TEAM PHOENIX ENTRY: Countess_HP "Murder in London" Title: Murder in London Author:countess_hp Team: Phoenix Genre(s): Alternate Reality *Hover/Click for Games Definition of Alternate Reality*, & Horror Prompt(s): Ritual Rating/Warnings/Kinks: NC-17. *Under 18(16), Character Death(not major character), Torture, Non-Con, Angst* Word Count: ~9,844 Summary: Severus thought that if he caught the 'Ritual' killer he could be promoted. But what happens when a he becomes too close to boy he is supposed to protect. Will he risk his reputation to get him back? A/N: I would like to thank my beta hambares. She had a million other things to do besides my work to read over. With that said, if there is another little thing wrong it is all my fault. I also want to thank my team that helped me choose what to do.
Chapter One
Another Body Found
Severus sat his coffee down on the desk and picked up the paper. It was the same story that had been in the papers for the last three weeks. Fifteen bodies so far, all male, all young. They had been raped and each one had their heart cut out. To some it reminded them of Jack the Ripper, but Severus knew better. He had studied with his father, a renowned professor of ancient civilizations. There was something that connected the boys together: green eyes and black hair.
Severus sat the paper down and picked up his coffee, but he didn't even get a sip when someone started banging loudly on his door.
"Open up, please!" said a frantic boy's voice. Severus was out of his chair and had the door opened in two seconds. What he saw made his blood run cold - a boy about 16 was standing before him, his shirt was torn and his lip bleeding. What made Severus take notice was the jade green eyes and the wild black hair. Severus looked out the door and down the street, there was no one around except a woman bringing in the milk.
"Come in, son." He held the door open and the boy walked in. Severus closed and locked the door and turned around to face the boy. "What is your name?" he asked, helping the boy to sit down.
"Harry Potter."
"What are you doing here?" Harry seemed to get nervous and starting rubbing his hands together.
"I..."
"I am a detective. I can help you."
"I..." he bit his lip. "This man called me over to his carriage. He..." Harry stopped shaking his head.
"Do you have someone I can call for you?" Harry nodded.
"My godfather."
Sirius knocked on the door within ten minutes. Severus opened the door and showed him inside.
"Harry is having a little breakfast." Sirius sighed.
"Thank God. How is he?"
"He seems better, Mr...?"
"Black."
"Although at first, he was nervous and agitated. When was the last time you saw him?" Severus motioned towards a couple of chairs.
"This morning. He always goes to his parent's graves before breakfast."
"Where are the graves?"
"On the edge of his parent's old place, about a mile from my house."
"You lived near them?" Sirius nodded.
"James and Lily Potter were my best friends. When they were killed, it broke my heart." Severus brought out a pad and pen and began writing the godfather's story down.
"How old was Harry?"
"About six. He was over at my house when it happened. They say it was a burglary, but I doubt it."
"How did Harry take it?"
"He didn't take it well for about three years, but slowly he came out of his shell."
"Mr. Black,"
"Call me Sirius."
"Sirius, I think Harry might have been the next victim of the serial killer."
"What are you talking about?"
"Every victim has green eyes and black hair."
"Thousands of people have green eyes and black hair."
"Yes, but still..."
"No. Harry is not almost a victim of a serial killer." Severus stood up. "Harry," he called. Harry came into the room.
"Sirius, you're here."
"Yes and we are going. Good day, Mr. Snape."
Chapter Two
"Another one, Detective. But this one is different."
"What do you mean?" Severus asked getting out of his carriage.
"It is a girl and she is blond." The other man took Severus over to the body. This was not the same killer. The little girl was no older than five and she was ripped down the middle, her insides were spilling out, but amongst the blood, her pale face had not a trace of red.
"She is not one of his. She was killed by another psycho." Severus knelt down looking her over. She looked too small to be out on the streets. "Put her insides back in her body and sew her up. Let's get some people to the houses around here. Lets find out where this little girl came from." Severus straightened up as his partner arrived.
"Nice timing, Lupin," Severus teased his partner to lighten the mood.
"Blame the wife. So we got another?" Remus asked.
"No, this one was a younger girl. Not the same M.O."
"Maybe it is the same man and he has just changed?"
"No, killers do not change how they kill." Severus explained as Remus picked up a broken watch.
"A clue?" Severus took the watch from Remus.
"It is just a plain wrist watch, anyone would have one." Remus frowned.
"There goes that clue." Remus sighed, dropping it back on the ground.
After the scene had been cleared and the clues gathered, Remus and Severus went to their office next door to the police station.
"I think he is trying to kick us off the trail," Remus speculated as he pulled the evidence out of the filing cabinet. "We got so close on the last boy that he felt had to throw us off."
"But that is what he wants you to think.
"That's just it, maybe he does not think." Remus looked up as Severus sat down.
"He is a serial killer, he does think to stay one step ahead of us. I am going to catch this one." Severus said.
"So it will look good for another promotion?"
"I guess."
Severus locked the door behind him and put his coat down. The day came down on him hard. It was difficult to see the bodies of children dead on the street. Their lifeless eyes staring at nothing, the blood drained from their faces leaving an unnaturally pale, porcelain face.
"At least they look angelic," Severus whispered. He was physically exhausted, a bit of sleep would rejuvenate him. A few hours he said, but as he slept nightmares appeared in the front of his mind. Dead boys with lifeless eyes, blood everywhere. Then the boy he had met earlier, Harry, laying dead on the floor, pale skin and bright red blood.
Severus jumped up and fell from his couch. He ran his hand through his hair as a tear fell on his pants. Even a man as emotionless as Severus Snape could not help but cry. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he stood up. He was strong; he was a Snape, emotions were trivial.
