A Helping Hand
Nicholas leaned the side of his head against the wood of his and Severus's bedroom door. He sucked an unhappy breath through his teeth when he realized he still could not hear over the near-constant murmuring of his little brother. He wanted to slap him. He wouldn't because he was ill and, if Mum was to be believed, the mumbling wasn't Severus's fault.
It was part of his sickness.
Carefully, he eased the bedroom door open. Nicholas prayed his dad didn't hear. He seemed to have bat-ears when it came to him and Severus. He absolutely would take his belt to him if he realized Nicholas was not only awake but attempting to listen in on his and Mum's private "discussion". Nicholas, who had been feeling a bit warm himself all day and felt the beginnings of a soreness in his throat, didn't want to add the pain of welts to his growing list of ailments.
Through the cracked door, he was finally able to make out a bit of his parents' row.
"—by is ill!"
"Severus is not a baby," countered Nicholas's dad.
Mum made a huffing sound before she snapped, "He's barely more than one Tobias!"
Dad's voice was hard as he said, "Mumps goes away on its own."
"It's not Muggle mumps!" Mum all but shouted at Dad. "It won't cost us a cent to let me bring someone to look at them."
"No."
Nicholas held his breath as there was a soft thump from across the hall. He thought his mum might have dropped to the floor. Or perhaps she threw something at it; like the paperback book he'd seen her reading in snatches all week (it was the new neighbor's. With her husband and gaggle of children, she had moved to Spinner's End to live with her husband's father. Her mother-in-law had passed the month before and the elderly man had been struggling with being alone. The neighbor woman hadn't yet figured out there was a reason most people steered clear of his mum yet and was trying to make a mate out of her by letting her borrow her old books in exchange for gossip and advice).
"If we lose the boys know it will be on your head, Tobias Snape," snarled Mum.
There was a bout of silence. Nicholas used it to look back at his little brother. Severus looked poorly. His usually slender neck was fat and ugly. Sometimes he shivered or when he wasn't muttering to no one, he coughed because he was having trouble swallowing. Nicholas hadn't realized until now his brother could die.
That he could die.
Nicholas dropped his hands to his thighs and dried them on the pants of his jimjams. He wasn't sure he'd say he liked being alive all that much most days. However, he also didn't hate every second. Nicholas was also looking forward to going to Hogwarts in a few years. To one day becoming a man who didn't have to answer to his mum or dad.
Nicholas didn't want to die. He blinked rapidly and shoved down the feeling that made his lower lip quiver. He didn't want Severus to die. He was even littler than him at six years old. He'd barely gotten a taste for life but was already making grandiose plans.
Plans that made their Mum smile (she was in strong approval of Severus's dream of becoming a great potioneer). If he died Nicholas didn't know what he'd do. He would be so alone. The thought made his breathing turn squeaky and, out for multiple reasons, he smashed his palm over his mouth to muffle the sound.
"Fine," growled the heavy voice of his dad.
He cocked his head in surprise. Was Dad really—?
"Tobias!" cried Mum. "I swear no one will know she visited us."
There was an exhale from dad. "You better mean that," he grumbled. "I don't need any neighbors thinking there's something devilish going on here. It could cost us my job at the mill."
"I understand." Mum's voice dropped. "Thank you."
The bed in their room creaked like Dad had sat down on it. "Go to sleep now, Eileen."
"Sweet dreams, dear," Mum said in reply.
Nicholas pulled away from the gap in his door. Reaching up for the knob he pulled it closed once more. Leaning back on his haunches a moment, Nicholas smoothed a hand over his hair a few times.
Dad was going to let Mum bring help to their home. Eyes hot, he swallowed. He nor Severus were going to die. His palm finding his mouth again, he held back the sob that wanted to echo from the cavern that was his mouth.
A few moments later when he was more in control of himself, Nicholas crawled over to the pallet on the floor Mum had made up for him when Severus first came down with his illness a couple of days ago.
He wasn't supposed to sleep with his brother right now. He was sick with suspected mumblemumps. Mum had felt he'd be less likely to catch it if he slept away from his brother's infected breath. His growing fever probably meant that had all been for naught but he didn't care anymore. Surely he'd be looked over tomorrow just like Severus. If there was anything to be done about Severus's illness, he would get the same treatment.
-o-O-o-
Nicholas cracked his eyes open when a cool hand cupped his cheek and a voice whispered, "Nicholas."
"Mum?" he mumbled as the blurry face above him came into focus.
Her face was taut; her lips pulled into a frown while her fingers crawled up to his forehead. "You're warm," she said.
He looked away from her and her disapproval. "Sorry."
Mum sighed and her hand fell away from his face. "It's not your fault." Gently, she pulled him up into a sitting position. Nicholas blinked at her as she told him, "It's also quite all right now. Your father and I had a long discussion last night. I am leaving this morning to get someone who can help your brother and you."
