Thanks for everyone's reviews for the last chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

It had been a long time since Severus had known true fear. But if what he'd heard was true, he had a very good reason to be afraid. There had been a rumour spreading throughout the complex, regarding a certain missing student being hunted by a very powerful wizard. While the details were virtually non-existent, the similarities to his own situation were enough to put him on edge. If what little he'd heard was true, the Dark Lord himself was out hunting for him.

It sounded utterly ridiculous and at first, he'd actually laughed at the thought of it. Oh sure, he knew all about those little meetings the seventh years had been attending over the holidays. Hell, everyone did. And there had been talk of him joining them soon enough, it seemed his potions talents hadn't gone unseen. But then he'd left, leaving behind that life to find his own happiness. And quite frankly, he'd yet to regret it. Who knows what might have happened to him if he'd stayed? He was almost certain it wouldn't have ended up well for him. Nothing ever did back in England. But here, in Japan, things were different.

It had taken a lot to get Severus to where he was now. Whereas before he'd been an awkward teenager; distrustful and shy around others, he'd since become a confident, albeit rather quiet, young man. He'd even come to like being around others, although this was usually in small doses. But still, he willingly talked to people outside of lessons, he participated in card games and the like and as for his boyfriend, well you can probably imagine what they got up to. Before, Severus had to do everything the hard way. With no family to protect him and no friends to support him, he wouldn't have had a choice. It had taking to moving to the other side of the world, for Severus to finally catch a break. And now, Severus was no longer forced to do things the hard way. With the way the others treated him, well he'd never had it easier.

This rumour though, it was troubling. While Severus was sure he was safe, no one knew where he was after all, it didn't stop him worrying. They said the Dark Lord would stop at nothing to get what he wanted and if that were true, what chance did he have of escaping? But it wasn't true, it couldn't be true! The idea was just ridiculous. Sure he had some talent and yes it was likely the man had heard of said talent, but then so did hundreds of witches and wizards. The idea that Europe's most wanted was searching for him and him alone, well it was laughable! He just wasn't worth it. He wasn't saying it to be modest, it was just another fact of life. Severus was replaceable, he always had been. There was nothing special about him, certainly nothing to warrant so much attention. But then, wait…what was he thinking? Of course it was a lie, it had to be! He could had laughed at himself for thinking such nonsense.

"What's so funny?"

Severus startled as a familiar weight settled across his back. Though he just as quickly relaxed into his boyfriend's hold. His boyfriend, even now the thought still had him smiling.

"Nothing. Just stupid rumours. How did it go?"

Evan kissed him, just a quick peck, before answering. "Well…I got it". Evan ducked his head rather bashfully, though it was clear by the blinding smile on his face that he was happy.

"Y-you did?" Severus stared at him wide-eyed, before a matching grin spread across his own face. "Evan that's-" Severus kissed him.

It was great news, fantastic news even! As part of the programme, they were all required to partake in an apprenticeship with a specially selected mentor. For Severus, as Andrew predicted, he'd been offered an amazing opportunity within a medical research facility. Having witnessed his talent with potions and surprising talent with healing spells, a side effect of having lived at Hogwarts for so long, Severus had been stunned when he'd been offered the chance to complete his apprenticeship there. For the next six months, he'd be learning everything he needed, to combat against hundreds of different ailments and diseases. From rare poisons to lethal spells, he'd gain valuable knowledge in how to not only defend but fight back against such things. In some cases, using only common household ingredients. It sounded ridiculous and more like something you'd find in some housewife magazine, but hell he'd seen it himself. The things one could do with a squirt of lemon juice, it was actually quite frightening.

Evan wouldn't be joining him. At first it had been upsetting, but thinking rationally, he'd known it was coming. Based on what Evan had just told him, he was to begin training to become a Spell Inventor. Sure the name was pretty corny, but the job itself was both difficult and in high demand. With the war, the need for faster, stronger and more powerful spells had never been greater. And for Evan, well Severus knew it was perfect for him. As much as he liked to goof off at times, he really did have a brilliant mind. He had a few other things that were quite brilliant as well, but Severus wasn't about to go into that. Well not right now anyway.

"Y-yeah?" Evan pulled away, breathing heavily. "So do I get my reward now?" His eyes narrowed, focusing on Severus' lips and after a long moment just staring at them, his eyes began to trail downwards. He clearly wasn't going for subtlety.

