A Field of Dandelions

by Serenadedevries

Summary:

Severus’ breath caught in his throat as Mad-Eye Moody’s features melted into those of Barty Crouch Jr.
“He is back then.” Dumbledore said gravely.
Severus nodded by reflex and thought, ‘But which version of him?’
“You know what you need to do” Dumbledore continued to Severus, as he steered Harry to his feet and out of the room.
Severus simply nodded again not trusting himself to hold his tongue if he gave a verbal answer. Turning to the door, he swept out rushing towards his quarters. ‘Who had come back, the man he loved or the one he had feared and betrayed?’ With effort, he pushed those thoughts from his mind and donned his Death Eater robes, preparing himself to return to an unknown fate.

Notes:

This is a very dark story that is not finished. If you're coming here from my other story, you have been warned.
This is somewhat disjointed and it is likely chapters will be rearranged or added in different places as I continue with this one.
Also updates will be very sporadic as I have to be in a certain mindset to write for this story.

Individual chapters contain some trigger warnings, but I may have missed something. Just be aware this is a sexually explicit, violent story, make sure you're taking care of yourself.

Chapter 1: The return

Severus’ breath caught in his throat as Mad-Eye Moody’s features melted into those of Barty Crouch Jr.

“He is back then.” Dumbledore said gravely.

Severus nodded by reflex and thought, ‘But which version of him?’

“You know what you need to do” Dumbledore continued to Severus, as he steered Harry to his feet and out of the room.

Severus simply nodded again not trusting himself to hold his tongue if he gave a verbal answer. Turning to the door, he swept out rushing towards his quarters. ‘Who had come back, the man he loved or the one he had feared and betrayed?’ With effort, he pushed those thoughts from his mind and donned his Death Eater robes, preparing himself to return to an unknown fate.

 

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“My lord,” Severus said solemnly, bowing before Lord Voldemort.

“Rise Severus,” Came the silky reply as Lord Voldemort grasped his chin, guiding him to his feet and tipping his head up to meet his eyes, stroking his cheek as he pulled his hand away.

Severus locked eyes with his master, wary but longing for the man he had known.

“Are you still mine, Severus?” Voldemort asked slowly.

“Always, My lord.”

“My Lord…” Voldemort hesitated, “do you fear me, my dear?” he asked with a hint of sadness.

Severus froze, uncertain of the sanity of his former lover or the safety of admitting his wariness of the man. Exhaustion and pain colored Voldemort’s dark Hazel eyes as he realized his lover’s fear of him was both very present and very warranted.

“Severus, I am myself once more,” he said softly, stroking Severus’ hair behind his ear, “I will not harm you again,” he finished with regret.

“My lord,” Severus paused, “What… caused your… change?”

“Dumbledore.” Voldemort said angrily. “The Imperious curse and, I believe, compulsion potions forced me to create a horcrux, which contributed to my… instability and encouraged my more violent tendencies.”

“Then, my lord, your hunt for the boy?” Severus quickly, but uncertainly asked.

“Severus, I miss you calling me Tom.” He said with sad eyes before continuing, “Yes, my hunt for the child was a fool’s errand driven by my instability and is now a merely ruse.”

“Then, you do not believe the Prophecy?” he asked with surprise.

“No Severus, I do not. But the old fool must believe that I will go to any lengths to kill the Potter child.” Tom shifted back, giving Severus space to process everything.

“He is still hurting you, isn’t he?” He asked Severus in an undertone.

Severus stiffened, his jaw tightening and his eyes hardening.

“Stay with me, Severus.”

“I cannot. I made a vow to protect the brat.” He bit out bitterly.

“He would be safe here.”

“As if the brat would trust me enough to come to my master’s home.” Severus replied sarcastically before his common sense could intervene. The moment the words escaped him his eyes widened, and he automatically bowed his head, an apology already on his lips.

Tom chuckled gently at the man’s sass, “Severus, you need not bite your tongue, nor apologize. Ought the child be removed from his home?”

“He is a pampered spoilt brat.” Severus spat.

Tom looked at him searchingly, “Severus, might I check you for spells and mind-altering potions?”

“Of course,” Severus replied obediently, his head bowed once more.

Tom regarded him with pain in his eyes as he cast the detection spells on the bitter man. “You are under the influence of compulsion spells.” He stated gently.

“Allow me to remove them.” Tom instructed smoothly, his wand already at hand.

“Yes, master.” Severus replied, his head still bowed.

After quickly dispelling the curses from Severus, Tom reached out to stroke the younger man’s hair. Severus reflexively flinched minutely away from the touch. Tom immediately withdrew his hand, “What need we tell Dumbledore?”

“Only that you have, in fact, returned and ordered me to continue spying on him.”

“Will you be safe, Severus?”

“He will not kill me.” Severus replied flatly.

“But he will harm you” Tom added the unspoken implication, “I would rather you not return to his reach.”

“It is necessary. If I stay here, I would not be able to protect the boy; and Dumbledore would know something has changed.”

“I do not like it, but it is your choice.” Tom said softly, studying Severus carefully. “During my… receipt of a new body the child’s behavior was unusual. His reaction to the cruciatus curse indicated a concerning familiarity with pain that normal, well treated children should not have. Should he be removed from his home?”

“I do not know; Dumbledore would likely know immediately if he were removed.” Severus replied. After a pause he continued, “I will keep a closer eye on him this year. I ought to be getting back to the old man.”

Chapter 2: Insanity

Summary:

Flashback to Tom near the beginning of his descent into madness.

Notes:

TW: Rape

Tom had summoned him to the Riddle manor. Severus was uncertain what to expect, his lover had been… unpredictable of late. “My lord?” Severus said as he entered Voldemort’s room.

