The Date

The trip from the train station was a long one, mostly because he chose the long way to go about it.

Severus got a letter two days before the term ended. A letter that left him... empty and he's been silent since he received it. Lily asked him if he was alright, after she found him in the library instead of the courtyard. They were supposed to meet at lunch, Severus didn't show up.

She asked him why, Severus didn't tell her. He couldn't, he only shook his head and said that he got busy and lost track of time. Lily assumed that he was lying, assumed that he got held up because of his housemates again. That's usually what Lily assumes these days. She thinks he's lying, that he's constantly protecting his house mates, that he was changing... becoming different.

Severus was so empty at that point that he just let her say the things that she usually says, he barely even heard her, over the noise. That noise.

Noise, completely silent and yet ragingly loud... heavy, his head felt heavy and clouded. He could see the letters on the pages in front of him, recognised them as words, but the sound of silence screeching in his head prevented him from being able to actually read them. Noise that drowned out everything and left him staring at his textbook in silence while Lily kept going beside him. He remembers responding to her.

Yes. No. I don't know.

A quiet hum, a nod or a shake of his head. The noise was too loud for him to hear her. He had no idea what she said or what his response even was, so he didn't know why Lily suddenly got up and stormed away in a huff. Bright red hair fluttering behind her. He watched her go, his limbs wouldn't move so he couldn't get up to follow and... he didn't really want to.

He stared back at his book, the heavy noise rang on.

Lily was not with him in the train on the way back home. She hasn't for the last two years. She wanted to ride with her friends and they weren't... comfortable around Severus. The last few years he's been riding on the train with Regulus.

Annoying little Regulus Black who became more smug and full of himself with every year that passed. Annoying little Regulus Black who was almost as unfortunately handsome as his brother and seemed to enjoy pestering him every chance he got.

They were friendly, because Lucius spoke highly of Severus and Regulus took note of that. A Malfoy's praise is hard earned, Severus being a halfblood only made the younger Black more curious about him. Something that he learned about the younger man, is that he was infinitely curious. He rarely openly acted on this curiosity, for fear of behaving in such a way that was unbefitting of a Black heir. When he was able to indulge in his curiosity he would latch on and refuse to let go.

So he met Severus, who Lucius spoke so highly of, a halfblood who's skills seemed to rival those of many seniors in the school. The fact that the Slytherin had earned the ire of the Marauders, and therefore his brother Sirius, only seemed to encourage Regulus' attachment. Severus didn't mind Regulus... too much. The junior was pleasant enough when he wanted to be, quite intelligent, diligent and hard working. Things that Severus could appreciate. They got along, so Severus learned to appreciate the younger man quite a bit.

But on that train ride, Severus was alone. He was grateful for that much. Once the train stopped at platform 9 3/4 he dragged his trunk out and loaded it up onto a trolley and started making his way out. After going through the barrier hiding the platform away from the prying eyes of muggles he saw Lily with her parents not too far away. There was laughter and hugging and happy smiles. Severus ducked his head down trying to avoid eye contact only for it all to come to naught. Mrs Evans caught sight of him and quickly tapped her husband's shoulder. He called out to the younger man. Severus stopped, saw Lily turn towards him with a frown, folding her arms over her chest.

"Severus!" Mrs Evans called and then beckoned him closer, "Over here."

Severus wanted to ignore her, he could feel Lily's piercing gaze and Severus just didn't have the strength to talk to the girl after their... argument, the day before? But Mrs Evans called again and so Severus walked over to them.

"Good afternoon Mr Evans, Mrs Evans." He said. Mrs Evans gave him a soft smile, her hands wringing in front of her. Mr Evans' lips pursed but he tried to give the young man a smile as well.

"Good afternoon Severus. How are you doing? School going well?"

"I'm fine, sir. School is going well." He answered, he could feel Lily's eyes drilling into him but he didn't look at her. Mrs Evans seemed to hesitate before she finally spoke.

"Severus we heard about... have you gotten any word from your father?"

Severus didn't tense but he felt something cold almost pierce into him. He swallowed hard and answered.

"I received a letter. I'm aware of what happened."

Lily frowned, "What do you mean? What letter, what are you talking about?" She asked looking to her parents. Her father only gave her a saddened look while Mrs Evans seemed to finally break and rushed forward to wrap her arms around Severus in a hug. He jumped at the contact, froze for a brief second.

"I am so sorry, Severus. I cannot imagine what you're going through." Her arms tightened around him and Severus hesitated before he wrapped his arms around her as well. "You must be devastated."

"I... I'm alright." He said as he started moving his arms in an awkward pat on her back. It felt like a strange thing, it almost felt like he was trying to comfort her. "I'm fine."

She pulled back, "I didn't know Eileen well, but I'm sure she must have meant the world to you."

"What is happening?" Lily raised her voice to be heard. Her father gave her a sharp look and she stared at him incredulously.

Mrs Evans gave him one more tight hug before pulling back completely which is when Mr Evans spoke.

"I think its time we left. Let me grab your bag-"

Severus stepped back, "No, I'm fine. I'll get home on my own."

"Severus, we couldn't possibly-"

"I'd like to be alone." He said sharply, more than he'd intended and Mrs Evans frowned.

"But-"

"Its a long way Severus, you're sure you'll be alright. Giving you a ride home wouldn't be any trouble." Mr Evans said cutting his wife off and Severus nodded, already grabbing hold of the handle of his trunk.

"I'll be fine, thank you."

Mrs Evans shared a look with her husband before letting out a sigh, "If you insist, but, if there's anything you need, Severus. You can pop in anytime you want." She said with a soft smile.

He nodded, "Thank you... I should go. Goodbye."

