Severus Snape was finally back home. It was awfully late, or rather, it was starting to be early. He was exhausted.

« You look awful. » said a quiet, raspy voice. Severus was startled. After half a second of blank, he just answered :

-Oh, thank you for your insight. It’s the perfect conclusion to this long day I’ve just had. »

-Long day AND night. It’s two in the morning, Severus. What took you so long? »

-Oh, right. You mean : the safe inspection of your deadly coffers at Gringotts was supposed to take, what? Five minutes? I’m not through a fourth of the first one, so expect it to take ages. When to think about how parsimonious your uncle was… Like he was collecting coins for the shiny quality. You’re welcome, by the way. It’s ridiculous, being this rich. Oh, that, and I was pursued by vampires. »

-They scared you. I’ll kill them. »

-Vampires are dead, already. That’s why they’re called ‘undead’. » Severus was actually generally preoccupied. He was back, out and about, and now the news would be spreading quickly. He wondered whom it would be spreading to. Was he safe? He wasn’t quite sure.

-Well, I’ll kill them. Again. » Severus smiled.

-Just their luck. Keep your fangs at rest, girl. They were irritating. Not hostile. »

-What did they want with you? » Severus sighed. He could already hear his friend’s enthousiasm.

-They came from a… Distant uncle who’s dying. They were looking for an heir. »

-Coffers? »

-No. Just some ruin, Merlin knows where. » The girl was quick. She gasped emphathetically :

-Land? »

-Apparently. »

-That’s GREAT! »

-Of course, except they’re linked to the land, which would make me their new « master », which would mean I would have to feed them, regularly. » Suneko sobered up, then offered :

-Take the land, stab the vampires. Problem solved. »

-Magical contract. I’m not sure they’re that easy to deal with. »

-Hum. That is a drawback. »

-Isn’t it? »

-Would it have to be your blood? »

-Would you give yours? »

-I did share some of mine, when you were dying, a few years back. » Severus didn’t know what to say. She had never told him that.

-No idea of the quantity needed, and every month is a bit much. »

-We should still visit. »

-Perhaps. »

All the while during this conversation, Severus had been distracted : he couldn’t help but noticing a few decoration changes. In fact, he could hardly recognize his living room. Plants had been placed all around the bookshelves. The sofa had been replaced by crawling, twisted tree branches, and by a couple of pouffes casually displayed. There was a sort of mini stone grotto, in a corner. It was awfully warm. And there was, of course, the little detail of the dozen snakes, crawling around. Suneko noticed his gaze, and simply commented :

« I brought a few friends. Do you mind? »

-I mean : thank you for asking me now. » She schruged unapologetically :

-You were away. And I was bored, and worried sick, by the way. »

-Hence the snake party. Who doesn’t need a boa to tea? » Severus wasn’t fond of snakes (understandibly). But she was around, and he knew he was pretty safe. Still.

-Don’t just stay there standing. Sit. » she said.

-Oh thank you for your hospitality in my own home. That’s so sweet. » He was glad he was home, though. Even with the swarming mess on the floor. So, he did.

Severus froze and looked down, as he felt one of her « friends » slowly curl around his leg.

« Pedro wants a better view. » She explained. Trays with snacks and drinks appeared on their knees.

-Now, he wants some of your duck. » she translated, while feeding a couple of her other « friends » by hand. Severus was starving, but he didn’t want to displease the heavy venomous mass of fangs and scales perching on his shoulder, so he decided a bit of his dinner was a worthy sacrifice. He heard a happy hiss;

-He likes you. He said : this is cosy. »

-‘Cosy’ must be the snake word for ‘chaos’. »

-Oh, shut up. »

At that point, Severus saw the whole scene from outside himself, and felt the uncanniness of it. The change of decoration out of the blue, the reversed hospitality behaviour, the carpet of snakes all over the floor, climbing up his legs « for a view ». The Dark Lord had turned his snake friend Nagini, into an extension of himself. She had turned the whole place up side down to make them feel at ease. She had never done that before, he mused. It’s almost like she was the one who were starting to feel comfortable with me. The idea made him feel fuzzy and warm, inside. On the other hand, his feelings were mixed. It didn’t exactly feel cosy to see all of these snakes crawling around his feet. He still had bad dreams about Nagini.

« Do you want to see something fun? » she said playfully.

-Why not? » what did she have in store exactly?

She let out the softest hiss he had ever heard, and a tiny whitish snake slid from her sleeve.

« This is Noodle. Most of my other friends are wild. They come and go. But this one is a clinger, so she’ll be likely to be hiding up my sleeve like a living bracelet everywhere I go. »

-I’ve never seen her. »

-Of course. She hides, mostly. »

-What type of snake is she? »

-A flat head. Pretty, isn’t she? »

-Irresistible. »

-Well… She is more than just a lovely face. She’s also an incredible actress. Do you want to see? »

-The suspense is killing me. »

She looked at the little reptile, and hissed what seemed to be instructions. The reptile in question was intently listening to her, in a fixed, attentive position. Pedro and the other snakes had finished their dinner, and were back on the floor. Some had found their way to the little grotto, and were ready to doze off. His tray was taken away, and hers was emptied of all of its content.