Voldemort grabbed him, his hand cupping the back of his neck and jerking him forward to press a ravishing kiss to his lips, his tongue pushing into his mouth. Severus was stunned, and reflexively grabbed Voldemort’s forearms to steady himself only to be thrown across the room to slam the back of his legs against the foot of the bed.

“So, forward, Severus,” the dark lord’s voice was cruel as he struck Severus across the cheek. Voldemort then tore Severus’ robes from him and threw him facedown onto the bed, entering him with no preparation causing the smaller man to cry out in pain. Voldemort struck him again, summoning a knife then carving a line across his back and bending to lick Severus’ blood from his back. His savage pace increased as Severus sobbed almost silently beneath him, before one final thrust had Voldemort cumming inside him.

A cold laugh came from Voldemort as he withdrew from Severus’ body. He turned the still man onto his back, pressing his wand to the pale flesh of Severus’ left forearm, marking the man as his property. Voldemort smiled, a cruel vicious thing, as he stepped back to survey his work. For an instant pain, anger, and confusion flashed across his eyes, a hint of Tom still buried in the madman, then it disappeared. Sated, Voldemort turned away leaving the room ignoring Severus’ bloody weeping form as if he was nothing.

“Lucius, Deal with the mess in my chambers.” Voldemort ordered sibilantly.

Lucius bowed obediently, slipping into the room. As he stepped through the doorway, he froze, shocked at the image of Severus bloody with empty eyes on Voldemort’s bed. Then rushed to the still man desperately hoping he was breathing.

“Severus…” Lucius paused, wordless, unwillingly reminded of his first proper time meeting Severus, before continuing softly, “Let’s get you cleaned up.” Lucius efficiently magicked clothing back onto Severus’ unresponsive form and gathered him into his arms, carrying him through the fireplace to his own home.

“Narcissa!” Lucius called rushing to the nearest guest room.

Between the two of them they healed Severus, both shocked by the dark mark on Severus’ forearm.

Chapter 3: Betrayal

Summary:

The price of Severus' betrayal

Notes:

TW: rape

Severus felt mildly dazed as he re-entered his master’s house. He had something to tell him, a prophesy… a child, who could defeat him… but… an unborn child, could he even tell him… in his current state he may well try to kill the babe.

But… he had to tell him, “My lord, I have news”.

“Speak Severus.”

“There is a prophesy, about a child… with the power to defeat you.”

 

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“Severus,” Albus Dumbledore called in his grandfatherly tone, “Their safety, and your redemption will not come without a price.”

Severus turned back to the man, “What would that price be?” he asked guardedly. He was entirely unprepared for the petrification curse that Dumbledore immediately fired at him. Severus fell, stiff onto his face, a loud crack indicated his nose had been broken once again by the fall. Dumbledore stooped over him; searching him for any weapons and taking the opportunity to fondle Severus’ buttocks.

Severus’ breathing sped his eyes wide and frantic, as Dumbledore magically undressed the man and cast a lubricating charm to ease his way into the incapacitated man. Dumbledore shoved inside, forcing the breath from Severus who closed his eyes, refusing to let the threatening tears fall. The old man finished inside him rather quickly, and magically redressed Severus. Dumbledore rose readjusting himself and canceling the curse on Severus.

“That would be an acceptable initial payment. Should Voldemort know you allowed another man to bed you I do wonder what his response would be.” Dumbledore added the threat in a mild tone.

 

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“Severus, stay after” Dumbledore said at the end of the staff meeting.

Severus stilled in his chair keeping an impassive expression as his colleagues left the room. A few minutes later Severus was on his knees choking on Dumbledore’s cock in his mouth. “Such a good boy, Severus, taking my cock just as well as when you were a boy.” Dumbledore enjoyed the warmth of his mouth for another few moments before taking his hair and pulling him back.

“On the table, Child.” Dumbledore coaxed.

Severus closed his eyes for a moment before, slowly rising to bend over the table.

Chapter 4: Broken Trust

Summary:

The first time Lucius met Severus

Notes:

TW: Graphic child sexual abuse

“Headmaster, I… I need help. Father… he… he keeps hurting us, mother, and I.” an 11-year-old Severus Snape stuttered out to his shoes in the headmaster’s office.

“I see, Severus, how does he hurt you?” he asked with the signature twinkle in his eyes.

“He hits us… and… hurts mother in their room. She cries… and…. He… he touches me.” Severus admitted in a whisper.

“Where does he touch you, child?”

“My… my privates.”

“I see, come here child.” Dumbledore said patting his lap.

Severus hesitated then cautiously sat on the headmaster’s lap.

“Has he ever been inside you?”

The little boy sniffed like he was barely restraining tears, “Y-yes.”

“I see.” Dumbledore said slowly. Then, quicker than seemed possible for such an old man, he had the eleven-year-old face down on his desk one hand pulling the child’s pants off and the other locked around his neck, holding him down. The old man pushed a finger into the child’s arse, curling and rubbing it inside him. Quickly he pressed another finger inside the child, stretching him, his fingers scissoring inside the little boy. Finally, judging the boy to be ready, Dumbledore cast a quick lubrication charm and released his cock, forcing it into the child’s channel. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, leader of the light and supposed paragon of good, raped an eleven-year-old child.

He cried out in pain as he tore around the adult’s cock.

“Shut up boy, it is your duty to service men who want it. Your father is right to fuck you, and you will always submit to me.” Dumbledore pressed his heated signet ring into the child’s arse cheek as he finished deep within the little one, taking a perverse pleasure in knowing he marked the child with his crest.

