Severus ignored the whispers that followed him as he walked purposely down to the dungeons. The day had barely begun when the incident happened, the word must have gotten around by now. It's only been a few hours. He'd be more surprised if there weren't people staring. He only hoped Peeves wouldn't make himself known to the small children. That would be rather annoying to deal with.

He clucked his tongue at a few students who wouldn't stop staring, feeling pressure on the back of his robes as the children pressed in closer.

"Uncle Sev? Where are we going?" His eyes slid to the much younger Granger, watching as the girl looked around her in pure curiosity, not the tiniest bit afraid of the countless students roaming, nor of the ghosts. He looked at her in a new light, knowing now why she reacted the way she did about certain things.

He readjusted his grip on the now asleep Potter and continued walking. "We're going to my chambers where we can acquire you some new clothes as all of yours are way too large." He ignored the way the girl's sharp eyes stared at him before she hummed and smiled at Draco.

Severus listened as his godson launched into a story about his mother and how she would just love to get Hermione new clothes. He nearly snorted at that, recalling how Narcissa had been devastated at not being able to have more children. She would most assuredly take the young girl under her wing.

The two children - who were still holding onto his robes like little ducklings – continued to chatter the way only children could, nearly running into him when he stopped in front of his office door. He muttered under his breath and the door color changed. Tapping it with his wand, Severus felt the wards go down allowing them entry into his chambers.

Draco dragged Hermione off to the front of the fireplace giggling as they collapsed in front of it. Severus rolled his eyes at their antics as he walked to his bedroom to put the sleeping boy in bed.

xXx

"Hermione? Are your mother and father really that awful?" Draco asked quietly, thinking about what his new friend had said earlier to the adults. His parents weren't like that at all! He stared at her, watching as she scrunched her nose at his question. She moved closer to him, and then just stared at the ceiling. He moved so their shoulders were touching, liking the contact.

Hermione exhaled deeply. "My mother would tell me I'm of the devil, and that if I weren't so strange they might actually love me." Draco was confused but didn't say anything. She scrunched her nose again thinking about it.

"Are you a mudblood?" His father said mudbloods were the worst kind of witches and wizards because their blood was dirty. They didn't have magical parents or family.

But Hermione wasn't anything like what they said! She was definitely nicer than Pansy was. Even if she was a bit bossy.

Before Hermione could respond, Draco heard his uncle's drawling voice. "Draco that isn't at all polite to ask." He quickly sat up, face turning red at getting heard. Hermione was just plain confused.

She sat up and looked at his uncle. "What's a mudblood? Am I a mudblood?"

Draco looked at his Uncle Sev curiously. When his uncle sat down on the armchair in front of the fireplace, Draco shot Hermione a look and they both immediately climbed in the man's lap.

"No Miss Granger you are not a mudblood, you are a witch. That is why you can do strange things when you get either very upset or mad. There is nothing wrong with you despite what your parents believe." He chuckled slightly at her awed expression, before it turned into a pout. "My name is Hermione NOT Miss Granger!" She grumbled rather cutely. Draco poked her in the face. She stuck her tongue out at him. His uncle looked at them amused.

"Yes well, my name is Severus not Uncle Sev despite what young Draco calls me." Draco ducked his head, feeling embarrassed. His uncle laughed at their reactions, Hermione's face as red as his. He watched her mouth it several times as if to test the way it rolled off her tongue.

"Uncle! What about clothes? These are bothering me!" Draco whined, flopping the overly large sleeves around for emphasis. He hated clothes that didn't fit him properly.

Hermione nodded her head frantically in agreement, her nose scrunched up in annoyance at the way too big clothing as she copied what he was doing. He laughed at her, getting swatted by a large sleeve.

He heard his uncle chuckle, looking heavily amused. Draco was confused about what he was so amused about but tried to hit him with a large sleeve to get his attention back.

xXx

Severus had a small smile on his face as he watched the kids interact. He shoved them off his lap and they went back to talking in front of the fireplace.

