AN:Thanks to lioness 78, who helped me get the dialogue done on this part, though she will note I tweaked it a small bit.

Some of the brooms are of my own mind if you wonder where the names came from.

Lovebugs, all!

"Why are we here again?" Harry asked as they made their way toward the best clothing place in Hogsmeade. He was not looking forward to clothes shopping at all, especially with Snape present.

Ron looked at him like he was crazy. "Who wants to stay at the castle when we can come here?"

"Yeah, but clothes shopping? Why not go look at new brooms?" Harry shuddered slightly. Ron thought then agreed.

"True." He liked the idea of brooms and Quidditch stuff.

Remus smiled as he watched all of them. Hermione was distancing herself while Snape was grinding his teeth in agitation. Ron and Harry seemed oblivious to the others as Severina knew exactly where she was going and what she wanted. He was not surprised when Snape spoke up. "Potter, there is more to life than Quidditch. If you spent half as much time on your studies as you do on…"

Severina cut him off before he really got going. "I need to go shopping and thought this a nice opportunity for us to spend time together. You don't want me to wear the same outfit everyday, do you? Or perhaps you wish for me to run around nude?"

Harry scrunched up his face. "Well… No, that would be gross seeing my sister naked and all."

Ron about killed over at that. "Sister?!" He had to lean on Hermione to settle himself, feeling somewhat faint.

"Ron, are you okay?" Hermione looked at him with slight concern.

"Sister! Can you believe that? Harry has a sister!"

Snape brought something else crashing down by commenting, "These things do happen, Mr. Weasley." At that moment, Ron remember another piece of crucial information.

"Wait!" He held up a hand pointing between Harry and Snape. "That means…" His mouth opened and closed several times with no sound omitting.

"Yes, Ron?" Harry asked as Severina sighed. She had a bad feeling where this could lead.

Hermione slapped Ron on the back of his head. "Speak."

"Yer mum and Snape?" He was beyond stunned.

"That is the preferred method in conceiving children," Hermione commented.

"Eeeewwww!!!!" He covered his ears and clamped his eyes closed. "Mental images of… Shut it!"

Remus looked at Ron oddly. Ron had never known Lily, but he assumed knowing Severus was enough. Harry shook his head. "We really shouldn't tell him things."

"Obviously not," Severina said, sounding much like her father. "I suppose the whole castle will know by nightfall."

Harry frowned at her. "Are you ashamed to be my sister?" She did not answer, looking hesitant. "You are, aren't you?"

"No… I just dislike attention, and this will garner much. Why would I be ashamed of you?" She moved to stand closer to her father.

Hermione eyed her. "Well, if Harry can deal with it, you should be able to also."

"I suppose so." Severina relented somewhat. Hermione stuck her nose in the air as she hmphed and walked off. Severina unconsciously rubbed at her scar. "Bit of a know-it-all, isn't she?"

Harry and Ron, who had looked up as Hermione walked away, both spoke. "That's Mione for you." "Yeah, but that's Mione."

"She'll grow on you, though," Harry assured her. Severina was not certain she wanted her to.

"Well, as pleasant as it is standing around doing nothing, shall we continue?" Severus was beyond bored and out of his element.

"I believe we are here for a reason, or I should say you all are." Remus smiled at him. Severina nodded, agreeing with them. She pulled her father into the clothing store, the others following. Harry had to pull Ron along as he still had his hands over his ears and his eyes shut again.

Inside, she began looking at the more muggle like gothic style clothes. Some of the shirts were sheer, meant to be worn over others, with some having wide necks to drape over a shoulder. The ones to go underneath were short and low-cut with straps for shoulders. She chose low-riding pants, some actually leather, as well as some full length skirts. Her color choices were all dark hues of red, green, blue, purple, and of course black. Severus was not amused, but Remus was by the look on the other man's face.

"I do not believe you will be wearing any of those items at Hogwarts," Snape commented as she piled them into his arms.

"I need something descent to wear if I am going to make regular drips to Hogsmeade. I'll get some robs, too. Calm down."

"These are not descent, and I will not calm down. If you wear these, you may as well walk around nude!" Snape was losing it.

"Didn't seem to phase you when I mentioned it earlier." She smirked to herself as she threw some sleeves, actually surprised to find them in a wizard store, onto the pile. She had figured on having to make some. She also selected some tights and a few belts. She turned the smirk onto her father, as it was his trademark smirk she wore. Her eyes were alight with Lily's mischievousness.

