HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

In the following days, newspapers were filled with headlines such as "Mysterious Man Disappears," "Boy Who Survived a Great Disaster," and "Victory for Justice," a mix of jubilation and chaos.

St. Mungo was packed with the wounded from that night. Leah and John were so busy that they could only send a quick message to let them know they were safe.

The Auror Office and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic were like a hornet's nest that had been stirred up, and they were doing everything they could to hunt down the escaped Death Eaters.

Wanted posters were plastered all over Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, with Bellatrix Lestrange, Barty Crouch Jr., Antonin Dolokhov and other faces of fanaticism or terror appearing on the front pages of newspapers.

Lucius Malfoy's name did not appear on the initial wanted list.

Rumors suggest that he provided "certain key information" and claimed that he had been "controlled by the Imperius Curse" and was cooperating with the investigation.

Severus was "invited" to the Ministry of Magic three days later by two serious-looking Aurors, and the interrogation lasted for an entire afternoon.

He calmly stated, following the account he had given Dumbledore, that he was coerced into participating in the research because of his magical abilities, that he had never received the Dark Mark, that he had never participated in any attacks, and that he had tried to warn Dumbledore at the last moment. This part is supported by Dumbledore's testimony and the Patronus's records.

His testimony was meticulous and calm, consistent with Dumbledore's statement and certain timelines known to the Order of the Phoenix. At the end of the interrogation, the older Auror rubbed his temples and said to Severus:

"You may go now, Mr. Snape. Do not leave England anytime soon. The Ministry of Magic may need your assistance in understanding some... technical details."

As I stepped out of the Ministry of Magic's cold, marble corridor, the sky was already dim.

Ian waited for him against the wall on the opposite street corner. When he saw him come out, he didn't ask anything, but just walked over, took his cold hand, and gently pressed his palm with his fingertips.

"Go home," Ian said.

In the weeks that followed, the world was rebuilding order amidst the commotion, while their little world was immersed in the tranquility of survival.

Severus slept more soundly than before, though he still woke up occasionally, but Ian was right beside him, and a hug or a whisper was enough to help him relax again.

Ian watched him drink the calming potion, which was later replaced with a milder calming herbal tea.

Leah and John brought a large meal one weekend, almost filling their kitchen.

Leah gave Severus another full examination and concluded that "he is recovering slowly from the overdraft of magic, and his mental exhaustion is greater than his physical exhaustion. He needs to rest and be at ease."

John looked at the two young men and patted Severus on the shoulder: "It's all over, kid. Get some rest and don't think too much about it."

Severus whispered a thank you, and Leah gave him a hug. "We're family, no need for that word."

……

In late autumn, the Cotswolds are ablaze with golden and crimson hues.

When the weather is nice, Ian would take Severus out for a walk on the small hill and in the woods behind the house.

They walked slowly and didn't talk much, just holding hands, stepping on the thick layer of fallen leaves, listening to the sound of the wind blowing through the treetops, and watching the sunlight cast dappled shadows through the sparse branches.

Severus's face gradually became less pale, and the stubborn bluish-black discoloration around his eyes faded somewhat.

Once they were resting under a huge beech tree. Ian leaned against the trunk, and Severus sat between his legs, his back against his chest.

Ian's arms were loosely wrapped around his waist, and his chin rested on his shoulder.

"Are you cold?" Ian asked, his breath brushing against Ian's ear.

Severus shook his head and leaned back more firmly, almost putting all his weight on him.

"This place is nice."

Ian chuckled and turned to kiss the side of his neck. "Come often then."

Occasionally, Ian would mention some strange thing he had seen at Borgin Burke, or recall a corner of Hogwarts.

Severus listened in silence most of the time, occasionally offering a brief comment or pointing out a fallacy in Ian's memory, which was met with a smiling rebuttal from Ian.

Even in peaceful times, news from the outside world still seeps in through various channels.

Kevin and Aris's letter arrived in early November, with the partial restoration of the International Flyway Network.

The letter was written by Kevin, his handwriting flowing freely, filled with the excitement of surviving the ordeal and the worry for their safety.

"Merlin's beard! We almost swallowed our quills when we saw the news in the French newspapers! Are you two alright?! You must have been terrified! Everyone here says the Dark Lord is finished, which is a bit hard to believe... Anyway, great news!"

"Aris and I are both doing well, except he's gotten thinner from missing me so much (I'm guessing). Oh, and I made the starting lineup! Even though I'm just a substitute, maybe I can get you guys some autographs next time we meet! You're welcome to come to France anytime, it's a promise!"

Aris added on the edge of the letter, his handwriting neat: "The situation is unclear, so caution is paramount. If you need any assistance, please let me know. Take care."

When Ian replied, he simply said that everything was fine and he was resting, congratulated Kevin, and jokingly reminded Aris to keep an eye on him so he wouldn't fall off the broom.

Lily's letter came a little later.

She was still at St. Mungo's, and Mr. Potter's injuries were more serious, requiring long-term treatment. However, she and Harry had moved to a safer place. She didn't say it explicitly, but Ian and Severus both guessed it was a safe house within the Order of the Phoenix.

In the letter, Lily's handwriting was no longer so hurried, but you could see the fatigue in it.

"James needs more time, but he's getting better. Little Harry... he's doing well, he's smiling, although he has no idea what's going on. Severus, and Ian, thank you for everything you've done. Professor Dumbledore told me that once things are more settled, I'd like to take Harry to see you. Take care, my best friends."

After reading the letter, Severus remained silent for a long time, carefully folding the letter.

Ian hugged him from behind and kissed his hair. "She'll be alright, they will be."

"Um."

After Knockdown Alley reopened, Ian went back twice. Mr. Borkin looked a bit older, but his eyes were still sharp.

He didn't mention a word about that night, but hoarsely instructed Ian to wipe the dusty shelves clean.

The shop was much quieter. The familiar faces that used to be gloomy or enthusiastic were nowhere to be seen. Occasionally, there were customers, but they came and went in a hurry, their eyes wandering.

"When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter." Mr. Bokin said abruptly while wiping a newly acquired piece of silverware, whether it was a sigh or a sneer was unclear.

Mr. Bokin didn't ask any questions about Ian's resignation, only telling him, "If you really can't make ends meet, you can come and help manage this store."