August 31st 2010

Hogwarts

Headmaster's Office

Severus Snape glanced at his beautiful wife sitting across from him, helping him with the usual paperwork that had to be carefully filled out and reviewed every beginning of term.

As usual, the Ministry of Magic had sent them a list of names, and it was essential that they made sure no magical kids were out of school and no muggleborn witch or wizard had been left behind.

However, as they worked that day, Severus could tell something was worrying Florence; her green eyes darted to the tall bookcase from time to time, staring at the brown and battered Sorting Hat that sat on top of a couple of books – whatever was on her mind, it was sure to have something to do with their son's sorting.

"What is it, love?" he asked in a soft tone, "You're thinking so loud it's making it impossible for me to concentrate."

"Sorry, Sev, it's just... I still wonder sometimes... about Stephen being in Slytherin."

"Yes," he admitted, looking at the Hat, "I do too. But he is fine. He has made new friends, didn't have any problems-"

"Despite his wand-malfunctioning in Charms," she reminded him.

He sighed, "We've agreed that was an isolated episode, Florence."

"I know. Let's hope that's what it was," she finished with a sigh of her own, working on a couple more papers, "Gianah is arriving tomorrow."

"I know."

"And Stephen's been unusually quiet this past week," she added, "I fear he's planning something."

"He sure is," he replied with a smirk.

Florence huffed, "This isn't funny, Severus!"

"Well, I happen to find the fact that we turned James Potter's little lion soul into a snake one very amusing, wife."

She just glared at him, "Considering we have all four Houses in our family, this childish rivalry should've stopped already."

"Never, Florence," Severus resumed working on the papers in front of him but frowned, his head snapping up at her, "Wait a minute- all four Houses?"

"Yes," she replied, still upset with his reaction, "Nick had a talk with the Sorting Hat yesterday."

"And?" Severus drawled, already imagining where the Hat had put his second-born son.

"He is a Hufflepuff-"

"Fuck," he let out before he could stop himself.

"Severus!" Florence admonished him.

"Fine!" he conceded, "It does make sense; to grow up as James's twin brother he had to have the patience of a badger. Slytherins and Hufflepuffs do make the best of friends."

Florence nodded, "Nick said the Hat considered both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and he asked to be a badger."

"Interesting," Severus said, quickly returning to his papers, dreading where Florence would go from there – they'd been looking for a new Head of House for Hufflepuff since Sprout mentioned she'd like to retire – which meant they'd need a new Herbologist as well and the one she wanted to hire was-

"Shall I write to Neville, then?" Florence, predictably, asked, "Sprout has been wanting to retire for two years. Longbottom can take over her classes and Nick can be Head of Hufflepuff."

Severus grimaced, and she knew it was because he didn't like the idea of having his ex-student in the staff – it was nothing personal, but bringing a war-hero to work in the castle would certainly reawaken the media frenzy about the war and make sure they recycled some article about Severus' and their family's roles in the war.

"Alice told me Neville isn't planning on travelling anymore," Florence continued, "now that Frank and she have been officially discharged; he has even bought a house in the village to be near them. He may accept to come teach at Hogwarts."

Severus thinned his lips before drawling: "You know the circus it'll be if we announce him as teacher."

"Yes. And we'll survive it," Florence declared.

Severus rested his quill on the desk and looked at her with a hint of annoyance in his narrowed eyes.

She rolled her eyes, "Don't be so grumpy, Sev. You know Neville the obvious choice. Even you were impressed with his Advanced Herbology book."

"Fine, wife! Call Longbottom and let the Prophet have a riot of a week," he picked up his quill, returning to his papers.

Florence chuckled, lowering her own quill to the desk and silently staring at him for a few seconds.

"You know," she said, slowly standing up and circling his desk to stop beside him, leaning to whisper in his ear: "You seem quite tense, husband," running her hand up his right arm.

Severus didn't have to look at her to see her intentions, he could sense her desire like a pulsating hunger through their bond.

He kept his eyes on his papers though, pretending to ignore her.