His heart thudded. He remembered his parents' conversation from last night now. In spite of how poorly he was feeling, Nicholas was excited. This was going to be the first time he met a grown witch or wizard who wasn't his mother. "Who?"
Mum almost smiled. Her black eyes were mirthful. "A witch I know," she answered; teasing but also evading his question. She then rose to her feet and smoothed down her skirt. "I have the kettle on the stove. The water is still warm. Do you think you can manage to make tea for yourself and your brother while I'm away?" she asked as she went to check on Severus.
Nicholas watched from his pallet on the floor as Mum smoothed Severus's tangled locks away from his face. She didn't attempt to wake him at all. It was probably for the best. The last few nights Severus slept fitfully.
"Yes," he said. He furrowed his brows as he considered his brother. "I don't know if he'll drink a lot." Severus hadn't been wanting to drink or eat much since he fell ill. He claimed it hurt his throat.
Nicholas believed him but he also knew it was frustrating for their mum. She was worried he was going to get worse refusing to eat and drink. So far, Nicholas was the one who was best at getting him to do both. Mum was puzzled but pleased. It made him feel both wonderful and guilty.
She didn't know he had gotten his brother's cooperation by promising to help Severus search the house high and low for her wand.
He hoped she didn't find out. She would be so cross and disappointed. Nicholas also knew he'd be the only one to get in trouble. Mum was convinced for some reason the schemes Severus came up with belonged to Nicholas.
"Perhaps not," she agreed as she shifted to face him once more. "If you can help him drink a few sips though…"
He nodded. "I'll try, Mum."
She smiled. "Good boy," she praised.
"Mum, will it take you very long to get this witch?"
Her fingers drifted toward the pocket of her apron. There was something long and thin inside. Nicholas resisted the urge to lean closer. She had her want on her today. He told himself to forget it. She was unlikely to use it in front of him today.
"It shouldn't, no," she answered at last. "We'll be coming in through the garden when I get back. Don't be frightened, all right?"
"I won't be," he assured. Nicholas then cocked his head and considered Severus and their bed. "Can I sleep in the bed with Severus again?"
"Yes," said Mum as she moved aside, giving him a full view of it and his slumbering brother.
He scrambled to his feet and began to gather his blankets and pillow. "Okay."
He was made to jolt when Mum appeared beside him; her fingers threading through his bangs. "Goodbye, my dear."
He leaned into her hand. "Bye, Mum."
She then let her hand fall from his head and left. Once she was gone, he returned to the task of moving his blankets and pillow back to the bed. Unfortunately, during the process, he jostled Severus.
His brother smacked his lips and squinted his eyes in his direction. "Mh. Nicholas?" he croaked.
"Don't talk," he told his brother as he finished making his side of the bed. Turning around, he told his watching brother, "Mum said I can sleep in the bed again."
"Hm," he hummed, eyes fluttering closed.
Nicholas poked Severus. His brother glared at him for it. Huffing at the reaction, he explained, "I'm not sleeping yet, though. You should stay awake for a bit too. I'm going to get us some tea. Maybe if there's bread I'll bring that up too."
Severus pursed his chapped lips. "Not hungry."
Nicholas snorted. Severus hadn't been hungry for almost four days now. It didn't change anything as far as he was concerned. "That's too bad," he said. "You better hope there's no bread."
Severus weakly kicked his feet out of frustration. "Nicholas," he whined; his voice cracking from the pitch.
Nicholas did not like that sound. It couldn't be good for Severus's throat for him to be so loud. "Stop talking!" he snapped and slapped a hand over his mouth. "Eating and drinking are how you stay alive; so you will if I tell you to."
Severus shoved away his hand with all his strength. Baring his teeth, he hissed, "You're not Dad."
Nicholas scoffed. "So?" he sneered. "He and Mum are gone. I'm in charge."
Severus's eyes widened. "Gone?"
He nodded. "At work and to get a witch to help you."
Severus's already wide eyes grew larger. "Oh," he whispered. The start of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "A healer witch?" he asked, hopeful.
"Probably," agreed Nicholas. Mum hadn't said the witch was going to be one but it made sense she would be. Mum wanted the witch to look Severus and him over.
Severus squirmed around until he was sitting up. His hair stuck up in odd tufts in spots and hung in large tangles from his head in other places. Internally, he winced. There was going to be a lot of yowling from him in a couple of days when he was better and Mum insisted he brush his hair.
"D'you think she'll give me potions?" Severus questioned.
He couldn't help but grin. "If you're unlucky."
Severus didn't seem at all upset about the prospect. His gaze was focused on something far away. It was possibly seeing into the future Nicholas thought. "I want to keep the bottle," he declared.
