Severus woke reluctantly, he had been late the night before, despite consciously not having too much of Lucius' firewhiskey. Even the best hangover cures did not entirely rid one of the after effects and the last thing he needed was a hangover and a stadium full of fans. Not to mention the level of excitement Harry and Draco had likely reached. Sighing he stumbled from his bed, attempting to prepare himself for the day ahead, wondering how Hermione was getting on with Narcissa, Annalise and her mother. Hopefully between them they managed to convince her that she wasn't as awful as she seemed to believe.
Several hours later, Severus arrived at the Grangers. The door was opened by a visibly excited Harry who was wearing a brand new Tottenham t-shirt, Draco appeared to be dressed similarly. Richard smiled sheepishly at his questioning look, "I wanted them to look the part," he replied with a shrug.
Severus rolled his eyes but refrained from comment as he was dragged into the living room, the boys discussing the particulars of football with all the assurance of two boys with a week's worth of lessons.
"Hermione's grandmother is an interesting woman, isn't she?"
Severus froze. "Yes." he hedged slowly, wondering what the fuck Annalise had said. Dear gods he hoped she had managed to behave herself. All of a sudden he got an awful flash of the woman surrounded by obliviators in muggle London. They wouldn't take her out of the wizarding world, surely? Fuck. Hopefully not. Narcissa had enough sense not to, didn't she? Oh bloody fuck, he should have said something.
Richard snorted, interrupting his panic. "She told us about the revolution they were planning, I got the impression she was looking forward to it more than Hermione. She appears to want to annoy her husband."
Severus blinked at him, "I do not know the particulars of their plan. Gods know with Annalise it could be anything. It does not surprise me that she wishes to annoy Simon, I have never met two people less suited to a marriage. I can only assume there is some binding stipulation in their contact that prohibits murder."
Richard began to laugh until he took in Severus' face."You're serious?"
"Yes." Severus drawled, "Simon is…..a bigoted traditionalist. And well….you met Annalise."
Richard gaped for a moment before he smiled, "Well it'll be interesting if nothing else. Hermione could do with a focus, she's not quite been herself lately."
"No." Severus spoke slowly, "I am concerned about how she sees herself."
Richard sighed, rubbing a hand down his face, "Us too." he replied softly, "We don't really know what to do about it."
Frowning, Severus thought several things at once, he had been relying on Jean having some answers. "Would you be against a mind healer?"
Richard shook his head slowly, "No. Although Hermione might be. She….struggles to open up to anyone."
"I'd noticed." Severus replied wryly, "I tend to get explanations when she gets overwhelmed and cannot physically keep it in any more."
Richard snorted, "That sounds about right."
"I'll put out some feelers then." Severus sighed, already dreading that conversation.
Richard nodded once, "Right, shall we get going?" Severus nodded in return, as Richard interrupted the two boys arguing on the sofa, "Come on then you two, lets go."
"Who's actually playing?" Severus muttered as Richard ushered them all out the door.
Smothering a laugh, Richard rolled his eyes, "Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield Wednesday,"
"And we're supporting Tottenham?" Severus hedged, eyeing the boys t-shirts.
"Yes, Severus," Richard replied with put upon patience. "Let's go and get the bus."
"Bus?"
"Yes. How did you think we were getting there? There's a Spurs supporters bus that leaves in ten minutes, so let's get a move on."
Severus nodded, wondering how he had managed to be roped into this. He wasnt sure he even liked football, for fucks sake. Glancing at Harry he sighed, this was how he got roped into this. Fucking children.
Over an hour later, having survived Draco's incessant questions on the bus, the boy utterly confused by it having only experienced the Knight Bus, Severus allowed himself to release some of the tension in his shoulders as he gave in to the atmosphere. Beside him Harry was almost bouncing out of his seat as he chatted with Draco, reading through the programme in their hands, their new scarves draped loosely around their necks.
