Chapter 28

Albus had just floo called the Snapes to let them know they should come over. Skyrah had been fidgeting and pacing acrooss the chambers for hours. She walked even faster than Severus along the corridors, despite wearing heels and having shorter legs. She muttered the password and entered the headmaster's office, ignoring a nasty feeling that had settled in her stomach. She just hoped that the best possible outcome had come true. They were confused when nobody was there to greet them, only Fawkes.

She was hugged from behind. She'd recognize that tight grip anywhere, even if the arms were skinnier than she remembered. She turned around and hugged her properly, letting out a cheerful squeal, curling her fingers in red curls.

"Dione," she whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"Sis."

Severus kept some distance, happy for his wife yet slightly awkward. Albus appeared out of the blue. His eyes twinkled as he witnessed the scene. Skyrah extracted herself from the embrace, keeping her hands on her shoulders. She took a moment to inspect her little sister. Dione had some bags under her eyes. Her freckles contrasted against the sickly pallid skin. She was so gaunt Skyrah hardly controlled her emotions. The only reason she didn't show anger signs was Dione was beaming. Dione is safe. She is at Hogwarts. Everything would be fine, Skyrah repeated inwardly like a mantra. Her gaze descended to her sister's tie.

"I see you wasted no time and followed your father's steps," she said, amused. "A Hufflepuff."

"All Fawleys have been in Hufflepuff. I wasn't about to break the tradition."

"Did the Sorting Hat give you another option?"

"It saw some Slytherin traits in me, but Hufflepuff won."

"Figures."

The sisters laughed then. It felt tremendously good to know that, despite the hell they had gone through, some things never changed. When their laughter subsided, Skyrah asked where their mother was. Dione's eyes clouded with unshed tears.

"A Death Eater caught her and disapparated."

"Malfoy…"

"Yes. Those other people who came to help us could only save me."

Skyrah felt a pang of pain in her chest, her whole composure tensing up. She could already picture the scene in her mind; the fear in Dione's eyes and the desperation in her mother's. Forcing herself to be tough in front of her sister, Skyrah hugged her again, sighing sweet comforting words in her ear. Skyrah wasn't sure whether the reassuring lines were to console her half-sister or herself, but she didn't mull over it.

"Are you tired?" Skyrah asked her sister.

"Exhausted."

Skyrah stared at the floor, thinking. Then she looked at Albus.

"Can she stay the night with me? Just for tonight, please. I don't want a bunch of students making a scene and wondering why a girl is coming to their Common Room in the middle of the night. Besides, I… I want to be with her."

"I don't see why she can't," approved Albus.

Skyrah smiled at him gratefully and eyed Severus, knowing that it may be awkward for him. "Are you okay with it?"

No matter how inappropriate Severus found having a student in their chambers, he couldn't deny her that, especially when she looked at him so hopeful. He gave her a swift nod.

"Thank you," she said with thick emotion in her voice.

"You should go to our chambers already, Skyrah."

"Our chambers?" "Why aren't you coming with us?" wondered the sisters at the same time.

Ignoring Dione's question, Severus said, "I assumed you'd like a private moment with her. I won't be long."

Skyrah could almost swear there was another reason he was purposefully forgetting to mention, but she was feeling so weary that she simply took her sister's hand and walked out of the office.

"What happened?" asked Severus, straight to the point.

"Miss Fawley already told you," said Albus. "Mister Malfoy disapparated with Skyrah's mother before the Order could help her."

"Why did you let that occur?"

Severus gnashed his teeth. Despite being taken aback by his attitude, Albus kept his usual calm pose.

"We tried to avoid it, my child."

Severus scoffed, "Tried. Do you think I settle for tried? You should have stopped Lucius!"

"We did everything we could."

