Headquarters had changed location since Black's death. They couldn't go to Grimmauld Place while the Will was still being processed by the Ministry, and even after, Severus knew that the property was lost forever.

He apparated on a muddy path leading to the Burrow. The Weasley family was brave, he had to give them that. Going against the Dark Lord and making it so obvious. Unfortunately for them, their house wasn't under any Fidelius. The set of wards was impressive, but nothing could stop Severus to give any details of what he will see tonight. Fools. They were far too trusting, and lucky that Severus still held a grudge against the Dark Lord.

With his umbrella still protecting him from the battering rain, Severus made his way to the front door and knocked.

'Who is it?' asked the voice of Arthur Weasley.

'Severus Snape'

'What did you drink during our first meeting?'

'I didn't drink anything, but I ate a scone', answered Severus. It was during the first Order meeting and there was only tea available, not a single drop of coffee.

The door opened and Severus came in. He folded his umbrella and warmed himself with a spell.

'Good evening, Arthur. Dumbledore called me, he said it was an emergency.'

'It is, come in the kitchen.'

While going to the kitchen, Severus saw a slight movement up the stairs. The kids were awake and trying to hear what will be said during the meeting. They shouldn't be part of this war, on this, he very much agreed with Molly Weasley. But he wasn't their guardian, and it was not his job to protect them. He had enough to do with his brother. At least, he realized in time that you shouldn't try to fight against wizards far more experienced than him, unless you have a death wish.

The kitchen was buzzing with conversation, Molly was preparing tea for everyone, and Dumbledore was waiting at the table, apparently lost in his thoughts. It was really a shame that Molly didn't do any coffee, Severus would have loved some before the coming meeting. He found a spot near the door and leaned against the wall, ready to run away if his plan had been discovered. From his point, he had a perfect view on everyone in the kitchen. He watched Albus Dumbledore rise from his seat as the Order silence fell in the room.

'My friends, I have distressing news to tell you. This morning, Harry did not send us a letter after the required three days. The Weasley family informed me, and we went to check on him this afternoon. When we arrived, his family informed us that he was not in the house. His trunk and clothes are in his bedroom, but he seems to have disappeared.'

At this word, anguish whispers started to erupt around the kitchen.

'Please, everyone, quiet. We need to act fast to find him before any harm is done. We know for a fact that he entered his family's house after your talk with them at Kings Cross Station. Did anyone see anything suspicious at that time? No? Alright, Dedalus did you see anything while the boy was going home? No? Arabella hasn't seen anything either.' The old man seemed to have aged several years in he past few days. 'After he entered the house, his family reported that he went straight to his bedroom and didn't came when they called for dinner. They haven't seen Harry Potter since that day. Severus, have you heard anything from the Death Eaters?' asked Albus.

'No Albus, I haven't heard a word about Harry Potter since the day I made my report to the Dark Lord. He didn't have him at that time.'

'How can we be sure?' asked Moody

'We can't, he may want to keep his capture quiet but that would be surprising' answered Severus.

'Oh, the poor boy' Molly was wiping tear in her kitchen towel.

A sense of doom seams to fall on the shoulders of every member. Albus quickly tried to inspire hope.

'Come on, everyone. We must not lose hope. Harry must have seen a danger and chosen to run to safety. We must find him. There is still a good chance that he is trying to reach out to one of us. We will organize the research. He doesn't know many places so we will start with the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley. We will also put someone on duty in front of Grimmauld Place. Everyone should keep their ears open for any clue about his location.'

'Maybe he went to visit his parents' grave. I can keep an eye on Godric's Hollow' offered Elphias Doge.

'Right, excellent idea Elphias. Now, let's work on a schedule. Severus, you will take the first shift in- ', started Albus.

'I am sorry Albus, but I have potions to brew for the Dark Lord. I do not have time to play hide and seek with the Potter brat. Especially since he may be dead by now.'

'DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT! Harry is not dead; he is lost, and he needs us!' roared Arthur Weasley.

'If you say so, then it must be true', said Severus sarcastically. Then he turned to Dumbledore. 'Í will try to get information from my… colleagues but that is all I can do with the task that has been given to me. I do not want to be tortured because I am late in the delivery on those potions, just because Potter wanted to take a stroll.'