Nicholas frowned. "That's not up to you," he scolded. "Dad'll break it and throw it away anyway."
Severus puffed out his cheeks. "Not if I hide it," he argued.
Nicholas looked around their room. It was sparse. There were not many spots to tuck things away from Dad's view. Even putting it out of sight would only work for a short time. Dad had a tendency to search their room if they were naughty.
They (Severus) often got into trouble. As Mum so often lamented, Severus had Dad's temper. He could never just ignore it when someone was rude or cruel to him like Nicholas could (as Mum could). He always had to fire back.
It had led to more than one brawl or bout of accidental magic Mum and Dad had to try to explain away.
Nicholas did his best to control his little brother but sometimes he wasn't quick enough. Sometimes he simply wasn't there to do so. It never mattered. If Severus caused trouble, so had Nicholas in their dad's eyes.
"Where?" he demanded in a pointed voice with arms crossed over his chest.
Severus's eyes turned shifty. "My secret spot," he declared.
He rolled his eyes. Severus had been boasting he had one of those for over a year now. His brother had yet to show it to him. Nor had Nicholas seen Severus scurry off like he was going to some secret place.
"I still don't believe you have one," he told his little brother.
Severus pouted. "I'm not telling you where it is," he said. "It's my secret spot."
"Uh-huh," he replied still unconvinced. Slipping off the bed, he wagged a finger in his little brother's face. "Don't close your eyes. I'm going to get us our tea and I'm not going to be nice if I have to wake you."
Severus flushed. "Nicholas!" he complained.
He shook his head. "Don't whine like a baby," he sniped. "I'll be back."
Nicholas then left for the kitchen. As his mum promised, the kettle was on the stove. A Quick touch told him it was, in fact, still warm. Carefully he made two cups of tea with the water before placing it back where he found it. Nicholas then went to have a peak in the bread box. He was quite happy to find there was bread inside. Pulling it out, he cut into it and then pulled some butter from the dish Mum kept on the kitchen table. He put a lot on the piece he intended Severus to have.
His brother was awful picky about a lot of the food combinations their Mum made from the discount stuff she bought at the shop but he'd never rejected bread and butter before. Once he finished, Nicholas carefully picked everything up and carried it back to his and Severus's bedroom.
He sighed when he saw Severus's chin had fallen against his chest and he was dozing where he sat. Returning to the bed, he set the food on the foot away from Severus. Reaching out, he gave him a good shake and said, "There was some bread. I put butter on the piece you're eating."
Severus snapped awake and scowled once Nicholas's words registered. "Don't want bread," he muttered.
"Tough," was how Nicholas answered. Picking up the plate, he tried to push it into his brother's lap. "Here."
"No," he complained, squirming to get away.
Nicholas gritted his teeth and grabbed his leg to hold it in place. "Severus," he growled.
"Stop!" he whined.
Nicholas ignored him in favor of putting down the plate and picking up a cup of tea. He eyed his brother. "Can you hold a cup you think?"
"Nicholas," he warbled, black eyes shining pathetically.
He didn't pay it any mind. Severus was being a baby on purpose. "Can you or can't you?" he demanded.
Severus pouted and the glisten in his eyes faded. "I can," he grumbled, reaching out two hands for the drink.
Nicholas reached for the dingy towel he'd grabbed as an afterthought from the kitchen. "I brought the dish towel," he explained. "Let me put it over your shirt."
Severus retracted his hands. "I won't spill," he assured him.
That was probably true. Severus's illness hadn't really made him shaky. However, they also were soon to have a visitor. Mum wouldn't like it if he looked like a complete mess for the healer. "Okay," he said. He then laid the towel across Severus— much to his chagrin. "I don't want to get yelled at."
"Fine," he spat.
Nicholas resisted the urge to pinch him for his tone in favor of grabbing the tea again. "Here," he replied as he placed it in his brother's hands.
Severus took a sip only to immediately start coughing it up. It goes everywhere but mostly the towel, thankfully. With learned patience, Nicholas wrapped his hands around the cup to help in holding it still for Severus. It wouldn't due for the rest of it to end up all over the bed.
Mum would probably make them sleep in it as a lesson on being more careful.
"Oh!" murmured Severus once his coughing ended and he saw the mess he'd made of the towel.
Nicholas chuckled. "Smaller sips, maybe?"
Severus nodded. "Mhm," he agreed as he drank a little bit more from the cup with Nicholas's help.
Once Severus had successfully drank a few steps he pried the cup away and placed it aside. "That's better," he praised. He reached for the plate of buttered bread. "Want some bread?"
Severus gave a vehement shake of his head. "No," he spat.
Nicholas picked up the piece meant for Severus and held it out to him. "A bite," he suggested with an accompanying glare.
