HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

But Voldemort did not immediately give Severus "more important responsibilities"; it was more like a bounty, a promise that needed to be redeemed through continued action.

Severus resumed his research and sporadic missions, but Lucius continued to carefully control his interactions with Severus, keeping him out of the core planning.

This is both a precaution and an observation.

Ian continued to come and go from Boking-Bock as usual, and the rumors in Knockdown Lane flowed slowly and murky like sewage in a gutter.

He heard more "disappearances," more "accidents" on the Muggle streets, and sudden "changes of stance" by some shop owners in Diagon Alley.

Mr. Bokin polished his silverware, occasionally muttering in a hoarse voice, "The wind is picking up," and then fell silent.

In early October, Ian returned from Borgin-Bock, carrying with him not only the materials he usually bought, but also a letter bearing a French postmark.

It's a joint letter from Aris and Kevin.

Kevin excitedly described his first appearance for the reserves, saying that although he only played for the last ten minutes, it "felt like he was on steroids."

Aris's section is much more rigorous, mentioning that the French Ministry of Magic "expressed great concern" about the increasingly tense situation in Britain, and attaching a small clipping of the relevant news.

Aris wrote that if the situation worsened, they could offer limited assistance from France, but at least a safe foothold and cover if necessary.

Kevin added in large, hastily written letters at the end of the letter: "Don't be reckless! If you can't win, run! Remember to come find us!"

A few days later, on a rainy autumn weekend, Leah and John suddenly came to visit.

They brought bags and bags of supplies—Leah's newly brewed nutritional potions, everyday items that John had traded with a familiar shopkeeper for that were hard to track, and a large basket of fruits and vegetables from their own small greenhouse, carrying a fresh, magical scent.

"Don't look at me like that. Your mother is worried and insisted on coming to see if you've gained weight." John put down his things, patted Ian on the shoulder, and carefully scanned Ian and Severus's faces to check on their condition.

Leah then pulled Ian's wrist, her fingertips glowing with a faint aura of diagnostic magic, her brow furrowing slightly: "The mana recovery is slower than expected, but the foundation is stable. Severus."

She turned to the silent boy beside her, her gaze softening. "You look terrible. Come here, let me take a look."

Severus stiffened for a moment, but did not refuse Lydia's examination.

A warm and gentle probe magic flowed through my body, carrying the calming power unique to healers.

Leah's brow remained furrowed, but her tone softened: "Excessive fatigue, chronic mental strain, Ian, you watch him. Make sure he drinks this calming potion every night before bed."

She shoved a bottle of light blue medicine into Ian's hand.

"I will, Mom." Ian took it and nodded.

They chatted for a while about everyday things, mainly Leah giving instructions on various details of life, while John occasionally chimed in with some trivial gossip about the Ministry of Magic.

The atmosphere relaxed for a rare moment, as if they were just an ordinary couple visiting their son who lived alone and his partner.

Before leaving, John seemed to suddenly remember something and took out a letter from his inner pocket. The envelope was made of ordinary parchment, but there was a small lion-shaped wax seal on the closure.

"I almost forgot, I ran into Miss Evans the other day, and she asked me to give this to you," John handed the letter to Ian. "That girl... is doing very well in the Auror office, but she's getting busier and busier, they..."

Leah sighed softly, said nothing, but hugged Ian tightly again and whispered, "Take care, both of you. If anything happens, be sure to tell us. Don't try to handle it all by yourself."

After seeing their parents off, the stone house fell silent again, with only the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace remaining.

Ian opened Lily's letter.

The letter wasn't long, but the handwriting was clear and strong.

Lily first asked about Ian's health, urging him to make sure he fully recovered, and then inquired about Severus's condition, saying, "I know you two will definitely find a way to take care of each other."

She mentioned that the Auror office was becoming increasingly tense and missions were frequent, but "we did what we were supposed to do, and stopped several attacks, although... there was a price to pay."

The handwriting paused here for a moment, leaving a small ink stain.

Then, her tone changed slightly.

"...James, he... he's not the same as before. He's still as noisy and attention-seeking as ever, but... he's definitely trying. He saved a new Muggle-born colleague, got seriously injured himself, and was still grinning around in St. Mungo's. I guess... I can no longer see him as just a friend."

"We're together. I know this might surprise you, especially Severus, or even make you uncomfortable. But I hope you can understand that this is my own choice. In these chaotic times, having someone to fight alongside you, someone you can trust without reservation, is perhaps... not so bad."

At the end of the letter, her handwriting became firm again:

"Severus, if... if you need any help, whatever it is, please tell me. Don't think it's a bother; we're friends, always will be. Take care of yourself, and take care of Ian too."

"The darkness won't last forever, I firmly believe that, and we will all fight for it. When everything calms down, we'll get together properly, and I'll treat you all to butterbeer. —Lily"

After Ian finished reading, he handed the letter to Severus.

Severus took it, his eyes scanning line by line the familiar handwriting.

When he saw the part where Lily and Potter were together, his fingers tightened slightly, and the edges of the letter wrinkled slightly, but he quickly relaxed his grip.

He read it very slowly, especially the last few lines. After finishing, he gently placed the letter on the table and remained silent for a long time.

"She chose her path." Ian walked up behind him, placing his hands on his tense shoulders and kneading them with just the right amount of pressure. "And she still considers us friends. That's enough, Severus."

"...I know." Severus's voice was low and hoarse. He raised his hand and covered Ian's hand on his shoulder. "It's just...a little sudden. But it was her choice, Potter..."

He paused, seemingly searching for the right word, but ultimately only said, "...I hope he's truly worthy of her this time."

“At least Lily thinks so.” Ian lowered his head, nuzzling his chin against Severus’s soft black hair. “And she said she would come if needed, and she meant it.”

"Hmm." Severus responded softly, leaning back and shifting his weight to Ian.

The firelight from the fireplace danced on his face, reflecting a complex and unreadable emotion in his eyes: concern, relief, and a deep-seated worry for the fate of his distant friend.

But more than anything, there's a sense of calm as the dust settles; some things are simply in the past.

Some concerns remain in another form, still carrying warmth even in turbulent times.

"Any news from over there lately..." Ian changed the subject, lowering his voice even further.

Severus shook his head, his gaze fixed on the deep night outside the window. "I might have to go to the Nott family's library this week. Lucius arranged it, saying there are some 'interesting' rare books there, about the connection between ancient curses and the stability of the soul. It's an opportunity, or perhaps a test."

"Be careful." Ian tightened his arms, pulling him into a hug. "Nott is not like Lucius. He's more... fanatical and more direct. Take the amulet I gave you. If anything seems amiss, trigger the alarm immediately."

"I know," Severus replied, raising his hand to touch Ian's cheek, his fingertips slightly cool. "You too, there have been a lot of unfamiliar faces coming and going from Bokin's place lately, so don't get too close."

"I know what I'm doing." Ian rubbed his palm against Ian's.