Detroit, Michigan

"Welcome, Mister Snape."

Severus looked up to see a middle-aged man standing in front of him, dressed in a three-piece suit and holding a briefcase. The man reached out and grasped Severus's hand in a firm handshake. "I'm Robert Clark, we talked over the phone."

Severus nodded, taking in Robert's professional demeanor. "Yes, I remember. Thank you for meeting me."

"It's my pleasure," Robert replied, his tone respectful. "I know this must be a difficult time for you. Let me help you."

"Thank you," Severus said, appreciating the gesture. Robert took the handle of his wheelchair and led the way out of the bustling airport, navigating through the sea of travelers with practiced ease.

As they reached the car, Robert opened the door for Severus and helped him settle in before placing his wheelchair in the trunk. Once they were both inside, Robert turned to Severus with a serious expression.

"First, I want to express my condolences for your loss. Tom was a good man, and he spoke of you often. It's unfortunate that you never had the chance to meet."

Severus felt a lump form in his throat at the mention of Tom. "Thank you," he replied quietly, not trusting himself to say more.

Robert started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, merging onto the highway. "We have a lot to go through. Tom left behind some personal belongings that I think you should see. He will be cremated in three hours, and then we leave."

Severus was taken aback. "Wait, what do you mean 'we leave'? And who decided he would be cremated?!"

Robert sighed, keeping his eyes on the road. "Your brother was a scientist who dedicated his life to a project called TAP."

"TAP?" Severus echoed, feeling a surge of confusion and frustration. "What is that, and why wasn't I consulted about his cremation?"

"The Avatar Program," Robert explained. "It's a cutting-edge research initiative that Tom was deeply involved in. His will stipulated his cremation and your involvement with the project."

Severus's mind reeled. "The Avatar Program? What does it involve?"

Robert sighed, his expression softening with empathy. "The details are complex, but we can go over everything once we're done with the cremation."

The drive was short but felt like forever. Finally, they made it to a modest building with people walking in and out, holding crying family members. Robert retrieved Severus's wheelchair from the trunk before helping him out of the car as they made their way to the doors.

Inside, it looked like a normal place; nobody would ever expect this to be a cremation center. The serene, understated decor was designed to provide a sense of calm and dignity. Severus felt a pang of anxiety as they moved through the quiet hallways, the reality of the situation pressing down on him.

They were led into a small, private room where a few women in long black dresses stood talking. The main one took a step closer to him and held out her hand. "I'm Sister Martha, pleased to meet you."

Oh, they were nuns. He shook her hand while the other nuns stood respectfully aside. "I'm Severus Snape," he replied, trying to steady his voice.

Sister Martha gave him a sympathetic smile. "Your brother, Tom, was a kind and brilliant man. He often spoke of you. We are here to offer our support and prayers."

Severus nodded, feeling a strange mix of emotions. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

The nuns stepped back, giving him space to approach the casket. He reached out, his fingers brushing the smooth wood, and took a deep breath. "Freaky," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Guess we really were twins."

He sat there for a few moments, letting his emotions flow. The grief was raw, but mingled with it was a determination to honor his brother's memory by completing the work he had started. After a while, he took another deep breath and turned back to Robert, nodding that he was ready.

The cremation proceeded with a respectful silence until Severus asked the man overseeing the process about the ashes. "Um, do I get to keep his ashes?" The man turned to him, his face hard as he shook his head. "No ashes for you."

From the man's accent and grammar, Severus could tell he wasn't used to speaking English, but that didn't lessen the blow. He felt a surge of frustration and confusion. "Why not?" he demanded, his voice rising slightly.

The man frowned, struggling to find the words. "Procedure. Special ashes. Not for keeping."

Severus's frustration mounted, but Robert stepped in, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "I'll explain," he said quietly. "Let's step outside."

Once they were outside the cremation center, Severus turned to Robert, his anger barely contained. "What is going on? Why can't I keep his ashes?"

Robert took a deep breath. "Tom's ashes contain traces of the special compounds and elements he worked with in the Avatar Program. The government has strict regulations about how these materials are handled. They can't be released to the public, even to family."

Severus felt a mix of disbelief and anger. "So I don't even get to have my brother's remains? That's absurd."

"I understand how you feel," Robert said sympathetically. "It's a difficult situation, but Tom's work was highly classified and involved materials that are considered sensitive. This is standard protocol."