"I need to get this guy, then I will be police chief. Yes." He went over to the sink and washed his face. He was going out tonight and he was going to catch the serial killer.
The night was pitch black. Severus just had to pick a night that had no moon. The lack of moonlight did help him to blend in. With a black hooded cloak to cover him, Severus weaved in an out of the streets.
Severus had never seen so many prostitutes on the streets ... and the ages of them, that really surprised him. Barely old enough to be out of short pants. Many of them approached him asking if he would like a fun time. Each time Severus would shake his head and be on his way.
It seemed like hours before the clock struck midnight. Sighing, Severus slowly made his way back to his house. There was nothing, no hints of foul play at all. Halfway back to his home, he heard screams erupting from the south, and calls of fire. Taking off on a blind run, along with a few other men that came out of dark house, Severus headed towards the screams.
A two story house was ablaze in flames as high as the sky. Some men were splashing it with water and others beating down the flames with blankets, but no matter how much water was poured on the fire, the flames only seemed to reach higher and higher.
"Is there anyone from the house?" Severus asked over the noise. A woman pointed to a body being covered up. Severus had just reached the poor soul when he saw a young man draped over the body, crying.
"Hello son,. I am a detective. Can you tell me what happened?" The boy raised his head.
"He killed my godfather," Harry sobbed.
"He killed my godfather? What does that mean?"
"He is the same boy that claimed someone was after him, Remus. I sent for his godfather and then a day later I find that his godfather had been killed."
"By a house fire, Severus," Remus said.
"No, by a man that tried to kidnap Harry."
"And you think it is the serial killer?"
"Harry has green eyes and black hair." Remus sighed, sitting down on his chair.
"Are you sure?" Severus nodded.
"Positive."
"Where will he stay?" Remus asked.
"With me," Severus declared with no hesitation.
Chapter Three
Another person close to him dead, another funeral to go to, but this time there was no one to stay with. He was a year away from being an adult and his Godfather's family was fighting for his estate which was left to Harry in Sirius' will. Not that was much left: a few metal things and the charred remains of two story house. The only thing of value was the bonds in the bank. That is what the family really wanted.
Harry lay on the bed where Severus had placed him. It was just a bed in a small room off of the older man's office. He could hear Severus and another man taking about him, but he could only here snatches of the conversation. What were they going to do with him? He didn't want to live in an orphanage or have to live on the street. Then he clearly heard Severus say that he would live with him. Harry smiled, at least someone still cared about him.
Severus opened the door for Harry to enter his house. It was odd, like Harry had lived there before. He did know the layout of the main floor from the day before.
"You know where the kitchen and the sitting room are," Severus gestured as he turned toward the stairs. "Come with me, I will show you the upstairs and where you will sleep." Severus was never as glad as he was now to have the extra bedroom. His friend, Albus, said that he would have visitors, but the only ones that came over was either Albus or Remus. Maybe the man was psychic, or maybe he was just meddling old coot. Reaching the top of the stairway, he turned to the door on the right.
"This is my room and yours is next to mine," he said as he pointed to the door on the left. "You can put your things in there and get settled if you want, then we will get you few things." Harry nodded and opened the door.
The room was a bit chilly, probably from being closed. The bed, with a green bedspread and cream pillows, was to the side and up against the wall. Harry sat his coat down; that and Sirius' dog tags were the only items of his that had not gone up in flames. There was a small table in the corner and a chair next to it. The room was a hodge-podge of designs and colors. The table and chair were pink, Harry thought they had been brought from a girls room. The desk that sat behind the window was a dark wood, contrasting with light wood of the mantle over the fire place. There were a few boxes shoved in the corner and a dark sheet over the window. The dust was thick on all the furniture. Harry took the sheet down and started to clean.
Severus should have cleaned, or aired out the room, although he didn't know he would be having a house guest. But Severus felt for the boy, to lose all his family at such a young age.
Getting up from the chair in his room, he walked over to the wall and listened. What was the boy doing? He was being very quiet. Maybe he was cleaning?
"No, boys don't do that." Deciding that he better get those boxes out of Harry's room before the boy tore into them, he knocked lightly on the door before entering. Harry had the sheet from the window in his hand and was dusting. ~Inventive boy~ Severus thought. Harry looked up from dusting the table and chair. His face was flushed and his hair stuck to his damp forehead. The room suddenly room became too hot for Severus. All he could see was the young man before him. ~child~
"I just came to get my boxes," Severus said, picking up the boxes that Harry had apparently moved over by the door. "Are you ready to go get some things?" Severus asked, trying to clear his throat.
"Yeah, sure."
After stopping off at the bank where Harry's father's money was, they went to the market. Harry just wanted a few books and maybe a writing pad, along with some clothes. It was Severus that told him to get whatever made him feel at home. By the end of the shopping excursion Harry had several outfits ordered, five books, three writing pads, pens and charcoal pencils, two new pairs of shoes ordered and mirror, since there where no mirrors in Severus' house - anywhere.
"Do you think that is all?" Severus teased as he toed the door closed. Harry nodded, laughing.
"You are the one that told me to get what I wanted."
"Yes, that is true." Severus helped Harry carry his things up to his room. "You can borrow some of my apparel until your clothes come in."
"Thank you, Mr. Snape. This means a lot to me."
"Call me Severus."
"Severus," the boy breathed. It sounded so intimate on his lips. Those lips were another story. He had noticed the boy biting It was true that he had been celibate for close to eighteen years, but that didn't give him the right to lust after this boy.
"Put your things away and come down to dinner," Severus declared as he turned and walked toward the door. "I hope you like pasta. I am not much of a meat eater."
"That would be fine," Harry smiled.