"I can help you... relax," she said sultrily in his ear, her hand moving down his chest.

He still didn't look at her, but his right hand dropped his quill and moved down her leg, resting just above her knee before running up slowly between her thighs, going under her pencil skirt.

Florence pulled his face up towards hers and caressed his lips with her tongue, teasing him.

Severus was suddenly on his feet, pulling her flush against his chest, one hand on her lower back holding her close while the other fisted on the back of her head, grabbing her hair and tilting her face up.

"Looking for trouble in the middle of the day, wife?" his tone low and dangerously sexy.

"Yes. I think you have the exact size of trouble I'm looking for, headmaster," she quickly unfastened his belt and lowered his zip, reaching into his trousers and caressing his cock through his pants.

He chuckled darkly and sat her on the table, magically unbuttoning her shirt, exposing her white lace bra.

"I'll give you every inch of trouble, princess."

"Yes, please."

And he had her bent over his desk, screaming and moaning, deep in trouble, within minutes.

Meanwhile at the Snapes' home

Christopher finished packing his last belongings and stood in the middle of his room, taking a moment to look around the bedroom he had called his all his life.

Within days, he'd be leaving his family home, the place he had been born and raised in, to start his apprenticeship under the Bulgarian Master Wandmaker Gregorovitch – and who knew how many years he'd be away.

Looking around his bedroom again, Christopher sighed: he was going to miss home.

So far, he'd always travelled knowing he'd return home at the end of each trip, only this time it would be different. He was going to spend years in Bulgaria, only coming back for sporadic visits, and afterwards he'd have to choose where he'd open his own wand store – something he still had no idea when or where would happen.

To look at his uncertain future was a daunting exercise but instead of fear, Christopher felt confident in his chosen career. He loved studying wands, and he knew he had the full support of his parents.

Three more days.

He had three more days to enjoy the comforts of home, the luxury of having two house-elves cooking and cleaning for him, a pool in the backyard, and the company of his siblings and parents.

Once in Bulgaria, Chris would be Gregorovich's assistant and that would mean nothing but hard work.

In all honesty, Christopher had been surprised when his request for an apprenticeship had been granted. Gregorovitch hadn't taken an apprentice in fifty years, which made him feel incredibly lucky – even though he suspected being the grandson of Voldemort had played a bigger part than luck in his being chosen by the old Master.

When Chris mentioned his worry to his parents, both of them told him not to fret about that.

"At least one good thing came out of that connection," Florence had said, "I don't want you using my father's name to open doors for the ones that his name will open should remain shut forever; but if Gregorovitch's desire to teach Voldemort's grandson is what got you an apprentice with one of the best wandmakers alive, I say take it, son, and don't think twice about it."

Christopher had felt relieved to have his parents' approval, he'd have refused to study with Gregorovitch if they hadn't approved of the Master's reasons to grant his request.

Knock. Knock.

Soft knocks on his bedroom door interrupted his musings.

"Master Chris," called Melody, one of their elves, opening the door, "Do you need anything? Needs help with bags, Master?"

"No, Mel. I'm all set, I'm just thinking about my future... how much I'll miss this house, my family, you and Tiff."

"Master will be leaving for long time again?" the elf's blue eyes filled up with tears.

"Yes, dear," he touched her head, "But I'll visit whenever I can, I promise."

Mel sniffled and he laid a kiss on her head, "You'll be plenty busy with Sophie, Stephen, Lily and all the grandkids, Mel."

"Yes, Master; it's both heart-breaking and amazing to see all the babies grow up and find their paths..."

"Talking about babies that grow up... do you know where my siblings are? I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on Stephen."

"Master Stephen is on the covered patio, casting spells. And Mistress Lily is reading in her room."

Christopher thanked the elf and walked downstairs, going to the back door, looking for his brother.

He shared his parents' opinion that Stephen had been acting weird those past couple of days and that it had something to do with the fact that Miss Weasley would be arriving at Hogwarts in about twenty-four hours.

