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Freedom In Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 29614 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. All original characters and plots are mine. No money was made with this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Fathers and Sons

May 24^th, 1995

Zabini Manor, Italy

Severus didn’t come up from the potions lab until dinner. His skin looked sallow, and his hair was so lank and greasy that he kept it tied back in a low ponytail at the base of his skull. He had changed his clothes thankfully; the slacks and white button-down were pristine and sharp, and the simple black robe he wore flowed smoothly around his legs.

Armand reintroduced Severus to his mother. Severus gave the Lady a respectful bow and chose to ignore the cold glance she bestowed on him. Instead, he moved to Lupin’s side and set a steaming goblet down sharply next to his plate. “Drink it quickly,” he ordered, glaring down at the seated wolf.

Remus obediently swallowed the contents without pause, and Tonks rubbed his back soothingly as her lover choked and gagged slightly at the taste. “Thanks, Severus,” she said softly, looking up at him with a smile.

He gave her a brief nod and took his seat. Laine stared at him suspiciously, and Severus stared back until Laine rolled his eyes and looked away. Briefly touching his pocket, Severus felt the outline of the potion that was shrunk and sealed within. With it, he would prove Lupin mistaken. Lily had only pretended miscarriage. It was all part of her act, he was sure of it. It was the only explanation he could think of. She hadn’t told Severus because it wasn’t true.

He was pulled from his thoughts when desert was served. He caught Laine’s eyes for the second time that night. “I’d like to see you in the sitting room before you go up to bed if you wouldn’t mind.”

Laine seemed to weigh him for a moment before he gave a nod of acceptance. Harry seemed unconcerned, smiling around a mouthful of chocolate cake. Severus offered him a very small smile in return.

“I’d like to accompany you,” Remus voiced softly. His eyes, however, were hard and sharp, predatory. He wasn’t about to be denied.

Severus glared at him furiously. “This does not concern you, mutt.”

“Still.” Remus turned to Laine and Harry. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Laine sat back in his chair, putting more distance between him and the rest of the table. “What exactly is this meeting going to be about?”

“A simple family matter,” Severus answered vaguely, not really wanting to go into too much detail with Gloria at the table.

Gloria caught his sideways glance and arched her eyebrow, clearly amused that her presence was interfering with the conversation. “Why don’t we adjourn to the sitting room for some conversation after dinner?” she sweetly asked the room at large, knowing it would delay Severus even longer.

After living on the run for four years in America, the strict manners expected by a high class witch of Lady Zabini’s standing seemed exceedingly constricting. However, Severus was used to such games from his years of courting the Malfoys and holding a position of respect within the Dark Lord’s ranks. “Of course, madam,” he answered politely, his expression completely blank, not an ounce of his impatience could be seen.

The group made their way to the sitting room without much talk. Tonks and Remus took the love seat, Laine took a plush armchair and pulled Harry into his lap, Armand stood leaning against the fireplace mantle, and Severus took the remaining armchair next to the boys. Drinks were passed out and small talk was held only by Remus, Tonks, and Gloria. The weather was remarked upon, and Gloria assured Tonks that all her children were safe outside of the UK; all accept Blaise who had been sealed within Hogwarts.

Severus was nearly grinding his teeth when suddenly the atmosphere of the room shifted. He tensed as Gloria’s dark eyes landed heavily on him.

“What’s this I hear about Harry giving up wand magic?”

The question was spoken with an innocent air, but the sadistic glee in her eyes revealed her. Severus knew Gloria was manipulating the room, her motivations as of yet unclear, but still he couldn’t help reacting. It was a very grave accusation. He turned his attention to his sons and noticed Hale had tensed on Laine’s lap and refused to look at the others in the room. He felt his stomach bottom out as he read the truth in their body language. Gloria wasn’t wrong.

“What?” Remus looked rightfully horrified by the news. “Why would you do that, Harry?”

“The Death Eaters are still after you! It’s not safe,” Tonks agreed with wide eyes.

Laine brushed them off carelessly. “I’ll protect Hale,” he said casually and gently petted Harry’s wild, dark hair as if the boy were a pet.

Severus saw red. The utter disregard Laine showed for Harry’s wellbeing made his temper snap. He stood quickly, straightening to his full height so that he could glare down at his son. “Harry should know magic. You can’t always be there to protect him.”

Laine lifted an eyebrow, blue eyes ice cold. “Of course I can.”

“Do not be foolish, Laine,” Severus hissed, he was about at his wit’s end. “Even if you were with him during every attack, there is always the chance you could be incapacitated.”

Laine’s brows snapped down in a ferocious glare. He stood, bringing Hale to his feet with the movement. “Hale. Take a walk.”

Hale, wide-eyed, pushed his glasses further up his nose and obeyed, and Armand gave a short bow to the room before following after the younger teen.

Laine took a stiff, stalking step forward, his hands clenching, itching to grab his knife. He didn’t care that Remus, Tonks, and Gloria were watching the confrontation with interested stares. He was sick of this man upsetting Hale for no reason at all! He stared Severus down, nearly spitting his words he was so mad, “It’s your job to make sure I’m trained enough that I don’t fall, but if I did, do you honestly believe Hale, even with a wand, could succeed where I have failed?” The sneer that slashed across his face was a near mirror of Severus’ own. “Don’t be stupid! Hale can’t fight! He’s too afraid of hurting others and of doing the wrong thing. So why put him through the anxiety and misery of learning to do something he can’t handle?”