Severus returned it with a glower of his own. Unfortunately for his little brother, Nicholas was the more obstinate of them. Rarely did he give up; even when it came to inconsequential things such as this.
"Fine!" he exclaimed at last. His expression grew shrewd and Nicholas braced himself for the coming negotiation. Even if his brother couldn't out stubborn him he often won through wheedling. "A little one?" he asked while considering the piece of bread.
He felt relief at the question. Nicholas was more than happy to give in to his request. If Severus ate even a little it would be better than nothing. He didn't let himself sound pleased by the offer or Severus would become suspicious. Instead, he smirked at him like he thought his brother was stupid.
"What other kind of bite could you possibly take?" he jeered. "If you eat it whole you'll choke and die."
Severus pouted.
He pushed the bread under the boy's nose. "Come on, a little bite, Severus," he urged.
His brother took the bread and proceeded to put on a show for him. With exaggerated features he tore a piece from the bread, chewed, and swallowed it. His pallid face began to glow red and Nicholas hurried to pick up Severus's tea.
"Here's your tea!" he said as he shoved it against his mouth and made him drink.
Thankfully, his brother did not fight him and managed a mouthful. He vibrated a bit with silent coughs before he exhaled, "It was scratchy."
"Hm," Nicholas replied. He squinted at Severus. He was a little worried about making him eat more but… "Mum will be happy if you eat a bite or two more," he told the boy.
His brother looked at his bread. "You think so?"
"Yeah," he answered. Then, leaning in he whispered as if he was trying to tell him a secret, "If you want, I'll finish it off and we can tell her you ate it all."
Severus beamed. "Let's do that."
"Kay," he agreed. Nicholas eyed the half-full cup of tea. "But you need to drink all your tea in exchange."
His brother puffed up his cheeks and Nicholas worried he'd refuse. "…Okay," he relented just as he was preparing to guilt Severus.
Relieved, he nodded. They were quiet as Severus ate a couple of more bites. Nicholas then exchanged the bread for the cup of tea. As he demolished Severus's bread followed by his own, his brother steadily emptied his cup. When Severus had reached the dredges, the sound of the garden door caught their attention.
Severus's head turned in the direction of their bedroom door. "What's that?"
"Mum must be back with the witch," Nicholas said. He hopped off the bed and gathered up their dishes and the towel. "I'll go look."
Not giving Severus a chance to reply, he scurried from the room and down the steps. When he reached the doorway of the kitchen he paused. He heard his mum murmuring to someone. Carefully, he poked his head into the room.
As he expected, his mum was not alone. She had a witch with her as she promised she would. Nicholas took her in with interest. She was smaller than Mum by a few centimeters. From the way her cloak fell around her Nicholas knew she would be average-sized rather than thin or overweight. He eyed the bun her hair was in. There were gray streaks in it. She was an older witch. Seeing her face would tell him how much–
"Nicholas?" called his mum, her eyes catching sight of him over the top of the healer's head.
Instinctively, Nicholas jerked forward and into the kitchen. Plate and cups gripped tightly between his fingers, he said, "Mum?"
She stepped around the witch and gestured for him to approach. "Put those on the table for now," she ordered. "Come say hello."
He did as he was told and went over to his mother and the healer. When he was beside his mum Nicholas lifted his eyes to meet those of the healer.
Her eyes were a calming cornflower blue.
"Hello," he said.
She smiled showing off white teeth. "Hello," she replied, holding out a hand for him to shake. "You must be Nicholas."
"Yes," he answered as he grasped her dry, papery hands. "Erh, nice to meet you."
Her smile widened. "It's nice to meet you too." She placed a hand on her chest. "I'm Poppy."
Nicholas jerked his head in the direction of the kitchen doorway. "My brother's upstairs," he explained.
She nodded, smile falling and a solemn expression replacing it. "I hear he's quite ill."
"Yeah," he agreed. Nicholas then glanced over at his mum. She was wringing her hands. He was sure she was worried about him saying the wrong thing. He did that sometimes when he was younger. Now, though, Nicholas knew better.
He was not to talk about Dad and Mum's rows. Nor about the way Dad knocked them all around. Usually, he wasn't to mention magic either.
Right now he suspected it would be okay.
Still, he didn't. Instead, he tried to ease his mum's fretting by telling her (and Poppy), "He's a bit better, though. He ate a whole piece of bread with his tea."
"He did?" Mum said, hands pausing.
Nicholas giggled. "Well, I stole a bite."
Mum huffed and rolled her eyes; relaxing at last. "Of course," she replied. Stepping forward she pressed a hand to his forehead. "How are you?"
"I'm not feeling worse," he answered.
Her fingers fell from his face and she patted his shoulder once before stepping back. "Good."
