#darius riddle sinclair

[wellpresseddaisy]

Long Ago (and far away) pt.20

Because @greens-your-color asked what Dare might be getting up to.

Monday morning, Snape's quarters

Dare saw Severus safely to his office (unaccosted by well-wishers and the merely curious alike) and headed back to their quarters to start his own work. Bringing a House back from its mothballed state took considerable doing, he'd found. The accounts alone were enough to give a soul the heebie-jeebies. The property, the farms, the sheer weight of a millennia of responsibility and expectation added to the headache. It was a rather good thing he'd given himself nicer shoulders than he'd actually possessed in his first go-round with forty. He'd have to be careful to exercise this time. No going out clutching his chest for him, thank you very much.

Once was enough.

He could bear up under any amount of responsibility, though. He liked it. He liked being busy and in charge. It really was the kind of life that suited him down to the ground.

What had first-Severus called him? An overbearing, domineering sack of dicks? That was it. He wondered if his Severus had the same knack for rudeness.

He knew his own faults. Part of his time in India had been spent soul-searching and getting to know all aspects of himself. He was overbearing and domineering and he wasn't likely to change. Thankfully, between his aunt and uncle and his teachers in India (and the Indian government, which was incredibly generous by way of visas with those who wished to learn), he'd learned to channel his natural inclinations to the rather more petty dictatorship of a House Headship. Otherwise, as this world had learned, he might just try to arrange said world into a form that suited him better.

Not a good idea. The Rise and Fall of The Dark Lord was illuminating. He'd never been more thankful for Uncle Martin and Auntie Ro than he was while reading that book. Their patience and their love taught him to transmute a domineering nature into something with a price beyond riches.

He let himself into his study and just breathed for a moment. The file boxes and folders could wait. He didn’t yet have enough shelving or other furniture, for one. Seeing how close he'd come…well, it just reinforced every hard lesson he'd learned in life. Patience, kindness, honor…they were worth fighting for, even when the battlefield was his own soul. He hadn't been raised gently, not for the first many years of his life. He'd learned to cultivate a gentler spirit in a house where he was loved, just for being himself. To be forthright and faithful, to show he cared, to be a refuge in a difficult world, well, it was old fashioned, perhaps, but then again so was he.

Would Severus allow himself refuge? His Severus seemed to ache, almost, for a kind word and a soft hand. Could he get Severus to accept him, to accept care and concern? To allow him to give the full measure of his own devotion?

He had hope.

He hadn't wound up with a very expensive apothecary's embossed logo imprinted into his forehead, in any case.

The look on Severus's face when he saw what he'd been given made his heart twist. Such a small gift, clutched so close. It was a start.

Perhaps one day…but today he really had to stop wool-gathering about his husband and actually get some work done. Before the goblins came looking for him. He'd missed Hogwarts more than he thought he would. Somehow, in the years he'd spent tempering another Severus's more vicious tendencies, it became home.

To share it with a Severus who didn't want him dead and buried, to have precious years given back, really was a gift from magic. He'd only intended to stay with Severus for a night, thinking the younger man would want him gone, and instead he was given a lifetime. The responsibility of it (to Severus and for Severus) didn't bother him; he was well-used to responsibility.

What bothered him, intensely, was what may have been done to Severus to make him so…unsure. So hesitant to accept attention or care. So…appallingly awful at caring for himself. The Severus he knew cloaked himself in incandescent rage at the world and seethed from inside his self-imposed prison. This Severus gave far more of himself to everyone.

The phrase 'the full measure of his devotion' tumbled through his head as he stared unblinking at parchment. That was precisely what Severus gave of himself. No rest, no respite until all others were cared for. No thought that he might need the same care he extended to others. No thought that he might deserve the same level of care and consideration.

Acting on impulse, he called out, "would a house elf of Slytherin be available?" and waited.

In a moment, an elderly elf popped into the room.

"Thank you. I hope I'm not interrupting your day."

"Betsy is a Founder's Elf and waits upon Slytherin's Head. Betsy has waited many, many years." She spoke raspily, as if she hadn’t used her voice in a long time, and whether she meant Severus or himself he didn't think he had the courage to ask. Or the impertinence.

"You were here at the start?" He couldn't help the question. He didn’t think there was a soul alive who could resist.

"From the moment they sank the foundation stone, Betsy has served faithfully. Roderick and Delphine and Amaryllis were with Betsy at the Founding."

"Thank you for attending me, Betsy. I…would it be rude to ask what the founders were like?" He couldn't help himself.

"Dreamers." Betsy answered definitely. "Elves needed to be the common sense. They dreamed of this, what they would never see. Terrible Latin, they had, too."

"Weren't they scholars?" Betsy was his favorite, he decided. Terrible Latin, indeed.

"Self-taught, they said. Picked it up here and there. They managed, and managed well, but Betsy was with the Church before she was a Founder's Elf."

"So you would know…"

"Elves do.” She cocked her head to one side, thinking. “Their Greek was worse. Betsy became used to it."

He wouldn’t laugh. "Is it indelicate to ask if that's why some of the spells don't quite make, well, sense?"

Betsy nodded, looking as if she wanted to laugh. "They did their best with a hard thing. They created a system out of nothing. Before, children learned from their parents or maybe the Church. With a school, they needed to…to standardize what was taught."

"It must have been difficult." He agreed. "Leaving aside how to teach. Just getting children here…convincing parents to let their children be taken to a different…well, they weren't even countries the way we know them now."

"Betsy helped. All the elves helped, especially when a child couldn't go back."

"And in the morning, the door stood open and the bed was empty and on the breeze she heard her children's laughter drifting back to her." Dare quoted.

"The elves helped and that was the story they told." Betsy grumbled. “Some children weren’t safe. Home was no refuge.”

“But Hogwarts was?”

“In those days, she was a hill fort. She…updates with the times.” Betsy’s brow furrowed. “Since Mr. Riddle-Sinclair is of the line, Betsy may answer his questions.” She added the last in a murmur.

“I understand. I didn’t think you would tell just anyone all of this. I thank you for your trust, Elf of the Founders.” He said the words without input from his brain. “I will keep my counsel over what you have shared.”

“Is there something Mr. Riddle-Sinclair needs?” Betsy asked. “Master Sev—” she clapped a hand over her mouth.

“Master Severus, hmm?” Dare asked. “Does he know what the elves call him?”

“Potions Master Snape is accorded all the respect of his attainments, Betsy is sure.” Betsy answered stiffly. “Master Severus does not call the elves for help. Or Betsy would have been active again, sooner.”

“Have you been…please tell me you haven’t been…” how did he even ask the question.

“Until Mr. Riddle-Sinclair called, Betsy was in stasis, awaiting the call. Mr. Riddle-Sinclair should not grieve himself. Betsy and the others are content to wait until they are called to service. Elves know how to wait. We find it restful, in the Between. Betsy watched over Master Severus…in a way that was not creepy.” She spoke firmly.

“But you’re here now.” He couldn’t help the revulsion at thinking of an elf in stasis. “You could watch?”

“A gift.” Betsy said proudly. “A gift from the Founders. Each house head is given the name when they take on the headship. Roderick and Delphine and Amaryllis were called a long time ago. Betsy is very lucky that Mr. Riddle-Sinclair found Master Severus. Betsy has found Master Severus…stubborn.”

Dare’s mouth twitched despite his attempt to remain serious. Oh yes, Severus was stubborn. Stubborn and determined not to be in anyone’s debt.

“Will of iron, that one.” He murmured.

“Betsy has had to watch pneumonia. Twice.” She sounded at the end of her tether. “Betsy did not enjoy it.”

“That sounds unpleasant, Betsy. Master Severus is likely to have a difficult day today. When he’s done with all he needs to do, is there something he enjoys? Something you’ve seen him do for himself at the end of a long and difficult day?” He hoped like hell he wasn’t overstepping.

“A bath, then his warming robe and hot chocolate before the fire. He likes music – quiet and orchestral on a difficult day.” Betsy nodded more to herself than him. “Now, can Betsy do anything for Mr. Riddle-Sinclair?”

“Would you be able to wrap the room in bookcases? I’m likely to need the space. And perhaps a window to the grounds?” He liked the dungeons, but he also enjoyed sunlight.

Betsy smiled at him. “Betsy is happy to help.”

She snapped and bookcases circled the walls, leaving only the door on one side of the room and a new, wide window on the other side uncovered. She frowned for a moment and snapped again. The bookcases under the window morphed into a sideboard. Sturdy leather periodical files ranked along several of the shelves, each bearing an empty tag. The lower shelving behind his desk twisted for a moment and then turned into a long row of lateral file drawers. A tea set popped into existence on the sideboard and a combination victrola and wireless cabinet popped up in one corner of the room. Finally, the bare flagstone floor sprouted thick, plushy carpet.

“Betsy, thank you.” Hogwarts made the room for him, but Betsy made it feel like his space.

“Betsy is overjoyed to have Mr. Riddle-Sinclair in residence.” And she did seem to radiate contentment and joy. “Betsy has purpose again!”

“Why don’t you reacquaint yourself with the other elves?” Dare suggested.

“Oh, oh, yes. Betsy will do just that!” She’d grown younger as she used her magic, now looking much as she had when she first came to Hogwarts. “Betsy will always come when called, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair.”

She popped out. Dare shook his head, bemused. No matter how much he thought he understood about magic and the world he inhabited, it always surprised him. At least Betsy no longer waited, watching impotently as Severus ran himself ragged. If she was as protective as she seemed, poor Severus wouldn’t know what hit him.

Dare put aside his musings and bent back to work. He summoned several periodical files off the shelf and began the tedious task of labeling and filling them. Auntie Ro always reminded him that a stitch in time saved nine when he balked at the tedium of any task.

It might save him time later when all he needed was right to hand, but the filing process remained a loathsome, foul occupation. 

[selena-snape]

Familia Snape

Primera Generación:

¤ Morphin Nikolai Snape y Tallulah Aurelia Snape

Segunda generación:

¤ Ilona Octavia Snape y Viktor Kirtking Snape

¤ Bellona Demetria Snape y Aurelius Amadeus Willowdee

¤ Tanith Marcellina Snape y Albion Casimir Snape

Tercera Generación:

¤ Gabriel Soren Snape y Conan Levi Malfoy

¤ Sonja Cassandra Snape y Lucian Rowland Snape

¤ Selene Belladona Snape y Michael Thomas Corvin

¤ Morgana Drucilda Willowdee y Octavius Mortifer Dollins

¤ Belvina Anastasia Willowdee y Alexander Andreas Kane

¤ Silvanus Alestair Snape y Minerva Dorinda Primrose

¤ Cornelius Devereux Snape y Nocturna Evelyn Nightwood

¤ Almeric Lazarus Snape y Amarah Senka Lonwood

¤ Esperanza Medea Snape y Mereida Azura Blackwood

¤ Theodocia Isidora Snape y Centar Ismaband Blackwood

Cuarta Generación:

¤ Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore y Gellert Amadeus Grindelwald

¤ Aberforth Florian Leighton Soren Dumbledore y Belvina Vega Black

¤ Ariana Odolette Wilhemina Dumbledore y Arcturus II Alioth Black

¤ Tom Marvolo Riddle y Kara Sonia Milford

¤ Valens Basilius Snape y Charles Hunter Levin

¤ Tobias Vincent Snape y Eileen Aiko Prince

¤ Pamela Demetria Malfoy y Elias Paul Voorhees

¤ Abraxas Ariel Malfoy y Renatha Edith Oswald

¤ Evageline Ethel Malfoy y Lazarus Granville Sparda

¤ Bianca Brooke Di Angelo y Thalia Eliza Grace

¤ Nico Ethan Di Angelo y Perseus Lorcan Jackson

¤ Theodore Lev Snape y Marcus Casimir Corvinus

¤ Ethan Joseph Snape y David Monsse Conberg

¤ Eve Ilaria Corvin y Logan Brad Fowler

¤ Raymond Vincent Dollins y Juliette Umbra Walker

¤ Sebastian Andrew Dollins y Adrianna Asura Walker

¤ Micah Vladimir Dollins y Raven Tenebra Walker

¤ Benjamin Caleb Kane y Aaron Leonard Luthor

¤ Natalie Eileen Snape y Bastian Abraxas Prince

¤ Octavian Demetrius Snape y Abigail Aura Cooper

¤ Percival Valentine Snape y Willow Delilah Lake

¤ Archibald August Snape y Phineas Atticus Moose

¤ Piper Delilah Snape y Alvin Nicholas Dream

¤ Flora Alyssandra Snape y Louis William Afton

¤ Colette Silver Snape y Kenneth Horace Orville

¤ Nikolaus Rafferty Snape y Nika Dominika Winston

¤ Evageline Danica Blackwood y Claude Tobias Harley

¤ Gabrielle Victoria Blackwood y Gideon Silas Murphy

¤ Belladona Tabitha Blackwood y Quentin Ulysses Orson

¤ Nimue Andromeda Blackwood y Balthasar Ignatius Fitzhugh

¤ Valtor Phoenix Blackwood y Ninette Madeline Sutton

¤ Dimitry Avalon Blackwood y Thalassa Estelle Rex

Quinta Generación:

¤ Credence Aurelius Dumbledore y Lycoris Lyra Black

¤ Modesty Orianna Dumbledore y Michelle Caroline Miller

¤ Valentine Desmond Dumbledore y Leroy Samuel Cooley

¤ Octavius Theodore Dumbledore y Minerva Ursula Parker

¤ Cassandra Eliza Dumbledore y Zivar Pollux Galanford

¤ Callidora Eridanis Black y Harfang Ernest Longbottom

¤ Cedrella Oriana Black y Septimus Ronald Weasley

¤ Charis Scorpia Black y Caspar Dorian Crouch

¤ Trish Clarice Riddle y "Lady" Mary Ann Arkham

¤ Vanessa Octavia Riddle y Tom Spencer Peters

¤ Delphinie Savannah Riddle y Serena Angelette Denford

¤ Dominika Hazel Levin y Thomas Downey Richardson

¤ Vincent Alexander Levin y Daphne Rosie Campbell

¤ Niven Finnian Levin y River Aura Stone

¤ Malorie Estella Levin y Ivan Adonis Novak

¤ Severus Tobias Snape y Ulaz Devereux Snape

¤ Ryou Nathan Snape y Krolia Serenity Kogane

¤ Jason Ezra Voorhees y Michael Gideon Myers

¤ Diana Madeline Voorhees y Mason Samuel Kimble

¤ Lucius Abraxas Malfoy y Narcissa Meissa Black

¤ William Joseph Dixon y Cassandra Allegra Lewis

¤ Vergil Amon Sparda y Faith Mackenzie Myron

¤ Dante Alastor Sparda y Hope Catherine Myron

¤ Victor Jethro Grace y Ryan Christopher Everett

¤ Aurelia Peregrine Grace y Sebastian Artemis Jensen

¤ Ian Mason Jackson y Bellona Damara Huxley

¤ Ada Demetria Jackson y Azura Jasmine Brooks

¤ Kitty Xanthe Jackson y Charlotte Marcellina Donovan

¤ Sansa Calypso Corvinus y Thomas Nicholas Parkinson

¤ September Lev Corvinus y Tanith Amara Walker

¤ Flora Pandora Snape y Xenophilius Leland Lovewood

¤ Thora Margot Fowler y Marc Anthony Marcelly

¤ Lyra Beatrix Fowler y Lorenzo Finnian Donnelly

¤ Morgan Ariella Fowler y Nolan Cassander Delaney

¤ Ruby Hilda Dollins y Miles Oliver Corwin

¤ Luna Stephanie Dollins y Theon August Dresden

¤ Noah Jonah Dollins y Helena Roxane Ansel

¤ Stanford Nathaniel Dollins y Nita Evelyn Paxton

¤ Mortimer Morphin Dollins y Martin Jonathan Flint

¤ Elizabeth Tallulah Dollins y Valens Vatlos Braken

¤ Janeth Mirella Dollins y Stefano Nova Fox

¤ Arya Eloise Kane y Constatine Nikolai Hudson

¤ Angelette Lucille Kane y Yuri Vladimir Ivanovich

¤ Azrael Finnian Kane y Luciana Angela Ortiz

¤ Niven Ezra Kane y Mikhaila Juniper Orion

¤ Carlisle Damien Kane y Serena Laurel Ranger

¤ Basilius Sebastian Prince y Ida Scarlett Lennox

¤ Felix Robert Prince y Jane Ophelia Miller

¤ Jasper Wyatt Prince y Marlene Elora Lawson

¤ Edward Henry Prince y Selene Stella Harper

¤ Adrien Scott Snape y Calliope Ivory Bronx

¤ Raphael Patrick Snape y Mirah Colette Cain

¤ Richard Lawrence Snape y Galilea Lyra Dexter

¤ Francine Eliza Snape y Michael Francis Oakley

¤ Connie Violet Snape y Tallulah Vera Lake

¤ Melissa Barbara Snape y Eugene Jordan Morrinson

¤ Morticia Moira Snape y Kiyoko Asahina

¤ Morterius Mortimer Snape y Reina Matsumoto

¤ Jeremy Vincent Dream y Sabrina Addison Riley

¤ Nathan Samuel Dream y Piper Aurora Harrow

¤ Bruce Steven Dream y Nicolette Grace Tyson

¤ Adeliza Morigan Afton y Emmett Blake Cartet

¤ Daemon October Afton y Darrel Cael Ossory

¤ Violetta Ursuline Afton y Jeffrey Hunter Jefferson

¤ Minerva Rowena Afton y Leonard Robert Leighton

¤ Doria Judith Orville y Dominic Alexander Edevane

¤ Ryan Joshua Orville y Alice Isidora Jones

¤ Agatha Rachel Orville y Jeremiah Andrew Evans

¤ Carlotta Katherine Snape y Owen Stephen O'Kelly

¤ Ethan Elijah Harley y Larissa Daphne Davis

¤ Giovanni Mortimer Harley y Ariel Danica O'Ryan

¤ Vincent Oliver Harley y Amelie Luna Roberts

¤ Bastian Lynx Murphy y Arya Ruby Forrest

¤ Theodore Niven Murphy y Ursa Aries Black

¤ Dominika Valda Murphy y Arthur Russel Glenwood

¤ Callista Eliza Orson y Callista Addison McCoy

¤ Morterius Finnian Orson y Jessamine Robinia Bathory

¤ Victoria Hilda Orson y Sabine Belladona Volkov

¤ Margot Elizabeth Orson y Pietro Leroy Carrington

¤ Riven Alexander Blackwood y Petra Victoria Hayden

¤ River Stella Blackwood y Jasper August Moore

¤ Chloe Henrietta Blackwood y Griffin Cyrus Lexington

¤ Vanessa Tabitha Blackwood y Miles Herman Goodwin

¤ Ivan Septimus Blackwood y Rosie Olive Brown

¤ Amadeus Artemas Blackwood y Hariett Emily de Loughrey

Sexta Generación:

