A change in life

The dark mark

"However, we can talk later further. Now, tell me, are you returning to Hogwarts after you're done?" Valerius removed the privacy bubble around their heads, now that he and Sebastian had finished with each their conversation.

"Not immediately. Severus wants to open a vault for Silvana, who needs to make an inheritance test, too. After that, we will head to Olivander's. Severus needs a new wand, because You-know-who snapped his old one."

"I see. If you both wouldn't mind then Sebastian and I will accompany you."

"It would be a pleasure, but you should be aware that some of You-know-who's minions could be near and watching for us. We actually used a glamour to hide our appearance, but it only needs someone very suspicious to see through it."

"I see. Maybe, then it's even better when we accompany you. I won't just return to Prince Manor, when I know my grandson might be in danger, neither will my husband."

"I have to agree. I'm not willing to leave you at your own. Severus, my dear, you even should think about the possibility to live with us. Neither of us will force you, but you're welcome to move into our home, of course, that's the same for you Harry. As Severus' mate I know you wouldn't want to stay behind.", said Sebastian, now helping Severus to stand up, only to hiss as he felt something dark at his grandson.

"What is this?"

Severus looked bewildered until he saw Sebastian's glare directed at his left arm. Ashamed Severus dropped his gaze, turning his head away from his grandparents who, now, both knelt in front of him.

"The Dark Lord marks his followers with a Dark Mark, using a blood ritual. I just turned seventeen when I decided to join him, not knowing what it will cost me. Unfortunately, it can't be removed, except You-know-who do it himself or he dies. He is using the mark to summon his followers or even to steal their magic. I hadn't known of it until Nagini had told me about it, after we bonded."

All three wizards looked furious, even if Harry knew already about it, but the thought that his mate was marked by another and to be reminded on it, let his dragon roar inwardly.

"Please, would you let me see it?", ask Sebastian, trying to sound soothing as much as possible. He wasn't angry at Severus, never would be. Neither would he judge his grandson for making such a decision. From what Harry had told, Severus hadn't much of a choice, especially if he had nobody to rely on. He was forced into a position by parents who didn't care what happened to him and a headmaster, who didn't stop his favorite students to bully others, especially Severus. And Sebastian was sure, they didn't even hit the ground of the iceberg.

"S-sure." Severus moved his arms around Silvana and removed with trembling fingers his left sleeve, not once looking at anyone, even if he stretched out his arm.

"Severus, look at me, please."

A small hand on his cheek let Severus look down to his daughter, who gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't be scared, Mama."

Severus stared a few seconds at his beautiful daughter, before he took a deep breath and looked at his grandfather Sebastian. To his surprise, he didn't saw any disappointment or anger at the others face, just a warm smile, who let him slightly relax again. He wasn't aware how stiff his body had become as Sebastian ask about the mark.

"Severus, no matter your reason to join the Dark Lord, it doesn't change anything. We might just know us for a not even an hour, but we love you and we won't leave your alone, never."

Severus couldn't prevent a sob to escape or the tears building in his eyes. He really couldn't understand how he deserved so much kindness or to have such a loving family. He tried to occlude his mind, which wasn't as easy as it should be. But the Dark Lord penetrated his mind quite often, which had weaken his shields. It wouldn't have taken much more until Voldemort would have shred Severus' shields to destroy his mind. He could be lucky that his pregnancy had given him a little more time to strengthen his shields around his mind. However, it was something he doesn't wanted to tell yet, didn't want them to know how close he truly was to be a mindless puppet.