Poppy cleared her throat. "Nicholas, might I take a look at you too?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Sure," he answered. As she came to stand in front of him, he tilted his head curiously. "Do you think you'll use a potion on us?"
"Possibly," she murmured as she began to feel his face.
As Poppy's hands drifted down to his throat and began to palpate beneath his jaw, he told her, "If we use a whole bottle's worth, Severus was hoping you might let him keep it."
She paused in her check-up. "Oh?" she replied, feathery brows lifting with interest.
Nicholas started to nod only to abort the motion when he remembered Poppy's hands held his jaw. "He wants to be a potions master when he grows up."
She smiled and glanced back over to Mum who was pressing the heel of her hand to her mouth (hiding her own tiny grin). "Is that so?"
Nicholas couldn't help but laugh. "Last year, he wanted to train dogs," he told the witch as she listened with generous attentivity. "There's this really wicked dog in the neighborhood, you see. An old man on Shearer Lane has a retriever that's able to shake paws with kids and it also wipes them on the mat the old man keeps in front of his door. Severus wanted to train all kinds of dogs to be like his retriever. "
Poppy hummed as she took back her hands and fixed her stare on his mouth. "I can see why. Your neighbor's dog sounds like he is a very clever creature," she said.
"Yeah."
Poppy then said, "You're a bit warm. Do you feel poorly dear?"
Nicholas considered how to answer. He didn't feel great but nowhere near as badly as Severus surely did right now. "My throat hurts a bit," he admitted.
Poppy sighed as if she'd expected him to say such a thing. Crouching to his height, she drew her wand and Nicholas watched with wonder as the tip began to glow a yellow-white. "Can you say 'ah'?" she requested.
Nicholas didn't hear her question. It took his mum making an exasperated noise and rebuking him with a sharp, "Nicholas" for him to realize he'd been spoken to. He blushed. "Sorry?" he said, hoping she would understand.
Poppy's tone was soothing as she said, "Please say 'ah' for me."
"Ah," he said, stretching open his mouth wide.
Poppy squinted her eyes as she peered into it. "Hmm," she hummed.
Mum strode over to stand beside Poppy once she finished looking in Nicholas's mouth. "Am I right? Is it mumblemumps?" she demanded, hugging herself.
Poppy evaded the question. "Let me see the younger one," she said.
Nicholas's mum gave a short dip of her chin before walking around them both and in the direction of upstairs where their bedrooms were. "This way," she called over her taut shoulder.
"Come along, Nicholas," Poppy urged him as his eyes drifted to the dishes at the table.
He blinked at her and realized she'd held out a hand for him as if he were four instead of eight. Not wanting to offend the witch, he took her hand still. Allowing her to take lead, he followed her (and Mum) to his and Severus's bedroom.
As soon as they stepped into the room, Severus sat up. "Mummy," he croaked, reaching his hands out to her.
She went to his little brother and took both of his hands in hers to rub them. "Good, you're awake," she said.
Severus smiled. "I ate my bread and drank my tea," he informed her.
Mum's eyes flickered back to Nicholas and he stood taller when he saw there was a proud light to them. "I heard," she said. "That's very good, Severus. Now, how are you feeling this morning? Do you still hurt?"
"Not as much as yesterday," answered Severus distractedly. His eyes had wandered to him and Poppy. "Who's she?"
"I'm Poppy," said the healer as she let go of Nicholas's hand to go and introduce herself to Severus. As she had with him, she offered her hand to Severus to shake. "It's nice to meet you," she said as they shared a handshake.
His little brother's eyes were large as he asked, "You a witch like Mummy?"
"I am," answered Poppy. "I'm also a healer. Your mother has asked me to take a look at you and your brother."
Severus made an appropriate noise of appreciation and leaned closer to the witch, practically placing himself in her arms. "Are you going to give us a potion?"
Her lips twitched and Nicholas was sure she was holding back laughter. "You're both quite warm," she told Severus, a hand coming up to thread through his hair. Carefully, she worked through a knot while telling the little boy, "I think a fever reducer will be in order if nothing else."
"Can I have the bottle after?" begged Severus, listing into her side as Poppy continued her ministration.
Poppy turned to Nicholas's mum. "Eileen?"
She put a hand to her cheek as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her tone was practically cheerful, however, as she warned Severus, "You'll have to scrub the label off, Severus. Your dad won't be happy if we keep magical things where neighbors can see."
His brother was happy to reassure their mum. "I will!" he promised.
"Then yes," she said.
Poppy then prodded Severus a bit to get him to cooperate in an examination reminiscent of Nicholas's own. When she finished, she returned her attention to Mum who was wringing her hands yet again. "You're right, Eileen, this seems to be the mumblemumps," she said.
Mum, at last, lost the lines running across her forehead. "He was mumbling a lot the last couple of days," she confided in Poppy. "It worried me; I can't remember what to do to treat it."
