Thanks to all of you who took the time to my story :)
AN-2021-07-17: huge thanks to dstone12 and Miette for reviewing this chapter and correcting my mistakes :)
Severus took the floo to go back home. Abraxas had linked his home to Malfoy's manor private network. It meant Severus' fireplace could only be reached through one of the manor's. His Mentor had added a ward preventing anyone but Severus, Lucius and himself from using his fireplace. Severus was grateful for the quick way of communication and the knowledge he could call for them anytime - even though he promised himself he would not do so and turn into a bother.
Back home, Severus slept. Then, he put on wards on his house. They were nowhere near as complex and strong as those of Malfoy Manor's or Hogwarts', but it should be a deterrent against Muggles and unmotivated Wizards.
His home protected, Severus took care of the pressing matter he knew was now in his mind's hidden trapdoor. Indeed, a box was waiting for him - he was pleased it was the only one.
Severus was not surprised by the box content. Feelings of abandonment, anger and resignation washed over him with the thought of his father's future family – minus him, of course. He was not good enough for his parents. Never had been. Never would be. And yet... Other people cared about him. The picture of his Mentor calmed down the feelings. Thinking of Evan and Jonathan, of their friendship and acceptance of his bad temper made the box disappear in a puff of smoke.
It had been easier than last time. Was it because the box had not had the time to simmer in his mind, or because he had already faced similar feelings?
So many things to learn. Sighing, he added it to his list of to-do things. At first, his list had been immaterial, just a way to memorize future tasks. Since he had begun Occlumency, he now had a real list carved on a wall of his lab. His list was separated into distinct categories: To do quickly, in two months, within a year, 5 years, 10 years, undetermined… When one task was accomplished or no longer needed, it simply disappeared from the wall.
Severus had taken the habit to look at his list every morning before getting up from bed, and every evening before falling asleep. He was also working on making up an alarm system which would alert him he needed to begin one task instead of checking every evening. It would be more practical although he would still need to check on his list from time to time, if only not to forget the tasks which had no timeline yet.
His current list was already quite full:
To do quickly:
Care about the garden, brew potions for sale, congratulate Jonathan for being made prefect, learn more about Goblins, get information on the sponsorships available in multi-fields in England and abroad.
To do within a year:
Study Muggle research and chemistry, repay his Mentor, repay professor Flitwick, repay Lucius, deepen Occlumency study, write to Hagrid, improve knowledge of bond magic, cancel Dumbledore's oath.
To do within 5 years:
Vanquish Lycanthropy, get revenge on the Marauders, study healing magic.
To do within 10 years:
Become potion master grade I.
To do one day:
Get to know his grandparents or not, do the Ritual or not, get revenge on Dumbledore.
Now that the pressing matter of not letting Occlumency ruin his efforts in learning control of his Magic was taken care of, Severus devoted the following days to the tasks in the to-do-quickly category of his list.
He was working in his lab, not brewing for once but checking his stocks, inspecting his cauldrons, in short making sure he would have everything needed the next time he decided to brew, when he heard a chime.
He paused. This ward alerted him when someone rang the doorbell.
The chime resonated again. Severus frowned. Who could this be? He walked slowly to the door. It could be Lily. But the probability of Lily coming to see him was close to zero. Still, it felt like her.
Severus froze when the thought materialized in his mind. Where did it come from? He searched for the origin of this feeling and almost had to satsit down. His Magic was actually testing the person behind the door, the same way it did when Severus was brewing or trying to sense for the Magic of a spell or ... The same way it had for all his NEWTs studies, realized Severus. One's sense for Magic was primordial for advanced study in Magic, the NEWTs had made that obvious. Severus' mind seemed to have received the message loud and clear. But, did it mean it would not work on Muggles if it was a sense for Magic? Could it be dangerous if a Wizard realised what he was doing? Could it be turned against him? So many questions...
