Right after the Sorting Ceremony, at the High table

"Slytherin," whispered Florence, "I can't believe it."

"Neither can I," replied Severus, looking at his son at the Slytherin table.

"How come you're not happy?" asked James, "One would think you'd want all of us to be Slytherins; House pride and all of that. I know Hermione wouldn't be happy if Nick ended up a snake."

But neither parent had listened his question, they looked concerned.

"Maybe raising him in a Slytherin household turned him Slytherin?" wondered Severus.

"Yes, it's a possibility," Florence nodded, still worried, "We'll have to wait and see..."

Fortunately, the first four months of Stephen in Slytherin went by uneventfully; he seemed to fit in perfectly with his fellow House mates and the teachers had no complaints about him at all.

His stellar behaviour convinced both Florence and Severus that nothing wrong had happened; they agreed that the way they had raised their son had perhaps turned his Gryffindor soul into a Slytherin one.

Christmas Break

December 2009

Snapes' family house

Florence was in the living room with her daughter Sophie, finishing organising the things for that night's dinner party they were hosting, when the floo network was activated and a blond woman walked out of the green flames, looking a bit worried.

"Hi, Cissy," Florence greeted her with a smile and a hug.

"Hello, Flor," Narcissa smiled and turned to the teenager beside her, "Sophie, my sweetie, are you sure your father had anything to do with your conception? As each year goes by, I'm more convinced your mother just cloned herself."

The girl laughed, hugging the woman she had befriended under dire circumstances more than ten years ago, "Well, if she did, I don't see the problem, Aunt Cissy. And where are Gigi and Uncle Charlie?"

"They'll be here in a few minutes; Gianah was finishing getting ready," Narcissa glanced at the stairs, frowning and looking at Florence, "Is Stephen home?"

"Yes," Florence replied with a sigh, understanding why her friend had arrived before the others. "Don't worry, I've taken his and Lily's wands away. I've talked to him about tonight; he's absolutely forbidden to talk to Gianah. If he does anything to her, he won't be allowed to play Quidditch next year."

"Good," Narcissa nodded, "It's been four months since they last saw each other, things could get out of control..."

"Ain't that an understatement!" Sophie snorted, "Steph can't be civil for a minute around Gigi. I doubt he'll last a whole dinner without saying anything to her."

Florence exhaled, "Well, your brother is well-aware of the consequences tonight."

"No Quidditch next year is probably enough to keep him under control, mum," nodded Sophie.

"Let's hope so," Narcissa said, "As you two know, Charlie and I were truly considering not sending Gianah to Hogwarts come September; she even visited Beauxbatons last week and found it beautiful but..." she shook her head.

"She wants to go to Hogwarts," Florence finished, nodding, "because her friends are there."

"Yes. And we all know that'll mean trouble. Steph is in Slytherin, Gigi will be sorted there too... they will share a common room, share a table at meals; it'll be impossible for them to not bump into each other between classes or at the weekends-"

"I understand your concern, Cissy," Florence interrupted her, "That castle withstood a war, but I agree with you: I'm not sure it will remain unscathed once those two are there."

Both Sophie and Narcissa laughed.

"True," said the blonde, "But that's not all; Severus being Headmaster and you Head of Slytherin House, I know the trouble they cause will fall on you two to solve."

"Don't worry about it," Florence reassured her, "Severus and I can control them."

"But if things get out of hand, I'll send her to Beauxbatons – whether she wants it or not," added Narcissa, "She has been warned."

Florence let out a sigh, "Their constant bickering is not her fault, Cissy."

Narcissa exchanged a meaningful look with Sophie, "Not completely. No. But she's no saint, Florence."

"Yeah, mum," agreed Sophie, "Gigi annoys Stephen on purpose. I've seen her do so many times."

"I don't doubt you," Florence said, "Let's see how tonight will go."

Then the front door of the home was opened, and two grey-eyed five-year-old kids ran inside, a blond boy and a dark-haired girl – being followed by their parents: a blond man and a dark-haired woman with a blond six-month-old baby-girl in her arms.

"Grannies!" the twins shouted, hugging both Florence and Narcissa.

"Hello, my darlings," cooed Narcissa.

"Auntie Sophie!" they exclaimed next, hugging her tightly.

"Look at you!" said Florence to the little boy, affectionately, "I saw you just two days ago, Scorp, and you already look taller!"