Poppy sighed and patted Severus's head. "Not much, unfortunately," she answered. "I'll leave you a bottle of fever reducer which should help keep their fevers from growing too strong. Otherwise, rest and fluids are all that can be done."
Eileen nodded and went to help the witch up from his and Severus's bed. "Thank you, Ma— Poppy."
"You're welcome," replied the witch. She cast a meaningful look to the open bedroom doorway. "Shall we step out of the room and I will give you the reducer and instructions to treat the boys?"
"Yes," agreed Mum.
"Wait," Severus said, latching onto mum's skirt.
She pursed her lips at the little boy. "What is it, Severus?"
"Can I ask a question?" he wheeled, eyes hopeful.
Mum brought her fingers to her temple. "One, Severus," she replied and at Poppy's arched brow, explained, "Believe me a limit is needed."
"Fine," huffed Severus; not happy but acquiescing nonetheless. He looked at Nicholas and squinted. "Can Nicholas have one too?"
He frowned. "I don't—"
"Yes, one question each," Mum cut in, speaking over the top of him.
Severus grinned before focusing a rather intense look on the now miffed Poppy. "Have you saved anyone from dying before?"
She grimaced a moment before nodding at Nicholas's little brother. "Several times, actually," she said. Shoulders relaxing a little, she elaborated for Severus with a story, "A couple of years ago, there was a young boy who was flying and ran his broom into H— Erh, where I work. He fell off it, of course, and it was only because I was able to get to him quickly and stabilize him that the healers at St. Mungo's were able to save the boy from almost certain death."
"Whoah," exclaimed Severus, enthralled by the tale.
Nicholas was also impressed but he had a curious idea forming in the back of his head now too. He itched to see if he couldn't find a way to confirm it. He knew already he could not be too obvious in his question or Mum might shut it down altogether.
Poppy's face grew stern and her voice lecturing as she told Severus (and Nicholas), "Yes. It was very scary for all involved. Please, when it comes time for you to learn to fly, be cautious, hm?"
"I will!" swore Severus.
Mum turned to him. "Nicholas, have you come up with a question?"
Nicholas ignored Severus's pleading look and said, "Yeah."
He knew Severus had been hoping he would say otherwise so he might steal Nicholas's question for himself. In a different situation, he'd allow it too. But not now. Not when he had theory itching at him.
"Aw," whined Severus, falling backward into his bed.
"Sorry," Nicholas called to his little brother. Severus made a sound that could probably pass for understanding so Nicholas didn't let himself worry about his brother having hurt feelings. Staring up at Poppy who looked back at him with a placid air he asked, "When did you meet my Mum?"
Mum stilled and Poppy seemed to come a little more alive. He was sure they both knew what Nicholas was really trying to figure out. Even so, Mum didn't rescind his question for him. Poppy who seemed well aware herself that she was supposed to keep many things to herself, answered in a properly vague way.
"Many years ago now," she explained. "The first time I properly met her she was going on thirteen."
Nicholas smiled. He was sure he was right. Poppy wasn't just any healer. She was Hogwarts's nurse. Just to be extra sure he hurried to ask one more question before Mum could take Poppy away.
"We'll see you again, won't we?" he pressed.
Mum scowled. "Nicholas," she chided. "I said one question each."
Poppy wasn't put off by Mum's warning. "You will," she said to Nicholas.
He smiled even wider as Mum stalked over and hissed, "Poppy."
"I am sorry," she murmured to Mum, looking down. Once more she turned her attention to the hallway. "Let's step out, shall we?"
Mum breathed out and nodded. "Severus, Nicholas, say goodbye please."
"Bye," said Nicholas.
"Goodbye," Severus said at the same time as him.
When alone, Severus growled, "Why'd you do that, Nicholas?"
He looked at his brother and smirked. "She works at Hogwarts."
"What?"
"Yeah," he said as his brother stared at him with disbelief. "That's how Mum knows her. She must be their nurse."
Severus's eyes grew to scrutinize Nicholas and his lips pursed with doubt. "How do you know that?" he demanded. "You can't read minds."
Unlike Severus went unsaid.
Nicholas couldn't help but use a jeering tone as he told his little brother, "I don't need to!
She talked about taking care of a boy that rode his broom into her workplace. That wouldn't happen if she worked at St. Mungos.
"There's no way parents let their children ride their brooms around a hospital. She's also known Mum since she was a girl. An older girl, not a little girl, though." Previous irritation gone, he smiled at Severus and reminded him with a conspiratorial air, "Remember what Mum's said? You have to be eleven to go to Hogwarts."
"Wow," whispered Severus with awe. Nicholas was pleased. He had convinced his brother— A not so easy feat. Severus was stubborn and Mum was the only one who knew how to really twist Severus around to see things from a different point of view.