"You clearly didn't! Do you know what Skyrah is going through? She has spent all day trying to hide her nerves, all night fretting! She's spent weeks having nightmares about her family being tortured, because that's what happened, you know it as well as I do. You gave her hope, hope to save her family, and now you tell me that a group of trained wizards and witches couldn't take Skyrah's mother away from Lucius's grasp?"

A brooding silence swept over them. Both wizards locked gazes, neither backing down.

"You're overreacting, Severus. Why do you care so much?"

"Why do I…" Severus huffed in disbelief. "She's my wife!"

"The members of the Order did their best, Severus. I am surprised you reckon otherwise. Had it happened to someone else, it wouldn't have affected you. Skyrah is different though, isn't she? You care deeply for her. It's been a long time since I've seen you being so concerned for somebody else."

"What's your point, Albus?" Severus asked, patience running thin.

"My point is that you didn't marry for love, but this fact hasn't prevented you from avoiding the strong emotion. You love Skyrah as much as you did Lily, even more, perhaps." Severus averted his gaze. "Nonetheless, I must warn you that love is obscuring your vision. You know as well as I do that the Order would have saved Skyrah's mother if they had had the chance. Our only purpose was to help her family."

Severus knew that he was right, but hell would freeze over before he acknowledged out loud that Albus was spot-on. Severus had just opened the door when Albus spoke again.

"I am glad you met Skyrah. You deserve some love and happiness."

Even though the words staggered Severus, he didn't turn around. He set off to his chambers, cursing Albus for having this effect on him. Inside, Skyrah had just finished transfiguring their sofa into a cozy bed. He was welcomed by a smile of hers and a mix of skeptical and awkward look from Dione.

"I'll sleep on the transfigured bed."

"Severus, I really appreciate the gesture, but I want to sleep next to you, as we have always done."

Shivers ran down his spine when she said always. "You said you wanted to be with her."

"I do. We'll catch up and go to sleep. She'll be the one to stay here. It's late. We won't be long. You can go to bed already if you wish."

Severus was stunned. He would have expected Skyrah to spend the night with her sister. He wouldn't have blamed her. His mouth went dry and he could do nothing but nod and head towards their bedroom. Her voice calling his name stopped him. He faced Skyrah and raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to proceed.

"Good night," was all she said, taking a step forward to get closer to him.

The glower on his face unstiffened as his mouth twitched into a tiny grin.

"Good night."

Skyrah smiled back at him and tiptoed to peck his cheek.

Before leaning back, she murmured playfully, "I'll be lying next to you before you know it, my snarky Potions Master. I hope I am right to assume you can accomplish the arduous task of spending a few minutes without me."

He didn't bother answering her with sarcasm; he simply smirked and kissed her forehead. He hesitated before wishing a good night to Dione and finally retiring. The sisters sat on the transfigured bed to get more comfy.

"You aren't only sleeping next to him, are you? You're sleeping with him," said Dione in a half-accusatory, half-worried tone. "When you visited Mum and me, you said you must provide your father with an heir. Somehow, you don't look repulsed by the idea."

Skyrah blushed lightly. "Severus is on our side. He's been a gentleman with me."

Dione sighed and took her sister's hand. "How can you do this? What about Daniel?"

"Daniel's gone," said Skyrah. Her eyes lost some of its vitality for a second. "I have been lucky. Of all the Death Eaters, my father chose the disloyal one. Severus is a good man."

The girl stared deeply at her sister's eyes. "I trust you. If you say he's a good man, then I believe you. But this doesn't justify why you kissed his cheek and looked at him like you..." She gulped, struggling to get the right words out. "Like you used to look at Daniel, like you are in love with him. I know Daniel is d-dead, but you two were about to get married. You loved him! Have you got over his death so easily?"

"Of course not! He was my first love! He will always have a place in my heart."

"Why do you act so affectionate with your 'arranged' husband then? I don't get it."

Tears were threatening to fall down Dione's eyes. Skyrah sighed and hugged her tight, rubbing her back in circles.

