Age is Just a Word chapter 11
Hi all! I'm sorry this took so long but here goes my humble contribution to the story! A huge thanks to goldpemcorgi for the beta work and the hints!
Age Is Just A Word
Chapter 11
By Amanda Saitou
A hissing voice fulfilled the decrepit room sending shivers through the two Death Eaters spines. "Then, it is true that they have captured Malfoy."
The red-haired man bowed his head almost touching the floor. "Yes, my Lord. Hermione Granger surprised Lucius when he was giving his son the appropriate punishment for failing in following your orders. Lucius had no chance to react. He's now lying unconscious in a room next to Dumbledore's office and aurors Tonks and Shacklebolt were called in to question him. They might be arriving at the castle at this very moment.
"Very good, Weasley! Very good!" The hooded wizard let out a hissing and unpleasant laugh. "Hilarious this is for me, my servants. What would our dear Lucius say if he realized that a Weasley is a much worthier Death Eater than a Malfoy?"
"With all respect to you, my Lord, but I am a rather different kind of Weasley. I am not like the rest of my stupid family. My goal is power and power I will achieve. Of course, all in order to serve you better, my master."
Voldemort laughed out loud this time. "Perfect, Weasley! Just perfect!
Then one of the present Death Eaters interrupted his master's reverie. "Lord, I suppose we are going to rescue Lucius."
Voldemort turned to the one that had boldly interrupted the Dark Lord. "Are you already missing your dear friend, Goyle? Be patient, all in its right time. Malfoy has to pay for his failure as well ... I am sure he will be having a very interesting time with the Aurors." Focusing again on his still bowing Weasley servant, the dark wizard sounded thoughtful for an instant. "Tell me, Weasley... so Potter and the traitor are getting along ... let me say... quite well..."
"Yes, they are assumed to be a couple now. Their association is accepted by the Headmaster, at least." The red haired Death Eater had a most disgusted look on his face.
The Dark Lord thought for a moment. "Hmm, that may explain how they managed to break the bond... Go, Weasley, and keep me informed about their footsteps."
"As you wish, my Lord!"
~~~
(flashback)
"Why only this, my boy; you and Harry, together mind you, through your mutual love and the sharing of your magical power with Harry, now have the means to destroy Tom Riddle."
Harry frowned. "Are you sure, sir? Voldemort is too powerful and all the times I've escaped from him I feel as I did so for sheer luck! I don't think I can beat him yet."
"Your magic linked with Severus' is so powerful as Riddle's, and Severus, as a more experienced wizard, can help you to direct your energy properly during an attack."
"Albus... you mentioned Harry being stronger in this new body. What difference it can make in battle?" The Potions Master gazed at Dumbledore with suspicious eyes.
Albus just kept his mischievous smile in place. "At his current age his body is fully matured and consequently his magic has reached its peak."
"We understand that, Albus. However..." Severus glanced at his lover and saw a hint of anxiety on his eyes. "... well, I guess it's better Harry and I take some time to think about it."
Harry smiled shyly at his bond mate. "Severus is right, sir. We need some time."
"I understand. Though I insist upon the urgency of this decision. Riddle's tentacles are already moving, we don't have much time."
(end of flashback)
Harry and Severus had decided to take a walk through the nearby areas of the castle. Much was revealed to them in such a short space of time. Harry noticed that his love looked very contemplative; much like his older self would. He didn't know what to decide about their age restoration and he feared that Severus would return to his old distant and cold self once everything was returned to normal.
Severus feared the same. He wouldn't stop loving Harry when he was returned to his real age, but though he trusted Harry's promise that their love would remain the same, Severus knew that the man he had become wouldn't be an easy person to live with, especially for such a gifted man like Harry. There would be wizards throwing themselves at his feet to win his affections. Severus sighed and it gave Harry courage enough to start a conversation.
"You feel it too, don't you?"
The older man turned to look Harry in the eye. "Feel what, Harry?"
"The fear of what's going to become of us when we return to our proper ages. I'm so scared of losing you, Severus!"