 

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Severus wept silently, back in his dorm with the curtains pulled tight. The next morning, he refused to leave his bed, or respond to his dormmates’ questions so Evan Rosier was elected to go fetch one of the prefects to check on Severus.

“Snape, get up you’re going to be late to class,” Rosier called to his dormmate as he tried to pull the curtains open; only to find they were sealed.

“Snape, are you not feeling well?” Lucius Malfoy asked curtly, unsealing the curtains, and pulling them open. The sixteen-year-old boy’s shoulders drooped as he saw the child curled up in his bed still gently sobbing with a bloodstain on the seat of his pants.

Lucius sat on the side of the bed casting a diagnostic charm on the younger boy. He sighed softly, “Was it Dumbledore?” he asked.

The little boy just nodded silently with bloodshot heartbroken eyes.

“We’ll try to keep you away from him. If you are summoned to his office don’t go with Slughorn and try to get another student or Professor McGonagall to go with you. For a lion she’s… decent.” Lucius said in a businesslike tone.

“Let’s get you cleaned and patched up.” he added, lifting the eleven-year-old into his arms heading to the Slytherin prefects’ bathroom.

The prefect cleaned the nearly catatonic child, his hands only stalling for a moment when he found the scabbed-over brand left by the headmaster’s ring.

Notes:

edit 7/16/23 minor change to the use of Dumble's ring.

Chapter 5: Intervention

Summary:

Addressing Severus living situation

Notes:

TW: child sexual abuse

“My lord, there is a boy, a potion’s prodigy. His home life is not ideal, and I believe he could be an asset.” Lucius said, pouring a glass of wine for Lord Voldemort.

“What is wrong with his home life?”

“At the very least it is neglectful, Dumbledore has been… taking advantage of him since his first year. He is only twelve,” the seventeen-year-old continued uncertainly, “but he is the last scion of the prince family.”

“I will look into his family life. Do you know if he returned home this Christmas?”

“He did not.”

 

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Tom entered the muggle home silently, eyes sweeping from side to side, searching for any threats. Despite his caution he almost tripped over the exceedingly drunk muggle passed out on the dining room floor. Tom sighed, “Well I didn’t expect it to be this easy.” He said, bending over and forcing the man’s eyes open so he could enter his mind.

“Father please.” The little boy, no more than eight or nine years old, cried as the muggle pushed him down onto his own bed.

“Shut up you little shit.” The man said, pulling the boy’s pants down and fishing out his own cock. He shoved inside the child, ignoring his tears of pain.

The memories flashed to another day; the child crying, bent over the dining room table.

Another flash: he was beating a woman yelling about the child being a freak, he didn’t want the boy to come back.

Another beating, the woman isn’t moving.

Police, the woman is dead. He’s having her cremated; he doesn’t tell the boy.

The boy came back, another beating. The child cried when the man shouted the fact of his mother’s death in his face.

He came into his room that night…. Every night. The child cried and cried for days… his sheets permanently stained with his blood.

Broken, angry, he doesn’t cry anymore. He’s silent and brooding… Eyes hopeless.

Beaten, he doesn’t cry… doesn’t make a sound.

Disgusted, Tom wrenches himself from the man’s mind and begins to pace trying to decide if it would be worth it to torture him to death or if he should just kill him quickly. Reluctantly, he decided that leaving any evidence of his presence could draw Dumbledore’s attention to the boy. He leveled his wand at the man and cast the killing curse.

 

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Severus Snape,

My name is Tom. We have never met, but we have a mutual friend in the younger Mr. Malfoy. I felt I should inform you that your father has passed away. The ministry is aware, and they have reached out to your grandfather, so you will likely be going to your grandfather’s home for the summer.

If you need assistance, or just someone to talk to, do not hesitate to reach out to me.

I hope this message finds you well.

 

Sincerely,

             Tom Marvolo Riddle

Notes:

11/11/24 minor correction

Chapter 6: A Second Intervention

Summary:

addressing Severus' living situation again

Notes:

TW: referenced child sexual abuse, Violence

Tom,

I’m out of school for the summer and back at my grandfather’s home. Lucius was telling me you were in Japan the past few months. Is there really a suicide forest there?

I’ve been having trouble with my summer transfiguration assignment, most of the books here are on dark arts and potions, so my sources are annoyingly limited.

I’d like to hear more about Japan if it’s not a bother.

The potion’s lab here is impressive.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you,

             Severus Snape

 

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‘hmm, maybe I should check on him’ Tom thought, mildly concerned as he read the young man’s letter.

“Severus? Are you here?” Tom called as he strode from the fireplace in the Prince Manor. He paused for a reply before calmly walking out of the receiving room into the foyer, once again calling, “Severus?”

Still hearing no reply, Tom headed to the heir’s chambers which he assumed were Severus’ rooms. He knocked, then opened the door but found no one. Out of curiosity and concern Tom strode across the hall and opened the door to the lord of the manor’s rooms. The door slamming against the wall was utterly ignored as Tom swept into the room kneeling beside the battered, naked teenager lying in his own blood. Tom pressed his fingers against the boy’s throat seeking a pulse, some of the tension eased from his body when he found a strong pulse.

His hand moved beneath the boys’ neck; lifting him slightly to coax him to drink a healing draught he drew from one of the many pockets in his robes. Tom gently turned Severus to search him for injuries and the source of the puddle of blood beneath him. He found several cuts, bruises, and burns, but ultimately realized that most of the blood had come from the boy’s arse. He had been raped… violently. Tom’s eyes glittered with fury upon this realization, but the hands that wrapped his own cloak around the teen and lifted him against his chest were gentle, giving no indication to the battered boy that he was angry.