"I fell in love with Severus. It wasn't easy for me, especially because Daniel had recently passed away and I thought I was falling for a Death Eater at the time. I felt awful, but Daniel wanted me to be happy. Severus makes me happy. I will always be thankful that Father trapped me in this marriage. I got to know a noble man. I am sorry, Dione. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear..."

"I miss Daniel... I just... I always imagined you would get married and have kids."

Skyrah gasped. Dione thought she had done so out of sadness over losing Daniel. She didn't know Skyrah had just relived Severus crucioning her. Her womb hurt.

"I... I miss him, too, so much." She paused, taking a big breath. "Looking back, I don't think I ever felt for Daniel what I feel for Severus though."

"What if you have fooled yourself into believing you love that man? What if he is only Daniel's substitute?"

She grinned ruefully, touched by the way Dione cared for her.

"My soul knows the love I feel for him is real."

She broke the embrace, took her wand out and drew circles with it.

"Expecto patronum!"

Her crow appeared, fluttering its wings in front of Dione's astonished face. She had expected a dolphin.

"I didn't know patronus changed forms," Dione whispered, holding out her hand to pet the crow.

"Only when the love is pure and the caster goes through an emotional upheaval does the patronus form change to match that of their partner."

"Was Daniel's a dolphin like yours?"

"I don't know. He never conjured a corporal patronus."

"Didn't he have happy memories? He was always smiling."

Skyrah smiled sadly. "The patronus charm requires a level of concentration Daniel did not have."

The flapped its wings one last time and faded away. Dione stared at the spot it had disappeared.

"At least, something good got out of this ghastly situation," she said. "Are you sure this Death Eater is disloyal though?"

"Positive."

"Everything will be fine then… We'll save Mum, won't we?"

"We'll try. I'll do everything I can. We have help. Be patient. Right now, focus on your studies and make new friends. You're safe and sound here."

Dione yawned and laid down. Skyrah tucked her into bed and kissed her forehead.

"I missed you."

"Me too. Sleep, little one."

"I'm not little," the girl pouted before her eyelids closed.

The comment brought a smile to Skyrah's face. It made her feel like nothing had really changed, like they were still the same people beneath all these new scars, even if it wasn't true. Skyrah crawled into bed. She lay next to her husband and slithered a hand over his waist, seeking comfort and trying to bring him close without waking him up. Severus wasn't asleep though. He snuggled her.

"I am sorry the Order couldn't help your mother."

"Me too, but I'm thankful I got Dione back."

Noticing she still was disappointed her mother wasn't back by her tone, he decided to distract her with a little banter.

"I would have never bet your sister was a Hufflepuff."

Skyrah rolled her eyes, remembering that one time he teased her about being a Hufflepuff herself.

"Oh, shut it. The four Houses are great. The world needs more Hufflepuffs, in fact. And you heard her… She's grown up with me, so she picked up a few Slytherin traits, too. Don't underestimate her."

"I wasn't going to. There is no need to become defensive," he replied, amused by her answer.

"Ugh! Fall asleep already!"

"I'm trying."

"Liar."

Severus shrugged. "You caught me. I enjoy teasing you now and then. Can you blame me?"

Severus felt lighter at her giggles. She caressed his hooked nose with hers before kissing it and mumbling a good night.


Dione started the course. As she had only missed a few weeks, she wouldn't have problems catching up with her studies. Besides, her classmates seemed nice, especially Susan Bones. She had made her feel welcomed. She was chatting with her when she felt somebody staring at her intently. Dione recognized him. Harry Potter wasn't a celebrity solely in the United Kingdom, after all.

"Hi," he greeted when their eyes met.

"Hi."

"C-can I… Er- May I talk to you, alone?" he requested, eyeing Susan as if asking her to give them space. Susan smiled and let Dione know she'd be in the library.

"What did you want to talk about?" inquired Dione when Susan left.

"You are Skyrah's half-sister."

With dilated pupils, she cast silencing spells around them.

