The new Spinner’s End already had a bad reputation. Rumor had it that werewolves were infesting the place. The rumors were true. The clans had taken to the new neighbourhood. The landlord wasn’t too bad, as long as you paid your rent and weren’t too much trouble. He didn’t ask where the money came from, which was practical. A couple of demi giants were roaming around for safety, for good measure. But the werewolf capture unit was never called. No werewolf registry authentification was required. This openness of mind was rare enough to be noticed and appreciated. The clans didn’t like the Ministry very much. Being registered was making you unsuitable for practically any day job since people were scared of you, and you were bound to suffer constant surveillance. The Werewolf Support Services had been shunned for that very reason. And oh how the ministry liked to stick its controlling nose in werewolf business. Therefore, the clans liked a landlord who wasn’t too fussy on the paperwork, who didn’t ask too many questions. They had chosen to settle in the houses near the factory, at the end of the alley. The landlord was in sight, the bane was available, there was even a bath house for strays. « For hygene ». A gift from the Snake Girl. A couple of families had come too. Single mothers, mostly. Poor, by the look of it. With terrified, sickly children. The demi giants were preventing clan members from approaching them. But the clans knew.
Kel, from the Ghostly Fangs clan was smoking a cigarette by the river. He gave a gentle nudge to the pretty young woman next to him on the bench, pulled from his cigarette, and passed it on to her.
« How’s your job at the factory going, Lavender? » She pulled from the cigarette and groaned.
-Stressful. You can’t make any tinsy mistake. The Snakelet is a picky little bitch. She’s always snapping at the senior alchemists and they snap back at us in return. I hate it. »
-Are you sure it’s worth the money? » Lavender Brown sighed.
-I’ve got to feed the new pups. »
-The clan could take care of it. »
-Oh, Kel. You know, they’re unregistered, and they’re unknown by the Auror Departement. They could lead a different life. They might even get to Hogwarts, or something. We’ve got to give them a chance. » Kel nodded at the river with a skeptical pout, and kissed Lavender Brown on the cheek :
-You know our door is open. But you can try… Anyway, clever pups couldn’t hurt the clan… »
-By the way, weren’t we supposed to get a castle? » he added playfully.
-The Snake Girl promised us one. »
-I heard Snape was going to open a bar where we could take the bane, somewhere in his shop. Downstairs I bet. » Kel smiled.
-That’s a step down from a castle. Hope they’ll serve proper beer. Who’s going to be the bar tender? »
Spinner’s End was clean enough. Simple, but cosy. The rust coloured bricks had been profusely cleaned, all along the street. The roofs had also been fixed, the path had been cleared. And all the houses looked practically identical, except maybe for the moving graffiti along the frontages. They were all spread in a neat row, except for the factory that was towering over the neighbourhood, in the distance, and the shop, of course. The shop, though unassuming looking, was really not hard to find. The bricks, the stairs at the entrance, the doors, the window frames, the whole facade was contrasting with the colourful surroundings. It was ebony black. The contrast was made even more stricking by the name of the shop that was floating in light white gothic letters, and chasing a ghostly doe all around the building : « Lily’s DADA articles ». When you came in, the orientation posters displayed said : « Defense Against the Dark Arts and self defense solutions. Weasley’s self defense articles, ground floor. Adult section, first floor. Auror section and training room, second floor. Consulting, third floor. Curse breaking by the back door. Bar in the basement. Full moon special. »
You didn’t get too many visits by day. But come the dusk, you could get all sorts. They said « Be careful what you wish for ». Severus had needed to be alert. He had also been surprised by his own success, especially as a consultant. Apparently, moralizing volontary ignorance tended to make people more vulnerable. It did happen to be practical to know a bit about the Dark Arts to actually defend against them. Who would have thought?
He was dealing with some tedious paperwork sent by the ministry, when he heard a schrill noise. What now? The alarm spell he’d cast came precisely from the first floor. Someone wasn’t supposed to be there. Nothing too dangerous, then. A child had decided to trespass the adult section, again. Normally children were in school during the day, and home at night. Supposedly. But some clever heads had already come to play truth or dare. Sometimes, children needed to be thrown out of a place, and to giggle stupidly while running away. Severus was annoyed to have to bother, really, but the help had taken a day off. He was alone, and forced to break his concentration. Irritating. He put his quill down, and apparated.
The child looked about nine or ten, if Severus was any judge. He could only see his back, for now : he’d had to stupefy the child mid flight. The trespasser was currently on the floor, face down. Severus walked on to face him, slowly and loudly, on purpose. Then, he lifted him right back up, and unstupefied his stupid face.
