Disclaimer: NOT MINE! NOT MINE! NOT MINE!
Unbeta-ed so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore Book 5
Pairings: NO ONE ATM!
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5. Planning
(Posted 01/01/04 - Thursday)
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"I see," Dumbledore said, sitting in the Weasleys' living room armchair. "So Severus' parents were already involved with Voldemort's circle when he was still a child. I suppose the Ministry did a right thing in arresting them after Voldemort's first downfall." "Yes," Mr. Weasley said, flinching at You-Know-Who's name. "I'm worried about Severus. He's too intelligent but no one had ever taught him right or wrong before. I'm afraid he might succumb to the Dark side."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "That is true, but he is still young. There is time to correct the mistakes I made when he was under my supervision at Hogwarts.
"I'm sure you did the best you can," said Mr. Weasley.
"I am only human Arthur," said Dumbledore. "I make mistakes too."
Mr. Weasley flinched at the memory of Percy saying the exact same words not too long ago. Mrs. Weasley came in, unloading a pot of tea and cups, along with a plate of fresh biscuits on the coffee table.
"Will you be staying for tea, Headmaster?" asked Mrs. Weasley. "Severus, Ron, and Ginny are weeding the garden with the twins repotting some plants. They should be done in a few minutes."
"Yes, yes," said Dumbledore. "I've missed the child very much and I want to have a word with him and you as well."
True to her words, the door from the kitchen opened after about five minutes and said children came in with their clothes stained with grass, dirt, and whatnot. Severus saw the Headmaster first and walked until he stood next to his knees.
"Hello," Severus said shyly but not dreadfully so.
"Hello to you too, child," said Dumbledore, tucking Severus' long bangs behind his ears. "It looks like someone needs a trim."
Severus pinked at being called child and shook his head. "I like it long. He has it long too."
Mrs. Weasley explained. "Bill visited for a short while and you know how he lets his hair grow long. He runs away when I'm near him with a pair of scissors and I barely stopped him in time from piercing Severus' ear."
"Did I hear correctly?" teased Dumbledore. "You wanted your ear pierced?"
Severus nodded. "It looks nice."
Mr. Weasley smiled. "I think the word you should use is cool."
"Afternoon Headmaster," George said, entering as he wiped his hands clean on a damp cloth.
"You're here on Order business or is this a casual visit? Or maybe both?" asked Fred.
The twins were considered as adults since they were finishing their last year at Hogwarts.
"Both, but the Order business is over," answered Dumbledore.
Of course Severus knew about the Order of the Phoenix but he was good at acting. To be specific, he was the best at acting dumb. Dumbledore, on the other hand, was no fool and acted like Severus really didn't know anything. Ron and Ginny came in after the twins and sat down on the couch. Severus went to them and sat himself down in between.
"Seems Severus is getting rather attached to the youngest of your children Molly," said Dumbledore, the wheels in his mind whirling rapidly. "Oh yes, I need your opinions on something important."
"What is it?" said Mr. Weasley.
"I'm sure you noticed the school year is about to begin," said Dumbledore. "I want to ask your opinion on where Severus should stay. There are three options opened to us. Here, Hogwarts, and the Order's Headquarters."
"Well, Severus staying here would be best," said Mrs. Weasley. "I have the free time to watch him everyday and Severus enjoys Percy's company the most."
"Headquarters wouldn't be good," said Mr. Weasley. "Not only do Sirius and Severus have a bad history with each other but it would be distracting for his studies having members come and go all the time."
"I agree," said Dumbledore. "And I don't think Sirius' house elf, Kreacher, would be a very good sitter."
"Sirius?" thought Severus. "Are they talking about Sirius Black? What do they mean by bad history? He and I are best friends! We even made a friendship oath that we'll be friends forever. Then again, I'm much older now. Ouch, my head hurts."
"Severus, are you alright?" Ginny asked, seeing him lean his head against Ron's arm.
"I'm fine," Severus said, obviously lying.
"Here, drink some hot tea," Ron said, giving a full cup to the boy who was practically sitting on his lap. "It should take away your headache."
Severus took his advice and drank some tea. The other occupants were surprised at how Ron recognized Severus' problem and fixed it. The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes doubled.
"I propose Severus stay with Ron in Hogwarts," said Ginny.
"Here, here," said Fred and George.
Mrs. Weasley frowned. "Hogwarts is safe the students but will it be safe for Severus? The place is too big and complex. He could get lost in the Forbidden Forest or fall into the lake."
"The professors would keep an eye on him," said Dumbledore. "And he already knows Minerva and Poppy, and the older students would too."
