood because of his mother," Narcissa said.

They were all wrong, actually, but Severus did not feel like partaking in their ridiculous conversation. Severus had been there when Odysseus died. He had been in his casual relationship with Orpheus at the time and Orpheus had just gotten through telling Odysseus about his sexual preferences and the two got into a huge fight over it…Odysseus decided to go flying to cool off and Orpheus and Severus had gone after him…There was an awful storm, though, and the strong winds knocked Odysseus off of his broom and he fell a hundred feet and had died on contact the moment he landed on the harsh ground beneath him. That had been a bit gruesome…Orpheus was incredibly upset that night and it was the night Severus realized he had to end things with the other man. It was becoming too serious if he was being introduced to the family and had the man crying on his shoulder.

"You're all wrong," Alecto Carrow said with a broad smile as she approached, Amycus right behind her. "He castrated himself when he found out he had slept with a Muggle woman and got her pregnant and ended up bleeding to death."

"You women tell the most intriguing stories," Severus said in a bored tone.

Alecto grinned wickedly. "It's usually more entertaining than the truth," she said. "Come along, Severus. The Dark Lord requests our presence immediately."

"Very well," Severus said and nodded to Lucius and the wives. "Excuse me."

He already had an idea of what this was about and walked easily after the Carrows to the Dark Lord's side. Balthazar and Erhard were still nearby, only now standing silently behind the Dark Lord as their master studied the new arrivals. "Yes, very good," the Dark Lord whispered. "By morning, Severus, you should officially be the new headmaster of Hogwarts. I set Pius Thicknesse to get through to the Board of Governors almost immediately. You must understand that I am putting a lot of trust in you to be bestowing such a vital role upon you."

"I understand, my lord. I am most appreciative of your faith," Severus said, giving a light bow.

This seemed to please the Dark Lord. "I believe there are openings for Muggle Studies and Defense Against the Dark Arts for Amycus and Alecto to choose from. If there are any other available positions, Severus, let me know at once…I am positive I can find suitable professors for you, should any of the current staff have an issue with the new arrangement."

Wasn't it bad enough that the students of Hogwarts would have to deal with Amycus and Alecto, who were just as passionate in their service to the Dark Lord and talented in their sadism as the Lestrange family. They could not afford to lose anyone else, because they could not risk having more Death Eaters in positions of power at Hogwarts. Severus was positive, though, that he could goad the others into staying. Most of him, he was sure, would be more than willing to remain at Hogwarts for the children. He would make sure they did stay.

"I will inform you of everything I am able once I am at Hogwarts," Severus assured him.

"I know you must be looking forward to this opportunity," the Dark Lord told them. "All of you. It is a great opportunity to…explore yourselves. You have power now…You can do whatever you wish. And no one will stop you. I encourage you to make good use of this chance."

In other words: do your worst. That was the only thing Severus could figure it to mean.

Alecto and Amycus eagerly launched into a very detailed description of the sorts of things they would do in their time at Hogwarts. Severus wasn't sure why anyone would be pleased to be stuck at Hogwarts all year when there were other things to do out there. The capture of Harry Potter was a big task the others were very interested in…Torturing and killing Muggles and Mudblood was something else. There was a whole world out there to enjoy, more people out there to have their fun with. Then again, they were probably just honored to be given such a particular job by the Dark Lord, perhaps seeing it as a great gift he was bestowing upon them or something as equally strange as that. Severus tuned out of most of it, only offering a comment here and there when required.

"Ah yes…Severus…I have one more particular task to set you upon," the Dark Lord said with a smirk. "You see…I have many servants…all with their own particular talents…But I find myself in need of more…intellectuals, such as yourself…Especially with you being stationed at Hogwarts very soon. I have a particular wizard in mind that you might remember…A man as wise as his brother is brutal…But considering the animosity between Oedipus and Orpheus, I was hoping you might…ahh…convince him to join our cause?"

"In other words, Snapey, fuck him so good he can refuse you nothing!" cackled Amycus.

"Don't be so crude, Amycus," the Dark Lord said, though he was grinning. "I merely wish for Severus to do whatever it takes to get me Orpheus Odell."

"Of course, my lord. I will do all that I can before the term starts," Severus agreed, stomach twisting uncomfortably at the thought. He had not seen Orpheus Odell in years and highly doubted that anything he did would work to get the man to agree to become a Death Eater, even if Severus did employ such methods as seduction. He doubted he was that good in the bedroom and was sure Orpheus was hardly pleased with him after the way he had ended things. There was also the fact that Orpheus was a very moral man and would certainly not allow himself to be swayed to evil acts among Dark wizards.

The very thought of even pretending to entice Orpheus was frustrating in itself without thinking of Harry's feelings on the matter. It was also a bit disconcerting to know that the Dark Lord wanted Orpheus and knowing that Orpheus would refuse…The Dark Lord wanting anyone immediately put them in danger. Look what happened to the Potters and the Longbottoms, who had refused to join these ranks. Two were in graves and two were in the mental health ward at St. Mungo's.

"See to it that you do," the Dark Lord said. "Now, why don't you go and fetch young Draco Malfoy for me," the Dark Lord said after several long minutes. "I have not seen him tonight and he and I must have a chat."

"Yes, my lord," Severus said, giving another small bow before turning and heading back to the small group he had been at before, stomach sinking a bit when he realized that Lucius was no longer with them. That didn't always mean anything, but he could already imagine Lucius sneaking away to go see his son. "Narcissa, I'm sorry for interrupting…Do you know where Draco might be?"

"He could be in his room, I believe. He wasn't feeling very well when he got home so I sent him up there," Narcissa said with a frown. "I don't know if he ever came back down or not."

