"Yes," Severus breathed. "If that's what our strategy requires - and it may well do so - then I'll fight. It's a suitable use of my skills: I've got more combat experience, and more knowledge of Riddle and the Death Eaters, than most."
He stroked down Al's curled back, slow and aimless, needing the contact and in no mood to pretend otherwise, even to himself.
"Your skills lie in other fields than combat. Therefore, it's only logical that you stay out of the fighting."
I couldn't bear to lose you, he didn't say. Instead, he husked, "It would help me... to concentrate, if I knew you were safe."