HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

In the following weeks, the tension in the air reached its peak.

Severus was ordered to participate in several surveillance and resource allocation operations targeting "potential threats," with vague objectives but vaguely pointing to several ancient families with close ties to the Ministry of Magic.

The Longbottom family was mentioned once, in a dismissive tone, as if they were not considered a priority.

Meanwhile, the name "that show-off Potter" appeared more frequently amidst Bellatrix's sharp mockery and Barty Crouch Jr.'s excited whispers.

Ian, in Borgin-Bock, also noticed something amiss. Several batches of dark magic detection and shielding items had been ordered urgently, with the delivery addresses carefully concealed, but among the middlemen involved were individuals connected to the Lestrange family.

Mr. Bokin polished his silverware and snorted, "The hyenas that have smelled blood are starting to mark their territory."

Regulus's notes became increasingly shorter and the intervals between them grew longer.

"Mother urging her to choose sides," "Bella frequently returning home, emotionally agitated," "Mentioning 'ancient threat' and 'pure bloodline,' the target might be..."

The remaining writing was hastily erased, leaving only a frantic ink dot.

Kevin and Aris sent a final letter from France, its wording almost explicit, warning from within the French Ministry of Magic that a "decisive change" was imminent in the British situation, and advising the suspension of all non-essential communications.

They left an address in a remote town in the south of France and the message, "The fireplace access is now available to you, permanently."

Leah and John arrived unexpectedly one weekend afternoon, bringing almost nothing with them.

Leah simply hugged Ian tightly, then hugged Severus tightly, her fingers lingering on Severus's back for a moment—a silent examination.

John's face was serious. He lowered his voice and said, "The winds are blowing in the wrong direction in the department. Some positions are being 'adjusted.' We're fine, but you... you must be extra careful. Remember, no matter what happens, staying alive is the most important thing."

Then, the summer of 1980 slipped into its final moments in a suffocating, tense silence.

Harry Potter was born safely on the last day of July. The news reached Dumbledore through secret channels and also reached the Cotswolds via a coded note Lily wrote to Severus.

Severus stared at Lily's still neat but slightly hurried handwriting on the note, remained silent for a long time, and then carefully put it away.

He didn't say anything, but Ian saw the tightest string in his eyes loosen slightly.

Neville Longbottom was also born at the end of July and passed away peacefully as well.

The Longbottoms, two outstanding Aurors, did not completely retire from public life on Dumbledore's advice and at Frank Longbottom's insistence, but continued to participate in some of the defense coordination work in a more covert manner.

This "normal" appearance may have misled some people.

Voldemort did not make a move immediately.

This silence is more unsettling than direct action.

Meetings within the Death Eaters became frequent, the atmosphere both frenzied and oppressive. Severus, caught in the middle, felt as if he were walking on the edge of a boiling cauldron.

He heard more fervent pronouncements about "clearing the way" and "welcoming the new order," and heard Bellatrix describe in an aria-like voice how "that great moment" would "purify the world."

However, the specific time, place, and objective remain shrouded in mystery.

The information Severus could convey was fragmented and vague: the Death Eaters were being secretly mobilized and stockpiling supplies for some large-scale ritual or siege; the defenses of the manors of several key families had been strengthened.

Voldemort himself seemed to be preparing something, summoning several masters who were proficient in ancient runes and enchantments.

Dumbledore's response was equally cautious.

He thanked the intelligence, reminded Severus to prioritize his own safety, and informed him that the Order of the Phoenix was also on high alert, with multiple layers of protection for both families that could be changed at any time.

Time dragged on into 1981 amidst the torment.

Attacks occurred sporadically in various places, and terror became a daily background noise.

Severus and Ian stayed in the stone house, tending the fire, guarding each other, and guarding that last escape route that could be triggered at any moment.

They rarely talk about the future; that's too much of a luxury.

The conversation revolved around their current work, newly discovered potion properties, and the origin of a strange item in Knockturn Alley. Occasionally, Ian would recount some silly things he did with Kevin and Aris during their school days, while Severus would briefly comment on the absurd arguments in an ancient book.

Severus's eyes were always dark and bluish-black.

Ian watched him finish the calming potion Leah gave him. Sometimes he would be awakened in the middle of the night by the trembling in his nightmares, and then he would silently hug him tightly until the stiff body relaxed again and he sank into a slightly more peaceful sleep.

In early October, Severus brought back news: Voldemort seemed to have finally identified his "target".

In a meeting attended by only a select few, he mentioned "betraying Mudbloods" and "self-righteous pureblood traitors," his tone filled with an unprecedented level of hatred.

After the meeting, Lucius gave Severus a meaningful look and said, "Soon, Severus, you will see the price of hesitation and the glory of unwavering loyalty."

Severus relayed the story in a cold voice.

"He chose the Potters because Lily was Muggle-born, because the Potters openly opposed him, and also because... the prophecy that 'the Dark Lord marks him as a formidable foe' better suited his perception of James Potter."

Ian's heart sank. "The exact time?"

"It's not certain yet, but around Halloween... it's a 'meaningful' time, and Bellatrix really likes this 'symbol'."

The message was sent out through the most secretive channels. Dumbledore's reply was only two words: "Received."

On Halloween in 1981, the sky was overcast and a cold rain was about to fall.

Severus had been summoned away early in the morning, but this time, Lucius came in person, his expression a strange mix of excitement and sternness.

He simply nodded to Ian, then disappeared with Severus into the green flames of the fireplace.

Ian sat in the empty stone house for a while, then got up and went to Bokin-Bock as usual.

Flip-Flop Lane was even quieter than usual, with several shops having closed early, and a sense of impending doom hung in the air. Mr. Bokin, unusually, wasn't behind the counter, but upstairs, where faint sounds of him rummaging through things could be heard.

