Potions and Snitches
Snape and Harry Gen Fanfiction Archive

Chapter 10
Severus was waiting nervously, he'd dressed in some of his best clothes slacks and a smart pair of shoes with a deep green shirt and a robe that was dark blue verging on black. Today was the day when Harry had told him that they were going to visit his best friend and their family and he couldn't help but feel nervous.

It was true that he'd been gradually getting used to meeting new people and he enjoyed spending time with his new family helping and learning from his Aunt Poppy when he had a check-up, watching his Uncle Fillius entertain him by animating simple objects like the tea service to dance, or tea and shortbread biscuits with his Aunt Minnie or Sprout who both spoiled him rotten when they weren't showing him new spells or letting him help out in the greenhouse with Harry's friend Neville. Hagrid had even introduced him to some more creatures such as the Bowtruckles and Fairies who'd eventually been brave enough to climb all over him or in the case of the Fairy's flitter about only to tease him by flying out of reach when he got close enough to touch them.

But even though he'd made great strides, he was still naturally very shy and withdrawn, and the Weasley family sounded like they were quite large and boisterous. The prospect of meeting such a large family all at once was scary and more than a little bit overwhelming and he hoped that they were all friendly. He'd felt too queasy to eat much at breakfast and knowing that they would be flooing there had made him think that maybe eating lots of food wasn't the best idea in case he couldn't keep it down and embarrassed himself.

"Severus?" he turned startled by the soft voice. It was Harry standing there equally smartly dressed, he smiled at him and Severus managed a nervous smile back. "You ready sport?" he turned and ran to his bed. He wasn't sure if he needed any toys to keep him entertained but he didn't want to go anywhere without his teddy to cuddle.

Harry smiled at his antics and held out a hand for the nervous boy, he squeezed it comfortingly as they made their way to the fireplace in their quarters. Hermione was there waiting for them and gave him a reassuring smile. Harry knelt to pick him up thinking it would be much safer to floo with Severus in his arms so he didn't get lost like he had the first time he'd used the floo and ended up in Knockturn Alley by mistake plus it would offer him some much-needed reassurance. He knew Severus was understandably nervous about meeting so many new people but he hoped that it would be a good thing for him once he got used to it, the Weasley's were after all a very loving family once you got used to them.

Severus cuddled up close to Harry watching as the flames whooshed and turned green, he burrowed his head into his chest as he spoke their destination "The Burrow" and tried to ignore the slightly nauseous sensation he felt as he stepped through and they spun away somewhere new. He heard voices in the distance as Harry stepped aside to let Hermione come through "oh look they're here" more words he couldn't make out and then the same voice, a woman's voice he realised "Harry dear you're here, let me have a look at you" she exclaimed as harry rubbed his back comfortingly.

Harry gently placed him on the floor and he looked up. He realised there were several people now stood around them, he backed up, moving closer to the safety of Harry's leg where he could observe them from a safer distance.

Harry saw the Weasley matriarch coming over to greet him with her arms wide open, and decided that he'd better set Severus down for the minute, lest he be caught up in a bone-crushing hug as well. "Hi Mrs Weasley, I hope you're ok, sorry for visiting sooner, how're you coping" he said as she embraced him in a warm motherly hug, he allowed himself to relax into the embrace.

"Nonsense dear, we all understand you've had a lot to deal with, the important thing is that you're here now" she said before moving on to greet Hermione. He looked down and saw Severus peering out from behind his leg. He caught his eye and opened his arms so he could lift him up again giving him a better view of the people around him.

Severus looked around examining the woman first. She was a plump woman with rosy cheeks and short red hair and she was dressed like many of the women he'd known in Spinner's End in a simple dress with a pinny over it. When she spotted him she immediately came back to greet him "and you must be Severus, we've been looking forward to meeting you dear" she said warmly moving in as though to hug him or pinch his cheek, he shied away in fright not quite ready for that sort of physical contact. He looked and noticed the woman looked quite shocked and a little upset at his reaction and he instantly felt guilty and ashamed of himself for being so scared.

