AN: Thank you to all of you who favourited/reviewed my story !
I am posting chapters 14 and 15 at once (you can thank my fabulous Beta Laurkan for her hard-work :) ), so chances of another update before next year are slim. After some remarks in reviews and talking with my Beta, I am going to put the Interlude II after chapter 15 instead of after chapter 13, I think the story works better this way.
AN-2021/01/26: Thanks to dpstone12 for correcting the mistakes left by Miette and myself :)

Severus did not want to wake up. He was warm and comfortable. He tried to ignore the feeling he needed to open his eyes but the nagging urging to wake up only increased.
Sighing to himself, he pried his eyes open. Or tried to. His eyelids were as heavy as stone. Frowning, Severus willed himself to open his eyes. He struggled but finally, his eyes were open – slitted really, but he was seeing things. Blurred things.

Severus blinked slowly to clear up his vision. He was in his room, at Frekka and Drunek's. It was tidier than it had even been since his arrival, no book nor parchment littered his desk. He startled as something poked his left cheek. Turning his head, he looked into the dark brown eyes of a tiny Thestral.
Memories rushed back to him. The Ritual. Abraxas. The Goblins' refusal to let him go. But why did he feel so weak?

Severus smiled in wonder when the foal, displeased at being ignored, set itself on his chest, nuzzling Severus chin and jaw. He forced his arm to move and pull the cover over the little creature, worrying it would get cold. The gesture earned him a contented purr as well as a slight head rubbing against his chest before the foal contentedly returned to its nuzzling. He could not believe he had done it. He had passed the Ritual and found his Familiar.

The warm presence of the tiny Thestral was soothing and would have lulled Severus back to sleep if someone had not entered the room. Severus turned his head slowly. Frekka was carrying a tray with potion vials and a steaming bowl. Her usually vibrant dark green skin was grey. Her hair was put up in a limp bun instead of their usual buoyant curls. She looked old.

Frekka froze in shock as their gaze met. Time slowed down before she set her tray on Severus' desk, never taking her eyes off him. She approached slowly, as you would a feral creature. Carefully, she put her hand on Severus' head, lightly stroking his hair.

"You're awake," she whispered, her eyes roaming his face in wonder. "By Bláinn and Týr, you are awake."

Severus enjoyed her attention even if he wondered why she was so relieved. She finally shook herself out of shocked surprise, suddenly remembering to bring him the potion vials. Severus easily recognised the nutritive potion as well as the core replenishing one. He looked at Frekka askance and flinched. Her face was dark with anger.

"Do you have any idea how close you came to dying?" she growled, clearly not expecting any answer as she went on. "Three days. Your Ritual took three days. Most do not survive when it lasts more than two. We watched powerless as the Ritual depleted your core. We watched as your body shook because you lacked water and nourishment. We did not dare give you anything, not even potions, because the surest way to kill someone is to interrupt that karkling Ritual!" she shouted, pacing angrily.

"You," she hissed, pointing a menacing clawed finger at him. "What were you thinking? You had not even taken one test potion. You had no guarantee you were ready."

When you put it like that… It had been a foolish idea.

You could have died," she said, deflated. "You almost did. You were in a coma for one week."

That… had been close. He shivered. What would have happened if the foal… his Familiar… had not warned him? Instinctively, Severus petted the little one's head, earning a contented purr and a small lick of his finger.

"Daoack."

He looked back to Frekka. Hurt and anger warred in her eyes.

"We need to talk. When you feel better. About your Mentor. About your desire to leave without even telling us first."

He had hurt them. He had been so consumed by his pain he had not even wondered how his foster family would feel about his decision. Rather he had carefully avoided thinking about it. And then, he had been so angry at them. He still was. But he realised the feelings were not as raw anymore, not enough to cloud his mind.

He nodded silently to Frekka, unable to meet her gaze. She put the tray on his bed then exited the room without another word. Severus put himself up carefully, frowning when his arms shook under the effort. He quickly downed the potions then the bowl of soup, suddenly feeling famished. He noticed one empty bowl of milk was on the bedside table on the opposite side of him. His Familiar must be able to drink by himself. One less problem.
The belly full, sleepiness crept on him. Burrowing into the bed covers, the tiny Thestral nestled against him, Severus fell into a dreamless sleep.

