A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews! Hope you enjoy this chapter and just glad people are so open to this pairing, I know it can be a little odd for people but this story feels very welcomed! x

Chapter 4: Inspired Romantics
By BelovedWithKindness

"Where should we take Severus on a second date?" Fred mused, a muffling charm keeping their voices from carrying to any potential listeners, a common practice for a pair of pranksters, as he buttoned up his uniform for the day ahead. "No idea, somewhere he'd feel comfortable talking with us, I mean…I want to get to know him a lot more" George replied, already dressed and just fixing his fiery red hair before in a more serious tone "you curious to ask, about the whole dark side thing?"

What they knew was speculative, but with better grounding than spectators who barked on about the Slytherin's doubted loyalties as if the subject weren't so serious, and so speculate they did. They were aware that their parents and Bill, possibly Charles were in The Order, a progression they would also be looking to make, not much was said in the family for security reasons but it was well known enough. Molly and Arthurs liking for the professor was enough to tell them Severus' involvement was positive, so highly respected and thoroughly trusted, then one Bill was inducted he spoke highly as well. Then to think on the Headmaster's trust in the man, which could be dismissed as a front if it weren't for Hagrid following suit, no secret the half giant wore his heart on his sleeve.

So, he was a good guy right, just…involved somehow? He certainly wasn't aligned in heart as a Death Eater, his dating the twins alone proved that, but the twins couldn't help but sigh. Whatever it was seemed most important and possibly dangerous, it required secrecy right from the off never mind what else might happen.

The twins set about planning a secluded date to ensure Severus would feel as comfortable as possibly and hopefully share more with the brothers, with things decided a letter was written, with loving attention to detail and romantic words galore, and sent. Watching the owl from the window with both excitement and a nervousness they couldn't shake. But it was only because they already cared so much…

Student's bustled and chatted about the great hall eating their breakfasts and starting their day, the staff table its usual mixture of polite conversation, last minute paper marking and tired quiet, Severus to anyone would seem like his usual private self, only speaking on subjects of interest should they come about, but more so than usual he was lost in thought barely touching his plate and for once this state was not war induced.

His usually brilliant mind awash with memories of a most wonderful date, two charming young men and a letter of a second date he had recently recieved, his thoughts fading in and out of excited and happy feelings, of which he was certainly not accustomed to, and of the more serious side. He had to declare any teacher-student relationships within three weeks of initiation to the headmaster, such relationships were allowed but had to be clear about their existence in case of observed favouritism and so on. It was still so unbelievable, one date, they'd been on one date and things were already so intense and Severus's guard trembling in ways he would never have allowed, but the twins? they were just such good souls and clearly cared so very much.

He also couldn't help but continue wondering just why they had chosen him. They had certainly tried to explain, both in their date and pursuit of him prior with their beautiful words and notes. A nagging doubt that things had to go wrong just would budge from the professor's nerves, not due to anything the boys had done of course, just…his life was never this good to him. Ever.

Meanwhile said twins entered the great hall and despite the busy hall eyes locked immediately, a fire igniting like poetry could only aspire to describe, their usual smiles widened even more and Severus, despite his heavy heart, couldn't stop the smile back though quickly made sure than no one had seen which luckily no one had.

The dark haired man's mind kept digging deeper and deeper and he knew he shouldn't, it was his own self loathing he knew, technically, but he felt it was true even if his mind could speak otherwise. The whole thing was crazy. It sounded crazy. He couldn't help but imagine how people would react if they ever got the chance to know, his professionalism immaculate in class so no scandals there, but people would gossip and say their snide comments, not that he cared but the twins were such happy people, why invite such bother? At least it was a secret just now, but that brought its own issues, again, such bother. And all for him?

At the Gryffendore table one nervous Neville Longbottom was hunched over a potions book looking depressed as the words simply wouldn't make sense in his head, "alright Neville?" George asked in a friendly tone before making up his plate, Fred already a head of him and chowing down and the pair seated by their younger brother and his friends, "yeah, I suppose, got Potions this morning and last time my potion…didn't work out so well". A snort of laughter betrayed the understatement from Ron who just couldn't keep it back and Hermoine elaborated attempting to sound unamused "it was supposed to be a healing potion and you created a death by hiccup juice."