Severus stirred ever so slightly in his arms, a quiet whimper of fear escaping him.

“Hush now, Sev, you’re safe. You’re coming home with me.” He murmured to the half-conscious teen.

Tom carried Severus to his home and saw him safely ensconced in a guest bed before donning a battle robe and returning to the Prince ancestral home.

When Severus woke in Tom Riddle’s home, he was the last of the Prince family, and was surprisingly greeted by the sight of Tom himself asleep in an armchair beside his bed.

“M-mister Riddle?”

Chapter 7: Umbridge

Notes:

no TW here.

Severus stepped out of the floo with his usual grace, his expression thunderous.

“Severus, you have news?” Voldemort (No, Tom, he asked to be called Tom), questioned.

“It is Umbridge, they’ve assigned that harpy to Hogwarts.” He ground out in fury.

“An… interesting choice for the ministry. She is rather intolerant towards halfbloods, muggleborns, and any with creature blood, isn’t she?” Tom mused.

“Extremely, and she has a similar distaste for any who bear your mark; provided they have no significant political standing.”, Severus spat.

<><><><><>

Tom addressed Severus without even looking up from his books as he stepped from the floo and said, “Can you lure Umbridge past the ward line?”

“Probably, why?” Severus responded, entirely unphased by the abrupt question.

“You seemed… unhappy with her continued existence.”

Severus paused in making his tea to look at his partner, “You’re going to kill someone… just because she annoys me…” he deadpanned.

“Yes” Tom said without hesitation.

“Of course you would,” he said resignedly, “Yes, I can lure her out. Friday just before winter break okay for you? That way you’ll have the holiday before anyone notices she’s gone.”

“That sounds perfect.” Tom said unsarcastically.

Severus rolled his eyes and brought Tom a cup of tea. “You have some issues, love.”, he said sitting down with his cup of tea and book.

“Hmm, maybe. I’m still going to kill her.” Tom accepted absently.

“I would expect nothing else.” Severus said with a smile.

<><><><><>

Tom was standing in the woods silently, waiting for Severus to lead his quarry into their trap. 

“I assure you, Dolores, there are no weapons in these woods although there are many dangers.” Severus said drily, allowing his irritation to reach his tone.

Tom smiled dangerously, allowing a feral grin to spread across his face. One more step, then Severus needs to get clear. Two quick stunners later the horribly pink woman was crumpled in the dead leaves. She never even had a chance to draw her wand.

Tom moved fully out from behind the tree he had been hidden behind and approached the limp form. “Well that was almost disappointingly easy.” he said lightly, nudging the woman with the toe of his shoe.

“Indeed.”, Severus replied, watching Tom with a gentle smirk. “Unfortunately I ought to be getting back before the old bastard begins to get too suspicious.”

“Mh” Tom hummed, distaste flashing across his face for a moment before he stepped closer to Sev, slipping an arm around his waist and kissing him on the cheek.

Severus smiled reflexively, leaning into the touch for a moment before he shifted away, beginning the trek back to the castle. “Have fun, and please make sure you clean up.”, he called over his shoulder

“Yes dear, be careful in the castle, Severus.” Tom replied lightly, levitating Umbridge with a flick of his wand. He grasped her wrist with a moue of distaste and apparated away.

<><><><><>

“Students, it is with deep regret that I must announce our Defense against the Dark Arts professor has gone missing. Unfortunately I must conclude that professor Umbridge has been targeted by Voldemort and is mostly likely dead. Defense against the dark arts will continue to be taught by our other professors for the remainder of the year.” Dumbledore made his announcement without the usual glimmer in his eyes. Tom was not behaving in the way he had predicted, perhaps it is time to press Severus a little harder.

Chapter 8: Trust

Notes:

Beta'd by a mystery, all issues are entirely my fault.

Minor edit 23/4 moved a bit of the text to the previous chapter.

“Detention tonight. Six O’clock.” Severus forced through gritted teeth looking down on the unfortunate teenager where he had fallen after apparently tripping over nothing.

Harry scrambled to his feet and replied hesitantly, “Sir, I already have detention tonight with Umbridge.”

“Then tomorrow night.” He snapped back.

“I have detention with her for the rest of the week, sir.”

Severus loomed over the boy menacingly, “The next night that you do not have detention with professor Umbridge, you will report to my office at six PM for detention - be weekend or holiday, I do not care.”

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“Mr. Potter, wandering the halls again. It’s almost like you enjoy detention.” Severus drawled as he approached the boy from behind.

Harry turned to face him replying in a flat tone, “I was just released from detention, sir. I’m just going back to my dormitory.”

Severus brow furrowed when he noticed how pale the teen was. “Are you unwell, Mr. Potter?”

“No, sir, just tired.” Harry replied in the same flat tone, somewhat unsteady on his feet.

“I will escort you back to your dorm then, to prevent you from sleeping in some random hallway because of your ‘fatigue’.” Severus replied sarcastically, gripping the boy’s upper arm to steer him along.

Harry flinched at the sudden touch and lost his balance. He would have fallen completely had Severus’ other hand not shot out to steady him.

“Potter, you’re bleeding. Show me your hand.” Severus demanded.

Numbly, Harry presented his bloody hand to his professor fully expecting him to make a scathing comment about how he deserved it. Severus’ breath caught in his throat for a moment as he surveyed the damage.

“Mr. Potter, when did your detention begin this evening?” Severus asked in a carefully neutral tone.

“Around four,” he said mildly bemused, “she made me skip dinner.” he added in an undertone.

Severus gave him a sharp look, “You were in detention, writing lines with a blood quill, for six hours?”, he asked incredulously.

