SAeverus leaned back in his chair and let his mind think over the problem as he addressed one issue somewhat absently. "Draco's child is due at any time and once it arrives he will likely be distracted by marvelling in the magnificence he has produced." His voice was full of wry amusement at that but then it became rather grim. "I don't want anyone there who is distracted. That is simply asking for trouble." He paused for a moment. "Of course, there is a fourth, entirely personal and selfish reason that I suspect you will understand. I simply do not want him involved because I wish to keep him safe. If we truly needed him, I wouldn't let that be an issue but we don't."
That was as close as he was willing to go to admitting his feelings for Draco even with someone who already knew of the relationship.
He sighed irritably, more at himself than at Stephen. He knew that Stephen could be valuable, especially if they had to make a sudden change of plan, both from a magical viewpoint and in regards to his bond with Adrian.
"My instinct says to go alone but that is an old instinct from when that was my only option, not necessarily the best thing for this venture. You may well be of some use," he said. He suddenly fixed a sharp look on Stephen. "Are you capable of anything resembling stealth? No matter useful you may be, it is pointless taking you if you are incapable of being stealthy. I want to use as little magic as possible to hide. I am more than capable of hiding in the shadows and walking silently. Can you? Or can you learn?"
He arched an eyebrow. "As for appeasing Adrian, you would know better how to do that than I would. Can I assure him that I won't deliberately break you, certainly. Can I assure him that this won't be dangerous, no. I do not intend to take any more risks than necessary but a job such as this has inherent risks." He gave a snort. "I will tell him what you wish though. As you may realise from my past, I am quite effective at lying when I wish."
He looked vaguely amused. "And refrain from mentioning kissing around Draco. As I have no interest in kissing Pucey, he has no interest in kissing me and you would dislike it as well, encouraging him will only cause trouble."
A dark look flickered across Severus' face. "I had my reasons for turning my back on my Muggle heritage and I haven't ever had much interest in that world. But if you say it is possible, I will take your word for it." He arched an eyebrow at the thought of blwong Draco. It was an attractive one but he doubted he'd need to do that for Draco to buy such things. He'd do it anyway though... simply because they'd both enjoy it. "Aberforth Dumbledore is an option. He has a thriving black market industry going in both the wizarding and Muggle worlds," he said dryly. "And I believe he also has contacts within the military. He knows how to keep his mouth shut too. But use whichever pathway seems most effective. I know little about the Muggle military."