Tobias didn't even flinch as the book came sailing inches away from his head. He continued to stand in his bedroom, arms crossed, and glaring at his wife.

"...how dare you presume to tell me what to do!" Eileen screeched furious at Tobias. Her hands were balled into fist by her sides, her knuckles void of color. She was breathing heavily and her mouth formed into a sneer. "They are my sons, you can't tell..."

"I just did." Tobias interrupted his voice taking on a defensive quality as he stepped closer to his wife, so that they were standing at the foot of the bed hardly a foot between them. "You've had your fun. Now get out. You and I both know that I won't leave them, especially Harry, since he can hardly care for himself. Now leave."

"Do you really believe that will make it all better?" Eileen asked quietly her voice much softer and silky. "Do you really think its fair? Do you think Severus and Harry will be any happier with me gone?" Eileen closed the small distance between them by half so they were mere inches apart. "Do you really believe that they'll forgive you if you send me away before their reaged and have gotten the chance to speak to me themselves?"

Tobias leaned towards her until they were so close he could feel her breath before whispering in a deadly quite voice. "Do I really give a damn?"

Eileen couldn't repress the shiver of excitement that passed over her with him in such close proximity, but pushed the feelings away before she responded. "Yes. Of course you care. They are your boys, after all. You know that Severus wants answers and you would never deprive him of that. You know that both of them at their proper ages want to at least speak to me and though they may forgive you for sending me away...you could never forgive yourself."

......................................................

Friday evening, the day before Severus and Harry were supposed to return to their normal ages, found Tobias, Eileen, Severus, and Harry in the living room. Severus and Harry were sitting at opposite ends of the couch heads propped up on their elbows looking as though they may perish from sheer boredom. Tobias was standing looking furious his arms crossed and glaring at Eileen, who was standing near the door, from across the room.

Eileen was glaring at Tobias as they argued. "Why can't I come? They are my sons."

Matching looks of anger appeared on both Severus's and Harry's faces, but Harry's look soon faded and was replaced by one of concern as he glanced at Severus. Severus continued to look angry, but he ducked his head for a moment to regain control of his emotions.

Tobias sighed wearily; he was tired of this argument and just wanted to get his boys to Headquarters were the medi-witch could look them over before they could return to normal the next day and return home. "Because you're not an Order member..."

"Neither are you!" Eileen interrupted him anger coloring her voice.

"True, but unlike you I have Dumbledore's permission. Now, if you would be so kind as to let us leave, we'll be back sometime tomorrow." Tobias's voice betrayed his impatience as he ground out the last between clenched teeth.

"Fine!" said Eileen throwing her hands up in the air and stalking off down the hall. She rarely showed so much emotion at one time.

Tobias shook his head after her and turned his attention to his sons. In a brighter tone than he had a few minutes before, he asked, "Ready to go?"

"Aye, aye, Captain," both boys replied simultaneously with a salute.

Tobias chuckled and saluted back before pulling out the portkey Dumbledore had given him, which would take them to an alley just outside of Headquarters.

Once they were safely inside Grimmauld Place, Tobias watched with no small amount of amusement as his sons were first squeezed within inches of their lives by Molly Weasley then handed over to Pomfrey for their exam. By the time the two women were done, the rest of the houses occupants, minus Sirius, were downstairs. Getting the okay from the mediwitch and being followed by warnings from Mrs. Weasley, Severus was swept upstairs by the twins leaving, Harry alone with the adults as well as Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.

Harry took a hesitant step back towards his father. He was just beginning to feel comfortable around his father and brother and though he had met these people before, he didn't completely trust them. He felt a hand being placed in the center of his back and his father gave him a small push away. Turning his head, he looked up questioningly at his dad, a small bit of fear in his eyes.

Tobias smiled reassuringly at Harry before looking up and addressing Ron. "I assume you have a chess set?"

Ron nodded, not really sure what that had to do with anything.

Tobias nearly cringed; what was so difficult about getting verbal answers from these kids? In a neutral tone that displayed none of his annoyance, he spoke to Ron once again. "I would greatly appreciate a verbal answer."

Ron swallowed; this man reminded him far too much of his potions master. "Yes, sir."

Tobias smiled slightly, though his tone remained the same. "Thank you. Now, perhaps if you were to retrieve this chess set, Harry would like to play a game or two with you."

Both Tobias and Ron looked expectantly at Harry. Though he was nervous, a game of chess did sound fun. Before consenting however he had to be sure of something. He turned around entirely to face his dad and gestured for him come closer so he could whisper in his ear.

Tobias looked amused as he leaned over to hear what his son had to say. As he listened to his son, his amusement quickly died and was replaced by anger and sadness. Sighing, he turned his head so he could whisper into his son's ear. "Of course, Harry, I promise I'll be right here if you need me. I won't leave you, son."