“Yeah.”

“My office, Mr. Potter.” He said steering the teen towards the dungeons.

Safely behind the doors of his office, Severus sat Harry down, “Why were you not going to the hospital wing Mr. Potter?”

“It isn’t that bad,” he said uncomfortably.

Severus hummed noncommittally grasping the boy’s wrist and murmuring a spell over the cut across the back of his hand. He then smeared a cream over the angry red cuts and wrapped the hand. Rising, he strode to the back of his office and picked up two potions, handing them to the boy indicating he was to drink them.

“What are they?”, Harry asked hesitantly.

“A pain potion and a nutrient potion, drink them now.” Severus said impatiently, “And in the future report to the hospital wing after your detentions with her. I have better things to do than tend to children too arrogant to seek medical attention.”

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Tom stepped through the floo into his foyer to Severus pacing back and forth looking like he wanted to murder someone.

“Trouble?”, he asked calmly.

“That Bitch is torturing MY students. She used a blood quill on Potter, A BLOOD QUILL. And she expected me to be satisfied, to enjoy the fact she was using a dark magical object on magical child with an immature core!”

Tom froze at his last statement, his eyes widening in shock and concern. “What did she make him write?”, he asked with forced calm.

“I must not tell lies.”

Tom closed his eyes for a moment controlling his fury, “Has the magic been dispelled?”

“Yes, but he has detention with her for the rest of the week, so it will need to be done again.”

Tom nodded then looked him in the eyes and said, “Would you like to duel?”

Notes:

Prior to Severus collecting Harry from his home.

Chapter 9: Another broken child

Summary:

Harry has a really bad day. summer after 5th year.

Notes:

TW: discussed sexual abuse of a child, violence

As Severus stepped into the room the smell of blood hit his nostrils, and he caught sight of the teenager’s limp form, face down on the ground with a growing pool of blood around him. He froze and, for a moment, was in his own room back in Prince manor, his grandfather laughing as he walked away leaving Severus to lie weeping in his own blood. He shook his head, forcing the memories to the back of his mind, prioritizing the child in front of him.

“Mr. Potter, are you with me?” Severus asked as he knelt at the child’s side, carefully turning him, and seeking any indication the child lived. The child only groaned softly, flinching unconsciously away from the man’s hand at his throat. Severus was unable to keep himself from stroking the child’s hair away from his eyes and tucking it behind his ear.

Harry was shirtless and his pants had been yanked down to below his hips. His back was covered in welts and gashes that he guessed were from a belt, and the blood and semen on his arse and thighs needed no guesswork to determine its source.

“Shit.” Severus said, sinking back onto his heels and digging into his pockets, searching for blood replenishers and a pain potion or two. He coaxed a pain reliever, a blood replenisher, and a general healing potion down his throat. That done he paused, where should he take the child? He would not be safe with Dumbledore, but if he took him to Tom any subterfuge would be pointless, Dumbledore would know Tom knows what he’s done. Severus was hesitating. The child’s safety had to come first; he would take him to Tom. Now that he’d decided, Severus eased the boy’s pants back up and scooped him into his arms. Cradling the teen to his chest, Severus apparated away to his lover’s home.

“Severus?” Tom asked, concerned, jolting from his chair as Severus appeared.

“The boy is hurt.” He said shortly, heading directly to the nearest guest room with the teen.

“What happened, Severus?” Tom asked, following Severus into the room.

“He was beaten, and raped.” Severus said shortly.

“By whom?”

“I assume his uncle, but I don’t know.” Severus said distractedly, as he cleaned the boy’s back carefully charming the torn skin back together then carefully working a soothing balm into the abused skin. Severus leaned back after having treated the boy’s back, considering if he should clean the child or wait for him to wake up so he could clean himself up.

“How afraid will he be when he wakes?” Tom asked softly.

“Terrified. Or numb. It’s hard to say.” Severus replied, stroking the boy’s hair soothingly.

“You were not afraid.”

“I knew you, and not as a threat. He only knows you as a threat and me as a viciously cruel teacher.”

Chapter 10: Good Morning

Notes:

no warnings for this bit

Harry stirred quietly, struggling to peel open his eyes as he dragged himself back to consciousness.

A hand suddenly rested on his arm, and he was unable to prevent himself from flinching and mewling weakly in pain.

“Hush now, Harry, you’re safe.” the voice was soft and calm as it continued, “Let me help you sit up, so I can give you something for the pain.”

Too exhausted to struggle or argue, Harry let the strong hands ease him into a sitting position and shift the pillows behind him. Finally, he won the fight with his eyelids and managed to work them open. He blinked for a moment, then went absolutely still, terror freezing him in place. The man at his bedside was literal Voldemort.

Tom met the boy’s eyes, assessing him for a moment, then withdrew his hand and spoke, “You’ve no reason to trust me, but I will not harm you.”

“Yeah right, because Dark Lords are notoriously so very gentle.” Harry replied sarcastically, paling a moment after as he registered that he was antagonizing a dark lord who was, apparently, holding him captive. Maybe not his brightest idea.

Tom’s lips quirked upward in a slight smile, “We aren’t generally known for it, no. Perhaps I ought to fetch Severus.” He turned and strode to the door, pausing just before he stepped out, “The potion to your right will help with the pain.”

Harry stared at the door dumbfounded, ‘What just happened? Wait, did he mean Professor Snape?’. Harry’s breathing accelerated, he started wheezing, gasping for breath in absolute panic. He started frantically patting around himself looking for his wand, he had to get out of here.

‘There, on the bedside table! His wand!’ He struggled to his feet, clutching his wand tightly in his right hand and began to stumble towards the door.

