Fic: No Hiding Place book Three: The Cottage (2/28)

[sua_lay]

Title: No Hiding Place: Book Three: The Cottage (2/28)
Author: Rimau Sua Lay
Rating: overall NC-17, Angst, Drama, Action/Adventure, First Time
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairings: Harry/Snape, Ron/Draco, (Sirius/Remus)
Date: December 2002 - ?
Disclaimers: Not mine, borrowed without permission, am not making any money. Please don't sue. Sherbet Lemon?
Summary for Book Three: -Does being a good guy mean you also have to be a nice guy? Draco is about to find out. Companionable silences and fist fights are a good way to hide deeper emotions.
Warning: This part contains mild violence, explicit sex between men, confusion about sex (not non-con really!) and as you can guess, angst. .

The earlier parts of the fic can be found here.

Part 2

Hell was actually not as bad as he'd thought it would be.

Ron was full of energy the next morning. He'd slept well after a long day, feeling really refreshed as he woke up. Ready to face another day in the countryside.

The fact that the cottage and its surroundings closely resembled his home helped, just like Malfoy's stay in Snape's room did. As long as he didn't have to stare into his smug face, everything was all right.

Padding downstairs with Harry following right behind him, Ron was already planning the day. Strange, how busy their first day hiding had been. He'd helped Harry with various chores, silently cursing Snape while going through the cupboards.

The house elf, Eppy, had followed them around, whining and wheezing all the time. Apparently their working was an insult to her ability to do her duty.

It had definitely not made things easy.

Cleaning and unpacking finished, Harry had collapsed on his bunk and pulled a book from his nightstand. It had been a clear message. Apparently he wasn't interested in talking yet.

Ron could understand that. He was also willing to give his friend time. At least some time.

A day or so sounded perfect.

Lunchtime had gone smoothly, as Ron had kept his attention on his food the whole time. Malfoy hadn't come to eat. He'd stayed in Snape's room for Merlin knew what purpose. It wasn't as if he was going to actually ask the greasy git. He hadn't completely lost his mind. The silence had felt really uncomfortable, even though neither Snape or Harry had seemed to mind it, both eating with a healthy appetite.

More time to do nothing in the afternoon. It rained outside, a cold hard rain that discouraged anyone from going out. Conversation was kept at minimum. Harry was obviously lost in thoughts. There was nothing new about that.

Ron simply allowed him to think, keeping his own attention in a Quidditch review he'd packed with him. It felt a little weird to simply lie in bed and browse through magazines. He kept flinching at every loud sound coming from downstairs, as if expecting Hermione to suddenly arrive and yell at him for not studying. It had to be his guilty conscience mixed with the annoyance he still felt for wasting his time studying for exams that were now postponed.

After dinner, Ron and Harry had headed to the small living room to read. The fireplace had been inviting, the flames flickering there making the whole place seem more like a home. To their surprise, Snape had ushered a tired looking Malfoy to the room as well.

It had not been the most comfortable of evenings.

Ron had kept waiting for something to happen. For the nasty Potions master to start making comments about them. For Malfoy to sneer at them. Instead, Snape had simply sat there on a comfortable looking couch, reading a thick book. About potions, of course. Malfoy had just drowsed off next to him. The slightly greenish tinge of his skin suggested he had been used as a guinea pig for various concoctions brewed in a cauldron. Ron didn't really sympathize.

It was no wonder he'd gone to bed early. Harry had followed him a moment later.

Sitting now in his familiar place at the table, Ron glared at the two Slytherins. He was certain it would be his turn to do the chores today. Snape would never lower himself to wash dishes, and honestly, would anyone want him to? Greasy plates and slimy residue of various potions on the utensils? No thank you.

"Mr. Weasley. Please clean the table after you finish your tea. Mr. Malfoy, with me."

Ron's glare was poisonous. He stared after Snape and Malfoy, wondering what on earth the two of them were doing in the small room. He wasn't sure he wanted to know.

Planting his cup on the table, Harry took a deep breath. Then he smiled at Ron. "Hey, after we finish with the dishes, let's go out and explore." There was honest excitement in his voice, something that hadn't been heard for some time.

"Huh?" Ron knew he had to look silly with his mouth open like this, but he couldn't really school his features. "Really?" He'd expected another day spent reading -- it seemed the way Harry kept hiding from him and Hermione these days. He'd been ready to force Harry to come out of his shell by the end of the day.

Now it seemed like it wouldn't be necessary after all.

Grabbing their thick outer robes, Ron followed Harry outside. It was chilly, his breath almost steaming in the cool air. It didn't really matter for it had been just as bad at Hogwarts.

"Let's check out the garden first, and then we could go to see what's over there." Gesturing at the river, Harry waited for Ron to nod before walking around the house.

It was clear that the witch or wizard living here previously hadn't really been interested in gardening. Ron had seen the damage gnomes could do on an organized garden, but the small vegetable patch behind the small cottage reminded him of a battleground.

There were a couple of shrubs trying to show some signs of life, but most of the greenery was clearly torn this way and that by the small pests.

