Bound By Words, PG-13
Title: Bound By Words
Author: Alisanne
Prompt: Calligraphy
Pairing: Severus/Regulus
Rating: PG-13
Summary: An unlikely friendship sets into motion events that have lasting repercussions.
Word Count: 6169
Genre: Drama, Romance.
Warnings: Angst, Hurt/comfort, AU.
A/N: AU. Lucius in canon is several years older than Severus, but here I have him only one year older. In addition, Regulus is two years younger than Severus in canon, which I have adjusted to one year for the purposes of this story.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only
A special thank you to Jynx709, eeyore9990, C Dumbledore, and my beta reader, sevfan for all their help with this story. It wouldn’t have been possible without their friendship and support.
~
Bound By Words
~
Severus cursed and threw down his quill, spreading ink all over the parchment. Muttering another curse under his breath, he pushed back from the table and stood up to stretch.
“Having trouble, Severus?” a silky voice asked.
Severus glared at Lucius, but carefully. The upperclassman was very sensitive to perceived insults, and had been known to hex anyone who even looked at him cross-eyed.
“I cannot seem to master these runes,” Severus said. “Whenever I think I have it, it slips away.”
Lucius smirked. “Runes are not difficult,” he drawled, “if you know calligraphy. In proper pureblood homes, calligraphy is taught from a young age...” He paused. “Ah, but I forgot. You weren’t raised in a proper pureblood home were you, Severus?”
Severus hung his head, allowing his hair to fall into his face, trying to hide the stab of anger that callous reminder of his humble origins caused. Lucius was the undisputed leader in Slytherin, and he’d known immediately upon meeting Severus that he wasn’t a pureblood, but he’d said nothing to the others.
Severus had been absurdly grateful, until it had come to light that Lucius simply wanted someone with a gift for potions under his thumb. And that was exactly where Severus was.
“Were you, Severus?”
Severus sighed at the repeated question. It was one of those nights, was it? Someone must have given Lucius a hard time that day, perhaps that bitch Narcissa, who he was supposed to be courting.
“I was not, Lucius,” Severus agreed, struggling to keep his tone even. “I am thus fortunate to have powerful and influential friends like you, who can help me with such things.”
Lucius smiled unpleasantly. “Indeed. Well, we cannot have people figuring out you’re a half-blood just because of something so easily fixable. I’ll find you a calligraphy tutor, Severus, don’t you worry. You’ll master Runes yet.”
Severus immediately began to worry.
~
“Severus Snape?”
A soft voice sounded behind him, and Severus spun to see a young man who looked vaguely familiar looking at him.
“Yes?” Severus had no time for interruptions. Lucius had asked him to make a potion, and Severus wanted it done before dinner so he wouldn’t have to deal with Lucius’ sly innuendoes. When Severus gave Lucius what he wanted, the older man actually tended to leave him alone, and tonight, Severus definitely wanted to be left alone.
“I’m Regulus Black, and Malfoy told me that I was to help you with Runes.”
Severus stared at the younger man, noting the resemblance to Sirius Black, now that Regulus had identified himself. He remembered the fit Sirius had thrown when Regulus had been Sorted into Slytherin his first year, but after that, Regulus had disappeared into obscurity, not proving to be much of a power broker amidst all the other pureblooded Blacks, Malfoys, Parkinsons and Goyles.
“You are to be my tutor?” Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.
Regulus shrugged. “I’m good at runes,” he said. “And Malfoy thought we could come to an understanding.”
Severus eyed Regulus. He was tall, almost Severus’ height, and he was a fifth-year, one year behind Severus, in fact. Severus couldn’t recall ever seeing him interacting with his older brother, so he couldn’t be that bad.
“Very well,” Severus said. “Come in. I am at a critical point in brewing, but I will be with you shortly.”
Turning back to his cauldron, he added the dragon scales, stirred clockwise for precisely twelve cycles, and then stepped back, extinguishing the flame.
“Come with me,” Severus said, and Regulus followed obediently.
They sat at the back of the classroom, and Severus warded the room as best he knew how. Turning back towards Regulus, he regarded him for a moment.
“What do you get out of helping me?” Severus finally asked.
Regulus smiled. “You mean aside from Malfoy’s approval?” he asked, and Severus inclined his head, acknowledging the point. “He suggested that you might be able to help me with my own weaknesses. Plus, he’s likely to be a close relative soon, and he’s not one I want to alienate.”
Severus pursed his lips, but asked nothing more. He, of all people, knew about alienating family members.
“So, exactly what weaknesses do you want help from me with in exchange for tutoring?” Severus asked, getting to the meat of their negotiation.
“I’m not great in Potions,” Regulus said. “And I understand you are. At least, you seem to be.”
“I am not the head of the class,” Severus warned. “And I am not important enough to be in the Slug Club...”
Regulus snorted. “I’m not either,” he said. “Only one family member is permitted at a time, apparently, and I’m not it. I want someone who knows what they’re doing, not someone who can kiss Slughorn’s arse.”
Severus nodded. “I can tutor you in Potions,” he agreed. “Anything else?”
Regulus nodded, averting his eyes. “I could use some help in Dark Arts.”
Severus raised a brow. “A Black who needs help in Dark Arts?” he queried.
Regulus speared him with a look. “A pureblood who needs help in Runes?” he shot back.
Touché. Severus’ eyes went cold. “What is your proposal?” he asked.
Regulus held up a hand. “Look, I want to not be an embarrassment to the Black name. For all Siri... my brother is on the outs with my parents, if I fail something like Dark Arts, it will not bear thinking about.”
Severus remained silent, but his eyes softened slightly.
“I really don’t care about your blood,” Regulus continued. “I mean, look at Goyle!” They both shuddered in agreement. “I just want to know if you will help me with Potions and Dark Arts. If you do, I’ll never say anything about your blood to anyone, and I’ll make sure you know everything I do about runes.”
Severus nodded. It was a fair bargain, and perhaps helping a Black would improve his own social standing in his house and even beyond Hogwarts.
“Very well,” Severus said. “But I propose we take a vow of secrecy about our arrangement.”
Regulus nodded. “Agreed,” he said, holding out his hand.
~
“... that is not a good idea,” Severus began to say, but he was drowned out by the loud hiss the potion made when Regulus dropped the pomegranate seeds in. By some miracle, Regulus managed not to dump the entire tray in, though, so the potion only belched noxious smoke, until Severus banished it with a coughed spell.
“And that is why,” Severus concluded. “You have to add the seeds very slowly. Fortunately, this potion can be salvaged.”
Regulus nodded. “You’re a good teacher, Severus,” he observed, stirring the still smoking mixture.
Severus snorted. “I doubt that,” he muttered. “I have little patience for fools.”
Regulus shrugged. “Be that as it may, I’ve learned more from you in the past two weeks than I have in the past two months from Slughorn.”
Severus inclined his head, trying to ignore the frisson of awareness Regulus’ words sent through him. It was hard not to notice how attractive Regulus was, when they spent virtually all their free time together, and Severus’ world view had undergone a radical shift since they had begun their mutual tutoring sessions.
He had not known that he much preferred the company of men, but, looking back, that made sense. It certainly helped explain his disgust whenever Bellatrix Black flirted with him in her pitiful attempts to make Lucius jealous.
Regulus was the first person he’d ever felt so drawn to in a sexual way, however. The younger student was quiet, but had a fine mind and a sharp tongue, and Severus appreciated someone with whom he could match wits. He was also classically attractive, with his dark hair and eyes and his fine porcelain skin.
He’d never brought up Severus’ dubious origins again, although Severus couldn’t help but think Regulus must think less of him for that. The Blacks were such a preeminent pureblood family, how could he not?
Regulus never let on in word or deed, however, if he did harbour such thoughts. And, in addition to calligraphy, he taught Severus things that were in no book. How to act as if he had been raised by purebloods, for instance; inflections and mannerisms and a thousand little things that set purebloods apart from the rest.
Their first calligraphy session had set the tone for the subsequent ones.
