Watch out for the kindness
“Uncle Sev–”
“Don’t call me uncle.”
“But–”
James Sirius Potter was a boy that barely got fazed by anyone. Let alone by the intimidating-looking man currently sitting on the family sofa, trying to act as if he wasn’t holding his little sister in his arms.
“It’s ‘Headmaster Snape to you,” the man drawled, allowing a little grimace to mar his face as Lily Luna tugged on a strand of his hair currently escaping his tied-back hair. “You are starting your schooling at Hogwarts tomorrow and I will not tolerate any form of nepotism.”
“But what’s nepotism?” the eldest Potter asked. His father, standing just behind the sofa, bore the exact same expression of puzzlement.
“Favouritism based on kinship,” Hermione quickly swooped in the conversation. She was just entering the room, with Albus Severus Potter and Eileen Snape trailing behind her like little ducklings, each holding a book that might be too heavy for their little arms.
“What aunt Hermione said–” mumbled Harry, earning a glare from Severus.
It was the day before James Potter (the second of his name) started attending Hogwarts, and tension in the Potter household was unbearable. His father was busy fussing around, his aunt –the bloody Minister, talk about nepotism– was trying to console his brother and his cousin, who were both lamenting the loss of their leader in mischief, his mother was the only one sane enough to prepare his trunk (but only after his grandmother left detailed instructions to her), and uncle Sev was busy receiving the adoration of Lily Luna.
Lily Luna Potter, the sweetest toddler this world had ever seen.
The same toddler who could exhaust anyone with her screaming.
The same toddler that found peace only when being cradled by one Severus Snape, just like now; where the man was sitting on the sofa, dressed like a Muggle in jeans and a sweater, allowing the little witch to fuss with his hair.
“Uncle Sev, I–I’m not sure if I’ll do well,” James murmured, looking around him in hopes that no one else heard his insecurities. The man looked at him carefully, then gestured to the empty seat on the sofa, next to him.
“James,” he started, “whether I want to admit it or not, you come from a family of brave people. Your father and your mother are brave people and they did well in their school years, although they gave me a lot of trouble, especially your father–”
James chuckled, feeling a weight lift off his young shoulders. Acerbic as those words seemed, there was a lot of comfort in them and the child felt it.
“What I mean to say,” Severus continued, “is that there are many ways in which you’re equipped to succeed. Just study hard and keep an open mind. And don’t give me any reason to complain.”
***
“James feels much better now,” Hermione reassured Severus later that night. She was heavily pregnant again, and tossing around in bed felt increasingly difficult, so she was staring at the ceiling while addressing her husband. “I don’t know how you do that; he seems to gravitate towards you. Harry is going to be jealous, you know.”
Despite the satisfied smirk that crossed his face, Severus decided to act humble. “I did nothing.”
“Watch out Headmaster, your kindness is showing,” Hermione said, letting out a little whimper as she tried to tilt her head and looked at her unexpected, but steadfast companion, the one life gave a second chance to by sending him on her path. “It’s rather fetching.”
“Kindness never looked good on me, Minister,” he said, the affection in his voice unable to be concealed. “I grew up with so little of it.”
“And yet, in your own way, you give plenty of it everyday,” she reminded him. “And I’ve known about it for a long time now.”
“Know-it-all.”
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere tonight Headmaster, sorry–”
But oh, was she wrong.