HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

After that, they began to enjoy the peace that had come so late.

Ian somehow acquired a new batch of moonflower and silver fern seeds, and together with Severus, they set up a small greenhouse behind the stone house.

Severus was in charge of the precise soil mix and the magical constant-temperature barrier, while Ian was in charge of the physical labor and daily care.

The two often ended up with their hands covered in mud. Severus complained about being "rude" because of the preciousness of the potion ingredients, so Ian would laugh and rub his nose with his muddy fingers, only to be met with a retaliatory "Spring Water" from an enraged Severus.

The days passed as slowly as lukewarm water.

Severus began organizing his notes on potion research, which he was genuinely interested in but had been forced to stop.

No longer related to souls or dark magic, but rather some more basic recipes about smooth mana flow and promoting natural repair after mana damage.

Ian assisted him, processing materials and recording data. Occasionally, he would come up with some wild ideas that Severus dismissed as "lacking any rigor in potion science." The two would argue in the small laboratory, and the "academic discussion" would often end with Ian giving him a cheeky kiss.

In early December, a letter arrived from Hogwarts.

It was written by Dumbledore himself, and the paper had a faint lemon-orange scent.

"Dear Severus,

I hope that when this letter arrives, you and Ian will be enjoying a warm and peaceful winter.

First of all, I must thank you again for the extraordinary courage and wisdom you have shown over the past few years. What you have done has far exceeded the burden that a young person should bear.

Therefore, I am extending a formal invitation to you. The position of Professor of Potions at Hogwarts has been vacant since Professor Slughorn retired again (this time he was very determined).

After much deliberation, I believe that no one is more suitable for this position than you. You possess profound knowledge of potions, a rigorous academic attitude, and you understand darkness, which makes you better able to guide students away from it.

Hogwarts can provide a stable environment, a place where you can focus on your studies and pass on knowledge. It will also be a sanctuary for you and Ian. I believe the castle welcomes you.

There's no need to rush to reply. You can discuss it carefully with Ian. Whatever your decision, I will respect and support it.

good luck.

Albus Dumbledore

A small jar of honey was also included with the letter.

Severus stood in front of the fire for a long time, clutching the letter.

The firelight from the fireplace danced on his face, reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

Ian walked over, hugged him from behind, and took the letter and read it.

"What do you think?" Ian rested his chin on his shoulder and asked.

"...I never thought about teaching." Severus's voice was a little hoarse.

"But if you want to study potions, real potions, Hogwarts' library and greenhouses are far better than here."

Ian said softly, "Besides, Dumbledore was right. It's a sanctuary. The Man of Void is gone, but who knows what else might come? Hogwarts is safe."

"You..." Severus turned his head to look at him.

"Me?" Ian laughed. "Of course I'll go with you. There's always somewhere in Hogsmeade where I can do some small business, or maybe I should apply for a job? I've heard that Professor Kettleburn, who teaches the Magical Creatures class, always needs help, even though it's a bit dangerous..."

Severus nudged him lightly with his elbow, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Don't be ridiculous."

“Seriously,” Ian tightened his grip on her arms, his tone becoming serious, “Severus, you deserve this. You can continue your research there, teach those little trolls—oh, sorry, the students—something really useful, and we’ll have a decent home in a castle, think about it, the towers, or the cellars? Maybe we can even see the Black Lake.”

His descriptions were so vivid, even somewhat naive, yet they strangely dispelled the heaviness in Severus's heart.

"The cellar is too cold," Severus said softly, as if he were being picky, but he had already relaxed and leaned into Ian's arms.

"Then let the house-elves bring a few more blankets, or," Ian's kiss landed behind his ear, warm and gentle, "I'll hold you while we sleep."

Severus's ears turned slightly red. He didn't reply, but instead grabbed Ian's hand that was wrapped around his waist.

A few days later, Severus wrote back and accepted the offer.

The owl brought back Dumbledore's pleasant reply, along with a formal letter of appointment and an invitation to come to the school after the winter break and before the start of the new semester in January to discuss the details.

The dust has settled.

On Christmas Eve, Kevin and Aris suddenly visited through the Floo Network, carrying bags of French gifts and smelling of the snow outside.

As soon as Kevin entered, he gave Ian a firm hug, then turned to Severus and gave him a tight hug before he could react. He then jumped away laughing, dodging the curse that Severus might unleash after his momentary stiffness.

"Hey! Don't be so serious, Severus! Let's celebrate! You survived a close call!"

Aris followed behind, shaking his head helplessly, but with a warm smile in his eyes.

"Long time no see, Ian, Severus," Aris greeted politely, handing over a gift. "A small token to celebrate your well-being."

That night, the stone house was filled with the long-lost, lively sounds of people.

Leah and John were also called over by Ian, and the small living room was packed with people, filled with the aroma of food and the sounds of conversation.

Kevin chattered on about his experiences in France and his Quidditch adventures, while Aris occasionally added to or corrected him, his tone calm but indulgent.

Leah and John asked about their lives in France, creating a warm atmosphere.

Severus remained a man of few words. He sat in the armchair next to Ian, listening to Kevin's exaggerated narration, his lips occasionally twitching slightly as if he were suppressing a sneer.

Ian's hand remained on the back of his chair, his fingertips idly twirling the ends of his hair.

After seeing everyone off, it was already late at night, and the snow was still falling, silently covering the world outside the window.

Ian and Severus stood side by side by the window, watching the frost flowers condense on the glass.

"It's like a dream," Severus said suddenly, his voice very soft.

Ian took his hand, their fingers intertwined. "It's not a dream. You see, Kevin is still as noisy as ever, Aris still can't handle him, and my mother is still worried that you're not eating enough."

Severus turned to look at him.

Ian's profile was softly illuminated by the snow outside the window, and his gray eyes held an undisguised, serene happiness.

"Hogwarts..." Severus whispered.

"It's a new beginning for us," Ian continued, kissing his fingers. "Together."

On New Year's Eve, they received an unexpected gift: a package delivered by a strange barn owl, unsigned.

Inside were two simple and elegant silver cufflinks, engraved with fine ancient runes that were believed to have protective and calming effects.

The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the style is ancient and elegant.

The package also contained a card with only one sentence, written in elegant and restrained handwriting: "A small token of my gratitude and congratulations on your new student. —RAB"

Regulus Black.

Ian picked up a cufflink, smiled at Severus, and said, "Looks like everyone's doing alright."