The bouncing stopped as soon as the game started, both Draco and Harry getting into the spirit, shouting various statements towards the pitch much to Severus' amusement. They lept up at every goal, Richard joining them as he shouted his own criticisms towards the referee.
They left, happy and exhilarated, Tottenham having won with four goals to three. Both of the boys spent the journey home convincing an amused Richard to take them back to another game, going as far as to beg Severus to allow them to be removed from school on occasion. He had arched an eyebrow at them and suggested they run it by Minerva and the Headmaster. Both boys sunk down in their seats slightly, admitting defeat.
"I'm sure there's a match or two during the Christmas holidays," Richard soothed, amusement clear on his face, "I'll see what I can do." The boys lost their apathy as they sat up straighter and grinned at him. "Coming Severus?"
Severus sighed, internally rolling his eyes, "If I must."
Richard snorted at him, "Admit you had fun, Severus, it won't kill you."
"It might," he muttered, settling down to endure the ride home.
By the next day, Severus was panicking. He had dressed as Hermione had stipulated, before pacing around the house. What the fuck had he been thinking? He couldn't do this! No one had ever wanted to date him before. What the fuck was Amelia up to? Fuck, he was going to cancel. He had to! This was utter fucking madness.
Clive, his personal elf appeared in front of him, startling him to a standstill. "The young Mistress asks Clive to gives the Master this."
Severus frowned, what the fuck was Hermione up to. He carefully took the proffered parchment, opening it slowly.
Stop panicking. Don't cancel. Susan is with us so I will know.
Love you,
Hermione.
Interfering, infuriating little witch. She wasn't even here and she was sticking her nose in.
"When did she give you this, Clive?"
"Befores she left, Master. She said to gives it to you once you were ready this morning."
"Of fucking course she did." he muttered, "Thank you Clive."
He sighed, there was no escaping this then. Was he doomed to be surrounded by headstrong, interfering witches for the rest of his life? He was beginning to think he was. Part of him wondered if he minded. Headstrong and stubborn though they were, they at least gave a damn about what happened to him. It was a strange realisation. Briefly glancing at the clock, cursing when he realised he had five minutes to get his shit together and not behave like a raging lunatic, Severus contemplated his whisky stash. Was it wrong to fortify his nerves? He was going on a date with the Head of the DMLE so probably. It wouldn't do to arrive smelling of whisky. Sighing he realised he was on his own with this one. Before he could second guess himself, he stepped into the floo, calling out the address Amelia had given him, praying to whatever deity was listening that he survived this with his dignity intact.
"Severus!" Amelia smiled at him, which quite frankly was still disconcerting. No one was usually that happy to see him, except perhaps his children, and even then the notion was still decidedly odd.
"Amelia," He tipped his head, "You look…..well." Fuck this was awkward. What the fuck was he doing? He had no experience with this, he was the fucking bat of the dungeons for fucks sake.
She snorted, "Well? Is that the best you can do?"
"I'm not good at this!" he all but whined, making her laugh.
"Well it is then. I see you followed my advice and allowed your daughter to dress you."
He huffed out a laugh, "One of these days I'll surprise you all and manage to dress myself." he responded with a wry twist to his mouth.
She hummed, "Perhaps, Severus, perhaps."
"I'm so glad you have such faith in my ability to be an adult."
"Oh I trust you to be an adult, Severus. I am not looking for someone else to mother, Susan is more than enough. I just query your…eye for aesthetics."
He snorted, "wonderful. That's an unusually polite insult from you."
"Yes, well, I imagine it's bad form to insult you directly before we've left the house so shall we?" she indicated to the door, "I must admit to struggling to reword things in my head."
He actually laughed at that, wondering if perhaps they would actually survive this after all. He cursed himself for daring to think that when he found himself ensconced in what could only be described as a frilly nightmare.
Biting her lip as she watched him try to hide his reaction, Amelia took pity on him. "I am aware it looks awful." she whispered, "But they do the best coffee for miles. It's worth enduring the lace, I promise."
He arched a brow looking utterly unconvinced, "Very well….I shall…trust your judgement."
