Chapter 45
‘Where’s Paddy?’ Harry signed at the dinner table.
‘He had to go back to his home for a little while. He’ll come back to visit soon.’ Tom reassured him.
‘Paddy’s house is sad. Needs Paddy there. But bad people are there too. We go help him?’ Harry signed.
‘We can’t go there yet, Harry. Severus can go there and check on him, but we’ll just have to wait till he can come back for a visit.’ Tom said apologetically.
Harry nodded dejectedly. ‘Not safe for me. Hard for Paddy too. Severus helps him. Makes his magic happy.’
Lucius’ eyes brightened. ‘Severus makes Sirius’ magic happy, does he?’ he asked, trying for light and casual.
Harry gave him a sideways look. ‘Your magic is being sneaky. Why?’ he asked suspiciously.
Tom snorted. ‘Lucius is far too invested in other people’s romantic lives. He’s trying to get information from you, Harry.’
Harry blinked in confusion. ‘Why from me? Why not ask Severus and Paddy?’
‘Because Severus doesn’t like to share.’ pouted Lucius.
Harry looked worriedly at Tom. ‘Secret?’
‘Severus probably would prefer you kept his feelings secret. He is a private person.’ Tom agreed.
Harry nodded emphatically.
Lucius pouted again. ‘Well, if I can’t discus Severus’ love life, perhaps we should turn to you, my Lord?’ he asked slyly.
Tom gave no reaction, to Lucius’ disappointment. ‘You’ll have no luck here, Lucius. I’m the Dark Lord.’
‘And that means you are incapable of love?’ scoffed Lucius.
‘It means I’m asexual.’ Tom said flatly. ‘The Dark and Light Lords always are. Avoids the issue of romantic entanglements clouding our purpose and duty to our people.’
‘Oh.’ said Lucius, blinking.
Marius looked up with a frown. ‘But Dumbledore is Light Lord, is he not?’
‘Yes.’ said Tom, trying not to sound condescending. ‘Hence why he is not married.’
‘But he’s not asexual. He and Grindelwald had some sort of ‘romantic entanglement’, as you put it, back when they were younger men.’
Dinner came to a sudden halt as all eyes turned to Marius. Marius looked around, seeing only clueless faces. ‘Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald knew each other as boys. They became lovers as they grew older, but then something happened, and Dumbledore’s sister was killed in an accident. They parted ways shortly after that, but they always danced around each other, right up until Grindelwald was finally captured and imprisoned. Rumour at the time had it that Dumbledore refused to have a hand in his capture – that there was some sort of Vow between them.’
Faces gaped openly around the table.
Marius gave Tom a wry look. ‘Seems as if all that history was very thoroughly covered up since I was a boy. You ought to look for Bathilda Bagshot in Godric’s Hollow. Grindelwald was her nephew – she could tell you all about it. Would be a big help in your plans.’
Tom’s expression twisted into a smirk as he considered the implications of this news. ‘I may just do that.’ He agreed.
‘Make sure to take her some flowers.’ Marius instructed.
‘What for? Does she use them in potions?’ Tom asked blankly.
Marius gave him a reproving look. ‘Because you’re showing up at her house uninvited, and flowers are a nice gift to smooth any ruffled feathers.’
‘Oh. Right.’ Tom agreed, trying not to blush in front of his followers.
***
It was quiet in the library when Severus entered. His eyes darted immediately to the couch, checking if Sirius was behind it again, dissociating while staring at the wallpaper. He breathed a sigh of relief when Sirius wasn’t there.
‘He’s way down the back, looking for some old book.’ Walburga spoke up, and Severus turned to face her.
‘In which direction?’ he asked politely.
Walburga gave him a knowing smirk. ‘Oh, he’ll be back any moment now. Sit down and let’s chat. It’s been a while.’
Severus tried not to tense at the strange note in Walburga’s voice that he hadn’t heard before. ‘The Dark Lord’s plans are coming alon-‘
‘Oh, never mind all that – tell me your intentions toward my son.’
Severus flushed a dark red. ‘I – er – I…’
Walburga’s gaze narrowed.
‘I don’t know!’ Severus said, a little panicked. ‘I don’t know what he wants from me!’
Her expression softened. ‘I believe it is not presumptuous of me to say that he would like anything you give him.’
Severus gaped.
Sirius took that moment to return, eyes darting between Walburga’s portrait and Severus’ gobsmacked face. ‘Circe have mercy, what did you say to him, Mother?!’ Sirius groaned.
‘I simply asked his intentions towards you. And gave him a little insight into what you want from him.’
Sirius turned his open, honest expression on Severus. ‘Anything. Everything. Whatever you are willing to share.’ he said bluntly.
Severus was frozen in place. ‘I – I…’
‘That’s what I said!’ crowed Walburga.
‘I don’t know what that means!’ cried Severus, standing up to pace in front of the cold fireplace. ‘What sort of game is this that your mother has now suddenly joined in?!’
Sirius stepped into Severus’ path, blocking him. ‘It’s not a game. Merlin’s beard, Severus, anyone would think – oh.’ Sirius stopped, eyes wide. ‘Oh, Severus – I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think…’
Sirius stepped back, sitting on the edge of an armchair. ‘Will you sit, Severus?’
Severus eyed him suspiciously, but sank to the couch.
Sirius seemed to take a moment to consider his words. ‘Have – Have you ever been in a relationship before, Severus?’
Severus scoffed. ‘You think me some wilting flower, some – some pathetic-‘
Sirius held up a hand. ‘I think nothing of the sort. I think you are powerful, and courageous, and incredibly intelligent. I think you have hidden depths that one day I hope to have the privilege of seeing. I think you are… I’m not sure I have the words to describe it. You are –‘
‘Not a fool!’ snarled Severus, uncomfortably vulnerable as he sat before the man and the portrait, heart in his throat.
‘Not a fool.’ agreed Sirius. ‘Far from it. You are a man I would consider giving my whole heart to, Severus. You are a man I would consider spending the rest of my life with. If you would have me in return.’
Severus kept up his narrow-eyed glare, trying to work out just what angle Black was trying to play.
‘This is not a game, Severus. I am Lord Black, we are in my ancestral home, and before my mother and my ancestors, I wish to offer you a courtship.’
‘C-Courtship?’ Severus asked, voice hoarse.
Sirius gave a nod. ‘I will give you time to think about it, seek advice if you wish. Would you agree to meet me here in a week’s time?’
Severus gave an absent nod, then practically jumped to his feet and scurried to the door. Forget the meeting he’d come early for – Dumbledore could wait. He’d make up some excuse later about being unable to get away.
He needed to speak to Lucius.