"...English..."

"...Bulgarian..."

'...thoughts...'

...Flashbacks and letters...

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Not so dark times

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December 27th, 1992.

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Alexander woke up and the first thing that came to mind was that today would be a hectic day. Andrei's birthday. He was reminded of the events that took place exactly 11 years ago. The ground outside was covered in a tick layer of snow, just as that morning when he woke up to find out his life would soon take a wondrous twist. Just a couple of months before that Alexander's life changed drastically with the arrival of unexpected but welcome guest.

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November 2nd, 1981

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The war was over. Voldemort gone. His followers scattered. People were celebrating, Death Eaters panicking. Alexander was in the middle of it all. The Bulgarian ministry was convinced of his loyalty to their side, but English Ministry still wanted him for questioning. He was aware those were mere formalities, but was fighting against it anyway. His wife and child were expecting him at home. Sofia begged him not to leave their house until the situation died down a bit. Viktor picked up on his mother's agitation and was upset himself. This was no time to leave them, especially since so many Death Eaters were still around.

The news have reached him that Karkaroff was captured in Britain. That was a reason for concern in itself. Karkaroff was cowardly enough to trade any information for his freedom, and anything he may say can only make things even worse for Alexander. He was hoping the man would focus on the Inner circle and their recent activities and avoid anything that could be connected to him. He only switched sides a few months ago and not everyone even knew that. Two people who did know were the Bulgarian Minister of Magic and Head of Auror forces, the third was his best friend. The first two told him to keep spying and he would avoid the prison sentence. So, there was little to no choice for him. With his son's future at stake he had to undo a mistake that nearly destroyed his own life and disassociate himself with Voldemort. He became a spy and Voldemort trusted him until just a few days ago. He doubted Igor would know that, so if he mentioned his involvement the British Ministry would jump at the chance to throw him in Azkaban too. And months of pointless questioning and interrogation did not appeal to Alexander at all.

His attempts to get the Minister to send a transcript of his pardon to London all failed. The Minister and his assistant were both at the courtroom hours at the time and when Alex finally managed to get in touch there would be some other problem he had to attend to. So, basically he was running from the courtroom to Auror Headquarters and then back again the whole day. He was fed up with it but realized that his hands were tied and he completely depended on the officials.

So imagine his surprise when he literally ran into another Death Eater in the hallway. Severus Snape. The man groaned when they collided and Viktor helped him straighten up. What his business was in Bulgarian Ministry he just couldn't imagine. Then again, he hasn't seen the man in a while. All he knew was that Severus was a spy, just like him. That job was taking a lot out of everyone, but Severus was a wrack.

"Sev? What are you doing here?"

"English please, Alex."

"Oh, sorry, I forgot. What are you doing here?" he repeated.

"Looking for you, actually."

Alex nodded and led the man to the empty office on their left. There was noone inside, which wasn't surprising. Most people were running threw the corridors on one business or another. He warded the door and turned to his friend who took that as a cue to explain.

"I have a huge favor to ask of you, Alexander." he said, depleted.

Alexander nodded, weary of what was coming. He would to anything for the other man, but what worried him was the fact that Severus never asked for any favors. Therefore this must be big. By extension Alexander was going to be pulled into something that would complicate his already complex life even further.

"My cover was intact when He was destroyed."

There was another pause and Alexander was getting anxious. Perhaps Severus wanted him to help clear his name? But how was he supposed to do that when he couldn't even clear his own. Alexander urged him to continue.

Severus was struggling for words. At last he took his wand and murmured a spell. Alexander instantly felt dizzy. His mind went blank and he could not form a single thought in his mind. There, in front of him stood his friend and it was suddenly perfectly clear why he looked so worn. After all, carrying a child while being subjected to torture and pain as well as the emotional strain that goes with it could do that to a man, and by the looks of it Severus' been doing it for quite some time. Alexander gaped, speechless.

"Alex?"

"Yes?"

"Will you help me?" he sounded almost desperate, not even bothering to remind his friend he couldn't understand his language.

"Who else knows?"

"Nobody."

"Dumbledore?"

"Not even Dumbledore."

"Are you certain?"

"I made sure of it, don't worry."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Take it when it's born. Raise it as your own."

Whatever Alexander was expecting him to say this was not it. Severus may be a halfblood but he knew how much a child is be valued in wizarding world. And he would be giving birth to this baby, he did not really think he could just give it away, did he?

"You are out of your mind..." he shook his head trying to gather his thoughts.

"Alex, it wouldn't be safe with me, you know that. Death Eaters already don't trust me, some even think I led Him into a trap! Please, take it!"