Severus smirked, tilting his head up just a little to get a better view. "Perhaps. Depends what kind of reward you had in mind".

He soon found out.

It wasn't until the feel of those last frenzied erratic thrusts, that Severus finally managed to focus again. He'd been too busy enjoying the feel of skin against skin, feeling Evan's heartbeat rise then slowly fall. With his senses overwhelmed and his pulse racing, he couldn't bring himself to do much more than enjoy it. But as things slowly calmed, the way Evan continued to stroke him certainly hadn't made that easy, the easier it became to think about things.

"So about your birthday". Severus groaned again. Only this time it wasn't remotely pleasurable.

In hindsight, he probably should have mentioned his birthday had come and gone three months ago. Only he'd been too busy enjoying his life, to care about something he didn't even celebrate anymore. In fact, for the last few years, Lily had been his only reason to celebrate it in the first place. She'd never forgotten, always giving him a gift in the morning before breakfast. Giving him time to enjoy it, then hide it before anyone found out. And after what happened, well he didn't see any reason to celebrate. It wasn't like anybody else would care about such things. Only, after mentioning it in passing, shortly after celebrating Andrew's birthday, Severus found three people who cared. Who cared a lot, as it turned out. And after learning he'd turned seventeen without any of them knowing, well they hadn't exactly been happy with him.

Seventeen was a very important age for witches and wizards. For Severus, it meant he could learn apparition, a handy little trick to be sure. Still, it had taken Derek asking him about it for him to even realise he could now legally pursue it. That and a whole host of other spells, one of which he was particularly interested in. Oh sure, he knew what Potter and his lot had managed to do. And as much as he'd hated to admit it, he was impressed they'd managed to become animagi while still in school. Even if it was highly illegal and for damn good reason. Still, he wanted to learn it himself, if he could. While he knew he'd be busy, with the apprenticeship and all, his pride practically demanded he learn it. If only so he could reassure himself, that the Marauders would no longer have such an advantage. And of course he'd be learning how to apparate. How could he not? With the danger he was already in, it would be beyond stupid not to learn such a skill.

"It's done, it's over. Can't we just forget about it?" Severus hissed as Evan resumed his stroking, scowling at him even as his body shuddered once more. "D-don't! Do-ah! Evan stop!" The stroking stopped, allowing Severus time to catch his breath.

"You were saying?" Evan purred, smiling smugly even as Severus glared daggers at him.

Much to his embarrassment, Severus felt himself shudder once more, gasping as yet another jolt of pure heat set his nerves ablaze. He groaned, a long low groan that really wasn't helping his situation. At least not judging by the effect it was having on Evan. He groaned again, this time out of a combination of embarrassment, anger and annoyance.

"Sh-shut up!" Not his best comeback obviously, but thinking was a bit of a challenge for the moment. "Fine, do whatever the hell you want about my stupid birthday. I don't care". Severus rolled onto his side, hiding his head beneath his arm.

"Then I guess I'll have to make you care. I can guess why you don't celebrate it anymore. But as your loving, incredibly handsome, supremely talented and-" Evan swore. Severus smiled smugly even as he rubbed his elbow, wincing a little at the pain. Should he have elbowed his boyfriend? Probably not, but it sure shut him up. "Fine! If that's how you want to play it, we're having a party. We're gonna celebrate your birthday, celebrate both of our apprenticeships and you're gonna sit there and like it. Got it?" Evan wrapped his arms around him, ensuring he couldn't cause any more harm.

Severus huffed, though he couldn't deny the idea did make him a little happy. Just a little, a tiny amount, the tiniest amount in fact. Parties sure weren't his thing, always full of drunken idiots making noise and doing their best to piss him off. And despite everyone else being older, he doubted that would make the party go any smoother. If anything it would probably be even worse. Maybe he could hide in his room until it was over? Still, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It's not like they'd try to hurt him. He had enough experience in that area to know these sorts of things. He even trusted them a little. Not a lot; past experience had taught him that trusting people wasn't a smart move on his part. But he trusted them enough to let them through a party. It was just a party, right? Surely it wouldn't backfire too much. At least he hoped not.

"Does this mean I get presents?" Severus asked.