Their private conversation finished and Tobias stood up straight once again to watch as Harry left with Ron to find the chess set, Hermione and Ginny not far behind.

Up in the twins room/personal laboratory, they were drilling Severus with everything they could think of. They had known for quite some time that their potions master was brilliant and held quit a bit of respect for him. In fact, they were almost positive that he knew they had developed and experimented with many potions while in his class, yet he allowed them to get away with it. It was almost an unspoken bargain really; they do their assigned work well, and don't make any disturbances in his class and he would allow them some research and extermination. Now that they had full access to Professor Snape, albeit in child form, they were determined to wring every piece of information out of him that they could. Especially considering that once he was the correct age again, their beloved potions master would most likely kill them. But they would deal with that when the time came.

Severus was greatly enjoying the time he was spending with the two older boys. Most of the time when he talked potions to people he would have to stop frequently to explain some of the simplest things to them - and even then most people seemed lost and hardly cared at all about what he was telling them. Fred and George, however, seemed genuinely interested and knew a great deal about potions themselves. They even let him demonstrate a few things with their equipment. It was nice to know that some people appreciated the subtle science and exact art that was potions making.

............................................................................

That night at dinner, it happened. It was strange for Severus and Harry - it was like waking up to a nightmare. One minute their ten-year-old selves were sitting at the table, poking at their broccoli, and then suddenly they get horrible, head splitting headaches. Then their ten-year-old bodies are sitting at the table with their correct minds with memories of the past two weeks intact and fresh in their heads.

"Severus, Harry?" Tobias called out to his son's, his concern tangible. They had each let out a loud groan and put their hands on their heads, causing Pomfrey to jump up and start scanning them but now were looking around wide eyed there hands had been removed from their heads and they were staring at each other, mouths open.

Before Severus or Harry could respond, Madam Pomfrey was speaking in a calm tone. "I suggest that the two of you get upstairs to a room unless you want to be sitting at the kitchen table entirely nude when you grow too large for your clothes."

Severus and Harry briefly exchanged looks before bolting up the stairs.

Tobias looked questioningly at the medi-witch as he got up to follow his sons.

Reading his inquiring expression, Pomfrey answered his and everyone else's unasked question. "They'll be fine. The potion is just wearing off a bit faster then expected. Apparently, however, it's ageing their minds back first, but their bodies will soon follow.

Nodding with a mumbled ‘thank you' to the medi-witch Tobias preceded out of the kitchen and up the stairs after his sons, Madam Pomfrey not far behind.

It was a very interesting twenty minute wait while the four occupants of the room waited for Severus and Harry's bodies to catch up with their minds. Tobias paced nervously, Madam Pomfrey continued to scan Severus and Harry, Severus kept his eyes focused on a point on the rug in deep contemplation, while Harry cast worried glances around the room at the other occupants of the room. Finally, Severus and Harry began to grow, as when they were deaged it didn't hurt, but was very odd to watch. Harry stopped growing before Severus, but before he could even reach for his clothes, Pomfrey was scanning him, make tsk'ing sounds under her breath. As soon as she finished with Harry, she started on Severus. Once she was sure they were both healthy and suffered no ill effects from the potion, she left. Tobias, looking relieved, followed the medi-witch out with nothing more than a smile to both his son, relieved beyond words that they were all right.

Severus and Harry quickly got dressed, not saying a word to one another. Harry realized now that he had revealed more to Severus as a ten year then he ever had to anybody. He knew that Severus wouldn't ridicule him for it, but he didn't know how to act around his brother now. Not only that, but he was about to explode with questions. Severus's child self was far different from the adult Harry had come to know, and he didn't understand what could cause Severus to change so drastically. Then there was the fact that waiting for him at home was his mother. A mother who could barely stand him. He had never been so confused in his life.

Severus had so many differing thoughts zooming around his mind he really didn't know where to begin. He had learned so much about his younger brother while they were small that he didn't know what to do with the new connection he now felt. He supposed that it was some sort of brotherly bond. Before being deaged, if he were to be honest, he didn't really feel a ‘brotherly' connection with the boy. They had a connection yes, but it was more of that between an uncle and nephew or cousins perhaps. Now that he was adult again, though, he could not deny that he felt a true bond with his brother. Casting a quick glance at Harry, he realized that they had much to discuss. They both had questions that only the other could answer. That particular conversation would have to wait until they got home; first, however, there was a certain pair of twins he needed to speak to.

Harry headed for the bedroom door intending to flee the room before his brother decided that they needed to talk. His hand was one the doorknob, when a hand pushed the door closed again. With dread, Harry looked up into the matching black eyes of his older brother.