"How do you know? I told nobody, and I really don't think Skyrah or anyone for the matter divulged the news at school." Draco wouldn't, would he? she added to herself.

"Oh! She told me before school started."

She huffed. "Excuse me?"

"I lived with the Snapes for the summer. Skyrah told me about you and your mother. Has she escaped, too?"

Dione stared at him, speechless.

It took her a full minute to babble, "I don't understand… Why would you live with them?"

Harry rubbed his nape. "They were helping me, but I can't really tell you why or with what."

"It's related to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named then, isn't it?" She waited for him to answer, even if it was with a gesture, but Harry remained still. Somehow, that was response enough for her. "I won't tell anybody. Just don't spread the word that Skyrah is my sister either."

Harry nodded. "Your mother..."

"I don't know where she is."

Harry lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry."

Dione studied the boy. He looked sincere, and seemed to care for Skyrah.

"You've lived with Professor Snape. How is he? I mean, my sister is married to him now and she says he is a good man, but we had Potions earlier and he seemed quite strict and well, mean, even. I sat next to a boy named Neville and-"

"Severus can be mean, but he isn't evil," Harry cut her off. "He simply doesn't show that other side of his to anyone but Skyrah. That's why I saw it."

"Does he love her?"

He shrugged. "I think she is the only one he loves."

Dione smiled in relief. Harry smiled back.

Before he left, he let her know, "I am glad you are safe now. Skyrah has really missed you."


It was a free period for Skyrah. Visiting the library sounded like a marvellous idea. It wouldn't be replete with students. Most would be in class. She took a moment to admire the library, mouth agape, eyes shimmering. She wished Ilvermorny's library had been as spacious as Hogwart's. She wandered all over the place, caressing the spines of hundreds of books, reading the titles of the leather covers. One about Irish mythology excited her attention. Her grandmother liked to tell her myths when Skyrah was just a child. Keeping those fond memories in mind, Skyrah grabbed the book and took a free seat close to a window. This way, she could take advantage of the natural light that came through it.

Skyrah was engrossed in Irish mythology for half an hour when she felt somebody staring at her. Skyrah raised her eyes from the legend about the Irish goddess Brigid to see the one who had taken a sudden interest in her.

The librarian.

Irma averted her gaze and made as if she hadn't been studying her at all. Skyrah frowned.

"Hi, I didn't see you before."

Irma tensed, surprised Skyrah wanted to engage in conversation with her.

"Hi," she replied curtly, hoping she'd get a hint and stop the chit-chat before it even began.

Skyrah got the vibe that Irma wanted to avoid her. Severus might be the reason. Skyrah remembered the way Severus glared at Irma. Even though he justified his actions, Skyrah could tell there was something off. If there was something Skyrah was, though, that was determined and cunning. She kept talking, hoping to get information to solve this puzzle, or at least, get actual proof that it was all in her head, her imagination playing tricks.

"This library is magnificent! I bet plenty of students come here after classes."

Irma eyed her askance. There was a sneer on her face that reminded Skyrah so much of her spouse, especially with her ebony hair and eyes and her hooked nose.

"Yes."

"You don't sound enthusiastic."

"Well, some students should take a dictionary and look for the definition of the term silence. They are not only loud but also show a lack of respect for the books."

Skyrah raised an eyebrow. Irma sure was grouchy, but Skyrah wasn't bothered by it. She found her grumpiness was adorable. Like Severus's.

"Not everybody values books the way you and I do, Irma, especially teenagers. They are growing up. One day, they may surprise you."

Irma snorted. "That is no excuse. I never treated books the way they do when I was a Hogwarts student."

"Oh, so you studied here?"

A pause.

"I did."

Her hesitancy intrigued Skyrah. Why wouldn't Irma want her to know something as trivial as that? Because it isn't trivial, thought Skyrah.

"If you excuse me, I need to catalogue new books. Enjoy your reading."