"That exists?" Fred asked only to receive a "it does now" from Harry much to Neville's dismay who then said "if Snape hadn't made us test on toads I'd be in St Mungos or the morgue right now, luckily he was able to save the frog, felt bad for the little thing, then Snape told me off for using ingredients that weren't on the list" and before anyone could ask why he wouldn't follow the recipe out loud he answered in anticipation "I mistook herbs for other herbs and seeds for other seeds and I'm not exactly excelling in Sprout's class either."

Shaking their heads in some amusement and sympathy without much thought the suggested "why don't you ask for tutoring, its available if you just ask, think Sprout does her extra crit in the morning and Se-Snape does his in the evening."

"Yeah right, spending time with Snape I don't absolutely have to to pass school, no thank you" Neville said and much to the agreement of the other students around him. This irked the twins but they hid it well, no wonder students didn't know how great Severus was if they were all so cowardly, they like Neville but he wasn't helping himself, "it could help you're studies though, if that's what bothers you."

"Snape bothers me. Think if I got tutoring I'd just piss him off more and no thanks, he's scary enough when I'm not the only one making mistakes and in front of witnesses."

"He's not that scary…" Fred said before he could stop himself and at raised brows he covered quickly "that is, so long as you're the spectator, he's witty and so it's funny when it isn't aimed at you."

"Witty? Try cruel."

Fred thought still to cover what he'd said but George, the more level headed of the two, saw it fit to join in, it was no great giveaway they they disagree on opinions about professors. "He's not cruel, he's just direct and too good at arguing for you to have much chance, I'd kill to have that kind of smarts." Fred just smiled and nodded, "yeah, so long as you follow instruction and act like a grown up he'll treat you like one, kind of cool to be honest."

Nevill's expression was one of some bewilderment and practically bowed out from the conversation, especially as Harry's expression crinkled in dislike and Ron's appeared downright shocked. "Since when are you two all gushy Snape? Think you two have lost it" Ron spoke with some hope his brothers would turn back to normal, or as normal as they ever were, but nope.

"What can we say," Fred gave a physical shrug to lighten the mood, at least Hermoine wasn't looking at them like their lost their minds, she likely didn't disagree too much being someone who behaved in class and enjoyed the lessons "we don't piss him off and when you don't piss him off he's a cool Professor to have. Pro tip for you guys, don't piss of Professor Snape, or any other professor, or people, don't piss people off, it's a bad idea" he rambled and started laughing at how the sentence had devolved and others smiled and shook their heads, at least the twins were entertaining.

Severus sat trying not to watch as the pair of handsome young men engaged in conversation, their handsome features something anyone would admire and those cheeky smiles addictive as they teased and joked. It was then Minerva joined the staff table after overhearing some of her houses chatter on her way, taking her seat by the distracted Potions Master she spoke in a friendly tone"you have a couple of fans in my Gryffendores" though quiet enough no one was listening. Severus snapped out of his daydreaming with a careful "oh" and she just smiled with "Weasley's of all things."

Weasleys of all things indeed.

As evening rolled around Severus finished marking papers with a firm setting down of a quill and set about getting ready for his date tonight having agreed by letter that morning. Looking at the time he didn't have too much time but enough to work with and stretched out his muscles slightly as he headed to his bed chambers, already having removed his cloak he thought about what to wear.

Suddenly, without warning a stab and shock of pain signalled itself in his arm, the dark mark summoning him to a meeting with the Dark Lord with a demanding burn. He hissed slightly at the severity and steadied himself with a breath when the pain faded but not for long as it struck again and he knew he had to go.

Such timing. The meeting unavoidable and he had to cancel on the twins, regarding the importance of his duty it was no debate but he did wait for the summoning to fade again before writing on a small piece of parchment with haste.

'Fred & George,

My deepest apologies as I will be unable to attend our date tonight.'