They had met in Regulus’ room, since his family’s wealth and influence, coupled with his status as a junior prefect, allowed him to have a private room. It would not have been advisable for Severus to receive tutoring in something so basic as calligraphy in the library, for example.
“Every respectable pureblood family had a calligraphy tutor, or is taught by their parents,” Regulus explained, reiterating to Severus why Lucius had focused on that. No wonder Severus’ needing one had been such a red flag, another thing that set him apart from his peers.
And his mother could hardly have dared teach him something so magical, not with his father.
Regulus had set him to copying very basic calligraphy figures, which, once he’d furnished Severus with the correct quills, he was able to do handily.
“Like this,” Regulus would say softly, leaning over to adjust Severus’ finger placement, or wrist curvature. And Severus would try hard not to inhale Regulus’ scent, or notice how sheltered and safe he felt enclosed in those long arms.
Perhaps it was the just way Regulus would lean over his shoulder and touch him as he tutored him, not shying away from bodily contact, but Severus was never happier than at those times. Well, perhaps he was happier whilst brewing, but not much, not unless Regulus was there, too.
They spent many an evening like that, Regulus reading aloud from either Potions or Dark Arts texts, intermittently checking and correcting Severus’ work, while Severus laboriously copied classic calligraphy figures and talked about Dark Arts theory.
And Regulus told Severus stories similar to the ones young purebloods were told; stories of the Founders, of family legends, of brave and clever deeds performed by witches and wizards of the past. Oddly enough, Severus found the stories relaxed him, helping his calligraphy immensely.
Severus was a quick study, and as his work in Runes improved dramatically, he quickly rose to the top of the class, surpassing even Narcissa Black’s legendary runework.
When the final marks came out for Runes, Severus’ name was at the top, and his professor made it a point to praise his accomplishment, much to his embarrassment.
He scored close to the top of the class in Potions, of course, as well as in Dark Arts, and Regulus’ performance in both those subjects improved significantly, too.
Life was close to perfect. So when Lucius corralled him one evening in the library, Severus should have expected it.
Severus had just finished his Transfiguration homework, and was gathering his parchments and books to leave and meet Regulus in his room.
“Are you in a hurry, Severus?” Lucius asked, looking up from his book.
Severus nodded. “I have a session with Regulus...”
Lucius inclined his head. “Ah, yes. Is that still going on? I had thought, given your successful performance in Runes, and with Regulus’ marked improvement in Potions and Dark Arts, that those sessions would no longer be needed. Are you tutoring him in... other subjects perhaps?”
Severus froze. Was Lucius a Legilimens? Did Lucius know how he felt about Regulus?
Answering around a lump in his throat, Severus said, “I am still tutoring him, as he says he wishes more Potions knowledge, and calligraphy is not all that I do not know about proper wizarding culture...”
Lucius laughed silkily. “Oh, relax, Severus. If you and he are studying each other, oh, I mean with each other, it is no concern of mine. I am merely concerned with helping the both of you to assure your futures.”
Severus paled slightly. Was Lucius going to warn him away from Regulus?
Lucius looked around furtively. “I have not spoken openly of this before,” he whispered, “but there are things afoot that you should be aware of, perhaps even involved in.”
Severus sat back down. “What are you talking about, Lucius?”
The blond sighed. “You are not involved in politics, Severus, this I understand, but there will come a time when you must pick a side. There are treacherous times ahead. I hope that you will allow me to guide you in some of the decisions you have coming up.”
Severus’ blood ran cold. Surely he wasn’t talking about... “Are you speaking of Ridd...?”
Lucius hissed. “Do not speak that name! There are things you should know, Severus. You could have an important role to play. I suspect you will make the right decision when the time comes, and I just hope you will urge Regulus to do the same when his time comes.”
“Lucius...”
“There is no need to answer now,” Lucius said, holding up a hand. “The walls have ears, after all. Just remember. If you wish to be on the winning side, you need to stick with the winners.”
Severus sighed. “I told you that I had decided not to be involved...”
“There is no avoiding it. And it would reassure those with doubts about your origins, Severus,” Lucius interrupted. “There is only so much tutoring that can be done, after all. Things will change in the near future, and then where will you be?”
With Regulus, Severus thought, hoping that that was true.
Lucius patted his hand. “Think about it. And Regulus might benefit from your thoughts on this topic as well.”
Severus nodded sharply, and gathering his books, left.
~
“Regulus?”
Severus stood stock-still at his friend’s door, his befuddled mind taking in the candles, the plush cushions piled on the bed, and a very nervous looking Regulus, who was wearing only a thin silk robe.
“Hello, Severus,” Regulus said, licking his lips.
“Regulus, what...?”
Regulus held up a hand. “I heard you talking to Lucius earlier tonight,” he said softly, walking towards Severus slowly. “And I realized he was right. We have no excuse to be meeting every night anymore, except... that we want to. Do you want to, Severus?”
“Do I want to what?”
“Be with me.” Regulus’ eyes were clear as he looked at Severus. Before Severus could answer, however, Regulus slipped off his robe, and Severus finally got a chance to see his friend’s body. His friend’s smooth, toned, and very aroused body.
“You don’t have to,” Regulus continued nervously. “But I would really like it if you...”
His words trailed off as Severus placed a long finger over his lips. With a flick of his wand, Severus shut the door behind him, putting up Silencing and Locking Charms.
“You don’t have to do this,” Severus said, placing his books carefully on a side table.
Regulus laughed softly. “I know that, Severus. I... I want you, and there are times when I think you want me back. If I’m wrong...”
“You are not,” Severus interrupted. “I have wanted you for a long time. But you are so young...”
“I’m not too young to join Riddle’s cause,” Regulus said clearly. “Not that I agree with it, really, or care, but my parents think he’s the way for purebloods to achieve supremacy again, and over this summer they plan to take me to him if I haven’t already joined him. If I can turn myself over to him, I can choose to give myself to you.”
Severus sighed. It seemed that his decision had been made. If Regulus was going to Riddle, then so was Severus.
Pushing that thought aside, Severus reached out a hand, trailing gentle fingers over Regulus’ cheek. “I have not done this very many times,” he began, and Regulus smiled.
“I’m sure we can figure it out,” he said. Grasping Severus’ hand he drew him close, whispering, “Come to bed.”
And so, as with many things that year, they guided each other through.
~
“He’s an arse,” Regulus declared. “I swear I’ll get him back for you...”
Severus moved fast, grabbing Regulus’ hand mid-dab and holding on. “You will not,” he said firmly. “He is an arse, but he is your brother, and he and his Gryffindor cronies will only use it as an excuse to hurt us more.”
Regulus’ mouth settled into the familiar mulish lines that Severus knew so well.
“He has no right,” he muttered, wresting his arm away to continue to dab healing salve onto Severus’ cheek. “How dare they attack you?”
Severus laughed mirthlessly. “They can because the professors in this school allow it. They cannot believe that their darling Gryffindors would do anything so crass as to gang up on a single student.”
“Tell me you got some hexes in at least,” Regulus said.
Severus nodded. “Your brother should be limping for several days.”
Regulus smiled. “Good.”
“This was not the best time for this to happen, however,” Severus said, wincing as Regulus got to a particularly sensitive spot. “We have a meeting tomorrow night.”
Regulus’ hand shook for a moment, then straightened out. “Is it the big one?” he asked.
They had been attending meetings with Lucius for the past few months, and although they had not yet been Marked, pressure was being put on them to do so.
Severus shrugged, groaning inwardly at the protest his aching muscles put up. “Lucius hasn’t confirmed it, but he did warn that it would last all night.”
Regulus nodded. “I hear it’s supposed to hurt,” he said, eyes avoiding Severus as he continued ministering to him.
Severus nodded, watching him carefully. “I imagine it will, yes. Goyle ran a fever for three days when he got his, remember?”
Regulus took a deep breath. “Remind me why we’re doing this again?” he said, half jokingly, half not.
