The Princess and the Bloodstone

Privet Drive

Severus

They visited the Dursley household, at Holly's request. She wanted to 'pick up a few things'. He did not ask questions. Besides, being away from Spinner's End was a welcome change. He did however insist that she wear the Invisibility Cloak outside at all times. Privet Drive was framed by large square houses with perfectly manicured lawns. The flora of house number four consisted of little multicoloured flowers and a few shaped hedges. Petunia's touch was evident; in that it was neat as a pin.

'Are you certain they won't be home?' Severus asked, uncomfortable with the idea of setting foot in Petunia's home.

'Yeah. I got them tickets to an appliance expo.'

'I don't understand.'

'There's a raffle. Some big prizes. I entered them.'

'I see. And they... admire these appliances?' He quirked a brow as he scoured the quiet neighbourhood for the tenth time.

'Ovens, kettles, toasters, stuff like that. Everything's Smeg. Which is a big deal for Muggles like Aunt Petunia.'

'Well... Making do without magic is though,' his eyes slid to the Dursley's door. 'They must need this Smeg's help,' he said.

He wasn't sure why Holly snickered underneath the cloak as she passed him on her way to the house.

'Alohamora' she whispered, the tip of her wand protruding from the nothingness of her cloak and settling against the keyhole. The smell of ammonia and laundry detergent welcomed them as they rushed inside.

'Right,' Holly said, slipping out of the cloak. 'Let's get going.'

'Of course,' Severus said, aiming to mount the stairs two at a time.

'No. My stuff's down here,' Holly said, grabbing the edge of his sleeve and pulling him toward a guest bathroom. Halfway toward it, she stopped and opened a set of sliding locks on a tiny door that had previously escaped his notice.

'What's this?' He asked, frowning when she disappeared inside.

'My room,' she answered, her voice muffled in the small space. 'Ignore the mess. I haven't been here for ages.'

He ducked inside, confused. The cupboard had been partially removed and in its place was a permanent-looking camping cot, a few books, clothes, and other trinkets discarded on top. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the immaculately manicured house. Petunia's reign didn't extend to this cupboard under the stairs.

'I'll be quick,' she said, stuffing a comb and a bra into her satchel.

This really is her quarters. His disbelief turned into deep, red-hot anger.

Why would Dumbledore have her raised like this? Surely he knew the nature of these Muggles.

Then it struck him like lightning; Dumbledore, you shrewd bastard. He wanted to humble her. James was an arrogant prat, everyone knew that. Have her raised Muggle, and bring out her sweet mother instead. Besides that, saving her from this family would make her feel indebted to the magical world. She would always see them as saviour, perhaps motivating her to save them when the time came.

Severus folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe.

We are the same. Raised in cold homes. Our very existence a nuisance to our kin.

I could have done something. Could have helped her.

Could've. Should've. Would've. A coward's reasoning.