Chapter 2 - Of Pets, Play and Nightmares
Albus brought Severus to his rooms beyond his office and began to put his transfiguration skills to good use creating a nappy out of a towel and shrinking some clothes to fit the little boy. He made a mental note to ask Professor McGonegall to go to Hogsmeade and buy baby supplies and toys.
Returning to his office with Severus in his arms he found Professor Adam Atwood waiting for him.
"Ah Adam, thank you for joining me." he said brightly.
"Of course Headmaster," replied the professor, "I trust that you have the de-ageing potion that the boys used?"
"I do," said Dumbledore handing him the bottle, "Why don't you sit down and we can have some tea."
He rang for a house-elf and Sparkle appeared. When he had placed his order he looked over at the other man who was studying the potion carefully.
"Do you know if they made the potion themselves or if they bought it?" Atwood asked.
"I believe they made it themselves." replied the headmaster.
Hmm. Well it smells and looks as it should but I will take it to my potions lab and analyse it just in case. We want to make sure there are no side effects."
"Of course. Thank you Adam." Albus answered looking down at the little child in his arms who was now examining the little moons and stars on his robe.
"I will have the doctor from Hogsmeade examine Severus to check that his health is all right and to determine his exact age."
Sparkle appeared then with tea and what appeared to be lemon cake of some sort. She also brought a little cup of milk for Severus. Albus held the cup for him but two little hands grabbed it.
"I do." exclaimed the little boy giving Dumbledore a look of indignation.
Oh we are very independent." chuckled Dumbledore but he let Severus hold the cup himself.
When they had finished their tea Professor Atwood took his leave to return to the dungeons and Albus went to the fire to call for the doctor.
Within five minutes Dr Sara Winter was standing in Dumbledore's office. She was tall with straw blonde hair that fell in waves about her shoulders, large green eyes and a beautiful gentle smile. "Hello Albus," she said warmly, "I see you have an extra young charge in your care."
"Indeed, " he smiled, "Young Severus drank a de-ageing potion as a result of a prank. I wondered if you would examine him and perhaps tell me his exact age?"
"Certainly," she said, "Hello Severus." She reached out to take him from Albus but he flinched and pulled away, burying his face in Dumbledore's robes.
"Oh it's all right little one," Dumbledore soothed him stroking his hair, "This is Dr Sara and she just wants to look at you to make sure you are well."
"Why don't you hold him while I scan him," the doctor suggested, "He seems a little shy."
"Severus has always been quite withdrawn, " mused Dumbledore, "I think he uses an angry façade to prevent people from getting close to him. I'm pleased to say that I have been able to break through it to a large extent but he is still not very trusting." He positioned Severus carefully on his lap and spoke to him soothingly as the doctor examined him.
"There you are. All finished," Sara smiled at the little boy, "He is just over two years old Albus and appears to be in good health. I didn't find anything unusual."
"The potions professor is analysing the potion to see how long it will last." said Dumbledore.
"They usually only last a day or two depending on the potion of course." The healer began packing up her things. She turned to the headmaster with a serious look.
"Are you going to look after Severus until it wears off or have you something else arranged?"
"No I will care for him," Albus tightened his arms around the child protectively, "I do not trust anyone else to do so."
"I understand," Sara said gravely, "Just keep an eye on him. His behaviour concerns me slightly. If you have any problems you know where I am."
"Thank you Sara. I knew I could rely on you." beamed Albus.
"Goodbye." The doctor and was gone in a burst of green flames. Severus, feeling a little more secure now that the stranger had gone, decided he was bored with sitting and squirmed in Dumbledore's arms. Dumbledore set him on the ground and quickly went around his office making it as safe as possible for a young child.
"Birdie. Birdie." cried Severus pointing at the perch beside Dumbledore's desk.
"That is a phoenix child. His name is Fawkes." Albus explained.
"Fox. Fox." said Severus smiling proudly at achieving this new word.
"Very good Severus." Dumbledore laughed, "Fawkes? Come down and meet our little Severus. He wants to see you.
The beautiful phoenix obligingly flew down from his perch and landed in front of Severus with a soft coo. Severus reached out to stroke the bird's head. Fawkes seemed to enjoy the attention and rested his head against the child.