"Yeah," he agreed. He pointed at the closed door. "I'm going to see if I can overhear anything."
"I want to too!" Severus exclaimed, throwing back his blanket.
Nicholas hurried over to him and pushed him back down. "No, you're still pretty ill," he argued. Severus's face turned red and mutinous and Nicholas hurriedly promised, "I swear I'll tell you everything I hear."
Severus went loose under his hands. "If you swear," he grumbled.
Nicholas grinned. "Good boy," he teased, ruffling his hair.
"Don't!" whined Severus, shoving away his fingers.
"Shh!" hushed Nicholas, which made Severus cover his mouth with his hands. Satisfied his little brother would be quiet, he padded over to their door and leaned lightly against it. Through the wood, he tuned in to his mother and Poppy's conversation.
"—Coming," said Mum.
Poppy was quick to reply in a voice Nicholas had to strain to hear, "Of course. I always did have a soft spot for you."
Mum sighed. "Merlin knows why," she remarked. "You hate my father."
Nicholas tucked that away in his mind. He would probably be unable to do anything with it ever. Mum never had much to say about her parents. Sure she was happy to talk about what a long and great family the Princes were but rarely did she tell stories about those who made up the family.
He could try to talk to Poppy later when he was a student, but Nicholas wasn't sure she'd be any more willing to talk about it than Mum. Especially if she worried whatever she told would get back to her.
"Yes. Well. You're not him," was Poppy's stilted reply. "I know my distaste for your father is why you came to me."
"Don't tell me your feelings have changed," Mum said, tone high and bordering on dismayed.
"No. No, I still can't stand him," reassured Poppy quickly and just as loudly. "That said, I do still keep up with your cousin on occasion. If you wanted me to I could—"
"No, don't speak of me. I am not interested in returning to the magical world," broke in Mum. "My life is here now."
Nicholas felt himself slump into the door. He would give up his legs to be in the magical world instead of here. He wished Mum felt the same way.
"Eileen—"
"—Don't! Perhaps this isn't a place of splendor or even comfort but it is mine. It exists because of my own efforts. For my work, I have been rewarded with two boys. One of whom is very bright," Mum told the witch.
There was a pause.
"Nicholas?" asked Poppy.
He felt warm at the words. She thought he was clever? Rarely did he get such compliments.
"Severus," Mum countered and he rolled his eyes. He should have expected it was his little brother Mum meant. "He's ill now but when he is healthy… there are times when he insists I look him in the eye and, when he does this, I can feel him trying to make sense of my thoughts and feelings."
Nicholas bit his lip. Did mum know about the mind reading thing too? He and Severus had been using it as a secret weapon to try and avoid getting in trouble. No wonder using his little brother's skill had only been working on Dad. It was probably a wizard talent and Mum had faced it before.
"He's six," said Poppy, sound stiff and surprised.
"Mad, isn't it?" replied Mum with a pleased chuckle. "He uses it naturally."
"My," murmured Poppy. "I don't know what I'd do with such a gifted child. Have you kept up on your Occlumency?"
Nicholas frowned. What was that? Was it something he'd learn at Hogwarts?
"I can deflect him easily enough right now," said Mum (which answered none of Nicholas's questions). "I practice as well for when he's stronger in the future."
Poppy made a noise of contemplation. "Perhaps you should try teaching your other boy," she commented and Nicholas gasped in excitement. He could learn Occlumency before Hogwarts? He prayed Mum would agree with the healer. "It will help you with your own abilities and be good for him too. I doubt Nicholas will want his little brother rifling through his head in the future."
"I shall try," replied Mum with a sigh. In an offhand way, she added, "I don't know how well it will go. He's not a squib but he hasn't shown himself to be particularly talented either."
Nicholas's excitement was quelled immediately. Shame filled his gut as he wondered if he really was as weak as his mum said. Maybe he was. Nicholas had never alarmed his parents half as much with his accidental magic as Severus did with his own.
He never caused lights to flicker during fits as a toddler nor had he ever changed the color of an ugly jumper he didn't want to wear out on the streets of Cokeworth. But that didn't mean he hadn't done any.
Nicholas had used magic. In the past, there had been instances where he did things such as vanish peas he didn't like from his plate and stopped the dripping of an annoying leaky faucet. He'd just never alerted his parents to what he'd done in fear of punishment.
"All the more reason to get him practicing early," forged on Poppy, drawing Nicholas out of his reflection. "He'll be more than able to shield himself by the time they're teenagers."
Mum was quiet a moment before she relented, "I suppose you're right…"
"Nicholas?" his brother breathed into his ear.
He jumped out of shock and whirled around on his little brother. "What are you doing out of bed?" he demanded. Severus stared up at him with glassy, alarmed eyes. He pointed forcefully toward their bed. "Get!" he hissed.