Severus said softly, he turned and walked away. He heard Lily ask something to which Mr Evans responded and then suddenly Lily was calling out to him.

"Severus!"

He kept walking, picking up the pace until he was fully engulfed in the crowd of people in the train station before he slowed down. He needed space, time to think. Before leaving the station he used the bathroom to change his clothes, he couldn't change on the train lest someone from Slytherin saw him in muggle clothes but he couldn't go to Spinners End the way he was either.

He didn't walk the whole way home.

He took two busses to get him to Cokesworth and then walked the rest of the way, dragging his trunk along with him. Grateful for the durability charms he cast on the luggage so he wouldn't have to worry too much about the damage done by gravel, concrete and tarred road.

The whole journey was a blur. It hardly felt like long at all before he was standing in front of the porch of the last house on Spinners End. Usually he felt trepidation at entering his home, weary of what he might find once he stepped inside and now... he's still unsure, for similar reasons. But he couldn't not go in.

Severus made his way up the porch, trying to be as quiet as he could. Once he made it to the door he paused for a brief moment, staring at the silver bell that lost its ball long before he was even born. Severus then took a deep breath and opened the door. He didn't bother knocking, knowing that the action may cause more harm than good. His key was in his coat pocket. Not letting himself think about it any longer, Severus took out the key only to pause when he realised that the door wasn't locked.

The teen hesitated for a beat before he opened it. He stepped inside and dragged his trunk in behind him before shutting the door.

Then came the next choice. Severus took in another deep breath before letting it out again.

"Father?" He called out, there was no response. He made his way through the house, its a mess. Severus wasn't surprised to see empty beer and whiskey bottles scattered around, plates, a bowl of something that had tipped over onto the carpet and seemed to be doing its best to form somesort of new species. Then...

The bookshelf had dust on it, but only on the top half. The duster was on the floor beside it, Severus noticed that Eileen's picture was missing. It used to be right there, next to where the charmed potions and charms books used to sit, before his mother replaced them with muggle romance novels and encyclopaedias.

"Father?" He called out again as he made his way towards the stairs. Leaving his trunk at the foot of the stairs he went up to the second floor, lips pursing as he let his hand slip up the banister. Cool and mostly smooth as his hand would skim over the odd chip and flake here or there, smelling vaguely of lemon pledge.

"Father!"

At the top of the stairs he looked down the hallway, ignored the closed door of his own room and headed to the door at the end of the hall. A broom lay on the floor beside the door, Severus glanced down at it for a brief moment before he reached out to take hold of the faded brass door knob and opened it.

"Father?"

There was no response, Severus pushed the door open further and stepped inside. He felt his heart skip a beat when he noticed the man laying slumped over on the floor beside the bed.

"Father?" Without even thinking about it he rushed over and put a hand on the side of Tobias' throat, checking to make sure there was a pulse and then sighing once he found it. "Father... Father wake up."

The man was out cold, judging from the empty whiskey bottles scattered around them he could guess why. But Severus continued in his efforts, there was an awful rancid smell on the man, vomit and alcohol and whatever else. He'll need to get him into a bath.

"Father, its me. Wake up." He tapped the side of his face, along the grizzled beard and that's when he got a groan.

"No..."

"Father, you need to wake up." Tobias groaned again, shoving at the hands that were on him and Severus let out a sigh as he looked over to the attached bathroom.

He'll be fine for a moment.

Severus went over to the bathroom and rolled up his sleeves.

He had to get the bathroom cleaned up a bit first, before he could fill the tub up with water. That took up the better part of an hour. Everything from sweeping up the floor and mopping to scrubbing the toilet and cleaning out the scum in the bathtub.

He didn't need it sparkling clean, just clean enough. By the time he finished the water had heated up. Severus was surprised and grateful that if nothing else, Tobias managed to keep the electric turned on.

After all of that was done, he went back into the bedroom and went back to check on his father only to pause when he saw the man's blue eyes open and staring blankly out in front of him.

"Father?"

He asked as he carefully edged closer, "Father are you-"

"When did you get back?" His tone was empty, Severus swallowed hard.

"Today, just now." He said and there was quiet for a moment before-

"You came back."

Severus let out a sigh and walked over to crouch down and pull the man up.

"I've run you a bath."

A testament, Severus thought, to how dire the situation was is how Tobias didn't even attempt to fight him the way he normallywould. He even seemed to use his feet support his weight instead of making Severus do all the work as they slowly but surely made their way to the bathroom.

Clothes came off as slowly as he expected and then they both almost fell over when he helped his father into the bath. But he got Tobias into it, with his back up against the end and his knees bent up since he was too tall for the tub. A wave of nostalgia hit him just then. He was five years old and he heard his mother's tinkering laugh, Tobias sang some tavern song as they played in the bath. Bathing together was one of the best ways to save on water. But Severus was so happy he didn't realise that's what was happening at the time.

He shook his head of the memory as he went about picking up the dirty clothes and throwing them in the overflowing hamper to wash later.

"They took her away, you know." Tobias suddenly said and Severus turned to face him, "The Princes. They took her away, last heir and all that. They took her away and there was nothing I could do about it." He was staring at the dusty window on the far side of the room, Severus said nothing as his father continued. "They wanted nothing to do with her and they still had the nerve to claim her fucking body. Can you believe that shit? Fucking wizards."

"Father-"

Severus stopped when those piercing blue eyes looked over to lock onto him, his mouth snapped shut. Tobias stared at the boy for a moment before he simply held out his hand.

The wizard hesitated for a moment before he walked over and took the offered hand, let it pull him closer to the tub and led him to kneel down beside it. Tobias let go of his hand and cupped the side of his face, Severus kept still and Tobias scoffed.