"Nice birdie. Nice Fox." said Severus.
"Yes he is." agreed Dumbledore amazed at Severus's ability to pick up speech so quickly.
Just then there came a knock at the door. Severus started and ran to Dumbledore, holding onto his legs and whimpering. Albus quickly picked him up.
"Shh, Severus. It's all right child." he murmured. "What has happened to you in your life little one?" he wondered as he called "Come in."
Minerva McGonegall entered looking stern.
"Albus I have arranged punishment for Potter and Black. Mr Filch will be keeping them busy for the next couple of weeks."
She paused and looked at Severus who was hiding once more in Dumbledore's robes. She crossed over to them.
"Hello Severus." she said her stern expression now gentle. Severus did not respond.
"He seems to be a bit frightened," Albus told her, "I get the distinct impression he has not been treated well at home. Of course I have suspected this for a long time but as children grow older they learn more ways to cover up what is happening."
Minerva's eyes became angry. "I can well believe it given those parents of his," she muttered grimly, "Merlin knows what goes on in that house."
"Yes," said Albus, "But as usual lack of proof is the problem. I shall have to write to them and tell them what has happened I suppose." He pushed his glasses back up onto his nose.
"But Albus, they may want to take him home." said Minerva anxiously.
"Over my dead body!" Dumbledore's eyes became fierce as his protective instinct surfaced, "Besides. I doubt they enjoyed caring for him the first time he was two. I don't think they'll want to do it again."
"Lets hope not," said McGonegall, "Now is their anything else I can do to help?"
"Yes Minerva. Perhaps you would be so kind as to go to Hogsmeade and get some baby supplies, you know the usual things nappies, clothes, toys and whatever else you think he needs." He reached into his robes and brought out a bag of coins.
"No trouble Albus. I'll go now before the shops shut." She went to the fireplace and reached for some floo powder, "I'll be back as soon as possible." she promised and Albus barely had time to thank her before she was gone.
True to her word Minerva was back within the hour with anything you could possibly think a toddler would need. She had even bought a little mobile for his cot with little moons and stars that twinkled (Albus smiled at this recalling the child's fascination with his robe earlier) and some books.
"I think these should keep the little one occupied." Dumbledore seemed delighted as he looked through a book with little goblins and gnomes walking about its pages.
"Not to mention the big one." said McGonegall dryly causing him to chuckle.
Severus seemed overwhelmed with all the toys. His eyes grew larger (If that were possible) as he examined them. He seemed a little reluctant to touch them at first but Dumbledore and McGonegall smiled encouragingly at him. When he picked up a toy and heard no shouts and it was not snatched away from him, he giggled and began to play.
"I have a feeling that he didn't have nearly enough toys as a child." mused the headmaster as he threw a glittering ball to Severus.
"No doubt," Minerva looked slightly tearful at these new insights into Severus Snape's childhood, "The poor little boy."
"Do not worry Minerva, " Dumbledore laid a kind hand on her shoulder, "We'll make sure his second experience of childhood is much more positive that his first regardless of how long it lasts."
Severus crawled over to her and laid his head on her lap rubbing his eyes. She smiled softly at him as she ran her fingers through his hair. He sighed in contentment and closed his eyes.
"You should probably put him to bed Albus. He must be tired after everything that has happened to him today." Albus leaned over the child and lifted him up. Severus whimpered a little at being disturbed but Albus quieted him with gentle words.
"I bought you a cot for him." Minerva followed Dumbledore into the bedroom carrying what looked like a doll's cot. She waved her wand over it and it grew to its full size while Albus changed Severus and dressed him in warm pyjamas. He laid Severus in the cot and tucked blankets around him. Minerva placed the hanging mobile above the child's head and tapped it with her wand.
"Goodnight pet." she murmured brushing her lips over his forehead. Severus gave her a sleepy smile as the mobile began to play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
"Goodnight little child." Albus whispered tenderly also kissing the boy's forehead and stroking his hair. He stayed in the room until he was sure Severus was sleeping and then he followed Minerva back into his office.