Severus held his ground, refusing to give his son an inch. “You’re wrong. Harry would have a chance to flee, at the least, if he knew how to defend himself. You’re taking away his wand, Laine.”

Laine hissed at that accusation. “I’m keeping it safe! And I’d have to be dead for anyone to get to Hale.” Hands fisting at his sides, he muttered grimly, “By that point, nothing will matter.”

“So you don’t care what happens to him once you’re dead?” Severus demanded hotly, furious at such heartlessness. “You’re job’s over? That’s it?”

Without warning or giving anyone time to react, Laine delivered a vicious slap to Severus’ cheek.

Severus backed a step in absolute shock, the left side of his face stinging sharply. Remus starred with his mouth literally hanging open, while Tonks gasped and covered her own with both hands. Gloria stared at Severus with utter disgust.

“Watch it, Snape,” Laine growled, ignoring everyone else in the room. “I won’t warn you again. Don’t interfere between Hale and me.”

Severus stood there mute and fuming as Laine turned and stormed from the room.

“The boy is arrogant and dangerously naïve,” Gloria opinioned, examining her perfectly manicured nails. “You should do something about that.”

Severus spun so fast his robes flared up behind him like wings. “I would thank you to keep your thoughts regarding my son to yourself, madam. Good night.” He gave a short, nearly rude bow before chasing after Laine.

The teen spun to face him, murder in his eyes. Severus stopped well short of his volatile son. They eyed each other for a long moment, and Severus used the time to shove all his fury and frustration down. He needed answers. His issues with Laine would have to wait. “There is another matter I need to discuss with you,” he finally spoke, voice and posture stiff.

Laine rolled his eyes and gestured sarcastically down the hall in front of him. “By all means, after you, Snape.”

xXx

Hale and Armand walked around the manor aimlessly as they waited to be summoned back, and Hale peeked through his glasses at the elegant man, wondering if he should say anything. Armand caught his looks, but he didn’t pressure him to talk. He didn’t shut him out, either. His attitude was very attentive and open. This acceptance of whatever was decided made Hale trust him. He chose to open up a bit.

“Laine is what he is because of me.”

Armand nodded. A moment passed in silence before he voiced his own thought. “You are what you are because of Laine.”

It wasn’t said with accusation or in disagreement of Hale’s own comment. It was more like an addition. Hale considered the words. “Maybe we are.” He unconsciously mimicked Armand’s pose and linked his hands at the small of his back. “I need him,” he confessed.

Armand made a graceful gesture with a hand. “There is no reason for either of you not to have both what you need and what you want.”

Hale blinked, startled by that thought. His arms fell loose at his sides as he stared off thoughtfully into the distance. “I… I want a safe place for us.” He stopped, a frown forming on his face. “I don’t know what Laine wants besides me safe.”

“Perhaps you can find out together,” Armand suggested gently. “You have time now that you’ve never had before. Use it wisely.”

Hale nodded, never breaking eye contact. “Thank you. I will.”

Armand gave a little smile and bowed deeply at the waist. “I am at your service.”

xXx

Severus was able to blank his features by the time Harry and Armand joined them in the library. He eyed Laine suspiciously. How had the teen communicated to Harry where they were? Was it telepathy? Putting the thought away for later, Severus drummed his fingers on the long table he had chosen. It was positioned in the center of the many rows of books, a sun roof allowing the nearly full moon to add its light to the meeting.

Hale instantly went to Laine’s side, and Laine sank his hand into Hale’s messy hair. The tension in their shoulders drained away as Hale leaned into Laine’s side. Armand came to stand with Severus, his presence cooling Severus’ temper still further. Bracing himself, Severus pulled out the potion and enlarged the vial to its natural size. He set it in the center of the table. The boys stared at it; Harry curiously and Laine with anger.

“Is that another drug?”

Severus was tempted to snarl and cut his son down to size, but he managed to refrain. His words were clipped when he answered. “The potion will not be consumed. It will be spilled over a piece of parchment. After adding few drops of your blood each, it will tell us your bloodlines. This particular potion is very accurate. It will reveal the truth even if the person using it is under spells that hides their identity.”

Laine lifted his eyebrows. “We need this why?”

Severus shot him a hot glare. “I know you are intelligent. Think! You may not believe you need me as a father, but I assure you having the name Snape attached to your own will grant you protection. Neither of you are yet recognized as a legal adult for one, and considering the prophecy, it would behoove you to grant Harry all the protection he can get from those trying to use him.”

Harry flinched at this reminder of his destiny within the Wizarding world.

Laine stroked his shoulder, his eyes never leaving Severus’ expectant gaze. “Fine. Let’s do this.”

Severus pulled the parchment he had already charmed from his robes and spread it out on the coffee table. He carefully poured the potion over the surface and it absorbed unnaturally fast. Looking up at the teens, he offered them a needle. Laine took it from him and pricked his thumb deep enough that four drops of blood splashed almost instantly onto the paper. Like lightning, the blood exploded across the parchment, snaking sharply into thin lines that began to spell out words.

Laine Lukas Snape read on the first line.

Severus Tobias Snape – Lily Elizabeth Evans on the second.