Several members started to shout at him and accused him of being loyal to the Dark Lord. If only they knew how much he didn't care. He used to. When he was younger, he really believed that muggles were better dead. Growing up with the example of his father didn't help. But now he knew better. Wizard or Muggle, there are always bad apples. It's not a question of blood. And a few bad people were not enough to motivate the genocide of so many innocent people. But most importantly, he learnt that in a war, everyone is just trying to survive. Himself was a perfect example. Playing both sides is dangerous but it is also the only way to be on the winner side when the war is over.

Albus brought the attention of everyone back to him.

'Severus, I understand. What are the potions for?'

'Mainly healing potions. He wants them delivered to every Death Eaters so that they won't need to go to St Mungo's to be healed after a raid and be caught by Aurors.'

'As long as it is nothing dangerous, then you should make them and maintain your cover. Try to get information about Harry. If he has been captured, we will need to know where he is detained to organize a rescue.'

The rest of the meeting was just people going over their personal schedule and making time to search every corner of the Magical World. Such a waste of time.

It was already six in the evening when the Order meeting stopped, and Severus was sent to Voldemort to fish some information. Severus looked at his watch and knew that he only had about one hour to light the streetlamp. The library was about to close, plus the time for Sebastian to take the bus and make his way to their street. He hoped he would make it in time but for now, he had to report to his other Master.

Umbrella still in hand, Severus couldn't stop himself and thought that it was a rotten weather. He was happy though, because his plan was working. All the very carefully planned details were clicking together to show the story that he wanted everyone to believe. Harry Potter has mysteriously gone missing.

Severus entered Malfoy Manor and asked the house elf by the door to announce his presence to the Dark Lord. The elf came back seconds later and showed him the way.

'Severus! I wasn't expecting your company tonight. Do you have information for me?' asked Voldemort.

Severus kneeled in front of his Master and kissed the hem of his robes. He hated that man for what he did to his beautiful Lily. But he couldn't do anything against him. And he needed to stay alive to protect her son – his brother. After the required greeting, he answered.

'Yes, Master. It seems that Albus Dumbledore has lost his precious Golden Boy.'

'Really? Tell me more.'

'The brat was last seen entering safe house he is going to during the summer. After that, he mysteriously disappeared. No one knows how or where he is now. My guess is that he is just the same coward as his father was and ran away. '

A cold laughter sent shivers down Severus spine.

'Severus, this is excellent news you are bringing me tonight, your Lord is very pleased.' Voldemort stopped for a moment, looking at those black eyes. 'How is your little assistant? I hope you are enjoying my reward.'

'I am, thank you my Lord. Although, I am not sure he would say the same. Life can become quite boring in my house, and we are not the best company for each other. It is also quite small, and I still think that Wormtail would have a much better summer in Malfoy Manor, were he can serve you', said Severus, hoping to get rid of the rat.

'Oh, don't worry about that Severus. I am sure that after the Weasley's dump, any house would feel luxurious.'

'Of course, my Lord.'

'You can go now, Severus.'

'Thank you, Master.'

Severus walked as fast as he could to make it back to the limit of the Apparition wards. He reappeared right at the corner of Spinners End, under the broken streetlamp. He fixed it with a Reparo and cast a Lumos to signal a safe return. Just when he was done, he walked back to his house and found Wormtail lounging in the armchair near the fireplace.

'Welcome back Severus. So, what did the old man want?'

'That doesn't really concern you Wormtail, I already reported to the Dark Lord. But we will have something to celebrate tonight. The Dark Lord was very pleased with the information I gave him. You should get started on dinner; Sebastian should be back soon. Indeed, half an hour later, Sebastian opened the door and screamed a confident 'I'm back'.

'We are not deaf, nor blind. No need to scream around stating the obvious' said Severus, happy to see the young man. Sebastian smiled at him.

'I know but I wanted to annoy you', he said with a cheeky smile.

'Go take a shower, dinner is nearly ready.' Severus gently slapped the back of Sebastian's head when he walked by him. It did nothing to erase his smile though. His brother made it back home and that was all that mattered to him.

When Sebastian came in the kitchen that night, he was very surprised to see Severus talking to Peter. Well, that didn't happen often! He took a sit and when everyone was served, started to eat. That's when Severus started to talk.

'Sebastian, I have kept you sheltered from the Wizarding World, but I think it is time for you to know what is happening outside of this house. You see, there are those two men, both are powerful in their own ways and have their own ideas of what our world should be. Recently, there was also a boy in the picture. A young man your age that was stuck in the middle of this. One of the men wanted him dead, while the other one wanted to use him as a weapon in his war against the first man.'

