HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

Ian closed the door and went back inside. Severus had already tidied up the worktable and was looking out the window at the torrential rain.

"He's getting deeper and deeper into the mire," Severus said, his voice devoid of emotion.

"But he grabbed the rope we handed him." Ian walked over, wrapped his arms around his waist from behind, and rested his chin on his shoulder. "He didn't let go."

Severus stiffened slightly, then relaxed and leaned back. "The rope might break too."

"Then let's add another one." Ian turned his head and kissed his cool earlobe. "Add many more, until he can climb up by himself."

Severus didn't speak, but simply took Ian's hand that was wrapped around his waist.

On the other side of the fireplace, Kevin had already fallen asleep on the sofa, his head resting on Aris's lap.

Aris was still holding the book in one hand, while the other hand rested naturally on Kevin's shoulder, his fingertips unconsciously twirling a lock of his hair.

……

Regulus did not come on Thursday night.

Inside the house, where every request is accepted, the fire in the stove burned as brightly as ever, and the chessboard was still on the low table. Kevin was fiddling with the chess pieces, looking somewhat distracted.

"What's going on at Regulus's house? He can't even come on Thursday."

"It's more than 80 percent likely that it's a traditional activity or social obligation of the Black family."

Aris didn't look up, calculating something on the parchment. "Considering his previous mentions of his mother's health, it's possible that it's an occasion within the family that requires his attendance."

Severus was cutting a dried lacewing, the sound of the knife blade hitting the cutting board was regular and soft.

Ian leaned back on the sofa, watching the flickering flames, without saying a word.

Without Regulus, the house didn't seem much empty. But something felt different.

Just as a stone that should have been in the fireplace was removed, the shape of the flames subtly changed.

Regulus did not reappear until the following Thursday.

He looked thinner, his face a tired pale, but his eyes held a taut clarity.

When he pushed open the door, he brought with him the dampness of a cool spring night. He nodded to the people who looked at him, without explaining his absence last week, and simply walked to the armchair by the window and sat down as usual.

"The shop behind the Bloody Hood," he began, his voice a little hoarse but clear, "was raided by the Ministry of Magic yesterday afternoon. The stated reason was illegal stockpiling of dangerous alchemical materials. The shop owner ran away, and the shop was empty, but the Aurors detected very strong traces of dark magic, and... blood, from more than one person."

Ian sat up straight: "Official news?"

"My father said it at dinner. He was very unhappy, saying that the Ministry of Magic is being paranoid and interfering with legitimate business." Regulus twitched the corners of his mouth, a smile that was anything but genuine.

"Nott didn't come to school today, and Carlo looked terrible. The things should have been moved in advance, but their plans were disrupted."

"To stir up trouble and alert the enemy." Severus put down his knife and wiped his hands with a cloth.

"But it also makes them more cautious." Aris adjusted his glasses. "The risk may be lower in the short term because they will lie low, but in the long run, snakes that can't be found are more dangerous."

“The Notts might be quiet for a while,” Ian tapped his knee, “but they’ll find another way. Regulus, did your father say anything else? About who pushed for this investigation?”

Regulus shook his head: "He only complained a few times, but Kreacher... heard my father throwing a tantrum in the study, mentioning the name 'Callum Calvin' and 'that busybody from the Burkes.'"

The air fell silent for a moment.

Ian slowly exhaled: "My dad."

John Burke works in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Although he is not directly subordinate to Calvin, the Auror Office Director, he has some channels to pass messages.

Clearly, Ian's message to his family was taken seriously and acted upon quickly.

"Your father is very decisive," Severus said.

"Sometimes being too decisive isn't a good thing." Ian rubbed his temples. "Now our family is officially registered in Nott and Carol's area."

"It's been up for a while now," Regulus said in a low voice. "From the tea party in Slughorn, from when you chose a 'pragmatic' research direction, this time it's just more explicit."

He was telling the truth.

Some boundaries cannot be blurred at will.

Kevin looked at this, then at that, and whispered, "Then...should we be more careful?"

"I've always been careful, Kevin." Aris closed his notebook. "Now we just need to raise the level of 'carefulness' a bit higher. For example, in the near future, don't buy rare materials from any sources that aren't absolutely reliable, including those 'old friends' in Knockturn Alley."

"And Hogsmeade," Ian added, "especially keep your distance from Nott, Carol, or the shops their group frequents. Regulus, you too, if you run into them, try to avoid direct contact."

Regulus nodded, then continued, "My mother... wants me to accompany her to visit the Lestrange family during the Easter holidays. Bellatrix will be there too."

Bellatrix Lestrange became increasingly passionate and unpredictable after marriage.

"Reason?" Severus asked.

"A family gathering, and incidentally, a discussion about...my future."

"Regulus's voice was flat. "Post-graduation plans, social circle, and... 'more important responsibilities'."

Ian and Severus exchanged a glance. This was both urging and pressure.

"Can you turn it down?" Ian asked.

“It’s difficult,” Regulus said. “My father agreed, and… my mother’s health hasn’t been good lately, and she wants me to be ‘sensible’.”

In the Blake family, being sensible has a specific meaning.

"Then go," Severus said suddenly, his voice cold. "Listen, remember, don't agree to anything. Keep your mind closed. If you need anything, come find me before you leave. I'll give you something."

Regulus raised his eyes, a faint ripple flashing in his grey-blue eyes.

"...What is it?"

"Something that keeps you alert, so you don't get confused by the aphrodisiac in the dessert or the confusion spell in the air," Severus said in a flat tone.

"It's just a basic anti-interference agent and a stimulant mixed together. The effect will be a little stronger and last a little longer than those on the market. The side effect may be a little nauseous."

"That's enough," Regulus said softly. "Thank you."