Chapter 29

Potter Manor - July 11

James Potter was watching his friend. In the evening, after talking to his parents, a plan emerged in his head. Sirius never really had to face the consequence of what he did. He didn't count the loss of privileges at Hogwarts. It was merely a handicap, not a real punishment. He thought that he would enlist Padfoot to the Society. The more there are, the better.

- My friend, brother, rock ... - He specially chose the "theatrical" attitude to attract the attention of recently gloomy Sirius. - Will you do something for me? - He smiled at his friend as soon as he saw the grimace of surprise on his face.

Black got up from the couch in North Room and looked at him, tilting his head to the side. At times like this, he was very much like the dog that was his Animagus form. - What's on your mind?

- Come to the Society with me. - the wizard hoped Sirius would agree. He was going to concentrate on working with Reg. He didn't have the time and the desire to chase Lily away from him. Besides, he wanted Petunia to feel kindly welcomed, and it would be difficult when the redhead was still hanging around him.

- I can go. - he surprised him with such a quick consent. - But why? You didn't offer it to me before, although I waited for it.

- You're a princess I have to send paper invitations to? Such with the option of confirmation of arrival? - he felt his voice dripping with sarcasm. - Sorry. I didn't think you'd like to go. You would meet Reg and help tame Lily. Her sister will be in the magical world for the first time today. In its part other than Diagon Alley.

Sirius ran a nervous hand through his hair. - I see. You want you to be able to go there and an argument with Lily at your volunteer site could prevent you from doing so. I will do it for you. Anyway, I'm curious about the boy you liked so much. He has to be special.

Regan Bennet's smile flashed across James's eyes. - This boy is special. If I put at least a tenth of the energy he puts into learning one spell, I would have no problem with grades.

xxx

Durmstrang - July 11

Jean in a gentle, rhythmic movement combed Severus' hair as he slept in her lap. She wasn't looking at him. It was enough for her that he is calm. His magic was often exhausted lately. She didn't quite understand how a wizard might feel in such a situation. The Ice Wizard told her it was comparable to insomnia. The first days are bearable, but the constant exhaustion of magic could lead to unexpected sleep bouts or outbursts of what's left in the magic core.

- Does this happen to him often? - Lucius looked anxiously at his friend.

A shadow of worry crossed Helen's face. - Yes. My bond with Lyall Goyle wasn't that strong like bonk between James and Severus. The bond between the veel and her partner is much stronger. This bond is still struggling to stay. In practice, Severus is currently connected to both me and James Potter. Only after completing the full ritual will Sev be mine alone. Even if one day the two boys were to be brought together, it would only bring them together because of their free will and not of a forced bond.

- Why do you think something will connect them? - Jean asked her daughter.

Helen smiled. Her face lit up. - I don't think they'll have anything to do with each other. Severus is faithful. If he had to cheat on me, he would have done so already. I just considered a hypothetical situation.

- You trust him. - Jean felt relieved. - However, would you forgive him if this hypothetical situation occurred?

The young witch took a moment to answer. - Yes. If his feelings for me haven't changed. But only once. Everyone has the right to make mistakes. However, I would never forget that he would have to work hard to regain my confidence.

xxx

Evan Potter studied his former teacher. The Ice Wizard was tired. He wasn't very much separated from his homeland for too long. That's why he decided to ask him to come home. Just for a few days so that he could replenish his energy.

- Don't look at me like that, boy. - his teacher snorted in amusement. - I'm not going anywhere. At least not until the end of the holidays.

- How do you know what I was thinking? Evan was seriously surprised.

He felt the Ice Wizard's eyes studying with all his attention focused on him. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. Potter wasn't used to it. In his eyes, the wizard sitting across from him was the quintessence of not showing any emotion.

- Modern wizards practically don't protect their minds. Their every thought almost screams in my head. I'm not tired because I am far from the Ice Tower. I am tired because I haven't slept in many days. I haven't had any problems with that for a long time. I am a wizard but this doesn't protect me from the usual ailments.

- I didn't expect such an answer. - Evan made no secret of his embarrassment. - Do you have the conditions for further training? - After a short while, Evan added - I'm sorry ... Sir, do you have the conditions to conduct further training here?

The older wizard laughed. - There is no need for you to call me sir. We're both teachers now. My name is Iksrem. And I'd like you to call me that.

At that moment, Evan felt what he hadn't felt in a long time. Acceptance.

xxx

The Disabled Wizards Association, London - July 11

Mrs. Smith watched the four teenagers who came to the center that day. James informed her that his friend from school would be helping him. However, until the last moment he didn't mention that not only Miss Lily Evans would be helping him, but also her sister and the friend whom he considered his brother. The red-haired witch didn't make a good impression on her. After many years of work in the profession, it was very easy to find out who wants to help from a good heart and who wants to help in order to make a good impression on someone. This girl was definitely in the second category. Her sister Petunia looked uncertain. However, with honest interest and a gentle smile on her face, she greeted each of their residents. And Sirius Black looked and acted like he was doing James a favor.

