I really appreciate the reviews I've gotten, it really helps to keep me writing and actually interesting in seeing where this goes. I don't even have a plot, I'll admit it, but this could go somewhere...maybe.
Don't you judge me. On with child cuteness and nervous flirtation on the part of certain werewolves. It's just as awkward as it sounds.
X X X X
In hindsight, it was never a good idea to walk into a park in a magic community and not expect trouble. Said trouble was a redheaded boy the same age as his Draco - nine now, almost ten - with his two older brothers. Severus only knew about them from Hogwarts, Fred and George Weasley, first years. Beside him, a despondent Percy Weasley sat, staring with all the might that a thirteen year old could manage. It was summer break, but it hadn't seemed to lift the spirits of the downtrodden boy. Severus wasn't sure just why he was downtrodden either.
"So...are you excited for next year to start?" Percy peeked up at his professor, nervously biting at his bottom lip. The poor boy looked ready to go mental. Or emotional. One of the two. "Er, never mind."
Thankfully, at this moment a wisp of a blond boy had run up to him, holding his hands in front like a cage and with Fred accompanying him.
"Look! I caught a spider!" Draco had a tiny spider trapped in his hands, looking very pleased with himself. The poor thing was missing two legs and was slightly squished, but that could be blamed on the twins, who were snickering over a flustered, scared looking Ron.
"Yes, I see. Why don't you go let it go?" Draco blinked, then nodded. He went over to the bushes to release the spider, followed closely by Fred. After a moment of staring after them, Percy stood up and went over, saying something to Fred before calling out to his other two brothers, who'd gotten into a tussle over something.
"Lets head back to the shop, mom should be done by now. Say goodbye to Draco and Professor Snape." The brothers said their goodbyes, then set off to find their mother, Molly Weasley. Severus could only assume that she was shopping early for the boys' Hogwarts supplies. Draco came back over, a bit glum that he had to let his spider go.
"Can we go home too? I'm hungry." The nine year old blond was pouting, which was adorable, but Severus still had some shopping he had to get finished before they could go. He could, however, do something about the boy's hunger.
"Can't yet, why don't we stop by the bakery and get something to eat? I have some books I want to pick up, and a package from the Quidditch shop." The potions master scooped the boy up, along with his groceries from earlier. Off they went, Draco excitedly asking if he could have two of everything at the bakery.
Severus said no, of course, but the nine year old still got two chocolate eclairs and a cauldron cake.
X X X X
Let it be heard that Severus Snape did not have anything against Remus Lupin. He was still suspicious when the werewolf showed up on his door, looking poor, ill, and far too thin to be healthy. In the living room, Draco was happily playing with his toy broom and snitch, oblivious to the two adults staring each other down.
Remus looked away first, stammering out a hello and an "I'm so sorry" as he stared at the floor.
"You might as well come in." He moved out of the way, peering into the living room to check on the blond boy. "Kitchen. I don't want you around Draco."
He saw Remus flinch from the corner of his eye, but elected to ignore it and the guilt suddenly springing up in his stomach. The kitchen was clean, as always, with the exception of a coffee mug in the sink. Severus leaned against the counter, drumming his fingers on his thigh, dark eyes staying on his unwelcome guest.
"What do you want?"
"I need a place to stay. J-just for a little while. Dumbledore mentioned you might be willing..."
"I am most certainly not willing. I have a little boy to worry about and I don't need your beastly ways harming him."
"I'd stay away from him. I promise."
"You'll have to take the wolfsbane potion for every full moon you're here."
"I figured."
"...fine. I'll write to Dumbledore and let him know where you'll be."
X X X X
Severus regretted letting Remus stay. He could deal with the little bit of extra dishes, the extra load of laundry he needed to run, and even the large amount of food that the other man consumed. What he couldn't deal with was stepping out of the shower and opening the door to find Remus standing there. Immediately, he wished he'd just brought clothes to the bathroom, instead of heading to his bedroom like he'd otherwise do.
So, now he was having a miniature stare down with a werewolf wearing nothing but a towel around his waist and hair dripping cold water down his back. After what felt like an hour Remus managed a sheepish smile.
"So...do you come here often?" Severus would have smacked the man, but he was busy keeping the towel from moving an inch. He settled for a displeased scowl, then moved quickly to his bedroom. The moment the door shut behind him he relaxed, although he was all too aware of Remus standing in the hall. With a rather violent shake of his head, which sent water drops everywhere, he went about getting ready for the day. He had promised Draco they'd go out for ice cream, creating considering he'd be leaving for Hogwarts soon.
He came down the stairs, pausing at the bottom when he spotted Remus reading to Draco. Severus frowned, though he said nothing. How could he, when Draco looked so happy hearing about aquatic monsters that drowned oblivious witches and wizards?
"Sev! Sev! C'mere!"
"I'll be right there, Draco." And ignore the way Remus looked at him, because that was a whole road he really didn't want to wander down.