snapetoy (snapetoy) wrote in churchofsnarry, @ 2006-01-09 23:08:00 |
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Current mood: | crappy |
Chapter 2
Original poster: occasus_crisis
Author:: occasusvenustas/occasus_crisis (posted at the latter coz my original journal was stolen)
Title:: In This Blood
Rating:: R
Chapter:: 2/?
Characters/Pairings:: Severus/Harry, Draco/Remus, Draco/Blaise, Lucius Malfoy, Tom Riddle
Summary:: Based off one theory of the Knights Templar, The blood of Jesus Christ flows through Harry Potter's veins and Tom Riddle wants it to stop.
Warnings:: Blasphemy, Perversion of the Church ideals, Sexual Situations, Adult Language, A/U Non-Magic.
A/N:: I came up with this idea whilst studying for one of my many religion classes. I know I've archived this elsewhere but since all of my fanfic accounts have been stolen, I'm not sure where I've posted this. I know it wasn't here, and sorry if you've read this before. It's about seven chapters into the fic so I'll be posting one a day (assuming) until I'm all caught up. Feedback is muchly appreciated.
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The tawny-haired Knight leant on the windowsill overlooking the large courtyard. In the distance, a small black-haired teen was playing ferociously with his mates, all of them carrying wooden practise swords and shouting their curses at each other.
Giving a small chuckle, Remus turned round to face the room’s other occupant, Dumbledore, who had now become a Bishop. “He does look happy.”
“He is,” Dumbledore said with a shrug. “Quite happy.”
“That is supposed to make me feel better when you tell me he still doesn’t know, isn’t it?” Remus asked with a resigned sigh.
He and Dumbledore had been going round the same topic for the past twelve years. To tell Harry about his blood or not. Dumbledore seemed to believe Harry would not react well to it and Remus firmly believed Harry should have known right from the off.
“He’s already begun his training. Give him a few more years,” Dumbledore insisted. “He’s not yet thirteen.”
“He will be in two month’s time,” Remus said. “He’s barely begun his training and he has no idea of the political unrest due to that incompetent Pope.”
“Take care of your words,” Dumbledore cautioned. “The walls have ears.”
Remus rolled his eyes and tucked his hands into the sleeves of his plain monk’s robe. The remaining Knights of the Order of the Phoenix had gone into hiding. There were twenty at best, all of them taking positions in the Church or with the Teutonic Knights in the other lands. They were all still loyal, however, and ready to be called back at any time.
It had been known for twelve years that Harry would begin training. That the Order would be restored and one day, Riddle would be removed from his quiet place of power at the Pope’s ear.
But Remus was convinced the entire plan would fail if Harry did not know why he was being trained to do these things. “At least let me begin proper lessons,” Remus insisted. “I can at least do that much.”
Dumbledore scratched his long, white beard. “If you think it would be wise.”
“I do,” Remus said. “Let me take him on as my pupil. He already believes he’s to join the church and believes me to be a monk. I can explain the history of the Order and perhaps show him the truth behind the fabled Knights.”
“Take care in your words,” Dumbledore cautioned.
Remus let out a slow breath. “I will not go against your orders, despite how wrong they are.”
Dumbledore let out a small chuckle. “Only you, my son, can make such audacity sound so kind.”
Remus cracked a very small smile before making his bow and exiting the room. He knew Harry would just be off to lunch and thought it the best place to catch him.
The Hogwarts Monastery had once been a castle, belonging to a very prominent Royal family. The family had been labelled heretics, eventually captured and executed and the Church decided to purchase the property. An attempt at tearing down the castle was made, but the stones would not fall. In their frustration, the Church turned the giant castle into a Monastery and it was the place Dumbledore had taken refuge.
Because of the Monastery’s size and low occupancy, the Church hired several keepers to maintain the beauty of the grounds. It was an important Monastery, though perhaps somewhat ignored. Of course, that’s what Dumbledore was counting on. So long as the Pope paid him no mind, he was free to continue on with his plans.
Walking into the Great Hall, where all the meals were had, Remus spotted Harry sitting at the end of one long table with the other children eating in silence. Remus took a seat next to the young boy and offered him a smile.
“I need to see you in my office when you are finished,” Remus murmured.