“We don’t have to,” Severus said.
Regulus laughed bitterly. “Oh, I think we have to,” he said. “You think anyone would have any qualms about hunting us down if we backed out now? Not to mention, my parents would probably head up the hunt. Did I show you my mother’s letter to me?”
Severus nodded. The letter had all but gushed about how proud Mrs. Black was of her son for taking such a ‘preemptive step to ensure the continued prominence of the Black line and of purebloods’. Regulus had smiled as he’d read it, curled in Severus arms, and then, tossing it to the floor, had proceeded to share his good mood with Severus all night long.
But now, cold reality hit. In just one more day, they both intended to stand in front of Tom Riddle, self-styled Dark Lord, and pledge themselves to his service, witnessed by most of their housemates.
Regulus stepped back. “You look a little better,” he said, “but I still think you need to get a few Pain Potions in you and sleep the rest of the day and evening. Maybe get a full night’s sleep for a change.”
“It might be fine. We do not know what’s on the agenda tomorrow.”
Regulus brushed a kiss over his brow. “I think we do,” he said. “I just wish I could bind myself to you instead of him. In fact, I wonder...” Regulus paused, a strange look crossing his face
“What?” Severus asked, sitting back after he swallowed one of the potions Regulus handed him.
“What if we did bind ourselves to each other first? Maybe by placing protection charms on each other? Would that mean he would have less of a hold on us?”
Severus shrugged. “I have no idea,” he said. “You’re the Charms genius.”
“I’m not as good as Lily Evans,” Regulus protested.
Severus shook his head. “You are undoubtedly as good as she was at your age. And more determined.”
Regulus smiled. “I have some motivation to do this,” he admitted. “Are you all right?”
Severus nodded.
“I’m going to see if we can actually do this,” Regulus said. “Take the rest of those Pain Potions and I’ll be back to check on you, okay?”
Severus nodded, already beginning to fall asleep.
Regulus smiled and, brushing his hand over Severus’ hair lightly, hurried out of the room.
~
“Candidates, step forward.”
Regulus managed to walk up to the throne without looking too terrified. Of course, the Calming Potion Severus had given him just before Lucius had Side-Along Apparated them to the meeting probably had something to do with that.
Severus was stony-faced, looking for all the world as if nothing perturbed him, but Regulus knew better.
He strove to keep the thought from the front of his mind, knowing that Riddle was an accomplished Legilimens.
“Kneel.”
Regulus, Severus and Parkinson knelt on the stone floor, Regulus just managing not to flinch. He bent his head and closed his eyes, mind drifting back to the night before...
Severus’ specially made candles were the room’s only light. The book had been specific about that; the passage that said ‘all illumination must be from the heart and from the bonded’s hands’ was clear, and Severus had spent the entire day making them. He’d imbued them with the scent of sandalwood, and the heady smell had made Regulus quite relaxed.
Kneeling on a plush rug before him, Severus’ back was his canvas, a clear slate on which to work. They had both taken a ritual bath together, and were clean inside and out.
Regulus had raised his wand, and with a whispered incantation, he began inscribing calligraphic runes onto Severus, the words turning to color of blood as they were written before fading to invisibility.
First, the rune of protection, to keep Severus’ mind and heart safe, then the rune of love and security, and finally, the rune that symbolized sharing and strength.
Regulus inscribed carefully, being sure to cover as much of Severus’ body as possible with the exception of his left forearm, to allow for the appearance of Riddle’s Dark Mark.
It took him several hours to finish, and by the time he was done, he’d been exhausted. Then, it had been Severus’ turn.
Fortunately, the potions and rest from the day before had afforded Severus a chance to recover his strength, and he’d managed to similarly inscribe protective runes and charms into Regulus’ skin, the blood-red words fading as they were absorbed into his body, dormant, but powerful.
Regulus had hoped they could make love afterwards, but they had finished their task in the wee hours of the morning, and had tumbled into bed after dousing the candles with a word. They had both slept soundly...
“Do you submit to me of your own free will?”
Regulus’ head snapped up as the question jarred him out of his memory. He nodded, holding out his left arm.
Riddle muttered the binding incantation, and Regulus’ world was engulfed in pain for a searing moment, but then, it eased.
He panted, and realized that the pain was going somewhere.
He glanced over to Severus, also on his knees, to see his lover panting as if he were running.
He’s sharing the pain, Regulus realized. It was still there, but much more bearable. He closed his eyes to disguise the relief he felt that the protection spells had worked.
“Excellent,” Riddle’s voice said above him. “You see how powerful pure blood shows? With strength and honor!”
Regulus bowed his head.
He was pulled to his feet and helped over to the side of the room, where he prepared to bear his share of Severus’ burden. When it came, he was ready for it, and Severus tolerated the pain with not even a whimper. Riddle praised him, too, even going as far as to pat Lucius on the back for recruiting such able men to his cause.
“With strength and purity such as this, we shall eat death!” Riddle proclaimed.
Regulus carefully avoided looking at Severus, lest his relief show. They had truly been fortunate this night.
~
No one at school, other than those who had been present at the ceremony, suspected that they had been Marked, at least Severus hoped that no one suspected. He was particularly concerned that none of the professors should know, as his life at Hogwarts was hard enough.
He caught Dumbledore staring at him at times, but he wouldn’t meet the old man’s eyes, and the Headmaster would finally turn away with a sigh.
They continued going to meetings every few weeks, and now, they got to watch as others were Marked. Severus even took some pleasure when Bellatrix had her turn, although she tolerated it with only a soft hiss to indicate discomfort.
Regulus, as good as he was with charms, was immediately conscripted to help with charming Dark items, and the reports he brought back to Severus of Riddle’s plans made Severus shudder. More than once, he wondered what they had gotten themselves into.
Severus all but moved into Regulus’ room, and no one said anything, such ‘close friendships’ being not that unusual in Slytherin.
His nemesis, Sirius Black, continued to make his life hell, but now, Severus was a part of his own group, and the Slytherins who were Riddle’s followers made sure that no insults went unpunished. Severus felt protected, included, for the first time in his life.
And so, life went on, until one fateful day, when Severus overheard Sirius Black talking about a secret. Curious, he decided to follow the Gryffindors and investigate, and had come close to dying, had it not been for Potter’s quick thinking, he might have, but Severus had been shaken.
Rushing back to Hogwarts as fast as his legs could carry him, he wondered what to do. Should he tell Lucius? Somehow, that didn’t feel right...
He found himself wandering the halls. Stepping off the moving stairs, Severus paused outside the door of the Headmaster’s office. As he stood, deciding whether it was foolish to think the man would believe him, the door opened, and Dumbledore’s voice came from within.
“Come in, Mr. Snape.”
Severus stepped forward hesitantly. “Good evening, Headmaster.”
“What brings you here at this late hour?” Dumbledore asked, looking at the disheveled and frightened young man.
“Headmaster, one of the students… I hardly know where to begin…”
“At the beginning, Mr. Snape. Sit down. Would you like some tea?”
Severus shook his head. “I... one of the students here is a werewolf,” he blurted.
“I know, Mr. Snape,” Dumbledore said, peering over his glasses.
“You know?”
“I know many things about my students, Mr. Snape.”
“But this is outrageous, sir.”
“Is it? Is it more outrageous than allowing students marked by an evil wizard to mingle with innocents?”
Severus blanched, but recovered quickly. “Sir?”
“It is true that Remus Lupin is a werewolf. He has been since he was a young boy. We have gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of the other students during his transformations.”
“But he is a werewolf…”
“He is also a student. And he did not take his mark by choice.”
Severus stared at Dumbledore in shock. Was the man seriously comparing him to a werewolf? And they knew that Lupin was a werewolf and yet he was allowed to roam free?
“He almost killed me!”
“I am not minimizing your concerns, Severus,” Dumbledore continued, his tone becoming gentler, more familiar. “I am simply more concerned about the mark you bear. Do you know what it means? Do you know what you have become a part of?”
