Severus was surprised that having Potter in his house wasn't the chore he had anticipated. Both the children had taken to duelling practice with an ease he hadn't expected, soaking up the information he gave them like sponges. It made him question whether he needed to seriously petition to have the duelling club brought back. The next Defence teacher couldn't be worse than Lockhart surely?
They had also given in with the daily runs, Hermione convincing him to make it slightly later due to the holidays, extracting a promise to make it nine during the week and to allow them weekends off. He'd given in reluctantly, making her promise to meet him before breakfast once they were back at Hogwarts, even on the weekends. She'd sighed and prevaricated but ultimately agreed.
Now, they were readying themselves for the Greengrass ball. Narcissa had owled Crius Greengrass and explained…something, he wasn't altogether sure, however an invitation had appeared for Potter and Hermione had forced him to accept. It was rather amusing to see her boss someone else about. And while he would never admit it out loud, it was reassuring to see the boy's indulgent affection for his daughter.
Potter was fidgeting as they waited for Hermione to appear, Lori banishing them both from her room and taking over helping her get ready. Max, the elf he had assigned to watch Potter while he was staying had managed to make the boy somewhat presentable, except the hair, apparently even elf magic couldn't fix Potter hair.
"Remind me why we have to go to these things?" Harry asked, looking at him nervously.
"It is expected," Severus sighed. "And truth be told Mr Potter, had your parents lived, you would have been doing this for years."
Harry frowned, "But most of them were Death Eaters."
Severus rolled his eyes, "Do refrain from saying that tonight, Mr Potter. And yes, a lot of them did support Voldemort, however there are still expectations and appearances to be kept. I imagine Mr Longbottom will be in attendance tonight, as will several of your other classmates, Ms Abbott for instance, Mr MacMillan, Ms Brown."
"Really?"
"Yes. As I said, it is expected. We shall discuss charities in the morning, you and Hermione are long overdue picking a few." Severus sighed, "Brace yourself for luncheons, Cissa will insist."
"Why would Mrs Malfoy care what I do with my summer?"
"Appearances and she adores Hermione. She will not give the gossips ammunition unnecessarily, although Salazar knows they'll talk regardless."
"Oh." the boy said softly, clearly processing that. "How horrendous is this going to be? Do you enjoy them at all?"
"I am a social butterfly, Mr Potter. I simply live for these delights, it will be wonderful." he deadpanned, making the boy laugh.
"More horrendous than I can imagine then?"
Severus snorted but turned as he heard a noise on the stairs. He heard Potter breath in sharply, a soft "Bloody hell" escaping him. Severus forced down the urge to murder Narcissa as he looked at his daughter. Why the fuck did she look so bloody grown up? What had Narcissa been thinking when she'd bought her that dress! Where the fuck were the straps!
"You look beautiful, Hermione." Severus was grateful Potter said it because she did. The dress was strapless, fitted to her frame at the top and floor length. It was a soft gold, he assumed as a direct nod to her house affiliation which ultimately highlighted the tan she'd acquired in France, as well as the shifting tones in her hair. She did look beautiful but that didn't mean he liked it. He definitely didn't. For fucks sake he was going to have to watch as teengaged idiots attempted to paw at his daughter tonight. Perhaps he could force Potter to stay right beside her. That would put some of the little bastards off.
She looked at him concern evident on her face as she fidgeted. He sighed.
"You look beautiful my girl."
"But you don't like it?"
"I never said that!"
"Your face did!" she retorted.
So much for his mask he thought wryly.
"I dislike the reminder that you're getting far too grown up." he said softly, "I feel like I've just got you and very soon you'll be leaving, all grown up and moving on to all the things life has in store for you."
"Oh Father!" she exclaimed, launching herself at him. "I'm not going anywhere just yet. And I promise, sarcastic and prickly though you may be, there'll always be a Father sized shape in my life for you. I love you."
He hugged her to him tightly, for once not even caring he had a witness. Potter looked surprisingly glassy eyed.
"I love you too, my girl. You really do look beautiful. I may have to teach Mr Potter stronger hexes."
She laughed into his buttons. "Not me?"
"Oh I'll teach you them too, but two sets of eyes are better than one."
She laughed as she released him. "Come on, let's get this over with."
Bracing himself, Severus moved towards the floo, the children following him.
They were met at the floo by an elf who escorted them into the ballroom.
"Holy hell." Potter muttered as the sheer scale of the night's event hit him. Severus felt Hermione clutch his arm tighter.