« So, boy. Either you’re the shortest, scrawniest adult I’ve ever seen, or you can’t read directions. Which is it? »
The boy said nothing. However, a whole novel could have been written from his face. This one had come here on his own. He had not come here to be annoying. He meant business. His aura was… Vindicative. Severus knew the sort. Slender. Greasy. Sombre. Tough. And he knew that expression, too. All too well. His heart sank, a little. I see you. So, he thought about what he would have needed at the time, when he was the boy’s age. If like could recognize like, he knew a little validation might have been helpful, back then. Being heard by someone who really would have listened. Who would have taken him seriously. Who would have showed him actual interest. The last thing he would have wanted would have been compassion. Pity was the worse thing to ever communicate. He remembered he’d dealt with judgement daily too, and it clearly hadn’t helped. Someone needed to ask this boy what he wanted, why the trespassing, why the (clearly) attempted theft, and why he was so enraged.
Was there any other someone in the room? No? Wonderful.
Severus sighed, and unstupefied the boy fully. The trespasser fell on the ground with a thump and a groan, stood up, and faced Severus with a defiant glare.
« So, who’s our enemy? » Severus asked levelly. The boy’s jaw dropped. He had not exactly expected this question.
-Cat got your tongue? You do have enemies, don’t you? Else, you wouldn’t have come here. I sell Defense Against the Dark Arts articles. Since you crossed my threshold (wrong floor, by the way), I reckon you have dark arts related matters to handle. So. What are we dealing with? »
A puzzled silence was filling the room. The boy was still trying to process the question. Severus was starting to lose patience.
« Let’s see… A great dark wizard, is it? » The boy blushed deeply, looked down, and schrugged.
-Not very talkative, are we… » Severus finally said.
-I’m guessing : bullies. What do we do to them? » This time, a tiny seething voice mumbled something vaguely sounding like :
-Kill them. » Severus scoffed.
-I don’t think so, boy ! Askhaban is not exactly a pleasant place. Did you know dementors are roaming in there again? I suggest we come up with a better idea. Come on, now. I think we need a drink. »
Severus nodded in the direction of the stairs, and the boy followed him to the ground floor, and then (with a slight hesitation for a second) to the basement. The bar was not entirely settled, yet. The potential new barman was behind the counter, tidying bottles of spirits on shelves that were materializing on the walls, when they entered. He turned around. Severus’s jaw tightened. He still hated this man, needless to say. Well. He had just agreed to give him a try. He hadn’t exactly been hiring him just yet. He waved the boy to sit down next to him by the counter.
« Elf made wine for me. » he snapped a little more harshly than he had intended.
-The boy… What’s your name again? »
-Elin. I’ll have butterbeer. » Good. The boy could speak again, apparently.
-Yeah, nice try. He’s probably under eleven » Severus added looking briefly at the last living Marauder.
-He’ll have cocoa, and a couple of chocolate frogs. »
Remus Lupin rumbled in his untidied cardboards to find the sweets.
« We were saying. Bigger boys? » the little trespasser nodded.
-How many? »
-Four. » was said in almost a whisper. Severus scoffed :
-Rings a bell… Nobody else reacts. Do they? »
-He should warn an adult about it. His parents, or something. » said a bold voice in the background. Severus waved it away.
-Orphanage? » he asked the boy. Nod.
-Adults won’t react, then. They never do. » Severus said to no one in particular. The boy’s jaw had dropped again. He was listening to Severus intently.
-You’re on your own. So, what do you do? »
-You were an orphan, too… » Severus was taken aback by the assertion.
-Eventually. Lost my mother by fifteen, and my father… A bit later. »
-I didn’t know. »
-What do you care? » snapped Severus to the annoying voice that had murmured in the background. He turned back to the inefficient little thief.
-Incidently, I’ve been teased as well. Why do you think I own a Defense Against the Dark Arts shop now, in the first place? You survive. If you’re lucky. So, here is what you don’t do… »
The conversation took a while. Severus explained the child about the inefficiency of revenge and the consequences one could go through should one decide to undertake it. One had to react fast, right at the moment of aggression and not a second later, or one would get wrongly judged. And one had to be vicious about it, in order to make the bullies remember. Even self defense required strategizing. Also, the boy’s bullies were probably not perfect, were they? They must be as reachable as anyone. So, one should answer to a malignant joke with a malignant joke in a second, if one could, and keep calm to make the bullying less fun. It was only about finding the right levers to pull, the right weaknesses to point out. And to point them out repeatedly. Words before wands. Then, one should learn how to protect oneself and even strike once the enemies lost their countenance. They would be done the minute they lost a fraction on their confidence. It was only a matter of strategizing and training. The rambling went on and on.