They were interrupted by a waitress who greeted Amelia like old friends.
"Oh and you've finally brought someone with you! He's all dark and broody looking. Oh and will you look at those arms'' the waitress smiled conspiratorial at Amelia who in a move Severus had never anticipated, blushed, "Muscled enough to throw you right over his shoulder and carry you off to bed." the woman continued, winking exaggeratedly. Severus gaped wondering what the actual fuck was going on, Amelia looked ready to disappear into her chair as the woman blithely continued, "And God knows you could do with a decent orgasm. Those toys you modern girls like are all well and good but…"
"Right Doris, thank you very much!" Amelia interrupted loudly as Severus choked on a laugh. Fuck, even if the coffee was shit, it hat been worth coming here just for that.
Doris laughed, patting Amelia on the shoulder, "Usual, love?" she asked with exaggerated innocence. At Amelia's nod she turned to him, "And you Mr Dark and Broody?"
Severus cleared his throat, managing to choke out his order as he struggled not to laugh at the mortified expression on Amelia's face.
"Sure about the double shot in that Americano love?" Doris asked, looking at him with a smirk.
"Yes."
She nodded, "Figures. I'll be back in a moment, loves, do try and behave!"
"Oh my Gods." Amelia breathed, covering her face with her hands. He couldn't help it, he laughed until he was crying.
"Fuck that might have been the best conversation I've witnessed in years." he gasped as she sunk ever lower.
"Please. I am begging you, never bring this up again."
"Oh…Oh but….."
"Severus!" she bit out, a hint of warning in her tone as he struggled to get himself back under control feeling far less panicky now.
"Yes, Amelia?" he choked, forcibly slowing down his breathing.
"Don't make me hurt you."
He snorted, "I do not doubt that you could try….."
She frowned, sitting up straighter visibly bristling, "I am the Head of the DMLE!"
"And I was a Death Eater and a spy."
Rolling her eyes, she grumbled, "Fine. Point to you, apparently."
He huffed out a laugh, "You come here often then?"
"Oh dear gods," she groaned, "Unfortunately, yes. Doris is usually less….suggestive. I meant it when I said their coffee was worth ignoring the decor, I've been coming here since Susan was small."
He hummed as something occurred to him, "How is it Susan is with Hermione?"
Amelia laughed, "Your daughter is rather convincing. She persuaded me that it made more sense to allow Susan to spend the day with her and Harry than it did for me to leave Susan in the care of one of the elves, I believe they're going to the cinema. The Drs Granger seem like nice people, if slightly bemused at how many children they now seem to have. Draco was going with them too I think and Daphne Greengrass."
Severus blinked wondering when the fuck Hermione had arranged that, she wasn't currently answering or reading her owls. He voiced as much to Amelia, who shrugged, admitting she had no idea, only that it had been arranged, before she frowned, "Why is she not reading her owls?"
Severus sighed, pausing to thank Doris for his coffee as he took a sip, his eyes widening. Amelia smirked knowingly. Fuck. she had been correct, this was bloody amazing. He could withstand the frills for this. He briefly wondered if he could convince Doris to share their supplier, he wanted this on tap at Hogwarts. He could come back, he decided, bring the children. They could convince anyone to do anything. He should know. It was how he had found himself here in the bloody first place.
"Hermione wanted a few days of what she described as normality," he said finally, "The change in expectations and I think the fact that she is now not seen as undesirable because of her blood status has been a harder adjustment than I think I had perhaps realised. She wanted a break."
Amelia hummed, nodding, "I can understand that, I can't imagine it's been easy. Especially as Theo Nott and to a lesser degree Daphne Greengrass would never really have been allowed to be seen with her."
"Yes she commented on Theo specifically, and Adrian Pucey."
"What's he got to do with anything?" Amelia frowned.
"He expressed an interest and has written to her. She commented that he would never had designed to touch her before her change in blood status."
"Fuck." Amelia muttered, "Poor girl, no wonder she's struggling."