"I knew, you know. I knew eventually they'd find a way to take her away. I just didn't think they'd wait for her to die to do it." The rough calloused hand went from his cheek and into his hair, not flinching away at the greasy texture in the strands as he stroked his son's cheek with his thumb and Severus let his eyes slip shut. He could see the tears openly collecting in his father's tired circled eyes. "But that's alright. I still have you, don't I? Even if she's gone, we still have each other."

Severus' face started to flush, eyes suddenly hot with unshed tears. He pursed his lips to keep the sob down but he still managed to open it to speak.

"I-"

"Its alright, we don't need anyone but each other. you'll stay, won't you? You won't leave." Tobias said and Severus swallowed against the lump in his throat since he could hear the croak in his father's voice. He forced himself to open his eyes and broke when he saw the tears running down Tobias' face right into that scraggly beard. Without thinking he leaned up and wrapped the man in a hug, uncaring of the water that soaked his shirt and Tobias held him back tightly with one arm while the other stroked his hair.

"It's alright, we just need each other. So, you'll stay. Promise you won't leave me, Severus. You won't let the wizards take you away from me as well." And then suddenly, "What day is it, the-"

"It's the eighth." Severus supplied still not letting go and his father seemed to pause.

"Then yesterday, I left some cakes for you in the pantry... couldn't find any eggs so-"

Severus let out a startled laugh as his arms went tighter around the older man, "That's perfect." Tobias' hand gripped his hair, holding his son back just as tightly.

"Snivelling brat. Stop that, there's no need to cry."

Severus' stared at the silk canopy hanging over his bed. The bed with silk and satin sheets and soft feather pillows. He didn't sleep much the night before and now he lies completely still. Staring at the canopy above while tears ran silently down his cheeks. Swallowing hard against the lump in his throat.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Its morning.

After getting showered and dressed, he went to go see Sn-

Severus.

He knew that uncle Alphard was waiting for him in the study by now, waiting for the teen to come in and explain himself. Flopsie came in a few minutes ago to tell him just that. But he can deal with uncle Alphard in a bit. First, he needs to check on Snape-

Severus.

He slept relatively well the night before. Of course, he was slightly worried about the Slytherin slipping out of the house in the middle of the night and running off but on some level he knew the raven wouldn't. Though Sirius isn't sure if its because Severus promised that he would stay or because he was afraid of what the Gryffindor would do if he didn't.

Sirius sighed.

He may have gone just a step too far the night before... again. But, he wasn't going to leave the raven there under the circumstances and he knew that asking nicely would have absolutely no effect on the other so-

"Abuse and neglect of a magical child is a crime punishable by incarceration in Azkaban, Severus." He said looking the raven right in the eyes, "All I'd have to do is report him to the ministry-"

"I'll tell them you're lying."

"You're a no name halfblood. I'm a Black." Sirius said clearly, "Who do you think they'll believe? You or me?"

"What do you want?"

"You come with me for the summer and I won't tell anyone anything."

"Why? What could you possibly want from me-"

"Its just like you said." Sirius said stepping forward to crowd the Slytherin against the wall, who surprisingly stood his ground as the Animagus smirked, "I don't want anyone putting their hands on you but me. Now, get your things."

The rage he saw in the raven's eyes was immeasurable, but he didn't have a choice. Snape wouldn't leave just because Sirius asked him to and...

This is for his own good.

Sirius still felt a bit uncomfortable, when he thought about what happened the night before.

What happened the night before? Honestly, he doesn't know. He showed up at Snape's the night before with no definite plan in mind. He just needed to see the Slytherin and he did and now, said Slytherin is sleeping in the bedroom across the hall because Sirius effectively blackmailed him into coming with him.

Its all a mess.

Things involving Snape somehow always turn into a mess. He shouldn't have gone over to see Snape the night before. Sirius shouldn't have interfered when he caught the other with his father. But... he couldn't do nothing either. It would have been wrong, right? To just leave Snape there... to leave Severus there with someone who so very clearly hurt him.

Some quiet voice in the back of his mind almost brought him back to the reality of his situation with Severus. To the fact that he wasn't all that nice to the Slytherin either. What gave him any right to judge Snape senior when he's done similar things to the raven before?

His hands would clench tightly at the thought and he decided that... that was different. Its not the same and besides-

He's not going to hurt Severus. Despite what the raven thought and what he himself said the night before, he's not actually somesort of monster. He doesn't actually enjoy hurting anyone, its just that, well, things just get out of hand sometimes, that's all. And as for last night, well-

Sirius doesn't know what to say about what happened last night.

There was a moment, when he was arguing with Snape - with Severus. When he had the raven pushed up against the wall, dark dark eyes glowing with equal parts hurt and rage, skin flushed with emotion despite the bruises on his face and neck. Sirius felt the urge to do... something. But, dear Merlin, he was so consumed in his own emotions that he didn't even know what that was.

He has no idea what the bloody fuck he was saying either. That stupid shit that he said about Severus calling him daddy? Fucking hell, what even is that?!

Sirius felt his own face flush at the memory in shame.

But none of that matters. He's trying to help Severus, its ridiculous that he's been letting the muggle treat him the way he was even if the bastard is his father. Its not right and eventually Severus will see that. Now, as for why he's trying to help Snape - Severus, that doesn't matter either.

He's a Gryffindor after all, valiant and brave and chivalrous - and all that. Its in a Gryffindor's nature to assist a damsel in distress, even though refering to Severus as a damsel doesn't sound quiet right - the point is, he's trying to do a heroic deed. Their past relationship is completely irrelevant. It shouldn't matter. Besides-

It pissed him off. Its not right, for Severus to be so devoted to the cretin, so 'caring' to someone who hurt him so badly. So forgiving. The image stayed in his mind and refused to leave it. Severus at his father's side, touching the man's face and seeming to try and be so ... gentle.

