HP: It's a snake, not a badger.

Chapter 49 Entering the Inner Chamber

Feeling he had been there too long, Severus decided to say goodbye to Calvin. Dumbledore and Gellert were sent back to Godric's Hollow long ago, and Emeric had become a big kid again. Although there were still many herbs he hadn't tried, he had been there too long and needed to be alone.

"Thank you so much for taking care of me during this time. I'll take my leave now."

"We are here to thank you. This is just a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it; it's just some inexpensive medicinal herbs."

"Severus, see you when school starts!"

Emeric stood obediently next to Calvin, hugging Big Tooth Rabbit, but his thoughts were not so simple. He wanted to find a way to run away from home and get Severus to take him back.

"Alright, stop pretending. What mischief are you up to, brat? Just tell me."

"Don't try to hide it from me. You're my son, do you think I don't know what you're up to? Just tell me and I can help you refine your plan. Otherwise, don't call me if you get caught."

After Kaven finished speaking, he saw that Emeric was still unwilling to talk, so he called Ambrose in and let the father and son talk. He didn't want to deal with this stubborn guy.

After spending the morning in the study, the father and son appeared before Calvin. It was clear that the two had reached an agreement, and he had no intention of getting involved; he was free to let them do whatever they wanted.

Severus soon received Emeric's letter.

Severus, Dad kicked us out because he thought Carrot and I were too noisy at home. I'm so scared living alone. Could you come and keep me company, or can I come to your house? You can use any of the flowers in the corner. Please, Professor, take me in.

The letter ends with a picture of a kitten hugging a big-toothed rabbit and crying, its tears forming a puddle at its feet.

Severus wanted to pretend he hadn't seen the letter, but his sense of responsibility as Headmaster of Slytherin and the usefulness of the flower led him to King's Road.

"Knock knock knock"

"Severus, you're here! I'm so scared living alone. There are always people walking around in front of my house. Radish and I have both gotten thin from fear."

Emeric handed the fat rabbit in his arms to Severus, trying to prove that what he said was true. But unfortunately, the radish, which had gotten even fatter, looked to be in good health and was a very healthy big-toothed rabbit. However, Severus did not expose Emeric's little trick and stared at Emeric with a mocking smile.

"Radishes are so hairy, you can tell they've lost a lot of weight after a bath."

Yes, keep making this up.

Even though Severus didn't say anything, his sarcasm and wicked humor were evident in his eyes. Emeric's voice grew softer and softer until he finally gave up.

"I just didn't want to stay at home, I just didn't want to! Who knew the Muggle world was so scary?"

"Why not look for Dumbledore and Grindelwald? They are your family."

"You're my headmaster, my professor! Of course I should be looking for you. Why should I look for them? Severus, are you trying to kick me out of Slytherin?"

The almost absurd answer pleased Severus. Although he was reluctant to admit it, a faint sense of pleasure welled up inside him when Emeric said that he would of course come to him.

He really didn't want to bring Emerick back to Spider's End, but the potion he was working on at home was stuck and couldn't be moved. Besides, based on his understanding of Emerick, the boy wouldn't do anything to hurt others. That's why he reluctantly brought him back home.

Their hideout was in a dead-end alley outside Spider's End, and to avoid attracting the attention of Muggles, they had to walk back. Severus warned Emeric that whatever he saw, he must not tell anyone, or he would be dead.

Severus, walking ahead, didn't notice the heartache in the eyes of the boy behind him. Emeric felt heartache for Severus when he was a child; he must have suffered a lot as a child to become so outstanding.

When the words in the past became reality, he couldn't control his heart. He wanted to hug Severus when he was a child and take him out of this dark and damp place.

In the cramped, damp, and dark house, numerous books on the shelves made the entire space feel even more crowded. The yellowed wooden doors, the warped and cracked wooden floors, the worn-out sofa, the empty kitchen, and the dim chandelier all contributed to making the house resemble an old man on his deathbed.

Emeric sighed. He didn't say anything and went straight into the kitchen to start cooking. Judging from this, Severus had either not eaten or had been eating the snacks he had prepared these past few days. Fortunately, he had filled the entire space before they parted.

After bringing the person back, Severus went straight upstairs to continue brewing potions. The newly acquired flowers must be quite effective, but he didn't know if there were any substitutes.

"Severus, how much longer until you can rest? I'll cook the noodles after you come out, otherwise they won't taste good if they sit for a while. The noodle soup is fish soup. I also peeled some scallops, which I'll stir-fry and pour over the noodles later. Is there anything else you'd like to eat?"

"5 minutes, almost ready, I want to eat soup dumplings."

"Soup dumplings take a while to make fresh, how about we eat them tonight? Or I can steam some shrimp dumplings instead?"

"Can."

Severus's Adam's apple bobbed. Having not had fresh food for a week, he couldn't refuse Emeric's offer, especially since it was all his favorite dishes.

On the dining table, which had been barely repaired and restored to its original state, were two bowls of steaming noodles, with a plate of shrimp dumplings and a small container of vinegar next to them.

The aroma of food wafted upstairs. Before Emeric could knock again, Severus opened the door and went downstairs. His well-nurtured stomach protested, and his spoiled palate no longer wanted pizza.

The soft noodles soothed her protesting stomach. After finishing her meal, Severus leaned back on the sofa, feeling a little sleepy, a satisfied blush spreading across her beautiful face.

Emeric took a blanket and covered Severus with it, then went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. With the clattering sounds, Severus quickly fell asleep.

This time, his dream was no longer filled with arguments and Tobia's drunken reeking. In the dream, he was taken home by Emeric when he was very young, and he was always held in Emeric's arms. In the dream, Emeric would cook delicious food for him and teach him magic.

When Severus awoke, he was almost overwhelmed by the pleasure he had experienced, both mentally and physically. After the satisfaction came an extreme emptiness, and he desperately wanted to see Emeric.

As if by telepathy, Emeric appeared in the living room at that moment. When he saw Severus looking at him with a strange expression, he couldn't help but go up to him and ask what was wrong.

"Nothing, what were you doing just now?"

"I just went to change a light bulb, and I happened to bring this with me. What's up?"

"It's nothing. I thought Mr. Emeric was causing trouble and trying to demolish my old house."

Severus continued to use words to conceal his true feelings, while Emeric pretended not to hear and went along with his suggestion to renovate the place; taking advantage of others was always one of his strengths.