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Lost and Damned	By : danniperson Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 24087 -:- 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
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LOST AND DAMNED

She Never Wanted Me to Leave Her Behind

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"Accio camera."

Neither Draco or Hermione noticed Harry and Severus as they appeared in the entrance of the living room, and not even when Harry Summoned the camera from where Draco had left it on an end table. Harry grinned as he caught it and turned it over in his hands. It was really old and bigger than most modern cameras and Harry had to wonder where he had kept it when he brought it in, or if Draco had merely found it lying around the house somewhere. He didn't spend much time thinking about that as he raised the camera and focused it on Draco and Hermione.

The pair was fully clothed and curled up at one end of the couch together. Hermione was pressed close to Draco's side, her legs draped over his, and their arms were wound tightly around each other. They were snogging, to no one's surprise, and Draco's hands were placed on Hermione's arse and her lower back. The were kissing each other like they might never have the chance again, a feeling Harry fully understood. He quickly began snapping several shots of them. It took several seconds before the couple realized something was wrong and Hermione gasped and pulled away from Draco, hastily grabbing his arms and pulling them off of her body and throwing her legs over his and putting her feet on the floor.

"Harry! Professor!" Hermione exclaimed, face burning red and she cleared her throat, sitting up straight.

"Was it good sex?" Draco asked.

"I do not believe that is any of your concern," Severus informed his godson, raising his eyebrow.

"The best," Harry said with a grin. Severus glared at him, but Harry just kept smiling and reached over to take his hand, leading him over to the loveseat that was across from the couch Hermione and Draco were seated on.

"We cannot stay much longer, Draco," Severus warned and Harry frowned at the reminder. Hermione and Draco's moods seemed to drop, as well. "Though I did consent to staying a while longer to satisfy the curiosities the Gryffindors are bound to have."

"We could probably do with some answers ourselves," Draco added with a nod.

"What have you two been doing this whole time, if not catching up?" Harry asked teasingly.

Draco grinned and Hermione's face burned bright red again…the pink had just been leaving them until now. "Harry James Potter, I do not believe that is any of your business!"

Harry just chuckled and glanced from Severus to Draco. "So…erm…Who wants to start?"

"What do you both know?" Severus asked.

"Umm…Ministry overtaken by Vol…er…him," Harry said, sharp looks from everyone in the room reminding him that there was a Taboo on Voldemort's name. "That's really it, I think. We left when the Death Eaters crashed Percy and Penelope's wedding and haven't really heard much news other than that everyone we know is okay."

"The Dark Lord killed Scrimgeour," Draco explained. "Brought him to the manor and tortured him for a bit, demanding information about you. If he knew anything, he wasn't telling, so he killed him. Of course, he was marked for death anyway. The Dark Lord needed someone he could easily control as Minister for Magic. Bertram Yaxley had most of the department heads under an Imperius Curse, and they were the ones who brought Scrimgeour to us. Placed Pius Thicknesse as the new Minister."

Harry couldn't help but feel stunned by the news. They had killed Rufus Scrimgeour…Not really all that surprising, honestly, but…hearing that Scrimgeour had been tortured for information about him and his refusal to give anything away…It was really great of him, especially since Harry had never been on great terms with the man, what with Harry's constant refusal to Cornelius Fudge and Rufus Scrimgeour both to help make the Ministry of Magic look good. Harry really hadn't thought very highly of him when Scrimgeour had come along to give them the contents of Dumbledore's will.

"There are a lot of plans involving the imprisonment of Muggle-borns," Severus picked up. "Dolores Umbridge has resumed her role as undersecretary to the Minister and is also highly involved in the Muggle-Born Registration Commission. All Muggle-borns must register with the Ministry of Magic as a Muggle-Born and will be subjected to interrogations about how they 'stole' magic from other witches or wizards…It seems, to them, the perfect way of explaining why we have Squibs is because Muggles stole magic from them. Basically, all Muggle-borns are basically forced to go to the Ministry and go through a long trial that will, no matter what, end up with their imprisonment in Azkaban."