It irritated him in the worst way.

Its not right. Severus will definitely see that as well.

Sure he doesn't see it yet, but he'll be perfectly fine. Sirius thought about it a bit before he fell asleep, ways to try and get the Slytherin to be a bit more cooperative with him. To try and make things a bit easier. Sirius isn't sure if they'd ever be able to resemble anything even close to being friends, and he's pretty sure doesn't want to be Severus' friend. That would be entirely too weird. But they could be civil, if nothing else.

That's what Sirius told himself as he opened the door to his bedroom and walked across the hallway to the bedroom where Flopsie put Severus the night before. He doesn't even know what he plans on saying to the raven. He just wants to... he doesn't even know what.
It doesn't matter anyway. Sirius decided to help the Slytherin and that's exactly what he's going to do.

Somehow.

Before he could convince himself otherwise, Sirius walked over and knocked on the door. He got no answer so he just opened the door and stepped inside. Severus was standing at the bed, with his bag on the spread. He seemed to be going through his things, the raven turned to face him and immediately a glare twisted his features.

"What do you want?"

Sirius almost rolled his eyes, though he was relieved at the familiar hostility.

"Good morning to you as well, Severus." It still feels a little weird, saying the Slytherin's first name out loud. But Sirius refuses to call the other wizard Snape. "Breakfast is going to be served soon. I expect you downstairs."

"I'm not hungry."

"Rail thin as you are, you're probably starving. Downstairs for breakfast." Sirius said clearly, "I won't repeat myself."

"Or what Black, what will you do if I simply don't comply?"

Sirius' eyes narrowed in a glare as he walked into the room, "You-"

He was cut off when Snape suddenly pulled out his wand and aimed it at the Gryffindor. Sirius laughed, shoving his hands in his pockets, not even bothering to grasp his own wand. There's no way the raven would risk getting into trouble for using underage magic. They're not at school after all. And there's no way he'd know about the wards around the house, allowing underage wizards to use magic so long as a guardian is on the estate.

The raven hasn't really spoken to uncle Alphard yet and Sirius certainly hasn't told him.

"You're not going to attack me."

"I'm not?"

"You're not stupid enough to risk getting into trouble with the ministry just to attack me, Severus." He said with a smirk only to frown when Severus gave him a smirk in return.

"Flopsie told me about the wards."

Sirius' eyes went wide just as Snape fired a blasting hex at him and he went flying backwards, hitting his own bedroom door with a slam before the Slytherin shut and locked his own. It took Sirius a moment to get over the pain and fully realise what had happened. Once he did he felt rage surge through his veins as he pulled out his own wand and scrambled to his feet, charging at the other door only-

"Sirius." A voice cut sharply through the air and Sirius froze, looking back to find uncle Alphard frowning at him as he stood with his arms behind his back.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I-" Sirius faltered, eyes darting between Severus' door and his uncle, "I-"

"I told Flopsie to call you down to the study before breakfast. You're late." The man turned to his side and nodded down the hall, "Come on."

"But-"

"Now, Sirius."

The Gryffindor let out a frustrated growl as he glared at the door before shoving his wand in his pocket and stomping his way down the hall. Alphard let him walk out ahead of him before he followed close behind.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Sirius."

"If I didn't threaten him, he would've stayed there and-" The teen cut himself off with a look of intense frustration on his face, "That bastard-"

"Is his father, Sirius." Alphard let out a heavy sigh, "I understand that you were trying to help Severus, but threatening his father was not the way to do it."

"What else was I supposed to do?"

"Offer the help without adding some sort of threat-"

"He wouldn't accept my help. You saw what Severus looked like last night, if I didn't make him come with me his father would have done worse. Would you have left him there?"

Alphard took in a deep breath and let it out, rubbing his temples. "I appreciate that it's a very complicated situation and you are trying to protect this boy but-"

"It was the only way to make him come with me. You should have seen him, he's so... devoted." Sirius finally let out a sigh of his own, "I know I didn't do this the right way, but I am trying to help him. He... He's not stupid, he's brilliant I swear uncle Alphard, you'll see, he's ridiculously smart. I just need him to see how wrong this is. Once I get him to see it, I promise, I'll let him go."

"What if he never does, Sirius?" Alphard asked and the teen paused.

"Snape is a lot of things, but he's not stupid."

"It's not about being clever or stupid." The older man said clearly before shaking his head with another sigh, "I understand why you're doing this, I do not approve of your methods but I understand your reasons... Or at the very least, some of them. That is the only reason why I'm allowing this." Alphard sighed, "You said Severus would never willingly accept your help. I'm assuming that you two aren't friends."

Sirius sank back into his seat. "No."

"And why not?"

Sirius shrugged, "I don't..." He huffed, "He's in Slytherin-"

"And you've been picking fights with him at school."

"No."

"Then why did he attack you, Sirius?"

"I-" Sirius cut himself off and swallowed hard before finally letting out a sigh, "He's mixed in with Lucius and his lot."

"And?"

"And-" Sirius cut himself off, his lips pursing and his hands clenching tightly in frustration, "You know what!"

Alphard rubbed a hand over his face, "Your behaviour is unacceptable, you're aware of that?"

"But-"

"For the duration of Severus' stay here you are not to start anything with him, do you understand me? I will not have two underage wizards attacking one another in my home. You either get along or you leave him be."

"I wasn't trying to attack him-"

"If I hadn't interrupted you before, are you telling me that you wouldn't have harmed him?"
Sirius' mouth opened and then closed again. Alphard frowned at him, eyebrows pulling together, "What do you even want from Severus, Sirius?"

