Severus
The manor glittered that evening, every chandelier blazing with light, every polished surface reflecting silks and jewels. I adjusted the cuffs of my suit as I entered the grand hall, already filled with guests whose names blurred together as they were announced to me. Ministry officials, ancient families, people my father seemed to know by instinct. I shook hands, bowed politely, exchanged the requisite phrases all the while feeling slightly detached, like a stranger in my own home
The music swelled as more guests arrived, and soon enough we found ourselves near the edge of the ballroom, where Lord Abraxas Malfoy swept toward us, silver cane glinting. His hair was as pale as the frost outside, his expression smooth and practiced.
" Alphard ," Abraxas greeted with a slight incline of his head, "an honor, as always."
My father returned the gesture with calm formality. "Abraxas. You look well."
"And allow me to introduce my son, Lucius," Malfoy continued, resting a hand on the young man's shoulder. Lucius stood tall, immaculate in tailored black robes. He looked only a few years older than me, his posture dripping with self-assurance. "Recently graduated from Hogwarts and already beginning his tenure at the Ministry. He has also taken on several family responsibilities."
My father's eyes gleamed with recognition. "Yes, yes—I know of Lucius. He is to wed my niece Narcissa, is he not? Fortunate for both families."
He turned to me with a slight nod. "And this is my son, Severus."
I offered a polite bow. "Lord Malfoy. Lucius."
"Ah," Abraxas said, studying me with keen interest. "The young man responsible for the creation of the Wolfsbane prototype, if I'm not mistaken?"
I inclined my head. "In part, yes, my lord. But I can't take all the credit. My friend was the one who perfected the stabilizing agent."
Abraxas's lips curved faintly. "How refreshingly humble. A rare trait among geniuses."
"I'm no genius," I said quietly. "Just persistent."
He chuckled, a deep, measured sound. "If my son were half as dedicated as you, Severus, I'd never have to worry about the Malfoy name falling into mediocrity."
Lucius's posture stiffened ever so slightly, though his expression remained as smooth as glass.
Before I could respond, another guest a Ministry official, judging by his robes approached and drew the Malfoys into conversation. Seeing my chance, I excused myself with a small nod and slipped away toward the far end of the ballroom, where the music softened and the air felt easier to breathe
But of course, peace was too much to hope for.
I had barely managed to find a quiet corner when I spotted two very familiar heads of dark hair across the room. The Black brothers. Sirius and Regulus.
Regulus noticed me first. He broke away from a group of guests and walked over with his usual calm, almost regal composure. Sirius followed a few steps behind, already smirking like he'd found a new target.
"Happy Yule, Severus," Regulus greeted politely.
I inclined my head. "And to you, Regulus."
He smiled faintly. "Did you like the gift?"
"I did," I said. "And I hope the book I sent was of some use. It's a rather rare text—something I thought you'd appreciate."
"Very much so," he said with genuine warmth. "I've already started reading it. I didn't know you were familiar with seventeenth-century curse-breaking theory."
"I'm familiar with a lot of things," I replied evenly. "Not all of them pleasant."
Before Regulus could respond, Sirius cut in with that familiar drawl. "Well, isn't this cozy? I didn't realize you two were exchanging Yule gifts now. How touching. Should I be expecting one next year?"
I gave him a slow look. "If coal counts, then certainly."
Regulus sighed, already sensing the oncoming storm. "Here we go," he muttered, rubbing his temple like a man who'd seen this show before.
Sirius smirked. "Oh, please. You'd have to actually think about me to buy me coal. I doubt I rank that high on your priority list."
I tilted my head, smile razor-sharp. "You're right. You're somewhere between 'fixing a broken quill' and 'writing a thank-you note to a Dementor.'"
Regulus coughed into his hand, clearly trying not to laugh. "he's got you there, Sirius."
Sirius shot him a glare. "Whose side are you on?"
"The side of peace," Regulus said dryly. "Which apparently doesn't exist when the two of you are in the same room."
Sirius jabbed a finger at me. "You think you're clever, don't you?"
I shrugged. "Compared to you? It's hardly a challenge."
"Oh, that's rich," Sirius said, his voice rising. "Tell me, do you rehearse your insults in front of a mirror or do they just come out naturally awful?"
"They come naturally," I said sweetly, "just like your bad hair."
Regulus choked on a laugh. "That's actually true, Sirius. You spend more time fixing it than Mother does."
"Traitor!" Sirius barked. "I'm your brother!"
"And he's my cousin," Regulus said with exaggerated calm. "I'm neutral."
"Neutral?" Sirius repeated, scandalized. "You literally just agreed with him!"
"I agreed with the truth," Regulus shot back. "You act like the world revolves around you."
"It does," Sirius said smugly, straightening his collar.
I rolled my eyes. "Only because it's trying to get far enough away from you."
"Oh, that's it," Sirius said, stepping closer. "You want to duel or something?"
"With you?" I snorted. "Please. I'd rather duel a flobberworm. At least it has more dignity."
Regulus groaned loudly. "You're both children."
Sirius whirled on him. "You are a child."
"So are you!" Regulus snapped back.
Before either could continue, I noticed my mother approaching. Her presence alone was enough to make both boys straighten instantly, expressions snapping into polite masks.
"Good evening, boys," she said warmly.
Both Sirius and Regulus greeted her quickly — Sirius with that forced, charming grin, and Regulus with the kind of awkward politeness only pure-blood manners could produce.
"Aunt Eileen " Sirius said with a small bow. "Lovely evening."
"Good to see you again, Aunt Eileen," Regulus added, far more genuine
My mother smiled softly. "Are you all enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes, ma'am," Regulus said immediately. Sirius nodded, though it looked like it physically pained him to agree.
"That's good," she said, clearly amused by their sudden good behavior. Then she turned to me. "Severus, dear, why don't you show them around the manor? It's their first time here."
I gave her a look that could only mean must I? but she raised an expectant brow, the kind that didn't tolerate debate.
"Of course," I said evenly, though I could feel Sirius already smirking beside me.
"Brilliant," he said under his breath. "Can't wait for the grand tour of the Perfectly Polished Hallways."
Regulus elbowed him sharply. "Shut up, Sirius."
My mother gave them both a knowing smile before moving on to greet another guest, leaving me alone with the two most exhausting people in Britain.
I sighed. "This way, then. Try not to break anything or each other."
Sirius grinned. "No promises."
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