"The whole House of Gryffindor would protect him," said Fred.
"Even though he's a little monster," said George.
"I am not a little monster," Severus said indignantly.
"Okay, you're just a very annoying little person," said George.
"Who happens to be like another baby brother of ours," said Fred.
"Since the majority is to have Severus in Hogwarts, the decision is clear," said Dumbledore. "Severus will be boarding the Hogwarts Express on September first with Harry and Ms. Granger."
"Would he need anything from Diagon Alley?" said Mr. Weasley. "Like supplies or robes?"
"No," said Dumbledore. "Those would be provided courtesy of the school."
"I see," said Mr. Weasley. "I guess your decision is final then."
"I respect you, Headmaster, and if you are certain it is safer for Severus to be in Hogwarts, then I won't argue with you," Mrs. Weasley said, dabbing her eyes. "I'll content writing letters and sending goodies by owl."
"You can visit, can't you?" said Severus.
"Of course," said Dumbledore. "It'll be no problem."
"Oh, Headmaster, I have something to discuss with you," said Ginny. "It's about how wizards don't understand how Muggles live and a possible solution."
"Really?" said Dumbledore. "Do share your thoughts."
"I was talking to Ron about how it would benefit everyone if we have what Muggles call field trips," said Ginny. "We could gather a group of students and chaperones, and go to a home of a Muggle-born. Wizards should try to learn how Muggle-borns lived from when they were born up until they got their Hogwarts letter."
"That's a wonderful idea," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Thanks Mum," said Ginny. "There's more. Chaperones don't necessary mean one of the professors. It could a parent who is a witch or wizard. I think there are many out there who are interested in interacting with Muggles, besides Dad."
"I was just talking the other day with my supervisor and he does have an obsession with Muggle things worse than my own," Mr. Weasley said with a laugh. "His eldest daughter married a Muggle so he can't ever visit her because he doesn't know how to communicate with the husband."
"Poor thing," said Mrs. Weasley. "Parent and child are not meant to be separated."
"Mum, you being sentimental again," said George.
"The Headmaster doesn't need to see you cry," said Fred.
"Hush!" said Mrs. Weasley. "I've known the Headmaster longer than you two combined."
"Now, now, Molly," said Dumbledore. "The twins don't need a reprimand from their mother. It's your daughter's time to shine. She has an extremely unique idea that could teach the students a thing or two about life."
"I helped with Ginny's idea," said Ron. "I thought of having chaperones who aren't professors."
Ginny snickered. "Your words were, I quote, field trips are supposed to be fun so no professors."
"Hey!" Ron said blushing. "Don't go tattling."
"Not tattling," said Ginny. "I'm only repeating word for word what you said."
"You can't beat her logic," said Fred.
"She'll cream you if you try to get back at her," said George. "We've already - "
"Experienced her torture before," said Fred. "It's terrifying."
"Ron," said Mrs. Weasley. "Could you change Severus out of his soiled clothes and put him in bed?"
Severus, tired from weeding the large garden and bored, had fallen asleep. His head was on Ron's leg and the redhead boy didn't even notice. Ginny removed the empty cup Severus was holding, a miracle he didn't let go of it, and allowed Ron to lift Severus up. Dumbledore was taking all of this in, still not used to seeing the youngest Weasley boy treating his former Potions Master with kindness and utmost care but happy altogether.
"It doesn't look like I've made a mistake in having Severus stay in Hogwarts," Dumbledore mused to himself. "Point for me."
Dumbledore remained in the Weasleys' home and even ate dinner with them. Percy was excited that Ginny was creative enough to come up with such a plan to bring pureblooded wizards and Muggle-borns together and brave enough to tell Dumbledore. The Headmaster left after dinner ended, claiming he had a meeting to go to.
"I would have never spoken to the Headmaster about it if I had such an idea," Percy admitted, as he helping his mother with the dirty plates. "You are truly a smart witch."
"Of course," said Ginny. "I am a Weasley after all."
Percy laughed. "True."
"Oh, I nearly forgot," said Ginny. "When school starts, Severus is going too. Headmaster thinks it's safest for him to be in Hogwarts."
Percy's jaw dropped, and it wasn't the only thing. He also dropped a plate and it broke upon impact on the floor. The sound attracted everyone, including Severus, who woke from his nap earlier.
"Say that again," said Percy.
"Severus is going to Hogwarts on the first," Ginny said calmly, sweeping the shards.
A vein popped on Percy's forehead.
"WHAT!!!"
------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy New Year All! Nice surprise? Yup, it is!