"Now then Molly leave the lad alone, he's clearly shy and not quite ready for that yet" another voice interrupted. This one was a man's voice and he looked up to see a middle-aged man with short thinning red hair and a kindly lined face dressed casually in a shirt and cardigan approach and place a restraining hand on her shoulder. He lowered himself so he was at his eye level and smiled reassuringly at him "hi there I'm Arthur and this is my wife Molly. You must be Severus?" he asked, Severus nodded, feeling slightly reassured by his calm voice, he offered him his hand, Severus hesitated before shaking it. "Sorry if my wife shocked you, I know this must all be a bit much to take in but we're really hoping you'll have a good time here"

He gave him a moment to take that in before continuing, "These are my children" he said indicating a group of redheads, five boys and two girls who stood off behind him, looking at him with various expressions varying from shocked gawking to neutral and smiling faces. The girl noticed the way her brother was staring at him open-mouthed and stood on his foot, he glared at her, she whispered something to him before he blushed looking away contritely.

"Do you want me to introduce you to them?" the man asked. Severus considered then nodded "alright this is my eldest son Bill and his wife Fleur. Bill works as a curse breaker for Gringotts" he told him.

The tallest of the boys stepped forward, he was dressed smartly and had long hair that went down behind his shoulders. He was quite handsome Severus thought until he got closer and he saw that the left side of his face was disfigured with what looked like two long claw marks that ran diagonally down his cheek and some smaller marks around his eye. His mouth dropped open in awe and he tried not to gape at him, suddenly he was all the more impressive for his scars, curse-breaking must be dangerous work he thought. Apparently, the man didn't mind him staring as he smiled at him pleasantly before offering him his hand "hi Severus nice to meet you" he greeted. Severus hesitantly shook his hand.

Next, the woman who was his wife came up. He thought she was very pretty with long blonde hair and soft-looking skin. She smiled pleasantly at him before greeting him in what he thought was a french accent "hello Severus, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"This is Charlie, he works with dragons in Romania" Arthur continued introducing his next son.

Severus looked up and was if anything even more in awe of the next man. He also had long hair like his brother but his was tied back in a neat ponytail. He wore clothes that looked to be both practical and hard-wearing with a metal pendant of a curled-up dragon with an emerald green eye hanging down and a bandolier slung across his chest that appeared to be full of useful tools and ingredients. The short-sleeved top that he wore exposed his arms, which were broad and well-muscled, and like his face were tanned and weather-beaten and littered with faded scars presumably where he'd been bit or burnt by the dragons. "Hey little dragonlet, nice to meet you" he greeted cheerfully offering him his calloused hand to shake, Severus blushed at the endearment as he shook his hand.

"This is Percy, he works with me at the ministry"

Severus frowned, this next one was smartly dressed and had a frizzy head of curly red hair, he seemed more serious and reserved but nonetheless, he held out his hand and greeted him in a very proper manner "pleasure to make your acquaintance"

"This is George he runs a joke shop"

Severus examined him as he walked over somewhat wearily, he didn't look like the sort of person who made a living selling jokes. He was smartly dressed with short red hair and he looked very tired and sad he thought. Still, he attempted a smile "hey squirt nice to meet you" he said and he sensed there was a more mischievous side to him buried below the surface.

"This is our youngest son Ronald"

The boy approached seemingly begrudgingly and Severus recognised him as the one who'd been gawking at him before in apparent shock only now he appeared to be scowling. He had shoulder-length hair and appeared to be a similar age to Harry and he wondered if the two were good friends. Reluctantly, it seemed he held out his hand "hey nice to meet you" he mumbled seemingly slightly shocked that Severus actually shook his hand, he looked up at something beyond Severus before looking more sheepish and beating a hasty retreat.

Finally, Arthur introduced the last of them "and this is my youngest, our only daughter Ginerva"

He looked at her, she was pretty with long red hair and brown eyes. He was suddenly reminded of another pretty girl with fiery red hair and green eyes. He was positive that he personally hadn't met her but felt irrationally strong feelings for her. He shook himself out of it wondering if that was one of the Professor's memories, he'd have to ask him about it. She smiled mischievously at him before speaking kindly "hi Severus nice to meet you" she whispered more quietly "oh and you can call me Ginny" she added winking. He decided he liked her as well.