¤ Lilith Moira Riddle y Julian Cameron Gray

¤ Bloom Larissa Peters y Sky Aurelius

¤ Hazel Opal Peters y Magnus Roman Watson

¤ Theodore August Peters y Meredith Mavis Monroe

¤ Cora Stephanie Riddle y

¤ Arabella Diane Riddle y

¤ Francis Ezra Riddle y

¤ Aaron Christopher Riddle y Verena Michelle Dyer

¤ Joshua Stephen Riddle y Esther Amalia Holt

¤ Charles Samuel Riddle y Ruby Stephanie Saffron

¤ Iris Aurelia Riddle y Marshal Everett Conrad

¤ Theophania Calliope Richardson y Corinne Roxanne Everleigh

¤ Arabella Beatrix Richardson y Henry Oliver Brookes

¤ Kai Dominick Richardson y Flynn Milo Wolf

¤ Willow Cosima Levin y Nicoletta Pomona Wilford

¤ Fern Violet Levin y Marie Honoria Ollivander

¤ Euphemia Alessandra Levin y Jhon Florean Palmer

¤ Dorothea Giovanna Levin y Elladora Eloise Gibson

¤ Salazar Lucius Levin y Holly Avalon Barnes

¤ Eleanor Hope Levin y Savannah Genevieve Shaw

¤ Gracie Isadora Novak y Marvin Declan Sullivan

¤ Alec Aurelian Novak y Claire Piper Johan

¤ Mason Ezekiel Novak y Clementine Octavia Albion

1)¤ Lotor Comet Snape y Raphael Percival Rosier

2)¤ "Moon Demon" Darius Angelo Snape y "Dark Angel " Arianne Alysson Snape

3)¤ "Killer Shadow" Lazarus Ignatius Snape y "Ice Demon" Urania Calliope Snape

¤ Morterius Viktor Snape y Hisirdoux Artemas Casperan

4)¤ Regris Niven Snape y Acxa Valda Snape

5)¤ Kevin Ethan Snape y Gwendolyn Stephanie Tennyson

6)¤

7)¤

8)¤ Regulus Orion Snape y Abel Austin Khemse

9)¤ Cygnus Arcturus Snape y Frederic Alistair Weasley

10)¤ Elle Rigel Snape y Matsuda Touta

11)¤ Beyond Aurelian Snape y Mikami Teru

12)¤

13)¤

14)¤

15)¤ Alexander Valens Snape y Magnus Sebastian King

16)¤ Lysander Nikolaus Snape y Vladimir Micah Masters

16)¤

17)¤

18)¤

19)¤

¤ Keith Akira Snape y James Oliver Griffin

¤ Morgana Kendra Voorhees y Karin Delilah Summers

¤ Jessica Lorna Kimble y Steven Malcom Freeman

¤ Audrey Andromeda Malfoy y Andre Perseus Bourgeois

¤ Gabriel Bastian Malfoy y Emilie Calliope Graham de Vanily

¤ Roynard Hydra Malfoy y Violet Rowena Deekers

¤ Raymond Lynx Malfoy y Cedric Atticus Diggory

¤ Draco Lucius Malfoy y Astoria Coraline Greengrass

¤ Merle Ariel Dixon y "Jesus" Paul Finnegan Rovia

¤ Daryl Hunter Dixon y Rick Jonah Grimes

¤ Vitale Astaroth Sparda y Luka Nicholas Sparda

¤ Neron Asura Sparda y Kyrie Serena Kiernan

¤ Merak Emory Sparda y Portia Manon Hendrix

¤ Loretta Margot Grace y Calvin Raphael Foxglove

¤ Julius Grant Grace y Ivy Roxanne Baxley

¤ Benjamin Vidar Grace y Edgar Zachary Maddox

¤ Ophelia Nozomi Jensen y Cordelia Avery Bkwie

¤ Eileen Victoria Jensen y Silvius Dael Sinclair

¤ Thomas Lysander Jensen y Othello Natalie Reeve

¤ Nova Genesis Jackson y Allison Leah Reid

¤ Losa Iris Brooks y Briar Anais Tedford

¤ Nina Rosie Brooks y Asa August Harding

¤ Connor Cyrus Brooks y Sandra Sabine Simmons

¤ Esme Aurora Donovan y Maxine Riley Crosby

¤ Arabella Cassidy Donovan y Robert Dashiell. Davenport

¤ Arianne Odette Donovan y Terrence Gideon Graves

¤ Kendra Alessandra Donovan y Alexis Scarlett Bishop

¤ Cassandra Abigail Donovan y James Anthony West

¤ Pansy Genevieve Parkinson y Theodore Phineas Nott

¤ Ursa Alexa Corvinus Y Narcissa Hazel Ripley

¤ Nora Alyssa Corvinus y Lydia Skylar Abernathy

¤ Annabelle Danica Corvinus y Rowan Vladimir Norwood

¤ Luna Pandora Lovewood y Rolf Elijah Matthew Scamander

¤ Ronan Artemis Marcelly y Adam Timothy Reed

¤ Giovanni Octavius Marcelly y Robin Mikhaila Mckinley

¤ Ivan Alistair Marcelly y James Christopher Peters

¤ Mika Valentina Donnelly y Arthur Ethan Bowers

¤ Damien September Delaney y Melione Rowena Robinson

¤ Kira Dominika Delaney y Marlon Oliver Williams

¤ Kanna Amelia Delaney y Gael Ethan Byron

¤ Nicholas Hadrien Delaney y Madison Edith Emerson

¤ Armand Demetrius Corwin y Persephone Aspen Cormac

¤ Tatiana Aubrey Corwin y Marcella Carolinne Cervenka

¤ Pandora Evageline Corwin y Cecilia Honoria Van Frietag

¤ Natasha Penelope Dresden y Donna Mary Berkshire

¤ Emily Alisha Ansel y Nana Eliza Martin

¤ Isabelle Veronica Ansel y Carmen Emilia Reyes

¤ Kenneth Paul Dollins y Ella Isabella Evans

¤ Joseph Herman Dollins y Juliet Corina Rogers

¤ Hailey Amelia Flint y Lucia Naomi Barnes

¤ Ashley Jasmine Flint y Maxwell Benjamin Norton

¤ Piper Savannah Flint y Louis Howart Daxton

¤ Chase Akira Braken y Felix Lucius Quinn

¤ Florian Narcissus Braken y Colin Leonard Frone

¤ Callum Daniel Fox y Marjorie Katie Vance

¤ Dante Ezra Fox y Leila Juniper Thomson

¤ Nathan Soren Fox y Matthias Isaac Parker

¤ Magnus Gideon Fox y Desmond Ethan McReynolds

¤ Lucian Harrison Fox y Apollo Anthony Greene

¤ Jude Eli Hudson y Theodore Declan Vesper

¤ Olive Genesis Ivanovich y David Cameron Canyon

¤ Tate Roman Ivanovich y Molly Aurora Wiley

¤ Ivory Leah Ivanovich y Diane Barbara Jennings

¤ Devon Julian Kane y Ophelia Pauline Colins

¤ Claudine Barbara Kane y Matthew Benjamin Rothchild

¤ Castiel Dominc Kane y Charlie Isaac Lauder

¤ Natasha Bella Kane y Mackenzie Riley Hills

¤ Caroline Samantha Kane y Sarah Emma Fuller

¤ Harper Eva Kane y Daniel Michael Baker

¤ Henry Jasper Kane y Duncan Joshua Evas

¤ Nathan Pietro Kane y Elijah Maxwell Crimson

¤ June Opal Kane y Felix Octavius Rhodes

¤ Jane Ophelia Kane y Angelo Dominic Lowell

¤ Aldora Corinne Prince Amora Lyra Stout

¤ Odolette Lila Prince y Thalia Cora Fulton

¤ Amon Rowan Prince y Elira Bianca Thorton

¤ Amelia Robin Prince y Nicolo Dorian Guthrie

¤ Alastor Robert Prince y Dinah Pandora Pearson

¤ Gavin Marshall Prince y Megara Eloise Lang

¤ Sean Colin Prince y Rebecca Odette Douglas

¤ Renee Tara Prince y Miles Edgar Lambert

¤ Eric Lance Snapey y Millicent Corinne Curtis

¤ Marlon Levi Snape y Lily Alyssa Yancer

¤ Luther Garth Snape y Judith Naomi Tailyour

¤ Hannah Ebony Snape y Lincoln Nathan Penfold

¤ Marie Clarice Snape y Leslie Regan Eastwood

¤ Jade Tiffany Snape y Leah Eliana Rees

¤ Grant Devin Snape y Geraldine Annalie Harfield

¤ Dean Leighton Snape y Fiona Charity Wheeler

¤ Mason Riley Oakley y Cartie April Willis

¤ Morgan Harley Oakley y Ian Paul Wenman

¤ Robert Damian Lake y Marion Corinne Turner

¤ Roy Ethan Morrinson y Griffin Rhett Essex

¤ Joy Ebony Morrinson y Kilian Lee Rowell

¤ Holden Ethan Snape y Eleanor Nadia Heron

¤ Corey Silas Snape y Jane Lydia Orchard

¤ Astrid Juliette Snape y Rhonda Hope Pataki

¤ Tate Julian Snape y James Ronan Poole

¤ Soren Jaspn Snape y Carmen Marianna Rojas

¤ Edgar Samuel Snape y Ingrid Ianthe Lauder

¤ Castiel Gabriel Dream y Cecilia Ember Bonavich

¤ Callum Paul Dream y Avalon Ginevra Carmichael

¤ Cedric Ernest Dream y Bathilda Sibyll Irvine

¤ Garett Elia Dream y Padma Orla Astor

¤ Austin Jordan Dream y Magenta Pomona Hearst

¤ Daryl Silvanus Dream y Nuru Sura Van Doren

¤ Calliope Scarlett Dream y Gemma Pomona Windsor

¤ Cordelia Maribelle Carter y Ivar Rainn Kline

¤ Howart Steven Carter y Sylvia Peyton Bechtel

¤ Lysander Casimir Carter y Enid Jivanta Galumba

¤ Pierre Milford Afton y Kylie Olivia McKeehan

¤ Rupert Stanley Afton y Andrea Jocelyn Varner

¤ Warren Philip Jefferson y Michelle Sabine Castle

¤ Ellie Audrey Jefferson y Shireen Monroe Marks

¤ Giselle Corina Leighton y Mia Velvet Bushnell

¤ Odette Marina Leighton y Nicoletta Verona Goldstein

¤ Larissa Dirina Leighton y Winry Carmina Montgomery

¤ Magnus Cassidy Edevane y Harry Leroy Baker

¤ Stella Andromeda Orville y Harold Russell Mcquiston

¤ Lucille Arabella Orville y Jace Colton Rutledge

¤ Lee Amos Evans y Zoey Makayla Camfield

¤ Cadmus Orion Evans y Trudy Nayala Lovell

¤ Florean Newton Evans y Xenia Sybil Herron

¤ Ivory Ooal Evans y Edmund Wilfred Frankham

¤ Luisa Veronica O'Kelly y Connor Evan Carson.

¤ Finn Andrew Harley y Portia Marilyn Curtis

¤ Abel Nolan Harley y Bonnie Thea Proudley

¤ Louis Xander Harley y Petunia Jamie Deakins

¤ Claire Norah Harley y Lance Chandler Western

¤ Camille Loena Harley y Myrtle Denise Golby

¤ Cora Adelaide Harley y Selma Kelsey Hicks

¤ Juliette Theodora Harley y Daisy China Kempster

¤ Cyrus Maximua Harley y Meredith Shannon Crocker

¤ Horatio Gideon Harley y Heidi Antoinette Deacon

¤ Dorothea Euphemia Harley y Terence Xavier Croucher

¤ Violetta Leopoldine Murphy y Franklin Leonidas Burton

¤ Nova Orion Murphy y Faustina Spencer Odam

¤ Comet Sky Murphy y Yvonne Wilhemina Hibberd

¤ Phoenix Bianca Murphy y Rosalie Simone Stratton

¤ Celestine Xiomara Glenwood y Rylan Waylon Mills

¤ Isla Cosima Glenwood y Neil Rowan Lee

¤ Jacqueline Glennda McCoy y Jarome Staley Orline

¤ Ann Marie McCoy y Ridley Everett Anderson

¤ Apoline Elian McCoy y Simom Edward Thompson

¤ Aubrey Lynn Orson y Braxton Hunter Young

¤ Amelia Faith Orson y Ryland Linden Allen

¤ Lucy Ella Volkov Jacob Jhon Wright

¤ Freya Leah Volkov y Rome Canyon Adams

¤ Martin Lane Volkov y Brianna Mirella Collins

¤ Monet Valentina Volkov y Callahan Anselm Morris

¤ Robinia Venus Carrington y Aragon Glorianne Watson

¤ Damon Micah Carrington y Selie Nia Rise

¤ Calla Seraphina Balckwood y Ariel Calyx Reid

¤ Adriana Norah Blackwood y Windsor Athen Foster

¤ Trevor Narcissus Blackwood y Larry Eugene Fraser

¤ Heather Kalina Moore y Lucilius Nicholas McIntosh

¤ Bernadette Alexa Moore y Ares Gabriel McLean

¤ Althea Ruby Lexington y Trinity Elizabeth Bland

¤ Camellia Iris Lexington y Damian Anthony Boswell

¤ Taylor Sidney Lexington y Fabian Dominic Bartlett

¤ Elena Vittoria Lexington y Athena Aubree Birch

¤ Oris Edward Goodwin y Ryleigh Nadia Chapman

¤ Archer Emrys Goodwin y Paisley Autumm Pannell

¤ Raphaela Esperalda Goodwin y Ryder Quentin Hamilton

¤ Ike Neron Goodwin y Bailey Stephanie Adams

¤ Lilianna Persephone Blackwood y Jared Fabian Crawford

¤ Albert Christopher Blackwood y Gemma Alyna Gibson

¤ Alfred Stella Blackwood y Nicholas Julian Munro

¤ Rose Mary Blackwood y Sebastian robert Walker

¤ Bernard Alden Blackwood y Katherine Calliope McGregor

¤ Benjen Isaiah Blackwood y Seraphina Harper Docherty

¤ Lewis Beckett Blackwood y Samirah Luna Ross

¤ Vlaire Harley Blackwood y Aurora Isabelle Gordon

Septima Generación

¤ Abigail Elizabeth Gray y Angel Nicholas Romero

¤ Jareth Jefferson Gray y Nimue Manon Valerian

¤ Lucille Hazel Gray y Helena Danica Valerian

¤ Wendy Elora Gray y Diana Amelie Valerian

¤ Jamie Arlan Peters

¤ Star Demetria Peters y Beck

¤ Blue Danae Peters

¤ Caroline Victoria Watson y Elijah Phineas Butler

¤ Sophie Marianna Watson y Seth Dorian Deacon

¤ Garth Theodore Watson y Rosalie Tabitha Willett

¤ Evangeline Tallulah Peters y Malody Colette Ray

¤ Angelo William Peters y Luciana Angelica Rodriguez

¤ Arthur Elijah Riddle y Gwendolyn Stella Huntington

¤ Hank Bernard Riddle y Ralph Franklin Grimaldi

¤ Olive Ocravia Riddle y Mabel Charlotte Clemonte

¤ Ocean Lavender Riddle y Terra Olive Grigg

¤ Terry Wilder Riddle y Violetta Harper Quantum

¤ Alan August Riddle y Barbara Amelie Warner

¤ Ronald Victor Riddle y Micah Cassius Ferrell

¤ Nancy Cosima Riddle y Desmond Julian Norton

¤ Mary Juniper Riddle y Felicity Ottilia Ansol

¤ Cheryl Marina Riddle y Raphale Simon Loomis

¤ Timothy Riven Riddle y Loretta Elise Hopkins

¤ Linda Euphemia Riddle y Edwin Max Oakland

¤ Lucius Ethani Riddle y Daniel Miles Stevens

¤ Malia Portia Weston y Gavin Dylan Wells

¤ Claire Georgina Weston y Bob Stanley Cooper

¤ Julian Alden Weston y Vivienne Rodinka Mustow

¤ Cameron Thaddeus Weston y Percy Monroe Parker

¤ Camille Opal Weston y Leora Winter Joles

¤ Savannah Honoria Weston y Othello Scarlett Pike

¤ Annalie Electra Everleigh y Millicent Rhonda Weir

¤ Seth Edgar Everleigh y Matilda Rosalie Weir

¤ Hermione Isadora Brooks y Marlon Carlton Tenne

¤ Herman Ignatius Brooks y Julius Oliver Cooley

¤ Judith Lavinia Brooks y Hugo Gilbert Jones

¤ Jedidiah Jasper Wolf y Ezra Thomas Miller

¤ Isidor Hadrian Wolf y Gretcher Genevieve Douglas

¤ Ingrid Avery Wolf y Parker Logan McKay

¤ Melanie Ariana Wolf y Matthew Roman Burns

¤ Grace Mackenzie Wolf y Ophelia Lyra Bell

¤ Demetrius Niccolo Levin y Mackenzie Meissa Giles

¤ Castiel Timothy Levin y Roxanne Ivory Sherwood

¤ Giovanni Balthazar Levin y Henrietta Marine Pinford

¤ Felicity Alexa Levin y Claude Victor Isaacs

¤ Serenity Adeline Levin y Gilbert Leonard Pierce

¤ Nellie Elizabeth Ollivander y Grover Zachary Janos

¤ Valerie Lenna Ollivander y Theodore Dustin Rose

¤ Gael Francis Ollivander y Martha Emily Newland

¤ Ella Louisa Palmer y Arthur Jared Sbeen

¤ Philomena Emersyn Gibson y Julian Milo Holland

¤ Michelle Natalie Gibson y Henry Joshua Sandler

¤ Draco Artemas Levin

¤ Evan Alastor Levin

¤ Regulus Leland Shaw

¤ Druella Lilian Shaw

¤ Sarah Makhaila Sullivan

¤ Nora Hope Sullivan

¤ James Luka Sullivan

¤ Katie Violetta Novak

¤ Bartemius Amos Novak

¤ Marietta Jean Novak

¤ Fenrir Viktor Novak

¤ Baghilda Alice Novak

¤ Rolanda Severina Novak

¤ Lee Thomas Novak

¤ Morterius Aries Lestrange

¤ Morticia Ursa Lestrange

¤ Honerva Piper Lestrange

¤ Allura Rhaella Lestrange

¤ Severus Vincent Lestrange

¤ "Mad Thrill"

