They Didn't Know We Were Seeds
Severus covers his eyes with his hands and presses down in an attempt to ease away the pain behind them. "And he gambles," he complains to Sage.
His brother makes a noise of understanding. "That is concerning." Severus feels more than hears him turn over on his bed. He takes a hand away from his eye and sees Sage laying on his belly now with his chin propped on his folded arms. "I don't think it's likely he'll make her destitute, though," he says with optimistic earnestness.
Severus sighs and lets both of his hands fall to his side. "No," he agrees as he turns his attention to Sage's boring white ceiling. "Demitri will make sure the cottage is protected if he has to," muses Severus after a short silence. His grandfather is many awful things (controlling being one of them) but if he has any say he won't let Mum be poor and totally helpless ever again. Severus turns his head to look at Sage. "I'm not very concerned about Mum being poor again. That's manageable. What I worry about is how Griffith handles losing. What if he takes it out on her? Dad used to—"
Severus stops himself and bites into his cheek. He doesn't want to talk about the rows or the fists he experienced during one of Dad's tempers. It always leaves him raw and Severus is already feeling more exposed than he typically likes.
Sages reaches over and squeezes his shoulder. "It's okay," he assures. The teenager squirms closer until they're side by side looking up at the ceiling together. "Look, if he turns into a monster Boyd will probably do something again," he half-jokes, half-states.
He winces. "Merlin, I hope not." Boyd's "help" before led to a lot more trouble than Severus ever wants to deal with again if he can help it.
Sage sighs. "I hope so too," he mutters and he turns his head. There's something about his tone that sounds off. He thinks he understands why when Sage shifts too and catches his eyes with a pleading look. "Severus…"
It is his turn to sigh. "Yes, I have forgotten," he says thinking of their very brief conversation yesterday when he came to borrow one of his brother's new robes. Severus sits up; Sage scrambles to follow. "I have news about that front too. We found the next Horcrux."
The teenager smiles at him. "That's a relief!" he exclaims, leaning in with interest. "Were you able to get to it without much trouble?"
He pauses. "Lily and the headmaster went to retrieve it. It didn't go particularly well but it's more or less taken care of," he admits.
Sage's jaw squares. "What happened?" he asks, voice more subdued than moments ago.
Severus exhales and pulls his wand from his pocket to wring in his hands. "There was a compulsion charm of some kind on it. Professor Dumbledore nearly placed the Horcrux on his hand and cursed himself."
Sage's blue eyes double in size. "Merlin!"
"Yes," murmurs Severus, nodding in agreement. "It was very close. Lily and I have taken care of it."
His brother tilts his head. "What's that mean?"
Severus can't help the smirk that flickers over his face. Sage is getting quite good at reading him these days. It should probably worry him; he's a teenager and of the few who know who and what Severus really is the easiest link to break. Yet he's proud. His brother is becoming a wizard who will be formidable one day.
He can't wait to see what Sages does with the things he's learned and is learning.
"Ah, you noticed," says Severus. Leaning back, he lets his hands sink into the duvet of Sage's bed and explains, "It's still whole. The Headmaster is very interested in the ring itself. We agreed to put off destroying it for the time being in exchange for his continued help and support."
Sage frowns with a touch of disapproval. "That sounds risky, Severus."
His brother isn't wrong. They are taking a risk by allowing its continued existence. However, Severus knows it could be worse. At least it's not in a place now where Voldemort can easily retrieve it. If he wants it back he's going to have to work for it.
By that point, Severus hopes they'll have destroyed it already.
"It is why only Lily and I will know its current location for the time being," he tells Sage with the hope it will soothe his fears.
The teenager relaxes a bit. "You're going to destroy it soon, though, right?" he asks.
Severus hopes they will. He's not going to just let Albus have years to figure out a way to extract the ring from the curse and Horcrux. At longest, he will allow it to remain in one piece until the rest are found and destroyed.
"That is the plan, yes," he answers.
Sage nods. A shrewd look takes him, he rubs his stubble-coated chin and questions, "How long until you find the other Horcrux and can battle with Voldemort?"
He purses his lips. "Quite a bit longer than you want to hear I imagine," he admits at last.
The teenager flops back on his bed with a groan. "Severus, what am I to do?"
He pats his leg. Severus sympathizes deeply with his brother. Sage is in a precarious spot that worries Severus too. The last thing he wants for Sage is for him to be swept up in the Death-Eater business Boyd is involved in.
Nothing good lies there for Sage.