Ginny walked away waving to him and Mrs Weasley slowly approached, looking embarrassed and dabbing her eyes with a hanky "I just wanted to apologise for earlier, I didn't mean to startle you, I guess I'm just used to mothering people and well my own brood are so rowdy and boisterous and I forgot that you may be a bit more sensitive"

Severus felt decidedly embarrassed now about his earlier outburst "it's ok really, I'm sorry I reacted like that."

Harry decided to interject "he's much better than he was when we found him but he's still not used to much physical contact, I'm sure it was nothing personal, you must have startled him, you're a great mother."

"Thank you dear" she said to Harry, "well I guess I'd better get lunch ready" she said before turning to Severus. "I hope someday you will allow me to show you some affection" he nodded blushing he would like that if he could ever get over his anxiety about being touched. She seemed a world away from his own mother who had been very withdrawn.

Harry was relieved to get that out of the way. Now that was sorted he switched his attention back on Ron. Whilst his friend hadn't been actively hostile or said anything unpleasant, he hadn't liked the way he'd been gawking and glaring at Severus and he was sure that he'd picked up on the silent tension. He decided it was time to nip this in the bud before it got out of hand.

He put Severus down and knelt in front of him, he'd noticed how he seemed to be in awe of the oldest Weasley's Bill and Charlie and thought they'd be able to distract him while he had a word with Ron "hey you ok Severus? Bit overwhelming huh?" he looked up and nodded "it's alright the Weasley's are nice, but they do take a bit of getting used to. Tell you what, I just want to go and have a quick chat with Ron, while I'm doing that why don't you go chat with Bill and Charlie? I'm sure they've got loads of good stories"

Severus bit his lip looking across the cosy room full of squishy mismatched furniture to where the two men were sitting idly chatting. He was torn, he did want to meet them as he was sure that they'd have exciting stories but he didn't particularly want to leave Harry who was like a safety net.

Hermione, who'd been standing nearby the whole time and was listening, decided to help Harry out "Tell you what why don't I come with you?" She said he looked up and decided that would be an acceptable compromise as she gently ushered him away. Harry smiled gratefully at her.

"Hey little man you alright?" Bill greeted him.

Severus stood looking at them with awe before Hermione decided to intervene "Harry thought he may like to hear some of your stories, I'm sure you've had loads of adventures you can share with him?"

The brothers looked at each other before sharing a knowing smile "I'm sure we can oblige. Say Severus have you ever heard about the time Harry had to battle a Hungarian Horntail?" Charlie asked Severus shook his head intrigued.

Harry watched as the two men greeted Severus enthusiastically and Ginny also made her way over, sitting down next to Hermione. He grimaced as he overheard them mentioning his name, Severus would be fine after all Bill and Charlie as the eldest of the brothers had plenty of experience looking after and entertaining young children.

Harry approached his best friend "hey Ron, can we have a word?" he asked.

Ron looked up at him "sure" he said as Harry led the way outside and sat down on the bench outside, "so how are you coping? I'm sorry I haven't been in touch but things have been a bit hectic"

"Ok I guess, I still can't believe he's really gone, the place feels empty without him" he said sighing.

"Yeah, it seems strange seeing George there without Fred. How's he coping?"

"He still seems a bit shellshocked, guess it must have hit him harder seeing as how close they were. I might see if he'll take me on at the joke shop over the summer, at least if he gets back to inventing and selling things it'll take his mind off things" Harry nodded his agreement, he'd noticed how despondent he looked and hoped Ron was right and that going back to the shop didn't bring back to many bad memories.

There was awkward silence for a few moments before Harry spoke "I actually wanted to talk to you Severus"

Ron looked up "I still can't believe you're looking after Snape after everything that git did to you"

Harry sighed he knew this wasn't going to be easy "Ron he's not Snape" at his disbelieving look he amended "not anymore, he doesn't remember being an adult. He's just an innocent traumatised boy, it's not fair to judge him for things he doesn't remember. Besides, I don't hate Snape anymore. Seeing his memories and him lying there dying kind of puts a new perspective on things, he saved my life more times than any of us ever realised and all in secret and did we ever thank him? No all this time he's been protecting us while everyone hated him and I always thought the worst of him I never even bothered getting to know him"

Ron looked at him before biting his lip "Harry, I'm sorry, it's just hard not to think of him as Snape after everything" he shook his head "I just can't believe you're adopting Snape" he said voice still full of disbelief.

