AN: Thanks to all of you who took the time to favourite/review my story :)
Chapter betaed by Laurkan, you are wonderful !
AN2: I want to thank again all of you who reviewed my story, either once or multiple times (some of you amaze me !). Reviews are the only way I have to know if my story is coming across as I imagined it.
AN-2021/01/26: Thanks to dpstone12 for correcting the mistakes left by Miette and myself :)

Time passed slowly in the blank room. Cell might be more appropriate. Severus did not really care.
Time and time again, he tried to escape. After his first bout of despair, he regained enough control of himself to think. He was a Slytherin. He should be able to formulate a working plan to get out and join Lucius, especially since he was in possession of his wand.
First, Severus tried to use runes. He carefully constructed several runes combinations, one meant to open doors, another to be able to cross through walls, one last to make apparition possible from the room. He hit a first block when the time came to write the Runes. He had no paper to write on. The walls remained desperately smooth when he tried to engraved them with Runes. He even tried to use his own blood but never managed to cut himself, the knife never breaking his skin. As a last resort, he tried to use the food which appeared at random in his cell – unless it was three times a day? He really had no way to tell the time here, Tempus was not working. When transfiguration did not work on the food, Severus tried to use the ingredients themselves. Drawing runes with food was hard, imprecise. Severus never managed to activate them.
Refusing to yield and give into despair, Severus tried to use combinations of spells; with the same aim as the Runes before. When they did not work, he tried to invent one which would work. He did not know how long he tried before finally admitting the truth to himself. The room was cut off from Magic. He could not feel it flow around and through him. The only Magic he felt was inside him. He felt it pulse weakly in seven points of his body – his Khorlos supplied his mind – but it did not course through him like it should. The Goblins were no fools.

But all was not lost yet. If Severus could not leave on his own power, he might find a way to make them let him go. He knew he had nothing to offer that would matter to them. He had no influence nor wealth in the wizarding world. But they might have to let him out if he was sick. Or not eating. Severus was not really hungry these days anyway.

On the second day of his enforced diet, a letter and a round polished green stone were on his tray in addition to his usual food. Severus reached for the letter. It was from Wirkrund, short and to the point.

Daoack,

The stone contains a message from late Lord Abraxas Malfoy. You will be able to see it once you eat your whole meal.

Wirkrund.

What was the old Goblin playing at? Bluffing to get Severus to eat? He scoffed to himself. As if that would work. Except… Would Abraxas have a testament? His Mentor was… had been far-sighted. He could have prepared a message for Severus if he had thought his life was threatened… But who would Abraxas fear?

Curiosity and hope won out after a few minutes of indecision. Severus quickly ate the meal, then took the stone in his hand. Sitting down on the bed, he observed it. One rune combination was engraved on one facet of the otherwise smooth stone. Severus gently pushed his Magic into the stone. It slowly lit up until it created a luminous screen. Severus held his breath as Abraxas' face appeared gradually. He felt his eyes moisten as his Mentor smiled at him tenderly.

"My dear Severus, son of my heart."

Severus felt his throat tighten. Abraxas...

"I am registering this message for you today, as I did one for Lucius, because I always expect the worst. At least, I am prepared and if nothing happens, nobody will ever know I had taken such precautions."

Severus felt even colder than when he had learnt of Abraxas' death. His Mentor had known he could die any moment.

"If you are watching this recording today, then I died far sooner than I ever wished to and I apologize for the grief I am causing Lucius and you. One cannot anticipate everything, as much as we try. There is so much I wish to tell you. So much to teach you. So much to share with you. Even if I live a long life, there will never be enough time."

Severus felt one lone tear roll down his face. It hurt.

"In this message, I am trying to tell you the essentials. What I think you should know if I died today. An unpleasant thought really, but our world is changing, and change is never painless," said Abraxas, smiling wishfully.

"First, I know you wondered why your grandfather did not choose you as his Mentoree. Why he did not have any contact with you during your Hogwarts years."

Really? His Mentor was going to waste his last words to Severus by talking about Lord Prince? The one who was preventing Severus from supporting Lucius?

