Chapter Text
Fred Followed Severus into the study where Tom was sitting, waiting for them. Lucius has taken the little boys and George to the market to get some fresh veg for their dinner that night. Of course, they could have a house-elf do it but Lucius always said there was just something nicer about making it yourself. Severus didn’t care either way and was happy to help. He heard them leaving before making his way to the study where Tom currently was.
Tom liked to spend most of his time in the study as it was quite cosy with an open fire and a lot of comfortable couches. It was more like a small living room than a study, just filled with books and a desk as the centrepiece, unlike the larger living room.
Tom looked up from the book he was reading when he heard the knock and Severus coming in, with a timid Fred trailing behind him. Putting his book down he nodded to Severus and smiled at Fred when he looked shyly up at him, patting the seat beside him for Fred to sit on. He chose to sit on the three-seater so that Fred could have Severus on the other side of him for added security.
“Come sit by me Fred. I’ve gotten to know your brother quite well, but even though you two look alike I feel as if you will keep me on my toes a bit more.” He said.
Fred took the seat next to him and waited for Severus to sit down with a hand on his knee before responding.
“I’m sorry if I’m too much trouble.” He mumbled, looking down at his knees, taking Tom’s comment in the worst way he could.
Tom and Severus shared a look over Fred’s head before Tom responded. “Don’t be silly, Fred. You remind me a bit of Harry, who will also keep me on my toes. It’s not a bad thing, your personality is just big and it will take a lot to keep up with you. Why do you think you’ll be too much trouble?”
Fred shrugged at his question, getting him a single finger tap on his knee. “We do not shrug in this house young man, now tell me why you think you are too much trouble.”
Fred looked up at Tom, shocked at the slight reprimand, but he cleared his throat anyway and began to talk.
“It’s just- um- well that’s mostly what we’re always told, George and me. That we’re too much trouble, or too loud, or don’t take things seriously enough.” He said in a quiet voice, his full attention now on Tom.
Tom nodded as if that was the answer he was looking for. “I see, and do you think that is true?” He asked.
Fred caught himself mid-shrug and thought about Tom’s question. “I suppose I do, yeah. If you get told something enough by enough people then it has to be true right?”
Tom shook his head instantly, “No, just because people have said that, doesn’t make it true. Do you want to know what I think?”
Fred nodded instantly. He needed to know if Tom hated him.
“I think the both of you are very kind boys. Yes you are mischievous, and you like to play pranks, but I’ve never seen one of your pranks turn mean. You are both great to Harry and Draco, no matter how trying they can be. Do you think Lucius or Severus would have you around if you were so bothersome?” Tom asked.
Fred shrugged, “They’re really nice. I think they would see the best in us either way.”
Severus had to hide a smile at Fred’s words. There were very few people that ever used the word ‘nice’ and ‘Severus’ in the same sentence. By Tom’s look, he was thinking the same thing as Severus.
“I see. Well as Severus’s father do think I wouldn’t trust his judgment? No matter how much my son-in-law complains about me, I trust the two of them completely, especially when it comes to their judgment in people.”
Fred nodded silently but still looked a bit timid, getting a sigh from Severus.
“Freddy,” he began gently, “You know I wouldn’t let anyone hurt your or your brother. Lucius and I see the two of you like sons to us. I would never leave you alone with my father if I thought he would be anything but kind to you. So if you can’t trust what he say’s at the moment, then trust me. Can you do that for me?” He asked, rubbing Fred’s back.
Fred looked between them and let out a shaky breath. “Okay.” He said, looking at Severus before turning to Tom. “I’m sorry for how I was acting.”
Tom waved his apology away, “Don’t be silly. You’re allowed to be cautious around people you don’t know. You would never make Harry apologise for being afraid would you?”
“No, but that’s different. Harry came from a bad home.” Fred protested.
“And you came from a home where you felt ignored and now you are not sure what to do since you’re getting so much attention that is positive instead of the usual negative attention you’re used to.” Tom surmised, and Fred flushed at his words.
“ I suppose.” He said quietly, he didn’t like saying anything bad about his family but what Tom said wasn’t wrong. “Thanks for taking the time to listen to me, Tom.”
Tom put his hand up when Fred thanked him and stopped him before he went on.
“None of that now. First off, my name to you, young man is Grandpa or Grandpa Tom. Second of all, I will always listen to my grandchildren, especially when they want to give out about Severus and Lucius. I might even join you for that.”
That got a roll of the eyes off of Severus and a small laugh off Fred. Severus was happy to see the rest of the tension draining from him. While Fred still might be a bit uncomfortable with Tom by himself, Severus was sure that if there were others in the room he would come out of his shell a bit more. Severus didn’t mind how long it took. The most important thing was Fred’s comfort in this and Severus would be his crutch for as long as it took because that was what parents did.