"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "That…That is ridiculous!"

"That's Vo…him," Harry said, rubbing his hands over his face.

"That is the most stupid-!" Hermione began ranting, even the comforting hand Draco lay on her leg not helping her much.

Severus cut in. "It is not meant to be rational or fair, Miss Granger. Purebloods have always been extremely prejudiced against Muggle-borns-"

"Not the Weasleys," Hermione cut in.

"Most Purebloods, then," Severus said, glaring at her. Hermione seemed mollified. "The point is, they hate Muggle-borns and in the name of blood-purity they are determined to be rid of them all. I don't doubt that some, if not most, of them actually believe that Muggle-borns are responsible for the birth of Squibs. It would certainly pacify a great deal of proud Pureblooded families who have suffered the shame of birthing non-magical children. To those who do not actually believe such rubbish, it serves to make them feel superior to other beings, and it is that feeling of superiority and power that most crave. To them, the cost of another person's life is one they are willing to pay."

There was a tense silence that followed his words and Harry watched Hermione, who was worrying her lower lip. "So…What can we do about it?" he finally asked.

"You must contact some member of the Order and let them know what is happening," Severus explained. "There has not been much progress with the Muggle-Born Registration Commission yet, but it won't be long. A warning ahead of time will hopefully allow some to go into hiding. It won't be safe, but it's surely better than the torture Umbridge is sure to inflict upon them. Maybe create safe-houses or something of that nature. Aid any Muggle-borns they can. The new law just went through today or will very soon."

"Mr. Weasley said not to contact him because they were being watched," Hermione said. "Are they still? And if so, are there any others that are being watched? I would like to warn them, but not if it is only going to create more troubles."

"The Weasleys, Black, and Lupin are all very obvious choices…They are probably the ones the Dark Lord is most concerned with. The others, I doubt, will have such focus on them," Severus explained.

"Alright," Harry said. "What else is there?"

"With the Ministry under the Dark Lord's control, Hogwarts is under it, as well," Severus explained. Harry and Hermione's eyes grew wide and as Harry opened his mouth to speak, Severus hurried on. "They appointed me as headmaster," he admitted with a displeased frown. "He has also placed Amycus and Alecto Carrow as my Deputy Heads. Amycus will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts while Alecto will be taking over Muggle Studies."

"Wait, what happened to Professor Burbage?" Hermione asked.

"She was killed," Severus explained. Draco gave Hermione's hand a light squeeze as she looked horrified by the news. "It will not be a safe place…Not at all. I have sworn to do all in my power to protect Hogwarts and its students, but I cannot do so at the price of losing my role. Albus Dumbledore made me swear that I would remain in his good graces until the end, and my placement as headmaster, at least, will give me some power to minimize the damage. But you must realize that the Carrows are just as fanatic and loyal servants to the Dark Lord as the Lestranges are. They are just as sadistic. Students will be hurt, even if I did everything in my power to stop them…even if I were willing to risk my part in all of this. Attendance is also compulsory for all eligible young witches and wizards. If any parents were aware of the dangers the upcoming term will provide, they will have little choice unless they wish to go to Azkaban or go into hiding."

Harry could do nothing but gape at Severus as he explained what was to become of Hogwarts. Hogwarts…the first real home he had ever had. Where he made his first real friends…fell in love…the setting of the majority of his good memories…It had barely sunk in that he would not be returning this year, and now learning that such a magical and wonderful place was now becoming a place to fear. Death Eaters terrorizing the corridors he had spent many days and nights traveling. Fellow students…people he had grown up with…were going to be tortured. Hogwarts…

"That…is awful!" Hermione managed to choke out.