¤ "Infernal Void"

¤ "Mercenary Shadow"

¤ "Assassin Silver"

¤ "Defiant Spear"

¤ Valtor Christopher Volturi y Ogron Demetrius Kymer

¤ Dimitry Raphael Vanderwood y Jihyun Kim

¤ Aizawa Otsutsuki y Enji Todoroki

¤ Rhaegar Targaryen y Elia Martell

¤ Leslie Aaron Volturi y Ruben Kenneth Victoriano

¤ Evan Nova Casperan y Leigh Taylor Ainsworth

¤ Firkle Jonah McNamara y Ike Harley Broflovski

¤ Brick JoJo y Momoko Atsutsumo

¤ Boomer JoJo y Miyako Gōtokuji

¤ Butch Jojo y Kaoru Matsubara

¤ Levi Alexander Ackerman y Erwin Joseph Smith

¤ Avalon Jason Snape y Josie Terra Marion

¤ Saeyoung Choi y Jumin Han

¤ Saeran Choi y Yoosung Kim

¤ Castiel Vincent Sparda y Nathaniel Jacott

¤ Shaena Targaryen y Benjen Stark

¤ Richard Jhon Grayson

¤ Pitch Kendall Casperan y Jackson Ice Frost

¤ Armin Ariel Casperan y Lysandro Ainsworth

¤ Alexy Matthew Kogane y Kentin O'Connor

¤ Daeron Targaryen y Urrigon Greyjoy

¤ Jason Peter Todd y Roy Xander Harper

¤ Osomatsu Matsuno y Reiji Sakamaki

¤ Karamatsu Matsuno

¤ Choromatsu Matsuno

¤ Ichimatsu Matsuno y Yuma Mukami

¤ Jyuchimatsu Matsuno y Shuu Sakamaki

¤ Todomatsu Matsuno

¤ Gaella Targaryen

¤ Gaelle Targaryen y Nymeria Sand

¤ Aegon Targaryen y Lynesse Hightower

¤ Timothy Jackson Drake y Lucien Draven Bloodmarch

¤ Alesandro Darius Volturi y Marcus Donovan Volturi

¤ Jaehaerys Targaryen y Obara Sand

¤ Viserys Targaryen y Aurane Velaryon

¤ Damian Wayne y Jonathan Kent

¤ Rhaedall Targaryen y Domeric Bolton

¤ Rhaemyra Targaryen y Mya Stone

¤ Riven Thrall y Helia Thrall

¤ Duncan Thrall y Gwen Violet Rusell

¤ Simon Abaader

¤ Scarlett Abaader

¤ Nora Naida Abaader y Alfor Raphael McClain

¤ Geralt Nicolo Casperan y Jaskier Dandelion

¤ Mei Ling Young

¤ Chloe Bourgeois y Kagami Tsuguri

¤ Adrien Matthew Malfoy y Luka Keith Couffaine

¤ Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy y Albus Severus Potter

¤ Devlin Nikolai Snape

¤ Ruby Peregrine Snape

¤ Vladimir Lev Snape

¤ Levi Damien Khemse

¤ Leonora Arabella Khemse

¤ Micah Oliver Khemse

¤ Lavi Dawn Weasley

¤ Ezra Calyx Weasley

¤ Desmond Perseus Weasley

¤ Narcissa Daphne Weasley

¤ George II Norman Weasley

¤ Mikhaila Larissa Weasley

¤ Mihael "Mello" Keehl

¤ Nate "Near" Rivers

¤ Mail "Matt" Jeevas

Octava Generación

[wellpresseddaisy]

Dressing Darius Riddle-Sinclair

After nearly 4000 words of pining and tweed I thought some visuals might help.

Underwear

Severus had a curious lack of reaction to an underwear-clad double of Dare. Well, that's because he was wearing something that looked like this:

No matter how handsome, everyone looks a bit silly. This is the other option, with varying arm and leg lengths:

The early 20th century

We first meet the early 20th century in the guise of a Norfolk suit. What was that? There's a view of the belted back:

The 1920s/1930s

Clothing for men didn't change that drastically from the 20s to the 30s. I think there was some change in the cut of the trousers. Dare has a fairly casual 20s/30s wardrobe. Think more the open collar shirt, flannel bags (the student's trousers pictured), a pullover, and a jacket.

But what we're plus-fours and why don't we wear them? Because they make Jeeves cry, that's why.

Early 19th century

The early 19th century is one of my favorites for menswear. This is a good illustration of what Dare might wear.

And for the frock coat that was mentioned (they started to come in in the 1820s, I believe):

Medieval

To match with Severus, Dare skews toward styled from the 1100s:

or:

[wellpresseddaisy]

Beginning to See the Light

@greens-your-color What happens when Darius takes Severus into Society the first time. (No biting, although I think Lucius wanted to chomp on someone for both of them.)

“…heard you’re allowin’ your boy to racket about with the Potter set.”

Severus heard the adenoidal tones that meant Gwendolyn Whitlow found another victim. He drew back slightly, letting the curtain of his alcove shield him. Old habits died hard, he supposed, but listened in anyway. One never knew what one might learn.

“Oh, yes. Family, you know.” Lucius answered coolly.

“Isn’t one of the girls not magically born?” She made that sound like a communicable disease.

“Miss Whitlow, I know you, tragically, have yet to enter the beautiful precepts of parenthood, but when one’s only son is determined to do the right thing by his…relative, then one simply must support him in that endeavor. The Granger girl is more palatable that I imagined.”

Severus could see, in his mind’s eye, Lucius’ expression given the chilly tone. He’d bet a month’s salary Lucius had his monocle out. Or perhaps he twitched a fan at her. The monocle, Severus decided, was more likely. Lucius’ liked people to feel as if they were being examined and found wanting.

“Don’t you worry at all about low company?”

“Quite frankly, Miss Whitlow, Draco’s manners and marks both have done nothing but improve since he took up with Potter, not that it is any of your business. I think, perhaps, it’s time to repair your own ignorance on the subject of the non-magical world.”

Miss Whitlow sputtered something at that. Severus swallowed hard. Low company. He’d been that, once. The little urchin graciously taken in hand by Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black. Eileen’s boy, so tragic she’d gone and married that muggle.

He didn’t belong here. He’d never belonged in this glittering world of balls and routs and card parties and boxes at the opera. His world was chalk dust and bubbling cauldrons and sticky children managing to have the most ridiculous accidents possible in class.

“Right, my lad, that’s quite enough of that.”

Severus startled as his husband suddenly loomed up at his side.

“I…Dare…I’m…” he floundered at seeing the stern set of Dare’s jaw.

“Hiding behind a curtain and thinking you could never belong here?” Dare raised an eyebrow.

How did the bloody man know that?

“Oh, Severus. Do you think I never had those moments myself?”

That put a different complexion on it.

“Come with me, pet. We’re going to plead a headache. You look peaky enough.” The wry twist of his mouth took the sting out of that one.

In short order, Severus found himself standing on the pavement waiting for their carriage. Dare wrapped an arm about his shoulders.

“Why don’t we try somewhere more to our taste?” Dare asked.

Severus looked up at him, the misery of ruining their first evening out together in Society dissipating with his surprise.

“Where?” he asked.

“Will you trust me?”

Severus felt his heart melt at that and tried to keep from smiling soppily. “Of course I trust you.”

“Then hold on. I sent the carriage back.”

Severus tucked himself close, closer than one really needed for side-along apparition, and closed his eyes. One squeezing moment later, he felt their feet hit pavement again.

“We’ll have to put your hair up, if you don’t mind, but the rest should be right.” Dare held up a clip and Severus turned around.

His husband’s hands were gentle as he carefully combed his fingers through Severus’ long hair. He plaited it quickly and clubbed the heavy length of it up at the nape of Severus’ neck with the clip. Severus looked at the brigtly lit façade before then and choked on air.

“A dance hall? Dare, if someone sees…”

“No one here will utter even one peep about us. They knew my father.”

How he said that and kept a perfectly innocent expression Severus would never know. He snorted.

“He used to dance here?” he finally choked out.

“Apparently,” Dare bit his lip. “That would have been in the forties. He used to bring his Slytherin cronies with him, slumming it.”

“The imagination boggles,” Severus murmured.

“Come along,” Dare grinned, anticipation lighting his eyes. “I’ve been watching you in set dances all evening. I cannot believe Mrs. Sedgwick thinks waltzing immoral, even now.”

Severus let Dare lead him in, suddenly happy he’d worn the flame-colored evening pajamas Narcissa and the tailor insisted he required for less formal events. The flowing trouser legs gave him some comfort—Dare seemed like the sort who danced energetically.

Who would ever have thought that Tobias Snape deciding that the best way to tire out energetic magical children was to teach them both swing and jive would come in handy? He could hear his mother even now, leaning out the kitchen window over the cramped back garden and laughing:

“Toby, why is Severus learning all the lifts?Surely that would be for Lily?”

“Nay, ‘leen. The lass’ll be taller than our Severus in weeks! Growing like a weed, that one.”

So Severus learned how to be lifted and all the aerials. Did Dare know any of them? He supposed he’d find out. They secured a table around the edge of the dance floor after checking their cloaks. Dare marked it as engaged and led Severus out to the floor.

Severus let him swing them into the flow of dancers, following his lead in a slow fox trot.

“Can you keep up?” Dare grinned down at him.

“With this?” Severus raised an eyebrow.

“This is just a warm up, my lad.” Dare stole a quick, smacking kiss.

It was. The more decorous fox trots and waltzes slowly trailed off into Stompin’ at the Savoy and One O’Clock Jump. Severus matched steps with Dare, following his lead easily. Several numbers he didn’t recognize passed as he and Dare familiarized themselves with each other.

He’d forgotten the joy of it, giving over to the music, the bass thumping in his blood up and down the scale as the band kicked the tempo faster and faster. He’d never felt like this dancing with Lily—so wholly in sync.

He realized that many of the other dancers had cleared off the floor, leaving more space for the jitterbugs. Dare laughed down at him, and swung him out, his hair falling over his forehead.

“Can you do the aerials?” he shouted over the pounding drums.

“All of them,” Severus bellowed back. “My father said it was my patriotic duty so I could show up the Yanks and scandalize the Malfoys!”

Dare snorted and steered them to an emptier section of the dance floor.

“Want a go?”

“Yes!”

He hadn’t trusted Lily’s muscle strength enough to try anything like a candlestick or an around the world with her. They’d confined themselves to some of the tamer pops and throws. He might regret it in the morning, but he couldn’t resist Dare’s infectious enthusiasm.

Frankie flips, around the worlds, k flips, tick tocks, and coffee grinders followed in quick succession. Severus knew they were drawing a crowd, but he didn’t care. He matched Dare step for step.

“See now, Davey, I told you that were Tommy’s boy. No one else danced like that.”

Severus caught Dare’s eye and laughed in delight as Dare supported him into a candlestick.

[wellpresseddaisy]

New chapter up for The Problems with Ritual Magic!

In which Dare moves boxes, thinks about Severus, reminisces, thinks about Severus, and starts the tedious process of sorting out files.

(Similar to Long Ago (and far away) but edited...er, largely rewritten for this Dare and Severus)

[wellpresseddaisy]

Long Ago (and far away) Part 15

Nearly 4,000 words of pining and tweed (and novelty weaves no one should wear but the Weasley twins will love in a few years time)

Minerva may have been certain of the outcome, but Severus wasn't. He fell back to pacing after she left, fretting over everything that had to be accomplished. And, perhaps, over the reaction to his new…status. The Founder's Lines were revered, and for good reason. They tended to turn out magic users of great power and talent. The great old Houses remained dormant, for the most part, content to pass the family magics through the chosen line. Sometimes, though, a House revived.  

He'd bonded with the man reviving Slytherin House. Severus Snape, the Malfoy's Eliza Doolittle. The guttersnipe they'd dragged up out of obscurity, who'd beaten out so many hopefuls for the Potions Master position. 

Oh, the press would go mad with this one. 

And when it came out that he'd made a curtsey? He could see the commentary. They'd mention 'wiles'. 

He didn't even have any bloody wiles. He was as wile-free as a person could be. He'd never cast out lures, either. In fact, he'd done his very best to fade into obscurity as a teacher, only popping up now and again to explain how people were wrong in potions journals. And publish the odd article when he'd found something new. 

He thought he might try to find out precisely what Longbottom did to make such destructive disasters next. Someone had to figure that out, mostly so he could be stopped before he caused a real problem. And if Granger would cooperate, he might ask her parents if they could do a brief study on her hair. It responded to both her own and ambient magic in the most individual way.

He'd have to appear in public again. He'd only gone to Almack's in the summer months for the last many years, and only to support his students in their presentation. He received invitations throughout the Season, of course, but all understood he wouldn't attend rout parties or card parties or Venetian breakfasts or dinners or make up part of a theater or opera excursion or show up at a ball. He certainly didn't dance. 

Well, he could dance and dance well, because otherwise Narcissa would have locked him in a cupboard rather than let him embarrass everyone. He could sing a bit, and play the piano and sketch or do watercolors and embroider and knit and crochet. He'd been taught the social graces. He just didn't like them much. 

The knitting and crochet he did like, but they were practical skills. Those and invisible mending were the things he'd practiced most. Well, and a bit of embroidery, but only to embroider runes. Or make a present for Cissa.

He liked his quiet life. He could have intellectually stimulating conversations with other adults whenever he wished, but he also had his solitude. To a point. Solitude could be hard to come by when one was the head of a school House like Slytherin. What they got up to some days. 

But his quiet life had changed in a moment. Hadn't it? Would Dare expect him to go gadding about during the Season? He didn't see how it could be managed, not with his current workload. And he certainly couldn't be out until two or three o'clock in the morning and then get up to teach. 

He supposed they'd cross that bridge when they came to it. How he hated waiting.

Severus turned, still fulminating, took two steps, and ran straight into Dare. He bounced back gently and looked up, confusion creasing his brow. 

"I'd have waited, but we're going to be late for the tailor if you keep brooding." 

The gentle reminder had him fumbling his watch out of his watch pocket. 

"How is it that late?" He asked. Surely he hadn't been pacing for nearly an hour?

"Fulminating takes time, pet." Dare's teasing grin took the sting out of the words. "Are you ready to go?" 

"Yes…I think…yes. I'm sorry to have been so absent." Severus patted down his pockets and smoothed his hair before they moved to the back door. 

"Needing to get your thoughts in order isn't a crime, Severus. Now, should we apparate separately, or would you prefer side-along?"

"I think side-along." Severus answered slowly. "I don't know that I trust myself to apparate without incident at the moment."

They arrived in Diagon Alley without incident. The day really wouldn't have been improved by splinching. 

Diagon Alley, at that hour of a Sunday, had few others walking about. He and Dare made good time to Fullers Way and found Du's shop quickly. A bell chimed as they pushed the door open and stepped into the shop. 

No racks of clothes stood waiting, as at Malkin's, and the shop held no air of haughty consequence, as at Twillfit and Tattings. The front of the shop wasn't large, though the creamy plaster walls made it seem open, even in the dim light of an October afternoon. A cheerful, red-enameled stove crackled near the polished wooden sales counter, warming the air and chasing away the damp, at one end of the space. 

A dais stood at the other end of the room with armchairs and a low table before it. The dark floorboards between gleamed with scrubbing and regular waxing.

Severus sniffed, trying to catch the elusive mix of scents…lavender, orris root, and…cedar? Yes, that last note was cedar. 

"I'll be out directly!" A woman called from the back. "Please have a seat."

They each claimed an armchair, a bit bemused. Generally, a tailor kept style books for each House they served at the front of the shop to increase their consequence. Malkin's served Hogwarts, which gave prestige enough that the rest of her clientele went unremarked. Twillfit's had shelves of morrocco-bound books with the surname stamped in gold on each spine. This shop had none of that. 

Nothing advertised Du's expertise. Twillfit's tended to display the latest in the most formal of gowns on one side and the last word on tailored items on the other. Malkin's specialized in readymade clothes they could fit to the wearer. Tamsin Du's shop seemed bare compared to the others. 

She finally bustled out of the back carrying a stack of…something. Severus couldn't quite make out what she held as he and Dare stood to greet her. She looked…young…was all Severus could think. It had to be the Welsh influence, with those blue eyes and that dark hair. She dressed neatly in a dark shirtwaist and skirt, though she'd hemmed the skirt at walking length. A chatelaine swung from her belt, all the tools she needed at her fingertips, including her wand in a filigree case.

"You must be Mr. Riddle-Sinclair and Professor Snape." She set her small burden down on the dais. "Thank you for taking such a late appointment."

"I appreciate that you're open, Miss Du." Dare smiled warmly at her. "How long have you been in the Alley?"

"Oh, not so very long." She answered carefully, sitting in the last chair and opening a blank book in her lap. "Now, Madame Bulstrode said that you'd need a new wardrobe?"

"I, embarrassingly, lost my luggage on my way here. It wouldn't have done, in any case, as I was in India. Not much call for tweed." 

Severus would have to ask if switching on "public school idiot" happened naturally or if it was a learned reaction. 

"And do you have any style preferences?" Miss Du asked, noting a few things down in a book. 

"For everyday, either the early twentieth century, the late eighteenth century, or the early nineteenth century. I would like a few items to match Professor Snape, as well, especially for formal occasions." Dare explained.

"Well, you've the build for it." Miss Du murmured. "Would you prefer a traditional experience or would you be open to an experimental option?"

"Beg pardon?" Dare asked. "What is the experimental option?"

Severus sat forward. This sounded like something worth leaving his house to see. Experimental magic…the words still sent a thrill through him.

"It's a body double. Instead of you needing to change in and out of innumerable garments, you can see them all while you sit here. With a few spells, I create the double's matrix in this." She held up a polished black stone etched with runes. "When you come in, the stone fits into a space in the dias and we can see what suits you best. You only have to try things on for a fitting or two. The stones are kept safely off-site, unless I need one for a consultation. And as the stone is created, your measurements are all sent to your book. I keep those off-site as well." 

"And then the client can see exactly how clothing will fit from an outside perspective. Brilliant." Severus remarked. "I imagine this cuts down on those demanding an unflattering shade of puce?"

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Professor." Du answered, an amused glitter in her eye.

"I think I'd like to try the experimental option." Dare decided. "I've never really seen what my clothing looks like from the back without twisting."

"Oh, wonderful. So many people seem to prefer the inconvenience." She set the stone down on the dias and beckoned Dare forward. "This only takes a moment."

She didn't cast in magical Latin and she didn't use her wand. Severus recognized Welsh, but not the individual words. In casting, her Welsh was all slipped and elided syllables. He remembered his mother, suddenly, standing in the sun streaming through the kitchen windows and singing a spell. Du cast the same way—a perfect song of magic that wound about the space, her hands directing her magic.