Tobias Quentin Snape – Eileen Merida Prince, the father’s parents on the third.

Robert Louis Evans – Elizabeth Harriet Montgomery, the mother’s parents on the last.

“Now you, Harry,” Severus said a bit roughly, throat tight. He could feel his heart pounding away in his chest. Almost as if in a dream, he watched Laine prick the younger teen’s finger. The drops of perfect crimson fell in slow motion before splashing on the paper. Severus’ breath caught and sweat broke out on his face and palms. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the lines that began to form.

Harry James Potter

James Evander Potter – Lily Elizabeth Evans

Evander Henry Potter – Moraine Madeline Black

Robert Louis Evans – Elizabeth Harriet Montgomery

“What does that mean?” Hale asked, looking up at Severus.

Severus felt ice cold. His heart had stopped its pounding. He felt detached, broken. Severus looked up into painfully green eyes, Lily’s eyes, and rasped, “It means you’re not my son.”

xXx

Laine felt shock pain well up through the bond and leapt to his feet. “I saw your memories! What do you mean Hale’s not yours?” He’d never forgive himself for allowing Severus to give his charge false hope.

“I didn’t know,” Severus said hoarsely. He stumbled and sat heavily on the closest a chair like a doll with his strings cut. “She didn’t tell me.”

“Tell you what?” Laine demanded.

“A miscarriage. Lupin said she had a miscarriage. She lost my child. Potter got her pregnant a month later. Harry…” Tormented, he looked up at the softly crying teen he had thought was his son. “I’m sorry, Harry.”

Hale bit his lip hard and pushed away the hurt. He wiped his cheeks impatiently. “Are you okay, Severus? You don’t look well.”

“He’s fine,” Laine answered harshly. In his opinion, Snape deserved every bit of agony he was feeling. He pulled Hale to his feet, shooting a look of pure hate his father’s way. “Come on. Let’s go to bed. It’s getting late.”

Hale followed Laine slowly. He looked over his shoulder and frowned at the slumped, defeated form of the older wizard. “I’m sorry, Severus,” he said softly, heavy guilt.

“Good night, Harry,” Severus answered, voice barely above a whisper.

Hale felt tears sting his eyes once more and the hand holding his own tightened. He remained passive as Laine guided him to their bedroom and stripped Hale out of his clothes and tucked him into bed. Laine curled up next to him, still fully dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and put their foreheads together. Blue stared intently down into green.

“Tell me,” he ordered softly.

Hale took a deep shuttering breath as the day caught up with him. Closing his eyes, he spoke slowly. “I thought maybe it would be good if Severus wasn’t my father. You know, because that’d be incest, right? And that’s wrong, a sin. But we’re still brothers and I don’t even get a father out of it.”

Laine shifted until he was on all fours, Hale’s body under him. “There is no right and wrong. Just consequences,” he said softly, blue eyes unblinking as they burned down into Hale’s. “I can’t live with the consequences of not having you. I don’t care about the titles others give us: brothers, homosexuals, incest, abusive, unhealthy, insane. It doesn’t matter because the consequences of being anything other than what I am are unacceptable.”

confusion pain - Hale didn’t know what to say to that. He looked away from Laine, biting his lip.

“Do you really want a father so badly?” Laine asked, carefully keeping any emotion from his voice.

Hale wiggled, conflicted, but he knew better than to not answer a direct question. “I don’t need a father to take care of me. I’ve got you. But… This last week and more… It’s been nice. Not running or worrying all the time about money and food. I’m so relieved that you don’t have to do dangerous stuff to take care of me.”

Laine squeezed his eyes shut. He felt like a hot dagger was twisting in his stomach. He’d failed to make Hale happy. He’d failed to provide everything Hale needed. He’d done his best to ensure Hale was warm, fed, safe, but living on the streets, just a teenager with no education or identification, had limited his means of procuring money, which in turn had limited the quality of care he could provide for Hale. Severus had so much more to offer: home, food, stability, protection. That knowledge was bitter agony.

I’m sorry, Hale.

Hale’s eyes went wide and he reached up to finger the soft, black hair framing Laine’s distressed face. “No. Don’t. You take such good care of me. Kept me safe. No one else could have.” He felt a love so powerful it nearly stole his breath for the older teen above him, but quick on its heels came a feeling of utter despair. “I want you to be safe, too, Laine. I need you so much, but I don’t want to be a burden. Severus was helping us because he thought we were his sons, but he won’t want me now. And you’ll leave with me when he kicks me out. You won’t get to stay here where it’s nice, with your father, because of me.”

“Stop.” Laine bent his elbows to bump their foreheads together. “Severus wants you even if you aren’t his son because you’re Lily’s. You’ll stay with me here. No one’s kicking you out.”

Hale couldn’t believe that, and suddenly Hale really understood where all this was going. For the first time, he really comprehended that the people in black, wearing white masks, who had hunted him, who had killed innocent people all across America because of him, were never going to stop coming. There was a prophecy, and if he didn’t stop them, stop the Dark Lord, they would never stop their killing. The burden of that settled on his chest and Hale arched, hardly able to draw breath.

“Hale! Tell me!” Laine yelled right into his face.