'It's a bit confusing but none of the options sound great right now.'

'You are right. Imagine if you were forced to fight against a muggle who had one of these guns and you had nothing. Do you think you would win that fight?' Severus hoped that the younger understood and took the opportunity to strengthen his new identity.

'No, I would die. Oh! I see! Either way, the boy is going to die right. The man who wants to kill him, and the man who wants him to fight. They are both leading him to his death. That's sad, we should do something to help him!'

'Well, that's the good news I received today. The young boy is missing. My guess is that he ran away.'

'Good for him!' Sebastian cheered. Peter was frowning. And Severus knew that this was his time to make his own cover stronger.

'Indeed. Now this changes the whole situation. You see, I am working for both men. One is my employer and the only thing preventing me to be sent to jail.'

'Jail? Why would you go to jail?' Sebastian was playing it fully. His act of the worried and ignorant Squib brother was perfect.

'Because I am also working for the other man.'

'But… Severus. They both wanted to kill a man my age.'

'Yes, and I am not a huge fan of that decision. But now that he ran away, the Wizarding World will be changing, for the better! Maybe Squibs will be recognized and will be able to learn a bit of magic. I do it for you during the summer, but many others like you are just dumped in muggle orphanages when they fail to show any signs of magic. You know that not everything requires a wand. Some potions can be done on a muggle stove. It's limited but possible. And runes can be translated by anyone. Sebastian, we need those changes. Think of all those children abandoned by their family because of who they are.' Severus let an intentional silence to let Wormtail integrate the "proof of his loyalty". It was a long stretch, but it was the only thing that he could think of that would be reliable. Wanting to protect one's family was a reason to do a lot of things. Surely Wormtail would understand that. Then he continues. 'But it also comes at a price. Very soon, there might be strange explosions in the muggle world. Some may be the result of wizards. Sebastian, I want you to remember what I am going to tell you. As soon as you hear an explosion or you see a wizard in black robes with a mask, I want you to run and hide. If you are caught, use the first precious seconds to say 'Morsmordre'. Hopefully, that will give you enough time to explain that you are my brother, and they should live you alone. Do you understand?'

'Yes. I am not sure I like it though.'

'I don't ask you to like it. Only to stay safe', finished Severus.

/

Their little show must have somewhat convinced Peter because the next day, he was considerably less annoying, and his cooking was even started to taste better than ash. They all went on with their routine, slowly beginning to include Peter in their conversations. Sebastian was now trusting his talent as an actor and knew his backstory by heart, thanks to Severus.

In the evening, when the brothers retired and settled in their bedroom, Severus brought a new conversation that Sebastian wasn't very comfortable with.

'Sebastian, now that you are officially… you. We need to talk about your future. Do you still have the extended pouch I gave you?'

'Everything I could take is inside'.

'Good, when you will turn 16, you will go to Gringotts to change it into muggle money, then we will directly go to a muggle bank and open an account for you. It will all be done under your name, with my authorization as your guardian', said Severus. Since his trial, he couldn't manage his own money. If they wanted their activities to remain hidden from Dumbledore, everything had to be done under Sebastian's name. And for that, they needed him to be 16. The bank wouldn't accept to open an account otherwise. 'Do you know how much there is inside?'

'No, I am sorry I didn't count'

They spent the evening counting Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. Severus made some equations with the current exchange rate to change it into muggle currency, and the tuition price for the boarding schools he had gathered information about. After two intensive hours of counting and comparing, Severus let out a sight. He almost made it work, but not entirely.

'So? Is it enough?' asked Sebastian.

'It's enough to pay the tuition for the two years you need. I will take the food and what happens during the summers at my own expenses. But there is still the problem of your books and uniforms. It's expensive and at this point we run out of funds.'

They stayed silent for a while. Sebastian was feeling guilty to bring all those problems to a man that used to hate him a month ago. He still didn't fully understand why Severus was doing all that, taking all those risks for him.

'I will sell my books. I know that some are worth something on the second-hand market.

Sebastian felt bad that Severus had to part with his belongings to support him. He knew more than many others what it can be to have something of your own. And he could see that his new brother didn't want to part with some of those books.

'Why your books?' asked Sebastian.

'Because I already read them. And once you have, they will have completed their purpose so we can sell them.' answered Severus.

'But you like having them, don't you?' Sebastian couldn't quite understand what was going on with his brother. Severus sighed heavily.