"Firstly he's Severus not Snape" Harry corrected him "second Snape had a miserable life and a miserable childhood, just like me I'm determined that Severus won't have to go through that again, I owe it to him. He needs a family who'll give him all the love, care and attention he deserves just like you and your family did for me. He has a chance to grow up and be a much better person than Snape without living in his shadow but the more he's surrounded by people comparing him to Snape and hating him without getting to know him the more chance there is that he'll grow up to be bitter and learn not to trust people just like Snape did"

"You're my best friend Ron, I don't want to have to choose between the two of you but I'm not going to expose him to people who are going to be insensitive or thoughtless or judge him based upon Snape's actions. I'm not going to let him grow up like that again, I won't tolerate it, he doesn't need people shattering his confidence like that when I've worked so hard to build it up. Think about that Ron, look at how happy your family is to see him, you wouldn't want to deny them that chance to spend time with him? Please don't make me choose between you"

Ron sat in silence thinking about what Harry had said. All week since his parents had told him that Snape was back and that Harry was looking after him, he'd been trying to get his head around it, he just couldn't believe that he'd willingly adopt Snape after everything he'd put him through and then when he'd seen the boy he'd been so shocked he just couldn't help but stare the resemblance was so striking that at first glance he looked like a mini Snape. But what Harry said made a lot of sense he supposed he was just a little kid, a child who'd seemed nervous of meeting them all. He didn't act like Snape he thought, he was even likeable if he was being honest with himself.

It wouldn't be easy to forget about Snape but if Harry could manage to forgive him he supposed he could try as well. Harry was right he could see how much of a difference the child had made already, how his parents and his brothers and sister's faces had lit up when they'd seen him, with the war and the loss of Fred he'd not seen his mother smile like that in a long time, she always was at her best when she had someone to mother. Could he really deny them that, the chance to have someone else to shower with affection over an old grudge?

"Look Harry mate, I don't know what to say, I guess you're right, I'll try ok?"

He looked up, Harry smiled at him "that's all I ask, just give him a chance and be open-minded" he nodded.

Harry headed in and found Charlie telling Severus about Hagrid's dragon Norbert. He was happy to just stand there and watch, Bill and Charlie would definitely be good role models for him. Eventually, Severus became aware of his presence and looked up, "Hey little man, having a good time?"

"Uh huh, Bill was telling me all about some of the curses he's broken, he says he's even seen a real-life mummy and Charlie was telling me all about some of the dragons he's looked after, did you know Hagrid tried to raise one once?"

He couldn't help but smile at that "yes I do I was there, it was quite the experience"

"I still can't believe he won a dragon egg in a card game" Hermione commented.

"Or that he had a Cereberus name Fluffy" Ron added.

"Don't forget Aragog" Harry pointed out.

"Don't remind me, that spider still gives me nightmares, follow the spiders he said, whose great idea was that?" Ron moaned, shuddering. Harry and Hermione smiled at his reaction while Severus just looked blankly between them.

Shortly after that, they were called over for lunch. Severus sat down next to Harry and looked at the table and he couldn't believe his eyes. There was so much food he couldn't believe it there were all manner of salads and pies and freshly baked bread that was still warm and he could tell it was all homemade. It smelled good he thought as Harry helped him fill his plate, it tasted good too, better than anything he was used to not that Hogwarts cooking wasn't good, but there was something about homecooked food he thought as the adults chatted around him.

After lunch, they all decided to go flying and headed out into the garden to fetch the brooms. Severus looked around in amazement at the expansive grounds, it wasn't like the grounds of some posh manor but there was a wide expanse of lawn in front of the house and he could see an orchard beyond that and a vegetable garden around one side full of useful plants and pens full of animals as well. It looked perfect for a child to play and explore he thought. Suddenly his ears picked up voices, he turned to where the sound was coming from and saw Harry with the younger Weasley's who were walking over to a shed, intrigued he wandered over listening to the conversation.

"You fancy a game of Quidditch Harry?" one of the redheads asked, he wondered what Quidditch was like he'd only vaguely heard the name from his mother.

"Uh yeah sure it's been a while since I've played a game be good to get back up there" Harry replied casually.

"I'm surprised you haven't got the tyke up on a broom yet, I would have thought it'd be the first thing you'd do with them" someone else said as they started passing brooms out.