Skyrah didn't even have time to say goodbye, Irma had already disappeared in between the shelves of the library. Skyrah didn't spend the rest of her free period immeresed in Irish mythology. Her mind was occupied theorizing why Irma reminded her so much of Severus and why he couldn't stand her.


Severus woke up. Burns. Burns. Burns, he kept thinking. He covered his Dark Mark with his hand, hissing in pain. The brisk movement woke Skyrah up.

"Severus? Are you all right?" she asked with a sleepy voice.

"The Dark Lord."

Skyrah lost all trace of somnolence in a matter of a second. Expecting the worst, the pair snuck out of the castle. Out of Hogwarts grounds, they occluded and apparated in the woods that Lord Voldemort fancied for meetings. It had just rained. The earthy smell would have calmed them down if it wasn't for the sight in front of them: Nagini coiling up next to her master.

"Severus."

"My Lord," he said, bowing his head in respect.

Voldemort tilted his head, indicating he should remove the Death Eater mask. Severus obeyed.

"Skyrah."

"Hello, Father."

"Could you tell me how your half-sister managed to escape?"

Keeping her stoic composure, she said, "Thanks to Malfoy's stupidity, that's how."

Voldemort smirked. "You may be right. Nevertheless, we all know that your half-sister received assistance, apart from Malfoy's lack of obedience; concretely, members of the Order of Phoenix came to the rescue, which makes me wonder why my spy did not tell me about it."

Voldemort's red eyes were piercing Severus now, intending on finding something in his mind that would provide him with an answer. He found nothing.

"Forgive me, my Lord. I would not have hesitated to let you know about the intervention had I been aware of it."

"You failed to report vital information. Perhaps I arranged the marriage of my daughter with the wrong acquaintance."

Neither of the Snapes liked where this was leading to, yet both remained emotionless.

"This will not happen again, my Lord. The Order's involvement must have been quite spontaneous. I apologize for my obliviousness."

"I do not doubt that you will be sorry, Severus. You have the task, not only to get my daughter pregnant, but to play your part as a spy."

They didn't have time to react. Voldemort had already cast the cruciatus curse. Skyrah turned her head and compelled herself to be impassive. Severus held back his cries of pain for five long minutes before he lost it and gave a shriek of pain. And another. And another. And another.

"Stop it!" screamed Skyrah. "You want me to get pregnant? Then stop it before you cause irreversible damage to his body!"

"Remember your place, Skyrah," hissed Voldemort in Parseltongue. "Your pathetic half-sister may be safe, but your mother is not. Keep that in mind."

The curse came to an end. Severus could finally breathe. He heard them speaking in Parseltongue before his world turned black.


"Severus! Wake up! Don't do this to me! Come on! Open your eyes!"

A faint voice. A blurry face. Pain. Extreme pain. That was everything Severus perceived. Slowly, his senses recognized the touch of his wife on his hand, the warmth of her body close to his.

"Skyrah…" he said, his voice groggy.

"Severus! Thank Merlin! I gave you a potion against the unforgivable curse aftereffects. I haven't called Poppy. I wasn't really sure if you would have approved. Should I call her now?"

He leaned into her. She alliviated the pain batter than any antidote.

"No, she can't do anything else."

Skyrah gulped. "Do you need anything? Some water? I can-"

"I need rest."

She blushed, drawing up the bed sheet to keep him warm. "Right. Rest. It's obvious. I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone if you want. I didn't mean to bother y-"

Severus had known Skyrah long enough to know that she wasn't one to ramble. It was then that he took notice of her shaken pose.

"Lie down."

She complied. The last thing he was aware of before the soreness and the tiredness brought him to sleep was his wife pecking his cheek and tangling their fingers.

When Severus woke up, he missed the warmth on the other side of the bed. He frowned and called for Skyrah. A noise. A swearword. He smiled, imagining she had almost stumbled on her way to the bedroom. She arrived, limping slightly.