"It's alright, my girl. Breathe. We'll introduce ourselves to our host and then you can hide in a corner for the evening if you wish."
She nodded, adjusting her grip and straightening her spine, making him smile inwardly as he led them over to the Greengrasses.
"Crius, Loretta, may I introduce my daughter, Hermione and Harry Potter."
He watched as the Greengrasses looked Hermione over, shifting slightly when they turned to Harry.
"Severus, Ms Snape, Mr Potter. We are glad you could come."
"Thank you for the invitation, Lady Greengrass." Hermione replied softly, deciding not to correct them in regards to her name.
Beside her parents Daphne looked intrigued."You're going by Snape then?"
"Granger-Snape," Hermione replied, with a tiny shrug.
"Truly?" Daphne asked an amused gleam in her eye as she surveyed her friend.
Hermione huffed out a laugh."Yes."
"And your other friends are all alright with this?"
"It's not really any of their concern what my name is, Daph. However, they are all aware and have been nothing but supportive."
The Greengrasses looked slightly stunned by that news. "The Malfoy's are your Godparents, are they not?" Lorretta asked, curiously.
"Yes. Aunt Cissa has been a godsend."
"Aunt Cissa?"
"Yes. She asked for the title. I believe that beyond the familial connection, Aunt Cissa and my birth mother were close."
"So the rumours are true, your mother is Elladora Fawley?"
Hermione glanced at him, clearly unsure.
"Yes". He replied. "However you know how Ella was. She decided not to take an active role in Hermione's life in favour of other pursuits."
"She's met her then?"
"Yes." Severus replied shortly ."Now if you'll excuse us, I think I see Lucius."
"I'll come find you once we're done with this," Daphne murmured, hugging Hermione. "I heard some interesting rumours regarding a certain Mr Nott."
Hermione rolled her eyes and moved away from them.
"Jesus." she breathed, "Are they always that nosy?"
"Yes." Severus replied shortly, manoeuvring them over to Lucius and Narcissa. He didn't miss the way Theodore Notts jaw dropped when he spotted them and vowed to keep Hermone away from the little cretin for as long as possible.
"Are you alright, Mr Potter?" he asked softly.
The boy nodded minutely, his face blank as they approached the Malfoys.
"Hermione, darling you look stunning!"
"As do you, Aunt Cissa." Hermione smiled as she allowed Narcissa to envelop her in a careful hug. "Draco, Uncle Lucius."
"Hermione, you look more grown up each day," Lucius remarked, smirking as Severus growled.
Draco rolled his eyes. "Hermione, Potter. Now you're here, can we please just go and speak to some people who aren't old and boring!"
All three adults turned to look at him as his brain caught up with his mouth, his face showing his horror. He immediately began spluttering apologies, Hermione and Harry struggling to contain their laughter.
"I just meant….Hermione! Help me!"
Hermione shook her head frantically, her hand over her mouth as she desperately tried not to give in to the giggles threatening to overtake her. She was saved by Thoros Nott. Severus felt himself stiffen as the man approached.
"Narcissa, you look delightful as always, Lucius, Severus, Draco…..Mr Potter. Ah Hermione."
Severus scowled.
"How are you enjoying the evening?"
"We're not long here Lord Nott."
"No." the man said amused, "I was aware of roughly when you arrived. My son appeared to lose his train of thought mid sentence."
Draco and Harry sniggered, Lucius joining them when he saw the murderous look on Severus' face.
"Ah come now, Severus! Surely you remember your first crush?"
"I most certainly do not!" Severus bit out as Lucius and Narcissa gaped at him. He wasn't sure but he thought that Lucius may have coughed 'Liar' into his hand. Fucking arsehole. How fucking old were they?
Thoros arched a brow, but turned as someone came to stand at his side. "Theo! I thought you were with Mr Zabini."
Theo smiled slightly sheepishly, "I came to ask Draco, Harry and Hermione to join us."
"Unfortunately Hermione is otherwise engaged, Mr Nott."
"Father!" Hermione chided, as she rolled her eyes at him.
"Yes?"
"You're being ridiculous." She murmured, too low for any of the rest to hear her.
He scowled at her. Did she not see the way that boy was looking at her? He didn't like it. Beside him he heard Theo murmur, "Did she just roll her eyes at Professor Snape and live?" to Harry. He hid the smirk that wanted to erupt at that. At least one of the children had a healthy dose of fear. He'd take it. Theo was the one he needed to fear him anyway.