Harry laughed "I've been meaning to, I even got him his own broom and practise Quidditch set I just haven't had the chance to teach him yet and I left his broom back at Hogwarts"

"Maybe you could have a go while you're here unless you want to do it somewhere more private"

"Yeah, I'm sure we've got one back here he could use, I think Mum kept all our old ones" there was the sound of rummaging "here we are see" Bill said passing out a much smaller ancient looking broom "it's seen a lot of use this one, I think we all learnt on it at some point, it's no Nimbus but it still flies alright"

Harry examined it with interest "brill, I'll see what he thinks later if he's up for it"

They made their way down to the makeshift quidditch pitch, which wasn't anywhere near the scale of the one he'd seen at Hogwarts, but was still impressive, then split up into teams. Harry and Ginny acted as captains and seekers, Ron was playing keeper along with Bill and George and Charlie were acting as beaters and with a bit of persuasion, they managed to convince Percy and Fleur to fill in as chasers.

Arthur, who was acting as the referee, spotted Severus watching and came over "this your first time?" he nodded, Arthur smiled reassuringly "I'm sure you'll love it, why don't you go sit with Molly and Hermione, they'll look after you" he did as he suggested, and went over to where they'd set up a picnic blanket.

He watched as Arthur released the balls and the players rose into the air while Hermione explained the different balls and what each person did. It was quite interesting watching them play, Fleur seemed to be doing the better job as chaser but Ron clearly knew what he was doing as keeper and Percy although not as athletic was quite competitive with his siblings then again Bill wasn't exactly a slouch either but he seemed to not to have played in a while and a few balls got in. Charlie was well buit for hitting the bludgers back at the opposing team but not as good as George who was on fire. Then there was Ginny and Harry flying above everyone, they almost seemed as though they were teasing each other or playing an ariel game of tag constantly looking out for that flash of gold that was the snitch. The game continued in that fashion for a while until he spotted something glinting in the distance, Harry and Ginny must have spotted it too as they both flew after it from opposite sides of the pitch, suddenly the smiles were gone, Harry's face was intent and serious as he flew low on the broom and dove after the snitch with Ginny hot on his tail, it was neck and neck. Severus watched riveted he couldn't predict who would reach it first but Harry flew like it was second nature and plucked it out of the sky even as Ginny fingers brushed against him.

That was it, the game was over and Harry's team piled on him congratulating him as his catch had put them ahead. Severus ran over as Harry laughed with the others and complimented Ginny on her flying, it had been an amazing first game and he couldn't believe how well Harry had played. "Harry!"

"Hey, Sev you enjoy that?" he said catching him and lifting him in his arms.

"It was great, you were amazing, you all were" he amended.

"That's our Harry for you, youngest seeker in over a century"

"Did you know he almost swallowed his first snitch?" George told him proudly.

Severus shook his head "you want to have a go at flying?" someone asked him "uh"

Harry picked up on his nervousness "tell you what why don't I take you up on my broom?" he offered.

He looked up at him "I won't fall off?" he asked.

"Nope, I'll have my arms around you so you won't be able to fall and I can use a sticking charm on you to make doubly sure you won't fall. We won't have to go to fast or too high if you don't feel comfortable"

"Ok" he agreed nervously allowing Harry to stick him on the broom he'd been using in front of him. He waved his wand muttering an incantation and Severus suddenly found that no matter how much he tried to wriggle about that he couldn't actually get up, it really was as though his bum was stuck to the broom he thought feeling a tad bit uncomfortable.

Then Harry sat down behind him, he felt his bigger legs around his own and his chest supporting his back, Harry's strong arms wrapped themselves around him as he gripped the broom. "Ready?" he asked kindly, Severus looked up at him and nodded, he was as ready as he'd ever be to fly on a wooden stick, this was it he thought.

He shut his eyes as Harry commanded the broom up into the air and he felt the strange sensation of drifting up into the air "you alright there Severus?" he heard Harry asking him. He slowly opened his eyes and took in the view, the Quidditch pitch and all the people down below looking more like his little figures than real people, the garden and the higgldy pickldy construction of the Burrow standing precariously nearby and the rolling countryside and green fields beyond leading down into the village, a settlement dotted with tiny cottages. It was amazing the landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.