When the child was sent on his way, Remus Lupin shifted uneasily behind the counter :
« You had an awful lot of advice to give. » He dared notice. Severus looked at him up and down. Then right in the eye, as if the werewolf had just been intruding this minute.
-Experience. » He let out.
-You always lost. »
-True. Often enough to have learned from it. I was not trained enough. I was rash, impulsive… »
-Mean spirited and bitter. »
-Not mentionning having to deal with four enemies. How brave. Four against one. How very Gryffindor of them, wasn’t it? » Lupin had the surprising decency to blush a little.
-You weren’t exactly easy to befriend. »
-Never been. So it gave you a free pass to pester me every day. Very morally justified, i guess. » Lupin was looking down.
-You were always attacking us too. »
-Oh, you deserved flowers for your behaviour, i’m sure. For the disrespect you showed everyone, friend, foe, professors alike. The conceit. The agressivity… »
-You were the agressive one. » Severus laughed.
–I just wasn’t good at pretending my hexes were jokes. And i wasn’t good at being all charm, and smiles, and counterfeit innocence when it came to facing accountability for my actions. Because I could never stand pretense blamelessness. Not everyone has acting skills. Oh, and I wasn’t one of the richest children in Hogwarts, of course. Neither did I have famous parents to make sure I was being treated like a god. Uncanny, isn’t it, how privilege and a pretty face can make a boy supposedly harmless? »
-James and Sirius weren’t fake. And you were the one obsessed about the dark arts. » Lupin protested.
-You Gryffindors are such hypocrites. Do you really think that hexing, and jinxing and cursing everything and everyone every day for seven years wasn’t dark arts related? Or even dark arts obsessed? The difference between me and you people was that I was more knowledgeable, and more interested in the skill itself rather than in the pleasure to put down anyone deemed inferior to feed my huge ego. »
-James wasn’t like that! »
-Oh, please! Your friend was strutting about with his stupid snitch all the time looking for trouble to cause. His greatest pleasure was to show everyone he could get away with anything. He needed to feel superior. Even you must know it. If I hadn’t been in Hogwarts so conveniently, he would have found someone else to hate. Black would have followed him to the end of the world just to prove himself he was morally superior to his family. And you’re just in denial because deep down you’re so thankful it wasn’t you he was persecuting. »
-You didn’t even know him, really! No wonder you have trouble making friends if you’re so bloody prejudiced! »
-And were did my prejudice come from, I wonder? Why, what a mystery! Listen : believe what you want, I couldn’t care less. Sure, James Potter was pure. He never meant to hurt anyone. He was all good will. And surely, there was no hierarchy in his friendships. That’s why Pettigrew was never made to feel inferior in your little group. That’s why he was never scared. That’s why he never knew that he would end up being bullied too one day. That’s why, ultimately, he never chose to rely on the biggest bully he could find for his own protection. Of course. What a brilliant idea, by the way, but can I blame him. That’s why he never betrayed you. »
-James never hurt Peter… He was our friend. »
-Yes, everyone had their place in Potter’s little court. Black was his dog. You were his mother (always making his homework, weren’t you?). And Pettigrew was his fool. He was dragged along just to cast a favorable light on him. He was useful. Just like you. »
-You don’t know much about friendships, do you? A friend is going to accept you as you are. I don’t know why Peter joined Voldemort, but all James ever did was be good to him. Your little fantasy about our friendship must come from the way the Malfoys treated you. And just for information : friends are supposed to be equal. I mean : not that you would know what I’m talking about. You never had any, so… »
-I had Lily. Narcissa and Lucius were alright. At least, they never used me as a groupie. They never mocked me every two seconds while expecting I wouldn’t be too sensitive. But do go on. Keep using denial as a way to cope with grief. »
-You wished you had Lily… »
-Well I know she was popular, thank you. And I know she was getting tired of having to justify being my friend. And I know it cost her more and more. And I know why I lost her, in the end. I’m of good faith, contrary to you. » Remus Lupin sighed.
-Alright, James was prideful and self centered. But he grew up, eventually… »
-Oh, did he? »
-Come on, Snape! We were teenagers! »
-So was I. » An awkward silence fell on the room.
-I don’t know why he always needed to provoke you. We should have ignored you. » Severus nodded.
-You knew you were wrong. Even back then. I could see it. You were a coward. » Lupin looked down.