Severus shook his head, getting his bearings. First, he needed to see who was behind his door. Walking quickly, he looked through the peephole and stared. What was she doing here?
Taking a deep breath, putting on his best blank mask, he opened the door. She stared at him, as if not believing he was in front of her. Severus sneered. She recoiled, then glared at him before looking away.
"I do not have all day, Petunia."
She flushed.
" I... I need your help."
He stared, mind in turmoil. She needed help. From him. She was here. In a part of the city she despised. She had expressed weakness. It was either the truth or an elaborated prank from the Marauders. But Severus was pretty sure Potter and his lackeys were not Petunia's style.
She was looking at him, trying for a cool façade but eyes shining with both hope and despair. He did not know what kind of help she expected from him but...
"Come in."
She did so hesitantly. He closed the door then led her to the salon. She followed in silence. He knew she was judging him. His home. Severus would not be ashamed. He was conscious the house was in a poor state, but it was clean at least, without bottles laying around on the floor. More than that, it was his. His father had renounced any claim on this house – no doubt his new one was prettier.
They sat in the salon, awkwardly facing each other, their backs straight as a rod in the old unmatched chairs. He did not propose tea. She did not ask for any.
Surprisingly, she looked straight at him when she broke the uncomfortable silence.
"I need a way to protect my family from magic."
She looked like Lily when she had decided now was the time to tackle a problem. Without the red curls and deep green eyes but... their face's expression was the same.
"Lily told us about some problems at school in third year between pro-Muggleborn and pro-Purebloods. She convinced our parents it was nothing to worry about but I... I read some of her newspapers when I could and I was worried. Last year, I read about a Muggle killed by a Wizard for abusing a magical child. I can understand the feeling but... And now with..."
She trailed off, pulling out some papers from her bag and giving them to Severus. He looked them over and barely managed to remain impassive.
Defenders first condemnation!
The Defenders are more active than ever, with no less than 10 interventions in the last 3 months. Last week, one was arrested after assaulting a Muggle thanks to the Muggle's neighbours description, although his partner is still unknown. The justice department was quick to treat this controversial case and the verdict was given today: Guilty of violence against Muggles.
However, the judge was lenient as he considered two attenuating circumstances. First, the violence on Muggle was done in defence of a child. Two, it is this Defender first offence. Thus, punishment is only one month in Azkaban.
It was bound to happen one day. Still, Severus felt sorry for the man. Azkaban was not a place he ever wanted to visit, Evan's description of the place had given him nightmares.
The second article was much more alarming to Severus.
The Defenders, Saviours or Murderers?
Two years have passed since the first actions of the Defenders, a group of people believed to be trying to implement Lord Voldemort's programme for Muggleborns. We applauded at first, when they saved children from unloving families. We were unwilling to believe the worst when reports of torture and murder of Muggles were heard.
Today, we learned of a cruel and barbaric sacrifice which raises even more questions about this group.
Two muggleborn children's bodies were discovered during the night. They were in their room, lying on Dark Arts symbols. The scene reminds us of a time Dark and bloody rituals were permitted. Their parents were dining at their neighbour's house, less than two minutes away. They came back late, went to check on their children and stumbled upon the killer. He was wearing black robes and a mask, strangely resembling the costume the Defenders are now wearing after one of their own was imprisoned thanks to a Muggle description.
The parents attacked the killer who defended himself with magic. The parents knew about magic as their oldest child had just come back from his first year at Hogwarts. No report or evidence of abuse have been uncovered concerning this child. The parents said the killer was sluggish and the father managed to injure him. The noise attracted neighbours who also attacked the killer. But then, other masked Wizards apparated and spirited the killer away.
According to our source among the Defenders, one of them was called for suspicion of satanic sacrifices in the area. As you must know, satanic sacrifices stem from Dark blood rituals which were witnessed by Muggles and adopted by some of them, thinking they could gain the same power it granted Wizards. The Defender did not find the children until it was too late and was injured by the real killer. The parents found him while he was just recovering from the killer attack and took him for the real killer.