The thought hadn't occurred to him until now, but he couldn't help but feel a little excited by the idea. The last time he really remembered getting a present from, well anyone, was back when Lily didn't hate him. Of course his mum had too, for christmas and his birthday, although with little money to spare it had never been much. Still, Severus never complained. What would be the point? It wasn't like complaining would do anything.

"Well I don't know about the others, but I already got you one. Of course, you only get to have it when we have the party". Evan smirked down at him, manoeuvring him so he was half pinned beneath him.

Severus blinked, then scowled and finally sighed. He smiled just a little as Evan leaned down for a kiss. "Fine. But this means I get to make a rule".

"Oh?" Evan cocked his head, pulling up to give him more room.

Severus shifted, pushing himself onto his forearms and pulling Evan back down. With their lips close to touching, he smiled. He glanced, almost uncertainly into Evan's eyes, receiving a warm smile in return. Then, just as Evan looked ready to close the gap, he pulled away sharply.

"No kissing, no hugging, no sex of any kind until after the party's over. Got it? No funny stuff. That's my rule. Still want a party?" He raised an eyebrow, smirking at Evan's dumbfound expression.

"Wh-what none? At all? What the fu-!? I mean uh, yeah…yeah, if that's what it'll take". Evan recovered quickly, though he clearly wasn't happy about it. "Wait…so like none at all? So like if there was some guy there, making a move on you, I wouldn't be allowed to do anything? Nothing to show you're my boyfriend? Seriously?"

Severus frowned, what was he on about? How big was this party he was planning? He'd thought it would just be some of the guys, people from his class. And they all knew he and Evan were a couple. Hell, it was common knowledge at this point. And who in their right mind would want to make a move on him? Fair enough he wasn't the sorry, ugly little bastard he had been when he'd first got here. But it wasn't like he'd changed that much, had he?

If only he knew.

"No". With that said, Severus shuffled out from under Evan, before getting off the bed. "I'm going to the library, you coming?"

Evan huffed, flopping onto his back as he gave Severus a distinctly unimpressed look. "Apparently not. Not until after your party anyway". Though he did smile a little as he enjoyed Severus' blush.

Severus scowled, annoyed with himself and his body for acting the way it did. But more than that, he was annoyed with Evan for his remark. And with himself for not anticipating it. Really though, by now he should have known better. Evan had a talent for perverting just about anything.

Evan chuckled. "Actually I was thinking of taking a shower. I'd ask you to join me, but like you said, no funny stuff. I mean it's too bad really". Evan stretched out, smirking as Severus' eyes fixated on his abs. "I was looking forward to having a little fun, if you know what I mean?" He chuckled once more, earning a glare from his boyfriend.

Severus grabbed his bag, his face red and his heart beating rapidly as he stormed out of the room. And if he walked a little too stiffly, some parts stiffer than others, well at least he had his robes to hide the worst of it.

Despite his best efforts, his men had once again failed to find the Snape boy. By now it was becoming rather tiresome. Tiresome and utterly mortifying. To think, a mere teenager could somehow outsmart his finest men? A halfblood had proven himself more worthy than those whose lineage could be dated back to Merlin himself? If the situation had been different, he would have laughed. This boy, this devious little creature, had done the impossible. He'd proven himself smarter than his pureblood counterparts. He'd proven himself more cunning and devious than the most devout of his Slytherins. He'd outsmarted grown men more than twice his age. As much as he loathed to give compliments, the boy impressed him. More so than any of the other boys who'd been drafted into his service.

"My Lord? Forgive my impertinence, but may I ask why this boy is so important? He is only a halfblood after all. I know his classmates claimed he was talented, but how can we be sure he will be dedicated to our cause? If what they say is true, he abandoned his house for parts unknown. Are you sure someone like that can be trusted?" His follower asked, speaking quietly so as not to be overheard. To be favoured by the Dark Lord himself was no small feat. And there were many who were desperate to take his place, by any means necessary.

He smiled, even as his familiar hissed in agitation. "I have seen for myself what the boy can do. Talent like his is difficult to come by in one so young. When I find him, I intend to nurture such talent. In time, he will reward me with his creations. Have you forgotten? Loyalty can be easily bought. A few potions ingredients and a new robe or two, my sources tell me this will be enough to grab his interest. And once I have it, it will be all too easy to convince him to join my cause. I know how you think, but I have done my own research into this. And this boy, his situation reminds me of someone I once knew. I know what to expect, what I must do to ensure his loyalty to me. Once he is found, I know what must be done to win him over to our side. For this one, I would rather have him come willingly than by force. But should circumstances change, then I know who I can entrust him to in order to teach him our ways. I trust you have no objections?"