The order kicked his lungs into motion and Hale practically screamed the poisonous thoughts that were drowning him. “They’re after me! Because of that weird prophecy. They want me to stop the war! But I can’t… I can’t!” Hale closed his blind eyes, tears spilling over his flushed cheeks. “Laine, I… I killed my mom and dad. They were after me, not them, and it got them killed! Just like Boys Town, and all… all those innocent people in the places we lived afterward…”

Hale’s eyes flew open and he clawed at the sheets under him. A horrific thought just dawned on him. “Gonna get you killed, Laine,” he rasped, terrified. “You’re gonna die! Everyone died because of me!”

Laine’s whole body trembled. He pushed up onto all fours, away from Hale. Sweat soaked the back of his shirt, dripped down his temples. He could feel the insanity that Hale kept locked inside beginning to break free. Rearing up on his knees, off of his hands, Laine yanked his belt free of his pant loops. He was nearly blind as he doubled it up, yanked the covers down past Hale’s ass, and turned Hale onto his stomach. He brought the belt down as hard as he could on the thin, naked back. The loud snap and instant burn made Hale arch with a gasp, but it cleared the bond enough for Laine to be able to think.

You were an infant, Hale, he voiced with icy precision within Hale’s mind. It wasn’t your fault that Lily and James died. Say it!

Crack!

Hale gasped at the second lash, but he couldn’t bring himself to obey.

How could you have saved them? What could you have done differently that you are guilty of not doing?

“I… I shouldn’t have been born,” Hale sobbed. “They’d… still be alive… All those people…”

True fury ignited Laine’s veins and he brought the belt down three times in quick succession. Hale screamed on the last lash. Five red welts painfully marred his skin. Laine traced them with faintly shaking fingers. What have I said about suicide, Hale? It’s FORBIDDEN! He pulled his hand away and delivered another blow, this one harder than all the others.

CRACK!

“Ah! L-Laine! Sorry! SORRY!” Hale was sobbing now. His face pressed into the pillows, his hands gripping the sheets viciously, but somehow it felt good, too. The physical pain subdued the all-consuming guilt. Punishment meant forgiveness.

Laine turned Hale over roughly and dropped the belt. Hale arched off his painful back, but Laine pressed him flat by laying down on him. “You can never leave me, Hale. You’re mine. I need you. I want you.”

“Yours,” Hale wept and tentatively wrapped his arms around Laine’s neck.

Have I ever broken your trust?

gratitude love – “No,” Hale rasped and pressed his tear stained face into Laine’s throat.

I will take care of you, Hale. I will keep you safe. Nothing will break us apart.

Hale moaned and held him tighter.

Laine licked over Hale’s lips, nipping at his bottom lip. Not a burden. I need you. That’s your job, Hale. I’d die without you.

“Never leave you,” Hale promised feverishly. He’d never meant to imply otherwise. Sometimes he just forgot how important he was to Laine. Sometimes the guilt made him think there was no other way, but he wouldn’t leave Laine. Laine was his world. Laine had sacrificed everything, gave him everything. Hale wouldn’t let Laine die. That would be an even bigger sin than living.

Desperate for forgiveness, Hale brushed his lips across Laine’s jaw, seeking permission. Laine growled and kissed him, his tongue lapping over every inch of Hale’s mouth, making Hale groan low in his chest. The trusting tongue picked up speed, and Hale bucked up into Laine’s body involuntarily, a whine building in his throat as his erection dragged against Laine’s jeans.

Laine traced his fingers down Hale’s naked chest before lifting his body off his charge. His arms shook with adrenaline as he took in Hale’s flushed cheeks and nipples. The way Hale’s penis had darkened and filled, the head glistening wetly. Gorgeous. Fucking beautiful, Hale. He dipped his head low so just their mouths touched in a passionate kiss. Their lips parted with an audible smack.

Hale was dizzy, flying, burning – need pleasure excitement. He arched with a shocked cry at the feel of Laine’s shirt dragging across his sensitive skin as the older teen slid down his body. Laine’s tongue traced a path of fire over Hale’s sweat-slick throat before Laine pushed up, separating their bodies again.

The vision of Laine fully dressed and in control above him made Hale’s temperature skyrocket. He cried out, pressing up on his toes with his shoulders still flat on the bed, needing more or he was certain he would die. Laine’s weight dropped on him hard, and Hale groaned loudly.

The way Hale whimpered made Laine shiver and his cock swell. Hungrily, he watched as Hale rocked mindlessly, desperate for friction. Laine held himself still, letting Hale take his pleasure. His boy was sweating with a face red and blushing. Hale’s mouth hung open, panting and moaning, as he humped upward.

Laine arched back, lifting his torso so they only touched at the hips. He took control of the movement, dragging his encased erection up and down, going slow and pressing hard. The friction was almost painfully hot for both of them. Holding Hale’s eyes, Laine brought his hand up and licked up his palm. Hale’s whole body went rigid, warm pre-cum wet his stomach. Then Laine reached between them. Those long, calloused fingers curled around Hale’s cock, and Hale saw stars. Never had Laine touched him there, skin to skin!

Almost violently, Laine bore down, his hand cupped over Hale’s erection. The teen arched with a scream of pure pleasure. Laine kept the pressure steady until Hale was limp underneath him, Hale’s heaving chest soaked with pearly cum. He smirked and licked the mess from his hand, devouring the taste of his boy. When Laine’s hand was completely clean and those green eyes were on him once more, Laine lifted onto his knees.