He really did need to figure out a way to get them to their rightful ages, however it was going to be a monumental task. He didn't have a clue on what changes Potter and Longbottom had done to the rather simple potion they had been assigned to do.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, good mood gone now as he was annoyed just thinking about it. He really cannot trust students to not cause disasters.

He smiled when Draco looked over, stifling a chuckle when Draco glared at him and scooted closer to Hermione. He had ignored their protests about the clothes – even though he had said they would get some new ones – and they were both ignoring him now.

Severus got up and went to make a cup of tea when he heard the fire roaring to life. He whirled around to see Draco stick his head in the green flames, Hermione trying to do the same. He took a deep breath, remembering why he didn't want to ever have kids of his own. He pulled the girl away, ignoring her affronted look and then yanked Draco out of the flames. "Hey! I was talking to mother." The boy complained.

Severus rolled his eyes at the boy before sticking his own head in. "Narcissa? If you would please grab the blond prat of a man you call husband and come to Hogwarts? I have a bit of an issue I'd like both of your help with." She smiled at him sweetly. "But of course Severus, we'll be there shortly." He nodded his head at her answer and closed the connection.

He gave Draco a sharp look. The boy scurried behind Hermione who smiled just how Narcissa smiled at him. He inwardly groaned. Evidently, Draco was showing her how to get her way already using cute faces.

xXx

Lucius blinked at the site of two children along with his son in Severus's bed. It was around two in the afternoon and all three were taking a nap.

He looked questionably at his friend. "Severus? Who were the other two students that also inhaled the potion gas?" Severus slumped further down in his armchair, rubbing away at his temples.

"Miss Hermione Granger and Mister Harry Potter. Longbottom nearly joined them and would have if not for me pulling him away. The damn cauldron's explosion threw me back and is the reason I wasn't able to vanquish the gas before the three idiots inhaled it." Lucius quirked an eyebrow at the explanation.

Severus's headache had been slowly evolving into a migraine when Narcissa came from his lab carrying a vial, along with some tea. He accepted both graciously. The blonde witch nodded before settling on the arm of the chair. "Now. What is this issue you require help with?" He groaned, sounding entirely like a petulant child but not caring at the moment.

"I need clothes for them. I told Dumbledore and McGonagall I would take care of them. Your son and Hermione were complaining about their clothes being too big on them, Draco even hitting me with a floppy sleeve." Lucius snorted at that while Narcissa laughed.

"Of course Severus, we have no problem helping you. If you'd like we could take them for the day. That way-." Narcissa was cut off when they heard screams coming from his bedroom. He jumped out of his chair and ran into his bedroom to find both Harry and Hermione thrashing in their sleep, Draco staring at them with wide eyes. He picked up his godson in an attempt to calm him.

Narcissa, having followed him into the room, frowned before sighing at the man's ignorance on how to handle the situation.

She crawled onto the bed in between the two now crying children who latched onto her almost immediately. She started to hum an old nursery rhyme she used to sing for Draco. They clung to her, slowly calming down until it was just sniffling she heard. Her gaze softened considerably seeing them so miserable.

"What ever was the matter? What had you so frightened?" She asked them softly, her heart constricting when the girl clung to her even tighter, refusing to speak.

The young Potter boy mumbled something about a cupboard and his uncle locking him inside. Narcissa shot Severus a sharp look. He nodded, anger clouding his face.

She stared at the boy for a moment, running her hands through his hair, noticing how he tensed when she did before he relaxed again. She was reminded of Severus when he was a boy, flinching at every hug or raised hand.

Out of the corner of her eye, Narcissa watched Severus hand Draco to Lucius as the boy fell asleep again. They left the room. Severus sat on the bed and the girl immediately went crawling into his lap, seeking comfort. His arms came around her, stroking her hair idly. Narcissa smiled a bit at that.

He always did have a soft spot for children.

