HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

"Yes," Dumbledore admitted readily. "To be more precise, it's hoped that Mr. Snape, when forced to participate in certain matters, can pass on as much information as possible to minimize harm. And you, Mr. Burke, with your location in Knockturn Alley, might be able to access some peripheral but useful information."

"You don't need to actively spy. Just keep an eye out and pass messages while protecting yourselves and completing your missions. We will do our best to protect you and provide all possible support."

Ian was silent for a moment. "Does Severus know I'm here to see you?"

"I don't know yet. I think it would be more appropriate for you to find out our intentions first, and then discuss it with him."

Dumbledore's gaze seemed to see right through people. "I know this request is excessive, putting two young people in such danger, but the war has begun, and every bit of strength, every chance to reduce casualties, is crucial. You have the right to refuse, and I fully understand that, and I assure you that tonight's meeting never happened."

Ian looked at the candlelight.

He remembered Lucius Malfoy's fake smile and the unfathomable weariness in Severus's eyes.

How long can you hide? Rather than passively waiting for the next "accident," it's better to seize the initiative, even if it means walking on a knife's edge.

"We need to consider it," Ian finally said. "It also depends on Severus's opinion. I can't make the decision for him."

"Of course." Dumbledore nodded. "This is a mutual decision. If you agree, the next contact can be made through Mr. Lupin, or—"

He pointed to Aberforth, who had been silent beside him, "My brother. The channels are absolutely confidential. If you refuse, that's fine too."

……

When Ian opened the door, only a wall lamp was lit in the room, and the fire in the fireplace was burning brightly, dispelling the chill he had brought back from Hogsmeade.

Severus sat in an armchair by the fire, holding an open book, but his eyes were vacant, clearly not having absorbed a single word.

Hearing the door open, he immediately looked up, and only relaxed slightly when he confirmed that Ian had walked in unharmed.

"Why did you take so long?" He closed the book, his voice a little hoarse.

"It's snowing on the road, so we're walking slowly." Ian took off his snow-covered cloak, hung it up, walked to the fireplace, and reached out to warm his hands by the fire.

He didn't speak immediately; the firelight danced on his profile, reflecting a thoughtful expression.

Severus did not urge him, but simply watched him in silence.

"I went to the Hog's Head," Ian finally spoke, his voice calm. "I saw Dumbledore, and Lupin too. Aberforth Dumbledore was there as well."

Ian knelt down beside him, took Severus's hand, and recounted their conversation, Dumbledore's proposal, the choice being theirs, and how to contact him if they agreed.

There was no concealment, nor was there any attempt to glorify the risks involved.

"He gave me a choice. No, just pretend we never met tonight." Ian looked up at him. "But I want to hear your thoughts, Severus. This isn't just my decision."

Severus looked down at him. Ian’s eyes were bright, reflecting the firelight and his own shadow.

There was no fear there, only the calm of waiting for a decision and a complete trust.

"What does he want to know?" Severus asked.

"Any details that can deduce their movements should not be actively investigated by us, but we should pay attention to the information we handle and pass it on while ensuring our own safety."

Ian squeezed his hand. "He promised to do everything he could to protect us, to provide support, and to keep us safe by either Lupin or Aberforth Dumbledore."

"Protect." Severus's voice was even lower, tinged with sarcasm. "Under Voldemort's nose, among those skilled in legato and curses? Dumbledore's reach isn't that far."

"I know." Ian rested his head on his knees. "So we need to stick together. One person is walking a tightrope, but two people can at least watch where they're going, and..."

He paused for a moment, his voice low but exceptionally clear.

"We can't stay passive like this forever. Voldemort's demands for 'proof' will only get more and more outrageous. Rather than waiting for him to force you to kill someone or threaten me and my family directly, we should have a way out, a way out that...maybe one day in the future, to turn the tables on him."

Severus gripped his hand tightly in return. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, a fierce struggle churned within them, ultimately replaced by a weary resolve.

"Once we start, there's no turning back, Ian. If we're discovered, we die, and it won't be a quick death. They'll do everything they can to torture us and our families."

"I know," Ian repeated, squeezing his hand tightly. "But if we do nothing, the outcome might be the same. Voldemort wins, what will this world become? How long can we hide?"

He stood up, sat on the armrest of the Severus chair, put his arm around Severus's shoulder, and pulled him close.

Severus stiffened for a moment, then relaxed his grip and pressed his forehead against Ian's neck.

"I'm not trying to be a hero, Seifer." Ian's voice was right next to his ear, his warm breath brushing against his skin. "I just want to make a living for ourselves. If we're destined to get covered in mud, then let's make this mud useful."

"Dumbledore needs intelligence, we need his protection and a possible backup plan. It's a deal, fair and dirty, but I'm willing to do it."

Severus remained silent for a long time.

Ian could feel the subtle trembling in his body and the intense internal struggle within him.

After what felt like an eternity, Severus raised his head and looked at him with deep, dark eyes.

"Let's do it, Ian, together."

A few days later, on a snowy night, Ian used Polyjuice Potion to change his appearance, wrapped himself in an inconspicuous old cloak, and knocked on the door on the second floor of the Pighead Bar once again.

Dumbledore was alone in the room.

"Mr. Burke," he said calmly, "I think you've brought the answer."

"Yes." Ian didn't sit down, but stood by the door, maintaining a posture that suggested he could leave at any moment. "We agree, but on a few conditions."

"Please speak."

"Intelligence transmission must be absolutely secure, and we only maintain single-line communication."

Dumbledore nodded. "You shall only contact me, and through your Patronus."

"Second," he continued, "if any one of us is exposed, the Order of the Phoenix must do everything in its power to protect the other, as well as our families. This is not a request; it's part of the deal."

"Of course." Dumbledore's voice was soft, but unusually solemn. "I swear on my honor and my wand, we will do everything in our power."