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!
8. Hogwarts
(Posted 02/17/04 - Tuesday)
The Hogwarts Express compartment was quiet, too quiet. The sounds of the moving metal wheels seemed to echo in the small area. Hermione and Harry were sitting opposite of Ron and Ginny. Snuffles sat in front of his godson, staring at Severus, who was reading between the two redheads. The four teens shared a look.
Ginny was finally feed-up with the uncomfortable silence. "Severus, can I ask you a question? And you have to answer truthfully."
Severus blinked innocently and closed his book. "What is it?"
"Umm, it's about yesterday," Ginny said, her courage faltering. "I mean yesterday at Diagon Alley at the bookshop. You told Malfoy that you could cast the Unforgivable Curses. You remember, right?"
"Oh, that," said Severus. "I lied."
The tension popped.
"It was a lie?" Ron asked as incredibility made way to his face. "You scared the Merlin out of me and it was all a lie? I flung you over my shoulder and ran like You-Know-Who was after me for a lie?"
Severus tilted his head in confusion. "How can it be true if it can't be possible?"
"Explain," Hermione said, her thirst for knowledge taking over.
"Magic is unstable in children and strong curses need complete control of one's magic to cast," said Severus. "A magically-capable child's magic would start maturing and stabling by itself along with physical growth starting from the time he or she turns ten-years-old, or more usual, eleven. Why else do you think letters are sent on a person's eleventh birthday?"
"So that's why," Hermione said, tapping her chin.
"How come Malfoy didn't know that?" asked Harry. "He paled a few shades after hearing you say that."
"I guess he's uneducated in that subject," Severus said, shrugging. "My mother taught me about the magic in me when I was five. She always says that knowledge is power so I had to read and write a lot."
Ron grinned. "Ferret's reaction was memorable, now that I know Severus' not a Dark Child."
"But I am," said Severus.
Ginny shook her head and ruffled his hair. "What my dim-witted brother means is that you can't use Dark Magic or the Dark Arts."
"That's right," said Hermione. "You're only seven so you can't be a Dark Child because your magic is too unstable."
Severus shook his head. "I am one."
"You're not making any sense, unless you lied to us about that magic thing," said Harry.
Snuffles snorted in agreement. The other three were waiting with curiosity.
"I thought you were smarter than Big Brother Lu's son," Severus said with a frustrated sigh. "A Dark Child can also be applied to a child who can brew Dark potions correctly, which I can do. My father taught me."
Hermione clapped her hands together in understanding. "In Potions, magic isn't necessary to create something dangerous and harmful. All a brewer needs is a good memory, the right ingredients, and tools."
"What about Sirius?" Harry asked, causing Snuffles to turn his head. "Was he a Dark Child as well?"
Severus giggled. "Of course not, silly. Sirius was the worst when it came to potions. The first time he attempted to brew a simple concoction for sore throats, the cauldron melted. Then the second time he tried, it blew up so his father stopped teaching him."
Snuffles pawed at Harry as the Boy-Who-Lived laughed until his stomach ached. Ron had joined in laughing when his best friend did and the girls were smiling widely. Severus ignored them and returned to his book.
"How about we play a game of Exploding Snap?" Ron asked.
"Sure," Harry said, panting from his rare bout of happiness.
The rest of the train ride passed by relatively peaceful. Malfoy and his so- called bodyguards didn't bother them at all and there were no unwanted visitors. Fred and George were promoting their new Weasley Wheezes with their friend, Lee, so they only visited once to give Severus snacks.
"Time to go," Ginny said, waking Severus who fell asleep an hour ago.
Severus muttered something that could have been, "Give me five more minutes or I'll skin you alive."
"Leave him alone," said Ron. "He was up half the night, getting excited over staying at Hogwarts and seeing the nice ladies."
Hermione clasped her cloak closed. "Nice ladies?"
"Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey," replied Ron, lifting Severus into his arms.