"What?"

"Why did you bring him here?"

"I told you, I'm trying to help him-"

"And that's the only reason you brought him here?"

Sirius' opened and closed again. Alphard sighed.

"Severus is a guest here, you will treat him as such. No fighting. Understood?"

Sirius sighed, "I'm not going to hurt him."

"Sirius."

"Fine, I promise."

"Good." Alphard shook his head with a huff, "The elves have prepared the cottage outside. I was thinking it might not be necessary, but now I see it might be best for you to have some distance from each other. You're not to go out there to pester him-"

"But..."

"But what?"

Sirius' lips pursed, he looked down at the table for a moment before he spoke, "The potions lab is in the house, could... how can he use it if he's out there?"

Alphard frowned, "The lab?"

Sirius shrugged, "He's good with potions - he's," Sirius let out a huff of annoyance, "He's brilliant at potions. He's always brewing at school and stuff. I thought, while he's here, he could use it."

The older man arched a brow, "Severus is free to use the lab whenever he wants."

Sirius nodded, "O.K and the library as well?"

"He likes to read?"

"Yeah. Severus might want to owl his friend too. She's a muggleborn, if that's alright."

"Its fine." The young wizard nodded again and Alphard frowned.

"You seem to know a lot about this Slytherin boy that you don't like."

Sirius blinked, his lips pursing again as he simply stared back at the older man. Alphard shook his head.

"You can show him around the house later, let him use whatever he wants. But you let him use it, Sirius. I won't have you blackmailing him and treating him as if he's some prisoner."

"I won't."

"Good. Now, get ready for breakfast, I'll have Flopsie call Severus down to eat." Sirius got up from his seat and Alphard quickly added, "Stay out of Severus' room until then."

Sirius' jaw seemed to clench but he continued on his way out of the room.

Breakfast was a strange affair. It was odd watching the two boys.

Sirius piled the food onto his plate, shovelling eggs and sausages, beans and bacon into his mouth while Severus seemed to be trying to be much more mindful. A small portion of eggs, just a few slices of toast with butter and tea. Careful not do drop any crumbs and sipping quietly from his cup.

It was odd.

Sirius very obviously stared at Severus while Severus very obviously ignored his gaze and this seemed to irritate his nephew quite a bit. About halfway through Alphard decided to break the staring contest that Sirius was clearly losing.

"So Severus," Both boys seemed to jump and Alphard almost scoffed. Apparently they'd both forgotten that he was even there. "Sirius tells me that you're in Slytherin."

"Yes, sir." The young man answered and Alphard was yet again taken aback for a brief second. That's quite the voice for someone so young. It was almost startling to hear it when Severus was so quiet.

"The home of the cunning and ambitious. Its been years since I graduated, I hope you're doing your best to uphold its fine name."

Sirus let out a derisive snort as he stuffed another forkful of food in his mouth, Severus seemed to take a breath.

"I try."

"How are your studies going? You must've received your marks with the end of the term."

"They're going well. I've managed to receive O's in Potions, Charms, History of Magic, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Herbology and Defence Against the Dark Arts."

Alphard blinked, "Really? That's quite impressive. Though I noticed that you didn't mention Transfiguration."

Severus seemed to shift uncomfortably, "Unfortunately that's my worst subject, sir. I've only managed to receive an Acceptable for it."

"Oh, well that's too bad but nothing a bit of effort can't fix." He noticed Sirius smirking smugly at the other before he spoke, "That just happens to be one of Sirius' best subjects. Perhaps you could study together. I'm sure Sirius would love to get the oppertunity to increase his marks as well."

"Un-bloody-likely." Sirius muttered and Alphard let out a silent sigh as he just kept going.

"Sirius also mentioned that you're on friendly terms with Lucius Malfoy."

Severus seemed to tense slightly, "Yes, sir."

"I'm sure I don't have to tell you about the Malfoy's... opinions on bloodpurity. And you're a half-blood, yes?"

"Yes."

"That's impressive in its own way. I won't lie and say that I'm too fond of the Malfoy family but they are a difficult bunch to impress. You must've made quite the impression."

"I've tried to do my best to uphold Slytherin values. Other than that I can't speak on his opinion of me." Severus said quietly and Alphard noticed that Sirius was fully glaring at the other.

"How have you been doing in school, Sirius?"

Sirius blinked before giving a shrug, "Fine. You've seen my marks. I never get anything less than an EE."

"Except in potions. Which is why you aren't taking advanced potions, despite the Black family tradition."

"If I gave a sod about family tradition, I'd probably be insane by now." The boy huffed and Alphard gave him a sharp look.

"Sirius, remember our conversation on your manners." He scolded lightly, grey eyes rolled dramatically as Sirius dropped his fork to take a sip from his cup.

Severus' lips seemed to purse before he continued eating and Alphard cleared his throat.

"I only mean that it could be advantageous to reconsider your position on the subject that's all. Potions knowledge can be quite helpful when it comes to Auror work, I'm told."

Sirius paused, shaking his head slightly, "What's the point in learning about that when a spell can take out death eaters faster than any potion ever could."

Severus scoffed, Sirius glared, "What's that supposed to mean?"

The Slytherin looked up, "What?"

Sirius mimicked the sound, "What, you think your stupid brewing could match up against one of my spells?"

Severus opened his mouth only to stop to look up at Alphard before shutting his mouth again. Clearly he's been instructed on proper pureblood etiquette and is conciously following it. Unlike Sirius. But Alphard didn't want to make the boy feel like he needed to censor himself. There's something odd going on between these two and he won't be able to get to the bottom of it with Severus being so closed off.