Harry frowned in confusion but nodded and went back to his meal. Remus left the Hall, not quite hungry, and waited almost patiently for the young man.
“Did I do something wrong?” Harry asked when he finally arrived in Remus’ office.
Remus, who was sitting behind his desk, gave a small chuckle. “Of course not. There was something I wanted to discuss with you.”
Harry lowered himself into an empty chair and looked at Remus. “Does this have anything to do with the wound I gave Ron?”
Remus frowned. “Wound? And who is Ron?”
“Ron’s the cook’s son, the redhead boy with all the freckles,” Harry said with a half-smile. “He and I were practising and I sort of… er… hit him a bit too hard and he had to stay in the hospital wing for two days. I thought I would be banned from sword-play after that.”
Remus shook his head. “You ought to know your own strength by now, but you aren’t to be punished.”
Harry let out a breath. “Oh. Well good.”
Remus leant back in his chair and placed his clasped hands over his lap. “Harry, it’s time you had a proper education.”
Harry frowned. “But I’ve had a proper education, sir.”
“You’ve had the meagre offerings of a proper education. There are things you… you need to know. There is a lot of history you are missing out on. And there are things about this very Monastery that will be very important to your future.”
“How so?” Harry wondered, his brows furrowed.
Remus paused, unsure how much to tell the boy just yet. “We’ll be going over that tomorrow. Your routine will change, but it will be for the better.”
“Okay,” Harry said with a shrug. “I’m ready.”
Remus smiled. “I know you are.”
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“How much are you going to let me tell him?” Remus demanded late that night.
“You may tell him most of what we know,” Dumbledore said, “provided he does not tell any of the other children residing here.”
“He seems to be trustworthy enough,” Remus mused. “I’d like to tell him his parents’ history, the history of the Knights and so forth. I think he’d do well to know that I still am, and always will be a Knight.”
“And that he is to be trained as one,” Dumbledore said. “Inform him of the importance of the order, the unrest that is surrounding our political structure and why it is necessary to keep such things secret.” Dumbledore rose from his chair and went to his small writing desk. After rummaging about a moment, he produced a key that was hanging on the end of a red ribbon. “I have a home nearby, yet hidden away in the hills. Gryffindor Manor. I’d prefer it if you took Harry there for the remainder of his training.”
Remus took the key with a frown. “Why do I have the feeling there is more to this than keeping the secrets of the Knights.”
Dumbledore let his blue eyes flicker to the desktop where a rolled up parchment sat. “I’m afraid our era of going unwatched has come to an end. We’re going to have a few visitors in two week’s time and I’d rather not have young Harry here when they arrive.”
“Who?” Remus asked in a subdued tone.
“The archbishop Malfoy and a few of his Cardinals.”
Remus let out a slow breath. “The Pope really deems this necessary?”
“Heretical claims have been made against me and the investigations must be completed before a council is called.”
“What are you facing?” Remus asked softly.
Dumbledore shrugged. “If found to be guilty… excommunication at best, execution at worst.”
“And the writings?”
“Hidden safely. No need to worry about those.” Dumbledore bowed his head and when he spoke, his voice was more serious than Remus had ever heard it before. “The purpose of keeping the Knights alive, Remus, the reason we exist today, is to keep the Grail safe. Keep the Grail intact and guarded until such a time comes as he is ready to fight… and to win. Can I trust you to do that, Remus?”
Remus put his fist over his heart and bowed. “I have never gone back on my vows, and don’t plan to now.”
Dumbledore reached out and squeezed Remus’ shoulder. “Take him tonight. I want him gone as quickly as possible.”
Remus nodded and headed for the door. “Does anyone else know the location?”
Dumbledore shook his head. “The only other person who knew is now dead.”
Remus sighed. “And how will I keep in contact with you?”
“I will worry about that, and I will send for you when it’s time.”
With a shaky nod, Remus headed out of Dumbledore’s quarters and prepared to do what he had to.
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Green eyes flashed mischievously.
Parry. Thrust. Step, step. Thrust.
Lunge!
“HA! I win. Again,” Harry declared as he pulled Remus up from the ground. Remus brushed off his shirt and picked up his fallen sword.
“Yes, you win again,” Remus said with a small huff.