Chapter 11: Awake!... and back to sleep

Notes:

Bit of a short one here, no warnings.

“Sit back down Mr. Potter.” Severus drawled as he swept into the room.

Harry jerked in surprise and immediately pointed his wand at Severus; swaying a little bit, his hand shaking. “P-professor? I TRUSTED YOU!”, He shouted, swaying even more dangerously.

“Put that away, Mr. Potter, and for merlin’s sake, sit down before you fall.”, he snapped in response.

Harry opened his mouth to yell again when his eyes lost focus and his knees buckled. Severus took a rapid step forward to wrap one arm around the boy’s waist, his other hand slipping Harry’s wand from his grasp. “Foolish child.”, Severus rumbled softly as he guided the semiconscious child to sit on the bed, “Take the pain potion.”, he continued as he pressed the potion into the boy’s hands.

Harry looked between him and the potion incredulously for a moment before refusing to drink it.

“You are safe here, though I fear if you do not take that and another blood replenisher, you may pass out again.”

“Where is here?” Harry demanded shoving away the potion.

“My home, Mr. Potter, now take the potions and lie back down.” Severus scolded him irritably grasping his arm again to keep him balanced.

Harry shoved his hands off and tried to stand again, only to pass out and tumble forward instead. Severus caught him before he could hit the ground, scooped the skinny teen up and settled him back on the bed. Severus situated the boy carefully, spelling the potions into him and covering him back up.

Chapter 12: Awake again with some explanations

Notes:

TW: Brief non specific discussion of child abuse and discussion of gas-lighting

Harry slowly came to again, patting around himself for his glasses. “Your glasses are right here Mr. Potter.” Harry jolted upright staring at the slightly blurry form of his professor sitting by his bed holding his glasses out to him.

“Why am I here?” Harry asked angrily, snatching his glasses back and looking around for his wand as unobtrusively as he could.

“I found you in your home nearly dead, I brought you here to heal you.”

“Why would you care, why would the dark lord who’s been trying to kill me since I was a baby heal me.” Harry ranted, then jolted towards his wand.

Severus caught the boy’s wrist and picked Harry’s wand up. “Not everything is as it seems. This will take some time to explain, and it would be much simpler if you could remain both conscious and calm.”

“What do you want?” Harry asked tremulously, pulling his wrist out of Severus’ grip.

“To explain.” Severus repeated, “Tom and Dumbledore are not who you think. Dumbledore has been orchestrating events in the magical world to cement his own power and protect himself. Tom opposed him so he manipulated events and Tom to villainize him. He altered Tom’s mind to be more paranoid which eventually culminated in Tom hunting you and your parents down.”

“Protect himself?” Harry asked after a moment.

Severus looked at him seriously, “Dumbledore has specific tastes that, if the public knew about it, would result in him being crucified.”

Harry’s eyes widened and he stared at him, “He, he… it wasn’t just me?” Harry stuttered.

Severus’ eyes softened and he sighed softly, “No, Harry. He’s preyed on children for years.”

“He- he said it was just me, that I had to suffer so I would be ready for the horrors of war.” Harry argued pushing himself back into the pillows.

“He will say and do anything he has to, to get what he wants and protect his image.” Severus said softly.

Harry stared silently at Severus for a few moments, his eyes glassy. Harry’s breath hitched and he looked down at his hands. His hair covered his eyes, his shoulders started shaking, and tears started to drip silently onto his hands.

Severus sat silently for a moment then pulled a handkerchief out of one of his pockets and pressed it into Harry’s hands. Harry sniffed a few times and wiped at his face then asked in a trembling tone, “Why hasn’t anyone stopped him?”

“Tom tried, that’s part of why Dumbledore worked so hard to discredit him.” Severus explained, “Since Tom Dumbledore has taken more steps to prevent others from telling authorities.”

“How many have there been?” Harry asked.

“I don’t know, he’s careful with the children he chooses.”

Harry pulled his knees up to his chest and set his head on his knees. His back started shaking again as he began to cry again. Severus pinched the bridge of his nose then moved to sit on the bed beside the child and gently began to rub his back soothingly.

When he stopped crying Harry sat up slowly and asked, “Why do you care?”

“I knew your mother, and neither Tom nor I would knowingly permit a child to be abused.”

“What’s the point? I still have to go back to school.”

“We hope to have dealt with Dumbledore before the next school year begins.”

“How?” Harry whispered, shifting away from Snape slightly.

“We’ve gathered some proof of some of his misdeeds and we’re working on exposing him. It should be enough to get him removed from the school.”

“What… Where will I go?” Harry stuttered.

“You would be safe staying here, unless you have someplace safe you would rather go.” Severus replied.

“I… don’t have anywhere to go.” Harry said unhappily.

Severus nodded and rose from the bed, “You will be safe here. You should eat; would you prefer to eat in here or come out to the dining room?”

“Is… He out there?” Harry asked.

“If you mean Tom, yes; I believe he’s in the library right now.” Severus replied, amused.

“I’d rather stay in here then.”

“Alright; Mina.” Severus called, turning to face the small creature that apparated into the room.

“Would you bring Mr. Potter a sandwich and some soup, please.”

“Yes, Professor Snape, sir.” The house elf said, with a raspy voice before she apparated out again.

“Here is another healing potion, take it only after you eat.” Severus instructed, then slipped out leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.

Chapter 13: Some things can’t be fixed

Notes:

I did not mean to abandon this for an entire year.... yeah. sorry to anyone who was actually waiting for my squirrel brain to produce more of this. I did also add a tiny bit to the beginning of chapter 3 and the end of chapter 7.
I can't think of any specific trigger warnings for this bit.