We want to give the Defenders the benefice of the doubt for now, because we know they saved several muggleborn children, but it would be easier if the Defender present on the scene of the sacrifice went to the Aurors of his own volition to explain himself and give Aurors the chance to catch the real murderer.
Severus' mouth was dry. The Defender could be innocent. He could also be guilty. He wondered what kind of ritual had been attempted. One that required the life of two children could not be accepted. It was the kind of rituals which had made the Ministry of Magic forbid all Blood Magic and most Dark Art spells and rituals. His Mentor's doubts... Mulciber and McDonald... The Blacks' reputation... If a Defender was responsible... He could already hear Lily's voice singing "I told you so". He needed to talk to Abraxas.
"Will you help?"
Severus startled. He had completely forgotten Petunia in his distress. He almost laughed. If he was distressed, knowing personally some members of the Defenders who were good persons, how could she not be afraid?
For the first time, Severus felt respect for her. She was doing what was needed to protect her family. She was braving her fear and jealousy and pride to ask him for help because she knew he was her best chance.
"I'll need to do some research. Something which will work for a Muggle..."
She nodded.
"Thank you."
They got up and they were back to facing each other awkwardly. Without speaking, he turned, leading her back to the door, then pensively watched her walk away.
Finding a protection working for a Muggle might prove difficult. Except if... He had felt her at the door. Did it mean she had a bit of Magic in her? There were schools for the less magically gifted who could not go to Hogwarts. But did they find students like Hogwarts did? Would they come looking for Muggleborns? Their students usually did not have enough Magic to be dangerous if left uneducated and mainly consisted of Purebloods rejected by Hogwarts so... Another question for Abraxas. It would help if Petunia had even only a drop of Magic.
Days passed quickly. Severus made good use of his floo access to Malfoy manor and his priceless library, doing research for Petunia. He wanted to have something for her before beginning his Apprenticeship, in case it took up all his free time.
For all his time spent there, he never found the right moment to ask Abraxas questions about the Defenders – or never was brave enough to.
One morning, while Severus was harvesting some potion ingredients in his garden, a ministry owl landed in front of him. Severus took the letter with trepidation. It could only be his NEWTs results.
Skipping the formalities, he looked directly at his scores.
Transfiguration
Written O Practical E Overall E
Charms
Written E Practical E Overall E
Defence against the Dark Arts
Written O Practical O Overall O
Herbology
Written E Practical A Overall A
Potions
Written O Practical O Overall O
Care of magical creatures
Written A Practical A Overall A
Runes
Written A Practical E Overall E
Arithmancy
Written A Practical A Overall A
We have the pleasure to inform you your potion score is the highest since NEWTs were created. You will thus receive 500 galleons for exceptional junior academic merit. We dearly hope to see you progress into your studies. Scholarships and academic advice are available for students with your capacities, please contact the Department of Academics for more information.
Relief. Elation. Disappointment. Severus felt almost faint, too many contradictory emotions coursing through his mind. He had passed all his NEWTs, which was not a given even for seventh year students. He was pleased with his results in Transfiguration, Defence against the Dark Arts and Potions – the money was a welcome bonus. Arithmancy was not a surprise, and he really did not wish to pursue the subject in his later career. However, Herbology and Care of magical Creatures were a huge disappointment. Despite knowing he had two years less of learning than in the usual curriculum, Severus had worked so hard... He shuddered to think of the marks he would have earned without his Mentor's resources. Runes was the score he was the proudest of. He had only begun the subject in third year, meaning he had only done half of the usual years of learning. Severus was definitely convinced he wanted to study runes during his Apprenticeship.