Definitely not a place he wanted to dwell on for long. He was really glad his mum wasn't there. She would have smiled at him sweetly, and then ordered him to start working.

Not really looking at the wreck next to him, Harry hunched his shoulders, trying to wrap his robes better around him. Damn it was cold out here! He stood there in silence for a moment, and then said, "I think we need to talk." He was grateful to Ron for not pushing it. It had allowed him to collect his thoughts in peace yesterday. He hadn't really come to any conclusion, but at least now he knew that when he opened his mouth, his thoughts would have some semblance of clarity instead of just an incoherent babble.

Ron didn't need to hear about his worries, the memories their long journey had brought up. Running away was familiar to him, the only way he'd survived through serious fights; Voldemort returning, the attack at the Burrow. Even flooing was all right by now; he'd done it often enough these past few months. However, traveling through portkeys would never be easy. He'd always feel a ghost of a weight in his arms, as if a lifeless body was still lying in his grasp.

"Yeah. We do." It was silly how the simple words could make Ron smile that bright.

They walked away from the cottage, following the small river. It was easier to talk while they walked. Of course, moving around also helped to keep warm.

Since Harry seemed to be a bit hesitant to start the conversation, Ron asked, "Everything okay?" It sounded a bit silly, considering everything that had happened, but it was better than nothing.

Harry seemed to agree with him. He nodded. "Yeah." At least he could be honest with this. Funny. Everything really did feel all right now. "What about you?"

"Just fine. Am still a bit pissed at the whole thing with the N.E.W.T.s, but other than that, I'm cool." Kicking a small shrub, Ron added, "Even though I'd feel better if we didn't have those two creeps with us here."

"Mmh." The grunt didn't really sound agreeing. Harry couldn't help it. He wasn't going to tell Ron how he didn't actually mind Snape being here, but he wasn't going to lie either.

They would have to figure a way to live together. At least for the next few months. It didn't sound probable, but one could always hope. Harry was going to do everything in his power to see to it that they would all be alive and well when they returned to Hogwarts. Even Malfoy.

Ron was thinking along the same line.

"Do you think Malfoy's story holds? I mean, isn't it a bit too convenient that he just happened to come to his senses the moment we really needed information about Voldemort's plans?" It had nothing to do with the fact that he hated the blond like no one else. No, it didn't. Ron was simply using his common sense.

Harry shrugged. "I have no idea. Snape did give him veritaserum, and I think he's been giving him some other potions as well. So maybe we should trust him." He'd seen the glazed look in Malfoy's eyes earlier. Reminded him of the way Uncle Vernon had looked on Christmas Eves after emptying almost the whole bowl of punch by himself.

Since he was certain Snape wasn't getting Malfoy drunk, he had to be drugging him somehow.

Ron kicked a small pebble on his way, keeping his gaze on the ground. "Maybe." He walked a bit longer before adding, "How do you know what Snape is doing?" For some reason the offhand comment was really bothering him.

"I know Snape. That's what he'd do. Make sure everything is all right." Voice quiet, Harry remembered about all the times he'd attended a meeting with the Order's inner circle. There had been a lot of talk about Voldemort's plans and the ways he tried to control everything. Snape had made vague comments about potions. Dark potions that were definitely not described in their Potions manuals.

It had been almost overwhelming. Harry had listened in awe when his professor had listed potions that could kill, maim, or gain complete control over someone. It went beyond the simplicity of truth serums or stealth potions. An imperius in liquid form was just as unforgivable as the curse was.

"They probably gave Malfoy some stuff." Harry knew that most of the 'stuff' Voldemort had was probably brewed by Snape himself. At least this way he knew exactly what to look for. "I'm no expert with dark potions, but I think there could be things that would hurt him later on. Or make him hurt us."

That definitely caught Ron's attention. "You mean he could like snap and curse us all?" The thought of Malfoy being a puppet was somehow wrong. The bastard was an eager accomplice, he was sure of that.

"I have no idea. Maybe. Or maybe there's something else. Snape will tell us in time." Or then Harry would just go to him and badger the answers out of him. Harry knew Snape would tell him if he needed to know. It didn't matter how painful the news might some day be, Snape wouldn't keep him in the dark.

An unbelieving snort escaped Ron, but he didn't comment otherwise. He didn't care if Snape was one of the good guys. He'd never believe he was anyhing but a mean and sadistic teacher.

They'd reached the riverside. It was actually more a stream than a real river. The water seemed clear and inviting, like a good place to have a swim. Of course it was too chilly to go splashing there now, but maybe later. It would probably be warm enough in about a month or so.

On the other side of the river, the ground seemed to be covered in heather. It reminded them both of home.

Thinking about the time they'd spend at the cottage, Ron stopped. He raised his gaze to Harry's face before asking, "Are you really all right with this?"

"With what exactly?"

"The war. This is the beginning of it, right?" They had known it all along. The Order had been preparing for a confrontation for ages. There had been small skirmishes during the years; Voldemort trying to kill Harry every spring and the Death Eaters attacking every time his plan had been foiled. It was actually a miracle there had been no casualties amongst those dear to him.