"He really is an adorable child," Minerva smiled, "It will be nice to have a baby in the castle for a few days."
"Yes it will," Albus returned her smile, "I have always felt drawn to Severus and considered him to be my child. Now he really is and I am determined to protect him and ensure that he is happy."
"You love him." said Minerva softly. It was a statement.
"Yes," said Albus, "I think I have as long as I have known him."
"Well I believe he feels the same." replied Minerva knowingly, "Goodnight Albus."
"Sleep well Minerva and thank you again." Dumbledore walked her to the door.
Returning to his desk and sat answering a few letters he hadn't had time to deal with earlier and then thinking about what Minerva had said. Every now and then he checked on Severus but he was fast asleep. He began to feel tired himself and started preparing for bed.
Later that night Dumbledore was having a strange dream. He was standing on the Hogwarts grounds and he heard wailing. Not even the creatures in the forbidden forest wail in the daytime he thought. Waking with a start he quickly realised that the wailing had not been part of the dream. He rushed to the cot and found Severus sitting up crying, his eyes wide and terrified. He reached to pick him up and Severus backed away, crying harder.
"Severus? Severus?" he called gently, "There is no need to be afraid child. It's just me. Its just Albus." He continued to speak softly until the child's eyes focused on him. Again he reached out to Severus but was careful not to touch until he came closer. He picked the distraught toddler up in his arms and brought him over to his bed. Rocking him gently back and forth he continued to comfort him.
"My poor little baby, " he cooed, "It will be fine. I promise. Did you have a bad dream?" Severus just clutched his robes tighter.
"Mummy be angry." he whispered. Albus hugged him.
"No my little one your Mummy is not here. I will never be angry with you for crying."
When the child had calmed Albus called for a house-elf. He asked for a cup of hot chocolate and a bottle of warm milk for Severus. Severus lay in his arms, almost limp with fatigue, and let Albus hold the bottle for him as he drank. He quickly fell into a deep sleep. Albus drank his chocolate but instead of putting Severus back in his cot he lay down arranging Severus carefully in his arms. Very soon he too was sound asleep.
AN Was that soppy enough for everyone?
TBC
Albus brought Severus to his rooms beyond his office and began to put his transfiguration skills to good use creating a nappy out of a towel and shrinking some clothes to fit the little boy. He made a mental note to ask Professor McGonegall to go to Hogsmeade and buy baby supplies and toys.
Returning to his office with Severus in his arms he found Professor Adam Atwood waiting for him.
"Ah Adam, thank you for joining me." he said brightly.
"Of course Headmaster," replied the professor, "I trust that you have the de-ageing potion that the boys used?"
"I do," said Dumbledore handing him the bottle, "Why don't you sit down and we can have some tea."
He rang for a house-elf and Sparkle appeared. When he had placed his order he looked over at the other man who was studying the potion carefully.
"Do you know if they made the potion themselves or if they bought it?" Atwood asked.
"I believe they made it themselves." replied the headmaster.
Hmm. Well it smells and looks as it should but I will take it to my potions lab and analyse it just in case. We want to make sure there are no side effects."
"Of course. Thank you Adam." Albus answered looking down at the little child in his arms who was now examining the little moons and stars on his robe.
"I will have the doctor from Hogsmeade examine Severus to check that his health is all right and to determine his exact age."
Sparkle appeared then with tea and what appeared to be lemon cake of some sort. She also brought a little cup of milk for Severus. Albus held the cup for him but two little hands grabbed it.
"I do." exclaimed the little boy giving Dumbledore a look of indignation.
Oh we are very independent." chuckled Dumbledore but he let Severus hold the cup himself.
When they had finished their tea Professor Atwood took his leave to return to the dungeons and Albus went to the fire to call for the doctor.
Within five minutes Dr Sara Winter was standing in Dumbledore's office. She was tall with straw blonde hair that fell in waves about her shoulders, large green eyes and a beautiful gentle smile. "Hello Albus," she said warmly, "I see you have an extra young charge in your care."
"Indeed, " he smiled, "Young Severus drank a de-ageing potion as a result of a prank. I wondered if you would examine him and perhaps tell me his exact age?"