Severus went back downstairs, slumping into a chair at the dining room table. He dropped his head into his hands tiredly. Dumbledore still managed to surprise him, he hadn’t believed the old man would risk abusing his prophecy child.

Tom swept into the room gracefully, affectionately running a hand along his shoulders. “How is our house guest?”

Severus huffed softly, “He is… staying upstairs for dinner.” 

Tom furrowed his brow at the fatigue in his partner’s voice, “Has something happened?”

“I believe he will settle in with us acceptably. We talked some.” Severus replied shortly.

Tom sat down beside him with an eyeroll, “Sev, I can’t tell if you’re intentionally being evasive or you’re just that upset.”

Severus looked up then tilted to the side, setting his head on Tom’s shoulder, seeking comfort from the solid man. He was quiet for several moments, letting Tom hold him. “Dumbledore… he did to the boy the same things he did to us.”

Tom breathed out slowly, not knowing what to say to his lover. There’s no way to make it better, no right thing to say that will fix everything. Sometimes things don’t get happy endings. Sometimes you learn that the man who abused you, your lover, and countless other children molested and broke a child you promised to protect. Sometimes the best response, the best thing you can do is be silent.

 

Neither man found they had much appetite that night and both ended up retreating to their bedroom quietly seeking some solace in each other.

Chapter 14: Dark Lords can be... Protective?

Severus and Tom were in the library, Severus anxiously pacing in front of the chair Tom was settled in. “We have to lure him out without any backup, blowing up the ministry will draw far more attention and people than we want.” Tom argued mildly.

Severus huffed irritably, “Every way we try to attract him will attract more people than just him. His followers are too blindly loyal to question his narrative.” 

Tom hummed musingly, “Perhaps we could use the boy.”

Severus stopped short, staring at his partner, “Use the boy?” he asked sharply.

Tom looked up at his tone, “Merely by leaking his supposed location, the child will not be there.”

Some of the tension went out of Severus’s shoulders and he began pacing again, though slower than before, “If we used Harry as bait there’s no guarantee he won’t bring every member of the order with him to secure his saviour.”

Tom inclined his head, “Yes, unless perhaps we imply the child is on our side.”

Severus leaned against a small round table pensively, “He may simply use that to convince his followers that Harry has turned to the dark arts and bring them to kill him along with you.”

“Hmm, indeed. Simply implying the child has been captured may be more effective. If we bring some of my more… stable followers along we could respond to whatever forces he could bring along.” Tom said slowly.

“There’s every chance he won’t come.” Severus argued.

Tom hummed irritably. “I don’t suppose implying the child was raped would work.” he sounded annoyed.

“More than likely he’d claim the child turned and use it as an excuse to get rid of him as well.” Severus said with defeat.

“It might discourage him from bringing some of his followers though, the Weasley’s may refuse to kill the boy if we force the decision to be made quickly.” Tom mused.

Severus cocked his head, “The maternal Weasley may balk if she is pushed too quickly, but I am not certain of the children.”

“Ron would turn on me, but I don’t think the twins would.” Harry said from the doorway.

Both men turned to look at the teen silently. “If you’re going to discuss me, I’d prefer you not do it behind my back.” Harry was trying to sound confident, while hiding his hands twisting in the fabric of his oversized jacket.

“Mr. Potter.” Severus said calmly, “You were not involved in the discussion because you will not be involved in the trap.”

“How do you expect to lure Dumbledore with me, without using me?” Harry asked with confusion.

“We can provide Dumbledore with information that we have you including a false location. There’s no need for you to physically be present, and we would prefer that you were not.” Tom replied smoothly, studying the anxious child.

“I- I want to be involved. I want to hurt him.” Harry said firmly.

Tom pushed an empty chair towards the teenager with a foot, “Sit, you’re far too pale, child.”

“I’m not a child, I’m fifteen. I’m old enough to be involved.” Harry argued, stepping forward but ignoring the chair.

Severus pushed off of the table and advanced on the teenager, “No, Mr Potter, you are a child and as such you do not belong anywhere near a fight, and make no mistake it will be a fight.”

Harry stumbled backwards a step as the potions master approached him, bumping into the chair Tom had pushed out. Severus grabbed the boy’s shoulders reflexively, steering him down into the chair.

“I don’t need to be coddled.” he asked, an embarrassed flush coloring his cheeks.

“Keeping a child away from a deadly situation is not coddling.” Tom cut in flatly. 

“I’ve been in a deadly situation since I was eighteen months old!” Harry shouted.

Severus growled furiously, and stalked away from Harry before he could do or say something he couldn’t take back. 

“Severus, sit down.” Tom said calmly, leaning forward in his chair to fix Harry with a piercing stare. “Mr… Harry, just because you have been abused and unsafe in the past does not mean that it is acceptable or appropriate to allow you to continue to be in danger.” He began, raising one hand to stop Harry as the boy opened his mouth to interrupt him. “If you wish to be involved in planning, that would be acceptable, but you will not be involved in the actual fighting. That is not negotiable.”

Harry stared at him in shock, “You… You’re the dark lord, why do you care?”

“Being a dark lord means I am willing and capable of doing horrible things to people, it does not mean I have no boundaries. I do not condone torture or violence against children.” Tom sighed again. 

“So you’ll torture and kill people, but you won’t let me help kill the abusive bastard.” Harry asked sarcastically.

“Correct, Dumbledore is too dangerous to risk involving you. He would do his utmost to kill you, and Severus and I will be too busy defending ourselves to keep you safe.” Tom said flatly.