It wound about Dare, her magic, soft as a spring rain and just as green as the valleys of her home country. Severus thought he could smell fresh rain on a country meadow as the magic swept over Dare's feet and then rushed into the stone. 

Du took up her wand then and cast several spells at the stone. The runes glowed and the whole thing turned a bright, Slytherin green. Du smiled at them.

"It's worked. They all turn a different color when the matrix is settled."

"Is it always a family color or is it sometimes more personal?" Severus asked. He couldn't help himself.

"I don't know that I've noticed a pattern. The head of a family usually has the House colors, though. Look, the runes are silver now." Du showed off the carving at the side of the stone. The shone silver in the light.

"This is wonderful work, Miss Du." Dare drifted a finger over the runes. "Now, we won't ask any trade secrets, but Professor Snape and I are dying to see that work."

Miss Du fitted the stone into the recess in the dias and tapped it with her wand. She traced a glowing rune onto the dias followed by a symbol Severus couldn't place. A perfect copy of Dare stood waiting in his underclothes. The image wavered occasionally, and looked most like…a hologram out of Star Wars.

"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi…" Severus murmured, getting a sharp look from Miss Du.

"We're not quite down to only hopes, Professor Snape, not while I have needle and thread." She slanted a quick smile at him. "Now, what would you like to see first, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair? As you make decisions on styles, I can bring out samples of any materials you'd like to see."

"Daywear, I think, should be first. Early twentieth century through the nineteen-thirties, please."

"Would the more sedate styles of suiting be better?" Du asked, taking a piece of chalk from a case in her chatelaine and drawing a complex series of runes and…a symbology Severus couldn't quite place. Dare's double blinked out and returned wearing a perfectly tailored suit in a deep brown tweed. "And do you think you'll require more town clothes or more country clothes? Plus-fours have become really terribly popular among the country set, but perhaps flannel bags and an uncollared shirt might be preferred?" 

"More country clothes, definitely. Nothing…faddy, though." Dare responded. "I'm not sure I could carry off half the ridiculous things I've seen. And the socks! Flannel bags are fine, though."

The three of them considered the wildly patterned socks usually worn with plus-fours and shuddered. No, Dare shouldn't have any of those. 

"Do you ride?" Du made notes in a most peculiar shorthand as she questioned Dare.

"Yes, but no hunting. I'll mostly need things I can ride out in to check the fields and help where I can. I expect there will be some heavy work to do."

"Right, thank you. Mostly clothes for wearing in the country, some suitable clothes for rougher farm work, riding clothes but not for hunting, some town clothes, and some formal clothing. Does that seem correct? Oh, shirts and underclothes, as well. I can also have a selection of socks, stockings, and accessories made available so you can select exactly what you'd like."

"That's correct. Could I see the line of the coat at the back on the tweed?"

Du made a notation on the dias and the figure turned around, showing the belted back of the jacket. 

"Perhaps breeches with the Norfolk style?" Du asked, making the change. "The trousers are fine, but…"

"They lack panache." Severus put in. On Dare's double, the breeches worked.

"Mm, yes. The breeches are better there. And…I think a knitted pullover as opposed to a matching waistcoat. I don't expect that we'll keep a terribly formal household."

Just looking at the figure on the dias, Severus could tell Du had talent. Oh, magically, of course, to be capable of such ingenuity with it, but also with fabric. One couldn't create such a detailed view of clothing--the cut and drape of it--without knowing what they were doing. She knew fabric and she knew how to manipulate it to look its best on a human form. He rather wished she'd attended Hogwarts. 

Miss Du held out a hand and gestured toward the back of the shop. A moment later, a few heavy books and sample cards winged their way to her. In a perfect stack. Severus wished even half his students would learn that finesse was just as important as raw power. 

"This is the early twentieth sample book and some larger samples so you can see the drape." She handed over one of the books and a stack of the cards. 

Dare opened to the wools and stared. "Well, styles certainly have changed while I've been gone. Gracious."

"Oh, did you get the novelty weaves? Some of them are a bit…lurid." Miss Du rose from her seat by the dais and stepped over to turn to the correct page. 

"Yes, that's more like it." Dare drifted a finger over the little samples, taking in tweeds of all colors, herringbone and chevron weaves, and soft flannels. "Are the novelty wools popular?"

"Generally with the younger set, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair. And, for the most part, not with gentlepersons."

"The brown is good, but could we see the sage tweed in the Norfolk and breeches?" Severus asked, leaning over to look.

Miss Du made the change. "Oh, that's very good. Browns, blues, and greens for the tweeds, I think. And the blues and greens will look well with flannels."

A quick change to the notation and a casual Dare emerged in a light blue tweed jacket, soft shirt, heathered gray knitted pullover, and gray flannel bags.  

"That's precisely how I expect to look most days." Dare sounded delighted. 

"A flanneled fool?" Severus teased. 

"A comfortable one, at any rate." Dare gave his hand a quick squeeze, a soft smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. 

"This is also an option." Miss Du added a fresh set of runes (it just had to be of her own devising—Severus had never seen anything involving pothooks like that) and Dare stood in perfect early nineteenth century country clothing.

The coat hugged his shoulders and back exactly, a micrometrically tailored symphony in bottle green. A waistcoat in self-striped bronze silk gave warmth to the ensemble, and perfectly fitted breeches completed it. Boots, with their folded tops a snowy white, gleamed softly in the light. The shirt had a moderate collar and the cravat a conservative fold. Both were of the finest linen. 

"Miss Du, I must commend you. This is perfect." Dare enthused. "I don't think I've ever had a tailor understand precisely what I wanted so immediately."

"It's only what I trained to do." She answered. "I find that setting expectations from the outset helps greatly. Would you say greens, browns, and blues for the coats here, as well?"

"Er, yes. Thank you. And the breeches matching or buff."

"Buckskin for riding?" Du asked.

"Yes, I think I'd prefer early nineteenth for riding."

Severus had no opinions as his brain could only conjure a noise that sounded something like 'hnmnnrgh'. He didn't think he'd ever seen a man so fitted for wearing that type of clothing before. Lucius favored the rather more fanciful clothes of the later eighteenth century and most of his other acquaintance from Slytherin seemed to prefer either the 1930s style suit or variations on the medieval or Renaissance. The early nineteenth century, dependent as it was on exquisite tailoring and decent shoulders and chest, had little popularity among the upper classes.

No one wished to point up a rather hollow chest.

"And a frock coat?" Miss Du continued. "What do you think?" With a swipe of chalk Dare wore a frock coat and trousers, the shirt and cravat remaining the same.

"For town, perhaps. Severus, what do you think?"

"In navy or midnight blue, I think, if you're going to look the part. Would you try a contrasting waistcoat?" Severus somehow managed not to startle or embarrass himself. 

"A deep red would look well on you, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair." Miss Du made the change. "Yes, that works nicely. And for formal occasions, I believe you would prefer the medieval mode? Early, late…?"

"The eleven-hundreds, to match with Professor Snape."

"Yes, thank you." She made a note of that before chalking the dais again.

Dare stood before them in a deep green silk tunic and warm pewter under-tunic. The tunic, with wide sleeves and glinting silver embroidery around the collar, fell to the floor. A silver girdle circled his hips and a silver filet shaped like twining snakes circled his brow. Despite the short hair, he looked every inch the medieval lord. 

"The earlier styles suit very well." Severus commented. 

How could he ever match that splendor? His ancestry, despite his mother's pureblood status, was distinctly plebeian. They were solid types, farmers and laborers, but not…not of Society. They were not gentleman farmers, at home in both the fields and the drawing room. His own more advanced social graces, rusty as they were, only existed courtesy of Narcissa. Otherwise he might yet eat his peas with his knife. 

How could he enter into the world Dare would be expected to inhabit? The social whirl of the Season and the long, quiet country summers. The house parties and routs and breakfasts and balls. 

It wasn't his place or his world. His sphere, he thought, was Cokeworth and Hogwarts. He'd never invaded the drawing rooms of Mayfair and Belgravia. It looked, though, that he might need to start. 

Light conversation filled with commonplaces, his old nemesis, was rapidly descending upon him. 

"Severus, what do you think of this for less splendid occasions?" Dare's voice brought him out of reverie. 

"I'm so sorry." He blinked at the figure on the dais, still in the long tunics of the eleven-hundreds, but now in wool with an under-tunic of silk. "It does suit you, and that dark blue is very good."

"I think I have enough to begin, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair. There are sketches of everything in your book, here," she passed the thick journal over to him. "If you could initial those designs, I can have a pair of flannels ready for you to try in half an hour. I can have three pairs total done today, and the suits and tunics will be ready for a fitting in three days."

"So soon?" Severus asked. 

"There is a certain amount of automation one can do with magic, Professor Snape." Miss Du smiled at him. "Trade secrets, though. If you step next door, Mr. Halcombe has the best selection of knitwear in the country. He also does custom work."

Severus and Dare rose together. 

"We'll be back in half an hour, Miss Du. This has been a truly remarkable experience." Dare took his arm again and guided him from the shop.

Knitwear awaited. Severus only hoped Dare's taste in pullovers proved as good as his taste in suiting.

-------------------------

Severus collapsed on the living room sofa, groaning at the ache in his feet. Dare, with an incredibly droll expression, removed shrunken box after shrunken box after shrunken bag from his pockets. 

They had certainly made use of the late hours many shops kept of a Sunday. Knitwear, from socks and underclothes to pullovers, had taken two trips. One for the initial half-hour and a second while two more pairs were made up. Then came hats and handkerchiefs and ties and cravats and accessories Severus had never even seen before. 

His own needs seemed much simpler in comparison to a man who apparently wished to carry every conceivable gew-gaw upon his person.  

His right arch cramped, both ankles ached, and that was nothing to the complaints of his knees and hips. 

"I've used you terribly, pet." Dare stopped enlarging parcels and looked over at him. "Why don't you go and have a soak."

Severus couldn't argue with that. How could he spend days hauling cauldrons about and hours on his feet teaching, but several hours of shopping left him half dead?

"I thought you might like these?" Dare crossed to him, holding a tin of…bath salts. 

Sandalwood scented bath salts. His favorite scent and one he hardly allowed himself as those things tended to be rather dear. 

"I also took the liberty of arranging for takeaway this evening. Indian and I did order extra naan. Is that…"

Sandalwood bath salts and extra naan. Severus thought he could count this as one of the banner evenings of his life, as depressing as that was. 

"That's…that's fine. I…" he looked up from the tin. "Thank you."

"Go on and have that bath, pet." Dare sounded as if he was trying to suppress some strong emotion and not quite managing.

"I…I will. Thank you." 

Severus fled to the sanctuary of the bathroom, his heart hammering in his ears and his pulse unsteady. He felt as if he stood on the precipice of a great fall, but a great fall to something wonderful. He leaned back against the door and breathed. He'd never come so close…he almost thought 'to compromising himself' but that wouldn't wash when one had bound oneself as he had.

He started the water, plugging the tub once it ran hot enough, and sprinkling in his salts. The heady scent of sandalwood wafted up on the steam and he disrobed. 

He'd never had those sorts of…urges…before. Once, perhaps, with Lucius and Cissa, but that never came to pass. Never for anyone else. Now though…now it felt as if he'd taken the lid off something. Something wonderful and terrifying and awe-inspiring. 

He slipped into the water. There was something he'd read once, tickling the back of his brain. 

"I didn't mean to wake the whole zoo."

Well, his seemed well and truly awake now. No putting those tigers back to sleep.

But could he be so…wanton…as to invite his husband to his bed?

[wellpresseddaisy]

I just realized what hair I kept wanting to describe for Dare. 1990s does 19mumble-mumble.

Also yes, I am writing a collar-ad man. I'm certainly not predictable in the least. (Blame my father--I grew up watching 1930s/1940s media and listening to the music because he was born in '42 and liked it. Only kid in my class who had the experience of 'now we'll turn off the lights and listen to this radio show')

(Not that we weren't allowed normal 80s kid stuff, just that this sort of thing was probably more a part of my life than other people my age.)

(@sneverussape these are pretty good references for his build, and the first one is decent for his face)

[wellpresseddaisy]

Writing 'Severus and Dare go to the tailor' has really pointed out how much I don't know about historic menswear.

Also, how many words about tweed is too many?

[wellpresseddaisy]

Long Ago (and far away)

Part 11

Severus trailed down the stairs after his bath, feeling slightly more himself. He'd pulled on a soft, icy gray under-kirtle made of a nearly sheer silk and wool blend with a low collar. The tight sleeves that mittened over his hands buttoned from cuff to elbow with tiny, flat, blackwork buttons. Over that, he wore a short sleeved woolen kirtle in a rich aubergine, the collar wide enough to show his neck, but high enough to keep his collarbones decently covered. Both the neckline and sleeve cuffs were picked out in fine, silver embroidery. He'd bound his hair back with a length of silvery ribbon, even though he felt somehow exposed. Air whispered over the bare nape of his neck, such an unfamiliar sensation, leaving him feeling a bit...well, transgressive, he supposed.

Although, he reflected, trailing his fingers down the railing as he descended the narrow staircase, he could quite properly go about at home without covering his clavicles, now. If he wished to. They were Bonded. Ditto his neck. He'd have to be even more careful when out, but he wouldn't have to worry about rumors if someone ever dropped by. He quickened his pace, lured by the scent of scones and chocolate wafting out of his kitchen. He turned left at the bottom of the stairs and walked quietly into the kitchen, skirts rustling as they trailed a bit at the back.

He stopped in the doorway and took in the scene. Riddle-Sinclair had a Gringotts post box open on the floor and folders of parchment piled haphazardly on the table. A tray stood in the middle of the chaos, holding both a teapot and a chocolate pot along with a plate piled high with steaming oat scones. He could just make out the butter crock and jam pots under a stack of loose parchment. 

It hurt his orderly soul, acutely. 

"What is this…?" Severus trailed off, gesturing to the table.

"Ah, Severus! Are you feeling a bit better?" Riddle-Sinclair looked up from the folder in his hand, smiling. "You're still welcome to call me Tom, you know, or Darius, although that really was only for business. Mostly I got called Dare. You could use that if you like."

"I find myself recovered, thank you, sir." Severus answered, ignoring the invitation again. "What is all this?"

"Gringotts gave me a post box this morning, thankfully shrunk, and it appears they've been busy. These are all the things one must go through, apparently, when one is bringing a House back to life. That pile is real estate holdings. Wanted to get that out of the way first." He pointed to the pile threatening to topple onto the scones. 

"Right." Severus took a deep breath in. "You're not going to get anywhere like this. We're going to organize all...this…" he gestured at the table, trying not to pinch the bridge of his nose, "and then you'll tell me what you're after. Sir." 

He couldn't help it. So many years of teaching and forcing organization on chaotic young minds left him incapable of letting this level of nonsense exist anywhere near his person. And definitely not in his kitchen.

"I, er, suppose I got a bit carried away. They shrunk bundles of documents and I just kept going. Merlin knows how many there are still in there. Found four recipes for damson jam and a couple of surefire cures for inflammation of the lungs. Looks like the family documents got shoved in with everything else. They ought to be in a muniment room." Riddle-Sinclair sighed as he glanced down. "I'll have to see to that."

"These are real estate holdings?" Severus rescued the scones from imminent crushing and his stomach growled. His cheeks heated at the uncouth noise.

"Thought you might be hungry." Riddle-Sinclair seemed not at all put out by it. "We'll get this lot tidied and we can go through it whilst we eat."

He suited action to words and stacked a bundle of folders in a more orderly manner. Severus moved around the table to help, methodically reducing the chaos to calm. He organized as they went, stacking like documents with like in neat piles against the far wall. They'd be out of the way there and not likely to be kicked over. 

Soon, they had enough space to sit and eat something. Riddle-Sinclair pulled out a chair for him, a gesture that seemed so at odds with the dented floors and elderly cabinets. He'd put his energy into making the main living areas his own, and suddenly wished he'd given more thought to the kitchen. He sat, though, appreciating the small bit of care. The last person to pull a chair out for him...the less he thought about Lucius the better, actually, he decided.

"I thought you might like chocolate better than tea right now, and I put out all the jam. I wasn't sure which you'd prefer." Riddle-Sinclair poured him a mug of the chocolate and set a scone on a small plate. 

"Thank you, yes." Severus let himself bask in the pampering. Merlin knew it would end soon enough, given he was looking at real estate. "Could you pass the apricot jam, please?"

"Of course, lad." He nudged it over, snagging the damson preserves for himself. "Oh, and there should be pictures in the real estate folders. I'd like you to winnow down the ones you like best, and make certain there's a lab or space for one, and some kind of study just for you, as well. You'll want your own space."

Severus choked on scone, too surprised to be embarrassed by such a childish lapse. He coughed until, with a hearty thump on the back from Riddle-Sinclair, he dislodged the treacherous crumbs. 

"Pardon?" he coughed a bit, sipping his chocolate to help his raw throat.

"This is very much your place, pet, and I'd like it to stay that way. You need somewhere all your own, just in case you need quiet and solitude."

That explanation clarified nothing.

"I don't think I quite understand?" he managed, faintly.

"I'm not going to insist you turn your study into a bedroom, Severus, and I am definitely not leaving you on your own. Did you think I'd just clear off?" He seemed highly offended, and Severus swallowed on nerves at the darkening expression on his face.

"I didn't know…" Severus stared at his hands twisting in his lap. "I knew you'd want to be somewhere else…this isn't really conducive to...I..."

"And it's hardly going to be a home without you in it, you ridiculous brat. I made you promises I intend to keep." 

He left his seat, knelt down before Severus, and hooked a finger around Severus' band. It warmed under his touch, the little serpents flicking silver tongues over his skin in greeting.

"We're Bonded, Severus, and that means something. I'm responsible now, to and for you. I won't leave you alone in this world, lad. No matter what shape this relationship takes, you're mine and I'm yours. You're stuck with me. In sickness and in health, forsaking all others, just as if we'd stood up in a church."

The honest kindness and the sincerity radiating from him left Severus as breathless as choking. He'd expected, really, to be left with a Bond in name only, a marriage of convenience, no matter the promises made. He hadn't expected any of this when he woke that morning. It seemed so far away now.

"I...Dare, I don't…" he couldn't put the strange tightness in his chest into words, but the name came of its own accord. He couldn't keep his distance, not after that.

"All right. We're going to lay off the heavy topics for now. Just remember that your home base is with me, and this can remain your sanctuary. Now, have your chocolate and scones, and we'll have a quiet evening looking through real estate. If you take that pile we can go into the sitting room and enjoy the fire."

