NOTE: Due to popular demand, Harry's name is now Nigel instead of Rigel.
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"Fred! George! You leave that poor gnome alone this instant!" Molly Weasley shrieked from inside the house at her twin four-year-olds. Ron, who was one, was currently playing with his brother Charlie, who just entered second year. Percy, who was seven, had curled up on the couch with a book. Bill was nowhere to be seen. He had recently been made Head Boy, so he was probably locked up in his room.
"Oh come on mum. We," said one.
"Aren't doing anything," continued the other.
"BAD," they chorused together.
"Really now boys, you let your mother be. Especially with your little sister on the way," said Arthur Weasley, the father, wearily.
"Weally Daddy, we no bad," said Ron.
"Exactly dad, Gred and Forge are just playing with a gnome. We're being overrun with them anyway," added Charlie.
"I suppose. But those little guys do make the garden so much livelier. They are just so amusing to watch." Charlie and Percy exchanged glances with their mother. At that precise moment in time, there was a flash of green, and a head appeared in the fireplace. Arthur and Charlie instantly took out their wands and scowled at the stranger. They were about to curse the newcomer into dust, when Mrs. Weasley disarmed them both, and glared up at her husband and second eldest son.
"How dare you pull a wand on a visitor?" she shrieked.
"But Molly dear, we thought," started Author.
"I know perfectly well what you thought. The Floo Network is watched. Do you really think that if someone were to break into out house, they'd use the fireplace? Honestly! Now out. He is my guest at the moment and I wish to talk to him alone. Treating him like some Death Eater, honestly!"
Meanwhile, Severus, for that was who was in the fire, was really starting to like this woman. Now this is the right kind of attitude. We will get along just fine, I believe. Though she doesn't realize how wrong she was with that last statement. He was brought back to his senses by a question from said woman.
"Welcome…I don't believe that I caught your name."
"I do not think that I've thrown it. But since you asked, my name is Severus Snape. I will teach Potions at Hogwarts from this day forward."
"Oh, my two eldest children are attending the school this year. Talking like that must be uncomfortable, why don't you some all the way through? May I call you Severus?"
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley. But the reason I called, is that I have thought about it, and have decided to take you up on your offer."
"It's Molly. Which offer would that be?"
"The one from yesterday at Diagon Alley. My son," Severus cringed. "Could use company his own age. You see, since I work in the castle, I live there for most of the year as well, so naturally, he does as well."
"Wonderful. He can meet Ron, Fred, George, and my daughter when she's born. It's funny really. This is our seventh child, but only the first daughter."
"Fascinating," said Sev quite dryly. "Shall we arrange a time?"
"Oh, how about now? If you're not doing anything that is," replied Molly excitedly.
"Good. Then in a few minutes it is."
What a family. How can they stand to have six kids in one house and one more on the way? I really should give the people a break. Eli is a good babysitter after all.
"Molly, what do you think of bringing your three son's here instead. It's awfully quiet at Hogwarts without the students. They can play on the grounds, and one of Hogwarts' house elves can look after them if they get to be too much for me." Yeah right, as if I'll spend any of my time with them. The whole point is for me to get some peace and quiet.
"Well…alright then I'll Floo over with them in ten minutes. What should we call?"
"Hogwarts, the Great Hall will do. I will see you later then."
Severus came back to his chambers. Harry was still sitting on the couch, looking at him intently. Severus scowled once more. This better be worth it. Against his better judgment, he picked up one of the muggle books and spent a few minutes reading it to the boy. With only a minute to go, he shrunk some of Harry's toys, and, with Harry in tow, proceeded to the Hall.
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"Nigel," Severus tried the name out. Harry cocked his head to one side.
"Your name is Nigel Cetus Allder Snape. Understand?"
"Ni," said Harry with a confused look. "No, 'm Harry. Not Ni."
"Yes I know Har-Ni, but you need a new name, and I think that Nigel is good enough. Some children your age are going to be here any minute now. When they ask you your name you'll tell them what?"
"Ni!" cried Harry with enthusiasm.
"Correct Mr. Snape," Sev smirked.
The fire roared, and four figures appeared. The twins looked like trouble already. Ron was looking around, and when he spotted Harry, he waved a bit, smiled, and looked away.
"Hello Severus," greeted him Molly. "And I presume that this is you son."
"Yes, this is Nigel."
"Great! You probably know Ron by now, and this is Fred, no George, no wait. Oh never mind. Just call them Gred or Forge. Eventually, you learn to tell them apart, but it does take time to do so. Anyway, how long should they stay?"
"How about until just after dinner. The house elves will be ecstatic. They hate it when there are no student here to create work for them."
"If you're sure Severus. Now Ron…where are they?" Both adults looked around to see that the children had already wandered off. Mrs. Weasley started to panic, but Snape kept his cool. He called out, and instantly Eli appeared at his side.
"What shall Eli do for Master Snape?" asked the cre4ature.
"I need you to find four kids. One of then is Nigel," here he gave Eli a meaningful look. "Two of the others are older and twins, and the last is Nigel's age, and had red hair and freckles as do Fred and George, the twins."
Severus saw Molly back to her home, assuring her that her kids were safe and already found. Then the Professor sighed. This is going to be one long afternoon.
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I was wondering. In stories it always says that Filtwick is the head of Ravenclaw, and Sprout the head of Hufflepuff. Does it actually say in the books who the heads of those two houses are?
As I said in the chapter before, the next will be very, very long. So be prepared.
Thanks to all who have reviewed.
~Miki
Tati1: I know that I haven't answered your question from long ago. But If I tell you, then it wouldn't be as fun would it? Besides I haven't decided yet myself. If it is true, then no one will find out until Harry starts Hogwarts.
Also, to all who have been asking questions concerning the twins (Harry and Fay) and their powers. I will not disclose the information until later on in the story. There will be small hints though.