Suneko let Noodle slide on the now empty platter, and stretched out her hand. A paper knife lended in it.

Then, she cleared her throat, and recited emphathetically :

« Begone, foul children eating monster! For I am the great hero Harry Potter, come to save the world! I shall cut thy infamous head, and make a necklace out of your teeth! Fear me, evil beast! »

To which Noodle answered with more furious hissing, and twisting, and fake biting. Suneko lifted a little finger, and a paper bird appeared out of nowhere, and brushed the little serpent’s head. Noodle was now obviously twisting in fake agonizing pain. Finally, Suneko brandished her paper knife vehemently to the ceiling :

« And now, die, secret horror of the deep! The world is safe, at last! I demand it! »

After which she touched her little friend with the paper knife lightly. Noodle let out a pathetic last hiss to express her fake suffering, and let herself fall on the tray in a dramatic dying scene.

« Impressive. » Severus had to admit.

He’d been chuckling all along. A wicked idea had just crossed his mind, actually :

« The children would like it. » he grinned

-What children? »

-Weasley’s of course. We could make an exceptionnal event or two at the shop. I’m sure they would appreciate the show. The bravest of them could even take part in it. Some would definately want to play Harry Potter with a real living snake. Gryffindors or future gryffindors, likely. »

-I’m not sure. That would be a lot of people. »

-Oh, come on. You work in a hospital. If she’s always with you, she must be used to people. »

Suneko was quiet, intently looking at him.

« What? » he snapped, feeling under scrutiny.

-Why do you insist? »

-I think it would be a good idea. For the kids. »

-Why do you even care about the kids? I thought you hated them. » She noticed with a witty smile.

-Will you stop it, now? » he retorted irritatingly.

-Never mind. It’s late. We should go to bed, anyway. Whatever you did with it. And, hum… Suneko? »

-Yes? » He hardly dared asking the question.

-Your… Eye colour was starting to change, when you were angry, back in Saint Mango’s. » About to choke that woman to death, he omitted to say.

-Oh, that? That’s nothing. »

-You were just turning, I guess. Nothing to worry about. » She sighed with an expression of sad resignation, and explained :

-I only risk to turn when I’m threatened. It’s not too bad if my eyes just turn purple, anyway. I’ve seen it on my mother. It’s just… If my eyes turn red… Run. »

-And sweet dreams to you too… » Severus mumbled. She hissed something under her breath, and shook her shoulders, looking down :

-He’s scared of me, like all the others. » His heart thumped. He lifted her chin :

-I want my Defense Against the Dark Arts shop. And I want you to settle your apothecary shop too. I want us to meet the best specialists to get proper aprenticeship, and earn ourselves quite a reputation. So yes, I want you to keep your snake under control, because you couldn’t heal anyone without hands. I’m sure we’ll find ways. And I’ll make do with… » he vaguely showed his new living room decoration.

-This mess. »

---

The morning light had been starting to seep through the window. Severus Snape hadn’t exactly been sleeping well. His conscience had turned on and off, in between bad dreams populated by Nagini, and other objects of his worries. Now, he was grateful for the day to come, and its various distractions. He was about to get up, when his face was attacked by a braid, coming from the ceiling. He screamed in surprise.

« What’s wrong? » said a worried, sleepy voice. He had to breathe in and out, before answering :

-Suneko, what… Are you doing… In my room, on the ceiling? » Up there, she had installed a bar, where she was casually hanging.

-You were screaming, last night. I came to make sure you were alright. It was just a nightmare, and I didn’t want to wake you up. So, I just decided to stretch, for a bit, and then be on my way… I must have fallen asleep. »

-Upside down. On the ceiling. » Severus said flatly.

-As you can see. Breakfast? »

That horrible facade was supposed to look humorous. One had to admit they had managed to make their shop visible. A huge, monstrous version of the red headed twins was putting its hat on and off with a terrible grin.

And this is supposed to be a place for children…  he tought with a shrug.

I wonder how come none of them is crying.

He smirked, then went in. The place was like the brats he had known at Hogwarts. Colorful. Messy, but nonetheless full of interesting things. They hadn’t been fairing too bad, actually.

« Welcome to Weasley’s. » said a familiar voice.

« What can I do for y…? »

George, the one with the scarred ear. The boy, of course, had just recognized him.

« I need a job. » He just said bluntly.

« Nice shop. » He added to sound a little more diplomatic.

George Weasley threw an amused smile:

« I’m glad you noticed. Though if you need a job, i would expect at least a superlative. »

« With a little help, it would surely end up deserving one. But it’s alright, of course. » He mused looking around interested.

« Oh, really?!  » laughed the boy.

« Nice to see you doing well, by the way. Good morning. »

Severus held his hand. The boy shook it. Even now, it was still strange to see him all grown up. He couldn’t help remembering the reckless teenager who had driven every Hogwarts professor crazy.

« And you came here to save my business. » The boy smirked.

« Would I have bothered to come in, if it had needed saving? Its got a proper reputation, of course. Though I heard there was room for improvement. »

« How so? » The boy, still smiling, looked at him up and down.

« I heard your love potions were pretty terrible. » Severus pointed.

« They’re part of our best sellers. » The boy crossed his arms.

