Thanks to everyone who stuck with me through TPA and TPJ. Now prepare for + TPM!
+The Potions Master
+Chapter 1
+"So let's establish some ground rules," Snape said as he allowed his gaze to meet + each and every child now present in the sitting room. "You will all go to bed at a + decent hour, namely midnight at the latest. I will not have anyone running around + past that time or there will be severe consequences."
+Snape was glad to see that he still instilled fear in at least some of Harry's + cohorts. Perhaps they would be able to keep the rest of the miscreants in line.
+"Ms Granger, Ms Lovegood and Ms Weasley will be sleeping in the guest room at the + end of the hall. Under no circumstances are you allowed to mingle with the boys after + midnight. Break this rule and I will send you straight home, even if it is the middle + of the night. Your door must always be open –"
+Harry groaned loudly and he let his head fall back in exasperation.
+" – And the lights must be on for as long as you're awake," Snape said, glaring at + his defiant son. "I will tolerate no funny business whatsoever."
+"Severuuuus," Harry whined, clearly annoyed with Snape's spiel.
+Snape narrowed his eyes and glared menacingly before speaking in a tone of voice + that many people who didn't know Snape all that well would consider dangerous. "Your + parents have entrusted all of you into my care," he said softly, "And I will make + sure that they do not have to regret that decision. I am well aware of what goes on + in the teenage mind –"
+"Merlin, that's enough!" Harry interrupted, hastily jumping to his feet. Hermione + was stifling her laughter, covering her mouth with her right hand. Draco wasn't even + trying to cover up. He simply chuckled in amusement.
+For Harry's birthday party, Snape had agreed that he would be allowed having + people over for a slumber party. The number of people he was allowed to ask had been + limited but already, Snape was wondering if he had allowed just a tad too much. All + in all, there were six people present which didn't seem like a whole lot but if you + considered them to be young adults, it put everything in perspective.
+The fact that Harry would invite Ms Granger had been a given. The fact that he had + invited Ms Weasley had been nothing short of surprising. Subsequently, the redheaded + girl had apparently bothered Harry about inviting Ms Lovegood as well which Harry had + not refused for whatever reason. The youngest Weasley boy had also been a given but + Draco had been somewhat less obvious.
+While the boy had become a good friend in Harry's sixth year, there had been the + most unfortunate events that had befallen the blonde and Snape hadn't been entirely + sure if Draco had recovered enough on an emotional level to be a part of such an + energetic occasion as this one. And yet, the boy had jumped on the opportunity and + was among the first to confirm.
+"Have I made myself clear or need I repeat myself?" Snape asked, crossing his + arms.
+"Yeah, we get it already," Harry replied, clearly wanting to escape this awkward + situation as fast as he could. Snape redirected his glare toward the other + children.
+"Don't worry, Professor," Luna said dreamily, "I'm sure everyone understood. + Harry's just a bit shy, that's all."
+"Very well," Snape nodded, "Then I permit you to go to your room and do whatever + it is that children to during a slumber party."
+Not having to be told that they were free for a second time, the kids bolted + upstairs to Harry's room, nearly tripping over each other in their haste. Only Luna + had the common sense to walk like a normal person, waiting patiently for the pile of + people in front of her to clear up before ascending the stairs as well, but not + before waving goodbye to Snape with a somewhat disconcerting smile curling her + lips.
+When all children had disappeared from sight, Snape sighed deeply and sunk into + one of his chairs. This was going to be a long night.
+"Muffliato," Harry mumbled as he pointed his wand. Now that he had finally turned + seventeen, he was legally allowed to use magic without any repercussions. And it's + not as if Snape had told him that he wasn't allowed to. Harry passed around glasses + of juice and chocolate biscuits as everyone either took a seat or laid down on the + floor.
+"What does he even think we'll get ourselves into?" Draco asked incredulously.
+"Sex, I assume," Luna said matter-of-factly.
+It came so out of the blue that Hermione sputtered helplessly into her juice while + Ron all but choked on the biscuits he had already shoved in his mouth.
+"Luna, that's mental!" Harry exclaimed, "There's six of us here! I doubt he would + think any one of us would try anything like that with an audience."
+"Unless he expects an orgy," Draco offered.
+Ginny frowned in disgust. "That's going a bit far, don't you think? Let's just + agree he has nothing to worry about."
+"Naturally," Draco replied evenly, "The logistics simply wouldn't work."
+"Yeah, that's the problem," Hermione replied sardonically, + "Logistics."
+"So, who's up for a game!" Ron interrupted, his face still red and tearstained + from choking on the biscuits.
+"A game sounds absolutely wonderful," Luna said airily. She leaned back and rested + her weight on her arms, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
+"Got anything in mind, Weasley?" Draco asked, gesturing for him to go right + ahead.
+"How about 'Never have I ever'?" Ron suggested.
+"Do you even know the rules to that game?" Draco replied, "You're supposed to + drink if you've done what is suggested. We have no booze up here."
+"We have pumpkin juice," Harry suggested.
+"I believe that the joy of the game lies in getting to know each other better + rather than drinking ourselves into a stupor," Luna said happily.
+Draco rolled his eyes at the airheaded Ravenclaw but she didn't seem to take + notice. Either that or she didn't really mind.
+"I think it sounds like fun," Hermione said, "Let's try it!"
+"It's your birthday, Harry, so you should probably go first," Ginny offered.
+"Well okay," Harry said. He lay flat on his stomach in his bed, his head propped + up on his arms as he gazed thoughtfully at the ceiling.
+"Never have I ever worn a dress," he said.
+"Lame!" Ginny shouted but she took a sip anyway. So did Hermione and Luna.
+"Okay, my turn," Ron said since he was sitting to Harry's left. "Never have I + ever… seen a live Snallygaster."
+"That's even lamer," Harry commented but he drank. So did Draco and Luna. Harry + blinked. He knew that Draco probably had to drink but Luna as well?
+"My mother used to be friends with one," Luna said happily, "Though she turned + invisible when someone unfamiliar approached, she always showed herself for me."
+"Sure…" Draco said, "If you say so. You're up Lovegood."
+"Well, never have I ever kissed someone in a romantic sort of way."
+Instantly, four faces became bright red as all five of the others sipped their + juice.
+"What?" Ron all but shouted, "Ginny, you kissed some bloke? Who was it?"
+"And you kissed someone as well!" Ginny retorted, "Care to elaborate on + that?"
+"Way to go, Potter," Draco chuckled as he slapped Harry on the back, "Didn't know + you had it in you. When was this?"
+"Hey, don't look at me!" Harry exclaimed, "Hermione also drank. Why don't you + harass her about it?"
+"Oh, leave her alone, will you?" Ron said, "There's no need for this. We're all + grown up here. Well –" he eyed Ginny disapprovingly "- Almost all of us + are."
+"There's only a year's difference between us," Ginny said haughtily, "It's not my + fault that you're a late bloomer."
+"Never have I ever," Draco jumped in, "Fallen in love." He grinned as if that was + a good thing.
+Once again, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione all drank. Luna didn't but seemed quite + happy about that. From the corner of his eye, Harry tried to gauge Ginny's reaction + but didn't seem very able to place it. She was just blushing fervently but that could + be because of a number of reasons. He was so caught up in staring at her that the + didn't notice the awkwardness between Ron and Hermione.
+When Ginny gathered her senses, she thought of her own question twirling her hair + around her index finger as she did. Her beautiful red hair that gleamed like a + summer's sunset, cascading down her slender neck.
+"Never have I ever had a crush on a teacher," Ginny said. She grinned from ear to + ear as she looked at Hermione, wiggling her eyebrows. Ducking somewhat, Hermione + sipped her juice.
+"What?" Ron exclaimed loudly, "Who?"
+"Lockhart," Hermione admitted, "But that was before we found out he was a + fraud."
+"Anyone else?" Ron asked, looking around the room, "No crushes on Snape or + McGonagall? Alright then, Hermione. You're up!"
+"Never have I ever gone commando," Hermione said. The purebloods of the party + frowned.
+"What's commando?" Ron asked curiously.
+"Not wearing any underwear underneath your clothes," Harry supplied.
+No one had to take a sip, that time.
+"Good to know," Luna said, smiling tenderly.
+Harry scratched his hand absentmindedly, thinking of a new question.
+"Never have I ever…" he stalled, "received an allowance."
+Everyone took a sip, even Ron and Harry grinned victoriously. "Ah, see? I suppose + I should be more Slytherin about this if I want to win."
+"Is anyone even keeping score?" Hermione chuckled.
+"I am," Draco said, "And I am winning."
+"Oh, pish-posh," Ron said, punching Draco playfully in the shoulder. "Let's see. + Never have I ever used Snape's given name."
+Draco and Harry shrugged at each other before drinking.
+It was Luna's turn again, "Never have I ever almost died twice in a year's + time."
+"Hold up," Draco said, "What qualifies as almost?"
+"Be honest with yourself," Luna said, "If you feel you were in mortal peril at + some point, you probably were."
+All five of Luna's friends took a sip.
+"You know, it would appear I'm rather good at this," Luna chuckled.
+"You definitely know how to get to us," Ron agreed, "It's a good thing this stuff + isn't fire whiskey or we would all be wasted already."
+"We could always sneak a bottle from Severus' stash if you want to up the ante," + Draco suggested slyly.
+"Absolutely not," Harry objected, "Severus would throw a major fit if he found + out."
+"He won't," Draco said, "I'm a Slytherin."
+"Well, he's the master of all things Slytherin," Harry countered, "He would know + what you're trying to pull within minutes."
+"Ugh, fine!" Draco said exasperatedly, "You're all acting like a bunch of + Gryffindors!"
+"Thanks!" replied the golden trio in unison.
+"Which reminds me," Draco said, "Never have I ever been sorted into + Gryffindor."
+Four collective groans sounded before four outwitted Gryffindors took their + mandatory sip of pumpkin juice.
+"I wonder if the sorting hat would still put us in our respective houses if it + needed to choose again," Ginny said.
+"Oh, I will always be a Slytherin," Draco said proudly.
+"I don't know," Luna said smiling brightly, "You can be very brave Draco. I've + seen it! You might do well in Gryffindor."
+Draco made a face in disgust. "Don't say that, Loonie! He groaned.
+"Don't call her that!" Ginny shouted all of a sudden.
+"Yeah," Harry agreed, "That's not nice."
+"Oh, it's quite alright," Luna said happily, "Isn't giving each other nicknames + something friends do?"
+"Not those kinds of nicknames," Ginny grumbled, "Take it back, Malfoy!"
+"Yeesh, fine!" Draco said, raising his hands in defence, "Sorry, Lovegood. I + didn't mean that. Just don't sort me into Gryffindor."
+"Oh, I could never," Luna said dreamily, "Only the sorting hat can do that."
+"Never have I ever called anyone a mudblood," Ginny said haughtily. Draco flushed + a bit but sipped his juice as he glared at the redheaded Weasley girl.
+"Somewhat below the belt, don't you think?" He commented, "Perhaps you would do + well in Slytherin."
+Ginny huffed but said nothing.
+"Never have I ever handed in an assignment too late," Hermione said cheerfully. + The others groaned loudly and finished their drink.
+"I've had quite enough of this," Ron said, "What about you, mate?"
+Harry thought that the game might end up causing a fight between Draco and Ginny + sooner or later and would rather prevent that. Naturally, he would need to pick + Ginny's side and that would make Draco feel even more left out than he already was. + No, better to call it quits now.
+"Yeah, I guess," Harry agreed, "Any other suggestions?"
+"Truth or dare is a classic," Ginny suggested, "I hear even muggles play it."
+"Isn't that a bit cliché?" Draco drawled.
+"Well, what would you suggest?" Ginny snapped, "Hide and go seek?"
+"With Potter and his invisibility cloak?" Draco huffed, "Never!"
+"Okay, Harry," Luna said, "Truth or dare?"
+"I would go with truth," Harry said since he did not feel up to doing much of + anything.
+"Okay, Harry. What would you like to do once we're done with Hogwarts?"
+"Luna!" Ron said, "What a waste! We all know he wants to be an Auror."
+"I don't think that's true," Luna smiled.
+Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably, swishing his glass of juice. It's true + that for a year now, he thought that becoming an Auror was no longer what he wanted. + He had faced enough dark wizards and creatures in mortal combat to last him a + lifetime. And even though many people would argue that he was particularly good at + duelling, he didn't think he wanted to make a living out of it anymore.
+It was all well and good when there was still a very real chance that Voldemort – + and after that, Lucius – were going to kill him. For a long time, Harry thought he + wasn't even going to make it into adulthood. That made the statement that he wanted + to become an Auror all the more frivolous and easy to say. It was – in his mind + anyway – no more than wishful thinking.
+But no. What he wanted now was a life of peace and quiet. He didn't want to + endanger himself anymore and what's more, he didn't want to endanger the people + closest to him.
+When Harry noticed everyone was staring at him, he couldn't help but chuckle + helplessly.
+"I'm sorry guys," he said, "I guess I don't want to be an Auror. I've kind of had + enough of that kind of thing, you know?"
+"Of course, Harry," Hermione said, quick to understand. Harry was almost certain + that he saw a flash of relief in her eyes.
+"Then what do you want to be?" Luna urged, "Or haven't you thought about it + yet?"
+"I honestly have no idea," Harry said, "Is professional Quidditch player still an + option?" Harry laughed at his own joke but was somewhat annoyed with his + indecisiveness.
+"I'm sure any team would be happy to have Harry Potter as their seeker," Ron + shrugged, "Why not? Go for it!"
+"You'll know when you know," Luna said, patting Harry gently on his knee. Harry + glanced at Ginny who was looking at Luna with slightly narrowed eyes but not another + word was said.
+"I guess that makes it my turn," Harry said, "Er… Hermione, truth or dare."
+"Truth," Hermione said predictably.
+Harry was already smirking in triumph, "Well then. Earlier, it was implied that + you had already kissed someone. Who was it?"
+Hermione's eyes widened and her face went scarlet. Surprisingly enough, so did + Ron's.
+"Wait," Harry gasped in realisation, "No way! You didn't!'
+"It's true," Hermione admitted, "It was Ron."
+For a few seconds, no one said anything but then Harry couldn't help but laugh and + soon, his friends joined in.
+"Hold up," he said in between chuckles, "Was it a spur of the moment thing or is + there more going on?"
+"You could say we're sort of… dating," Hermione said as she looked shyly at + Ron.
+"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked, "Did you think I would be mad?"
+"You had other things to worry about," Ron said easily, "For an entire year, some + crazy murderer was after you – no offence, Draco – and the year before that was no + picknick either."
+"You've been together that long already?" Harry asked in disbelief, "How didn't I + notice that?"
+"You were preoccupied," Hermione shrugged.
+"You're okay with it though, right?" Ron asked eagerly.
+Harry thought about that for a moment. It was not as if he ever had those kinds of + feelings for Hermione so it's not as if he was jealous. And even if he thought there + might be a chance that their relationship could endanger their general friendship, he + couldn't help but consider that they had apparently been going out for over a year + already and Harry hadn't even noticed. If nothing changed for him, why would he be + upset?
+"Of course I am," Harry replied, "Just try not to get too affectionate in my + presence, okay?"
+"Deal," Hermione agreed easily. She looked around the room to decide on her next + target.
+"Okay, Ron," She said slyly, "Truth or dare?"
+Ron regarded her with a calculating look before deciding. "Dare."
+Snape had reread that same paragraph three times already and not a single word had + registered. It was far too quiet in the house, even though he had asked the rowdy + teenagers to keep the door slightly ajar. And they had done that. Snape had made + sure.
+He was no fool. He knew very well what it meant that he heard nothing but murmurs + whenever he came close to Harry's room. He knew why he couldn't listen in to their + conversation. The spell Harry had no doubt used was one of his own creations, of + course.
+Snape growled at no one in particular and took another sip of his fire + whiskey.
+It's not as if he wanted to listen in to Harry's conversations. He had no desire + to be informed of which student dated which and in what way the teachers ranked from + most handsome to ugliest. He did not care a bit about teenage angst.
+But the fact that Harry had felt the need to keep his discussion private was + precisely Snape's problem. What could possibly be important enough to keep hidden? If + the things discussed were indeed harmless, why bother covering up?
+Snape groaned. He had forgotten what it was like to be a teenager. Had he ever + truly been one? He chuckled softly to himself and realized that whatever he thought + unimportant might still mean the world to those inexperienced youngsters.
+He was just about to resume his reading when he heard something. The rustling of + robes. He sighed to himself but did not turn around. Whichever miscreant was sneaking + about – clearly up to no good – would not be getting off easy. As he pretended to + read, he could clearly pick up the sound of shuffling feet heading towards his lab. + Oh, whoever it was, was in big trouble.
+The door opened and the teenager in question disappeared. Snape put down his book, + cast a disillusionment charm on himself and crept down the stairs. Down there, he + came across a certain familiar redhead that had clearly not been spooked enough last + Christmas. He was searching for something on the shelves, muttering under his breath + as he read the labels.
+Snape went to stand right behind him and cancelled his charm. Ron still had no + clue though, so Snape crossed his arms and waited.
+And he waited.
+And he waited some more.
+Eventually, Ron's reading skills alerted him to the potion he had been looking for + which was an ageing potion for some reason. He took the vial from the shelf and + turned around only to be met with the admittedly fearsome sight of the potion master + looming over him, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
+Ron yelled loudly in response and dropped the vial. Snape -who was entirely + prepared for that possibility – caught the potion and returned it to the shelf by + slowly reaching across Ron. The boy didn't dare move a muscle.
+"Mr Weasley," Snape said silkily, "You must have an excellent reason to break into + my lab and steal an ageing potion."
+Ron didn't say a word. He was leaning against the shelf and away from Snape as he + trembled in terror.
+"I'm waiting," Snape said coldly, "Or would you rather I feed you a few drops of + veritaserum. I'm sure I have some lying about here somewhere."
+"It was a dare, sir," Ron squeaked.
+"Is that so?" Snape asked icily, "And who dared you to come here?"
+Ron shrugged and stared back at Snape. For the first time, Snape saw defiance in + the boy's eyes.
+"Covering for your friends, are you?" Snape said, "Very noble indeed. But it's of + no matter really, since you are the one who actually went where he doesn't belong. It + would be best if I –" Snape paused for effect " – made an example out of you."
+"You know, you could've been easier on Ron," Harry said at lunch. His friends had + already gone home after a birthday party well celebrated, "It was just for a game of + truth and dare."
+"Are you suggesting that I let you miscreants do whatever you please simply + because someone dared you to?" Snape asked incredulously, "I think not."
+"I can't believe you fed him that potion, though," Harry chuckled, "Is there an + antidote?"
+"There is not," Snape confessed, "But it will wear off in a couple of weeks, I + imagine."
+Harry broke into laughter as he thought about Ron coming back from his + unsuccessful mission. His hair had been tinted in every colour of the rainbow, + changing colour at random. Depending on what, no one could figure out. Not only that, + but Ron had only been able to speak in Limericks.
+He had come up with the gem:
+When I went downstairs for the potion
+ Of Snape's sense of mind had no notion
+ Was caught by the bat
+ And that friends was that
+ And what rhymes with potion is motion
Naturally, they all had been in stitches and everyone had done their best to + strike up a conversation with Ron but he refused to say all that much for the rest of + the evening.
+"I'm sure Fred and George will love spending time with him now," Harry + chuckled.
+"I'm sure he will have learned his lesson after the potion wears off," Snape said, + "And if not, I always have more."
+"Please give me some to take to Hogwarts," Harry chuckled.
+"And have you create a bunch of poetically challenged troublemakers?" Snape + replied, "I think not."
+"Suit yourself," Harry shrugged, "I can probably create something like it if I + want."
+"You should focus on your studies," Snape urged, "Not go about creating silly + potions. Being an Auror is hard work and becoming one is no picknick either."
+"Yeah, about that…" Harry said sheepishly, "I don't think I want to be an Auror + anymore."
+Snape raised a curious eyebrow. "Is that right? I have to admit that that's quite + a relief to hear. Why not though? If you're insecure about your abilities –"
+"It's nothing like that," Harry interjected, "I'm just tired of fighting. That's + all."
+"Yes, I would imagine so," Snape said thoughtfully, "Do you have any idea what it + is you would like to be instead?"
+"Maybe," Harry said hesitantly, "Could you perhaps tell me what it takes to become + a potions master?"
+And that is chapter 1 for you. We're off to a new start and are heading into a + new adventure. I hope you will all share it with me.
+Please review!
+Chapter 10
+The next morning, Harry felt much more rested. Since it was a Sunday, there were + no classes and Harry could take his time getting ready. He started his day by getting + breakfast with Snape.
+"I heard you haven't been to any of the Quidditch practices yet," Snape commented + out of the blue.
+Harry scoffed. "How did you even hear about that? You're not one to take an + interest in Quidditch."
+"Have I not been to every one of your games thus far?" Snape countered.
+"Sure," Harry said, "But I imagined you did that because you expect me to fall off + my broom every match."
+"I will admit to that being a primary concern of mine," Snape said as he calmly + cut open his croissant. "I will never admit to wanting to watch you play simply + because you are very talented and a joy to watch."
+"That would seem a bit uncharacteristic," Harry agreed calmly, "We would + need to check the skies for flying pigs."
+"Perhaps you could do so during your next Quidditch practice," Snape suggested + slickly.
+"Oooooh," Harry exclaimed, "Very smooth indeed. And I thought I had you that time + too."
+Snape huffed indignantly. "It will be many years before you are able to distract + me from my purposes. Now, why is Professor McGonagall complaining to me that I don't + allow you enough time to practice?"
+"Because she hasn't bothered to ask me, I suppose," Harry shrugged, "If + she had, I would have told her that the choice is my own. I'll talk to her + today."
+"I am perfectly capable of dealing with your head of house by myself, Harry," + Snape sneered, "What I want to know is why you're not flying."
+"I'll still participate in the official matches," Harry assured him. He bit a + piece off his toast and chewed thoughtfully before adding, "I know what I'm doing. I + don't need practice."
+"Don't talk with your mouth full, disgusting brat," Snape said jokingly, throwing + a napkin Harry's way. "And don't you think it's somewhat selfish to not go to + practice while your teammates are out there combating the elements?"
+"I'd rather work on my potions," Harry argued, "And Ginny takes up a lot of my + free time as well. She –" Harry stopped talking and groaned, banging his forehead + against the table and leaving it there.
+"Now what?" Snape asked.
+"I told Ginny I'd meet up with her yesterday, remember?" Harry asked, "I totally + forgot."
+"You were indisposed," Snape pointed out, "Surely, Ms Weasley will + understand."
+Harry chuckled. "Have you met her?"
+Snape sighed, not at all wishing to get himself mixed up in teenage drama or voice + his concerns regarding the only daughter of the Weasley clan. Instead, he readdressed + the issue at hand.
+"All work and no play kills the potential of discovery, mastery, and openness to + change and flexibility and it hinders innovation and invention," Snape said + easily.
+Harry blinked. "Are you actually telling me to focus less on my + apprenticeship?" he asked, completely baffled.
+"What an odd thing to say," Snape said easily, swishing his pumpkin juice as if it + were fine wine. "I am merely sharing some wisdom with you. Make of that what you + will."
+"Just come out and say it," Harry teased, "You're worried that I'm working too + hard. You want me to have fun."
+"You're being quite insolent today," Snape remarked as he flipped a page of the + Daily Prophet. "Somehow, I don't –"
+Snape's expression darkened as he read the paper. Harry frowned but rather than + ask Snape what was wrong, he moved to stand behind him and read the article over his + shoulder.
+Muggle Hunting Continues
+Yesterday evening, another twenty bodies were discovered in Abernethy forest. + They were all muggles who were out camping as a group the muggles refer to as + 'scouts'. Most of the bodies were that of young children between the ages of twelve + and fifteen.
+These continuous attacks have rekindled the muggle's interest and fear of + werewolves and large manhunts…
+Snape closed the paper rapidly to keep Harry from reading more.
+"Do you think it's Greyback?" Harry asked quietly.
+"I'm almost positive it's him," Snape replied, "But I doubt he's alone."
+With a great sigh, Snape got up from his seat and tucked the newspaper away in a + desk drawer. "In any case, it is nothing you need to concern yourself with."
+"What are you talking about?" Harry objected, "These attacks are obviously + orchestrated by death eaters."
+"And what makes you think that death eaters are your responsibility?" Snape urged, + raising that one eyebrow.
+"Well, since they're affiliated with Voldemort, I thought –"
+"Just because you were prophesized to kill the Dark Lord – with which I still + don't agree, mind you – doesn't mean you are responsible for wiping out each and + every one of his followers as well," Snape said dangerously.
+"But we can't just let them carry on like this," Harry protested.
+"Actually, I think you'll find we can," Snape said evenly, "We've paid our dues. + For once, we can leave this up to the ministry."
+"But-"
+"Enough, Harry!" Snape said sternly, his tone leaving no room for further + arguments. "I don't even know what you would be planning and how you would even begin + to go look for their whereabouts but I forbid you from attempting to engage them. For + once, put that Gryffindor bravery out of your mind and keep yourself occupied with + other things."
+"Like Quidditch?" Harry said darkly, "while children are getting killed?"
+"You are a child," Snape replied coldly, "And Quidditch seems like a fine + alternative indeed."
+"Fine," Harry sighed, getting up to leave.
+"Harry," Snape warned, "I need you to promise me not to do anything rash."
+"I promise," Harry said easily, "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."
+"None of us do," Snape admitted quietly, "But after all, the best thing one can do + when it is raining is to let it rain."
+When Harry emerged from Snape's quarters, his outer robes folded neatly over his + arm, he was so far gone in this thoughts that he didn't even notice a certain + Professor stand in the doorway and nearly knocked her over.
+He grabbed her arm as she faltered and quickly steadied her. "I'm sorry, + Professor," Harry exclaimed, "I didn't see you there."
+"That's alright, Harry," Bell said cheerfully, "Accidents happen."
+"Are you lost again?" Harry asked, "Do you need me to take you somewhere?"
+"You are too kind, Harry, but no," Bell replied, smiling fondly. "This time, I'm + exactly where I need to be. This is Professor Snape's office, right?"
+Harry chuckled. "Close, but not entirely. These are his private quarters."
+Bell seemed slightly taken back by that. She gave Harry a searching look and + frowned for a fraction of a second, so quickly that Harry almost missed it.
+"Would you like me to get him for you?" Harry asked.
+"If you would," Bell replied happily.
+Harry opened the door and called out to Snape. "Professor!"
+A grunt indicated that Snape was listening.
+"Professor Bell is here to see you."
+A few seconds later, Snape appeared next to Harry, raising an eyebrow when he saw + the brunette stand there with a smile far too cheerful this early in the morning.
+"Yes?" he asked.
+"Good morning to you too, Severus!" Bell replied happily, not at all undeterred by + Snape's dour attitude. Harry was unable to hide a small smirk. It would appear that + Bell's hesitance earlier this year in regards to Snape had all but vanished.
+"You told me that I could come and get the requested potions today, remember?" she + asked.
+Snape sighed. "Right," he said, "Though I also told you to meet me in my office + rather than lurk in the vicinity of my quarters."
+Bell actually chuckled at that. "You know me!" she replied, "I'm hopeless. I'm + afraid I got –"
+"- lost," Snape finished for her. "I gathered as much."
+"Yup!" Bell nodded.
+"If you'll follow me," Snape said evenly, pushing Harry lightly out of the way so + he could close his door. "Run along now, Harry. You're not needed here any + longer."
+By now, Harry had known Snape long enough to know when the man was uncomfortable. + And this was him, severely unnerved. It was best not to cross him, he knew, so he + obeyed.
+"See you later, Professor," Harry said, running off.
+When Harry entered the common rooms, everyone's conversation halted. At least + twenty different pairs of eyes landed on Harry, regarding him with a look that he + could not quite place.
+Suddenly, many of them made up excuses to leave in a hurry, effectively emptying + out the common room until only Ron, Hermione and Ginny remained. Ron and Hermione + looked embarrassed about something but Ginny just seemed angry.
+Harry sighed. He really was not in the mood for this.
+"Harry James Potter!" Ginny shouted, "Where have you been?"
+Putting on a mask of indifference – at least he thought it was a mask – Harry + looked Ginny in the eye, noting the anger and explosiveness that always seemed to be + somewhat present in the redhead before him.
+"I was indisposed because of my lesson," Harry replied truthfully. He had not + expected the hex that was thrown his way a second later, narrowly dodging it. With a + bang, it collided with the wall behind him.
+"You promised!" Ginny accused him.
+Incredulously, Harry looked at his girlfriend. "Did you just try to hex me?"
+Another flick of her wand, and another. Harry was ready for it this time and + sidestepped easily. When not in control of her emotions, Ginny's spellcasting left + much to be desired.
+"Control yourself," Harry said coolly.
+"You never have time for me!" Ginny screeched, never lowering her wand.
+"Ginny, stop!" Ron said, but his voice betrayed uncertainty.
+"Stay out of this, before I put you in a body bind," Ginny snapped.
+And then it hit Harry as a wave of understanding flooded him. The Occlumency + lessons of the night before had made it all the more clearer to him. Behaviour such + as Ginny's was not something he wanted to condone any longer. She was volatile and + aggressive just like the Dursleys had been, even if in a lesser capacity. Just + because she was a girl younger than him and used magic as her weapon did not make it + okay. And he had suffered through enough violence and anger in his life. A girl like + Ginny was not right for him and never would be.
+"Expelliarmus," he said coolly. Ginny's wand flew straight into Harry's hand. He + caught it with an icy glint in his eyes, not unlike the one that could often be seen + in Snape's.
+He thrust the wand into Hermione's hands, never taking his eyes off of Ginny. + Disarmed as she was, the girl put her hands on her hips as if to signify that she was + not afraid. There was a fire in her eyes that Harry had once deemed attractive but + was now nothing more than a reminder of pain.
+"It's over," he told her. His voice as steady as he could make it and his resolve + clear even if his heart couldn't help but ache when he uttered those words.
+Ginny's defiant glare vanished immediately, replaced by surprise.
+"Harry," she whispered, glancing at Ron and Hermione as if she was looking for + support. "You don't mean that."
+"You clearly don't understand what I'm passionate about," Harry said coldly, "And + I have very little patience left to deal with your childishness. Unfortunately for + you, I am not shallow enough to be placated by a pretty face."
+A sob resounded from Ginny's throat but Harry felt little want to comfort her. + Instead, he felt relief. He cast an apologetic look Ron's way and left the common + room again. He'd rather not be around for the next outburst that was sure to + come.
+Even though the heatwave had long passed, Hedwig had made herself quite + comfortable in the dungeons. Even when Harry had told her she was free to move back + into the astronomy tower, she had simply refused, turning her head indignantly.
+So Harry had let her be with express permission from Slughorn who seemed more than + willing to provide Harry with what he needed.
+Sighing, Harry took a large cauldron from the storage room and placed it on the + grate, filling it with water. As he watched the clear liquid swirl, just waiting to + absorb ingredients and magic in the creation of something wonderful, Harry felt his + shoulders quiver. He held onto the edge of the cauldron for support and stared into + the water, meeting his green eyes as they were reflected back to him.
+Had he been too harsh? Too quick to judge? Angrily, Harry swiped at this + reflection. No, there was no reason for him to put up with that kind of behaviour. + Even if a small voice in the back of his mind told him that he was used to it. That + it was nothing. That maybe he deserved it.
+Quickly banishing those thoughts from his mind, Harry walked over to the + ingredients cupboard and got what he needed. Maybe creating a potion would relax him. + He grabbed the carefully preserved liquid silver and the wolfsbane.
+Back at his station he started angrily crushing the moonstone into tiny fragmented + pieces, not stopping until the slivers he was supposed to get out of them turned to + dust. He looked up when a soft hoot startled him.
+Hedwig had flown over to him and was now sitting on the edge of the cauldron, her + head slightly tilted as she looked at her master.
+"I know Hedwig," Harry said quietly, "I ruined the moonstone."
+Hedwig hooted softly and fluttered over to sit on the desk.
+"It's really not that warm anymore, Hedwig," Harry said, trying to sound cheerful + as he started cutting up the mistletoe. "You can go now."
+Hedwig hooted indignantly and nipped at Harry's fingers.
+"Ow! Careful, Hedwig. Mistletoe's poisonous," Harry argued, swiping the plant out + of Hedwig's reach. Hedwig hooted again.
+"No, I don't think she'll be coming here anymore," Harry replied to his familiar, + "It's not like she ever cared about potions anyway."
+Hedwig clicked her beak, hopping a bit closer.
+"You're right. I didn't either, at first," Harry admitted, "But I had so many + things to think of. Voldemort seemed a tad more important than potions at the time, + you know?"
+Hedwig screeched as she unfolded her wings a bit.
+"No need to be angry, he's gone," Harry assured her, "Which is why I can now focus + on my studies. I wish I realized potions was this interesting a long time ago."
+Hedwig flew over to perch on Harry's shoulder and seemed to snuggle up to him, + fluffing up her feathers in contentment.
+"You're not going to tell me that you think I'm neglecting you too, are you?" + Harry accused lightly. Hedwig rearranged his hair with her beak in response, hooting + all the while as if she was fussing over her owlet.
+"Is that why you're not leaving?"
+Hedwig took flight and flew straight into the ingredients cupboard that Harry had + forgotten to close again.
+"Hedwig," Harry said sternly, "Get out of there."
+Hedwig emerged a moment later, and landed back on Harry' desk, depositing a new + moonstone.
+Harry chuckled. "Quit babbling and get back to brewing, is it?" he said. Hedwig + hooted contently in response, pecking at Harry's mortar.
+"I will, you silly owl, no need to attack my instruments," Harry said, taking the + mortar away from his owl. He eyed her appraisingly for a while, noticing that Hedwig + almost seemed proud of herself.
+"You're a very clever bird, aren't you?" he asked seriously, "Maybe one day I + might invent a potion to talk to you."
+Hedwig hooted in response and ruffled her feathers, preening them in contentment + while Harry got back to work, brewing the wolfsbane potion to clear his head.
+He was halfway through creating the base when the door to the lab opened.
+"There you are," Snape commented as he strode inside.
+"Where else would I be?" Harry greeted him heartily.