The next thing Harry felt strong arms wrapping around him. "You will never lose me. I promise you, Harry."
Harry faced Severus again and smiled shyly. "That's so good to hear, Sev."
"Albus said your new body would be beneficial in battle. Still... do you really want to go back to your age?"
"You want it too, Sev. Besides, I know that our feelings towards each other are quite strong , no matter how great the age difference is between us. I want to go back to my proper age and settle our relationship once and for all." His hands played with Severus dark locks. "And destroy Voldemort forever."
Severus stared deeply at those bright green eyes. "I believe you are right, Harry. However... I guess we have to see what the Aurors have gotten from Lucius. Actually, I could have been much more... persuasive!"
Harry chuckled. "You would kill Malfoy and that's the reason Albus didn't want you involved with the questioning." Severus scowled. "I know that what he did to Draco was terrible, but if we start being rough with our prisoners then we won't be any better than Voldemort or his Death Eaters. We are the good guys, remember?"
"And that's how life is going to be living with Harry!" Severus laughed and that softened both men's hearts for the moment.
~~~
Lucius Malfoy was radiating anger. He had been under Veritaserum and he had betrayed his master as a result. He was positive that the Dark Lord would make sure to terminate him as soon as possible. Or he was going to be sent to Azkaban and his bloody stupid son would be taking his fortune.
Tonks, Shacklebolt and Dumbledore were talking a few meters away from were Lucius was magically tied to a chair.
"It's pitiful this idiot couldn't provide more information for us. Are you sure he was You-Know-Who best man?" Tonks looked really annoyed.
Dumbledore's strong voice was very calm. "Riddle always keeps some secrets to himself. We have gotten very important information, though."
"You must warn them, Albus. What Malfoy said about Harry's link with ..."
"Severus and Harry will be informed about all our discoveries soon, Kingsley. The most important thing now is to hide Lucius Malfoy and keep him safe here in the castle. His master will attempt to end his life very soon." Lucius stiffened slightly hearing this, but reinstated his cold mask when Dumbledore's gaze rested on him.
"Malfoy should be sent to Azkaban right now, Albus. Keeping him here is a risk for all of us."
"In Azkaban, my friends, he will last less than a day. Riddle's tentacles reach those walls and no other life will be lost if I could have prevented it." Albus gaze remained on Lucius who stared at the old man with a very disgusted expression on his face.
"I don't need your pity, old man. I'm a Malfoy and I'm still my master's most valuable servant. I don't fear his decisions."
Dumbledore just smiled. "Please, my friends; take Lucius to the hidden wing of the castle. Make sure our guest is comfortable while staying there. I have to see my boys now."
When the Headmaster left the room, both Aurors looked gobsmacked at each other. "I can't believe he still wants to protect the man! This bastard almost killed his own son."
"Albus always has a very good reason for his decisions. So we should trust this one too as illogical as it sounds."
~~~
"WHAT? You can't be serious, Albus! Harry is not prepared to fight HIM right now."
"Many lives are on the line, Severus. Only Riddle could have such a nasty plan as this, but accordingly to Mr. Malfoy that is true. If we don't stop him right now, those children are condemned to be cursed souls forever."
Harry was shocked; that was beyond what he imagined Voldemort could do. Voldemort had kidnapped thirteen wizard children and was planning to use their energy in a very ancient dark magical ritual in order to enhance his power. If they didn't do anything about it very soon, more innocent lives would be lost. "I will go fight Voldemort as soon as our ages are restored, Headmaster."
Albus stared thoughtfully at Harry. "Certainly you are aware that Severus has to go with you. There's no way you can win without him."
"No! No, Harry, I don't want to risk your life." Severus was so nervous that he was unaware he was almost lifting Harry from the floor.
"We have to, Sev. I can't let those children die. Besides, the Order will be with us. Won't they Albus?"
"All of us, Harry."
Harry held Severus close before facing him again. "So it's settled. Do you have the counter potions with you?"
The Headmaster pointed to two glasses over his desk. Each one took the pointed glass and took a sip of the respective potions. Moments after drinking the potions they fell to the floor unconscious.