« I’ve heard from people who know better than your clients. »

The boy’s smile froze. His eyes rolled, and then, he schrugged.

« I bet you’re interested in our Defense Against the Dark Arts section. Over here. »

He led him to the back of the shop, where more sober looking shelves had been set. He tapped on the shoulder of one of the employees. Tall, lean, red haired, that figure looked quite familiar.

-Blimey! If it isn’t Snape! » Gasped Ron Weasley.

-And good morning to you too, mister Weasley. »

-You might as well be a ghost. We weren’t sure you had even survived. You had disappeared. »

-Oh, did you need me for something? I had… You know… Lost the track of time, recovering from this. » he snapped in frustration, showing his scar. The boy’s eyes widened.

-That’s the trace of Nagini’s bite? » He was right to be impressed. The scar was ugly.

-Does it look like a hickey? » The boy frowned.

-Oh, I can see you didn’t lose your bubbly personality. What can I do for you? »

-I… Was hoping to get a job, actually. »

-Because Hogwarts didn’t want you? »

-Because I decided to apply here. » Severus avoided saying that he would not spend another decade in that school, in a million years.

-You’re interested in our Defense Against the Dark Arts section, of course. »

-What brilliant deduction skills. » The boy let out an annoying little chuckle.

-We’ll see what my brother says. Given he didn’t kick you out, already, we might try you. You’re on inventory duty tonight, if we do. Go on,and tidy that shelf, over there, now, will you? » The boy patted him on the back. Then, he leaned casually on the wall, and mused :

« Merlin’s bloody balls, Severus bloody Snape… I’ll have to tell Harry, that’s for sure. »

Severus really wanted to hex him. He didn’t like receiving orders from one of those gryffindor brats. But he would have to swallow his pride. For now.

…

« You’re taking ages. » Ronald Weasley felt smart enough to notice.

-I’m familiarizing myself with the products. I am new, here, after all. » Severus argued.

-Just make quick notes about what you see on the shelves. You don’t need to write a novel about everything. » Severus sighed, and just kept going.

-No need to go through those shelves, they’re done, already. » the boy went on some time later.

-I’m familiarizing myself with the products, as I said. » snapped Severus.

-We’re never going to get out of the shop, now, are we? »

-Suit yourself, mister Weasley. » Severus retorted with an ironic little bow.

-Not a chance, Snape. No way am I going to let you alone in the shop on your first day. »

-Then we’ll all need to have a little patience, now, won’t we? »

Severus grabbed a box of puking pastilles, and opened it to observe one of the candy shaped atrocities. He had just decided to work even wore slowly.

« Oh, come ON! » growled Ron Wealsey in despair, which made Severus smile. He did have a point to make, and he intended to make it. So, he was going to make sure there was the exact right number of pastilles in that box, right now.

A good while later, Ron Weasley had finally decided to throw up his hands, and prepare himself some tea. There was about a good dozen minutes of blessed silence, with just the noise of objects being moved around, and quill running on paper. It was sweet. It felt like those moments, back then, when he had a child in detention. Severus had hated children in a group. In classes, in corridors. They were bold, and cheeky, and scattered brained. One at a time, in his office, he had liked them a little better. Embarassed silence was the best, he reflected. But Ron Weasley was Ron Weasley.

« She’s the one who healed you, isn’t she? » he said conversationally. Severus stopped for a second.

-Who? »

-The Niece. Everything went so fast, that night. I didn’t see any of it. But they say she’s the one who helped Remus and Tonks. Lucky she turned up, isn’t it? And… I mean… We almost lost Fred, so. » Ron sniffed. He looked haunted.

-They say she works at Saint Mungo’s, now. No one knows where she lives. »

-At my house. » Severus informed him.

-You live with the Niece? »

-She needed a place without a rent. She saved my life. She’s lovely. »

-Did you know she’s the heir of… »

-Oh, thanks for informing me! »

-I mean : you haven’t seen her bloodline, apparently. »

-Let me guess : she’s the heir of Salazar Slytherin. What a surprise. Mindblowing. »

-I mean : she’s the grand daughter of Nagini. » Severus’s heart skipped a beat.

-Oh. » he just said.

-Yes, oh. I’m guessing you’ve never seen her turn, or anything. You should be careful, though. She might be like… Like her grandmother. »

-Maybe. » Severus admitted flatly.

-That’s all you have to say? Maybe? You should at least tell her to find another place to live, or move out yourself, for your safety! » scoffed Ronald.

-I don’t think so. » Severus knew he would need more than a disturbing piece of information to break his loyalty.

-Do you not like life? At all? »

-I don’t know. You’re the one who went after a basilisk with your best friend when you were twelve. You tell me. »

…

A good while later, the door burst open to a frowning George Weasley :

« What’s taking you so long? » he demanded.

-Ask Snape. » his brother schrugged.

-I’m not sure he’s done counting the puking pastilles, yet. »

-I was… »

-Familiarizing himself with the products, he says. »

-Do you need to stay the night? Should I get you a mattress? And what’s this thing about the pastilles? What’s so fascinating about them? » Severus sighed, and answered with an unapologetic half smile.