+Snape eyed Hedwig for a moment as she sat half-snoozing near Harry before walking + over to the cauldron and peering into its contents.
+"Wolfsbane?" he said curiously, "Got any werewolf friends I don't know about?"
+"Just the one," Harry chuckled, throwing in a dash of ground pepper.
+"I heard about your altercation," Snape said.
+"You are turning into quite the gossip, Severus," Harry growled as he stirred his + potion. "What else have you heard through the grapevine?"
+"Oh, you're just hilarious," Snape bit back, "Where do you think your little + friends go when they think you're upset?"
+"I would hope that they don't go crying to any teacher – guardian or not – for + something stupid like a break-up," Harry said matter-of-factly. "Hedwig, would you + hand me those cloves?"
+Snape frowned as he watched Hedwig do exactly as Harry asked but made no comment + about it.
+"Apparently you were somewhat upset," Snape urged.
+"I wasn't the one who started throwing hexes," Harry said coldly. He chopped up + the cloves and threw them in the cauldron. "So if anyone was upset, it was Ginny. Why + don't you go comfort her?"
+Snape summoned a stool and set it next to Harry's desk, claiming it to watch Harry + work. "Ginny is not my daughter," he said frankly, "And I care not for her. Not one + bit."
+"That's harsh," Harry commented, stirring his brew slowly, "Because she's a + Gryffindor?"
+Snape smirked. "That might be part of the problem yes," he admitted, "Though if + the past has proven anything, Gryffindors tend to have a way to worm themselves into + my heart."
+Harry snorted, "Like parasites?"
+"Exactly so," Snape agreed, "But Ms Weasley could never. She's far too…"
+"Careful now," Harry warned, "It's best that you don't badmouth students in front + of their peers."
+"She was never right for you," Snape said simply, "She was probably suitable for + soothing any teenage urges you might have had but –"
+"No, stop!" Harry interrupted, "Not this again!"
+Snape grinned. "But she was never on par with you intellectually. Not even when I + still mistook you for a dunderhead."
+Harry sighed. "You're probably right. But it still hurts."
+Snape grabbed a few cloves of garlic and started mincing them. "Each time our + heart is broken, we should learn a lesson and not repeat the same mistakes. However, + often there is nothing we could have done to save the relationship."
+"And what mistakes should I learn from," Harry asked.
+"Don't judge a book by its cover," Snape said easily. "What lies beneath the + surface of shallow waters? Nothing. It's only when you go deeper that the ocean comes + alive. The deeper you go, the more mysteries and surprises await."
+Harry sighed, seemingly getting tired from Snape's advice.
+"It will get better, Harry," Snape insisted.
+"Will it?" Harry asked, his emerald eyes fixed on Snape's. He seemed to be + searching for something in the man.
+"Careful," Snape warned Harry, "I know that you're not feeling particularly + pleased right now, but I advise against voicing your current thoughts."
+Harry threw in the splinters of the moonstone he had now carefully crushed.
+"It's better this way, I guess," Harry shrugged, "I'll have more time to focus on + my studies. And –" he grinned at Snape, "- to play Quidditch as well."
+"Oh joy," Snape deadpanned, "Professor McGonagall will be ecstatic to hear and I, + in turn, will be pleased to not have her turn up in my fireplace anymore."
+"She's been doing that?" Harry chuckled.
+"She's always been a competitive person," Snape shared with Harry, "And she needs + you if she wants to stand a chance against the Slytherin team."
+"Can you really handle losing again?" Harry asked, performing the very last + intricate stirring pattern there was to the potion.
+"The way I see it, I win either way," Snape said playfully, "Either my house wins + or my son does."
+"So you can be at the victory party no matter what," Harry said happily, "Unless + Hufflepuff wins."
+"If they win this year, I'll resign," Snape said seriously.
+"A bit too late for the Defence against the Dark Arts curse to befall you, isn't + it?" Harry asked.
+"It's no longer in effect," Snape said, "Since the Dark Lord died."
+"Good thing too or I would still need to teach the DA," Harry said, "And I don't + have the time for it."
+Harry hauled the cauldron off the fire, allowing it to cool. "What do you think?" + he asked, "Is it acceptable?"
+"Outstanding as always," Snape said, "Do you need it all for your werewolf friend + or shall I give some to Lupin?"
+Harry rolled his eyes as he bottled whatever portions he could get out of the + potion. "Do with it as you please," he said, "My werewolf friend doesn't really need + it anyway. He has a friend that is a Potions Master, you see."
+"I see," Snape replied. He looked over at Harry who was now cleaning up his + working space. Hedwig had flown back to her perch, allowing Harry the space.
+"You're certain you're okay?" Snape asked one last time.
+"I will be," Harry said, smiling honestly. "There's no need to worry."
+The lack of the full moon did not make Greyback any less dangerous. He loved + tearing people apart, even in his human form. And they really didn't need to be + muggles or mudbloods for him to appreciate their anguished shrieks and panicked + flailing. Licking his lips in anticipation, he released the girl he had captured + before and watched her flee into the thick arboreal path. Exactly fifteen seconds + later, he gave chase.
+"Talk, Mr Pippin," Bellatrix said sweetly, "And I suggest you do it quickly before + Greyback catches your daughter. He's not exactly what one would call… friendly."
+A smirk that rivalled that of a Cheshire cat split her face in half as she + laughed. The man beneath her grovelled and pleaded, his wand long snapped in half + when he had tried to protect his family. His wife already lay still next to him, her + throat clawed out and her limbs broken, displayed in an unnatural fashion as if she + was a puppet that was dropped by her puppeteer.
+"Please," he pleaded, "I told you all I know!"
+"So you're telling me that there are no imminent orders from him?" Bellatrix asked + snidely, "No potion ingredients? Nothing?"
+"No!" Pippin said truthfully, "Nothing yet. Please. Please let my daughter + go!"
+At that moment, a high-pitched screech filled the air and Bellatrix laughed + hysterically before shutting her mouth with a click and shouting; "Greyback! + Return".
+It couldn't have been more than a minute later that the werewolf returned with the + girl. He was dragging her with him by holding on to her right foot while her left was + kicking the air in a desperate attempt to break free.
+"Oh dear," Bellatrix said sweetly as she approached the girl. She couldn't have + been more than seven. "Are you scared of this big man?" she asked, "Did he hurt + you?"
+The girl sobbed uncontrollably, clearly overcome by terror.
+"I'm sorry dear, but we had no choice," the former death eater said, kneeling next + to the girl. "Your father simply does not want to cooperate."
+"Mum," the girl cried, "I want my mum!"
+"Certainly," Bellatrix said, smiling broadly. She snapped at Greyback who dragged + the girl towards her parents and threw her to the ground right next to her mother's + mangled body. She screamed and tried to get up but Bellatrix cast a body bind on her. + She tutted as if she were reprimanding a young child. "Now now," she said, "You said + you wanted your mother. Here she is."
+"Let her go!" Came Pippin's furious exclamation. He tried to get to his feet, + seemingly forgetting that his legs were broken.
+"Should I?" Bellatrix asked as if she were contemplating it. "Give me one good + reason."
+"Painite," The man said, "I'm supposed to contact him once I've received Painite. + He's been asking for it."
+"Your point?" Bellatrix asked, tilting her head as if she was trying to + understand. Tears were leaking from the petrified girls' eyes.
+"I will tell him that I got some," Pippin said desperately, "He'll come for it. I + know he will!"
+Bellatrix clapped her hands together. "Excellent!" she said happily, "See, I knew + we could make some sort of arrangement. You do that, and we shall return your + daughter to you."
+"But-" Pippin wanted to argue.
+"Let us know the time and place," Bellatrix told him, "If anything goes wrong, + like you tipping him off or him not showing up, your daughter will stay with us. My + husband and brother in law will surely wish to have their way with her."
+She gestured towards Rodolphus and Rabastan who sat away from the action, glancing + at her when she mentioned them.
+"But if you succeed in bringing him to us, we will release your precious + daughter," Bellatrix continued. "But you'd best hurry," she added darkly, "Or she + might not come back to you in one piece."
+There you are dears. Ginny is gone. Told you all it wouldn't last! I hope + you're not too mad at me for it either way. What do you reckon is going through + Maya's mind right now and who is Bellatrix trying to capture? Please tell me what you + think and what you liked/disliked. I welcome all reviews!
+Chapter 11
+Harry was strongly aware of the warm sunlight on his face coupled with the strong + winds that flew past him as he raced around the Quidditch pitch.
+"Ronald Weasley managed to stop the quaffle again," came Luna Lovegood's + commentary, "He's doing this weird move that makes him look like a starfish. It + seemed entirely accidental to me at first but since he keeps doing it, I no longer + think so. Either way, no one has managed to score yet."
+She was right. They had been in the air for about thirty minutes if Harry's + estimates were somewhat correct and neither team had managed to score a single + goal.
+The Ravenclaw team had done some restructuring and since Cho Chang had graduated, + they replaced their seeker as well. Harry wasn't sure if she was any good yet since + this was the first game of the school year but he knew better than to underestimate + his opponent. Currently, she was circling the pitch the same way he was but on the + opposite end. At one point she had made an admittedly clumsy attempt at a + 'Wronsky Feint' that Harry had simply ignored.
+"Ginny Weasley got the quaffle and she's rushing towards the goalposts. Oh – Oh + dear, the bludgers are closing in. Careful Ginny or they'll get you."
+Ginny looked over her shoulder to try and spot the threat Luna had perceived and + therefore missed the approach of the bludger right in front of her. It collided with + her shoulder, causing her to spin uncontrollably for a few seconds until she regained + control of herself.
+"I told you to watch out," Luna said airily, "Roger Davies got a hold of the + quaffle this time. I wonder if he's still in touch with Fleur. I never did ask him + how that ended up. Did you all know 'Roger' means 'famous spear'? It might mean he + will become a famous chaser one day. Or perhaps a famous spearman. Are those still + around? Ah, he couldn't get the quaffle past Ron. Those Weasleys are really good, + aren't they?"
+Harry laughed. He really loved Luna's commentary. While not very useful and to the + point, it kept his mind occupied and entertained.
+Harry whooshed past the stands to see if any of them were hiding the snitch but + came up empty. He saw that McGonagall looked amused and not at all as annoyed as she + had been with Luna when she only just begun commentating. Even Snape seemed to be + entertained by her antics. Probably because he was not really a Quidditch fan and + appreciated Luna's dreamy monologues.
+When Snape caught Harry watching him, he pointed towards the pitch as if to tell + him to get back to it. Harry gave him one of his cheekiest grins, glanced around one + last time and returned to his post. In doing so, he passed Ginny who gave him a + murderous glare. Harry rolled his eyes and kept scouring the grounds, ignoring the + song that was erupting from the Gryffindor stands.
+Weasley is our King,
Weasley is our
+ King,
+ He didn't let the Quaffle in
+ Weasley is our King.
Weasley can save anything,
+ He never leaves a single ring,
+ That's why Gryffindors all sing:
+ Weasley is our King.
Harry smirked. How fantastic was it that the Slytherins had given the Gryffindors + the opportunity to hail Ron in song. They had only needed to change some of the + words.
+But then again, the Ravenclaw keeper was pretty good himself. Suddenly, Harry + caught Ron waving at him with all the subtlety of an ostrich in a tea shop. When + Harry looked at him, Ron waved vaguely at an area behind him. Harry didn't need to be + told twice.
+"It almost looked as if Ron Weasley was performing some kind of mating dance," + Luna said happily, "Perhaps he was trying to regain Harry's interest for his sister. + Either way, it seemed to have worked because Harry is quickly headed his way."
+Harry noticed that the Ravenclaw seeker was not following him. Perhaps she thought + that Ron simply wanted a word about something. The beaters – however – seemed to be + sharper of wit and they both launched a bludger Harry's way. He dipped dramatically + in order to evade them, then pulled up sharply in between both beaters, laughing + joyously as he did so.
+No matter what, Quidditch always made him feel alive. Even when it almost killed + him.
+Finally, the Ravenclaw seeker caught on but it was far too late. Luna was yelling + something with much excitement but the wind rushing past Harry's ears left him nearly + deaf for everything else around him. He rushed past Ron who smirked triumphantly + while the Gryffindor beaters knocked a bludger straight into the rival seeker's path, + slowing her down even more.
+It wouldn't have mattered anyway. By now, Harry had spotted the snitch fluttering + somewhere near the edge of the pitch and snatched it out of the air, making a U-turn + to show off his catch as Ron nearly jumped him while they were still in mid-air.
+"Harry caught the snitch for all the points," Luna said dreamily, "I suppose it's + all over now. Gryffindor wins. Thanks for coming and I hope to see you all again next + time."
+Harry landed his broomstick and was swarmed by the rest of his team. Davies shook + Ron's hand politely, the two boys smiling at each other.
+"Nice keeping, Weasley," Harry heard Davies say.
+"Your keeper was bloody brilliant as well," Ron said amicably, "This could've been + anyone's match, really."
+"Not when your seeker is Harry Potter," Davies chuckled, "Good game anyway."
+"Yeah, good game."
+Harry couldn't help but notice how much Ron had matured.
+Snape was on his way to his private quarters where Harry was waiting for him to + get started with his next Occlumency lesson. He was rather unhappy with the prospect + of hurting Harry more like this as well as viewing those horrible memories of his + childhood that never failed to fill his own heart with anger but there was nothing to + be done. This was what Harry wanted and Snape did not want to deprive him of the + opportunity.
+That didn't mean he had to like it though. And his displeasure with the situation + was clearly manifested on his face as he swept through the corridors, his fierce + glare enough to force most of the people who would cross his path to move away.
+Yes. Most of them.
+"Severus, do you have a moment?"
+Of course, Professor Bell was not to be swayed by his malice. Couldn't she get + lost somewhere? Preferably in the vicinity of the forbidden forest or something?
+"No," he replied curtly, not halting his movement. And yet, the persistent woman + did not falter behind. In fact, she kept up with him even if that meant somewhat + skipping or half-running to do so.
+"Come now, Severus," she said, huffing with the fast steps she was forced to take. + "I just want to talk to you."
+"I'm not available right now," Snape said, glaring darkly at the spritely woman, + annoyed when she simply smiled sweetly at him.
+"I just want to talk to you about Harry."
+That stopped Snape dead in his tracks. It took Bell a few moments to realize his + arrest and almost tripped over her own feet as she turned around to face him again, + her hair swaying as she moved.
+"What about him?" Snape growled, narrowing his eyes at her. "Is something + wrong?"
+Bell seemed to think that question over for a moment. Not at all sure of how to + respond to that. "Well –" she said hesitantly, "I was wondering if you could + enlighten me about the relationship between the two of you."
+"I beg your pardon?" Snape asked, quirking his eyebrow. "Whatever do you + mean?"
+"It just seems a bit odd," Bell continued as she brushed a stray strand of her + hair behind her ear, her gaze seeking Snape's. "And I'm probably wrong about this but + I'd rather be wrong and embarrassed at the end of this than be right and not have + done a thing about it."
+Snape's earlier foul mood was lifting slightly as he felt amusement at what Bell + was saying. She couldn't actually be implying…
+"And what – pray tell – is this situation you speak of?"
+Bell seemed to steel her resolve as her fierce gaze bore into Snape's eyes. She + tilted her chin ever so slightly and Snape couldn't help but cross his arms and lean + against the wall he was standing near as he watched her gather herself. Oh, this + would be good.
+"Is it normal for an Apprentice to seek refuge in his Master's private chambers as + often as Harry does?" Bell asked.
+Snape exhaled sharply as he tried not to laugh. He couldn't believe she had + actually gone there. "No," he said easily, "Not at all."
+Bell frowned, staring at Snape as if he were some anomaly she couldn't quite + figure out. "Then, what are you doing with him?"
+Snape pushed himself away from the wall and continued walking. "Follow me," Snape + said briskly, "And I will show you just what it is we do together."
+It didn't take long for Snape to hear the tell-tale sound of another pair of shoes + hastily trying to keep up with him. Ever so slightly, he slowed down. Not enough for + her to notice what he was doing, but enough to be sure he wouldn't lose her along the + way.
+"Are you saying he's there now?" Bell asked.
+"Of course," Snape supplied, "Where else would he be?"
+"In Gryffindor tower," Bell snapped, "In the library? Anywhere else."
+"Oh, but he so much rather spends his time with me," Snape said maliciously.
+"He always looks so tired when he returns from you," Bell accused, "Just what are + you doing to him?"
+"Nothing he hasn't asked for," Snape replied. Oh, how he was enjoying this back + and forth. It was fun to tease this woman who was obviously quick to mislead. Had + truly no one told her about the relationship between Harry and him?
+"Here we are, Maya," Snape said, smirking as he opened the door to his quarters + where Harry was already sat on the floor as he read through one of his books. There + was obvious surprise in his eyes when he looked up.
+"Professor Bell," he greeted half-heartedly, quickly getting up from the floor and + brushing himself off. Harry glanced at Snape, clearly seeing the amused twinkle in + the man's eyes, not quite understanding what was happening.
+"Why has all your furniture been moved aside?" Bell asked as she stepped + inside.
+"We need a lot of room," Snape replied, "for when we –" he walked over to Harry + and casually draped an arm around his shoulders. "-Practice."
+Harry groaned when he finally realized what Snape was up to. Unfortunately, Bell + seemed to take that noise of annoyance as something entirely different.
+"Are you ready for today, Harry?" Snape asked more caringly than he had ever done, + "Or haven't you quite recovered yet?"
+Harry decided to play along. "I'm still a bit sore," Harry said pitifully, "but + I'll do as you say, sir."
+"Harry!" Bell exclaimed, "What's going on here?"
+Snape snorted and at that moment, Harry couldn't keep it together anymore. He + burst out laughing as he teasingly pushed Snape's arm away. Snape chuckled and + ruffled Harry's hair roughly enough for Harry to bend his head slightly.
+For a moment, Bell was shell shocked but then she departed, slamming the door shut + as she went.
+"Oh uh," Harry said, "You might've gone too far."
+Snape shrugged. "Let her be," he said, "She's the one who wanted to meddle in + things that weren't her business."
+"You can be really heartless sometimes, you know that?" Harry said, "I'll be right + back."
+Not listening to Snape's objections, Harry left the room and went after Bell. If + anything, she was still his history teacher and he did not want to end up in her bad + books.
+Lucky for him, Bell never got very far, already confused at the first tangent.
+"Professor!" Harry called out. Bell saw him approach and sighed.
+"Mr Potter," she greeted, "What more have you to say to me?"
+"Professor, I'm sorry," Harry said, "I didn't mean to embarrass you."
+Bell looked a little bit frustrated. "I just don't understand," she said, "What's + going on between the two of you?"
+Harry smiled warmly at her. "I suppose no one told you yet," he said, "But Severus + – well – he got me out of a really bad spot."
+Bell's expression softened as she listened to Harry. "What do you mean?"
+Harry scratched the back of his head in embarrassment as he sought for the right + words. "You see," he said, "The family I was living with, they… they were bad for + me."
+Bell frowned. "Bad? Harry, did they –"
+But Harry shook his head furiously. "It doesn't really matter, Professor," he + said, "But I was in a bad way and Severus got me out of there. He offered me a home + –" Harry couldn't help his voice from trembling as he went on, "- He offered me a + family, even if it was small. He still allowed me to call it my own." Harry wiped at + his face with his sleeve, something he knew Snape would reprimand him for. "And last + Christmas –" Harry swallowed thickly and met Bell's compassionate gaze. "- He adopted + me."
+The smile that crept on his face was unstoppable and seemed to warm Bell's + heart.
+"Harry," she said, "I didn't know."
+"He used to be much harsher, you know," Harry chuckled, "He was the fearsome + dungeon bat of Hogwarts, though I suppose he still goes by that name."
+Harry shook his head at the image of him and Snape fighting in the classroom, + before… well, before everything. "I think he's happier as well," Harry said, + "Maybe still not as happy as I would like him, but better."
+Bell smiled at him warmly, and without warning, she drew him into a tight hug.
+"Oh, you silly child," she said, "You're so sweet I could squeeze you to death + right now!"
+Thankfully, she didn't. She let go and quickly wiped at her eyes. Harry graciously + pretended he didn't notice. "But why did you feel the need to trick me like that? My + heart nearly stopped!"
+"I think Severus just wanted to mess with you a bit," Harry said, "He has a weird + sense of humour."
+Bell rolled her eyes. "I'll say. You can tell him that I'll get even with him for + that!"
+Harry chuckled. "I will. And if you need help with that, I'm your man!"
+"Interesting," Bell said as she thoughtfully ran a finger across her lips. "I'll + keep that in mind. Now, where do I go from here?"
+"Just go left, Professor," Harry chuckled, "And then you go straight ahead. Call a + house-elf if you get lost."
+"Will do," Bell said cheerfully and she disappeared behind the bend.
+Glad to have that over with, Harry returned to Snape.
+"You're bloody mental, you know that?" Harry said after he closed the door.
+"Language," Snape droned.
+"Says the man who implied a sexual relationship between the two of us to a + completely innocent Professor."
+Snape laughed. "And where did you gather she is innocent of anything?"
+"She just looks like it," Harry shrugged.
+"Of course," Snape, "A solid foundation to build your trust on, the way someone + looks. Tell me, were you more enamoured by her long locks or by her amber eyes? No, + perhaps it had more to do with the chest area."
+Harry grinned maliciously "Ah, so you are aware of the finer things in + life," he said, "And here I thought you were blind to any such observations."
+"You are quite wrong," Snape said, undeterred, "I would have made a lousy spy had + I not been able to grasp the finer details of my colleagues and their interests in + others, male or female."
+Harry stood there grinning for a while before playfully hitting Snape on the + shoulder.
+Snape took it without flinching. "What do you think you're doing?"
+"Just thinking," Harry shrugged, "About the possibilities."
+"Mind your cheek, brat," Snape said, "Or I'll give you the undiluted version + already."
+"No you won't," Harry said easily, plopping himself back down.
+"And what makes you so sure of that?" Snape said as he grabbed the diluted Drink + of Despair off the shelf.
+"Because you're my family," Harry said matter-of-factly, "And I know you because + of it."
+The somewhat delighted expression on Snape's face made Harry look away as he felt + himself flush.
+Snape cleared his throat. "Well, shall we begin?"
+It was a dreary Tuesday when Harry found himself seated next to Hermione and Ron + in the morning, picking at his scrambled eggs. Ginny sat a few spots further away. + She didn't seem angry anymore but she seemed distant. That was fine with Harry. Ron + didn't even seem to fault Harry for anything for which Harry was grateful. The + redhead had indeed matured.
+When Harry looked up at the ceiling, he became aware of the pouring rain that was + going on outside. Dark clouds blotted out the sky so much, it almost seemed like the + middle of the night. Every now and then, lightning struck in the distance, followed + by the ominous roar of thunder.
+"Blimey," Ron said, "It's a good thing we don't have Quidditch practice today. We + would probably be thrown off our brooms if we tried to fly."
+"Trelawney seems to agree with you," Harry said, nodding towards the high table + where Trelawney was standing next to Flitwick, dramatically motioning towards the + skies and jumping with every approaching rumble.
+"Maybe she's just scared," Hermione said.
+"Or mental," Ron mumbled, shoving another spoonful of porridge in his mouth.
+Harry was in the midst of peeling a banana when the doors to the great hall flew + open dramatically. The hall was illuminated by another strike of thunder, revealing + the form of two shadowy creatures in the doorway. Some students yelped in surprise. + Others drew their wands. But none were prepared for the people who strutted into the + great hall as they dripped all over the floor.
+"Everyone, listen up!"
+"And gather round,"
+"For I, Fred,"
+"And me, George,"
+"Have returned from our glorious mission!"
+"It's Fred and George," Ron exclaimed unnecessarily, "What are they doing + here?"
+The Weasley twins looked beyond awful. Not only were they dripping wet, they were + also dirty beyond belief. They were smeared with mud, stinking clay and even blood. + Some barely healed scratches were visible on the both of them and Fred seemed to be + favouring his right leg. They looked thinner than they were before and honestly, they + looked like they've been to hell and back. And yet, underneath the muck, grime and + obvious fatigue, they were both grinning ecstatically.
+The twins bowed exaggeratedly and made their way to the high table, parading + proudly as if they were peacocks, ready to impress their potential mate.
+"Hello, ickle Ronniekins," Fred said, ruffling Ron's hair as he passed.
+"Good to see you, sis," George grinned, patting Ginny's hair.
+"I can't believe it," Harry smirked when he noticed George carrying a book of + sorts. He looked at Snape and saw that the Potions Master's face was a mask of + indifference. He seemed cool and collected and not at all surprised to see the + Weasley twins. But Harry recognized that glint in his eyes. Snape was very pleased + indeed.
+Dumbledore's eyes twinkled but he made no move to greet the Weasleys. It was + almost as if he already knew that they weren't there for him.
+"Here you are, Professor," George said as he dropped the book onto the high table + with quite the exaggerated bang.
+"Told you we could do it," Fred said proudly.
+Snape raised his wand and used it to scan the book that was practically dropped in + his lap. When nothing happened, he opened the book and scanned its contents.
+"Did you copy all of it?" he asked evenly, staring into Fred's eyes as he + answered.
+"Every single thing," Fred sighed, obviously exhausted.
+"Well –" Snape said as his lips curled into a smile, "- you obviously lack + subtlety but I commend you on a job well done. Your mother has received the formula + some weeks ago. You may retrieve it from her."
+"What?" George exclaimed, "You already sent it?"
+"But what if we had failed?" Fred asked in disbelief, "You thought we couldn't do + it! You said so yourself."
+"Did I?" Snape asked, "Well, you've certainly proved me wrong, gentlemen." He + smirked as he perused some more of the pages. After a while, he noticed that the + twins were still standing there, looking quite dumbfounded.
+"Well?" Snape asked, "What more do you expect? A kiss on your cheek and a hug + goodbye?"
+"Severus!" Dumbledore admonished, "Fred and George have obviously been through + much."
+The headmaster faced the twins with a cheerful smile and opened his arms wide in + greeting.
+"Please," he said, "Take a seat and eat with us. You are most welcome."
+"Thanks, Professor," George said, taking a roll from the bowl that stood in front + of Snape.
+"We'll take you up on that offer," Fred agreed, winking at the headmaster.
+They walked back over to Ron, Fred pulling him close in a one-armed embrace, + rubbing his knuckles over his baby brother's head. "Missed us?"
+"Not one bit," Ron grumbled, "Get off, you smell awful!"
+"Scourgify," Hermione muttered as she cleaned the twins as best she could, + sniffing in disgust at the puddles they left behind.
+"Where have you been?" Ron asked, "And what was that recipe Snape was talking + about?"
+"Ah, little brother," George said, "Prepare for a fascinating tale of trials and + mischief. Filled with wonder and amazement."
+"Monsters and ancient magic," Fred added, "As well as love gained and lost."
+It almost appeared as if the entire student body was leaning in to listen to the + tales spun by the twins, while Snape was happily perusing his texts, vaguely aware of + Bell looking over his shoulder with much interest.
+Chapter 12
+It had been merely a few days since the Weasley twins had shown up in such ominous + circumstances – that many agreed on the twins must have been waiting for – to provide + Snape with what everyone seemed to think was an ordinary book. Harry knew better but + wasn't about to spill the beans to anyone except his best friends. But – truth be + told – he didn't know that much. Not even Hermione was able to tell Harry what the + book could possibly be about. All she knew was that Pythagoras had been an + alchemist.
+"Isn't alchemy just another word for potions?" Ron had asked.
+"Don't be daft, Ron," Hermione chided, "Alchemy is so much more than just potions. + It's a meta-skill of sorts which combines all of the different magics in its + process."
+"But it is a very difficult skill to master," Harry supplied, "and takes years of + practice and an understanding of magic that I – to be fair – do not have."
+"Does Snape?" Ron asked.
+Harry wasn't sure. He had never really asked Snape if he was an alchemist simply + because it had never come up.
+"I'll ask him," Harry said.
+Since they were in the Gryffindor common room, and Snape was nowhere nearby, Harry + wrote on his cuff.
+'Are you well-versed in the art of Alchemy?'
+It took a while before the answer came and Harry snorted at the words.
+'Yes. And you can tell Ms Granger that the book is none of her + business.'
+Hermione blushed when Harry relayed the message. "I was just curious."
+"And he's just teasing," Harry said, "It's what he does. You know him."
+"Say, what is Bell doing outside of the portrait?" Ron asked. He had been lazily + perusing the marauder's map for no other reason but to cure his boredom.
+"She is?" Hermione asked. "Let me see."
+"It's not even like she's patrolling or something," Ron said, frowning, "She just… + standing there."
+"She might just be lost," Harry said, "I'll go see what she needs."
+When Harry opened the portrait and met the warm gaze that was professor Bell's, he + knew that she was not lost. This was exactly where she had intended to come.
+"Harry!" she said happily, "I can't for the life of me remember the password but I + really wanted to speak with you."
+Harry climbed out of the portrait hole and faced the History Professor with an + amused smirk.
+"Oh?" he said, "I this what I think it is about?"
+Bell wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "It is, young accomplice if mine. Oh yes, + indeed."
+The following morning, Harry woke up bright and early to go to breakfast as soon + as he possibly could. But he would need to make a small detour first. Using his + invisibility cloak – just to be sure – he snuck down to the dungeons and into Snape's + office which was connected to his private potions lab.
+Luckily for Harry, his presence did not trigger any of the wards. He smirked to + himself. Snape was losing his Slytherin touch if he allowed Harry to just enter here + on all hours of the day.
+He crept into the potions lab and walked over to the rack where each and every + bottled concoction was neatly lined up in order of use, their labels facing forward + in a neat fashion. Harry started turning some just a tiny bit. It was not noticeable + to anyone who didn't pay attention to such things but Harry made it so that when + facing the rack, you could not make out the entire first letter on the label.
+After that, he moved a bottle of skele-gro to a shelf above where it was supposed + to be. He didn't take time to inspect his handiwork. Instead, he crept back out and + made to leave when he noticed a stack of papers on Snape's desk. He took the top + piece of parchment and put it in the pile completely at random. That should do it for + the day. Harry left, closing the door behind him and raced towards the great hall, + hoping that there wouldn't be too many people yet.
+And true enough, when he arrived there, there was only one other person already + occupying her table as she read the quibbler.
+"Hi Luna," Harry greeted.
+"Good morning, Harry," Luna replied warmly, "You're here early."
+"Yes," Harry replied, smirking all the while. "There was something I wanted to + do."
+"Something mischievous, perhaps?" Luna asked airily, "The Gronkulls told me that + Professor Bell visited you last night."
+Harry sat down next to the blonde Ravenclaw with a loud thud. "Hush, Luna," he + whispered, the sounds of their voices reverberating loudly while there was no one + else in the hall. "She did, but you can't tell anyone. Especially not Professor + Snape."
+Luna smiled brightly. "Don't worry," she said, "I'm not one to spoil your + entertainment. And Professor Snape really needs to have some fun sometimes."
+Harry laughed. "I don't think fun is in his dictionary."
+"Perhaps," Luna said, "Or perhaps he needs to be reminded of its meaning." She + tilted her head slightly as she regarded Harry carefully. "You know, I think you + might be the one to do it."
+"Do what?"
+"You are the chosen one," Luna replied carefully, "And you will deliver Professor + Snape from his worry and sadness."
+Harry frowned, ignoring Luna's odd choice of words. "Do you really think he's + sad?"
+"He always has been," Luna said empathically, "It's become better over time but + I've rarely seen him just happy. There's always some underlining tone of something + darker there."
+"I think that's just his act you're seeing," Harry supplied, "He's a lot looser at + home."
+"A mask tells us more than a face," Luna replied knowingly, "He wouldn't hide + himself away if he didn't feel like he needed protection."
+"From what?" Harry asked, blinking in confusion.
+Luna smiled sadly. "From caring for others," she said, "And from being cared for. + I feel that he's suffered tremendous emotional pain already."
+"He's got me though," Harry said.
+"He does," Luna agreed, "And I think that's all he'll allow himself for now. Don't + you?"
+Harry sat there somewhat flabbergasted at Luna's words while she continued reading + her quibbler, humming an unknown tune under her breath as she did.
+It was only a few minutes later that other people started to come into the great + hall, yawning and stretching as they walked.
+As Harry had expected, Snape was one of the first Professors to arrive for + breakfast. He quirked a surprised eyebrow when he saw Harry sitting there already and + took his own seat at the high table.
+"Good morning, Harry," Snape said. Since there weren't a lot of people present + yet, they could easily hear each other. "Defecting to Ravenclaw, I see? How will the + Gryffindor quidditch team ever survive this blow?"
+"You would like that, wouldn't you?" Harry said, "Well don't worry. I'll be around + to kick Slytherin –"
+"Language," Snape warned.
+Now Bell and Flitwick came in together – Flitwick clearly serving as Bell's guide + – and sat down at the table as well.
+"See you around, Luna," Harry said.
+"Be careful of the ravens, Harry," Luna warned, "The Gronkulls told me they have + it in for a stag."
+"I'll keep that in mind, Luna," Harry replied. He waved to her and walked away. + But instead of heading back to Gryffindor Tower, he walked straight up to the high + table and went across it to stand next to Snape.
+"Have you gotten so little sleep that you've forgotten where your house sits?" + Snape asked, "Do I look like a Gryffindor to you?"
+"Not one bit," Harry admitted, "I just wanted to wish you a very happy Wednesday!" + And without warning, Harry took a step forward and hugged Snape awkwardly and + shortly. Before Snape had even processed Harry's movement, the boy had pulled away + and flashed him an amused grin.
+"Professor Flitwick," Harry greeted as he passed by. "Professor Bell." At her, he + actually winked and she acknowledged him by shaking her head in disbelief. With her + back turned towards Snape, she clearly mouthed 'subtle' and rolled her eyes to which + Harry bowed graciously before running off and sitting at the Gryffindor table where + Ron and Hermione had arrived by now.
+"And you say the hat thought you might have done well in Slytherin?" Hermione + asked incredulously, "What was that?"
+"He has no idea," Harry chuckled, "Don't worry. Maybe he'll think I'm sick or + something but he'll never suspect foul play."
+"I still think you have a death wish, mate," Ron said, "Snape may have warmed up + to you but I don't think he'll let you off the hook when he finds out."
