Title: In Agreement
DATE: 13 September 2004
Author: )
Rating: PG
Pairing: none
Book/Spoilers: takes place between GoF & OoTP...Summary: Arthur Weasley shares a moment with a certain irascible Potions Master...
Challenge: Nice To Snape challenge character: Arthur Weasley!Warning: none
A/N: Because I just love Arthur and those twins. And I'm gaga for Snape, of course...
~(*)~ ~(*)~ ~(*)~
DISCLAIMER: This non-profit material was produced out of love for the Harry Potter Universe and is not intended to infringe upon JK Rowling, Warner Brothers, Scholastic Books, nor any other holders of Harry Potter copyrights, in this or any other universe...
"You wanted to see me, Severus?"
The amiable Weasley Senior had barely knocked before entering the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld Place. The dour expression on Snape's face did not faze him in the slightest.
"Indeed. This is regarding your two boys--"
"The twins, I take it?"
"Yes." Snape's lips pressed tightly together for a moment before he continued, "Normally I wouldn't say anything, but I feel you should be apprised."
"I'm listening."
"Apparently, they've found themselves a benefactor."
"I'm sorry?"
"Someone is funding their efforts at starting up a joke shop."
"I see." Arthur considered this.
It was a secret known only to the twins, their father and Snape that the twins were doing this. This was partly because their mother would not approve and it was easier to go around Molly than confront her directly. The other part was because they had confided to their father and to Snape that their intent was more than just outwitting Zonko, but to subtly assist the Order by subverting the Deatheaters in the most annoying ways possible. Arthur gave them credit for knowing their strengths; no one could possibly irritate anyone more than Fred and George. While he worried about them from time to time, he also credited them with spirit, courage and strength. The fight against Voldemort would require more than just aurors, and every ally the Order had, the better, in his opinion. And he was exceedingly glad they had an ally in Severus Snape.
He looked now to Snape. "I take it you don't know who it is?"
Snape merely shook his head, looking, if Weasley hadn't known him better, a trifle concerned.
"Is there something else, Severus?"
Snape nodded. "While I laud their intentions, I am still rather... disquieted, at their methods of action."
Arthur sighed, then brightened, stepping forward to clasp a hand on Severus' arm. "I appreciate your concern, old boy. But not to worry. It's Fred and George we're talking about. They slide into dung and find diamonds. If anything, Percy is the one I'm most concerned with."
Snape looked at him sharply. "Why do you say that?"
"He's been... questioning the wisdom of Albus Dumbledore and singing the praises of that idiot Fudge. It vexes me... and Molly. He's something of a dunderhead that boy, despite his brains."
"I see."
"Besides, I know you've been watching out for my boys. I appreciate that more than you know."
Snape pulled free of the other man's hand to pace a little. "It's my job."
"Nonsense."
Two dark eyes looked up at Arthur and he repeated, "That's utter nonsense. You don't look after them because it's your job, Severus. You look after them because you like them. You can't help yourself."
"Beg pardon?"
"You heard me. Between You-know-who and my twins... well, they'd give the Deatheaters a run for their money. And probably transfigure their wands into haddock to boot."
Snape blinked. The brief image of a circle of Deatheaters threatening Fred and George sprang to mind. Suddenly, with the flick of a wrist and a sprinkling of dust, each Deatheater held a flopping fish instead of a wand. He couldn't help it; a laugh nearly escaped him. He ended up snorting in amusement instead.
Weasley had no such trouble. He was chuckling.
Soon enough, Snape grew serious again. "They spoke to me yesterday. I sold them a few more difficult-to-find items. That's how I discovered they have the funds now to start their new enterprise."
Arthur nodded. He appreciated Snape taking his boys in hand more than the dour Potions Master knew. If he hadn't discovered the boys stealing his more rare ingredients *and* ferreted out the reasons for their venture, they might now be dealing with some unsavoury characters indeed. Worse still, they'd probably have gotten into serious trouble in Knockturn Alley, which in turn would paint him in harsh light at the Ministry.
_Not that I'm not already in the Minister's poor graces,_ he thought.
Finally he sighed, running a hand through his sparse red hair. "Well, they're in good hands. I shan't worry too much about my holy terrors."
Snape nodded, giving in to Weasley's assessment.
"Thank you, Severus. I appreciate your telling me. And your discretion."
Snape nodded again and Weasley turned to leave. He paused at the door.
"By the way, Molly still doesn't know. I'd appreciate this being kept between you and me."
"Of course."
"What she doesn't know..." Arthur trailed off and sighed. "Well, she's a mother, you know. She worries."
"I understand."
"Thank you." He was nearly out the door when he looked back one more time. "I'll send you some of her home-made bread and butter pudding. Word is that's one of your favourites."
Snape was dumbfounded. "How...?"
"The twins, of course. They've noted you get double-helpings whenever the house elves make some. Good afternoon, Severus."
With that, he walked out, leaving a bemused Snape.
After a moment, the silent Potions Master sighed... and smiled.
~ FINIS ~
~(*)~ ~(*)~ ~(*)~
13 September 2004. The characters are JK Rowlings. The situations they're in are the author's.
Not meant to infringe on any legal holders of Harry Potter copyright. No profit was made on
this or any other fanfic by this author. Please do not reproduce for anything other than
personal reading use (including fanzines) without written consent of the author. Thank you.
~(*)~ ~(*)~ ~(*)~