Severus did as he was told, mechanically. His mind whirred with the new and wholly unexpected realization that he was wanted. His whole life only a few people had truly wanted him for himself. And somehow, he'd stumbled straight into a person who looked at him and saw someone worth keeping. The whole thing felt surreal.

Perhaps Pomona was correct, when, deep in her cups, she suggested that Magic will see that you get what you deserve. Eventually. May come generations down the line, but eventually Magic will catch up. In his view, Magic had finally stopped lollygagging like a bloody Pokey Little Puppy.

The Murdoch's little girl down the way had loved that one. 

"Severus-lad, sit down and stop hovering. You look like a nervous clerk sure he's about to get the bollocking of his life." Dare ordered from his seat on the settee, the tea tray safely on the coffee table.

Severus jumped, only just keeping hold of the folders, and near scuttled to do as he was told. He folded himself down onto the cushions, letting his slippers thump on the floor as he pulled his feet up to sit cross-legged. Normally, before company, he'd sit with both feet on the floor and his back straight, legs and ankles decently covered by either trousers or robes. But he'd be damned if he didn't make himself comfortable in his own home after that speech in the kitchen. And he had enough skirt to be properly covered no matter how he sat, in any case. 

Dare just patted his knee fondly (Severus thought it was fondly) and held out a hand. 

"Give me half?" He asked. "And eat more than one scone, Severus. You're a bit thinner than you ought to be."

Severus straightened up and glared as he handed over half the stack. The nerve of the man. The absolute, bloody cheek of it. He'd be spouting Pomfrey's party line in another minute. 

"You can glare all you like, pet. It doesn't stop you looking half-starved. Have you been forgetting meals?" It hadn't even taken a minute. "I'd...do you think you could try to remember to eat more regularly?"

Dare stood again and spent a moment puttering, lighting lamps in the dim room. Severus heard him at the secretary for a moment, right before his glasses dropped into his lap. He scowled down at them, despite feeling oddly pleased Dare remembered. Then a knitted throw enveloped his shoulders. He startled despite himself.

"You looked chilly. Now, have your chocolate, pet." Dare settled again, and Severus knew he simply ignored the seething from the other end of the settle.

"I will try to eat more regularly," Severus grumbled with bad grace, pulling the throw closer about his shoulders and wiggling a bit to let it fall behind him. He unfolded his glasses and settled them on his nose.

"Thank you, Severus." Dare handed him his plate, the scone hot again. 

Severus nibbled, sipping on his chocolate. The hot, buttery scone, spread thickly with apricot jam, fairly melted on his tongue. The rich chocolate went down easily, warming and filling at the same time. He snagged the top folder and flipped it open, rifling through the parchment inside. He found what he expected--a quick prospectus, a floor plan, and photographs of the exterior elevations, the  interior, and the gardens. 

The first folder he discarded quickly as far too opulent. Who really needed fifteen bedrooms? And three reception rooms, two dining rooms, a conservatory, a music room, two parlors, and a smoking lounge. In any case, Severus Snape, owner of a two-up-two-down (with extra wizardspace bathroom no one need discuss because he hadn't bothered with permits), didn't belong in places like that. 

Although he could use a conservatory. There were a few of the more exotic plants he'd like to try growing for potions. The next folder looked a bit more promising, and more moderately sized. Well, looked would be the operative word. Did any well-off wizarding family ever decide they didn't require upwards of ten bedrooms? And forty-two, really? Who, precisely, were they entertaining? They weren't Morningsides or Borleys or Weasleys. Or that person Elspeth Morningside married...Blydh? That Cornish gentleman. Bedrooms aside, the basement included a sizable Potions laboratory. And the grounds seemed...workable, from the pictures. 

He missed having separate Potions and kitchen gardens. As it was, he had to pay attention during the summers lest he harvest something that wasn't a courgette. But would he be allowed to garden so extensively? Narcissa left most of that to the elves. Would he be expected to host? Before his brain could spiral into another panic, Severus drank more of his chocolate (and either he'd missed a trick or some clever clogs was using magic, because his mug had refilled) and thumbed through the parchment-stuffed folders. 

Five more he discarded immediately, just on aesthetic grounds. If he had to live somewhere grander than his current address, it wouldn't look like any of those places. Over-fripperied monstrosities, the lot of them. He wiped his fingers on his knee. He abhorred over decorated architecture; give him good, solid stone or timbering any day. Certainly not somewhere that looked like you'd be gilded if you stood still for more than a moment. 

The next four had more promise--low, rambling stone structures with expansive gardens and decent laboratory space. The pictures of the insides sent three of the four onto the no pile. The fourth, though, still had the heavy Tudor paneling, massive fireplaces, inglenooks, and mullioned windows. The main staircase alone warranted a look in person, and the garden plan...someone had planted a Potions garden at one point. 

He tapped his fingers against the folder and bundled the two acceptable properties together. The last, a London townhouse, went onto the same pile. It was acceptable, Georgian in architecture, with the high ceilings and large rooms they'd preferred. Refurbished a bit, it would make a decent base for Dare when he had Wizengamot sessions.

"Have you finished? If you have, hand me what you like and you can look through mine." Dare held out two folders. "I thought perhaps we could rent out the ones we don't like. I'll have to see what the lands look like, though I think many of them only have a park attached."

"Of course. But we also need to get our story straight. I told Madam Bulstrode we fulfilled an old contract, which is true, but your arrival and your history..." Severus took the folders from him and handed his own over. 

"I had wondered what all that whispering was. It was good of her to ask."

Severus hummed his assent. It was good of her, and the knowledge that he had someone who understood what Bonding meant for him...well, it made the future much easier.

"If anyone asks why I was an unknown, I was educated at home by the Sinclairs." Dare continued. "They took my mother in after she realized exactly who my father was. The two of us lived in seclusion to keep him away. He believed she died. I left England as soon as I was able and spent the last twenty years traveling."

"You've given this some thought." Severus commented quietly. "It may well be a good thing I'm used to keeping more than one story straight."

"There is one thing I have to say, pet. I don't care what happens going forward; your spying days are done." 

Severus opened his mouth to protest. He didn't really mind so much, but if he let Dare start making such pronouncements, he'd never get him to stop. His traitorous brain rather seemed to like the idea, so it was obviously a non-starter.

"No, lad. Not one word from you. I won't interfere with Hogwarts, you have my word on it, but your extracurriculars for Dumbledore are done. I saw what it did to you, and there shouldn't be any call for it, not now." 

The final tone and the set of his face had Severus swallowing down a protest. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to test Dare's resolve. In the future, perhaps, but not after such a difficult day. He knew himself well enough, at least, to know that at some point he'd push, if only just to satisfy his curiosity. Anyone would be curious, coming up against the solid wall of his will. He suspected the result might be a flaming row.

"Yes, of course." He answered quietly, head bowed, feeling unexpectedly off-kilter. Dreams and reality collided in rather a shocking way, sometimes.

"I don't think it likely you'll hear much of me forbidding something, pet, if it's any consolation. And thank you." He patted Severus' shoulder. 

Severus nodded and opened the folder. He shut it just as quickly and, acting on pure instinct, thwapped Dare on the shoulder with it.

"You...honestly? Hogwarts?" He spluttered. 

Dare threw back his head and laughed. "I didn't mean to twit you like that, but I do have the right of residence."

"For the record," Severus answered icily. "I am not living at Hogwarts year round."

"No, I didn't think you'd wish to." He managed to get his amusement under control. "Privacy is important."

"There are two northern properties I found acceptable--one Tudor and one later--and a London townhouse. You'll need somewhere to stay and entertain during Wizengamot..." Severus opened the last folder and trailed off, staring at the floor plan.

"The London townhouse is a good idea."

He barely heard the praise. Severus traced a finger over the picture of the Hall, open to two floors, with pale stone walls and wide-planked floors. The giant fireplace, a fire roaring within, gave the large room a cozy feel. The rest of the pictures felt similarly with wide hallways, deep set windows streaming light into the space, and the same pale stone. Something about it called to him.

"This," his voice cracked and he cleared his throat. "This one. You don't need to look at the others."

Severus startled at the gentle hand on his arm and pulled his eyes away from the file. Dare moved slowly to trail his fingers down Severus' cheek before he cupped it gently. His eyes were soft and warm, and a lock of his chestnut hair fell over his forehead. Severus swallowed hard, unaccountably moved by the gentle touch. He tried not to lean into it, he shouldn't display such weakness, but his body wouldn't cooperate. He couldn't remember the last time someone had touched him so softly. Or at all.

"In another place, I spent the best years of my childhood here." Dare tapped the file. "It's Sinclair House, and I'm so pleased you want to settle there."

"There's something," he started, pausing to catch his breath, a difficult task when Dare still cupped his cheek in one large, warm hand. "Something about it. It's…"

"It's refuge, and sanctuary, and home. Uncle Martin and Auntie Ro worked hard to make it so." His voice, warmly approving, had Severus swallowing down a complicated tangle of feeling. "There's acres of land about it, and the whole place looks almost as if it grew out of the landscape. It's a Lutyens, the magical one."

Which meant little in Severus' actual life, but he'd heard the name before. From Lucius, actually, who'd been an absolute snot about 'the shame of more recently built architecture' as the current Malfoy Hall dated to the Elizabethan period. But he wasn't thinking about Lucius.

"It's beautiful," Severus breathed. "And the Potions garden…"

"That was Auntie Ro's. She was brilliant." Dare finally moved his hand, patting Severus' knee. "She'd be thrilled that they'll be tended again by someone like you. I'll make arrangements for a visit tomorrow."

He shifted, sitting closer to Severus, putting out heat akin to the fire in the grate. Severus shivered a bit as Dare pulled the floor plan out from under the cover sheet. 

"You won't object to me tending the gardens?" Severus worried at a corner of the folder.

"No, of course I won't. I'll say it as many times as needed, but I'll never interfere with your work as a Potions Master. That includes potions gardens. Or any gardens, really. I want you to have the freedom and space to work, whatever the work is. There will be times I may put my foot down, as with you and spying, but I'll interfere with your life as little as possible. I've imposed enough on you." 

"I don't think it's an imposition." Severus answered after a moment passed. "I find that I don't…mind as much as I probably ought. It's more…more comfortable, knowing. Knowing that I have the sanctuary, the shelter of a House." These were concepts he'd never put into words before. Always before it had been formless wanting.

Despite wanting, it had been too dangerous for him to rely on anyone else. That was a lesson he'd learned early. But maybe, just maybe it was time to allow someone past his barriers.

"You do me great honor, Severus." Dare answered just as quietly. "I…you deserve so much, so much that you've never had. You'll have the full measure of care and protection you've always deserved from me. You may not like it much, sometimes, but it's yours."

Severus only nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

They lapsed into comfortable silence at that, the crackling fire and quiet breathing the only sounds in the room. Dare continued poring over folders of parchment, stacking documents nearly as he finished with them. Severus leaned back, staring at the fire, and let his mind wander. Slowly, his eyes closed, heavy lids blinking once, twice before his breathing evened and deepened.

Dare reached carefully for the throw as Severus slowly succumbed to sleep. He tucked the soft, wooly blanket about him and settled Severus more comfortably on his side. Beside a soft, sleepy grumble, Severus barely twitched. A fond smile curled his lips at the grouchy noises. He hadn't expected to find Severus so delightful, to fall for him so quickly, but he'd known. He'd known the minute he clapped eyes on this man that he'd found what he'd been looking for. His wanderings had taken him all over the globe (magical and not), looking for something. He never thought he'd have the peace of finding it.

And to be given this trust, so quickly. He'd half-expected months of wrangling and clashes of will, of flaming rows and icy silences. This Severus, mercifully, had known some measure of care. As much as he might chafe against even the most gentle restriction, he also welcomed another to lean on. How long had he been left so alone in the world? How could he have been left so alone?

He'd often wondered what it would be like to have a Severus who didn't want him dead, buried, and decomposing (preferably at his hand), and found it surprisingly delightful. He wanted so to make a success of this, to soothe this brilliant, complex soul, to give him what he'd gone without for so long. And, if he was being quite honest, Severus, prickly brat he was, was exactly the kind of challenge he adored. That he'd quite contentedly fallen asleep next to him wasn't lost...there was trust there.

Perhaps, in time, they could build love as well.

[wellpresseddaisy]

Darius Riddle-Sinclair owes his existence to so many authors I read as a child. He's Professor Bhaer and Peter Wimsey and Gilbert Blythe and half of Heyer's heroes and a much less priggish Uncle Alec and Roderick Alleyn and Brother Cadfael.

He's kind and faithful and forthright. He believes in keeping his word and in honoring the vows he takes. When he takes someone into his heart, there's no turning back. He's solid and dependable and protective and nurturing and competent.

He's all the good things one should expect in a partner.

[wellpresseddaisy]

Long Ago (and far away) P.14

Silly it may have been, but Severus changed into his Master's robes from Narcissa before meeting with Minerva. The heavy wool of the long coat settled his nerves just as well as his usual teaching garb, with the added benefit of no trousers. Now he was out of them for two days together he was loathe to go back. A risk, perhaps, allowing Minerva in like that, but he trusted her enough to try. He left his hair, as well, though he spent several long minutes staring at the tub of Sleakeazy's on his dressing table. 

Perhaps it was time for a different solution. He rooted about in the dressing table drawers until he found one of the caps he'd worn through his Mastery studies. His master would never allow anyone with potion-soaked hair in the laboratory. The runic embroidery around the edge of the cap protected both the hair and the wearer without interfering with potions. He'd try it, at least. And if anyone showed interest...no, he would have his classes making and embroidering their own. He'd made scores of them alongside his fellow apprentices and learning those skills served him well. And perhaps he could get Babbling to assist with an explanation of the runes. 

He set the cap on the table and stood, smoothing his hair one last time before leaving his room. Mother would have called it appalling vanity, but he found he didn't much care. Narcissa taught him decades ago how to care for himself and now he had reason to want to. Part of him regretted how he neglected himself for years, but he could change going forward. Small things, perhaps, but knowing Dare supported him gave him the courage to try.

He left his room then, having dawdled long enough. He wouldn't leave the man to face Minerva alone. Not on their technically first meeting. They'd put the sitting room to rights as soon as they returned, moving the stacks and bundles of documents and files to the kitchen and up to Severus' office. They still had much to sort, which assuaged some of Severus' guilt at having to leave Dare to his own devices come the morning.

Not that he felt he should forever dance attendance on his husband, but their bond was still so new. At least Dare would have things to do, and a home to open once again. He'd never been homesick before, but he could easily be for Sinclair House. Severus found himself drifting through the sitting room, fluffing pillows and straightening his already tidy secretary, before he wandered into the kitchen. He pulled his watch from the cleverly concealed watch pocket at his waist and checked the time. 

Five minutes until Minerva arrived. He tamped down on nerves...he would have to stop relying so heavily on Occlumency, he supposed. Eventually. But until then, he could use the techniques to calm and order his thoughts. 

The kitchen smelled warmly of freshly baked bread, buttery shortbread, and oatcake. Tea they would have, but nothing terribly fancy. Minerva would appreciate the shortbread, in any case. He puttered in the kitchen, poking through his tea tins until he came up with an assertive Assam. Minerva preferred stronger teas, and he felt the need for a pick-me-up. 

The doorbell chimed through the first floor and Severus bobbled the tea tin. He gave it and a grinning Dare a filthy look before he swept out of the kitchen. He swept back in a moment later, flushing, and set the tin sharply on the counter before sweeping out again. It was only a few steps to the front door. Severus calmed himself before he opened it to Minerva, Dare a comforting presence just behind him.

"Welcome, Minerva." They stood aside so she could enter and lay her hat on the small console table. It was a bit of a squish making introductions in the small foyer, but they would have to manage. "It is my honor to introduce Darius Riddle-Sinclair, my newly Bonded husband."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor McGonagall." Dare bowed slightly.

Severus never thought he would see Minerva McGonagall at a loss for words. She stared at them, as if his introduction didn't quite make sense. 

"Well." She paused and took a deep breath. "This will certainly set the kneazels among the pigeons. I trust that there was no coercion?" Her wand settled into her hand.

Severus was only happy her glare centered on Dare. He forgot, sometimes, how formidable an opponent she was. If they got her blessing…well, introductions would go much more smoothly. 

"Minerva, no one has ever coerced me into doing anything I haven't fully wished to do, no matter the inducement." He spoke sharply, perhaps too sharply, and amended his statement more gently. "Except once. There was a contract between our families and I could have refused had I wished. Please, come sit and have some tea?"

"I have some questions for you, young man." Minerva sniffed in the direction of his husband and preceded Severus into the sitting room. She chose one of the arm chairs.

Dare brought in the tea tray bearing the more delicate set. He set the shortbread closest to Minerva, with the piping hot scones and oatcakes bracketed by butter and jam pots. He handed her a steaming cup of tea before he sat next to Severus on the settee. 

"I don't recall the Sinclairs, either of them, having a child?" She took a sip of her tea and paused, nodding at the cup after she swallowed. "You make a decent cup of tea, though."

"I was adopted. I'm rather distant kin to them, and they were very kind to my mother and me." He answered easily. 

"You didn't attend Hogwarts, though? I don't remember you as a student, and I would have taught you."

"It was safer for me to be home educated, Professor. My father was not the sort you want within five miles of a child." Well, no one would want either reality's Voldemort near children.

"Hmm. I must remind you, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair, that Severus is dear to many of us at Hogwarts. Any untoward behavior toward him will see you facing quite a few wands. Not least of which are the ones belonging to his Slytherins." Minerva spoke firmly as she set a few delicate squares of shortbread on her plate.

"He can care for himself." Severus resisted the urge to disappear into the settee cushions. 

"I completely understand, Professor McGonagall. I do hope that if I ever seem to be interfering in Severus' work, someone will tell me. I wish to support his career, not hinder it." The charming smile, which turned Severus' knees to water, had less of an impact on Minerva. 

"You will be informed, sir." She answered slowly. "Now, Severus, what else did you need to discuss? Living arrangements?"

"I beg your pardon?" 

"Professor's spouses are allowed to live in, Severus, should you both wish. I can have appropriate alterations made to your quarters."

"Not that, Minerva. We have more pressing issues than where my bonded is stored."

"Severus! For shame," Minerva scolded, the corner of her mouth twitching. "That is hardly an appropriate way to speak."

"I'm going to go store myself in the kitchen." Dare chuckled as he rose from the settee, taking a cup of tea with him. "I have a great deal of work still to do. And Professor?"

"Yes?"

"If you wish, you're more than welcome to stay and share our evening meal."

"As much as I appreciate the invitation, I do have duties this evening. Thank you and congratulations, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair. Do take care to remember that Severus is very dear to us at Hogwarts."