Unbeta-ed so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore Book 5
Pairings: NO ONE ATM!
------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Planning
(Posted 01/01/04 - Thursday)
------------------------------------------------------------------
"I see," Dumbledore said, sitting in the Weasleys' living room armchair. "So Severus' parents were already involved with Voldemort's circle when he was still a child. I suppose the Ministry did a right thing in arresting them after Voldemort's first downfall." "Yes," Mr. Weasley said, flinching at You-Know-Who's name. "I'm worried about Severus. He's too intelligent but no one had ever taught him right or wrong before. I'm afraid he might succumb to the Dark side."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "That is true, but he is still young. There is time to correct the mistakes I made when he was under my supervision at Hogwarts.
"I'm sure you did the best you can," said Mr. Weasley.
"I am only human Arthur," said Dumbledore. "I make mistakes too."
Mr. Weasley flinched at the memory of Percy saying the exact same words not too long ago. Mrs. Weasley came in, unloading a pot of tea and cups, along with a plate of fresh biscuits on the coffee table.
"Will you be staying for tea, Headmaster?" asked Mrs. Weasley. "Severus, Ron, and Ginny are weeding the garden with the twins repotting some plants. They should be done in a few minutes."
"Yes, yes," said Dumbledore. "I've missed the child very much and I want to have a word with him and you as well."
True to her words, the door from the kitchen opened after about five minutes and said children came in with their clothes stained with grass, dirt, and whatnot. Severus saw the Headmaster first and walked until he stood next to his knees.
"Hello," Severus said shyly but not dreadfully so.
"Hello to you too, child," said Dumbledore, tucking Severus' long bangs behind his ears. "It looks like someone needs a trim."
Severus pinked at being called child and shook his head. "I like it long. He has it long too."
Mrs. Weasley explained. "Bill visited for a short while and you know how he lets his hair grow long. He runs away when I'm near him with a pair of scissors and I barely stopped him in time from piercing Severus' ear."
"Did I hear correctly?" teased Dumbledore. "You wanted your ear pierced?"
Severus nodded. "It looks nice."
Mr. Weasley smiled. "I think the word you should use is cool."
"Afternoon Headmaster," George said, entering as he wiped his hands clean on a damp cloth.
"You're here on Order business or is this a casual visit? Or maybe both?" asked Fred.
The twins were considered as adults since they were finishing their last year at Hogwarts.
"Both, but the Order business is over," answered Dumbledore.
Of course Severus knew about the Order of the Phoenix but he was good at acting. To be specific, he was the best at acting dumb. Dumbledore, on the other hand, was no fool and acted like Severus really didn't know anything. Ron and Ginny came in after the twins and sat down on the couch. Severus went to them and sat himself down in between.
"Seems Severus is getting rather attached to the youngest of your children Molly," said Dumbledore, the wheels in his mind whirling rapidly. "Oh yes, I need your opinions on something important."
"What is it?" said Mr. Weasley.
"I'm sure you noticed the school year is about to begin," said Dumbledore. "I want to ask your opinion on where Severus should stay. There are three options opened to us. Here, Hogwarts, and the Order's Headquarters."
"Well, Severus staying here would be best," said Mrs. Weasley. "I have the free time to watch him everyday and Severus enjoys Percy's company the most."
"Headquarters wouldn't be good," said Mr. Weasley. "Not only do Sirius and Severus have a bad history with each other but it would be distracting for his studies having members come and go all the time."
"I agree," said Dumbledore. "And I don't think Sirius' house elf, Kreacher, would be a very good sitter."
"Sirius?" thought Severus. "Are they talking about Sirius Black? What do they mean by bad history? He and I are best friends! We even made a friendship oath that we'll be friends forever. Then again, I'm much older now. Ouch, my head hurts."
"Severus, are you alright?" Ginny asked, seeing him lean his head against Ron's arm.
"I'm fine," Severus said, obviously lying.
"Here, drink some hot tea," Ron said, giving a full cup to the boy who was practically sitting on his lap. "It should take away your headache."
Severus took his advice and drank some tea. The other occupants were surprised at how Ron recognized Severus' problem and fixed it. The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes doubled.
"I propose Severus stay with Ron in Hogwarts," said Ginny.
"Here, here," said Fred and George.
Mrs. Weasley frowned. "Hogwarts is safe the students but will it be safe for Severus? The place is too big and complex. He could get lost in the Forbidden Forest or fall into the lake."
"The professors would keep an eye on him," said Dumbledore. "And he already knows Minerva and Poppy, and the older students would too."