-But then, I wasn’t any better to Lily. I should have stood up for her since she was always standing up for me. I was afraid to be in trouble in my own house. I suppose I felt like I had enough problems already. «
-At least, you tried to make up for it. » Severus rolled his eyes.
-I failed. I joined the Order of the Phoenix to earn Dumbledore’s protection, to save Lily. But it turns out the old man had never meant to protect anybody. Even the boy was supposed to die. »
-It was war. We all did what we could. And Harry’s alive. »
An annoyed hiss was heard in the distance. A determined ball python crossed the room, and started to climb up Severus’s leg. Remus Lupin drew out his wand.
« No, don’t. » Severus said.
-I’d rather you didn’t hurt Suneko’s friends. I would never hear the end of it. I’m probably just told that I’m late for dinner. It’s not going to hurt me. » Lupin put his wand back in his pocket with a puzzled expression.
-Suneko sent this snake, of course. The nickname of Aethelind Gaunt? Small woman, authoritarian? The Snake Girl! You’ll get used to it. »
Severus sighed, and got up casually. He looked vaguely annoyed.
« All in all, trust me, it’s still better than living with the Dark lord and Nagini. » He swallowed the rest of his wine. The agreeable bitter taste was mixed with a subtle smell of cold cocoa. He looked at the snake right in the eye.
-It’s an order, isn’t it? » Then at the new barman.
-I promised her I would be home, today. She won’t have dinner unless I’m there. That means her guest, here, won’t get his share of the food without my presence at the table. So, he’s motivated. I’m afraid I’ve got to go. » Lupin’s jaw had dropped a little.
-What are you looking at? Did you hear me? We’re closing, for now. Clean up that mess quickly. I’ll see you in the morning for the contract. »
It was very early morning. Breakfast was on the table. Suneko was casually finishing her rice, fish and omelette, while Severus was half way through his bacon. Things had been going rather smoothly, lately. Suneko was thriving in her factory, driving her employees mad with her demands. She was always complaining about her alchemists, because of course the potions were never quite perfect, and why would people never really listen, and it took treasures of creativity to find ways to make up for people’s mistakes, and it was exhausting, she said. Her complaints made Severus smile because they made him think about his past self as a professor. But then, Severus thought, she needed the adrenaline. She took particular pleasure in running around in his land and snapping at her herbologists, her gardeners and her game keepers. She would hire architects for the reconstruction of the ruin when she had time, she promised. She had bought the dragons guarding her coffers off Gringotts and intended to use them for delivery purposes. Her father had a little dispensary in the factory, and was due to come to Lily’s to help with the occasional curse breaking.
Lily’s DADA articles was slowly starting to become successful. Most would come for Weasley’s Defense Against the Dark Arts products and for advice, for now. The Auror Department of the Ministry was considering using his consulting service. Severus was almost done with the paperwork. They would soon visit. From time to time, people showed up with aggressive intentions as a challenge, and needed to be dealt with. All in all, the protections Severus had cast around the place had been efficient. And there was the wolfbane, of course. The werewolves happened to be steady clients. Severus did appreciate his own professional independence.
The vampires hadn’t showed up in the last few months. Severus wondered why. But he knew that a contract had been signed, and that they would soon come back to get their due. He too would have to watch out for the moon tides. The undead named Dobri had mentionned a visit every New Moon.
Suneko’s father had been informed about their intention to marry. He had just nodded, sipping his noodles. Somehow, it had casually become official. A part of Severus still wondered weather this had been a good idea, the blood oath, the marriage. But his mind was really made up. He had no idea why he was so sure of himself and so determined. They had both agreed on a small and private ceremony, of course. They tended to agree on many things.
Suneko reached out for Severus’s plate.
« This is not very healthy, you know. » she lectured him, munching a piece of his bacon.
-How kind of you to steal from my plate. »
The door bell rang.
« That’s a werewolf and two ladies. » she said.
-You really need to drink your coffee. » The door opened.
-Lupin. You came for the contract, I suppose. This is my private space, mind you. I see you brought in your whole family. May I finish my breakfast, at least? »
-He’ll do. » Suneko said looking at the werewolf up and down.
-They will need accomodation. They’re living at his step mother’s but they would like a place of their own. » She stared at Tonks who was speechless for once.
-This one would also like to apply for a job at Lily’s. She resigned from the Auror Department when they fired this one for turning, again. You should consider them. Your time will be spent dealing with requests from the Ministry soon I’m sure. You need to be surrounded by competent people. And you remember we meant to travel? Just saying. » Severus sighed in resignation, and turned to their third guest.
