Withering to Death

Chapter 2

he Dark Lord sat on his throne, irritated that his subjects were taking so long in bringing him Potter. Was it really that hard? The kid was practically immobile right now. After the beating he'd witnessed?

A tingling in the wards alerted him to the presence of three and he sighed in relief. The ward magic told him that one of them was Potter. Rising from his throne, he'd made it to the first step on the dais when the doors opened and Severus and Draco walked in. In Draco's arms was an emaciated and rather beaten Harry Potter.

"How is he?"

Severus paled. He didn't look forward to the explosive anger that his lord would undoubtably have when he found out how bad off Harry was. Draco, it seemed, didn't care.

"He's been beaten. Starved. Burned. Silenced."

"Silenced?"

Harry turned silver-green eyes to Tom and gestured to his throat. Voldemort's eyes narrowed. He knew that spell. It was one he had created. One that Dumbledore had stolen.

"Dumbledore?"

::Yes, Tom. He wished to silence me::

"You can still speak Parsle!" exclaimed Draco, his face lighting up in his excitement.

Severus appeared relieved as well.

"That is because Parsle is merely a series of hisses. He doesn't really need a voice box to hiss." Voldemort stated with amusement.

*Yes and for all of you other crazy people I can always use sign language.* he signed to Draco and Severus.

Suddenly Harry twitched and a pained expression came across his features.

::Tom! Tom! He knows I'm gone! Remove it! Remove it!::

Without asking Tom knew Harry had a tracer on his body and said the incantation to remove it. Harry's body spasmed as he silently screamed in pain. Tears poured down his cheeks. Everyone in the room felt their heart clench in sympathy. All thought the same thing. Dumbledore would pay.
Finally he stopped twitching and his gaze rested on Draco, his eyes showing his fatigue. He lifted his hand, in a parody of his earlier movements when they found him, and trailed his fingers tenderly down Draco's face.

"Now now Harry, I know you wish to jump my bones but I really think we should heal you first." Draco drawled, causing Harry to blush but silently laugh.

*Prat.* he signed,* I'd let you do me in a heartbeat but you know I can't.*

"Why can't you Harry?" Tom inquired.

Harry flinched and turned silver-green eyes to him.

::I'm a Brood, Tom. Plus a halfbreed. I would think the whole 'mate' rule still applied::

Tom stepped back with the force of his shock.

"Is that why he used you? Why he wanted you?"

Harry nodded and then handed him a letter.

::Can you find Remus and give that to him? I heard he'd joined you after Dad died::

"Dad?"

::Read the letter, Tom. I'm ready to be healed now:: Harry replied with a small smirk.

Tom took the letter and read through it. He stiffened and then nodded to Harry.

"You will be safe here, Harry. I can not adopt you but I know a few who might. And yes your mother was recruited after your father died. I will have Fenrir bring him here so that he can see you."

Harry coughed but nodded and Voldemort waved them off, dismissing them to take care of Harry. Draco bowed and Severus inclined his head in respect, then left the room, carrying Harry to a room close to the Dark Lord's. They set him carefully on the bed and began the tedious task of healing the young wizard.

-end of chapter two-