Dinner was taken in silence with only the sounds of silverware hitting the plates. Harry didn't look up from his food and Severus didn't try to make him. What was he going to talk about to Harry? Certainly not about what happened, the boy was just healing, but Severus was itching to know.
"Harry...what happened, last night?" There was a pause in the travel of Harry's fork to his mouth.
"My Godfather's house burnt down," the boy said simply.
"Yes, but what happened leading up to that?" There was another pause of the fork and Harry didn't open his mouth this time. "You don't have to tell me Harry."
"There was a knock." Severus could now see that Harry had his eyes closed. "My Godfather and I were looking at some albums. Sirius told me to stay put. But when he went to open the door a man came bursting in. It was him." Harry looked up, fear in his eyes. "The man who tried to get me into the carriage, he was wrestling with Sirius. He told me to run to get out, but the man pushed Sirius onto the table where the oil lamp was. It spilled everywhere, then its flames spread out. The man ran out the door, but Sirius was not getting up, I tried to wake him, but he was not cooperating." Tears started to flow from Harry's eyes as his memory unfolded. "The flames shot up the walls, burning the drapes. I started to drag him out, but he was too heavy. So...so I ran outside yelling for help. Men came throwing water on the house. I went back for Sirius, but a man had already brought him out. He wasn't breathing he was...he wasn't..." The tears turned into sobs that wracked Harry's body. Severus was up and out of his seat, pulling Harry into his arms as if it was natural.
"Shh, its ok now. You're safe."
"But...but if I had dragged him, out he would still be alive."
Chapter Four
As the days passed, there was only one other murder, a young mother and her child. The most chilling detail about that murder was written on the wall behind where they were killed. It said, 'Give him back,' in blood. Severus knew the meaning behind these words. He knew that the killer wanted Harry back, but Severus would not give him Harry.
Harry and Severus grew closer over the time that Harry stayed with him. Harry became more trusting of the older man and Severus became more relaxed. This was not always a positive thing though. One night, Harry and Severus were wrestling just for the fun of it, and some extremities were injured. By far, the most embarrassing outcome of the wrestling match was when Harry bumped into Severus' erection. Harry blushed bright red and Severus fled to his room.
Now that the note had been left, Severus knew he had to protect Harry even more. His feelings were getting in the way of his job, even Remus told him so. Severus said he would send Harry somewhere safe, but every time he walked in the door, that promise went out the window. More and more, Severus felt complete with Harry in his house.
Harry on the other end was quite content. He knew nothing of what was happening, Severus made sure. He stayed at home, with the order to stay indoors. He didn't want to get killed by the same man that killed his godfather. The day after the woman was killed, he decided to go into Severus' room. The older man had been hiding something from Harry, he just knew it. Whether or not it was in Severus' room was another question.
The other man kept his room very neat, not an item out of place. There was no maid that came in, so Harry knew it was Severus who kept it immaculate. The boxes that had been in Harry's room days before were stacked in the back corner. It was the only bit of clutter in Severus' room. Harry walked over and looked at them; they were still sealed. This meant that Severus hadn't opened them up. That left Harry to wonder what was in them. If Severus made an effort to get them out of Harry's room in a hurry, they had to be important.
Harry turned and took in the rest of the room. To his right was a large bureau made of dark wood. Its top held a simple blue cloth. That seemed to be the only color in the room. The furniture was the same dark color, and the bed clothes were black. For a bachelor, Severus was too clean. Opening the bureau, Harry found the same black clothes that Severus wore each day. No color whatsoever.
Closing the door, the young man walked to the bed side table. He opened the door and found many a news clippings. Pulling them out, he could see that the top ones ranged the span of the killer, but buried beneath, there were earlier ones that went back years and years even before Harry was even born. Sitting the others down on the bed, he pulled out one of the oldest.
The title read a 'Killing in York'. Harry scanned through it, apparently a cop from York was fired after he was found drinking on the job. The cop ran out before they could strip him off his gun and badge.
Harry read from the article, "The cop went back to his home. As the police chief and other cops walked up to the house they heard shots fired. Calling out to people on the street to get down the police chief, Albus Dumbledore, rushed up the street, but he was too late. One look at the scene told the story. Tobias Alan Snape had slain his wife of sixteen years then took his life. Tobias and Eileen Snape were survived by their only child, Severus Snape, who was fortunate to be a school at the time."
Harry let the paper drop. He was shaking inside. Severus had hidden that away for so long, no wonder he was cold and a recluse. No wonder he was a cop, he didn't want his family name to be tarnished.
Harry cleared his throat and started to put the papers away when something caught his eye. It was a clipping from only a day ago. The picture on the front was chilling. Words written in blood, 'Give Him Back'. All of a sudden the door down stairs slammed.
"Harry," Severus' voice rang out in the empty house.
"Coming." Harry yelled back. Hurrying to put the paper clipping in the drawer, Harry closed the drawer and ran out of the room.
Harry was silent at dinner, unlike him. He was usually trying to get details of out Severus. Maybe he had stopped trying? But Severus didn't believe that. After the night cook, Helga, left, he turned to Harry. The boy was picking at his food.
"Harry, what is wrong?" Harry sighed, even for a cold hearted man, Severus had a soothing voice.
"Nothing really." ~If you don't count people getting killed because of me~
"You are lying. Now what it wrong?" Harry looked nervous.
"I want to lure him out." Severus just sat there blinking, surly he had not heard that.
"You what?"
"I want to lure him out."
"The man that tried to kill you?" Harry nodded.
"If I don't then he will kill more people. He should be caught."
"But Harry..."
"No I want to do this." The boy was firm and it was clear he would not budge. Severus sighed and nodded, there was nothing he could do, but agree. Harry would try on his own and get caught; then he would be dead.