She went to move to get more comfortable, but Potter clung to her tighter, soft whimpers leaving him. Her heart broke a little as she cooed at him. "I'm not leaving love. Let's get you more comfortable, shall we?" Harry reluctantly let go, unknowingly breaking even more walls Narcissa originally had against the boy. He had clearly been neglected and craved affection so desperately. She couldn't find it in her to deny the boy that.

She laid down, deciding to go ahead and nap as well, since she doubted he would handle her leaving at the moment. Once she was settled, she opened her arms toward him and he clambered over, snuggling into her. She began running her hands through his hair again, feeling him melt against her. As she hummed the nursery rhyme again, she covered him in Severus's blanket. It wasn't long till he fell asleep.

"Severus?" Narcissa had been horrified about what the boy unknowingly revealed earlier. The younger man sighed deeply, his hand getting caught in Granger's unruly hair. "He lives with muggles Cissa. They're his mother's family but they treat him like shite. Not even house-elves live in such conditions as he's been forced to." He ignored the way her mouth tightened in anger, continuing. "I went through his mind, and he didn't want to tell us what it was he went through. It's worse than my childhood." She gasped at that her eyes falling on the sleeping boy beside her.

"Miss Granger wasn't treated as he was - similar manner though." Narcissa could practically see the anger rolling off him in waves. "Her parents are terrified of her magic and treat her coldly because of it." He huffed in frustration.

"I overheard her telling Draco that her parents consider her of the devil, and that if she weren't so strange they would love her." Severus was infuriated, easily recalling his own childhood with stark similarities. Narcissa scoffed at that, only reaffirmed in her belief that muggles were disgusting creatures. The two fell into a silence after that with Narcissa soon falling asleep.

Severus stared at the sleeping witch in his lap. She had been wary around him. It wasn't until she watched him with Potter that she relented. He wondered at that.

He frowned as his thoughts were rolling. He had never known her home life was so difficult. It made much more sense now on why she was so desperate to prove herself. She wanted away from her family, and the only way was through the wizarding world.

His head shot up, taking in Lucius's form before he relaxed again. He slowly removed Hermione from his lap, putting her next to a sleeping Narcissa before quietly leaving the bedroom and shutting the door behind him.

He gave Lucius a look, as he walked towards his small kitchen. "Draco?" He asked as he began making tea. "Asleep. I took the liberty of transfiguring one of your chairs into a small bed for him." Lucius paused for a moment. "It seems my wife has decided we have two more children now."

Severus snorted, giving his friend a wan smile.

"They've both been wronged terribly by muggles and no one had known how severely till today." He sneered.

"Only because of that damn potion exploding had we realized two of our students had been abused. How many others are in the same situation that won't say anything because they're terrified or don't know any better?"

Lucius said nothing, letting his friend say what was on his mind. It was proving to be a long day.

xXx

The Malfoys agreed it'd still be best to take the children out for the day. Not only did they need new clothing, but two of the three had never experienced magic at this age.

Narcissa jumped at the chance to take care of a girl. "I want Hermione!" She blushed when the two men chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"That leaves me with the boys then." Lucius smirked.

Severus patted his shoulder, putting his robes on. "Please do be careful." Narcissa smirked, her husband rolling his eyes. Severus was rather overprotective at the oddest of times.

"Do try to keep your students from creating more disasters today Severus."

xXx

Harry was excited. Draco's father wanted to take them out! He's never been allowed anywhere Uncle Vernon took Dudley to. He looked up at the tall blond man and beamed when he got a smile. Hermione had gone with Draco's mum and had been acting shy when they left.

Harry decided he liked Draco's parents. They were really nice to them. And Aunt Cissa kept giving him hugs.

He got a bunch of brand new clothes too! They looked a little weird but Draco's father, "Harry you can call me uncle if you choose," ahem, uncle had said they looked really good on him!

Harry had been wary of the man at first, not trusting him to not hit him if he did something, but he was forced to get closer because he refused to let go of Draco's hand. He realized though that he was only getting his hair mussed with when his new uncle raised his hand and not a slap.