-And you are mister… »
-Miss. That’s a miss. » Suneko corrected him.
-I know appearances can be deceiving. »
-What the hell are you talking about, Suni? » The shy looking young male was blushing deeply.
-She’s a friend of Tonks, here. This person was born male. She regularly shape shifts to female. It didn’t sit well with her former lessor, I’m afraid. »
-Merlin… » muttered Severus.
-And… What… Exactly… Is the point? »
-She feels female. »
-Really. » Suneko nodded. Severus raised an eyebrow.
-Hum… Fascinating? » Then shrugged.
-I guess I’ve been spending time with worse. » The young person was trying to hide a surprised and relieved expression.
– And… To what do I owe the pleasure?… »
-She would be interested in Spinner’s End too. »
-Is she? How would you feel about being surrounded by werewolf neighbours, mist… miss… What do I call you? »
-She likes to be called Nebula Lovebug. » said Tonks before the young male looking lady could open her mouth. Lupin was very quiet, looking disapprovingly at his feet. Suneko hissed gently, and noticed :
-You change species every month. I think you could use a little open mindedness and understanding. » Lupin looked guiltily around:
-I didn’t say anything. »
-I Know. I’m anticipating. » Miss Lovebug was smiling a bit.
-So werewolves. This lot will be everywhere. » Severus warned. A small voice resonated.
-I can handle it. »
-Thanks Merlin, she speaks! Rent is 70 galleons, third of the month. Can she pay? » Suneko nodded.
-Is she regular? » nod again.
-She any trouble? » Suneko shook her head.
-We have a soft spot for shape shifters, here, I guess. »
-Is there many houses left to rent in the neighbourhood? » asked Tonks innocently.
-Oh come on, Dora. » answered her husband with a reproachful side eye.
-Are you sure it would be a good idea to gather all of your friends in one place? » Tonks sighed.
-Nebula is alright, of course. She’s quiet enough. But Sapphire, now? Listen Snape, you don’t have to welcome the whole gang. Let’s say the neighbourhood would become… A bit strange. » Severus raised an eyebrow.
-Strange how? »
The room was quiet with embarrassment for a few seconds. In the end, it was Suneko who answered.
« From what I can perceive… Strange, like joyful. I think noise. Colours. »
-That sounds terrible. » Tonks was smiling. And Lupin was brooding a little.
-Would you be able to handle your fellow werewolves, Lupin? You would be suprised about the noise they’re able to make. What would make your wive’s friends worse than them? »
-He can’t handle the joy. » Tonks teased.
-What about you Snape? Would you handle it? » Severus crossed his arms. He was unamused.
-Or is it the colours you’re allergic to? »
-Black suits everything, darling. » the quiet man-lady answered sweetly.
-Exactly. »
Severus realized he didn’t dislike this strange person. And Spinner’s End had never been a squeeky clean neighbourhood, after all. He would consider them as tenants. All the better if it could disturb Lupin.
« Oh, shoot! I’m going to be late! » said Suneko scuttling to the door.
Severus just had time to grab a coffee cup to go and apparate in front of her.
« Your coffee. Don’t forget it, or you will drive everyone insane. » he said handing her the cup. She took it, sighing. Then, let out a little gasp.
-I forgot. Here’s your key. » she shoved the little metallic object in his hand.
-Where to? »
-You know, that place I inherited around some muggle village? Little Hangleton, I believe? I really wouldn’t know what to do with it. I thought you might enjoy having a muggle space of your own to use the electricity devices you love, for example. I’ve seen you look at that muggle device you can’t play anymore, lately. It’s a musical instrument, isn’t it? You could go there from time to time. The place would be yours. Magic free. You know how we planned to expand the house, since we live with father? That way, you wouldn’t have to get rid of your muggle things, if you wanted. » Severus nodded. He was touched beyond words. So, he didn’t say anything.
-I never heard your music, by the way. I’m curious. »
-You would hate it. » Severus smiled.
-You have the right to have bad tastes. » she schrugged.
And that, right there, was what he liked about her. It was the little things. It just felt nice to be cared for. Love? He wasn’t sure. It was nothing like what he had felt before. It wasn’t shoving him off his feet, reverberating in his mind like an endless echo, admiration, jealousy, thankfulness, awe, fear. He never felt small. He never felt too much. Never felt overwhelmed. Never felt out of place. Never dreamed of one day being worthy, one day being big enough. Suneko was powerful, and young, and rich, and oddly beautiful. But she made him feel like an equal. She valued his intelligence. His talent. His style. He liked her way to look at him. He liked how he felt around her. She wasn’t a goddess. She was a partner. Someone he could rely on. Someone he could be himself with. Someone he could trust. And it was all so ridiculously simple. With her, he didn’t have to feel like a fish out of water. Somehow, he could socially… Breathe. She had barged into his home on that dreadful night when he had been agonizing. And she had left her print on the stones, little by little. One moment at a time. Built up on him. Hence the marriage, maybe.