"Augustus told me he had explained himself in a letter to you when you began your Apprenticeship. He was so proud of you for following your family tradition without even knowing it."

Abraxas was looking at Severus earnestly, he could almost believe his Mentor was alive in front of him, except for the stone weight in his hand.

"Augustus has been my best friend for a long time despite being twenty years older than myself. You may think I am biased and blind to his faults. I admit he dislikes suffering immensely so when your mother rejected her family and dishonoured them, he was quite miffed. I was too, and I can tell you I would not have been as lenient as he. I would have brought your mother back to face her responsibilities in her betrothal cancellation. Augustus spent so much time hiding any trace of her so no one would know where she was or that she had married a Muggle."

Abraxas sighed.

"You see Severus, another reason I do not care for Wizards marrying Muggles is that Muggles are so easy to kill compared to us. So weak without Magic protecting them. Most of them are unable to defend themselves against us."

If only he had known.

"Your grandfather did not want someone to hurt his daughter's family to get to him. He wanted to protect all of you. And when he showed me the memory of your parents and you on the day you were born... He was resigned but content. He also swore he would not be the one to make the first move to mend their relationship. He is a prideful man," nodded Abraxas thoughtfully.

Severus really did not care.

"I did not know you were his grandson when Lucius first told me about you. Augustus only told me when I started evoking your name as a Slytherin I would like to mentor. We agreed only one of us could be allowed to mentor you, especially when your intelligence shone above your peers, and quickly discouraged the other candidates. We spent several nights thinking about what would be the best for you. In the end, we agreed your family history could prevent you from establishing a true Mentor-Mentoree relationship with your grandfather. I am selfishly glad I got to be your Mentor, even if it included an Oath to your grandfather," said his Mentor with an embarrassed smile.

An Oath to his grandfather? Because his grandfather had already sworn him in the House?

"I have one regret though. I should have pushed you more on your home life. I did not dare at first because I knew I needed to build trust between us. I did not tell Augustus of my suspicions because I did not trust his reaction. I was afraid he would kill your father or worse. I was afraid he would destroy any chance of reconciliation with his daughter. I was worried when you declined my invitation for the summer holidays until I heard of your father's departure. I thought the situation would resolve itself then. I am sorry I did not foresee your mother's... death."

It was so unfair. Both Mother and Abraxas were dead while his father was living happily with his muggle family!

"Augustus was enraged. The only reason he did not kill your father then was his new girlfriend's pregnancy as well as the fact that your father sincerely seemed determined to take care of both the baby and her."

His father's shortcomings did not hurt anymore. Not now that Abraxas was dead.

"As you must know, the House of Prince is one of the few allied with Goblins. Your grandfather was so proud when I told him of the silver token you had been given. He knew what it meant. From that moment, he was persuaded you would become a goblin Apprentice, and he was right. He is so proud of you," said Abraxas, smiling fondly.

"He warned me that the Goblins would not accept the emancipation. Per chance, as your Mentor and because of your mother's agreement, I was your official guardian. We prepared for your contract. I must say your Trials were nerve wracking. I had asked for Augustus' presence of course. I have never been so glad for his knowledge of Goblins. We were proud when we managed to include a clause for your presence on Lucius wedding day. We were even prouder but humbled when you wrangled a House Elf help from them," said Abraxas sheepishly.

"I know you are thinking I am rambling, and that this really is not what you would deem essential knowledge," said Abraxas, suddenly serious.

"If you are watching me, I am dead and you are not eighteen yet. Augustus may have had to antagonize you. Please Severus. It breaks my heart to see the both of you estranged. You are so alike sometimes..." trailed off Abraxas, shaking his head sadly.

Severus watched as his Mentor seemed to lose himself in his thoughts, forgetting he was recording a message – it was only a message thought Severus painfully. A lengthy message about his grandfather. He did not want to think about the old man now.
After a few minutes, his Mentor looked up with a smile.

"I hope you are still listening and that I did not bore you. But you always listened unlike Lucius," chuckled Abraxas, eyes shining. "I will end on the most important fact and truth. I love you like the second son I never had. You are as much family as Lucius is to me. You are his brother and you are my son. Severus. I love you."