Watch me, Hale. See how much I want you.

Hale’s long lashes fluttered as his breathing evened out.

Still sucking on his fingers, Laine undid his pants with his free hand. His cock throbbed. It was so hard it almost hurt to touch. Laine began to pump himself, shivering as those large green eyes watched every move of his hand. Teasingly, he pinched the head, thumbed his slit and groaned. Hale echoed the sound, body limp and passive, but with fire burning in his eyes as he watched Laine.

lust awe adoration

Laine couldn’t take anymore. With a hoarse cry, he came all over Hale’s stomach and chest. Panting, shivering, he fell to all fours. Darkness crowded the edge of his vision from his orgasm; his breath shuddered through his lungs.

Hale moaned, eyes huge and dilated. “Please, Laine… Please! I want… I want to taste…”

Blushing, Laine relented. “One.”

Hale dipped a single finger in the mess between them and brought it to his mouth. He closed his eyes in bliss as kiss swollen lips parted and a little, pink tongue lapped at the digit. Quickly, the dirtied finger was pushed into Hale’s warm mouth and sucked on hungrily.

Blushing hot at the display, Laine shifted his weight so that he was lying on his side next to Hale and almost shyly rubbed their mixed semen into Hale’s warm skin. I love you so fucking much.

love joy – was all the answer he needed, but Hale turned and curled into his chest, holding tight to Laine’s shirt. “I’m sorry, Laine. I’ll never leave you. I promise! Love you so much.”

“Hush,” Laine whispered lovingly. He brushed his fingers gently down Hale’s injured back, soothing the sting. “Sleep. I’ve got you.”

xXx

Severus sat curled over his knees, his head in his hands. “Damn you, Lily,” he whispered. His chest felt tight. He could hardly breathe, it hurt so much. Why hadn’t she told him? Did she hate him that much? Was it punishment because he had made her give up their first child? He knew then that it hadn’t been a mutual agreement as they’d pretended it was. He’d been a coward, and Lily had suffered because of it.

“Severus…”

It had hurt greatly, being a spy for the Light, pacifying the Dark, letting Lily go, but in a way it had been easy. It wasn’t anything Severus had to figure out; it was chosen for him by Dumbledore. As a spy, Severus knew his place, knew his purpose. He thrived off being important, being needed. He thrilled in the danger. He had hungered to be worth something.

“Severus!”

It was selfish! It was unforgiveable, and Laine had suffered atrocities because of his arrogance, his ignorance. It was no wonder Lily had run from him. It was no wonder her heart had turned against him. It was no wonder Lily had lost the baby. He was a failure as a father. Laine had proven that. He didn’t deserve a second child, and no child deserved Severus as its father.

Hands pressed against his shoulders, a firm grip lifted his chin, and then suddenly a hot mouth engulfed his own. Severus’ eyes flew open as he gasped in utter shock. Hazel eyes burned back at him inches from his face, dilated with unmistakable hunger. Sensation nearly overwhelmed him as those lips slid against his own and a dexterous tongue claimed his mouth. Shocks reverberated down his body, making his muscles jump and twitch. His penis tingled and hardened as those hands tightened on his shoulders, pinning him in place.

Armand broke the kiss with a final nip at Severus’ lips. Panting, he stared at the older wizard, waiting for a reaction. He was kneeling in front of Severus. His hands were braced on the table behind him, caging the man in. Severus stared back, frozen, lips swollen and glossy with their spit. His eyes were so wide that Armand could see white completely surrounding the dark, black irises.

“Severus…” Armand repeated once more. This time it was spoken in an emotion-filled whisper.

Severus’ heart raced in his chest as he practically leapt to his feet, knocking Armand’s arms away. Glaring furiously at the wide-eyed man, he turned his back and quickly strode from the room. “I have the second dose of Wolfsbane to brew. Excuse me.”

xXx

May 25^th, 1995

Zabini Manor, Italy

Severus knocked upon Lupin’s door on his way to breakfast. Tonks opened it looking tired. Severus sneered and handed her the smoking goblet. At least she had a few hours sleep; he had been up all night brewing. The kiss that he refused to acknowledge, even in his head, had nothing to do with it, of course. His sneer deepened, this time for himself.

“Thank you, Severus.” Tonks caught his hand before he could turn and gave it a warm squeeze. “Wait. I just wanted to say that blood or not you’re the only father Harry’s going to get. I think it would mean a lot to him if you accepted him.”

“Yes. Thank you for that priceless insight. That had never occurred to me,” he snapped sarcastically and yanked his hand from her grip.

Tonks, as always, remained unaffected by his attitude. She gave him a warm smile. “Good. I’m glad.”

Scowling, Severus strode down the hallway, his robes flaring around his feet. He had buttoned them up to his chin today, his mood feeling severe indeed. He came to the boys’ bedroom and rapped sharply on the door. There was no answer after a minute, so he knocked again, this time louder and longer. The door was yanked open from under his hand. His son stood there with beetled brows and a glare with his chin-length, black hair falling into his face. He wore his normal jeans and t-shirt, but they looked wrinkled and mussed as if he’d slept in them.

“What do you want?” Laine snapped angrily.

“May I come in? There is something I wish to discuss,” Severus asked as politely as he could.