He hadn't felt this happy ever.

xXx

Lucius watched his son amusedly as the boy jumped up and down in excitement. He had forgotten how easily excitable Draco had been when he was younger. He glanced at his other current charge and was pleasantly surprised when the boy gave him a small smile.

He had noticed the young Harry was afraid of him at first, and he had to stifle his anger when the boy flinched every time he went to pat his head as he frequently did with his son. His wife had informed him what Severus had told her and it disgusted him.

Now though, the boy was gradually warming up to him.

"Father! Can we go in here, please please!" He smiled indulgingly at his son and nodded his assent. They entered the Magical Menagerie, both boys looking around with awestruck expressions. Lucius chuckled. His Draco didn't have a familiar, so it wouldn't affect much when he was returned to his original age.

xXx

"Harry! Come on now!" Draco dragged him into the shop, enthusiastic about getting a pet. Harry smiled shyly at his friend, getting rather excited himself. He had never been allowed a pet.

They both looked around in awe. There were so many animals! He distantly heard his uncle chuckle but ignored it. Draco was rushing around the store, wanting to see all it offered so Harry detached himself from his blond friend to look around by himself.

He saw a bunch of bird, toads, and there were cats everywhere! He didn't really like any of them though.

He jumped as a cat hissed at him while he walked past. They didn't seem to like him either.

Harry walked further along the store, not noticing the lights getting dimmer, and the bustle of people getting quieter. He stared curiously at a tank, getting closer when he couldn't visibly see any sort of animal.

He perked up when he saw a black headed snake come into view. He smiled widely at seeing it. Harry had always loved snakes for some reason. He had found a small garter snake once before when cleaning up the yard at the Dursleys, but he had to take it somewhere else when Dudley saw it and started screaming.

"Hello there! I'm Harry, what's your name?" He was excited to see a snake again, as the last time they weren't able to talk for long.

The black snake flicked his tongue at Harry, slithering closer to the glass of the tank. He wasn't very big, he looked the same length as Harry's forearm.

"I do not have a name Harry. I have to wait until the shopkeeper ssellss me."

Harry frowned at that. He stared hard at the snake, thinking about something. He smiled softly. "I'll be right back, okay?" He didn't wait for the snake's nod as he ran to where his uncle was waiting patiently.

He ducked his head, suddenly feeling abashed. He shouldn't just run up to people after all, that was rude.

He felt his new uncle staring at curiously. "Mr. Potter is everything alright?" Harry looked up nervously, his face red as he struggled to say what he wanted. He didn't think Uncle Lucius would hurt him or asking for the snake, but he was still scared it might be a possibility.

He took a deep breath as Draco said it helped when you were nervous. "I…I found a pet I would like, if I may ask sir." Harry let loose a breath, feeling better now that he got it out.

His uncle raised an eyebrow making Harry fidget uncomfortably. His lips raised slightly, and he nodded his head. Harry beamed brightly at him, relief flooding his body. He grabbed the man's hand and dragged him towards the area where he found the snake.

"I'm back! This is Mr. Malfoy and he says I can have you!" Harry practically gushed with happiness. The snake raised his head at the blond-haired man before nodding his head.

"Hello misster Malfoy. I do not have a name."

Harry looked at Lucius expectantly, beginning to frown when he realized the man wasn't going to respond to the snake.

"It iss okay Harry. You are the only one that hasss talked to me before."

xXx

Lucius was stunned. Harry Potter was a Parseltongue. He swallowed delicately before speaking softly to the young boy. "Mr. Potter. Am I to understand you can speak and understand this snake?" The boy stared at him, worry clear on his face. "Is that… strange sir?" He looked down to his feet. Lucius took a moment to compose himself before he set a hand on Harry's shoulder.

When the boy looked up, Lucius smiled at him. "It's quite alright, I can assure you. It was highly unexpected is all. It's a trait that few wizards have." Harry gave him a shaky smile still looking unsure.

"You're a Parseltongue Harry."

The boy's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "I'm a what?"