Full Summary: How does a spy's son live in a war-ridden world? Severus has an answer: he doesn't. If you don't look for trouble it doesn't have much chance of finding you. So, trusting a friend with his most prized possession Severus plays cards he has been dealt and tries to make the most of it. Follows the events in books until GoF.
Warnings: slash, mpreg (if any of it does not suit your taste, please read no further)
Pairing: SS/?, SS/? (will be revealed later on)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of J.K Rowling's characters, or the magical universe in which the following story takes place. I do own Andrei and his friends, though.
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"...English..."
"...Bulgarian..."
'...thoughts...'
The Visitor
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December 25th, 1984.
It was a late December night and, as usual in Bulgarian mountains, blizzard and wind were as strong as ever. Also, as usual, there was a small family of four in their cozy warm cottage in that winter storm. The place itself was a peaceful paradise where many would come to find some rest from everyday life. As it is, though, not many knew of this hillside. Those who did were already inside, seated at the table in front of the warm fireplace, surrounded by Christmas presents. The family liked it's peace and in given circumstances would do anything to keep it. The task was made considerably easier by the fact that each member of the household had extraordinary abilities which can be summed up with one word: magic. Even though children may not be adept in the given art of performing magic, adults most certainly made up for it.
As it happens, this year's holidays would not be so usual after all. This time there was an important difference. It came during the dinner in a form of a very forlorn and slightly nervous young man. He walked through the snow-covered front yard, fighting the harsh sting of wind and stopped in front of the entrance to the cottage. Without knocking he opened the door and instantly felt a warm sensation go through his body. The wards have accepted him. He shuddered at the thought of what would have happened if he was here with harmful intentions.
Hanging a heavy winter coat, which until now hid his elegant figure, in the foyer, he observed the small cottage. The peach colored walls in the dim light gave a feeling of love and security he rarely felt. Wooden floor and ornaments only intensified his longing. The narrow staircase in front of him, decorated with red ribbons and forest green garlands emphasizing the Christmas spirit, probably led to bedrooms and personal quarters, so he walked past it.
The cheerful chatter and a strong voice met his ears. He couldn't help but frown slightly at the memories that voice brought back. A few steps further he came to the adjoining room in which the family was gathered. A well-built man in his early forties sat at the head of a table. It was a man he came to see, his longtime friend, Alexander Krum. By his side was a woman who sacrificed so much for him and never expected anything in return. Sofia Krum. He also saw two boys, but refused to pay them any more attention. Occupied in Christmas dinner they seemed to have missed his arrival.
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A young woman with high cheekbones and shockingly blond curly hair was the first to spot the intruder. It was strange since no wards around the house have been activated and yet there he was, standing in all his glory in her home. Her dark brown eyes widened instantly causing her six year old son, Viktor, to turn in his chair and spot the stranger. Turning back to his father the boy saw him smile at the newcomer.
The man just stood there, unaffected by these reactions to his sudden appearance. The one thing that did manage to shock him though was the sudden sound of the younger boy beside the woman giggling. He reluctantly looked at the toddler with every attention to intimidate him, but as soon as he turned his head he stopped short. The boy was sitting in a high chair with a bowl of peas in front of him. The little one had jet black hair and dark blue eyes which neither of his parents possessed. One look at those eyes made his own black ones shine with emotion and he couldn't look away.
Alexander Krum stood up and gracefully greeted a stranger with a strong hug. His guest, never taking his eyes of a toddler, returned the gesture.
"I am glad you came, Sev." he spoke quietly into man's ear and moved back to his seat.
Following her husband's example, Sofia cautiously approached the visitor, her sons' gazes following her every move. As their eyes met, the distrust she insisted on since spotting the man vanished and she graced him with an overwhelming smile. "Welcome, Severus."
Alexander seemed to notice Viktor's confused gaze. He beckoned his friend to approach him, so the black haired man strode to him in his characteristic step. Alexander spoke to his son.
"Vik, this is Severus Snape, a very dear friend of mine. He will be our guest for a few days."
Viktor nodded so Alexander turned to Severus, "Sev, why don't you take a seat next to Viktor." he gestured towards an empty place across from toddler.
Viktor wasn't too eager about that arrangement but after a moment of intense scrutiny he smiled at Severus, looking every bit like his mother did only a few moments earlier. Not one to rudely turn his head, Severus gave a ghost of a smile in Viktor's direction, and if possible Viktor's smile grew even brighter at that simple gesture. Taking his son's acceptance as an encouragement Alexander continued.