"Fine, but we are going to do this my way." Harry nodded.
"I was thinking that I could sit out on a street corner and wait."
"And I will be in the shadows, watching you," Severus added.
"Yes," Harry nodded.
The night was cold and foggy, not the best night to be doing this, but Harry refused to leave it until the next day.
They walked down the streets to where most of the killings had taken place. Harry pulled his coat close to him, it was quite cold out.
"Ok, I will stand over there," Severus said pointing to a shady corner. Harry nodded and stopped at the corner opposite him. Severus continued, then seemed to disappear into the shadows. That, along with to the night air, made him shiver. He leaned up against the wall and looked down the streets.
Severus pulled the cloak closer. The night seemed to be getting colder and damper. The clock in the town square chimed midnight and still no one, not even a cat or stray dog. Harry didn't seem to be faring any better; the boy looked like he was asleep on his feet. Severus smiled and started towards the boy, but stopped when he heard foot steps. Craning his neck, he looked at a tall person coming down the street to his left.
Severus took a step back, shrinking into the darkness. He sucked in a breath as the unidentified person stopped him front of Harry.
Harry jerked awake when someone touched his chest. A big burly man stood staring back at him. Harry started to scream, but the man put his large hand over Harry's mouth.
Severus was up and over to Harry in a split second, his pistol out. Severus had fired the gun before he knew it. The man hit the ground which left Harry standing and shaking.
"Shh, Harry it is alright." Severus held on to Harry. After Harry's shaking subsided, he looked up.
"Severus."
"Hmm?"
"That wasn't him."
Chapter Five
"You idiot. I can't believe you shot him."
"He was going to kill Harry," Severus explained for the fifth time to his partner.
"He was just drunk, you could smell it through his pours," Remus nearly yelled. "He probably thought the boy was a whore."
"Or he could have been a flunky of the man that does all the killing." Remus rolled his eyes and slapped his own forehead with his palm.
"You know this is not going to look good. And why the hell where you out there?"
"I told you three times, Lupin. Harry wanted to catch the killer."
"And you let him?"
"Your voice is going up into a high pitch sound, but yes," Severus sighed and covered his eyes, he was so tired and Harry was probably asleep in the little side room. "I just want to go home and sleep, Lupin." Remus sighed himself.
"Fine, I will file the paperwork; you go home." Severus smiled, grateful to his friend. As he predicted, Harry was fast asleep on the bed. Severus gently woke him.
"Harry, it is time to go home." Harry yawned and rubbed his eyes as he sat up.
"What time is it?"
"Three or so in the morning."
"Too early." Severus chuckled.
"I agree with you there. Come." Severus helped the boy stand and walk. Once at home, he asked if Harry wanted some hot tea or food before bed. Harry just shook his head, his lids heavy. "Then to bed with you." Harry nodded and went up stairs.
Being back home Severus thought he too should go to sleep, but he was to wired. He went around checking the doors and windows, locking everything. Turning the lights off, he slowly made his way upstairs, not wanting to wake Harry.
As he closed his door, he noticed his bed side table drawer was a bit open. He closed it as he walked over to his mirror. His skin was too shallow, he looked dead and his eyes were blood shot.
"Why should I care?" he grumbled, pulling off his clothes, but the truth was since Harry came to live with him he looked at himself more. Glances in the mirror as he undressed were becoming a regular thing. Slipping into his night shirt he pulled back the cover and sat down, just then he heard a light tap in his door. Getting up, he walked over and opened the door a slightly.
"Yes, Harry?" he asked after seeing the boy.
"I had a nightmare. Can I sleep in you?" Severus blinked, but nodded. He couldn't blame the boy, but Harry was too old for that. He couldn't say no after everything that had happened.
Harry was dressed in a pair of blue and white striped pajamas. He looked adorable and even a bit arousing. Severus cleared his throat and closed the door.
"Stay on your side and do not hog the covers," the older man said as he walked back over to the bed.
"Yes, Sir," Harry smiled as he snuggled down into the bed. Severus blew out the lamp beside his bed and laid down.
Harry woke to a movement on his back. It took him a minute to figure out that Severus was moving against him. Looking back he could see that Severus was still sound asleep. Harry found his own body was responding to Severus' movements. Harry blushed bright red, Severus was humping him and Harry didn't mind it.
Harry had never done so much as kiss a girl let alone a boy. He bit his lip and turned over carefully. There was a tell-tale bulge. Harry slowly reached down and pressed a hand against it.
Severus had been having a nice dream. Harry was on his back, looking up at him, his lips red from the kisses Severus had given. Harry had reached out for Severus throbbing cock when he jolted awake looking into the darkness. As his eyes adjusted he saw Harry's face, looking back at his. Harry's hand was also on his clothed erection.
"Harry," he breathed before leaning forward and kissing him. The boy's mouth tasted better than in his dream. Severus ran his hand down the lean body of the boy's frame.
Harry sucked in a breath as Severus kissed him, but he melted into the kissed. Severus' hands were everywhere. Suddenly the fear of intimacy was gone and heat in his lower belly replaced it.
Severus pulled back, looking down at the boy. Boy...this was wrong. Wrong on so many levels. Severus jumped out of bed. Shit, he was in trouble. He could just see the headlines on the paper 'Detective Found Molesting a Young Boy'. He turned at Harry's voice. The boy was still in bed, his face was not as clear as it would have been with light. Severus lit the lamp beside the bed. The room brightened and let Severus see Harry. His lips were red from the kiss. ~God~ he thought as his cock pulsed.
"Harry, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to..." Of course he did, but only in his dreams.
"Don't be...I liked it." A blush rose on Harry's face.
"But you are still a child..."