“And what do I win this time?” Harry prodded as they headed back for the small cottage.
“Washing dishes?” Remus joked.
Harry rolled his eyes and gave Remus a playful shove. “How about a brandy.”
Remus scratched his chin. “Well seeing as it is your birthday…”
“Eighteenth birthday,” Harry reminded.
“I’d say okay, one small drink.”
“Thanks old man,” Harry declared and dashed into the house before Remus could react to the comment.
Later, after dinner and two drinks into the night, Remus and Harry were sprawled out on a large quilt outside, looking up at the stars.
“Don’t you ever get tired of waiting?” Harry asked softly. “Just sitting here, waiting to hear something from Dumbledore.”
“Our time will come,” Remus assured him.
Harry shrugged and finished off the liquor in his glass. “But I’ve not even taken my vows yet,” Harry complained.
“You live life as you should, as one who has taken his vows,” Remus assures him. “There is nothing more besides a ceremony. You are a Knight, Harry. You are a defender.”
Harry sighed and looked back up at the stars. “And do you think he’s still alive?”
“Yes I do,” Remus said confidently.
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The sound of persistent horse hooves was what woke Remus from his peaceful slumber. Remus had spent the better part of five years in seclusion, without a single whisper of another human soul besides Harry. So hearing the sounds of another was terribly startling to the tawny-haired man.
Jumping from his bed, Remus threw on his outer robe and raced to the front of the house. Harry, who had woken in much the same state as Remus had, was already up, sword drawn.
“Go into the back room, Harry,” Remus said in an urgent whisper.
“NO!” Harry shouted. “I’ll not leave you here alone.”
“You must be protected,” Remus hissed and gave Harry a grate shove away from the door. “You must understand that. You have to be protected!”
“What?” Harry asked as he stumbled toward the back of the room. “Me? Why?”
“I’ll explain later, Harry. But you must be protected. You must be kept alive.”
Remus didn’t bother to explain more. As Harry disappeared into the back rooms, the front door burst open and a slightly familiar, cloaked figure walked in. When the tall man removed his hood, Remus let out a small gasp.
Not been seen for over twelve years was one Severus Snape. He looked much the same as he did when he was fifteen. Tall, too thin, sallow and surly. His nose was still hooked and his lips still curled into a sneer.
Remus, who’d drawn his sword by then, took a step back. “Snape.”
“Lupin,” Severus sneered in a slightly deeper voice.
“Might I inquire as to this unannounced little visit?”
Severus let out a small sigh. “Where is he?”
“Who?”
“You know whom I seek, Lupin. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”
Remus opened his mouth to argue, to remind Severus that once he’d been on Dumbledore’s side when a small, grey-eyed, frighteningly familiar young man waltzed into the room wearing a rather evil smirk.
“You,” Remus said out of shock.
The blonde quirked a confused eyebrow but said nothing. Severus gave the slightest shake of his head. “We know he’s here. Bishop Dumbledore is dead and we’re here to collect the Grail.”
Remus clenched his jaw. “The Grail is not full,” Remus said, invoking the old code they’d used when transferring messages. He needed Severus to know that Harry did not know of his bloodline.
If Severus understood, he gave no indication. “Where is the Grail?”
Remus bowed his head and lifted his sword. “I am sworn to protect the Grail to death, and I shall not break this oath.”
“Don’t do this,” Severus said. “Don’t. Just come quietly. No one wants you dead.”
“I cannot,” Remus said. He started to say more but Severus moved quickly and brought the hilt of his own sword down on Remus’ head, rendering the man unconscious.
“Why didn’t you kill him?” the blonde demanded.
“Because they’re both to be brought alive, Draco. Did you purposefully ignore your father’s instructions?”
“Both?” Draco asked.
Severus let out sigh. “Oh if I could only rid myself of you.”
“But you can’t,” Draco said. “There’s someone else here?”
“Yes, and he is the one that must be taken unharmed.”
“Well perhaps you ought to do it, then,” Draco said with a wave of his hand. “When I see a Knight alive, I want to kill it.”
“He’s not taken his vows, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t trust you anyhow. Bind this one, and I shall take care of the other.” Severus drew up his hood again and slowly made his way into the back rooms.