Thrice more, Severus woke up, ate then fell back asleep. When he opened his eyes the fourth time, he felt well enough to get up and attempt a shower. His Familiar chirped inquiringly when he stood up, but settled back into the bed when Severus explained he was only going to wash up.
He took his time, walking slowly. Luckily, the bathroom was not far from his room. The warm water erased the stiffness of his body and eased the knots in his back. Once dressed, he felt enough like himself to face Drunek and Frekka. He made a detour by his rooms to let his Familiar perch up on his shoulder, novel yet already reassuring warmth against his neck.

The whole family was in the dining room, eating in silence. Severus quietly observed from the threshold as Kiveä poked his food in his plate without eating. Frekka was feeding Felsen, Drunek was lost in thoughts and Soraa was watching all of them with big worried eyes. The contrast to the usually joyful lunches was startling and Severus felt guilt pool into his stomach.

"Good morning," he croaked, voice rough with lack of use and uncertainty.

They all startled. Kiveä and Soraa rushed to their feet, almost knocking over their stools in their haste to reach Severus. They hugged him at the waist, slightly bouncing in their happiness. Severus patted their head lightly, smiling slightly at the youngsters.

"I am so sorry Daoack," said Kiveä, looking at him earnestly. "I had no idea the Ritual was so dangerous. I only thought it would help you."

"I know Vijana," said Severus gently. "Don't worry. You really helped."

Gently disentangling himself from their arms, he kneeled down in front of them to show them his Familiar.

"Oooooh. Can I pet him?" asked Soraa eagerly.

Severus reached to touch his tiny Thestral, trying to convey the question through Magic the same way the foal had before. In return, he felt an uncertain sense of agreement.

"Alright, but slowly and carefully," warned Severus.

Soraa, then Kiveä, carefully patted his Familiar. Severus was surprised to sense mixed feelings of worried anticipation, curiosity then enjoyment from the foal without trying. He needed to take time with his Familiar to figure out a few things. Why the foal understood Severus speech for example.

"Alright Vijanas. You have lessons to get to," said Frekka gently but firmly as she went to put Felsen to bed.

Clearly, it was talk-time. Neither child argued. They gave the tiny Thestral one last caress, hugged Severus again briefly then left to join their classes. Drunek gestured for Severus to join him at the table. He sat in front of his Master hesitantly. Too many feelings roamed in his heart. They had been muted when he woke up, dulled by his exhaustion and success. But the better he felt, the more they raged. Anger. Relief. Happiness. Guilt. Grief. He felt like he was going to explode. Only his Familiar's presence grounded him.
They remained silent until Frekka joined them, taking place at her husband's side.

"I am glad to see you feel better, Daoack," said Drunek quietly.

Severus forced his eyes to meet his Master's. Drunek's gaze was warm if a bit more guarded than he was used to. He tried to smile but probably only offered a grimace.

"We have several serious matters to discuss," continued his Master gravely. "We will address your desire to break your Apprenticeship as well as what you are planning now that it has been denied until your coming of age. But first, Daoack. What went through your head to attempt such dangerous Magic without any preparation?" his voice was as hard as stone.

"I was pissed," snapped Severus, angry for feeling so guilty when the Goblins were the one who had kept him locked against his will. "And sad. When Kiveä offered the opportunity to do something, it felt like a good idea at the time," he said defensively, knowing he really had not thought this through.

If he actually stopped to think about it, he might have a panic attack except he knew he had succeeded. The foal whickered in support and he felt himself calm down. A bit.

"We already talked with Kiveä," said Drunek. "He will never attempt another foolishness of this magnitude or so help me, he will remain locked in his room until his majority."

Drunek's fists were clenched so hard Severus could see his veins bulging.

"Kiveä learned how dangerous this stunt was when you remained in the coma for a week," added Frekka quietly but firmly. "He will still serve a lengthy punishment."

"As if you had not planned to use him to get through me," said Severus bitterly.

"We did," admitted Drunek, to Severus' surprise. "You were so angry. So lost. Unreachable. I don't think you realised it at the time, but your Magic was lashing out. I have seldom witnessed such a raw display from Wizards who possess a wand."

Severus shivered. Drunek was right, he had not realised what was happening. He could have hurt someone.

"We sent Kiveä with the hope somebody you considered innocent would help you see past your grief. We had not realised the foolish boy had a plan."

"It worked," retorted Severus.

"It almost did not," shot back Drunek, levelling him with a dark stare.