"I intend to suggest a mind healer." he confessed, taking another sip of coffee, managing to stop the contented moan that threatened to escape. What the fuck was in this?
"Andromeda?"
He tilted his head, "Perhaps. I do not know if her knowing her will be a help or a hindrance."
"You can only ask, Severus." she replied softly. "Now, what's the story with Harry Potter?"
He stilled, "in what way?"
"Severus, he is living in your house for the summer, you're taking him to these ridiculous lunches, quidditch games and football matches. Come on!"
He sighed heavily, "If you repeat this, Madam Bones, I will show you exactly how I became a Death Eater." he threatened lowly, making Amelia's eyes widen. "He and Hermione have a spontaneous sibling bond as you know, they plan on sealing it before they return to school. What i imagine you don't know is that Albus left the boy with his muggle relatives, casting blood wards that were linked to Lily and her sacrifice." Amelia frowned but motioned at him to continue. Severus sighed, "I….he has to think of Petunia's as home. He let slip at Andromeda's that he does not. It will likely have rendered the blood wards useless. I intend to apply for guardianship on the grounds of his relationship with Hermione. Of course, Albus may just murder me and be done with it, making the whole exercise pointless."
Amelia gaped at him before she startled him by laughing. "Fuck, Severus! Two Gryffindor children, and one of them is Harry bloody Potter. How are you surviving until they're of age?"
He rolled his eyes, "By decimating Minerva's whisky stash." he deadpanned.
She snorted, "Will you adopt him formally, do you think, once the year's guardianship is up?"
He shrugged, "I imagine it is a conversation we will have to have, however until the guardianship paperwork is approved I do not want to voice it."
"You think it won't be?"
"Perhaps. I was a Death Eater. He is Harry Potter. Not to mention the animosity between his father and I is well known."
"I can add in a recommendation you know, so could Minerva. Perhaps Andromeda."
He shrugged awkwardly "If it comes to it I shall let you know. Either way I cannot in good conscience let the boy return to an unprotected muggle house."
Amelia nodded thoughtfully before realising the topic was closed for just now and steering the conversation to other things. They left the coffee shop much later than Severus had intended, making their way back to Amelia's slowly.
"What time do you get the children?"
He shrugged, "I was told not to stress about making dinner." he said with a wry smile, "So, seven-ish."
Amelia hummed, opening the door, pulling him inside. She spun on her heel to face him, sending a small jolt of panic through him. Fuck she was going to kiss him. It had been fucking ages since he had kissed anyone. What if he was awful? Where did he put his hands? Was it impolite to use his tongue on a first kiss? What the fuck was he meant to do with it again? She was a hair's breadth away when Minerva's voice filled the room, startling them both. Severus' eyes landed immediately on the tabby cat speaking at them,
Severus, come at once. The elves have….had some luck. The Unspeakables are coming too."
Severus froze. Fuck. Amelia was looking at him questioning. He was going to have to tell her wasn't he? He didn't want to lie and she wouldn't leave it alone. He winced as she looked at him pointedly.
"I promise to explain but can we do it at Hogwarts?" he began hesitantly, "I do not want Minerva to be waiting, especially as I have no idea how long that patronus has been waiting to make contact."
She frowned as she tried to make sense of that before realisation washed over her face, "Because it wouldn't have come to a muggle area."
"Precisely."
"Fine, Severus, let's go."
He flooed into Minerva's office, the witches eyebrows raising to her hairline as Amelia stepped out behind him.
"I was with Madam Bones when I received your message."
"Ah." Minerva voiced faintly, still not understanding.
"Hermione is meddling."
At that Minerva smiled, "I see."
"I do not know when you sent the patronus." he prompted, not wanting to get distracted.
"Half an hour ago my boy," Minerva seemed to shake herself to attention, "I had hoped to speak with you first but the Unspeakables will be here in the next ten minutes so perhaps we should very quickly fill Amelia in? I assume she is staying?"
Severus rolled his eyes, "The Unspeakables are coming to tell Albus off, we want to watch."