+"If he finds out," Harry corrected him. "Don't forget. It's Professor + Bell who is the mastermind at work."
+All three of them sat on the right side of the Gryffindor table where they had a + clear view of the high table and everything that was going on there. They filled + their plates with the breakfast foods of their choosing and ate absentmindedly as + they kept an eye on their defence teacher.
+Snape seemed to sense their staring and looked at the golden trio, arching his + eyebrows in a questioning look. They averted their gaze to look at their food but + went right back to staring as soon as Snape refocused his attention on breakfast.
+He poured himself a cup of tea but had poured a bit too harshly, causing at least + half of the scalding liquid to jump right back out of his cup and land on the + tablecloth and partly on his robes. The man looked around as if to check that no one + had seen his little mishap – Harry had seen this reaction coming and pretended to + have a conversation with his friends - and removed the spillage with a wave of his + wand.
+Next, he wanted to grab two lumps of sugar – as Harry knew was his usual amount – + with the tweezers that were meant for them. Harry couldn't help but chuckle as Snape + obviously wasn't able to get a firm grasp on the lumps. After a few tries, he mumbled + something to himself and set the sugar aside, not bothering with it anymore.
+Bell had noticed his predicament though and – much to Snape's mortification - + added a lump of sugar to his tea. She asked him something but he seemed to snap + something back at her rather rudely which she took in stride. She glanced over at + Harry and when she saw he was looking she alternatively held up one and two fingers + with a questioning glance.
+Harry held up two fingers in response. Bell nodded and added a second lump of + sugar to Snape's tea who simply shoved the cup away and filled a glass with pumpkin + juice which caused no accidents.
+"He seems grumpy," Ron said, "Maybe you shouldn't have done this on a defence + day."
+"Please," Harry said in a low tone of voice, "It'll be fine."
+Dumbledore had joined right when Snape was attempting to butter a piece of bread + but had pressed just a tad too hard, his knife going straight through the bread. + Snape stared at it, almost dumbfounded and Harry couldn't help it. He laughed loudly. + Snape turned his head sharply to see his son laughing at him and Harry could only + barely make out the annoyance in his eyes. It only made him laugh harder. Meanwhile, + Dumbledore had replaced Snape's piece of bread and put a hand on his shoulder, saying + something softly. Snape frowned but took the bread. He didn't attempt to butter it + anymore but simply put a slice of cheese on it and ate it.
+"I know I've asked you this before, but he's not a morning person, is he?" + Hermione commented.
+"He definitely is not," Harry agreed, "Especially not when he's being picked on by + a bunch of Gryffindors."
+Snape didn't stay long at all. As soon as he was finished eating, he got up + brusquely and went to sweep out of the hallways, glaring daggers at Harry as he + went.
+"I think he suspects something," Hermione said.
+"He's just upset that I laughed," Harry said. "What would he even think I + did?"
+Harry look over at the high table once more and saw that Professor Bell was + beaming at him, a mischievous twinkle in her eye that reminded Harry of the + twins.
+That brat must have done something! What it was, Snape could not possibly imagine + but oh, it was him. The bloody golden trio had been staring at him from + before things had gone wrong. They knew!
+Or was he getting paranoid? He must be. This was probably just a rough morning. + These mishaps could happen to anyone. Though they rarely happened to himself. Could + it have been a potion? No, he thought not. Harry knew very well that he was to report + every new potion he even attempted to create to Snape and he had brewed nothing that + would clarify what Snape could only explain as a lack of luck and an increase in + clumsiness. And Bell had certainly seemed pleased with herself when she offered to + add the sugar to his tea for him. As if he were four! Maybe she was in on it + too!
+Snape sighed. No, he was really looking too much into this.
+There was still an hour before he would have to go teach his first defence class. + He would stop by his private potions lab for a calming draught real quick and he + would be ready for the third graders who thought they were ready to face + boggarts.
+From his office, he swept into his lab and searched the labels for the calming + draught. Wait… that's not where he put the skele-gro. Was it? Perhaps Harry had + mistakenly put it there after he was done brewing. Snape moved the potion to where it + belonged and took the calming draught.
+He stared at his potions for a moment longer. Something didn't feel right. But he + couldn't put his finger on it. He shook himself, dispelling the thought.
+He tried to pull the stopper out of the bottle but didn't quite succeed the first + time. Instead, his nail got stuck behind the cork, tearing it slightly. It was small + but enough to annoy him greatly. With a huff of disapproval at his own inelegance, + Snape removed the stopper on the second try and downed the potion.
+He kicked off his boots and sat behind comfortably behind his desk, quite sure + that no one would dare disturb him yet. He glanced at the stack of assignments on his + desk. He frowned only slightly when he noticed the discrepancy but it didn't seem to + bother him as much. He must've really been out of it the previous day. Could it have + been the fire whiskey? He had only had one glass though.
+After he took a while to gather his senses, Snape cast a quick 'Tempus' to check + the time and sighed when he realized he needed to get going. He put on his boots, + growling to himself when he accidentally tried putting the left one on his right foot + the first time – and left to go teach class. It was only after he closed the door and + tried to take a step that he noticed that his robes got stuck. It was with great + self-restraint that he didn't blast the door to pieces.
+By the time Snape arrived in Harry's defence class – which was the last class of + the day – he was absolutely furious.
+"Uh-oh," Ron whispered quietly as Snape swept past them to the front of the class, + "I think you unleashed the beast, mate."
+Harry chuckled, "What I wouldn't give for his memories of today."
+"What are you talking about?" Draco asked.
+"Oh right, we didn't have the chance to tell you," Harry said, "We've –"
+"Be silent," Snape snarled at his son and godson, "Or – so help me – you will be + repainting every inch of Hogwarts."
+Harry and Draco wisely kept their mouths shut but smiled at each other as soon as + Snape's back was turned.
+"Today," Snape spat, "You will be learning about detecting as well as breaking + curses. If you all read the required chapters as I had instructed, you will be fine. + If not –" A malicious smile formed on the Professor's lips, "- You will suffer the + consequences."
+Non-verbally, Snape levitated a whole slew of inconspicuous looking items out of a + bag, placing them on each student's desk. Harry received a tattered looking plastic + doll that looked like it could easily star in a horror movie. It missed its right arm + and eye and its dress was dirty and torn.
+Harry had, in fact, read the requested chapters and was focusing on the object of + his current consternation, vaguely aware of Snape keeping a watchful eye on him. He + cast a simple 'Revelio', full well expecting that to not work. And so it + didn't. He could practically feel Hermione rolling her eyes at him.
+"It can't hurt to be thorough," Harry said, shrugging all the while. On Hermione's + desk sat a black boot, acting entirely innocent.
+Harry went through an entire sequence of spells he could think of. It didn't take + long for Neville to discover what was amiss with his 500-piece puzzle and Draco had + been able to solve the conundrum that was his Chinese puzzle trap within minutes.
+It took Ron and even Hermione a lot longer to detect their problems and Harry + couldn't help but wonder if Snape had purposely given them the hardest ones to crack. + It didn't escape Harry's attention at all that Snape hadn't so much as lifted a + finger during this entire class. He was simply standing there, with his arms crossed, + nodding occasionally when someone had been able to break their curse. But his eyes + kept fluttering back to Harry and it soon became clear that the doll was one of two + things. It was either not cursed at all or it was cursed at a level that was far + beyond that of a Hogwarts student.
+Interesting. So Snape must have realized that Harry had something to do with what + had clearly been a bad day.
+Eventually, Harry smirked, crossed his arms and leaned back.
+"Mr Potter," Snape droned, "Do you give up?"
+"Give up?" Harry repeated, "I would never. I simply solved it."
+"You solved it," Snape said icily, "And you expect me to believe that? When would + you have done that?"
+"At the moment you inspected Hermione's boot, sir," Harry replied easily, "That's + when it hit me."
+Harry fearlessly met his mentor's eyes and felt the subtle push of his Legilimency + but Occluded without a problem.
+"So pick it up," Snape said, smirking sadistically.
+Harry had anticipated this response and already knew exactly how to act. He moved + to grab the doll but bumped his desk unceremoniously, causing the doll to fall off. + Snape – with reflexes he honed by years of catching glass vials and potion + ingredients that found themselves into the clumsy hands of students – caught the doll + before it landed and looked at Harry just in time to meet his triumphant smirk.
+There was a poof. There was smoke and then, Snape was gone. Harry frowned, not + knowing what had happened. Had Snape disappeared? Did he teleport to the amazon + forest or something? But then a couple of the girls screeched and jumped on their + chairs. Harry leaned over his desk to see a small grass snake slithering on the + floor.
+"Well, well," he said in parseltongue, "Who knew you would make such a cute + snake?"
+"Don't jusssssst ssssstand there, brat," the snake hissed. Anyone who didn't speak + parseltongue – which was the entire Hogwarts populace minus Harry – would think the + snake upset and ready to attack. And perhaps, that wasn't too far from the truth.
+"What am I supposed to do even?" Harry asked innocently, "Unfortunately, I'm not + too good at curse breaking, and this one seems to be rather high level."
+"Blasssssst it all! Jussssst bring me to a Professsssor before I bite you."
+"Alright, alright. Don't get your coils in a twist," Harry chuckled, "Come + here."
+Harry extended his arm and the snake slithered onto his wrist, squeezing so he + wouldn't fall off.
+"Class dismissed, I guess," Harry said. He waved his wand and got all the cursed + objects to float back into the bag which he closed and took with him just in case + some poor first grader came in for some reason and saw that awesome soccer ball to + play with.
+Slytherins and Gryffindors alike laughed heartily at the situation at hand but + they quickly made themselves scarce when Snape the snake hissed threateningly.
+"This is what you get, you know," Harry chided, "For trying to trick me."
+"I did no sssssuch thing," Snape argued, his forked tongue flicking in and out of + his mouth.
+"Oh really?" Harry said, raising a sardonic eyebrow in the same fashion Snape + always did. "So you're saying that this curse is on an equal level with the + jelly-legs curse you so graciously bestowed on Zabini?"
+"You are better than Zzzzzzabini," Snape hissed.
+"You know, I could just leave you a snake," Harry said.
+"And perhapssss I could cut off the blood cccccirculation to your wrisssssst," + Snape replied, squeezing tightly.
+"You're a grass snake," Harry chuckled, "You can't do a thing in this state."
+"Don't tesssssst me, child," Snape hissed, "I'll have you dicccccing + Flobberwormssssss until Chrisssssstmasssss."
+"Hey, I'm going, aren't I?" Harry said to the snake, still smiling. The students + he encountered in the hallway regarded the pair with either interest or disgust. One + lone Hufflepuff boy even took off screaming at the sight.
+"Maybe this will get the 'The heir of Slytherin' rumours started again," Harry + said. There was only humour in his voice though.
+"That'sssss far more acceptable than sssssstudentsssss knowing I've been coiled + around your arm," Snape said.
+"To you maybe," Harry replied easily, "Well, here we are."
+"Brat," Snape hissed shortly, "Find sssssssomeone more capable."
+"She's very capable though," Harry replied, "And she's the closest by."
+"I refussssssse," Snape said.
+"Quite frankly, Severus, you don't have a choice in the matter," Harry said just a + tad too happy about the situation. He knocked on the door of the History + classroom.
+"Come on in," resounded the kind voice of Professor Bell.
+Harry opened the door and found Bell sitting at her desk, perusing a book. A stack + of sloppily piled books sat atop her desk, some of them with the edges of pieces of + parchments sticking out.
+"Hi, Harry!" Bell greeted him, "Oh, and who is this? Is this your new pet?"
+She placed the book she was reading on top of the pile and moved closer to Harry, + leaning forward to get a better look at the snake.
+"It's beautiful!" she cooed, "What's his name?"
+"Severus," Harry deadpanned.
+Bell frowned. "That's a tad formal for a snake, don't you think?"
+Harry laughed. "Actually, Professor, this is Severus. He cursed himself when he + tried to curse me with an object. I think he's mad at me."
+"Nonsssssensssse," Snape hissed, "I tried no sssssuch thing."
+Bell just started laughing. "You don't say!" she said, tears running down her + cheeks, "How unfortunate of him to pick today of all days to work on curse + removal."
+"What isssss ssssshe talking about?" Snape hissed.
+"I wonder what he's saying," Bell said.
+"Remove thisssss curssssse and I ssssshall tell you myssssself?" Snape hissed + dangerously.
+"Can you remove it?" Harry asked.
+"Of course I can, Harry," Bell said easily, "Nothing to it. If you're ready?"
+"I think it's time," Harry agreed, "We've had our fun."
+Bell nodded and waved her wand elegantly as Harry kneeled to allow Snape to + slither unto the ground again. Finally, Bell pointed her wand at Snape and broke the + curse non-verbally. When Snape was transformed back into his old body, she crossed + her arms and leaned against her desk, smirking triumphantly. Snape's glare was + murderous but Bell seemed completely undeterred.
+"Will you two finally tell me what's going on before I horribly disembowel one of + you?" Snape growled.
+"It's only fair!" Bell exclaimed, "You pranked me before. And by Merlin, you got + me good."
+Snape's gaze softened just a little. Harry thought he was probably the only one + who noticed.
+"So, I decided to get back at you," Bell continued, "And since Harry helped you + with your own ploy, I thought it prudent to have him help me as well."
+"Traitor," Snape spat viciously but Harry detected the amusement underneath.
+"Oh, just turn around already," Bell said.
+"Excuse me?" Snape replied in surprise.
+"Turn around," Bell repeated, chuckling as she did. "I'll remove the rune that was + applied to your robes."
+"You use runes?" Snape asked, but he did turn around which Harry thought was a + remarkable sign of trust when faced with someone who Snape's only known for a few + months tops. Especially considering how untrustworthy new teachers had often turned + out to be.
+Bell waved her wand over Snape's robes and revealed a piece of paper that sort of + looked like a cut-out stick figure. A strange symbol was drawn on it. It stuck to + Snape's robes but Bell peeled it off and showed it to him.
+Snape took it from her and ripped it up, a satisfied smirk on his face when he + dropped the pieces to the ground.
+"And the application was no doubt Harry's rather obvious… theatrics this morning," + he said.
+"Subtlety does not appear to be a Gryffindor trait," Bell agreed, "But yes indeed. + You should be able to add sugar to your own tea again."
+"I must say, that was very well played, Bell," Snape said, holding out his + hand.
+"Glad to be considered a worthy adversary, Snape" Bell replied, shaking the + offered hand.
+"Oh, we'll have to see about that," Snape said mysteriously.
+"Bring it," Bell said, tilting her head in mock defiance.
+It was not entirely on the same level as three first graders bringing down a troll + together, but Harry sensed that this too might be the start of a new friendship. Even + if it seemed to be a bit of a rivalry.
+Saturday morning was upon them fast as it always was when the week was + interesting. And this year, every week was interesting.
+Snape had gotten up early – as was his habit – but had not seen Harry appear at + breakfast. It wasn't entirely strange to see. Nothing short of Quidditch practice + could wake the boy up before ten in the weekend. In fact, of the golden trio, only + Granger was eating breakfast at a respectable hour, chatting amicably with the + Weasley girl over a piece of toast.
+Snape had gotten a very interesting message earlier that week. He looked over the + letter he had been sent with hungry eyes.
+Professor Snape,
+You've asked me to inform you before anyone else when I received a lump of + painite. It is rather small, for which I apologize but as you know, the jewel is + rather rare.
+If you are still interested, I request you to send me a reply at your earliest + convenience. I would expect to have the painite in stock on Saturday. If you can't + come by that day, I'll be forced to sell it. It would be too much of a liability to + have lying around in the shop you see.
+Yours,
+P. Pippin
+It had been years since Snape had asked the man to alert him should the rare jewel + ever arrive. Frankly, he had started to think that he had been forgotten. But the + letter had finally come and Snape could not hide his excitement.
+"What are you so happy about?" Maya asked, nudging Snape slightly. "You're + practically salivating over that letter. Got some hot admirer?"
+Snape snorted. "Nothing of the sort, Maya, I've just been invited to pick up some + painite back in the apothecary in Hogsmeade."
+"Amazing!" Maya replied, "I've never actually seen it but I've heard it's really + beautiful."
+"I don't need it for its beauty," Snape said, "I need it for its function."
+"Always the practical man, aren't you?" Maya teased, "Could you show me the jewel + though? Before you splinter it into dust or whatever you do with it."
+"If that appeases your appetite for shiny things, let it be so." Snape + complied.
+So it was that after breakfast, Maya and Snape both walked to Hogsmeade. Snape in + silence, and Maya making remarks about every unremarkable thing they encountered on + the way, much to Snape's annoyance.
+"Would you kindly refrain from making any more observations about the surrounding + area?" Snape asked coldly, "I am very much aware of its structure and contents, thank + you very much."
+"What are you so grumpy about?" Maya asked, "I thought this was a happy day for + you."
+"I wish to get to Hogsmeade sooner rather than later," Snape replied, "And your + dilly-dallying makes that sufficiently challenging."
+"Oh, you're such a killjoy," Maya chided, "Fine. First, we get your precious stone + and then we cherish the view."
+Snape sighed. "Or you cherish the view and I keep on + walking.
+"I could get lost," Maya pointed out in mock horror.
+Snape smirked ever so slightly, "Sleeping here might give you the insight in the + area that you seem to want to know more about. I'm merely granting you the + opportunity."
+"Just go and get your stone already," Maya huffed as they arrived in Hogsmeade, + "We don't have all day."
+Snape rolled his eyes and walked into the apothecary, walking straight over to the + counter to meet Mr Pippin. The old man almost seemed shocked to see Snape there. He + was sweating profusely and had a guilty look on his face.
+"Don't tell me you've already sold it," Snape grunted, "We had a deal."
+"I'm so sorry, Professor Snape," Pippin said, "I had no choice. They have my + daughter."
+Before Snape could reply, he felt the presence of several people behind him. He + whirled around, wand already in hand to come face to face with Bellatrix Lestrange + and her husband.
+"Hello Sevvie!" she greeted, "Out on a date, are you?" She inclined her head + towards the other end of the shop where Greyback had grabbed hold of Maya's arm and + was sniffing her intently. Maya slapped the werewolf in the face but the man did not + relent.
+"Why don't you come with us, right now?" Bella asked, "And we won't hurt your new + toy."
+"Oh, come off it, Bitch!" Maya hollered, "Who do you even think you are? You Death + eater rejects!" This time, she elbowed Greyback in the solar plexus and forced her + wrist towards the gap between Greyback's fingers and thumb as she shifted her weight, + effectively removing herself from his grasp.
+"Get out of here," Snape yelled.
+"I don't think so," Maya said sternly, brandishing her wand.
+"Fool," Snape muttered. He pointed his wand at her and the history teacher was + blasted out of the shop, leaving no one but Snape, the four death eaters and Mr + Pippin in the apothecary.
+Snape's wand arm was grabbed from behind by a strong hand, the limb twisted + painfully behind his back.
+"Let's go on a trip, shall we?" Bellatrix said sweetly and with the loud cackle of + her sick laughter, the five death eaters disappeared with the sounds of a car + back-firing.
+My dear readers. Today, the games pokemon sword and shield were released and I + will be playing them. Don't expect to hear from me anytime soon. give it a week or + so, I would say. I wrote this chapter yesterday to set you all up with a cliffhanger + to enjoy.
+So, I can only ask you to review and perhaps I will show mercy.
+Haha, thanks for reading in any case.
+I finished the game and I am back in business! I hope you all don't consider me + too evil. I wasn't gone that long, really. Well, enjoy!
+Chapter 13
+It only took a few seconds for Snape to determine just how much trouble he was in. + They had landed in a clearing in the middle of a forest. On impact, Rabastan had + immediately snatched Snape's wand away from him, releasing his arm when it posed no + more threat. Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Greyback had joined instantly after Snape's + forced side-along apparition. To his dismay, a young girl – not even old enough to be + attending Hogwarts yet – lay on the ground a few feet away. She was not dead but she + lay very still, her eyes fixed on something in the distance. She was not bound but + then again, that hadn't been necessary by the looks of it.
+Carefully, he eyed his former colleagues, trying to find an opening. Perhaps he + could figure out their plans for him and perhaps he could still get out of here. If + he was fortunate enough, he would be able to take that girl with him as well. When + his eyes met Bellatrix', she grinned maliciously.
+"Aww, don't look at me like that, Sevvie," she teased as she wiggled her index + finger in front of his face. "I know what you're thinking! Dear old Bella must be + involving me in some nefarious scheme! If I can figure out what that is, I can still + escape." She laughed at her own deduction. "But alas, Snape," she spat, "My goal + today is nothing but your pain and death. Except maybe to lure that Potter boy to + your rescue just in time to see you die."
+"There's no way he would come willingly," Snape growled, his eyes darting around + the scenery. Perhaps if he found a large branch or sufficiently big rock, he could + get rid of at least one of his four adversaries. Perhaps even two, if he took + advantage of the stunned confusion that would surely follow."
+"Oh, please," Rodolphus said, "You seem to be forgetting that the boy has a + Gryffindor heart. Have you already forgotten how readily he charged into danger to + try and save that godfather of his? I have no doubt he would do it again."
+Snape's heart clenched tightly in his chest. Of course Rodolphus was right, and of + course, Snape knew this. He had only hoped that this band of randomized death eaters + might not be intelligent enough to solve a crossword puzzle together, let alone + understand what was in Harry's mind.
+Maybe a change of subject would leave them all sufficiently distracted. "I take it + that it was the four of you who were behind the muggle attacks?" he asked smoothly, + taking a few steps away from Rabastan. The man did not follow. Yet.
+"But of course!" Bellatrix replied, "It was all in good fun really. And when + Rookwood let slip that even those filthy muggles were celebrating the Dark Lord's + unfortunate death – a brilliant man of whom they knew nothing! – I just couldn't + control myself."
+Snape frowned. "Rookwood is behind all this?" he asked. If that was the case, + Snape was in even more trouble than he had already realized.
+"No," Bellatrix said in annoyance, "But he cares enough about the wellbeing of his + brothers and sisters in arms to stop by every now and then. Unlike some + traitors." Her eyes glinted menacingly.
+Snape took another step towards a rock he had spotted. Its edges seemed + delightfully sharp. He might even be able to throw it to save himself some precious + seconds. If his aim was true, perhaps he could even kill.
+"You realize he's playing you, right?" Snape said casually, "There's no other + reason for him to still come and find you."
+"You're the only one here who plays those sorts of games, Sevvie," Bellatrix + cooed. Snape suppressed a snort. How daft was she really?
+"Tell me, Snape," Rodolphus now said, '"Had you always been planning to betray the + Dark Lord or was it a spur of the moment thing?"
+"You must think very little of me to even entertain the thought of me being so + impetuous," Snape replied easily. "I was never his. Everything I did was for the + light."
+"So instead of the Dark Lord's servant, you were Dumbledore's," Rodolphus + continued, "Not a very big difference is there?"
+"I don't think you will ever understand," Snape sneered, "since the four of you + clearly enjoy torture and murder." He gestured towards the little girl angrily.
+"Oh, her," Bellatrix said, as if she was only now reminded of the + crumpled heap of human that she had no doubt positioned there herself. She turned + towards the girl and Snape took his shot. He picked up the rock which was now located + near his right foot and drew back his hand, ready to throw the blasted thing at + Bellatrix' snide face.
+"Crucio!"
+Snape's body spasmed in pain he hadn't felt in a very long time but had never + quite forgotten. His legs were suddenly unable to carry his weight anymore and his + knees buckled, dropping him to the ground. He was only vaguely aware of the sound of + his own screams. The feeling of his nerve ends burning with all the pain of a + fourth-degree burn was more of a priority to his mind. His legs contorted beneath him + and unwillingly, his body curled up on itself.
+And then it stopped. A small trickle of blood made it past Snape's lips and he + realized he had bitten the inside of his cheek at some point. He panted and tried to + push himself upright again on trembling arms but a heavy foot positioned itself on + Snape's back and pushed him back down.
+"You didn't really think you would be able to lay a finger on any of us, did you?" + Snarled Greyback. "In case you've forgotten how to count, there's four of us and only + one of you."
+Snape laughed bitterly. "It would appear that it's not me who has forgotten how to + count."
+His blurry vision was starting to become clearer when he noticed that Bellatrix + sat hunched in front of him.
+"Oh?" she said, "Are you delusional enough to think anyone is close by enough to + help you out? Or did you think that this girl was going to throw a surprise killing + curse at one of us?"
+"It's the four of you – well, I suppose five if you count Rookwood – against + everyone else. That's why you're skulking around like rats, isn't it? That's + why you pick off muggles instead of lashing out at the wizarding world. Because you + have no one left and all you can do is run. I know that you know this."
+"My dear old friend," Bellatrix purred. She took out her wand and moved it slowly + along Snape's cheek, a deep cut appearing as she moved. "You can try to provoke me + into killing you all you want but it won't work. You see, while I do want you dead, I + have longed to cause you a great deal of pain for a very long time."
+Snape scowled at her, not allowing himself to react to the fresh wound being + inflicted to his face. He could feel the blood trickle down his neck and could smell + copper.
+"It's an honour to be the most important object of your thoughts, Bella." Snape + drawled, "Though I do realize just how infrequent a thought is able to occupy your + diseased mind, it's still quite the compliment."
+"Don't talk to her like that," Rodolphus growled, punching Snape square in the + face. Snape glared icily at the man.
+"What's this, Rodolphus?" he asked snidely, "Protecting your wife? Why, last I + remembered, you were talking about how insane she was and how you wish she would just + get herself killed already."
+"That's not – He's lying, my love!" Rodolphus said panic-stricken.
+"Am I?" Snape smirked, "Just peer into his mind and you will see that I'm + correct."
+Bellatrix smiled sweetly down at Snape and twirled her wand in her hand. A sign of + uncertainty, Snape knew. "He's just trying to bring a wedge between us, pet," + Bellatrix said evenly, "Rookwood warned us about this."
+"You've certainly traded in for a new 'Dark Lord' rather quickly, dear Bella," + Snape purred, "You must not have truly loved Voldemort very much."
+Snape knew he was pushing it but was still surprised when Bellatrix' boot + connected firmly with his jaw, sending him sprawling once more.
+"Don't you dare speak his name!" Bellatrix roared, "Don't you + dare talk about him. You shouldn't even be thinking about him after + what you've done."
+Snape's jaw ached terribly but he ignored the urge to bring up his hand. He wanted + to show as little weakness as possible.
+"I loved him more than anything," Bellatrix continued, "He was my world and you + and that Potter child tore him away from me. I can never forgive you for that!"
+"Oh, that poor husband of yours," Snape said, trying his best to nor slur his + words because of his aching jaw. "It's no wonder he sought a way out."
+The satisfaction that came over Snape when he saw the flash of anger in Rodolphus' + eyes helped alleviate the pain a little bit. Especially when he realized that the + anger was not entirely meant for him.
+"Have you noticed, Rodolphus," Snape continued, "That while you call her + love, she calls you pet? It is a rather telling sign of + what you mean to her, is it not? Tell me, do you believe yourself above or below the + werewolf when it comes to rank?"
+"That is enough out of you!" Greyback suddenly roared. He picked Snape up as + easily as he would a rag doll and slammed him into a tree. Snape managed to allow + himself only a grunt.
+"You. Talk. Too. Much," Greyback spat word for word, allowing a pause between each + one to let his fist collide with Snape's face. The third or fourth one definitely + broke Snape's nose and he found himself appreciative of the werewolf's lacking + vocabulary.
+Snape spat out the blood that filled his mouth, already partially seeping through + his lips and turned his determined gaze on Greyback.
+"She's using you, you know," he grunted with more difficulty than he cared to + admit.
+"One more word and I will tear your lips off with my teeth," Greyback hissed.
+Snape knew that the werewolf was not kidding and wisely shut his mouth. They + stared at each other for a few more seconds before Greyback released Snape, allowing + him to fall to the floor and turned his back on him.
+"I suggest you do something about that mouth, Bella," Greyback growled, "Before he + sways one of them –" he inclined his head meaningfully towards the Lestrange brothers + "- to betray you."
+"You're right, of course," Bellatrix admitted, "Though I do so love to hear him + scream. How about one more Crucio and then I seal those lips?"
+"You're the boss," Greyback shrugged.
+Bellatrix laughed gleefully and pointed her wand squarely at Snape's chest. The + Potions Master braced himself but couldn't stop himself from screaming through the + agonizing curse that took hold of his body. He wrapped his arms around himself to try + and stop them from flailing but Bellatrix didn't release the curse until they + did.
+When she had gratified her sadistic urges, Bellatrix kneeled before Snape and + cupped his chin gently with her left hand. Snape wanted to slap it away but could + barely lift a finger. Instead, he groaned.
+"Hush now," Bellatrix said gently, "It will all be over soon. For today anyway. We + still need to alert a certain somebody to your whereabouts."
+Before Snape could react, Bellatrix leaned forward and kissed him long and hard. + When she pulled back, her mouth was smeared with his blood. She licked her lips in + delight and Snape had to do his best not to empty his stomach.
+"Suturis," Bella whispered.
+Snape thought he couldn't move anymore. He had been convinced that his body had + been broken and that he would be unable to react to any more torture that day.
+He realized just how wrong he was when he felt the invisible needle impale his + lips up and down, up and down, until a magical thread sealed his mouth shut. His + brain screamed at him, telling him to stop the agony however he could and soon he + found himself scratching at his face, attempting to stop what he knew he could + not.
+And Bellatrix had taken her sweet time, that sadistic witch. She relished in + Snape's agony as was evident by the ecstasy on her face.
+When she was finished, she took out what seemed to be a chipped cup and held it + under Snape's chin, gathering some of the blood that was dripping down at an unsteady + pace. Soon, the hand she used to hold Snape's face in place was covered by the red + substance but she clearly couldn't care less.
+"You'll have to forgive me," she said when she saw Snape's cold stare. "But we + don't exactly have any inkwells in this forest. Your blood should do nicely though. + Did you have anything you wanted me to tell Potter?"
+Snape narrowed his eyes and glared to the best of his abilities.
+"Oh, you want me to tell him to come to rescue you?" Bellatrix said in mock pity, + "Don't you worry. I'll tell him you said just that."
+Snape would've lunged forward had his body not been so heavy but even if he could + have done just that, it would've amounted to nothing.
+"Rabastan, watch the prisoner," Bellatrix ordered, "I have a message to write, and + I don't want to be disturbed by any moaning or flailing."
+"Yes, Bella," Rabastan agreed flatly. The witch disappeared out of sight, followed + on her heels by Greyback. Rodolphus occupied himself by staring at the small girl + that still lay motionless on the floor. Snape shook his head in dismay. The + monsters.
+"You don't know what it's like out here," Rabastan told him. Snape glared at the + man.
+"You were regarded a hero because you were on the right side of history," Rabastan + continued, "And we now hide away like common thieves, scrounging up food wherever we + can."
+Snape grunted and inclined his head towards the girl. Rabastan followed his gaze + and grimaced.
+"One would say she was a necessary evil," Rabastan said after a while, "Others + would say that luring you into a trap was not necessary at the least but simply a + dangerous act to get revenge on you."
+Snape nodded in agreement to the second.
+"It's not like I have that much choice, you know," Rabastan said quietly, "I know + what I can do and surviving on my own out here is not it. It's either this life or + Azkaban – oh don't look at me like that. Azkaban would be infinitely worse."
+Rodolphus glared their way before moving to the campfire, throwing in some more + wood.
+"You're right about one thing though," Rabastan shared willingly, "Rodolphus does + not like to be around his loving wife at all. She's insane."
+Snape couldn't help but wonder why the man next to him was spilling thoughts as if + he drank Veritaserum and questions were asked that only he could hear. On the other + hand, perhaps he needed a sounding board and what better use was a man whose lips + were literally sealed.
+"One day she'll kill us," Rabastan continued, "I know that. I'm not stupid. She'll + get me first. Probably after I disagree with her on something stupid. She'll have had + enough and she'll kill me. I can only hope it will be painless. As for my brother – + well – that all depends. If he reacts too strongly to my death she'll kill him right + after. Otherwise, it'll probably be a few months. Unless he escapes before that + time."
+Snape couldn't help himself. He shot Rabastan an incredulous look that he normally + saved to stare at the work of his most dunderheaded students.
+"Oh, and where would I go if I ran now?" Rabastan answered his unspoken question. + "Go to Rookwood? He doesn't want company and quite frankly, he uses people."
+Snape glanced at the little girl and back at Rabastan.
+"Yes, Bella uses people as well. I know!" Rabastan replied. The volume in his + voice was increasing and Snape became worried that Bellatrix might hear him. "But at + least she's upfront about it. There are never any surprises. She means what + she says and her orders are straightforward."
+Snape tried to smirk but found that he couldn't. Pain was his only response to the + attempted curling of his lips. He suppressed a groan and tried to move himself into a + better position. Rabastan regarded him carefully.
+"You look pathetic," he said, "You know that, right?"
+Snape rolled his eyes. What had they expected cornering him four against one? He + didn't know what Rabastan was trying to provoke with his childish taunting but he + should realize that Snape was unable to answer, even if he wanted to. So Snape + motioned across his mouth and looked darkly at Rabastan.
+"I know you can't speak," Rabastan said, "That question was rhetorical, you + know."
+He eyed Snape again and added: "Something tells me that the old Severus Snape + would never have allowed himself to be ambushed like that. Have you gone soft or + simply careless?"
+Snape raised a sardonic eyebrow. That question was definitely + not rhetorical.
+"A bit of both, I suppose," Rabastan answered for him, "That's what you get when + you're lounging about the impenetrable safety of Hogwarts. You have a warm bed to + sleep on, good food on your table morning, noon and evening and you even have company + that doesn't look at you as if you were a cockroach."
+Snape snorted at that last addition. Perhaps not anymore but once most of his + colleagues had regarded him exactly so. Now only a very small minority still did. And + even that seemed to be ebbing away with every time Snape went to watch one of Harry's + matches; every time someone caught him looking at the boy with a sense of pride. + Maybe he had gone soft.
+"Well, if you do it's your own fault entirely," Rabastan said, "You don't exactly + have the most pleasant personality. It's really off-putting."
+Snape frowned at the man in front of him. That was certainly a case of + the pot calling the kettle black.