Severus dropped his eyes to his hand. “How did you know...?”
“As I said, I know very many things about my students. And I am always here to help you. All you need do is ask.”
Severus sat there, silently assimilating the fact that the professors knew they had a werewolf in their midst. If Lupin hadn’t been a Gryffindor he would have been expelled, Severus was sure of it. And they wanted him to ask for help? He stood up abruptly.
“May I be excused?”
Dumbledore sighed. “Of course,” he said gently. “But, Severus, might I ask that you keep this quiet? Just as you have things that you’d rather not have publicized, so, too, I hope to protect Mr. Lupin...”
“I won’t tell,” Severus said, his voice laced with bitterness. “I’ll keep your secret, as long as you keep mine.”
Turning to leave, Severus missed the look of sorrow on Dumbledore’s face. He ran back to Regulus just as fast as he could.
~
Severus stayed far from Potter, Lupin, Black, and Dumbledore for the rest of his time at Hogwarts. The Headmaster tried to talk to him again several times, but Severus was having none of it, the vision of Lupin almost killing him, or worse, infecting him, coming back to him every time he saw the Headmaster.
He and Regulus moved in together immediately after leaving school, and for a while, they were happy again.
Regulus was busy with Dark charms for Riddle, who now wanted to be called Lord Voldemort, and Severus was busy brewing potions for the use of Riddle’s followers.
They did manage to comfort each other at night though, when Severus would hold Regulus tight, and they would talk of a time when they were beholden to no one, and they could just be together.
The first time Regulus mentioned that he might know of a way out of the Death Eaters (and Severus thought that was the most idiotic name ever, but of course he never said that aloud), Severus listened carefully, but tried to dissuade his lover.
“It’s a locket that Riddle’s had for decades,” Regulus said. “It has strong Dark charms on it, and something else that I can’t figure out...”
“Do not take a chance,” Severus advised him. “Riddle is paranoid, and he won’t hesitate to kill you should he suspect you are up to something.”
Regulus would nod, but Severus still worried that his lover would do something foolish. Regulus was seriously obsessed with the locket, convinced it was their key to freedom. And they did want freedom.
Riddle was a harsh taskmaster. Neither of them had been subjected his punishments yet, since their projects had, so far, been successful, but they’d both seen what was left of those who displeased him. To say Riddle was liberal with the Cruciatus was an understatement.
Soon, Regulus was muttering in his sleep about Slytherin’s locket, someone named Hepzibah Smith, and something called a Horcrux. Severus began making him Dreamless Sleep Potion so they could both sleep soundly.
About a year after leaving school, Severus received an owl from Headmaster Dumbledore. He almost didn’t reply, but the bird was persistent, and Severus finally sent a message back, agreeing to meet the old man.
Regulus muttered an acknowledgment when Severus said he was off to meet Dumbledore, saying he was going to do more charms work for Riddle. They kissed goodbye, and Severus Apparated to Diagon Alley.
“Severus.”
Dumbledore greeted him warmly, clasping his shoulder with a smile. “Come and sit.”
Severus sat stiffly, not sure what this man wanted, but willing to listen to anything that might afford him a way out from under Riddle.
“How are you and Regulus?” Dumbledore asked politely, and Severus sighed.
“Headmas... Dumbledore, what can I do for you?”
Dumbledore looked at him from over his glasses. “I rather hoped I could help you, my boy,” he said softly. “I suspect that you now see that perhaps you have not made the mark that you had hoped in this world?”
Severus was silent, and Dumbledore smiled faintly. “I see that you realize this.”
Hesitating only slightly, Severus nodded. “I... This is not what I want for myself, nor for Regulus,” he admitted, his eyes looking about the darkened pub.
“And what does Regulus want?”
Severus sighed. “He wants to get out as well. Riddle is... he is not quite sane. He is obsessed with cheating death.”
Dumbledore nodded gravely. “Yes, this has always been a focus of his, even when I knew him as a student.”
“Well, it’s worse now. He has me working on potions to stopper death...” Severus gasped, his eyes widening as he clutched at his throat.
“Severus? What is wrong?” Dumbledore leaned forward, alarmed.
“It’s Regulus. He’s... I think he’s in trouble,” he panted, standing up. “I have to go...”
“I will come with you,” Dumbledore said firmly, and Severus hesitated for just a moment before agreeing. Grasping his arm, Severus Apparated them to their home.
~
Regulus bit his lip, looking around. More and more, Riddle was leaving him alone to cast his charms, and Regulus knew that this was probably his best opportunity to steal the locket. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry, ornate as only truly old pieces were, and Regulus knew it intimately, having spent every spare moment casting spells on it to explore its nature. He didn’t know why it fascinated him so; he just knew it did, and that it was probably his and Severus’ best way out of the mess they found themselves in.
It had some gorgeous runework on it, and from what he could tell, was linked to Riddle somehow. It had been a chance remark that made him explore the concept of Horcruxes. Riddle had been torturing some poor Muggle, and he’d muttered something under his breath about it being a waste of a soul, and how he wished he could make even more copies of himself.
Regulus had been the only one who’d heard, but he’d not acknowledged that he had, and as the Muggle had began bleeding profusely, it had distracted Riddle. The moment had passed, but that had set Regulus on his quest.
A quest which ended here, with him staring at this stolen locket, purported to have belonged to Salazar Slytherin, and which carried what he suspected was a piece of Riddle’s precious soul.
With another look around, Regulus pocketed the trinket and stepping back from the table, Apparated away. Unfortunately, he was seen.
He made a quick stop at Grimmauld Place, where his mother barely spoke to him, but it provided a perfect hiding place for the locket, and then, he popped home, appearing in his living room.
“Severus?” he called. When he got no answer, he decided to go and pack their things. They might be relocating soon.
As he started out for the bedroom, he heard a series of Apparition cracks downstairs.
Oh, fuck, he thought. They had found him already?
“We know you’re here, Regulus,” a cool voice said. Regulus closed his eyes. Riddle himself had come?
He heard a creak on the landing, and he grabbed his wand to Apparate. He closed his eyes and concentrated, but it didn’t work.
Anti-Apparition wards, he realized immediately. His number was probably up, but perhaps he could still save Severus and himself. Would Severus be able to figure this out, though? Well, it was too late to tell him, he would have to take his chances.
Closing his eyes, he sent a surge of love and power towards his lover, then he tried his most complicated charms feat yet. The door burst open just as Regulus’ world went dark.
~
“Regulus!”
Severus appeared in his living room, looking around frantically. The place was a mess, having obviously been ransacked. The furniture looked as if it had been blasted apart, and there were scorch marks on the carpet and walls.
“Regulus!”
Severus started up the stairs, followed more slowly by a sorrowful Dumbledore. As he approached their room, Severus felt terror clutching at him.
“Regulus,” he moaned, pushing the door open.
Inside was a horror of devastation. No piece of wood remained that was larger than a board. There were ripped linens, curtains, and rubble everywhere.
“No...”
Dumbledore clasped his shoulders and Severus, still unable to assimilate what he was seeing, allowed it.
“Regulus...”
“I think that...”
“NO!” Severus screamed. “It cannot be!”
As he sank to the floor, sobbing, Dumbledore looked about sadly. This was undoubtedly the work of Riddle. He suspected Severus knew that.
“Severus, we have to leave. We must alert the Aurors...”
“I don’t care about the Aurors.”
“Do you care about avenging your lover?” Dumbledore asked quietly, and Severus felt a surge of emotion. Looking up with a tear stained face, he said. “Yes, that I care about.”
“Then let us help each other.”
Severus considered that. He’d given himself to Regulus, but he was apparently gone. He’d felt a huge release of power and now couldn’t sense his lover at all. The one other person he’d pledged himself to had proven unworthy of his loyalty.
Slowly, he nodded. As he stood, a piece of parchment in the corner, calligraphy runes on it, caught his eye. How had this survived the devastation? He bent over and, following an impulse that he didn’t understand, placed it in his robes before Dumbledore led him from the room and to his new life.