"Well, Sev, now that you've met Viktor, across from you is", Alexander smiled sadly at Severus, "as you have already guessed, Andrei."
As if on cue a dark haired toddler took a handful of peas from his plate and just to show what a big boy he is and can eat his own food (after all he was almost two!), he shoved the peas in his mouth. Most of it ended up on a napkin and the rest that didn't make an entrance to the mouth, ended up on an expensive looking carpet behind him. Confused where all the peas have gone, Andrei looked around and seeing an exasperated look on his mother's face started giggling loudly. Severus, for reasons unfathomable to him, laughed at the baby's antics.
Alexander was astonished to put it mildly. He wondered if this boy could accomplish what he himself has failed to do. After all putting a smile on Sev's face was as easy as putting dinner into Andrei's mouth, and he didn't envy Sofia on her task.
"Would you like some chicken, sir? It's great." asked Viktor politely.
Even though the question was asked in Bulgarian, Severus managed to form a somewhat decent reply. "Yes, please, and some bread."
"Your Bulgarian is improving, my friend. Last time we met you barely understood my greeting." laughed Alex.
"People learn a lot, Alex", he seemed to think how to phrase his next words, but gave up, "especially out of necessity."
Alexander hummed in understanding "I wish it could be different but we best leave this conversation for later."
Severus simply nodded and accepted a slice of bread from Viktor, who wisely remained quiet. At that moment Andrei started fussing about his pumpkin juice. Severus curiously looked his way.
"He just hasn't had his nap yet. He's cranky." Viktor supplied an answer to the unspoken question.
"Viktor, eat your dinner. Mom will take care of your brother."
As soon as Alex uttered those words he regretted them. Andrei has thrown his plastic cup half across the table, the juice soaking into the tablecloth, and started screaming as loud as he could. His mother picked him up but he was kicking and flailing his little fists. Viktor stood up but Alexander stopped him and motioned for Severus to help Sofia. The woman's eyes widened at that suggestion.
Sofia grudgingly passed the boy over to Severus. The man's eyes started to water as he held the baby who instantly calmed down for him. He was still flushed from crying, and visibly upset but stopped screaming as soon as Severus helped him lay his head on his shoulder.
"How did you do that, sir?" Viktor spoke in awe.
Sophia glanced accusingly at her husband while Andrei snuggled closer into Severus' neck. His eyes started dropping already while Severus continuously rubbed his back.
"Sev, I talked to Sofia and she agreed we should clear things up, although she didn't know just how soon I would invite you. Perhaps we should make ourselves more comfortable." he gestured to the other end of the room.
There were two soft armchairs and a loveseat around the wooden coffee table. A few toys were scattered on the floor and in the corner was a skillfully decorated Christmas tree, no doubt Sofia's work.
Severus took a seat in a plush chair, Andrei on his lap and Viktor snuggling near the two of them on the armrest. Victor took a liking to Severus, which apparently made Alexander and Sophia relax a little bit. Alexander approached Severus and brushed toddler's soft curls kneeling beside them.
Severus took his eyes of the oblivious boy in his lap and frowned at his best friend. "Why exactly did you invite me, Alexander?" he asked in English, trying to keep the young boy beside him out of serious conversation.
"I want boys to know the truth, Sev. I won't lie to my son any longer, and sooner or later Andrei will need you." Alexander explained quietly, still caressing the baby.
"What truth, dad?" Viktor innocently asked.
Severus didn't know what to do. His mind was telling him to run back home to England, but his heart was screaming at him to let loose all the secrets, at least to reveal them to the people present at the moment. Fortunately he didn't get to choose, Viktor was having his question answered.
"Vik, I know how much you love your little brother, and no matter what we say next I promise that nothing will change and no one will take him away from you." Alexander paused to see if he was getting through to his son. Viktor was paying attention, but apprehensively moved closer to his brother in Sev's arms. "You know how babies grow in their mom's tummy until they are ready to be born?"
Viktor nodded, but didn't understand where this was going.
"Your mom did not carry Andrei, Vik." Alex paused, "Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?"
"But Andi's my brother."
Alexander realized Viktor understood well enough but was having trouble accepting it. "In every way that truly matters, yes", he explained, watching closely his son's reaction.
"But not for real?" Viktor's eyes teared up.
"No, not for real, Vik." Alexander confirmed looking straight at Severus. Severus Snape went rigid and glared at his friend. He expected this would happen one day, but wasn't it too soon? Andrei was not even two yet.
"Vik, Severus is Andi's real daddy, but we are his family too."
