A/N hey everyone! sorry for the late update, but the past few weeks have been hectic... we had my niece and three nephews in the house - none of which are over six - and they were stuck at our place for an extra week coz their parents were flooded in at kingaroy... anyways, this chapter is almost complete fluffy brother sev! coz i just think its so darn cute...
Enjoy!
The headmaster sighed sadly, looking every bit his age as he gazed out over the sea of students before him. The knowledge that he had been unable to help one of the students he was responsible for over nine months of the year gnawed at him... as well as the knowledge that said student's time here had not exactly been wonderful. His eyes fell on the Marauders, and the tendril of guilt in his heart tightened. He had turned a blind eye to their pranking and gradually worsening treatment towards Severus Snape.
The four Gryffindors were seated close to the head table, and Remus Lupin was the only one among the quartet who retained any semblance of awareness. The other three were in various states of disarray, eyes drooped tiredly and hair every which way.
The headmaster drew his gaze from the teens, and observed the abnormally early arrival of his potions professor. Horace Slughorn was most definitely known to arrive at least half way through breakfast, being well known to love a good lie in. However, this morning he was in the great hall almost ten minutes before the food was even to be served. Albus watched with sorrow as his friend settled himself to the left of the headmaster with a sigh, leaning back in his chair and pressing his hand to his eyes. There was evident fatigue in his posture. The headmaster suspected that he had had as little sleep as he himself had.
The two colleagues sat in silence as the food appeared, eating slowly and watching the steady trickle of students entering the room.
At seven thirty sharp the sound of wings filled the hall, preceding the arrival of the post owls. A large brown owl swooped down to the head table, landing amidst the headmaster's breakfast. It hooted and stuck out a leg, and the headmaster carefully removed the parchment and offered a piece of bacon to the avian. The bird hooted again and took off, obviously not expecting a reply.
Frowning slightly, Albus turned his attention to the letter. Or rather, letters, he corrected himself, noting the two different sets of handwriting. His eyebrows rose as he recognised the handwriting on one as that of Tom at the Leaky Cauldron. Setting the other down for a moment, he unfolded the letter and read the contents.
Dear Albus,
I just thought you may like to know that very early this morning young Severus Snape made an appearance in my bar, along with a young girl, couldn't have been older than six... Anyway, they've rented a room, and I suspect they'll sleep for a while. I'm not quite sure what to make of it, old friend, but I'll keep an eye on them for you... The other letter is from you Mr Snape, by the way, in case you read this one first.
Oh, and if you do come to collect them, might I suggest you come yourself? Just a thought, as Mr Snape seemed a bit protective of his young charge... his sister, maybe? They certainly look alike...
Tom
Albus stared at the letter a moment, and felt his fingers trembling. A smile spread across his face and he chuckled lightly.
"Albus?" asked a curious voice. The headmaster turned and met the tired gaze of Horace. He nodded at the letter. "Good news, I take it?"
Albus smiled joyfully at his friend. "The best, my boy." He offered the letter to Horace, turning his attention to the second note. He ran his fingers gently over his name, and then deftly unfolded it.
Dear Headmaster,
I sincerely apologize for not having arrived at school on the express, but I have a reason. Just over two weeks ago my parents passed away in an explosion that completely destroyed my house and all of my school supplies sans my wand. My younger sister Erin and I spent the next two weeks in a Muggle hospital, and due to my injuries and being under near constant supervision I was unable to leave and request aid.
My sister and I are currently staying in the Leaky Cauldron, and I was hoping that I may be able to speak with you about my future plans...
Sincerely,
Severus Snape
Albus finished the letter and closed his eyes for a moment, the guilt dissipating slightly as the knowledge that he had not completely lost the life of young Severus. He handed the second letter to Horace, taking in the pleased glint in his eyes and the straightened shoulders. When the potions master finished the second letter he looked up at the headmaster.
Albus answered the unspoken question. "I will go and speak with young Mr Snape and his sister this afternoon, after they have rested."
Horace smiled broadly, relaxing in his chair and eating with much more gusto than he had prior to the letter's arrival.
A feather light touch ran over Severus' nose, making it twitch in agitation. He frowned in his sleep, and the hand quickly pulled away, preceded by a giggle. The hand returned, and dangled one of his own strands of hair in his ear. He groaned, and rolled over slightly, shielding his ear from view. Another giggle. Severus didn't move as he felt the bed shift very slightly, sensing the mischievous presence leaning forward to once again reach for a strand of hair to tickle him. He waited... and waited... and now!
With a roar, his eyes snapped open and he caught the squealing form of his sister and flipped her onto her back, his fingers dancing up and down her sides as she shrieked with laughter.
"This is what you get when you try and tickle me!" he said mock sternly, eyes dancing with mischief and a broad grin on his face.