+"Don't give me that look," Rabastan chided, "I didn't lay a hand on you except to + bring you here. Nor did I torture that little girl. I don't relish in violence the + way Bella and Greyback do. For a long time, people actually found my company rather + delightful."
+Snape snorted again.
+"Don't laugh," Rabastan said, "It's true. But now – well – when you walk with + trash, you end up smelling the same."
+Snape nodded solemnly. This was good. He could use this. Rabastan clearly wanted + out of this little arrangement. If only he could speak, he would be able to offer + terms. He could offer to talk to Dumbledore about granting them clemency. Not that + the old man would be able to hold off the righteous judgement that hung over their + heads quite like the sword of Damocles, but Rabastan didn't need to know that.
+Snape grabbed a twig and started writing in the sand.
+I could help you.
+Rabastan laughed heartily as if Snape had just told him a hilarious joke. But the + glint in his eyes had been unmistakable. Snape erased the sentence and looked at + Rabastan expectantly.
+"And how would you be able to help me?" Rabastan said softly, "Not to mention, + why?"
+Snape exhaled strongly through his nose in exasperation with being asked two + questions at once and picked up his twig once more.
+He wrote a number one in the sand with next to it the word 'Dumbledore' + and below that he wrote the number two and next to that the word + self-preservation. He then looked up meaningfully.
+"If self-preservation had been anywhere on your list of personal goals, you would + have never become a spy," Rabastan noted cleverly, "What changed?"
+Snape erased his previous writing and wrote 'Harry'.
+"You have got to be kidding me," Rabastan sighed, "You loathed the boy so strongly + for all those years but now you would help me stay out of Azkaban for his sake? It + must be a cold day in hell."
+Snape erased Harry's name from the sand and fixed Rabastan with a piercing glare + as if to say 'well?'
+Rabastan seemed to be in doubt but shook his head. "Let me think on it Snape," he + said, "For one, I don't think I could leave my brother behind. If I disappeared, + Bella would surely kill him in her rage."
+More would have been said but Bella re-emerged from the trees, with Greyback on + her heels. Privately, Snape wondered if they had been doing more than letter-writing + in the thicket but quickly erased that vile thought from his mind.
+"Oh, Snape, isn't this delicious?" Bella said, "By tomorrow, I am sure we will + have Harry Potter in our grasp to suffer as much as you will. Surely, you're looking + forward to his company?"
+A deep noise crawled its way up Snape's throat. No words could be distinguished + but the threat was clear. Bella simply laughed.
+"Do you honestly think you scare me?" she said, "That you scare any of us? You are + a dead man, Snape. You just don't know it yet."
+She whistled once and a large barn owl swooped down, landing on a low-hanging + branch in Bellatrix' reach. It proudly extended its foot and she gleefully tied the + letter to it.
+"Bring this to Harry Potter," she ordered. The owl hooted once and flew up, its + strong, wide wings carrying it across the sky in a swift manner.
+"Don't worry, Sevvie!" Bellatrix said when the owl had disappeared from sight, "We + have not forgotten about you. In fact, we have cleared our busy schedule just to have + a bit of fun with you."
+Snape narrowed his eyes at the disturbing woman in front of him, his decorum not + faltering when she revealed a large knife.
+"Now, what fingers would you mind losing the least?"
+Harry had had a very confusing day, yesterday. He had known that Snape was out + buying potions ingredients with Professor Bell but neither of them had returned yet. + And sure, it had been a Saturday, so there wasn't really a reason for either of them + to be back on time but this was very uncharacteristic for Snape.
+What was even more confusing, was the message he had received on his cuff around + three in the morning. It had nearly disappeared by the time he was awake enough to + understand what was happening but he had still been able to make out the words.
+'Ignore the letter you will get this morning. Do not test me on + this.'
+The penmanship had obviously been Snape's even if it had been less neat than + usual. Perhaps a side-effect from writing a message in the middle of the night. Maybe + Snape had indulged in too much fire whiskey. Perhaps, he had sent Harry an + embarrassing message that he didn't want repeated.
+He hadn't even bothered writing anything back because he was too tired but now – + as he sat down at breakfast, noticing that Snape was still not here – he wrote him a + message.
+'Where are you? And where is Professor Bell?'
+Ten minutes later, he still hadn't gotten a reply so he just shrugged and dug into + his breakfast. There were croissants today.
+The answer to Professor Bell's whereabouts was answered at that moment. She barged + into the great hall, looking severely dishevelled as she hurriedly made her way to + the high table, not even regarding Harry with a passing glance.
+Harry watched her approach Dumbledore, whispering hurriedly with her head bowed + closer to his. Curious and slightly worried as he was, his attention was soon + disturbed when a large barn owl landed right next to his plate and extended his foot. + Glancing at the high table once more, Harry removed the attached letter and + absentmindedly shoved some bacon and eggs towards the owl. He opened the scroll and + gasped slightly when he saw that the message was written in blood.
+"Everything alright, Harry?" came the familiar drawl of a certain Slytherin + blonde. Ron and Hermione weren't down yet seeing how it was Sunday, but Draco never + skipped breakfast. "Wait, is that –"
+"I think so," Harry frowned, allowing his eyes to scan the parchment as his + expression grew darker.
+My dear Potty,
+I would like to cordially invite you to a party that I know you + can't wait to attend. Sevvie – for one – is simply dying to see you. Quite literally + in fact! I'm sure you wouldn't want to prolong his agony so I want you to come to + Hogsmeade as soon as you can. One of my party guests will be there to pick you up! If + you want to bring a plus one, you are welcome to. A girlfriend perhaps? The more, the + merrier! Just don't bring anyone over the age of twenty. We have enough of those + already, you see. If you do, my guest will be forced to leave prematurely and will + not come back until the next day.
+Since you will be dearly missed if you refuse to show up, we will + send you a present every day. We simply can't carry on without you, you know? Today, + you will have to be satisfied with the blood Sevvie has quite unwillingly provided to + write this letter with. Tomorrow, I think I might send you a finger.
+Don't run late! We might run out of body parts if you do.
+With much love,
+Bellatrix Lestrange.
+Might I kindly ask you lot to provide me with some reviews? It would be much + appreciated, you see. I'm anxious to see what you think and yes, I know. I'm evil for + this new cliffhanger. The next one won't end on one, I promise!
+Thank you all so much for your reviews! To answer a question many of you have + asked over the course of a week. Yes, I'm evil. I hope you like this next chapter + because I personally love it.
+Chapter 14
+Harry's eyes widened considerably at the sadistic message he received. His heart + clenched painfully and instinctively, his gaze shifted to the high table where he met + the headmaster's gaze. He quickly looked away, remembering Bellatrix' warning and + turned to Draco.
+"Harry," he said softly, "What are you going to do about this?"
+"I have to go, of course," Harry replied determinedly, "I'm not about to let those + cruel bastards hurt Snape anymore than they already have."
+Harry got up from his seat and made to leave when Draco grabbed his arm.
+"Would you stop and think?" he hissed, "Or is it not obvious enough that you're + walking right into a trap?"
+"Of course it is!" Harry shouted, "But what do you expect me to do about this? I + can't very well just sit here."
+"Typical Gryffindor," Draco spat. Harry pulled his arm free and tried to leave + again when Draco moved in front of him. "Look," he said, holding out his hand, "I + know you have to go. I understand! But I'm going with you."
+"Absolutely not," Harry responded, "As you said, this is clearly a trap and I'm + not putting anyone else in danger."
+"Is everything alright, Harry?" came Dumbledore's sudden voice. Harry looked up + and stopped himself from meeting Dumbledore's gaze just in time. He wasn't about to + allow Dumbledore a peak in his mind, especially when he was undoubtedly too emotional + to block him.
+"No," he said honestly, "Severus hasn't returned and now Professor Bell comes back + without him. What am I supposed to think?"
+"Severus seems to have been taken but we will sort this out," Dumbledore said, "I + will help him, this I promise."
+"How?" Harry asked. This time, his eyes sought Dumbledore's in desperation but he + didn't feel the tell-tale sign of a Legilimens in his mind. "You don't even know + where he is."
+"I will work something out," Dumbledore said, placing a comforting hand on Harry's + shoulder. Harry noticed that Draco was looking back and forth between Harry and + Dumbledore as if looking for a sign as to what to do or say but he didn't speak a + word.
+"Fine," Harry said. He turned around and walked away brusquely with Draco on his + tail, leaving a concerned Dumbledore in his wake.
+"Harry," Draco urged again, "We need a plan."
+"There is no 'we' Draco," Harry said sternly, "I'm going alone and there's nothing + you can do to stop me."
+"Oh, isn't there?" Draco said slyly, "I'm going with you and there's + nothing you can do to stop me."
+"Petrificus Totalus," Harry snarled, his wand raised in the blink of an eye. But + Draco was not bad himself. He had raised a shield just in time to protect himself and + the spell fell flat.
+"You imbecile," Draco growled, "Would you stop for just a few minutes to think + about what you're doing?"
+"And what happens to Severus in those minutes?" Harry asked as he kept walking, + "You've experienced the Cruciatus curse, you know what a few minutes of that feels + like."
+This time, Draco grabbed hold of Harry's shoulders and whirled him around, forcing + the distraught Gryffindor to look at him.
+"You're only going to get yourself killed at this rate," Draco said in + exasperation, "Do you believe – even for a second – that they're going to let Severus + go the minute you show up?"
+"It's me they really want," Harry replied evenly.
+"Oh, don't flatter yourself," Draco spat, "You're the boy-who-lived, that's true. + But Snape is a traitor in their eyes. Not only that, but he was also a big part of + the Dark Lord's demise." He sighed without releasing Harry and glanced towards the + door they had just used to get out.
+"I think you should tell Dumbledore. He will probably know what to do."
+"If whoever is waiting for me sees Dumbledore, they will leave," Harry said, "I + don't want to be responsible for Severus losing any fingers. He'll never forgive me + for that."
+"He would forgive you anything!" Draco replied harshly, "Especially the things + that aren't your fault."
+Harry shrugged himself loose but didn't continue walking. His desperate and + forlorn expression now locked onto Draco's, seeking refuge in the calm and certain + expression Draco wore.
+"What do I do?" he asked, sounding very much lost.
+Draco smiled slightly and casually sat down on the front steps, patting the space + next to him for Harry to sit on.
+"Let's figure that out," Draco said. Harry obediently sat next to the blonde and + put his head in his hands, looking absolutely distressed.
+"First of all," Draco said, "Stop worrying so much. Yes, Bellatrix is batshit + crazy but Snape has been in these kinds of situations often enough. Not only does he + know how to get out of them, he is also perfectly capable of ignoring the pain."
+"I don't want him to have to, though," Harry frowned, "Those days are supposed to + be behind us. Why is it always us?"
+"It's not," Draco replied, "They went after a whole bunch of muggles first."
+Harry didn't know what to reply to that so he just nodded dejectedly.
+"Now. We know that Bellatrix is among the group. She's dangerous but predictable. + It's highly unlikely that she has some scheme going on that's multi-layered and + complicated. The problem is that she's probably not alone."
+"No," Harry agreed, "There's at least one more death eater among her group. That + guest she was speaking of."
+"Exactly," Draco said, "Not only that but if I believe the articles written about + the slaughter of those muggles – as it has been portrayed in many different + newspapers – I can honestly say that Greyback is probably among them as well."
+"How can you tell?" Harry asked.
+"Once you have seen the way Greyback works, you can recognize it immediately," + Draco responded darkly. "However, I very much doubt that even Bellatrix is stupid + enough to send Greyback out into Hogsmeade. The man has no self-control and would be + a liability. Chances are that if he – for example – saw Dumbledore emerge, that he + would sooner attack than retreat as Bellatrix promised they would do. Therefore, I + think it's safe to conclude that there's at least three of them.
+"That puts us at a disadvantage," Harry said.
+"I should say so," Draco agreed, "Especially since Snape has no doubt been + disarmed. That's why I think we should bring an extra wand for him to use just in + case we can manage to slip it to him."
+"Where are we going to find one?" Harry asked.
+"I'll swipe one from the firsties," Draco said dutifully.
+"As for Dumbledore," Draco then said, "Do we have any Polyjuice lying around here, + perchance."
+Harry was very much aware of the stock and inventory of both the school's potions + and those of Snape. At home, he might have some but here at Hogwarts he most + decidedly didn't. So he shook his head.
+"That's a shame," Draco said, "And we can't very well wait a month to brew some. + So I guess you're right and that we can't ask Dumbledore for help. Would you be open + to asking Professor Bell what happened, though? It would save us the time of asking + around."
+"I guess that's not a bad idea," Harry admitted, "We just can't tell her what + we're doing."
+"Maybe not yet," Draco agreed, "I would, however, advise you to let Dumbledore + know what we're doing before we actually meet up with this death eater, at least. + Maybe you can send a Patronus his way once we're ready to go? I know you can cast + that modification that allows for communication."
+"I can do that," Harry said, "It should give us enough time."
+"Okay, so that's settled then," Draco said, "I'm going to get myself an extra wand + and afterwards, we'll go talk to Bell."
+"Or I do that while you go get that wand," Harry offered, wanting to waste as + little time as possible.
+"I could recognize our opponents from her description if it's good enough," Draco + explained, "You could probably not."
+Harry growled under his breath, knowing that Draco was right.
+"Fine," he said, "But hurry up, okay?"
+Without another word, Draco darted across the hallway, heading to the dungeons. + For a moment, Harry considered going by himself, after all, leaving Draco safe at + Hogwarts but he knew that he needed the blonde's help. Especially if he wanted to get + both him and Snape out of there alive.
+Frustrated with his own lack of cunning, Harry crossed his arms and leaned against + the wall, waiting for Draco's speedy return. Before the Slytherin could, though, + Professor Bell exited the great hall and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw + Harry.
+"Harry!" she exclaimed, "What are you doing? Are you waiting for someone?"
+Harry uncrossed his arms and met Bell's worried gaze.
+"Yeah," he admitted, "I'm waiting for Draco."
+"Well, while I have you here, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am."
+"What for, Professor?"
+"For letting them – wait, do you even know what happened?"
+"No, I don't," Harry admitted, "I would appreciate it if you could tell me when + Draco gets here though. He's Professor Snape's godson and is also very worried about + him."
+"Of course," she said.
+They stood in awkward silence for about ten minutes, waiting for the Slytherin to + return. Harry noticed that Bell was injured. Nothing too bad but she sported a fairly + large bruise near her collarbone and she had a nasty cut above her right eye.
+"I'm back," Draco announced, drawing Harry out of his thoughts. "Oh, Professor," + he added.
+"Mr Malfoy," Bell greeted courteously, "I thought it would be fair of me to tell + you both what happened back in Hogsmeade."
+"That would be appreciated," Draco replied. Harry looked at her expectantly.
+"We were going to the apothecary, you see," she said, "To pick up some rare + ingredient but it soon became clear that Mr Pippin did not, in fact, have the jewel + but had lured Professor Snape into a trap."
+She swallowed thickly and frowned as she continued. "Anyone would recognise + Bellatrix Lestrange from the papers," she said softly, "As well as that foul + werewolf, Greyback. There were two others whom I didn't recognize. Greyback grabbed + me but I managed to escape him. I wanted to help. I really did! But Sev – Professor + Snape basically threw me out of the apothecary. By the time I was able to rush back + inside, they were gone."
+"It was not your fault, Professor," Harry said.
+Bell smiled at him wryly. "Thank you, Harry, but I can't help but feel somewhat + responsible. Perhaps if Severus hadn't taken the time to get me out of harm's way, he + would have been able to save himself."
+"Not from four death eaters," Harry said softly, "Not when they had planned for + this so obviously."
+Harry took a shuddering breath, clenching his fists tightly. He had shopped at Mr + Pippin's often and had always thought the man to be kind and respectful. How could he + have betrayed Snape like that?
+"Did Mr Pippin say why he did what he did?" Harry asked softly, anger obvious in + his voice.
+"His daughter was taken," Bell replied darkly, "He was promised her return after + tricking Snape but by the time I left, they still hadn't."
+"Oh, Merlin," Harry groaned, "What is wrong with those people?"
+"Could you describe the two death eaters you didn't recognize?" Draco asked.
+"One was a tall, thickset man with very dark hair," Bell replied, "And the other + man was quite thin, the same dark hair as the other."
+"The Lestrange brothers," Draco hissed, "That makes sense, I guess. Rodolphus is + married to Bellatrix, after all."
+"What a fool," Harry spat.
+"Yeah well, they all are," Draco said. "Thanks for the information, + Professor."
+"I just know that professor Dumbledore will find him," Bell said encouragingly. + Harry thought she might even be believing her own words and he was not about to + disillusion her of that notion.
+"Yes," he replied, "He will."
+Bell nodded, glanced over Draco and Harry one last time and hurried back inside + the great hall, no doubt to talk with Dumbledore some more.
+"Get your invisibility cloak and we can be off," Draco said.
+"They are expecting me, you know," Harry replied flatly.
+"Not for you, you dunce," Draco spat, "For me. Whatever advantage we can get, we + should take, don't you think?"
+"You're right, of course," Harry said, "I'm sorry. I'm not thinking straight. I'm + just so –"
+"I'm worried as well," Draco interjected, "But we can do this. Get your cloak and + meet me outside the castle. Someone is bound to ask questions if I linger here."
+"Right," Harry nodded and went to retrieve his cloak.
+Amazingly enough, Ron had still been asleep. So all Harry had to do was not make + any noise and get his invisibility cloak out of his trunk. Luck must've been on his + side because the redhead merely turned around in his sleep, chewing on his pillow as + he mumbled something incoherently.
+Hermione had not been around either so Harry had quickly made his way back out of + the tower and down to the castle gates.
+When he met Draco's gaze, the two boys nodded to each other in understanding and + Harry handed over his cloak.
+"I think it's best that I wear it immediately," Draco said, "We can't know just + where our escort will be and from how far away they can see our approach. I'll keep a + hand on your shoulder at all times so I am apparated with you, even if it should + happen suddenly.
+"Sounds like a plan," Harry replied shortly. He was quite sick of talking already. + The thought of Snape in more pain with every precious second they were wasting, made + him physically ill. As soon as he felt Draco's hand on his shoulder, he started + walking. Neither of them said another word until they reached Hogsmeade.
+Before they entered the town, Harry dutifully cast his Patronus and told it to + tell Dumbledore that he and Draco were going to save Snape and to perhaps have some + medical attention at the ready in Hogsmeade.
+Harry heard Draco take a deep breath as if the boy was steeling himself for what + was to come. The hand on his shoulder was trembling slightly but Harry could not + blame the boy. He was pretty nervous himself.
+In a flash, Snape's warning to just ignore the letter flashed through Harry's mind + and he chuckled wryly to himself. Hopefully, they would both be able to get out of + there alive enough for Harry to take his punishment in stride.
+A slight shove from behind him urged Harry to keep on walking. The boy looked + around, half expecting to be jumped at any moment but saw no one.
+"Harry!" came a sudden jovial voice that Harry didn't recognize. He looked to his + right to see a thin man with dark hair approaching him with a big grin on his face. + Draco's hand tightened on his shoulder, warning Harry of the presence of the death + eater.
+"So good of you to come," the man said happily, "Follow me if you please."
+Harry didn't say a word but followed the man into a narrow alleyway that seemed to + be completely deserted.
+"You didn't bring a plus one?" the man asked and Harry thought he saw + disappointment in his eyes. Fewer people for him to torture and kill, he + supposed.
+"Well, I'm Rabastan and I will be your escort today." He elegantly extended his + arm towards Harry who took it without a doubt in his mind. The only thought that went + through his head was that it was rather odd for the death eater not to take away his + wand but he counted his blessings and just went with it.
+The feeling of being sucked through a narrow tube was one he would never be able + to get used to. He felt the hand on his shoulder grasp him very firmly and was very + relieved when his feet finally met with solid ground.
+The first thing he heard was the same maniacal cackle he had heard the night + Sirius was killed. It made him want to just walk up to the witch it originated from + and snap her neck just to shut her up.
+Instead, he stood calm and collected, awaiting what would happen next. Draco had + let go of Harry's shoulder and his presence had gone away. Wherever the boy had + skulked off to, Harry didn't know. But he trusted in Draco's abilities.
+"Hello, Potty!" Bellatrix greeted cheerfully, "So nice of you to join the party! I + was wondering if you would show up today."
+Harry glared at her darkly before allowing his gaze to roam across the area. Right + next to him stood Rabastan who had been kind enough to introduce himself. Bellatrix + stood about ten feet in front of him with Greyback to her right and Rodolphus to her + left. Near the edge of the clearing lay the body of a young girl. Harry could not + tell if she was alive or not. Probably not. On the other side of the clearing lay + Snape, slumped against a tree. His eyes were wide-open and spat fire in Harry's + direction. Worry overcame Harry when he noticed the pained way in which Snape carried + himself, the blood that was smeared across his skin and the fact that the man hadn't + uttered a word yet.
+"I can see that you missed him," Bellatrix teased when she caught Harry staring, + "Don't worry. He's still in one piece. Mostly."
+She laughed again and threw something in Harry's direction. It landed in front of + him and Harry clenched his jaw when he recognized it for what it was. A finger.
+"You're a monster," Harry said, "Just as much as Tom was."
+Bellatrix stopped laughing and narrowed her eyes at Harry.
+"You dare!" she screeched, "You dare refer to him by his father's name. He hated + that name."
+Harry shrugged. "He hated many things. By that standard, there isn't all that much + we can talk about anymore."
+Greyback frowned and for a second he looked over his shoulder as if inspecting + Snape. Harry panicked for a second, thinking he might have heard something but when + Bellatrix shrieked again, he returned his attention to her.
+"You won't be talking much at all anymore, Potty," Bellatrix spat, "But don't + worry. Soon you will see that godfather of yours again."
+"I will make you beg for your life," Harry growled, "Just like I made Tom beg for + his."
+"You LIE!" Bellatrix shrieked so loudly that both death eaters behind her took a + step back. "He would NEVER beg for mercy!"
+"Ah, but you weren't there now, were you?" Harry said cheekily, "No, he died all + alone. Surrounded by his enemies. We crushed him, you know. We crushed his body and + his spirit."
+"I don't believe you," Bellatrix cried, covering her ears with her hands and + stomping her feet as if she was throwing some kind of tantrum. "I DON'T BELIEVE + YOU!"
+Harry kept his eyes trained on Bellatrix but noticed it when Snape stiffened + nonetheless. Draco must've made it to him.
+Snape didn't know if he should be furious with Harry for falling for what could + only have been a trap without even thinking of bringing any back-up or saddened by + the fact that he was here and would now most likely suffer the same fate he had.
+He wanted to move. To manoeuvre himself to stand with his son if at all possible, + but even if his body would have been willing to cooperate, he was magically bound to + the tree he was sitting against. He couldn't even speak to Harry with the curse that + bound his lips together.
+He winced when Bellatrix started screaming at Harry. Greyback glanced over to him + for a second, as if to check if he was still there but where would they even suspect + him to go now? Snape allowed his gaze to wander, desperately searching for a way out. + If he could only access his wand but it had been snatched and stowed in Bellatrix + robes somewhere.
+Why was Harry egging that lunatic of a woman on? Now she was screaming at him at + the top of her lungs and the boy just stood there, looking as cocky as ever. He had + his wand in his hand. Rabastan didn't take it from him? Good. Perhaps he could count + on the man just yet.
+He stiffened when he felt another presence in his direct vicinity. Something + touched his hand but he couldn't see it. Despite his restraints, Snape smiled + lightly. Harry had brought someone. Sneakily, a wand was slipped into his + hand, which he hid away instantly. He performed a series of short wand movements, + trying to remain inconspicuous as he did, removing the bonds that bound him to the + tree.
+He glanced towards his adversaries, making sure that they hadn't noticed. When he + was satisfied that their attention was on Harry entirely, he focused on removing the + curse from his lips. It too fell to his expertise.
+Excellent. Things were suddenly moving at a much faster pace than he had + anticipated but he could work with this. His eyes searched Rabastan's and found them + immediately. It was as if the man was waiting for him. When their eyes met, Snape + flicked his gaze towards Rodolphus and glanced back at Rabastan, glaring fiercely. He + did this a couple of times before Rabastan nodded ever so slightly, only enough to be + noticed by someone looking for it.
+Harry seemed to have noticed that Snape was good to go. Or at least, as good to go + as he could possibly be a the moment. The boy raised his wand while Bellatrix was + still shrieking, her attention severely diverted and shouted.
+"Expelliarmus!"
+As distracted as Bellatrix was, that might have been effective had Greyback not + lunged forward at that exact moment, knocking Bellatrix off balance but also out of + the way.
+"You didn't take his wand?' Bellatrix screeched but her attention could not stay + on Rabastan too long for she was almost hit with a stunning hex from behind which she + only narrowly managed to dodge, partially because of Greyback's earlier interference. + Rodolphus was about to help Bellatrix out but Rabastan moved to the left of Harry so + he was in his brother's line of sight and struck him with a stunning hex that easily + hit its mark.
+Greyback might have been a wizard, but he was also a werewolf. And where Remus + always did his best to suppress the beast within, Greyback was clearly more the type + to embrace it. Which is why – rather than brandishing his wand – he had leapt forward + and nearly grabbed Harry by the throat. The boy was fast enough to evade the man's + grabby hands and dodged to the side.
+He cast a nonverbal stunning hex in the werewolf's direction. Greyback twisted his + body slightly, causing the hex to fly right by his shoulder. He growled and lunged + forward again but Harry cast a shield charm which Greyback slammed into harshly. + Enraged, he shouted all sorts of profanities while Harry took some more steps + backwards to increase the distance between him and his opponent. If he would happen + to end up in close combat with this man, it would all be over within seconds.
+Meanwhile, Bellatrix was doing her best to dodge hexes that seemingly appeared out + of nowhere. She tried to give as good as she got but only managed to blast the trees + in the distance, missing whatever target was hiding from her. Snape had carefully + righted himself, still leaning against that tree and aimed his wand, trying to keep + his hands steady but not quite succeeding.
+"Sectumsempra," he roared and a cutting curse – that seemed to come as a complete + surprise – severed the index finger of Bellatrix' left hand as well as a portion of + her middle finger. She screeched in either pain or range when she aimed her wand at + Snape.
+"Time for you to DIE!" she screamed, aiming her wand at Snape's chest but before + she could utter her next spell, she was forced to dodge another curse that was thrown + her way out of nowhere.
+"Coward!" she yelled, "Show yourself before I slaughter you for your + impudence!"
+Harry tried as best he could to ignore Bellatrix screeching. The enemy he was + facing was not to be trifled with. He wasn't sure what exactly had caused Rabastan to + curse his own brother and withdraw from the fight, but he was very thankful for the + apparent change in allegiances. By now, Greyback had drawn his wand and was firing + blasting curse after blasting curse Harry's way. While not refined, there was a large + amount of force behind each spell and it was all Harry could do to keep himself from + falling to the ground, even when erecting a proper shield.
+When Greyback cast the killing curse, Harry dove aside, seeking shelter behind a + nearby tree. He wouldn't let the werewolf advance on him though, so he took a chance + and cast a nonverbal 'Incendio' in his way.
+Greyback was taken by surprise and hissed painfully when his arm was set ablaze + but he cast a quick Aguamenti and doused the flames. Soon after, another blasting + curse was thrown Harry's way and he made the wise decision to leap forward because + the tree he was seeking shelter behind was ripped to shreds.
+"Impetus Tempestatis!" Bellatrix screeched. She lifted her wand above her head and + made large, exaggerated circles in the air. A forceful wind appeared and picked up + speed, swaying the trees dangerously and causing all sorts of loose branches and + debris to take flight. Unfortunately, so did Harry's invisibility cloak, revealing + Draco beneath it.
+"You!" Bellatrix yelled, beside herself with rage. "Another traitor joined the + party!"
+Draco ignored her and tried getting her with another stunning hex but was too + slow. Bellatrix retaliated but was met with Draco's shield.
+Harry dodged curse after curse, firing back whatever he could. Many of his spells + hit their target, wounding Greyback severely but the man didn't seem at all fazed by + his injuries. They only seemed to enrage him more. No words or intelligent taunts + came from him. There was only the snarling of a mad beast. With all this dodging, + Harry was coming dangerously close to the area where Draco and Snape were fighting. + And Snape did not look as if he would be able to fend off a raging werewolf as well + as a maddened Bellatrix.
+"Stricta!" Harry bellowed, aiming true. Greyback suddenly halted his progress, his + body engulfed by a large black sphere that seemed to be getting smaller and smaller. + Harry knew it would only be temporary though. Satisfied that his distraction would + probably last long enough, Harry focused on the tall oak tree behind him.
+"Vivet Arbor," he chanted, placing his wand against the trunk of the tree in a + horizontal fashion. Greyback was pounding against the black sphere that surrounded + him, drool leaking from the corners of his mouth as he raged. He had become so feral + that he was injuring himself as he tried to claw his way out of his prison. Harry + tried not to allow the werewolf to break his concentration. He focused as hard as he + could, chanting the spell over and over again until he heard a snap, followed by the + thunderous footsteps of the furious death eater, ready to tear him to pieces.
+Harry removed his wand and prepared to raise a shield, painfully aware that he + would be too late when the werewolf was once again stopped in mid-air. Thick branches + curled around Greyback's limbs as they raised the man into the air. For the first + time since the start of the battle, Harry could detect fear on Greyback's face. Good. + This fear must have been what all the muggles had felt when he tore them to + shreds.
+Harry looked on without remorse as the tree tightened its grip and pulled + strongly. Harry could hear the snapping of tendons, the breaking of bones and the + tearing of flesh. With one gruesome yank, the tree had effectively torn off + Greyback's right arm. Blood streamed freely as the werewolf howled in pain. But Harry + was not yet finished. The tree retained its hold on Greyback's legs and pulled + harshly in opposite directions. It was not soon after that the right leg gave way + with an audible pop of the thighbone that was removed from its socket. This limb too + was carelessly tossed aside. More blood erupted from the werewolf's body and Harry + knew that he would not live long. The tree froze again with the death eater still in + its grasp as he slowly bled out. Harry walked away, refocusing his attention on + Bellatrix.
+All three parties involved in the fight were injured and Harry noticed that Snape + could barely stand. A whirlwind swirled around Bellatrix, effectively shielding her + from most attacks but preventing her from doing any further damage herself.
+"Give it up, Bellatrix," Harry yelled in an attempt to raise his voice above the + sound of the harsh winds. "Your werewolf is dead. Your lackies have abandoned you., + You're all alone."
+"NO!" she screeched, "I will never be alone! I have HIM!"
+"He is dead!" Harry responded, "There is only one more option for you and that is + Azkaban."
+Bellatrix laughed uncontrollably, the strong winds only picking up in speed.
+"I will never go to Azkaban, boy!" she cried out, "But you will find + yourself dead! And so will those traitors behind you!"
+Snape slumped somewhat against the tree and Bellatrix seemed to see this as her + chance. With a flick of her wand, she stopped the whirlwind, debris flying in every + which way due to the momentum it had.
+"Frango!" Bellatrix cried, aiming her wand in Snape's direction but Harry was + faster. He leapt to the right so he was closer to his father and cast a nonverbal + Protego. The spell rebounded on Bellatrix who shrieked and narrowly dodged. A crack + seemed to appear in her wand.
+"Secare!" Came the next hex. Harry blocked it easily while he approached the witch + in front of him. Bellatrix seemed to have lost her mind entirely and the spells she + cast were as unhinged and unfocused as she was.
+"Bombos," she cried and Harry reflected it again, taking more steps in her + direction, glowing with a confidence he didn't know he had. More of the wand's wood + splintered in Bellatrix' hand.
+"Give it up," Harry said coldly. "You lost."
+"Avada Kedavra!"
+At point-blank range, it was impossible for Harry to dodge the killing curse. His + eyes widened when he realized that his life was over. Somewhere to his right, he + could hear Draco scream and suddenly his vision was filled with nothing but green + light.
+When the light faded, the lifeless body of Bellatrix Lestrange lay in an inelegant + heap before him, her wand broken in half.
+Did you like it? Please review and tell me what you thought. It's always very much + appreciated!
+I want to thank you all very much for your reviews. They were a joy to read + and I'm tremendously happy that the battle scene was so well-perceived. Please enjoy + this next chapter as well!
+Chapter 15
+Harry stood there in a daze, still reeling from the knowledge that he had come + very close to death once more. His eyes were fixed on the limp form of Bellatrix, + searching for a sign of life. When he found none, he released a breath he didn't + realize he was holding.
+"Is she –" came Draco's doubtful voice.
+"As a doornail," Harry replied softly. He felt sick to his stomach. With a sudden + flood of realisation, he turned around to face his mentor. Snape was breathing + heavily, holding himself upright against the tree he had been bound to before. He was + deathly pale and Harry knew that they needed to get back to Hogsmeade now.
+"Do you know how to apparate?" he asked Draco.
+Draco frowned. "I do," he replied, "But I've never tried side-along apparition. I + think I could take one person with me but that's it."
+"I believe I could be of assistance," noted a voice.
+Harry swirled around so fast he thought he might've given himself a whiplash. His + wand was still drawn and he trained it on Rabastan Lestrange. The death eater simply + raised his hands in surrender, smiling kindly.
+"Come now, Mr Potter," he said, "I think there's been enough death for one day, + don't you?"
+Harry said nothing. He stared at the man who was standing next to the stunned form + of his brother and remembered that he had contributed nothing to the fight.
+"What's your angle?" Harry spat.
+"I made a deal with dear old Severus," Rabastan said. "Go ahead and ask him. Why + do you think I allowed you to hold on to your wand? And why do you think I took out + my brother?"
+Harry glanced at Snape, not sure if he would be able to get a valid response out + of the man but their eyes met and Snape nodded.
+Harry still didn't trust the man. He was a death eater after all. But he realized + that he didn't exactly have a choice in the matter. If Snape didn't get medical + attention soon, he might still die.
+"You take Severus," Harry told Draco. If anything went wrong, at least Snape would + make it to Hogsmeade.
+"Harry –" Draco said but Harry held out his hand to stop him.
+"We have no time to discuss this," he said, "Go now. We'll be right behind + you."
+"Out of the – urgh – question," Snape protested but Harry simply looked at him + with fierce determination.