And there it was. Out in the open. Severus' eyes grew as big as saucers. He expected it would take a long time to explain the situation to a child as young as Viktor, but apparently young Krum was exceptionally bright and Alexander would not take his time sugarcoating the story.
"But you said Andi will stay with us!" Viktor yelled out in fear.
"Oh, Vik, it's ok, baby. He will stay here, son." Alexander calmed his son down, thankful Andi did not wake, "Sev can not take Andi back home. I told you about that bad man who would hurt people before, remember?" he rushed to explain before Viktor woke the baby.
Sofia approached and wiped away tears that have started to fall down Viktor's face. He sniffled and squeezed Andi's soft clothed foot in his hand.
"Yeah, but isn't he gone now?" he asked miserably.
"He is, but his followers are still there and they believe that Severus turned against them, so Andi would not be safe with him. Other than that this man may return some day and Andrei may be the one he would want."
"Why, daddy? Andi's just a baby."
Severus was the one who explained this time."The bad man is always looking for new people who would make him feel important." He ignored Alexander's chuckle. He was trying his best to learn this language, but he still resorted to using the easiest words that came to mind. "He wants his follower's children to join him, and I was one of them."
"But what about me? Weren't you following him too, dad?"
Alexander glared at Severus for getting him into this situation. "Yes, but I openly joined the good side. You would be safe since he would know you weren't raised brainwashed like other children. Besides, those who fight against him would be able to protect me and my family, while that is not possible for Sev since he has to pretend to be on bad man's side. Do you understand, Vik?" Alex desperately hoped he did, that was the simplest version he could offer.
"Yes, daddy. So how long would Andi stay with us?" Andrei asked with a crestfallen look on his face.
Alexander's eyes darkened in effort to explain once and for all that Andrei is here to stay, but Severus beat him to it.
"Andi is your brother now. He will live with you until he grows up." Severus comforted the boy, for which Alexander was grateful.
Viktor looked at the peaceful face of his baby brother and turned to Severus. "Will you stay too, Mister? He likes it when you hold him."
Severus' heart swelled with joy and pride from those words. Even though he tried to deny it for the past two years, he loved this little boy with all of his heart and could not imagine leaving him again, but there was no alternative. So Severus' schooled his features and tried to explain to Viktor.
"I must go back to England. I have a job there, but I can visit sometimes. Not too often, we can not let people know about me and Andrei."
"What about his mum, Mr. Severus? Where is she?"
Severus blushed and looked at Alexander for help.
"Vik, Severus is the one who gave birth to Andi. In a way you can say he is a 'mom'." Alexander smirked at Severus' outraged expression.
"Mr. Severus, what about his papa then?"
"Andrei's other parent is in Azkaban. Do you know what that is, Viktor?"
"A prison? But why? Was he following a bad man?"
"Yes, he was." Severus reluctantly answered.
"Oh... ok..." Viktor said sadly. Then he remembered something "If the bad man returns won't Andi's dad tell him about Andi, Mr. Severus?"
Severus' was amazed by this child's perception. He was certain that the kids he thought at Hogwarts wouldn't grasp half of what this six-year-old took in, even if it was a bit simplified. Severus turned to Alexander and saw that his friend shared his son's curiosity. It was to be expected, after all, since Severus never said a word about his ex-lover.
"No, Viktor, because he doesn't know about Andrei. And, as far as I'm concerned, he never will."
Viktor looked confused at the use of English, but otherwise nodded his understanding.
"We have to teach you both English, since Severus will be coming here a lot and we can't expect him to understand Bulgarian word for word." Sofia joined in the conversation.
"Can Severus teach us?" asked Viktor enthusiastically. Severus nodded his head, careful not to jostle his son.
Sofia observed Severus as Viktor asked his questions and she was relieved that Viktor wasn't afraid of loosing Andi, even if that fear was ever present with her. Despite that, she felt herself relax a little in Severus' presence. She watched a boy whom she came to love as her own child in his arms and contrary to what she previously believed would happen she didn't feel even the tiniest bit of jealousy. Her children are happy and that was all that mattered. She scooted herself closer to Severus and caressed the little boy's face. Deep in sleep, the baby was oblivious to the crowd around him.
"Thank you, Sofia" Severus whispered, tears pooling in his eyes. She understood, for the first time how hard this must be for him. She gave him an understanding smile and turned her attention to the serene little replica of the man who held him.
As the storm grew stronger outside, and the wind attacked the little cottage, the family of five sat in a comfortable silence in a warm room living a Christmas miracle. They created a small haven in high Balkan mountains that guarded their peace for the next nine years.