Yay for using Fawkes to save Severus! I always thought it inexcusable that Dumbledore didn’t ask the bird to look after Severus. After reading this story, I realize he should/could have asked Aberforth as well. So maybe he did ask, after all, and everything happened the way you told. It was such a fascinating tale of survival, almost bittersweet, what with his being cooped up at Aberforth’s place for so long. His circumstances certainly made his friendship with Al feel all the more precious. They were adorable together, unmistakably kindred spirits, although Al also reminded me of his other namesake, especially at the end. :)