"Severus! How are you feeling? I made you these," she said, referring to the pancakes on the tray she was carrying. "Actually, I burned the pancakes at first, so I had to call for a house elf to assist me. I really tried, I swear, but you know that I am helpless in the kitchen without you and that-"

"You seem to have taken a liking to rambling non-stop," he teased, cutting her off.

Her cheeks flushed. "Right, sorry. You must have a headache and I am only making things worse."

"You aren't making things worse, quite the contrary, in fact."

She smiled at him and left the plate on the bed, the pancakes almost falling on the bedsheets. Severus had seldom seen her so jumpy, so clumsy. She was usually so collected. Nevertheless, he could read her well, she was scared. That was why she was acting like this.

"What's wrong? You are usually more composed."

"I don't know what you mean," she mumbled, playing dumb.

"I mean that you've been rambling and fretting a lot since yesterday."

"Is that care I hear in your voice?" she ribbed with a smirk, trying to ward off his question.

It didn't work, for Severus raised an eyebrow and grumbled, "Skyrah, come on."

She sighed, knowing she couldn't escape it, and sat cross-legged next to him. "You gave me quite the scare. I couldn't do anything while Father cursed you. When I brought you here and gave you the potion, you were convulsing and I couldn't stop it. I… I was so frightened."

"The convulsions are normal. You don't have to be afraid. You won't lose me. The Dark Lord wants me to father your son, remember?"

Skyrah grew bitter. "How could I forget?"

Realizing his mistake, he apologized, "I didn't mean it like that. I want to be the father of your children. The arrangement with your father is not the principal reason."

"I know," she said with a rueful grin, touching her womb.

It still hurts, he thought. His laid his hand on top of hers. She removed hers. Thinking he had made a mistake and inflicted even more pain, he withdrew his hand. Yet, she caught his wrist and put it directly on her stomach, keeping her own hand on top of his to make sure he did not move.

You're helping me cope, he remembered her say. We can heal each other.

"Are you really okay? The curse lasted so long…"

"I've been through worse."

"That doesn't answer my question. You can tell me, Severus. Today's Wednesday. We have to work. If you really don't feel good, we have to tell Albus so that we can cover your classes."

"That won't be necessary. Most of the pain is gone now… I only have a little headache, nothing I cannot take," he said, moved by the way she cared.

She kissed his forehead, as if that would take his headache away. Severus found the kiss did not take it away, but it helped. He guessed that as the effect his hand had on her womb.

"I am sorry about my father. What he did was horrible."

"I am not sorry. It could have gone worse. The Dark Lord doubted my capabilities as spy, not my loyalty. He needs me. I'll be fine. I only need to tell him something important regarding the Order or Potter in the next meeting and I'll be awarded or, at least, not crucioed."

Skyrah swallowed hard and nodded.

"What did you talk about in Parseltongue?" he inquired.

He wasn't a fool, if the Dark Lord spoke in said language it was because he didn't want to risk Severus listening to their conversation. Taken aback by the question, Skyrah needed a few seconds to reply. That only fuelled his curiosity.

"About Harry. I told him that the boy seemed to like me. He was content with my response. My father doesn't know that Harry's been living with us in the summer. He believes I have only known the boy for a month. He wants Harry to trust me and he is aware that trust is something that needs to be built. Time is required."

Severus nodded slowly and sat up to have breakfast.

Skyrah rose and shouted on her way out of the bedroom, "I'll get you an anti-headache potion! I'll be right back!"


Fifth-years were putting the cauldrons back in the shelves. The Potions lesson was over. Dione had just put her cauldron in its place when she felt somebody staring at her. She turned her head and smiled when she recognized the person who was watching her.

Draco.

He kept a cold expression and left the classroom, Crabbe and Goyle following him close. Dione frowned and hurried to keep up with Susan.

The Golden Trio was about to depart as well, when Severus said, "A word, Mister Potter."