~Fin
Author: Alisanne
Prompt: Calligraphy
Pairing: Severus/Regulus
Rating: PG-13
Summary: An unlikely friendship sets into motion events that have lasting repercussions.
Word Count: 6169
Genre: Drama, Romance.
Warnings: Angst, Hurt/comfort, AU.
A/N: AU. Lucius in canon is several years older than Severus, but here I have him only one year older. In addition, Regulus is two years younger than Severus in canon, which I have adjusted to one year for the purposes of this story.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only
A special thank you to Jynx709, eeyore9990, C Dumbledore, and my beta reader, sevfan for all their help with this story. It wouldn’t have been possible without their friendship and support.
~
Bound By Words
~
Severus cursed and threw down his quill, spreading ink all over the parchment. Muttering another curse under his breath, he pushed back from the table and stood up to stretch.
“Having trouble, Severus?” a silky voice asked.
Severus glared at Lucius, but carefully. The upperclassman was very sensitive to perceived insults, and had been known to hex anyone who even looked at him cross-eyed.
“I cannot seem to master these runes,” Severus said. “Whenever I think I have it, it slips away.”
Lucius smirked. “Runes are not difficult,” he drawled, “if you know calligraphy. In proper pureblood homes, calligraphy is taught from a young age...” He paused. “Ah, but I forgot. You weren’t raised in a proper pureblood home were you, Severus?”
Severus hung his head, allowing his hair to fall into his face, trying to hide the stab of anger that callous reminder of his humble origins caused. Lucius was the undisputed leader in Slytherin, and he’d known immediately upon meeting Severus that he wasn’t a pureblood, but he’d said nothing to the others.
Severus had been absurdly grateful, until it had come to light that Lucius simply wanted someone with a gift for potions under his thumb. And that was exactly where Severus was.
“Were you, Severus?”
Severus sighed at the repeated question. It was one of those nights, was it? Someone must have given Lucius a hard time that day, perhaps that bitch Narcissa, who he was supposed to be courting.
“I was not, Lucius,” Severus agreed, struggling to keep his tone even. “I am thus fortunate to have powerful and influential friends like you, who can help me with such things.”
Lucius smiled unpleasantly. “Indeed. Well, we cannot have people figuring out you’re a half-blood just because of something so easily fixable. I’ll find you a calligraphy tutor, Severus, don’t you worry. You’ll master Runes yet.”
Severus immediately began to worry.
~
“Severus Snape?”
A soft voice sounded behind him, and Severus spun to see a young man who looked vaguely familiar looking at him.
“Yes?” Severus had no time for interruptions. Lucius had asked him to make a potion, and Severus wanted it done before dinner so he wouldn’t have to deal with Lucius’ sly innuendoes. When Severus gave Lucius what he wanted, the older man actually tended to leave him alone, and tonight, Severus definitely wanted to be left alone.
“I’m Regulus Black, and Malfoy told me that I was to help you with Runes.”
Severus stared at the younger man, noting the resemblance to Sirius Black, now that Regulus had identified himself. He remembered the fit Sirius had thrown when Regulus had been Sorted into Slytherin his first year, but after that, Regulus had disappeared into obscurity, not proving to be much of a power broker amidst all the other pureblooded Blacks, Malfoys, Parkinsons and Goyles.
“You are to be my tutor?” Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.
Regulus shrugged. “I’m good at runes,” he said. “And Malfoy thought we could come to an understanding.”
Severus eyed Regulus. He was tall, almost Severus’ height, and he was a fifth-year, one year behind Severus, in fact. Severus couldn’t recall ever seeing him interacting with his older brother, so he couldn’t be that bad.
“Very well,” Severus said. “Come in. I am at a critical point in brewing, but I will be with you shortly.”
Turning back to his cauldron, he added the dragon scales, stirred clockwise for precisely twelve cycles, and then stepped back, extinguishing the flame.
“Come with me,” Severus said, and Regulus followed obediently.
They sat at the back of the classroom, and Severus warded the room as best he knew how. Turning back towards Regulus, he regarded him for a moment.
“What do you get out of helping me?” Severus finally asked.
Regulus smiled. “You mean aside from Malfoy’s approval?” he asked, and Severus inclined his head, acknowledging the point. “He suggested that you might be able to help me with my own weaknesses. Plus, he’s likely to be a close relative soon, and he’s not one I want to alienate.”
Severus pursed his lips, but asked nothing more. He, of all people, knew about alienating family members.
“So, exactly what weaknesses do you want help from me with in exchange for tutoring?” Severus asked, getting to the meat of their negotiation.
“I’m not great in Potions,” Regulus said. “And I understand you are. At least, you seem to be.”
“I am not the head of the class,” Severus warned. “And I am not important enough to be in the Slug Club...”
Regulus snorted. “I’m not either,” he said. “Only one family member is permitted at a time, apparently, and I’m not it. I want someone who knows what they’re doing, not someone who can kiss Slughorn’s arse.”
Severus nodded. “I can tutor you in Potions,” he agreed. “Anything else?”
Regulus nodded, averting his eyes. “I could use some help in Dark Arts.”
Severus raised a brow. “A Black who needs help in Dark Arts?” he queried.
Regulus speared him with a look. “A pureblood who needs help in Runes?” he shot back.
Touché. Severus’ eyes went cold. “What is your proposal?” he asked.
Regulus held up a hand. “Look, I want to not be an embarrassment to the Black name. For all Siri... my brother is on the outs with my parents, if I fail something like Dark Arts, it will not bear thinking about.”
Severus remained silent, but his eyes softened slightly.
“I really don’t care about your blood,” Regulus continued. “I mean, look at Goyle!” They both shuddered in agreement. “I just want to know if you will help me with Potions and Dark Arts. If you do, I’ll never say anything about your blood to anyone, and I’ll make sure you know everything I do about runes.”
Severus nodded. It was a fair bargain, and perhaps helping a Black would improve his own social standing in his house and even beyond Hogwarts.
“Very well,” Severus said. “But I propose we take a vow of secrecy about our arrangement.”
Regulus nodded. “Agreed,” he said, holding out his hand.
~
“... that is not a good idea,” Severus began to say, but he was drowned out by the loud hiss the potion made when Regulus dropped the pomegranate seeds in. By some miracle, Regulus managed not to dump the entire tray in, though, so the potion only belched noxious smoke, until Severus banished it with a coughed spell.
“And that is why,” Severus concluded. “You have to add the seeds very slowly. Fortunately, this potion can be salvaged.”
Regulus nodded. “You’re a good teacher, Severus,” he observed, stirring the still smoking mixture.
Severus snorted. “I doubt that,” he muttered. “I have little patience for fools.”
Regulus shrugged. “Be that as it may, I’ve learned more from you in the past two weeks than I have in the past two months from Slughorn.”
Severus inclined his head, trying to ignore the frisson of awareness Regulus’ words sent through him. It was hard not to notice how attractive Regulus was, when they spent virtually all their free time together, and Severus’ world view had undergone a radical shift since they had begun their mutual tutoring sessions.
He had not known that he much preferred the company of men, but, looking back, that made sense. It certainly helped explain his disgust whenever Bellatrix Black flirted with him in her pitiful attempts to make Lucius jealous.
Regulus was the first person he’d ever felt so drawn to in a sexual way, however. The younger student was quiet, but had a fine mind and a sharp tongue, and Severus appreciated someone with whom he could match wits. He was also classically attractive, with his dark hair and eyes and his fine porcelain skin.
He’d never brought up Severus’ dubious origins again, although Severus couldn’t help but think Regulus must think less of him for that. The Blacks were such a preeminent pureblood family, how could he not?
Regulus never let on in word or deed, however, if he did harbour such thoughts. And, in addition to calligraphy, he taught Severus things that were in no book. How to act as if he had been raised by purebloods, for instance; inflections and mannerisms and a thousand little things that set purebloods apart from the rest.
Their first calligraphy session had set the tone for the subsequent ones.