Handwriting fast and slanted compared to his usual immaculate script and the ink flow less controlled, he had hoped to write some reason but another striking pain made itself known and he snatched his hand back before he scrawled over what pathetic little he'd managed and as soon as he could he simply signed his name and sent his own on its way.

He knew the note was too little for comfort and were it a regular summoning with one strike and patience he'd have made sure to be sensitive and give an acceptable explanation but clearly the Dark Lord was pissed and best not to keep him waiting.

Fred and George sat in their dorm room dumb and utterly surprised by the brief and sudden letter, it was so very unlike Severus, sharpness was expected at times but not reckless or thin writing, plus the hasty handwriting implied urgency that had the twins' minds racing. How bazaar and not only that but they couldn't deny the pang of disappointment at their cancelled date but it was the fashion of the note that had them questioning so much.

There was some self doubt, the first date seeming to have gone so well and those kisses at the end were pure heaven, could it have been a sudden attack of anxiety or self doubt? Perhaps but that was difficult territory for them to assist in if Severus wasn't seeing them. But then there was concern, by the handwriting he was clearly in a hurry, he was so organised it was unlikely this was due simply to poor planning, instead something emergent and unexpected. With that they started wording their reply very carefully:

'Our Severus,' they started.

For once in all the times they'd written to their Slytherin: they struggled…what to write? it was such a worrying letter for something so short.

'No apologies necessary; we could always just reschedule at a better time for you? Let us know and we'll make the time. After our first date we keep thinking about you and all the things said, you're such a special person to us and cannot shake the tingles from indescribable first kisses.

Your tremendously inspired romantics,

Fred & George xx'

Reading it over and over again for perfect grammar and finally they agreed to send it. The owl flew unburdened as it did not feel the real weight contained in the letter and as two pairs of bright eyes watched their feathered friend on its way until out of sight they held their breaths.

"He might be fine," George said trying to be positive "…called away to an emergency that needs a potion or at…"

"The Order? or something…I just don't know" George continued with a tremble in his voice, both of their hearts feeling like they were being punched and squeezed mercilessly and with something so simple to start it all. "I just hope there is a reason, and that Sev's alright…"

Both nodded and hoped their kind words in the letter helped some, it was so difficult as the Slytherin was such a mysterious and complicated person, but they had no doubt of their feelings and just how madly they were falling for the man. Whatever it was, so long as their Severus was ok, bring it on.

The twins felt rough as they walked towards the dungeons, they'd gotten little to no sleep the night before from worry and busy thoughts. They had hoped Severus, once having finished whatever business had made him cancel their date, would reply in the night, but nothing, then in the morning…but there was no letter, no owl, no nothing. A tight grip of doubt made them struggle through breakfast and barely touch their food, especially as they realised there was a specific empty seat at the staff table. Was he avoiding them? What good would that do by now or in such a way? And the most concerning question…was he alright?

They had tried to shake the nagging screaming voices in the back of their minds that something was definitely wrong but it was once they sat in potions class and waited…and waited…and waited still with no show of their professor who was punctual to a fault they became truly stressed. As the class became comfortable that their strict professor wouldn't be making an appearance the class became chatty and laughing, several of which voiced how relieved and glad they were at the mans absence and the twins grit their teeth.

Eventually a rather flustered Professor McGonnagall entered serious but clipped expression and headed to the front of the class, students quickly huddling to their seats in her presence, her accented voice finally offering "Professor Snape is poorly this morning and will be unable to teach class today."

Fred's fists clenched on his knees and George bit his bottom lip as their blood boiled, there was an instant cheer from several students and even more laughed at their outbursts. But it wasn't just their ignorance; what the hell? Severus was off sick? The man could cure practically anything! and he was so productive he'd hate to just be waiting out something he could fix, if he could fix it that was…and it that was the truth too.

"I will be covering this period, practical classes will be moved to tomorrow so open your books to page…." and white noise invaded their ears, hearts beat harder in their chests and blood pulsed. They took in nothing during class, even to the point of being nudged by neighbouring pupils, but they didn't care. Both brothers felt half mad by lunch time to the point they couldn't face another moment pretending things were in any way normal.