Severus felt his cheeks and ears flush. Sometimes, being the youngest House Head had more downsides than upsides. 

"I'll leave you to your business. Severus, I'll just be in the kitchen if I'm needed."

He felt the loss of Dare's bolstering presence. He had nothing to be nervous over; it was just Minerva, someone he'd trusted for a decade. They'd worked out their differences years ago and she was a friend. But still, he felt slightly unsettled. 

"Now, if it isn't living arrangements you wanted to discuss and you wished to talk out of Hogwarts…which of my Lions is it, Severus?" 

This wasn't the first time they'd had this conversation, unfortunately. But the child in question made it so much more difficult. 

"It's Potter, Minerva." No use beating about the bush.

Minerva set her teacup down with a click and sat back, closing her eyes. She looked suddenly exhausted, haggard at the news. 

"I told him they were the worst sort." Her voice came low and strained. "Well, you'd best tell me the worst of it."

"Miss Granger brought it to my attention. She apparently tried to speak to you a few weeks ago after considering what she knew of his life." He tried not to sound accusatory. Minerva did her best, but she was one woman trying to fill three roles. 

Her mouth twitched into a thin line, but she schooled her features and folded her hands over her knee. 

"Minerva, it is not your fault. You did not place him there, nor did you send him back. Did he ask you to remain over the summer?" Because there were enough problems awaiting them without stewing in guilt. "Has he ever spoken to anyone of his home life?"

"No, he's never said anything, Severus. He was small for his age, but it does happen. If I had more time with them, though…"

"If ifs and ands were pots and pans, Minerva. You do the best you can. You knew he was given into Petunia's care?"

"I knew it was Lily's sister and a Muggle household. He seems so...normal. He's made friends and he's generally well-liked. He's polite, as well. Mostly." She twitched a smile at him over the edge of her teacup. "And the friends are despite what his father got up to. I ought to have done more, there, too."

"Some children manage to come out the other side of a difficult childhood like Potter. Many don't." Severus stared down into his teacup.

"And we're lucky we have you to ferret out the needed information." Minerva patted his knee.

Severus steeled himself to give his report. The next few minutes wouldn't be pleasant. For all her stern demeanor, Minerva cared and cared deeply.

"It seems as if the worst is criminal neglect and overwork. I spoke to Petunia Dursley and she freely admits to using him like a house elf and not feeding him. He does much of the gardening and cooking in the household, in addition to a good deal of cleaning. His room, until his Hogwarts letter arrived, was the cupboard under the stairs. After that, he was given his cousin's second bedroom. After the incident over the summer, they installed numerous locks on the outside of the door and a cat flap. There were bars over the window until the Weasley children quite literally broke him out. He wasn't being fed appropriately, again. The uncle left bruises when he tried to drag the boy back into his room." He paused to collect himself. "The cousin is encouraged to be as rough as possible with him. Other adults have seen the bruises and have noticed his build."

"Poppy gave me his file for you. She wanted you to have it immediately. I had hoped…I think I knew when she handed it to me." Minerva broke in before he could keep going and pulled a shrunken file from her pocket. She enlarged it and handed it over. "I read it, but I was unfamiliar with one of the results. It may well have something to do with his home life."

Severus flipped it open, his stomach dropping as he read. Poppy's report was as succinct as ever, detailing the results of the health scans done on Potter. The extremely thorough scans, including one he rarely saw used and only recognized due to personal experience.

"Who brought Healer Blydh into this?" he asked, his voice shaking. 

"Poppy mentioned that it was Prefect Borley who had some concerns. Mr. Potter attempted an Infirmary-break last night. Borley brought him back." Minerva kept her own voice level.

"I see." Severus locked his hands on the file to keep them from shaking as well. "We'll have to ask Mr. Potter what happened when he was eight. The underlying health problems are more concerning when seen in one place. The untreated dragon pox alone…"

"What is this one, Severus?" She leaned over and pointed to the result marked CMT scan: Positive. "It's the only scan I haven't seen before."

"Poppy went looking for Complex Magical Trauma. It occurs when a young magic user experiences something so profoundly traumatic that they are, for lack of a better explanation, arrested in that moment or state. It is usually when one's magic has reason to believe remaining in that state is safest. When the child feels safe again, they will move out of that state. Mr. Potter's growth arrested, so I would assume his magic believed he would be safer smaller. It is also part and parcel to the malnutrition."

"So when he was about eight…" Minerva swallowed hard. "Have you found any other family who could take him?" 

"I'll speak to the Weasley boys and Mr. Potter first, Minerva. I'll also look for any way we can have him moved. As far as I know, he has no other family, and it could prove difficult to send him to, say, the Weasley family."

"I don't see why. I know Arthur and Molly would take him in a moment. Molly's said as much." Minerva bristled like her animagus form at the imagined slight.

"Except that there are others who are better off who may make such a transfer difficult. Most won't care about Potter's preferences or happiness."

"You don't think…you are friends with the Malfoys, Severus."

"I was a convenient project and cover for Lucius. Whilst Narcissa and I have forged a friendship, they remain extremely selfish people. I would not have Potter turned into another Draco Malfoy or male Pansy Parkinson. Or used for political gain. He'd be at risk from more than the Malfoys."

"But if the Weasleys have him first…"

"The Malfoys and others have closer ties to him through the Blacks. And the Weasleys, however good a family and however strong their ties to him, are not supported by those who hold power. When he is moved, it will have to be in a way that gives no room for argument." Severus closed the file, stomach turning a bit, and folded his hands over it.

"Which means we have seven months to find him a new home." Minerva's hands shook slightly as she sipped her tea. "One that will bear the scrutiny."

He had never been more thankful that he and Minerva had their differences out his second year teaching. Granted, it only came about due to Pomona sparking an argument and locking them in the staff room, but screaming every injustice from his first moments in the magical world back at her lanced some of the festering pain of his school years. Sometimes, casting an authority figure's failings up to them helped. And she'd apologized to him. She'd listened and apologized and that allowed them to move forward as colleagues. 

"We've faced more insurmountable tasks, Minerva. We moved Theo Nott to his uncle. And this gives us more time to make certain Mr. Potter's health improves. I can..." 

"Yes, Severus?"

"I'm having the seventh years brew geneaology potions in two weeks. I can...hmm…could be moved up to next week if…"

"What are you...Severus I can hear the gears turning."

"Would you give permission for me to upend the curriculum for the first and second years?"

"Upend it how, precisely?"

"If I switch the curriculum to something firmly skills-based for the first two years...it's honestly not required for using the seventh year students' brews, but it is something I've been considering. If I spend two years teaching the skills--safety and cleaning and knife skills and tool care and basic brewing--I think more students will find success. I noticed how much trouble some children have, especially as many non-magical parents no longer allow their children to help with meal preparation." He'd been asking for years and had been refused, but if he got Minerva onside, she'd slip it in.

"Are these the changes you've been asking for every July for the past five years?" Minerva asked tartly.

"Perhaps?" 

"Well, I feel that two years of foundational learning before beginning more challenging brews is a wonderful idea. You will allow some brewing during this time?"

"Yes. We'll attempt simpler potions like boil cures and will investigate the interaction of ingredients based on preparation. They'll stay on track for their OWLs."

"Do you have a syllabus?" Minerva sounded as excited as he felt. They hadn't had such a change in decades. 

"I have a book." He rose, setting Potter's file on the table, and went to the secretary. He unlocked it and removed a thick folio. "I had it typeset, so there should be no complaints about my hand."

Crossing the room, he handed it to Minerva. She flipped through, taking in the delicate, moving line drawings that accompanied the text. 

"Did you do the illustration as well?"

"I created the runic array that translated what my hands were doing into an illustration. It took a bit of doing." Severus fidgeted as she paged through.

"You ought to be very proud, Severus. This is fine work. Do you have a copy? If I drop by the printer on my way back, I can arrange for copies to be available for first and second years by Wednesday." Minerva smiled, a thin thing, but her pride and approval shone through.

"I...yes. I do. You're approving it, just like that?" He couldn't help the question.

"As Hogwarts Deputy Head, I can make this decision. This will bring Hogwarts in line with other magical institutions and will serve our students well. Sometimes…" she stopped and sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if we're wasting that brain of yours, keeping you locked away teaching when you revolutionize scientific illustration in your spare time. You're going to have to show me this array. I can see how useful this can be…and you may need to dodge Bathsheda for a good long while. She's going to be livid that you pipped her to the post. She's been working on something like that for years."

"Bathsheda already knows. She reviewed some of my earlier attempts and we're writing a paper together." He admitted. "I'm hardly a damsel in a tower, Minerva. I didn't have the connections it would take to start my own laboratory or even an apothecary and Dumbledore took a great chance on me. I've found some peace in teaching."

"Had found, more likely, with the way Mr. Potter gets about." Minerva sniffed. "What force in the universe catapulted him into acquaintance with a Weasley and then added Miss Granger's brain to the mix I'd very much like to know."

"Try a Malfoy and a Fitzroy together." He shot back. "Half the nonsense the lower school gets up to is instigated by those two. Bulstrode has yet to find her footing."

"We all have our crosses to bear, Severus." Minerva responded tartly. "I taught Fudge."

He couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up at that.

"You're quite right." Oddly, he found the bitterness usually stirred by thinking of the Potter child gone. "Minerva, we will find a new home for him. It's why I want his family tree; the curriculum change is an unexpected bonus. And I'll admit that getting one over on the board is…satisfying."

"Well, if you don't ask you won't be given permission. Why don't you and Poppy speak to him? She's keeping him in the infirmary. I can send the Weasley boys down to you directly after classes tomorrow. You'll want to speak to them, I assume?"

"I would like to, yes. Tomorrow after classes will be fine. Do you think about eight o'clock to speak to Potter? You'll want to be there."

"I have a responsibility to him." Minerva agreed. "I can only shudder to think of what Lily would say about this."

"Most likely 'Why did you give him to Pisstunia, Albus?'" He'd timed it for when she took a sip of her tea. Only by years of experience did she not choke.

"Did you just call her...Severus, you're supposed to be an adult." Minerva scolded after she swallowed, but amusement glimmered in her eyes. 

"Haven't you heard that I'm a wretched bat?" He teased gently. 

"Oh, Severus. A wretched brat, more like." Her face softened, eyes losing their mirth when she looked at him. "And you've managed all this time, alone."

"As if all of us aren't managing alone? You don't miss what you've never had, Minerva. I grew used to the workload. It helped, to be so busy." He stared at his hands instead of facing her concern.

"It does help. Just like the company helps, when you're senior staff." She agreed, and he knew she thought of Elphinstone. "I'm going to do something, as a friend, that you are likely going to hate. Mr. Riddle-Sinclair, could you join us?" She raised her voice just enough to carry.

Dare joined them in just a moment, holding a sheaf of parchment. 

"Yes, Professor?"

"I'm going to stick my oar in. You will be joining Severus in his quarters as his Bonded. Your bond is too new for you to be separated for long periods." Minerva spoke firmly and Severus recognized the tone.

"Of course, Professor." Dare acquiesced. Severus wondered if he'd been plotting for this. "I agree with you. It is a bit too soon to be away."

Conflicting emotions washed through him. He hadn't wanted to leave in the morning, but he valued his independence so intensely.

"Do I get an opinion?" He tried to keep his tone light, but it came out brittle.

"Severus, if we had the cover and weren't in the middle of another Potter-based crisis, I'd give you a honeymoon starting now. I'm terribly sorry I can't." She reached over and covered one of his hands with her own. "As soon as I can manage it, you're going to have your month, and not during summer holidays. For the moment, this is the best I can do for you."

And now he felt like a heel for his jolt of bad temper. 

"Thank you, Minerva. I am sorry. I'm not quite myself at the…"

"Absolute rot, Severus. You have nothing to apologize over. You've had several shocks and you life has, quite frankly, been turned upside down in the last few days, including discovering Potter's home situation. If you were absolutely your normal self I'd be worried." 

Her crisp, sensible speech cut through his recrimination. Would he ever have governance over his sharp tongue? Or over his life? He was Bonded, and he'd have to make the best of it, which gave his…guardianship into Riddle-Sinclair's hands. Oh, he wasn't property, not legally, but some of this was why he'd kept himself to himself. 

Socially, some would think they could talk over him and make decisions for him. He wanted people to respect him and his opinions, not treat him like an irresponsible child. He'd seen too many Society marriages like that and now he was in one. Possibly.

Well, probably not. Dare really didn't seem the sort. And Minerva was only trying to be a friend, giving him what it was in her power to give.

"You don't deserve my ill temper, in any case, Minerva. Thank you for your concern."

"Now, I'm going to let you enjoy your afternoon." She set down her cup and rose. "Severus, thank you for bringing Harry's home life to me. We will get all of this mess cleared away. I'll arrange meetings with Poppy and the Weasley boys. And I'll have an extra room added to your quarters."

Severus rose, Dare following, to see Minerva out. 

"Thank you, Minerva. And please, take a tin of the shortbread?" He offered while Dare held out the tin.

"Thank you, Severus. I'll expect the both of you for breakfast tomorrow. We'll have an announcement for the general student body. I assume the advert will be in the papers before then?"

"Yes." Dare answered. "Gringotts arranged for one, er, about me to go in the evening papers today and one about the marriage for tomorrow, both editions."

"It should prove an interesting few days, gentlemen. I may steal Albus' papers so he can have a nice surprise." She smiled wickedly. "He hasn't been wrong footed often enough lately and it doesn't do to get complacent."

"I ought never have introduced you two." Severus groaned. 

"Don't worry yourself, Severus. It will all come out just fine." And with that, they were alone again.

[wellpresseddaisy]

Long Ago (and far away)

Part 10

In which we meet Madame Bulstrode, have fun with calendars, and obtain a wand. And, most importantly, make an appointment with a tailor.

Humiliation churned in Severus' gut as he allowed Riddle-Sinclair to lead him from the tea shop. Only one other person had ever seen him like that, and he had years of experience in trusting Minerva. He had no experience in handling a…a…anyone else after...after. Instinct led him to stay closer than he otherwise might, letting Riddle-Sinclair take his hand and tuck it in the crook of his elbow. His new band sat heavy and warm against his wrist, a constant reminder that he no longer answered only to himself. Had he ever only answered to himself? Had he traded Albus' twinkling-eyed cage for a gilded one?

Did he ignore what happened and plow forward? Did he attempt an explanation he didn't possess? Part of his earlier...lapse...was the realization that he had no earthly clue how to be bonded to another...how to be a husband. He shoved that train of thought firmly into a mental box and padlocked it. He could panic about that later. At home. Where he would rather be, but a wand and a wardrobe took precedence. He would survive.

"Is Ollivander's where I'd expect it to be?" Riddle-Sinclair asked.

"Down by Twillfit and Tattings," Severus confirmed. 

Riddle-Sinclair turned them in the correct direction. Severus didn't quite have to scuttle to keep up, but Riddle-Sinclair seemed to forget not everyone possessed such great height. Luckily, though, the streets remained mostly deserted in the damp and sog of the early afternoon. A light mist wafted along on the barest breeze, adding to the dismal atmosphere. Their boots clacked on the cobbles, broken occasionally by the soft splash of sole meeting standing water. Severus found himself eternally grateful for the warm clothing, stockings, and boots Narcissa had chosen.

Thankfully, Riddle-Sinclair didn't try to get him to talk. He patted Severus' hand occasionally, hooking a finger into the band hiding under his cuff after the pat. Oddly, the contact and the little tug at the band helped Severus relax fractionally each time. By the time they entered Ollivander's, his shoulders had come down from around his ears and his breathing evened. Riddle-Sinclair opened the door to the wandmaker's shop and ushered Severus inside, following closely.

"Ah! Professor! Did you need another batch of holsters?" Ollivander appeared from the back of his shop and stopped short. "You're not precisely the Tom Riddle I remember."

"I've been traveling." Riddle-Sinclair allowed drily, stepping around Severus, and Severus stifled a snort. "Darius Riddle-Sinclair, Mr. Ollivander."

"We lost the Sinclairs last year, Mr. Riddle. I don't recall a Darius in the family." Ollivander chose his words carefully.

"I've been traveling, as I said. An adoption was quite kindly afforded me by the Sinclairs, albeit at rather a distance. Unfortunately, my rather...precipitous travel left me wandless. Would you be willing to see if you have anything that might fit?" Riddle-Sinclair chose his words as carefully as Ollivander.

"Which hand do you use?" Ollivander came around his counter and approached cautiously. 

"My left, generally. Thank you, sir." Riddle-Sinclair held his left hand out and allowed Ollivander's measuring tape to wind around his fingers.

Ollivander reached for his measure, squinting slightly at Riddle-Sinclair. When their fingers brushed together, he reeled back, gasping. Severus moved fast when the old man staggered back against against the counter, getting a hand under his elbow to steady him. 

"Are you injured?" he asked, checking Ollivander's pulse.

"No, no professor. Thank you. I...I think I have a wand that will suit, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair." He shook Severus off and tottered back around the counter, disappearing through the curtain.

"Was he…" Riddle-Sinclair started.

"He was startled, but not injured. I have a balm, though, in one of my pockets that I'll leave with him. He may have wrenched something." Severus patted at the cleverly hidden pockets in his over robes until he found the little jar. 

Ollivander came back through the curtain holding a single box. "A singular wand for a singular person, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair. You have indeed traveled far to come to us." He opened the box with a flourish. "14 inches, rigid. Cedar and English Oak with a phoenix feather core. Give it a swish."

Riddle-Sinclair reached out slowly and closed gentle fingers around the handle. He lifted it, a soft smile lifting the corners of his mouth, and gave a gentle swish. A soft, golden light enveloped Severus for a moment before swooping through the store. No boxes were disturbed, unlike many a first flick, and the whole store seemed lighter and warmer for just a moment. 

"Yes, that will do nicely." Ollivander smiled smugly. "Would you like a holster as well?"

"Yes, please. One with anti-summoning charms applied, if they're available." Riddle-Sinclair stepped to the counter, jiggling in his trouser pocket. He finally pulled out a small, copper charm engraved with his crest. "You still take the mark?"

"Of course, Mr. Riddle-Sinclair. That will be ten galleons." Ollivander took the mark and pressed it to the sales slip he'd just written up. It glowed green for a moment, leaving its impression when he lifted it. "Will you wear it out?"

"I will, thank you. May as well start as I mean to go on." The brisk, happy tone from him made Severus think of cricket pitches and public school gits.

Severus watched Riddle-Sinclair buckle on the bracer-style wand holster and fit his wand into it. He practiced a moment with the new holster, twitching his hand so his wand shot into it. He slipped his mark back into the small waistcoat pocket it was supposed to travel in and turned with a smile for Severus.

