Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/7862548.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Underage
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J.K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Lucius_Malfoy/Severus_Snape, Severus_Snape/Other(s)
  Character:
      Severus_Snape, Lucius_Malfoy, Neville_Longbottom, Voldemort
  Additional Tags:
      First_Time, Drama
  Collections:
      Ink_Stained_Fingers
  Stats:
      Published: 2004-03-24 Words: 5418
****** In So Much Trouble ******
by Narcissus [archived by ISF_Archivist]
Summary
     Severus receives an unexpected gift.
Notes
     This story was originally archived at Ink_Stained_Fingers, which was
     created in 2002 as a home for Harry Potter slash fiction. To preserve
     the archive, we began manually importing its works to the AO3 as an
     Open Doors-approved project in January 2015. We e-mailed all authors
     about the move and posted announcements, but may not have reached
     everyone. If you are (or know) this author or artist, please contact
     me using the e-mail address at the Ink_Stained_Fingers_collection
     profile.
     Author's notes: Sine Que Non 767 - I owe you my life *wink* and
     Spiral – your suggestions were invaluable.
In So Much Trouble




  It was time. The call had come and he had answered it, for better or for
  worse. He walked purposefully down the stone passageway, ignoring the other
  Death Eaters who looked up as he passed. They knew that he was Inner Circle.
  They knew that he had been called. Safe in the shadows of the scattered
  torches, he sneered disdainfully at their reverence.

  As he approached the large iron doors he could hear voices. One he clearly
  distinguished as the Dark Lord's; the other, to his annoyance, was that of
  Lucius Malfoy. Pausing only for a moment to straighten his fluid black robes,
  he opened the door and, head held high, strode into the granite hall.
  Ignoring Malfoy, he fell to his knees before his Lord and Master, eyes
  respectfully downcast.

  'Severus,' the Dark Lord murmured, appraising the man prostrate before him.
  'Stand.'

  He obeyed without thought, finding himself shoulder to shoulder with the
  other Death Eater.

  'What do you have to report?'

  'Much, my Lord,' he stated, running through in his mind what Dumbledore had
  informed the Order no more than an hour before. His voice rang hollowly in
  the large chamber as he began to speak. There was silence once he had
  finished. The Dark Lord looked thoughtful.

  'And to think Lucius was just telling me that you were 'untrustworthy' to our
  Cause.'

  Severus glanced at Malfoy, a slight sneer touching his lips, before turning
  his attention back to his Master.

  'Lucius is an arrogant prick, my Lord.' he replied maliciously.

  'Be that as it may,' there was amusement in the Dark Lord's voice as his eyes
  flickered over Malfoy's cold visage, 'even if he is 'untrustworthy' Lucius,
  the information he provides is indispensable.'

  Malfoy bowed his head, yielding to his Master's will. Severus was tense as
  the Dark Lord turned back towards him.

  'Perhaps, when you cease to be of any further use, I will acknowledge your
  'treachery'...but for now...I am pleased.'

  Severus' face remained blank as the Dark Lord circled him slowly, evaluating
  him once again, before clapping his hands sharply. The sound resonated
  throughout the hall.

  Severus knew what was going to happen; experience, after all, was knowledge,
  and this was no different from the previous occasions. Irresistible.
  Corruptible. His weakness. A weakness he had not been aware he had until
  joining the Death Eaters. A weakness that had become obvious only a week into
  his service, no more than a month after graduating from Hogwarts...

  **

  ...A large hall, dark and cold, filled with screams. He entered alone,
  squinting slightly in the candlelight; his gaze travelled the hall quickly,
  looking for anything of interest. Muggles, Muggles, everywhere...

  Glimmer of silver hair. Weaving leisurely through the activities. Then gone.

  Severus frowned, searching.

  An arm coiled around his waist; a presence at his back.

  Lucius.

  'What do you think, Severus?' murmured in his ear, 'anything draw your
  attention?'

  Severus turned slightly, so that he was at Lucius' side.