Scorpius Draco Malfoy stood up straight, beaming at her words, "I'm a big boy already, Grandma Flor!"

"Yes, you are," agreed Narcissa, controlling her laughter, "And this beautiful princess!" she pulled Lyra Elizabeth Malfoy for another hug, "As tall as her brother!"

Lyra smiled broadly before pulling Sophie towards the toy box by the fireplace, "Let's play, Auntie!"

Scorpius followed them.

"Hi, Liz," said Florence, hugging her daughter and picking up baby Alya, "And this sweet little thing!" she smelled the lovely baby-scent of her granddaughter's and sighed happily.

"Please do not tell me you're having baby fever, mum," said Elizabeth, making a face.

"Salazar no!" Florence snorted, "Your father and I are more than glad to have the house just for ourselves now that the twins are at Hogwarts. But I can't say I don't miss a baby," she kissed Alya's forehead and gave the baby to Narcissa, "I wouldn't want one of my own again though. Seven in more than enough," she turned to the blond man, pulling him for a hug, "Hi, Draco, how are things at the Hospital?"

Draco smiled, "Fine, people are still having a lot of babies and talking about the Longbottoms' official discharge. From now on they won't even have to check in with the Hospital twice a month anymore."

"I know! Isn't that amazing?" Florence smiled, "I had tea with Alice yesterday, Frank and she are moving into the village."

"That's good. They need someplace calm to live after everything they went through," Draco paused before continuing with a smirk: "Your new Golden Potion also healed Prof. Lockhart, you know. He remembers everything now."

"Everything?" Florence wrinkled her nose, "I'm not sure that's good."

Draco chuckled, "No, I wouldn't say it's good. He's already talking about his next book."

"Shit, that's really not good. I feel like publicly apologising in the Prophet now," Florence chuckled.

"Enough hospital talk, you two," said Elizabeth, sharing a look with Narcissa that said they'd better stop them before it was too late.

Then the flames in the fireplace turned green and Gianah walked out of them, running towards her brother.

"Dray!" she threw herself on him and he hugged her tightly.

"Hey, sis!" he kissed her cheek lovingly.

"GIGI!" they heard Lily-Rose shout from the top of the stairs and the ginger ran upstairs to meet the friend she hadn't seen in four months.

Upstairs, inside his own bedroom, Stephen heard his sister's shout and froze – Gianah had arrived.

He stood by his door, hearing her footsteps on the stairs and down the corridor. The amount of willpower he had to muster to stop himself from opening his door and taking a look at Gianah Weasley was huge.

It had been four months since he had last laid eyes on her, and as he stood there, hearing her walk by his bedroom, a strange feeling tightened his chest.

He dismissed that as hunger and walked back to his bed, his legs moving slowly away from the door, as if treading through snow.

He heard Lily's happy screech and a door slamming shut, letting him know Gianah was inside her room.

He looked at the wall that separated his room from his sister's, a strange longing taking place in his heart.

He scoffed at himself: I do not miss her!

"That's bloody ridiculous," he muttered angrily, lying down on his bed and picking up again the Quidditch book he had been reading.

During dinner, Stephen sat beside his older brother, James, and they all listened to their other brother, Christopher, talking about his travels and his studies on wandlore and the different cores used in some cultures.

"Sophie's wand's dittany core, for example," explained Christopher, "it's rare for us in the U.K., but it's used largely by tribe healers in the northern regions of Brazil. And they perform the most amazing healing magic."

"I'd love to go there and learn with them," said Sophie, smiling.

"Once you finish Hogwarts I can take you, sis," offered Chris.

"That'll be awesome!" the girl beamed.

"Have you started your wood inventory, Chris?" asked Severus.

"Yes, dad. I have enough for my first hundred wands already. I wrote to Master Wandmaker Gregorovitch yesterday. Hopefully, he'll be interested in training me."

But as the adults talked about his sibling's career, Stephen's eyes were on the blue-eyed red-headed girl across the table; Gianah seemed to hang onto his brother's every word – and Stephen hated how that made him feel.

Her blue eyes met his and she scowled, her lips mouthing: "What?" to what Stephen replied just as silently: "He's too old for you," making her blush red in anger and embarrassment.

"Stephen," called Severus sternly, arching an eyebrow at his son, having clearly not missed their exchange.

Florence fixed her son with a warning gaze and Stephen turned his eyes down to his plate, not looking at Gianah again.