Severus had been in contact with Dumbledore before he was executed. He’d been given the location of the Gryffindor Manor where Remus was keeping Harry. Riddle still didn’t know who the Grail was, and likely wouldn’t recognise Harry. Severus had also understood that Harry didn’t know of his own bloodline, which was lucky for the young man. If Riddle was displeased, he was likely to resort to torture, and Riddle was quick to break others.
Slipping into the furthest room, Severus trained his ears and managed to hear the sound of uneven breathing from the cupboard. Rolling his eyes, Severus moved soundlessly toward the door, threw it open and had Harry immobile in seconds.
“Who are you? Let me go!” Harry struggled.
Severus was impressed with the boy’s strength along with surprised at just how much the boy looked like his father. “This might pose a problem,” Severus said. “I need you to quiet down.”
“No!” Harry shouted. “REMUS!”
“He’s currently unable to assist you,” Severus said, still holding tightly to the struggling man. “I’ll knock you out if I have to, but I’d really prefer you to be quiet.”
Harry stilled and then twisted his head round to get a good look at Severus. “He’s dead, isn’t he? Dumbledore?”
Severus let out a short breath. “He is.”
“Did you kill him?” Harry demanded, allowing malice to colour his tone.
“I did not,” Severus answered honestly.
Harry relaxed only slightly. “Where are you taking me?”
“To the Archbishop Malfoy. He’ll have a few questions for you.”
“And the Pope?”
“He doesn’t deal in matters such as these,” Severus said with a sneer.
Harry snorted. “No he wouldn’t, would he. The coward.”
“You might do well to watch your tongue, boy,” Severus said as he quickly bound Harry’s hands
Harry closed his jaw tightly and said nothing as Severus led him back into the foyer where Remus was just waking. Draco had the older man by the arms and was leading him toward the door.
“Remus,” Harry called out loudly.
Remus blinked, trying to clear his head and he turned toward Harry. “Just go,” was all he said.
Filled with rage but unable to argue even if he’d wanted to, Harry allowed Severus to drag him outside and hoist him up on one of the horses. Severus climbed behind Harry and steadied him with a firm arm round his waist. Draco quickly climbed behind Remus.
“We’ve a long ride,” Severus said, “and you’d do well not to annoy me.”
“Or what?” Harry snarked back, “you’ll kill me. Why not now rather than later.”
“I have more interesting things to do with you than kill you,” Severus whispered evilly, and with a kick to the horse’s side, they galloped off.
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Being that they were riding animals through the countryside, Severus and Draco were forced to rest and feed their horses and get a bit of sleep themselves. Stopping at an unfamiliar inn, Severus paid for two rooms and made sure Remus and Harry were kept separate.
Too tired and too confused to care anymore, Harry allowed himself to fall into a sleep whilst Severus took the watch. Draco slept in Harry’s room and Severus stood in the doorway, listening for any noise of possible escape.
Remus, who could not sleep even if he’d tried, merely fixed Severus with an unyielding stare.
“He’s going to live through this,” Severus said after some time.
“That’s not what I’m afraid of,” Remus answered back.
“Are you afraid of what will happen when he finds out who… what… he is?”
“No,” Remus said. “I’m afraid what will become of him when he meets Riddle and loses his faith.”
Severus quirked an eyebrow. “You’re so certain Riddle will cause him to lose faith?”
“Yes I am,” Remus said with a short nod. “You’ve lost it.”
“Have I?”
Remus gave a small snort. “You can’t fool me. You were promising once, when you thought things would be simpler.”
“I’ve never thought things would be simple,” Severus growled. “Not once.”
“Yes you did,” Remus countered. “You believed that Dumbledore would work it all out. That once you served your purpose he would give you sanctuary, a place and a reason for your faith. Instead he died and you are left with this.”
“So are you asking if my loss of faith was caused by Riddle… or Dumbledore?” Severus challenged.
“At times, they were one in the same,” Remus replied.
Severus’ dark eyes narrowed but he made no move to counter Remus’ words. Instead he merely asked, “And you are still such a believer?”
“I believe that he is something special, something that must be protected.”
“Do you believe in God, Remus?”
The tawny-haired man smiled softly. “I will not answer that.”
“But you will answer for it,” Severus said, “and that is something I cannot stop.”
Chapter One