The scene froze on Abraxas' smile. Severus stared at him, tears falling down his face even as he cherished his Mentor's words.
He laid down on the bed, carefully holding the stone in front of his eyes. Then, he willed the message to play again. And again. Severus fell asleep to the voice of his Mentor, restful for the first time since Abraxas' death.

The next day, Severus woke up late. He found letters on his plate next to his lunch which would only open if he ate. He took his time to eat before curling on his bed with the stack of missives.

Dear Severus,

We do not know each other well yet, but I wish to offer you my deepest condolences for the loss of your Mentor. I know he was dear to you and I cannot imagine the grief his death is causing you.
If I can do anything, no matter how insignificant, to help you through this ordeal, please let me know.

Yours faithfully

Regulus

There was nothing Regulus could do for him unless he had the power to go back several days in time and save Abraxas. But the sentiment was comforting.

Dear Grandson.

He almost tore apart the letter. Only the memory of Abraxas' words stayed his hand.

I will be brief as I have no doubt you would rather face an enraged hippogriff teamed up with a dragon than hear from me.
I told all those who care for you that your Master and I have convinced you not to end your Apprenticeship in a rash decision, and to at least wait for your eighteenth birthday. I conveyed your deepest apologies to Lucius.

Lord Prince

At least, he had come up with an explanation that did not entirely lay the blame on Severus.

Dear Severus,

I wish to offer you my condolences once more. Lord Malfoy's death is a great shock to me and now only an empty gap remains where he once stood among us. I cannot imagine what you are going through, especially when his death was planned and achieved by Muggles.
I promise you we will avenge him. The Muggles will rue the day they dared lay their hands on him.
I am glad to learn you have finally decided to remain apprenticed to your current Master. It is a bit selfish on my part as I am very curious of what you will learn, but I honestly think Abraxas also would not have wanted you to give up your learning.

I wish you well Severus, know that the Defenders mourn with you. Know that I mourn with you the loss of a great Wizard.

Lord Voldemort

Of course, the Lord had to think about the future of the movement. Unlike Narcissa, he admitted he was selfish in his desire for Severus to remain apprenticed.

Dear Mister Snape,

I wish to offer you my most sincere condolences for your loss. Your Mentor and I corresponded after your emancipation. Our exchanges were stimulating and I am deeply grieved that such a great man died this way. I assure you I do not believe the Daily Prophet accusations that Lord Malfoy was trying to hurt the muggleborn boys. I know he was invested in protecting them.

What? Severus had not even thought about how Abraxas' death could be twisted and tarnished by the Defenders opponents. He felt sick.

I must warn you people are expecting revenge on your Mentor murderers. The Aurors are waiting to catch the Defenders red-handed. I would not blame them as revenge is never the right path. Only justice is.

So easy to say from afar, when you were not the one affected by the crime...

I am aware of your current living conditions. I am sorry to say I am relieved the circumstances have taken options out of your control. I hope you will soon realize your Masters and guardian only have your best interest in mind.

Flitwick was dropping down in his esteem.

I wish you to endure through this dark time as the sun always shines outside the cave.

Professor Flitwick

Severus was unsure if he wanted to keep on reading if all these people only wanted to tell him what they thought was the best for him without asking his opinion. Still, he opened the next letter. He had never been as popular as today. What a joke.

Dear Severus

I offer you my sincere condolences for Lord Malfoy death. James told me he saw you at his funeral and that you were devastated. I had not realised you were so close to Lord Malfoy and I am sincerely sorry for what happened to him.
I hope you will not hold the behaviour of those few animals against the whole muggle world. Do not worry, even I know that the Daily Prophet rumours are wrong.

With all my love,

Lily.

That was… nice. Except she had not known how precious Abraxas was to him. He had never told her about the Mentorship. About what Abraxas did for him. He had only told her about the Defenders. She had already been distant then. Untrustworthy.