After a delicious dessert, Lily-Rose and Gianah went back upstairs to Lily's room.

Stephen waited a few minutes before going up as well, intending to go shut himself in his bedroom until he was certain Gianah had left; but as he reached his door, he heard Gianah's voice coming from the bedroom next-door:

"Why isn't Lynne here tonight?"

"She's helping Nick look after Fred – he's expecting again, after all these years. They confirmed it yesterday, and it's a little boy this time."

Gianah gasped in surprise, "Really? That is soo cool! I'd love to have a little brother!"

"I'm happy having just older siblings," said Lily, "They're all amazing, each one teaches me different things."

"Your siblings are all gorgeous," added Gianah, "They should have at least five kids each, fill up the wizarding world with good-looking wizards and witches."

"Ew, stop thirsting after my siblings, Gigi," said Lily, wrinkling her nose.

"C'mon! I mean..." Gianah blushed, "You saw Christopher during dinner... the long hair looks so good on him, and his green eyes are beautiful. And his voice! So soft, I could hear him speak for hours... he's so clever, his wand research is amazing-"

"Ewww, you've got a crush on him!"

"No!" Gianah quickly replied and Stephen – who still eavesdropped by the door – was sure she was blushing.

"I'd love to have him as a teacher," continued Gianah in a lower voice, "I'd be his best student. Or maybe his worst and he'd have to give me detention every week," she giggled, and Lily groaned.

"Ookay. Let's stop this disgusting topic of my brothers, please! Or I'll start talking about yours!" threatened Lily.

"What? Draco? He's handsome," Gianah shrugged.

"Handsome?" screeched Lily, "Healer Malfoy could be my doctor any day – I mean, if he weren't married to my sister, of course."

"Eeew. Stop it!" it was Gianah's turn to be disgusted, "Fine! I'm not talking about your brothers anymore!"

Lily laughed but suddenly stopped, realising something: "Wait. You said you think all my siblings are gorgeous. Even Stephen?"

Behind the door, Stephen waited for her reply with bated breath, pressing his ear against the door.

"Well..." started Gianah, "He's an idiot and the mere knowledge of his existence annoys me but... he's not ugly."

Stephen smiled. She thinks I'm handsome. She li-

"Eavesdropping?" he suddenly heard, jumping in surprise and turning to look at his brother.

"Bloody hell!" Stephen whisper-shouted, a hand on his chest, "Chris! You scared the shit out of me!"

The only brown-haired Snape son chuckled, "If mum catches you here, you're fucked. So, Gianah is in there with Lily, I gather," Chris pointed at the room.

"Yes. And she has a crush on you," Stephen said, lips pressed in a fine line.

Chris smiled, "I'm flattered, Miss Weasley is a beautiful girl."

Stephen frowned, unhappy to be hearing that, "She's too young for you!"

"Don't worry, little brother," said Chris, touching a hand to his shoulder, "She's definitely not my type."

"Why not?" he tilted his head, "She's gorgeous."

"I'm like Nick, little bro."

Stephen's shoulders relaxed. "Oh. You prefer boys."

"Exactly. So don't worry, I'm not stealing your girlfriend," Christopher replied teasingly.

Stephen started to smile but was suddenly frowning again: "Weasley is not my girlfriend!"

Then Lily's bedroom door was opened, and Gianah was shouting: "OF COURSE I'M NOT!" she shoved Stephen, "What the fuck are you talking about?" she glanced at Christopher and blushed.

"I was on the way to my room and overheard you two..." started Stephen.

"You were eavesdropping!" accused Lily.

"No!" Stephen lied, "I was just walking by!"

"LIAR!" shouted Gianah, shoving him. "You were listening in on our conversation!"

"So what?" he finally admitted, "Yeah, I was. And I know about your crush on my brother!" he pointed at Chris.

Gianah inhaled sharply, her demeanour quickly turning from embarrassed to furious: "I'll kill you, Snape!"

And Stephen ran, Gianah running after him.

Downstairs

"I truly cannot understand why you would want to run for Minister, Hermione," said Florence, shaking her head, "But you have our full support," she raised her glass.

All the others followed her gesture and they toasted to Hermione's ambitions.

"I must agree with Florence," said Charlie, letting out a tired sigh, "Being Minister of Magic is not as easy as people think... the moment you feel ready to take over, Hermione, just let me know and I'll call for new elections," he sipped his firewhisky, adding: "Do you feel ready now?"