  'Perhaps.'

  Severus allowed his gaze to wander suggestively over Lucius' body.

  Lucius laughed softly.

  'Other than me, Severus,' a hand slipped behind his neck, stroking, 'though I
  appreciate the sentiment.'

  Lucius urged him forward into a possessive kiss. Severus moaned wantonly into
  his mouth. 'I can change you, Severus, beyond all recognition.' Hands framing
  his face, eyes staring intently into his, 'I can turn you into something
  magnificent.'

  Severus dipped his head briefly, and kissed Lucius' fingertips as they came
  up to trace his mouth.

  'Yours, as ever, Lucius.'

  Purred.

  Lucius smiled, a slow, heavy-lidded smile of arousal.

  Releasing Severus, he turned to survey the Hall.

  'See, now, that has potential.'

  A Muggle female, too weak to crawl; dragging herself painfully away from her
  tormentors. Long hair, short skirt; cut lip, bruised thigh. Not much older
  then Severus. Not much younger then Lucius.

  'If you like that sort of thing.'

  'Hmmm,' Lucius muttered thoughtfully, 'when you discover what your 'thing'
  is, Severus, you will be sure to let me know, won't you?'

  Severus stared at him, indecisive.

  The girl was close. Severus could hear her weeping, her broken sobs.

  'Can I be of assistance, little whore?' Lucius asked teasingly.

  She looked up, terror in her eyes.

  'Here,' he beckoned, 'I can release you from your suffering.'

  Lowering her head, submissive, she continued to drag her useless broken body
  across the stone floor. Lucius followed slowly behind.

  'C'mon, Severus.' he called absently over his shoulder, no longer paying
  Severus any real attention; he was now too focused on his first acquisition
  of the evening.

  Severus held back. He knew that he could have any of them, but none of them
  particularly appealed.

  A voice spoke softly from behind him.

  'Severus?'

  He turned slowly and let his gaze drop respectfully at the sight of his
  Master,

  'My Lord?' he murmured, in awe.

  'It has come to my attention, Severus, that you have not engaged as well as
  some of my followers.'

  His gaze drifted across to Lucius.

  'Your friend there doesn't seem to have any problems in satisfying himself.'

  Severus smiled cautiously.

  'Lucius rarely does, my Lord.'

  The Dark Lord turned towards the door.

  'Walk with me, Severus.'

  'Yes, Lord.'

  They walked in silence, Severus keeping a courteous distance from his Master.

  'My offerings do not appear to have sparked any interest in you, Severus.'

  'My Lord, it's just...' he trailed off, not really knowing what it was he
  wanted to say.

  The Dark Lord's eyes glittered at him in the candlelight.

  'I believe I understand. Perhaps your preferences are more... delicate.'

  Severus looked at him, not comprehending.

  'In here.'

  His Master indicated a door.

  Severus' heart began to beat rapidly against his chest.

  'My Lord?'

  'Trust me.'

  Severus entered, apprehensive.

  He had heard rumours about young Death Eaters who had found themselves in
  just such situations with the Dark Lord...he hadn't thought he would be one
  of them.

  A knowing look in his Master's eyes, aware of what Severus was thinking; he
  smiled predatorily and pointed further into the room.

  'Over there.'

  Severus turned and stared into the gloom.

  A boy, bound and gagged, waited fearfully in the shadows.

  Something stirred violently within him and he approached with interest,
  understanding finally what it was that had been missing from those present in
  the hall - they had all been too old, not one had been younger than sixteen.

  This boy looked no more than twelve, thirteen at the most.

  Was he allowed to fuck a child that young?

  Surely not.

  He paused.

  'Go on, Severus,' the Dark Lord coaxed, 'he is yours. I got him for you.'

  Severus turned back to his Master.

  'How did you know? I didn't even...'

  'It's my job to know.'

  Perceptive eyes stared intently into his.

  Severus still hesitated.