"I am not," Harry said frowning. "I will be an adult soon. I know what I want."
"Do you even know what sex involves?" Severus raised a brow.
"It is when a man and woman get..."
"Exactly. Between a man and a woman is what you have always been told, not about sex between two men. Do you even know what men do to pleasure each other?"
"I..." Not exactly. There was only one opening on a man that Harry knew of, but that was...gross?
"Harry, you better go back to your room."
"No. I want sex." The boy was stubborn, he would give him that.
"Then I will leave." Severus started to leave, but Harry jumped out of the bed and stood in front of the door.
"Then teach me," Harry countered. Severus sighed and put his head down.
"Harry..."
"Please, I want to be with you." Severus looked up.
"You do?" he asked as if statement was absurd.
"Yes." Harry blushed once more, and Severus was getting use to it.
"Very well, but if you want to stop just tell me," Severus said even though he didn't think he would be able to. Harry nodded and got back in the bed. "I think you should be on your hands and knees. It...is easier on you." Harry nodded, get on his hands on knees.
Severus sucked in a breath of air. God Harry was gorgeous. The pajama bottoms were pulled tight across that round ass that Severus couldn't want to run his hand over, but first things first. Severus went over and pulled Harry up and started unbuttoning Harry's shirt. Each time a patch of skin was revealed, he kissed it.
Harry let his head fall to the side. Severus was working magic on his body; the kisses sent pleasure to his very core and his prick twitched at every touch. He was afraid that he would come too soon and embarrass himself. Severus slipped the shirt Harry's lithe shoulders and tossed it somewhere, not that Harry cared. Harry was about to do that same to Severus when the older man stopped him.
"No, Harry, not yet," he whispered. Severus leaned down, kissing right under his left ear. Harry's arms flew to Severus' shoulders to hold him upright as his legs gave out under him. Severus was a master at kissing.
Severus pushed Harry back on the bed and climbed on the bed. There would be time later for making Harry comfortable. Right now, he wanted to taste him. Moving down from the neck, he licked a path to one of Harry's nipples. They were already peaking with the attention he was giving them. Severus lapped at them like a kitten lapping up cream, sending shivers down Harry's spine.
"Severus," the black haired boy groaned.
"Yes?" Severus answered.
"Please."
"Please what? Please stop? Or please continue?" Before Harry could answer Severus covered one nipple with his mouth, sucking greedily on it. The sensation shocked Harry, but it felt so good. He threaded his hands through Severus' black hair, hoping to keep him there. But Severus had other plans, after attending to the other nipple he turned to the navel. With little spearing motions to the sensitive part, he made Harry shift every time.
"Do you like it?" Severus asked as he slipped the bottoms off and threw then to the side. Harry's cock sprang out at attention. "It seems you are." He looked up at Harry. The boy blushed.
"Yeah, it is nice," Harry said.
"Good, because I want you to feel good." He leaned over Harry and grabbed something from the drawer. "Now Harry, I am going to start preparing you. If you want to stop, I will." Harry nodded, understanding. "Now bend your legs at the knees and open them. Yes, like that." Severus grabbed a pillow and tucked it under Harry's hips. "There." He uncorked the bottle and let a little oil drizzle out on his hand. "Harry, there will be some slight pain, but I want you to relax, try not to tense up."
~How could there be pain, with this much pleasure~ Harry thought, but he trusted Severus.
"Ok," came Harry's voice. Severus took a breath. He only pressed a finger to Harry's opening, letting him get use to the odd sensation. Harry flinched a little but otherwise stayed still. When Severus felt Harry was ready, he pushed the finger in. Harry clamped down on the finger and it took all of Severus control not to groan at the tight heat.
"Shh." he said as he cupped Harry's cheek. "I know, it hurts, but you must relax or it will only hurt more." Harry nodded. It didn't hurt per se, it just felt odd. Harry closed his eyes and took a breath to calm himself. The finger went farther in, twisting and turning. Then Severus took it out. "Here comes the second one." This time the pain was more pronounced.
Harry twisted trying to get away from the fingers.
"Please stop," he bit out as a tear formed. Severus stopped and gently kissed him.
"I know," he said soothingly. "Do you want me to take my fingers out, to stop." Harry shook his head, he wanted to be with Severus reaching the highest level of intimacy.
"Just go slower." Severus pulled back. As his fingers went deeper, he took Harry's cock in to his mouth. Harry nearly arched off the bed. The wet hot pleasure won over the pain, and soon Severus was stretching him thoroughly. He didn't think it could get any better, but Severus proved him wrong. The older man touched something inside of Harry, shooting off hundreds of stars behind his eyes. It was a wonder that Harry didn't come at this point. Between the stroking and sucking, Harry was soon prepared.
"Up on your hands and knees." Harry almost whimpered, he wanted to face Severus for his first time, but he remembered Severus telling him about being on his hands and knees being easier. Severus pulled off his night shirt and slicked himself up. He was too ready for this, he just hoped that he had the control to not hurt Harry. Severus gently pressed into Harry's backside. He took another breath to calm himself, before he pressed fully into Harry.
Harry dropped to his elbows, he thought he could take Severus, but the older man was bigger than he thought. He was thankful when Severus reached around and stroked his deflated cock.
Severus had died and gone to heaven - or hell. Harry was tighter and hotter than he had anticipated. The older man slipped his hand around Harry when he felt Harry tighten up. Leaning down he kissed along Harry's spine all the way up to his neck. Harry reached his hand up and curled it in Severus' hair, pulling him over. Harry turned his head to capture a lustful kiss. The last few inches of Severus' thick cock thrust in, causing Harry to whisper and "Humph." Severus grinned wickedly. He was ready to claim Harry.