Tucked away they found one of the many quiet rooms hard to find with the moving staircases and leaned against the wall, tired and stressed the pair did wonder if they were being silly but what if they were? Rather be a waste of time in a non-serious scenario than ignoring a serious one.

"Do you suppose he's in the infirmary?" "Maybe his rooms?" they mused aloud, both thoroughly done feeling this way, least they could do was try and so they split up and looked in the mentioned areas but finding nothing, haste in their steps and purpose at their heels when they met again with locked eyes they simply moved to a quiet fireplace where no one would hear and said the address of Severus' apothecary.

Practically marching up to the door the pair could the windows had the curtains pulled shut but just enough told them the lights were on inside, so he was there, and with a gulp the twins rang the bell, then after several moments firmly knocked on the heavy door but were still ignored.

Luckily as they tried the handle the door did open, and the pair walked inside carefully, the front room as they remembered it, and as they stepped inside they looked around, eventually moving through a couple more rooms and into a living room with Severus nowhere to be seen and yet the lights were on, the door open and the place lived in. "Severus?" both called out, and it was only then that slowly, thankfully, the Slytherin made himself known walking into the room in a way that the twins could tell where he'd come from, he was very good at that, but why hide?

The man seemed on edge but his shoulders sank in some release of tension when he saw for sure the pair of young men in his house, "it's you two" Severus spoke just above a whisper, it wasn't a question but a sound of relief, at least he wasn't hiding from them…

As the pair took in his appearance he looked dishevelled which they didn't mind one bit quite frankly, anything that had the man's perfect guard dropped was something to see. His hair a slight tangle having been washed but not brushed, he'd clearly been sleeping a lot of the day, he was in loose, dark as always, clothes and one look at his expression and stance told them something was off, he was slightly leaning to one side and short of breath, he seemed to be cradling one arm to his side slightly and seemed cautious of losing his balance. a slight sweat upon his brow and strain: he was in pain.

"Severus, are you alright?" "What happened, are you hurt?" they immediately voiced their concern moving towards, suddenly by his side and he did flinch slightly, this made the pair glance at each other before returning their dear Severus.

"I'm fine, really, I'll be back at work tomorrow."

"What happened..?" one asked and there was silence, caught in a way he couldn't explain or think to answer.

Severus was better off than many times meeting the Dark Lord, this was practically light as far as these things went, and he was slightly stunned to see the twins at his apothecary. True he'd left them a sudden note and hadn't had a chance in his recovery to collect any of his mail he was sure he had waiting…they really were this concerned over him? the fire in their eyes a startling indication.

"I'm fine, really, I'll be back at work tomorrow" he repeated and he could see them holding their tongues as they realised no real answer would come and so the dark haired man added "no need to worry, really."

As comforting as that velvety low voice could have convinced them that was true George's voice attempted to sound calm but spoke his mind "no need to worry? Sev you're clearly in pain and you were hiding until you knew it was us…" who could it have been? what kind of danger did Severus deal with where he would behave like this?

"Severus we just care and want to see you well, this isn't well and we don't know whats going on" Fred supported, and there was silence, Severus really didn't know what to say, he wasn't ready to talk about everything but there was so much and "…but thats okay" both said in unison, a sudden chance in the mood and a pressure lifted and a new heart warming one took its place.

George stood infant of the potions master and locked gazes with a powerful stare as he spoke "we wish that you would trust us and tell us, but we understand if you can't, there are other, bigger things than just what we want right now…but that said, that can't keep us from worrying after you…"

Severus couldn't believe his ears as he processed George'd words, genuinely shocked and he had to control his expression, his heart beating faster than he recalled in a long time, this was insane…of all people…what George was saying conveyed so much support and understanding in such a tricky and harsh scenario, it was so perfect in a not so perfect world and as much as the dark haired man told himself not to fall, not to trust, it was so very difficult just then. Especially as fred made his part clear also, never wanting to assume both were the same, both individuals and able to disagree but luckily not here, "it's true, and we see how you struggle between whatever that explanation is and facing us, no wonder you have such a guard all the time…but that's a separate issue to how we feel about you and how we can be with each other. You're letter frightened us half silly, whatever it was must have been sudden for you to write like that, at least we know its not that you were ditching us".

