The Death Debt

Chapter 18

1979

YOU-KNOW-WHO'S REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES; Azkaban breached, four inmates escape including notorious killer Bellatrix Black

In the early morning hours of August 12, unidentified masked members of the notorious cult known as the Death Eaters launched an attack on Azkaban. Reports state that You-Know-Who was–

Severus folded The Daily Prophet and placed it face down on the table when he heard Sirius stumble down the steps of their flat. Sirius had been there last night; still only a trainee and he had to fight next to seasoned Aurors, desperately trying to keep his cool while being swarmed by both Death Eaters and prisoners, with Dementors flying above their heads, picking off the ones who wandered too far from a Patronus, like vultures.

From what Severus had gathered from his drunken sobs when he came home, two Aurors had been lost. It must have been terrible. Sirius never drank that much, unless it was bad. He didn't need to see the article, didn't need to be reminded of it this early in the morning.

"Morning," Sirius grunted and leaned over to kiss him. Severus pulled back a little at the stench of alcohol on his breath.

"What? No kisses?" Sirius asked.

Severus snorted. "Gay."

"Nonsense, we're just two straight men sharing a couple of straight kisses, now come here."

"Ack, Sirius–!" Before Severus was able to squirm away, Sirius managed to plant a kiss right on his lips. The bastard even slipped his tongue in. Severus pushed his face away. "Brush your teeth!"

Sirius snickered and went to grab what was left of Severus's breakfast that he had abandoned on the table.

"Tea's gone cold," Sirius complained as he slipped into the chair opposite of Severus.

"You are fully capable of making yourself a new cup."

"I like to drink yours."

"I've noticed."

Severus ran his foot up Sirius's calf.

"You know what it's missing? A little hair of the dog."

Severus took his foot away and gave Sirius a stern look. "Absolutely not. It's not even the afternoon yet. You are not having another drink."

Sirius chased after his foot and gave him his most charming smile. "Brew me a hangover potion then."

"Why should I? You drank more than you could handle, now you have to deal with the consequences."

"You are the meanest person I know."

Severus smiled sweetly at him. "Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment, you git. If you don't act nicer to me, I'm going to pull you over my knee and spank you."

Severus raised his brows, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "You wouldn't dare."

Sirius was quicker than he imagined he would be this early in the morning and hungover. The man crowded him against the table, kissing him fiercely. Severus no longer cared about his breath, meeting him eagerly. He snaked his hand into his curls, pulling him down and taking control.

It took Severus a moment to notice the tap, tap, tap against his window. Severus pulled away to find an owl sitting on the ledge. He ignored Sirius's whining to let the little beast inside. There were a stack of letters tied to its leg.