"Hey, little bro," he greeted, sitting beside Stephen on the patio sofa, "Want to go for a dive?" he invited, motioning the pool.

"Sure," Stephen replied, unenthused.

Christopher took that moment to ask: "Who stole your quaffle?"

"No one. I'm fine," Stephen replied dismissively, still practicing his levitation spell with the coffee table.

"Right," Chris nodded, seeing right through the usual teenager moodiness; "You know, if you break that, mum will be really angry," he pointed at the table.

"I can fix it," Stephen shrugged.

Chris smirked, knowing that wasn't true, "Learned fixing spells already, have you?"

Stephen hesitated, "No. But you can fix it for me."

Chris laughed and nodded, "Yes, I can."

"Are you keeping an eye on me?" Stephen asked with a hint of annoyance.

"Yes," he didn't lie, "mum and dad are worried about you."

"They don't have to be. I'm fine."

"Yeah," Chris said, unconvinced, "Look... if you're upset about Gianah going to Hogwarts-""

"Why the bloody hell would I be?" the younger Snape scoffed, "Not everything is about her!"

Christopher nodded, "You're right, that's why we're worried about you."

Stephen made a face and slowly lowered the hovering coffee table back to its place, letting out a heavy sign and fidgeting with his wand.

"What if she's not in Slytherin?" Stephen whispered.

Chris tilted his head, "Wouldn't that be better?"

Stephen quickly replied: "Yes," but after a couple of seconds, he shook his head, admitting: "No. It wouldn't."

"Why? Do you like her, Stephen?"

"No!" he was quick to scoff, letting out a low annoyed growl the next second, as if it pained him to continue: "I... sometimes. Sometimes I like her. I mean, she's beautiful and brilliant. But she's also annoying and conceited and-" he huffed in pent up frustration, "I just need her to be in Slytherin."

The teen's insistence had Christopher wondering: "Did you do something, Stephen? To be put in Slytherin?"

The boy averted his brother's gaze, "Maybe. I don't know. I talked to the Hat- in my head. And I asked to be in Slytherin. It took some convincing, but in the end it put me there. So... maybe I did something."

Chris nodded, recalling their parents mentioning Stephen's Hatstall.

"You did that because you knew she'd be in Slytherin when her time came to be Sorted."

It was Stephen's turn to nod.

"Listen," Chris continued: "I don't know Miss Weasley enough, but after all I've heard of her through the years. I doubt she won't be a snake. So don't worry about it," he patted his brother's knee.

Stephen smiled at him and nodded.

"Now," Chris went on, "join me for a swim?"

"Yeah," Stephen nodded, "Just one thing: don't tell mum I asked to be in Slytherin- she might make me be resorted!"

"It's ok, bro. You're happy in Slytherin, if you truly weren't one, I doubt the Hat would have put you there," he made a serious face and looked at his brother, declaring: "Last one in the pool has to eat a Troll bogey."

And they ran to the pool.

Back at Hogwarts

After Severus and Florence had showered, she stood in her closet in their shared private quarters, picking up a dress to wear to that night's family dinner at the Burrow.

"Do you think it's a good idea to go to dinner at the Weasleys'?" asked Severus, walking out the bathroom with just a towel around his hips.

"Yes, Severus," she said in a monotone, tired of having that conversation, "We've already talked about this: they're family. You're going."

"I'm aware of that, wife," he replied, pulling her for a kiss, "However, I am not keen on having to take Stephen to the hospital the night before the start of the term."

"He's not going with us," she kissed his lips once more and turned to put on her chosen dress, "Christopher is staying home and Stephen will keep him company."

"Maybe I could stay home too-"

"Severus," she narrowed her eyes at him, zipping up her dress, "Nick and Fred will be there with Lynne and baby Fabian, I thought you wanted to see them."

Severus smiled softly at the mention of his youngest grandson, "Why didn't you start with that? Of course I'll go."

Florence chuckled, "Of course you will; neither of us would ever pass on the chance of getting some baby snuggles," she turned and wrapped her arms around her husband's neck again, kissing his lips.