"I…I'm sorry you thought that, certainly wasn't my intention" the pain in his voice was evident, and he stepped slight with his balance off and winced, George immediately to his side with a carefully placed arm around his form to have him lean and said "sit down, Sev." Fred cleared some items away and helped his brother guide the weakened man to a couch. It was certainly strange to see the usually invincible and unreachable Severus Snape like this, but they supposed, it was a very good thing that they do, that someone saw and that someone was there. Even Someones.

"Is there anything we can do? potions or…" Fred asked and Severus just shook his head, "really, what can't you cure?" came the instant response without much thought.

Unable to keep it back, Severus found himself laughing lightly, they had such high opinions of him it was sweet, no doubt a humbled opinion by now seeing him like this, but still very sweet. "I've done all I can, and I feel much better than I did this morning, I'll be fine by tonight and for classes tomorrow."

They were still stumped at that, something Severus couldn't just tell them that happened and could do this to him, was it dark magic? a curse? throwing those thoughts to the back of there minds they had bigger priorities than sating their interests. "If you say so, you gave us one hell of a scare…" hummed Fred as he sat on the couches arm and a large hand started to play gently with a strand of ebony hair and Severus held back the flinch and let himself enjoy the affectionate touch.

George's soft voice also cradled the senses as he joined Severus on the couch cushions, their legs brushing against each other "yeah, but at least we know you're okay now…" and he took one of Severus' hands in his, a thumb playing lovingly over elegant fingers and knuckles. A tender moment out of the blue and all felt comforted in the others' company.

Severus' mind became simultaneously far too busy and unable to process a single thought to the full, they had said it was alright for them not to know, but that they would worry, but accept that? However incredible, not only did Severus' heart not want to believe such a good thing, but…they deserved more than that, didn't they? His heart ached when he considered how supportive and caring they were both being for him and he wanted to do something for them. So his mind worked through somethings in the background and they shared a calm and cosy moment together in the privacy of Severus' home in the middle of the day…

"Aren't the two of you supposed to be in class?" Severus asked in an almost random manner and both red heads chuckled before being so wonderfully charming with a chime of "we're supposed to be right here."

The Slytherin just rolled his eyes with an amused smile he couldn't hide, it was sweet but corny, not that he minded he realised. "I can't condone it, you know that…"

"Consider it a compassionate absence" Fred smirked and he had to shake his head but the smile widened betrayingly and decided not to gift it, it wasn't like he was on duty anyway.

"You two do look worse for wear yourselves…" Severus said, it was a light comment and George smiled, similarly sweet as his brother saying "only because we care so much."

"Have you eaten, Sev?" George then asked, he himself hungry as they were past lunch time by then, Severus just shook his head, in his discomfort he hadn't attempted to cook anything but it was certainly not a helpful habit for healing "neither have we, you got food? we could cook something."

Fred then joined with "we're mean in the kitchen, Sev, we'd love to show you and you need your strength up" with a smile.

In a blur where he barely remembered agreeing the twins had his helped towards the kitchen and seated at the table and chairs in the spacious open room, as they had a rummage through the fridge and cupboards and settled on a dish to make, busying themselves asking the potions master the odd question along the way as they searched for pans or matches and the like.

Severus could only admire in a silent awe how supportive they were being, he was giving them practically nothing in return on the subject, and always so positive and active they really were inspirational human beings. Soon the kitchen was filled was a delicious scent of spices and cooking meats and veg, a healthy sizzle form the heat in the pan and the Weasleys' happy chatter amongst their task and Severus realised just how he would ever miss them if this were to end. He was so afraid of investing in case that happened, in case they left at some news they couldn't or wouldn't tolerate, but…Severus was done hiding. If the inevitabel was going to happen it wasn't going to be because he didn't try his best.