Harry's eyes widened. "I have done nothing, Sna- er, I mean, sir."

"I will be the one to decide that."

"Harry has behav-"

Ron didn't dare to finish the sentence, for Severus sent him and Hermione a glare that told them they better leave their friend alone with him and not question anything or they'd suffer the consequences. Severus cast some silencing spells and shut the door after them. Now Harry was scared. What the hell had he done wrong? His mind kept revising everything that had occurred lately, but he couldn't come up with a possible explanation for Severus's attitude.

"Sir, whatever it is that has annoyed you, I am really sorry. I-"

"You didn't do anything wrong… yet."

Harry nearly let out a sarcastic comment regarding that yet, but thought better of it. "Why do you want to have a word with me then?"

Severus stared unblinkingly at the boy for what felt like an eternity.

"I need your help," Harry let out a laugh that was cut short when Severus raised an eyebrow and hissed, "I do not reckon it is funny, Mr. Potter."

"Sorry… I thought you were joking."

"I. don't. joke."

"Well, other students may believe that, sir, but I've seen you joking and laughing. You don't fool me. Why would you need my help for, anyway?"

A few seconds passed, their gazes locked.

"Sir?"

"Skyrah."

Harry's composure changed in a matter of a second, "What? What's happened? Is she okay?"

"My wife is fine, Potter. I merely requested your assistance for her birthday."

Harry didn't know if he should sigh in relief or burst out laughing. He did neither. "What about it?"

"I have no idea what to give to her as a birthday gift."

Severus Snape, ex-Death Eater, spy, bat of the dungeons, was asking Harry Potter, the celebrity, for help regarding the perfect gift to give to his spouse. The situation was surreal, even more since the boy could spot the lightly flushed cheeks of the man. Harry tried to suppress a laugh. He really did, but a half-suffocated snigger escaped his throat.

"Dammit, Potter! I swear, if you laugh again I will-"

"A history book," Harry cut him off before Severus could actually threaten him.

Severus resisted the urge to facepalm.

"A history book? Is that what your brilliant mind can come up with? I don't know why I bothered asking you."

"What's wrong with it?" Harry asked slightly offended. "That's what I'd give her. She likes history. She likes books. You mix them and, poof, a history book is the perfect option."

"Your creative skills astound me, Potter," he growled, rolling his eyes.

"Well, I do not think you have a better idea,. You wouldn't have asked for help, even less for mine, otherwise," he said somehow defiantly. "At least, a history book is not as cliché as flowers and jewels."

"Flowers and jewels," murmured Severus more to himself than to Harry.

His exasperated expression had been replaced by a reflective one. A smirk played on his thin lips before Harry was dismissed.


Somebody knocked. Skyrah opened the door of her office only to find herself face to face with a student.

"Professor."

"Draco."

The air was polluted with tension. They both knew why he was there, but neither dared to open their mouths.

A long silence lasted until Draco said, "That wasn't the deal. Dione… She… My father… I told you not to save them!"

"You did."

"My father has been punished."

"I am sorry," she said in a frail voice, her stomach twisting as her mind pictured Lucius crying out in pain while being crucioed.

No matter what, nobody deserved to be under that unforgivable curse.

Draco snorted, clearly not believing a word. He shook his head and stared intently at her, searching for answers. Skyrah felt a pang of shame when she read the hurt in his stormy eyes.

"Why? Why did you betray my trust?"

"Because family comes first. I tried to avoid it, believe me, but there wasn't another alternative. I couldn't abandon my family when I knew their location. You have to understand, please. Wouldn't you have done the same if you had been in my place?" Draco averted her intense gaze, mouth shut. "You said you didn't like seeing Dione in those precarious conditions… Aren't you happy she is here?"

Skyrah could swear there was a tinge of red on his pale cheeks. He still kept quiet though.

"Please don't tell anybody we are family."

Skyrah didn't stop the boy when he made to leave.