“They are both hiding something,” Leif said, gaining a nod of agreement from Alexei.

“Whatever it is, is getting worse,” Alexei said. “Every time I see Harry, I smell more pain and blood than last time.”

“Mr. Marcus. Mr. Romanov.”

Leif turned with narrowed eyes and felt Alexei tense next to him.

“Albus,” Leif greeted stiffly.

“Might I have a word with the both of you?” Dumbledore said, seemingly pleasant enough, but Leif knew better.

He and Alexei inclined their heads and followed the headmaster to his office, shooting each other furtive glances. They both sat upon his gesture, but remained uncomfortable. Dumbledore sat behind his desk and laced his fingers together on top, gazing at them over his glasses.

“I will get right to it,” Dumbledore said. “I do not appreciate having my position in this school and the lives of my students undermined by encouraging the disregard of my orders.”

Leif glanced at Alexei again, frowning.

“To what are you referring, Albus?” Leif asked.

“Harry, Draco, and Severus,” Dumbledore said and Leif’s eyes immediately hardened. “They were not to continue their interactions from the summer.”

“And why is that?” Alexei said, his voice low and almost challenging.

“They will be unable to do what must be done if they care for each other, if their magic seeks each other,” Dumbledore said. “The field was set years ago and it cannot be upset.”

Leif’s eyes blazed while Alexei growled.

“You mean in nineteen-eighty when you ensured Severus overheard Trelawney’s Prophecy because you were desperate for someone on the inside?” Leif said angrily.

“Why do you not want their magic to connect as it is meant to?” Alexei asked.

“I fear the effect it could have on Harry and his power to defeat Voldemort,” Dumbledore said. “It is why he needs proper training, to know how to use his power against Voldemort. There are things you do not know.”

“Then tell us,” Leif snapped. “Stop keeping secrets for once in your life.”

“I cannot,” Dumbledore said. “There is too much risk associated with too many people or the wrong people knowing such information.”

Leif’s eyes narrowed and he felt his magic sizzle inside him in response.

“Their magic is already connected,” Alexei said. “They are the power you seek.”

“The prophecy speaks only of Harry,” Dumbledore said. “It is a task he must face alone.”

“Trelawney’s Prophecy spoke of no one specifically, no prophecy ever does,” Leif said, a heavy suspicion that Dumbledore was holding back settling in his mind. “Hers is not the prophecy to follow.”

“You know of what we speak,” Alexei said.

“No one knows what that prophecy says,” Dumbledore said.

“I do, for I was there when Lady Magic spoke,” Leif said. “Those three coming together as they have is the end you seek.”

“I cannot take that risk, not when Voldemort continues to pursue Trelawney’s Prophecy,” Dumbledore said.

“And whose fault is that?” Leif snapped.

“I do regret my actions,” Dumbledore said, his face reflecting something resembling regret, but it meant nothing to Leif.

“Not enough clearly,” Leif said, thinking about all that had happened under Dumbledore's so-called 'guidance'.

“There is nothing that can change what I’ve done,” Dumbledore said lightly.

“Yet you continue to condemn Severus and use his guilt for yourself, convincing him it will change what he did,” Leif growled.

“He seeks his own redemption,” Dumbledore said.

“By your hand,” Leif bit out.

Leif could hardly contain his anger, furious that all blame was being put on Severus as though his vulnerability hadn’t been orchestrated and manipulated by Dumbledore himself. Severus could have been freed from his various torments if only Dumbledore had been willing to help rather than create a game piece.

“They are connected, Albus,” Alexei said, likely sensing Leif’s rage and taking the lead. “Their magic already seeks each other and you will cause irreparable harm if you interfere.”

“I will do what I must,” Dumbledore said.

“If you harm them, you will regret it,” Leif threatened, his jaw set.

“This conflict is not yours,” Dumbledore said. “It is theirs and theirs alone.”

“Not anymore,” Leif snapped and stood swiftly, sweeping from the room with Alexei close behind.