Dear Mister Snape,

I wish to offer you my deepest condolences for the death of your Mentor. Professor Flitwick explained to me this morning the role Lord Malfoy had taken up in your life and how much you grieve for him.
Mourning takes time, and death under such circumstances is always hard to accept. I hope you are surrounded with people who care for you today. I have no doubt you will pull through once time has eased but not erased your pain.

Sincerely,

Professor McGonnagall

It was comforting, among all those notes offering advice, to only receive words of support and compassion.

Dear Mister Snape,

I offer you my sincere condolences for the terrible loss of Lord Malfoy. To lose such an eminent Slytherin greatly wounds our House and I grieve the loss of his guidance and support.

Rather the loss of his social network.

Such troubled times require caution and patience. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can help you in any way.

Best regards,

Professor Slughorn

The man had no decency. He was trying to replace Abraxas. Severus threw the letter on the ground and took another one.

Dear Severus Snape,

I am unsure how to address you, even less certain you wish to hear from me. However, I feel I owe it to you. It is my fault your Mentor died.

Severus' hands were trembling. He did not want to read this letter. But he needed to.

I know how precious Mentors are, as my own did his best to help me and save me from my family as well as from myself. You see, I did not believe I needed help at first. I only accepted the Mentorship to learn more about the wizarding world.
My Mentor had to help me time and time again until I believed my family had no right to mistreat me for what I could do. For being a Wizard. I was ready to disappear from the muggle world and assume a new wizard identity when I discovered my little brother was a Wizard, like me.
I never believed my parents would hurt him. He was their favourite. I only needed one more year before we could leave together, away from them. I did not understand how much they feared and hated us. Only your Mentor's murder made me understand. He gave his life to save my brother and I, no matter if we were not his responsibility.
I know there are no words I can offer to lessen your grief nor my guilt in this terrible drama. I only ask you to not blame my brother.
I swear to try and live in a way that will honour Lord Malfoy's sacrifice.

Regards

Jules Cornby

Severus was breathing heavily. The f… Mentoree had written him a letter of apology. That guy had no idea how much Severus loathed him for all he had stolen from him. Enraged, Severus crumpled the letter in a ball and threw it to the wall. He closed his eyes, calling on his Occlumency to calm himself down. He looked on the bed. No unopened mail remained.
There was no letter from Lucius. Not even to express his disappointment at Severus. He felt tears coming to his eyes once more and forced them down, behind Occlumency walls. Numbness was better. Unconsciously, he hugged himself, rocking back and forth on the bed. Back and forth. Again and again. He focused on the motion, using it to blank his mind.

Twice, food appeared then disappeared, untouched. He barely noticed. Until the door opened.
He stopped moving as Kiveä, Drunek's elder son, approached him hesitantly.

"Daoack? Are you alright?"

He laughed darkly. Of course he was not.

"We heard your wizard Hüter died. We wanted to be with you but Father said we could not. I insisted until he brought me," explained the goblin boy quietly. "I saw you in the watching stone. You were… scary..." he whispered, watching Severus with big brimming eyes. "But old Luja explained everything," he said perking up.

Really?

"He said you were alone and sad because your Hüter had left you. He said he was like that before Gefährte — his familiar. He said the Ritual gives you what you need to fill the void."

The void? What an apt description of what Severus was feeling. To fill the void. With the Ritual. With a Familiar. A Familiar who would support him, who would believe in him, which would not tell him what to do. Someone who would help him get out from here.

"What do I do?"

Kiveä jumped, smiling with excitation.

"There's a special room with all the materials," he explained. "But we must be careful. I do not really have the authorisation to be here," he added sheepishly.

Severus nodded. The boy could not have reached him without the adults knowing. Surely another ploy to have Severus play nice. They had not known the boy had a plan. Best act quickly.

"I'm following."

They ran out, Kiveä showing the way. The cell was deep underground, but he led Severus through darkened tunnels for several minutes before stopping in front of an archway engraved with Runes. Beyond the archway was a large room with walls also covered in runes.

The boy looked at Severus seriously.