Severus nodded grimly and Harry gave his hand a squeeze. His mind was racing, wanting to return to Hogwarts now…to do everything he could to help his friends. He also knew, though, that there was nothing he could do. They'd probably capture him the moment he set foot into the castle. Besides, the best way he could help anyone was by completing this mission and getting rid of Voldemort once and for all.

"Are you going back, Draco?" Hermione asked.

"Probably not," Draco said. "The Dark Lord doesn't really have much for me to do specifically, but I figure I can stick around my family and try to do what I can out in the world."

Hermione frowned. "You could probably do a lot of good at Hogwarts, too."

"But Hogwarts will have people," Draco assured her. "Severus is going to do what he can…And you know your fellow Gryffindorks will be up to no good. Nothing but foolhardy heroes in that House, isn't it?" he teased. "Besides, there won't be many people outside of Hogwarts with knowledge of what's going on from the inside, will there? With Severus there, I'm the only one who's with them who's not really with them."

"Yes, but is there much you can do?" Hermione asked.

Draco scoffed, apparently offended. "I can do many things, Granger."

"As interesting as this argument is, we do have more yet to discuss," Severus cut in. "The point is is that no matter what he does, Draco will be of some use wherever he is and relatively safe."

"Relatively," Hermione repeated, shaking her head.

"That is the very best anyone can hope for these days," Severus said coldly.

"So is there anything else you have to do?" Harry cut in, not wanting to see anyone get more upset than they needed to be.

Severus tensed a bit and Harry raised his eyebrow in concern. Draco, too, looked uncomfortable. "The Dark Lord has given me one last task to complete before term begins…Something I should probably work on very soon," Severus explained. "He wants an old lover of mine, Orpheus Odell, to join him. He is very brilliant, which is why the Dark Lord wants him…And he wants me to attempt to recruit him. His brother, Oedipus, is already a Death Eater and they have a less than amicable history. I believe he hopes I can seduce him," Severus said, scoffing and rolling his eyes in a manner that said he fully believed it was a ridiculous idea that would not work.

Harry swallowed with great difficulty, sitting frozen beside his lover, just staring at him. His stomach churned at the thought of Severus having to seduce someone…an old lover, at that. Harry wondered vaguely is this Orpheus Odell bloke was good looking…wishing all of a sudden that he knew more about Severus's romantic (or sexual?) history. His brain felt numb and he barely paid much mind as Hermione nervously began inquiring about Orpheus.

"Orpheus Odell…Isn't he the one that wrote that book…Oh, what was it? Oh yes, To Tame a Sleeping Dragon?"

"Tame a sleeping dragon?" Draco asked incredulously.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "It's a book about magical psychology and even includes the incorporation of Muggle practices…He's written many articles and books about combining Wizarding and Muggle practices with various things. He has this whole philosophy that knowing to do particular things the way Muggles do them will make your magic in that area stronger…Like dueling, for instance. Someone who learns to fight in a very physical manner will better be able to perform defensive and offensive magic with more ease and skill. He is really quite brill…iant," she said, hesitantly finishing as she looked at Harry with some worry.

"Yes, that would be him," Severus said stiffly, eying Harry, as well. "His esteem for Muggles would make him a joke among Death Eaters, but there is no disregarding the man's genius."

Of course, the man would be an intellectual type…brilliant, they called him. Harry frowned deeply and tried hard to force away his insecurities. There were more important things to worry about than some bloke stealing Severus away. Harry finally turned to Severus and met his eyes a moment before reaching out to take his face and pulled it towards him, kissing him lovingly. "I don't care if you have to shag this bloke to keep You Know Who happy…Just…do whatever it takes to stay alive and remain in his favor, alright?"

Some powerful emotion flickered through Severus's black eyes, and Harry didn't quite know what it meant. Suddenly, though, Severus was kissing him deeply, grasping his face in his hands and holding him close and Harry let himself melt into his touch and swallowed every ounce of love Severus was pouring into him. Harry figured they should have been embarrassed by such an emotional display, but found it hard to feel any sort of shame the way he was feeling. Draco and Hermione had, at least, looked away tactfully, though Hermione couldn't quite disguise the sweet smile on her lips.

