Learning of Worlds-Private

[Orion]

Soft eyes gazed at him. Severus held his head high as per usual and kept himself steady, despite wanting to sulk down with her and reminisce on the old memories. Though Dumbledore and Pompfrey left, he still had an expectation to uphold around here, even to someone who was supposedly related to him. After all, the professor was really closed off, unable to form many bonds. Over time, perhaps, he'd break out of his shell. For now, his trust in their word was rather dull, no matter how much he wanted to believe it. Severus, as per usual, was alone.

A dark gaze met hers, finally allowing himself to acknowledge her words and attention. "I see," he muttered lowly. "What's your Nan's name, Ellie?" Her words would determine whether he trusted her and believed in such an absurd tale from the child in the woods.

The other words she spoke ran through his auditory loop a few times over. Disappearance... Death... Blame. Severus' jaw tightened. This was a question he could not answer, frustrating him considerably. "I do not know." But he did, as he was beginning to feel the same was as Nan. If only he knew Sage was away, he could of helped her, even if it was ultimately her decision to go dark in the first place. They could of had a better life. Ellie wouldn't be alone in the woods, Sage would be alive (per say), and he would have someone to trust in. That's all he could ask for...