HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

On a hot and humid afternoon in mid-May, thick clouds gathered over Black Lake.

When Ian returned from the library, he saw Severus sitting alone by the lakeside window in the common room, with the book "The Origins of Medieval Black Magic" open in front of him, but his eyes were not on the book.

"What are you looking at?" Ian walked over and sat down next to him.

Severus snapped out of his daze. "It's nothing."

He closed the book, paused, and then said, "The Ministry of Magic's Patents Division has sent an official filing letter. Also, Professor Slughorn said that his old friend at the Potions Society asked if I was interested in the 'Apprentice Researcher' qualification, and that I could participate in some remote data processing work during the summer."

His tone was calm, as if he were talking about someone else, but Ian sensed the undercurrent of emotion beneath.

Patent registration and trainee researcher qualifications are real steps leading to the world that Severus longed for, a world where one can stand on one's own two feet based on knowledge and ability.

"What do you think?" Ian asked.

Severus was silent for a moment, then said, "Opportunity."

He said, then added, "But during the summer, Spinner's End..."

He didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was clear.

Research that requires a quiet environment and sufficient materials and equipment is difficult to carry out in the noisy and dilapidated place of Spider's End Alley.

"There's always a way," Ian said casually. "Hogwarts should allow some students to stay on campus during the summer to conduct specific research projects, especially those with professor recommendations and academic endorsements. Professor Slughorn would certainly be happy to help write letters, and even if that doesn't work..."

He shrugged. "Diagon Alley always has quiet and private temporary workspaces for rent. They're expensive, but right now," he patted his pocket, "we have enough money."

Severus looked at him, something flickering slightly in his dark eyes before returning to a deep, still calm.

He nodded, said nothing more, and reopened the book in front of him, but the gloomy bewilderment that had previously shrouded his brow seemed to have dissipated.

A few days later, one evening in the Room of Requirement, after Severus finished brewing the potion, he wiped the edge of the crucible with a soft cloth and casually mentioned it.

"I asked Professor Slughorn about using the Hogwarts workshops during the summer vacation." His voice was not loud, but it was clear in the quiet room.

Ian looked up from a book titled "Atlas of Common Curse Residues." "What did the professor say?"

"It is feasible in principle, but it requires special approval from at least one dean-level professor. The procedures are cumbersome, and the time and access to materials are severely restricted, especially for lower-year students."

Severus placed the cleaned cauldron back on the shelf. "Besides, during the castle summer holidays, the house-elves only provide basic cleaning, and the food supply... is unpredictable."

"That sounds a bit troublesome." Ian closed the book, having a general idea in mind.

“So,” Severus turned to face Ian, “I looked into a few workshops and apartments with workspaces in Diagon Alley that offer short-term rentals. The rent isn’t cheap, but the confidentiality and independence are guaranteed, and it’s easy to buy materials. I have enough money to cover two months’ rent and basic material costs.”

He spoke calmly, clearly indicating that it was a well-thought-out plan.

Ian didn't immediately respond; he stroked his chin, looking as if he was seriously considering something.

"Diagon Alley... the location is good, it's convenient," he said slowly. "But, Severus, have you thought about this? Although Diagon Alley isn't as crowded during the summer as it is before school starts, there are still quite a few tourists. Even if the workshop is independent, it's still above the shops, right? What about the noise? What about the curious neighbors? And—"

He paused deliberately, looking at Severus's slightly furrowed brow.

"Safety. You said it yourself, Diagon Alley is a mixed bag, and you, a second-year student, rent a place by yourself, spend all day behind closed doors brewing those... well, rather sensitive potions, and you even bring a bunch of rare materials with you when you come and go."

"Once or twice might be fine, but if it goes on for too long, it might attract some unnecessary attention. Mr. Bokin isn't the only one in Knockturn Alley with a keen sense of smell."

Severus pursed his lips.

He had certainly considered safety and privacy, but after weighing the options, this still seemed to be the most feasible choice at the moment. Hogwarts had too many restrictions, and Spider's End simply did not meet the requirements.

"I'll be careful," he said curtly.

"Of course you'll be aware, but trouble sometimes comes knocking on your door." Ian shrugged. "Think about our little business, how much of a commotion do we make? Professor Slughorn has 'heard about it,' hasn't he? If we really set up a permanent location in Diagon Alley, you're a new face, young, and you seem... well, easy to talk to?"

Severus glared at him, clearly dissatisfied with the assessment that he was "easy to talk to".

"And what's your suggestion?" he asked, his tone carrying a faint expectation that he himself was unaware of.

He knew Ian wouldn't say these things for no reason.

"My home," Ian said matter-of-factly, as if suggesting dinner at the auditorium the next day.

Severus was stunned.

“My home,” Ian repeated, his tone relaxed, “is in London, accessible directly by Filo. It’s a detached house with a sizable backyard and a workshop that my dad used to set up, well, which is now basically my workspace.”

"Quiet, the neighbors are all Muggles, and with the Muggle Repelling Charm, absolutely no one will bother you. Materials? My mother's private collection and small greenhouse will dazzle you, and orders from legitimate channels can be delivered directly to your home."

"Food? Although the house-elf Doraemon is a bit hyperactive, her cooking skills are unparalleled. It's definitely better than the Diagon Alley restaurants, and better than the sandwiches at Hogwarts during the summer holidays."

He counted them one by one, each one pointing out the shortcomings of the Diagon Alley plan that Severus had just considered.

Severus fell silent, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his cuffs.

Go to Ian's house? This was completely unexpected for him; it was too...private, and far too much.

"It's inconvenient." He finally uttered those three words, his voice hoarse.

"What's inconvenient?" Ian retorted. "You can use the workspace as you like. There are plenty of rooms. Doraemon would love for someone to let him clean an extra room."

"My parents might be away on a business trip for a while this summer, so it'll usually just be me and Doraemon at home. With you here, you can keep an eye on me and make sure I don't blow up the house. Even though my house has protective charms, it can't withstand the damage from high-level potions."

He said half-jokingly, then his tone became slightly more serious: "Sever, this is an opportunity. You have a paper, you have funding. What you need next is a quiet environment, stable resources, and undisturbed time to turn these advantages into tangible results."

"The Diagon Alley solution could solve some of the problems, but it carries risks and costs money. My family's conditions are already set: safe, free, and..."

He looked at Severus's trembling, lowered eyelashes. "Besides, we're friends, right? Why make such a fuss about helping each other out?"

"Just think of it as... well, give me a chance to invest in the potential of the 'Future Potions Master' in advance. I'll cover your food and lodging, and just ask that you don't forget me, your 'angel investor,' when you become successful."