Hello again, lovelies. Taking a break from schoolwork to write some more.

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Severus was floating, at ease in an empty world where nothing could get him. Immature as it was, he felt safe in his dream world.

"Severus?"

The voice was everywhere. Close. It was breathing on him, holding him close. Yet, Severus held his eyes tighter, dared not open them.

"Hey, what happened?"

He knew the voice, he knew the name, the face. "Sirius?" he asked. Severus opened his eyes. "You're here."

And he was. Together they floated through oblivion. Dream Sirius looked at him with sad eyes, asking.

"They know." Severus whispered, "they know."

"He's alive, though."

Severus woke up, but he couldn't move. His vision was hazy, he could see someone standing over him.

"Go get the others, they're all upstairs."

Sirius?

He mumbled something under his breath, and Severus could feel his wounds fizzle, an odd sensation that wasn't unwelcome. Nonetheless, he groaned, and slowly moved his hand to his side.

"Severus?" Sirius asked.

Severus looked up at him, his vision clearing, his mouth dry and unable to form words. His lips formed into a rare smile. Sirius returned it immediately, leaning down to hug him with a force that both hurt and was comforting. It felt right.

He breathed in Sirius' scent, an earthy musk that kind of became him. He moved his hand to brush his fingers through Sirius' hair, twirling a curl around his index finger.

Sirius moved away after a long moment, just staring into Severus' eyes. "Are you all right?" he asked.

"I-" The Slytherin cleared his throat, trying to get the rasp out of his voice. "I'm fine. I put some salve on the bruises when I got- How did I get here?"

"Your mother brought you." Sirius whispered, "Who did this to you?"

Severus was quiet, he was concerned for everyone's safety, but a secret like this? What would they think if they found out the truth about him?

"Nobody," he said finally.

"That's not true."

"Yes, it is."

"No it isn't Severus, if you don't tell me who did this to you right now, I'll... I'll..."

"You'll what, kiss me again?" Severus asked, his voice raised, upon realising what he said his face reddened.

"What?"

Both of the young men turned towards the kitchen, where James and Lily stood, staring at them. Lily had a hand covering her mouth while James just gave them his most dumbfounded look.

"What?" James repeated.

"Um, hey you two," Sirius said. "I was just trying to..."

"You told me you liked Sourgrapes, like, five hours ago, and now you're going steady or something?"

"No, that's not quite it."

Severus looked up at Sirius, "you like me?"

"Not that we're not fine with it." Lily smiled awkwardly, "it's nice to see you're getting along."

"That's not the issue here," Sirius said. "Severus is hurt!" He motioned to the invalid on the couch.

Severus gave a small wave. It was really quite loud in this house, he wasn't sure how he felt about it. Soon, his mother and Lily's parents shuffled in one after the other. Olive held a muggle first aid kit in one hand, and a phone in the other.

"Should I call an ambulance?" Mrs. Evans asked.

"No, no, mum it's fine." Lily said, almost laughing now, "Sirius is doing a fine job of taking care of Sev."

"Thank goodness," his mother said, collapsing onto an overstuffed chair opposite Severus.

"I haven't actually checked yet," Sirius explained.

Severus made himself sit up, despite the throbbing pain. He touched Sirius' arm gently, "I'm fine, really." Sirius looked back at him, smiling like they were the only ones in the room. He took Severus' hand with his.

"You just need to rest?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah," he answered. "Sorry to cause all this trouble."

"It's fine dear, " Olive said. "You're no trouble at all."

"Would you like to stay here for the night?" Mr. Evans offered.

Quickly glancing up at Sirius, Severus whispered, "Yes, please."

"What about you, Eileen? You two could share Petunia's room."

"Oh, no thank you." His mother said, Severus could tell she was dreadfully tired, "I should get back. Tobias will be worry."

Mrs. Evans sighed, "all right, I'll show you out dear." She helped his mother up to her feet and slowly everyone started filing out of the living room.

"Should I take you up to Tooney's room, then?" Sirius asked once the adults were gone.

"I'm not sure, I'm kind of scared to see what it looks like."

"Get a room," James muttered, yawning, her wrapped an arm around Lily's waist and rested his head against the top of her head.

Lily yawned too, she gazed sleepily at the two young men, calculating. "Good night."

They trudged down the hall, their sock feet creaking the floorboards. Soon they were nowhere to be heard. Severus could hear him mum saying goodbye to Lily's folks, then the door closed. Mr and Mrs Evans made their way up the stairs, and then it was just the two of them.

"Are you sure you're fine?" Sirius asked, holding Severus' hand tighter, like he never wanted to let go.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Sure you want to sleep on the couch?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

Are you sure you don't want to tell me how this happened?"

"Not tonight," Severus whispered, he lay back down and his hand slipped from Sirius' grip. He pulled the fleece multi-coloured throw over his body and exhaled a calming breath.

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There was a lot of taking in this chapter... I'm tired now, g'night.