Why Should I Care?

"You don't have to."

"You know that I do."

"Sev-"

"Cyprien! You know it as well as I!"

A pause fell, Cyprien staring angrily at his shoes as Severus paced the kitchen. His pace grew faster as his thoughts progressed. Lily was dead. What more was left for him?

"Sev..."

"No, Cyprien. No."

Cyprien sighed and remained still, knowing his friend well enough to allow him his frenzied pacing. There was nothing for it but to wait for Severus to regain his cool manner. Despite the annoyance of Severus' fruitless anger, there was something altogether flattering about it. Cyprien took the time to appreciate Severus' faith with him, and comfort in him, reflecting on their friendship as Severus paced himself to control.

They had met following the Sorting. They were seated near each other, and were roommates that first year, as it turned out. The Slytherin dorms accommodated only two to a room, and there was constant shifting between roommates. It seemed no professor had faith that any two Slytherins could manage a full year in tight quarters with one another.

It had been different between Cyprien and Severus. They had, by request, been roommates throughout almost their entire school career. Not the last two years, as they had grown apart. Cyprien relied more upon his friends in other Houses, and, for the first time, Severus found Slytherin friends beside his roommate. 

They grew apart. Children do it all the time. Even adults do. They remained friends, though. No one could speak ill of the other without repercussions. They were a bit older now, though, and the world was changing around them. Their friendship was changing with it.

Severus finally stopped and turned to Cyprien. "This will be the last time I see you."

Cyprien smiled immediately, finding the joke unfunny but unable to fathom that it might not be a joke. "Sure."

Severus crossed over to him. "Goodbye, Cyprien. You were my true friend and brother."

What possible response could he give? "...Please stop with this. It's not amusing."

"It's not meant to be. Goodbye." Severus stepped away from Cyprien, eyes hardening. Lily was dead. The Dark Lord was dead. His old life was dead. His new one had no room for Cyprien. 

"Severus..."

The crack of apparition, and he was gone.