"You must enter alone. First you chose your supports. Then you write the Runes you've chosen on the supports. Then you place them in a circle and you sit in the middle. Then you activate the Runes and begin the Ritual. I will remain at the entrance because nobody must disturb you," said Kiveä, clearly reciting the instructions by heart.

The boy made it seem so easy, trusting the Ritual would solve everything.

"Thank you Kiveä," croaked Severus.

The boy smiled at him brightly before pushing him gently into the room.

Severus walked slowly. Four cases full of each kind of support were against the left wall. He closed his eyes, opening himself to Sense Magic and followed its pull. He opened his eyes when he touched the case. Metals. For protection. Why not.
He rummaged through the case, putting on the side some pieces of Metal which called to him. In the end, he had one piece of silver, two pieces of airain or bronze, one piece of lead and one glob of liquid mercury. Symbols of Self, Justice, Loneliness and Communication. Wonderful.
Severus walked slowly to the centre of the room and sat down. He called to his mind the Runes combinations he had learned, dismissing those which did not feel right. Then, he used his wand to engrave them on the different supports. Finally, he put the various pieces of metal around him.
Breathing deeply, he visualised the words of the Ritual in his mind before speaking the incantation.

Severus closed his eyes as he pronounced the last words of the Ritual and felt Magic surge through his body. He felt himself go up and instinctively looked down. His body was sitting inside the circle delimited by the runic supports, wand in his lap and a peaceful expression on his face. He inspected his current form and quickly realised that while still looking like himself, this new form was a bit more see-through than his real body.
He remained floating here, taking the time to analyse what he was feeling in this form, checking the Magic from the supports was flowing smoothly. When nothing seemed amiss, he wondered what he was supposed to do now. The texts were vague, except for a "you will know what to do", which was so very helpful. Well. His familiar was supposed to be a Thestral because of his wand core. He should begin by looking for some.
Severus focused on picturing one of the beautiful beasts in his mind. Black skeletal body with a reptilian face, white eyes and large leathery wings. He focused on how they had felt when he had petted them in fifth year, how comforting they had been.
He felt his incorporeal form move, as if pulled by some invisible cord. He opened his eyes, keeping the Thestral picture firmly in his mind.

There. A herd was peacefully resting under lofty trees. Severus brought himself closer to them. There were ten of them, seven full grown ones, two growing ones and one foal. Contrary to horses or even unicorns, the littlest one was the size of a cat. Severus marvelled at how much it would grow. He guessed it was the same with dragons, or any magical creature – but unicorns were magical so... So much to learn...

The little ones were playing hide and seek behind the grown-up legs. They were a beautiful family and Severus felt his heart bleed. He would never take his familiar from loved ones.

As the thought crossed his mind, he was pulled to another place. This time, he was drawn to one lonely full-fledged stallion. He approached the magnificent creature carefully as it watched his progress with interest. Severus hesitated before holding his hand in front of the Thestral's nose. It snorted then nuzzled the end, tickling Severus gently. He laughed quietly in surprise and patted his head gently.
The stallion allowed him for a few minutes before gently using his head to push him back. Severus felt his stomach drop in disappointment but nodded. As amazing as it was, it was not his familiar.

Three more times, Severus met Thestrals who welcomed him but he did not feel the connection he was waiting for – even though he had no idea what it would feel like.
Severus did not know how long he had been searching for his familiar. He had thought it would be easier. That his wand would call to his familiar like a siren song.

