Not Normal
Severus froze behind Lily’s father’s back, his own father’s eyes burning into him.
Mr Evans gasped and stared at the man like he had grown another head. How could someone just assume something? Much less something about their own child? Though, considering that the boy had such brutal injuries, he didn’t know what he expected.
The Snapes were not wealthy in any bit. Severus had survived and became this smart only because he would find books in the dumpsters that were in good condition. He didn’t even go to school.
Mrs Evans didn’t even hesitate before grabbing Lily and Petunia’s hand and dragging them away from the house.
Mr Evans looked at Tobias with distaste and a grimace, taking a step to the side so that Severus was in his sight.
“No, nothing like that. This wonderful boy is a friend of my daughter and she wanted to bring him into our home.”
Severus realized as he zoned out of the conversation: Did he spend that much time with the Evans family that it had become evening?
He lost his train of thought when Mr Evans cleared his throat and pat his head. Not a hard smack like his father would. A gentle, caring pat. One that a real father would give his kid.
“Well then, I guess we’ll carry on with our day. Severus has been a lovely guest and he makes our daughter happy. I expect to see him and Lily playing in the park more often.”
Severus looked at the other adult in horror before looking at Mr Evans. What? Wasn’t he supposed to be saved from this hell?
“He has wonderful manners. Could I have a chat to you about how to get a kid to have such good manners? I would love to hear Petunia say, “Please.” without any spite in it.”
Severus looked dumbfounded as Tobias let the other adult in, looking quite proud and gleeful of himself. What in Merlin’s beard?
Somewhere, away from the house, a lady with a short redheaded girl and a slightly taller brown-haired girl went into her house and called for the cops.
Eileen looked just as confused as Severus when a tall man walked in with Tobias.
Severus came after the two men, gently shutting the door.
He quietly went up the stairs and into the attic. He picked up the book he had previously been reading.
Severus was never nosy. He learnt that one day after he asked his father something. He swore he could still feel the burning pain of the still-hot pan on his back.
He got engrossed into the explanations in the book, finding the mixing of chemicals fascinating. It was just a bit different from potions. And it was normal, not a “freaky” thing so Tobias never minded.
Suddenly, he heard the front door slam open. He winced. It probably popped off the hinges and doors weren’t exactly cheap. But then again, the Snapes thought fifteen dollars on discount was too expensive.
He heard what seemed to be yelling. Men? A lot of them. He hurriedly left his room and went down the stairs.
He heard a deep voice shout-
“Tobias Snape, you are under arrest under the circumstances that you have been abusing your child and wife!”
That’s how Eileen and Severus ended up in the Evans’ house, both speechless at what just happened.
Tobias had been taken away and would be in jail until his trial, which would be in a few weeks.
Severus looked at his lap and fidgeted with his shabby shirt. Eileen, the ever-so sweet woman, was the first to speak.
“Thank you.”
Severus was quiet before realizing what he just heard and nodded with pink cheeks.
“Uh, um, yeah, uh, I, thank… you…”
There was a moment of silence before Lily squealed and rushed in front of Severus, hands reaching out to pinch and squish the boy’s pink cheeks. Severus squeaked but let the girl do as she pleased. Petunia had joined her younger sister, both for them pinching the boy’s cheeks until they were turning a shade of light red.
Watching them, there was a woman dressed formally with a gray pencil skirt and a gray suit top. She was a lawyer. Severus didn’t know what the lawyer would do. Didn’t you have to pay for lawyer services-?
She spoke up.
“Mrs Snape, I’ve brought some rather exciting news for you.”
Eileen stared with a polite but hesitant smile.
“Yes?”
“It seems that there was someone at a casino that had lost a bet against Mr Snape and owed him money. Money that had not been given.”
Mr and Mrs Evans were quietly talking to each other while the girls were giggling, cooing at how soft Severus’ cheeks were.
“Er, how much would that be?” Eileen stared at the lady with furrowed brows.
“About thirty thousand along with ten thousand extra for the delay.”
“WHAT?!”