"Certainly," she said, "Hello Severus." She reached out to take him from Albus but he flinched and pulled away, burying his face in Dumbledore's robes.
"Oh it's all right little one," Dumbledore soothed him stroking his hair, "This is Dr Sara and she just wants to look at you to make sure you are well."
"Why don't you hold him while I scan him," the doctor suggested, "He seems a little shy."
"Severus has always been quite withdrawn, " mused Dumbledore, "I think he uses an angry façade to prevent people from getting close to him. I'm pleased to say that I have been able to break through it to a large extent but he is still not very trusting." He positioned Severus carefully on his lap and spoke to him soothingly as the doctor examined him.
"There you are. All finished," Sara smiled at the little boy, "He is just over two years old Albus and appears to be in good health. I didn't find anything unusual."
"The potions professor is analysing the potion to see how long it will last." said Dumbledore.
"They usually only last a day or two depending on the potion of course." The healer began packing up her things. She turned to the headmaster with a serious look.
"Are you going to look after Severus until it wears off or have you something else arranged?"
"No I will care for him," Albus tightened his arms around the child protectively, "I do not trust anyone else to do so."
"I understand," Sara said gravely, "Just keep an eye on him. His behaviour concerns me slightly. If you have any problems you know where I am."
"Thank you Sara. I knew I could rely on you." beamed Albus.
"Goodbye." The doctor and was gone in a burst of green flames. Severus, feeling a little more secure now that the stranger had gone, decided he was bored with sitting and squirmed in Dumbledore's arms. Dumbledore set him on the ground and quickly went around his office making it as safe as possible for a young child.
"Birdie. Birdie." cried Severus pointing at the perch beside Dumbledore's desk.
"That is a phoenix child. His name is Fawkes." Albus explained.
"Fox. Fox." said Severus smiling proudly at achieving this new word.
"Very good Severus." Dumbledore laughed, "Fawkes? Come down and meet our little Severus. He wants to see you.
The beautiful phoenix obligingly flew down from his perch and landed in front of Severus with a soft coo. Severus reached out to stroke the bird's head. Fawkes seemed to enjoy the attention and rested his head against the child.
"Nice birdie. Nice Fox." said Severus.
"Yes he is." agreed Dumbledore amazed at Severus's ability to pick up speech so quickly.
Just then there came a knock at the door. Severus started and ran to Dumbledore, holding onto his legs and whimpering. Albus quickly picked him up.
"Shh, Severus. It's all right child." he murmured. "What has happened to you in your life little one?" he wondered as he called "Come in."
Minerva McGonegall entered looking stern.
"Albus I have arranged punishment for Potter and Black. Mr Filch will be keeping them busy for the next couple of weeks."
She paused and looked at Severus who was hiding once more in Dumbledore's robes. She crossed over to them.
"Hello Severus." she said her stern expression now gentle. Severus did not respond.
"He seems to be a bit frightened," Albus told her, "I get the distinct impression he has not been treated well at home. Of course I have suspected this for a long time but as children grow older they learn more ways to cover up what is happening."
Minerva's eyes became angry. "I can well believe it given those parents of his," she muttered grimly, "Merlin knows what goes on in that house."
"Yes," said Albus, "But as usual lack of proof is the problem. I shall have to write to them and tell them what has happened I suppose." He pushed his glasses back up onto his nose.
"But Albus, they may want to take him home." said Minerva anxiously.
"Over my dead body!" Dumbledore's eyes became fierce as his protective instinct surfaced, "Besides. I doubt they enjoyed caring for him the first time he was two. I don't think they'll want to do it again."
"Lets hope not," said McGonegall, "Now is their anything else I can do to help?"
"Yes Minerva. Perhaps you would be so kind as to go to Hogsmeade and get some baby supplies, you know the usual things nappies, clothes, toys and whatever else you think he needs." He reached into his robes and brought out a bag of coins.
"No trouble Albus. I'll go now before the shops shut." She went to the fireplace and reached for some floo powder, "I'll be back as soon as possible." she promised and Albus barely had time to thank her before she was gone.