After a moment or so Severus straightened up and placed his hands on Harry's small hips.
"Ready?"
"Yes." Severus slowly pulled out then pulled Harry's hips onto his cock making the boy cry out. Again he slowly pulled out, then pulled Harry back on his cock. He loved the sounds that Harry was making. Loved how Harry arched each time.
Harry had never felt this way before. He was on the edge of pain and pleasure, each one melting into the other. His arms gave out on him and he fell onto the bed, his moans and whimpers being muffled. Each thrust by Severus made the boy feel like he was going to explode.
"Severus..." came a muffled cry, before he reached down to stroke his own cock. Harry was not going to last much long, and shaking of the man above him told Harry that he was close too.
"Almost Harry. Almost." Hovering over Harry he slammed into Harry harder than he thought and all too soon Harry tightened up around him and with a cry, the boy came pulling Severus seed into him.
Severus slowed until he stopped, panting over Harry. Gently he pulled out and fell to the side of Harry. Taking deep breathes, their hearts slowed down. They felt sticky but sated, sore but sleepy.
Reaching out Severus pulled Harry to him. The boy was already passed out, sleeping soundly. Kissing his head, all the fears came back. But he pushed them aside. Let tonight be wonderful, and let the morning bring all the troubles.
Chapter Six
Harry was on cloud nine. Although the morning after had been painful, Severus had given him something to help with the pain, and the next day he was back to normal.
Severus was acting a little weird around Harry for the first few days, worrying that Harry would tell someone about what he had done to the boy. Harry never did. In fact Harry kissed him the next night.
Still, they had to keep quiet about their affair. Outside the house they were like father and son, but inside, they grew closer and closer. They had yet to have sex again, although the intimacy was still there.
Harry was helping Helga with the evening meal one night. He wanted to make a pie to thank Severus for letting him stay with him and in his bed. It was a late night for Severus and he would not be home for another hour or so.
"Would you like a cake or pie for your birthday?" Helga asked as he put the topping on the cherry pie.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Your going to be turning seventeen in another few months. Mr. Severus wanted to surprise you, but he didn't know which you would want." Harry grinned, almost blushing.
"I like your pies a lot."
"Then a pie it is. Would you like black berry or..." The front door opened and closed. "Ah Mr. Severus is home. Put the pie on. He's home a little early." Helga wiped off her hands and went to greet him as Harry put the pie in to bake.
"HARRY RUN!" Her scream came a moment later, but instead of running out the back door, he ran to the front room to find Helga falling to the floor, blood around her neck. Harry gasped, and looked up.
"You!" The man smiled.
"Hello, my dear."
Severus was exhausted as he turned the corner. He wanted a nice hot meal, some brandy and Harry. He cast his eyes down the street to his house. There was light from inside shinning out the door. It was unlike Harry or Helga to leave the door open. He stopped and his blood ran cold. Forgetting his tired and weary body, he took off down the street at top speed. Running up the stairs, the sight that greeted him was gruesome to say the least.
Helga's lifeless body was slumped over, a pool of blood around her. Taking a few steps inside he could see her throat was sliced. His eyes turned to the kitchen. It look more like a war zone, pots turned up side down, flour and greens on the floor, tomato sauce was on the wall next to him. The man must have come in, killed Helga first then went after Harry. Harry had thrown everything he could at his attacker. Severus knew with every bone in body that it was the Ritual Killer that had his Harry.
The room was damp and smelled of death. Harry had to swallow around the bile that threatened to come up. How long had be been down here? Hours? Days? What was the guy up to? Harry struggled against the bonds again, but they didn't give and his wrists were hurting. Both his head and stomach ached, he was hungry, thirsty, and tired but he refused to fall asleep. He would rather see the knife coming then not at all.
After the twentieth time of counting the stones on the floor, a door to the right of him opened. Harry looked over but saw nothing. He only heard the sound of boots clicking on the stone floor. Then the clicking stop and a dim light was turned on.
"Ah Mister Potter, it good to see that you are awake."
"What do you want with me?" Harry dared to ask. The man just smiled.
"You are the first boy I picked up that was not a harlot. You see, with the other boys, I could get them to do anything, for a price, but you, Harry, are different."
"Different?"
"Yes," The man nodded. "I can not make you do anything for a price, but I can break you. That is much better." The man squatted next to him and reached out a hand to touch Harry. The boy spat at him, making the man laugh.
"Yes, that spunk will be a prize after I squash it. Now Harry, I know you have been intimate with that man you are staying with. Snape, isn't it? Well, I was just wondering what it was like to be your first. All I could see was his back." Harry's eyes shot up, and if he could move his hands, he would have slapped the man.
"You perverted..."
"I am no pervert, Harry. I like to watch what is mine." He reached out and stoked Harry's cheek. "Pity I was not the first. But you will entertain me for week. And when your body ends up on the front step of that man's door, he will know that you suffered." The man closed a hand around Harry's throat. "Walden couldn't even bring you back to me."
"Who?" Harry asked after the hand was taken away.
"My servant, he was always mixing things up."
"I knew you had sent him." The man nodded.
"I was afraid that policeman was around when I saw you, so I sent him. But never send a boy to do a man's job."
"You're sick, you know. Severus will find out where I am and I hope he put you into the deepest cell and throw away the key." The man threw his head back, laughing.
"No one is going to arrested me, dear boy, for you see-I am an Earl," he calmly explained as he grinned wickedly.
Chapter Seven
"I want everything on that man. His name, employer, were he slept, what he ate, his..."
"Severus," Remus yelled. "aren't you getting a little worked up?"
"I want to find Harry alive and catch this man. Not just twiddle my thumbs. He has now killed eighteen people, I will not let Harry be number nineteen."