-Your brother was annoying me, so I was taking my time. »

-He was writing a novel, too. Over here. » Ronald pointed to a little black notebook floating with a quill, in a corner. Severus wanted to accio it for safety, but George Weasley intercepted it first. It annoyed Severus greatly.

-Taking some notes aside the inventory book, are we? » George said as he caught it. He started going through the thin lines of Severus’s caracteristicly tight writing.

-That’s interesting. » he mumbled.

He walked towards Severus and stopped next to him. Severus expected some unpleasant joke or some otherwise disagreeable comment, and he was pouting accordingly, but the boy just looked at him very seriously, and pointed at some of the random ideas on his untidy little list.

« That’s filthy. But I like this idea, here. Do you think it could be done? »

-I don’t know. I was just… Noting random ideas. I would need to think things through more carefully, if I wanted to find… Ways to reach that result safely. »

-I like your way of thinking. This stuff could be useful. You should come to the Burrow with your notebook, some time. I’m sure Fred would like to see it… It’s all Defense Against the Dark Art stuff, isn’t it? »

-Obviously. It’s my domain of expertise. »

-One more creative mind won’t be too much. Trust me. This is a joke shop, though. But I bet you’ll get the spirit. » The boy patted him on the back. The gesture was a bit too familiar, but Severus was pleasantly surprised by his reaction. Apparently, he would be allowed to make suggestions.

-Are you done, now? »

-Quite so, mister Weasley. »

-It’s George. Please. It’s a family business. »

And to think the twins managed to build all of this without having completed their education… Severus thought. It had been so annoying to see them leave Hogwarts. What a waste of potential. And he was so annoyed that they hadn’t been in slytherin. He dared hope that at least, Granger had ended up showing a bit of ambition.

---

It was night time already. Severus walked thoughtfully down the main lane of his good old neighbourhood, thinking about his impressions on his first day. And about quite a heavy piece of information he had received. Merlin knew he was stubbornly principled about his loyalties, but he was potentially living with a maledictus, and what could he make of this?

First, he would have to make sure she had not been born with the curse. He did hope the boys were wrong, but apparently, she was the grand daughter of the terrible snake woman he had come to know in her monstrous shape, and dread. And unfortunately, he also knew this malediction was passed on from mother to daughter. But he could hope, perhaps… Or perhaps, he was just fooling himself. The idea was most unpleasant, of course, and he was not exactly in a hurry to reach home and bring it up. And what if she was stricken? What could he do? Thoughts turned and turned in his brain, as he tried to imagine the conversation. He would have to be diplomatic, and avoid over reacting, of course. Perhaps, he would have to find a way to be safe. But how? Showing the door to the young woman who had saved his life for no valid reason was obviously out of the question. And leaving his own home felt a little… So, what? Or perhaps, those considerations could wait. He hadn’t noticed anything suspicious, after all. Whatever he dared hope she did not have, she seemed to have it together.

His mind had been racing so fast, he was almost surprised to stumble upon his own doorstep. Well. He would have to see her, now. He would have to stay calm. His heart was bumping a little too loud. Not a good start. He leaned on the door, and took a few deep breaths, before crossing the threashold.

A hissing wildling of a girl stood before him with eyes grown huge with worry :

« Where have you been? Are you alright? Did anything happen? »

-No. I’m alright. I was on inventory duty at Weasley’s » Severus replied quickly. She sighed with relief.

-I’m glad they hired you. But I was worried sick. You should have warned me. »

-Sorry about that, dear. How was your day? Sit down. Let’s have some tea. »

She nodded, and sat down. Severus was about to accio a kettle, and make the water boil, when, much to his surprise, it appeared all by itself, along with two cups, and dessert plates filled with scones.

« I signed the papers, today. » she informed him.

-For the coffers. Now, I’m officially supposed to go by that stupid name, Aethelind Gaunt. And, hum… This. Things have been appearing, since this morning. »

-Some elf, or elves, I’m guessing. If they belonged to your uncle, they must be terrified. Which would explain their being invisible. You could order them to show themselves, if it makes you feel more comfortable. »

-If they’re so shy, I’d rather they didn’t. » she bit into a scone.

-Practical. » Severus observed. He hesitated.

-So… How does it feel to bear your real name? » he inquired

-My real name is Suneko. It’s the only name I want to go by. It was given to me by Madam, and by my real father, the one who taught me everything I know. »

-Have you ever met your… Father by blood? »

-No. And I couldn’t care less about my progenitor. » She snapped, icily. She had never told him anything about her past. Suneko was a woman of a few words. Severus had never asked.

-So, you were brought up in an orphanage. »

-In a brothel. » Severus almost spilled his tea.

-And your… Mother? » he hardly dared asking. The young woman dropped her gaze.

-Needless to say, she was one of the courtesans. She’s dead, now. »

-And, you… »

-Madam wanted to me to. I ran at eight years old. That’s when my father took me in, and taught me everything he knew. » »

-I see… How… Did your mother die, if you don’t mind me asking? » She threw him a dark, sharp look :

-So, you know, don’t you? » It was time to rip the band aid off, since she had guessed :

-Are you…? » His heart sank when she sighed, and nodded. He took a deep breath, and simply let out :

-Fair enough. »

Oh, Merlin… And now, what to do? Don’t insist, he thought to himself. Don’t over react. She obviously doesn’t want anyone’s dread, let alone anyone’s pity. Keep neutral. Keep neutral. He reflected that perhaps, changing subjects would be helpful, at the moment.