There was a small silence that fell over them as Severus and Harry broke apart…Everyone seemed unwilling to break it, to interrupt any thoughts or feelings circulating with such serious matters. But they had to and they all knew it.

"So what is it you two are up to, exactly?" Draco asked.

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other. Harry understood the plea in Hermione's gaze perfect…Harry himself wanted them to know…Maybe they could help? But Dumbledore had told him not to tell anyone…no one but Hermione.

What if Voldemort saw?

But Harry trusted them. He did…He trusted them both more than anything…and something of such importance. Surely they would do anything in their power to hide it? Harry glanced at Draco and then Severus and shifted around a bit into a more comfortable position. "If I tell you, no one else can know. No hints that you know…You especially can't let him find out…it has to be a secret, at all costs. I was never supposed to tell anyone other than Hermione."

Draco nodded easily and Severus quirked an eyebrow, his expression schooled, but Harry could tell he was surprised. He obviously knew this was exactly what Dumbledore and Harry refused to tell him last year.

"We're looking for Horcruxes," Harry said. "Vol…He made…six of them? Yeah…Split his soul into seven pieces killing people and put pieces of it into six objects. One was the diary…You remember, the one Ginny had her first year?" he said. "Then…there was a ring. It belonged to V…Tom Riddle's (that's his real name) grandfather…A Slytherin heirloom. Dumbledore destroyed that. Then at the end of last year…the night he died…Dumbledore and I went looking for another one…a locket that belonged to Slytherin. We got what was hidden there, but it turned out to be a fake," Harry explained. "Mundungus Fletcher apparently stole it from Kreacher so Kreacher's out looking for him now. Then…His snake, Nagini, is supposed to be one…We think he made one out of cups that belonged to Helga Huffelpuff…and then the last is supposed to be…erm…something from one of the other Founders, we think, but we don't really know what it is…We don't really know where to find the cup or the other one…or how to destroy them or anything…but we have to get rid of them all before I can kill V…Riddle."

"Horcruxes?" Draco repeated, gaping at him.

"That explains a great deal," Severus explained, rubbing his temples.

"Yes…Do either of you know much about them?" Hermione asked.

"Not a great deal," Severus said. "Horcruxes are very old, very dark, and very rare magic…I am almost surprised the Dark Lord managed to find enough information about them to create them."

"Hmm," Hermione said, sounding very disappointed. "You don't have any ideas of…any objects he might be hiding? Or things he holds very dear?"

"I do not believe so…Though I will attempt to pay more attention when I am around him…Try to speak with the others to discover what they know," Severus said.

"I will, too," Draco promised. "Erm…I dunno how we'll let you know…You'll stay here, right?"

"We'll try to," Harry promised.

"Okay…Well, then, if we find out anything we can always come back," Draco suggested.

"It would not be wise to return often, but if it is of importance, it would be alright, if done with extreme caution," Severus warned.

"Oh! What about the coins…I bet I could create new ones without much trouble…" Hermione began muttering, grabbing her wand and standing up, Summoning her coin purse.

The men all stared at her with great confusion until Harry finally understood what she meant and Draco seemed to follow shortly after. "I put a Protean Charm on fake Galleons fifth year to communicate with members of Dumbledore's Army," Hermione explained, noting Severus's confusion. She held the purse in her lap and winced a bit before Summoning some fake coins from the bottom, frowning when she heard all of the ruckus they made on their way out. "Shoot…I hope they didn't break anything," she muttered and caught them in her hands. "These are leftover from when I made the other ones…I got a bit more than we needed," she explained. "So all I have to do is link four of them together and we can communicate that way…A bit more dangerous than the ones fifth year. We'll have to use actual words instead of numbers, which can be an issue…but if no one's looking for them, I doubt…" Hermione trailed off and slid onto the floor, lining up four of the coins onto the coffee table and pointed her wand at them, muttering incantations under her breath, face screwed up in serious concentration.