Severus met his eyes defiantly, bolstered by the foal soft whicker. Drunek sighed, shaking his head.

"Your grandfather knew it might happen. The loss of control of your Magic."

Severus stared at him, dumbfounded.

"He warned us as you went to the funeral. It was fortunate as we had the time to prepare the stones and the room. There would have been far more damages otherwise," he said with a pointed look to Severus.

"Why did you not tell me about the guardianship?" asked Severus belligerently, still reeling from the revelation his grandfather could predict him so easily when they barely knew each other.

"It was Lord Malfoy's request," answered his Master. "After your Trials, while you went to rest, the Masters had to determine who would be your Master. One Contract clause was that Lord Malfoy would have the final say. He refused to sign the Contract until he had the guarantee he would meet and approve your Master."

Severus closed his eyes as gratitude, love and sadness surge through him. He missed Abraxas so much.

"We met your Mentor that night. At first, he had been adamant your Master should be from clan Runsaus, as was the tradition in your House. We had to explain that according to both your Trials and your behaviour with the different Goblins you had met before, you were more suited to Clan Röykkiö. Indeed, clan Runsaus is renowned for their political and commercial prowess. They are the clan who direct Gringotts, although other clans work at Gringotts too. For example, the guards outside Gringotts usually are from our clan. Clan Röykkiö is renowned for defence and magic research, and was deemed more suited to your talents. I know Lord Malfoy insisted you be placed with a Master who had a family," added Drunek.

His Mentor had planned everything to ensure Severus' well-being. But why had he not told Severus all of this?
He realised he had asked the question aloud when Frekka answered him.

"He did not want you to belittle your achievement. You had worked so hard for your emancipation and your NEWTs. He did not want you to feel all your efforts had been for naught," she smiled sadly. "He said it was only for one year and a half. That the chances you would be aware of this arrangement before it did not matter anymore were slim."

"He did so much for me," said Severus quietly. "Lucius and Abraxas… I would never have passed my NEWTs without them. I would never have attempted the emancipation without them. They supported me through the years and I repaid them by exiling myself somewhere they could not even come and visit me. I lost one entire year with them," said Severus, voice breaking.

"Daoack," said Drunek warmly, reaching across the table to take Severus' hand in his own. "Lord Malfoy knew exactly what your Contract entailed when he signed it. I have no doubt your grandfather had explained what goblin Apprenticeships were like. Your Mentor negotiated a clause for your presence at his son's wedding. He chose what he thought was best for you."

Severus nodded slowly. It was all logical and sensible. And yet...
Drunek gently squeezed his hand before releasing him.

"I think we have talked enough for today. We will resume tomorrow but for now, why don't you practice some Taichichuan?"

Severus only wanted to go hide in his bed and sort through the maelstrom of information and emotions which were assailing him, but he followed Drunek, the foal going back to Severus' room for sleep once reassured there would be no more confrontation for now.
Severus and his Master practised together slowly. At the end of the form, Severus was sweating heavily, reminded he had spent a week in a magic coma. But he felt more centred. They headed back home where dinner was waiting for them. The meal was merrier than lunch, both children babbling happily to Severus about their afternoon lessons. Severus barely managed to eat his dessert, stomach already full and exhaustion slipping through his body. He excused himself before the children had finished their sweets, eager to get back to his bed. Frekka gave him two letters before he went up. He recognised Lucius' handwriting on the first one instantaneously and felt his stomach drop, all thoughts of sleep forgotten. Severus waited to be seated on his bed before opening the letter with shaking hands. His gut was tight with the certainty his brother was renouncing all bonds between them in the face of Severus' abandonment. Sensing his distress, his Familiar whinnied and climbed clumsily in Severus' lap, rubbing against his arm to offer comfort.

Dear Severus. My Brother.

I beg for your forgiveness.

What?

I am so relieved your Master and your grandfather – Father explained many things in the message he left for me in his will – got you to listen to reason. So relieved you are still apprenticed today. I was being selfish, asking you to remain with me and give up your future. I knew it deep down and it shames me greatly that I was unable to think of you before myself. Father would have been incensed. Merlin knows he would have haunted us both for the rest of our life.

Severus almost cried out in surprise and relief. He had not expected such an absolution from Lucius. He blinked away his tears, amazed at his brother' forbearance.