"Thank you again, Mr. Ollivander. Severus, did you need anything today. Mr. Ollivander mentioned holsters?"

"No, thank you. None of my students have managed to lose theirs, yet. I do have a salve for you, Mr. Ollivander, if you wrenched anything." He set the jar on the counter, dipping his chin as he retreated back to Riddle-Sinclair.

"Thank you, professor. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you accomplish together, gentlemen."

With that, accompanied by a cryptic smile, Severus and Riddle-Sinclair took their leave, feeling a bit unsettled.

"Well, I think after that a trip to Bulstrode's is in order." Riddle-Sinclair decided. "Nothing quite gets your mind off Ollivander like fondling the old woolies."

Severus' prodigious mind screeched to a halt. Was that...was that innuendo? Directed at him? Was Riddle-Sinclair flirting? And why did his stomach flip like that? And his lungs come over all short of air? Perhaps his earlier lapse affected him more strongly than usual. That must be the case.

"I beg your pardon, sir." And balls, he sounded like Dowager Longbottom winding up for a good harangue. If his hands were free he'd probably have one pressed to his chest in indignation.

Riddle-Sinclair seemed to process what he'd just said and chuckled. "I beg pardon, I didn't mean to be crude. Bulstrode's does have the best quality woolens, though."

Severus gave him a flat stare, not quite ready to forgive. Fondling the old woolies, honestly. "You don't prefer Twillfit and Tattings?"

"Oh, Merlin no, overpriced and poorer quality than you can have made elsewhere. I'll inquire after a good tailor while we're there. I picked up extra shirts and things at Malkin's. Those'll do me until I can get to a tailor. We'll look for some good fabrics for you while we're there, as well." Sinclair-Riddle looped his arm through Severus' and drew him off down the cobbles.

"My wardrobe is quite satisfactory, thank you." Severus couldn't help the icy tone.

"I don't mean it that way. We're Bonded today and I'd like to bring you something other than chaos. Bonding gifts are traditional, you know. So I can show you that you'll be cared for, properly." 

He knew damn well when he was being managed, but between the warmth in Riddle-Sinclair's voice, the strong forearm under his hand, and the warm arm pressed to his shoulder he couldn't find much to complain about. They walked at a more measured pace, now that Riddle-Sinclair had a wand, pausing every so often to peer in a window, before ducking down Fullers Way toward the warehouse district. 

The buildings crowded the narrow street, seeming to loom toward the middle. Riddle-Sinclair drew him closer as they walked on. The Wizarding district wasn't a large space when seen on a map (which generally only showed Diagon and Knockturn), but they'd added wizardspace pockets over time to give themselves more room than their medieval counterparts needed. He'd always preferred Diagon to the whole of magical London, in any case. One shopping arcade with everything he needed in one geographical location beat junketing about the city in a hired hack.

"You don't need to," Severus answered quietly. New things--a dress for his mother, flowers, some other trinket--generally followed the worst from his father. He had no idea what to do with the gifts that came before. Or what might be wanted in exchange.

"No, I don't." Sinclair-Riddle agreed. "But I'd very much like to. Nothing extravagant, I promise. You might need to get used to being looked after, though. I've been told I'm wretchedly overbearing."

"And I have been assured by a decade of students that I'm a bad-tempered, foul, greasy bat, so you'll have your work cut out for you." Severus tried to settle himself again, but true composure seemed to have fled.

"Good thing I know a bit about bad-tempered brats." And Riddle-Sinclair looked at him with such warmth that Severus felt his cheeks heat.

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to make a few extra stops today." Best thing to do with uncomfortably kind men was ignore them. He wouldn't let himself get used to this. It might not last.

"Where would you like to stop?"

"The stationers--I have two Muggleborn first years who are finding out the hard way that magic degrades Muggle-made items--and a bookstore, and, er, Helmer and Jigsaw's. The weather is getting worse and children do need things to keep them occupied indoors." He refused to be ashamed of seeing to his students as he did, even if saying it aloud made him want to squirm.

Despite commentary from the other house heads, he held fast to what he knew was true. Namely, that boredom was at fault for much of the misbehavior they saw. Most of what he handled in-house was a combination of overindulgence in material things and little constructive discipline. Practicing one's Crucio on an hysterical teenager might sound cathartic for the parent, but did little to address the behavior, and only made one's child live in fear. He'd never forget little Matilda Carruthers face when she realized that she'd be neither cursed nor beaten for poor penmanship but helped.

Not that he wouldn't put the fear of himself up his students when called for, but he'd found that keeping them busy and entertained, making certain they slept properly, and coming down like the petty tyrant he was in matters of nutrition kept his Slytherins pretty well-behaved on the whole. And insisting that the lower school children were children and the upper school students were young gentlefolk. But keeping them entertained meant occasional forays in bookstores for reading material and toy shops for games and activities.

"Slytherin getting a bit bored with the games on offer?" Of course Riddle-Sinclair would know about it, and it gratified Severus to know his views were shared by his counterpart, despite how much of a miserable arsehole that one seemed to be.

"I had to outlaw Risk when my seventh years decided to take their deadlocked land war in Asia to the corridor to settle it with a duel," Severus explained. "So we are in need of new entertainment as the two in question have finally finished de-scorching the walls. Nothing that contains world conquest, preferably."

Riddle-Sinclair chuckled. "And something new to read?"

"Always, with the way some of them get through novels. And Potions supplements. Some of my non-magical born first years turned up without, again."

"I think we can manage a few extra stops. But if you're tired or find you'd rather just go home, you will tell me?"

"I will, sir. Thank you." It felt so odd to answer that way, as if there was a chance he'd be told no.

Riddle-Sinclair turned them, then, to head into Bulstrode's. The frankly giant storehouse supplied just about every fabric need the magical world might have, except for the general school robes. Merlin only knew where Malkin sourced that stuff. Most of his students had theirs made specially...after their first year. Draco had complained near incessantly about the poor quality last year. That had not endeared him to his housemates.

The heady, pungent scent of wool predominated, with softer undertones of the cedar and lavender that kept the moths at bay. Warm and inviting and well-organized, the main shop floor showed the breadth of product nicely. The back wall held the vast selection of tweeds and tartans, from darkest to lightest. With the range of blues and purples at center, it held a solidly tranquil air. Patterned and plain linens, silks, and lighter wools took the floorspace, each length wrapped around a bolt and standing within a display case. The colorful display nonetheless did not tire the eye. Whoever organized the stock knew how to combine patterns and solid colors to ease the overwhelming nature of a large and varied stock.

Riddle-Sinclair, though, ignored the displays and made straight for the counter at the one end of the room. They queued behind a man Severus recognized by voice. 

"I do not see, Madame, why my order has been canceled and my account threatened!" Reedy and whining, Mr. Parkinson blustered at the woman behind the counter. "I will accept an apology, as I'm sure it was your error, and a complimentary dress length for the stress you've put my wife through."

"I do regret that you came so far out of your way, Mr. Parkinson, but there is no error. Bulstrode's canceled your order as, according to your daughter, you weren't sure you wanted strange, foreign hands on your cloth. In addition to that, Miss Parkinson made it very clear how she thought of my daughter. You will find that House Corves does not take such insult lightly." Madame Bulstrode held firm.

Severus pressed his lips together to keep from laughing outright. Madame may not have been able to challenge the insult to her child within the drawing rooms the Parkinsons frequented, but she could refuse any order she wished, leaving them without the quality goods they preferred.

Parkinson let out one last indignant huff before he stomped out, muttering "Flanders mare" under his breath. Severus had to jerk Riddle-Sinclair hard by the arm to keep him from following Parkinson. Madame Bulstrode took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. She was a small woman, modestly dressed as if it were still the 1840s, with a white cap on over her smooth, dark hair. 

"I do hope you haven't been terribly hurt by them, Madame," Severus found himself saying as they stepped to the counter. 

"Professor! Millicent is well?" Worry creased her brow and darkened her brown eyes.

"Miss Bulstrode is well, Madame. I'm on my weekend off, and my Bonded finds himself in need of a new wardrobe. Madame Bulstrode, this is Mr. Riddle-Sinclair." Soothing her worry, he made his introductions. 

"Congratulations, Professor. It is good to meet you, sir. What are you in need of?" Severus saw her filing away the 'my Bonded' before she turned professional. At least she wasn't a gossip. He abhorred unnecessary lying.

"Honestly, everything and a good tailor. I was recalled in a terrible hurry--I've been traveling--and I have no idea what happened to my luggage. Irresponsible of me, I know." Riddle-Sinclair turned the full force of his charm on her. "My Uncle always said that if you needed good tailoring, ask the Bulstrodes."

"Which Sinclair was it, who recommended asking, if you don't mind?" She fixed him with a suspicious look, and Severus couldn't blame her. 

Her daughter's confirmed bachelor of a professor shows up with a man he's claiming as his Bonded who managed to lose all his luggage, which could easily have been shrunk and put in a pocket. Who also claimed kinship with a dead family. He'd be suspicious too.

"Martin. He...well, he and Auntie Ro were very good to me." 

"I am sorry for your loss. They were, as you say, very good people." He seemed to have satisfied her for the moment. "I can recommend Tamsin Du just three doors down. We are her only supplier, and she has openings now. Will you be opening an account with us?"

"If you take the mark? I arrived yesterday and only just got my affairs in some semblance of order this morning." Severus really would have to remind him not to try to charm the stockings off everyone they met. 

"We do, sir. If you'll fill this in, please?" Madame Bulstrode produced a parchment form. "You can press your mark in the box here." She ticked it with a quill. "And Professor, while Mr. Riddle-Sinclair finishes, would you like to see our Acromantula silks? Millicent wrote that you were interested in testing different grades for filtering a specific potion?"

She lifted the passthrough in the counter and popped through, her skirts catching a bit. Severus found his arm gripped in a surprisingly firm hand as she led him to the back of the shop. She nattered on about the different grades of silk until they reached the furthest corner. 

"Now, down here we have the industrial grade used for parasols and umbrellas. Would you be so kind as to help me? The undyed goods are unfortunately on the bottom." She crouched down, gesturing to neatly wrapped bolts of fabric standing on a lower shelf.

Severus followed suit, nearly falling back when she grabbed his hands.

"You are safe, Professor? This is a sudden match." She whispered, staring at him intently, her grip strong.

"Madame?" Severus managed, shock stealing his voice for a moment.

"You are not coerced? He did not force…"

"No! Madame Bulstrode, no." Severus surprised himself with the vehemence of his answer, even as he pitched his voice low. "It was done at Gringotts this morning. There was an old agreement between our families come due."

Thankfully not a lie, but still it must shock anyone with any sort of sensibility. Generally, there was a bit more lead-up.

"But you had choice? Even Gringotts..."

"I could have left at any time, Madame. He is very careful not to overstep." He wanted to put her mind at ease while keeping some small semblance of personal privacy. If anything, it was a good rehearsal for Minerva.

"Good. Good. I...it is silly of me, but my people were old fashioned sorts and my Millicent is very fond of you. I had to escape down a drainpipe to marry my Edmund, you know. If you ever have need, I have friends on the continent, Professor." She gave his hands one last squeeze and hefted a bolt of fabric from the stand. "Would the industrial grade do as a start?"

Down a drainpipe? Oh, he'd have that story one of these days.

"I...yes, Madame, I believe it would. And thank you, Madame." Later, he knew, he would laugh at the picture they must have made--Madame Bulstrode's skirts ballooning about both their knees, crouched down between display cabinets, whispering like some kind of conspiracy in the making. For now, her concern warmed him. He wasn't used to people worrying after him who weren't Minerva and Pomona and Poppy.

He straightened, taking the bolt from her so she could stand as well. She shook out her skirts and led him back to the counter. 

"We have some offcuts at the counter, as well. I'll give you a few of those, and we'll package them so they're all labeled with grade and weight. Is undyed better?"

"I believe undyed would be better, thank you. The fewer variables for which I need to account the better."

"You will let your students know the results? Millicent will share the news, and I'd be very interested. And, thank you, Mr. Riddle-Sin…" she trailed off, staring at the crest engraved into the parchment. "Great Merlin. But the line died…"

"It came as quite a shock this morning." Riddle-Sinclair looked conflicted.

"Well." Madame Bulstrode spoke briskly. "Bulstrode's isn't known for gossip and we won't start that reputation now. I'll have a word with Miss Du, as well. She does excellent work, but she is young, yet."

"I...thank you, Madame." Riddle-Sinclair seemed taken aback. "I'm not entirely sure of color preferences or style, yet. There are quite a few things I need to settle."

"I'm sure. Miss Du will likely have color preferences for you, but you may depend upon her taste. It is exquisite. You'll receive a letter at Spinner's End in the next two days confirming your account. Would you like me to arrange for an appointment, as well? She linked us to her book."

Severus couldn't quite suppress some small amount of smugness at Riddle-Sinclair being the one handled for once. And so easily, too, as Madame Bulstrode wrapped up his silks and handed him the packet at the same time. He rather wished he could take notes.

"I...yes, thank you. That would be most helpful. Would you ask if she has a...Severus, when is your next free weekend?"

"The third weekend of November." Oh, he wasn't.

"Could you see if she has an appointment any time during that weekend? Professor Snape will be on my account."

It was only determined good manners that kept him from sweeping out. He hadn't mentioned anything about appointments earlier. Madame Bulstrode flipped pages, ignoring his outrage.

"Ah, yes. Let me see."

Severus nearly told her that he was booked until the end of time.

"Which calendar does Miss Du use?" He asked, pulling out three pocket calendars. He opened them all to November to compare. 

He didn't actually know anyone who used the Witch's Calendar to make appointments, as it was used mostly to check the moon phase and zodiac, but it never hurt to ask.

"Oh, the Wizard's Standard, I think. Let's see." She held the book up to his pocket version. "Oh, good. Now, that would be November fifteenth. She has an eleven o'clock that morning?"

"That is acceptable." He acquiesced. No use in making a scene in public.

"Yes, thank you." Dare wrote it down in a pocket memorandum book. "I'll have to get my calendars sorted."

"And an emergency one for you, yes?"

"Yes, please. As soon as can be arranged."

"She can see you tomorrow, if you have time. I'm afraid it would be a late appointment at four o'clock."

"I'll take it. Thank you, Madame." He bowed slightly as Madame Bulstrode filed away the paperwork before offering an arm to Severus.

"For the silk, Madame?" Severus asked, reaching into his pocket.

"The offcuts and the swatch are complimentary, Professor. I've been looking for a good place to send some of the bits and bobs we wind up with. Write if you need any more." 

He didn't quite believe her, but put his packet into one of his pockets before accepting Riddle-Sinclair's arm. He realized, as they walked out the door, that she had just given him an excuse to write her. Clever woman. 

The rest of their trip passed quietly, mostly because Riddle-Sinclair didn't try opening any more accounts. Severus used his Slytherin house mark for the stack of novels and several new games he acquired and the populating notebooks his students preferred. They were a good bit more dear than scrolls of parchment, but the neatly bound volumes would update with new blank pages as needed. Using one per subject meant all one's notes and marked essays stayed neatly together and could be used come OWLs and NEWTs.

By the time they walked back through his front door, Severus was not too proud to admit exhaustion. His feet and back ached, and all he really wanted was a hot bath, soft clothing, and a cup of tea the volume of the Black Lake.

"Get your things settled and get yourself into a bath. You look done in." Riddle-Sinclair ordered easily as Severus unloaded his pockets onto the console table in front of his lounge windows.

"Pardon?" Severus answered mildly. If one didn't stamp down on bossing early, it would get all out of hand. In theory. Still hadn't worked on Minerva or Pomona or Poppy. And Filius had an alarming tendency to level a disbelieving look at one.

"Go and have a bath, pet. You heard me." Riddle-Sinclair sounded more amused than anything. "And you know it's good sense. You had hard days yesterday and today. A bit of rest and looking after has been well-earned. I'll put a tea tray together for when you're done and get the fire going in here."

Severus clamped down on his instinctive negative reaction. Hot water up to his chin sounded lovely. And if Riddle-Sinclair wished to handle tea trays and fires...Severus headed for the stairs.

"Thank you." 

The soft notice of his going stopped Severus on the third step. He wasn't particularly good at any of this.

"I...you're…" he trailed off, not quite sure what he wanted to say. "I do recognize good sense," he finally managed, thankfully crisply, and fled with Riddle-Sinclair's warm chuckle chasing him.