"She'd put Rowena Ravenclaw to shame," Draco muttered fondly, reaching out to play with her long brown curls. Hermione didn't seem to notice and Draco didn't seem to care.

"I doubt anyone would scrutinize a Galleon enough to realize what they were," Severus said, watching Hermione work closely.

Harry grinned. "You can look impressed, you know."

"I was inventing spells and potions when I was her age; a Protean Charm is hardly going to amaze me," Severus snorted.

"It's okay," Draco said with a grin. "He's in love with you and I don't think I've heard him say nice things about you, either."

Severus ignored him. "Is there anything else we should know about?"

"Erm…I don't think so," Harry said.

"What sort of supplies do you have?" Severus asked.

"Umm…I dunno. I let 'Mione go through your books, like you said, at the end of term," Harry said. "So I'm sure she has those…and the Potions textbook. Umm…Lots of potions, I think…You'd have to ask her, really…Oh…Dumbledore left us some stuff in his will…I dunno if it's anything useful, but…He left me the first Snitch I ever caught…Left 'Mione a Deluminator and some children's book…He also tried to leave me the Sword of Gryffindor, but they wouldn't let me have that."

"Of course not. Why give the Chosen One weapons that might aid him in the downfall of the Dark Lord?" Severus muttered sarcastically.

"Exactly!" Harry said, shaking his head. "I dunno, but not much we can do about that now. Just wish we knew what to do with them…The Deluminator seems kind of useful, I think. 'Mione says something might be in the Snitch, but that isn't doing us much good since I can't open it. It just says I open at the close, whatever that means."

Draco and Severus both wore the same looks of deep thought. Harry noticed the moment a knowing flash passed through Severus's eyes and sat up straight. Severus looked a bit pale and disturbed now and that worried him. "What? What's it mean?"

Severus looked momentarily frustrated before sitting up straight. "I am not certain, but I believe it might mean it will only open…at the end. Right before you are to defeat the Dark Lord."

"Oh," Harry said, wrinkling his nose. "That's a bit barmy, isn't it? Wouldn't it be better to have it now so we can figure out how to make use of it?" It didn't make sense for him to only have whatever it was right before he had to face Voldemort. "Then there's the matter of Hermione's children's book."

"Done!" Hermione said happily, picking up the coins and examining them happily before handing one to Draco and reaching across the table to hand one to Harry and Severus both.

"What book is it?" Severus asked.

"What's what book?" Hermione asked.

"The one Dumbledore left you," Harry replied.

"Oh, The Tales of Beedle the Bard," Hermione said. "It's written in ancient runes, so I figured I could try deciphering them soon. Did you want to look at it?"

"No, I doubt we have time to thoroughly examine it," Severus said. "Tell me, what sorts of supplies do you have for this mission of yours?"

Hermione went on to explain everything she had packed in her coin purse…Every book, every potion, every magical artifact, everything. Harry found it hard to pay attention to their discussion as Severus pointed out the usefulness of each item Hermione listed. Draco, too, seemed to find it difficult to pay much attention. He was probably as smart as Severus and Hermione, but didn't seem to find the attraction to particular things the way the other two did. They instead Summoned the camera midway through the conversation and magically developed the pictures that had been taken.

"You have done very well, Miss Granger. I was prepared to collect anything you might need and bring them when I could, but it seems you have everything one could think to use. I believe you should be well prepared for most things you could come across," Severus praised and Harry couldn't help but feel pleased with the way Hermione beamed at him. It only succeeded in making Severus very uncomfortable, though Harry had a feeling only he and Draco knew him well enough to notice and Harry gave his leg an encouraging squeeze.