"Fred, George" Severus voice trembled slightly, both from twinges of pain and nerves he was most unfamiliar with until recently. They turned and the older man locked eyes with each of them in turn, is expression telling nothing negative but was a minute of serious and comforted. "What happened last night, I…I will explain" and both brothers blinked in some surprise, they really were doing all of this with to expectation "just not right now, I need a little time to think, but I promise you both I will tell you the truth."

There was a pause as the twins let such important and heavy words sink in, Severus, the single most guarded and private person the had ever met was not only dropping his guard with them as an item…but was willing to take steps to merge their worlds more fully? "Thank you, Severus" they both whispered with emotion for all to hear and feel, making their way towards the man that was quickly holding more and more of their hearts in his grasp.

"No…thank you both" Severus' words Sincere as he watched the pair approach and gaze at him with passion and something else. Something powerful that he wouldn't want to assume, certainly not so soon, and he averted his obsidian eyes to the side shyly. The act itself making the man irresistible to the cheeky pair, and as they leaned downward landing an immaculately synchronised kiss to each cheek, the image of such had to be sweet beyond decency.

The twins returned to Hogwarts just in time for last period and while their professor noted that they were absent from the one before it went without much issue, a quick word at the end of the day about skiving school and a few docked points and they were free to walk and talk.

Sitting to play wizards chess in the afternoon they felt buzzing with nerves and excitement, like butterflies and fairies were trapped in their chests and tickling their flesh, simultaneously warm from emotions like never before and shivering and tingling as if chilled.

Their game was slow and slightly reckless, both strong players but their minds elsewhere. They were still worried, that ache to just return to their favourite Slytherin and be in his company, to care for him and have him tell them how unnecessary it was as if they'd listen, they were glad they saw him though, relieved even; and the startling reality of their fright from before very telling about how invested they were. Both had felt on the edge of either tearing up or punching walls they had felt so helpless and just wanted their Severus, their Severus, to be back with them and safely in their arms.

Also, lunch had been so nice, to be in a homely setting they could clearly imagine themselves in the mans life and him in theres, glimpses of a future together flashing through romantic minds in a way that even they knew would merit some teasing for how hard they were falling.

Curiouser and curiouser they had become too, especially about the perplexing issue of Severus' condition and what could possibly put him in that way and their chat quietly moved onto the subject "he did say he would tell us…" Fred said, moving his rook into a risky position to avoid a less than subtle but very effective trap be his sibling. "Yeah, I know…I'm nervous" George whispered honestly, his tone strong however with no doubt in his dedication.

"What could he possibly say to turn us away," Fred said and though to most that would sound like a loaded and unpleasant question the pair ended up smiling as they couldn't think of a single thing, not anything they would think Severus capable of anyway even in the most extreme and terrible of scenarios, and given those scenarios even if horrid things did occur they would not be without sound or understandable reason…

"I'm not sure, but whatever it is clearly has him in a bind a lot of the time…and if it puts him into situations that can hurt him like that..?" George mused aloud, still in some shock at seeing such a brilliant wizard so affected. "Yeah, but it only hurts because we care, thats wasn't just a cheesy line" Fred helped settle his brothers thoughts with a firm truth they both shared to George's inspired response "of course, and that's not about to change…we'll just get better at handling it if we can" and both gave a dedicated nod.

Returning to their almost forgotten game George set about on his next trap, eyeful of defence as Fred liked to go on the offensive in such a game, "so a second date, stick to the previous plan?"

"Privacy is the most important part, I think it'll suffice" Fred replied as he watched his brother plan and finally make a move, his brows furrowing as he saw his position weaken but was quick to make the most of things and took George's queen, it was costly but might help later in the game. then he spoke a thought that he couldn't shake: "this does not feel like a second date."

No, it certainly did not feel like a second date. Their first date was long overdue regarding their acts of pursuit and caring letters filled with honesty and romantic intent, then to think of all the time they had spent getting to know each other beforehand and thinking about each other, looking forward to fine words and exchanges with eager hearts. Years of respect and familiarity with each other at least, then months of growing understanding of each other and getting closer, then weeks of pursuit and finally, finally a date and being in their presence almost every day due to classes, of course it didn't feel like a second date.