"The whole House of Gryffindor would protect him," said Fred.
"Even though he's a little monster," said George.
"I am not a little monster," Severus said indignantly.
"Okay, you're just a very annoying little person," said George.
"Who happens to be like another baby brother of ours," said Fred.
"Since the majority is to have Severus in Hogwarts, the decision is clear," said Dumbledore. "Severus will be boarding the Hogwarts Express on September first with Harry and Ms. Granger."
"Would he need anything from Diagon Alley?" said Mr. Weasley. "Like supplies or robes?"
"No," said Dumbledore. "Those would be provided courtesy of the school."
"I see," said Mr. Weasley. "I guess your decision is final then."
"I respect you, Headmaster, and if you are certain it is safer for Severus to be in Hogwarts, then I won't argue with you," Mrs. Weasley said, dabbing her eyes. "I'll content writing letters and sending goodies by owl."
"You can visit, can't you?" said Severus.
"Of course," said Dumbledore. "It'll be no problem."
"Oh, Headmaster, I have something to discuss with you," said Ginny. "It's about how wizards don't understand how Muggles live and a possible solution."
"Really?" said Dumbledore. "Do share your thoughts."
"I was talking to Ron about how it would benefit everyone if we have what Muggles call field trips," said Ginny. "We could gather a group of students and chaperones, and go to a home of a Muggle-born. Wizards should try to learn how Muggle-borns lived from when they were born up until they got their Hogwarts letter."
"That's a wonderful idea," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Thanks Mum," said Ginny. "There's more. Chaperones don't necessary mean one of the professors. It could a parent who is a witch or wizard. I think there are many out there who are interested in interacting with Muggles, besides Dad."
"I was just talking the other day with my supervisor and he does have an obsession with Muggle things worse than my own," Mr. Weasley said with a laugh. "His eldest daughter married a Muggle so he can't ever visit her because he doesn't know how to communicate with the husband."
"Poor thing," said Mrs. Weasley. "Parent and child are not meant to be separated."
"Mum, you being sentimental again," said George.
"The Headmaster doesn't need to see you cry," said Fred.
"Hush!" said Mrs. Weasley. "I've known the Headmaster longer than you two combined."
"Now, now, Molly," said Dumbledore. "The twins don't need a reprimand from their mother. It's your daughter's time to shine. She has an extremely unique idea that could teach the students a thing or two about life."
"I helped with Ginny's idea," said Ron. "I thought of having chaperones who aren't professors."
Ginny snickered. "Your words were, I quote, field trips are supposed to be fun so no professors."
"Hey!" Ron said blushing. "Don't go tattling."
"Not tattling," said Ginny. "I'm only repeating word for word what you said."
"You can't beat her logic," said Fred.
"She'll cream you if you try to get back at her," said George. "We've already - "
"Experienced her torture before," said Fred. "It's terrifying."
"Ron," said Mrs. Weasley. "Could you change Severus out of his soiled clothes and put him in bed?"
Severus, tired from weeding the large garden and bored, had fallen asleep. His head was on Ron's leg and the redhead boy didn't even notice. Ginny removed the empty cup Severus was holding, a miracle he didn't let go of it, and allowed Ron to lift Severus up. Dumbledore was taking all of this in, still not used to seeing the youngest Weasley boy treating his former Potions Master with kindness and utmost care but happy altogether.
"It doesn't look like I've made a mistake in having Severus stay in Hogwarts," Dumbledore mused to himself. "Point for me."
Dumbledore remained in the Weasleys' home and even ate dinner with them. Percy was excited that Ginny was creative enough to come up with such a plan to bring pureblooded wizards and Muggle-borns together and brave enough to tell Dumbledore. The Headmaster left after dinner ended, claiming he had a meeting to go to.
"I would have never spoken to the Headmaster about it if I had such an idea," Percy admitted, as he helping his mother with the dirty plates. "You are truly a smart witch."
"Of course," said Ginny. "I am a Weasley after all."
Percy laughed. "True."
"Oh, I nearly forgot," said Ginny. "When school starts, Severus is going too. Headmaster thinks it's safest for him to be in Hogwarts."
Percy's jaw dropped, and it wasn't the only thing. He also dropped a plate and it broke upon impact on the floor. The sound attracted everyone, including Severus, who woke from his nap earlier.
"Say that again," said Percy.
"Severus is going to Hogwarts on the first," Ginny said calmly, sweeping the shards.
A vein popped on Percy's forehead.
"WHAT!!!"
------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy New Year All! Nice surprise? Yup, it is!