"Okay!" she squealed, trying to catch his finger as she writhed. "I won't... ha!... won't ti-tickle you an-any-anymore!" she gasped out, face red.
"Good," he said and caught her under her arms and heaved her onto his lap. She sat there happily, face beet red and gasping for breath as she beamed up at her brother. He chuckled and brushed a strand of her wild hair off her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. "So," he said, lifting her so he could cross his legs before settling her back in his lap, "now that we're both awake," he gave her a look and she giggled unabashedly, "what should we do?"
"Have lunch?" she asked innocently, looking up at him with wide eyes.
"Okay, lunch it is," he said, pushing her gently off his lap and sitting up. He leaned over the edge of the bed and grabbed his shoes, slipping them on over his socks. He eyed his rumpled clothes appraisingly, then glanced at his sister's. They had both gone to sleep in one of the beds in their clothes, Erin sneaking into Severus' not a half hour after he had tucked her in. "You know," he said, shaking his shirt in an effort to get rid of the wrinkles, "I think we should get some new clothes after lunch."
Erin's eyes grew big. "Really?" she asked hopefully, slipping off the bed and taking her brother's offered hand as they left the room.
Severus smiled down at him sister. "Yes. What kind of clothes do you want?"
Severus listened with half an ear as he led his happily chatting sister down the stairs into the now occupied pub. She paused in her debate about whether she wanted a blue or a green dress as she took in the gazes of the multiple patrons. He tightened his grip on his sister and casually drew her closer to his side, feeling her slip her free hand through one of the belt holes on his jeans. He glanced down at her and saw her wide eyes and the lip between her teeth. He gently drew her up to the bar and waved to the barkeep.
"Ah! Young master Snape! Have a good rest?" Tom inquired, approaching the two and leaning over the bar so he could see Erin. He grinned down at her and she smiled shyly, turning her face towards Severus' leg. Tom glanced at Severus, one eyebrow raised in query.
"Too many people," Severus replied to the unspoken question, giving Erin a gentle squeeze.
"Ah," Tom said, nodding in understanding. "So," he said, dropping his hands on his hips and grinning at the youth, "What can I get you? Or is this about the room?"
"No, the room is great," Severus reassured him. "We were just heading out to do some shopping. Could we maybe grab a couple sandwiches? Nothing too fancy, coz I got a treat planned later."
Tom's nodded in understanding, eyes sparkling as he watched the boy. His sister definitely brought out the best in him. He gestured for them to take a seat and they did so, Tom smiling to himself as he saw Erin insist on sitting in her brother's lap and Severus giving in almost instantly. Erin smiled happily as she snuggled into her brother's arms.
After they had eaten, Severus gently wiped the butter off of Erin's cheeks, chuckling as she pouted at him. "Ready to go?" he asked, touching her nose gently.
"Yes!" she said happily, then paused and smiled shyly at him. "Could you carry me?" she asked hopefully, lifting her short arms up to her brother, putting on what her brother called her 'conartist face' but what her mother had termed 'puppy dog eyes'.
Severus rolled his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh, but his sparkling eyes gave him away as he scooped her up and settled her on his hip. He looked at her sternly as they entered Diagon Alley. "Erin, if I put you down you are to stay next to me at all time, all right?"
Erin nodded furiously, tightening her arms around his neck. "I won't go anywhere, Sev," she said sweetly, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Aw, how sweet!" said a voice, and Severus snapped his head around and saw a trio of girls only a few years older than himself watching them and smiling. He blushed and hurried past, ignoring the attention as best he could. He heaved a small sigh of relief as they arrived at Madam Malkims, ducking quickly into the shop. He paused at the entrance, looking around uneasily. He had no idea where to go.
"Can I help you?" a voice inquired, and he turned to meet none other than Madam Malkim. She smiled at Erin, who merely shyly buried her face in Severus' neck.
"Er, yes," Severus said nervously, shifting Erin on his hip, "I, that is, the both of us require complete new wardrobes." He swallowed nervously as the woman's eyes seemed to light up with unholy delight.
"Wonderful!" she gushed, clasping her hands together happily. "Well come this way, dears." She said, ushering them into the back room.
The two emerged from the store over an hour later, both dressed in new outfits with dozens more shrunken in Severus' pockets. He had decided against wearing robes, and instead donned a pair of black jeans with a dark green button up shirt along with a new pair of trainers. Erin was skipping next to him in a sky blue dress with a beaded bodice that flared out to just past her knees, waving gently above a pair of comfortable black slip on flats.
Sighing in relief, Severus gently rubbed his aching face and led Erin down the alley to a store that sold trunks and bags. He opened the door and ushered her in. They didn't spend long in the shop, as Severus merely purchased a simple black trunk with silver edging that had two compartments, one for both himself and Erin.