I do not deny I would feel better with you beside me, if only because I could watch over you and know you are well. But we must plan for our future and your Apprenticeship is more important than my current discomfort. Do remember to write often and it shall be enough.

He could write one letter a week. He would.

We found the remaining Muggles responsible for Father's murder and dealt with them accordingly.

Severus had never doubted the Defenders would. He felt himself breathe a bit more easily knowing Abraxas was avenged.

We had a wake in honour of Father and Lord Voldemort changed our Marks in remembrance of his sacrifice. All the Defenders paid their respects to Father. It was beautiful.

And heartbreaking was unwritten but Severus knew it was in Lucius' thoughts.

I am glad I insisted on marrying Narcissa earlier than planned. We at least had one day together as a family.

Thanks to Abraxas foresight. And his grandfather.

Father said in his message that Lord Prince was your grandfather but did not give me any detail about why you were not raised by him. I only know the story of Eileen running away. Father implied your relationship was not smooth, I can only imagine why. You do not need to be best friends with the man, but he was Father's closest friend and advisor. He prevented us from making a big mistake. And I appreciate him, so I think you should give him a chance. Family is important.

He appreciated Abraxas not telling Lucius about the guardianship or Severus' family life, but it meant Lucius did not have the entire picture. Otherwise, he would never have suggested this.

I know we are both having a hard time, but please try to enjoy yourself during your Apprenticeship. You are still so young, Father would want you to explore, to find mysteries to solve, and to discover different ways of living before settling down back with us. If I did not miss you so much, I would be glad you are away from all our world's complications for a time. Please make the most of it.

With all my love,

Your brother Lucius.

Severus read the letter twice again, almost afraid it would dissolve in smoke in front of his eyes and he would wake up.

He hoped Abraxas' message to Lucius had been more useful than his own. He understood Abraxas was trying to smooth Severus' relationship with his grandfather as the man now was his guardian, but he would have rather heard about Abraxas' thoughts on the future.
As Severus regained his composure, he realised Lucius had joined a newspaper article to his letter.

Another Defenders controversial action!

As all of you are aware, Lord Malfoy was cruelly murdered by Muggles two weeks prior. Aurors recent statements indicate that Lord Malfoy was indeed trapped by ten Muggles, and while he disabled and killed seven of them, three remained alive and murdered him. The Minister of Magic indicated that muggle justice had jurisdiction over the three Muggles, although one wonders how they would manage a fair trial based on false information as they do not know of Magic.
The Minister feared reprisal on the Muggles as Lord Malfoy was a staunch supporter of Lord Voldemort and the Defenders carry out Lord Voldemort's ideas. Some even thought that Lord Malfoy belonged to the Defenders, but he was not wearing any costume or mask to hide his identity when he died. We remind our readers that since one Defender was condemned to one month in Azkaban after being identified by a muggle witness, the Defenders have taken to wearing masks and black costumes when they intervene to "save" muggleborn children from their family.
Lord Malfoy might have acted on his own, but the reprisal on the three remaining Muggles clearly was the Defenders action. Despite two Aurors posted in front of each of the three Muggles' house, masked Wizards managed to enter the houses and kill them. According to chief Auror Alastor Moody, all of the bodies bore the trace of the Crucio curse.
We can understand – but never condone – the need for revenge, as we highly doubt the muggle justice sentence would have been severe enough for their crime. Nonetheless, we cannot accept the use of one Unforgivable, even less when used on Muggles unable to defend themselves from this kind of Magic.
Since the Defenders began wearing masks and costumes, the number of harmful interventions has increased. More worrying, they do not hesitate to engage Aurors when the latest have been warned of impending attacks on muggle targets.
We do not doubt Lord Voldemort believes in his program, but this is not the way to impose it. We highly suggest he waits for the next Minister of Magic election in three years and a half.

We have interviewed both Headmaster Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic spokesperson, Louis Halwell, to know their thoughts on the matter.

Reporter: Thank you, Spokesperson Halwell and Headmaster Dumbledore, for taking the time to answer our questions.

Spokesperson Halwell: It is my pleasure and duty as events of great importance are troubling our citizens.

Headmaster Dumbledore: I find I can never refuse to give advice in trouble times, my boy.

Reporter: To begin with, what are your thoughts on Lord Malfoy death?