Once more, he was pulled to another Thestral herd. It was the biggest he had seen yet, easily fifteen adults and thirty foals. He was drawn to one of the mothers who was nursing her three foals. He watched, fascinated, as the foals ate from one teat then moved to another, each of them exchanging their source of feeding without fuss or logical choice he could see. Their mother alternated between watching them and Severus, seemingly content to have a spectator.
And then his heart broke. He had been so focused by the ballet of the foals he had almost missed the littlest one. It was more the size of a kitten than a cat. He desperately tried to reach one teat, but always another foal would steal the one he was trying for. Severus was perplexed because nothing in his studies had indicated that Thestrals had runts. More surprising was the fact the foals did not show any animosity toward the runt. It was as if it did not exist. Even the mother did not look at it.
Finally, he stopped trying and put himself on the side, lumping dejectedly. It waited until the other foals had eaten their fill and went away to play together before getting up. This time, when he touched his mother, she whinnied. It was a sad sound. Severus watched curiously as she awkwardly pushed her little one to her udder, helping him reach one teat. It sucked at it hungrily but all too soon, no more milk came from it. Whining, he changed teat. Once more, it dried all too soon. Severus felt his heart crushed, watching the small foal eat what remained in each teat, which did not seem nearly enough to sustain it. No wonder it was so small.
As he let go of the last teat, the runt fell backward. It did not seem to hurt itself, but as soon as it lost contact with its mother, she seemed to forget about it. It watched her go sadly but resigned. As it turned, it noticed Severus watching it. It waited, as if to be sure Severus was really noticing it, then slowly walked toward him. It stopped barely two feet away from him.
Severus did not understand what was wrong with the small Thestral. Apart from its small stature, it looked perfectly healthy. Frowning, Severus opened himself to feel the flow of magic. At once, he understood. Anahata, its heart Khorlo, barely let a trickle of magic through it. It was the Khorlo of links and relationships. With it almost closed, the foal could not join with its family. They were magical creatures, they sensed each other through magic more than they did with their other senses.

He had to help it. There had to be a way to open its Khorlo. To let him be part of its family.

Severus sighed. He still knew so little about Khorlos, and he was certain even at the end of his apprenticeship, he would not know much more. Khorlos were a life study. Focus points. How Wizards could ignore something so vital?
Severus froze. Maybe… He looked at his wand, thinking furiously. His wand was Severus' Bridge. If Severus gave the foal his wand, maybe it would help it.

Slowly, Severus extended his wand toward the foal. It watched him with interest but made no move toward the wand. Helpless, Severus tried to focus magic through his wand to show the runt what it could do.
It came closer, almost nuzzling the wand. Nothing happened. As if it would be that easy.
Gently, Severus focused his magic through his wand then tried to make it flow through the foal's blocked Khorlo. It reared back in surprise at once, looking at Severus with a reproachful air. Severus waited for it to calm down. It quieted then came closer again, this time close enough to touch Severus' hand.
Once more, Severus focused magic through his wand then directed it to the foal's Khorlo, willing his magic and wand to help. He felt time stop as his wand emitted a blinding light before disappearing.
Blinking, he saw the foal snort then sprint toward his family.

The change was startling. He was surrounded by his mother and siblings at once, all giving it head nudges and jumping lightly around him, as if welcoming him. Their dance was beautiful, and Severus felt his heart swell. It would have a family. A parent. Unlike Severus. Abraxas was still gone.
Turning from the joyous scene, he sat down heavily, trying to push away his dark thoughts and focus on one pressing matter. What was he supposed to do without his wand now? He did not regret helping the runt. But how would he find his familiar now? Had he failed the Ritual, condemned to wander here until his body perished? Or should he try to come back to his body? He did not relish discovering the shock he would feel when he did not have his Bridge any more.

Suddenly, Severus jumped in surprise. Something cold had just touched his hand. Looking down, he saw the runt sniffing his fingers.

"What are you doing here? Why are you not with your family now?" asked Severus.

He was aware he was talking to a Thestral. It was known magical creatures were much more intelligent than animals, but he did not think they could understand complex speeches at this early age. But from the moment he had begun his journey, he had felt like he could read every expression of the Thestrals. He might as well proceed as if they understood him too.

The foal walked to place itself in front of Severus and raised its head. Severus felt his breath leave him.
The telling white colour of Thestrals eyes had been replaced by the deep brown of his own eyes. Black plumes still covered its body, but its muzzle and legs showed hues reminiscent of an ash tree as well as the distinctive pattern of wood furrows.

"You don't have to," whispered Severus. "You have your family. They can feel you now."

The runt only nuzzled Severus' hand.
He should have taken more time to figure out the foal's problem. He could have found a solution without taking him away from his family.
Suddenly, Severus felt wetness on his face. What?
That was disgusting. The foal had licked his face. Almost in reproach if he judged by its expression.