George nodded with a sigh, thoroughly in agreement. It wasn't as though there was a standard for these things, in fact wizardly courting varied hugely throughout history and many practiced today from arranged marriage to suitor parties, then the more common developments with dating and waiting. While few would call jumping into a so called 'serious relationship' so soon reckless in the world of magic it was very common for things to snowball, especially as those of magic were more likely to be drawn to and feel out soulmates if they had one, or two…

The twins weren't sure, and in all honesty, they didn't care, they cared for Severus deeply and were tired of considering him 'someone they were dating and in secret no less' and so, so wholeheartedly wanting him to know the extent of their feelings but not wanting to frighten him away either. But if they could securely call him their boyfriend? even just to each other, how lovely that would be.

"Did lunch today count?" George asked in a bubbly tone, giving their progression with Severus some thought.

"Good point" came the cheery reply, "plus all the times we see him in class or in extra curricular, all the time before the first date…"

"Do all my sexy dreams count?" George asked with a sly grin receiving a snort of laughter from his twin and eventually he laughed as well, the admission most entertaining.

"Maybe not that one bro" Fred managed through giggles only increasing when George replied "shame, they're good too" and his expression turned wistful as he clearly recalled some of said dreams before hid grin widening even more, both in gleeful jest, some of the stress rolling off of them.

As the laughing faded Fred couldn't help himself "nah, I don't think they could, even if they are very good…my dreams on the other hand…"

A focused quill signed and graced parchment as Albus Dumbledore finished up some his letters and paperwork by his large ornate desk in the later hours with a dark sky clear and twinkling with stars in the distance from his highly view. The firelight illuminating features gently when suddenly they changed in colour and the elderly wizard responded to the call when he realised who it was and allowed them to floo into his office.

From the fireplace came a much healthier and better standing Potions master after his days rest, aged blue eyes looked to him with some relief at the improvement but he asked anyway "Severus my boy, how are you healing up?" the welcoming tone used religiously in private conversations as they two, despite many differences over the years, were most trusted at present "well, Albus, I will be teaching tomorrow if that is any indication."

"You do look much better, got your colour back, well, what colour you ever had" he smiled in a warm comment, the only wavering his his light tone was a slight dim of those eyes. Unfortunately these things happened more regularly than anyone would like to admit, the Dark Lord one for deterrent strategies rather than positive. One death eater messes up and anyone with even the tiniest interaction with him during task attempts was considered worthy of punishment.

While Severus had already shared all information he could on the incident with Albus he noticed the black clad man was slightly more defensive than normal, his arms folded in a subtle way to protect himself, his mind clearly deep in thought.

"Is everything alright, Severus? If something is bothering you I am here to listen always."

Then came a question that even a man of so many years experience wasn't ready for, or at least couldn't have anticipated, perhaps in the earliest years of Severus' duty, but now, why now?

"Albus…considering my position, and the information that comes with it, to share about my life, not in damaging detail but enough to convey to someone the truth…would that be at all permissible?" his tone was flat, well practiced and giving nothing away, but lack of eye contact told the man, a man that had watched the complex potions master since h was a young lad, that what he was asking was deeply important.

"Severus, I completely trust your judgement on the matter, many years prior, perhaps not, for my own reasons as anything else…but today as you ask me, I will completely support what you choose to share so long as dangerous facts are carefully considered and I am key informed, but to tell someone what you are and what you deal with in your life…I would not keep you from sharing that if you deem them safe and trustworthy yourself. Knowing you, you're likely more diligent in avoiding danger than even I am."

"Thank you, Albus."

"Is that what you wanted to hear? You seem nervous, that's unlike you."

"You'll find out soon enough," and finally the Slytherin looked up to the older man and with a firm stance "though I am nervous, not something I'd usually admit. If you'd said no I might have had an excuse to tell myself" Severus mused, his cryptic words inviting great curiosity in the headmaster but he didn't press and simply asked the ambiguous speaker to join him for evening tea and chatter.

A/N: Thanks for reading and please leave a review! Guest reviews are allowed so don't worry if you don't have an account you can still review and make suggestions of things you would like to see! x