He reached out and stroked her hair. He wished they were down. When they were flowing freely on his hands, they felt like silk. She leaned in very closely until she reached his neck where she placed a light kiss before whooshing away. His heart was pounding. He hoped she would visit him, tonight. He didn’t mind when she was in the mood for « experiments », as she called it. Severus realized that he was blushing and that his guests were still in the room. He didn’t want to turn around and show a red face, so he just told them :
« We will be signing your contracts in my office at Lily’s. You’re free to let me finish my breakfast. »
For a second there, he had forgotten they existed.
Spinner’s End was getting livelier and livelier every day. Lupin and Tonks had settled in down the alley. It had not taken long for a horde of… Colourful people to take over the houses by the river. Some in the clans were not too happy about it. Some didn’t mind their new neighbours. Luckily for the new comers, the Klooms had decided to live next to the green house. The sheer size of the gigantic sisters was intimidating enough to prevent any bitter soul from attacking the rainbow people, who had taken to them in return.
Severus was exhausted. It had taken all of his energy to tutor his new employees. All day. Again. Because he had to make sure they were ready for the day he and Suneko would have to travel. Of course, not mentioning the Ministry who would expect mentoring and tutoring services. And the twins, who had offered him their partnership. It was all exciting, but it was going to be a bit much, soon. Which was why he would need to delegate. Unfortunately.
He sighed. He was finally done with his paperwork of the day. A silken night had fallen on Spinner’s End. It was getting quite late. He was going to head home, when he heard a whooshing sound. A stooping man with piercing little black eyes appeared by the door. Severus was surprised. And he was on his guard.
« Mister Borgin. » he said.
To what do I owe the displeasure? He didn’t utter out loud. If mister Borgin was by the door, it couldn’t be good news. This man did not have the best company as far as he could remember. Severus felt that some dark wizard might be on his heels again.
« May I help you? » The unpleasant old man looked around his office, interested.
-You’re doing very well for yourself. » he noticed, and his voice was not coated in the usual obsiquiousness he was using when he was talking to Severus’s former death eater friends.
-Can’t complain. »
-And everyone thought you were dead. »
-Hate to disappoint. Do you need anything mister Borgin? »
-Oh, yes. Indeed. I… Came to collect something for common friends… »
-What friends do we still have in common? »
-You have a very short memory, Snape. »
-It couldn’t be Dolohov, I heard he passed away. »
-I should know! » Borgin frowned.
-I had to clean up the place afterwards! Messy work, messy work… Bad for business. »
-Then what friends do I have left? » The old man smiled.
-You have many friends, boy. » he purred.
-Much more than you imagine. » this sentence sent shivers down Severus’s spine.
-And what do they want? »
-To settle a debt. » Severus raised an eyebrow. A debt…
-Would they have pointy teeth, by any chance? »
-I see you’re perceptive. »
-I didn’t know you knew them. »
-I’ve been around for a long time, boy. I know quite a number of people. » Severus sighed. Of course the vampires were going to come back to him. He had known.
-It’s not like I had been hiding anywhere. What took them so long? »
-I heard they took time deciding on the price. »
-The price has been set. On new moons. Thirteen vampires, thirteen vials. »
-That would be the minimal price. But I’ve been told our common friends thought you might agree on considering paying a… A bonus. »
-Why would I do that? »
-You don’t want to know the new price? » Severus rolled his eyes.
-Please enlighten me. But I didn’t sign any new contract. »
-No need for a new contract, your… Consent would be enough. »
-Why would I give it? What would I get in return? »
-Not that I would personally agree, but I’ve been told you might be a… Sensible man. I wouldn’t know why they think this. »
-Sensible? Who wouldn’t be ready to over bleed for undecisive vampires in the name of some heritage? Why would it be sensible to comply? Are they threatening me? »
-No one is threatening you, my friend. But you did sign a contract. »
-I understand payment is due. What I don’t understand is why I would let them randomly change the price. »
-I hear there has been… A shift in your situation. »
-Really? Care to explain yourself, mister Borgin? »
-I’m sure you know about the upcoming war. »
-A… War. »
-Well… I heard you were betrothed to miss Aethelind Gaunt. Aren’t you? » Severus said nothing. A war… Having something to do with Suneko. His heart was pounding as he was thinking about the only connection that made sense.
