Life Debt

It felt... euphoric to have this kind of power over someone. No wonder Voldemort was fucking crazy and an egomaniac. This spell... Merlin. He had absolute power over Draco. He also had absolute responsibility. Draco trusted him not to abuse it... him.

"Do I need to rescind the Dark Lord's orders?" he asked.

"No, master," Draco said, from his knees. Harry didn't want to tell him to get up.

"I want you to safely find a way to contact Ron and Hermione. Just let them know that I'm alive, and you and I are fighting the Dark Lord. Can you do that?"

"It's a risk, master. If the letter is intercepted."

"How about... no names. Just a letter saying that... 'I hope Grawp and Fluffy are doing well. I can't say more, but be ready in case.'"

Draco grimaced but nodded.

"They'll understand. Send it via an eagle owl."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "They might make the connection."

"The Aurors haven't shown up yet, have they?"

Draco nodded. "Unplottable. Amongst other wards."

"Good, don't get caught, Draco. That is more important," he said.

"Yes, master."

Harry was beginning to dislike that title. "I need a wand... or you do."

"I think I can get my mother's, my lord," he said, bowing his head.

"Do not call me that!" Harry snarled and the Dragon brand lit up and seared Draco again.

"Yes, master. I'm sorry," he whimpered.

"Oh fuck... I'm so sorry, Draco," Harry said, crouching down and casting another Healing Charm. "I really am sorry. I didn't mean...."

"It's fine, sir."

"I'm not exactly happy with sir and master either. You're going to have to pretend when the Dark Lord is around and the other Death Eaters."

"I can fake it, master," Draco whispered, and bowed his head. "You are giving me standing orders, and I will wait until you are done."

Harry quirked an eyebrow. "Should I bind you to more things? To make sure that you can't unintentionally betray me?"

"Yes, master."

"Do not tell anyone about my brand, that I'm your master, or the truth about what we do down here to anyone unless I tell you to," he ordered.

Draco braced himself for the pain of the brand, and Harry healed him again.

"And cover up your new brand, Draco," he said gently.

"Yes, master."

"Anything else?" he asked.

"No, master."

Harry had promised before... but he could make a slight adjustment to his promise. "Draco... if you are found out before our plan is ready, I want you to flee."

Draco lifted his head. "You... promised."

"I said I wouldn't send you away. We need to be careful. But if something happens, you must flee. You can return only when you convince Ron and Hermione that I am alive."

Draco growled as the brand seared, again. "Fucking prophecy."

"You've seen enough of my memories to be able to convince them."

Draco nodded. "I will be cunning, master."

"You did well controlling the other Death Eaters. Get them in line and under your control, Draco, through fear or cunning. We need allies. If we can't get anyone here, then we'll have to call Ron and Hermione to come help."

"Yes, master," he said and waited for the brand.

"That wasn't an order... I don't want to hurt you, Draco. Please get up," Harry said.

Draco lifted his head first and then slowly got to his feet. He couldn't meet his eyes. "It takes a bit, Harry. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry about anything," Harry said and hugged him.

Draco seemed to unfurrow in his arms. Harry knew that Draco was just as touch-starved as he was. He slowly pulled him down to their blankets and soft bed. Harry pulled him in tightly and kissed him.

"Maybe we shouldn't have sex until...."

Draco winced. "No... please, master. I need...."

Harry looked into his eyes. "You'll have to stop calling me that."

"Yes... m-sorry. It's the spell."

"I know. I just... it affected me, too. I can't allow either of us to be in that mindset. I don't own you... and you aren't my slave."

Draco was about to argue but nodded. He kissed him and sank down into the pillows.