"What are you talking about." Severus sighed and started naming off the people.
"Those fifteen innocent boys, that little girl, the mother and her child and now my cook. I am not going to let their deaths go unpunished."
"I know, Severus," Remus said, trying to calm down his partner. "But you need to sleep, you have been working on no sleep for the past day and half."
"Every time I close my eyes I see Harry's face." Severus shook his head, trying to clear it of any images. "I won't sleep until he is safe."
"Then I won't either."
"Let's head down to the Coroner's."
"Harry, my sweet, what's wrong?" The man's voice asked so nicely. But even a pretty face could hide the evil inside. Harry had never known true pain. A broken leg when he was a child and a few cuts paled in comparison to the pain at his 'Master's' hands. Wounds that Harry feared would never heal. His body had been used to sate the man's lust in ways Harry had never even thought about. Things had been used inside and out to create different levels of pain. He remembered Severus saying that there had to be some kind of lubricant to help in sex, but it seemed the man liked blood over any other.
Harry looked up at the man.
"I hate you," he whispered. His throat was raw from the man's cock being shoved down it. The man had said early on that if he was a good boy, he could get food and water. But Harry could not stomach what he had to do.
"Ah, my little one, wrong answer." He went over to the fireplace and picked up the poker. He held the tip in the fire. "I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. Call me Master and I will forgive you," he said as pulled the red hot poker out. Harry swallowed, but he couldn't say anything.
"Wrong answer, pet."
"Harland Banger, body guard for hire," Remus read over his sheet. "He had been employed by a number of rich families. Among them were the Malfoy's, the Weasely's, and Parkinson's. His last known employer is not known, but he left the Parkinson's after some 'affair' or so the rumor says. That was only two months ago."
"So if we find out who he had been working for, we might have found the killer," Severus said excitedly.
"Don't be too sure. He works for wealthy families. It will be hard to point a finger at any of them. Those charges usually don't stick long."
"Oh, but they will." Severus turned around in his chair and started writing down the addresses of the families. "Lets check out the Parkinson's first, then go back from there."
The trip to the Parkinson's Manor didn't take long. Lady Parkinson loved the city life. The Manor was to lavish for Severus' taste, and as they were let in he could see that she spared no expense on the décor. The butler showed them into the sitting room.
"My Lord will be with you shortly." Severus and Remus nodded, being polite. The room was done in a tasteful mint green, but more suited for a nursery than a front room. They didn't have to wait long, Lord Parkinson came in greeted them.
"Yes, is there something I can do for you?" he asked.
"Yes, we are looking into the death of Harland Banger. He was found dead a week ago and we understand you were his last known employer," Remus said.
"Yes, I was. But I don't know where he went," Lord Parkinson said.
"Is there anything you can tell us that would help? Did he have any enemies?" Severus asked.
"Only the ones to his employer. But now that you mention it, I do remember Lord Malfoy saying that his friend needed a personal bodyguard. But I don't know that friend's name, sorry."
"No, thank you, m'Lord," Severus nodded to him.
Harry felt like every part of his body ached. He couldn't even move his pinky without pain. With every thrust in and out of his body wanted to die.
"See how easy that was," The man smiled licking a tear away.
"Please just stop," Harry begged.
"But we have just got started, love. Don't worry, you will soon outlive your usefulness."
Severus knocked calmly on the door, but inside he was itching. He had not seen Lucius in years. The butler answered the door and showed him to the sitting room. It was decorated in dark greens. He swore if he had to see another shade of green today, he would kill someone, preferably the killer.
"Ah, Severus, good to see you," Lucius said, smiling.
"Good to see you too, but this not a social visit," Severus explained.
"Yes, we are investigating the death of a former employee, Harland Banger," his partner continued
"Oh," The blond looked less then intrigued. "I have not employed him in years."
"Yes, we talked to his last known employer, but he said a friend of yours was looking for a personal bodyguard," Severus said, hoping the blond would tell them.
"Ah yes, he was. Earl Riddle. He needed another bodyguard, apparently his last one had stolen from him."
"Earl Riddle? I have never heard of him," Severus said.
"He is very reclusive," Lucius explained. "Doesn't like people much. Our families go way back to when my great-great-great aunt married his great-great-great Grandfather."
"Do you know where we could fine him?" Remus asked.
"He has a country estate about five miles out of town. He also has another estate in Bath."
"Do you know which he is staying at?" Severus didn't want to go all the way to Bath.
"He should be staying in estate outside of London."
"Thank you, Lucius."
"Anytime, Severus." That evil knowing smile, chilling Severus to the bone. But he would not go back there.
Three days of hell, that was how long he had been there. Three days of pure hell. At first, he had wondered why Severus was not busting down the door. Then he thought Severus had nothing to go on, but he would not resign himself to death. The man had been leaving him for long periods of time. Harry feared that he would be killed soon.
Picking himself up off the stone floor of his underground room, he walked around the edges. Harry knew he was in a dungeons of sorts, so there had to be an air vent, window, or something. But after hours of searching there was nothing but solid stone. A cry bubbled up from Harry's throat. He started scratching and hitting the stone as if trying to dig a hole in the wall.
His hand were bloodied and his face was wet with tears. Harry gave up and slid down the wall. There really was no way out of here. He was going to die and never see Severus again.
The door to his left opened. The man turned on the dim light. He cocked his head to the side.
"Why so sad, pet?" he asked.
"I just want to go home," Harry sobbed.
"Well I can oblige you there." He unscrewed the top of his cane and pulled out a long knife. Harry crawled back against the wall, more tears coming down as the man came closer. But to Harry's relief, a knock came at the door.
"My Lord, two men are here to see you," came the voice of a man on the other side of the cell door.