Severus knew Harry wanted to forget about everything he had revealed to him, but he couldn't and Severus was determined to help his baby brother through everything he had been through. "We need to talk." Severus voice was soft but commanding, "but not today."

Harry nodded, feeling relieved but apprehensive at the same time. Severus removed his hand from the door, allowing his younger brother to open it.

Severus followed Harry out of the open door and back down to the kitchen where they could finish their dinner, excluding the broccoli.

..................................................................................

It was late when the twins decided to go to bed. They had been doing their best to avoid their potions master since he returned to his normal self, but they couldn't help notice the looks he kept sending their way over dinner. They made sure to stay close to Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny after dinner as well, so that they would be less likely to bump into him. They weren't sure exactly what he would do when he did finally catch up with them, but they were sure it wouldn't be anything good. Removing all the wards and pranks from there door to keep intruders out they opened the door to their room and entered swiftly before putting up all wards and pranks back up. They weren't going to take any chances. Once done, they both breathed a sigh of relief, but the relief was short lived as they heard someone clear their throat. From a darkened corner of the room Severus stepped out looking scarier then Fred and George remembered.

Severus smirked, his arms crossed across his chest. When his spoke it wasn't with malice, but almost neutral with a mischievous undertone; as though he were trying to hide his excitement. "Hello, gentlemen, I have a business proposition for you."

It took a second for what their professor had said to kick in, at which time mischievous smiles crossed both their faces and they shared a look that apparently allowed them to silently communicate with each other.

"What sort of business proposition, sir?" asked George in the most politely business tone he could muster.

"Have a seat, gentlemen, and allow me to explain." Severus conjured two chairs for the boys and waited until they sat down, with serious looks plastered on their faces, before continuing. "You plan on opening a joke shop once you finish school. Do you not?"

"Yes, sir." Both answered at the same time calculating looks still on their faces.

"I have the means...the ability, to make the two of you the proprietors of the best joke shop ever if you're willing." Severus turned on every bit of cunning he possessed. He would need all of it with these two.

"Hypothetically speaking sir, if we accept how would you go about this?" asked Fred. He and George knew they had to handle their professor carefully.

Severus remained silent for a moment carefully studying both boys. He realized that he would have to do a bit of salesmanship if he wanted them to accept his offer. He was surprised actually that he was even making them this offer, but they had proven themselves worthy of it time and time again without even trying. "I am one of the best potion masters in the world..."

"He doesn't have much as far as modesty goes, though, now does he, George?" ask Fred in a whisper, but purposefully loud enough for their professor to hear.

"No, no, he doesn't dear brother, but..." George didn't get to finish his statement as he was interrupted by said professor.

"If you don't mind," Severus voice took on a familiar cold quality, "I would like to continue without interruptions." He was silent for a moment before he continued his business tone. "As I was saying I'm one of the best potions masters in the world. If you want proof look it up or ask Miss. Granger. I was the youngest person to receive a potions master in over two centuries. Not only that, but I have studied muggle chemistry as well. Every year, I receive hundreds of request from the best and brightest potions students from around the globe asking for an apprenticeship. I turn each and every one of them down."

"That's very interesting professor," said George beginning to sound bored, "but what does that have to do with us?"

"Everything, Mr. Weasley. You see, if I do, for some unknown reason, decided to take an apprentice, that person would have automatic recognition, before they even complete their mastery. They would become famous almost instantly. I could teach them more then anyone else and their skills, whatever they may be, would be valued beyond imagination."

The room was silent for a moment as Severus allowed what he was saying to sink in. Severus watched in amusement as both Fred and George's eyes widened at the same time and their eyebrows rose.

"Sir," began George tentively. "Are you offering us an apprenticeship?"

Severus watched them carefully for a moment before replying. "Yes. If you accept, I will teach you everything that I know about potions and chemistry; what you choose to do with that knowledge is up to you. If you accept, you'll spend the next school year as my apprentices, you'll assist in teaching classes, research, plus private classes with me, your course schedule will be cut so that you will only be taking a few core classes such as, herbology, charms, and transfiguration. I do not want an answer now. The both of you should take your time in deciding, talk it over with your parents, and do a bit of research. Let me have your answer though no later than Harry's birthday, so I have time to work out the details should you accept."

Fred and George nodded in understanding, still a little thunderstruck at the whole situation.

"Well, have a goodnight, and think about what I said." With those departing words, Severus swept out of the twins room, the wards on the door barely slowing him down.

As the door closed behind the potions master, the twins tried to get up out of their chairs, but couldn't - not even with magical help. They were stuck.

"Fred?" George's voice was contemplative as he finally gave up struggling to get out of his chair.

"Yes, George." Fred's voice took on the same contemplative quality as his brother's as he too gave up on his struggle.