+"This time, you have no say in the matter," he said and nodded to Draco to signify + that they should leave. The blonde did not fight him anymore, grabbed Snape's arm and + with a loud bang, he disappeared.
+Harry summoned his invisibility cloak to him as well as Snape's wand that was + hidden in the folds of Bellatrix' robes. After a moment's consideration, he summoned + Severus' severed finger as well.
+"We're taking the girl with us as well," Harry said coldly.
+Rabastan glanced at the lifeless body of their victim and frowned. "I honestly + don't see the point but whatever you say, champ."
+Harry lifted the girl into his arms and went to stand next to Rabastan who was + kneeling next to his brother.
+"If this is a trap," Harry growled, "You can be sure that your fate will be worse + than that of your werewolf friend."
+"A bit dark but duly noted," Rabastan replied much too cheerily in Harry's + opinion. "Well, grab hold, I would say," the man added.
+Harry grabbed Rabastan's shoulder tightly while he struggled to keep the girl + balanced properly in his arms. Rabastan took hold of his brother's arm and apparated + out of the clearing.
+When Harry popped back into existence, he was slightly overwhelmed by the crowd + surrounding him as well as the noise that emanated from it. They were surrounded by + Aurors who were – in turn - surrounded by curious civilians. Dumbledore stood + somewhere to the side and had looked at Harry intently when he came back. He smiled + at him before turning back to whatever he was doing. Harry couldn't tell because of + the crowd surrounding him but since he didn't see Snape anywhere, he presumed that + Dumbledore was tending to him.
+Rabastan raised his hands in the air, surrendering himself and his brother.
+"Gently, fellows," he said, "I did help your golden boy, after all."
+Harry sneered and wanted to say something when someone broke through the crowd, + hurrying towards Harry.
+"Suzie!"
+It was Mr Pippin. When he saw the still body in Harry's arm, he released a + strangled cry and sank to the floor. Harry kneeled next to him and handed the man his + daughter.
+"She's still alive," he said softly. But that was all he could say. Frankly, he + didn't expect the girl to ever recover from this state if Neville's parents were + anything to go by.
+The Aurors took Rabastan into custody and awoke Rodolphus before doing the same to + him. The befuddled death eater was completely confused and glared wildly at the + surrounding crowd but when he looked at Rabastan, his brother merely shook his head + in resignation.
+"It's over," he said solemnly.
+"Thank Merlin," Rodolphus replied.
+Harry made his way through the bodies that surrounded him. Some people parted + immediately for him while others seemed to insist on checking him over to see if he + was alright. But all he wanted to do right now was reach Snape and make sure that he + would be alright.
+Finally, he broke through the crowd and reached Dumbledore who was now kneeling + next to Snape. Draco stood there, looking decidedly lost. Pomfrey, as well as some + Aurors that had received medical training, were tending to him fervently.
+"Excuse me," Harry interrupted, feeling quite silly for what he was about to do. + When one of the Aurors looked up, he produced the finger out of his pocket and handed + it over. "I managed to take this with me."
+"Oh Harry, there you are," Pomfrey said when she recognised his voice. She glanced + towards the finger in Harry's hand and frowned. "I'm sorry but I fear that it's far + too late for that."
+"Oh," Harry said, dropping his hand. "How is he?"
+"We've managed to stabilize him for now," Pomfrey answered, "But he will need time + to recover. I would send him to St. Mungo's –"
+"He would hate that," Harry interrupted.
+"Yes, well, quite frankly I think it's rather ridiculous to agree with the + patient's wishes in a case such as this but the headmaster –" she inclined her head + towards Dumbledore sharply, "- seems to agree with your sentiment and has made it + clear that Severus is to stay at Hogwarts."
+"He will be safer here, Poppy," Dumbledore said, "There are still more death + eaters out there. I can't be sure if they too would seek revenge but if they do, St. + Mungo's is the first place they would check."
+Harry kneeled next to Snape where he still found some room to do so and took hold + of his hand. Snape's eyes remained closed and he was completely unresponsive. Harry + hated seeing him like that. He felt the unmistakable sting of tears trying to force + their way out but he refused to allow them to fall. He squeezed Snape's hand a bit + tighter and inhaled deeply.
+"Please be alright," he said softly. "Please, dad." In an attempt for comfort, he + placed Snape's hand against his own cheek, holding it steady, finding at least some + smidgen of hope in the warmth of his palm.
+"Please move aside for us dear," an Auror told him. Begrudgingly, Harry let go of + Snape and got back up, not even noticing it when Dumbledore put a hand on his + shoulder.
+"I'm so sorry, my dear boy," Dumbledore suddenly said, "I neglected to ask. Are + you hurt in any way?"
+"Just some scrapes and bruises," Harry mumbled, "Nothing life-threatening."
+"Only because you're so damn lucky," Draco growled.
+"What?" Harry asked.
+"You know what. If Bellatrix' wand had been just a fraction less broken + or if she had cast that spell sooner, you would be dead now."
+"But I'm not," Harry countered.
+"How do you keep finding yourself in these types of situations," Draco sighed, + "Can't you ever have a normal year?"
+Harry groaned. "Draco, I assure you that Severus will make sure to lecture and + punish me properly once he feels up to it. Besides, you came along as well."
+"Only because there was no stopping you," Draco countered.
+"Let's take him to the castle," Harry heard Pomfrey say. She levitated Snape into + the air and started walking, accompanied by three Aurors as she went. Harry was about + to go after them when he Dumbledore's hand squeeze his shoulder. He sighed, not + really wanting to speak with Dumbledore right now.
+"Harry," he said sadly, "Why didn't you leave this up to me?"
+"There was no time," Harry replied evenly, "You would have taken too long and + Severus would have lost more than a finger."
+"Perhaps if you had informed me of your plan, I could have helped you."
+"Or they would have spotted you – or whomever you would send along for help – and + apparated away, just like they said they would."
+"You can't know that," Dumbledore said kindly.
+"With all due respect, sir, neither can you," Harry replied, finally glancing up + to look into Dumbledore's eyes. There was no sparkle and the wizard look every bit + his age at the moment.
+"No," Dumbledore agreed, "But if I might be less than humble for a moment, I do + have quite a few more years of experience than you. I know which risks I can take and + which I can't."
+"I don't think I would've agreed with your choices," Harry said quietly, "I just + didn't want Severus to suffer."
+"As noble as that might be, you put yourself in harm's way. Do you think Severus + would have agreed to that?"
+"No," Harry said, "But why is it his choice? Especially when he was + incapable of making any decision at that point. I know he would rather have died than + allow me to come but I would never have been able to live with myself if he did."
+Dumbledore sighed deeply. "My boy, will I ever be able to convince you to leave + these sorts of things up to the adults in your life?"
+"I'm legally an adult myself, now," Harry retorted.
+"And a fine one you have become indeed," Dumbledore said. "Your parents would have + been proud of you and even though Severus will no doubt be very upset with you, I + know that he too is proud of who you have become."
+"I'll keep that in mind when I'm scrubbing cauldrons," Harry said glumly.
+"And Draco," Dumbledore said as he put a hand on the Slytherin's shoulder. "Your + courage today was worthy of that of a Gryffindor." Dumbledore chuckled when Draco's + face turned sour.
+"Oh come now," he said kindly, "That's a compliment."
+"Honestly sir," Draco said, "I was hiding under Harry's cloak most of the time. + There was no courage in that."
+Dumbledore looked at him fondly. "The way I see it, much of someone's real + character lies in what they won't admit about themselves."
+"He's right," Harry said, "Thank you for coming with me. I couldn't have done this + without you."
+"Don't get all mushy, Potter," Draco growled, "Before you start blubbering."
+Harry rolled his eyes. "Have it your way Malfoy. I thought you would appreciate + having a Gryffindor indebted to you."
+Dumbledore laughed and Harry was pleased to see the twinkle back in his eyes. Even + in his darkest moments, it was never that far away.
+"What say you we go and visit Severus now," Dumbledore said.
+"Don't we need to explain what happened to the Aurors?" Harry asked.
+"Draco already gave them a brief account of the events," Dumbledore explained, "If + they require any more information than that, they will simply have to wait. For now, + all of us need to recover from today's events."
+It took a while before Snape even woke up. Harry had stopped brewing all together, + only going to the dungeons to visit Hedwig and make sure that she had access to fresh + food and water. He skipped his classes but dutifully did his homework when Hermione + brought it to him. He simply did so while sitting at Snape's bedside.
+Harry spoke to Snape often, knowing full well that the man could probably not even + hear him. He would've held his hand but refrained from doing so. His hands needed to + heal. Out of the nine fingers Snape had left, all of the fingernails had been ripped + out so they would be sensitive to any sort of touch. The finger Snape had lost was + thankfully just his pinkie finger. Snape would be peeved but he would get over + it.
+Many of his bones had been broken which explained why Snape had manoeuvred so very + little during the battle. It had honestly been a miracle that he had been able to + raise his wand at all. Since Bellatrix was quite fond of the cutting curse, it was no + wonder that Snape's body was littered with lacerations all over. It had taken Pomfrey + hours to tend to all of them. Even his lips had been severely damaged and if that was + not enough, he had been dehydrated as well.
+The fourth day after the incident, Harry was scribbling away as he focused on his + potions essay for Professor Slughorn when he was startled by a gruff voice.
+"Shouldn't you be in class?"
+Harry dropped his quill and immediately pulled his chair closer to Snape's side, + relief evident on his face. "You're awake!" He exclaimed.
+"Your skills of observation are as keen as ever," Snape said icily, "Now what are + you doing here?"
+"Why don't you use your observation skills to figure that out?" Harry + replied, "Surely, the answer is not that difficult to deduce."
+"Don't argue with me. I –"
+"Hold that thought," Harry said before getting up and rushing into Pomfrey's + office to inform her of Snape's revival. He came back a few minutes later, the + mediwitch close behind him.
+"I'm glad to see you re-joined the living, Severus," she said, "How are you + feeling?"
+"I've been better," Snape replied.
+Pomfrey rolled her eyes and ran a diagnostic. "You're very lucky that Harry and + Draco acted when they did," she said, "Not that I condone their rash behaviour in the + slightest, mind you but their interference probably prevented a lot of lasting + damage."
+Harry did not miss the malicious glare Snape sent his way which he responded to + with a cheeky smile.
+"How much longer must I stay here?" Snape asked gruffly.
+"I would say at least another week," Pomfrey told him.
+"That's absurd," Snape growled, "Who is going to teach defence?"
+"I'm sure your students can manage without you for a while," Pomfrey said, "It's + not like a half-dead teacher would do them any good."
+Snape attempted to sit up but Pomfrey placed a hand on his chest and shoved him + back down.
+"If you manage to lie still as much as possible, you might be able to heal up + enough to get out of bed within five days. But if you act like a certain someone else + I know –" her gaze shifted to Harry momentarily who protested with a loud 'Hey!' "- I + will be forced to keep you longer."
+"Understood," Snape sighed. He raised his left hand and grimaced slightly when he + counted only four fingers.
+"I'm sorry, Severus," Harry said, "I brought your finger back with me but it was + too late."
+"I could have guessed as much," Snape mumbled, "You shouldn't have wasted any time + on it."
+"A normal person would say thank you," Pomfrey chided.
+"Quite frankly, Poppy. This sort of thing doesn't happen to normal people," Snape + replied easily.
+Harry snorted and shook his head. He was happy that Snape was back to his snarky + self already. Even if he wasn't quite healed yet, it made Harry feel a lot more + relaxed.
+Pomfrey handed Snape five different vials. "Drink these," she said, "And don't + give me that look. You brewed these yourself. You know very well what they're + for."
+"I'm quite sure I didn't say anything," Snape said.
+"Drink the potions," Pomfrey repeated. "And Mr Potter, I believe it's time for you + to leave. This isn't your common room and I don't want you getting too + comfortable."
+"But Severus just woke up!" Harry complained, "Can't I have a few minutes with + him?"
+Pomfrey sighed. "Fine," she conceded easily, "But make it short."
+"Oh sure," Snape growled, "Him, you placate." Pomfrey chuckled and walked + away.
+"The perks of being the boy-who-lived-twice," Harry joked before he realized what + he said.
+Snape glared at him. "Indeed," he growled.
+"Oh, don't be so grumpy," Harry chided lightly, "Everything turned out alright in + the end."
+Snape stared at Harry, unnerving him tremendously. His jaw was clenched and so + were his fists, which must have undoubtedly been hurting him.
+"Severus, stop," Harry said, grabbing one of his hands and unfurling his fingers. + Snape yanked his hand back from him and looked the other way.
+"Would you stop?!" Harry said loudly, his own frustration bubbling to the surface, + "I sat by your bedside for four days, waiting for you to wake up and this is how you + behave when you finally do? I did nothing to deserve this treatment!"
+"I told you not to come," Snape said quietly.
+"What?"
+Snape suddenly sat up straight and made to grab Harry by the collar of his shirt + but Harry stepped back. "I told you to ignore that letter," Snape snarled, "There is + no way that even you could have misinterpreted my message like that. I didn't want + you there!"
+"Well, not everything is up to you, is it?" Harry growled, "And I'm of age. I can + make my own decisions."
+Snape snorted. "Of age," he spat, "Only barely and you still make all the wrong + decisions."
+"Well, what would you have done?" Harry retorted, "The roles could have easily + been reversed. Are you telling me that you would have left me there to rot? That you + would have calmly waited for Dumbledore to come find me."
+"The difference is that I know what I'm doing," Snape said, "I had a plan."
+"Well isn't that just fantastic?" Harry spat, "Plan or not you do realize that you + were practically half-dead when we got there, right? There's no way you would have + survived much longer."
+"I would rather have died than put you into harm's way."
+"Hypocrite!" Harry shouted, "If I say the exact same thing, I'm a dunderhead that + doesn't act his age but when you say it I should just accept it? No, don't + you dare. Just shut up! You are my father and I will never – do you hear me – NEVER + abandon you when you're in need. And I don't bloody care that you don't want + me to. You can just suck it up and deal with it."
+"What is going on here?" Pomfrey suddenly shouted, "Mr Potter, when you asked to + stay here I didn't expect you to start screaming at the top of your lungs. Severus + needs his rest."
+"Fine!" Harry said harshly, "I'm not wanted here anyway." He gathered his books + together in a messy pile and shoved them unceremoniously into his bag.
+"Don't you dare walk out on me," Snape said.
+"Try and stop me," Harry snarled. He flung his bag over his shoulder and stomped + out of the infirmary leaving a very angry Snape behind.
+Harry stomped off to the potions lab and threw his books into a corner. He knew + Snape was going to be angry at him but he was still so infuriating at times.
+"Argh!" Harry exclaimed loudly. Hedwig ruffled her feathers in dismay at her + master's tantrum but stayed on her perch.
+"Can you believe him?" Harry asked Hedwig. "He doesn't even see it! He doesn't + understand that he always acts exactly the same but does he ever get reprimanded for + it? No, because when Professor Snape does something, he has some bloody fantastic + reason for it that negates any argument that he uses against me."
+Hedwig tilted her head to the side as if to indicate that she was listening.
+"I know that he means well," Harry told her, "But I do too and he doesn't seem to + realize it. How could he possibly expect me to just sit there and do nothing? + Sometimes I think that he doesn't know me at all."
+Hedwig hooted softly. Harry chuckled. "You're right," he told her, "It's not + exactly fair of me to shout at an injured man who can't even follow me. The stairs + into the dungeon would probably be too much for him."
+Hedwig spread her wings and flapped a few times.
+"I'm not going to apologize," Harry told his owl, frowning as if she just asked + him to rehouse himself into Hufflepuff. "I don't regret what I did. I would do it + again in a heartbeat. I just wish I could've gotten there sooner. He must've been in + so much pain."
+Hedwig flew over and nipped gently at Harry's finger.
+Harry groaned. "Yes, the man has just been tortured," Harry agreed, "So maybe it + wasn't entirely fair of me to be upset with him for losing his temper. The last thing + I want to do is cause him even more pain."
+Hedwig started grooming Harry's hair.
+"That's just pointless, Hedwig," he told her, "You should know that by now."
+When she yanked hard at a particularly knotty strand, Harry yelped and stood up + straight.
+"Fine!" he told her, "I'll go apologise. There's no need to bully me into it."
+Hedwig hooted a few times and flew back to her perch, burying her head underneath + her wing.
+"Now?" Harry said doubtfully. He sighed. "I suppose you're right." He stroked the + feathers on her chest lightly before heading back out. "Thanks, Hedwig. You always + know just what to say."
+Trying to channel his inner Slytherin, Harry glanced into he infirmary, checking + if he could see Pomfrey anywhere. When he couldn't spot her, he silently crept + inside, glancing towards the bed Snape had been in. The curtains were drawn so he + could not see him.
+Harry took off his shoes in an attempt to be quieter and snuck further into the + room, skulking towards the only occupied bed with large yet careful strides. So far + so good. When he finally reached the edge of the curtains surrounding Snape, he was + about to open them when a quiet voice startled him.
+"You look rather ridiculous when you try to sneak around, you know?" Snape + said.
+Flushing instantly, Harry drew back the curtain, hurried inside and closed it + again.
+"How did you see me?" he whispered.
+"You can see the outline of anyone coming in," Snape replied, "How have you been + in here so many times already without noticing that?"
+"I just don't pay attention to those sort of things," Harry shrugged.
+"Clearly," Snape said. Harry was relieved by the lack of malice in Snape's voice. + Apparently, they had both calmed down.
+"Hedwig told me to come talk to you," Harry said matter-of-factly.
+"Oh," Snape replied, "I wasn't aware that you sustained a brain injury."
+"I'm sorry for making you worry," Harry continued, "But I hope that you understand + that I was worried too."
+"I'm sorry, Harry," Snape said, "I was careless. I shouldn't have been + caught."
+"That's beside the point," Harry said, "And not at all your fault, by the way, but + I need you to understand that I would do it all again."
+"Why?" Snape said.
+"Sometimes, you're a right dunderhead yourself," Harry said in exasperation. "Why + do you think? You are my father. I care about you! More so than I care about + myself."
+"I don't like hearing that, Harry," Snape sighed.
+"It's not like that," Harry replied urgently, "You know what I mean. You are my + family and I couldn't stand losing you."
+"I understand," Snape replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I should've + realized that there was no way for you to let me be."
+"Not a chance," Harry grinned, "It's a good thing that I'm such a wicked + dueller."
+"A very good thing, indeed," Snape agreed. "For the both of us. Thank you, Harry. + For caring so much."
+Harry leaned forward and embraced Snape tenderly, trying not to aggravate his + injuries too much.
+"I love you, dad."
+Harry sighed contentedly when he felt strong arms embrace him back.
+"I love you too, son."
+I'll probably not update until Monday since weekends seem to make for slow + traffic. Please do review and tell me what you thought!
+Thank you all for your reviews! Wow, those last three chapters really seemed + liked. I hope I can keep this up. Rest assured, this story is far from over. There is + still so much more to come! And I hope you'll keep enjoying it as we move + along.
+Chapter 16
+Since Snape had awoken, he hadn't allowed Harry to skip any of his classes anymore + deeming his education far more important than entertaining Snape. So Harry had + begrudgingly gone to his classes before he was finally able to rush back into the + medical wing, still carrying his books as he hadn't even dropped those off yet.
+When he entered he found a most uncomfortable looking Snape surrounded by cards + and sweets. At the moment, he was glaring menacingly at a large green card with a + snake on the front.
+"From your admirers?" Harry asked.
+Snape huffed. "This one came from the entire student body of Slytherin," he said, + holding the card out for Harry to take. "I could have expected that much, but where + the rest have come from, I couldn't tell you."
+"You could try reading them," Harry offered. He plopped down on Snape's bed and + grabbed one of the chocolate frogs that littered his bedside table. "Wow, Slytherins + sure have neat handwriting," he added as he checked the Slytherin card.
+"Since very few Slytherins are muggle-born, they have all learned how to –"
+"Oh look!" Harry interrupted giddily, "This one says she wishes her dad was as + strong and brave as you are."
+"A sentiment ill-befitting of a Slytherin," Snape growled, "I will have to teach + her some proper decorum once I get out of here."
+Harry placed the card on Snape's table and grabbed another one.
+"Since you're not going to read them, can I?"
+"Be my guest," Snape said, "But if you dare repeat any of the profanities you will + surely see, I will be sticking your tongue to the roof of your mouth."
+"You are being paranoid," Harry sighed.
+"Here, look at this one," A wide grin formed on Harry's face.
+We hope that you will soon get better
+ My mum will prob' knit you a sweater
+ Miss you in defence
+ Against all common sense
+ As for Harry, I was no abettor!
+ "It's from Ron, if you hadn't noticed," Harry said, "Way to throw me under the bus at
+ the end. Honestly."
Snape shook his head incredulously. "I cannot understand why he would even + bother."
+"I think he's finally able to look past your rough exterior," Harry said, "Just + like I have."
+"How dreadful," Snape groaned, "Soon, I will have Gryffindor children of all kinds + littering my private quarters with their presence just because they assume I'm + secretly somewhat… approachable."
+"McGonagall wishes you well," Harry said as he grabbed the next card. A fierce + lion prowled the front. "And she tells you to listen to Pomfrey."
+"She would say that, wouldn't she?" Snape growled, "Sometimes she seems to forget + that I am no longer her student."
+"Slughorn offers to brew you some dreamless sleep," Harry said as he picked up the + next card, "He seems to think you'll be having nightmares."
+"If I need Dreamless sleep, I'll brew it myself," Snape scoffed, "Or I'll have + you do it."
+"He's just trying to be nice," Harry chuckled, throwing the card at Snape. "I know + that's a language you don't really understand but a no, thank you will suffice."
+Snape grabbed one of the chocolate frogs and frowned at it for a while.
+"They're not poisoned," Harry said, "I just ate one myself."
+"It could be a slow poison," Snape replied, "For all you know, you could drop dead + in the next hour."
+"Or in the next week," Harry added, "I suppose we'll never truly know."
+Snape unpacked the frog and bit its head off, carelessly picking up the included + card. He was about to hand it to Harry when he froze the movement midway and + scrutinized the card with wide eyes.
+"What is it?" Harry asked, shuffling closer. When he got a closer look at the + card, he burst out laughing.
+There was a picture of Snape there while he was stirring in one of his cauldrons. + The concoction inside was a hot pink that Harry didn't think any potion in existence + was coloured as. Harry had no idea when this particular picture had been taken and + wondered how Snape hadn't even noticed. His name was carefully written in blocky + letters under the picture.
+'While a Master in Potions he is also a master of the heart. His speciality is + in love potions which he gladly distributes among his grateful students. Rumour has + it that he stalks the corridors during St. Valentine's day, making sure that any + lonely student he encounters has a chance of finding their one true love.'
+"What is this foul nonsense?" Snape spat in horror. "When did this happen? Who + made this?"
+"I've never seen it before," Harry laughed, "And Ron hasn't either or I would have + known."
+"I will not stand for this," Snape growled, "Someone is going to pay dearly."
+"Pay dearly for what?" Draco asked as he entered the infirmary. "What did Harry do + this time?"
+"Hey!" Harry responded, "For once, I had nothing to do with this." He took the + card out of Snape's hands before he could react and gave it to Draco. The Slytherin + read the text carefully, trying his best not to laugh.
+He coughed carefully. "Well," he said, trying to keep his voice neutral, "I don't + know who is behind this but I am keeping this card for my collection."
+"Oh, I don't think so," Harry said, taking out his wand. "That card is mine!"
+"Willing to fight me for it, Potter?" Draco said, grinning madly.
+"You don't honestly think you stand a chance, do you, Malfoy?" Harry replied + smartly.
+"Enough," growled Snape, "While watching you two hex each other into oblivion + might be entertaining for a short while, that card will not remain in either of yours + possession."
+"Where there is one, there is more," Harry said easily. "Unless you plan to ban + chocolate frogs altogether."
+"I have half a mind to do just that," Snape spat.
+"Oh, it's already quite crowded in here," came, a female voice from the doorway. + Harry swivelled to see Professor Bell standing there.
+"Hi, Professor," he greeted, "There's plenty of room. Why don't you join us?"
+She did come closer, wearing a concerned expression. "How are you feeling, + Severus?" she asked.
+"Just fantastic," Snape snarled sardonically, "I can't even almost die in peace + anymore."
+"You do seem to be surrounded by children a lot nowadays," Maya agreed, "Even when + you're not teaching. You really must be a master of the heart." She smiled broadly as + she produced another Snape card from her pocket. "Have you seen these? They are brand + new."
+Both Harry and Draco burst into laughter but Snape scowled fiercely.
+"Oh don't look so upset, Severus," Maya said sweetly, "It's really quite a nice + picture, at least."
+"I don't even remember anyone taking a picture of me in the lab," Snape said + solemnly.
+"When you make a potion, you tend to be very focused," Maya said, "In fact, you + were so focused that you didn't even notice me hiding behind your desk and snapping + that shot."
+There was a moment of silence in which the History teacher coyly tilted her head + to the side, smiling broadly with her hands clasped behind her back. Draco and Harry + stared at her incredulously.
+"You did this?" Snape asked icily, "You would besmirch my name –"
+"Don't be silly, Severus," Maya interrupted him, "I would never! These aren't + official, you know?" She took the card from her pocket as well as another one with + Dumbledore on it and showed them both to Snape.
+"I tried copying the original card layout as best I could," she said, "But I was + unable to duplicate the seal of authenticity. I think you need to know some sort of + secret charm for it or something. It looks pretty good besides that though, don't you + think?"
+"So these are not widely distributed around the school?" Snape asked.
+"Of course not, silly," Maya said, "I made enough to replace the cards in that + basket of chocolate frogs but that's it."
+"I see," Snape replied.
+"I got you good though, didn't I?" Maya said as she sat down on Snape's bed just + like Harry had done before he started going after Draco to get the card. "Come on, + you can admit it!"
+"Perhaps you had me somewhat worried," Snape said begrudgingly, "But only slightly + so."
+"Slightly?" Harry said, "You were ready to start hexing people. You should've seen + the look on your face!"
+"Alright, you brat," Snape said, "I get your point."
+"I'm keeping one of these cards," Harry told Maya, "They are awesome, even if + they're fake."
+"Sure," Maya replied, "But I'm afraid they won't last forever. It'll be less than + a month before they fade out entirely."
+"Thank Merlin," Snape sighed, "I would hate to think of Harry showing his children + these." Snape looked at the card a bit closer. "I can't believe I didn't see + you."
+"Not only Slytherins can be cunning," Maya said; grabbing one of the chocolate + frogs for herself. "So, have you made any more progress with the translation of that + tome?"
+"When would I have done that?" Snape asked gruffly.
+"Like you have a lot to do in here," Maya said, "Aside from entertaining guests, + of course."
+"Yes. I'm not sure why but people are visiting frequently. It annoys me + infinitely." He shot Maya a disparaging glare.
+"Don't say that," Maya said, waving a hand in Snape's general direction. "Everyone + needs company. I would've come sooner myself if I had found the infirmary sooner. I + honestly think some signage would come in handy."
+"I'm even surprised that you made it back to Hogwarts by yourself," Snape snorted, + "Since I wasn't there to take you."
+"It took me ages, though!" Maya said, shaking her head at her own antics. "I + didn't even make it back before nightfall! I had to sleep in the forest."
+"There is no forest on the way to Hogsmeade," Snape said evenly.
+"Well, that would have been nice to know when I was trying to make my way + back."
+Snape shook his head in dismay. "I can't understand how anyone can have such a bad + sense of direction. Are you certain you're not doing this on purpose?"
+"Yuck, that one tasted like soap!" Harry suddenly exclaimed. He and Draco had + opened one of the every flavour beans boxes Snape had gotten and were now trying to + fish out the good ones.
+"What did you expect?" Draco chided, "It was white."
+"I thought it was banana," Harry sighed.
+"You realize you could simply eat a banana if that's what you want," Snape + interjected coldly, "It would be much healthier than candy in any case."
+"But where's the fun in that?" Harry chuckled, "This is like Russian Roulette with + candy!"
+"What's Russian Roulette?" Draco asked.
+"That's quite enough," Snape growled, "Get out. All of you."
+"But why?" Harry asked cheekily, "Don't you appreciate our amazing company? Do you + know how many people would pay good money to be near my magnificence?"
+Draco made a sort of choking sound and Harry cuffed him lightly.
+"Your incessant jabbering is giving me a headache. If you don't leave now, I'll + have you in detention with Filch for the rest of the year."
+"Okay, okay," Harry conceded, "Come on Draco."
+"And if I see anyone else carrying those ridiculous cards, my vengeance will be + swift," Snape added dangerously.
+The two boys left in a hurry, laughing all the while as they roughhoused through + the corridors but Maya stayed behind for a while. Snape quirked an eyebrow at + her.
+"How are you simultaneously the Professor many kids fear the most but also a man + those two boys would gladly risk their lives for?" Maya asked.
+"If you ever find out the answer to that question, please do inform me," Snape + replied, "If I could make them stop, I would."
+"No, that's impossible," Maya said matter-of-factly.
+Snape sighed. "I know. Now get out of here before I sic Poppy on you. And know + that I will get even with you for this." He waved the fake chocolate frog + card at her, a scowl firmly in place.
+"Wow," Maya replied evenly, "I'm so scared." But then she playfully hit Snape on + the shoulder before hurrying out of the hospital wing, grabbing a pumpkin pasty on + her way out.
+"Feel better!" she hollered right before the door closed. And at last, Snape found + himself surrounded by blissful silence. That and loads of get-well cards and + sweets.
+Since Snape had behaved and refrained from straining himself too much, Pomfrey had + indeed allowed him to leave his bed earlier rather than later. When he had arrived at + dinner that evening, he became very aware of most of the students staring at him. + Many of their glances were directed at his left hand and even more so when he was + eating as if they expected him to no longer be able to hold his cutlery.
+That was preposterous, of course. He glared at everyone who dared meet his gaze + and was at least mildly satisfied that most students he caught with his death stare + were sufficiently mollified.
+"Try the roast beef, Severus," Dumbledore told him, "It truly is quite + satisfying."
+Snape ignored him entirely and grabbed a chicken filet. "Have you spoken to the + ministry about Rabastan's case?" Snape asked as he cut into his potatoes.
+"Of course," Dumbledore said, "I did so immediately."
+"And?"
+"Since he made a conscious effort to aid both you and Harry his punishment will + likely be diminished. I believe he's looking at ten years or so. His brother, + however, will probably be kissed."
+Snape grimaced slightly. It was honestly the best he could have hoped for but he + still didn't wish the Dementor's kiss on anyone.
+"Thank you for your interference," Snape said.
+"Of course, Severus," Dumbledore replied, "I know that keeping your promises is + important to you. And so you did."
+Snape nodded. "On a different note, I think we should be very careful from here on + out."
+"Whatever do you mean, my boy?" Dumbledore asked.
+Snape lowered his voice and leaned closer to the headmaster. "They mentioned + Rookwood a couple of times," he said, "And while I get the feeling that he works + alone, he is much more dangerous than those four clowns were combined."
+Dumbledore nodded solemnly, "He is a master manipulator as I understand it. Much + like yourself, Severus."
+Snape huffed. "Perhaps, with the difference that I still have some sort of moral + code where he has none. I can't be sure what his plan is or why the slaughtering of + muggles was helping him with that but we should stay aware of what's going on."
+"Do you believe Bellatrix murdered those muggles because Rookwood told her to?" + Dumbledore asked, "I feel like that's something she would've done either way."
+"Perhaps she would have," Snape replied, "But I know he was behind it nonetheless. + I just don't know why just yet. I think it would be a good idea to start receiving at + least one of the muggle papers."
+"I trust your judgement, my friend," Dumbledore said, smiling brightly, "And I + will follow your advice. Do you have any idea which of those papers is the more + respectable one?"
+"I suggest you ask Ms Granger," Snape replied, "I haven't read a muggle paper in + nearly two decades."
+"Splendid idea, Severus," Dumbledore praised, "I shall do just that."
+Harry found himself back in Snape's quarters, ready to get started on another + Occlumency lesson. The furniture had been shoved aside again, and the 'Drink of + Despair' stood waiting on a side table.
+"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Harry asked as he took his seat in the + middle of the floor.
+Snape huffed. "It is not I that will be going through a lot of stress and + discomfort, Harry," he said, "If you'll remember, you are the one who needs to be + ready."
+"Well, yes," Harry replied, "But I'm counting on you to save me from myself if I + fail, you know."
+"You have my word that I'm up to the task," Snape said, "Don't fret and focus. + Clear your mind."
+Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a few seconds. When he had + cleared his mind, he opened them again and spotted the potion sitting in front of + him. Without trepidation, he drank it in one gulp and braced himself for the impact + of emotions he knew would overcome him.
+"Remember to focus on occluding," Snape said calmly, "Your emotions do not control + you. You control them."
+Harry nodded and made eye contact with Snape. He felt the gentle push of his + Legilimency waiting on the edge of his walls, expecting them to fall any moment + now.
+Harry felt the anger and worry wash over him before he even knew where it came + from. Only a few seconds later was he reminded of his arduous battle in the forest + with Snape's life at stake. He felt his barriers tremble as Snape's mind pushed to + break them but he held on.
+Bellatrix cackled loudly in his mind and Greyback growled fiercely. Harry was so + angry with them that they dared to still interfere in his life. He had already lost + one father to the darkness and these people were about to take another one from + him.
+Harry felt himself succumb to the blackness of his wish to kill them. To rip them + to pieces. His walls crumbled and he knew Snape had managed to get in.
+"Push me out of your mind," Snape told him, "Get a hold of + yourself."
+But he had a clear vision of Bellatrix casting spell after spell at Snape, who was + barely able to defend himself anymore. He now knew just how broken the man had + already been that day because of the torture that woman had put him through and he + understood the anguish he must have felt. This knowledge angered him even more. He + tried to use that anger to push Snape out of his mind but could not.
+"You can't use emotions you don't have control over," Snape chided + gently, "Think rather than feel. I know you can do this."
+Harry took a deep breath that seemed to ground him and remind him where he was. He + became aware of the feeling of his own hands on his knees and knew at that moment + that they were safe.
+He regarded the rest of the battle carefully, watching himself fight with the + werewolf. A sensation of mist overcame him that seemed to cloud the entire scene in + his mind.