"Since I believed you to be jesting, I did not concern myself. You are too much like your mother."

"That she seems to be," Remus commented. Snape turned on him.

"I do not need your help with my daughter, Lupin."

Severina tried to break the two men up before an argument or worse started. "They are to wear in layers, alright? No one will see anything inappropriate." She continued to dig when her words went seemingly unheard. She found a some nice 'descent' clothes to wear as well, knowing he would demand it of her.

"I was just commenting, Severus."

Meanwhile, Harry had had enough of Ron's childishness. "For goodness sakes, Ron! Open your eyes and take your bloody hands off your ears." Ron peaked open one eye before dropping his hands and looking around. Harry shook his head. "You seriously need help, you know that, right?"

Ron looked at him confused. "Huh?"

"Nothing, Ron. Nothing." Harry just looked at Ron before being distracted by the others again.

"Yes, well, since it is apparent that she is her mother's daughter, there is no need to comment," Snape shot back to Remus. To get her father's attention, Severina placed two very short skirts on top the pile in his arms.

"Very well, Severus." Remus was used to just giving in to Severus and letting the man have his way. He had less headaches that way.

Snape rolled his eyes, noticing the skirts while doing so. "No, absolutely not." He dropped the pile to the floor and put the skirts back where she had found them. She giggled and winked at Remus, who chuckled and returned her smile.

"Geez, Severina, did you leave any on the rack?" Harry looked at her, shaking his head.

"Handling her real well, Sev," Remus commented.

"Shut up, Lupin."

"Yes," she told Harry. "Now, I need shoes."

Remus smiled at Severus as Ron groaned. "Women and shoe shopping are not fun to be with at the same time," Ron commented.

"Well, we could go look at the new Quidditch equipment," Harry offered, also wanting an out.

Severus, with a flick of his wand, sent the rest of the clothes back to their proper places. "Hey!" Severina glared at Snape while trying to pout. "Wait for me, Har. I want to see about a new broom," she called having heard what Harry had said. She turned her attention back to her father. "I have to pick those out again!"

"When you start to pick out sensible attire, I will carry it."

Her eyes moved to Harry and Ron. She would not ask Remus to carry her things unless necessary. "Would you boys be dears and come here?" She smiled sweetly.

Ron's arms immediately flew up to keep her away. "Uh-uh. Not me."

"Sorry, sis. Not touching that one."

As a last resort, she decided to look to Remus. "I am not getting between you and Severus," he informed her. "I like myself fully intact."

Snape smirked at her. She quickly took out her wand. Again, she selected what she wanted, commanding the items to levitate behind her. For good measure, she stuck her tongue out at her father. Remus lost his composure, laughing hard. Ron stood stunned, along with Harry, that Snape did not explode.

"Young lady, that is most inappropriate." He scowled at her.

"Yeah, well…" She waved her wand and the clothes disappeared. She had sent them to the counter to be purchased.

Remus clapped a hand to Severus' back. "Still not need help?" He chuckled and walked off to look at some things. "You know, Severus. You should consider new clothing as well."

"That's a great idea!" Severina beamed at Remus before smirking at Snape, giving him a critical once over.

Ron, who had been standing silent with Harry, looked at the other boy. "Pinch me. I must be dreamin'. I can't actual see this." He paused a moment then grinned. "Wait until everyone hears how Snape spent his day!" He started bouncing.

"You want to live so long, huh, Ron?" Harry thought for a moment. "Where's Mione?"

"Who cares! This is gettin' good." Harry grabbed Ron and pulled him away after that before the other boy got himself into serious trouble. They then started looking for Hermione despite Ron's grumbling that she could take care of herself.

"You even think of coming near me with an article of clothing, and you will wish that someone hexed you." Severus glared at Remus. Severina started to laugh at them.

"Really, Sev. You are so drab." Remus looked at a few shirts.

"And I suppose you would have me in a frilly pink robe?" Snape sneered.

"Don't be absurd." Remus considered a few darker green and red shirts, looking between them and Severus. Severina was finding it all hilarious.

"My clothes are perfectly serviceable."

Remus nodded. "Yes, they do need serviced, with color." Severina was fighting to calm down.

"That is enough. You two may spend the rest of the day shopping. I am going back to my dungeon." Severus turned to leave.

Remus sighed and grabbed the man by the shoulder. "Severus, wait." He pulled him to the side, again. Severina had gained control and had turned to look at the robes sullenly.

"What do you want? Haven't you ridiculed me enough for one day?" Snape hissed, scowling at Remus.