Laine looked over his shoulder and Severus could just make out Harry sitting up in bed, chest naked with the sheets pooled in his lap. His glasses were missing and it made the fear in his eyes all the more heart wrenching. Laine turned back to face Severus, closing the door a few more inches so that the younger teen couldn’t be seen.

“You’ve hurt him enough, Snape,” Laine snarled in a whisper. “Go away.”

“I would fix that if you would give me a chance,” Severus hissed back. “I am not the enemy, Laine! You would do well to remember that.”

Laine lifted an eyebrow, his expression clearly showing his doubt, but he relented, saying, “Give us a minute.”

The door shut with a firm click, and Severus backed up to lean on the opposite wall. He crossed his arms and tried to cool his temper. Lack of sleep certainly wasn’t helping. What was he going to do with his son? Laine was impossible. He was aggressive, hateful, and rude. Not to mention the teen was remarkably powerful. He’d used Legilimency without a wand or training. He’d managed to Apparate himself and Hale to places he’d never been all across America. He could manifest his magic at will. Severus sighed. He wished more than ever that Lily was here and grief tightened his chest.

Before he could dwell, the door opened once more. Laine waved him inside with an insolent glare. Severus ignored it and strode into the room. He found Harry sitting at the edge of the bed, fully dressed. The green eyes watched him carefully. His anxiety expressed by the wringing of the small hands in the boy’s lap.

“Harry…” he began only to be interrupted.

“Hale.” Laine stalked past him and came to a stop next to the younger teen. “It’s been five days. You should have that right by now.” Blue eyes stared at Severus with clear challenge. Laine’s lips were pressed tight, his jaw tense. “His name is Hale, and let’s be clear. He’s mine.”

Severus frowned, eyes narrowed in distaste. “He is his own,” he argued softly. “No man can own another human being. I would have thought you of all people would appreciate that.”

The pressure in the room doubled. Laine’s eyes glowed in fury. “Get out, Snape. You’re useless to us.”

Severus opened his mouth to cut the infuriating teen down to size, but Harry stopped him. The warm green eyes looked up at him with an expression of compassion that reminded Severus painfully of Lily. Hale’s hand came up to rest on Laine’s forearm. It was not a gesture of restraint but one of support.

“I’m sorry about your loss,” the boy said gently. “But we are bonded and that will never change. If you can’t accept that, then Laine will never allow you to be a part of his life.”

“And that’s okay with you?” Severus demanded incredulously.

“Yes,” Harry answered simply, and there was no hesitation in his demeanor. “It’s his decision.”

Laine’s chin lifted in pride. The smile that turned up his lips was smug.

Severus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This was it. He could take a moral stand and lose any chance to be involved in whatever was going on between Laine and Harry – no, it was Hale… Or he could keep his opinions to himself. Severus opened his eyes and met Laine’s unforgiving expression.

“Very well. I will keep my feelings regarding your relationship to myself.” He looked to Hale. “You are not my son by blood, but I would be honored if you would allow me to treat you as one. I loved your mother very much and you have made it abundantly clear that you and Laine will not be separated. Laine is my son, so by default that makes you mine as well.”

“We aren’t yours. You have no authority over us,” Laine snapped, but Hale was beaming up at Severus with pure joy.

Severus turned and lifted an eyebrow at his son. “As your father, I expect you to at least be open to my advice. I am more familiar with the Wizarding world and have more experience regarding magic and the war.”

Laine crossed his arms, expression petulant. He darted a look at the grinning boy beside him and sighed. He looked back up at Severus. “Fine. I’ll consider your advice.”

“Truce,” Severus drawled as he held out his hand.

“Truce,” Laine said with clear reluctance. He clasped Severus’ hand for a brief second before releasing him again.

Hale squealed and hugged Laine from behind. “Thank you, Severus!”

“I was thinking…” Laine began, eyeing Severus as if expecting him to go back on his word at any moment. “Hale can’t study wand magic, but there must be something else he can learn. Like Wizarding culture and history.”

Severus was intrigued. He crossed his arms. “And what would you study?”

“Combat. Dueling, I think Armand called it. I want to focus on that.”

Severus didn’t like where this was going, but he could see Laine wouldn’t be moved on this. Privately, Severus promised himself to make sure Laine saw as little of the battlefield as possible. “I think that can be arranged.”

“Good.” The tension in Laine’s shoulders relaxed a bit and Severus felt lighter than he had since arriving back in the Wizarding world. His son was giving him a chance. A small one, but Severus would take it. He wasn’t ready to give up on these boys, Lily’s children.

xXx

Hale was happier than he had been in a while. All during breakfast, he stole glances at his dominate. He still felt warm and tingly all over from last night, and the memories from their bath together made him blush. He’d never been so intimate with Laine, and he loved the change.

Then there was Severus. The man was hard to read. He was intimidating, but he also reminded Hale a lot of Laine. He was really happy that they would be able to stay with him a while longer. Excited, Hale wiggled in his seat. He hadn’t expected Severus to still want to be his father. It had surprised Hale and made him feel like running around, laughing his head off. Severus wanted to get to know him! Granted, it was because of his mom and Laine, but still. Hale was a nobody, a freak, and still Severus wanted to call him son.

Hale felt eyes on him and looked up to see Gloria watching him with warm affection. He shot her a grin. If he could somehow fix her dislike of Laine, everything would be perfect.