"Quite something huh?" he looked up and nodded, it certainly was, "You want to go for a ride around the block?" Harry offered.

"Ok" he agreed quietly.

"Alright, hang on" Harry instructed before leaning forward, the broom reacted instantly to him, propelling them both forward. It was hardly the fastest broom in the world but nonetheless, Severus gasped at the speed they picked up as the wind ruffled his hair and caused his clothes to flap in the breeze, it could have been scary or even made him feel sick watching the countryside pass by in a blur but with Harry's arms wrapped around him, he felt secure and suddenly grateful for the sticking charm. It was actually quite exhilarating he thought as Harry flew them lower, passing so close to the trees that he could almost reach out and touch them

He couldn't see Harry's face but he could tell he was a natural flyer and thought that he must surely be enjoying this every bit as much as he did, flying made him feel free in a way nothing else had the power to and yet all too soon it came to an end as Harry brought them in drifting lower and lower until the broom was almost touching the ground. He dismounted before removing the sticking charm and giving him a hand off "enjoy that?"

He smiled at him and his whole face lit up beaming and slightly pink from being up so high "it was brilliant, can we do that again?"

"Sure, we've got a whole load of brooms at Hogwarts and here at the Burrow, we'll have you flying your own broom in no time my little speed demon" he said smiling encouragingly and squeezing his shoulder.

Harry noticed Ginny watching him as they made their way inside and he realised that he hadn't exactly had a chance to talk to her alone for a long time, even when he returned to Hogwarts he'd been so overwhelmed with people wanting to greet him that they hadn't exactly had any time alone to talk with everything else going on.

He decided to rectify that and approached her, she'd changed a lot in the space of almost a year it had been since he'd last talked to her before setting off on the hunt for Horcruxes but she was still as beautiful as ever, he gulped summoning up the courage he needed, surely if he could face death and defeat Voldemort surely talking to a girl was nothing "hey Ginny, can we talk?"

She looked up at him and smiled "sure" she said leading the way up to her bedroom. They sat on her bed and Harry nervously tried to think how to start the conversation. Eventually Ginny spoke "so did you miss me?" she asked.

Harry looked up startled "what? Of course, I did, there wasn't a day that went by when I didn't think of you"

"Really cause it sure felt as though you'd forgotten all about me" she said pretending to be insulted.

"Ginny, I could never forget about you" he said putting his hands on hers, "it's just things have been pretty hectic lately."

"Yeah, I know, I can see that" she said smiling mischievously at him, "you and Hermione certainly seem to be quite close now" she added watching his reaction carefully.

"Yeah well we spent a lot of time together just the three of us this past year, we kind of had to learn to rely on each other to survive and well Severus really likes her. They get along really well and she's been a great help looking after him, I think she reminds him of his mother"

"Yeah, I can see how that would work" she said thinking about how intelligent Professor Snape had been "I guess I could forgive you" she teased.

Harry smiled "so what do you think of him?"

It took her only a minute to realise who he meant "he's cute, a real character not at all like Professor Snape although I guess I see a little bit of his personality in there and those looks are hard to miss. You know he was hanging off Bill and Charlie's every word."

"Yeah, he's a good kid, you wouldn't believe how many people I have to remind that he's not Snape"

She nodded her agreement "so there's nothing going on between you two?"

"No, not at the minute anyway. Don't get me wrong I mean I like her and I've come to appreciate her a lot more but I guess I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about her. You've not been seeing anyone have you?" he asked with concern what if she'd forgotten him after so long apart.

She shrugged "not exactly been the ideal time to be seeing anyone with the war and Death Eaters practically running Hogwarts torturing everyone and half the students not even being allowed back. So what about us? Do you still love me?"

"Of course, I care a great deal about you, it's just ..."

"What?"

"Well I just think after everything that happened I just need some time to get back to normal and figure things out, I'm not sure I'm ready to go back into a relationship yet" he was met with silence and looked up at her "you understand right?"

"Of course, you're right I guess it would be a bit strange jumping straight back into things after everything that's happened" she said although he detected a slight hint of disappointment. He put his hand on her elbow till she looked up at him and smiled at her letting her know everything would be alright.