"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said. "I had hoped I had gotten everything…I didn't want to be unprepared for anything, though I think it would be almost impossible to really be equipped for any and everything."

"Indeed," Severus said with a nod.

Harry grinned and held the three pictures Draco had taken of them in his hands, all moving, and all involving the very passionate kiss the two had shared in the entrance of the house. He held them up for Severus to see. "Think it'd be safe for you to take one?"

"I doubt anyone would be digging through my belongings, but on the off chance that they do, I am positive I can find a place to keep it safe," Severus said, taking one of the pictures from Harry.

"As rude as it was for you both to do," Hermione said, glaring from Harry to Draco, "I am glad you took the pictures. They'll be good to keep."

"You need something to remember me by, in case Potter gets too handsy at night," Draco said teasingly.

"You should know better!" Hermione snapped, face turning pink. "Harry and I would never cheat on a significant other!"

"I was just teasing…Couldn't help it, after all those snogging reminders, earlier," Draco chuckled. "You know the question Potter asked me when I showed up, Severus? Asked me who I kissed in the Three Broomsticks on Valentine's Day fifth year? Quite a clever way of letting Hermione know I snogged a bloke once." Draco was grinning, despite Severus's glare at the reminder.

"We figured Hermione couldn't get too upset since she's snogged me before, more than once," Harry added, trying to keep himself from laughing, though it was hard when Severus's glare got deeper.

"You two stop it!" Hermione scolded, face horribly pink by now as she glared at them both, as well.

"What?" Draco asked innocently. "At least we're not snogging him now."

"You better not snog Harry now," Hermione said.

"You better not snog him when we leave," Draco said.

"Don't I get a choice in the matter?" Harry asked jokingly. "Honestly, I'd rather not snog either of you…You weren't that good, anyway," Harry added with a glance at Severus.

"Don't go there, Potter. Kissing me assured you that you were gay, didn't it?" Draco reminded him.

"It was better than kissing Cho," Harry said.

"Oh stop it…Professor Snape looks like he might hex one of us at any moment," Hermione said, trying not to smile.

"I believe it is time Draco and I took our leave," Severus said.

Harry's heart dropped. "No…Severus, we were just messing around…We don't have to-"

"It's not about that," Severus said irritably. "If that was, I'd merely Langlock you both. We have simply been here a long time…It is not wise to linger for such a time."

"Oh," Harry said in disappointment, feeling suddenly more miserable than he had felt before Severus's arrival. It felt almost like a Dementor was in the room, sucking every last bit of joy from him.

"Let's just…look at it as encouragement to…to find all of the Horcruxes as soon as possible," Hermione said bravely, standing up and tugging Draco to his feet while Severus did the same with Harry.

Draco and Hermione stayed by the couch, holding hands for a moment before pulling each other close. Hermione blinked rapidly as tears filled her eyes, struggling to keep them in while Draco kissed the top of her head, looking as though he himself was struggling with his emotions. Harry noticed the way Hermione's body trembled as he watched them while Severus held his hand and led him away from the sitting room, moving out of the doorway and just a few steps to the side to where they would not be seen before stopping.

"This is for the best," Severus told him.

"I know."

"Draco and I will do all in our power to help you and Gr…Miss Granger," Severus vowed. "We will do all that we can to protect innocent people…Just don't think too badly if we are forced to do something less than admirable."

"I understand," Harry said. "You need to stay safe…Won't do any good if you lose your whole…act or whatever you call it."

"Yes," Severus agreed. "You cannot give up…no matter what."

"I won't," Harry laughed shakily. "Not really in my nature, is it? S'what makes me a foolish Gryffindor."

"And one of many reasons why I love you," Severus in a whisper so quiet, Harry wasn't sure if he was even supposed to hear it. He closed his eyes as Severus brushed his hair out of his face and pressed his lips against his scar. Harry closed his eyes, feeling tears burning beneath his lids…His throat burned and his jaw clenched and he felt as though something very large and strong was crumbling inside of him. He felt like his heart and soul were being ripped away from him and he grasped Severus's sides hard, wishing he could do something to make him stay.