'I like having the knowledge at my fingertips. And to be honest, I sometimes read them again to help with my research.' He then looked at Sebastian. 'I assure you that, even though I would have kept them under normal circumstances, I will not hold it against you. I promise.'

'It's not that ... I don't want to be a burden to you.' said Sebastian. 'If you like them, why don't you make a copy and sell the original?' he asked.

Severus laughed a little at the naïve question. Sebastian still had so much to learn about the magical world that it was going to be very easy for people to believe that he stayed in the muggle world.

'Because I can't. There are copyright spells on the books. It's a spell that prevents Sell-writing quills from copying a book. It was invented in 1710 to align the magical law on what had been voted in the muggle world,' explained Severus. 'Don't you think that the Ravenclaws didn't try to copy the Hogwarts Library books? None of them found a way around it.'

'What about books written before 1710?'

'If you find one, I guess you could try.' said Severus.

'And what about reading the book out loud?'

'You are not going to let it rest right?' Severus sighed.

'I just thought that if I need to read them anyway, I might as well read them out loud and have a Quick-Quotes Quill record me. Skeeter uses one. Well, hers doesn't really work the way it should.' added Sebastian, a little disappointed that his ideas were not good enough to solve his problem. He really didn't want Severus to sacrifice anything for him.

Severus, seeing Sebastian's reaction, considered things a little more.

'You know what? Let's try this. I bet that most Ravenclaws wouldn't go through the trouble of reading a book out loud when they are much faster in silence and already read it anyway. But you will need to solve one more problem before we do it. Blank books are not sold. There's simply no need for it. So, unless you can create one, you will have to buy a lot of parchment.' said Severus.

'Hum ... I will think more about that. Please don't sell them for now. Plus, I still haven't read them!' said Sebastian.

Severus gave a pinched smile at his brother, something that was happening more and more. Sebastian was like a ray of sunshine in his gloomy and complicated life.

/

A few days later, Sebastian was still trying to find a solution to the books problem. He couldn't let Severus lose his possessions for him. The man was already doing so much, taking so many risks, the least he could do was to be as neutral as possible in his life, until he was old enough to leave his house. Their home. He really started to think about this old house as his home. It really needed some care and paint but the warmth and security his felt in the bedroom his shared with Severus was worth so much to him. If only the bloody traitor could leave!

He gave an angry kick to a can in the street, he was once again in the town center to escape the scrutiny of Wormtail. Even if their little show seamed to had won them some favors, it was still very hard to live with the one person responsible for the death of your parents. He passed in front of the book shop and decided to enter to escape the rain. Like the first time he went there with Severus, he started to walk the aisles, looking at book titles, knowing that he was on a budget for the day. He passed the gardening books and the selection of the week table to reach the fiction novel. He had enjoyed the one that Severus bought him, maybe he could find one in his price range. When he finally found one, he started to make his way to the register, only to stop before he displays. He remembered this one. It was full of beautifully covered books. Blank books. Suddenly, he felt like he had solved his problem. He didn't need create a blank book out of parchments, he could buy one! The paper looked thick enough to support a quill. Looking at the price, he put his chosen novel ack on the shelf and bought the blank book. Severus had already done so much for him; he could finally do something for him.

Even if he was supposed to stay in town for the next two hours, Sebastian rushed to the bus stop and ran back home as fast as he could. Just as he turned the corner of Spinners End, he saw two ladies walking out of his home. Their hoods were hiding their features. Quickly, Sebastian ducted behind a wall and in a back alley. He heard two cracks, telling him that the witches must have Apparated way. That was close. Sebastian was glad that his Quidditch sharped reflexes were still working for him. Carefully, walking slowly and alert to any sound, he walked toward the door and opened it. He hoped that there weren't any other visitors.

The first thing he saw was his brother, sitting in his favorite armchair, turning to look who was coming in.

'Severus? Is everything ok?' asked Sebastian.

'Yes. Well. I don't know yet. I need to think about it.' Severus was still confused. He knew he had to accept the Vow, but he couldn't believe that he was stuck in that kind of mess again.

'What happened?' asked Sebastian

'I just made an Unbreakable Vow', said Severus, sounding and looking like a ghost.

'A what?' That didn't sound good to Sebastian.

'It's a magical contract, if I break the terms of the oath, I die', answered Severus.

No, not good at all. Sebastian was trying to stay calm and think fast.

'What are the terms? Can I help you?'