Amelia gaped at him as Minerva choked on a laugh muttering "Not quite how I would have phrased it lad."
Amelia swivelled to stare at Minerva, "He's not lying?"
"Not as such. You'll be aware from your Susan about the petrifications last year?"
"No."
"No?" Minerva looked startled.
"No." Amelia bit out.
"Fuck." Severus muttered, "Sit down. We will need to do this quickly. Students were petrified last year, a teacher died, albeit through his own stupidity. We called in Unspeakables but Albus was…..less than forthcoming. They dealt with the issue but warned him they would be back to speak with him. It turned out to be a basilisk."
"A basilisk." Amelia repeated faintly.
"Yes." Severus winced, deciding just to go for it. "A basilisk who was controlled by Voldemort horcrux that was possessing a student." Amelia froze and Minerva's hand made contact with the back of his head. "Ouch! What was that for?" She glared at him incredulously. "We're short on time!" he whined.
"Let me get this straight." Amelia let out a long exhale. "There was a murderous fucking snake roaming the school, students were petrified, someone died and the Unspeakables had to be called in. Have I got that right?"
"Ah yes." Severus hedged.
She nodded, "I see. On top of that, a student was fucking possessed by a fucking horcrux and no one…..not one fucking person thought to contact the DMLE?"
"Well we thought with the Unspeakables….." Severus trailed off spotting the murderous look on her face.
"Take me to Albus. Now!" she barked, her face thunderous. Severus shot a glance at Minerva who was slowly beginning to smirk.
"Of course." He murmured, sweeping out of the room, missing the drama of his robes as Amelia stormed down the hallways behind him.
Albus looked up in alarm as Amelia stormed into his office, just as the Unspeakables walked through the floo. Seating herself right in front of the man, she glared at him. "I cannot wait to hear your explanation." she bit out.
Albus' eyes travelled to Minerva and Severus, a flash of anger travelling through them. When he spoke however his voice was even. "I wasn't expecting you, Amelia."
"No." she snorted, her voice cold, "I imagine you were not. Although I must ask Albus why I am only hearing of the last school years events now?"
Albus spluttered slightly, "I…well….we called in the Unspeakables."
Beside him Unspeakable Bole snorted as he lowered his hood.
"Something to say, Maurice?" Amelia bit out.
"Only that the Headmaster didn't call us in until he was forced to."
Amelia hummed, "Why does that not surprise me. Croaker came with you?"
The second Unspeakable dropped his hood, "A pleasure as always Madam Bones, how did you learn of this mess?"
Amelia rolled her eyes at the Director of the Department of Mysteries. "Saul." she intoned, inclining her head. "I happened to be in the right place at the right time."
Allowing his eyes to travel from Severus to Amelia the man smirked, amusement clear on his face "Indeed, Amelia." he turned towards the third Unspeakable, "For the love of Merlin Augustus, drop your hood!"
Augustus Smythe huffed at his boss, "As you wish Professor."
Amelia and Minerva snorted at the man's posturing, Albus looked slightly lost at this turn of events. Severus rolled his eyes and waved his hand, conjuring extra chairs.
"Do you make them deliberately uncomfortable Professor Snape?," Smythe whined as he sat down.
Saul choked on a laugh, "Severus has never been fond of social situations. I'm sure he'd like us all to leave as soon as possible"
Severus rolled his eyes, making a small movement that made Unspeakable Smythe beam at him. "That's much better professor!" he exclaimed wriggling to get comfortable.
"I wouldn't like you to feel you had to leave before you had completed your task to your….satisfaction." He replied with a smirk, settling down, fully intending to enjoy this.
Minerva cleared her throat pointedly, "Shall we begin Gentlemen? Severus I'm sure your daughter is expecting you at some point this evening."
Saul Croaker's eyes went impossibly wide, "Daughter, Severus?" he spluttered.
"Yes, Hermione." Severus replied not giving anything else away.
"It seems we are overdue for a catch up, old friend."