Ron shivered at that. He'd seen some of the houses that had been destroyed. Remembered the dark robed figures running towards the Burrow. It had been different. This felt like the great war everyone was always talking about was finally upon them.

Things would change. People would have to stop living in an illusion of safety. Fudge would finally have to recognize the truth and commit the Aurors to preventing Voldemort from conquering their world.

"No, Ron. It's not. I don't know when exactly the war started. Maybe when we went to save the Philosopher's Stone. Or when Voldemort returned. It's just getting more visible now."

The cold tone of the usually so calm voice made Ron shiver.

Harry went on, not paying any attention to his friend. "I've known this would happen some day. Well, not this exactly, but it's been clear Voldemort is ready to strike. Again." He remembered Sirius' grave expression from the last meeting they'd had. Dark creatures and potions ingredients. It meant something big was coming.

"Okay." What else could Ron say? 'It's cool you're all right with having a maniac trying to kill you for like seven years. Oh, and let's not forget when you were just a baby.'

Not likely.

They stood there for a moment, watching the river flow by. Ron wanted desperately to change the subject. He didn't have any idea of where this would lead. "Um... So, what about this thing? With this place and all."

"Us being here?" Now there was a smile flickering on Harry's lips. He was a bit sad he couldn't tell Ron just how all right he was. Hiding here gave him time to think about what he wanted. Privacy. Time off from the meetings that didn't seem to lead into anything.

"Yeah."

Harry slowed down and then stood there, kicking the gravel a little, keeping his gaze on Ron. He waited till his friend joined him before saying, "I'm fine." It was time to be open about some things. "I don't really care about Malfoy. He's all talk. It's not like he can do anything to us except make nasty comments and I'm used to those. And Snape..."

The way the hated name was said made Ron blink. He'd never heard it just said before. Usually people spat it out.

"He's one of us. Of the Order. He's..." How on earth could Harry explain this? "He's not all bad." Seeing the grin, he repeated, "I said, not all bad."

"Yeah, right," Ron teased. It'd take a miracle to convince him. Something more than rescuing McGonagall, or becoming a fugitive. It was the beginning, but not enough. Not nearly enough after seven years of humiliation.

Harry smirked. He knew exactly what his friend was thinking about.

Ron acknowledged the smirk with one of his own. "You know, I still think Malfoy's a creep. He can spend all his time drinking Snape's potions for all I care. It keeps him from getting into my hair." He wouldn't mind Snape being there, either. He'd just ignore the man. "As long as they don't bother us, I'm cool."

It was the nicest thing Ron had ever said about the Slytherins. "Sure." Harry grinned, knowing things would be a lot more relaxed now.

Seeing the genuinely happy expression on his friend, Ron couldn't help saying, "Seems to me you're cool too." It had been a long time since it had felt like that.

"Ron..." For a moment Harry thought of swallowing the rest of the sentence. Then he went on, knowing that sooner or later he'd have to start talking about the really heavy things with Ron anyway. "Back at Hogwarts, it's like everyone wants a piece of me." It was difficult to say that out loud, even though everyone knew that much.

He'd stopped reading the Daily Prophet because of it. The expectations, the hunger the public had for news and details of his life had been too much to bear. The open Order meetings had become a torment as well. Dozens of people waiting for him to lead them when he had no idea how.

"I know," Ron said quietly. He'd had his share of the looks, of people trying to get to Harry through him.

"That's why... Now that we're here, I don't want to think about it all the time. The war, the chaos, the Order. Anything." It was not even hiding anymore. Harry was trying to escape. Not forever, but just for these few months. He wanted a small amount of peace and quiet.

Ron understood that perfectly. He for one didn't have any need to babble about strategy. He'd be just happy to have the old Harry back. They could talk about important things like girls and Quidditch or play some chess. "Okay." Just like old times.

"Thank you." Harry was relieved. There would be time for serious business later. Just not now. Feeling the wind blow through the relatively thin fabric of his robe, he gestured at Ron. "You wanna explore more, or should we go inside?"

There wasn't really anything else here. Behind the stream and some trees opened a hillside, and beyond that another. It would be stupid to stray too far from the cottage, even if the weather allowed it.

"Let's go back inside. I'm freezing my arse off here."

---

Comments

[ravenrosebud.livejournal.com]

I hate to say it, but I'm worried about Draco. He doesn't sound like he is doing too good, poor little ferret. Can't wait for more.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

I doubt Draco's ever found himself even contemplating the situation he's in. He has no friends, no family, no money and no power. Furthemore, he's at the mercy of someone he doesn't really know and a bunch of Gryffindorks.

The fact that he comes out of the whole situation anywhere near sane is a miracle... :(

[duskspoken.livejournal.com]

of course I loved it :)

poor Ron. Saying he hates Draco when we all just know how much he really loves him. *giggles*

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

:) Cool!

I like the way Ron keeps holding on to something that's not real anymore. Of course he can hate Draco, but he keeps hating him for the wrong reasons. That boy sure has some growing up to do...