A Particular Little Boy

by the_mmad_ness

Summary:

“If… If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?”

A small interaction between a little Severus Snape and a young professor McGonagall.

>From the He Deserved Better Universe.

Notes:

• For Maliumkin.

Hi there! Here is a small little scene that randomly popped into my head, and which I couldn’t help but put it into words.

As usual, little Severus deserves better. Happy readings!

“Minerva?”

“Yes, dear?”

“If… If you could wish for anything… What would you wish for?” The little voice asked her. Minerva looked down and smiled at the two very black eyes looking straight up at her.

“Hmm…” she considered him for a moment. Severus kept staring intently at her. “Are there any rules regarding this wish?”

The six year old looked away from her and thought hard for a proper answer. The professor and the child went on with their walk, the bigger and thinner hand holding and leading the smaller one, as Severus considered Minerva’s question. When they finally decided to settle under a very sturdy and robust tree, and the child got to sit on the professor’s lap and admire the marvelous sunset that took place that evening at the Hogwarts grounds, he said:

“The rules are… the rules are that there is only one. Only one wish ”, he explained, a bit clumsily, “and… and that you can’t take it back. You know… once you’ve wished it.” These last words came out in a small whisper. Minerva sensed nervousness in him. She brushed a messy strand of dark hair out of his little face and admired him.

“I see.” She said, pretending to appear thoughtful. “I… would…” Her words were slow and careful. Severus suddenly got anxious. “Well I think it is rather simple, isn’t it? I would wish to keep a particular little boy with me, forever.” She smiled at him. The child’s heart started beating very fast.

“A… a particular little boy?” He asked tentatively.

“Oh yes.” She nodded. Minerva couldn’t deny she had a soft spot for him, ever since he had been placed under her care. “He is quite smart, this boy. Rather marvelous.”

“Oh…” Severus was a bit puzzled by this. Minerva contained a laugh and repressed a sudden urge to hug him.

They both contemplated the spectacle that was the sunset, admiring the sudden change of the colours in the sky. When the colour was gone and the specs of light that were the stars starting peeping one by one, Severus opened his mouth to speak again, but Minerva was quicker.

“What would you wish for, little one?” She asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

The child flushed.

“I…”

He gathered up all his courage. This was his chance.

“I would wish to be the particular little boy.” He admitted, in a hopeful yet slightly embarrassed tone.

Minerva expected the imaginary wish to be a toy, a material thing, or the return of Severus’ mother, who had abandoned him and left him at Hogsmeade Station, just mere months ago. His real answer, however, shattered her heart into  a million pieces. She couldn’t contain herself and pulled him into a hug. Severus was caught off guard by the sudden movement, yet he did not object.

“No need for wishes then.” Minerva said, her eyes shining with sudden tears.

Severus’ little heart leaped in his chest. He could not believe his ears.

“Really?” The little boy asked with a gasp, almost daring not to believe it. Minerva ended the hug and looked down at him tenderly.

“Cross my heart.”

 

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of He Deserved Better