Ch.2

Twi had been around a week now, Snape noted when he looked at the calendar one morning. He turned and watched Twi, who was crunching on an apple. He had already filled out some in the short time he had been around. He had recently taken off the bandage and Snape tried not to wince every time he saw the fresh scar.

Twi was a quiet companion, and not just because he was mute. He moved almost silently, and used body language rather than sign language to communicate most of the time. He kept the guestroom clean and did his own dishes, obliterating almost every sign of his presence. Early in the mornings, he would walk around the perimeter of the property, just inside the wards, like he was making sure everything was safe. He read a lot, and delighted in every new book he was allowed to read. Often, though, he was just sitting there, staring into the distance. Once, Snape asked him what he was doing. Twi had smiled sadly and signed, Resting.

This particular morning Twi was focusing his attention on something out the window. He suddenly barred his teeth in an ugly snarl, showing off longer than normal canine teeth. A low growl rumbled up from deep in his chest. Snape looked concernedly out the window to see Albus Dumbledore strolling up to his house. Severus turned back to reassure Twi, only to find that the youth had seemingly disappeared, leaving his half-eaten apple on the table.

Grumbling, Snape opened the door before the headmaster had a chance to knock.

"Good morning, Severus my dear boy!" said the eccentric old man in what Snape deemed as a far too cheery voice.

"You scared off my ward, Albus. Now he won't come out of hiding for hours," Severus growled.

"Ward? I didn't know you had a ward, Severus! What's his name? How old is he? Can I meet him?" Severus was unsurprised when one of the most feared and respected wizards of the age started bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Severus sighed. "You may meet him if he chooses to show himself. I do not know his real name, or his birth date. All I know is that he goes by the name of Twi, he is approximately fourteen years old, and he just turned up one day - trudging through the back of my property."

"Oh." Dumbledore seemed nonplussed for a moment, and then he was excited again. He offered Severus a lemon drop (which was declined) and then explained his visit. "Tatiana Jones is staying at headquarters, and you know her problems with werewolves, and there's nowhere else safe for Remus to stay-"

"No."

"Now, Severus-"

"The guestroom is already taken, and what about the full moon?"

"Remus would only be here a week. Then Ms. Jones is going on a mission."

"I will speak with Twi about it. And the wolf would get the couch."

"That's all I ask, Severus," Dumbledore sighed.

Suddenly the aged headmaster froze, staring avidly over Severus' shoulder. Severus turned to see Twi, who was meeting Dumbledore's stare unflinchingly.

He still looked scruffy - wearing black slacks that were worn to the point of turning grey. They hung loosely about his hips and pooled around his bare feet. The threadbare white button-up shirt was also a little loose and didn't really hide the many battle scars on his chest and the whip marks on his back. The cuffs and color were unbuttoned, revealing the scar that muted him and large, calloused hands. The clothes were Severus' old school uniform. Long, messy black hair with a shock of silver-white ate his left temple was held back with a solid black bandanna. The scar that shut his left eye had turned his eyebrow silver-white as well. His black eyebrow was raised in question and his one emerald eye observed the headmaster coolly.

Dumbledore shook himself and stepped forward and offered his hand. "Twi, I presume?" he asked, plastering a huge smile on his face. Twi nodded and shook the offered hand. When Twi retreated, Dumbledore flexed his fingers, muttering, "Strong grip..."

Snape smirked. He couldn't help it. Twi was almost acting like a Slytherin and it pleased him.

"Yes, well, Twi, I have come to ask Severus if a good friend of mine could come and stay on the couch for a week?" Dumbledore asked, gathering his scattered mind. The mute stared emotionlessly at the headmaster.

He then turned his back on the aging man and signed so only Snape could see him. Wolf-man?

Snape turned as well, so the old codger could not "overhear" their conversation. Yes. No harm, though. It is not near the full moon. And he is …..honorable. Snape looked almost pained as he signed the last statement.

Twi looked at him seriously for a moment, seeming to search his soul with one eye. For what, and why, Snape could not fathom, but he kept still. Finally, Twi nodded, and signed, He stays, in an almost morbid manner. Severus shivered, hoping this morbid attitude was unwarranted.

After, Dumbledore only stayed a few moments. He was unnerved by the child, feeling that the appearance of Twi did not bode well.