When the Moment comes

Someone who was not Eradian was petting him, Severus registered sleepily. The hand was cool and rough. Severus opened his eyes prepared to glare at whoever dared to touch him in his sleep. The hand jerked away abruptly, but not before he recognised it. Severus attempted to sit up, feeling much better than the last time.



“Awake, Master Severus is awake.”



There was an apparition snap and another one close on its wake.



“Rosy notifies Prince Eradian as soon as Master Severus wakes up.”



“Thank you Rosy.” A voice, which provoked a swarm of butterflies in his stomach, answered the house-elf. “Severus, good evening. You slept all day.”



“This hardly means anything to me.” Severus finally managed to attain the desired position. To be reminded that he didn’t know what date it was and how much life he missed was hardly a cause for celebration.



“Always a moody rise and shine I take it.”



Eradian smiled too much in Severus’ opinion - an annoying, beautiful, contagious smile. The sight of the house-elf draped in a ridiculous bright dress with large sunflowers, tempered him. Eradian was able to come to the rescue because Rosy found him. “Good evening Rosy.” He ignored Eradian on purpose for the last remark. “Thank you for saving me. You are very brave.”



Large, blue eyes widened close to tears. “Rosy don’t deserve praise. Rosy let dark wizards take Master Severus.”



It was pointless to argue with her. Severus did not insist. “Because you told Eradian that I’m in trouble he could rescue me and I’m safe.”



Rosy appeared to appreciate the idea. She jumped onto a chair and waved her hand in excitement. Several copper bracelets on her arm rattled. She eagerly repeated the gesture, clearly enjoying the effect. “Prince Eradian will take good care of Master Severus.” She said without a trace of a doubt. She was a strange creature, the reasoning of which he could never fully understand. The palace inhabitants must have provided her with clothes, which she could wear only if she was free. She chose to serve. That Severus could not understand. He would have taken a chance of freedom in an instant. “My father freed you, did he not?” Severus confirmed certain that it could not have been Tanya.



“Master Emilian was a good Master.” Rosy told them like it explained everything.



“I’m glad to hear it.” Severus replied without a bite. He remembered so little about his parents. Because Tanya was always close, he never dared to ask, although the house-elf could have told him a lot about them.



“Severus.” Eradian called, forbidding the sadness to settle. “I was given a hint where to find this.”



A battered photograph was accurately placed on his lap. Two tiny figures moved awkwardly adjusting to the light after prolonged darkness. Severus swallowed a lump in his throat as he reverently traced an edge of the picture. “How did you reach it?” He couldn’t imagine Tanya allowing anyone peacefully to search her dwelling. He was so used to her manipulating his life that it was hard to imagine she wouldn’t be a major obstacle for anyone else.



Eradian must have guessed what he meant because he reclaimed Severus’ hand. Again, he was the one to bring disturbing news. Madam Meline was going to feed him to the crickets and she would be right. “Lady Tanya Fadima-Snape was arrested. A detailed investigation of her affairs is being conducted. There is a suspicion of bribery and fraud with the inheritance documents, as well as a separate investigation based on suspicious death of your father, which was possibly caused by poisoning. And she is detained for an abuse of her guardian rights. It was decided, her sons will be staying at Hogwarts until the questions with the property and custody of their parent are settled. Currently, the mansion where I got this photograph is empty.” Eradian explained all at once attempting to finish the unpleasant task quickly. He waited for more questions, which never came.



Severus lay prompted on the pillows. His skin rivalled the paleness of the linen. His mouth was set in a hard line. “I would not be surprised when she is announced guilty of every sin in the book.” He said tonelessly. “I hate her so much, I might be sick.”



“You don’t need to think about her.” Eradian assured. “You will never see her again. Azkaban is waiting for her, probably a life sentence.”



“Good. I hope she suffers.”



Eradian almost shivered at the hatred, not that he didn’t want to strangle the witch. “Rosy must have finished preparing the bath for you.” He stirred away from the dangerous subject. The house-elf left unnoticed during their conversation. “I have Madame Meline’s permission to take care of you. She promised to check on you again in a few hours.”



A bath sounded divine. Although a cleaning charm was used on him, Severus felt dirty. “Where can I clean up and how am I going to get there?” he asked. Hopefully the baths were not too far because he would not allow anyone to levitate, carry or otherwise indignantly move him around.



“I have linked my room’s fireplace to the hospital’s floor network.” The contagious smile was back, but there was something uncharacteristically vulnerable in Eradian’s eyes, a fragile hope. “Please let me take care of you.”



It was not possible to say no to Eradian and not hate himself afterwards. The entire experience was unreal. Snape, the teased greasy git and most hated wizard in Hogwarts was in the Palace with a Prince begging for the permission to pamper him. It was easier to ignore everything before his mind was ready to accept the reality and to think of Eradian as his Eradian, the one he met at the ball, no titles attached. Severus wordlessly placed his free hand over Eradian’s, giving an encouraging squeeze. He sat up straight and swung his feet off the edge of the bed. When nothing negative happened, Severus tested his legs. They were disgustingly wobbly and not too cooperative. A pair of comfortable slippers met his feet like they were waiting for him.



As Eradian observed the efforts every protective instinct told him to sweep the young wizard into his arms and never let go. Yet, he recognized how important dignity was to Severus. He settled for wrapping an arm around the slim waist. “I will go first.” He offered taking a handful of floo powder when they reached the fireplace. The green flames consumed him.



“Prince Eradian’s room.” Severus said clearly following Eradian’s suit. The dizziness of travelling hit him as hundreds of fireplaces flew by him in a flash. He stumbled inelegantly only to be caught in an embrace.



“I got you.” Eradian was waiting for him. “The bath is ready.”



*****

Author\'s Note: I\'m sorry it took so long to update, rl is a buzy thing sometimes, but don\'t worry, I will not forget about this story. =)