  'Severus. I understand your trepidation. It is not easy to break free from
  the rules and regulations placed on you since birth...But know this -' he
  paused.

  'Whatever you do, you do in my name. You are not to blame.'

  He took Severus' arm and led him over to the terrified child.

  'Now, come. Let me see this fire that burns so strong within you. Let it
  loose. There is no need to hold back, Severus, not here among friends.'

  There was a war within him; then came a murmur at his ear.

  'It's your anger that drew me to you, Severus, don't let it disappoint me.'

  The Dark Lord laughed softly.

  Severus thought deeply for a moment.

  'Of course, my Lord.'

  He once again approached the boy.

  Apprehension no longer in existence...

  **

  ...He understood, now, that the Dark Lord had made it a point to know his
  followers 'likes' and 'dislikes' so that he could better manipulate and
  control them. In his younger years, however, Severus had been blind; he had
  seen only what he had wanted to see. He had revelled in the power play;
  waiting with baited breath to discover what ill-fated Muggle the Dark Lord
  would place before him; what specially chosen boy would be his 'gift' for
  services loyally given.

  He frowned. But that had been so long ago, another lifetime. The Dark Lord
  had not chosen this form of 'reward' since his Return. Was it a test? Severus
  didn't want to think of the consequences should he dare to refuse. The Dark
  Lord and Malfoy were already suspicious; he needed to watch his step. His
  eyes flickered quickly to his Master, settling briefly on his face, before
  darting away again.

  The door opened, emitting bright light into the dim room and two Death Eaters
  entered, holding between them a limp body. As they drew nearer, he could see
  the body was that of a boy, perhaps sixteen years of age. Severus' eyes
  narrowed imperceptibly and his heartbeat quickened. The Death Eaters came to
  a halt before him and at a curt command from the Dark Lord, released their
  burden and left quickly and quietly. The boy was on his knees before them,
  hands bound and head down; his breathing shallow, barely discernible.

  Severus felt the stirrings of desire begin in the pit of his stomach and
  silently cursed the Dark Lord for knowing his preferences all too well.

  'May I, my Lord?' Severus asked respectfully, indicating his wand. The Dark
  Lord gave a cursory nod, watching him closely. Severus removed his wand from
  the sleeve of his robe and, muttering the appropriate spell, watched as
  silver threads entwined themselves around the boy's wrists and slowly began
  to drag his non-responsive body to its feet. He watched, as the bonds became
  secure, holding the boy upright; knowing that without their help he would
  slip back down to his knees on the floor.

  Severus' heartbeat quickened yet further and he breathed in deeply, trying to
  get a handle on his hitherto repressed desires but failing miserably.

  His eyes were drawn to the boy as he hung there; he could have been no more
  than five foot if that, probably short for his age, but perfect for Severus'
  needs. His chest was bare; he wore only a pair of what would once have been
  cream-coloured trousers. They were now smeared with dirt and blood, the belt
  long gone, probably having been used on his beautifully taut and marked back.
  The suggestion of previous torture made Severus' arousal twitch and languidly
  he reached out, gently traced one of the raw lines, feeling, more than
  hearing the boy whimper at his touch.

  'Delightful,' he sighed, his resolve caving-in as his arm snaked around the
  adolescent waist and pulled it back against his swiftly growing erection. The
  boy tried unsuccessfully to arch away from the bulge nudging at his back, a
  moan coursing through his body, but not a sound leaving his lips. Severus
  looked questioningly at the Dark Lord, who answered simply -

  'The screams became tiresome, so I silenced them.'

  Releasing the boy, Severus prowled around him, taking in his bruised and
  beaten body - the burns, the cuts, the scars of several powerful dark curses.
  His pupils dilating, he moved to stand before his quarry.

  The boy was blindfolded, the black material obscuring the upper part of his
  face entirely from view. Severus could plainly see a purple-blue
  discoloration along the boy's right jaw and cheekbone; he was covered in
  bruises and cuts, his lips swollen, his nose bleeding and possibly broken.
  His head, having fallen forward, now rested dejectedly on his chest. His
  shoulder length hair was streaked with mud and blood; oily now and unkempt, a
  tangled mess of what had probably once been a short, easily maintained style.


