Chapter 4: Consequences and Arrangements

After the order members left, Sirius and Severus were left with only Remus there to make sure they didn't kill each other. The room was eerily quiet, as if even the babies were waiting for the fireworks to begin. Sirius and Severus both seemed to be waiting for the other to do or say something, but so far neither had moved. They were both staring at each other dangerously.

Remus, trying to break the ice among the glares began, "Severus," he said, causing both men's heads to snap toward the interloper. "I know that in the years I've known you, I have been an ass - not that it wasn't always deserved, you did try to get us expelled - but what we did to you was above and beyond what you deserved. I feel that the way we acted towards you is unforgivable, and I wouldn't be surprised if you never forgave us. I'm not sure I would be able to if I were you, but at least let's try to get along, for the sake of those two boys." As he said this he pointed to Harry and Draco, who were still quietly looking around the scene.

Then Sirius grudgingly added, "He's right Sni…Severus, we need to put this behind us. I know its going to be hard, and I'm sure we will fight quite a bit, but if you want to be a part of Harry's and Draco's life, then we really need to get along."

Snape looked almost taken aback, but then said, "I have no wish to be part of the life of Potter's spawn. In fact I am quite conte—" he is cut off by an angry Sirius.

"Alright Snape, listen here, you want to be part of Draco's life, that's fine, but you cant really be so deluded as to think that you can be part of only one of their lives. I am raising them both. And so they are going to be brothers. So whether you like it or not, being part of one's life means being part of both. This means that we're going have some ground rules for you. #1: You must treat both boys alike, you can not favor one in any way. You will not abuse either boy physically, emotionally, spiritually, or any other way. This includes talking down to either of them, bringing a golden cauldron for Draco and a handkerchief for Harry, and anything else that can hurt the boy's mind, body, or spirit. If you do, you will not see either any more."

"Why should I follow your stupid rules? I mean Dumbledore said I can see him."

"That's true, but if he finds out that I set up some simple rules to make the boys lives better, safer, and happier; rules that are extremely easy to follow, but you didn't follow them, what do you think he will do?" Sirius said with a smirk.

Snape grudgingly nodded, and said, "Fine. I accept that rule, are there any others?"

"This one will be the hardest, but possibly the most important: No fighting in front of the kids. Period. No exceptions. This means no fights between you and me, you and Remus, or Remus and me. When we are with them, we do our best to be civil, and I daresay friendly. This should be no problem for you, because you must be a good actor, being a spy and all, and I can handle this in my sleep, so do you accept?"

"Yes, and for once you are right, this is in Draco's best—fine, in both of the boys best interest. Next?"

"Lastly, try to keep a cultured tongue, and the gods know you act cultured enough for all of us. So basically I don't want them spouting off 'mudblood' or any other racial slur or curse. Don't even mumble it in their presence. Agreed?"

"Yes, is that all?"

"For now."

Snape looked at Sirius and said, "Fine, but I have one of my own. Neither of them shall ever be encouraged to call me: Sev, Uncle Sevvie, Sniv—you know what I mean" Suppressing a shudder he continued, "and no combinations of the aforementioned."

"What should they call you Sevie-poo?" Sirius smirked and Remus hit him.

Snape ignored the comment , "When they are able to speak fluently, we will work something out. If that's all, (Sirius nodded) then, good day." The potions master walked out of the room, robes billowing behind him.

Remus watched the man leave, then smirked and said, "Well, Severus does know how to make an exit, doesn't he?

"Yeah whatever, lets go to Grimmauld Place and see if its any better then I remember."

With that they each picked up a baby and apparated to the northern part of London.

They walked up to the door and into the house, the surprise was evident on both of their faces. They did all that was in their power to not drop the babies from surprise. Thankfully they succeeded.

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Review Responses:

Lady Maria: No I don't object to being on any C2 list, in fact I'm rather honored, I really like your C2 as well, I have been a subscriber for a while. Thanks again.

Athenakitty: Remus won't be dragged into it, Sirius is his best friend, they are practically brothers, so of course he'll help, because yes, Sirius will have his hands full, just like any parent of two one year olds… Severus will help, but it will be difficult for him to accept Harry as "Harry" and not "James' Brat." But he might, I haven't really decided if he and Sirius should fight a lot, because of how different they are. But he will at least try. (as you'll see when you read the chapter) But you'll see, and if you (or anyone else) has suggestions, fell free to tell me, I am always open to improving my writing.

Angelfirenze: I also am looking forward to seeing them when they are 11, they might team up with Gred and Forge, to prank the world. Or they might scare the twins from ever pranking anyone again! MUHAHAH! Or not….

Thanks also to: Harm Marie; Spezlee; Alligator355; ERMonkey, Burner of Cookies; and HP's Twin for reviewing my last chapter!

Next is: A Surprise at Grimmauld Place, and some new clothes…. I hope that doesn't give anything away!

New Note: Thomas-Michael proof read this chapter for me.

1/20/05