“They will be alright,” Alexei said. “They are building the bond all on their own. They are coming to understand and care for each other.”

Leif sighed and slowed his pace, looking at his friend. “I know. They are stronger than he gives them credit for.”

“Perhaps we should tell them about the prophecy,” Alexei said.

“It is too risky,” Leif said. “Harry and Draco should be dreaming about it by now. Barlow told me it has begun to vibrate. It is reaching for them.”

“Harry knows about it, likely from the dreams. Surely we can tell them then, the entirety of the prophecy,” Alexei said. “Tell them what they are dreaming of.”

Leif shook his head. “It must all continue as it wishes. Should the path continue, they will eventually know all of what they are seeing.”

“Then what?”

“Then they must all hold the prophecy to receive her blessing,” Leif said. “Then their bond will be complete and they can fulfil the prophecy.”

Alexei sighed. “Very well, we say nothing, but Dumbledore will try to break them.”

“Then we stand with them,” Leif said determinedly.

They were passing the Great Hall when something strange caught Leif’s eye. He stopped and turned to the closed doors. There beside the doors where a portrait should be was a hanging dark wood frame with a parchment in it, covered in writing. He looked at Alexei, seeing confusion in the vampire, and they stepped closer to examine the new addition.

Educational Decree N ° 1

By order of the Ministry of Magic, Professor Dolores Umbridge

has been appointed the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts School of

Witchcraft and Wizardry and will be awarded the power to evaluate,

investigate, and terminate staff deemed in opposition to the educational

goals and standards of the Ministry of Magic.

Signed by Cornelius Fudge

Minister for Magic

“When the hell did this happen?” Alexei said, aghast.

“Fudge is losing his mind,” Leif said. “He’s paranoid.”

“So, he wants to get rid of Hogwarts professors?” Alexei said.

“I doubt he’ll stop at this,” Leif said. “There is about to be much trouble.”

Alexei sighed. “Harry?”

“Without a doubt,” Leif said. “Come. Let’s speak with Severus.”

Alexei nodded and they finished their original trek to the dungeons. They wound through the dark corridors, passing a few Slytherins hurrying to beat curfew, and found the dark wood door engraved with vines and falling leaves and a tree with a snake wrapped around the trunk. They didn’t bother knocking, having been keyed into the wards and the visit arranged. Leif pushed through the door, holding it for Alexei, and immediately made for the accent armchair while Alexei sat on the sofa. The fire was burning gently in the fireplace, providing a calm light and enough heat to fight the growing chill as they moved into October. Severus exited the kitchen behind them a few seconds later, holding three wineglasses. Leif took his Merlot, always pleased Severus remembered his favourite, while Alexei took his blood.

“Spasibo, moy drug,” Alexei said quietly.

“Efcharistó,” Leif said, taking an appreciative sip.

Severus inclined his head in response, sitting on the other end of the sofa, closest to the fire, with his own glass of Elven Cabernet. They sat in silence for a while, savouring their drinks, listening to the fire crackle and lost in thought.

Leif found himself concerned over the many forces coming for his dear friend and the boys he cared for so much. He wasn’t sure how much more he and Alexei would be able to help. Those aiming to destroy Severus, Harry, and Draco stood far above him and Alexei in many ways, and there was only so much they could do to protect those so fear to them. Not to mention, as Dumbledore said, there was clearly much they didn't know.

“Have you seen the newest development with Umbridge?” Alexei asked, bringing Leif’s attention back to his friends.

“Yes, we all received the news at this evening’s staff meeting,” Severus said, setting his wineglass on the top knee of his crossed legs.

“Fudge is growing dangerous,” Leif said.

“He has always been dangerous,” Severus said. “That is the nature of stupidity in power.”

“This is different,” Leif said. “Sure, he’s always been a fool, but you know what’s happening in the Ministry. Between the Department of Mysteries and Voldemort and Harry, Fudge is desperate for answers and control. This is just the beginning of how far his reach will go inside Hogwarts.”