How they get Sage out of it and keep him out of it is a hard question to answer. Severus has given it some thought, however. He thinks he has a plan that will at least buy them some much-needed time as he and the others continue to work toward taking out Voldemort.
"Boyd wants to help you; you're his little brother. He believes this is the way to do it," he begins. Severus squeezes his brother's leg a little and proposes, "What if… What if we found him something else you need help with? Something more pressing?"
Sage raises his brows at him. "Like what? A girl?" he sneers.
Severus eyes him. "Perhaps it's time you tell him that you don't like girls."
His brother rolls away from Severus, showing him his quickly broadening back. "No."
He brushes a hand over his shoulder. "Sage—"
"He'll be angry," Sage cuts in, flipping back over and glaring at him with wet eyes. Severus holds himself still as the teenager sucks in a shaky breath. "It's strange. I'm strange. He'll— He'll—"
"Boyd loves you," breaks in Severus over his brother's stuttering.
Sage swallows. "What if he tells Mum?" he whispers. "She will be upset. She wants me to marry and have little Montagues." Gaze searching, he asks in a nearly inaudible tone, "Would Mum disown me over it?"
Severus offers a self-deprecating smile. "Aunt Vesta is far from tolerant but she puts up with me, doesn't she? And Mum and the shame she's brought on the Princes."
"That's… That's true," murmurs Sage only to wince. "Sorry."
He shrugs. Aunt Vesta is what she is. He's learned how to put up with it and is more or less unbothered now by many of her views and behaviors. It helps a little, he's seen her soften and change in small ways. Perhaps someday she'll be more than just tolerable.
"You can tell him you're afraid," Severus suggests, moving the focus of their conversation back to Sage. "He'd help."
His brother plucks at his duvet. "If he doesn't?" he mumbles. "If he's cross?"
Severus breathes out. "I'll handle it," he promises in an even tone.
"Thank you, Severus," says Sage as he leans close to hug him.
He accepts the arms around his shoulders by squeezing one of the arms embracing him. He shifts a little; hair brushing across Sage's face. "If we're lucky this will give us another year to work on a more long-term plan," he explains. Studying Sage from the corner of his eyes he asks him, "How would you feel about doing apprenticeships abroad next summer? If Boyd's worrying about how to help you with being gay, arranging something without him finding out or getting his fingers in it should be doable."
The teenager pulls back. "Will being abroad keep me out of the Death-Eaters?"
"For a time," Severus replies."There were several witches and wizards from Durmstrang who got involved in the cause. However, inducting you into his circle won't be very practical if you're off in Finland or Turkey so he'd let you be for the summer. It's after our seventh-year that things will become tricky if we can't take care of the Lord by then."
Sages absorbs this in silence. Just as Severus itches to ask what's going through his head, his brother, says, "All right." He then asks, "What if who I fancy doesn't worry him?"
Severus hums. It's a good question. He thinks it should take Boyd aback but if not…
"I could cause a scandal," he offers. Darkly, he grumbles, "I certainly want to at this point."
Sage leans towards him again, settling his weight heavily against his shoulder. "Avery's uncle doesn't sound that terrible from what you've told me so far," he tries.
Severus can't disagree. He doesn't. Yet he's still afraid. It could all be lies— A front.
"The risk…" he says, trailing off.
Sage makes Severus look at him by tapping on his cheek. "Your mum could be happy," he reminds him. "You want that for her, right?"
He can't meet his brother's eyes any longer and lowers his eyes to his lap. "I know. I do," he mutters. "If he's really what he presents himself as, Mum could end up happier than she ever was."
His brother chuckles. "Look, I get you didn't really intend to end up here today, to be my brother. It was all a happy accident. This could be similar. Your mum will be a bit like me, you know?" He smiles. "Severus I know it's not really in your nature but let this run its course."
It's good advice. Not what he wants but he knows Sage is right. "Thank you," he mutters, sagging into his side.
Sage reaches around and rubs his arm. "She'll always love you."
He feels his heart staccato at the words. "I want that to be true," he whispers.
Sage rubs his arms harder. "It is, Severus."
He shakes off his brother and sits up; he balls his hands into two tense fists in his lap. "I worry," he confesses. "We were together for the worst of it and—"
"I know, I know," Sages says over him. His hand finds his back and he pulls Severus back into his side.
"I shouldn't put these worries on you," he mumbles.
Sage laughs in his ear. "We're sharing," he says. "That's what brothers do."
He looks up at his brother. Sage's eyes are mirthful but the rest of his face is tense with blatant concern. It's not right for a teenager to be so upset on his behalf. "I know how to shoulder burdens," he explains. "I should be doing that and not off-loading my troubles on you."