"Do you miss having a baby, princess?" he asked between kisses.

"Of our own? Hardly," Florence snorted, "I enjoy our newfound freedom too much," she ran her hands down his naked torso, feeling his hand tugging on her hair two seconds before his lips were on hers again.

"I think we'll be late for dinner, wife," Severus whispered.

"Hmm, I think you're right-"

There were sudden knocks on their bedroom door.

"Hey, you two!" said Lily from the other side of the door, 'I'm flooing to the Burrow with Sophie! Finish whatever it is you're doing, and I'll see you there!"

Florence laughed against her husband's neck and then he proceeded to make them both late for dinner.

At the Burrow

Lily-Rose walked into the bedroom Lynne and Gianah shared whenever they slept at their granny Molly's house, not even worrying about knocking.

"Lily!" exclaimed the two redheads.

Lynne stood up and pulled her to where they were sitting on Gianah's bed.

"I was about to floo-call you!" said Lynne, "What took you so long to come here?"

"Parents acting like newlyweds," Lily rolled her eyes.

Lynne made gagging sounds, "Eeww!"

"So embarrassing," added Gianah, grimacing, "I hate when my patents start being overtly sweet with each other – it's obvious what they're about to do, and it's bloody disgusting!"

"Agreed," Lynne nodded with a shiver, "Dad Nick is always doing sweet things and Papa makes puppy-eyes at him," she fake-gagged again, "I mean: they're married for Godric's sake!"

"Yeah," agreed Lily.

"Disgusting," repeated Gianah, twirling a wand between her fingers.

"AAH!" suddenly squealed Lily, "Is that- is that your wand?"

"Yes!" Gianah beamed, "I got acacia wood with phoenix feather. Thirteen inches. Unyielding," she showed them her beautifully carved caramel-brown wand, "Mr Ollivander said it's an unusual wand; temperamental, but very powerful."

"Sounds like you," teased Lily, making Lynne laugh.

"And what did your boyfriends get?" asked Gianah, shooting a smirk at her.

"They're not my boyfriends," Lily replied, blushing.

"Not yet," sing-songed Lynne with a wink, "In two years or so that might change!"

Lily didn't reply, blushing redder.

"Uncle Severus will throw a Nundo," Gianah said, shaking her head, "Luckily I have more cousins, cause those two are as good as dead."

"I can't imagine having one boyfriend," added Lynne, exaggerating a shiver, "Much less two!"

"Yeah, but Tiana Nott will be arriving at Hogwarts this year," said Gianah, turning the teasing towards her cousin.

"So?" asked Lynne, folding her arms, trying to show indifference, "She's pretty."

"Pretty? She's bloody gorgeous!" added Lily, "And brilliant."

"Yes, I remember meeting her in Italy," said Lynne, blushing as red as her hair, "However-" she added loudly, narrowing her eyes at Lily, "We were talking about Potter's and Lupin's wands, Gigi."

"Oh, yes!" Gianah gasped, looking at Lily with a teasing smirk, "So, do you know what the boys got?"

Lily nodded, "Yes, I was with them when they picked, actually-"

"Unsurprisingly," whispered Lynne in mockery.

Lily glared at her but went on: "Sirius got a holly wand, fourteen inches, dragon heartstring."

"Wow, holly?" said Gianah, "That's one of the rarer kinds... he'll be even more insufferable," she added with and eyeroll.

"Mr Ollivander," continued Lily, "said it's a wand for those who may need help overcoming their tendency to anger and impetuosity."

Gianah snorted, "Sounds like Potter."

Lily nodded, "And Teddy got ash wood, fourteen inches and unicorn hair. Ollivander said ash wood is for the kind and generous hearts, people that see what is beautiful in the world and in others."

"Aww, as sweet as Cousin Teddy," said Gianah, smiling.

"Yes. Both of them are nice," said Lily, smiling too.

"Ha! You can't hide it, Lily," teased Lynne, "You fancy them!"

Lily blushed and threw a pillow at her friend/niece.