Runes reduced his choices considerably. Few masters taught both Runes and Potions, usually focusing entirely on Runes or coupling it with Defence against the Dark Arts only. Magical universities were the only structures permitting students to study many subjects at once and were the obvious choice for Severus. He already had several pre-acceptance letters from Horeword, the most prestigious magical university in the United States, Utokoto the most prestigious in Japan, and Oxfarer, the most prestigious in the United Kingdom. These universities welcomed students from all the world without distinction between level of magical power, only your OWLs and NEWTs results counted. However, Severus was reluctant to return into a school structure. Professor Flitwick had asked him to keep the option open for now, but in his heart, Severus knew university was just not for him.
The day after, Severus took the floo to Malfoy's manor for a celebration dinner. His Mentor had come to his home at once to congratulate him when Severus had told him his results through the floo the day before. He had remained only long enough for a hug before going back to organize the dinner, leaving Severus baffled. He had not thought NEWTs were an accomplishment to celebrate with such pomp.
Severus gracefully exited the floo, shaking his head when he thought some found it difficult not to fall during a floo arrival. If you visualized your exit and looked straight ahead, there was no reason to fall.
"Really Father, how could you? You are the one who came up with the idea, how could you forget it?"
Severus faltered. Raised voices in the manor were not common. Lucius yelling at his father even less so. What was going on?
"We will pursue this conversation later, Lucius. Severus will arrive soon and I want to enjoy his success, not be berated by a young pup who thinks he knows everything."
"I'm an adult even if I am not as old and forgetful as you!"
Severus decided he did not want to hear more and entered the salon.
"Good evening."
Two blond heads turned towards him. Lucius looked sheepish, Abraxas relieved if somewhat nervous.
"Good evening Severus. Please come in, make yourself at home."
"Hi, Severus."
Abraxas called Minky for some champagne and bouchées, then dismissed the house Elf. Lucius looked like he wanted to continue their conversation even with Severus present while his Mentor asked Severus questions about his NEWTs and where he had made mistakes.
After several minutes of his son's sullen silence, Abraxas sighed.
"Alright Lucius. Do tell Severus why you were badgering me when he arrived so we can hope to enjoy our dinner. "
Lucius eagerly turned towards Severus. He got the fleeting impression Lucius was trying to ... win him over his side, as if it would add weight to his argument and convince his father.
"You know all Defenders possess a coin which allows them to call for a meeting, to give the place and date of the meeting, or to call for help. Father forgot his coin the day Lord Voldemort was hurt by Muggles while trying to prevent a satanic sacrifice. Our leader almost died because Father forgot his coin!"
"Lord Voldemort?"
The Lord, as well as many other Heads of House, seldom took part in the "save muggleborn children" missions. Their status and power in the wizarding work were too important to lose. Why this time?
"I know. It was on a Sunday, and Lord Voldemort was not sure his intel was legit because it was vague and did not come from our usual sources. He did not want to bother a team for this so he went alone. And when he called for help, some people had forgotten to keep their coin on themselves!"
Abraxas sighed.
"Lucius. As I told you before, I am not the only member of the group. Lord Voldemort was safely recovered by other members of our group and... "
" What if it had been me? "
Severus had an odd sense of déjà vu.
"I would have been alerted by our family magic," replied Abraxas pointedly.
Lucius huffed.
"Anyway, some of us think it was a trap. Some Muggles think their rituals can capture creatures, demons..." said Lucius rolling his eyes. "We think they tried to capture one of us. We can only guess at why, but it could be to study our magic, to learn more about our group, to-"
"I agree with Lucius on the fact we are missing information to comprehend what happened. But more than that, we have no certainty," interrupted Abraxas.
Severus did not have the time to mull over this disturbing information. Lucius was already moving on to his next complaint.
"Because of Father's forgetfulness, we decided it would be more prudent to have means of communication which would always be with us. Your friend Evan suggested a tattoo, several of the most artistic ones of us worked on a design, Lord Voldemort worked on the spells needed and now, I have a tattoo on my arm much more useful than a coin."
Severus was watching both Lucius and his Mentor, the tension was palpable between the two.