They had met in Regulus’ room, since his family’s wealth and influence, coupled with his status as a junior prefect, allowed him to have a private room. It would not have been advisable for Severus to receive tutoring in something so basic as calligraphy in the library, for example.
“Every respectable pureblood family had a calligraphy tutor, or is taught by their parents,” Regulus explained, reiterating to Severus why Lucius had focused on that. No wonder Severus’ needing one had been such a red flag, another thing that set him apart from his peers.
And his mother could hardly have dared teach him something so magical, not with his father.
Regulus had set him to copying very basic calligraphy figures, which, once he’d furnished Severus with the correct quills, he was able to do handily.
“Like this,” Regulus would say softly, leaning over to adjust Severus’ finger placement, or wrist curvature. And Severus would try hard not to inhale Regulus’ scent, or notice how sheltered and safe he felt enclosed in those long arms.
Perhaps it was the just way Regulus would lean over his shoulder and touch him as he tutored him, not shying away from bodily contact, but Severus was never happier than at those times. Well, perhaps he was happier whilst brewing, but not much, not unless Regulus was there, too.
They spent many an evening like that, Regulus reading aloud from either Potions or Dark Arts texts, intermittently checking and correcting Severus’ work, while Severus laboriously copied classic calligraphy figures and talked about Dark Arts theory.
And Regulus told Severus stories similar to the ones young purebloods were told; stories of the Founders, of family legends, of brave and clever deeds performed by witches and wizards of the past. Oddly enough, Severus found the stories relaxed him, helping his calligraphy immensely.
Severus was a quick study, and as his work in Runes improved dramatically, he quickly rose to the top of the class, surpassing even Narcissa Black’s legendary runework.
When the final marks came out for Runes, Severus’ name was at the top, and his professor made it a point to praise his accomplishment, much to his embarrassment.
He scored close to the top of the class in Potions, of course, as well as in Dark Arts, and Regulus’ performance in both those subjects improved significantly, too.
Life was close to perfect. So when Lucius corralled him one evening in the library, Severus should have expected it.
Severus had just finished his Transfiguration homework, and was gathering his parchments and books to leave and meet Regulus in his room.
“Are you in a hurry, Severus?” Lucius asked, looking up from his book.
Severus nodded. “I have a session with Regulus...”
Lucius inclined his head. “Ah, yes. Is that still going on? I had thought, given your successful performance in Runes, and with Regulus’ marked improvement in Potions and Dark Arts, that those sessions would no longer be needed. Are you tutoring him in... other subjects perhaps?”
Severus froze. Was Lucius a Legilimens? Did Lucius know how he felt about Regulus?
Answering around a lump in his throat, Severus said, “I am still tutoring him, as he says he wishes more Potions knowledge, and calligraphy is not all that I do not know about proper wizarding culture...”
Lucius laughed silkily. “Oh, relax, Severus. If you and he are studying each other, oh, I mean with each other, it is no concern of mine. I am merely concerned with helping the both of you to assure your futures.”
Severus paled slightly. Was Lucius going to warn him away from Regulus?
Lucius looked around furtively. “I have not spoken openly of this before,” he whispered, “but there are things afoot that you should be aware of, perhaps even involved in.”
Severus sat back down. “What are you talking about, Lucius?”
The blond sighed. “You are not involved in politics, Severus, this I understand, but there will come a time when you must pick a side. There are treacherous times ahead. I hope that you will allow me to guide you in some of the decisions you have coming up.”
Severus’ blood ran cold. Surely he wasn’t talking about... “Are you speaking of Ridd...?”
Lucius hissed. “Do not speak that name! There are things you should know, Severus. You could have an important role to play. I suspect you will make the right decision when the time comes, and I just hope you will urge Regulus to do the same when his time comes.”
“Lucius...”
“There is no need to answer now,” Lucius said, holding up a hand. “The walls have ears, after all. Just remember. If you wish to be on the winning side, you need to stick with the winners.”
Severus sighed. “I told you that I had decided not to be involved...”
“There is no avoiding it. And it would reassure those with doubts about your origins, Severus,” Lucius interrupted. “There is only so much tutoring that can be done, after all. Things will change in the near future, and then where will you be?”
With Regulus, Severus thought, hoping that that was true.
Lucius patted his hand. “Think about it. And Regulus might benefit from your thoughts on this topic as well.”
Severus nodded sharply, and gathering his books, left.
~
“Regulus?”
Severus stood stock-still at his friend’s door, his befuddled mind taking in the candles, the plush cushions piled on the bed, and a very nervous looking Regulus, who was wearing only a thin silk robe.
“Hello, Severus,” Regulus said, licking his lips.
“Regulus, what...?”
Regulus held up a hand. “I heard you talking to Lucius earlier tonight,” he said softly, walking towards Severus slowly. “And I realized he was right. We have no excuse to be meeting every night anymore, except... that we want to. Do you want to, Severus?”
“Do I want to what?”
“Be with me.” Regulus’ eyes were clear as he looked at Severus. Before Severus could answer, however, Regulus slipped off his robe, and Severus finally got a chance to see his friend’s body. His friend’s smooth, toned, and very aroused body.
“You don’t have to,” Regulus continued nervously. “But I would really like it if you...”
His words trailed off as Severus placed a long finger over his lips. With a flick of his wand, Severus shut the door behind him, putting up Silencing and Locking Charms.
“You don’t have to do this,” Severus said, placing his books carefully on a side table.
Regulus laughed softly. “I know that, Severus. I... I want you, and there are times when I think you want me back. If I’m wrong...”
“You are not,” Severus interrupted. “I have wanted you for a long time. But you are so young...”
“I’m not too young to join Riddle’s cause,” Regulus said clearly. “Not that I agree with it, really, or care, but my parents think he’s the way for purebloods to achieve supremacy again, and over this summer they plan to take me to him if I haven’t already joined him. If I can turn myself over to him, I can choose to give myself to you.”
Severus sighed. It seemed that his decision had been made. If Regulus was going to Riddle, then so was Severus.
Pushing that thought aside, Severus reached out a hand, trailing gentle fingers over Regulus’ cheek. “I have not done this very many times,” he began, and Regulus smiled.
“I’m sure we can figure it out,” he said. Grasping Severus’ hand he drew him close, whispering, “Come to bed.”
And so, as with many things that year, they guided each other through.
~
“He’s an arse,” Regulus declared. “I swear I’ll get him back for you...”
Severus moved fast, grabbing Regulus’ hand mid-dab and holding on. “You will not,” he said firmly. “He is an arse, but he is your brother, and he and his Gryffindor cronies will only use it as an excuse to hurt us more.”
Regulus’ mouth settled into the familiar mulish lines that Severus knew so well.
“He has no right,” he muttered, wresting his arm away to continue to dab healing salve onto Severus’ cheek. “How dare they attack you?”
Severus laughed mirthlessly. “They can because the professors in this school allow it. They cannot believe that their darling Gryffindors would do anything so crass as to gang up on a single student.”
“Tell me you got some hexes in at least,” Regulus said.
Severus nodded. “Your brother should be limping for several days.”
Regulus smiled. “Good.”
“This was not the best time for this to happen, however,” Severus said, wincing as Regulus got to a particularly sensitive spot. “We have a meeting tomorrow night.”
Regulus’ hand shook for a moment, then straightened out. “Is it the big one?” he asked.
They had been attending meetings with Lucius for the past few months, and although they had not yet been Marked, pressure was being put on them to do so.
Severus shrugged, groaning inwardly at the protest his aching muscles put up. “Lucius hasn’t confirmed it, but he did warn that it would last all night.”
Regulus nodded. “I hear it’s supposed to hurt,” he said, eyes avoiding Severus as he continued ministering to him.
Severus nodded, watching him carefully. “I imagine it will, yes. Goyle ran a fever for three days when he got his, remember?”
Regulus took a deep breath. “Remind me why we’re doing this again?” he said, half jokingly, half not.
“We don’t have to,” Severus said.