A strong hand sank into his hair and he looked up at Laine, still smiling – happy excited grateful.

I’m going to train with Severus and Gloria today. Stay with Armand. Don’t leave his side, Laine instructed.

“Yes, Laine,” Hale said easily. He looked across the table at the self-contained man and gave him a big smile.

Armand returned the smile and inclined his head. He understood that Hale was in his care today.

Satisfied with the exchange, Laine stood. “Are you ready?” he asked Severus and Gloria.

Gloria glared at him. “I will not go easy on you this time.”

“I’m actually hoping for a challenge if you can manage it,” Laine returned, unimpressed.

Scowling, she stood and marched from the room, heading for the dueling courtyard.

Severus lifted an eyebrow at Laine, but Laine just gave him a shrug and followed after the temperamental witch.

Hale watched them go, laughing quietly at their silliness, his hands covering his mouth.

Tonks didn’t bother to hide it. She laughed out loud and reached over to ruffle Hale’s already messy hair. “Your brother’s a kick, kid. So what do you want to do first?”

Hale shrugged. “What do you think we should do?” he asked, looking to Armand. Then he frowned as something occurred to him. “Where’s Remus?” he asked, pushing his glasses higher up his nose.

Tonks waved away his concern. “He’s just feeling a little sick today. He’ll start feeling better tomorrow.”

Hale frowned, but before he could say anything, Armand spoke up, distracting him.

“Why don’t we go out to the green house and do some Herbology?”

Tonks bounced to her feet in excitement. “That’s a great idea! It’s a beautiful day and I love working with plants.” She flung an arm around Hale’s shoulders as she led him to the back door. “I was a Hufflepuff in school, you know. My Head of House was Professor Sprout. Her specialty was Herbology. She was a great teacher. I really loved her.”

“What’s a Hufflepuff?” Hale asked curiously.

Armand followed the excitable pair with a small smile on his face.

xXx

After a day of intensive training, working through both lunch and dinner, Laine had bruises, cuts and a few burns, but it felt good to be fighting. And it felt amazing to work with his wand. He’d mastered incredible things already, both shields and attacks. His agility and fighting experience helped him significantly with dodging and aim so he wasn’t completely starting from scratch.

Gloria and Severus stood across from him. Their robes were torn and dusty. Their faces were damp with sweat and grime. Gloria’s long hair hung half out of its braid, curling against her neck and face. She had blood at the corner of her mouth, and her eyes were bright with fury. Severus didn’t look much better. He had a long scrape across his temple and one sleeve of his robe had been torn completely off.

It was time to get serious.

Severus was prepared to fight to his full ability. Laine wouldn’t appreciate Severus holding back. Death Eaters certainly wouldn’t. So he pushed away awareness of who Laine was until he saw only a threat to take down. “Crucio!”

Laine dodged to the left and incanted the Combustion Hex in a calm, steady voice. “Pyrus corpus.”

Severus shielded, but before Laine could take advantage of the opening, Gloria attacked from the side. “Spinus agonis!’

“Septemsempra!” Laine cast back at her as he dodged.

The three circled and danced, dangerous spells cutting through the air. Laine was almost impossible to hit, fast on his feet and agile. He dove, rolled, and jumped, never remaining in one place for long. Severus waited, sharp and ready to exploit any opening. He had more experience with magic, with duels, but Laine was brutal, holding nothing back, using spells designed to kill, hurt or maim with no hesitation at all.

Normal, healthy people hesitated at an unconscious level to inflict mortal harm on another. Laine did not have that psychological block. He had no empathy or remorse, no mercy. He didn’t care if he hurt them. Conversely, Severus and Gloria, even in a fighting trance, were aware this was a teenage boy on some level and refrained from the more deadly spells.

“Incarserous!” Gloria bellowed, doubling the spell wandlessly.

Laine blocked the first and fell into a backward summersault to avoid the second. With a yell, he sprinted forward, low to the ground. “Canibilus!”

Gloria screamed as the Flesh-Eating Curse struck her abdomen. Her skin burned as if touched with acid as it devoured itself.

Severus took advantage of Laine’s inattention and bellowed, “Noctrum!”

Laine spun to the side, but the spell was wide range and he was too close. A veil of darkness slid over his eyes. “Teraseo!” he yelled as he crouched defensively. The ground shook violently, hopefully putting Severus and the injured witch off balance.

“Incarserous!” came from Severus.

“Stupify!” from Gloria.

Two very different spells. Laine could only shield against one of them, and he couldn’t see to dodge. He chose to block the Stunner. As long as he was conscious he had a chance. Magical chains snaked around his body and he fell heavily onto his side, pain seared through his raw nerves as his other injuries were jarred.

Laine blinked back tears, uttering not a single sound. Blind, immobile, he called his magic to just under his skin. He folded it tight, compacted it down until it was about to explode under the pressure. With a mighty yell, he let go. The chains exploded outward, hot metal flying through the air. Severus barked out a cry of pain as the shrapnel tore into his thigh and chest.

Laine lay limp, panting. The blindness spell was gone, but exhaustion made everything blur and waver like a mirage.

Gloria walked stiffly forward and pointed her wand down at the teen. “Yield.”

Unfocused blue eyes glittered up at her. “Never,” Laine rasped. “But I concede.”