[selena-snape]

Sexta Generación:

¤ Lilith Moira Riddle y Julian Cameron Gray

¤ Bloom Larissa Peters y Sky Aurelius Peters

¤ Hazel Opal Peters y Magnus Roman Watson

¤ Theodore August Peters y Meredith Mavis Monroe

¤ Aaron Christopher Weasley y Verena Michelle Dyer

¤ Joshua Stephen Weasley y Esther Amalia Holt

¤ Charles Samuel Weasley y Ruby Stephanie Saffron

¤ Iris Aurelia Weasley y Marshall Everett Conrad

¤ Theophania Calliope Richardson y Corinne Roxanne Everleigh

¤ Arabella Beatrix Richardson y Henry Oliver Brooks

¤ Kai Dominick Richardson y Flynn Milo Wolf

¤ Willow Cosima Levin y Nicoletta Pomona Wilford

¤ Fern Violet Levin y Marie Honoria Ollivander

¤ Euphemia Alessandra Levin y John Florean Palmer

¤ Dorothea Giovanna Levin y Elladora Eloise Gibson

¤ Salazar Lucius Levin y Holly Avalon Barnes

¤ Eleanor Hope Levin y Savannah Genevieve Shaw

¤ Gracie Isadora Novak y Marvin Declan Sullivan

¤ Alec Aurelian Novak y Claire Piper Johan

¤ Mason Ezekiel Novak y Clementine Octavia Albion

¤ Lotor Comet Snape y Giovanni Benjamin Lestrange

¤ "Moon Demon" Darius Angelo Snape y "Dark Angel " Arianne Alysson Snape

¤ "Killer Shadow" Lazarus Ignatius Snape y "Ice Demon" Urania Calliope Snape

¤ Morterius Viktor Snape y Hisirdoux Artemas Casperan

¤ Regris Niven Snape y Acxa Valda Snape

¤ Kevin Ethan Snape y Gwendolyn Stephanie Tennyson

¤ Regulus Orion Snape y Abel Austin Khemse

¤ Cygnus Arcturus Snape y Frederic Alistair Weasley

¤ Elle Rigel Snape y Matsuda Touta

¤ Beyond Aurelian Snape y Mikami Teru

¤ Alexander Valens Snape y Magnus Sebastian King

¤ Lysander Nikolaus Snape y Vladimir Micah Masters

¤ Gwendolyn Hiroko Snape y Tanaka Misaki

¤ Ezra Yamato Snape y Luveva Rosemay Sutherlamd

¤ Ryan Yoshio Snape y Avery Daxon Sinclair

¤ Keith Akira Snape y James Oliver Griffin

¤ Yuudai Riley Snape y Danielle Edna Young

¤ Yuriko Harley Snape y Debra Kathleen McIntosh

¤ Clarice Suki Snape y Alphard Delphinus Black

¤ Mako Ethan Snape y Giovanna Naomi Hamilton

¤ Morgana Kendra Voorhees y Karin Delilah Summers

¤ Carrie Margaret Voorhees y "Sue" Susan Danica Snell

¤

¤

¤

¤ Jessica Lorna Kimble y Steven Malcom Freeman

¤ Audrey Andromeda Malfoy y Andre Perseus Bourgeois

¤ Gabriel Bastian Malfoy y Emilie Calliope Graham de Vanily

¤ Roynard Hydra Malfoy y Violet Rowena Deekers

¤ Raymond Lynx Malfoy y Cedric Atticus Diggory

¤ Draco Lucius Malfoy y Astoria Coraline Greengrass

¤ Merle Ariel Malfoy y "Jesus" Paul Finnegan Rovia

¤ Hope Leah Malfoy y

¤ Carl Thomas Malfoy y

¤ Levi Armand Malcoy y

¤ Daryl Hunter Malfoy y Rick Jonah Grimes

¤ Vitale Astaroth Sparda y Luka Nicholas Sparda

¤ Neron Asura Sparda y Kyrie Serena Kiernan

¤ Merak Emory Sparda y Portia Manon Hendrix

¤ Armand Vincent Sparda y

¤ Nicholas William Sparda y

¤ Septimus Canyon Sparda y

¤ Loretta Margot Grace y Calvin Raphael Foxglove

¤ Julius Grant Grace y Ivy Roxanne Baxley

¤ Benjamin Vidar Grace y Edgar Zachary Maddox

¤ Ophelia Nozomi Jensen y Cordelia Avery Bkwie

¤ Eileen Victoria Jensen y Silvius Dael Sinclair

¤ Thomas Lysander Jensen y Othello Natalie Reeve

¤ Nova Genesis Jackson y Allison Leah Reid

¤ Losa Iris Brooks y Briar Anais Tedford

¤ Nina Rosie Brooks y Asa August Harding

¤ Connor Cyrus Brooks y Sandra Sabine Simmons

¤ Esme Aurora Donovan y Maxine Riley Crosby

¤ Arabella Cassidy Donovan y Robert Dashiell. Davenport

¤ Arianne Odette Donovan y Terrence Gideon Graves

¤ Kendra Alessandra Donovan y Alexis Scarlett Bishop

¤ Cassandra Abigail Donovan y James Anthony West

¤ Pansy Genevieve Parkinson y Theodore Phineas Nott

¤ Avalon Forrest Parkinson

¤ Damien Emory Parkinson

¤ Ursa Alexa Corvinus Y Narcissa Hazel Ripley

¤ Nora Alyssa Corvinus y Lydia Skylar Abernathy

¤ Annabelle Danica Corvinus y Rowan Vladimir Norwood

¤ Luna Pandora Lovewood y Rolf Elijah Matthew Scamander

¤

¤

¤

¤

¤ Ronan Artemis Marcelly y Adam Timothy Reed

¤ Giovanni Octavius Marcelly y Robin Mikhaila Mckinley

¤ Ivan Alistair Marcelly y James Christopher Peters

¤ Mika Valentina Donnelly y Arthur Ethan Bowers

¤ Damien September Delaney y Melione Rowena Robinson

¤ Kira Dominika Delaney y Marlon Oliver Williams

¤ Kanna Amelia Delaney y Gael Ethan Byron

¤ Nicholas Hadrien Delaney y Madison Edith Emerson

¤ Armand Demetrius Corwin y Persephone Aspen Cormac

¤ Tatiana Aubrey Corwin y Marcella Carolinne Cervenka

¤ Pandora Evageline Corwin y Cecilia Honoria Van Frietag

¤ Natasha Piper Dresden y Donna Mary Berkshire

¤ Emily Alisha Ansel y Nana Eliza Martin

¤ Isabelle Veronica Ansel y Carmen Emilia Reyes

¤ Kenneth Paul Dollins y Ella Isabella Evans

¤ Joseph Herman Dollins y Juliet Corina Rogers

¤ Hailey Amelia Flint y Lucia Naomi Barnes

¤ Ashley Jasmine Flint y Maxwell Benjamin Norton

¤ Piper Savannah Flint y Louis Howart Daxton

¤ Chase Akira Braken y Felix Lucius Quinn

¤ Florian Narcissus Braken y Colin Leonard Frone

¤ Callum Daniel Fox y Marjorie Katie Vance

¤ Dante Ezra Fox y Leila Juniper Thomson

¤ Nathan Soren Fox y Matthias Isaac Parker

¤ Magnus Gideon Fox y Desmond Ethan McReynolds

¤ Lucian Harrison Fox y Apollo Anthony Greene

¤ Jude Eli Hudson y Theodore Declan Vesper

¤ Olive Genesis Ivanovich y David Cameron Canyon

¤ Tate Roman Ivanovich y Molly Aurora Wiley

¤ Ivory Leah Ivanovich y Diane Barbara Jennings

¤ Devon Julian Kane y Ophelia Pauline Colins

¤ Claudine Barbara Kane y Matthew Benjamin Rothchild

¤ Castiel Dominc Kane y Charlie Isaac Lauder

¤ Natasha Bella Kane y Mackenzie Riley Hills

¤ Caroline Samantha Kane y Sarah Emma Fuller

¤ Harper Eva Kane y Daniel Michael Baker

¤ Henry Jasper Kane y Duncan Joshua Evas

¤ Nathan Pietro Kane y Elijah Maxwell Crimson

¤ June Opal Kane y Felix Octavius Rhodes

¤ Jane Ophelia Kane y Angelo Dominic Lowell

¤ Aldora Corinne Prince Amora Lyra Stout

¤ Odolette Lila Prince y Thalia Cora Fulton

¤ Amon Rowan Prince y Elira Bianca Thorton

¤ Amelia Robin Prince y Nicolo Dorian Guthrie

¤ Alastor Robert Prince y Dinah Pandora Pearson

¤ Gavin Marshall Prince y Megara Eloise Lang

¤ Sean Colin Prince y Rebecca Odette Douglas

¤ Renee Tara Prince y Miles Edgar Lambert

¤ Eric Lance Snapey y Millicent Corinne Curtis

¤ Marlon Levi Snape y Lily Alyssa Yancer

¤ Luther Garth Snape y Judith Naomi Tailyour

¤ Hannah Ebony Snape y Lincoln Nathan Penfold

¤ Marie Clarice Snape y Leslie Regan Eastwood

¤ Jade Tiffany Snape y Leah Eliana Rees

¤ Grant Devin Snape y Geraldine Annalie Harfield

¤ Dean Leighton Snape y Fiona Charity Wheeler

¤ Mason Riley Oakley y Cartie April Willis

¤ Morgan Harley Oakley y Ian Paul Wenman

¤ Robert Damian Lake y Marion Corinne Turner

¤ Roy Ethan Morrinson y Griffin Rhett Essex

¤ Joy Ebony Morrinson y Kilian Lee Rowell

¤ Holden Ethan Snape y Eleanor Nadia Heron

¤ Corey Silas Snape y Jane Lydia Orchard

¤ Astrid Juliette Snape y Rhonda Hope Pataki

¤ Tate Julian Snape y James Ronan Poole

¤ Soren Jaspn Snape y Carmen Marianna Rojas

¤ Edgar Samuel Snape y Ingrid Ianthe Lauder

¤ Castiel Gabriel Dream y Cecilia Ember Bonavich

¤ Callum Paul Dream y Avalon Ginevra Carmichael

¤ Cedric Ernest Dream y Bathilda Sibyll Irvine

¤ Garett Elia Dream y Padma Orla Astor

¤ Austin Jordan Dream y Magenta Pomona Hearst

¤ Daryl Silvanus Dream y Nuru Sura Van Doren

¤ Calliope Scarlett Dream y Gemma Pomona Windsor

¤ Cordelia Maribelle Carter y Ivar Rainn Kline

¤ Howart Steven Carter y Sylvia Peyton Bechtel

¤ Lysander Casimir Carter y Enid Jivanta Galumba

¤ Pierre Milford Afton y Kylie Olivia McKeehan

¤ Rupert Stanley Afton y Andrea Jocelyn Varner

¤ Warren Philip Jefferson y Michelle Sabine Castle

¤ Ellie Audrey Jefferson y Shireen Monroe Marks

¤ Giselle Corina Leighton y Mia Velvet Bushnell

¤ Odette Marina Leighton y Nicoletta Verona Goldstein

¤ Larissa Dirina Leighton y Winry Carmina Montgomery

¤ Magnus Cassidy Edevane y Harry Leroy Baker

¤ Stella Andromeda Orville y Harold Russell Mcquiston

¤ Lucille Arabella Orville y Jace Colton Rutledge

¤ Lee Amos Evans y Zoey Makayla Camfield

¤ Cadmus Orion Evans y Trudy Nayala Lovell

¤ Florean Newton Evans y Xenia Sybil Herron

¤ Ivory Ooal Evans y Edmund Wilfred Frankham

¤ Luisa Veronica O'Kelly y Connor Evan Carson.

¤ Finn Andrew Harley y Portia Marilyn Curtis

¤ Abel Nolan Harley y Bonnie Thea Proudley

¤ Louis Xander Harley y Petunia Jamie Deakins

¤ Claire Norah Harley y Lance Chandler Western

¤ Camille Loena Harley y Myrtle Denise Golby

¤ Cora Adelaide Harley y Selma Kelsey Hicks

¤ Juliette Theodora Harley y Daisy China Kempster

¤ Cyrus Maximua Harley y Meredith Shannon Crocker

¤ Horatio Gideon Harley y Heidi Antoinette Deacon

¤ Dorothea Euphemia Harley y Terence Xavier Croucher

¤ Violetta Leopoldine Murphy y Franklin Leonidas Burton

¤ Nova Orion Murphy y Faustina Spencer Odam

¤ Comet Sky Murphy y Yvonne Wilhemina Hibberd

¤ Phoenix Bianca Murphy y Rosalie Simone Stratton

¤ Celestine Xiomara Glenwood y Rylan Waylon Mills

¤ Isla Cosima Glenwood y Neil Rowan Lee

¤ Jacqueline Glenna McCoy y Jarome Staley Orline

¤ Ann Marie McCoy y Ridley Everett Anderson

¤ Apoline Elian McCoy y Simom Edward Thompson

¤ Aubrey Lynn Orson y Braxton Hunter Young

¤ Amelia Faith Orson y Ryland Linden Allen

¤ Lucy Ella Volkov Jacob Jhon Wright

¤ Freya Leah Volkov y Rome Canyon Adams

¤ Martin Lane Volkov y Brianna Mirella Collins

¤ Monet Valentina Volkov y Callahan Anselm Morris

¤ Robinia Venus Carrington y Aragon Glorianne Watson

¤ Damon Micah Carrington y Selie Nia Rise

¤ Calla Seraphina Balckwood y Ariel Calyx Reid

¤ Adriana Norah Blackwood y Windsor Athen Foster

¤ Trevor Narcissus Blackwood y Larry Eugene Fraser

¤ Heather Kalina Moore y Lucilius Nicholas McIntosh

¤ Bernadette Alexa Moore y Ares Gabriel McLean

¤ Althea Ruby Lexington y Trinity Elizabeth Bland

¤ Camellia Iris Lexington y Damian Anthony Boswell

¤ Taylor Sidney Lexington y Fabian Dominic Bartlett

¤ Elena Vittoria Lexington y Athena Aubree Birch

¤ Oris Edward Goodwin y Ryleigh Nadia Chapman

¤ Archer Emrys Goodwin y Paisley Autumm Pannell

¤ Raphaela Esperalda Goodwin y Ryder Quentin Hamilton

¤ Ike Neron Goodwin y Bailey Stephanie Adams

¤ Lilianna Persephone Blackwood y Jared Fabian Crawford

¤ Albert Christopher Blackwood y Gemma Alyna Gibson

¤ Alfred Stella Blackwood y Nicholas Julian Munro

¤ Rose Mary Blackwood y Sebastian robert Walker

¤ Bernard Alden Blackwood y Katherine Calliope McGregor

¤ Benjen Isaiah Blackwood y Seraphina Harper Docherty

¤ Lewis Beckett Blackwood y Samirah Luna Ross

¤ Vlaire Harley Blackwood y Aurora Isabelle Gordon

[selena-snape]

Sexta Generación:

¤ Lilith Moira Riddle y Julian Cameron Gray

¤ Bloom Larissa Peters y Sky Aurelius

¤ Hazel Opal Peters y Magnus Roman Watson

¤ Theodore August Peters y Meredith Mavis Monroe

¤ Aaron Christopher Weasley y Verena Michelle Dyer

¤ Joshua Stephen Weasley y Esther Amalia Holt

¤ Charles Samuel Weasley y Ruby Stephanie Saffron

¤ Iris Aurelia Weasley y Marshal Everett Conrad

¤ Theophania Calliope Richardson y Corinne Roxanne Everleigh

¤ Arabella Beatrix Richardson y Henry Oliver Brookes

¤ Kai Dominick Richardson y Flynn Milo Wolf

¤ Willow Cosima Levin y Nicoletta Pomona Wilford

¤ Fern Violet Levin y Marie Honoria Ollivander

¤ Euphemia Alessandra Levin y Jhon Florean Palmer

¤ Dorothea Giovanna Levin y Elladora Eloise Gibson

¤ Salazar Lucius Levin y Holly Avalon Barnes

¤ Eleanor Hope Levin y Savannah Genevieve Shaw

¤ Gracie Isadora Novak y Marvin Declan Sullivan

¤ Alec Aurelian Novak y Claire Piper Johan

¤ Mason Ezekiel Novak y Clementine Octavia Albion

¤ Lotor Comet Snape y Raphael Percivalp Rosier

¤ "Moon Demon" Darius Angelo Snape y "Dark Angel " Arianne Alysson Snape

¤ "Killer Shadow" Lazarus Ignatius Snape y "Ice Demon" Urania Calliope Snape

¤ Morterius Viktor Snape y Hisirdoux Artemas Casperan

¤ Regris Niven Snape y Acxa Valda Snape

¤ Kevin Ethan Snape y Gwendolyn Stephanie Tennyson

¤ Regulus Orion Snape y Abel Austin Khemse

¤ Cygnus Arcturus Snape y Frederic Alistair Weasley

¤ Elle Rigel Snape y Matsuda Touta

¤ Beyond Aurelian Snape y Mikami Teru

¤ Alexander Valens Snape y Magnus Sebastian King

¤ Lysander Nikolaus Snape y Vladimir Micah Masters

¤ Keith Akira Snape y

¤ Morgana Kendra Voorhees y Karin Delilah Summers

¤ Jessica Lorna Kimble y Steven Malcom Freeman

¤ Audrey Andromeda Malfoy y Andre Perseus Bourgeois

¤ Gabriel Bastian Malfoy y Emilie Calliope Graham de Vanily

¤ Roynard Hydra Malfoy y Violet Rowena Deekers

¤ Raymond Lynx Malfoy y Cedric Atticus Diggory

¤ Draco Lucius Malfoy y Astoria Coraline Greengrass

¤ Merle Ariel Dixon

¤ Daryl Hunter Dixon y Rick Jonah Grimes

¤ Vitale Astaroth Sparda y Luka Nicholas Sparda

¤ Neron Asura Sparda y Kyrie Serena Kiernan

¤ Merak Emory Sparda y Portia Manon Hendrix

¤ Loretta Margot Grace y Calvin Raphael Foxglove

¤ Julius Grant Grace y Ivy Roxanne Baxley

¤ Benjamin Vidar Grace y Edgar Zachary Maddox

¤ Ophelia Nozomi Jensen y Cordelia Avery Bkwie

¤ Eileen Victoria Jensen y Silvius Dael Sinclair

¤ Thomas Lysander Jensen y Othello Natalie Reeve

¤ Nova Genesis Jackson y Allison Leah Reid

¤ Larissa Iris Brooks y Briar Anais Tedford

¤ Nina Rosie Brooks y Asa August Harding

¤ Connor Cyrus Brooks y Sandra Sabine Simmons

¤ Esme Aurora Donovan y Maxine Riley Crosby

¤ Arabella Cassidy Donovan y Robert Dashiell. Davenport

¤ Arianne Odette Donovan y Terrence Gideon Graves

¤ Kendra Alessandra Donovan y Alexis Scarlett Bishop

¤ Cassandra Abigail Donovan y James Anthony West

¤ Pansy Genevieve Parkinson y Theodore Phineas Nott

¤ Ursa Alexa Corvinus Y Narcissa Hazel Ripley

¤ Nora Alyssa Corvinus y Lydia Skylar Abernathy

¤ Annabelle Danica Corvinus y Rowan Vladimir Norwood

¤ Luna Pandora Lovewood y Rolf Elijah Matthew Scamander

¤ Ronan Artemis Marcelly y Adam Timothy Reed

¤ Giovanni Octavius Marcelly y Robin Mikhaila Mckinley

¤ Ivan Alistair Marcelly y James Christopher Peters

¤ Mika Valentina Donnelly y Arthur Ethan Bowers

¤ Damien September Delaney y Melione Rowena Robinson

¤ Kira Dominika Delaney y Marlon Oliver Williams

¤ Kanna Amelia Delaney y Gael Ethan Byron

¤ Nicholas Hadrien Delaney y Madison Edith Emerson

¤ Armand Demetrius Corwin y Persephone Aspen Cormac

¤ Tatiana Aubrey Corwin y Marcella Carolinne Cervenka

¤ Pandora Evageline Corwin y Cecilia Honoria Van Frietag

¤ Nathasa Penelope Dresden y Donna Mary Berkshire

¤ Emily Alisha Ansel y Nana Eliza Martin

¤ Isabelle Veronica Ansel y Carmen Emilia Reyes

¤ Kenneth Paul Dollins y Ella Isabella Evans

¤ Joseph Herman Dollins y Juliet Corina Rogers

¤ Hailey Amelia Flint y Lucia Naomi Barnes

¤ Ashley Jasmine Flint y Maxwell Benjamin Norton

¤ Piper Savannah Flint y Louis Howart Daxton

¤ Chase Akira Braken y Felix Lucius Quinn

¤ Florian Narcissus Braken y Colin Leonard Frone