"Did you not see how happy she was? Did that not mean a thing to you? Look at her now." He pointed to Severina. She had found a stuffy, warm, full covering black robe, which she draped over her arm.

"She should not feel that it is right to find happiness at someone else's expense." He looked uncertain, though, as he gazed at her.

Remus understood fully well why Severus felt that way. He looked down before going on. "No, she shouldn't. She was not laughing at your expense, nor was I. We were acting in jest, Sev. Much of her happiness comes from just being here with you and Harry, though he has run off." The latter part had a tone to it that Snape misinterpreted.

"I am not the boy's keeper. As for my daughter, if she will agree to show some decorum, I don't see why I should not stay." Remus nodded and shoved the other man toward his daughter. He could not help but wonder when he had become a family councilor, but he figured this family needed him to be that. Severus walked up to Severina, not liking the way Remus had just manhandled him. She looked up startled when he spoke. "You will show some decorum or I really shall leave next time, is that understood?"

She looked up at him, mouth open to speak but nothing coming out. Finally, she managed, "Yes, sir." She turned back to digging through the robes, still needing a dress robe. She located one with a tight, high collar that was made of dark green crushed velvet, lined with black silk, and accented with silver clasps. A deftly hid hood was attached as well.

"You really are a handful sometimes," he said as he pulled her into a hug, kissing her hair. Remus was taken aback by this but said nothing, leaving them alone. "So, shall we get you some ice cream after you have emptied my accounts and this store?"

She frowned at him, uncertain how serious he was about which parts of what he said. "Ice cream? I am no longer a child, you know? I wouldn't mind going to the Three Broomsticks, though, after I get my shoes."

He eyed her. "You are my child and ice cream will do. Just do not buy ten boxes when you only need one pair." She nodded, knowing what pair she wanted if she could only get one. She turned and left his side to retrieve them. Snape gave her a painful smile as she went to get them. Remus watched them, wondering if they were alright or not. She soon returned with her robes and a pair of black boots. The boots were knee high with twenty pairs of eyes and thick, chunky treaded soles. Snape eyed them but said nothing about them "Have you found what you were looking for? Can we leave now?"

"Yes." She nodded as she came to his side.

"Good. Now how much is all this going to cost me?" They started toward the front of the store.

"If you want to take out some of the clothes…" She hesitated to offer, not knowing how he would see her doing so.

"I am perfectly capable of paying for my child's completely new wardrobe."

"I… Alright." She could not tell if he was upset with her or not so she decided to just play it safe. In so doing, she made up her mind to not ask him to purchase another item, not even a broomstick.

"You, however, will carry the bags." He looked at her. She nodded then shrunk them to go in her pocket. "Now, what else did you need?" They started for the Three Broomsticks, Snape deciding against the ice cream as he really did not care for the stuff.

"The clothes will do." She did not look at him. Remus followed, frowning. He had heard her mention a new broom earlier, eagerly. So had Severus.

"If I did not want to buy what you need, I would not have asked. Now spit it out."

"I would appreciate a broom." She said this after eyeing him hesitantly.

"And?"

"And nothing. What else could I need?" She walked passed him, into the Three Broomsticks. Remus continued to frown as he followed Severus inside.

"What else do you want, then, I should ask?" Severus walked to her side.

"Nothing," she told him yet again.

"I don't quite believe you, but I believe we should find Mr. Potter." Severus did not seem thrilled with his own idea. "He would know better than I what the latest and best brooms are."

"He mentioned going to the Quidditch shop," Remus told him.

"Well, then, would you be so kind as to find all three of them and bring them back here." Snape was not asking. Remus sighed. He nodded and left the Snapes alone. Severina sat down but said nothing as she waited on the bartender to come over to them. "I would appreciate it if you would tell me what else you wish to buy while here."

She looked up at him as he sat down with her. "I really can't think of anything. I'm not used to having what I want."

"Why?" He asked, though he figured he knew.

"I'm hunted, you know that. I can't stick my head up most of the time for the fear someone will come along and lop it off or something." She looked back down.

"You are safe here. I will not let a anyone touch a hair on your head. So, besides the broomstick, think of one thing you want more than anything and it is yours."

She eyed him again then looked up as the bartender came over to them. "What'll it be? Have ta say, surprised to see you in here." The latter statement meant for Snape.

Severus ignored the barb. "I'll have whatever she has."

Severina smiled at the bartender. "Butterbeet, thanks."

"Comin' right up, lass." He turned and left.