Severus took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Fine," he said finally, his voice tight. "Let's just go to the lab and see what he was working on."

The drive to the lab was tense and silent. When they arrived, Robert led Severus inside the sleek, modern facility. The atmosphere was one of quiet efficiency, with scientists and researchers moving purposefully through the halls.

They were greeted by Dr. Elizabeth Harding. "Mr. Snape, we're honored to have you here. I'm Dr. Elizabeth Harding. I'm the one sending you out to Pandora."

Severus nodded his head before it hit him. "What do you mean by 'sending me out'?"

Dr. Harding's expression softened, recognizing the surprise and confusion on Severus's face. "I understand this is a lot to take in, but Tom spent so long training to be a part of the program. The best way to honor his legacy is for you to continue where he left off, which means going to Pandora."

Severus's mind raced. "Pandora? What on earth is that?"

Her smile grew as she picked up a clipboard and showed it to him. "That's the thing, it's not on Earth. Pandora is a moon of the gas giant Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri system. It's a place of incredible biodiversity and beauty, but also danger. Tom dedicated his life to studying it and to the Avatar Program."

Severus frowned, his mind grappling with the concept of traveling to another planet. "And what exactly is the Avatar Program?"

Dr. Harding's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "The Avatar Program is a groundbreaking project where human consciousness can be transferred into genetically engineered bodies called avatars. These avatars are a hybrid of human DNA and the native Na'vi DNA, allowing humans to interact directly with Pandora's environment and its indigenous people. Tom was one of the people who spent four years training to be a driver."

"Driver?" Severus echoed, his confusion growing.

"Yes," Dr. Harding explained. "A driver is someone who remotely operates an avatar. Through a neural link, the driver's consciousness is transferred into the avatar, effectively becoming the avatar. This allows for direct interaction with the Na'vi and Pandora's ecosystem without the limitations or vulnerabilities of a human body."

Severus took a deep breath, processing this incredible information. "So, you want me to step into Tom's role as a driver?"

"Exactly," Dr. Harding said. "Tom's avatar is ready, and with your help, his work can continue. You have the potential to make a significant impact on our mission. It's an opportunity to honor Tom's legacy and continue what he started."

Severus felt a mix of emotions—honor, fear, determination. "What do I need to do to prepare?" Robert placed a hand on his shoulder before wheeling him away from Dr. Harding.

"Listen, Severus," Robert began in a hushed tone, his expression serious. "This journey is unlike anything you've ever experienced. I need you to be absolutely sure you're ready for this. What about your own friends and family? Are you ready to let them go?"

Severus's expression tightened, a shadow passing over his features as he considered Robert's words. The thought of leaving behind his friends and the few ties he had left weighed heavily on him. But he knew that this opportunity, this mission, was something he couldn't ignore.

"I've made my decision," Severus said firmly, his jaw set. "I understand the sacrifices that come with this. My brother's work must continue, and I'll see it through to the end."

Robert studied him for a moment, then nodded in understanding. "Alright then, Severus. We'll make the necessary arrangements, but remember, if you ever have second thoughts, it's not too late to turn back."

Severus met Robert's gaze with determination. "I won't turn back. I'm committed to this."

With that, Dr. Harding started lowering him into a tube-like contraption while a team of doctors bustled around, checking monitors and adjusting equipment. Severus felt a surge of anticipation mingled with apprehension as he descended into the machine.

Dr. Harding paused and looked down at him, holding a paper and pen. "Got any last words you want me to write down and send off to friends?"

Severus took a moment to collect his thoughts, feeling a wave of emotions wash over him. "Tell them... tell them that I'm gonna miss them. Tell them I have a brother and I'm going to continue his work. Let them know that I'll miss them, but this is something I have to do. And tell them... tell them...Draco, your uncle wishes he could be there to watch you grow up."

Dr. Harding nodded, her expression sympathetic as she carefully transcribed Severus's words onto the paper. "I'll make sure your message reaches them, Severus. They'll understand."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Severus's eyes widened in alarm as the machine powered up, its gentle hum turning into a low, steady thrum. He felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through him, mingled with a hint of trepidation at what lay ahead. As the darkness enveloped him, he caught sight of Robert in the corner of his eye, waving farewell.

"See you in six years," Robert's voice echoed faintly through the chamber.