"You're more than welcome to speak freely, Severus, what's your opinion on potions versus spells?"

He paused, "I think only a fool relies on only one skill in order to get a job done."

"Excuse me?" Sirius was already riled up and that wasn't even much of an insult. It seemed odd, even Bella needed to say more in order to get this reaction out of him.

"Severus?" Alphard urged.

Severus matched Sirius' gaze, "There will always be a better spell caster, a stronger wizard, more effective magic. But a potion is all consuming, magic is entirely at the mercy of the limits and abilities of its caster. A limit to how strong a spell can be. But a potion? They can put a stooper on death, bewitch the mind, create entire ecosystems from mere drops, destroy them in seconds. Tell me, what good is a blasting spell against a potion that hardens the skin like stone? How much good is a healing spell against a poison that turns your own blood against you, by turning it into acid inside your own veins? What good is a crucio against a potion that numbs you to all feeling, including pain?"

"And you'd know all about crucios wouldn't you?"

"About as much as you would." Severus bit back and Sirius' hand clenched so tightly his knuckles started to turn white.

Sirius opened his mouth but Severus interrupted him, "I'm not saying magic has no use. I'm saying that being educated in all arts is important to more effectively deal with any threat you're faced with."

"All arts, but the Dark Arts more specifically, right?" Sirius glared and Severus took in a deep breath, looking away.

"Severus, you have an interest in the Dark Arts?" Alphard asked and the boy seemed to hesitate before he spoke.

"I simply see no reason to ignore one form of magic in exchange for another."

Sirius guffawed and Alphard interrupted before he could make an outburst. "That's a very practical way of thinking."

Grey eyes widedend, "You're encouraging this?!"

"No. I simply appreciate practical thinking, Sirius, and I think you'd do well, by adopting some practicality of your own."

The teen slumped back into his seat, "Fucking ridiculous."

"Language, finish your food."

He huffed even as he shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

"You seem like quite the scholar, Severus. I'm sure Professor Slughorn has invited you to join his Slugclub by now."

Severus seemed to shrink back at that, "No, sir."

"And why not?"

"I don't think I have the... appropriate pedigree to be invited into his club."

"Because you're a halfblood? That's never bothered him before-"

"He means its cause he doesn't have enough money." Sirius cut in with a humourless scoff, "Slughorn only invites you into his stupid club if you're smart and rich, either that or your smart and easy on the eyes."

Alphard blinked, he watched as Severus curled into himself a bit more. Uncomfortably toying with the stringy strands that hung around his face.

"That's... unfortunate. But not necessary in order to reach success, as long as you work hard, you're sure to do well in whatever future career you choose." He then changed the subject, "All the same, you seem like an interesting you man, Severus. It'll be a pleasure to have you in my home. You'll be staying for the summer, correct?"

The Slytherin looked up at Sirius and glared as he bit out, "Yes sir."

"And I'm sure Sirius is happy to have you here also, aren't you Sirius?"

His nephew looked up at him before rolling eyes and answering in a mocking tone, "Yes, sir."

Severus' glare darkened. Alphard resisted the urge to roll his own eyes.

"That's enough of that. Severus, you seem to have impeccable manners and you're adhering to proper etiquette quite well, unlike some people." Sirius rolled his eyes again, "However, I'd like you to be comfortable here. You can speak freely and please, Alphard is perfectly fine. Understand?"

"Yes." The Slytherin nodded.

"Good. Finish up, I still need to show you to where you'll be staying for the summer and Sirius will keep himself occupied in the meantime. Won't you, Sirius?"

Sirius opened his mouth to say something only to stop when Alphard gave him a look and he huffed.

"Yes, I will."

"Very good. I'm sure this will be a pleasant summer for all of us."

Sirius was back to glaring at Severus again, while Severus proceeded to ignore him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The cottage stood at the very end of the garden near the wall, separating the townhouse from the one beside it. Ever green briar grew against the wall surrounding the whole house, a charming sandy brown tiled roof and large French windows in the front. It had a blue door.

Severus stepped in after the elf, painfully aware of the older man who walked behind him as they entered the cottage.

"I have no use for it, so its vacant most of the time. It's nice to know that someone will make good use of it. There's a few muggle appliances, they shouldn't interfere with your magic, I had the whole estate fitted with failsafe's to make sure the electricity surrounding it wouldn't become a problem." Alphard explained as he looked around the space. There was a small kitchen to the left, a living room with a woodburning stove to the right and a door that seemed to lead to what Severus assumes would be the bedroom, or at the very least a bathroom.

It looked clean, tidy and nothing seemed to be broken. Already an upgrade to Spinners End, but Severus still wasn't happy about the fact that he was being forced to stay here.

"Bedroom's through there." The older man said, with a gesture towards the door on the furthest side, "There's a bathroom attached and as for the kitchen," At that Alphard paused, "I'd like for you to join us for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But if there's anything you'd like any other time you can ask Flopsie and she'll bring it for you."

"Yes," Severus felt himself hesitate, "Thank you, Lord Black."

"Like I said before, Alphard is perfectly fine." Alphard said with a smile, "Well, I'll let you get settled. If there's anything you need just ask. Oh and about the potions lab." Severus paused to look at the man with a frown and he only shrugged, "Sirius mentioned that you're fond of brewing. If you'd like to use the lab you can just ask and Sirius will show you where it is. He'll show you the library as well. Please be careful, I wouldn't want you getting hurt under my supervision."

"I understand."

"Good." The older man seemed to hesitate for a brief moment, "If there's anything else you need, Severus, feel free to ask."