"Now, for the one item…"

She looked at him. "One thing I always wanted… Give me time to think about it."

"Alright, but don't keep me waiting too long." She nodded as Remus came in with the other three in tow. Snape looked to Harry. "Mr. Potter, I have a job for you."

Harry, somewhat suspicious, shared a worried glance with Ron before he swallowed and answered, "Yes, Sir?"

"Would you like to tell him what you need, Severina?"

She looked up, startled after having gone back into thought. "What?" She glanced over to Harry after what he wanted registered. "Oh. I need a broom, Harry."

Harry noticed a slight changer in her demeanor. She was not as happy, it seemed, as she had been earlier. Even Ron had started to pick up on the change. "Okay…" He was not sure what the wanted from him. "What kind of broom?"

"Well, I'm not sure. That's what I need you for. I like the new Nimbus model as well as the latest Cleansweep. The Nimbus 2001 was a good model, as was the 2000. The Firebolt is a good broom, too, of course." Snape looked at her. Why had she not said she knew that much about broomsticks.

"I have one of those," Harry commented.

Ron was gaping at her. "I like 'er even more now, Harry. She knows stuff, interesting stuff." He glanced at Hermione, who had her nose in the air still.

Harry thought a moment. "I don't know if you need something that fast though."

She raised a brow in a Snape like manner. "Am I incapable of handling a broomstick now?" She sounded exasperated and slightly hurt. Snape knew she was referring, at least in part, to his attack on her clothing and behavior.

Harry is startled at first. "I didn't say that. The only reason I have one is because of Quidditch. So, unless you plan on joining one of the teams, why would you need something that fast?"

"I am too old to join the teams at Hogwarts." She unconsciously rubbed at her scar again as she lost herself in thought again. "Father?"

Thinking she was still talking about the Quidditch at Hogwarts, he said, "I would think so since you have to be a student."

She rolled her eyes at him. "No, I have an idea of something I can do while staying at the school." She looked back at Harry.

Harry got defensive. "Hey, you want a Firebolt, get a bloody Firebolt. Why even ask me since you seem to know so much about it?" Remus sighed. He needed to talk to Harry.

Snape glared at him. "Mr. Potter, that is enough."

Severina only frowned slightly. "It is alright, father." The bartender returned with their drinks. "Thanks."

"Of course, Severina," he said before turning to the others. Remus waved him off, not wanting anything. The others took butterbeers as well.

"He was just trying to help," Hermione commented from behind Harry. Remus looked at her and shook his head. She frowned, glaring back at him but said no more.

Severina looked at Severus. "An owl."

He took a moment to realize what she was talking about. "You wish to have an owl?"

"I've never had one, not that I have anyone to mail or anything, but I want one."

"Then, we shall pick on up once we get your broom." He glared at Harry again. She nodded and they finished their butterbeers in silence.

They all started for the broom shop next. Snape watched as Severina stepped into the shop and started looking around. He followed her as she moved around. "You should get pads if you intend to help Potter practice for his Quidditch."

"Yes, plus I may need them if the headmaster allows me to do as I wish." She looked over the Firebolts, not sure that is what she wanted. A simple comment had been blown out of proportion.

"What is it you wish?"

"I'm surprised you didn't ask earlier. Harry made it sound as though Quidditch wasn't my cup of tea. I imagine the headmaster would not mind a new referee or someone to assist Madam Hooch."

"And for a moment I thought it was something I would have to forbid." Snape smirked at her.

"I did not say that. I said unless you were going to play Quidditch, you probably wouldn't need a Firebolt."

Hermione was sick of the whole day. "Well, what is it going to be so we can get out of here?"

"No one asked you to stay, Mione." Ron smiled at her. "We all know you hate flying." Severina glanced at the girl then back to the brooms. How could someone dislike flying?

"Yes, well, I for one would like to get back to Hogwarts."

"Doing advanced studies again?" Remus asked. He glanced to Snape and shook his head knowing that Severus had been the same way.

"Yes, of course."

"Very well, Miss Granger. As soon as my daughter picks out her broom and owl, we shall head back.

"So, what are you going to choose, Vena?" She looked at him oddly. He smiled and winked. She smiled back then moved to a stand in the back of the room. The broom was new and pricey. She was not certain her father would go for it, but he walked up behind her and placed a hand on shoulder. He nodded his approval.

"This one," she announced as she selected a Swift Silver Star. The Nimbus company had put it out as a combination of the Shooting Star, Silver Arrow and Swift Stick.

