A/N: Thanks Bri892 for editing!
Chapter 23: Junior Kindergarten
~~~~O-O~~~~
Another summer night had ended on a good note for Sabrina. A picnic by the lake followed by chasing Fairies through the grounds had worn her out. With the late setting sun, she had stayed up well past her bedtime. Severus carried her into the castle with Hermione walking ahead magically opening the doors.
"So, you found my computer program to be effective in analyzing your ingredients."
Severus huffed at her, "I said no such thing."
Pulling a Snape-like smirk, Hermione replied, "Hmmm, I wonder why Filius and Minerva have requested that I review the safety records using a very Muggle computer."
He placed Sabrina on her bed as Hermione moved around him to dress her in to a nightgown. She kissed her forehead as she finished tucking her in. Severus side stepped her and smoothed Sabrina's hair back before kissing her.
They settled into their evening routine; drinking tea, reviewing paperwork, reading and scheduling their days.
Hermione hadn't minded asking Severus to watch Sabrina when she was going out with friends or dating Oliver. She was quite taken aback by his reaction to dating Lee Jordan.
"Are you daft? You might as well as date the Weasley twins."
"Eww! They are like my brothers. Seriously, Severus!" She had reached out to smack him on the arm but resisted as she saw his face. He looked like he was holding back his comments. She hadn't expected that he would be keen on her dating Lee but this was different.
In the past few months, she had not seen him refrain from sharing his thoughts whether the topic was their child, her work, the newest member of the Potter clan or Oliver Wood. Before she could analyze this any further, he asked about their schedule.
"Yes, we are meeting the Junior Kindergarten teachers and touring the school tomorrow morning. Will you be able to join us?" She inquired.
~~~~O-O~~~~
The Granger / Snape family began the walk to Hogsmeade with Sabrina swinging from both her parent's hands. A few minutes later, she flitted away from them.
Hermione watched as Severus increased his stride and kept a close eye on Sabrina as she chased bunny and picked yet another flower (her little bag was filled to the brim with rocks, crumbled leaves and smushed flowers).
"I don't understand the purpose of Junior Kindergarten for a child like Sabrina. She is an advanced child."
Hermione smiled at him, "School is more than education. She will be in new situations, learn different social skills and make friends."
Severus scowled, "She has social skills and friends. The Weasley brood…" His voice trailed off as Sabrina tripped over her own feet.
"You're all right, Sabrina!" Hermione called out as she watched Sabrina's lip quiver.
Severus picked her up, his wand banishing the dirt and gravel from Sabrina's tights and hands.
"But it's ripped!" She cried with fat tears streaming down her face.
Another wave of his wand and her tights were mended; Sabrina wiggled out of his arms and ran ahead. Her tears forgotten.
"Half the Weasley kids will be going to school; Molly will only have the babies in the fall. Sabrina needs more experiences outside the family and the school will help her channel her magic in age appropriate ways."
"I am pleased with Isobel McDougal teaching but that Stacy Davis was a typical Gryffindor; Sabrina does not need that kind of influence."
Hermione smacked his arm and reminded him that she was a Gryffindor.
Severus smiled, "You should have been a Ravenclaw."
The rest of the walk into town involved Severus lecturing Sabrina on being a respectful model student.
"Daddy, do you think I am a dunderhead?" The little girl looked up at her father with large brown eyes.
Severus crouched down to her height and apologized to her. She forgave him with a squishy kiss on the cheek and pulled him behind her into the school.
~~~~O-O~~~~
The Hogsmeade School for Magical Children administrators introduced themselves and gave an overview of the program before releasing the families to the teachers. Looking decidedly uncomfortable, the other parents and children gave Severus a wide berth as they toured the school. They watched as a few Weasleys shook hands with Severus and their offspring circled around him; chattering to Uncle Severus.
Sabrina was thrilled with her classroom and her two new teachers, Miss Isobel and Miss Stacy. The teachers shared the daily schedule and showed them the play areas. They guided the families to the art room, music room, gymnasium and finished the tour in the lunchroom.
"And Colin, Julianna and Rosie are in my class. Colin had Miss Isobel last year. Victoria and Teddy are in Miss Becca's class and Stephan is all alone. But I will play with him during recess so he's not lonely. We get to have specials. Did you know that specials are music class and art class and gymnastics. Do you know what that is? It's tumbling but I won't get hurt."
Severus picked up Sabrina, glancing at Hermione with mock horror on his face. "Little one, how many cupcakes did you have today?"
"The cupcakes were yummy. The cookies had raisins but they looked like chocolate chips so I didn't eat that."
Hermione laughed along, "She only had one cupcake. This is all Sabrina. I think school will be good for her, don't you?"
The family apparated home, Severus carrying Sabrina and Hermione following along behind them by seconds. The remaining hours of the day were filled with information that Sabrina had gathered about the school.
"Teddy says we can play in the tree house even if it rains. Victoria says we can have a lunch box or eat at school. Can I have a lunch box? I want one with a kitty on it. Miss Stacy says we can paint with our hands in special art. We can use magic in art class. Miss Stacy said so."
"Mummy says Daddy may have been right about not sending you to school." Hermione muttered under her breath.
Severus laughed, "I heard that!"