"Are you really choosing to come with me?" asked Severus, disbelief bleeding through his voice.

The little creature whickered then walked into his lap, making itself home against Severus.

"You don't have to, you know," said Severus quietly, gently petting the little one.

The foal purred, clearly enjoying the attention. Soon he was fast asleep, warm and soothing bundle of softness against Severus. He let himself enjoy the sensation, and did not notice when he peacefully drifted to sleep.
When Severus woke up, the foal was playing with its kin. He viciously crushed the pang of disappointment that pierced through his heart. Back to the beginning. Should he keep searching for his Familiar or try to reach back to his body?
Severus did not relish the thought of going back to the Goblins, especially without his wand. He did not even want to think how the loss of his wand would impact him. It had been worth it.
He almost jumped as he felt something wet on his hand. The foal was back, sniffing and licking Severus' fingers.

"Hello little one," he said warmly.

The little Thestral whinnied happily in answer. Then he took Severus hand into his mouth gently and tried to pull him towards its mother. Severus got up and followed him, puzzled. When they arrived in front of the mother, she whickered happily then licked Severus face with enthusiasm.
It was totally disgusting but Severus bore with it patiently. She was taking care of him like he was one of hers. She made him sit and immediately, the foal and all its brothers – and sisters? – were climbing on Severus, both trying to cuddle and play with him. It was a joyous mess, their plumes sometimes tickling Severus or making him sneeze. When they were all tired, they nestled together close to the mother. As he fell asleep, Severus thought he would remain a bit more to enjoy the simple feeling of being cared for without any expectations. It would also give the little one the time to realize he did not want to abandon his family for Severus, as grateful as it was.

Time was meaningless. Severus enjoyed himself, watching the foals eat then playing or cuddling with them. The little one now completely blended with the rest of the foals, except for its height. He knew he should move on to his quest or regain his body. He tried once but the little one immediately left his family to accompany him, no matter that Severus reassured him he would be fine without it.

He was lounging among the foals when the little one climbed his body to reach his torso and levered himself to look Severus in the eyes. It whinnied sadly and bumped his head into Severus' chest.

"What's wrong, little one?" asked Severus, reaching to take the foal in his arms.

He recoiled as it bit his hand and screeched loudly. Severus frowned as once more the foal bumped its head into his torso.

"I don't understand what you want!" said Severus annoyed.

Suddenly, he felt a surge of Magic move toward him. He raised his Sensing Shield instinctively and winced as the foal taped his little hooves on his torso. Once more, Severus felt a surge of Magic directed to him. This time, he did not raise his shield. As the surge reached him, he got a sensation of emergency and dread for himself.
Severus straightened up and took the foal with his hands, raising him so they looked eye to eye.

"Why are you worried for me?" he asked it, gently.

This time, the sensation was unclear, but he felt like... fading. Severus raised one hand to his eye. The foal was right. His hand was more transparent than when he had begun the Ritual. He had to go back to his body quickly.

"Right, I get it," reassured Severus, petting the foal lightly. "I am going back to my body".

He still took the time to say goodbye to the foals and the mother, getting numerous licks and head bumps. The little foal whinnied and screeched when Severus kept pushing him back to its mother each time it tried to follow Severus but finally settled to watch him sadly walk away.

He settled himself far away from the Thestrals where he could not hear them. Seating himself cross-legged comfortably, Severus tried to Sense his body. Several minutes seemed to pass before he saw a bright cord which originated from his current form and ended too far away from his eyes to see. It should be easy enough. Follow the bright link. He took a deep breath, focused on the link, pictured himself sliding through the link and pushed.

Severus had the vague feeling of a weight on his shoulder but did not have the time to wonder about it as sliding through the link required a lot more focus than he had first though. He was getting faster and faster, everything was a blur around him as the feeling he needed to go back to his body was more and more urgent.

Finally, Severus saw his body. The link appeared to end inside it. He was sliding too fast to enter his body gently and felt panic rise as he did not know if he would not simply slide through his body. As Severus reached the end of the link, the world went black.