"I see," said Harry. "From just looking at Severus, you can't help but be nice to him. I can imagine how our professors got pulled into his charms."
Snuffles barked.
"No need to be jealous," said Harry. "You know you stand as number one on my list."
"A dog is your number one?" Ginny said in disbelief.
"Err," was Harry's brilliant response.
"Umm," was Ron's.
"This dog prevented Professor Lupin from attacking a village on the night of the full moon," Hermione said, saving the day should be her part-time job. "Harry was so grateful that he decided to take him in. Snuffles became an important part of Harry's life after being by his side for so long, through thick and thin."
"Okay," Ginny said as she climbed into the carriage.
Ginny was not convinced with the hasty explanation but Ron shot her a glance. That glance was his way of telling her to suppress her questions for now and he'll answer them later in private. She returned the glance with a tiny nod. The ride to Hogwarts was bumpy but Severus remained snoozing against Ron.
"You'll have to wake him up for the welcoming feast," said Harry.
"I know, I know," said Ron. "It's Hogwarts time."
"Hogwarts?" asked Severus, blinking the sleepiness away. "We're here already?"
"Yup," said Hermione.
They walked into the entrance hall, the small boy and the big dog gaining attention from the students even though the Weasleys tried to block the view. The professors who didn't know were told from the Headmaster about Severus' condition but many were still shocked at seeing him as a child. McGonagall was standing by the teacher and beckoned him. Severus went but only because Ginny brought him there.
"Hello there Severus," said McGonagall. "How was your summer?"
Severus smiled shyly. "I had a good time. How was yours?"
"Mine was good as well," said McGonagall. "But I've missed you."
Severus buried his face against Ginny's robe.
"Why don't you sit next to the Headmaster," McGonagall said with a chuckle. "He wants to properly introduce you to the students after the Sorting. Ah, I have to greet the First Years in the entrance hall. I'll have a longer talk with you later."
"Go on," said Ginny, as McGonagall left. "You can eat with me if the Headmaster permits."
"Kay," said Severus.
The little dark-haired boy went around the teacher's table and sat on the empty seat by the Headmaster. The professors tried to converse with Severus but he only answered in nods or a shake of his head. After awhile they left him alone but shot him smiles if Severus looked at them.
"He looks fine, right?" asked Ron. "What do you guys think? He doesn't look fine to me. I should go get him."
"He's fine with the Headmaster," said Ginny.
"You're obsessed," said Harry. "You're worse than a father sending his son off to school."
"He and I are like two peas in a pod," said Ron. "He would follow me everywhere I go, except when Percy's around, but that's not the point. Severus doesn't trust strangers readily and with only the Headmaster by his side, it's not enough."
"He accepted me and Harry pretty quickly though," said Hermione.
"That's because I've told him about my friends," said Ron. "You're my closest friends so he labeled you two as safe, although he's wary of Snuffles."
Snuffles barked, turning the heads of several Gryffindors.
"That's a big dog you've got there," said Neville Longbottom. "Is he harmless? Actually, are you allowed to have him here?"
"Yea, thanks to Dumbledore," said Harry.
"That's not fair," complained Dean Thomas. "I asked McGonagall for permission to bring my iguana to school but it was denied."
Harry shrugged.
"It's the scar," Seamus Finnigan said tactlessly. "You deserve to have special privileges with you dubbed as the savior of the Wizarding World and all. I don't envy you at all, my friend."
"Having privileges makes him stand out more," said Dean. "It would be better to be treated normally or as normal as it can get in Hogwarts."
"Ginny, who's that boy up at the teacher's table?" Neville asked, effectively changing the subject while his eyes darted from side to side. "And have you noticed that Snape isn't here? I wonder where he is."
"Long story," said Ginny. "Your questions should be answered after the Sorting."
McGonagall came in, leading a line of new students. Like the ones before them, they were overwhelmed with the castle's beauty and size. As the Sorting began, some fifth-year Slytherins were holding a private meeting started by Draco.