  No longer even attempting to resist his yearning, Severus reached out and
  softly stroked the smooth chest, moving delicately from one side to the
  other. His tongue flicked slowly over his lips - his barriers falling - his
  old tendencies re-materialising - he allowed control to slip away. He trailed
  his finger down the painfully thin stomach; stopping suggestively at the
  navel, he once again looked to his Master.

  'How long have we had this one?'

  'Long enough,' pleasure filled the Dark Lord's tone, 'he was quite 'chubby'
  when he came in, wasn't he, Lucius?'

  'Yes, Lord,' Malfoy answered blandly. 'It's truly amazing what a few weeks
  without food can do.'

  Severus sneered, and removed his hand completely from the seemingly impassive
  boy, noting absently the accelerated heartbeat and softly heaving chest. He
  completed his scrutiny and came to stand once again behind the boy, a
  thoughtful expression on his face, as if trying to decide which part to
  debauch first. Reaching forward, he stroked down the boy's spine, feeling the
  violent shudder under his fingertips, appearing not to even notice when the
  Dark Lord and Malfoy left the echoing hall. The moment they departed,
  however, he let his hand fall away, a troubled look coming into his eyes,
  mirroring the silent battle in his mind; two conflicting emotions, one
  screaming for him to continue, the other demanding that he stop.

  'I couldn't possibly...' he muttered, after a short time. He had, after all,
  sworn an oath to Dumbledore that he would never commit such atrocities again
  in his lifetime.

  And Dumbledore trusted him implicitly.

  His heart was still racing, the smell and feel of the boy was still on him,
  and he was all too conscious of his erection pressing persistently at his
  trousers, demanding to be let out.

  The boy was so close, swaying softly with the silver threads holding him
  upright.

  'Well...Albus doesn't need to know. I don't have to tell him and if I don't,
  who will? This Muggle certainly won't be spreading any rumours. I'll be very
  surprised if he gets out of here alive.'

  He approached the boy again; his yearning, aching body driving all rational
  thought from his mind, along with any remaining semblance of self-control.

  'God, I've missed this,' he purred, as he once again pressed himself up
  against the boy's back, slipping his arm around his waist, holding him tight
  against his chest.

  'Magnificent,' he whispered conspiratorially into the nearest ear, feeling
  the boy struggle uselessly at his touch, exciting Severus even more as back
 rubbed against strained hardness, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

  'Oh yes...just like that, boy.'

  The boy gave an inaudible cry, Severus could only imagine in defiance, as he
  ceased moving and became limp in his arms. Unperturbed, Severus moved his
  hands over the boy's chest, massaging each nipple in turn; pinching hard on
  the right one, he felt the boy whimper, sending pinpricks of pleasure
  reverberating through him. He licked the left earlobe meticulously,
  thoroughly, tracing each curve and line, dipping in, tasting the fear as if
  it were tangible. Still pinching at sensitive skin, he moved his attention
  downwards, sliding his tongue over a slightly protruding vein, feeling the
  breaths heaving - the sobs - the erratic-ness of the heartbeat.

  Severus could taste salt tears as he moved yet lower, biting hard the
  intersection between neck and shoulder - the boy cried out but made no sound.


  'It would be so easy to pretend that you are enjoying this as much as I;
  after all, you haven't once asked me to stop.'

  His erection was starting to chafe against his trousers and he rubbed it
  against the boy, trying to find relief; moving his attention to the other
  nipple, he kissed the delicate shoulder, the taut muscle. Finding one of the
  many knurled scars, he followed it downwards, leaving a silver trail of
  saliva to mark his passing, almost, to the perfectly rounded buttocks;
  pausing for a moment - Will I? Won't I? - he trailed his tongue up the
  convulsing back, to rest again on the shoulder, where he licked and sucked
  furiously. His hand once again meandered around the boy, playing over the
  now-hard nipples, moving down; feather-light touches down the stomach, the
  navel, and yet still further. The boy jerked desperately, pushing backwards
  into him, making him cry out in yearning; the need to bury himself deep
  within the awaiting body becoming irresistible.