"Good, we can leave now," Hermione commented.

"That's a nice choice, Vena, but are you sure you don't want a Firebolt?

"If I choose to wish to ride one, I will ask to borrow yours. Perhaps, just to show you I can."

Harry had finally had enough. "I never said you couldn't. Stop putting words in my mouth!"

She frowned. "Very well." She looked much like her father at the moment.

"As much as I hate to say it, Potter did not say you wouldn't be able to ride a Firebolt, 'Rina." She sighed, looking between them, then nodded apologetically.

"Do you always feel everyone is against you?" Harry asked her. Remus came up behind him and took a hold of the back of his neck.

"I…" Severina shook her head and left the shop without another word.

"We need to talk," Remus told him.

"Why can't we talk now while she gets her owl?"

"Alone, Harry." The others took the hint and left as well. Snape had already followed Severina.

"We are alone. What is your problem?"

"Just watch her, Harry, and what you say and how." Remus patted his back then stepped away.

"I did not say anything."

"No, but I know you noticed her change in attitude. How she had drawn in on herself." He sighed and watched the others walk toward the next shop. "She, like you, has little in this world when it comes to family and friends. She has had Snape, Harry, and that is all. Now, she has you and is worried that you may think ill of her. She just wants to prove herself to you."

"I don't think ill of, her and she was like this before I said anything. It wasn't my fault."

"I never said it was. Besides, you said you had said nothing."

"I didn't say what she thinks I said." Harry eyed him suspiciously. "You have a thing for her, don't you?"

"What?!" Remus was thrown by that. "I do not have a thing for your sister!"

"The way you hover over her, wanting to protect her," Harry pointed out.

"She reminds me greatly of your mother, as you do your father. She is not the only one I am watching out for."

"If you say so." Ron came running up to them then.

"What's the hold up? Never guess who we ran into at the shop, Harry!"

"Nothing, I was talking to Remus about girls. Who?"

"Girls! Remus!" Ron seemed shocked. "Might want to ask someone…" He trailed off as Remus looked at him coolly.

"What?" Harry demanded. "What aren't you telling me?"

"Bill! He's down at the pet shop! Come on!" Ron was not going to answer.

"That I may be a bit rusty, Harry," Remus told the boy.

"Why do I not believe that?"

"It is the truth. I haven't chased skirts in a very long time." Ron coughed at that and took off toward where he left his brother. Harry followed, allowing the topic to drop though he was certain they were keeping something from him. Remus followed as well.

Severina was surveying the owls as the keeper stood panting. He had been chasing a small, energetic owl all over the shop when they had walked in. He was glad the small creature seemed to disappear as they entered.

Ron, standing by Bill, called to Harry, "This is who you need to ask about girls!" He grins broadly as Bill flushes slightly. Ron had been rather loud.

Harry rolled his eyes and looked toward Hermione. "I was just wondering why they are so weird sometimes."

Remus chuckled. "No man will ever know that answer, right, Sev?"

Snape, who was watching his daughter and not listening just said, "If you say so."

Severina was drawn to an eagle owl off to the side. No other cages were near his. She reached toward him and he nipped one of her fingers. She jerked her hand back, shaking it before sucking on the wound. "I'll take this one."

"Are you sure? He seems ill-tempered." Remus watched the owl closely.

"Yes, I want this one." It nipped at her again as she got closer.

"Remind you of anyone?" Harry whispered to Ron, referring to Snape. Ron chuckled.

The keeper walked over. "He's a mean one." The man was still slightly out of breath. "Had him for a while. Never figured I would sell him. Been extra testy with that little whirlwind flying around in here. Hope the little thing flew out the damn door."

Severina looked over at her father. He nodded in silent approval. "It is your choice."

She looked at him oddly for a second then beamed. "I'll take him!" The keeper nodded and handed her the cage. The owl was fidgeting. Snape gave her a smile only she saw as he moved to pay for the bird. Ron looked at her owl as she stopped by the others but did not get very close.

"Nice choice of broom," Bill commented to her.

"Thank you."

Snape walked up. "Shall we return to Hogwarts?" Severina nodded and said goodbye to Bill with a smile. Snape caught the smile but said nothing as he frowned. Remus shook Bill's hand in farewell before following the others.

"Better go, Ron. I got some work to do, then I'm off again." Ron nodded and said his goodbyes before running after Harry. Bill watched them a moment. "Nice choice of an owl, too!" He called to Severina. She glanced back to smile and nearly fell on her face as she tripped.