« Well… Good thing you signed the papers. With your permission, I’ll soon have to peek into those coffers. And… How was work? » Her lowered gaze and tired, closed face said it all.

-I see. Looks like you had the best day ever. »

-Yeah… Just my luck. »

-What happened? »

-Remember the book I got you? »

-Junksher’s? Yes, of course. It was the best read, thank you. »

-Well… I did it again. I borrowed books specialized in my craft, of course… »

-Did you get caught? »

-My… Collegue, Regina Blazen, noticed the title of one of the books I was reading at break time. There was the ministry’s seal on it. And so, she threatened to tell me off. » Suneko let out an exasperated sigh.

-She… What? » Severus was shocked to hear that anyone had dared threaten her.

-She told me that she would inform the ministry, that they would destroy my wand, and that they would send me back to Li. I guess I wasn’t careful enough. »

-Oh, did she, now? » Severus’s anger was building up inside him.

-Hum, hum. » the young healer nodded.

-What business is it of hers, the books you read? »

-My readings are very interesting, apparently. »

-And how did you respond to this? » Suneko rolled her eyes.

-What do you want me to do? I’m the Snake Girl, the Niece, and whatever other name they give me. People are already hushing when I enter a room, taking a step back when they meet me in the corridors. The usual stuff. And I didn’t hurt anyone, mind you. I would never hear the end of it, if I ever dared lifting a finger. » She shook her shoulders in an attempt for indifference, but she sounded hurt. Severus had had his set of agreeable little surnames himself, and knew all too well how it felt to be unpopular. And that ignited his anger. Was it the reason why she had left Li, in the first place? She had never told him.

-You’re right, of course. » he just said.

-Let me hex her for you. »

-I’m not my uncle, you know. And you’re not my hitman. »

-First of all, I was a spy. Not a mere hitman. And second of all, let me rephrase my offer : hexing that murtlap scum would be my pleasure. »

He was finally getting some freedom of movement, now. He hadn’t managed to move much without a strengh potion for months. It had been infuriating and humiliating, at times, to not have full control over his own body. He had needed her help, even with the potion, in the beginning. The first few weeks, he had cried his heart out, all day, everyday, from the moment she had been out for work until her return. He had cried for everything. His current state. The people he’d lost. His past. Had he ever taken the time to mourn, before almost dying? Unlikely. Then of course, he had dried his tears, whenever he had heard the door open, and she had pretended not to notice his red eyes. It had been helpful, he’d found. The way she had done her job relentlessly, and unemotionally. And progress had shown. At last.

After weeks of frustration and despair, he had ceased weeping and started reading. His mind had needed distraction, refreshing. Now, he clung on the project he’d made to make his healer’s coffers safe. He clung on the hope to be useful to her when he would be ready. And of course, he found motivation in the insane challenge : he would have to outsmart the Dark Lord himself, to go through of all his little traps, and survive them. He would have to be really skilled for that. So, he re-read all of his defense against the dark arts books, and all of his old notebooks, with all of his tricks, and his private spells, conceived out of spite, out of anger, out of fear, when he’d been alone and idle. And he took notes. And he remembered. It was keeping him buisy.

When she was back from work, he observed her. He had to remind himself that she was nothing like her uncle. He clung on the little details : the gap between her teeth, the scars on her delicate hands. He hadn’t asked questions. People generally liked to talk about themselves, if you listened hard enough. She didn’t. But it was informative to see her cook (often overly spicy noodle soups), and care about his progress. It was enough to see her always crushing herbs, and having potions on the stove. Her actions showed how hard she was trying. He had, of course, comments to make about her potions, and she would swear in parselmouth under her breath when she would get annoyed. And she was eating all the time. As tiny as she was. She didn’t like being made fun of, but he couldn’t help it. It did help to observe. To get to know her. It did help to notice how she didn’t seem too egotistical or intimidating. For all that was worth.

He heard the click of the door, and straightened up.

« Good evening. » he called.

« How was your day? »

« Long. » she sighed.

« It’s beginning to be dragon pox season. »

And of course, she was right. It was late. He just hadn’t noticed the time.

She laid her coat on a chair, and casually threw a large and thick black book on his knees. Severus brushed the dusty cover with his thumb. The title was : Diving into the shadows by Karta Junksher himself. He gasped. It was an ancient dark arts classic. It was rare.

« So you don’t get too bored. You seem to like this sort of thing. »

-Where did you get it? »

-I borrowed it from the archives of the ministry. They shouldn’t notice, if I put it back in a few days. »

-How did you get in? » No one was allowed into the archives of the ministry without authorization, in the first place.

-Do I want to know? » he grumbled.

-And you’re welcome. »

After dinner, they walked by the river. The air was soft on the skin. There was a faint smell of dust and mould, in this part of town, but the breeze was fresh enough, once you got used to it. The grass looked pityful on the little alley. But it was quiet. And it was home. It had always been.

