HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

As they walked back to the cellar, Ian turned to Severus, "What do you want for Christmas? Something practical, or something rare?"

"Whatever," Severus replied quickly.

"There's no 'whatever' option." Ian leaned closer, studying his expression carefully. "Were you unhappy at the ball earlier?"

Severus stiffened slightly and turned his face away: "No."

"Yes," Ian said confidently, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I saw you standing there, your face colder than an icicle."

"...You've got it wrong."

"Okay, I misread it." Ian readily agreed, but his smile deepened. "However, if you give me that look again next time, I'll take it as you being jealous."

Severus's ears burned, and he abruptly turned to glare at him: "I didn't!"

"I said 'as if you were'." Ian blinked innocently, withdrew his hand, and put it in his pocket. "Okay, let's hurry up, it's cold outside. Aris said Kevin hid a bottle of Butterbeer in the dorm, we can still make it back in time to drink it if we go back now."

He turned around and walked back first, his steps light and quick.

Severus stood there, staring at his back, the night wind brushing against his burning ears, a mixture of hot and cold.

After a long while, he finally took a step and followed.

When I returned to the cellar, there were still a few students chatting and laughing quietly in the common room, and the fire in the stove was burning brightly.

Kevin pulled out a bottle of butterbeer, which Aris was trying to keep in perfect condition with a temperature spell. When they returned, Kevin waved excitedly.

"You're finally back! I saw you dancing with Shafik, Ian, it looked pretty good!"

"It's just a mission." Ian took the cup Aris handed him. "And you guys?"

"Marlene agreed," Kevin said, his face slightly flushed. "We jumped two times, and she actually knew about the Montrose Magpies' tactical adjustments from last year!"

Severus held his cup, listening to Kevin's excited chatter, Aris's calm criticism, and Ian's occasional teasing.

Ian leaned against the armrest of the sofa next to him, his body unconsciously leaning towards him. It was warm, and Severus did not move away.

Late at night, they returned to their dormitory. Kevin quickly fell asleep, and the light by Aris's bedside was turned off.

Severus lay in bed, listening to the sound of water outside the window. Across from him, Ian's breathing was steady and long; he seemed to be asleep as well.

In the darkness, Severus stared at the top of the bed curtains.

The lights of the dance floor, the twirling figures, Ian reaching out his hand to him, the warmth on his shoulder…

He rolled over, facing the wall, and closed his eyes.

The next day, the owl-headed postman brought a package from home.

Ian opened the package, inside which were two thick sweaters, one dark gray and the other dark green, both made of soft cashmere.

There was also a large box of Leah's specialty gingerbread and jam tarts, their aroma wafting through the parchment paper.

John's note was brief, but the words "not peaceful" were written in particular emphasis.

The dark green sweater was clearly made for Severus's size.

Ian took it out; underneath it were several pairs of thick socks and a scarf, with fine stitches and a deep, calming blue color.

"My mom gave this to you," Ian said, pushing the sweater and other things in front of Severus. "She said yours was old and it was cold this year."

Severus looked at the pile of things, touched the soft wool with his fingers, didn't say anything, just gave a soft "hmm", carefully folded the sweater and put it with the other clothes.

Kevin, with his sharp eyes, leaned over to look: "Wow, Mrs. Burke is so skillful! My mom only sends me candy, and she won't let me eat too much, saying it's bad for my teeth."

"Then you should be glad you still have your teeth." Aris pulled a booklet from his bag and handed it to Severus. "Mrs. Burke is very thoughtful; this winter is indeed colder than usual."

Severus hummed in agreement again and began to put away the gifts they had given him. Ian looked at him, a slight smile playing on his lips, and turned to open the box of pastries, filling the air with a sweet aroma.

"Gingerbread!" Kevin sniffed and leaned closer with eager eyes.

"You'll get your share." Ian broke off a large piece and handed it to him, then gave some to Aris, and finally handed the most regular-shaped piece of gingerbread to Severus.

In the afternoon, the snow fell heavily.

Kevin dragged Aris to the Black Lake for a snowball fight. Although Aris said he wanted to study the structure of snowflakes, he was eventually hit on the glasses by a snowball from Kevin and reluctantly joined the "unscientific" melee.

Ian and Severus wandered aimlessly around the castle. Severus rarely did things that were a pure waste of time, but Ian always had his reasons.

"Breathing some fresh air is better than being stuck underground," "And you can familiarize yourself with the patrol routes," or more directly, "Just keep me company."

Severus found it increasingly difficult to refuse this last reason.

They walked down a corridor lined with photos of many outstanding graduates, including John, Leah, and Eileen...

"Have you thought about what will happen after graduation?" Ian asked.

Severus paused for a moment, then said, "Research, potions, or... Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Not planning on going to St. Mungo's or the Ministry of Magic?"

"There are too many rules there."

Ian nodded, as if he had expected it. "I plan to try the Herbalists Association. My mom has some connections there. I'll become your exclusive supplier."

Severus turned his head to meet his gaze, which held a serious expression.

"Hmm," Severus responded.

They unknowingly walked to a secluded spiral staircase, at the end of which was a stained glass window.

Here, they met Albus Dumbledore.

The old headmaster was bending down to examine a pot of wilted rice seedlings on the windowsill when he heard footsteps and straightened up.

"Ah, good afternoon, Mr. Burke, Mr. Snape." Dumbledore's voice was cheerful, as if meeting students on this chilly afternoon was the most natural thing in the world. "Enjoying the tranquility of a snowy day?"

"Good afternoon, Headmaster." Ian stopped and said casually, "We're taking a walk, and Mibumi looks like she needs some sunshine."

"And there's a touch of care that's not so cold," Dumbledore said regretfully, gently touching the drooping leaves of the plant with his finger. It shivered slightly. "Winter in the castle is indeed hard for some creatures, just as it is for some people."

He turned to Ian, his tone still gentle, "How is the prefect's work going, Mr. Burke? Professor Slughorn has spoken highly of you."

"It went smoothly, Principal. Mostly routine matters," Ian replied.

"Enjoying working with your Gryffindor companions?"

"Evans and Lupin are both very responsible, and there are no communication problems."

Dumbledore nodded, his gaze lingering on the two of them for a moment, as if it were just casual conversation: "Slytherin House... how's the atmosphere this year? I noticed some discussion when the list of prefects was announced."