+"That's it," Snape said, "That's your shield. Use it. Shape it. Bind + it to yourself."
+"How?" Harry asked him in return. He was vaguely aware that he had spoken + the word aloud.
+The mist swirled around the presence that was Snape but didn't block or push him + out. Harry tried to shape it but the silver slivers were intangible and moved with a + will of their own.
+"You need to will it to," Snape said simply.
+"How?" Harry asked again, becoming a bit panicked.
+And then, Harry's memory was suppressed just like in that first Occlumency lesson. + He found himself sitting in that white space again, with Snape occupying an emerald + green couch, regarding him carefully.
+"It would appear that we've reached another hurdle," Snape said, "You're almost + there, Harry. You really are. You just need a grasp of the how."
+"I could've tried a bit longer," Harry said, "You pulled me out rather + quickly."
+"You've been at it for nearly forty minutes," Snape said blandly. "Don't forget + that time moves differently when you're occupying your own mind."
+Harry sat down on the bright white floor and looked up at Snape. "Okay, so now + what?"
+"Now, we wait for the potion to wear off," Snape said casually, "And then, I think + we shall begin teaching you Legilimency."
+"What? Why?"
+"The arts of the mind are complicated in a sense that they have a lot to do with + feeling your way through the process," Snape said, "No matter how good you are at + explaining yourself, trying to describe to someone how to do something that has no + base in their reality is very much like trying to explain the colour orange to a + blind man."
+"Okay," Harry said, "So why Legilimency."
+"Since I have a firm grasp on Occlumency, I can easily show you just what it is + that I do to erect my shields. Like I said. You're nearly there. All you need now is + the technique. And the best way to understand that is by delving into my mind."
+"That sounds dangerous," Harry said doubtfully, "Isn't Legilimency a lot harder to + learn than Occlumency?"
+"It is if you're trying to become a master," Snape agreed, "But in our case, you + only need to know enough to venture into my mind while I guide you where you need to + go. I assure you that that is rather easy. It is only when you try to force your way + into someone's mind, actively looking for memories and thoughts that it gets + complicated."
+"Are you sure you trust me with your memories?" Harry asked, feeling a bit + silly.
+"Seeing how I'll be directing you, I definitely do," Snape said, "And while other + memories might bleed into the one I'll be showing you, I trust you to not mention + them to anyone."
+"Of course," Harry said.
+Snape looked up and stared into the distance for a moment. "It would appear the + memories are retreating," he said, "The potion has worn off. Open your eyes."
+Harry blinked a couple of times and found himself sitting serenely on the floor, + the empty vial next to him.
+"Thanks," he said.
+"No problem," Snape replied, "Any way I can protect you, I will." He eyed Harry + warily for a while before speaking again. "You really did quite a number on Greyback, + didn't you?"
+Harry exhaled harshly through his nose. "I guess you could call it that."
+"Don't get me wrong. That man deserved to die and painfully so," Snape said, "I am + rather impressed with the spell you used. When did you learn that?"
+"A while back," Harry said. "What can I say? This stuff comes easy to me."
+"Cocky brat," Snape said affectionately, "But I am glad that you're able to defend + yourself so well. You're not regretting forgoing the path of an Auror are you?"
+"Absolutely not," Harry said honestly, "Just because I would be good at it, + doesn't mean I want to make it into my job. At the rate I'm going, I would probably + die on my fourth or fifth mission. My luck must almost have run out by now."
+"I'm proud of you, you know?" Snape said, smiling crookedly.
+Harry flushed a bit and tried to change the subject. "So, Legilimency!"
+Just a reminder to you all that there is a discord channel for those eager to + discuss the 'The Potions-" series per request of FallingToast. You can find the link + in my profile.
+Well? How do you think this will work out? Are you looking forwards to another
+ bout of intensive mind tricks? I sure am!
+ Please review!
Chapter 17
+"As you are well aware by now, Legilimency and Occlumency go hand in hand," Snape + said, "They are two sides of the same coin. Where Occlumency is a defensive skill, + Legilimency is offensive. Therefore, you will need to actively cast the spell."
+"Well, I gathered as much from having you invade my mind all those times," Harry + said blankly.
+Snape fixed him with a piercing glare and Harry wisely shut his mouth.
+"You need at least a basic grasp of Occlumency to be able to Legilimise someone's + mind," Snape continued as if he wasn't interrupted. "It's important that you occlude + your mind lest you lose yourself in your victim's memories."
+"But, Severus," Harry said, "I'm not quite there yet, am I?"
+"You are," Snape replied evenly, "Enough so to at least attempt the basics. And as + I mentioned before, I will be there to guide you."
+"So what, do I hold your hand or something?" Harry joked.
+"Yes," Snape replied, "If we maintain a physical connection, it will be easier to + attain that link while in each other's mind."
+"Oh," Harry said. He was starting to feel decidedly uncomfortable. Snape seemed to + realize as much immediately.
+"It is really not that frightening," he said soothingly, "Trust me to know what + I'm doing."
+Harry smiled as he relaxed somewhat. "I do trust you," he said.
+"Good. Then go ahead and take a seat."
+"Do I sit on the floor again?" Harry asked.
+"Just to be safe, yes," Snape replied. After Harry sat down, Snape went to sit + across from him, his arms resting casually on top of his folded legs. Harry copied + his position and looked at him expectantly.
+"Take my hands," Snape said. Harry inhaled deeply and did so, trying his best to + ignore the missing finger on Snape's left hand.
+"Now clear your mind and allow me to reach out."
+Harry did as he was told and waited for that now-familiar tingle that would + indicate Snape's presence. When he felt it, he allowed it entrance.
+For one disconcerting moment, he got the feeling that he was losing consciousness + when he felt Snape tug at his own mind but the feeling quickly vanished.
+"Don't fight it," Snape said calmly, "Just follow."
+If Harry had been fighting Snape at all, he hadn't realized. But he allowed + himself to relax some more and closed his eyes to get a better sense of what he was + doing. If he concentrated, he got the distinct feeling of a presence floating + somewhere right in front of him. The corridors of his – or were they already Snape's + – mind passed them by as they went. All Harry had to do was stay close and he quickly + found that he could do so if he simply let go of the idea that he was in control.
+"Good," Snape said. But Harry didn't think he had said it out loud. He + had felt it more than he heard it, just like when Snape communicated with him when he + was in a memory.
+"You will experience a moment of disassociation now," Snape told him, + "You must allow it. No harm will come to you."
+And suddenly, Harry felt as if he had lost his connection to the surrounding area. + He could no longer feel the floor beneath him nor did he experience the feeling of + breathing air. He felt as if he could lose himself at any moment now when he felt the + gentle squeeze of Snape's hands grabbing his own. He reached out and grabbed hold of + that feeling, allowing his mind to go where Snape was taking it.
+And then he was flung into a memory. It was disconcerting to find himself in a + scene he hadn't taken part of like he was some sort of onlooker. He looked around, + half expecting to find the physical form of Snape looming somewhere behind him but he + wasn't.
+"I'm here," Snape assured him, "Now pay attention to the memory and + the shields I will be putting in place. You will only have a moment to study my + efforts before you're ejected."
+Harry recognized the outskirts of Cokeworth. They were near his mother's house. A + young child with shoulder-length black hair sat at the riverbank, throwing pebbles + into the water. His clothes were worn out and mismatched. He was probably no older + than thirteen.
+"Severus!" Harry looked away to see a young girl run up to him. Her hair was the + colour of fire and her green eyes were so much like his own. She was carrying what + seemed to be a picnic basket.
+Severus got up and patted his clothes to remove the sand from them. "Hi Lily," he + said, smiling warmly. Even Harry had never seen his father look as happy as he did at + that moment.
+"I'm sorry I'm late," Lily breathed, leaning on her knees to collect herself, "Mum + wanted me to clean up my room first."
+Severus snorted. "In that case, I'm surprised you even made it here at all."
+"Hey!" Lily reacted, swatting Severus playfully, "Are you calling me messy?"
+Severus laughed, "Are you denying it? I can't believe you didn't break a leg + tripping over your own things yet."
+Lily grabbed Severus' hand and started dragging him with her. "Just come on," she + said, "I'm starving!" Severus followed.
+Harry was smiling brightly at the scene when he recognised the mist swirling + across the memory. It was the same kind he had been unable to mould in his + own mind. More than see what was happening, Harry could feel it. The + intangible fog was actually the solidification of his emotions or in this case those + of Snape. He felt the tightening of Snape's hands on his and wondered if it was + subconscious on his part.
+He was aware of the space between the silver slivers diminishing as they became + less translucent and sturdier. If he would have had a sense of temperature, he was + sure it would've become colder even though he didn't know why he thought that. The + leaves of the surrounding trees stopped rustling and Harry wondered if time had + stopped in the memory or if it had just been halted.
+"No," he said, "Not yet. Please."
+But his pleas were ignored and he was expelled from the memory. For a moment, he + was disconnected from Snape and he couldn't help but think to himself that he wanted + more. It was one thing to hear stories of his mother or to see her in pictures. It + was another thing entirely to see her in real life, even if it was just a memory.
+And without even realizing what was happening, he felt his own mind flip through + Snape's, memories flashing past him at breakneck speed. He couldn't even see what was + going on. And suddenly - as if he had landed after using a portkey - he found himself + grounded in another memory.
+"It's because he's a Gryffindor, isn't it?" Severus asked a frazzled looking Lily. + Harry thought he might have been sixteen in this memory. He wasn't entirely sure what + happened but his mother was in this memory too. And all he wanted was to see more of + her.
+"Don't be ridiculous, Sev," Lily replied softly, "You know that doesn't matter to + me."
+"You know how he is," Severus said. His voice sounded hurt. "You know what he and + the rest of his pack do to people like me."
+"I know he used to be a prat," Lily answered, "But he's improved a lot lately, + hasn't he? Wait, has he come after you again?"
+Severus seemed to struggle with himself for a while before glaring at Lily. "No," + he answered coldly, "But how does that negate his previous actions? They almost got + me killed!"
+"That was Sirius," Lily said, anger evident in her voice but Harry didn't think it + was directed at Severus. "And James was very upset with him for that. Remus as + well."
+Severus huffed. "They were probably scared that people would find out about + Lupin."
+"I can understand you're upset about this but it honestly has nothing to do with
+ you, Sev,"
+ Lily said, "You made very clear what you think of … people like me."
Severus suddenly lunged forward and for a moment, Harry thought he might hit Lily. + But instead, he pulled Lily close and kissed her fiercely, one hand on the small of + her back and the other buried in her long hair on the back of her head. She seemed + stunned for a moment before she roughly pushed him away.
+"Don't!" she spat, "You had your chance and you blew it." Her gaze softened when + she saw the hurt look in Severus' eyes but she didn't approach him. "I'm with James + now. I'm sorry."
+And without another word, she turned around and walked away. Harry wondered if he + imagined the tears that now stained her face. He was overcome by pain and sadness as + he watched Severus stand there for a few moments before finally turning around and + heading in the opposite direction where Harry knew the dungeons were.
+Suddenly, Harry felt Snape's hands clench his almost painfully and he was flicked + from the memory with more force than he was previously. He was aware of feeling his + consciousness be picked up and dragged away. Then – with the distinct feeling of + missing a step on the stairs – he was deposited back into his own mind.
+He opened his eyes and met Snape's cold stare. His hands were released instantly + as the man got up and went to pour himself a large glass of fire whiskey.
+"I didn't do that on purpose," Harry said, wanting desperately to defend himself + even if Snape hadn't accused him of anything yet. Snape didn't respond. He just took + a large gulp of his whiskey, not turning back around to face Harry.
+"I don't know what happened," Harry tried again, "I'm sorry."
+Snape sighed deeply but still said nothing.
+"Dad –"
+"Don't," Snape finally replied. There was no anger in his voice. Only a distinct + feeling of sadness that made Harry clench his own jaw in empathic agony.
+"Your lesson is over," Snape said, "You are excused."
+"But –"
+"Please leave, Harry."
+There was still no anger but the command was clear and Harry knew he would not be + allowed to push his luck much farther. Without saying another word, he walked out of + the door, glancing one last time over his shoulder to note that the glass of whiskey + was already empty. He closed the door slowly and soundlessly, leaving Snape alone + with his thoughts.
+Upset with himself and desperate to find some sort of distraction, Harry went into + the potions lab. Even if he was not allowed to start making his own creation, he + could still work on improving existing ones. He could focus on making one he already + knew but that would do little to distract him.
+He wanted to walk to the station he normally occupied when he noticed someone was + already in the lab. And that someone was talking to Hedwig in a gentle voice, + stroking her back.
+"Luna," Harry said in surprise.
+"Hi, Harry," Luna greeted.
+Harry frowned. Luna was not at all someone interested in potions. He had never + seen her in the lab before. In fact, when had she ever walked the dungeon corridors + willingly?
+"You seem surprised," Luna commented, smiling kindly.
+"I just didn't think I would see you here," Harry uttered, "Not that I mind, of + course. The lab is open to anyone so feel free."
+"Hedwig won't mind, will she?" Luna asked honestly, "I would feel terrible if I + disturbed her."
+"I think she secretly likes potioneers," Harry chuckled, "I haven't been able to + move her back to the astronomy tower since that heatwave ended."
+"That's only logical, isn't it?" Luna offered, "She's been able to be in your + company far more than when she's in that tower. Why would she give that up?"
+"Do you think so?" Harry asked, "I thought she simply liked the calm down + here."
+"She's a very smart owl," Luna said confidently, "And she knows her master needs + her."
+Harry gazed into Luna's eyes for a moment before coughing awkwardly and setting up + his cauldron. "So, what are you practising today?"
+"The Draught of Living Death," Luna replied, "I wasn't able to brew it properly in + class so Professor Slughorn proposed I try again in here. If I manage a better + result, he will improve my grade."
+"Sometimes I forget you're a Ravenclaw," Harry said fondly, "Of course you would + do nothing but your best."
+"It's all anyone can do, really," Luna said dreamily, "Even you, Harry."
+"Er… Right," Harry said uncertainly, "Here, let me help you. Did you bring your + book?"
+"I'm sure you didn't come here with the purpose to help me," Luna said, "You can + go ahead and focus on yourself."
+"It's nothing really," Harry said, "I came here with the intention to distract + myself. And helping you will do."
+"Distract yourself?" Luna asked airily as she started chopping up her ingredients, + "From what?"
+"Just something that happened," Harry said quietly.
+Luna regarded him for a while, with that kind wide smile on her face before + replying. "You know, the reason you are able to hurt each other is because your souls + are connected."
+Harry looked at her sharply, unsure of what to say. Luna just went back to + grinding her rutabaga into powder.
+"How do you know what's bothering me?" Harry asked after a while. He picked up a + knife and cut Luna's parsley for her.
+"I don't really," Luna replied, "But judging by your murky aura, it has something + to do with Professor Snape."
+Harry nodded. "I saw a memory I wasn't supposed to see."
+Luna didn't seem taken aback by that statement at all. Nor did she ask any + questions as to how that would have occurred. Instead, she asked: "Did you do it on + purpose?"
+"No," Harry said easily, "At least I don't think so. I wanted to – well, not + necessarily that particular memory – but I didn't even know how."
+"A wish is a powerful thing," Luna replied. Hedwig had come to join them on the + station and was peering carefully at Luna's ingredients.
+"It's just that he has all these memories of my mother," Harry explained, "And I + have none. It was so nice to finally see her. To know what she was like. But –"
+"But you found out she was human too," Luna spoke kindly, "She was not perfect and + she made mistakes. We all do, Harry."
+Harry swallowed thickly, wondering why he was telling Luna as much as he was. "I + know," he said, "But Severus is still suffering from what happened. Even if I don't + fully understand it, it doesn't seem right."
+"The heart was made to be broken," Luna replied. She started the fire under her + cauldron and threw in the first of her ingredients. "And the best way to keep that + from happening is by pretending you don't have a heart at all. I think that's why + Professor Snape acts the way he does."
+"But don't you see," Harry sighed, "That means my mum broke him. There's no way I + can ever hope to fix that."
+Luna chuckled innocently. "Broken glass sort of looks like glitter, doesn't + it?"
+Harry couldn't help himself. He laughed. Luna smiled brightly when he did.
+"I have faith in the both of you, you know," Luna said, "Professor Snape has been + able to help you dispel most of your sadness. I know you can do the same for + him."
+"Why do you think I was ever sad?" Harry asked.
+Luna looked at him knowingly. "I see many things, Harry Potter. It's easy to keep + an eye on others when you're invisible. I know you once knew this too."
+Harry couldn't speak past the lump in his throat that had suddenly formed for no + good reason. Hedwig nipped his finger carefully and Harry smiled at her.
+"This is where the potion stops doing what I want," Luna said, completely, + undisturbed. She was about to toss in her Valerian root when Harry stopped her.
+"Don't throw it in haphazardly," he said, "You need to distribute the root along + the edges of the cauldron. It has a reaction with the pewter that you need for the + potion to work correctly."
+"Is that so?" Luna asked, coyly tilting her head. She carefully added the powdered + root per Harry's instructions, watching eagerly as the potion absorbed the + ingredient.
+"Don't forget to stir," Harry told her, snapping her out of her dreamy daze.
+"Of course," Luna said as if she hadn't forgotten at all. She stirred ten times + clockwise while Harry watched.
+"So how is your personal project coming along?" Luna asked.
+Harry sighed. "Severus is forcing me to learn Occlumency before I am allowed to + try and brew it at all."
+"You'll manage," Luna said knowingly, "I think your purpose is a great one."
+"You do?" Harry asked, feeling uncharacteristically happy with the faith Luna + seemed to have in him.
+"Even death has a heart," Luna said, "He will allow you your creation. I know + it."
+Suddenly, Harry wondered how much Luna still struggled with the death of her + mother and if she was secretly looking forward to this potion herself. "I'm sorry + about your mother," Harry said out of the blue.
+But Luna smiled and shook her head. "Death ends a life, not a relationship," she + said, "I miss her but I will always have her nearby."
+Harry didn't know why he suddenly felt the urge to do so, but he embraced Luna + kindly, trying to comfort her. She did not hesitate to hug him back. And even though + he had initially hugged her to make her feel better, he couldn't help but feel his + own troubles dissipate somewhat as well.
+When she ended the embrace, Harry felt almost saddened by it but he smiled back at + her unflinchingly.
+"I do believe this attempt is considerably better, don't you?" Luna asked + sweetly.
+"Huh?" Harry asked.
+"The draught," Luna replied, gesturing towards the cauldron.
+"Oh," Harry said, "Yes. Of course." He looked in the cauldron and found no fault + with the potion at all. "It looked like you nearly had it anyway," Harry added, "You + really didn't need all that much help."
+"We all need help sometimes," Luna said importantly. She bottled one vial and + vanished the rest of the potion. "I really admire you, do you know that?"
+Harry felt himself flush, not knowing what to say. Thankfully for him, Luna didn't + seem to expect a reply.
+"Bye, Harry!" she said before skipping out of the lab. Hedwig hooted as she left + and Harry stroked her absentmindedly wondering when he had grown so fond of that + dreamy little Ravenclaw.
+A few days later, Harry found himself sitting at the breakfast table, staring + wryly at his untouched breakfast rolls. He hadn't really spoken with Snape that much + since their Legilimency lesson. There didn't seem to be any anger or resentment + between them but they didn't speak nonetheless. When Harry chanced a glance at the + high table, Snape was sitting there with Professor Bell having a very one-sided + conversation with the man.
+"Even more muggles have disappeared," Hermione said worriedly. Harry turned his + attention to her and frowned at the paper she was holding.
+"Again?" he asked, "That's three days in a row."
+"I know," Hermione said in frustration, "But this time, several muggles have died + on the scene of the disappearance as well."
+"I'm sorry, Hermione," Ron said, drawing her in a one-armed embrace. "I know + you're worried about your parents."
+Hermione accepted the embrace and nodded in Ron's chest. "I don't know what to + do."
+"Maybe we can ask Dumbledore for help," Harry suggested, "Or if you want, we can + owl the ministry and ask them to place some Aurors on the lookout near them?"
+"Why would they do that?" Hermione asked, "They're just dentists. There's nothing + special about them."
+"We could at the least connect their fireplace to the floo network," Ron offered, + "Have it connect to Hogwarts and explain how it works. Place some wards around their + house and tell them to use the floo if it ever goes off."
+"Ron," Hermione said, pulling back to look at him completely baffled. "That's + actually a very good idea. And Professor Dumbledore might even agree to it."
+"Of course he'll agree to it," Harry agreed, "He cares about his students and I + know that he wouldn't want his top student's grades to go down because she's worried + all the time."
+"What is Dumbledore even reading?" Ron suddenly asked when he noticed the strange + paper the man was holding. Harry squinted but couldn't make it out.
+"The Sunday Times," Hermione said easily, "It's a muggle paper."
+"It's not even Sunday!" Ron said, "Are muggles always that late with their + news?"
+"Of course not," Hermione sighed, "But you can't very well expect a muggle paper + to get here on the day it's published, can you? It gets delivered to a squib + Professor Dumbledore is in contact with and they owl it to him. It's bound to be a + day late."
+"Okay," Ron said slowly, "But why is he reading a muggle paper?"
+"Is it because of the disappearances?" Harry asked.
+"I think so," Hermione said, "But to be honest, he didn't exactly tell me his + intentions when he asked me what I thought was the more reputable muggle paper."
+Harry stared at Dumbledore contemplatively for a while when the man seemed to + notice that he was being watched and looked up to see Harry looking at him. He smiled + brightly and Harry smiled back sheepishly.
+Dumbledore held his gaze for a moment more before inclining his head toward Snape. + Harry's gaze flickered to the man before he could help himself. Snape was busying + himself with eating eggs and ham. Professor Bell was no longer talking to him but + entertaining Hagrid with a funny anecdote of some kind if Hagrid's thunderous laugh + was any indication.
+Harry met Dumbledore's gaze again and shrugged as he shook his head, a helpless + expression on his face. But Dumbledore winked at him and nodded as if to tell him + that everything would be alright.
+"Ready for defence?" Ron asked.
+"As ready as I'll ever be," Harry sighed, "Let's go."
+Chapter 18
+On the way to defence class, the golden trio was joined by Draco.
+"Hi Draco," Harry greeted, "How's life?"
+"Much better without a certain insanity-driven family member in it," Draco + replied.
+Harry chuckled, "I can imagine. Ready to get the snot beaten out of you?"
+"Me?" Draco replied, "Please, I'm a god when it comes to defence. If anyone's in + trouble, it's Weasley."
+"Hey!" Ron said, "I could've done the same thing you did in that forest. I just + wasn't invited."
+"Neither was I," Draco replied easily, grinning crookedly, "I simply didn't take + no for an answer."
+"Boys, boys," Hermione interjected, "You're both pretty. Now can we move along + before we run late?"
+"Hey, that's odd," Harry suddenly said, stopping at a sign they came across. "This + wasn't here before."
+The sign read 'The Potions Laboratory'. Draco laughed out loud when he saw it. + "Well that's entirely wrong," he chuckled.
+"Some poor first years are going to get lost," Hermione said in exasperation. She + took out her wand and waved it at the sign but nothing happened to it. She blinked in + confusion and tried again but to no avail. "It won't change."
+"Leave it," Draco said, "Even the first years have been here for a few months + already. If they don't know their way yet, it's their own fault."
+"Don't be so heartless," Hermione huffed but she put away her wand anyway. "Now + come on or Professor Snape will probably give us all detention."
+Harry laughed, "We can always tell him the sign confused us."
+The foursome sprinted – since they were really running late now – towards the + classroom and made it just in time. Snape was already sitting there, eyeing them + amusedly when they barged inside. Everyone else was already present.
+"How kind of you to grace us with your presence," Snape said evenly, "Perhaps you + should refrain from taking a second helping next time, Mr Weasley."
+Ron flushed and Draco snorted. Anticipating a lecture of some sort, they stood + waiting until Snape waved them off with his hand. "Take your seats before I decide to + take points."
+They all did, somewhere near the back of the class.
+"We have spent a large part of last year as well as these first few months on + individual prowess and improvement," Snape drawled, "And yet, you will find yourself + in numerous situations where you are expected to work together. Some of you wish to + pursue the career of an Auror. If so, you will be assigned a partner and expected to + work together for the length of your careers. The same goes for many other tangents + in the path of this line of work.
+"You need to be able to protect each other as well as count on your partner, + wherever they came from." He eyed his students carefully. "Even a Slytherin has to be + able to work with a Gryffindor. Try not to lose yourself in each other's weaknesses + but build on each other's strengths."
+Snape grinned. "I'm sure you all know where I'm going with this. You will be + pairing up with someone from another house. Choose wisely because you will be + training alongside each other for a considerable amount of time. You're allowed ten + minutes for your selection. No more. Begin!"
+"I choose Draco!" Ron and Harry said in unison.
+"Hey!" Hermione pouted, "That's not fair. Why can't I duel with Draco for a + change?"
+"Wouldn't you feel more comfortable with another girl, though?" Ron said.
+Hermione huffed, "Not necessarily. I just want to get good grades."
+"While I am flattered to be so desirable," Draco interjected, "I think I choose + Harry."
+"Out of the question," Snape suddenly said. Harry whirled around to see the man + looming over them.
+"What?" He objected, "Why not?"
+"The teams will be facing off against one another as you've no doubt gathered," + Snape said easily, "I hardly think it fair to allow the two of you to team up against + any other pair. I would rather not have any casualties in my class."
+"We wouldn't kill anyone," Draco snorted, "We can control ourselves."
+"Even so," Snape said, "You wouldn't learn a thing from drawing on each other's + strengths. You know each other very well already, having been in battle + together."
+Harry groaned and Snape rolled his eyes in response. "Don't be childish. Just find + someone else. I am sure you will have a myriad of partners to choose from."
+Harry smiled when he realized that Snape was acting like his normal self. Maybe he + shouldn't have worried as much as he had about the man. "Alright, Professor," he + finally replied. "Sorry, Draco."
+But the blonde waved him off and turned towards Ron and Hermione. "Alright, which + one of you wants to be in my magnificent presence for the next couple of months?"
+Harry allowed his eyes to roam the others who seemed to be wandering aimlessly + through the classroom when he was addressed by someone.
+"Would you like to pair up with me?"
+Harry recognised the boy as Michael Corner. He had been one of the original + members of the D.A. and Harry knew that he was actually very capable. He had straight + black hair and brown eyes that looked at Harry expectantly. Harry knew Ron didn't + like him very much but thought that had more to do with him dating his sister way + back when than anything else.
+"Michael, was it?" Harry replied, "Fine by me if you think you can keep up with + me."
+Michael flashed Harry a crooked smile, an eager glint in his eyes. "I might + surprise you still," he said smoothly, extending his hand. Harry shook it, sealing + their new partnership.
+"Time's up," Snape announced and the classroom fell silent. "Has everyone paired + up? Good. The first thing we will be practising is blocking for each other. Find + another team and wait for further instructions.
+Ron rushed over to Harry, frowning slightly when he saw Michael. He was flanked by + Blaise Zabini who – for now – followed easily.
+"Want to face off against us?" Ron asked.
+"If you think you can handle us," Harry teased.
+Zabini huffed. "I'm sure that being dragged down by dead weight like that –" he + inclined his head towards Michael "- will have you at a disadvantage."
+"Oh?" Harry replied, "If I recall correctly, Michael made it into the advanced + defence lessons last year. And where were you again Zabini? Oh right, you were almost + not even good enough to stay."
+"That's quite enough," Snape sneered but it wasn't directed at Harry's group per + se. Bickering had broken out nearly everywhere but stopped as soon as Snape had + raised his voice.
+"For now, you will all be blocking stunning curses," he said, "This is not your + first year and I expect you all to know what you're doing at least. You will do this + all nonverbally. Points will be deducted for each word you say. You will not be + taking turns either. Treat this exercise as a real battle. If you get stunned, you + are out. If your partner gets stunned, you are out. When you are victorious, you + await the next party to be at the ready and start over. Begin."
+Immediately, Harry and Michael backed away from Ron and Zabini. For a moment, no + spells were thrown, all four of them waiting for the others to begin. Eventually, it + was Zabini who fired the first stunning spell. Harry flicked his wand and thought of + his own version of the shield charm. Immediately, a pair of shields formed in front + of him and Michael.
+Harry looked at Michael briefly, grinning as he did. The Ravenclaw seemed to + understand his intent and smirked. He fired off a stunning hex at Zabini but it was + blocked. Ron tried to reciprocate with his own spell but the shields were firmly held + in place by Harry and Michael cast his own spell at Ron who was unable to defend as + he had already fired off his attack. Zabini should've been able to block for him but + either didn't or couldn't. Ron was taken out of the battle but Zabini didn't seem to + care. He kept throwing his curses at the pair in front of him.
+Harry shook his head at the ridiculous Slytherin. He noticed that Zabini was now + focusing all of his attacks on Harry as if he would be able to break through his + shield. Harry looked at Michael again and nodded, hoping that the Ravenclaw would get + his intent. When he noticed a second shield charm form in front of him, he knew that + he had. He dropped his own shields and waited until Zabini fired another spell. At + exactly the same moment, Harry cast his own stunning hex, effectively hitting Zabini + square in the chest. The Slytherin actually flew backwards for a few feet before + landing in a crumpled heap.
+"Wicked," Michael said, high fiving Harry for their victory. Harry grinned and + went to wake up Ron. The redhead groaned as he got up from the floor.
+"We never stood a chance," he whined.
+"Next time," Michael said, "Once you learn to work together, you'll manage."
+Ron snorted but didn't respond. He walked over to the side-lines, not even + bothering with waking up his teammate and sat down.
+It was only to be expected that Harry and Michael won from every team they went up + against. And if Harry was honest, that was not even entirely because of him. Did his + own experience help him? Well, of course! But Michael was not bad himself. He seemed + to have a clear understanding of how a battle worked and was able to move with the + finesse of a Quidditch player. They had steered clear of Draco and Hermione, knowing + full well that they would probably be the team to beat and when the lesson had nearly + come to its conclusion it was indeed them they were faced off against.
+Everyone else was watching them. Snape was leaning against the wall, his arms + crossed and a smirk on his face.
+"A very expected turn of things," he drawled, "Why don't you show your fellow + classmates what it takes to be on a team. Use whatever spells you deem necessary + except for ones that may kill or maim permanently. Is that understood?"
+Harry locked gazes with Michael once more and was satisfied to see that the boy + was absolutely ready for it. He seemed eager to show what he was capable off with a + burning passion. This was probably one of the students that aspired to become an + Auror.
+"Begin," Snape said.
+Both teams backed up, leaving a large amount of space between them. They stared + each other down but none of them was making the first move. Harry tightened his grip + on his wand as he shifted his weight to his back leg, regarding his adversaries + carefully.
+The classroom was completely silent as the onlookers waited with bated breath. + Snape still acted aloof and relaxed but Harry knew that he too as waiting + intently.
+Then, Harry and Draco both stepped forward at the same time, firing off their + spells. A blue beam met a red one in mid-air and an explosion followed. Harry ducked + to the right – away from Michael – and tried to make use of the smoke that had formed + to bypass Draco.
+Trying to sneak past a Slytherin was a mistake though and he soon saw the + tell-tale red streak of a hex rushing his way. He raised his wand to attempt a + defensive shield when the spell already broke off against one a few feet in front of + him. 'Thanks Michael', he thought and rushed towards the middle of the + 'battlefield'.
+The smoke was gone now and Harry met up with Michael in the middle. They turned so + they stood with their backs towards one another. Hermione and Draco were both on + opposite ends of the room. They both fired a hex at the same time but Harry + recognised them for the elemental attacks they were and knew that a simper + 'Protego' would not work. Michael hadn't noticed and his useless shield was + already up.
+In a split second, Harry decided to shield Michael from Draco's attack that would + be decidedly worse than Hermione's.
+"Stantibus Clypeum," he shouted as he grabbed Michael's arm. He was not able to + cast this one nonverbally yet but he heard no groans of protest from the Gryffindors. + Michael's skin turned into an earthy brown as it seemed to harden and sheen. + Meanwhile, Harry tried to duck out of the way of Hermione's blast and barely managed. + His arm was grazed by the spell and stung painfully but he ignored it for now as he + charged at Hermione.
+If the other team had wanted to split up, that was on them. Hermione took a step + back and fired off some new curses and hexes that Harry simply dodged and blocked. He + heard the sounds of a second battle behind him but focused on the witch in front of + him.
+With another flick of his wand, he managed to disarm Hermione. He caught her wand + as it flew in his hand and smiled at her victoriously, his wand now trained on her + neck.
+"Well," Snape suddenly drawled, "It would appear we have a draw."
+Harry blinked and turned around to see Michael on the floor, completely + incapacitated by a stunning hex. Draco was looking at him rather smugly.
+"It would appear that you all still have a lot to learn about working together," + Snape continued, "Nonetheless, it was very well done."
+"Potter cast one of his spells verbally though," Zabini sneered.
+"Did he?" Snape sneered, "I must not have heard that over the obvious jealousy + that came exuding from you. Come complain to me once you're able to cast + that particular spell nonverbally. Or at all, now that I think of it."
+Zabini flushed but kept his mouth shut after that.
+"Class dismissed," Snape said and walked over to his desk, straightening out some + papers as he stared at them dumbfoundedly.
+"Is something wrong?" Harry asked as he approached the Professor.
+"No," Snape said, now moving his inkwell a few inches to the right, "Just the + feeling that – never mind." He shook his head and placed the papers on the edge of + his desk. "Something I can help you with, Harry?"
+"I was wondering if you still wanted to continue those Occlumency lessons," Harry + said bravely.
+"Naturally," Snape replied, "It would be a shame to quit now. You've come so close + after all."
+"Do you mean it?" Harry asked, "I just thought… well,"
+Snape sighed. "It wasn't your fault," he said, "And you may not have realized but + I am an Occlumens. I am capable of controlling and reigning in my emotions. Which is + exactly what you need to learn."
+"Right," Harry said, somewhat relieved. "For what it's worth, I think I get it + now."
+Snape quirked a sardonic eyebrow. "Do you?"
+Harry nodded, "Absolutely."
+"We'll see," Snape said, "But for now, you'd best run along."
