HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

During the first week of summer vacation, Ian felt that the house was unusually quiet.

Sunlight streamed into the backyard, and Doraemon, still full of energy, scrubbed the floor until it was so smooth you could see your reflection in it. The plants in the greenhouse were thriving.

Everything was the same as last summer, except that the black figure who was always in the office was gone.

Ian found himself inexplicably walking to the door of the workshop, his hand already on the doorknob, before realizing it was empty.

When reading a book and coming across a complicated potion recipe, the thought pops into my head, "Severus must have a better idea for this step."

Even when eating dinner, I would subconsciously pause for a moment when I saw an empty chair across from me.

"Tsk." He closed the gossip tabloid in his hand and realized that he hadn't read a single page.

Leah came out of the study with a cup of tea, glanced at him, and said, "Bored? It's only been three days of vacation."

"No," Ian said, running a hand through his hair. "It's just... I'm not used to it."

Leah sat down next to him and smiled. "Severus made the right decision to stay at Hogwarts this year; he has better access to the school's resources."

"I know," Ian said, picking up his teacup. "It's just..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

Lia patted him on the shoulder, "Go see him if you miss him, the Floo Network isn't broken."

That's what they said, but Ian couldn't find a reason. Last year, Severus needed a place to do his research, but this year he has important business at the castle, so what would it look like if Ian went there?

This inexplicable irritability lasted until the fifth day of the holiday.

An owl knocked on Ian's bedroom window, a thin gray envelope tied to its hooves. The letter was short and written in Severus's handwriting.

Ian took the letter down, looked at it over and over three times. That's it? Asked a question about the materials, mentioned a friend's recent situation, and that's it?

He could almost picture Severus writing the letter: his lips pursed, his words as concise as possible, as if writing even a single extra word would be a waste.

But he took the initiative to write a letter.

Ian stared at the signature at the end of the letter, a slight sinking feeling in his chest, which was quickly filled by an even stronger emotion.

He knew Severus wasn't one for idle chatter; the letter itself was a silent "information" and a "need."

He replied immediately, and after finishing the relevant materials, he paused for a moment before adding a sentence at the end:

"PS: There might be a new batch of goods arriving at Fandaoxiang recently. I'll go check it out for you. If you need anything else, just tell me."

P.S.: Quidditch training camp is good for Kevin, at least it can burn off his excess energy, and Aris's slowness is usually the prelude to precision.

P.S.: Don't stay up too late alone; the house-elves at Hogwarts won't bring you snacks in the middle of the night like Doraemon.

After sending the letter, Ian went to Knockdown Lane.

Mr. Bokin was pleased to see him, especially after Ian handed him a rather substantial purchasing list.

"Ah, young Borkin, you always have such a good eye. These materials... are not all common items. That young friend, your research is progressing very well." Mr. Borkin rubbed his hands together, his eyes sparkling.

"He's always serious." Ian said calmly, his gaze sweeping over the few new, dark-colored collectibles in the shop.

One of the mirrors, etched with a pained face, made him very uncomfortable.

While waiting for the food to be packed, the store door was pushed open, and Lucius Malfoy walked in.

He appeared paler and taller than he had been in school, his platinum blonde hair neatly tied back, holding a snake-head cane inlaid with black gemstones, his face bearing his usual air of superiority.

Upon seeing Ian, a hint of surprise and interest flashed in his grey-blue eyes.

"Bock." He nodded slightly in greeting. "Didn't expect to run into you here. Have a great summer?"

"Senior Malfoy," Ian nodded politely in return, "I'm alright. Are you here on business?"

"Just handling some family business," Lucius said casually, his gaze already passing over Ian and landing on the materials Mr. Borgin was packing. "It seems your friend... Mr. Snape, is also quite busy this summer."

His tone was casual, but Ian sensed a probing undertone.

"He's always like that," Ian said, trying to make his voice sound normal.

Lucius took two steps closer and lightly tapped the ground with the tip of his cane.

"Talent is a good thing, especially... talent that hasn't been misguided. Professor Slughorn speaks highly of him, and even the Lord has noticed."

He paused, observing Ian's reaction. "The right environment, the right... guidance, can bring out the true value of talent. I think Snape will understand that sooner or later."

Ian's back tensed slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. "Severus knows exactly what he wants."

"Is that so?" Lucius smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I hope so. After all, choosing the wrong side... often comes at a heavy price, for yourself and for those around you. Please give my regards to Mr. Burke."

He said no more, turned to Mr. Bokin, and began to speak in hushed tones.

Ian's fingertips were a little cold as he left with the packed materials.

Lucius's words were less of casual conversation and more of a subtle warning and a gesture of courting.

Back home, Ian looked at the pile of expensive materials and recalled Lucius's pale, arrogant face and the hidden threat in his words.

A thought became clear: he could no longer leave Severus alone at Hogwarts.

"Mom," he said, putting down his spoon at dinner, "I want to go back to Hogwarts early."

Leah and John exchanged a glance. Leah spoke first: "Because of Severus? Or because of someone we ran into in Knockturn Alley today?"

Ian was not surprised by his mother's keen observation.

"Both. He needs help. Some materials are safer to handle with two people, and..." He carefully chose his words, "Some people think it's easier to exert influence when he's alone."

John hesitated for a moment: "Lucius Malfoy?"

Ian nodded.

"He represents more than just the Malfoy family." John wiped his mouth with a napkin, his expression becoming more serious. "The Department of Law Enforcement is currently reviewing several old cases involving families... all of whom are connected to certain businesses in Knockturn Alley and the network of followers of that man."

"They are recruiting fresh blood, especially people like Severus who have special talents and backgrounds that they feel they can control."

"That's why I have to go," Ian said. "Not to stop anything, he doesn't need my protection. But at least... I can be there so he's not alone in facing those 'good intentions'."