'I… I don't know. Apparently one of my students has a mission to complete for the Dark Lord, I must help him or complete it myself if he can't', said Severus, still with a ghostly voice.

'Ok, so… What it the mission?' asked Sebastian.

'I… I don't know… That's the problem. I lied but now I am stuck… I can't believe it… Just when I am free from the Vow I made to Dumbledore, I get stuck with another one, of which a know nothing!' Now Severus was bordering desperate. Sebastian had never seen him like that and didn't like it one bit. His savior needed help. Granted, he may have helped him for his self-interest, like a good Slytherin, but he was still his savior.

'Ok, let me say that again. You swore an oath to do help a student do something or do it for him. Or her? Who is it, anyway?'

'Draco Malfoy'

'That little prick? Why would you do an oath for him?' Sebastian was enraged. Malfoy just couldn't leave him alone, he always had to mess things up. Severus remained silent, watching the fire.

'Alright, we need to know what this mission is. Malfoy likes you; I am sure he will tell you if you offer to help him', Sebastian continued.

'Yes. I just can't believe that I swore that Vow again!' said Severus, still in the fog of his emotions.

'What was the first one?' asked Sebastian, taking advantage of his brother's state to fish for information.

'To protect you', answered Severus, turning his head to his brother. Looking at Sebastian's face, he finally realized what he had been talking about and where. Wormtail could still be eavesdropping for all he knew. He quickly built up his Occlumency defenses, took control of his emotions back and looked at his stunned brother.

'This stays between us, and I don't want to talk about that again. Try to forget it. It's for the best', said Severus. Sebastian looked at him. He obviously didn't want to confess that and was afraid of the consequences. Sebastian looked at him for a long time. Why would Severus Snape swear an oath on his life to protect Harry Potter. That didn't make any sense. It would if he were already his brother, but that vow was obviously the reason why Severus was hiding him now. Sebastian sighted and decided to ignore his questions for now.

'I don't see how swearing an Unbreakable Vow to our mother that you would protect your little brother is any crime. If anything, we should resent her for asking you to do that in the first place. You are my brother, of course you will take care of me!' Sebastian was not even finished with his first sentence that both brothers could hear a squeaking sound in the stairs. Wormtail must have made is way downstairs at the end of their conversation. Now, Sebastian was happy he didn't explode with anger and questions like he used to. Living this life was changing him, slowly. But it was necessary to survive for now. Well, at least now Wormtail knew of a good reason why Sebastian the Squib didn't end up in an orphanage, and with the current Ministry's policy about Squib, it gave him a perfectly logical reason to be faithful to Voldemort.

'Mmm… Let's not talk about that anymore. She is dead and you are safe. It's all that matters. Tell me, did you enjoy your day?' asked Severus, eager to change subject to avoid future mistakes. They went close to a major disaster today.

'Actually, yes! You remember my book project? You said we would try my theory to copy books with a Quick Quotes Quill if I could find a blank book. Well, maybe it's not done in the magical world, but it definitely is in the muggle world!' Sebastian showed him the hardcover journal. It was beautiful, in blue with golden patterns in the corners.

Severus looked at the book and Sebastian alternatively for a few seconds with wide eyes. This boy may have achieved what he thought to be impossible, again. He took the Quill he bought after promising Sebastian they would try his theory, a piece of parchment and picked a random book on the shelfs. Both brothers spent the rest of the afternoon running tests until dinner time. Their conversation on the use of the Doubling Charm to replicate the blank book was abruptly interrupted in the middle of the meal, when a silvery phoenix barged into the kitchen.

'Severus… Quick… Help… My office…', said the voice of Albus Dumbledore.

Severus got on his feet and looked at Sebastian.

'Go brush your teeth, you are going to bed now', said Severus with a tensed voice. He then started to gather a tiny healing potions kit. Judging by the voice of the headmaster, he was in trouble.

'Why are you going to him? If he is sick, you should let him die!' said Peter.

'What a nice way to blow up my cover', said Severus sarcastically. 'The Dark Lord wants me to spy on Dumbledore, to do that, I need the old man's trust, which is why I am answering his call.'

Severus went up the stairs and met with Sebastian getting out of the bathroom.

'In the bedroom, I will lock you in tonight. The emergency bag is ready, and the window will stay open. If I am not back tomorrow at lunch to open the door, you know what to do. Good night.' Severus closed the door and applied the wards, trapping his brother inside the room before going to Hogwarts.