Severus snorted " I shall await your owl"
Amelia frowned at him, "Since when were you and Croaker friends?"
"We are not. I tolerate his company since he forced me to aid him in creating potions related to various projects," Severus replied wearily, "He took up all my free time for almost three years."
"1989-1991?" Minerva guessed, at Severus' nod she grimaced, "Explains why you were so damn grumpy my boy. Even for you you were ridiculous."
Saul laughed, "In my defence I did offer you a job, Severus. It's hardly my fault we needed your expertise and you turned us down."
Severus rolled his eyes but it was Albus that spoke. "I hardly think Severus has any plans to leave teaching. Not least because Miss Granger is only just entering her third year."
Severus flexed his wrist unconsciously but Saul caught it understanding what the Headmaster was not saying, what Severus could not say. His eyes narrowed on Dumbledore.
"Miss Granger?"
"Granger-Snape," Severus corrected, making Albus scowl. "My daughter was adopted when she was an infant, I was unaware of her existence until last year."
"Ah." Saul murmured. "Well old friend I believe we are due that chat after this conversation. I wouldn't like for you to misplace my owl." he allowed his eyes to travel down to Severus' wrist. Forcibly controlling his reaction as he realised what Saul was implying, Severus nodded. Amelia and Minerva were looking at him strangely, Albus thankfully appeared not to notice.
"Well then Albus, let us begin. I, for one, would dearly love an explanation as to why you waited so long to call us in?"
"As I explained to your two Unspeakables at the time I simply forgot you had a creature department until Minerva reminded me."
"Which may be understandable Albus, except you called in nobody. No one was aware there was an issue. Clearly Amelia wasn't informed until today that there was an issue. You just allowed students to be petrified by a bloody murderous snake."
"I didn't know it was a basilisk," Albus muttered petulantly, "We were investigating."
"How?"
"We were examining the areas where students were found, we were re-investigating the Chamber of Secrets."
"Which my Unspeakables found in less than an hour. What progress did you make in the entirety of the school year?"
"Well, we surmised it was a basilisk."
Saul raised an eyebrow, "And how was it choosing its victims?"
"I do not know."
"How was it being controlled?"
"I do not know."
"I do," Severus interrupted, making a split second decision and hoping he didn't come to regret it.
"Oh?" Saul arched his brow.
"Voldemort had a horcrux that possessed a student."
There was a ringing silence in the room. Severus wondered how rude it would be to leave and bring back some whisky. By the looks on their faces, everyone could do with rude, he decided registering the tension building as Saul's face flitted through a myriad of emotions, none of them pleasant. Bracing himself for the outburst that was surely coming, Severus waited.
What in the actual fucking name of Merlin is going on in this school?" Saul finally exploded, breaking the silence that had gone on for what felt like hours. Albus shifted slightly in his seat. "Were you ever going to mention that old man?"
"Ah well, of course dear boy."
"No! Do not dear boy me Albus. What the fuck were you thinking? You are not a bloody God! Why the fuck was this not mentioned before? Did you know before you called us in?"
The twitch was minute but they all saw it. Croaker lifted his wand and blasted one of Albus' odd little contraptions to smithereens in an uncharacteristic loss of control. He was breathing heavily, attempting to get himself together. "You will start at the beginning." he bit out through clenched teeth. Looking rather old, and far less twinkly, Albus did, Minerva and Severus filling in gaps as they went. At the end of it, the Unspeakables looked shell shocked, Amelia was gripping Severus' hand so tightly it was painful and Albus had managed to rearrange his features into a somewhat apologetic look.
"So…." Saul began with exaggerated calm. "You believe there are more horcruxes. Where is the one you have."
"Two." Minerva cut in, wincing slightly as everyone turned to stare at her. "The elves found another one earlier today, that is why I sent the patronus to Severus."
"Of fucking course it is. Where are they?"
"I have the diary in a secure box in my quarters." Severus offered.
"And I have the diadem in mine." Minerva continued.