"She does it all the time." Harry murmured back. "I keep expecting him to hex her for her cheek and he never does."
Cheeky sod. As if he'd hex his own daughter. He sighed as she arched her brow at him pointedly. He wished she hadn't inherited that particular ability.
"Very well," he sighed. Losing some of his ire when she hugged him, with a rushed, "Thank you, Father." that made Theo's jaw drop, before pulling Harry off into the crowd, Draco dragging Theo after them.
"That girl has you wrapped around her little finger, old friend." Lucius laughed, watching the crowd of teenagers who had congregated in one of the corners. "It's an interesting mix this year. The Longbottom boy looks more at ease than normal."
Severus pouted, "She does not! And I imagine it's because he has some allies here. He's usually left with the Brown girl. What's her name? It's something purple. And the Abbot from Hufflepuff."
Thoros laughed, "You're her teacher, shouldn't you know?"
"I call her Miss Brown. I have no need to know." he said with a shrug, scowling as he saw Theordore Nott lead his daughter onto the dance floor.
The little sod had better keep his hands in appropriate places. He deepened his scowl as he saw the boy glance at him, making him pale. Good.
"Dear Gods Severus, you'll have to teach the boy how to dance over the summer!" Narcissa exclaimed, horrified as she watched Harry stumble over poor Hannah Abbott's feet.
Jesus, he was bloody awful. Severus wasn't sure he had ever seen someone so uncoordinated. He winced in sympathy with Miss Abbott as the boy stood on her toes again, hiding a grin as Draco came over, gesturing wildly before he cut in, taking Potter's hands in his own and leading him in a dance. Lucius choked on his wine.
"What the fuck is he doing?" he asked horrified.
Thoros was laughing so hard he was wheezing. "I believe he is teaching the boy to dance." he choked out. Severus gave in and joined him laughing at the look of horror on Lucius' face so hard that he cried. Draco and Harry danced the next two songs utterly oblivious to the chaos they'd caused while Severus calmed down enough to have to fight a scowl at the sight of his daughter's head resting on Theodore Notts chest.
"We'll have beautiful grandchildren." Thoros commented lightly, following Severus' line of sight.
Severus choked. "A dance does not a marriage make." he said shortly. "And anyway I shall be recommending adoption."
Thoros chuckled lightly, "Why do you insist on fighting this Severus?"
"Because they are not yet fourteen!" he hissed.
"If Theo is to be believed, they will both be fourteen before the end of September, it is not long away. You know it's the traditional age."
"I don't give a rats arse what the traditional age is, Thoros! The earliest I will consider a betrothal will be seventeen. And only with her consent. Even then I shall be pushing for later!"
"Why?" Thoros looked genuinely curious.
"Because wizarding marriages are unbreakable. No one knows who they are at fourteen, much less who their proposed spouse is. People change and I'd far rather see her happy than force her to conform for the sake of tradition."
Thoros looked at him consideringly. "How would you feel about a…..pre-betrothal?"
"Pardon?"
"A contract of understanding. Laying out the expectations of a courtship without the….bound in blood aspects."
Severus frowned. "I do not know. I would have to speak to Hermione."
Thoros nodded. "I am aware of what you think of me Severus." he said softly, "But Theo is my only child. There is a chance that the Dark Lord will return and if he does, if nothing anchors the girl to Theo, he'll be forced to choose. I am not stupid enough to believe that she will not stand beside Mr Potter in that fight. I do not want my son to have to choose."
"Whats to stop the Dark Lord sanctioning her murder to break the contract?"
Thoros flinched, "Nothing, if we discount the fact that we all know you'll never allow that. Except you and I both know that he'd lose a lot of his support. Not overtly, too many people were terrified of the man, but that does not mean that people would not begin working behind the scenes to get rid of him. He was supposed to bring back the old ways, not destroy them. Going against a signed and sealed betrothal agreement or any sort of formal understanding would be just that."
Severus blinked at the man, having not expected to hear anything like it from him.
"I shall think about it." he responded softly "However you are naive if you believe that it would be the Dark Lord who would force the boy to choose."
Thoros gaped at him as it became clear he hadn't even considered how Hermione would feel about being linked to a boy who supported the man trying to murder her best friend. Narcissa butted in asking about Loofah, sensing Thoros' rising horror as he was forced to think about just that. He could hear Thoros composing himself enough to begin waxing lyrical about the damn chicken as he stood watching his daughter, she was standing with a group of other teenagers, laughing at something the Longbottom boy had said, Theo's arm wrapped around her waist, Potter on her other side. She looked happy and relaxed, occasionally turning to look at the boy, smiling slightly as he gazed down at her. At one point the boy lent in and whispered something in her ear that made her simultaneously blush and laugh.