+"Oh shoot," Harry said when he noticed everyone else was gone. "You're right. See + you later!"
+As Harry and his friends manoeuvred through the corridors that day, they noticed a + lot more of those signs along the way. Most of them pointed in the entirely wrong + direction for what they were depicting but a small amount of them was correct.
+It wasn't until Harry sat in the History of Magic class, waiting for Professor + Bell to arrive that he realized what must be happening. She didn't show up for + fifteen minutes and Harry suspected that the signage had thrown her off + completely.
+"Maybe we should look for her," Draco offered willingly. Hermione rolled her eyes + at him.
+"Eager, aren't you?" she pointed out.
+"I bet she's somewhere near the transfiguration classroom," Harry offered, "There + was a sign reading 'History of Magic,' pointed in that direction anyway.
+"I can't believe she still doesn't know her way around here," Ron chuckled.
+"Come on, I'll go with you," Harry told Draco, "These History lessons are too good + to miss."
+"Try not to get attacked by death eaters on the way there," Ron jibed + good-naturedly.
+"We'll do our very best," Draco replied dutifully before exiting the classroom + with Harry on his heels.
+"So, do you think Snape is behind this?" he asked.
+"Almost definitely," Harry chuckled. "But to be honest, she kind of had it + coming."
+"I'll say," Draco said happily, "I'm still looking for a charm to make that card + permanent. It's one of my most prized possessions."
+"Don't let Snape catch you doing that," Harry warned, "Or he really might + lock you up in the dungeons."
+"He would never punish his darling godson," Draco said assuredly, "I am simply too + endearing."
+Harry cuffed Draco playfully. "You're a prat."
+"And where are you two headed?" asked a familiar voice. Harry and Draco stopped in + their tracks to meet a surprised looking McGonagall.
+"Hi Professor," Harry greeted sheepishly.
+"Don't hi me, Potter," McGonagall said, "Why aren't you in class?"
+"Professor Bell is missing," Harry explained, "We're expecting her to be somewhere + around here. Have you seen her?"
+McGonagall pinched the bridge of her nose as if she was fighting a headache. She + mumbled something under her breath but Harry didn't quite catch it.
+"Point me Maya Bell," she said and started walking with Draco and Harry on her + tail. She stopped in front of her own classroom – there was no transfiguration lesson + planned this hour – and opened the door. Maya was sitting behind her desk.
+"Oh, Minerva!" she greeted, "Good to see you."
+"What are you doing here, Maya?" McGonagall asked, not quite able to hide her + exasperation.
+Professor Bell flushed a bit. "I'm afraid I'm terribly lost," she admitted, "But + the new signs pointed me in the direction of this classroom so I thought some changes + had been made. But the students aren't coming."
+"I don't know who put those signs there," McGonagall said sternly, "But they are + most decidedly wrong. And you are in the wrong classroom."
+Professor Bell sucked in the air between her teeth. "Yes, I thought as much."
+"Harry, Draco," McGonagall said, "Kindly escort Professor Bell to her own + classroom if you will."
+"Of course, Professor," Harry said easily.
+"Your escort awaits," Draco said haughtily, offering his arm. Maya chuckled and + took it as the three of them strolled out of the transfiguration classroom, + McGonagall shaking her head in their wake.
+"I must admit that Severus really got me good with this one," Bell said + cheerfully.
+"You think it was Snape?" Draco asked.
+"I might not have a sense of direction but I do have a brain, you know?" Bell + said, "What other purpose could there possibly be?"
+"We thought so too," Harry admitted.
+"When do you think he'll have mercy on me?" Bell asked.
+"Mercy?" Harry chuckled, "Severus shows no mercy, Professor."
+Bell snorted. "Ah well, at least I'll get plenty of exercise roaming these + hallways."
+After the severely shortened History lesson where every student had been given a + character to play a role in the diplomacy feast of 1845, Harry lost track of + Professor Bell again since they had Potions class next. Ron had had a free period + which he undoubtedly spent playing Quidditch.
+All four of them met up in the great hall for dinner where a sufficiently + smug-looking Snape sat, glancing at McGonagall in defiance.
+"Fred and George would be proud," Ron snorted, "Who knew Snape had it in him to be + a prankster."
+"I did," Draco said easily.
+"Sure," Ron replied sardonically, "April fool's day must be a real hoot in the + Slytherin common room. Tell me, does he replace your shampoo with befuddlement + potions?"
+Draco rolled his eyes. "He's normally not like this at Hogwarts," he explained, "I + meant at home. He's my godfather after all."
+"Is he seriously not going to help Professor Bell out?" Hermione asked, "At this + rate, she might end up starving. She didn't make it here for breakfast or lunch + either."
+Harry met Snape's gaze who smirked at him and Harry narrowed his eyes, inclining + his head towards the great hall entrance. Snape simply shrugged and took a bite from + his food.
+'Come on, be a gentleman,' Harry wrote on his cuff.
+'Chivalry is a Gryffindor trait,' came the reply.
+'Don't make me lace your food with your own limerick potion,' Harry + threatened.
+Snape stared at him coldly for a while before replying.
+'Even you are smart enough to realize you can't get to me through + potions.'
+'Not yet, perhaps,' Harry replied simply.
+Snape sighed theatrically and got up from his seat. He walked past Gryffindor + table, cuffing Harry lightly on the head as he went. Harry laughed and watched him + go.
+"I envy your powers of persuasion," Draco said in awe. "If you can get + Snape to do something, you can influence everyone."
+"You're a Malfoy," Harry pointed out, "I'm sure you're fine."
+Snape followed his own signage that led to the astronomy tower even though it read + 'Great Hall'. He climbed the stairs to find Maya at the end of them, looking through + the large telescope that was used for astronomy classes.
+"Did you not realize that there are no winding staircases that lead to the Great + hall?" Snape asked. Maya didn't even jump when he made his presence known.
+"Hi Severus," she said, still staring through the telescope, "Took you long + enough."
+"Yes, well, you have my son to thank for my coming here at all," Snape replied + evenly.
+This time, Maya looked away and met Snape's bored glance with a smile. "Tell him I + said thanks," she said, "Because I'm simply starving."
+"Come on then," Snape said, descending the stairs again.
+"I love astronomy, you know," Maya suddenly said. Snape didn't reply. "Of course + I'll tell you why that is," Maya replied to the unspoken question. "You see, by + reading the stars you can find your way around, even if your sense of direction is as + horrible as mine."
+Snape smirked. "I hope you learned your lesson."
+"And what would that be?" Maya asked sweetly.
+"Don't try and prank the master of cunning," Snape replied evenly.
+Maya laughed loudly. "Alright," she said, "I'll at least admit that I've met my + match. But I'm not giving up yet!"
+They walked past a sign that incorrectly pointed to the Defence classroom and + Snape waved his wand, changing it to correctly point towards the Great Hall.
+"I didn't expect you to," Snape said smiling slightly. "Just don't be surprised + when you suddenly end up de-aged and transferred to Beauxbatons.
+"You would never!" Maya exclaimed, grabbing hold of Snape's elbow with both her + hands entwined around it. "You would miss me way too much."
+Snape snorted but allowed the close proximity of the History teacher. "You + overestimate your value," he said.
+"Well, your son would miss me," Maya pointed out, "And I know your godson would as + well. So face it, you're stuck with me."
+"As you say," Snape sighed in resignation as they arrived at the entrance of the + great hall. "Now unhand me woman, or I'll never hear the end of it."
+Maya laughed and released him, skipping ahead of him to run into the great hall, + the dark master following behind her. He looked up just in time to see that + self-satisfied smirk on Harry's face.
+"Brat," he mouthed. Harry just laughed.
+Chapter 19
+Harry found himself on the way to Snape's private quarters once more, passing the + sign that spelt out 'Potions classroom' on the way there. Since the signs were all + still there but were now all displaying the proper information, Harry couldn't help + but wonder if this outcome of Snape's 'prank' had been his true purpose here. He had + noticed that Professor Bell was always on time nowadays and could get around much + more easily.
+This would be their first lesson since that one experience with Legilimency Harry + had had before. While Snape had acted completely normal since then, Harry felt a + sense of trepidation when he thought of facing Snape in this particular context.
+He easily found his Gryffindor courage and entered Snape's chambers, finding the + man sitting behind his desk with his feet propped up as he read a thick book.
+"Good evening, Harry," Snape greeted casually. He placed a bookmark between the + pages and closed the book, putting it back in its rightful place on the shelf.
+"Good evening," Harry replied easily. He felt the urge to add 'dad' at the end but + still didn't feel entirely comfortable with it. He mentally kicked himself. How many + more times would the man need to save his life and/ or almost die before he could + finally call him his dad without flushing every time he did it? But he catalogued + that thought away for another time and focused on the present.
+"You didn't move the furniture out of the way," Harry noted.
+"I don't see the point anymore," Snape replied easily, "At the rate, we're going, + you're hardly thrashing about nor is either one of us knocked to the ground anymore + as you practice. We'll be a lot more comfortable seated in a chair, wouldn't you + say?"
+"Sure," Harry replied, "But don't blame me if I do end up breaking your favourite + bookcase or something."
+Snape took out the familiar potion and swished it a bit in front of Harry's face + but drew back a bit when Harry made an attempt to grab it. The boy frowned but + waited, reading in Snape's expression that something had changed.
+"This is the undiluted version of the potion," Snape said importantly.
+"Already?" Harry asked, slightly taken aback.
+"I feel that the diluted version doesn't exactly present you with a challenge + anymore," Snape explained, "Especially since you seemed adamant that you understood + the intent behind the shielding process."
+Harry gave Snape a half-smile. "You're not doing this to get back at me, are + you?"
+Snape frowned. "Of course not. I would never do such a thing."
+Harry took a deep breath before taking the potion out of Snape's hands. "Okay," he + said resolutely, "Let's do this."
+"You know the drill," Snape said, "Start by clearing your mind."
+It took only a moment for Harry to do so and soon he drank the potion without any + more hesitancy. Snape looked at him expectantly, ready to jump in if needed while + Harry did his best to focus on occluding his mind.
+The first thing he noticed was the sudden unbearable pain in his stomach. An + unintended side-effect from the potion. The diluted version had caused some + discomfort in the past but it had been nothing quite like this. Harry gasped for air + as the stabbing pain distracted him.
+"I know it hurts," Snape told Harry. There was clear concern in his voice and + Harry noticed that the man reached out with his hand but Harry held up his own to + stop him.
+"I'll be fine," he forced out, "Just give me a moment."
+So far, he had been able to keep his Occlumency shields up but the memory of his + darkest day started seeping through. There were shards of hopelessness that seemed to + penetrate his mind, sowing the seeds of despair as they touched down. Harry gritted + his teeth at the growing sense of discomfort and hopelessness. He noticed that Snape + hadn't done anything yet and he pierced the man with an accusatory glare.
+"What are you waiting for?" he snarled, "Do it!"
+The sooner they could get this test started, the sooner they could get this over + with. Snape seemed to doubt for a moment but eventually, he raised his wand and aimed + it at Harry.
+Harry wasn't even sure if Snape had spoken the word. He was more aware of that + subtle tingle of Legilimency touching on his shields than any other impulse around + him. The pain made him lash out with his own mind but Snape seemed to be expecting it + and slipped past.
+Harry hissed when another stabbing pain coursed through his stomach. It was enough + to break his concentration and allow the memory to envelop him full force. And + suddenly, he was that young boy again, climbing the stairs of that old apartment + building. There was nothing he wanted more than to die and today he would fulfil that + goal.
+"Harry," A voice called out to him, "Remember. That's not you + anymore."
+Harry stopped climbing those stairs, looking around him. That's right. He was + 'Harry' to someone. He was not 'freak' and he was not 'boy'.
+Harry took a few more steps. Something was still pulling him upwards. "I don't + want this," he said, "I don't want any of this."
+"Block it, Harry," the voice urged him, "I know you can do it. You've + done it before. I have faith in you."
+Everything hurt. Harry was in so much pain. What had caused that again? Vernon + hadn't touched his stomach in over a week. A shard of a memory penetrated his mind. + That's right. He had drunk that potion. That had caused the pain. He was practising + Occlumency with Snape. With his father. He had a father now.
+Harry shook his head, dislodging his consciousness from the memory and freed + himself somewhat from the potion's effects.
+"There you go," Snape said gently.
+Harry distanced himself from the feelings of hopelessness and grief as he watched + that familiar mist swirl all around him. He remembered what he had felt Snape do when + he had been in his memory and tried his best to copy his actions. He willed the mist + to solidify and bend as he wished. Time seemed to stop altogether in the memory as + the colour faded. And then, Snape's presence was gone entirely.
+While that had been his goal, Harry suddenly felt very lost. He missed the + invading presence and almost willed it to come back. But he reminded himself of his + goal and steeled his resolve. He closed off the memory and banished it to the back of + his mind.
+He imagined himself sitting in that sterile white room Snape had drawn him into a + couple of times and suddenly he was there. Alone this time. He sighed in relief + nonetheless. In this place, there were no unresolved emotions. In here no one was + dying; there were no abusive Dursleys or evil Dark Lords. Even the physical pain he + knew he was still experiencing couldn't reach him here. Somewhere outside, he was + vaguely aware of someone trying to break through his shields once more but he found + himself not caring anymore.
+He imagined himself a crimson couch with large, fluffy pillows and lay down in it, + waiting calmly for the potion to wear off.
+Snape was decidedly pleased when Harry had been able to push him out of his mind. + Even if he had tried to hold on tight, he wouldn't have been able to stay in the + boy's head and so he found himself back in the chair behind his desk, looking at + Harry. The boy's eyes seemed to look right through him as if he were in a deep + meditative state. Even the pain he should be experiencing didn't deter the boy in the + slightest.
+"Alright," Snape said, "Let's see if you can keep me out this time."
+There was no reaction from Harry. A good sign. Snape cast the spell and tried to + invade. But where the shields stood on a shaky foundation before, they were now + embedded into the walls of what seemed to be a fortress. Its gate was shut and + impenetrable. Snape poked and prodded, trying to find a weakness somewhere. But + eventually, he had to concede that there was no way for him to get in there + again.
+He stopped trying and regarded Harry carefully. He had withdrawn into himself. + Normally, this would be quite excessive for simply keeping an invading presence out + but while the potion was still in his system, this was probably the boy's best + defence. Snape just hoped that Harry would be able to detect when it was time to + allow himself his normal presence of mind again. For now, he grabbed the book he had + been reading before and flipped it open again, refocusing his attention on the + deciphering of ancient codes.
+Harry had imagined himself a clock but it didn't do him any good. Its hands were + spinning rapidly and chaotically. Sometimes they moved forward and other times they + went back. They stopped randomly but conveyed no coherent message so Harry just + removed it again with a wave of his hand. The books he had conjured for himself were + empty. He was only able to fill the pages with information he already knew which was + logical but also useless.
+How much time had passed by now? Harry knew that it took an hour before the potion + would wear off but it was impossible for him to tell time in here. He knew Snape had + told him that time seemed to move differently in one's mind and wondered how he would + know when to pull back out. The last time, Snape had somehow been aware of exactly + when the potion had worn off.
+A couple of times already, he had felt the push of a Legilimens, trying to make + his way in, but Harry had diligently disallowed all access as was expected of him. No + doubt, Snape was testing him. It was only after he felt someone unfamiliar try to + make their way in that he gathered something might be wrong. Until then, he hadn't + even realized that different people might feel dissimilar when trying to make their + way in. It was a startling discovery. Who was doing this?
+He felt the push again and decided that it was probably time anyway. He withdrew + from his chamber of serenity and allowed his mind to get back in touch with his + emotions and memories. He blinked a few times and refocused his attention only to + find both Snape and Dumbledore sitting in front of him.
+"Harry!" Snape exclaimed. The happiness that oozed from his voice confused Harry + profoundly. Dumbledore seemed equally relieved.
+"Oops," Harry uttered, "Did I lose track of time?"
+Dumbledore chuckled. "I should say so," he said, "You were gone for nearly five + hours."
+"You're kidding!" Harry said, jumping up. It was only then that he noticed that + his legs were asleep so he came crashing back down in his chair. "I wasn't even sure + if an hour had passed or not," Harry added.
+Snape groaned. "I didn't think you would close yourself off," he said, "Otherwise + I would have agreed on a signal with you."
+"I'm sorry," Harry said, "I really didn't mean to worry you."
+"What made you decide to come out again?" Dumbledore asked kindly.
+"When you tried to break my shields, I knew it wasn't' dad's presence," Harry said + honestly. He didn't notice the twinkling in Dumbledore's eyes increase in ferocity. + "I didn't recognise you so I thought something was wrong."
+"Foolish child," Snape said but Harry recognised the fondness in his voice.
+"I'm sorry," he said again, "I honestly didn't realize."
+"Well, it would appear that you've made some fantastic progress today, my boy," + Dumbledore praised proudly, "It would appear to me that you're nearly there."
+Snape sighed. "I can't use that potion again though."
+"Why not?" Harry asked, "In the end, it wasn't so bad."
+Snape chuckled. "No, because you withdrew into yourself. In any case, the toxicity + in the undiluted version hasn't left your body yet and won't for a while. Giving you + another dose might cause you permanent damage."
+"I daresay you won't need it anymore anyway," Dumbledore said. He put a comforting + hand on Snape's shoulder and smiled at him. "I suggest you and Harry eat something. + You must both be positively famished."
+"I'm just very thirsty," Harry suddenly noted.
+"Another side effect of the potion," Snape said evenly, already pouring Harry a + glass of water. He handed it to his son and turned his attention to Dumbledore. + "Thank you for the assistance, Albus. I'll make sure to educate Harry on the use of + exclusion."
+"I know you will, Severus," Dumbledore said knowingly, "Should you need me, you + know where to find me. Good night to you both."
+"Good night," Snape replied but Harry was still gulping down the glass of water + and soon Dumbledore had disappeared through the floo.
+Snape summoned a house-elf and ordered dinner for both of them before directing + his attention to Harry.
+"You gave me quite the scare, you know," he said.
+"It was only for a few hours," Harry replied, "I'm fine."
+Snape groaned. "I know you're fine, Harry. I just wasn't sure if you knew + how to restore the connection to your mind by yourself and I couldn't get in to show + you."
+"I hope you're not saying I'm too good at Occlumency now," Harry sighed. + Food appeared on Snape's desk and Harry felt his mouth water. He hadn't even noticed + that he had become hungry.
+Snape rolled his eyes. "Of course not," he said, "You simply need more + information. You clearly didn't tether yourself to your mind when you disconnected + yourself."
+"What?" Harry asked, holding his hand in front of his mouth to keep Snape from + seeing the chewed up food inside.
+"Charming," Snape sneered. He cut into his own food and waited a bit.
+"A tether," he finally said, "binds you to your mind when you retreat as you did. + You can use it to check on the mind you're occupying which is usually your own."
+"Oh," Harry replied, "And how do I create that tether?"
+"You form it the same way you formed those shields, "Snape said easily, "Once you + know it's supposed to be there, it's easy to create."
+"Can I practice it?" Harry asked.
+"Perhaps next time," Snape replied, "It's getting to be very late and I'm + exhausted."
+Harry grinned. "Can't imagine why."
+Snape shot him a devastating glare but Harry smiled cheekily.
+"I will admit that you made tremendous progress tonight though," Snape said + coldly, dabbing his mouth with a napkin.
+"Does that mean what I think it means?" Harry said hopefully.
+"Soon," Snape said, "Very soon."
+Harry sighed contently, tearing off another piece of bread. "That's great," he + said, "I can't wa-" he stifled a yawn, "- wait."
+"Finish your food, Harry," Snape said softly, "You need to go to sleep soon. It's + still a school night."
+Harry chuckled. "Yes," he said tiredly, "Sleep does sound good. Can I stay here + tonight?"
+Snape rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "Alright," he said, "Just don't make a + habit out of it. Your friends would have my hide if you do."
+Harry nodded, unsuccessfully trying to pierce a pea with his fork. He felt himself + nodding off already and was barely able to stop himself from falling asleep into his + plate.
+Snape sighed as he watched the unbecoming display. "Go to bed, Harry," he said, + "You can eat more at breakfast tomorrow." If the Potions Master was entirely honest + with himself, he too felt about ready to collapse. He vanished the plates of food + that had barely been touched.
+"Okay," Harry murmured, "I'll sleep right here." He put his head on his arms, + falling asleep right then and there on the desk.
+Snape regarded his exhausted child wistfully and brushed his fringe out of his + face, his touch soft and caring. "You'll be the death of me, child," he whispered + fondly before tiredly running a hand through his own hair. Steeling himself, he got + to his feet and lifted Harry out of the chair by means of a hover charm. With his + wand out, he floated Harry over to his bed, drawing back the blankets before lowering + Harry onto the mattress. With another wave of his wand, he transfigured Harry's + clothes into nightwear.
+Snape pulled the blankets up to Harry's chin and watched as he snuggled into his + pillow. When asleep, the boy still looked so much younger than he actually was. Snape + felt a pang of sorrow knowing how many years in the boy's life he had squandered by + being distant and cruel. And so many more years were wasted that he didn't even know + the child. If only Lily could have loved him back. In a different world – a better + world – Harry could have been his from the start.
+With a silent sigh, Snape turned off the light; cast one last glance Harry's way + and closed the door ever so softly, leaving the boy to his dreams.
+Harry awoke the next morning to the smell of breakfast and wondered for a moment + if Ron had snuck food into the tower for him. He suddenly started as he remembered + where he was, sitting upright in his bed. He glanced around and shook his head at + himself when he realized he was in Snape's chambers again. He didn't even remember + getting to bed.
+He glanced down and saw that he was wearing black nightwear that was most + certainly not his style. Yup. Snape had definitely tucked him in. And yet, he wasn't + as mortified by that as he once had been. He stretched his arms, groaning as he did + and got out of bed and out of the room.
+He found Snape reading the paper while he was drinking a cup of coffee. A small + assortment of breakfast foods littered the table but Snape wasn't eating yet.
+"We simply have to stop meeting like this," Harry joked. Snape peered from behind + his paper and gave Harry an appraising look. When he seemed satisfied he smirked and + gestured towards the chair next to him.
+"Since you made yourself at home already, why don't you help yourself to some food + as well," he said.
+"You didn't have to let me stay here, you know," Harry said cheerfully as + he cut open a roll.
+"What could I do when you practically begged me to?" Snape said evenly, "And then + you fell asleep on my desk. You were practically purring like a kitten."
+"I was not," Harry objected though not as vehemently as he once would have. "You + just didn't want me to leave. In fact, you would probably move me here permanently if + you could find a good excuse."
+Snape snorted. "And have a messy Gryffindor disturb my peaceful mornings?" he + asked sardonically, "Where do I sign up?"
+"You call me messy?" Harry asked, "You can't even keep your bookshelves + in order."
+"What?" Snape asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
+Harry peered at the misbehaving bookshelf. "Honestly, putting 'Moste Potente + Potions' in the middle of those Herbology books seems off, doesn't it?"
+Snape followed Harry's gaze and muttered in annoyance under his breath as he got + up to fix the discrepancy. Harry smiled knowingly, stealing the newspaper to see if + anything of import happened.
+There were more muggle killings and disappearances happening. Nothing near + Hermione's family just yet though.
+"Who do you think is doing this?" Harry asked when Snape took his seat again.
+"I have my suspicions," Snape said, "But I will not be sharing those with + you."
+"Why not?" Harry whined childishly.
+Snape frowned at him. "Would you like some cheese to go with that whine?"
+Harry sneered and took a bite out of his sandwich. "Keeping secrets from me never + works, you know," he said cleverly, "I always find out one way or another. And + without the proper context, I might do something you might consider to be + dangerous."
+"You are incorrigible sometimes, do you know that?" Snape asked in mock anger, + "How many Death Eaters do you need to defeat before you're satisfied?"
+"All but one," Harry replied easily, winking at Snape cheekily.
+"If you're not careful, I'll recruit Ms Granger to keep an eye on you," Snape + said, "Tell her to let me know whenever you put a toe out of line."
+Harry snorted. "Like she would listen."
+"Perhaps not entirely," Snape replied casually, "But I have my ways."
+"Are you implying you would Legilimise her?" Harry asked easily, "Because I don't + believe it for one second."
+"When did I stop instilling fear in you?" Snape growled.
+"I think Alex had a lot to do with that," Harry smiled fondly.
+"Meddling muggle," Snape muttered, "Now finish your breakfast. Classes are almost + starting."
+Harry responded by rapidly stuffing himself with the scrambled eggs he had piled + onto his plate. Snape rolled his eyes and went back to reading his newspaper, + scanning the page that reported an increase in muggles admitted to St. Mungo's.
+It would seem that even with the Dark Lord gone, dark activity was still happening + all around them. With a sigh, he finished his breakfast.
+Thank you all for all the adds and the reviews. You know how to make a girl
+ loved.
+ With special thanks to Pagemaster4TW for making up
+ one of the Limericks (It's the more provocative one) and for brainstorming with me
+ for hours! Hours, I tell you! He gave me a bunch of ideas and I'm sure to incorporate
+ many of them.
Chapter 2
+At first, Snape didn't quite know how to respond. Harry was eyeing him + thoughtfully and for a moment, Snape considered if Harry was making a joke. The sense + of apprehension he got from the boy implied otherwise though. Snape opened his mouth + to speak, closed it for a second as if reconsidering, then opened his mouth + again.
+"Are you sure that you know what that entails?" he asked carefully.
+"I know what it means," Harry huffed, "It means that you teach potions, don't you? + At Hogwarts or another school for that matter."
+"It does," Snape said, stroking his chin slightly, "Among other things, of course. + A potions Master might also use their skill in other fields of the magical world such + as healing and scientific research. But am I to understand that teaching is something + you wish to pursue?"
+"It's not like I haven't taught anyone before," Harry argued, "I've taught the + D.A. and if I do say so myself, all of my 'students' did very well. Why do + you think you have such an abundance in your NEWT class this year?"
+"I didn't ask if this was something you would be able to do," Snape countered, "I + am well aware of your success in teaching before. But is it something you + enjoyed?"
+Harry actually smiled at that question. "It was," he admitted, "Very much so, + even. It was amazing to see everyone improve as they did. And to think that I had a + hand in it."
+"As a hired Professor, one would need to attempt to teach every child that sets + foot into Hogwarts," Snape said, "Not only the ones who actually desire to learn your + craft as was the case with the D.A. Is that something you can do?"
+Harry frowned for a moment as he thought that over but he was quick to recover. + "It is," he said, "I would much prefer that over being an Auror."
+Snape's lips quirked upwards ever so slightly but he tried covering that up by + sipping his tea.
+"Very well," he said evenly, "But why potions? You've already established that you + do quite well when teaching defence. You could always go in that direction."
+Harry groaned. "I told you I've had enough of that particular field. Besides, + there's something… calming about brewing potions."
+"You're not saying this to try and please me, are you?" Snape asked suddenly, + "Because you can be whatever you want. Quite literally, I imagine. Who would dare to + turn down Harry Potter?"
+"Oh, stop it," Harry snarled, throwing a biscuit in Snape's general direction, "As + if I would accept any handouts. No, I like potions and I like teaching. I've thought + about this for a while now and I think that this would be a good choice for me."
+"You realize that you will need to catch up on your studies for that to work," + Snape said importantly, "You're about to step into your last year and you haven't + even begun on the development of your Magnum opus yet."
+"What?" Harry asked, suddenly very worried, "Is a thing like that even expected + from students? Isn't there some sort of higher education for that?"
+"Don't worry, Harry," Snape said soothingly, "It's not as if anyone is expecting + you to cure Lycanthropy or something like that."
+Harry snorted. "I should hope not. If the great Severus Snape isn't able to do + that, how am I supposed to?"
+"In any case," Snape interrupted, "You are expected to create something new of + your own. And not the – I apologize for saying this – rather clumsy attempt at an + original potion you created two years ago. You will need to perfect it through trial + and error and not stop when you think it's good enough. Good enough is not perfect + and that's what you need."
+"While that sounds exciting and all," Harry said, "I don't understand why that's + necessary for a teaching job. Did Trelawney have to do something like that for + divination?"
+"I hardly think anyone ever blows up their teacup just by interpreting it + incorrectly," Snape said, "In many of the courses you take at Hogwarts, it is quite + enough to have a basic understanding of the subject. As a Potions Master, however, + you need to be capable to counteract – in an instance's notice – whatever your + students are able to mess up. You have no idea what kind of volatile concoctions can + be created by students haphazardly throwing things in their cauldron. Seemingly at + random!"
+The frustration was evident in Snape's voice and Harry smiled in his hand. At one + time, he had been one of those students.
+"You need to be able to diffuse any situation and correct or heal any wrongdoings. + Evading permanent damage to any student is advisable, even if their own lack of + resolve and focus are the direct cause of their failure."
+"It could always be Slytherins throwing things in other people's cauldrons," Harry + offered.
+"What a silly notion," Snape replied coldly, "That is a very unlikely event. But + even so, that is one more thing you would need to be prepared for. Do you understand + why it is so important to learn everything there is to know about potions? And + knowledge is not enough either. You require a true understanding of the art and that + requires focus and hard work."
+Harry sighed wearily as he envisioned the amount of work that was already laid out + for him. But even when aware of the arduous task in front of him, his resolve did not + falter.
+"I understand," he said, "And I am ready for it. I want to do this."
+"If you are certain," Snape said agreeably, a true smile now on his face.
+"I am," Harry said proudly.
+"You will need a master to guide you over the years to come," Snape continued, "I + presume that it would be satisfactory for myself to take on that role?"
+Harry rolled his eyes at the unnecessary question. "Of course."
+"You will also need to stay at Hogwarts for another year after this one," Snape + said absentmindedly as he started scribbling away on a piece of parchment, "A + specialisation year so to speak."
+"Is that what you did?" Harry asked curiously.
+Snape stopped writing for a moment and regarded Harry carefully. "It was not," he + admitted, "But as you are well aware, I was struggling with more than simply my + education at that point in my life."
+Harry flushed slightly. "Right," he said.
+"But for you, it will work out just fine," Snape said, kindly ignoring Harry's + discomfort. "You need not worry about that just yet, though. You first need to pass + your NEWT's. You will be expected to study independently for a great deal of your + time. And you will be required to share your research with me in order for me to + assist you to the best of my abilities."
+"Does that mean you'll be looking over my shoulder the entire time?" Harry asked + exasperatedly.
+"In the literal sense of the word, no," Snape replied, "But essentially, yes."
+"Wonderful," Harry said sardonically.
+"If not, you can always study something else," Snape said evenly, "But if you wish + to pursue the career of a Potions Master, this is what you need to do. What did you + expect? That you could waltz into Professor Dumbledore's office at the end of your + last year and ask him for a job? It's not that easy."
+"It seems to be that easy for defence," Harry mumbled.
+Snape shot him a devastating look, and Harry quickly realized that Snape had + failed time and time again to land the defence job and had only been able to do so + last year.
+"Right," he said quickly, "Sorry."
+"I assure you that it will not be that easy," Snape said, "So if you wish + to reconsider –"
+"I don't," Harry said quickly, "I'll do it. Tell me what I should do."
+"You will begin – as you have before – by preparing the theorem of what you seek + to create. You are not permitted to start brewing until I have read and approved your + construction."
+"Right," Harry said, "When should I –"
+"I imagine you can think of what it is you wish to pursue already," Snape said, + "But while my library is by no means insignificant, it is of paramount importance + that you use all the knowledge you can possibly acquire in the construction of your + theorem. Therefore, I suggest that you wait until we are back at Hogwarts for you to + actually begin your research."
+"Will I still even need to take classes like transfiguration and charms?" Harry + asked.
+"Naturally, you do," Snape replied, "No knowledge is ever wasted and besides, you + should always wish to keep as many doors open as possible. If you – for some reason – + should have a change of heart at some point and wish to pursue the path of an Auror + once more, I would be most aggrieved to see you deprived of that opportunity simply + because you didn't feel the need to apply yourself in your final year."
+"I could spend more time in private research of I dropped those classes, though," + Harry said.
+"You will do no such thing," Snape snarled, "It doesn't really matter when you + finish your research. There is no time limit, though I do hope you would see fit to + focus enough to finish in a timely fashion. I myself became a Potions Master at the + age of twenty-one."
+"That's hardly fair," Harry pointed out, "Everyone knows that about you. It was an + achievement on its own, so I hear. So you can't possibly expect me to do the + same."
+"My point is that you will continue to do well in your other chosen courses," + Snape said sternly, "Fail to do so, and there will be consequences."
+"And this is why it's hard to have a parent at school," Harry mumbled.
+"You understand that my being your assigned Master would give me the same right of + chastisement," Snape pointed out, "Even more so than it would for a parent. I will + seek discipline and diligence from you as I would from any other apprentice."
+"Have you ever had an apprentice before?" Harry asked at the prompt.
+"No," Snape admitted, "But I've taught plenty of students. I know precisely what + I'm doing."
+At that point, Hedwig flew into the dining room, dropping a letter onto Harry's + plate. She perched on the back of her master's chair, waiting patiently for a few + scraps of bacon.
+"It would appear that your Hogwarts letter has arrived," Snape pointed out.
+"The last one I'll ever get," Harry said mournfully, "Or would I still get one for + this specialisation year you mentioned?"
+"I imagine not," Snape replied, shaking his head, "For I can inform you of the + requirements myself since I will be the one overseeing that year."
+Harry turned his attention to the letter, opening it with a pang of regret as he + glanced at his list of school supplies. His last list. He was officially an adult now + and would soon need to venture into the adult world. Maybe this extra year would end + up being a welcome surprise. He wasn't ready to leave Hogwarts just yet, after all. + One more year was not enough. Not at all.
+"That's odd," Harry frowned when he took a closer look at the list.
+Snape made a questioning sound as he glanced at his copy of 'The Practical + Potioneer' that had also just been delivered.
+"There's a history book on my list," Harry said, 'Connections through the + ages' by Maya Bell," Harry frowned in disgust. "They obviously made a + mistake. I don't take history anymore."
+Snape had an annoyed glint in his eyes, "There's been no mistake. The headmaster + will explain everything at the start of the year."
+Harry frowned but felt that he shouldn't press the matter further.
+"Can I go get my things with Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked, "It'll be the last + chance I'll get."