« So, you’re stealing from the archives of the ministry, now? » he smirked.

-I didn’t steal. I borrowed. Serves them right for not providing a student proper ressources. »

-You mean : the Healing Institute of London for Dedicated Academics does not have a library? »

-As a matter of fact, it does. A poor excuse of a library it is. I read all there is to read there. I needed more in depth material. It was frustrating. »

-How did you not get caught, though? » he was genuinely interested. She dismissed him with an embarrassed, vague gesture, unwilling to talk about it.

-Do you want me to bring that book back, now, then. »

-No, no. By all means. I’ve been wanting to look into that book for ages. I’m not the one who took the risks. And what if I don’t want to hand it back at all? » he added playfully. She shoved him gently.

-I don’t think so. You’re not doing this to me. »

He was walking with a cane, now. She was hardly helping. No potion, either. He was pleased with the progress he’d made. Soon, he would be able to work again. It wasn’t like he rejoiced having to look for a job, after years of convalescence, but he was frustrated with his life at the moment. And he was getting restless. It was not exactly funny to be stuck in Spinner’s End. He wasn’t a social person, much. He was not a fan of crowds, or noise, or bright lights, or the outer world in general. But he did feel that he needed to put himself in motion. He was not going to spend the rest of his days in idleness and isolation.

« You’re doing well. » she mused.

« You’ll be back to work in no time. » It was like she had been reading his mind. He checked his inner defenses. She had, possibly.

-Yes, I will. » he replied. Though, what work, he had no idea.

-Do you miss Hogwarts? » she inquired.

Not really, he realized. He had been teaching for decades, and he hadn’t been that fond of the job, to be honest : the agreeable moments when he had felt useful had been scarce. Most of his career had been about worrying for the boldest daredevils, getting frustrated about the overall immature laziness, getting annoyed at the insolent ones. Sleepless nights running after whoever was in the mood for mischief. And running errands for Dumbledore, once in a while. And reading miles and miles of boring scrolls full of basic mistakes, and grammatical errors. And the constant hubbub. No. The last thing he wanted, at this point, was to be surrounded by children. Let alone live with them. But then, what could he do, now?

« You don’t. » that wasn’t a question. And she was right.

-So, you won’t be teaching anymore? »

-I might apply down Diagon Alley. » he improvised.

-They might be hiring there. »

-As a former potion master, I’m sure you could find a place at Slug and Jiggers Apothecary. Or perhaps, at that joke shop, the Weasley Wizards Weezes. »

-Why would I work in a joke shop? » Not in a million years.

-I hear they have a Defense Against the Dark Arts section. They might appreciate your expertise. »

-In a joke shop? Why would they sell Defense Against the Dark Arts devices in a joke shop? That makes no sense! » he exclaimed. But he was intrigued by the information.

-And who would they sell their devices to? Children? I dare hope not! »

-Probably to aurors. »

-Aurors would get their working tools from a joke shop. »

-Apparently. »

-Is this even real? »

-The rumor has it. »

This must have been one of their jokes. But he would have to come and see. Silence lended on the scarce patch of grass like cotton.

« Do you still intend to go look into those coffers? » she asked tentatively.

-I do. As promised. » He would. There was no doubt about it.

The air felt a little heavier, now that he had to think about the Dark Lord, again. He had to. He would have no choice. He would have to remember. Think like him, even.

« We might get rich, then. » she concluded levelly.

« Might » was the right word. She surely would be, if he survived the ordeal. There was no guarantee. And even supposing he would manage making her coffers safe, she would certainly end up deciding there was no « we ». He was not hanging on her promise. He wanted to do it because he needed an aim, a challenge. Something to focus on to avoid thinking. So he had decided that he might as well focus on something he had some skill for. It was still better than having no purpose whatsoever. He guessed it was also his little way to posthumously defy the dark Lord.

The sun was looming ever closer to the horizon. He stared at her, while she was looking pensively at the river. Her eyes were a striking midnight indigo blue in the warm, golden sheen of the evening. Her silken hair, bound in two buns and two braids, also had blue reflections. She wore a tattered green kimono. Overall, she looked pretty, like a living doll, petite and fragile, but with a very serious expression that made you look twice, and a sublte, undefinable, wild little something about her. It was her eyes, he thought. She broke the silence.

« I’ve never been rich, you know. »

-Me neither. »

He hadn’t done too badly, though, for one of those « awful boys of Spinners End », though. His job as a professor, had been paid better than what he could have hoped for. Even though, in the end, he had never been granted the « greatness » that had been promised by the Dark Lord. But he had learned to have very simple needs from a very young age. And he had always been more proud than materialistic. And after decades of working as an errand boy for two terrible men, much of that pride had been tamed, anyway.

« What would you do, with the money? » she inquired.

That made him chuckle. It was a silly question, since he would probably never lay a hand on any of it. It was dream talk, wasn’t it? Dreaming was useless, he found. He had only ever dreamed of a future with Lily Evans, and she had always been out of reach. He had lost her altogether, ultimately. And he had dreamed of recognition and respectability, but it had never really happened. Instead, he had been used by some, and distrusted by most. Dreaming was silly. But why not pretend?