Severus frowned. The word choice seemed significant, but he didn’t understand. “Very well.” He got to his feet and limped over to his downed son. He offered his hand.

Laine accepted the help, but as soon as he was back on his feet, he let go. “We’ll go again tomorrow.”

“Goodnight,” Severus answered.

“You didn’t offer to heal him,” Gloria noted as she stepped up to Severus’ side. Her hand still clutched at her stomach protectively.

“He wouldn’t accept.” Severus shook his head impatiently. “Hale will take care of it.”

Gloria shot him a wry smile. “Who’s going to take care of us?”

Severus barked a laugh and offered his arm graciously to the lady. “I believe I have some potions that will help.”

She accepted his arm. “Thank you, Severus. You are too kind.”

Limping forward, the two made their way slowly toward the underground potion lab.

xXx

Hale woke as Laine sat carefully on the edge of the bed. He was topless and Hale’s eyes widened as he took in the torn, burned, and bruised skin on Laine’s back. Instantly, Hale rose to his knees and placed his palms gently on Laine’s shoulder blades. Laine tensed in pain under his hands, and Hale closed his eyes as he surrendered to the power deep within him. It roared to life, surging under his skin, down his arms, and out his palms. Hale’s whole being thrummed with the need to make it right, to stop the pain, and heal Laine, and his magic responded as it always had since he was a very young child.

Laine arched his back, pleasure zinging through every nerve as Hale’s magic filled his body from head to toes. It was like being filled with warm caramel. It made his nipples hard and his skin shiver. It was over too soon, and Laine turned to clasp Hale to his bare chest. Laine never felt more loved than when Hale healed him, and it brought tears to his eyes.

“Thanks, Hale.”

Hale gave him a sweet smile and kissed his neck.

Laine pushed him back and moved to tuck them both in. “Come on. Let’s get to bed. I’m exhausted.”

A whimper came from the hallway. Laine and Hale tensed, alert for danger. They heard shuffling footsteps, a pained growl. A woman’s voice murmured, but they couldn’t make out the words. Hale looked to Laine, worry threading through their bond. Laine scowled. He climbed out of bed and flung on some sweats and his sneakers. He opened the door a small crack and peeked outside. Laine could just make out Remus leaning heavily against Tonks, the man barely able to stumble down the hallway. The whimpering, sobbing sounds he made were even clearer with the door open.

“We’ve got to help him,” Hale whispered at his back. Laine turned to face him, and his boy stared up at him with determination worry. “Please, Laine.”

“Fuck.” Laine roughly tied his hair back into a short ponytail at the back of his head, a few wisps falling to cover the back of his neck. “Stay behind me until I say.”

Hale nodded eagerly. “Yes, Laine.”

The two snuck downstairs. Laine couldn’t hear Remus or Tonks anywhere on the bottom floor. He frowned as he looked toward the front door. Why would they go outside, especially if Remus was sick? Hale must have thought the same thing because he whispered, “Maybe he needed fresh air or something.”

Laine had a bad feeling about this, but he crept forward through the dark house and carefully opened the door. He could just make out the shadowy figures of Tonks and Remus staggering toward the woods. Hale let out a little cry as the two collapsed a few feet short of their destination. A sharp scream broke through the air, only to be cut off abruptly. Laine knew it was magic that had silenced the horrific sound. They could just make out Remus arching and convulsing painfully.

Hale darted past him and Laine sprinted after the boy. He caught up quickly and nearly yanked Hale off his feet, furious that Hale was acting recklessly and without permission. You will wait for me to check this out! Or you can go inside and forget this whole thing! he snapped.

Hale whimpered and sank to his knees – regret fear need. “Sorry, Laine. Wasn’t thinking. I just want to help him. He’s in so much pain.”

I know that! Laine snarled. But something’s not right here, and I’m not letting you get hurt.

The couple was only twenty feet away and Laine winced as he watched Remus’ arms snap at painful angles. They were clearly broken. He made to step closer, to ask Tonks what was going on, when Remus began to melt. His body grew and stretched. His back hunched forward, his arms lengthened. Claws and a mouth full of way too many teeth glistened in the moonlight. Laine felt icy cold dread spear through his veins as a monstrous head turned their way. Feral yellow eyes locked onto his own.

Hale gasped, terrified, and clung to the back of Laine’s pants. Those gold eyes dropped to the smaller teen hiding behind Laine and the snout worked wetly, the fanged mouth falling open to reveal thick ropes of saliva strung between the razor sharp teeth. Laine’s fear flipped to rage. He growled at the monster, yanking his knife free with one hand and palming his wand in the other.

“He won’t hurt you!” Tonks yelled, taking down the silencing spell. “It’s Remus! He’s a werewolf, but he won’t hurt you! Don’t challenge him and he’ll leave you alone!”

Hale looked up at the full moon rising above the horizon, eyes wide behind his glasses. “A werewolf?”

“He can’t help it!” she cried frantically. “Please don’t hurt him!”

Laine ran forward with a battle scream as the werewolf lunged toward them. A deafening howl ripped from the beast’s jaws, and Hale slammed his hands over his ears with a cry. Tonks reached out helplessly to the werewolf, screaming Remus’ name…

Chapter end.

A/N: Sorry for the cliffie! But I wanted to give you the chance to VOTE: Werewolf Laine, yes or no?
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Freedom In Chains