Harry bristled slightly and took a deep breath to continue arguing when Snape cut in. “Mr Potter, I took an unbreakable vow to protect you. To keep you safe. If I were to take you into a fight and you were killed or harmed it may very well kill me as well. That is not a risk I am willing to take with your life or mine.”

Harry deflated slightly, “...You took an unbreakable vow? To protect me?”

“Yes, Mr Potter, I made a vow to your mother shortly after you were born to protect you.”

Harry went quiet, studying the potions master. “...Okay, I won’t go.”

Chapter 15: A Pleasant Future

Summary:

A scene between Severus and Tom

Notes:

Most recent update 7/9 is chapter 14 not this one.
TW: Explicit sexual content, referenced rape

Tom surged forward cupping his lover’s face between his hands, to press an intense kiss onto his lips. Severus froze for a second, startled by the sudden kiss, before he slid his arms around the older man. One hand clutching the curve of his muscular waist, and the other clenching in the fabric of his shirt between his shoulders. Tom’s hand moved from Severus’ jaw to grasp his arse, squeezing the muscular flesh enthusiastically.

Severus broke the kiss, gasping for air, and immediately began to tug desperately at Tom’s clothes, eager to get the other man naked. Tom chuckled wickedly between biting kisses to Severus’ throat, pulling his collar open and working loose the buttons at the front of his robes. Quickly both men were topless, and Severus extracted himself from his lover’s arms to drop to his knees forcing Tom’s pants down, releasing his raging cock. Severus groaned sensually taking the head of Tom’s cock into mouth, working his tongue across it, much to Tom’s pleasure.

Tom began gasping, his hands locking in Severus’ hair thrusting into his mouth for another few moments before guiding him back to his feet, his hands working to remove his pants. Tom then led him to step free of his pants and fall upon the bed, Severus beneath him. Tom pressed his lips to Severus’ collarbone sucking and kissing a trail across his throat and back to his lips, while his fingers pressed into Severus’ ass stroking and stretching younger man. A wandless charm further slicked Severus’ passage, till he was wet enough that Tom removed his fingers and aligned his cock to the prepared hole.

Locking his lips to those of the man beneath him, Tom began to press himself fully into his lover’s body, sheathing himself fully into the slimmer man. They broke the kiss both gasping for air and moaning in pleasure as Tom began to thrust into Severus’ body, one of his hands wrapping around Severus’ cock and working along it. “Tom, faster.” Severus gasped out his arms locking around Tom as if to pull him closer.

Tom chuckled wickedly, but obeyed speeding his thrusts, moving within Severus faster and harder than before, while twisting the hand still wrapped around Severus cock where it lay between them. The gasping and moaning grew louder as both men approached their climax. Severus came first, with a breathless cry, followed closely by Tom finishing, buried to the hilt in Severus’ body. They remained that way; still for a few moments before Tom slid out of him, turning on his side to lay by Severus, who shifted to sit between Tom’s legs wrapping his mouth around Tom’s cock fondling the other man’s balls.

Tom quickly grew hard again and guided his lover back to the bed, lowering himself to worship Severus’ cock. He peppered love bites and kisses along his inner thighs before working his tongue into Severus tight hole, then stroking the other man back to hardness. He then paused pulling Severus onto his stomach with a pillow beneath his hips and moving over him to re-enter the slim man. Tom thrust himself into Severus channel, laying on top of him his teeth teasing across Severus’ shoulders and neck. Tom’s pace increased until Severus’ moans of pleasure ceased, his breathing became too fast and shallow and his body stiff.

Immediately concerned, Tom moved off of his lover, gently turning the slender man over to settle him sideways in his lap, Severus’ shoulder resting against his chest his head tucked beneath Tom’s chin, stroking his back softly.

“Severus? Sev? Come back, you’re with me, in our quarters. You’re safe.” he cajoled gently, trying to get Severus to acknowledge him, his previous arousal entirely forgotten. Severus was stiff and trembling slightly in Tom’s arms, his eyes distant and unfocused.

The smaller man’s breathing began to settle, his eyes closing as he tried to calm himself. “I’m sorry,” he said in a barely audible voice.

“No, Sev, don’t be sorry,” Tom comforted him, one hand resting on Severus’ chest as the other moved to stroke his hair, “Where did you go?” he asked softly.

“At first… the first time we… coupled after the horcrux,” he started his voice low and flat, “then… Dumbledore. He… took me… still does,” he added in an undertone, “Then Septimus.”

“The first time after the horcrux was violent, wasn’t it?” Tom sounded regretful, filing away the information about Dumbledore for another time.

“Yes.” Severus refused to elaborate, preferring to melt into Tom’s chest finding comfort in being held.

Tom shifted slightly, starting to guide Severus to his feet while keeping his arm around the smaller man’s waist. Tom got to his feet allowing Severus to curl into his chest as he cast several quick cleaning charms on the bed and blankets before leading Severus into the bathroom and started running a bath.

Tom helped Severus into the enormous tub, climbing in after him and guiding the still slightly disassociated man to sit between his legs and lean back against his chest. Tom just held him in the heat for a few moments, then summoned a soft cloth and soap, beginning to clean his lover. Finally, Tom tipped Severus’ head back to carefully wash his hair.

Now clean, Tom gathered the dozing man to him, lifting him out of the water, drying them both efficiently, and taking them both to the bed. Once clothed in silk sleepwear, Tom adjusted Severus to rest mostly on top of him, perfectly placed for Tom to press a kiss into his hair without disturbing him.

Even with his lover’s warm weight on his chest held securely by an arm around his waist, Tom followed Severus slowly into sleep.

Notes:

This is sometime after Harry's fifth year I'm undecided exactly when