Sage shakes his head. "You don't have to anymore," he insists. "Things can be different for you too this time, Severus. You can be happy. You can have help. Just like me, your mum."
Severus closes his eyes. Can he really? He isn't sure. It's too late to take back what he's shared about this though. For now, he will accept Sage's support.
-o-O-o-
It takes more letters and coordinating than he likes but in the end Priscilla agrees to meet the rest of them in a Muggle fast-food joint not far from Diagon Alley. It's a strange experience arriving at the loud, fluorescent-lit restaurant and going to the counter to order a cola and basket of chips to share with Lily who had arrived only minutes after him. Once they have their "food" they find a booth towards the back of the place and sit down to wait for Dirk and Priscilla.
Priscilla arrives first; she wears a short avocado green dress she looks far from comfortable in and her nose scrunches in disgust when she smells the oil the food is fried in. Lily jumps up and waves her over with a call of her name.
Priscilla hurries to them and squishes into the booth beside the redhead after a moment of indecision. Severus isn't bothered. With her by Lily, he's sure he won't get any "accidental" elbows between his ribs.
"I can't believe this is what you came up with," she says to him with a hard stare.
He shrugs and puts one of the chips in his mouth.
Lily starts to tap her fingers on the table. "This was sort of my suggestion," she admits. "I didn't want to meet at Demitri's."
Priscilla scowls at Lily. "Why not? It'd be more comfortable." She lowers her voice as an employee passes them on their way to the restaurant's loo. "And private."
"No one we need to worry about will show up here," argues Lily. "It's plenty private for our purposes."
Priscilla scoffs.
"Off to a banging start here I see," says Dirk as he all but materializes in front of their booth.
Lily smiles at him from the corner she's been put in by Priscilla taking the seat next to her. "Hello," she says. "How are you?"
"Just fine," he answers as he slides into the seat beside Severus. Carefully he folds up his reedy limbs to ensure there is plenty of space between him and Severus. "How are their chips?"
"Salty," answers Severus as he reaches for another.
Dirk makes an interested noise and eats one himself. "Should have gotten ketchup for them," he remarks.
Severus grunts.
The blond glances between them. "Shall we get started?" he asks.
"Of course," agrees Lily, sitting straighter in her seat and tucking away her fingers. "Should I tell what happened?" she inquires, looking to Severus for his thoughts.
He nods. "You were the one who was there," he says and crosses his arms to settle in for the tale.
Lily explains everything to Dirk and Priscilla in a low voice to lessen the attention they draw. As she speaks Priscilla's face grows more displeased as Dirk steadily eats about half of the chips. When she finishes her tale, Severus takes over and explains the steps they've taken to secure the Horcrux for the time being.
After he stops talking, Priscilla spits, "You are being so stupid."
He bares his teeth and snaps, "This isn't being stupid, it's being strategic."
Face flushed with anger, she gestures wildly and demands, "You really think he's not going to just let you keep it hidden from him?" Her eyes flash with unease as she admits, "I don't think he trusts any of us."
Severus doesn't wholly disagree. Yet he also knows better than to let Priscilla onto his doubts. She likes to use weakness to get her way with things he's noticed. So he reminds her, "We have a common goal. Albus wants to stop Voldemort just as much as we do."
She makes an aggravated noise and picks up a chip to shove in her mouth. "When this ends in disaster I want it known I voted against this," she complains after she finishes eating.
Severus rolls his eyes at the girl. "I'll make a note," he snarks.
She makes a face at him. Severus ignores it in favor of taking a sip from his Cola. He purses his lips. It's too sweet for his taste. He hands it off to Lily. "Here," he says.
"Oh, thanks," she says. Idly, she turns her eyes to their surroundings. "I should suggest 'Tuney bring James here," she remarks. "I think he'd enjoy the novelty of fried chips and burgers."
"Not this one," Priscilla says sharply. "Then we can't use it again if we need to."
Dirk raises an eyebrow at her. "Like the chips?" he asks.
She huffs. "No!" hisses Priscilla.
He grins at her. "It's okay. I won't tell," he teases.
She throws a chip at him.
"Hey!" he complains in response.
Severus purses his lips. "I think it's time we go," he decides. "Are you staying, Lily?"
The redhead nods. "Yeah, I think I will a bit," she says. "To finish the chips at least."
"I'll stay with you," Dirk jumps in and Severus snorts. "What?" he asks, looking up at him in confusion.