Hermione chuckled, "No. Not yet. I want at least another year at the Department of Mysteries. I'm learning so much about the possible origins of magic, and how wizards and witches factor into the balance of the elemental energies-" she exhaled, "Godric, I feel like Luna when I start talking about that!" she laughed.

"You truly sound like her, Granger," snorted Draco, sitting on the sofa across from her, his baby daughter asleep on his chest, "When you decide to stop playing with the Nargles, and start campaigning, money won't be problem, just give me a number and I'll send your campaign a transfer."

Hermione looked surprised, not only for his words but by the way everyone around nodded in support.

"Absolutely," said Narcissa, "I can't see a better way to spend both the Malfoys' and Blacks' fortunes than on getting our first muggleborn Minister elected!"

There was another loud round of toasts, with firewhisky, champagne and elven wine, and supportive cries.

"Thank you," Hermione said, clearly feeling touched by her family and friends' support, "I really appreciate it."

"So," asked Charlie, "Feeling ready now?"

"Oh, shush," Hermione laughed.

And then they all heard fast footsteps coming from the second floor, and Stephen suddenly ran down the stairs, being followed by Gianah.

"Oh, no," Florence and Narcissa whispered at the same time.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Gianah shouted.

Florence exhaled and looked at her husband, "Severus, go get him."

"Do I have to stop her?" he replied, taking another sip of his firewhisky before standing up.

Florence chuckled and watched him go deal with the teenagers.

"What's the meaning of this?" demanded Severus in his most dangerous classroom voice.

Both teenagers started shouting at the same time, pointing viciously at each other, no one but the two of them understanding what was happening; their shouts quickly escalated to an even louder screaming match, and Stephen went towards Gianah – his intentions unclear – but the girl's hand started to glow in uncontrolled anger.

Severus intervened, pushing his son away from Gianah, before he could get seriously hurt.

"Enough, both of you!"

"He was eavesdropping on Lily and me!" panted Gianah, pointing accusingly at Stephen.

Severus looked at his son.

"Yes!" Stephen admitted, as out of breath as her, "Fine! I was by Lily's door, but I just listened in, listening isn't a crime! I didn't do anything!"

"I see," Severus drawled, narrowing his eyes at his son, "So it seems Slytherin has just lost a future chaser for this next term."

"What?" Stephen inhaled sharply, "No! Please, dad!"

"You knew you had to stay away from her, son," Severus shook his head.

"But I just listened-"

"You eavesdropped," corrected Severus, "Not as innocent as just listening."

Stephen glared at Gianah, "This is your fault!"

"What?" she screeched, "You were the one listening behind the door!"

"If you hadn't come here, none of this would've happened!"

Her glowing fist clashed with his mouth so fast no one had time to stop her.

"That's it!" shouted Narcissa, standing up and pointing at the fireplace, "Go home, Gianah! Now!"

The red-headed girl glared at Stephen before leaving without another word.

"She bloody hit me!" Stephen shouted, touching a hand to his burned and bleeding lip.

"Stephen!" said Severus, once the flames in the hearth turned red again, "Go to your room, we'll talk about this later."

The boy glared at his father and turned to go upstairs.

"Where's Gigi?" they all heard Lily ask from the top of the stairs.

"She went home," Florence replied.

"What?" Lily ran downstairs towards her brother, pushing him, "You made her leave?"

"She punched me!" Stephen tried to justify.

"You bloody deserved it!" Lily shouted, shoving him again.

"I WON'T BE PLAYING QUIDDITCH BECAUSE OF HER!"

"IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT! You were listening behind the door-"

"She was thirsting after Chris!"

"So what?" Lily growled, "It's not like he'll fuck her!"

"ENOUGH!" shouted Severus, "Upstairs, both of you! And I don't want to hear another sound!"

The twins glared once more at each other and obeyed.

After a moment of silence, Florence sighed: "Well, I believe we've just got a glimpse of what will happen next year at Hogwarts."

Severus groaned.

Note: LOL, I love this last scene! Those people in that living room survived a war – a bloody war! And yet their kids will be their downfall!

Next chapter is being finished as we speak, it'll be out in about a week.

We'll see more of Sirius and Teddy and Gianah as they enter Hogwarts.

Yes, Gianah will be going to live under the same roof as Stephen.

The trouble, people, won't be little.