"Send them away, I am busy," the man hissed.
"But My Lord, they are policemen." The man cursed and turned, walking back to the door, opening and slamming it closed. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Then he saw the door open slightly and a girl motioned him over.
"Hurry," she whispered. Harry didn't waste any time. He ran over to the door. He noticed that the girl was maybe a year or two younger than him.
"Come with me. He is going to be busy for a little bit." She took him down the hall to another door. "This leads to the outside. The police carriage is out there. They can help you." Harry turned to the girl.
"Why are you helping me?" he asked.
"Because my brother is sick. I can't let him get away with this. I won't allow him to continue."
"But he will kill you," Harry said, but she shook her head.
"Don't worry about me. I will be fine. Now go, get under the seat and stay there until you reach town."
"Thank you." Harry hugged the girl and went out the door. Just as she promised, the carriage was outside. Harry climbed in and ducked under the seat. It hit him that the girl could be telling a lie, but right now he didn't care.
"Hello, Sirs. What can I do for you?" Earl Riddle asked.
"We are investigating the killing of your body guard, a Harland Banger," Severus said. The man looked every bit like a gentleman. He couldn't be the killer.
"Harland has not been my body guard for the past mouth. He was only with me a little while. I found out he was stealing from me so I let him go." Damn, another dead end.
"Do you know if he was employed by anyone else?" Remus asked.
"No, I do not. Sorry I could not be of more help. If you will excuse me now, I am overseeing packing. I will be going back to my house in Bath tomorrow." Severus felt deflated, all clues pointed to Riddle, but the man was far too fragile to be the killer.
"Thank you, My Lord." Severus and Remus bowed their heads. Once they were back in there carriage both let out heavy sighs.
"God Damn it! We were so close and then nothing." Remus nodded, slumping against the other side.
"I guess we are really out of suspects."
"Yes," Severus exhaled, he was so tired of searching. Now he knew he would never see his Harry again.
"Let's go get some dinner from the Inn on this side of town?" Severus shook his head.
"I am not hungry," Severus closed his eyes, sighing.
Harry could hear the sound of people getting closer that must have meant that they were close to town. With the last bit of his strength, he pushed Severus leg out of the way and pulled his upper body out from under the seat.
"What the..." Severus looked down. His heart seem to stop beating when he saw Harry. "HARRY!" He helped the boy pick himself up.
"Severus." Harry hugged him.
"When did you get under there?" Severus asked.
"At the man's house. His sister helped me."
Chapter Eight
By time Severus organized the police to go back out to Riddle's place, it was engulfed with flames. Severus saw his chance to capture Harry's attacker go up in smoke. When he questioned the servants about the fire they all gave the same answer.
"Only his Lordship and his sister were inside." The all said.
"Sister? I was not aware that he had siblings."
"Yes, she was just fifteen," the old butler said. "Child from My Lord's father's third wife." Severus nodded.
"Did you ever hear about him bringing boys here?"
"Yes, but we all were too afraid to help them." The poor old man looked haggard. "We should have since they all ended up like poor young Albert."
"Albert?" Severus asked.
"Yes, Albert was almost seventeen when he died. That was almost two years ago. He was Lady Alisa's older brother. Everyone knew that Thomas had an unhealthy love for his brother. He would take him places, and buy him things. Well, as the story goes, one night Thomas came home and proceeded directly to Albert's room. He tried to force himself on the boy, but Albert fought him off. The next day Albert was taken to the dungeon. No know ever found out what Thomas did to him. A week later Albert was dead. Thomas seemed to be sad, but there was an evil glint in his eyes whenever he saw a boy that looked like Albert."
"Did Albert have black hair and green eyes?" Severus ventured a guess.
"Yes, spitting image of his mother, god rest her soul." As Severus left that day he was never so glad for gossip in his life.
Three Months Later
"Harry birthday, Harry!" Sang out Severus, Remus, Tonks, and Hermione. Harry smiled at the big pie before him, it was not as good as Helga's, but it was still delicious.
"Thank you everyone." Hermione gave him a motherly kiss on the head, although she was really only ten months older than him. Severus had hired Hermione to look after Harry for the past months since Harry cringed each time Severus went near him. Remus gave him a drawing pad and charcoal, Tonks, Remus' wife, gave him a homemade sweater, and Severus gave him the papers to both estates. Harry now owned the Potter Cottage and the Black Estate.
The party lasted until well after the sun set. Remus and Tonks left first, then Hermione told them she need to go to sleep in order to be up for breakfast in the morning. She retired to Severus' room, where she had been staying. Severus made the couch his home for the past months.
Harry and Severus wished her a good night. Kissing Harry on the head once again, Hermione made bade them a good night as well and headed upstairs.
"So was it a good party?" Severus asked. Harry nodded.
"Yeah I liked it," Harry smiled. Severus stayed where he was on the couch, but he wanted to pull Harry from the floor onto his lap and kiss him.
"Any more nightmares?"
"Not lately."
"Good." They sat in silence for a long time. "Harry, about us..." He saw how Harry went rigid. "We can go back to being friends. You can live here until you are comfortable again, and you can live here for as long as you want."
"I want us to be like we were but...I am afraid."
"Our relationship does not have to be sexual. I lived for years without sex and I can live some more." Harry smiled up at him.
"We can kiss."
"Are you sure, Harry?"
"Yeah, he never did that to me." Severus got off the couch and knelt down next to Harry, taking the young man's hand in his.
"I promise I will personally kill anyone that ever hurts you again." Harry smiled.
"I don't doubt that." He looked up into Severus black eyes. "I love you, Severus." Severus smiled back, before leaning in and kissed him softly.
"I love you too, Harry."
- end
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