The boy had disarmed the brace of Gryffindor bullies and returned the Ravenclaw's books before the Defence professor could intervene.
"I didn't need your help, Hugo Weasley!"
Her rescuer went from exultant to enraged.
He'd got the worst of both parents. His father's short temper combined with his mother's tunnel-vision – the mulishness and hero-complex came from both – ensured he had few friends.
Snape had travelled a similar road.
"Twenty points to Hufflepuff," he announced. "Very good, Mr Weasley."
The boy gaped, looking just like his dunderheaded father. It got worse as he grinned.
Snape turned away, hiding a pleased smile.
A/N: Written for karelia's prompt – Severus discovers the joy that kindness brings. – at lj's sshg_newbies community.
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. Everything recognisable was the invention and is the property of Jo Rowling.