Spokesperson Halwell: Lord Malfoy was a respected member ofour world, and we are deeply pained by his death. I heard many rumours on the reason of his presence in this muggle House, but I can say with certainty that according to the inquiry, he was protecting two muggleborn children. Of course, we might have avoided this mess if he had called for the Aurors...

Headmaster Dumbledore: I am deeply grieved by the loss of Lord Malfoy, and all my thoughts are for his son who now faces the arduous task of taking up the Lord mantle. I had a profound respect for Lord Malfoy, even if we did not always see eye to eye.

Reporter: Do you condone the Defenders action of avenging Lord Malfoy?

Spokesperson Halwell: Absolutely not. Revenge is never a solution and our Aurors are searching for those responsible as we talk.

Headmaster Dumbledore: Alas, violence feeds violence. I am convinced the Muggles killed Lord Malfoy because they had been threatened by Wizards before. As you can see, violence is increasing with each reprisal. I have no doubt the two children are traumatised because they think they are the cause of all these violence and deaths. The Defenders are deviating more and more from justice and morals. It must stop.

Reporter: The Defenders seems to be implementing Lord Voldemort's program for Muggleborns. We cannot deny most of their interventions were to help abused children. Isn't the Ministry willing to intervene to avoid the need of Defenders intervention?

Spokesperson Halwell: The Ministry is actually thinking of improving our welcoming of the muggleborn children. As I told you weeks ago, we would like to use Hogwarts book to contact Muggleborns in their tenth year to ease them slowly into our world before Hogwarts. I know it would also reassure the parents. I remind you we have cases where the parents almost refused to let their child go to Hogwarts because they did not trust us to properly care for them during the school year. I personally think the families would be more at ease if they learnt of Magic gradually and before their child was suddenly whisked away to school for nine months per year.

Headmaster Dumbledore: I personally am hesitant about this measure. Do you know that one of Slytherin's rule is that no children under fourteen must be included in politics? I think it is sound as children must not be used when they are not aware of the consequences of their decision. I would rather the children discover our world in Hogwarts through classes and pedagogical means. I don't think our past and current students are complaining. I am also persuaded the threats to the various Muggleborns "helped" by the Defenders were greatly exaggerated and could have been resolved without violence.

Reporter: Several Muggleborns regrouped this summer to file a motion for the Wizengamot dissolution and change of the rules regulating the criteria of eligibility of its members. They are clearly displeased, even more today as the motion was dismissed…

Spokesperson Halwell: I can understand their frustration as they wish to involve themselves in our world politics more than they already are. But they are proposing big changes, and big changes take time because we need to evaluate the consequences and impact of those changes as well as take into account those who might not want these changes. We are trying to find the best compromise to propose to our citizens.

Headmaster Dumbledore: They are not displeased with the way they learnt about our world, only by our institutions. The motion is fully comprehensible, they are taking the muggle Parliament as their reference. However, they did not fully think the motion out. Indeed, The Noble Houses Wizengamot Oaths have far reaching impositions, especially in case of attack from other nations. While it has not happened in more than one century, times change. I am ready to work with those who presented the motion to take this into account as I have knowledge of the laws and their implications that they do not.

Reporter: Thank you both for your time and clear answers. Dear Readers, I hope we gave you food for thought.

He did not know what to think of the article. It clearly was twisted as a plea against the Defenders. Dumbledore was as obnoxious as ever. The Ministry was no better. Yet, Severus agreed violence could not be the foundations of Lord Voldemort politics if he wanted all Wizards to adhere to his ideas. He sighed, putting the article aside for now. His mind was already in shambles, no need to add politics to the mix.
Severus took the second letter, which was attached to a small package. Recognising the script, he opened it with curiosity.

Dear Severus,

I wish to offer you my heartfelt condolences. Lily told me today of Lord Malfoy's death. From the address you gave me to write to you and what she alluded to, I surmise you were close to him. I think words are never enough in times of grief and seldom bring much comfort as we only wish for the one who died to talk to us one last time.
I lit a candle at the church in his memory. I do not know if Wizards have a religion or any peculiar after-death belief, but I like to think the warmth and light of our candles comfort our dead and help them find their way beyond.
I find that where words do not help, cooking sometimes does. So please enjoy the chocolate shortbreads in the attached package. I made them from Mom's recipes book as I seem to remember Lily saying they were your favourite.

Sincerely,

Petunia.

