"Come on, Severus," Regulus urged. "Let's go to Hogsmeade. Lucius and Narcissa are meeting us there."

Severus nodded, feeling the need to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the hospital wing. He dressed quickly, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he were moving through a dream.

The streets of Hogsmeade were bustling with students and villagers. The warmth of the Three Broomsticks was a welcome relief from the cold outside. They found Lucius and Narcissa at a corner table, deep in conversation.

Lucius looked up as they approached, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "Severus, you look pale. Are you all right?"

Severus nodded. "Just a bit under the weather."

Lucius's eyes flickered with something that might have been relief. "I'm glad you're here. I've been thinking a lot lately. I don't want to fight in this war. I don't want to follow Voldemort." Lucius admitted, looking at Severus. "I want a home, a family."

Regulus looked shocked. "But what about your father's expectations? And the Black's, Bellatrix—she's completely devoted to him."

Lucius sighed. "I know. But I want a family and a life beyond this madness. I want to be a good husband to Narcissa, to live up to the expectations of my father and the Blacks without sacrificing my own desires."

The words he had said to Lucius last time went through his mind. You will find your place. The Dark Lord will see your values. Words, he realised, he wanted to hear himself. Severus wanted to find his place. Severus wanted to be valued. What a horribly wrong place to look for it! This time, Severus remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

Regulus's confusion was palpable. "But... what about our future with the Dark Lord?"

Lucius looked at him, his expression serious. "Think about what you really want, Regulus. This war is not going to end well for any of us."

Severus felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "I've been thinking too. I don't hate Muggles or Muggleborns the way I thought I did. I've been confused. And Lily—she used to be my best friend. I don't want to be part of something that would hurt her or people like her."

Regulus frowned. "And what about the prank on Mary?"

Severus shook his head. "It's cruel. I don't want to be a part of it. Honestly, I don't even want it to happen."

Regulus looked conflicted but nodded slowly. "I suppose so. But if you are not going to prove yourself to the Dark Lord, what are you going to do then?"

"I'll get into potions research," Severus said. And as he said the words, he knew them to be true. He had always been good at potions, and he had always loved them. "Maybe I can invent some healing or combative potions. I can also see myself working on spell development."

"Oh, I can totally see you do that," Regulus gushed. "You are great at potions, and you have already made some of your own spells. Muffliato is deadly useful!" As Severus listened to Regulus, he realized how much of a role model he had been to Regulus. "How are you going to find a place to do your mastery?"

"I am sure Professor Slughorn is willing to put in a good word for me." Severus said, though truthfully, he was not so sure about that. Ever since his falling out with Lily, Professor Slughorn has been short with him.

"Otherwise, I am sure I can help manage to find you someplace," Lucius mused.

"I am not a charity case," Severus bit out.

Lucius rolled his eyes. "I am sure we can work something out. Besides, you might be helping me out more than the other way around," Lucius drawled.