August 22, 1998

Severus Snape

Severus was adding the last drop of glumbumble fluid to his batch of Calming Draught when suddenly his head snapped up. He felt the warm, tingling sensation of the Manor's ward being penetrated. This was very unusual, no one that knows him should be aware of the location of this manor, let alone of the fact that he was here. He put a stasis spell on his potion, then swiftly exited the potion lab, on route to the front door while taking out his wand. Suddenly a thought hit him, anyone not permitted should not be able to step a foot through the wards, and he cannot remember anyone that he's ever even told the location of his family's manor. He did not have time to continue his thought before there was a loud knock on the large, ornamental door. Opening the door, he came face to face with someone he thought he would never see again.

"Black, what the HELL are you doing here?" None other than Sirius Black stood before him, dressed in a navy blue muggle suit. His hair was neatly brushed and his face was cleanly shaved, presenting him in well-polished way that he had rarely ever showed himself. Severus pointed his wand at him, ready to hex him once he found out how he managed to get passed his wards, which should have been impossible.

Sirius raised his hands up in front of himself, showing his palms to Severus in a manner meaning he shows no harm. "WOAH, put your wand down. I know you're happy to see me, but I come in peace. I'm not here to cause trouble, I just need to have a talk with you."

Severus narrowed his eyes. "What could you possibly need to talk to me about? How did you find out about the location of this manor? "

"If you will let me inside to have chat, I will tell you, " said Sirius while slowly lowering his hands. "I'll even let you hold onto my wand so you know I mean no funny business."

"What could you possibly be so worried about talking to me about that you would be stupid enough to do that? And why should I let you inside."

"I know your secret," Sirius said, a gentle smirk coming onto his face.

"What secret?" Severus asked, teeth clenched and eyes narrowed.

"The one about your, ah, heritage. And others. I know a lot more about you than you're currently aware of."

Severus narrowed his eyes while considering what Black just said. He wanted to know exactly how he knew this and whatever else he knows. "Fine, give me your wand, " he said outstretching his hand to accept Black's wand.

Sirius reached into his inner jacket pocket and grabbed his wand, handing it over to Severus. Severus put it in his robe pocket and stepped aside, allowing Sirius to enter in the front door, but not taking his eyes off of him. "If there is any bit of funny business at all, I will not hesitate a second to hex you to hell and back."

Sirius entered the house and followed Severus through the entrance hall and great room, and into the sitting room. Severus sat down in a beige armchair that was seated next to the fireplace. Sirius sat down in an identical chair in front of him and crossed his arms, and looked up at Severus who was already looking at him.

"What exactly is it that you know?" Severus asked, slowly leaning back in his chair.

"I know you're a vampire. " Sirius said nonchalantly, mirroring Severus' action.

Severus' eyes narrowed. He felt a slight inner feeling of panic. How did he find out? He's been so careful to keep it a secret, and he had never told anyone other than Lily. Not even the Dark Lord or any of the other Death Eaters. No one else knew. So how did he? His head began to fill with every question possible, but the only thing that he was able to get out was, "How?"

Sirius was quiet for far too long, before nervously looking up and meeting Severus' eyes. All traces of the slight arrogance he had been showing were gone. What Severus saw when looking at him was dread, fear maybe? The next words that he hears are some that he never thought he would hear, let alone from Black.

"Because I'm your mate."