Meanwhile, while Harry was talking to Ginny Severus looked around and saw everyone was sitting in small groups talking to each other, well almost everyone. The man he'd noticed earlier (George he thought his name was) was all on his own and looking as despondent as ever.

He approached nervously and he looked up at him, attempting a smile "hey squirt what's up?"

Severus looked up solemnly "you look sad" he stated simply feeling concerned for him "are you ok?"

George looked at him in surprise before patting the seat of the well-worn sofa next to him. He waited until he'd seated himself before replying, "I guess you could say that. Has Harry told you about the battle?" he nodded "well me and my brother Fred fought in the battle."

Severus scrunched up his face in confusion, he couldn't remember Mr "Weasley mentioning someone called Fred. At his confused look, George continued to explain "Fred was my twin, he got hit while we were fighting, he didn't make it."

Severus looked at him in shock that explained it "oh, I'm sorry, you miss him don't you?" he asked already knowing the answer.

George laughed slightly, although it was a sad kind of a laugh "yeah I do. He was more than just my brother, it's like losing half of myself, we always used to joke about and bounce ideas off of each other, we always knew what the other one was thinking and finished each other's sentences, I feel lost without him" he admitted.

Severus put his small hand on his arm in a gesture of sympathy, he didn't know what it was like to have that kind of connection but he knew what it was like to lose someone you cared about and had a deep bond with "that must be hard, I lost my parents to"

George looked at him "yeah I heard about that, you must miss them huh?"

He shrugged "I guess, I miss my Mum but not my Dad"

"He didn't treat you so good huh?" George asked.

He shook his head "he hated me and Mum for having magic I think" he said, after years of confusion when he'd tried his best to please his father he was only just beginning to understand why he hated them, he didn't want to tell George about how his father came home drunk, shouting and swearing and hitting them.

George winced in sympathy, understanding what he was saying "that's rough kid. Still, you've got Harry now and I reckon he's going to be a pretty good Dad, he certainly seems very protective of you."

"Yeah" he didn't need anyone to tell him that he could already tell Harry was a world away from his father, he and Hermione and all his new extended family had already done so much for him.

"You know Harry's relatives didn't treat him so good either" George said thoughtfully.

"They didn't?" Severus asked, looking up in shock, he knew Harry had hinted that he hadn't had a good childhood and that he could relate to how he grew up but he'd never really gone into details discussing his childhood.

"Yeah he didn't like to talk about it either but we knew his relatives hated him for having magic. They treated him terribly, like a House Elf and even his bedroom was like a prison cell. We were so worried his first summer we went over and rescued him in Dad's flying car"

He looked at him horrified "you did? Wait, you have a flying car?" Severus asked in shock, he'd only ever heard of such things he'd never actually seen one.

"Yeah, we did, me and Fred and Ron. Unfortunately, we don't have a flying car anymore. Ron and Harry couldn't get on to the platform that year to board the train so instead of waiting for someone like our parents, they decided to fly it to school and then crashed it into the Whomping Willow. The car kind of went feral after that and disappeared into the Forbidden Forest. They almost got expelled for that I'll tell you, in fact, I'll bet they would have if Professor Snape had had his way, we all thought he was going to explode or chop them up and use them as potions ingredients that time"

Severus listened in shock he'd never heard that story before "you alright?" George asked him "yeah"

George followed his gaze to where he was looking at Ron with a frown on his face, he frowned to himself he knew what his brother could be like saying things without thinking and hoped he hadn't upset the little guy "he's not been bothering you has he? Cause if he has I can get him back for you"

"No he's been alright it's just earlier he didn't exactly seem happy to meet me and I don't know why it's not as though I've ever done anything to him, I haven't even met him before"

"Ah well, you see that's a bit complicated. You see Ron, with our Harry and Professor Snape didn't get on very well, in fact, I think it's fair to say they hated each other a lot of people did, he wasn't exactly Mr Popular. Me and Fred got on ok when we reached a sort of understanding, he saw that we were quite talented when we were motivated so he helped us with our experimental potions in secret and in return, we agreed to try not to get into trouble with him and to knuckle down in class. He must have saved us from blowing ourselves up several times over. I guess you must remind him of Snape"

Severus was surprised by this revelation "but Harry doesn't hate him now does he?"

