The Burning Pen

"What Was I Thinking" Series
"#4 ~ The 'Up Against the Wall' Wars"
by Ruth Solomon

The story content is adult in nature and can contain graphic sex and violence.  Those under the age of 18 are asked to leave this site immediately.  You are not welcome here.  The author is not responsible for those under-aged who view these works.

CHAPTER 30

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 30 ~ The Binds that Ties

Once he was patched up by a clucking, scolding Madame Pomfrey and returned to his rooms, Severus found Eli waiting for him in his study, standing before the fireplace. The elf expressed remorse that he hadn’t arrived to his master’s aid sooner.

“You arrived right on time, Eli,” Severus replied, wondering what reward he could give his elves. Clothes would only send them into hysterics. “I am in your debt.”

Eli’s ears curled against his head in horror at his master’s reply. “Master is not ever in debt to his loyal servants, sir. Master is good to house-elves. We love our master and would die for him gladly.” Here the little house-elf paused, eyes wide with worry, “ But we would like to asks our master for a boon, sir. He cringed a bit, hoping his master did not think he was being too forward or demanding.” But Severus looked on him kindly.

“What is the boon?” he asked, sitting down in one of the fireplace armchairs.

The study door opened, and in walked an unfamiliar greenish-brown house-elf, scaled hands clasped to his chest, large maple leaf-like ears flattened, eyes lowered to the floor. He crossed the room to Eli and stood beside him silently.

“Who is this?” Severus asked, his eyes sweeping over the small visitor.

“This is Leaf Ear, sir. He tolds us where to finds you, when the Death Eaters tries to kill you, sir. He is the one who warned your Secret. He no longer serves the House of Malfoy, sir.”

Leaf Ear looked up at Severus furtively for a moment, then lowered his eyes again as the wizard gazed at him, his black eyes unreadable. So this house-elf was responsible for giving them warning and bringing his own servants to his aid. Eli continued, his squeaky voice growing stronger.

“The boon we asks is this, sir...Leaf Ear wants to serve the House of Snape, sir.”

Severus’ eyes swept over Leaf Ear, then he addressed the elf directly.

“Is this true, Leaf Ear?”

Leaf Ear looked up at Severus, his eyes full of sincerity.

“Oh yes, sir. Leaf Ear has heard of your kindnesses, sir. Sir does not beat house-elves, but is good to them. Sir does not kill muggles. Leaf Ear has been beaten often and seen many dead muggles, sir. But I is free now, but wants to still serve a kind master, sir.”

Severus considered this, amused that the elves had the impression that he was kind. He wasn’t cruel, but he was hardly kind. He simply let them go about their business with a minimum of interference. And he would rather free a house-elf than beat one. To house-elves that would be a horrible unkindness. But he had never had to do it.

“Why did you help me, Leaf Ear?” Severus asked him, interested.

Leaf Ear stood a little straighter. “You is too important to die, sir. We needs you. Elf, wizard, witch and muggle, all needs you sir. You know the dark and keeps the dark away, sir. You and your Secret, sir. I was free to help you, sir. So I did. We needs those who know the dark, sir. The light is not enough.”

The elf flung himself forward on his knees, clasping his hands toward the Potions Master imploringly.

“Please accept Leaf Elf into your House, sir. It is an honor to serve a master such as you.”

Severus was slightly embarrassed by the house-elf’s plea. Of course he would accept him. A more loyal servant he could never find, with the exception of Eli. He looked at the elf’s tearful wide eyes.

“Welcome to the House of Snape, Leaf Ear. You and all your generations,” he said.

Suddenly the wizard felt a powerful magic stir in the air. A golden aura blossomed from the house-elf, a tendril of light extending, then wrapping around Severus like a snake. He felt a warmth and a slight pressure, then the coil of light snapped back into Leaf Ear with a crack, and the elf ceased to glow.

“I thank you, Master,” Leaf Ear breathed, lifting his eyes to his new Lord.

So, this was what it was to be bound to a house-elf. It was a mystery to most, since the original service of house-elves went back generations, and no one had witnessed a new binding in ages. This was powerful magic that bound wizard, elf and all their generations to come, forever. Somehow, Severus felt honored.

“You are welcome, Leaf Ear,” Severus replied, his voice thick with wonder. He looked at Eli, who wore a reverent expression on his face as he looked between Leaf Ear and his master.

“Eli, take him back to Snape Manor and let him begin his service.”

The elf bowed, “Yes, sir,” Eli said. He helped Leaf Ear to his feet, and they both vanished.

“That was amazing,” a soft voice said from the open study door. Severus looked up...it was Hermione. Her broken nose had been reset by Pomfrey. Only a little bruising remained. Her shoulder had been healed as well. She was now dressed in black sweats and a white t-shirt. She entered his study, her eyes focused on him.

“You bound a house-elf. That probably hasn’t been done in centuries. I never realized it was such a beautiful ritual. I thought they were forced to bind themselves. I could feel the magic in the air.”

Severus watched her move across the study and settle herself in the armchair next to him, leaning back and staring into the fire.

“We would have died without them,” she whispered.

“Yes,” Severus agreed, “They are noble creatures, worthy of respect. I am at a loss as what to give them as a reward.”

Hermione turned her amber eyes on him. “They feel they have their reward in having you as a master, Severus. Just let them serve as they always have. That seems to bring them the most happiness.”

He nodded and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. Neither he nor Hermione had slept yet. He was very tired. He looked at Hermione.

“Come join me in my bed, Hermione. We need sleep,” he said, “ I would like to wake with you in my arms.”

Hermione nodded, and roused herself, rising from the chair. She stuck out her hand and pulled Severus to his feet. She was exhausted, he could tell. He threw his arm around her shoulder, and she slipped her arm around his waist. Together they walked to his bedroom. Hermione flopped in the bed first, not bothering to remove her clothing or cover herself. Severus dropped down beside her. They moved closer to each other, snuggling in the cool bedsheets. Hermoine rested her head on his shoulder and he encircled her shoulders with his arm, pulling her against him, yawning widely, then letting his body relax. They had survived, and now the world was as it should be.

Sleep washed over him. He didn’t even dream.


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A/N: Can’t end this yet... at least one more juicy lemon is in order. And we can't forget Colin. Welcome to the House of Snape, Leaf Ear :)

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