One-Shot

Disclaimer: They belong to JKR; that’s why she’s got all the money!

“I swear, George, he hasn’t been the same since they came back from the states,” Fred argued with his brother.

“What do you want me to do about it, Fred? He still comes to work on Monday, right?” George answered his twin.

“Well… yes… but… What I’m trying to tell you is that I care about the git. And if he’s in trouble or has gotten himself into something, maybe we should try to help him.”

“You’re making it sound like going to America caused Severus Snape to become a drug addict, Fred!”

“Sometimes it seems that way! There are weeks when he comes in to the shop on Monday, and he’s happy as a clam. Then there are other days when he’s completely inconsolable! It’s just not right!”

“Fred, it sounds like you’re describing the same man we’ve known since we were eleven years old. I don’t see how he’s been acting any different these last four weeks in comparison.”

“Look, just humor me, all right? Let’s just go over there, maybe use an Extendable Ear. If it doesn’t sound like anything fishy is going on, I’ll drop it.”

“Fine, we’ll go. I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.”

Hermione Snape found herself considering how much her life had changed since she and her husband had returned from their vacation.

I thought visiting my cousins would be a nice change of pace for us. California is such an interesting place, Los Angeles in particular. I never expected a one day trip to change him so much…

“Hermione, it’s going to start soon!” Severus called to his wife from the living room.

“I’ll be right there.”

“So, where are they at this week?” Hermione asked as she sat in her usual spot on their couch.

“Texas,” Severus responded with a touch of excitement in his voice.

“I might not be a fan of sports, Severus. But I’m very happy to see you enjoying this new hobby of yours.”

Hermione looked at her husband and noticed the small smile he was sending her way.

Two hours later…

Fred and George Weasley stood in the hallway outside of Severus and Hermione’s London flat.

“I still can’t believe you convinced me to come here,” George whispered to his brother angrily.

“It’s for his own good! I hope Hermione isn’t hooked on whatever he’s on too…”

At that moment they heard angry shouts coming from inside the Snape’s flat.

“GO!” they heard in Hermione’s voice and then, “Bloody hell! Just GO, Matt!” from Severus.

“I guess that answers your question, Fred. They’re both involved all right.”

They quickly took out their Extendable Ears and began to push them underneath the door. While listening to the goings-on inside, they began to figure out what Severus and Hermione’s new addiction actually was. The brothers looked at each other with shocked, outraged faces and at the same time said, “NASCAR?”

The Weasley brothers immediately began pulling the strings on their Extendable Ears so they could leave as soon as possible.

“I can’t believe this,” Fred said quietly while trying not to burst out in laughter.

“Oh, there’s no way we’re going to be able to let him live this down,” George responded.

“We’re going to have to try not to go too far though. We kind of need him around the shop. And I really think pissing Severus Snape off too badly wouldn’t be good for our health.”

“That’s very true, brother, but I’ve got an idea.”

Fred and George put their heads together and began whispering quietly while exiting the building.

Severus Snape was uncharacteristically chipper when he walked into Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes Monday morning. He smiled brightly to the shop owners and immediately went to his lab, located in the back of the building, to begin his work for the day.

A top-five finish and a great race at that! Even if Jeff Gordon won, it was still quite enjoyable to watch for a flat track, Severus thought happily to himself.

“They’re making another left-turn!” Fred Weasley shouted from the doorway of his lab.

What’s he on about? They couldn’t know… could they? I haven’t told anyone!

Suddenly, George walked into the lab holding a small cardboard box. He casually walked over to Severus and handed him the box.

“We thought you might need these,” George said teasingly.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Severus spat angrily.

“Fred and I heard about your new hobby. So, in an effort to help you fit in better with your new crowd, we thought we’d pick you up a few things…”

While Severus was staring at the box’s contents, George made a swift exit.

I can’t believe they would do this. No, I can believe it. This isn’t funny. They think the only people that watch NASCAR are Americans who live in the southern part of the country and… They can just do without their Potion maker for the day.

In an instant Severus turned on the spot and Apparated home.

“Severus?” Hermione called out from the bedroom when she heard the tell-tale crack of Apparation.

“Yes, it’s me. I’m home already, decided to take the day off after all.”

Hermione walked out to the living room and took a look at her husband.

He doesn’t look good at all…

Cautiously, Hermione approached him and put her hand on his arm.

“Sweetheart, is everything all right? What’s in the box?”

“The dunderheaded-duo that I work for found out about our Sunday activity. They decided it would be funny to show me what they think of it.”

Hermione took the box and examined its contents.

A baseball hat with Git-R-Done, a package of Hot Pockets and a canister of chewing tobacco… Have they no class at all?

“Oh, Severus, I’m so sorry. They’re idiots. Please don’t let them get to you!”

“Hermione, I’ve honestly been enjoying watching the races! I don’t want to stop just because of this, but if this is what people will think of us…”

“Severus, stop. We will continue to do what we enjoy doing whatever that may be. Then one day, those boys will get what they deserve for pulling this prank on you…” Hermione responded with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

“You should have been a Slytherin, wife. You do realize this.”

Hermione dropped the box on the floor, threw her arms around her husband’s neck and reached up to kiss his lips passionately.

“We’ll get them, Severus. One day when they’re least expecting it…”

“I can’t wait.”

~ TBC (eventually) ~

A/N: This is in response to luvsev’s prompt of Fred and George discover Severus's hobby. What is it and how do they react?

Also: Much love to debjunk for the rockin’ beta work!