"No Harry doesn't but Ron well let's just say it may take him a bit longer to get his head round it. Also, I think he's maybe a tad bit jealous seeing you spending so much time with Harry. The two of them and Hermione were best friends all throughout school having adventures and getting into trouble together, it must be strange for him seeing Harry suddenly growing up and spending so much time with you"

At Severus's sad face, he decided to try and cheer him up "don't worry about it, he'll come round when he realises you're not like Professor Snape, Ron may be an insensitive git at times but he generally doesn't mean any harm, his bark is worse than his bite. Besides" George added leaning in and whispering to him conspiratorially, "if he ever acts like a berk just let me know and I'll sort him out with one of my products" he said grinning mischievously.

"Your products?" Severus asked, feeling confused but grateful for his support.

"That's right, of course, you don't know about our joke shop do you?" he said feeling like an idiot for not realising it, Severus shook his head "me and my brother set up Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, the premier shop for all your joking needs" he announced like a consummate salesman announcing his wares and smiling broadly. Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he smiled a crafty smile "say Severus you like potions don't you?"

"Yeah" he said feeling a bit uneasy "my Mum, knew a lot about potions, she was just starting to teach me about ingredients and how to brew them" he explained "why? he asked suspiciously.

"Oh no reason, just I could use someone to help me out with brewing now Fred's gone. he looked at him appraisingly "I guess you're still a bit young, but maybe when you're older, if you ever want to help with brewing experimental potions, assuming, of course, Harry agrees to it."

Fortunately, Severus was saved from answering at that minute by a voice behind him "assuming Harry agrees to what?" causing both of them to look up and Severus to spin round to see Harry himself standing behind him.

"On nothing, just wondering if little Severus here might have inherited the old Snape talent for potion making and might be interested in helping me with brewing at some point when he's older of course, and with your permission" he added hastily.

"Yeah, maybe when he's older" Harry agreed knowing that Severus would probably jump at the chance to experiment with potions and that he was still far too young, particularly considering how volatile some of the twin's inventions could be. "Well, I think we'd best be going, it's getting late" he said smiling and putting a hand on his shoulder to emphasise the point.

"Alright bye, little Snape, good to meet you" George said before leaning closer and whispering to him, "Stop by our shop at some point and I'll show you some of our best products" he said grinning and winking mischievously.

They'd soon said their farewells to everyone and even Ron had made somewhat more of an effort to be friendly and attempted to smile at him when they got to the Mr and Mrs Weasley. He could tell Mrs Weasley was doing her best to hold back from touching him or hugging him "it was lovely seeing you all dear, Harry, Hermione, Severus, I hope you'll come by again soon" she said her gaze lingering on Severus.

"Of course, we'd love to, right Severus?"

"I'd like that" he agreed still feeling guilty about his averse reaction earlier "I'm sorry about earlier, I'll do better next time."

"Nonsense dear, no need to apologise it wasn't your fault you just take your time, no rush" he nodded.

Finally, they moved on to Mr Weasley who smiled at him "it was good to see you again Harry, Severus it was nice to meet you, at last, I hope we'll see you again soon"

Severus smiled and nodded his agreement, he liked the laid-back man.
Chapter End Notes:
Hope you all enjoyed the long awaited first meeting with the Weasley's no doubt it threw up a few surprises. I know it may not be what people expected but I'm not good at writing Ron as a totally evil character besides I tend to think of him more as being a bit of aloud mouthed insensitive git who says the wrong thing than being nasty. Also, I think he has his reasons for hating Snape, firstly he's probably heard about him from his brothers and already has a preconceived notion of him before he's even met him. Second I think a lot of the time he acts like a jerk saying the wrong thing because he's trying to stand up for Harry so he sees the way Snape treats Harry and also Neville unfairly and feels angry on their behalf and hates him because Harry hates him and moans about him.

Secondly, the way Harry and Ginny are reacting is not an indication on whether they'll end up together. Honestly, I'm rubbish at relationships and am probably going to skirt it a bit, what I do know is that Hermione will probably end up being the main mother figure for Severus regardless of what relationship Harry has moving forward and it probably won't be a pairing with Ginny. That being said I think he still has strong feelings for her of some sort, I can see Ginny being very independent but still maintaining a close relationship with Harry.

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