"He's dangerous," the blond said, glancing at Severus.
"Well, he was our Head of House and a close acquaintance of our parents," said Pansy Parkinson, lifting her pug-like nose higher. "He's supposed to be dangerous."
"Did he really say he can cast the Unforgivable curses?" asked Blaise Zabini, always skeptical until he saw with his own eyes. "He's too tiny. I doubt he can cast the Cheering Spell."
"Duh, I can crush him with one hand," Gregory Goyle said, clutching his hand into a fist.
"Me too," agreed Vincent Crabbe.
"Physical violence is for Muggles and Mud-bloods," said Pansy. "We are superior to that. So what's the plan Draco? You do have one, don't you?"
"I've only told my father about Snape de-aging to a child and him being dumped into the poor house of the Weasleys," said Draco. "He looked thoughtful for a second and then ordered me to tail Snape and send any new information regarding to his restoration, or if there isn't going to be one. I guess that's our plan for now."
Blaise raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, Snape having to grow again would be a problem. My father says he's the best Potions Master in Europe."
"Our Lord would not be happy if he loses his Potions Master," said Pansy.
"Hey, the Sorting is over," said Vincent.
"Yea, time to eat," said Gregory.
"Stop thinking with your stomachs and use your brain for a minute," said Draco. "If I receive new orders from my father, I'll let you know and vice versa. Any of you have objections?"
The Slytherins shook their heads as Dumbledore stood and tapped his goblet with a spoon three times. The magnified ring silenced the chatter.
"I want to welcome you all to a new year of learning and education, and surprise adventures," said Dumbledore. "I'm sure everyone is eager to begin the feast but there are some announcements that I have to make."
The powerful wizard gestured Severus to stand on his chair. The boy was baffled at the request but did it nonetheless.
"The returning students are probably wondering where Professor Snape is since he had never missed a Welcoming Feast before," said Dumbledore. "Due to an unforeseen accident in the Potions laboratory during summer vacation, your dear Potions Master was de-aged to his seven-year-old self. He is this boy here."
The students broke into whispers and loud exclamations.
"Quiet please," Dumbledore said, tapping his goblet again. "He does not have the memories of his adult self so I wish that the student body would not treat him badly because of his treatment to you in his classroom. You have to separate your memory of Professor Snape and this sweet boy, Severus, who will be staying in Hogwarts until an antidote is made."
Someone from the Ravenclaw table yelled, "Where will he be staying?"
"For the past two months, he had been living with Weasleys so I was hoping that he would continue being cared for by them," said Dumbledore. "If it was okay with them."
"We're okay with it," said Ron, Ginny, and the twins.
"And your fellow Gryffindors?" asked Dumbledore.
"Umm, I'm okay if you're okay," said Neville as he twisted his sleeves in agitation.
"I am completely okay with Severus staying in Gryffindor Tower," Harry said loudly.
The rest of the table gave their okay after that.
"Good," said Dumbledore. "Now we have two new professors to introduce to you, one for Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. It was difficult because the Ministry was not glad of whom I was rehiring for the position of DADA but in the end, they allowed it. Please welcome back Professor Lupin."
The Houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff went wild. Snuffles barked as his longtime friend, Remus, walked into the Great Hall, waving to the students. He sat down next to Severus.
"And for Potions," Dumbledore said when the noise died down. "He had just gotten his license a few weeks ago and many of you should recognize him. Please give a warm welcome to our former Head Boy and new addition to Hogwarts' staff, Professor Weasley."
"Percy!" cried Severus, jumping and clapping his hands.
The twins were figuratively turned to stone. Ginny was sharing Severus' sentiments as she also clapped in joy. Ron was more vocal.
"WHAT!!!"
Did you really think I would make Severus that deep into the Dark Arts? Don't forget to review.