" As I told you before, we lack serious studies on the impact linking together several Wizards can have on their Magic, no matter how benign the spells are," said Lord Malfoy exasperated.
"You checked my tattoo yourself Father. It does nothing more, nothing less, than what it is supposed to, same as your coin."
"But I'm not an expert, and you agreed to this without thinking through your options!" said Abraxas angrily.
"Father, I know you are wary of some of our latest members, but Lord Voldemort has never let us down thus far. Look how fast he condemned Bellatrix torture of those Muggles. He even cast Crucio on her."
"And this is what worries me. I am wondering about the control some of our members have when it comes to the Dark Arts. I do not need to remind both of you the Dark Arts are ancient, powerful but dangerous Magic. Both Bellatrix and Lord Voldemort used Crucio easily, when it is one of the three Unforgivables. I am not even sure they thought about the risks they were taking before using that spell..."
Severus wriggled uncomfortably in his big armchair. Lucius almost looked cowed for a moment. Mother had made sure Severus knew every danger of practising the Dark Arts before letting him open a book to study them. Crucio was labelled, among two other spells, Unforgivable. Severus remembered clearly the page on Unforgivables. It was burned into his mind.
The three Unforgivables: Crucial, Imperio, Avada Kedavra.
The Unforgivables are the darkest known spells, excluding Blood Magic. They require the greatest sacrifice from their victims and their caster.
The Unforgivables are among the Dark Arts spells whose sacrifice can be transferred on an external object or being, depending on the kind of sacrifice expected from the spell. But the transfer does not fool the magic and does not end the spell, as it can only end with the real sacrifice. As the spell wants to end, it pushes the caster to cast the spell again so a sacrifice can be given this time. The more the Wizard casts the spell refusing the real sacrifice, the more he wants to cast the spell again because the Dark has not been paid. The greater the sacrifice not paid, the greater the pressure from the Dark to cast the spell, the more addicted the Wizard becomes to the Dark Arts, sometimes twisting his magic irrevocably.
Please note the Unforgivables must be performed correctly and with cautions to avoid any Darkness addiction as well as magical core sickness. Core sickness can lead to one's wand rejection and, in the worst cases, madness and death.
Crucio was created to get information from Occlumens before the invention of veritaserum. All Wizards possess a mind protection. It is more or less powerful, Natural Master Occlumens being the best protected. While Legilimency can get you through most minds, its accuracy and efficiency depend on the Legilimens experience and power as well as on the protections of the mind he wants information from. Moreover, Legilimency cannot see through mind altering magic like Silencing Oaths or Forgetting Spells. Crucio inflicts pain in key pressure and nerve points of the victim's body. The pain is so intense it breaches the mind protection, allowing access for Legilimens. It can also break mind spells, but the victim might never recover from it. The effectiveness of Crucio depends on the mastery of the caster.
Mother had underlined the fact that when Crucio was used by an expert, he could choose the key point he wanted to put pain into. She had told him about Vladinka, a dark Wizard who managed to use Crucio on chakra body points. Through the chakra, the pain twisted the magic of the body, rending some of his victims Squib-like in the best cases.
The caster's sacrifice is to live through his victim's most physically painful memory while feeling the same pain as the victim. Ironically, it often is the memory of being put under Crucio.
Imperio was created to prevent soldiers from fleeing or rebelling when the time to fight the enemy had come, no matter if the adversary advantage was overwhelming. Imperio allows the caster to take control of the body and magic of a Wizard. It separates the body and magic from the mind of the victim, preventing the mind from giving orders to his body and magic. As with Crucio, the separation between mind and body depends on the caster's experience and power as well as on the victim's resistance. It frequently happens that the separation weakens, allowing the mind to hear the order given to his body and magic by the caster of Imperio. This awareness can allow the victim to break the spell, but it usually requires training and dedication. Being an Occlumens is a definite advantage against this spell but it is not a guarantee of resistance. The more the outside orders are close to the victims' own desires, the less there is a chance that even with a weakness in the separation between body and mind, the mind will realize he is not in control.