Regulus laughed bitterly. “Oh, I think we have to,” he said. “You think anyone would have any qualms about hunting us down if we backed out now? Not to mention, my parents would probably head up the hunt. Did I show you my mother’s letter to me?”
Severus nodded. The letter had all but gushed about how proud Mrs. Black was of her son for taking such a ‘preemptive step to ensure the continued prominence of the Black line and of purebloods’. Regulus had smiled as he’d read it, curled in Severus arms, and then, tossing it to the floor, had proceeded to share his good mood with Severus all night long.
But now, cold reality hit. In just one more day, they both intended to stand in front of Tom Riddle, self-styled Dark Lord, and pledge themselves to his service, witnessed by most of their housemates.
Regulus stepped back. “You look a little better,” he said, “but I still think you need to get a few Pain Potions in you and sleep the rest of the day and evening. Maybe get a full night’s sleep for a change.”
“It might be fine. We do not know what’s on the agenda tomorrow.”
Regulus brushed a kiss over his brow. “I think we do,” he said. “I just wish I could bind myself to you instead of him. In fact, I wonder...” Regulus paused, a strange look crossing his face
“What?” Severus asked, sitting back after he swallowed one of the potions Regulus handed him.
“What if we did bind ourselves to each other first? Maybe by placing protection charms on each other? Would that mean he would have less of a hold on us?”
Severus shrugged. “I have no idea,” he said. “You’re the Charms genius.”
“I’m not as good as Lily Evans,” Regulus protested.
Severus shook his head. “You are undoubtedly as good as she was at your age. And more determined.”
Regulus smiled. “I have some motivation to do this,” he admitted. “Are you all right?”
Severus nodded.
“I’m going to see if we can actually do this,” Regulus said. “Take the rest of those Pain Potions and I’ll be back to check on you, okay?”
Severus nodded, already beginning to fall asleep.
Regulus smiled and, brushing his hand over Severus’ hair lightly, hurried out of the room.
~
“Candidates, step forward.”
Regulus managed to walk up to the throne without looking too terrified. Of course, the Calming Potion Severus had given him just before Lucius had Side-Along Apparated them to the meeting probably had something to do with that.
Severus was stony-faced, looking for all the world as if nothing perturbed him, but Regulus knew better.
He strove to keep the thought from the front of his mind, knowing that Riddle was an accomplished Legilimens.
“Kneel.”
Regulus, Severus and Parkinson knelt on the stone floor, Regulus just managing not to flinch. He bent his head and closed his eyes, mind drifting back to the night before...
Severus’ specially made candles were the room’s only light. The book had been specific about that; the passage that said ‘all illumination must be from the heart and from the bonded’s hands’ was clear, and Severus had spent the entire day making them. He’d imbued them with the scent of sandalwood, and the heady smell had made Regulus quite relaxed.
Kneeling on a plush rug before him, Severus’ back was his canvas, a clear slate on which to work. They had both taken a ritual bath together, and were clean inside and out.
Regulus had raised his wand, and with a whispered incantation, he began inscribing calligraphic runes onto Severus, the words turning to color of blood as they were written before fading to invisibility.
First, the rune of protection, to keep Severus’ mind and heart safe, then the rune of love and security, and finally, the rune that symbolized sharing and strength.
Regulus inscribed carefully, being sure to cover as much of Severus’ body as possible with the exception of his left forearm, to allow for the appearance of Riddle’s Dark Mark.
It took him several hours to finish, and by the time he was done, he’d been exhausted. Then, it had been Severus’ turn.
Fortunately, the potions and rest from the day before had afforded Severus a chance to recover his strength, and he’d managed to similarly inscribe protective runes and charms into Regulus’ skin, the blood-red words fading as they were absorbed into his body, dormant, but powerful.
Regulus had hoped they could make love afterwards, but they had finished their task in the wee hours of the morning, and had tumbled into bed after dousing the candles with a word. They had both slept soundly...
“Do you submit to me of your own free will?”
Regulus’ head snapped up as the question jarred him out of his memory. He nodded, holding out his left arm.
Riddle muttered the binding incantation, and Regulus’ world was engulfed in pain for a searing moment, but then, it eased.
He panted, and realized that the pain was going somewhere.
He glanced over to Severus, also on his knees, to see his lover panting as if he were running.
He’s sharing the pain, Regulus realized. It was still there, but much more bearable. He closed his eyes to disguise the relief he felt that the protection spells had worked.
“Excellent,” Riddle’s voice said above him. “You see how powerful pure blood shows? With strength and honor!”
Regulus bowed his head.
He was pulled to his feet and helped over to the side of the room, where he prepared to bear his share of Severus’ burden. When it came, he was ready for it, and Severus tolerated the pain with not even a whimper. Riddle praised him, too, even going as far as to pat Lucius on the back for recruiting such able men to his cause.
“With strength and purity such as this, we shall eat death!” Riddle proclaimed.
Regulus carefully avoided looking at Severus, lest his relief show. They had truly been fortunate this night.
~
No one at school, other than those who had been present at the ceremony, suspected that they had been Marked, at least Severus hoped that no one suspected. He was particularly concerned that none of the professors should know, as his life at Hogwarts was hard enough.
He caught Dumbledore staring at him at times, but he wouldn’t meet the old man’s eyes, and the Headmaster would finally turn away with a sigh.
They continued going to meetings every few weeks, and now, they got to watch as others were Marked. Severus even took some pleasure when Bellatrix had her turn, although she tolerated it with only a soft hiss to indicate discomfort.
Regulus, as good as he was with charms, was immediately conscripted to help with charming Dark items, and the reports he brought back to Severus of Riddle’s plans made Severus shudder. More than once, he wondered what they had gotten themselves into.
Severus all but moved into Regulus’ room, and no one said anything, such ‘close friendships’ being not that unusual in Slytherin.
His nemesis, Sirius Black, continued to make his life hell, but now, Severus was a part of his own group, and the Slytherins who were Riddle’s followers made sure that no insults went unpunished. Severus felt protected, included, for the first time in his life.
And so, life went on, until one fateful day, when Severus overheard Sirius Black talking about a secret. Curious, he decided to follow the Gryffindors and investigate, and had come close to dying, had it not been for Potter’s quick thinking, he might have, but Severus had been shaken.
Rushing back to Hogwarts as fast as his legs could carry him, he wondered what to do. Should he tell Lucius? Somehow, that didn’t feel right...
He found himself wandering the halls. Stepping off the moving stairs, Severus paused outside the door of the Headmaster’s office. As he stood, deciding whether it was foolish to think the man would believe him, the door opened, and Dumbledore’s voice came from within.
“Come in, Mr. Snape.”
Severus stepped forward hesitantly. “Good evening, Headmaster.”
“What brings you here at this late hour?” Dumbledore asked, looking at the disheveled and frightened young man.
“Headmaster, one of the students… I hardly know where to begin…”
“At the beginning, Mr. Snape. Sit down. Would you like some tea?”
Severus shook his head. “I... one of the students here is a werewolf,” he blurted.
“I know, Mr. Snape,” Dumbledore said, peering over his glasses.
“You know?”
“I know many things about my students, Mr. Snape.”
“But this is outrageous, sir.”
“Is it? Is it more outrageous than allowing students marked by an evil wizard to mingle with innocents?”
Severus blanched, but recovered quickly. “Sir?”
“It is true that Remus Lupin is a werewolf. He has been since he was a young boy. We have gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of the other students during his transformations.”
“But he is a werewolf…”
“He is also a student. And he did not take his mark by choice.”
Severus stared at Dumbledore in shock. Was the man seriously comparing him to a werewolf? And they knew that Lupin was a werewolf and yet he was allowed to roam free?
“He almost killed me!”
“I am not minimizing your concerns, Severus,” Dumbledore continued, his tone becoming gentler, more familiar. “I am simply more concerned about the mark you bear. Do you know what it means? Do you know what you have become a part of?”
Severus dropped his eyes to his hand. “How did you know...?”