Severus was touched by Petunia's insight and attention. He helped himself to one biscuit. Indeed, it was his favourite from the various kinds Lily had often brought to the park when they played together. It seemed a lifetime ago.
His Familiar sniffed briefly at the biscuits before ignoring them completely and settled himself to sleep. While Severus prepared for bed, he realised he did not know the name of his Familiar. He could not keep on calling him the foal or little one. Looking over the bed, he shook his head to himself as the little Thestral was already asleep. He needed to remember tomorrow.

Severus slept badly that night. Dreams of Abraxas being murdered by armies whose soldiers were either his father or werewolves haunted his dreams. He woke up drenched in the middle of the night and had a hard time falling back asleep despite the reassuring presence of his Familiar. Frekka waking up call saw him bleary eyed and unsettled. He ate his breakfast in gloomy silence then practised his Taichichuan form with Drunek like the previous day.
By lunch, Severus felt more like himself. He ate heartily, his Familiar lapping milk besides him. One day, he would be too big to eat on the table.

The children took the time to pet the foal before leaving for their classes. Severus knew it was once again talk-time.

"Alright Daoack. This is really important as it will determine how we are going to proceed in your Apprenticeship. First, I would like to know if you still intend to leave as soon as you are of age," said Drunek seriously. "It makes no sense to teach you only half of a subject."

And to tell you more of our secrets when you are going to become a pariah was unspoken but hung between them. It made perfect sense and Severus would have suspected foul play if it had been otherwise.
If he was honest with himself, he knew what his answer should be. He has known it all along. Lucius last letter only confirmed the choice he had to make.

"I wish to continue my Apprenticeship," said Severus quietly.

"Are you certain?" asked Drunek. "You were pretty set against the idea a few days ago."

"I know," answered Severus. "It hurt so much. And my brother needed me," he added, uncomfortable with the subject but aware he had to explain himself. "I...I cannot promise I won't change my mind if something happens to Lucius."

They deserved his honesty.
Drunek gave him a wry smile.

"Depending on the circumstances, you may even have my blessing."

Severus looked up at his Master in surprise. Was he saying that depending on the reason Severus chose to break his Apprenticeship, consequences could be different?

"Now that this is settled, let's talk about your schedule," continued Drunek.

Severus had not realized how tense his Master was until he saw him relax. It drove home once more that they cared for him.

"You won't have lessons with Wirkrund anymore unless you are in group study with other Usta. Our sessions will be in the morning, while other Masters will teach you in your minor fields in the afternoon. Every Monday, you will study Gobbledegook. Do not be surprised if some Masters mostly teach you in our language. Depending on our birth place, we do not all speak English as only Gobbledegook is our official language. From time to time, you will be called upon to help with potions needed for our Shamans' stocks. You must know by now that Shamans are the equivalent of Healers."

Severus was disappointed not to have personal lessons with Wirkrund anymore. Of course, Wirkrund was the representative of the Röykkiö Johtaja in Europe, he had to be quite busy. It was a wonder he had taught Severus for a year.

"You also get to devote every Friday afternoon to your Familiar."

Severus was relieved. He had been wondering when he would find the time to get to know his Familiar as well as clarify what exactly had changed for them now they were bonded.

"No Master-Familiar bond is the same, so you must discover yours by yourself," added Drunek unhelpfully.

Severus nodded. He had gotten the point when he had found no useful information in the Library.

"Alright. Now you have three more days to get back on your feet before your first lessons. Until then, we will practise Taichichuan together every morning but you are not to use Magic for anything else," said Drunek firmly.

"I understand," said Severus quietly.

Drunek smiled knowingly.

"I know it is not easy but you need to rest your core. It is still adjusting to the changes induced by the Ritual."

Severus nodded. He had not really taken the time to imagine how passing the Ritual would affect him, except for not needing a wand and having a Familiar. He still had work to do on planning.

"Right. You are now free to do as you please. Do not forget to eat and drink more than you usually do," concluded Drunek as he got up, patting Severus on the shoulder.

"Perfect," said Frekka. "Severus, if you don't mind helping me. There is the garden to care for, as well as some minor repairs in the house. Felsen has been fussy lately, he must have felt the tension in the air," she said pointedly. "So neither Drunek nor I have had the time for it."

"Of course," answered Severus.

He knew a punishment when he saw one. He had the feeling Frekka was a lot more cross with him than Drunek, or she held a grudge more than his Master did. Either way, he would bear with it because she had not deserved what he had put her through.