"I... thank you." Severus had to actively stop himself from adding a sir at the end of his sentence. He wanted this conversation to end without offending a member of a powerful pureblood family. Alphard nodded.

"Right, make yourself comfortable. I'll see you at lunch." With that he left, shutting the door just after the elf left with her head down as well. Once it closed, Severus looked around himself. He took in a deep breath and let it back out, but that did nothing to help him relax.

He has one whole summer to spend in his place.

The cottage was nice, nothing was broken. Supposedly, he'll be able to eat as much food as he likes and he even has a library and potions lab at his disposal. Under different circumstances, he would've been happy.

Instead the Slytherin just looked back to stare at the front door. A blue door, but unlike the one at Spinner's End this one wasn't chipped and faded from years of wear and tear.

Severus walked over to sink down on the couch and took in yet another deep breath before letting it out. Dragging his hands through his hair before he shut his eyes and buried his face in his hands.

At least he isn't sleeping across the hall from Black again. At least here it seems there's someone that won't let the twat do whatever he pleases, though Severus isn't sure how long that will last.

He finally pulled his hand away from his face.

Might as well look around.

Severus spent a few minutes aimlessly puttering around the cottage, looking around at what was in there and what he could use to keep himself occupied.

There wasn't much.

The bedroom was average sized with a double bed, crisp cotton bedsheets of blue and white with light curtains swaying in the breeze against the window. The bathroom was perfectly plain. Black and white checker board tiled floor and, white tub, toilet and basin. But still clean, nice. There was a bookshelf against the wall beside the bed and a desk beside the window but neither one held any books for him to go through and read.

Meaning that he'll have to rely on the library in the main house for something to keep him entertained. He didn't bring any of his own when he left the night before. Just his clothes and a wand, a bar of soap and his own tooth brush to try and stay clean, though there thankfully seemed to be some toiletries in the bathroom already, much to his relief. He did a quick spell to check the cottage though, just to make sure Black hadn't managed to sneak in here to play somesort of insipid prank. Thankfully everything seemed normal enough.

He spent the rest of the day thinking, mostly about his parents. What else could he think about?

Hogwarts is miles away and he wouldn't be setting foot in the school for at least two months, regardless of whether he spends those two months here or in Spinners End.

He thought about Tobias. In these last few days since he came home Tobias has been worse for wear... at least, more than usual. Eileen is dead and, whether his father was willing to admit it or not, he did depend on her for quite a bit. Eileen was the unshakeable pillar that always stood dutifully at Tobias' side. No matter how bad things got, Eileen was always there... and now she's not.

Severus worried for his father. He worried for himself. What will they do without her?

The last few days he's been managing well enough.

He was used to cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry. Going to fetch his father from the tavern and doing his best to make sure the house doesn't fall apart. Years of watching and helping his mother do all those things making it somewhat easier.

He was her little helper. Helping her around the house. Helping around the neighbourbood whenever Eileen managed to get the oppertunity for some small job cooking or cleaning or sowing for someone else. Helping her deal with his father.

When he was younger it all seemed like a game.

Be a big strong boy and help Mum with the cleaning, the food, be careful when you hold the needle as you pull the thread through. Back then, when Eileen went to fetch Tobias from the pub, it was always a funny affair. His father would sing songs and make crude little jokes. Eileen would wrinkle her nose and roll her eyes in exasperation, sometimes trying but ultimately failing to hide her own smile. Tobias would wink at his son before leaning over to press a sloppy kiss on his wife's cheek and Eileen always blushed even as she scolded him. Severus would laugh, making sure he kept a tight grip on his father's work jacket so it didn't drag on the ground as they walked.

Back then the drinking wasn't so bad. Back then Tobias was difficult but he never got violent. That changed after he lost his job at the factory. It got worse after his magic came in, Severus isn't sure why.

Tobias didn't seem too terribly bothered by it. He watched his son levitate things around the house, but other than a slight crease of his brow there wouldn't be much of a reaction. Something happened, something caused a change. Tobias suddenly became very short around them, he'd snap and glare when he caught the boy doing accidental magic. That's around the time things started to become violent.

At first he'd just throw things. Glass and porcelain would shatter against the floor. He'd punch holes into the walls and finally, eventually, that violence turned towards Severus and his mother. Afterwards, he'd be apologetic. He'd pull Severus into a tight hug, press a kiss against his brow and promise that it would never happen again and Severus knew Tobias meant it. He didn't enjoy harming his wife and child, only a monster would get pleasure from hurting people. Tobias just... needed help and so, Eileen dedicated herself towards helping him and Severus did the same.

Tobias didn't have anyone else. The Snape's found out about his wife's... abnormalities and gave him an ultimatium. They made him choose between them and his freak of a wife.

Tobias chose Eileen. How could he not, when Eileen left her family to be with him?

They don't have anyone else, only each other and so forgiveness came easily, apologies were quickly accepted. They'd move on and things would be fine until the next incident occured.

With Eileen gone its just Severus and Tobias and Severus worried for his father. The man was hopeless on his own and the Slytherin couldn't help but wonder if he made it back home safely the night before. Did he get the chance to eat something, could he possibly be sick?

Severus went to sit back down on the couch and lay his head back as he shut his eyes.

There was very little food in the fridge, he managed to make a simple soup the night before, before Black showed up. But there were only a few pieces of bread left. Severus had planned on using some of the money he had on him to buy some food that day, while Tobias went out and looked for work for. But that usually happened because Severus was there to wake him and help him get over his morning hangover and get on with his day.

What if Tobias didn't get up early enough that morning? That would leave him with no money and no food. Maybe he could find a way to send something to his father. Maybe he could get Flopsie to help him. Master Black said he could ask the elf for whatever he needed. Would this count?

