A Bond for the Ages

Chapter 26

Note: Class scheduling is likely not at all like UK boarding school scheduling. It is heavily based on Canadian high school/university scheduling and structuring. 

Forget absolutely anything you know about Blaise Zabini from canon. This Blaise Zabini is not remotely the same in any capacity, personality or background-wise.

I made up the first names for MacNair and Avery. I made up Simon Carlisle.

Translations:
[English text] Moy drug = [Russian text] Мой друг = My friend

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"They will be okay."

Severus managed not to react when Alexei came up next to him despite being tucked away in a corner and Disillusioned. He just gave the vampire a sidelong glance before returning his gaze to the crowded platform.

"Leif and I will be there," Alexei added.

"And why is that?" Severus said, keeping half his attention on the two boys.

"Lady Magic has been busy," Alexei said. "A document appeared in the archives declaring me and Leif the mentors of Draco and Harry. They have been legally made our apprentices."

Severus pulled his eyes from the boys, frowning at Alexei. "How is that possible?"

Alexei gave him a wry smile. "Lady Magic knows what she wants. There is a powerful force around those boys and it is bringing us all in."

"Magic created a legal apprenticeship contract?" Severus said, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"Is it truly that hard to believe considering the magic those two have and all we've discovered?" Alexei said, gesturing back out to the crowds.

Severus turned back in time to see the very obviously deliberate shoulder-check Malfoy gave Potter. Harsh comments were said, but, even from his distance, Severus could see the lack of sincerity in their faces. Malfoy disappeared onto the train, leaving just Potter and his friends in view.

"We will be able to help protect them, but we won't be at Hogwarts all the time," Alexei said. "You need to protect them too."

"We cannot risk it," Severus said, watching Potter argue with his friends.

"You have protected Harry with no one knowing for the last four years," Alexei said. "Keep doing that and help Draco. It is going to be a hard year for both of them."

Severus sighed lightly and watched Potter board the train. There was a stirring in his gut as he lost sight of the boys and he frowned, unfamiliar with the feeling. The tightening in his chest he did recognize as worry. He'd felt it consistently every time he heard or saw the next ridiculous stunt Potter had performed or danger Potter had put himself in.

The train's whistle echoed across the platform and all the students began flooding onto the train.

"Moy drug," Alexei said, putting a hand on Severus' arm. Severus turned to look at him. "We will take care of them, but they need you as well. They need more than just protection, as do you."

Severus said nothing, watching his friend head towards the Hogwarts Express and board. The platform emptied of students, leaving behind smiling, crying, and waving families as the train whistled again before beginning to move. Severus found himself stepping forward to watch the train leave the station, frowning at the odd twisting in his stomach.

Once the train was gone, he shook his head at himself and quickly left the platform, heading back to the place where he had left Malfoy. He Disapparated away, appearing at the edge of Hogsmeade village. He put his hands in his pockets and began the trek up to Hogwarts, allowing his thoughts, for the time, to float to Potter and Malfoy.