After that Severus took Erin to Flourish and Blotts, and savoured her expression when he led her into the shop. Her eyes widened and she gazed around in amazement. He knew for a fact that the only books Erin had ever seen were small children's story books, so the shelves upon shelves of literature was amazing to her.
Smiling down at her, he gave her a gentle tug. She followed without question, still gazing at the books with awe. Severus quickly grabbed all of the textbooks he would have needed for the year and placed them on the counter. He then led his sister over to the children's section.
"Erin," he said softly, kneeling down to speak to her. He eyed her seriously, "I want you to pick yourself out something." He savoured the wide eyes that stared at him, then the delighted grin that spread across her face as threw her arms around his neck. He winced as she jostled the cut on his face, but smiled anyway as she dashed over to look through the books. A few minutes later she came over with a small satchel, and held it up for his inspection. It was a art kit, he saw, with a thick canvas sketch pad and paints that never ran out.
Grinning, Severus placed the satchel on the counter. "How much is that?" he asked, pulling out his wallet.
The cashier ran up the purchases and replied, "That'll be six galleons and two sickles, sir."
"I don't suppose you could shrink it for me?" he inquired as he handed over the money.
"Sure thing," the man replied, drawing his wand and handing the shrunken items to the youth.
"Thank you," Severus said curtly, and turned to lead the skipping Erin out of the shop. "Hey Erin, want some ice cream?" Severus asked as he led the girl towards Fortesques.
Erin's face lit up and she nodded eagerly, bouncing happily beside him as they entered the parlour. As they sat at a bench with their ice cream, Severus fixed his sister with a serious gaze. "Erin, once we're done with our ice cream we have one more stop to make."
"Where're we goin' next, Sev?" she asked, her cute face coated with strawberry.
"You'll see, sweet," he said, wiping his fingers on a napkin. He beckoned to his sister and she made a face as he wiped the muck off her face. "But if you're good I'll let you choose what we have for dinner."
"Okay," she said sweetly, clinging to his hand as he stood.
"Here we are," Severus said, pulling his sister into the hairdresser. He walked to the counter and stood waiting self consciously until a young woman appeared.
"Oh! Hello!" she said, startled. She smiled at them brightly, her blonde hair bouncing as she walked over. "Can I help you?"
"Er, I was wondering if I might be able to get a trim?" Severus asked nervously. "See, I was in an accident and the doctors cut a hunk of hair off at the side, so it looks kind of uneven." He explained, tilting his head and showing her the roughly hewn locks.
"Well, that is a pity!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. "You're lucky I don't have any clients this afternoon. Come on in! Now," she said, directing Severus to sit at the hair washing station, "Did you have any idea what kind of style you might want?"
"Er... not really," he said hesitantly, "So long as you don't cut it too short I don't really mind."
"Brilliant!" she said enthusiastically. "Come here sweetie, and I'll teach you how we cut hair," she said to Erin, beaming at the little girl as she came over curiously.
"So what do you think?" Mandy, the hairdresser asked, hands on her hips and smiling brightly.
Severus stared at his reflection in complete and absolute shock. His hair had been cut to about ear lobe length, gently framing his face and making his nose seem almost smaller. Mandy had washed and conditioned his hair vigorously before actually cutting it, and it looked so much better without all the grease that was normally present. He shook himself and turned to smile at Mandy, letting her know that he liked it.
"It looks good," he said, shooting another glance at his reflection before turning away firmly. He glanced down at Erin and smiled. "What do you think?"
"I think you look really handsome!" she exclaimed, beaming up at him. Severus flushed slightly as Mandy laughed.
"That he does, sweetie," the hairdresser said, shooting him a wink.
Severus blushed once more. "How much was that?" he inquired, changing the subject.
"That'll be four sickles," she said, grinning as he handed her the payment. She waved cheerfully as the two left.
Erin yawned clutched Severus' hand tighter as they strolled back to the Leaky Cauldron, the afternoon sun pleasantly warm. As they entered the pub, Severus stopped short, his gaze immediately caught by the garishly robed old man chatting with Tom. He grinned and led his sister over, weaving past other patrons and stopping a few feet away from Dumbledore.
A pair of twinkling blue eyes met his own as the headmaster noticed the two. "Ah, Severus," Dumbledore said, beaming at them. His gaze went to the little girl eyeing his neon blue robes with something akin to awe and his smile widened. "And this must be Miss Erin. How do you do?" he asked, giving her a smile.
"Good, sir," Erin said softly, pressing against Severus' leg and clutching his hand tightly.
The headmaster beamed at the two and stood, nodding to Tom. "Might we perhaps be able to speak in your room, Severus?" he inquired.
"Of course, Headmaster," he said leading his sister and Dumbledore upstairs.
A/N so what did everyone think? lol i just love brotherly severus... plus i think he'd look good with this haircut... anyways, anyone have any suggestions for what Erin's middle name should be? i dont really want it to be Eileen, so suggestions are good...
Please review!