“You know there’s nothing we can do,” Severus said. “Even Dumbledore’s hands are tied while Umbridge is here. Fudge is free to do what he wishes. We are all at risk.”

“Yes, I know,” Leif said with a sigh.

“Harry needs to be protected from them,” Alexei said. “They are going to target him over everything.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Severus snapped. “Umbridge hijacked the meeting to rant about Potter’s insolence in her class. She complains about him more than I ever have.”

“A feat, I’m sure, from what we’ve heard,” Alexei said with a hint of amusement.

Severus just raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “What is it you expect me to do?”

“Help them,” Leif said. “Harry and Draco are hiding something and I can guarantee it has something to do with Umbridge.”

“And whatever it is, is going to get worse,” Alexei said.

“And what is so important about them aside from Potter’s stance on the Dark Lord?” Severus said.

“I wish we could tell you,” Leif said, “but Fudge is making guesses, investigating the Department of Mysteries disturbance.”

“And what is this disturbance?” Severus asked. “You claim the prophecy is invalid, so what is happening in the Hall of Prophecies?”

“I cannot say, o fílos mou,” Leif said regretfully, sighing when Severus’ eyes narrowed. “Just know that Fudge is looking into it and it is pointing him solidly towards Harry. He will continue to use Umbridge to get to Harry.”

“I still don’t understand what you want me to do,” Severus said. “My job and position as spy are at risk with all of this.”

“What do we want you to do?” Alexei said. “Ignore Dumbledore and give those boys what they need: you. You are more than capable of being there for them, of helping them, and still keeping up appearances.”

“They don’t need me. They are fine,” Severus said.

“I am truly tired of this, Severus,” Leif said, frustrated. “You know you care for them, you know the bond your magic has. Why do you insist on denying them and yourself so vehemently?”

“Because there is no one that needs me, nor should they,” Severus said heatedly. “Because at no point has anyone proven that I bring anything but pain and misery to their lives. At no point has it ever been proven that I have anything to offer that would keep people in my life. Everyone I know has left. It truly did not take long to discover that was for the best. I must be alone for the good of all.”

Leif had had enough. He stood and threw his glass, wine and all, into the fireplace, shattering against the brick backing. For all he was a vampire, Alexei jumped and Leif felt the blue eyes turn to him, wide. He, however, could only glare at Severus who looked at him with another raised eyebrow, the tightness in his face betraying the man’s hurt and anger. A decade of anger and loss in regards to Severus suddenly boiled over, a confrontation in the making since their return to Severus’ life in August.

His magic crackled in the air around them, not used to his extreme anger. It wasn’t often his magic reacted this way. The last time was in Italy in a similar confrontation with Severus. He felt a tug on his magic and knew immediately what was happening.

“Do not connect right now, Alexei,” he snarled. “It is time he heard this. I said it in Italy, but I don’t think you truly heard me, so listen now, Severus.”

If he had been anyone else, the look in Severus’ eye would have had him cowering. As it was, he just met the dark eyes steadily. Severus needed to hear this and no one else would ever be willing to say it.

“I don’t know if you’re blind or stupid or willfully ignorant, but I do know this,” Leif said. “You are a coward.”

Severus’ eyes flashed, Leif hitting the nerve he intended. “How dare you.”

“I dare because I am your friend. You are a coward,” Leif repeated. “Not because you are afraid to die or be tortured or even be alone. No, you are a coward because you are afraid to be hurt and I understand, you have been hurt a lot. We have done a lot of that hurting and I regret that, but that does not mean you walk away and throw your life away. You do not get to throw anyone away when they choose you just because you are afraid.”

“No one chooses me,” Severus sneered and Leif cursed Eileen Prince, Tobias Snape, and Lily Evans, those that should have chosen Severus.

“We do! Harry and Draco have! And you chose them! If you would just let yourself, you could have them! You could have what has been taken from you by your parents, by Lily, by Voldemort, by Dumbledore!” Leif yelled, frustrated. “Just stop being afraid. That is why you do what you do, because you are afraid of what you could have outside of it, because it is hard. It is not redemption you need, it’s forgiveness.”

