Lily's Charm- Severitus fanfiction

Connections

1996

“Remus!” Harry screamed, but Severus grabbed his son before he could move, pulling him roughly against his side. He felt the encumbering weight of an Anti-Apparition Jinx pressing down on them, followed closely by a block against their Portkeys. Not even bothering with words, Severus directed his flames to engulf the deafening storm, silencing Harry as they stood together. There was no time. Severus erected a shield around their bodies; it would take time for them to penetrate it. Time.

He heard the barely audible scritch of familiar footsteps behind him, the deep whisper of an urgent Contego Charm. And then the Death Eaters, the ones who had once called him comrade, swept over the arch of the hill. Lucius formed the apex of the lethal formation. His eyes, a foul grey, were full of hate and Severus masked his features even more. Something had gone wrong. Terribly, terribly wrong. And Harry was trembling against him; Remus’ name ricocheted off his storm. Severus buried Remus for both of them, as far down as he could. There was no time to grieve.

The line halted; Lucius continued purposefully forward and the crack of a backhand against a pale cheek whipped the air. Severus’ face spun sharply with the force of the blow. Harry sucked in a breath beside him and Severus tightened his grip further. Say nothing, his flames breathed around the storm. Harry continued to shake, Remus’ name etched forlornly into his storm as Severus considered Lucius.

“We have been waiting for you…our traitor,” Lucius breathed through the curl of his lip. “My Lord has been most patient,” he mocked, his voice dripping with vitriol. Harry convulsed. Severus took his son’s hand which was folded into his coat; he squeezed with all he had, ignoring the coppery trickle of blood seeping into his mouth. Harry’s tremors slowed.

“Nothing to say, Severus?” Lucius inquired, as though he had the ability to care. “Surely you were not expecting us,” he went on, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice on the stilted air. Severus did not lower himself; he kept his features stiff, his son tightly in his arms.

There is nothing to fear, he reminded the clouds quaking beneath the flames. Harry’s fingers squeezed against his palm.

“We are celebrating tonight,” Lucius continued in his illusory cultured tones. Severus’ flames fought to contract with surprise but Severus would not allow it. Harry had to feel calm. The assemblage behind Lucius parted slightly; Lucius beckoned with his silver cane.

Draco stepped tentatively forward, his eyes darting back and forth between his father and their captives. Severus could feel the fury rising through Harry’s storm. And again, Severus pushed it down for him. Anger would not help.

Severus gazed at the younger Malfoy with cool eyes. Draco didn’t turn away; he looked oddly determined and Severus’ suspicions were immediately roused. The boy looked away. Lucius turned his cold eyes to the space behind Harry and Severus.

“Ah,” he clucked his tongue, bringing his gaze back again, “Your unfortunate werewolf companion…death befits such filth,” he decided, nodding slightly. “Don’t you agree, Mr. Potter?” he asked; the words dripped with malice. Harry’s jaw tensed, his green eyes burning with anger. But he said nothing and even here, in this place, Severus’ pride in his son did not dull.

Remus…

Harry’s despair echoed to the flames and Severus imparted his strength. There would be no comfort he knew, but he would do what he could. It wasn’t enough but he felt his son’s acceptance of their shared grief.