Unbeta-ed so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore Book 5
Pairings: NO ONE ATM!
8. Hogwarts
(Posted 02/17/04 - Tuesday)
The Hogwarts Express compartment was quiet, too quiet. The sounds of the moving metal wheels seemed to echo in the small area. Hermione and Harry were sitting opposite of Ron and Ginny. Snuffles sat in front of his godson, staring at Severus, who was reading between the two redheads. The four teens shared a look.
Ginny was finally feed-up with the uncomfortable silence. "Severus, can I ask you a question? And you have to answer truthfully."
Severus blinked innocently and closed his book. "What is it?"
"Umm, it's about yesterday," Ginny said, her courage faltering. "I mean yesterday at Diagon Alley at the bookshop. You told Malfoy that you could cast the Unforgivable Curses. You remember, right?"
"Oh, that," said Severus. "I lied."
The tension popped.
"It was a lie?" Ron asked as incredibility made way to his face. "You scared the Merlin out of me and it was all a lie? I flung you over my shoulder and ran like You-Know-Who was after me for a lie?"
Severus tilted his head in confusion. "How can it be true if it can't be possible?"
"Explain," Hermione said, her thirst for knowledge taking over.
"Magic is unstable in children and strong curses need complete control of one's magic to cast," said Severus. "A magically-capable child's magic would start maturing and stabling by itself along with physical growth starting from the time he or she turns ten-years-old, or more usual, eleven. Why else do you think letters are sent on a person's eleventh birthday?"
"So that's why," Hermione said, tapping her chin.
"How come Malfoy didn't know that?" asked Harry. "He paled a few shades after hearing you say that."
"I guess he's uneducated in that subject," Severus said, shrugging. "My mother taught me about the magic in me when I was five. She always says that knowledge is power so I had to read and write a lot."
Ron grinned. "Ferret's reaction was memorable, now that I know Severus' not a Dark Child."
"But I am," said Severus.
Ginny shook her head and ruffled his hair. "What my dim-witted brother means is that you can't use Dark Magic or the Dark Arts."
"That's right," said Hermione. "You're only seven so you can't be a Dark Child because your magic is too unstable."
Severus shook his head. "I am one."
"You're not making any sense, unless you lied to us about that magic thing," said Harry.
Snuffles snorted in agreement. The other three were waiting with curiosity.
"I thought you were smarter than Big Brother Lu's son," Severus said with a frustrated sigh. "A Dark Child can also be applied to a child who can brew Dark potions correctly, which I can do. My father taught me."
Hermione clapped her hands together in understanding. "In Potions, magic isn't necessary to create something dangerous and harmful. All a brewer needs is a good memory, the right ingredients, and tools."
"What about Sirius?" Harry asked, causing Snuffles to turn his head. "Was he a Dark Child as well?"
Severus giggled. "Of course not, silly. Sirius was the worst when it came to potions. The first time he attempted to brew a simple concoction for sore throats, the cauldron melted. Then the second time he tried, it blew up so his father stopped teaching him."
Snuffles pawed at Harry as the Boy-Who-Lived laughed until his stomach ached. Ron had joined in laughing when his best friend did and the girls were smiling widely. Severus ignored them and returned to his book.
"How about we play a game of Exploding Snap?" Ron asked.
"Sure," Harry said, panting from his rare bout of happiness.
The rest of the train ride passed by relatively peaceful. Malfoy and his so- called bodyguards didn't bother them at all and there were no unwanted visitors. Fred and George were promoting their new Weasley Wheezes with their friend, Lee, so they only visited once to give Severus snacks.
"Time to go," Ginny said, waking Severus who fell asleep an hour ago.
Severus muttered something that could have been, "Give me five more minutes or I'll skin you alive."
"Leave him alone," said Ron. "He was up half the night, getting excited over staying at Hogwarts and seeing the nice ladies."
Hermione clasped her cloak closed. "Nice ladies?"
"Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey," replied Ron, lifting Severus into his arms.
"I see," said Harry. "From just looking at Severus, you can't help but be nice to him. I can imagine how our professors got pulled into his charms."
Snuffles barked.
"No need to be jealous," said Harry. "You know you stand as number one on my list."
"A dog is your number one?" Ginny said in disbelief.
"Err," was Harry's brilliant response.
"Umm," was Ron's.
"This dog prevented Professor Lupin from attacking a village on the night of the full moon," Hermione said, saving the day should be her part-time job. "Harry was so grateful that he decided to take him in. Snuffles became an important part of Harry's life after being by his side for so long, through thick and thin."
"Okay," Ginny said as she climbed into the carriage.
Ginny was not convinced with the hasty explanation but Ron shot her a glance. That glance was his way of telling her to suppress her questions for now and he'll answer them later in private. She returned the glance with a tiny nod. The ride to Hogwarts was bumpy but Severus remained snoozing against Ron.
"You'll have to wake him up for the welcoming feast," said Harry.
"I know, I know," said Ron. "It's Hogwarts time."
"Hogwarts?" asked Severus, blinking the sleepiness away. "We're here already?"
"Yup," said Hermione.
They walked into the entrance hall, the small boy and the big dog gaining attention from the students even though the Weasleys tried to block the view. The professors who didn't know were told from the Headmaster about Severus' condition but many were still shocked at seeing him as a child. McGonagall was standing by the teacher and beckoned him. Severus went but only because Ginny brought him there.
"Hello there Severus," said McGonagall. "How was your summer?"
Severus smiled shyly. "I had a good time. How was yours?"
"Mine was good as well," said McGonagall. "But I've missed you."
Severus buried his face against Ginny's robe.
"Why don't you sit next to the Headmaster," McGonagall said with a chuckle. "He wants to properly introduce you to the students after the Sorting. Ah, I have to greet the First Years in the entrance hall. I'll have a longer talk with you later."
"Go on," said Ginny, as McGonagall left. "You can eat with me if the Headmaster permits."
"Kay," said Severus.
The little dark-haired boy went around the teacher's table and sat on the empty seat by the Headmaster. The professors tried to converse with Severus but he only answered in nods or a shake of his head. After awhile they left him alone but shot him smiles if Severus looked at them.
"He looks fine, right?" asked Ron. "What do you guys think? He doesn't look fine to me. I should go get him."
"He's fine with the Headmaster," said Ginny.
"You're obsessed," said Harry. "You're worse than a father sending his son off to school."
"He and I are like two peas in a pod," said Ron. "He would follow me everywhere I go, except when Percy's around, but that's not the point. Severus doesn't trust strangers readily and with only the Headmaster by his side, it's not enough."
"He accepted me and Harry pretty quickly though," said Hermione.
"That's because I've told him about my friends," said Ron. "You're my closest friends so he labeled you two as safe, although he's wary of Snuffles."
Snuffles barked, turning the heads of several Gryffindors.
"That's a big dog you've got there," said Neville Longbottom. "Is he harmless? Actually, are you allowed to have him here?"
"Yea, thanks to Dumbledore," said Harry.
"That's not fair," complained Dean Thomas. "I asked McGonagall for permission to bring my iguana to school but it was denied."
Harry shrugged.
"It's the scar," Seamus Finnigan said tactlessly. "You deserve to have special privileges with you dubbed as the savior of the Wizarding World and all. I don't envy you at all, my friend."
"Having privileges makes him stand out more," said Dean. "It would be better to be treated normally or as normal as it can get in Hogwarts."
"Ginny, who's that boy up at the teacher's table?" Neville asked, effectively changing the subject while his eyes darted from side to side. "And have you noticed that Snape isn't here? I wonder where he is."
"Long story," said Ginny. "Your questions should be answered after the Sorting."