  The boy's head was down, but Severus could still see that he was begging,
  pleading to be let go, pleading for him to stop. Gasps coming faster, his
  arousal growing even stronger, he pushed against the boy, holding him closer
  and tighter as he swiftly undid the button on the boy's trousers and allowed
  them to fall, pooling just above the knees. With one motion, he grabbed the
  boy's flaccid member, taking him completely in hand; the boy whimpered,
  shuddering uncontrollably as he tried to pull away. Severus smiled and began
  to slowly pump the boy's length, grinding his own hard erection against him
  with each composed movement, feeling the boy writhe, struggling and
  thrashing, trying to free himself - for someone weak from starvation and
  constant torture at the hands of the Death Eaters, he was certainly putting
  up a worthy fight.

  Severus could no longer stifle his moans of pleasure, the boy was perfect,
  and he intended to enjoy every minute. Begrudgingly he distanced himself from
  the blissful contact, calming his breathing and removing his hand from the
  unwilling boy, he moved to stand before him.

  'Do you know what I am going to do to you, boy?' he murmured, nudging him
  gently in the head, trying to elicit a response; the boy pulled away
  reflexively, head angling to the side, his lips moving in a silent plea.
  Severus sneered delicately; ignoring the twinge of unease that urged him to
  re-think his actions; that insisted once he crossed this line there would be
  no going back.

  'You'll find out soon enough.'

  Leaning in intimately, he inhaled, the scent of fear causing his erection to
  throb painfully, and dropping in front of the boy, left arm twining around
  the thin waist, his tongue flicked out, licking one of the still hard
  nipples; his right hand moving up to once again coax the boy's half-hard
  member. Skilfully he manipulated the inexperienced body, lapping at each
  sensitive nipple in turn, hand moving slowly back and forth, pausing to toy
  sporadically with the foreskin, stroking and urging. Patiently, he encouraged
  the unwilling boy to respond to his every touch, kiss, gentle caress. The boy
  jerked and gasped, nudged and whimpered, fought and sobbed, unable to stop
  his body answering to the sensual stimulation.

  The power was intoxicating.

  Severus removed his hand, and biting at the boy's now sore left nipple, began
  to trace his tongue painstakingly down the chest, causing the boy to wince
  and break out in a thin sheen of perspiration. He continued on his downward
  path, over the smooth stomach, pausing at the navel to delve his hungry
  tongue inside, sending spasms of both revulsion and pleasure through the
  captive adolescent.

  Glancing shrewdly up at the boy, he slowly and leisurely reached back and
  cupped the buttocks in both hands, raising the boy slightly so that only the
  tips of his toes touched the ground. Pulling the boy's hips forward, resting
  the upper body back against his hands, Severus observed the form of
  submission before him; the boy defeated and helpless, sobbing but no longer
  with the energy to struggle.

  He smiled softly, fleetingly nostalgic for the past; he certainly wouldn't
  have the opportunity to participate in anything of this nature at Hogwarts,
  under Dumbledore's watchful gaze.

  Running his fingers lightly down the boy's back, Severus returned his mouth
  to the neglected navel; teasing the vulnerable zone mercilessly, feeling the
  boy shudder and attempt to pull away. Pausing for a moment, once again taking
  in the beautiful, powerless figure of the boy, he bowed his head and flicked
  his tongue over the tip of the now hard member. The boy bucked against him,
  craving more, and then pulled back in disgust. Severus swept his tongue once
  again, playfully, over the leaking head, before taking the boy little by
  little into the warm, soft, wetness of his mouth. He swept his tongue around,
  under, over the throbbing erection, sliding slowly back and forth, sucking
  and licking and scraping; feeling the boy gasp and moan, twitching and
  jerking again and again into his responsive mouth. Chuckling contentedly, he
  caught the boy's bucking hips and, holding him still, moved lazily over the
  aching length, licking along the sensitive underside, occasionally pulling
  away completely, before once again devouring him, biting and pulling
  teasingly at the receptive foreskin. The boy shuddered unrestrainedly,
  whimpering and moaning, lost in the pure sensations that Severus' talented
  tongue was eliciting in him. It wouldn't be long now - the boy was a virgin,
  after all.