“As I said, I know very many things about my students. And I am always here to help you. All you need do is ask.”
Severus sat there, silently assimilating the fact that the professors knew they had a werewolf in their midst. If Lupin hadn’t been a Gryffindor he would have been expelled, Severus was sure of it. And they wanted him to ask for help? He stood up abruptly.
“May I be excused?”
Dumbledore sighed. “Of course,” he said gently. “But, Severus, might I ask that you keep this quiet? Just as you have things that you’d rather not have publicized, so, too, I hope to protect Mr. Lupin...”
“I won’t tell,” Severus said, his voice laced with bitterness. “I’ll keep your secret, as long as you keep mine.”
Turning to leave, Severus missed the look of sorrow on Dumbledore’s face. He ran back to Regulus just as fast as he could.
~
Severus stayed far from Potter, Lupin, Black, and Dumbledore for the rest of his time at Hogwarts. The Headmaster tried to talk to him again several times, but Severus was having none of it, the vision of Lupin almost killing him, or worse, infecting him, coming back to him every time he saw the Headmaster.
He and Regulus moved in together immediately after leaving school, and for a while, they were happy again.
Regulus was busy with Dark charms for Riddle, who now wanted to be called Lord Voldemort, and Severus was busy brewing potions for the use of Riddle’s followers.
They did manage to comfort each other at night though, when Severus would hold Regulus tight, and they would talk of a time when they were beholden to no one, and they could just be together.
The first time Regulus mentioned that he might know of a way out of the Death Eaters (and Severus thought that was the most idiotic name ever, but of course he never said that aloud), Severus listened carefully, but tried to dissuade his lover.
“It’s a locket that Riddle’s had for decades,” Regulus said. “It has strong Dark charms on it, and something else that I can’t figure out...”
“Do not take a chance,” Severus advised him. “Riddle is paranoid, and he won’t hesitate to kill you should he suspect you are up to something.”
Regulus would nod, but Severus still worried that his lover would do something foolish. Regulus was seriously obsessed with the locket, convinced it was their key to freedom. And they did want freedom.
Riddle was a harsh taskmaster. Neither of them had been subjected his punishments yet, since their projects had, so far, been successful, but they’d both seen what was left of those who displeased him. To say Riddle was liberal with the Cruciatus was an understatement.
Soon, Regulus was muttering in his sleep about Slytherin’s locket, someone named Hepzibah Smith, and something called a Horcrux. Severus began making him Dreamless Sleep Potion so they could both sleep soundly.
About a year after leaving school, Severus received an owl from Headmaster Dumbledore. He almost didn’t reply, but the bird was persistent, and Severus finally sent a message back, agreeing to meet the old man.
Regulus muttered an acknowledgment when Severus said he was off to meet Dumbledore, saying he was going to do more charms work for Riddle. They kissed goodbye, and Severus Apparated to Diagon Alley.
“Severus.”
Dumbledore greeted him warmly, clasping his shoulder with a smile. “Come and sit.”
Severus sat stiffly, not sure what this man wanted, but willing to listen to anything that might afford him a way out from under Riddle.
“How are you and Regulus?” Dumbledore asked politely, and Severus sighed.
“Headmas... Dumbledore, what can I do for you?”
Dumbledore looked at him from over his glasses. “I rather hoped I could help you, my boy,” he said softly. “I suspect that you now see that perhaps you have not made the mark that you had hoped in this world?”
Severus was silent, and Dumbledore smiled faintly. “I see that you realize this.”
Hesitating only slightly, Severus nodded. “I... This is not what I want for myself, nor for Regulus,” he admitted, his eyes looking about the darkened pub.
“And what does Regulus want?”
Severus sighed. “He wants to get out as well. Riddle is... he is not quite sane. He is obsessed with cheating death.”
Dumbledore nodded gravely. “Yes, this has always been a focus of his, even when I knew him as a student.”
“Well, it’s worse now. He has me working on potions to stopper death...” Severus gasped, his eyes widening as he clutched at his throat.
“Severus? What is wrong?” Dumbledore leaned forward, alarmed.
“It’s Regulus. He’s... I think he’s in trouble,” he panted, standing up. “I have to go...”
“I will come with you,” Dumbledore said firmly, and Severus hesitated for just a moment before agreeing. Grasping his arm, Severus Apparated them to their home.
~
Regulus bit his lip, looking around. More and more, Riddle was leaving him alone to cast his charms, and Regulus knew that this was probably his best opportunity to steal the locket. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry, ornate as only truly old pieces were, and Regulus knew it intimately, having spent every spare moment casting spells on it to explore its nature. He didn’t know why it fascinated him so; he just knew it did, and that it was probably his and Severus’ best way out of the mess they found themselves in.
It had some gorgeous runework on it, and from what he could tell, was linked to Riddle somehow. It had been a chance remark that made him explore the concept of Horcruxes. Riddle had been torturing some poor Muggle, and he’d muttered something under his breath about it being a waste of a soul, and how he wished he could make even more copies of himself.
Regulus had been the only one who’d heard, but he’d not acknowledged that he had, and as the Muggle had began bleeding profusely, it had distracted Riddle. The moment had passed, but that had set Regulus on his quest.
A quest which ended here, with him staring at this stolen locket, purported to have belonged to Salazar Slytherin, and which carried what he suspected was a piece of Riddle’s precious soul.
With another look around, Regulus pocketed the trinket and stepping back from the table, Apparated away. Unfortunately, he was seen.
He made a quick stop at Grimmauld Place, where his mother barely spoke to him, but it provided a perfect hiding place for the locket, and then, he popped home, appearing in his living room.
“Severus?” he called. When he got no answer, he decided to go and pack their things. They might be relocating soon.
As he started out for the bedroom, he heard a series of Apparition cracks downstairs.
Oh, fuck, he thought. They had found him already?
“We know you’re here, Regulus,” a cool voice said. Regulus closed his eyes. Riddle himself had come?
He heard a creak on the landing, and he grabbed his wand to Apparate. He closed his eyes and concentrated, but it didn’t work.
Anti-Apparition wards, he realized immediately. His number was probably up, but perhaps he could still save Severus and himself. Would Severus be able to figure this out, though? Well, it was too late to tell him, he would have to take his chances.
Closing his eyes, he sent a surge of love and power towards his lover, then he tried his most complicated charms feat yet. The door burst open just as Regulus’ world went dark.
~
“Regulus!”
Severus appeared in his living room, looking around frantically. The place was a mess, having obviously been ransacked. The furniture looked as if it had been blasted apart, and there were scorch marks on the carpet and walls.
“Regulus!”
Severus started up the stairs, followed more slowly by a sorrowful Dumbledore. As he approached their room, Severus felt terror clutching at him.
“Regulus,” he moaned, pushing the door open.
Inside was a horror of devastation. No piece of wood remained that was larger than a board. There were ripped linens, curtains, and rubble everywhere.
“No...”
Dumbledore clasped his shoulders and Severus, still unable to assimilate what he was seeing, allowed it.
“Regulus...”
“I think that...”
“NO!” Severus screamed. “It cannot be!”
As he sank to the floor, sobbing, Dumbledore looked about sadly. This was undoubtedly the work of Riddle. He suspected Severus knew that.
“Severus, we have to leave. We must alert the Aurors...”
“I don’t care about the Aurors.”
“Do you care about avenging your lover?” Dumbledore asked quietly, and Severus felt a surge of emotion. Looking up with a tear stained face, he said. “Yes, that I care about.”
“Then let us help each other.”
Severus considered that. He’d given himself to Regulus, but he was apparently gone. He’d felt a huge release of power and now couldn’t sense his lover at all. The one other person he’d pledged himself to had proven unworthy of his loyalty.
Slowly, he nodded. As he stood, a piece of parchment in the corner, calligraphy runes on it, caught his eye. How had this survived the devastation? He bent over and, following an impulse that he didn’t understand, placed it in his robes before Dumbledore led him from the room and to his new life.
~Fin