Severus lowered his gaze to his bare toes and mumbled, "I have to use the loo."
Nicholas covered his face and glared at Severus who glanced up shyly through his hair. "Really?" he asked and the little boy nodded. He groaned. Nicholas couldn't be cross with him for truly having to use the loo. "All right," he grumbled. Turning back to the door, he knocked once before he opened it.
Mum and Poppy stared at him with wide eyes that told him they'd all but forgotten about him and Severus in the bedroom. "Severus has to use the loo," he informed the witches.
Mum nodded. "Don't let us stop him," she said. Her eyes then moved to Severus standing behind Nicholas. "Go on," she urged the boy with a shooing motion. As Severus brushed past him and toward the stairs, Mum fixed him with a stare and said, "You'll go with him, Nicholas? I don't want him hurting himself if he gets dizzy."
He hadn't planned to but Nicholas knew an order when he heard one. With a grudging huff, he said, "Yeah."
Mum patted his head as he passed her. "Good boy."
As they went down the stairs, he listened intently as Mum said to the healer, "Well, Poppy, thank you again. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and look over my sons."
"It's no trouble," she replied while Nicholas dawdled on the last step watching Severus go out the door to the yard. "It never will be; if you should need an expert opinion on their health do not hesitate to come for me."
"I will remember," Mum promised. Nicholas stiffened when he heard Mum ask, "Would you prefer to leave from the garden or will in here do?"
"Here is fine," said Poppy as he hurried to get out of sight and where he ought to be. "Goodbye, Eileen."
"Bye, Poppy."
Nicholas couldn't help but startle when he heard a loud cracking sound and whipped his head around in the direction of the stairs. He couldn't tell what made that noise. It must have been Poppy but how?
As he continued to stare at the stairs, Severus appeared at his side. "Are you good?" asked Nicholas as he eyed his little brother.
"Uh-huh!" assured the boy.
He grabbed his hand and tugged him out of the garden and back into the kitchen. "Come in then," he complained as he closed the door behind him.
When he turned around, he saw his mum had come into the kitchen. "Mummy, where'd Ms. Poppy go?" asked Severus as he moved toward her.
"Back to her work," answered Mum as she wrapped an arm around Severus.
Nicholas's brother pouted. "Without saying goodbye?"
Mum grimaced. "I'm sorry, dear," she replied; her eyes then lit up and she left Severus to take a seat at the table. "Why don't you come here? She's done us a favor," she urged them both as she reached into her apron to pull out an oblong green bottle with a yellow-white label on the front of it.
Severus made a wordless sound of joy and scrambled into one of the chairs across from Mum. He picked up the bottle and squinted at the chicken-scratch writing on the label. "What's this called again?" he asked Mum While Nicholas took the bottle from him to inspect himself.
"It's fever reducer," answer mum as she held her hand out to Nicholas. He gave the potion back to her and listened with a rapt ear as she explained, "I will get a spoon and then give you each a spoonful of it. You will take it every six hours until your fevers are gone."
"Wicked," breathed Severus.
Mum snorted and got up to get a spoon. As she carefully portioned out the darkly colored potion for either Nicholas or Severus, she told them, "I'm sorry to say it's not a very pleasant flavor."
"We'll be fine, Mum," said Nicholas, sharing a smile with his little brother. He put a hand on the younger boy's shoulder. "Severus gets the bottle when it's empty, right?"
"Yes, yes," replied Mum with a roll of her eyes. "Your mind is devil's snare, Nicholas," she teased, lips twitching with humor.
He giggled, pleased to have amused her.
Mum's expression then turned speculative. "When you're better I think you and I will be having a bit of a chat," she told him.
"Oh?" he replied, his heart thudding once in his chest. Nicholas was almost certain it would be about Occlumency. He was so very glad Dad had let Mum get a healer and that they now had a fever-reducer to help them get better sooner.
"Yes," replied Mum. "But put it out of your head until then."
He exhaled. That was going to be hard. He would try though. "Okay."
"Now," she said, looking down at the spoonful of potion in her hand. "Who would like to have the first spoonful?"
"Me!" shouted Severus, making his voice crack.
Mum nodded. "Prepare yourself," she warned.
Severus opened his mouth and their mum stuck in the spoon. Nicholas watched with joy as his brother immediately pursed his lips as if he was going to spit it up. However, before he could give in to the urge, he squeezed his eyes shut and swallowed noisily. "Yuck!" he cried once his mouth was empty again. With aggrieved eyes, he called out to their mother with a plaintive, "Mummy."
Mum laughed and patted his cheek. "I warned you, Severus!"
I hope reading about a time from Severus and Nicholas's childhood was enjoyable.
Thank you for reading!