Ian quietly went about his sorting work, his ears listening for any unusual noises outside the door.

Time passed slowly, like it was flowing in glue.

As evening approached, he began packing up his things, preparing to close the shop.

Just as he locked the last shop window, Knockdown Alley was engulfed in a chaotic cacophony of screams, explosions, and running footsteps.

Mr. Bokin rushed down the stairs, his face showing a look of astonishment Ian had never seen before.

"Close the door! Lock it! Nobody's going out tonight!" he growled hoarsely, waving his wand. Instantly, all the doors and windows of the shop were covered with layers of armor and shielding spells.

Ian waited until dawn, when the outermost protective charm of the shop was rhythmically struck three times, the secret signal he had agreed upon with Severus.

Ian leaped up, but Mr. Borgin had already waved his wand, opening a gap.

Severus dodged to the side, almost losing his balance.

His face was ashen, his long hair was soaked with sweat and clung to his cheeks, his breathing was heavy, and there were burn and tear marks on the hem of his robe. He was covered in a thick stench of smoke, remnants of dark magic, and... the smell of blood.

But in those dark eyes burned a light of near exhaustion, a light that seemed to have survived a catastrophe, and a bottomless shock.

"He's gone." Severus's voice was hoarse and almost broken. He grabbed Ian's outstretched arm, used it to steady himself, turned his gaze to the bewildered Mr. Bokin, then looked back at Ian, and whispered urgently.

"In Godric Hollow... Voldemort, he went to the Potters... and then he himself... was defeated, like a spell rebounding... that power, I've never felt before... he disappeared, temporarily."

Mr. Bokin gasped, his cloudy eyes widening.

Ian supported Severus, feeling his body tremble slightly. "Lily and Potter?"

"Seriously injured. When I arrived... the scene was in complete chaos. The force of the spell's rebound nearly destroyed the house. They were buried under the rubble, but alive, badly injured, especially Potter, but... alive."

"The Longbottoms were also attacked, it was a feint, but they were stopped by the prepared Aurors and the Order of the Phoenix, and suffered some injuries."

Severus spoke very quickly, with a kind of urgent, cathartic release, "Dumbledore arrived soon after. He arranged for medical treatment and a news blackout. The Death Eaters... are in complete chaos."

"Bellatrix went berserk, everyone else is running away... Lucius, Lucius tried to stop me, but I used the Confusion Charm you gave me..."

Mr. Bokin suddenly raised his hand, signaling them to be quiet.

He listened intently for a moment, and then a commotion arose from afar outside the shop, with faint cries of "The mysterious man has disappeared" and "He has failed," which quickly spread.

Old Bokin turned around and looked at the two young people supporting each other.

He paused for a few seconds, then waved his wand, dispelling part of the spell. "Let's go, through the back door. Knockturn Alley won't be peaceful tonight."

Ian said no more, nodded hastily to Mr. Bokin, and, supporting Severus, quickly disappeared into the narrow, winding alley behind the shop.

Instead of going straight home, they used Floo powder in a fireplace in an abandoned backyard in Diagon Alley, making several detours before finally returning to their cold stone house in the Cotswolds.

The fire in the stove was lit, dispelling the darkness and chill.

Ian helped Severus lean back on the sofa and quickly checked his injuries.

Most of the injuries were minor abrasions from spells and exhaustion of physical and magical energy; none were fatal.

He brought over some styrax essence and a mildener, and dealt with it without saying a word.

Severus let him do as he pleased, his eyes fixed on the leaping flames, the terrifying image of the ruins and the collapse of the dark forces still lingering deep in his pupils.

"...He's really gone, Ian," Severus murmured, his voice as soft as a whisper. "That oppressive feeling... is gone. The Death Eaters are still on the run, and there's bound to be more trouble... but he, Voldemort, at least for now, is gone."

Ian finished bandaging the last wound on his arm, sat down beside him, and held his cold hand tightly.

"Dumbledore has the situation under control," he said, lifting Severus's chin to look at him. "Severus, we did it."

Severus looked at him, at the determination and warmth in his gray eyes, which reflected his own pale and disheveled face.

The nerves, which had been taut for too long and were on the verge of breaking, finally began to relax slowly at this moment.

He closed his eyes, rested his forehead on Ian's shoulder, and his body trembled slightly uncontrollably.

It wasn't fear, but immense exhaustion, and an unbelievable...relief.

"It's over..." he whispered.

"The first phase is over," Ian corrected him, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him completely into a hug, his chin rubbing against the top of Ian's sweaty hair.

"There's still cleanup, trial, finding the truth behind his disappearance... there's so much to do, but the darkest stone has been temporarily removed. We... we survived tonight, Siever, together."

Severus didn't answer, but simply hugged him tighter and buried his face deep in the crook of his neck.

The warm liquid silently soaked Ian's collar. It wasn't a wail, but rather the body's most honest reaction when it could finally catch its breath after a long period of suppression.

Ian hugged him tightly and patted his back gently, as if comforting a frightened child.

The crackling firelight cast the silhouettes of the two embracing figures, creating a peaceful, unified outline on the wall.

Outside the window, the night was still deep, but in the distant sky, something heavy seemed to be quietly dispersing.

The long night is not yet completely over, but the coldest wind has already blown.

After an unknown amount of time, Severus's breathing gradually calmed down, and his trembling stopped.

He didn't move, still leaning against Ian's chest, his voice muffled as he said, "Ian."

"Um?"

"Thank you," he said, his voice soft but unusually clear, "I've always been here."

Ian smiled, lowered his head and kissed the top of his head. "You too."