The caster's sacrifice is the loss of some of his power during a time proportional to the time he used the spell. It has been noted during studies that the more the victim was made to do acts he was against, the more power was lost during the time of the sacrifice.
Avada Kedavra was created to offer painless death to victims of incurable curses. It was then extended to executions when justice decided punishment was death. The spell kills the victims instantly without any pain.
The caster's sacrifice is to live through every emotionally important event of his victim while feeling the same emotions as the victim.
The chapter on Avada Kedavra was deceptively short. When Severus had asked Mother why, she answered that to know more was a risk he should not choose to take before a long time.
The use of Unforgivables is strictly restricted by the Ministry. To use one without justification and authorisation is punished by imprisonment in Azkaban.
"I agree Bellatrix worries me, especially from some stories Narcissa told me. But Lord Voldemort does not show any sign of addiction or lack of control due to Dark Arts use. Father, I really wish you-"
"Enough Lucius. We have already discussed this too much. You will-"
Severus' Mentor was interrupted by the pop announcing a House Elf.
"Minky is sorry to interrupt Masters but Master has an emergency letter," said Minky, giving Lord Malfoy a roll of parchment.
The Lord read the message quickly then sighed. For a brief instant, worry and something else played on his features.
"Father?"
"Yes. Well... One of the Mentors is having a hard time with his charge, a boy who will begin his fifth year in September. His family is one of the worst. Plans were made for him but it all came down when his little brother received his Hogwarts letter this summer. Apparently, the little one hid his Magic from his whole family because of his parents' reaction to his brother's abilities. Now they are accusing the older one of contaminating his brother. This is a right mess. He called his Mentor this morning who arrived in time to prevent an exorcism on the little one," scoffed Lord Malfoy angrily. "Muggles sometimes... Anyway, now both brothers are with him and he must organize all the papers to prevent the Ministry from taking them back to their family."
Silence fell on the three of them. Severus thanked again their group for setting up the Mentors program.
"I am sorry Severus. We are supposed to be celebrating your achievements tonight. Come boys, let's begin our dinner and talk about merrier subjects."
They stood up as one, Lucius and Severus eager to enjoy the promised feast and forget darker thoughts.
"Severus."
Surprised, he turned to his Mentor. Abraxas held a small box wrapped in a beautiful silver paper.
"Before I forget. Here."
Severus took the box in wonder.
"You must open it alone. It is the tradition when one becomes a man."
Severus was at loss for words.
"Sir..."
"Hush Severus. Come eat now. Let me enjoy my two boys. I am proud of you."
Dinner passed in a blur of delicacies, happiness, and pride. Severus went back to his home early in the morning. Tired as he was, he still opened his gift.
Unwrapping the paper delicately, he let out a square green box with his name engraved in beautiful silver letters. He opened the box to reveal a simple but elegant wrist watch. Severus reverently examined the priceless gift, feeling his eyes prickle when he read the inscription behind the watch:
S, Of our Hearts if not of our Blood, L&A
Two day later, Petunia was back in his home at Severus' request. They sat in the old chairs again, although he had taken the care to provide tea and biscuits from Malfoy's Manor.
"I found a way to protect your Blood Line from most harmful Magic." said Severus, not taking the time for pleasantries. "However, it is classified as Dark Magic by our Ministry and requires a recurrent blood sacrifice."
Petunia paled but nodded grimly.
"This will be your shield." Explained Severus, showing her a round and smooth jade stone dangling from a silver chain. "You must wear it all the time. Do not take it off for more than seven minutes each day or the protection will break until the next sacrifice."
He paused to let his words sink.
"I understand. I can do that." She hesitated. "What is the sacrifice?"
"You must bleed on the stone the three nights of every full Moon. The most efficient way is to nick your finger then put it on the stone a few seconds. You do not need to cover the whole stone with your blood, only the part engraved with runes."