Severus spent the majority of the day thinking of his father, trying to decide what to do.

It wasn't until eleven when Black decided to rear his enormous head.

Surprisingly, the twat knocked at the door though that was clearly not his preferred method. He walked in with his lips pursed and his brows knit before he spoke, Severus stood with his wand immediately aimed at the other.

"C'mon."

"What?"

"Uncle Alphard said to show you the library and potions lab, so that's what I'm doing. Now let's go."

Severus' eyes narrowed down at him, "No."

The Gryffindor let out a huff of frustration, "Don't be difficult. I know there's nothing in here to keep you occupied and you're probably bored out of your mind by now. You might as well put down your wand too, uncle made me promise there would be no fighting."

"And why should I believe you?"

Sirius sneered, "Because uncle has complete control over the wards on the estate and he can revoke the use of magic for the underage whenever he sees fit. Did Flopsie not tell you about that part, or are you really that determined to be without your magic for the summer?"

Severus felt himself waver. He doesn't trust Black, but he didn't want to risk losing his magic just to have the oppertunity to attack the idiot either. After another moment he finally let his arm drop and Black simply turned.

"C'mon, I don't have all day." And then he suddenly stopped, "You can stay here and be bored for the summer, or you can find something to do."

"Black, I want to leave."

"I wouldn't have brought you here if I was just going to let you leave."

"Why am I here?"

The Gryffindor looked back and shrugged, "Because I want you here. Now let's go."

"I'd rather be bored." Severus bit out and Black seemed to take in a breath through his nose and let it back out, his hands clenching tightly at his sides.

"You want to see your father?"

The raven blinked, "What?"

Black finally turned to face him completely, "That's why you're being difficult, right? You want to go back to him?"

"I being 'difficult' because I want to leave." Severus said clearly.

"Do you want to see him or not?"

Severus' jaw clenched, his hands tightening on his arms where he had them, "I assume there's something you want in return."

Black's head tilted to the side, "Cooperation. If you promise to stop being so bloody difficult all the time, I'll take you back right now."

"If-"

"You're not staying there. I take you and we come back after."

Severus paused in thought, for a moment biting his lip before he spoke. "Exactly what are you getting out of all of this?"

"I already told you, its your own problem if you don't believe me, Severus." Black said stepping forward and causing the Slytherin to step back in response, "Are you going or not?"

Severus' lips pursed, "You'll take me back and you won't harm my father."

Something flashed behind those grey eyes, he saw the other's jaw work and then, "Fine."

Severus took in a deep breath, "Fine." and then he turned back towards the bedroom. He quickly went over to his bag, still unpacked and rummaged through it only for Black to start barking again.

"Oi! I told you you're not going there to stay."

"I need something." Severus hissed out.

"You need what?"

The raven ignored him until he finally found his small coin purse hidden in the bottom of the bag. He opened it up and counted the few muggle notes and coins he had in there. It might be just enough to buy a weeks worth of food at least, longer as long as Tobias is careful about it. He only has one galleon, four sickles and a few knuts, but those are useless in Cokesworth.

"Muggle money?" Severus jumped when he felt and heard the Gryffindor speak right beside his ear, "What do you need that for?"

"None of your business." He said as he shut the purse and stuffed it into his pocket before grabbing his jacket. He heard Black huff loudly behind him.

"You're going to give it to him, aren't you?" Severus didn't respond and Black let out a long drawn out sigh, "He'll probably just spend it all on booze, you know?"

Severus felt his jaw twitch, knowing that the other was right but not seeing any other options either.

"I don't remember asking for your opinion."

"You-"

"Forgive me for not being comfortable, eating to my heart's content in this makeshift prison while my father is elsewhere starving to death."

"This isn't a prison, stop being dramatic." Black huffed again. "Then why not just buy him food instead? At least that way you'll know the money is going where it needs to."

Severus didn't respond, Black kept going.

"We'll go to Diagon Alley, you'll buy the food and then we'll take it to him. How about that?"

Severus' first impulse was to curse the other.

Firstly, because he didn't appreciate Black inserting himself into Severus' life and telling him what to do and secondly, because he couldn't afford to buy anything in Diagon with what he had. But Severus didn't want to admit to that so he simply replied.

"I'm not going to Diagon Alley with you."

"Fine, they have markets in muggle areas, right? We'll just go there."

"What?" Severus asked, staring at the other incredulously and Black shrugged.

"To be honest, I've always wanted to see what those markets actually look like. I've only seen them from the outside. It might be fun."

Dark onyx eyes narrowed into a glare.

"No."

Black rolled his eyes, "You promised to not be difficult remember? Or would you rather just stay here? I'm more than happy to leave that bastard to starve, if that's what you want."

"Don't call him that."

Severus' hands clenched tightly as Black finished.

"So, we're going, right?"

Severus took in a deep breath before letting it back out.

He needs to make sure his father is O.K. With Eileen gone, Tobias doesn't have anyone else and Severus promised. He promised his father that he would be there.

"Fine."

Black grinned, "Brilliant! See how easy things are when you just cooperate a little?"

Severus continued to glare, "You need to change."

Black's grin fell and he looked around himself, "What for?"

"We're going into a muggle area, you can't go in there wearing robes. You'll draw attention." He explained, sounding just as annoyed as he felt. Black blinked, looking like a puppy as he nodded his head. Like he wasn't blackmailing the Slytherin and forcing him to act against his free will.

"Right! Just give me a few minutes and we can go."

Severus sneered in disgust as he dropped down onto the bed while the Gryffindor hurried out of the cottage. Feeling more annoyed than he thought ever possible as he sat there and waited.

Two months. He only needs to keep at this for two months.