"I believe we've just been pranked." George stated in a matter-of-fact, crossing his arms over his chest.

"How long before it wears off, I wonder." Fred asked curiously.

George shrugged, "We'll find out soon enough."

"What do you think of his offer?"

..............................................................................

Serenity checked the door in the bookshop one last time before she began heading upstairs to get ready for bed. It was a habit she had developed for whatever reason and she didn't bother to analyze it. She knew that she locked the door as soon as it was time to close in the late evening, so why she was drawn to check it again she didn't know.

Looking around at the now-finished store with floor to ceiling shelves filled with books, she couldn't help but smile. She would have to hire some help soon though. Someone to watch the shop while she went on lunch and help her make sure everything was in order by close. She could probably get a teenager looking for a summer job. Perhaps, Harry would like a little extra money for the summer. She'd have to ask him, when he was back to his fifteen year old self again.

She shook her head a bit as she reached the front door of her shop. It was locked securely, just as she had left it earlier that day. Just like she knew it would be. Turning around she headed back towards the stairs leading back to her apartment. She never made it, however.

Unknown to Serenity, someone had been watching her very closely for about a week now, receiving the signal to act only hours ago. Drawing her wand, Narcissa Malfoy cast a simple stupify at the muggle girl she had been assigned to watch. She would have rather just killed her and been done with it, but she had her orders to take the girl back alive.

The last thing Serenity saw before she lost consciousness was a bright jet of red light.

.................................................................................

Eileen had calmed down considerably since her husband and sons left earlier that evening. She hated being left out of anything exciting, and although the logical part of her mind understood why she couldn't go, she just didn't really care. She had thought of following, but had decided against it. They would be back tomorrow and she would see her sons at the proper ages, be able to inquire about the potion that deaged them, then that night she would ask Tobias to leave with her. He would say no, this time, because of Harry, then she would spend one last night in his bed and be gone before anyone awoke the next morning. Smirking, Eileen crawled into bed, her life sounded like some sort of trashy romance novel.

Closing her eyes, Eileen was about to drift off to sleep when she heard the sound of the creaking floorboard in the hallway. Eileen's eyes snapped open and she immediately went for her wand just in time as the door flew open. Eileen fired the first spell that came to mind and the intruder fell over unconscious, but the next spell fired did not come from her wand. She quickly rolled out of the way and onto the floor as a curse raced towards her. Getting up off the floor she fired another curse at her attacker, which was blocked. The dual went on for several more minutes, before Eileen was hit with a well-aimed stupify from the now-conscious first attacker, still on the floor.

Peter Pettigrew picked himself up off the floor, annoyed; the blasted woman had put them behind schedule. Their Lord would not be pleased.

..................................................................

Voldemort, along with his followers, made their way inconspicuously down the deserted London street. He wished they had time for some muggle killing, but they had a more important mission to accomplish; namely getting into Grimmauld Place.

From his inside source, he had discovered the potions accident that lead to the traitor being turned into a small child. He had also found that said traitor and newly discovered younger brother, also know as the-brat-that-just-wouldn't-die, were living with his muggle father for the summer. Until quite recently, however, he hadn't know where that was, and without Severus or the Potter brat using magic there was no way he could find them. Luckily, he had connections.

One such connection was a follower that had once, long ago, slept with Severus's mother, Eileen Prince - so he had said follower follow Eileen. By sheer luck, she decided to visit her husband and sons. Even though he had entertained the notion that capturing the traitor, Potter, and their family would be easier in the muggle village, it denied him the chance to take the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. To bad he wouldn't get to see the look on Dumbledore's face when he realized all hope was lost.

With a smile of victory already in place, Voldemort quietly opened the door to the Order Headquarters and walked inside. It was good to have spies.

..........................................................................

Tobias slowly walked down the stairs wanting a glass of water before turning in. He was both glad and a little disappointed that his sons were their proper ages again. On one hand, they, especially Severus, had already been through a lot and learned much from their experiences; it wasn't fair to take that away from them. On the other hand, they had both been through more then any person should at their respective ages and it wasn't fair that they had to experience that. If they had stayed young, they would have had a second chance. He would have a second chance.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs and heading into the kitchen, Tobias sighed. He could never take away the lives Harry and Severus had made for themselves, regardless of how much better their lives might be the second time around. Personalities are shaped by experiences, as are our views, and morals. Despite that both his sons had hard lives, it made them who they were and he couldn't deny them that, ever. Who knows, perhaps this experience had changed them.

Tobias sat down at the table, closing his eyes and rubbing them with his fingertips. He never heard the door open, or the single masked figure, followed closely by others, come into the room, or the bright jet of light coming at him before he fell unmoving to the ground.