The fact that villagers had perfectly innocent reasons to walk past his property had somewhat restricted Severus in the amount and type of protective magic he could raise around his house, but on the doorstep it was easy to feel what he had been able to put up, close against the walls. He opened the door at Draco's knock, and nodded as he stepped aside. "Come in." Every available surface or blank wall in the parlor was packed with neatly-arranged books, and the only fixtures were a few low lamps and one chair by the fire. It was clear he didn't entertain. This would be a standing meeting. He shut the door and looked his guest in the eye, not that he expected to see much. "What is it?"