True to her word Minerva was back within the hour with anything you could possibly think a toddler would need. She had even bought a little mobile for his cot with little moons and stars that twinkled (Albus smiled at this recalling the child's fascination with his robe earlier) and some books.
"I think these should keep the little one occupied." Dumbledore seemed delighted as he looked through a book with little goblins and gnomes walking about its pages.
"Not to mention the big one." said McGonegall dryly causing him to chuckle.
Severus seemed overwhelmed with all the toys. His eyes grew larger (If that were possible) as he examined them. He seemed a little reluctant to touch them at first but Dumbledore and McGonegall smiled encouragingly at him. When he picked up a toy and heard no shouts and it was not snatched away from him, he giggled and began to play.
"I have a feeling that he didn't have nearly enough toys as a child." mused the headmaster as he threw a glittering ball to Severus.
"No doubt," Minerva looked slightly tearful at these new insights into Severus Snape's childhood, "The poor little boy."
"Do not worry Minerva, " Dumbledore laid a kind hand on her shoulder, "We'll make sure his second experience of childhood is much more positive that his first regardless of how long it lasts."
Severus crawled over to her and laid his head on her lap rubbing his eyes. She smiled softly at him as she ran her fingers through his hair. He sighed in contentment and closed his eyes.
"You should probably put him to bed Albus. He must be tired after everything that has happened to him today." Albus leaned over the child and lifted him up. Severus whimpered a little at being disturbed but Albus quieted him with gentle words.
"I bought you a cot for him." Minerva followed Dumbledore into the bedroom carrying what looked like a doll's cot. She waved her wand over it and it grew to its full size while Albus changed Severus and dressed him in warm pyjamas. He laid Severus in the cot and tucked blankets around him. Minerva placed the hanging mobile above the child's head and tapped it with her wand.
"Goodnight pet." she murmured brushing her lips over his forehead. Severus gave her a sleepy smile as the mobile began to play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
"Goodnight little child." Albus whispered tenderly also kissing the boy's forehead and stroking his hair. He stayed in the room until he was sure Severus was sleeping and then he followed Minerva back into his office.
"He really is an adorable child," Minerva smiled, "It will be nice to have a baby in the castle for a few days."
"Yes it will," Albus returned her smile, "I have always felt drawn to Severus and considered him to be my child. Now he really is and I am determined to protect him and ensure that he is happy."
"You love him." said Minerva softly. It was a statement.
"Yes," said Albus, "I think I have as long as I have known him."
"Well I believe he feels the same." replied Minerva knowingly, "Goodnight Albus."
"Sleep well Minerva and thank you again." Dumbledore walked her to the door.
Returning to his desk and sat answering a few letters he hadn't had time to deal with earlier and then thinking about what Minerva had said. Every now and then he checked on Severus but he was fast asleep. He began to feel tired himself and started preparing for bed.
Later that night Dumbledore was having a strange dream. He was standing on the Hogwarts grounds and he heard wailing. Not even the creatures in the forbidden forest wail in the daytime he thought. Waking with a start he quickly realised that the wailing had not been part of the dream. He rushed to the cot and found Severus sitting up crying, his eyes wide and terrified. He reached to pick him up and Severus backed away, crying harder.
"Severus? Severus?" he called gently, "There is no need to be afraid child. It's just me. Its just Albus." He continued to speak softly until the child's eyes focused on him. Again he reached out to Severus but was careful not to touch until he came closer. He picked the distraught toddler up in his arms and brought him over to his bed. Rocking him gently back and forth he continued to comfort him.
"My poor little baby, " he cooed, "It will be fine. I promise. Did you have a bad dream?" Severus just clutched his robes tighter.
"Mummy be angry." he whispered. Albus hugged him.
"No my little one your Mummy is not here. I will never be angry with you for crying."
When the child had calmed Albus called for a house-elf. He asked for a cup of hot chocolate and a bottle of warm milk for Severus. Severus lay in his arms, almost limp with fatigue, and let Albus hold the bottle for him as he drank. He quickly fell into a deep sleep. Albus drank his chocolate but instead of putting Severus back in his cot he lay down arranging Severus carefully in his arms. Very soon he too was sound asleep.
AN Was that soppy enough for everyone?
TBC