Chapter Text
James’ POV
James was officially insane. That or he was hallucinating, because there was no way that Severus Snape, the most sour git in existence, was the small child in front of him. The boy was blinking up at the rest of the potions class, dazed and confused, looking like he’d just woken up from a long nap. His robes were soaked with the potion the older him had been brewing and his hair was falling into his face messily.
Lily gasped in disbelief and that broke the class out of their shock. Whispers broke out around them.
He looks so small
Merlin, he looks like a stick
Aww, who knew Snivellus could be this cute?
Stupid Snivellus, turning himself into a damn brat, what an embarrassment
”Everyone back up!” Slughorn boomed. His expression was a mix between exasperation and annoyance as he squatted down in front of the confused boy.
”Mr Snape, are you aware of where you are?” The boy jumped as he whipped his previously foggy gaze up to Slughorn, a flicker of fear quickly making itself known on his face.
“Who are you?” Mini-Snape slurred a little on the r as he stood up, shaking. “Where’s my mum?”
“I’m Professor Slughorn, your mom isn’t here right now. We can try and-“
Lily rushed over to him before he could get another word out and whispered in his ear. Slughorn grimaced.
What happened to Sniv’s mom?
”Ah, that’s quite unfortunate to hear. Your mom is…” he paused awkwardly. “Not available right now.”
“Pfft, who knew Snivy here was a Mama’s boy?” James laughed loudly as Sirius chimed in.
“Yeah, Snivellus, were you planning to cry into her skirt like a little wimp?” Their taunts seemed to hit the boy hard. His lower lip quivered and his eyes dimmed a bit.
Snape brought his stare to Sirius, his eyes were brimming with tears and his lower lip was quivering.
“Why are you being so mean? Where’s my mom? Why am I here? I don’t want to be here. Take me home. Take me home. I want my mom!”
Lily glared at them both and rushed over to Snapes side. “It’s alright Sev, c’mon cheer up. How about we go down to the kitchens and get us some tea? Sound nice?”
Bloody hell, she was gonna skin him later.
Lily’s POV
Lily and Severus were sitting in an unused classroom when he finally started talking again.
”Did Pa leave me here? Be honest.” His voice was quiet, filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation, as if he expected this to be the case.
“No! Of course not!” Lily blurted out the words before she could stop herself. She cursed mentally. What excuse could she possibly give him without upsetting him again. “They’re…”
He looked up at her expectantly, clearly waiting for an answer before sighing. Her heart cracked a little at that. Little kids weren’t supposed to sound like they had the world on their shoulders. “I was right, huh?”
”No! Just- ugh. Listen, they didn’t abandon you, okay?” She didn’t know how much she should tell him, considering how young he probably was. Come to think of it, how old was he? That was a matter for later, she decided, as she noticed the lack of questions from the boy. He was looking at her dubiously, then he cocked his head a little, almost studying her. It practically gave her whiplash, the way he switched between personalities like that. One minute he was a cute kid who slurred his words, then the next he’d look like a war veteran.
It was quiet after that and either Severus had given up on the topic or had sensed that Lily wasn’t going to tell him much. He moved his gaze to the ceiling and breathed deeply.
Lily thought they were done with the uncomfortable questions but those hopes were dashed when she heard his next question.
“Why were those two boys mean about my mom?” Lily cursed the Black and Potter names when she heard this. How could anyone be mean to a child, no matter who they were when they were older.
“Those boys are idiots. Don’t worry about them, I’ll be sure to give them a stern talking to.” His eyes flicker with something unreadable.
Before he could bring up another uncomfortable topic, she spoke. “How old are you anyway?”
He looked up at her and furrowed his brows. “I think I’m… eight? I don’t really know.” Her heart sank.
”Why don’t you know?”
“We don’t really celebrate birthdays in my house, so I don’t really keep track.” Her temper flared, this poor kid didn’t even know how old he was for god sake!
He yawned suddenly, and before she knew it, he was resting his head on her shoulder. She froze. Severus was never all that touchy with anyone. They’d been best friends and even then he’d barely allow her to touch his shoulder, much less fall asleep with her. Slowly, she brought her hand up to his head and lightly rain her fingers through his hair. He hummed contentedly and she sighed. What was she going to do now?