-Li. » he said.
-Great nation. Easily vexed. Dead prince. Seems to me you’re left with a choice : you might either want to cancel your betrothal and step away from your beloved, or you might want to make very good friends. Which will it be? »
Severus felt trapped. You could not simply cancel a blood oath. Or technically, it might be possible, but… Did he want to, as a matter of fact? He realized he didn’t. He realized he didn’t want to be the kind of man who would cancel a betrothal out of fear of danger. Besides, he knew that Suneko trusted him. That she needed him, in a way. That she needed all her strengh to keep her inner snake at bay. Clearly, letting her down would not help. And he also knew that he was not staying for the snake. He was staying for the woman who was fighting it. Herself. The Snake Girl. Of course, he still wanted to marry her. And that meant he would have to make her war his problem. Yet again.
« Good friends, huh. What’s the new price? »
-Good to know you’re not completely mad. »
-Oh, I believe I am. »
So war again. There was new players in the game. If he had to die for someone, Suneko would be as good as any, he guessed. At least, this time, he didn’t want to hit his protege, on a daily basis. That would help.
Borgin’s snapped his fingers, and vials started to appear on Severus’s office. Thirteen on the front row, as formerly decided. And then… Severus’s eyes widened.
« There’s at least two hundred of them. »
-Two hundred and twenty three, to be precise. »
-That’s a lot more than thirteen! »
-I guess they decided you would be a handful to handle. I mean, you are good at making enemies, after all. »
-Not these ones, I didn’t. And I wasn’t meant to be bled dry. » Severus mumbled. Borgin looked amused. It was getting on his nerves.
-That’s what you get for being chivalrous, boy. And with your gift, I’m petty sure you can handle a few vials. » Severus frowned.
-You thought they wouldn’t notice when you healed minutes after having been stabbed? They slow down time for you when you call for them, and you don’t even run. Severus Snape, you really like risking your life… »
Severus couldn’t help but being fascinated. So, they had been the ones stopping time. No wonder they managed being so fast. He had to admit they were precious friends to have. He sighed, rolled up his sleeve, and drew out a knife. An old seringe materialized in front of the vials.
« Less traditional, more hygenic. » said Borgin. Severus raised an eyebrow.
-More hygenic, if you say so. » He started filling the vials.
-What are they going to do with all this blood, every month? Bathe in it? »
-Share it, boy. »
-What am I feeding? The whole vampire kingdom? »
-You’re making new friends. You will need them. »
-For now, I’m a buffet, that’s what i am. »
-No friendship in unconditional. » While Severus was almost done, Borgin let out a cold little chuckle :
-We’re interesting, now, aren’t we? This should be fun. »
-You have a fascinating vision of amusement. »
The old man started collecting the vials and casually tidying them in a grubby looking bag. He was looking at Severus in an odd way, with a curious, intense gaze. Severus crossed his arms and stared back :
« Oh, please say what you have to say. »
-Rumor has it you want to find a way to heal your beloved. »
-Contain. There’s no healing a blood curse. »
-Any plan? »
-It’s out of my domain of expertise, and out of hers. Which is why we need to broaden our perspective. »
-Any idea how? »
-As a matter of fact, we do. Our friend, Horace Slughorn has a few acquaintances he would like to introduce us to. We mean to travel. It’s surely going to be a learning experience. » Severus wasn’t sure he liked the old man’s smirk.
-Of course, of course… Miss Gaunt will certainly meet very able healers, and you… Will probably be blessed with the company of quite a few dignified aurors, among other heroic folk. No doubt you will be mind blown. You had met Gilderoy Lockheart, had you? Too bad I heard he was unavailable. » Severus’s jaw tightened.
-Oh, come. You know it takes more than a pretty uniform and a little bravado to defeat a proper dark wizard. »
-Do I look stupid, Borgin? »
-So you know that people properly trained in the dark arts are rarely respectable folk. No one your favorite collegue would respect, anyway. The best mentors you could get are discreet people with dirty hands. »
-What are you suggesting, then? »
-Oh, I don’t know. Maybe that you have businesses to handle, employees to train. A household to settle. Not mentioning an angry foreign emperor coming for you. You might want to stay where you have friends, for one. And if you want to make sure you get to meet the right mentors, well I suggest you give England a try. It’s the most practical place to be for you, for now. »
-Friends? Who do you mean? The children I had to protect not so long ago? Should I drag them into a war with a foreign emperor whose brother was stupid enough to threaten Aethelind? Or maybe, I should ask for help to my former enemies? I’ll pass. I’m not Dumbledore. I don’t send children to war, and I don’t have the persuasion skills to get people to die for me. » Borgin crossed his arms. He looked puzzled.