Despite him not wanting to think about his daughter being old enough for any sort of romantic relationship, he wanted that for her, that look in her eyes as she smiled up at the boy but god damn it, she was also not yet fourteen. He wasn't stupid, he was well aware that that was the traditional age of betrothal in the wizarding world but that didn't mean he liked it. What if she changed her mind? What if she discovered something about the boy she hated? What if they just grew apart? He hated this aspect of their world, the one that made it difficult for children to just date and find out whether they liked someone enough to spend more time with them without having to think in terms of forever. Especially when one factored in Thoros' affiliations. He hoped wouldn't come to it but deep down he expected that one day the children would have to choose. He knew what Hermione's choice would be, Potter would always win that contest. But Theo? He didn't know what path he would choose. He sighed. Perhaps it was time for the abstinence and adoption chat. He at least knew how he felt about that.
The next morning he spotted Hermione and Harry sitting together after their run. The boy appeared to be teasing her about Theo.
"I'm just saying you looked exceptionally cosy, Mione."
Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Be quiet!"
"I see that smile you know!"
Hermione smiled wider, unable to stop it. "I like him." she said with a shrug. "I don't like him enough to consider the betrothal contracts his father wants. I still think that's insane. But I like him."
"I think we noticed." Harry commented drily. "I'm not sure he let you out of his sight all night. The look on his face when Neville asked you to dance was priceless. I thought he was going to curse him."
Hermione hit him on the arm, "Don't be ridiculous!"
Harry laughed at her. "I'm not being ridiculous! That boy is half in love with you. I think it's sweet!"
Hermione snorted. "Sure. Although speaking of boys….care to explain what was going on with Draco?"
Harry blushed, "Nothing!"
"You know it doesn't matter, right?" Hermione said softly.
"What doest matter?"
"If you're gay or whatever. It doesn't matter. Uncle Lucius might have a conniption but it'd be entertaining to watch at least."
Harry choked on a laugh. "I'll bear it in mind." he replied lightly, although Severus detected a look of relief on his face. Interesting. Did the boy not know her at all? Surely he knew she didn't care who he loved?
Clearing his throat he walked into the room.
"I think it is time we discussed charities." He watched as they both nodded. "Do you have any idea what causes you would like to support?"
"I was thinking of the Hogwarts fund, the one that helps students afford supplies." Hermione began hesitantly. Beside her Harry nodded.
"I like the idea of that one too."
"And maybe something creature related? I was thinking about what Uncle Lucius said about Dobby and how he's not the most reliable because of the way Draco's grandfather treated him. Surely we could do something?"
Severus blinked. "I think that one may need to wait until you can change the legislation, my girl. There is a charity that helps with the re-homing of elves if they have no family left?"
She looked thoughtful, "How would I go about trying to change the legislation?"
Severus closed his eyes, praying for patience. "Currently, you would not. You could perhaps speak to your Uncle, he may be able to suggest something, however please, can we stay on task before your Aunt Cissa hexes me for not doing this?"
Potter smothered a laugh. "What are our options?"
"They are practically endless,Mr Potter," he said wryly. "Draco, for example, patrons a charity that helps long term patients in St Mungo's attend Quidditch matches."
"I'll do that one!" Harry replied with enthusiasm. "Everyone should get to see quidditch!"
Severus snorted. "Then we'll go with the Hogwarts fund and St Mungo's Quidditch programme just now. You will need to add in more but that's enough for this year. By the time you graduate you are aiming for five."
Harry nodded, suddenly looking nervous. "Will you help?" he asked hesitantly, "I mean….the Weasley's are lovely but they don't really do all of this, do they?"
"No, Mr Potter they do not." Severus spoke slowly, attempting to decipher his feelings on the matter before he sighed, "I will help as long as I am able. This is Hermione's home, you will always be welcome."
Harry swallowed hard, "Do you mean that?"
He raised an eyebrow sardonically, "Mr Potter, do I often say things I do not mean?"
Snorting, Harry shook his head. "Thank you, Sir." he said softly.
Severus waved a dismissive hand, knowing that neither of them wanted to dwell too long on the heavy atmosphere that had descended. "Now, my girl, what is your second choice?"
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know!"