"I don't think any of us expected you to leave without Lily," he tells the blond as they both get up so Severus can get out of the booth. He flushes a bit at Severus's remark and mumbles. "I could have had other things to do."
"No, you couldn't," jeers Priscilla as she smoothes down her skirt. "You're a teenage boy."
He scowls at the implications of her words. "I'll have you know I have a summer job now," he snaps. "Which means I have more responsibilities than you right now I reckon."
The witch opens her mouth, no doubt preparing to throw something cutting at the blond. Severus doesn't let her. He's not interested in getting all four of them kicked out for being too loud. Grabbing her elbow he pulls. "Come on," he urges. "I'll walk you back to Diagon Alley."
She looks like askance at him but allows Severus to start leading her away from the couple. "Bye, Sev!" Lily calls after him.
He waves back just as they duck out of one of the fast-food place's glass doors. Once on the street, Priscilla starts studying him. Severus pays it no mind. He did this to himself after all.
"Why couldn't we meet at your grandfather's?" she asks.
He sighs. "Lily's not happy with him."
"Why ever not?"
Severus considers how to answer. "He introduced my mum to Roger Avery's uncle."
Priscilla's face twists. "What? He's married." Under her breath, he hears her add, "Even if it isn't much of a marriage these days."
"Not that one," says Severus. "The squib one."
Priscilla stops mid-step and would have been bowled over by a fast-moving man behind her if Severus hadn't snagged her wrist and started tugging her along. "Avery has a squib uncle?" she mutters.
Severus glances at her. "Apparently," he answers. "From what I've been told he's a bit younger than my mum."
"Huh," Priscilla replies.
Severus doesn't know what to make of the noise. Instead, he asks, "Where did you tell your family you were going today?"
"To meet up with a housemate," she answers. "Ancient Runes is an awfully tricky subject, don't you know?"
Severus stifles a smirk. "I see."
They fall silent as they come upon Charing Cross Road. Before Severus can lead them over toward the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, Priscilla digs her heels in and glares up at him. "I'd like to be let go of now," she demands.
He drops her arm instantly.
Primly, she shakes the wrinkles from her sleeve. "I can't have anyone getting the wrong idea, you know?" she sniffs.
Severus snorts. "I think that's unlikely."
Her expression sours. "You aren't better looking than me," she grumbles.
He can't help but laugh.
Surprised and exasperated, Priscilla demands, "What?"
"You think—" he sucks in a breath between his snickers. "No, that's not it at all. Priscilla, people aren't going to think we're dating because I'm a Half-blood who's dated a Muggle-born and you're a typical Pureblood."
The witch stares for a moment before blushing red. "I—I, yes, that true," she mumbles; eyes skittering away.
Severus after a few more moments stops laughing. "Can I ask you a question?" he says as Priscilla continues to avoid his gaze.
"What?" she demands.
"Do you and your family know the Averys well?"
She nods. "Rogers wizard uncle is friends with my uncle," she says. "Uncle Augustus and Travis Avery were about a year apart at Hogwarts."
That is fortunate news. It's a better in than Severus was hoping to get from Priscilla too. "Is it possible that you can ask your uncle about Travis Avery's apprenticeship with Posey Duffield?" he asks. "I thought of writing her to ask myself but I don't think she'll be even a little honest."
"I'll do you better, I'll talk to Roger," she offers. "My uncle visits them often enough. I'll ask to accompany him to see Roger."
He hums. That's a very generous offer on Priscilla's part. Severus can't help but think there's a price for such a thorough check-in. "What do you want?" he asks.
She shakes her head. "Nothing for this one," she admits, grinning at him. "I think this could be extremely entertaining and I need a good laugh. I do recall Avery threw quite the strop when he heard Duffield was asked if she wanted to work for Travis this summer."
"He did," agrees Severus.
Priscilla brightens. "I'll write to you soon about her," she promises. She flicks her hand at him in a short goodbye before breezing past him and into the Leaky Cauldron as it opens to let a couple of witches out. "Ta, Severus," she yells to him as she looks back over her shoulder.
He crosses his arms and watches her disappear inside. He'll let her get ahead of him. He's in rush to go home. Severus knows he's in for a very big lecture from his mother about being polite to guests of their cottage when he walks in.
Hello! It's been some time since I've updated TDKWWS. I can't say I regret the time away. I'm very happy with many of the works I've written and posted in the meantime.
To those of you returning, I hope you have enjoyed this new chapter. To those who are new, hopefully, you've enjoyed discovering this fic.
Thanks for reading!