  His eyes strayed to the shadowy silhouettes dancing along the walls and off
  the ceiling, and he stared entranced; the boy suspended by barely discernible
  threads, he on his knees before him. He watched as, head thrown back, mouth
  open in both anguish and passion, panting wantonly, the boy climaxed, hard,
  shooting straight down his awaiting throat. The sight was so intense that
  Severus had to restrain the overwhelming urge to come right there and then.
  He swallowed willingly, taking everything the boy had to give, before licking
  the limp member clean; aware of the boy's rapid heartbeat, and desperate
  sobs. Shaking his head violently from left to right, the boy strained against
  his bonds, twisting and turning, pulling and pushing - eventually drawing
  blood. Amused, Severus stood, brushing off his robes as he did so, and
  delicately wiping around his mouth with a finger.

  'Well, you did enjoy that, didn't you, boy? The body never lies.'

  His lips twisted into a malicious smile as he approached the boy,
  methodically opening the buttons on his robes. He could feel his erection
  burning, yearning, and hastily unfastened the only remaining obstacles
  between him and the boy's virgin hole; the buttons slipped open easily.

  'Now it's my turn.' His intense desire was clear in his voice.

  Seizing him forcefully, Severus removed the trousers, throwing them
  distractedly to the side, before pulling the thrashing legs up and around his
  waist. He was so close. Breaths coming in desperate moans, he positioned
  himself at the boy's entrance, no longer mindful of the pleas, and slowly
  began to push inch by glorious inch into that tight, sweet perfection. The
  boy clutched at him frantically, legs tightening around his waist - the
  silent scream resonating through him, adding to the overwhelming sensations.
  He pushed deeper, further into the superbly resisting body, his gasps of
  pleasure merging wonderfully with the boy's gasps of pain. Having thrust as
  far as was possible for him, he placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and
  pulled him down, burying himself to the hilt in that beautiful heat. The
  boy's head, which had been resting on his shoulder, jerked up violently,
  another pained scream issuing from his silent lips, breaths coming in ragged
  gasps, chest heaving against him. Severus wrapped his arms protectively
  around the boy, waiting for his body to adjust partially to the brutal
  invasion.

  'Shhh,' he purred into the nearest ear. 'Shhh.'

  He rocked the body tenderly, stroking the bloodied hair with infinite
  softness; knowing his actions were no more than a mockery of compassion and
  tenderness, pretence of care, protection from the very act that he was
  perpetrating on the young body. He pulled back halfway, the friction
  unbearable, and then thrust back in, hard, feeling the soft muscle tear. The
  boy screamed again, and Severus ran his hands reassuringly over the shivering
  and convulsing back. He was utterly lost in his own blissful paradise. The
  tightness. The softness. The heat. He needed to let loose. To pound into the
  boy's resisting, bleeding body. Oh God, how he needed it...

  The boy clung to him, sobbing desperately in his ear, begging, as he slowly
  and agonisingly moved within him, tiny movements, allowing him to penetrate
  deeper still. It was ecstasy. He pulled out, partway, yet again, and then
  forced back in, breathing fast. He wanted to let go, to unleash his passion,
  to thrust harder and faster; but in this position it was virtually
  impossible. He needed better access. Growling irritably he pulled out
  completely, reluctantly giving up the salvation that existed within that
  pubescent body; the boy slid feebly off of him, crying helplessly as his feet
  touched the cold, granite floor. Silently Severus moved to stand behind him,
  and muttering quietly, watched as the bonds lifted the boy further from the
  ground, placing his stretched opening at a level with Severus' awaiting
  erection.