With a nod, Severus turned and headed out of the ballroom, glancing around quickly as he walked in hopes of spotting Lucius. Not seeing him, he sped up once he stepped out of the doors and hurried upstairs. He slowed back down as he approached Draco's door and knocked firmly, surprised when it opened almost immediately.

"Oh good, it's you," Draco said from his chair by the window, placing his wand back into his robes.

There was no sight of Lucius to his relief. "The Dark Lord would like a word with you."

Draco frowned, but nodded and stood up. "Alright, but I'd like a word with you first." He nodded to the door and Severus stepped inside and closed it behind him. Draco did a quick Silencing Charm before hastily speaking. "I followed Dolohov and Rowle today…After Harry and Hermione," he said. "Sort of…erm…helped Stupefy and Obliviate them."

"Draco," Severus sighed, reaching up to rub his temples. It wasn't exactly safe to do something like that…not only attacking his fellow Death Eaters, but aiding in the escape of the very person the Dark Lord wanted. Maybe Draco was learned in Occlumency, but the Dark Lord was the most skilled Legilimens of his time. Thankfully, Severus doubted it would be a problem unless the Dark Lord suspected anything, but it was exceedingly foolish to run about doing something so rash only to return and resume his act as a Death Eater.

"You would have done the same," Draco argued, a pink tinge staining his pale cheeks.

"I have been a spy for many years, Draco. I would have done all that I could to protect them, but I understand the dangers and I have enough skill to manage such a thing," Severus argued.

"Well, it's too late to change anything now," Draco said irritably, glaring at him. "They're safe, you know. Both of them."

"Were they attacked at all?" Severus asked.

"Not really," Draco said. "Dolohov and Rowle tried, but we got them before they could do much damage to any of us."

Severus nodded, feeling a bit better knowing that Harry was unharmed. He would have found a proper way of punishing Antonin and Thorfinn if they had done anything to the boy.

"Says they're at Number 12 Grimmauld Place," Draco went on.

"He told you where they were going?" Severus asked through gritted teeth. What on Earth…Young people. They didn't really think everything through, did they? Severus would have questioned Harry telling him where he'd be, just on the off chance the Dark Lord managed to get through his defenses enough to see.

"I don't know why, either," Draco said, not offended by Severus's questioning of Harry's complete faith in him. "Wanted you to know, though…Also said he loves you," Draco added with a broad grin.

Not entirely sure how to respond, Severus just nodded and glanced back at the door. "You should get going…You do not want to keep the Dark Lord waiting."

"Right," Draco said. "Though…I was wondering if it would be possible if we go and see them?"

"Who?"

"Harry and Hermione."

Severus raised an eyebrow at Draco's hopeful expression, hoping to convey the impossibility of such a thing with his expression alone. They couldn't risk it…it would not only be dangerous to themselves, but to Harry and Granger, as well. "Go along, Draco."

Frowning, Draco took down the Silencing Charm and walked out of the door.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

While the Death Eaters celebrated at Malfoy Manor, Harry and Hermione spent their time at Grimmauld Place. They argued a bit over taking down the protective charms the Order had placed over the house. Harry wanted to take down the precautions against Severus while Hermione was wary of touching any of them, for fear of ruining what protection they had. In the end, Harry helped Hermione the best he could locating the Charms and deciphering them before letting Hermione figure out how to take down those that warded against Severus specifically. Kreacher watched them from afar, muttering under his breath.

"I wish there was somewhere we could send him," Harry muttered. They had only been here a few hours and already Kreacher was wearing on his last nerves.

"Shh…Be nice, Harry!" Hermione hissed as she finished the last of her spell work. She walked backwards until she was able to sit down on the couch, relaxing a bit. "If you're not going to be nice at least don't be rude where he can hear you!"

Harry didn't see what it mattered…Hermione was nice to him and Kreacher was still awful to her. But Harry didn't feel like arguing over something like a house elf.

"Do you think they'll come?" Harry asked instead, shifting around on the couch so that he was laying down, his feet ending a few inches away from where Hermione sat.

He didn't have to specify who they were.

"I dunno…They probably shouldn't," Hermione said with a frown. "But I'd like them to."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. It seemed like too much to hope for, but he still wished that Severus would come to visit him for a short time. Maybe it was for the best, he thought gloomily. They needed to focus on finding and destroying the Horcruxes, and it didn't do well to be distracted.

Silence fell upon them for a short time and Harry felt himself dozing off when he heard Hermione's shriek. Harry jumped up and pulled out his wand, staring in surprise as a silver Patronus soared in through a window and landed in front of them, solidifying into a silver weasel that spoke with Mr. Weasley's voice.

"Family safe, do not reply, we are being watched."

The Patronus dissolved and Harry and Hermione sat back against the couch, relief spreading through them both once the shock wore off. "Glad I didn't end up sending them that Patronus," Hermione said with a small smile. "I forgot all about it, actually."

Harry only nodded and grinned. "They're okay."

"Everyone's okay," Hermione said, her own smile widening. The two scooted closer and wrapped their arms around one another. Severus and Draco were safe and the Weasleys were safe… "They're alright!"

The reassurances that everyone they loved were safe made for a very happy time for Harry and Hermione. Things weren't particularly good at this point in time and really, the knowledge that he didn't have much to worry about when it came to those he loves made things just a bit easier for Harry. It was hard to fully be happy, though, knowing that true safety didn't really exist for anyone right now and it was up to him and Hermione to ensure that the people they cared about came out of this alive and well. It was a heavy burden, but just for the moment, the weight of it seemed a bit lighter.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
- 67
- 68
- 69
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

Lost and Damned