"You'll come see me again…eventually?" Harry asked, hating how his voice trembled.

"I will do my very best to return to you," Severus promised.

Harry nodded and leaned forward, pressing his lips to Severus's chest, enjoying the comfort of Severus's warmth and the feel of skilled fingers rubbing soothingly up and down his back. Harry breathed in the scent of his lover deeply, hoping to commit it to memory. He still smelled of their lovemaking…a hint of lemons…the faint smell of potion fumes…he caught a weak sniff of cinnamon, too, he thought.

He had been without love for so long…had already lost too many people he cared about…But that was exactly why they had to part, Harry reminded himself. He cared about more people than Severus, and Severus himself would never truly be safe until Voldemort was gone. How wonderful today had been made it hard to part, even knowing how important it was for them to do so. It was the only thought…the only thing at all that could make it possible for him to let Severus go.

"Harry," Severus whispered.

The shift of Severus's body let Harry know to look up at his lover. He half expected Severus to say more, but was pleased when he didn't…Instead, Severus just looked into his eyes and stroked his cheek and his neck before sliding both hands down to grasp Harry's, linking their fingers together.

"I love you, Harry," Severus whispered after an eternity.

"I love you, too, Severus," Harry said.

When Severus leaned down to kiss him, he knew it was goodbye. He held onto the meeting of their lips as long as he could, struggling to hold back his tears and his sobs, not wanting to cut it short. He grasped Severus desperately and was happy when Severus returned the embrace. He dug his fingers into Severus's unusually soft, clean hair and gripped it tightly. His heart was shattering into a million pieces and screaming at him No! Stop! Everything in him was pleading, begging Severus to stay, though Harry refused to let the words leave his lips. He kissed Severus deeply and held on for dear life.

It was Severus who had to pull away…breaking the contact of their mouths and running his nose along Harry's jaw before burying his face in Harry's neck, breathing in deeply and pressing his lips there softly. Harry swallowed hard, unable to stop the tears from flowing now. He felt like he could scream out in his agony, but did not. There was no reason to make a scene. It would stop nothing…and even if he could make Severus stay with loud displays of his anguish, he knew he wouldn't…couldn't do that to either of them. Harry could have sworn he felt a bit of warm wetness against his skin and grasped Severus harder, his heart thudding painfully in his chest, growing stronger at the thought of his composed and strong Severus shedding any tears for him.

They held each other close only a moment that seemed to go on forever while it lasted, and seemed too short and like it had barely been enough the time it ended.

"Draco!" Severus called out.

Severus remained close, but it was too painful to hold each other again…Maybe he was afraid he might never let go if he did embrace Harry once more. It was a tempting enough thought, but Harry didn't let himself do it. They waited, staring at one another until Draco and Hermione walked in, hand in hand. Harry didn't spare them a glance, only noting their presence in his peripheral vision.

"Goodbye, Harry," Severus said quietly, leaning forward and brushing his lips against Harry's softly one last time before he and Draco walked to the door.

And left.

For several long minutes, they stood there and stared at the door. Finally, Harry turned to look at Hermione. She stood there, trembling…Her face was blotchy and tear-stained, eyes bloodshot, hair a tangled mess. Harry could imagine Draco running his fingers through it a million times to get it in such an unruly state.

"Mione," Harry said quietly.

Hermione turned to him, her face breaking as she did so. Harry opened his arms and Hermione flew into them gladly, grasping him hard as she let herself really cry. Harry held her close and slid down to the floor with her in his arms and buried his face in her thick hair, letting the tears come and his own heartbreaking sobs mingling with Hermione's. They both ignored Mrs. Black's wailing as she was disturbed. They barely even noticed her.

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Lost and Damned