  Placing his hands on each hip, he once again positioned himself and then
  pulling the boy back, entered him thoroughly. In ecstasy he let his head fall
  back, mouth open slightly, breathing deeply as the boy arched against him,
  head resting on his shoulder. He closed his eyes, savouring every sensation -
  his heart beating in unison with that of the boy's impaled upon him, his
  arousal encompassed by tight, velvety muscle. He moved a fraction deeper and
  hit 'that' spot within the boy, feeling him gasp and shudder in mixed
  pleasure and pain. He pulled back and thrust slowly but surely back in,
  moaning as the friction brought some little relief. The boy bucked against
  him, forcing him further inside and Severus cried out, finally losing all
  restraint. Placing his right arm securely around the boy's upper torso, his
  left around the lower body, he held him tightly. Breath coming erratically,
  he began to move back and forth - pushing and thrusting into the yielding
  body, feeling the blood ooze with each violent penetration. The boy thrashed
  upon him. He paid no heed. Moaning he withdrew and entered, again and again,
  forcing into the young body; his head thrown back, panting; the boy jerking
  and bucking, unable to keep up with his fierce penetrations.

  'Oh God...yes.'

  He couldn't take much more. He was ready to explode. Rocking faster, lost in
  his own pleasure, he grasped the boy by the hips and slammed into him. Heart
  beating in his ears - he could feel his release coming - so close. Moaning
  desperately, the shudder moved through him - he didn't want this to end - it
  moved down his spine, through his over-sensitised body and converged at his
  throbbing member. Crying out, he exploded deep within the broken young body,
  continuing to thrust with each further, shuddering ejaculation. Chest heaving
  irregularly he held the boy close, waiting for his breathing to calm and the
  overpowering sensations to recede. The boy didn't attempt to move - he was
  silent and still, limp and impassive in Severus' arms.

  Defeated.

  Severus also remained motionless - dread creeping silently and stealthily
  into him, remorse filling the empty void where ecstasy had existed only
  moments before. He withdrew, concealing himself quickly, and stepped away
  from the boy.

  'What have I done?' he muttered in disbelief.

  The guilt he had successfully kept at bay through the entire ordeal came
  crashing down upon him.

  'No,' he sighed, shaking his head. 'No.'

  How could he have allowed this to happen, allowed himself to get so carried
  away; to lose control? Agitated he reached up and roughly began to massage
  his temples - but it had been so good.

  'No,' he said aloud, forcefully. The boy flinched. Severus stepped forward,
  and taking his wand from his sleeve, removed the silver threads holding him
  upright; he fell hard to his knees, bound hands moving out to protect his
  face from hitting the granite floor. Severus crouched down beside him and the
  boy pulled away violently. Shaking his head again, he reached forward,
  catching the edge of the blindfold and slipping it effortlessly from the
  boy's eyes; the least he could do was look at the boy, the cause of his first
  relapse into darkness.

  Breath coming in ragged gasps, the boy turned sharply to look at him.

  Severus' stomach lurched, his mind momentarily shutting down in disbelief; he
  closed his eyes and reluctantly opened them again, but the boy before him had
  not changed.

  'Oh, dear God,' Severus moaned, standing up and beginning to pace. This had
  to have been intentional; everything the Dark Lord did was intentional. It
  was certainly no coincidence.

  'Damn it!'

  The boy continued to stare at him, shock in his familiar eyes.

  'Professor?' he mouthed, distraught.

  Severus groaned again.

  'I didn't mean for things to go that far...'his voice trailed off. What was
  the point in trying to explain?

  He could hear voices in the corridor and quickly composed himself, putting
  distance between him and the boy. The door opened and the Dark Lord entered,
  followed closely by Malfoy; their 'business' concluded.