"Diadem?" Saul asked with a frown.
"I believe it was Rowena Ravenclaws."
"The lost diadem?"
"That would be the one. I do hope you've a way of getting rid of the horcrux without destroying it."
Saul faltered, "Perhaps. I think we should speak with the Goblins."
Minerva's eyebrows rose but she made no comment. "I assume you want them?"
"Yes please."
She nodded, standing and sweeping out of the room as Severus followed her. She exhaled loudly at the bottom of the stairs. "I don't know whether to be glad we're not on our own or nervous that we now have to entrust others." she muttered
"Both." Severus shrugged, "However, from what I've learned of Saul he's thorough, even if he would rather be playing in the Time Room."
Minerva nodded sharply, "Good. Let us hope he gets some results then."
"Indeed."
Saul gazed reverently at the diadem in his hands, Minerva had to have been the first person living to have seen the thing in more years than he could count. It was amazing, but even in his wonder he could feel the taint. Severus shivered as he heard the insidious little whisper remiding him that he was nothing, that Hermione was better off without him, that Harry shouldn't be allowed anywhere near him, he had murdered his parents, he was worthless, unlovable, Snivellus. He could have cried with relief when Saul stuffed it into a bag. All of the rooms occupants were pale, both Minerva and Amelia had iron tight grips on his hands, Albus was shaking.
"Well that things fucking awful," Unspeakable Bole muttered.
Letting out a slightly hysterical laugh, Amelia nodded. "I don't want to be near it ever again."
Sensing his opportunity, Severus cut in, "Minerva and I both wish to help. They're fucking awful but given that Harry is tied up in this ridiculous prophecy and Hermione will not allow him to fight this himself, I want to ensure they have the best chance possible."
"Prophecy?" Saul asked. Scowling, Albus recited it, having clearly given in to the inevitable. "For fucks sake." Saul muttered, "Very well Severus. We will keep you in the loop. Now, despite major fucking reservations about allowing Albus to remain in charge of the school, I think its time we left. Albus, I will be checking in. I imagine Madam Bones will be doing the same. I will not tolerate another instance of you playing God, am I clear?" Sighing Albus nodded, looking like a petulant child. "Good. Severus, a word. You two take this back to the DOM."
Nodding the Unspeakables took the bag containing the horcruxes and left via floo. The rest stood, filing out of Albus' office, Amelia still clutching Severus' hand like a lifeline.
The walk to Severus' quarters was silent but the minute he shut the door behind them, Saul turned on him.
"What the bloody fuck were you thinking? Why the fuck did none of you call us in before now? It's not like you're adverse to going over Albus' head!"
Minerva looked contrite while Severus shifted, "I admit to having gotten…. complacent. It is often easier to just go along with Albus. It has taken Hermione to shake that complacency."
Saul sighed, running a hand over his face, muttering a quiet "for fucks sake." Accepting the glass Severus handed him, he sighed, "Do I want to know the terms of that vow?"
Severus shrugged, causing Saul to gape at him, "You can't tell me can you?" Severus shook his head as both Amelia and Minerva stared at him. "Come down to the DOM next week. I know a man that can help."
"You can break unbreakable vows?" Minerva asked incredulously.
Saul grinned, "We're the Department of Mysteries, Minerva, of course we can. If you wouldn't mind not mentioning that to anyone though….."
Severus and Amelia snorted, "Perhaps we should change the subject before you reveal any more secrets." Severus froze, thinking hard, "Although…if you can break an unbreakable vow, how are you with very permanent tattoos?"
Saul's eyes widened, a flash of excitement showing fleetingly in his eyes. It made Severus nervous. "I have no idea. Want to find out?"
Thinking for all of two seconds, Severus blurted out "Yes!"
Saul grinned. "Perfect. When are you free?"
"My daughter has dinner with her parents of an evening."
Saul hummed, "Six to nine, starting tomorrow then?"
"Very well." Sipping his whisky, Severus wondered if he would come to regret agreeing to it.