"It is a baby, Severus! A little child! You will not want this when it is born, don't ask me to rip the child away from it's family!"

"You would be giving it a family, Alex!"

"No, Severus! It is just wrong!"

"Do you not understand I can not give it the life it deserves? I will always be an outcast, a traitor! That is the role I play and can't seem to stop!"

"And I will end up in a fucking prison, Severus! How am I supposed to take care of a child from Azkaban? Tell me! They will make my family suffer because of my wrong doings, Severus! That is the family you want to intrust your child with!"

"They said they wouldn't send you..."

"Well I have just found out it doesn't work that way." Alexander ran his fingers threw his hair. Fear was clouding his judgment and making him question everything he did today. But what Severus was about to do just wasn't right. That was clear as day.

"I will tell Dumbledore..."

"No, you will not, Sev."

"But, if you need help..."

"Severus, if you were to leave your child with me right after you pleaded my case to Dumbledore it wouldn't take long for him to figure it out."

"So you will take it?"

"I did not say that."

"But you will think about it."

Alexander slowly nodded. If Severus wasn't ready for impending fatherhood then he would help. This way nothing was final. If his friend decided to keep the child he would still be able to.

"What about the father?"

"He won't stand in a way." at Alexander's disapproving look he added "A Death Eater. He's been arrested already."

Alexander did not ask any further questions. Instead he focused on things they were supposed to do next.

"Sofia has not been seen in public for a long time, so it wouldn't be too hard to convince everyone of her pregnancy. If she agrees that is. You do realize I can't make this decision on my own?"

"Of course, I wouldn't force Sofia to do this."

"Call me when your due date nears, I don't won't you to go into labor while alone in that Manor."

"I will be staying at Spinner's End. Contact me if Sofia agrees."

Alexander has left the room before he finished the sentence. He couldn't believe what was happening. He was one foot on the staircase when a voice called his name.

"Krum!"

Alexander turned and was relieved to see the Minister.

"Minister! I need your help!"

"So, I've heard, my friend. Please, follow me to my office so we could sort out your situation." Minister smiled, not even aware of the man's exhaustion and concern through the whole day.

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December 27th, 1981

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Alex was woken by his wife early that morning. When his still groggy mind finally comprehended what was happening he found his wife had already disappeared through the floo. It was time. He put a monitoring spell on sleeping Viktor. It was too early to wake him up and this was the safest place for him. Making sure everything was in order at his home he stepped throught the floo.

When he entered his friends' room Sofia already had everything under control. Severus was trying to hold back his shouts unsuccessfully. He moved to the closed window and traced the patterns that frost created on it. He observed a view so different from the one back home. Instead of a thick snow covering the ground there was green grass glistening with morning dew. The ground was encrusted in ice but it just didn't feel like winter to him.

A loud wail cut through Severus' scream. They were fascinatingly similar to Alexander's ears. Or maybe he just imagined it.

"It's a boy, Sev." Sofia smiled at the wailing baby.

Severus was exhausted and he already decided he would not look at child. He turned on his side, away from Sofia. He couldn't stop the tears but they would go away soon enough, as long as he doesn't see that wrinkled messy creature. And blue eyes. All babies have them after all. His son may even keep them. But he wouldn't think about it. He couldn't.

"Severus, won't you at least look at him?" asked Alexander softly, Sofia nudging him forward.

Alexander was carefully balancing the boy on one hand. 'Merlin, one wrong move and he would brake...' Little one could easily fit into one hand. In fact his tiny feet barely reached beyond Alexander's fingertips. He was small but healthy. To be honest it was surprising after so many difficulties Severus went through while carrying him. He was born a month early but with a little care he would grow to be a strong kid, Alex was sure of it. 'With Sofi's cooking who wouldn't.' he mused.

"Take him, Alex. Leave me alone." he said in the best authoritative voice he could manage.

"He is your son, Sev. What do you want to call him?"

He already had this discussion with Severus, but struggled to keep the conversation going. Severus frowned at every name he suggested except one. So he would use it when naming the boy.

"Is Andrei still all right with you? It is a good name for him."

Seeing no reaction from his friend Alexander walked to the floo. Sofia urged him to go and take care of the baby while she tended to Severus.

"Keep in touch, Sev."

Wondering if the boy on his hand would ever know the truth about his family he stepped into the fireplace and disappeared in green flames.

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Alexander was dragged out of his memories by a gentle kiss on his cheek. Sofia woke up and joined him by the window. Wrapping them both in the warm blanket she sat in his lap. No words were exchanged, but they both knew what the other was thinking. They sat in silence, both reflecting on the icy morning that changed their lives forever.