  'I see you've removed his blindfold,' Malfoy asked inquisitively, 'for any
  particular reason?'

  'I wanted to see his face.' Severus stated simply, turning to his Master.

  The Dark Lord's eyes were emotionless as he asked quietly -

  'And do you recognise him, Severus?'

  'Yes, Lord.'

  'Indeed? So, who is he?' The amusement in the Dark Lord's tone made Severus
  cringe.

  'He is a student, my Lord. I teach him.'

  'What is his name?' the Dark Lord asked in mock interest.

  'Longbottom. Neville Longbottom.'

  'Ha. Unfortunate things tend to happen to these Longbottoms at the hands of
  my Death Eaters.'

  Malfoy chuckled somewhere off to their left; Severus kept his eyes focused on
  his Master.

  'Hmmm,' the Dark Lord murmured thoughtfully, 'out of interest, Severus...what
  do you think would be your punishment if I were to return this student to
  Hogwarts, his memories intact?'

  'My Lord?' Severus asked, feigning ignorance, his heart hammering against his
  chest; now he understood.

  'The consequences for you, Severus, if he,' the Dark Lord pointed to
  Longbottom, 'turned up at the school telling everyone that you,' he stared
  Severus straight in the eyes and held his gaze intently, 'had raped him?'

  'I should expect, my Lord, that there would be an investigation, resulting in
  my removal as Potions master at Hogwarts and my eventual incarceration in
  Azkaban.' Severus enunciated every word precisely, not giving either man the
  satisfaction of seeing him squirm.

  'Yes,' the Dark Lord nodded. 'I would tend to concur with your assessment of
  the situation.'

  His lip twitched as he continued,

  'This is merely a guarantee, Severus, a precaution, you could say, to ensure
  that you do not stray too far in your loyalties to me.'

  'My Lord, I would never...'

  'Silence, Severus.' the Dark Lord purred. 'You understand what the
  consequence will be. If you displease me, I will not hesitate to use this boy
  against you.'

  He reached forward and gently stroked along Severus' cheek. Severus remained
  perfectly still, his face blank.

  'You must appreciate, Severus, that I cannot allow people to be around me
  that I cannot trust...or otherwise control.'

  Severus continued to stare straight ahead. The Dark Lord sighed as if he were
  a man long suffering.

  'For the time being the boy will remain here,' his gaze flicked to Malfoy. 'I
  have promised him to Lucius to do with as he wishes.'

  Severus resisted the urge to object.

  'But, when he is finally returned to Hogwarts, a memory charm will be placed
  upon him. He will remember nothing of your part in this.'

  The Dark Lord paused before continuing ominously,

  'Of course, memory charms are known to be unpredictable...'

  Malfoy sniggered quietly and Severus glowered in his direction.

  'I hope we understand each other.' the Dark Lord prompted, his mouth quirking
  up at the corners.

  'Yes, my Lord, I understand you perfectly.'

  'Good. You may go now, Severus.'

  Severus turned and swept towards the doors, feeling Longbottom's eyes on him
  all the way. Before exiting he glanced back into the hall - saw the Dark Lord
  and Malfoy standing over the abused boy; saw the boy on his knees, head down,
  eyes focused intently on Severus - despair, fear and resignation shining
  briefly in them before disappearing in a haze of impassiveness. Malfoy nudged
  him unkindly with the tip of his boot, but the boy's eyes stayed fixed on
  his; only breaking contact when Malfoy took out his wand and cast the first
  curse -

  'Time for your lessons, my little Gryffindor.'

  Severus closed the door behind him, effectively blocking Longbottom's
  writhing body from sight. Shaking his head, he started to walk away, back the
  way he had come no more than two hours before. There was nothing he could do
  for the boy, not yet anyway. The time would come, no doubt, but now was not
  it. He had to be careful, very careful...

  He grimaced, approached the floo network, throwing the powder into the flames
  and stating his destination clearly.

  'I am in so much trouble.'

  Fin

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