-Do you know, these boys are not the only wizards around London? No one asked you to get them involved. They would be useless! What is with you, Snape, anyway? Everyone heard you complain about being stuck in your position as a potion master in Hogwarts for decades, because it was not dark arts related. EVERYONE heard you complain about the children. You almost die, wake up free and blameless, get back on your feet, and where do you choose to work? In a joke shop, no dark arts, swarming with children! All in all, not your cup of tea, in any way. I don’t understand. You never once set foot in my shop, for example, wondered whether I was hiring, no? Maybe, I would have taken you in. You would have had what you wanted. Or is suffering your ultimate goal? »
-Do you mean : to work in Knockturn Alley, after having worked for Dumbledore? Maybe, I didn’t feel like being surrounded by enemies. And maybe, the Weasleys do have a Defense Against the Dark Arts section in their shop. Who knows? »
-Jolly good! With hats that make you partially invisible, and sweets that make you vomit! Come on boy, I thought you had taste! And since when are you afraid of danger? May I remind you who you’re living with? » Severus schrugged.
-Bottom line is : in your situation, boy, you need training and advice. »
-Who by? You? »
-Who do you think showed the ropes to young Riddle? » that kept Severus a little quiet.
-You would think that working in a shop such as mine for decades taught me a great deal, wouldn’t you? That I might have made some acquaintances? Why do you figure Riddle came to me when he came of age, instead of choosing a prestigious job in Hogwarts? For my pretty eyes? Come on, now! » The old man started pacing irritably.
-What a waste of time, by the way! He was so powerful, and clever, and persuasive. He had drive and his bloodline was perfect. I thought I could make something out of him. I guess I was blinded. He just… Left without warning, and set out to make seven hocruxes. Seven BLOODY HORCRUXES! What did he think he would gain from this? Strength? Like splitting his own BLOODY SOUL in seven pieces wasn’t going to have consequences! Who is stubborn and stupid enough to do something like this! »
-The Dark Lord was. »
-Huh, and that surname!… Listen : if you have any such project, please tell me right now, so that I avoid wasting my time. The whole business damaged my reputation. »
-I want my betrothed and I to be safe from Li. And I want to help prevent her blood curse from overwhelming her. And I want us to be the best in our field. Healing for her, curse breaking for me. No world domination on my plan, sorry. »
-You’ve got potential, alright. We might be able to do something with you, just yet. » the old man decided.
-Hum. Why would you even want to help me? »
-Because you’ll make a decent dark wizard, I figure. »
-I’m interested in curse breaking, not curse making. »
-Boy, everyone a little powerful has dark skills. In the ministry too, of course. Hypocrites. And you’ve got to know how to make them to break them, you know how it is. »
-So be it… But I know you don’t ever do anything for free. What is your price, old man? » Borgin smiled again. I’ll finally know what he really wants from me, won’t I? Severus thought. He doubted Borgin had ever been paid by the vampires. And with Borgin, there was always a price.
-Do you know you’re the descendant of a very ancient bloodline, Snape? »
-Yes. And I’m still a halfblood. So? »
-So was Riddle. »
-I’m not the Dark Lord. »
-Indeed. You’re not. Very discreet, you are. That’s what fooled me. That’s what fooled everyone. You’re hardly ever noticed. Easily underestimated. In your line of work, it’s a gift. » Severus was starting to lose patience.
-What. Exactly. Is your point? »
-You don’t want anyone to know you’re seeing me. We want to keep our respectable friends, now, don’t we? The Ministry will want to test your skills. I’d advise you to avoid showing off too much. This shop is fine, but you want to be careful about what you put on display in it. You want them to keep underestimating you. Keep your secrets. Also, sooner or later, you’ll have to defend your wife against them, so steer clear from politics. »
-Thank you for the advice. Your point? »
-You’ve got decent blood. We don’t want it spilled. » Severus sighed.
Then his jaw dropped. Much to his surprise, the unpleasant old man had just accioed one of the vials from his bag, undone the lid, and drank its content. Borgin smiled as his hair grew back and darkened. His face was still hardly bettered by the loss of its wrinkles, and he was still looking like his crooked and irksome self, but the difference was significant. The pointy canines grew last right before the old man said:
« My point is : you already paid, boy. »
Les pattes de mouche de la puce polichinelle 