Chapter 2
Later that evening, Randy, Violet, and Petunia came back to see how Severus was doing, and to pick up Lily.
Severus thanked Petunia for her help. "I guess I owe you, Tuney," he said, looking down at his clasped hands.
She looked at him for a long moment, then said, "Don't worry about it, Sn...Severus." She reached out and touched his shoulder, but he flinched. She withdrew her hand and looked at him worridly before continuing, "I only did what any decent person would do."
He nodded his head, still looking at his hands.
Violet said, "We contacted your brother and told him what happened."
"You did?" he said, looking up at her.
"Yes. He said he'll be here tomorrow since visiting hours are almost over. He had something to do and couldn't make it today."
"Oh," said Severus, looking back down and feeling disappointed. He should have known his brother might have something more important to do than come see him.
But then, Violet said, "He's had your father arrested."
Severus gasped and looked back up.
"He told me that this was the final straw," she went on. "He's pressed charges for child abuse. That's why he couldn't make it. He's been at the police station all day."
Severus couldn't believe it. He hadn't always got along with his brother, growing up. His brother always thought he was a little pest. When Darius had moved out, Severus didn't think he'd care what would happen to his younger brother.
A small smile crept onto his face. Violet said, "Well we must be going, but we'll be back tomorrow to see you, hon."
He nodded, and she hugged him. He stiffended in her arms, but she seemed not to have noticed.
Petunia did though. She thought he might not like to be touched because of what his father did. She couldn't blame him for it either. She felt anger toward Tobias Snape. She thought no one should do that to their own child, especially when they had just lost their mother so recently.
The next morning, Severus woke up to a concerned face watching him. He blinked a few times and his brother came into focus.
"Darius?" he said, surprised.
"Hey, Sev. How are you feeling?" Darius asked.
"I'm all right," Severus reassured him.
Darius Snape was a tall, slender nineteen year-old. He had shoulder length black hair and grey eyes, just like Severus.
"I'm sorry I didn't come yesterday, Sev," said Darius.
"I know, Dar," said Severus, giving him a small smile. "Mrs. Evans told me what you did."
Darius said, "He went too far this time, Sev. He left me no choice."
"I know. I'm glad you did. I didn't think you..."
"I what? You didn't think I would care? Sev, you're my brother. Of course I care what happens to you. I know I never really said it, but I love you."
Severus looked away, ashamed for doubting his brother. "I love you too, Darius."
Darius smiled. "Now, there's one other thing I had to take care of yesterday. I gave up my flat."
Severus looked back up at him. "You did? Why?"
"Well, I figured you still have two more years of school left, and you'd be happier still living next to the Evans'. So, we're staying at the house. It's legally ours now since dad's in jail. It is what you want, right?"
"Yes, of course. Thank you, Dar," said Severus. He couldn't believe how much trouble Darius went through for him.
Darius' smile grew bigger and he said, "Good. Now, get some rest, Sev. The doc said you can be discharged tomorrow."
Severus nodded and laid back against his pillow and closed his eyes. He was out in a couple of minutes.