« I would settle a Defense Against the Dark Arts Shop right over here. » he smirked, showing one of the biggest buildings in the distance.

« If those Weasley brats could do it, I could certainly do it too. I would sell the auror department proper attire, maybe even help with their training, working as a consultant. And, hum… Let’s see… I would build a music studio over here, a concert room over there, hum… Oh, that would be an art gallery… »

-Hey, that project is too expensive! » she exclaimed. She was looking at him with her arms crossed, and a half smile.

-I would need some of the money! »

-What would you do with it? » She resumed looking dreamily at the lake. Severus listened intently. She would finally say something about herself. Interesting.

-I’m a healer. That’s what I do.  » She smiled.

-You know, back home, in Li, I used to work in my father’s apothecary shop. So, I would just settle my own. I would sell the best potions, and unguents, and powders, and pultrices. And get the best ingredients. Asphodel, belladona, hellebore, mandrake, even my very own bezoars! That would be something! » an extatic smile transfigured her face. She really loved her job. Severus felt his heart pound, a little. She did look sweet, at this moment, under the sunset. She showed the factory.

-That place, over there, would be interesting to get. It’s abandonned, isn’t it? That means I could rebuy it, and reshape it into a proper working place, with spaces for potion making, and ingredient storing, and a shop, and even a bed or two, for patients who would need treatments. That would be perfect. And also, I would need a large patch of cultivable land with good soil. » she added with a determined little nod.

-What for? »

-To grow my plants, of course! Possibly, also to breed a couple of interesting magical creatures. If I’m going to open my own apothecary, I might as well do it right, and make sure I get fresh, healthy ingredients. Do you really think i would rely on external suppliers? I don’t think so! I don’t work like an amateur! » she said this with a disgusted little pout. It was amusing.

-You would do everything yourself? Top to bottom? »

-Obviously! »

-That would be a lot of work. You would need to hire people. And you would have to make people want to go to spinner’s end, if you mean to settle your business here. »

-Probably. It could work. It’s not too far from the city, and it has an eerie kind of beauty…  » she looked thoughtfully at the river.

-You too. For your business, I mean. You would need to attract clients to sell your products and your tutoring. We will need to really work on this place to make people want to walk by it. » We. She seemed serious too, for now. That was sweet.

Good luck with rehabilitating the old place, though, he thought to himself. Instead, he said :

-Guess I’ll need to work through these coffers, first. »

-True. »

Indeed, there was the tiny matter of the Dark lord’s deadly curses on his own gold.

« I’d rather you didn’t get killed, in there. » she muttered.

« Don’t put yourself too much in danger. I took some time healing you. »

He stroke her hair, and thought : If she knew.

His whole body was acking. That’s how he knew he wasn’t dead. That was unpleasant. He wasn’t relieved. he was worried. Because when death had come, he had been ready; And now, he was alive. And the boy was most certainly gone. And he had failed him. Failed Lily. Failed everything. They’d make him pay, he supposed. They’d make him fit again, just to throw cruciatus curses at his face. They’d know he was a traitor. It was all over. He wouldn’t have to lie anymore at least. And death would claim him. Eventually. Sooner rather than later, if he had any way to fix this. Had the boy fought well? He was dead, wasn t he?

He couldn’t move. He heard himself moan. There was distant footsteps from a nearby room. Oh dear. He hoped it wasn’t Bellatrix. He hoped it wasn’t the dark Lord. His stomach tightened at the thought of him.

« Ah. You’re awake. » said a quiet, raspy voice.

Who was that young lady? Was she a former student? What house was she in? She was quite small. Fresh skin. Pimples. Doll face. An insanely thick, untidy raven mane. Bangs. You could hardly see her eyes, in there. Ageless. Lily’s eyes had been like green sunshine. So warm, and truthful, and refreshing. This one’s were something else. Dark. Deep. She bore them into his, and instinctively, he shielded.

« Hum… The mind doesn’t seem too bad. » she muttered to herself matter-of-factly.

« Quiet, too. That’s polite. Can you speak? »

She didn’t wait for him to respond.

« He needs a strengh potion. » She muttered to herself again.

« I’ll be right back. »

Severus winced. He didn’t like the idea of taking a potion made by such a young witch. The results could be catastrophic. But she wouldn’t give him a choice, now. Would she?

20 minutes later, he was sitting on the bed. Pale, and shaky, and weak, but sitting.

« We’ll get you to walk a bit later. Your muscles need training. Now, maybe, you can speak? »

-The… Boy… » he managed.

-Green eyes, ugly scar, looking like trouble? Yeah, he seemed to be on your mind, alot. I thought you might like this »

She produced a small box from under the bed.

The box was full of news paper articles about The-Boy-Who-lived. Apparently, he had survived. He had become an auror. He had a new girlfriend at least every week, according to miss Skitter.

Severus wanted to laugh and cry. He was flooded with relief. At the same time, he felt empty. He’d been a soldier. A pawn played in a chess board in a game of war. And the players were gone. The dark lord. Dumbledore. Even lily. He no longer had any duty towards any of them. He no longer had anyone to die for. He was back into a life that had been going on without them. How dare it?