McGonagall came in, leading a line of new students. Like the ones before them, they were overwhelmed with the castle's beauty and size. As the Sorting began, some fifth-year Slytherins were holding a private meeting started by Draco.
"He's dangerous," the blond said, glancing at Severus.
"Well, he was our Head of House and a close acquaintance of our parents," said Pansy Parkinson, lifting her pug-like nose higher. "He's supposed to be dangerous."
"Did he really say he can cast the Unforgivable curses?" asked Blaise Zabini, always skeptical until he saw with his own eyes. "He's too tiny. I doubt he can cast the Cheering Spell."
"Duh, I can crush him with one hand," Gregory Goyle said, clutching his hand into a fist.
"Me too," agreed Vincent Crabbe.
"Physical violence is for Muggles and Mud-bloods," said Pansy. "We are superior to that. So what's the plan Draco? You do have one, don't you?"
"I've only told my father about Snape de-aging to a child and him being dumped into the poor house of the Weasleys," said Draco. "He looked thoughtful for a second and then ordered me to tail Snape and send any new information regarding to his restoration, or if there isn't going to be one. I guess that's our plan for now."
Blaise raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, Snape having to grow again would be a problem. My father says he's the best Potions Master in Europe."
"Our Lord would not be happy if he loses his Potions Master," said Pansy.
"Hey, the Sorting is over," said Vincent.
"Yea, time to eat," said Gregory.
"Stop thinking with your stomachs and use your brain for a minute," said Draco. "If I receive new orders from my father, I'll let you know and vice versa. Any of you have objections?"
The Slytherins shook their heads as Dumbledore stood and tapped his goblet with a spoon three times. The magnified ring silenced the chatter.
"I want to welcome you all to a new year of learning and education, and surprise adventures," said Dumbledore. "I'm sure everyone is eager to begin the feast but there are some announcements that I have to make."
The powerful wizard gestured Severus to stand on his chair. The boy was baffled at the request but did it nonetheless.
"The returning students are probably wondering where Professor Snape is since he had never missed a Welcoming Feast before," said Dumbledore. "Due to an unforeseen accident in the Potions laboratory during summer vacation, your dear Potions Master was de-aged to his seven-year-old self. He is this boy here."
The students broke into whispers and loud exclamations.
"Quiet please," Dumbledore said, tapping his goblet again. "He does not have the memories of his adult self so I wish that the student body would not treat him badly because of his treatment to you in his classroom. You have to separate your memory of Professor Snape and this sweet boy, Severus, who will be staying in Hogwarts until an antidote is made."
Someone from the Ravenclaw table yelled, "Where will he be staying?"
"For the past two months, he had been living with Weasleys so I was hoping that he would continue being cared for by them," said Dumbledore. "If it was okay with them."
"We're okay with it," said Ron, Ginny, and the twins.
"And your fellow Gryffindors?" asked Dumbledore.
"Umm, I'm okay if you're okay," said Neville as he twisted his sleeves in agitation.
"I am completely okay with Severus staying in Gryffindor Tower," Harry said loudly.
The rest of the table gave their okay after that.
"Good," said Dumbledore. "Now we have two new professors to introduce to you, one for Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. It was difficult because the Ministry was not glad of whom I was rehiring for the position of DADA but in the end, they allowed it. Please welcome back Professor Lupin."
The Houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff went wild. Snuffles barked as his longtime friend, Remus, walked into the Great Hall, waving to the students. He sat down next to Severus.
"And for Potions," Dumbledore said when the noise died down. "He had just gotten his license a few weeks ago and many of you should recognize him. Please give a warm welcome to our former Head Boy and new addition to Hogwarts' staff, Professor Weasley."
"Percy!" cried Severus, jumping and clapping his hands.
The twins were figuratively turned to stone. Ginny was sharing Severus' sentiments as she also clapped in joy. Ron was more vocal.
"WHAT!!!"
Did you really think I would make Severus that deep into the Dark Arts? Don't forget to review.