Re: Al & Severus, reaction to the news
Severus scowled, kicking himself inwardly. "I'll show you how to send messages with your Patronus," he promised quietly, knowing he should have thought to do so long ago, "just as soon as I get back." And fuck any Order-only limits on such knowledge. Al was a target because of him, and now that he'd had his nose rubbed in his failure as a teacher and a protector, there was no way in hell he was going to leave Al without such an easy method of communication, for one instant longer than absolutely necessary.
He arched an eyebrow. He knew damned well that any such wishes would certainly be taken as gloating, which would likely be counterproductive. But he kept that particular insight to himself. "If the opportunity arises," he replied, with his usual obliqueness.
He paused, eyeing Al with a raptor's glint-eyed focus, before his beaky head darted inward to deliver a swift, intense kiss goodbye.
At least, with a research task to keep him absorbed, he'll stay here. And stay safe.
It was that knowledge that allowed Severus to disapparate, leaving Al behind.