“I cannot be forgiven,” Severus said and Leif nearly growled.

“Really? Says who?” Leif said, almost deadpanned. “Because we’ve forgiven you. The boys will forgive you.”

“They can’t,” Severus said.

“If you would just explain, they will! They just want to understand and want to know you understand! The only ones who won’t forgive you are the ones who don’t care, including yourself!” Leif said. “If those you’ve hurt can forgive you, why can’t you forgive yourself?”

“Because I don’t deserve it!” Severus said loudly.

“You do!” Leif yelled. “You were not the only one at fault in Italy. You were not the only one at fault for Lily. You are not to blame for the failure of your parents or Dumbledore. You are not to blame for what’s happened to Harry or Draco. Mistakes do not an evil man make!”

Severus slammed his wineglass onto the coffee table, wine spilling over the edge. “I am at fault! I didn’t know!”

“Exactly! You didn’t know! You cannot be condemned for what you didn’t know!” Leif shouted. “You don’t condemn Alexei for being feral and hunting humans for a decade! You don’t condemn me for my role with Grindelwald or the countless murders I committed in the wars I was a part of! If you don’t condemn us, how could you possibly deserve to be condemned for your own mistakes? Because that’s all any of us did: made mistakes.”

Severus said nothing and Leif reined in his magic a bit, removing his charge from the air around them slightly. He calmed his voice as well.

“By not forgiving yourself, you are playing Voldemort’s and Dumbledore’s game, and that is what keeps you this way, in this life, alone,” Leif said. “It is the same thing that will keep Harry and Draco alone. You know they already live with blame, just as you have.”

“They are not alone,” Severus said, his voice sounding tight.

Leif gave him a hard look. “They are and you know it because you know what it is to be alone, Severus. Do not let them repeat your life, a life you are so willing to throw away. Do not allow them to feel as you have, that their lives are meaningless because that’s exactly what Dumbledore wants, for each of you to be willing to give up your lives for him and his plans. He wants you to believe your lives are meaningless aside from the meaning he assigns to them, but he’s wrong. You mean something. You mean something to me, to us, to them. Show them what they can mean and you’ll see what you mean, what you should have meant to everyone all along.”

“You cannot possibly understand my life, the things I’ve done, the things I do, the decisions I make,” Severus said.

“Then let us! Tell me! Let us be a part of you!” Leif said, almost desperately. “You do not have to be alone! None of us do! None of us deserve to be!”

“I do!” Severus shouted.

Leif shook his head. “No, you deserve so much more than what you’ve been given, just like Harry and Draco.” His magic and voice settled more. “They are you, Severus. Give them what you never had and they will give you so much in return.”

He glanced at Alexei for the first time in several minutes, the vampire having watched silently the entire time. At his look, he felt Alexei’s magic reach out to his and, this time, he accepted the calming connection. He looked back at Severus whose face would be blank to everyone else, but, to him, was filled with pain.

“We’ve said there’s a lot you don’t know and a lot you can’t know, but this is not one of those things. You know what you can be for them. You know what your bond and magic can mean, and what your own heart means,” Leif said. “You are my dearest friend and all I want is for you to have what you have lost so many times, even from us.”

“You care for them, Severus,” Alexei said, finally joining the conversation. “Give them the life they deserve, the life you all deserve.”

“I am guilty of horrible things,” Severus said quietly, his argument sounding weak.

“We all are,” Alexei said. “Guilt is what will kill us all. It solves nothing. It is time to let it go and to help the boys do the same.”

Severus looked at the both of them. “And your suggestion?”

“See yourself. See us. See them,” Leif said earnestly. “We are all more than our mistakes, more than our guilt. Harry and Draco are more than their names. We must all see past these things. We must stop being afraid.”

Leif looked at Alexei and back to Severus. He gave a small smile.

“You are not the only coward in this room, it seems,” Leif said.