She looked at the stone, searching for the runes which disturbed the smooth surface then nodded, still pale.
"Alright. I can manage. Do you have an almanac with the dates of the full Moon? I do not want to miss a day…"
"Here."
Severus gave her a little notebook, pleased with her forethought.
"It gives the dates of the full Moon several months in advance so you can organise yourself. If will also alert you on the day you must make the sacrifice with a chime only you will be able to hear. The chime will end once you have marked in the notebook that the sacrifice has been paid."
He took his knife, making Petunia stiffen.
"I need to link you to the notebook. Just nick your finger and put it on the rune inside the cover."
She did as he asked without hesitating nor trembling.
"This is a jar of healing balm, for your cut. You should have enough for the entire year."
She stared at him. Severus forced himself not to fidget. What was wrong with her?
She tried the balm on her finger, watching in wonder as the cut healed in seconds.
"Thank you… Severus."
"You're welcome. The shield will protect your bloodline, meaning ancestors, descendants, siblings. It will protect against most spells, but won't stop spells with no harmful intentions. I don't know how much use it will prove against potions. I insist it will only protect you from Magic, not knives or guns or earthquakes…"
He paused, inwardly satisfied when she took out her own notebook to write the information down.
"The protection also depends on your intent. You must take one moment every day to think of protecting your family into the stone. It's as important as the sacrifice for the success of the shield."
Severus had found the spell in the Malfoys' library. He had known he needed a protective spell which did not require him lending power to it. First, his power was too unstable to be reliable, although since his OWLs, it seemed to get better and better. Second, if his Magic was linked to the spell, there was a chance the spell could bled him dry if confronted with something powerful like Avada Kedavra. This and the need for the protection to work for a Muggle had led him to Runes. After much research, he had finally found this very useful spell. It had been banned by the Ministry because it was classified as Dark magic. Plus, legend said it was once turned from its original use by the Head of House of Gaunt to control his entire House. The House barely escaped extinction but a madness remained in the Blood Line.
Severus suspected this protective spell was still used by the Malfoys under one form or another. Indeed, the book had been well worn and had opened on this spell page.
"Thank you, Severus. Really. "
He snorted.
"You realise the spell could do something totally different from what I just told you and you would never notice. It could even harm your family."
She nodded.
"I know. But I trust you."
That shocked him. She had to put some faith in him to ask for his help, but for Petunia to acknowledge it so freely… She had changed. Or he had not known her that much. Only through Lily. And Petunia's envy for powers she could not have. Would she try and request more than this shield from him?
"I know how your father treated you," she laughed derisively. "Lily is blind. She cannot believe in the ugliness of humans. Not so close to home anyway. I know you did something last year to make him leave your home."
He did not know what to feel. How to react. To hear her talk about his home life, even without specifics…
She looked at him right in the eyes.
"You made him leave. But you did not kill him. And you were friends with Lily. I figured you are my best chance."
"You do realize we are not friends anymore," he sneered, willing the conversation to end.
"I do. It hurts not to be her world anymore, doesn't it?" she smiled wistfully. "I lost her to you, to Magic… You lost her to Gryffindor, from what I heard."
Petunia heard and understood too many things. But she offered her knowledge without bragging. Without pleasure for his loss. Unlike when they were younger. They had both grown up it seemed.
"If you need to contact me, you may write by owl or post at this address. It will reach me. If I do not answer and it is an emergency, write at the same address but to Lord Malfoy."
Severus surprised himself at the words, even more when he gave her the address of Malfoy Manor.
"Lord Malfoy?" said Petunia, raising her eyebrow. "You have connections. Thank you."
She paused and looked at him, curiosity in her eyes.
"Why can't I write to you at Hogwarts?"
"I am sure to receive your letter this way," answered Severus without missing a beat. Let her make what she wanted out of that.
There was nothing more to say, and he happily watched her out. He was so glad not to take the bloody Hogwarts express in two days.