« In case you were wondering, you were in a coma for two years. My name is Suneko. You’re in your home, in Spinner’s End. » He hadn’t asked himself the basic questions. He looked at the girl :

« Did you brew this potion yourself? »

-Of course. »

-It’s good. It’s working. » She crossed her arms, and frowned, all outraged :

-Obviously. That’s my job. I’m a healer. I know the basics. »

-Then, why am I not in Saint Mungo’s? » She sighed in frustration :

-Because they would take over as if I were some incompetent dum-dum, and you’re my patient. »

-Let me guess : HILDA student. »

-I’m a licenced healer. I just have to take this exam for administrative purposes. »

-Foreign licence. From where? »

-The country of Li. »

-Why did you come to work in England, then? » She schrugged, and vaguely waved her hand. A tray with a big bowl of soup full of noodles floated right to the bed.

-You need to eat. » she said.

-Then, exercice. You’ll exercice everyday. Gain some muscle. »

That didn’t answer the question.

He heard a faint knocking sound on the window. She opened to an owl, took the message on its paw, and then, sent it off without a word. After which, she depulsoed the message and turned back to him reproachfully :

« Why aren’t you eating? »

-You’re not opening your letter. » he noticed.

-It’s the ministry, again. I think. They’ve been sending me letters and bothering me on my shift. » she schrugged.

-What does the ministry want with you? »

-It has something to do with the fact that some people heard me speak snake one time, and it’s the end of the world. Apparently. » Severus’s heart skipped a beat.

-You’re a parselmouth. »

-Snakes aren’t so bad, when you get to know them. » She mumbled looking down. He cleared his throat, and put on his non judgemental face :

-So, the ministry is harassing you, because…? »

-I’m supposed to inherit from What’s-his-Name. Inherit is a nice way to put it : what would you call a bunch of deadly, cursed coffers, with unreachable gold, yourself? A heritage? I call that a problem. The ministry’s trying to get rid of it. And I would rather ignore them. »

-So, you don’t want the gold. »

-I have only one life, and it’s more precious than this gold. I’d rather keep it. »

Severus tried the noodles. They were way too spicy.

« Finish your plate, now. You’ll need strengh. I’ll get you to walk a bit, next. »

Well, thought Severus as he was ingesting that strange soup. I think I just found another way to die stupidly. He swallowed another mouthful, and let the fire in his throat quiet down a bit.

« You know, I could help with those coffers. » he offered, even though he knew it was not a good idea. She raised an eyebrow.

-Defense Against The Dark Arts in my domain of expertise, and I worked for the Dark Lord, once. I could find a way around the curses. Maybe. »

-Find a way to get back on your feet, first. Instead of talking nonesense. »

Severus Schrugged. If he was to tackle those coffers, he would have to find a strategy, anyway. It wasn’t as if they were in a hurry. Was it?

She was staring at him, as he was finishing his noodles :

« You really want to look into those coffers, don’t you? »

He didn’t answer. He definately would.

« You want your share, I suppose. » His share. He hadn’t even thought about it.

-You saved my life, though. »

-I did my job. But, you would… »

-Why not? » She crossed her arms and frowned, then threw them with a blank expression.

-I think we’re friends. Let’s make you walk, a little. I live here, by the way. »

Deadland’s King’s cross was dazzling. Real life King’s cross had never been that clean, of course. And the light… It would hurt his eyes, normally. For sure. But he did not need eyes, anymore. And it was not really King’s cross, was it? Why bloody King’s cross, anyway? And what now? Do i go by train? 

“The place represents our first significant trip. It’s metaphorical. It’s supposed to reassure us, I think.” said a voice. 

He turned around. He could not believe his ears. Or his eyes. Or whatever he could call the ghosts of his senses. Here she was. Stunning. Surreal. 

“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” smiled Lily. 

• Well, I’m dead too, you know. You don’t risk to scare me.” 

• You’re in between life and death, Sev.” 

• Oh, not dead, yet? I suppose it’s a matter of hopping in the train.” She threw him a sharp look. 

• You’re ready?” 

• Of course. I’ve been ready for a while, wherever that leads me.” 

There was an awkward silence. The emotional type. He knew he had to say it. 

“Lily, I’m… I’m so sorry. About your son, about everything…” 

• I know, Sev. And I know you did your best. You’ve been forgiven long ago.” 

Ghost tears were falling down his cheek. They felt realer than real. 

“But you were the worst professor in history, though. Snivellus.” interrupted another voice.  

Severus wiped his tears quickly and growled. 

“What is he doing here?” 

• Severus…” 

• No.” 

• Sev…” 

• No. This is my after life. I don’t need the likes of him in my vicinity. I just want to take my bloody train in PEACE.” 

Severus walked away from the couple angrily. 

“It took guts. What you did.” said his bully in the distance. 

Severus stopped and turned around. 

“I didn’t know.” 

• It was in the job description, you stupid.” 

• That with protecting my son, and all…” 

• He has yet to die. Haven’t you talked to Dumbledore, recently? The boy’s survival was never in his great plan.” Severus added bitterly. James Potter was closer, now. 

• My son is not going to die, just yet.” he said serenely. 

• Yeah, hold on to that thought.” 

• Neither are you.” said Lily, as James pushed him.