Beyond Magic: A Tale of Two Brothers

◇WHO IS HE?◇

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the situation with Voldemort. I understand the urgency of your request, and I'm pleased to inform you that the individual you seek is indeed available to assist you.

His name is Sebastian Snape. He has proven himself to be a masterful strategist and an exceptional spy within our world. His reputation for devising flawless plans is well-deserved, and I believe he can provide the support you need in this dire time.

However, I do have my reservations about involving him in the wizarding conflict, given the complexities and dangers inherent to your world.

But as I mentioned before Sebastian has already agreed to assist you. He is eager to lend his expertise, and I trust he will rise to the challenge.

I trust that you will handle this matter with the utmost care, as I understand the unique circumstances surrounding this alliance. Should you have any further questions or require additional arrangements, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,
The Prime Minister

Upon reading the letter, Dumbledore's brow furrowed, and he felt a jolt of surprise.

"Sebastian Snape?" he murmured to himself, the name resonating with an unsettling familiarity. Snape was not a common surname. Could this man somehow be related to Severus?

He pondered the implications of this connection. Severus had always kept his family background close to his chest, but now a possibility emerged that could change everything.

With newfound determination, Dumbledore prepared to delve deeper into this mystery. He had to learn more about Sebastian Snape and his potential ties to Severus, for the implications of this revelation could be far-reaching in their battle against Voldemort.

___________________________

It was late in the evening when Severus Snape made his way to Dumbledore's office, his black cloak sweeping behind him as he ascended the spiraling staircase. He wasn't accustomed to being called to Dumbledore's office without explanation, and the air of mystery surrounding the meeting left him on edge.

As he entered, Dumbledore was seated behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes unusually contemplative. He gestured for Severus to sit.

"Good evening, Severus," Dumbledore said softly.

Severus nodded curtly, taking a seat across from him. "What is this about, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore leaned forward slightly, folding his hands together. "I've called you here to ask about your family."

Severus raised an eyebrow, his skepticism immediately evident. "You already know everything there is to know about my family, Headmaster. There is no need to revisit such matters."

Dumbledore didn't waver. "Severus, did you have... another brother?"

For a moment, Severus froze, his expression unreadable. He hesitated, and then his face hardened. "No," he replied sharply. "You are mistaken."

Dumbledore observed him carefully, his eyes searching for any flicker of truth beneath the surface. Without a word, he slid a letter across the desk toward Severus.

"I received this today," Dumbledore said quietly. "Perhaps you should read it."

Severus's gaze flicked down to the letter, his jaw tightening as he picked it up. His eyes scanned the contents, the name at the center of it all causing him to freeze.

Sebastian Snape.

A cold, heavy silence filled the room. Severus's grip on the letter tightened, his knuckles turning white.

Dumbledore's voice was gentle but firm. "Who is Sebastian, Severus?"

Severus stared down at the letter, his mind racing. It was clear Dumbledore was not going to let this go, but admitting anything about him-about Sebastian-was something Severus had avoided for years.

His voice, when it finally came, was low and strained. "He's... no one of importance."

"The Order has decided that the Muggle we'll be needing assistance from is Sebastian Snape."

Severus's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, he stood there, utterly still. Then, without warning, his rage exploded. He stood, voice rising sharply, filled with venom.

"Him!? I had somehow agreed to tolerate the ridiculous notion of involving a Muggle, just to allow you a brief moment of satisfaction, so you might realize, in time, the gravity of your mistake." His tone dripped with sarcasm. "But him? Sebastian? To think he could be of any use to us is not only foolish-it's utterly outrageous!"

Severus began pacing back and forth, his black robes sweeping the floor, his hands shaking slightly with fury. "The idea that Sebastian could be of assistance? It's laughable! He's nothing-nothing but a reckless, arrogant fool. A Muggle with no understanding of our world, no grasp of the danger we face."

Dumbledore remained calm, his eyes never leaving Severus, though his voice remained steady. "Sebastian has a unique set of skills-"

Severus interrupted sharply, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Skills? Skills? You think espionage in the Muggle world will help us here? He's reckless, arrogant, and utterly blind to the dangers that surround him!"

He turned sharply, his black robes swirling with the movement, his hands shaking with suppressed rage. "Sebastian is no ally. He is a disaster waiting to happen, a fool who will undoubtedly get himself-and the rest of us-killed."

The words dripped with hatred, though Severus refrained from revealing the deeply personal nature of his loathing. His relationship with Sebastian was buried beneath layers of resentment and bitterness, but it was clear from his tone that this was no ordinary objection.

Dumbledore studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Severus, I understand that this is difficult-"

"No," Severus spat, glaring at Dumbledore. "You don't understand. You are making a grievous error by involving him.You may have convinced yourself that this is a wise decision, but it won't be long before you realize your mistake."

Dumbledore watched Severus carefully, his calm demeanor unwavering in the face of such vitriol. "How do you know Sebastian, Severus?"

Severus froze, his back stiffening at the question. His eyes darkened as he turned to face Dumbledore, his face filled with disdain.

"Sebastian," he snarled, "is a useless man. A burden-someone I refuse to associate with."

Dumbledore's eyes were questioning, probing, but Severus remained tight-lipped, not revealing anything further.

Dumbledore broke the silence "He will be arriving tomorrow, I hope you can keep you personal differences aside and work for the greater good "

Without giving a response, Severus whipped around and stormed out of the office, the door slamming shut behind him. The sound echoed through the halls, leaving Dumbledore to ponder the bitterness and anger that Severus held-along with the mystery that lingered in the air.

Severus's hatred was deeply personal, and the mention of the name Sebastian Snape seemed to unlock something far more profound than Dumbledore had expected.