- This is our center. I think I showed you the most important places. Over time, of course, if you stay with us, you will know this place inside out. - she smiled at them. She knew how much a smile could do. It helped to stave off nervousness if that smile was sincere.

The blonde combed her loose hair. Only then did Mrs. Smith examine the girl's eyes. She looked like she wanted to ask something but wouldn't have the courage.

- Something happened? - she asked to make it easier for a shy girl.

- Will I be really useful here if I am non-magical?

It was bothering her. She walked over to her and placed a hand on Petunia's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. - Relax. Any hand to help will come in handy. After all, you aren't supposed to teach the inmates magic. Our center works similarly to non-magic centers. Therapists learn new skills. You will help in such ordinary matters. Help with feeding, reading a book, playing chess ... - Margareth Smith noticed that at the word "chess" the girl's face lit up. She thought she would ask her about it later.

xxx

Sirius Black watched his friends with interest. To his surprise, James was more casual with Petunia than he had ever been with Lily. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed how the red-haired girl clenched her jaw as James grabbed her sister's hand and dragged her to the room where the youngest wizards from the associates were staying.

He wasn't surprised by her reaction. He, himself was surprised how closely James's fingers intertwined with those of a tiny blonde.

- Why are you so nervous? You aren't a couple. - he whispered to his friend. - And as far as I know, you never reciprocated his advances.

- I didn't have time to think if I really wanted him. I'm nervous because Petunia shouldn't be here. It was supposed to be a chance for me to get closer to him again. Everything changed the moment Severus left. If he hadn't disappeared everything would have been like before.

Sirius didn't expect such a direct answer. He decided to answer her with similar honesty. - I have to worry you. If Snape had stayed, James would have entwined his fingers with his fingers. James wouldn't reject his partner and he would do anything to make this Slytherin forgive him.

Lily jerked her head toward him. - You can't be serious. After all, they hate each other. The more I sided with Sev, the more cruel James was.

- I thought so too. However, after many hours of rethinking, I figured he was jealous of how much time you could spend with him. If it were about you, he'd give it up and use the time you two spent together in the Gryffindor Tower. I'm sorry. Even if you did got him, you would still be unhappy because James wouldn't give you his heart.

Sirius walked with satisfaction in the direction that Potter and Lily's sister had run. He loved the redhead like a sister, but even he knew the ship called "Lily and James" had long since departed. She could only get him back if she watered him with amortentia. James has changed too much.

He knew there was a long page to him too. And he will have to start by communicating with his own family. Perhaps their conflict was simply a misunderstanding.

xxx

Bennet Home - July 11

Kate Bennet finally used one of her days off. For several years, she had only done it when it was really necessary. This time, however, she did so for no apparent reason. Her secretary told her that Tom Marvolo Riddle had announced his next visit. She wasn't going to talk to him. She was afraid that he had recently figured out what she had been up to the day before. He was like a child entering a path of darkness, but he could still sense dark energy. She saw him flinch upon entering her office.

If only Augustus Prince came to fetch her from work again, she wouldn't have anything to worry about. This man was reassuring her. He was like her oasis. She had many admirers in her life, but only he made her feel safe.

She got up from her bed. Knowing that her son was still asleep, she headed straight for the bathroom. She liked the fact that she wasn't a classic beauty. Her body had flaws that she accepted. She was healthy and that was enough for her. The only thing she couldn't accept was the tattoo on her right shoulder blade. Slave tattoo. A keepsake of the wizard who tried to take over her magic core. He miscalculated. He is dead, but a memento of him remains.

xxx

Malfoy Manor - July 11

Thorus Nott watched as Tom Marvolo Riddle paced nervously around the dining room at Malfoy Manor. He wasn't the only one who was intrigued and concerned about the ensuing situation. But he wasn't sure if he should comment on their leader's unusual behavior.

After a while, he finally couldn't stand it and asked Anton DohoĊ‚ow, who was sitting next to him. - What's going on here on Salazar?

- The Dark Lord turned out to be not that dark and, according to Abraxas, he fell in love. - the man's whisper was filled with amusement.

He hadn't expected this. Riddle was known for his aversion to romantic relationships. He believed they were a waste of time and energy. Who was the witch who unknowingly changed this wizard's view?

xxx

Durmstrang - July 11

Lucius Malfoy didn't believe what he saw. It couldn't be true. No wizard can make SUCH progress in such a short amount of time.

Helen stood in the middle of the Training Grounds. She put her hand to the ground. She didn't say a word, and yet a circle of blue flames appeared around her. She looked like she was waiting for something. Lucius was right. After a moment, Severus materialized in the center of the circle next to Helen. He knelt beside her and placed his hand on her cheek. She looked into his eyes. He put his other hand beside her, which was still resting on the ground. At this point, a second circle of flame appeared. This time flames were black.

Both of his friends were slowly getting up. As they rose, so did the power of the fire. Finally the dome closed over them.

At that moment he heard the voice of the director of the institute. - These two will change the magical world.

xxx

Another chapter. I hope you liked it;) I'm trying to weave some threads together, because we're getting closer to Severus' return to Hogwarts;). Regards, katie-krum