"No my Lord. I understand. I'll see to it personally that the boy is found quickly". The man bowed deep, gritting his teeth in preparation for what he was sure to come. It was only to be expected. He had after all, questioned his master. Where he of a lower ranking, such impudence may have gotten him killed. He was lucky indeed that his master was in a generous mood.

"Crucio".

So very lucky.

Things had been somewhat tense as of late, between the three of them. It was understandable of course. They all lusted after the same boy, a boy they'd tormented for years to the point where he'd apparently fled the country. A boy who apparently had gotten himself a boyfriend, which provided both a relief and a sense of dread to them all. Relief that, despite his close friendship with Lily, he did apparently go for blokes. And dread because, well none of them could stand to think about what he and his boyfriend might be up to.

Sirius had apparently been taking it the hardest. It was strange to see the self-proclaimed bad boy of Gryffindor apparently turn over a new leaf. His passion for pranks had dwindled to barely one a week. And even those were little more than tossing an extra ingredient into someone's cauldron. For someone whose life revolved around having fun, making others laugh and charming everyone around him, he'd utterly failed at it these past few weeks. He was even starting to worry some people, Remus included.

The news about Severus hadn't been welcome, but at least they'd gotten some news. Unlike Sirius, Remus had known beforehand that he'd never have a chance with Severus. Despite their similarities, the things he'd done and the monster that lurked inside him, pretty much ensured nothing could ever happen between them. Remus knew this, he understood this. But Sirius, it seemed he'd still held onto some hope that things would work out. Things usually did for the good guys, didn't they?

As for James, he wasn't much better. It seemed that without his favourite victim and without Sirius there to egg him on, he too had lost interest in his pranks. What was the point? Hell, the whole point of them had been to see Severus at his finest. With his wide eyes, trembling body and look of sheer wrath on his face, he'd never looked so sexy. Oh sure most people thought it was to eliminate the competition. Everyone knew she and Severus had been close. But no, Lily had never been much of a challenge for him. And what was the point if there was no challenge to be had? But Severus, he'd been absolutely perfect. Even from the very start. So he'd pushed it. He'd kept focusing on him and him alone. Oh sure he pranked countless Slytherins on the side, if he hadn't people would have stated asking questions. But for James, Severus had always been number one.

"Fuck!" Sirius hissed as he tripped over the wayward trunk. "Fucking hell! Who the fuck leaves their shit in the middle of the floor!?" Sirius kicked it again, yelping as he injured the other foot.

"Smooth Padfoot, real smooth". James snorted, barely glancing up from his textbook. "Break both your feet, that'll make things better".

"Prongs". Remus interjected quietly, sounding resigned. He sent James a pleading look, sighing as it was ignored. "Please?" Remus tried again. James' agitated sigh was his only response.

"Ugh, fine. Sorry mate, no hard feelings, yeah?" Sirius flipped him off. "You didn't actually break them, did you?" James asked, a little louder this time.

Sirius scowled, his fingers clenched tight around his feet. With a loud sigh, he tentatively put both feet on the floor, gritting his teeth as he prepared to stand. He did so, let out a breath and promptly toppled over. A string of curses, quite inventive ones, followed him all the way down.

"Shit. Padfoot, can you stand? Here grab on". Remus heaved him up, staggering a little under the weight.

"Hang on, I've got his other side. Here, let's get you on the bed mate".

Sirius grumbled and bitched for as long as he could. Until finally, with his legs hoisted onto the bed, he fell silent. "Well, shit" he glared, staring at his feet.

"You're an idiot. How are you gonna get to class? Or play quidditch, or do anything with two fucked up feet?" James swatted his head. "Look mate, I know this whole Snape thing is fucked up, but you've gotta snap out of it. Look at us, we both feel like shit. Doesn't mean we're going around and breaking bones for fun".

Having expected Sirius to whine or curse, neither were prepared to see him break down, right before their eyes. In fact, it took a couple of good sobs for either of them to even process what was happening. Whether it was from the physical pain or the emotional, they'd weren't sure of the reason. But seeing Sirius cry, actually crying like that, well both could agree, it was pretty fucked up.

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