"I patronise a charity that supplies books to St Mungos residents," he suggested lightly, making her look at him consideringly.
"I….I think I like that. Is it just for the long term residents?"
"No, although it is mainly those who make use of the service. It works on a library lending system for the adults at least, the charity ensures the books are up to date and cared for. The children have a similar system, although they are allowed to keep the books if they so desire. If there is a surplus of funds, we add toys to the children's ward and Christmas presents for those who are unlikely to get any as well as for the children who find themselves on a ward over the period"
"I like that." She said, smiling softly.
"Then we shall go with that. Your Aunt Cissa will be thrilled. Expect her to demand your return home over Christmas and Easter for luncheons. We will also have to contact the charities to introduce you to them and so you can attend their next meetings."
Both children nodded. "Are they likely to be soon, Father?"
"Yes, all the charities are aware of the school holidays. The Hogwarts meeting will be next Friday. The funding planning will have already been set, it will mainly be for discussions on how many students are in need and the beginnings of the funding plans for next year. The St Mungo's book meeting is Monday 8th, it'll be the second meeting this summer, you've missed the first but they're always pleased to have people on board. The Quiddich meeting is on the Tuesday after it. How do you feel about attending with Draco and Lucius Mr Potter?"
"I….Honestly? Slightly apprehensive? Mr Malfoy scares me slightly."
Severus hid his smile. "Then we shall invite him to dinner. I'm sure Hermione's parents will come here."
Harry nodded slowly. "Ok."
"Good, then that's settled. What is your plan for today?"
"We had been wondering if you would allow us to go into Muggle London?"
"Why?"
"We wanted to go and see a film. Mum mentioned the Flintstones was out and we'd like to see it."
Severus looked at them for a moment. "I do not see why not. However I expect you back here by three, am I clear?"
Hermione nodded, pulling Harry up with her. "Come on, let's go! Bye Father!"
Severus rolled his eyes at her enthusiasm as she dragged Harry to the floo.
Breathless and giggling, Harry and Hermione stumbled out of the floo just before three.
"I see you had a good day?"
"Yes! Do you think Uncle Lucius would allow us to take Draco next time?"
"I do not see why not. Although I would suggest adult supervision for that outing."
Hermione laughed, "Did they agree to dinner?"
"They did. Tonight, so I suggest you go and get changed."
Hermione nodded, noticing Harry's confused look. "Aunt Cissa expects us to dress for dinner. Max will know what you should wear. What did you do all day, Father?"
"I have orders to complete. Today's was a specific healing potion for St Mungos."
"You work when you're on holiday?" Harry blurted.
"Yes Mr Potter, I run my own potions business all year round, I do my bigger orders during the holidays."
"Oh. Do you ever have a break?"
"I enjoy making potions." Severus replied with a shrug. He was slightly startled when Harry laughed, loudly.
"Oh my gods! If ever there was any doubt Hermione was yours, you've just managed to squash it."
"Oi!" Hermione whacked him on the arm.
"Come on! He brews complicated potions for fun, Hermione! You can't tell me that doesn't remind you of you and your 'light reading'!"
Hermione shook her head but smiled. "I'm going to get changed, it'll take Lori at least an hour to sort this mess." she said wryly, gesturing at her hair that had expanded due to the humidity before leaving the room.
"I reckon I have another forty-five minutes to spare then," Harry said laughing, "Can I fly?"
Severus nodded, "Keep within the boundary lines and you should be fine."
Two hours later, Severus looked around the table at the odd assortment of people. It wasn't something he'd ever thought he'd witness. Harry Potter laughing with Draco and Hermione. Lucius debating…something with Richard and Narcissa and Helen discussing the ball the previous evening.
"Don't you agree, Severus?" Lucius asked.
Severus blinked. "I… what?"
Lucius rolled his eyes, "I told you he wasn't listening." he whined to Richard. "Richard was explaining why he believes that muggle whisky is better than Firewhiskey. I was pointing out he was wrong."
Severus contemplated this for a moment. "Minerva often has a delightful single malt, Tamnavulin? Or the Lagavulin or there's The Johnnie Walker Black label or the Highland Park 12 or 18 year or the Laphroaig 10 year." he paused, taking in Lucius' stunned face, clearing his throat as Richard looked on in amusement. "Perhaps Richard is right." he finished with a shrug.
"Good Gods, apparently I should have befriended Minerva." Lucius commented wryly.
"It's a beneficial alliance to have," Severus said with a smirk. "How else do you think I survive the school year?"