Nothing In This World (BEING EDITED)

XXXVII.

Chapter XXXVII: The Weight of Sacrifice
Warning: Strong language, Angst, mentions of child abuse and unstable home life, and implied male pregnancy.

16 January 1960
A week after Severus was born

The wind howled through the narrow streets of the small village, in the Lascaux caves of France carrying with it the promise of an impending storm. Inside a modest cottage on the outskirts, a family sat huddled together, their faces etched with worry and fear. The father, Merlin, a weathered man with tired eyes, held his husband, Nicolas, close as he wept softly into his shoulder. Their new born son, Severus, oblivious to the tension in the room, stared up at his parents his black eyes shining happily in the dim lighting. His father shook his favorite toy in front of him, his little giggles a brief respite from the heavy atmosphere.

Merlin glanced at Nicolas, his heart heavy with the burden they bore. "We can't keep him here any longer. It's not safe," he whispered, his voice strained with emotion.

Nicolas nodded, his eyes red from crying. "I know, but I don't want to lose him. I can't bear the thought of him being taken from us."

Merlin tightened his grip around his husband, his jaw clenched in determination. "We won't lose him, Nicholas. We'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe, but we made a promise to the Druids. He is the last of each of our bloodlines, it's a sacrifice we must make."

Their conversation was cut short by a sharp rap on the door. Merlin's heart skipped a beat as he rose to answer it, knowing what awaited him on the other side. Standing in the doorway was a tall, imposing figure, cloaked in darkness. His presence alone sent shivers down his spine.

"Myrddin Emrys," the man spoke in a low, commanding voice. "It's time."

He nodded, his resolve unwavering. He turned to Nicholas, who held Severus tightly, his tears falling freely. "It's for the best, Nicolas. We have to do this," he said, his voice strained with emotion.

"Have you found a Muggle family who will claim the child as their own?"

"We have," Nicolas Flamel answered through body wrecking sobs. "Eileen and Tobias Snape."

"Very well, hand over the child."

With heavy hearts, they prepared to say goodbye to their son, knowing that it was the only way to protect him from the impending danger. As the man led Severus away, the child looked back at his parents with confusion and fear etched on his innocent face. It was a moment that would haunt both parents for years to come.

"Remember on the child's thirty fifth birthday the truth shall be revealed." The dark figure spoke softly his voice powerful and even. "You will not have contact with the child until the time is right. If by any chance you break these rules, you, your husband and your child will die a more painful death you could ever imagine."

"Please, wait!" Said Merlin. He leaned forward placing a kiss on his son's forehead. Severus was now screaming so loudly they were afraid he'd wake the other members. His little body shook violently as if he knew what was happening. "Be safe my child. We will meet someday soon."

The night was cloaked in darkness, the moon barely visible behind a veil of thick clouds. In the small cottage nestled within the caves, Nicolas sat alone at an oaken table, his weathered hands clasped tightly together. His unwavering loyalty to his bloodline, a lineage steeped in ancient traditions and long-held secrets.

As he gazed out of the cave entrance, his thoughts were consumed by the weight of his decision that tore at his very soul. His son, Severus, lay tucked away in his husband's arms, his innocent slumber a stark contrast to the turmoil that raged within Nicolas' heart. He knew the time would come for him to relinquish the one thing he held most dear, all for the preservation of their bloodline, but he never imagined the day would appear so soon. After nine horrible months of his husband's pregnancy, their son had been born. It was the most stressful yet joyous moment of his life and now he was giving him up.