+"That goes without saying," Snape said, "I too shall come to get the things you + and I both require to get this apprenticeship started.
+"I just hope you won't be too hard on me," Harry chuckled nervously, "I can just + imagine getting the old Snape back just for this occasion."
+"I will treat you fairly but I will also be strict," Snape replied, "I have no + patience for dunderheads as you well know."
+"I know, I know."
+"What?!" Hermione squealed. Harry wasn't sure if she was elated or just plain + upset. "You're taking a specialisation year? That's possible? Why hasn't anyone told + me about this?"
+"Calm yourself, Ms Granger," Snape chided, "You have not heard about this because + it is a rare occurrence. Most students simply graduate and move on with their lives. + Thankfully."
+"But sir!" Hermione replied, her voice trembling with excitement, "If that's a + possibility, I feel like everyone should get that opportunity."
+Snape quirked an expressive eyebrow. "And what specialisation would you have in + mind?"
+"I don't know," Hermione said, "I've never thought about it. I didn't think it + necessary before."
+"Exactly," Snape pointed out, "If and when a student shows the need or desire to + move forward in one particular subject, arrangements may be made for them. But a + student such as yourself, who delights in learning everything rather than focus and + apply herself to one field of study has no need for specialisation."
+"but I could specialize in different courses!" Hermione said eagerly, "Perhaps I + can take two per year for a few more years and then –"
+"Ms Granger," Snape interrupted, "You clearly miss the point of what + specialisation means. Has your third year taught you nothing? Even you cannot + possibly hope to gain that much information in such a short time."
+Hermione's shoulders drooped.
+"I suggest you discuss this with your head of house," Snape finally said, "She + might be able to guide you where you wish to go. But first, you should focus on your + seventh year."
+"Yes, professor," Hermione agreed.
+Ron consoled his now official girlfriend by draping his arm around Hermione's + shoulders and earned himself a coy smile in return. Harry felt a pang of jealousy at + their intimacy and glanced over at Ginny automatically. When he met her gaze, he felt + himself go beat red.
+What was wrong with him? He shook his head to clear his mind of any intrusive + thoughts and focused on the task at hand.
+They were almost done with their shopping. Hermione had commented that their new + history book was one that had only recently been published, which was odd enough in + itself since Binns didn't seem to accept anything new that happened. He had always + used the same old material, never finding the need to upgrade.
+And yet, here they were.
+"Why do you think we've all been signed up for History classes?" Harry asked, + furrowing his brow, "Didn't we get tortured enough during our first five years? I + thought we were done with that horrible class."
+"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said, frowning in confusion herself. "It's + certainly odd that the school would make it mandatory again. Do you think it's been + demanded by the Ministry for some reason?"
+"After Umbridge, I doubt they would try that," Harry said, "On the other hand, I + guess you never know for sure."
+Ron sighed as they stopped in front of the Quidditch supply store
+"I wish that I had a new broom
+ The one with the bright yellow plume
+ Have to use one from school
+ Makes me look like a fool
+ I just want my own broom that goes zoom."
"You have only one more year to go, though," Hermione said cleverly, "Wouldn't it + be kind of a waste to get a broom just for that?"
+"So I guess that we don't need to eat
+ Or to wear shoes that protect our feet
+ When I go up and fly
+ Venture out in the sky
+ More than anything, I feel complete"
"That's a tad melodramatic, don't you think?" Hermione argued, "You can't possibly + be comparing flying with basic necessities."
+"Either he does or he's influenced by the potion," Harry chuckled, "You know, to + be extra poetic."
+Ron glared angrily at Harry and opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, + but closed it again.
+"Go ahead, Ron," Harry urged, laughing, "What's on your mind?"
+Ron whispered in a fierce tone,
+"Professor Snape is a cunt,
+ I'm overflowing with want
+ To hex his hair blue
+ His skin and robes too
+ And up his arse conjure a shunt"
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed loudly, "Language!"
+"Is Ickle Ronniekins at it again?" Fred asked as he captured Ron's head in a + one-armed embrace
+"Who knew that one could be so poetically rude!" George added happily.
+"Which reminds me Forge,"
+"Do tell, Gred!"
+"We ought to speak to this master of pranks."
+They turned around and walked over to Snape who stood a few feet away, perusing + the list he had written down before.
+"Master!" Fred exclaimed loudly.
+"We bow before your brilliance," George said solemnly as he bowed very deeply, his + arm outstretched in a wholly exaggerated manner.
+"Mr's Weasley," Snape said curtly, glaring all the while as if he hoped that they + would move away just by encountering his fearsome gaze. Unfortunately for him, the + twins were no longer his students and even when they were, they were never afraid of + the Potions Master.
+"We need the recipe to that brilliant potion you constructed," Fred said.
+"We will pay you handsomely for it," George added with a wink.
+Snape snorted in amusement. "You'll have to be more specific, I'm afraid," he + said, "I have created many different potions over the course of my life and I'm sure + I know not of which one you speak." But the twitching of his lips suggested + otherwise.
+"Come now, Professor," Fred said importantly, "You know very well what we're + talking about."
+"Poetic justice," George sighed happily, "Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? We + want to sell it at our shop."
+"Can you imagine," Fred said dreamily, "To have an entire class of students who + can only speak in Limericks?"
+"That is not a particularly pleasant idea, Mr Weasley," Snape said icily, "So no, + I don't think I will."
+"Sleep on it, if you would," George said, "We'll gladly give you a percentage of + the profit."
+"Ten per cent will do," Fred said, "As well as bragging rights going to Professor + Severus Snape."
+"Perhaps in another lifetime," Snape replied before stepping forward and joining + his son.
+"Are you quite finished getting your school supplies?" Snape asked.
+"We have everything," Harry replied, chuckling happily as he glanced at his + redheaded friend. Hermione was rolling her eyes and blushing fiercely for some + reason.
+"And how are you today, Mr Weasley?" Snape asked, a sadistic smile on his + lips.
+Ron thought for a while before sighing and answering.
+"I am honestly not very well
+ I am constantly tired as hell
+ To think of each word
+ Is most unpreferred
+ Could you please just cast me a spell?"
"Very impressive," Snape smirked, "You will soon be among the most eloquent of + your age group. As for casting a spell, I'm afraid I cannot."
+Ron looked disappointed and even glared at Snape but didn't speak again.
+"There is no spell or antidote to counter the potion," Snape explained, "As I have + told you before. Surely, you have learned by now to not go rummaging through people's + private stashes, haven't you?"
+Ron nodded solemnly.
+"I'm sure it will wear off in a few days," Snape assured him, "And so will the + colour of your hair."
+Ron's face coloured a fierce red which mismatched his now green hair terribly.
+"Harry, I have gotten you the things for your extracurricular brewing," Snape + said, earning himself a subtle glare from Hermione which he chose to ignore.
+"What kind of things?" Harry asked curiously.
+"You will be needing more than two cauldrons," Snape explained, "So I picked up + five more. I also got you a new pair of dragonhide gloves, a set of precisely + accurate scales, stirrers of each kind of material and cutting tools. I also didn't + neglect to set you up with at least the more basic of ingredients as well as some of + the rarer ones that I'm sure you'll be able to use. And if not, I am certain that I + can use them for myself."
+"Wow!" Harry exclaimed, "That's really great. But you didn't have to do that."
+"Don't be ridiculous," Snape huffed, "Of course I did." He handed the shrunken + packages to Harry who put them away in his pockets.
+"Now was there anywhere else you wanted to go?" Snape asked, "Or could we possibly + go home now?"
+Harry gave his friends a longing glance but was also eager to inspect the wares + Snape had bought for him. Maybe, he could even get some ideas going about what he was + going to make. He would see his friends soon enough. And Ginny – who had been tagging + along somewhat abashedly – would also be there.
+"We can go," he said.
+"Would you want to join us for dinner?" Snape asked Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
+Ron frowned.
+"Coming over is always a thrill
+ But this time I don't think I will
+ Don't trust your food
+ And I'm not in the mood
+ I'd sooner go dine in Brazil"
"What an odd thing to say," Snape teased. "Very well. As you wish. Shall we go, + Harry?"
+Harry hugged Hermione and Ginny – lingering just a tad too long in Ginny's embrace + – and clapped Ron encouragingly on the shoulder.
+"Hang in there, mate," he said in mock sadness, "This too shall pass."
+As Harry glanced over his shoulder, he saw Hermione laughing at Ron's antics while + Ginny looked away as if she had been caught staring.
+"I've noticed you've taken quite an interest in young Ms Weasley," Snape mentioned + out of the blue. Harry felt himself flush and quickly looked away.
+"I don't know what you're talking about," he mumbled.
+"Don't you?" Snape jibed, "It's a shame because I've also noticed that she seems + rather fond of you."
+Harry shrugged, not really ready to share any intimate details of his love life + just yet.
+"I do hope that you're being careful. If not –"
+"Nope!" Harry interrupted, forming a makeshift cross with his two index fingers + and pointing them at Snape. "We are not having this discussion! And most certainly + not in the middle of the street. Nope, nope, nope!"
+Snape rolled his eyes but grinned good-naturedly.
+"Come on," he said, "We're flooing back. And then we can talk."
+Did you guys like it? I really screwed myself over, giving Ron that potion,
+ didn't I? Haha.
+ I'm not entirely sure if I'll be able to update. I'm going to an amusement park, you
+ see.
Kindly take the time to write a review if you will. I'm always happy with the
+ feedback.
Chapter 20
+Since Harry was basically told that he would be able to get started on his potion + soon, he became increasingly anxious to go to his next Occlumency lesson. He was + nearly there and he honestly couldn't wait.
+And yet, it wasn't until the next weekend that Harry received a note from Snape. + He was brewing some blood replenishing potion for the infirmary while Hedwig snoozed + on his shoulder when the glow of Harry's cuff startled him somewhat. He finished his + stirring pattern and looked at the message.
+"Come to my quarters."
+Harry frowned. It was very short and to the point, even for Snape. He looked at + his potion and sighed. It was probably for the best that he didn't keep the man + waiting. He put a stasis spell on the cauldron and brought Hedwig back over to her + perch.
+"Will you keep an eye out for me, girl?" he said, "No one is to touch the potion, + alright?"
+Hedwig hooted softly in response and Harry stroked her feathers a couple of times + before leaving. If he was lucky, this would be about Occlumency. It was a good thing + that he was already in the dungeons. He took a couple of right turns and one left + before finding himself in front of that familiar door again. He opened it and walked + inside, finding Snape sitting in the middle of the room. The furniture was swept to + the sides again which gave Harry pause. Why would Snape think that necessary + again?
+"Severus?" Harry said, disturbing the man's train of thought. He looked up and + fixed Harry with a rather grim stare. Harry frowned but automatically stepped forward + to sit in front of the man.
+"What's going on?" he asked.
+Snape regarded him for a short while before replying. "You are very close to + mastering Occlumency," Snape said evenly. His voice was devoid of all emotion and + gave Harry the shudders. When was the last time he had talked to Harry that way? + "I've been thinking about what I would need to do to get you to cross that line. To + give you that final nudge."
+Harry swallowed nervously but nodded.
+"As I've explained before, using the 'Drink of Despair' is out of the question and + will be for a very long time," Snape continued stoically, "Which doesn't leave me + with a whole lot of options."
+Harry wanted to reply with a joke or a sardonic comment to lighten the mood but he + didn't dare to. He knew that right now, Snape would not appreciate those kinds of + efforts. So once more, he simply nodded.
+"In fact, I only have one option left," Snape said, a sense of finality in his + voice, "I need to attack your mind."
+Harry blinked. "As in, really attack me?" Harry asked, "With the intention to do + damage?"
+"Exactly so," Snape replied. "You are a student that learns exceptionally well + when under stress. Your abilities develop as you need them. Not only that, but we've + reached a stage in your training that cannot be overcome without experience."
+"But why you?" Harry asked, not looking forward to being attacked by his father. + "Why can't Dumbledore do it?"
+"Professor Dumbledore – while a powerful and accomplished Occlumens – has not ever + used his skills of the mind to attack someone," Snape explained, "He is fully capable + of sneaking into someone's mind to look for thoughts and memories without the victim + ever realizing he was there. But he could never be as forceful as you would need him + to be."
+Harry frowned as he averted his gaze to look at his hands. There were potion + stains on them.
+"Harry," Snape said, his voice somewhat softer. "I will remind you one last time + that you don't need to do this. You can always decide to change your research though + I must admit that it would be very useful for you to master Occlumency."
+Harry shivered in the cold dungeon air. He noticed that there was no fire burning + in the hearth.
+"What are you going to do exactly?" Harry asked quietly.
+"I will assault your mind," Snape explained. "I will attempt to bring forth the + most terrible of memories and thoughts as well as fabricate my own. You are supposed + to fight me. Keep me out. Unravel my fabrications and tethers before they draw you + in."
+Harry's chest grew tighter as he considered Snape's words. He really didn't want + to do this but on the other hand, he simply had to master Occlumency.
+"Do you need time to consider?" Snape asked.
+Harry shook his head. If he took the time to think about this, he would probably + only grow more and more hesitant to go through with it. He could already hear + Hermine's voice, telling him that it was a bad idea and that there just had to be + another way.
+"I'll do it," Harry said. His voice was trembling and his palms were sweaty. If + this would have been an actual duel, Harry wouldn't even mind if Snape attacked to + injure. Because he was confident in his own abilities. But this truly scared + him.
+"Very well," Snape said, getting up from the floor and taking out his wand. + "Rise," he said, "This is a duel, not a tea party."
+Begrudgingly, Harry got up from the floor and faced Snape. The man's eyes were + cold and dark, not a speck of emotion betraying his thoughts. Harry did his best to + do the same and cleared his mind.
+"Legilimens!"
+It was almost as if Snape physically punched him, that time. Harry stumbled a few + steps back but did his best to stand his ground. His shields were still holding + strong. He fixed Snape with a defiant glare, spreading his legs somewhat so his + stance felt more solid.
+Snape flicked his wand and Harry felt that same blow again. Reflexively, he raised + his arm but this time, that would not help him. His shields didn't falter, though and + Harry wondered when Snape would become serious.
+Another wand flick and another blow. Harry knew what was coming and endured the + hit unflinchingly this time. He checked his shields and knew that Snape hadn't even + scratched them. He couldn't stop himself from smirking.
+"I think it's time you become serious," he taunted, "Because you're not getting + through."
+Snape's expression remained unchanged. His emotions were clearly walled off and + the man exuded nothing but his well-known persona. One of cool collectedness. Harry's + smile faltered somewhat but he remained focused, awaiting the next blow.
+Just when he thought that this was going to be nothing more than a test of his own + endurance, he became aware of a sharp pain near his temple. He frowned and touched + the spot with his hand, only to encounter unblemished skin.
+"Damn," he murmured when he realized Snape was trying to get in. He focused his + attention on strengthening the wall again when he was hit with another blow. Harry + stumbled somewhat closer to the stone dungeon wall and before he could regain his + balance, another blow connected, followed by another. And another.
+Soon, Harry was backed up against the wall, holding himself up with one hand.
+"Just a moment," he breathed but Snape didn't relent. He took a few menacing steps + towards Harry, swishing his wand at his target. Harry braced himself but couldn't + keep part of his shields from shattering. He was surprised at how much it hurt and + gasped when he became aware of the pain.
+Snape had gotten in. His presence was familiar yet much darker than it had ever + been. He was no longer a subtle hitchhiker in Harry's mind but rather a powerful + intruder that relished in kicking in doors and smashing windows as he blazed + through.
+Harry tried throwing him out. He tried catching him but Snape was faster.
+Suddenly, he was thrown in a memory of his childhood, practically falling as he + landed hard in his own mind.
+"You're a worthless freak!" Vernon yelled as he lifted Harry's head by his hair. + He couldn't have been more than five. "You're as useless as your parents were. Why + don't you just crawl into a ditch and die?"
+"Please Uncle," Harry heard himself plead, "I didn't mean to. I'm sorry."
+When Vernon's fist connected with his jaw, he could feel the splitting pain that + accompanied the breaking of bone. He cried.
+"You dare cry," Vernon snarled and he threw Harry into the cupboard. "Stay in + there until you're done snivelling, freak. Or I'll really give you something + to whine about."
+And then he was engulfed by the darkness of his cupboard.
+The scene swirled and Harry was thrown into the graveyard, the dead body of Cedric + lying beside him. His wand was in his hand and Voldemort was in front of him, + brandishing his own.
+"Stop it," Harry thought, "This isn't real."
+If he had expected Snape to respond, he was sorely disappointed. It was very clear + that Snape was not his friend right now. And Harry could not consider him as + such.
+"Avada Kedavra!"
+Harry dodged the curse and hid behind a gravestone. Desperately, he calmed + himself, searching for the mist that hung around the memory. He ignored the laughter + of the death eaters around him and tried to focus when Voldemort suddenly stood + before him.
+"Crucio," he hissed.
+That all too familiar blinding pain coursed through Harry's body. He tried to + remember that none of it was real but his body seemed very convinced that it was. + Eventually, he couldn't help himself. He screamed. It was then that Voldemort lifted + the curse and sneered down at him.
+Harry breathed in deeply and closed his eyes, trying to forget his + surroundings.
+"Stop," he thought, willing the memory to stop playing. Soon, the sounds + around him stilled and he opened his eyes to find himself surrounded by the mists of + his mind. Gratefully, he used them as he had learned and shaped the way out of the + memory. It faded and Harry found himself in darkness.
+For a moment, he wondered if he was back in the cupboard but then he realized that + he wasn't in a memory. Another blow hit him and Harry was aware of his body stumbling + and his elbow knocking into something hard. Possibly the wall. He dared not divert + his attention though.
+It was time to find the intruder and kick him out.
+Another sharp pain near the back of his head notified Harry of where Snape was. He + was vaguely aware of the man ripping through his memories in what appeared to be a + blind fury. He tore viciously at the ones that were buried away. It almost felt as if + the man were tearing Harry's skin if such a thing was possible.
+Harry quickly focused on the area that was under attack and resurfaced there. The + unwelcome presence didn't halt his actions and kept cutting through everything that + made up Harry.
+Harry focused all of his attention on Snape's consciousness and willed it + backwards. As soon as he did, the dark presence was flung into the near distance and + the sharp pain subsided. Harry regarded his adversary carefully, wondering what he + was supposed to do next.
+Another blow from the physical realm rattled him and he lost focus for just a + split second. It had been enough, though.
+Harry found himself expelled from the battle in his mind and fell roughly to the + floor. Before he realized what happened, he expelled the contents of his stomach all + over the floor. He felt shaky and drained, trying to right himself on wobbly arms. He + wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked up at Snape.
+"Please stop," he urged but he found no mercy in Snape's eyes. The man flicked his + wand and Harry flinched away but to no avail. He was lurched back into the depths of + his own mind and gasped sharply when more pain hammered his brain.
+Suddenly, Harry found himself engulfed in a dark blue that was almost black. The + air around him trembled and moved in the pattern of waves if more slowly. The ground + was not solid enough to support Harry's weight and soon his feet were swallowed by it + as if he stood in quicksand. He couldn't break free.
+Dark mists swirled all around him, teasing him. Stroking him, gently. Where it + touched him, it burned him. Feelings of hopeless overcame him. He was reminded of how + unloved he truly was. No one wanted him. It had gone so far that the Professor that + hated him the most of all ended up adopting him. He was a freak. A tragedy. He was + the reason his parents died. The reason Cedric died. Sirius. Grief weighed on him + heavily, pulling him down.
+Harry fell to his hands and knees and was only vaguely aware of the darkness + swallowing them up.
+'Nobody wants you, boy,' echoed the voice of his uncle.
+'You bring death wherever you go,' Petunia shrieked in horror.
+'I wish you were more like your father,' Sirius said woefully.
+'You are an arrogant and spoiled little brat,' Snape sneered.
+'Just die.'
+'Die.'
+'Why can't you die already?'
+'People would be better off with you gone.'
+'Die.'
+'Go die in a ditch, why don't you?'
+"I want to die."
+"…"
+"…"
+"…"
+'I really admire you, do you know that?'
+'Thank you, Harry."
+'I am proud of you.'
+'We're with you, Harry. No matter what happens.'
+'The ones that love us never really leave us.'
+'I love you, son.'
+Determination flooded Harry's mind and the darkness that had surrounded him only + moments before, now quickly turned light as a shockwave seemed to emanate from + Harry's being. His limbs were no longer being sucked up by the ground and he rose + again, empowered by the memories of his loved ones.
+He felt another blast connect with his physical form and thought he tasted + blood.
+"Get out," Harry growled. He felt his mind connect roughly with the + invading presence. He struggled with Snape's powerful existence as it pushed back + against him.
+BANG
+Harry wasn't sure where the sound had come from but didn't think it came from + within. He was vaguely aware of a sharp pain in his head that wasn't there + before.
+"I said get out!" Harry snarled again, not sure if he said the words + aloud. He put all the strength he could muster into one final push and was thrown + back into reality as was Snape. And yet, he wasn't entirely gone. Harry could still + feel a part of Snape hiding in the back of his mind. A tether if you will. Harry + narrowed his eyes as he stared Snape down. The infuriating man still didn't show a + shred of emotion.
+"I know you're still in here," Harry said icily, "Are you going to withdraw or do + I need to drag you out?"
+A flick of Snape's wand was his answer and Harry felt another blow. This time it + seemed to come from within his head and he grabbed at it as if to stop it from + splitting open. It hurt so much. The pain was practically on par with the Cruciatus + curse.
+"AAAAAH, you BASTARD," Harry screamed. But Snape didn't relent. Soon, Harry found + himself kneeling on the ground, still grabbing his head as he folded into himself. + Whatever had remained in his stomach, found its way to the floor then.
+Harry crashed to the ground, black dots marring his vision as he tried desperately + to ignore the pain, to ignore his own screams. He didn't think he would last much + longer before he would literally go insane.
+It took every bit of willpower he still had but he occluded inside himself and + re-joined Snape on the battlefield that was his own mind. This time, he would get rid + of him. This time, he would prevail. He had to.
+He ignored Snape, for now, biting through the pain. He knew his physical form was + writhing on the floor in agony but he calmed his mind. He sought sanctuary.
+He found himself back in that white room, the crimson couch still waiting for him. + The pain was gone and Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He had created a tether in the + form of an old fashioned television set and sat down stoically to have a direct view + of the havoc that was being wreaked upon his mind.
+Emotionless, he watched as Snape tore through another memory, attempting to + implement it. To alter it. With a nod of his head, Harry made the memory disappear + and watched as Snape stood there in apparent confusion. But not for long. He moved + forward, attempting to cause more damage but Harry made a gesture as if he were + roughly opening a curtain. The form of Snape was propelled backwards and was flung + into an imaginary wall.
+He wrenched himself free and stood there for a second as if he was trying to + concentrate. He was most likely looking for Harry. When he looked up to meet Harry's + gaze, the boy knew he had been found. And yet, he didn't fear the dark man. Not in + here.
+Without faltering, he started to form a ball with his hands, his eyes never + leaving Snape as the man seemed to be focusing. Staring.
+Slowly, he brought his cupped hands closer together until he noticed the form of + Snape crouch down, lifting an arm above his head as if to shield himself. Harry did + not relent for Snape had not done so either. His hands came even closer together and + the form of Snape became smaller and smaller as it curled into itself. Harry didn't + want to go too far. He simply wanted to push Snape to his limits.
+And then, suddenly, Snape's presence disappeared and he was gone. Harry + strengthened his shields and double-checked that there was no more trace of the + Potions Master to be found. Soon, he was satisfied that there wasn't.
+He thought it was all over when he felt the walls of his minds quake and shudder + under the heavy assault that was brought forth by Snape. But Harry knew, he would not + be breached. No more.
+Calmly, he turned off the old television that was his tether and exited the room + that had saved him once more. When the assault still posed no problems - despite + Snape's furious attempts - Harry thought it safe enough to leave his own mind and + face the master Legilimens once more.
+When Harry became aware of his surroundings, he found himself to still be lying on + the floor. His body ached all over and he felt sick to his stomach. Yet he could not + deny the sense of calm that had come over him and was still there.
+He forced himself to stand up, ignoring his wobbly knees and faced Snape. The man + was staring him down expressionlessly and Harry returned his gaze as stoically as he + could. Snape flicked his wand again and again and while Harry could feel the force of + those blows hit his walls mercilessly, he knew they would not collapse. He simply + stood his ground and showed no more reaction.
+After a few more very tense minutes, Snape finally lowered his wand, sighing + deeply as he rubbed his forehead.
+"Are you okay?" Harry stammered, trying his best not to collapse onto himself.
+Snape shot him a disbelieving look and summoned a chair to stand behind his + son.
+"Sit down," he ordered. Harry didn't need to be told twice and basically crashed + into the chair, happy to be somewhat comfortable again. Snape vanished the vomit that + stained his floor and summoned his own chair, sitting down opposite of Harry.
+And so they sat in an uncomfortable silence until Snape spoke again.
+"I'm so sorry," he said quietly. "That was… harder than I imagined it would + be."
+Harry snorted. "I'll say," he said, "I'll take being tortured by Voldemort any day + over this." He touched the back of his head that still felt somewhat sore and winced + when it stung. Confused, he drew back his hand to find it stained with blood.
+"You hit your head against the wall," Snape explained. Non-verbally, he summoned a + couple of potions from his storage room. "I'll clean it up. Just turn your chair + somewhat so I might reach the wound."
+Harry obeyed and sat there as Snape started cleaning the wound. "It doesn't look + that bad," Snape murmured, "You'll be fine by tomorrow."
+"I never realized just how much you were holding back before," Harry suddenly + said, "In our previous Occlumency lessons, I mean."
+"I doubt you would have learned much if I had attacked you like this since the + beginning," Snape said evenly.
+"I'd probably be dead," Harry said truthfully. Snape halted his movement for a + second but continued soon after.
+"I would never kill you, Harry," Snape said softly.
+"Perhaps not," Harry replied, happy that he wasn't looking into Snape's eyes at + that moment. "But for a moment, I wanted to do it myself."
+"I know," Snape whispered, "I'm sorry."
+"Were you the one who… you, know."
+"Brought forth the more pleasant memories?" Snape finished Harry's question. "No, + I did not. I was playing my role as the villain in this particular battle. Aiding you + in that manner would have been detrimental to your progress."
+"Oh," Harry replied, "Then what happened?"
+"Your mind defended itself," Snape explained, "It sprung into action when you felt + at your absolute lowest. You know yourself best of all, even when you're unaware of + it. Your mind knew how to bring you back from the brink of despair and thankfully did + so."
+"Why has it never done that before?" Harry murmured bitterly.
+"This is not a normal response, Harry," Snape said, putting a hand on his son's + shoulder, "This is the response of an Occlumens. Of one who has been in contact with + his mind and is aware of its inner workings. And it only worked out that way because + these feelings were no longer what you normally felt. Had you still been as + depressed, your mind would not have picked up the anomaly. But now, it protected + you."
+Harry drew a shuddering breath as he stared at his quivering hands. Some of his + nails were bloody and chipped as if he had been clawing at a hard surface. The floor + perhaps? He had been in so much pain.
+"You're scary powerful," Harry suddenly blurted out, "Why don't you just use + Legilimency to do in with your enemies? They wouldn't stand a chance."
+Snape chuckled wryly. "While powerful, it is not something I like to do at all. + Not only is it very straining, but it is also an incredibly emotional ordeal. + Especially when dealing with someone who has been through as much as you have."
+"I'm sorry," Harry said automatically.
+Snape moved his chair to sit in front of Harry again and looked him in the eye. + "Don't say that, silly child," he said, "You've done nothing wrong. In fact, you've + done splendidly."
+Even when still suffering from the side effects of the vicious attack, Harry's + face lit up. "Do you mean to say –"
+"Yes," Snape said, "You've passed this test rather admirably. I hereby grant you + permission to start brewing that potion. There are however a few conditions."
+Harry frowned slightly. "Okay," he said carefully, "And what are those?"
+"First of all, I will be testing your shields regularly. Occlumency is a skill you + need to maintain and if I find them lacking, I will halt your progress on the potion + until I deem it safe again."
+"Sounds reasonable," Harry said, "When will you be testing me?"
+"I will be testing you randomly to ensure that your grasp is still firm," Snape + explained, "I will also speak with Dumbledore and ask him to do the same."
+"It will be nothing like today though, right?" Harry asked, shuddering at the + thought.
+"No," Snape sighed, "Nothing like today. Not ever again."
+"Good," Harry said in relief, "So, what else?"
+"Whenever you test the potion, I need to be present," Snape said, "I will not have + you drinking it with no one to help you should something go wrong."
+"That's fair," Harry said.
+"Those are my two conditions," Snape said, "I'm sure even you will be able to + follow those rules."
+"Thanks," Harry said, flashing Snape a smile that he did not expect to receive + after the trying ordeal they had both endured that day. It only proved just how much + Harry trusted Snape. If he was entirely honest with himself, he knew he had nearly + been on the breaking point himself. It was only lucky that Harry had managed to save + himself when he did or Snape would have stopped the test altogether. Perhaps, he + should learn to trust Harry a bit more as well. After all, the boy kept surprising + him and would probably continue to do so.
+I know, I know. I can be somewhat cruel at times.
+ Please please, please leave me a review if you would? It's my only form of
+ payment. Any kind if appreciated. Even if it's just one or two words!
Since trafic in the weekends is slow, I won't be updating until Monday at the + earliest. But that's not that far away, now is it?
+Oh, and to all those who celebrate it, I wish you a happy + thanksgiving.
+Thank you all so much for your reviews! It's really nice to know how many + people out there are still reading and enjoying this fic. You've made me very happy + and I hope I can keep meeting your standards. Please do enjoy the next chapter, as + promised.
+Chapter 21
+If one had thought that Harry's last Occlumency lesson was a reason for him and + Snape to be standoffish towards one another, they would be wrong. For some reason, + the harsh experience had forged an understanding between the two that brought them + even closer together.
+While Harry absolutely loved working on potions, he loved it, even more, to do so + besides Snape.
+"I'll let you in on a secret," Snape told Harry as the boy was about to start + crushing his marigold flowers.
+Harry looked up from what he was doing and watched as Snape filled a bowl with + lukewarm water.
+"Even the freshest of potions ingredients have had to endure at least a few hours + outside of their natural habitat," Snape explained, "Most flowers – for example – + will have already started dying since they are no longer connected to their + stem."
+Snape took the marigold flowers from Harry and carefully placed them into the + bowl. "If you allow them to soak up some water before you process them, the result + will be that much better with less chance of outside contamination."
+Harry watched as the petals of the flowers – that had started to curl slightly – + straightened out again. The dryness that had begun to set in was vanishing before his + eyes and the colour of the pollen tubes seemed to be restoring. "There is no way that + you made this happen with just water," Harry noted.
+"All it takes is lukewarm water and perhaps just a touch of magic," Snape + said.
+"I thought magic could really mess up a potion," Harry noted.
+"It can," Snape agreed, "When used callously at least. Most of my students – even + those in my N.E.W.T. class – are unable to fully grasp the effects magic can have on + potions so I just forbid them from using any besides the mandatory spells. However + -"
+With a flick of his wand, Snape removed the revigorated flowers from the water, + carefully placing them in front of his charge. The petals seemed to throb with life + as the droplets slid down from them. They were so much more beautiful than they had + been only moments before.
+" – The right amount of magic, precisely distributed among the ingredients that + can benefit from them can produce wonderful results."
+Harry smiled fondly as he listened to Snape's explanation. The Potions Master + didn't often explain new things to Harry anymore but when he did, it was always with + a careful reverence that motivated Harry into doing even better.
+"That's amazing," Harry said, "And so subtle, too."
+Snape chuckled. "Sometimes, the most useful and beautiful magic is not obvious or + dazzling. Sometimes, all it takes is a small push."
+"Do you think I could do that too?" Harry asked hopefully.
+"If I didn't, I wouldn't have shown you this," Snape replied, "You have a very + firm grasp on your magic. I'm certain you don't require me to tell you how talented + you are. All you need to learn is to be more precise, like a surgeon handling a + scalpel."
+Harry looked at Snape funnily. "It's easy to forget that you grew up in a muggle + neighbourhood once we're back at Hogwarts," he said, "But then you say things like + that."
+"And?" Snape asked, "If the analogy works and helps you understand, I see no + reason not to use it."
+"Thanks for the vote of confidence, in any case," Harry said, grabbing his mortar + and pestle to start crushing the flowers. "Will you practice this with me later?"
+"As long as no one earns themselves detention with me within the next hour or so, + I would be amenable to that."
+After Harry was done crushing the flowers, he grabbed the vulture tongues he had + ordered, carefully slicing them to bits.
+"Christmas is almost around the corner," Harry pointed out.
+"So it is," Snape replied casually as he went back to stirring a potion in one + cauldron while he added parsley to another.
+"Are we going back to Spinner's End this year?" Harry asked. Hedwig had flown over + to his station again and was now sitting comfortably on his cauldron. He hadn't + started the fire yet since he was still preparing his ingredients.
+"That was my intention," Snape said, "Unless you would rather stay here?"
+"No, I want to go," Harry replied, now sliding the white clovers closer to him. "I + was just wondering – since no one is really trying to kill me this year – if I could + have my friends over for Christmas. Will that water work for my other flowers?"
+"Yes, it will," Snape replied, "And I don't think your friends' families will want + their children away from them for Christmas. Is my company not sufficient for + you?"
+Harry flushed somewhat, fearing that he had insulted his father and sputtered his + denial: "Of course it is," he said, "I didn't mean it like that! I just thought + –"
+Harry scowled when he caught sight of the amused smirk on Snape's face. "Git," he + growled.
+"If you wish for it, you can ask them," Snape finally said, "But I wouldn't count + on it. Especially not when it comes to Mr Weasley."
+Harry carefully lowered the white clovers into the water and watched as they too + grew full of life once more.
+"It's a shame you can't do this with people," he murmured.
+"Of course you can," Snape said evenly. "Those flowers haven't died yet. They just + needed a hand."
+"Can I burn them with magic or should I use a normal fire?" Harry asked once he + retrieved the white clovers.
+"You want to burn them?" Snape frowned.
+"Yes," Harry said, "The ashes of the flowers should be absorbed by the potion + rather quickly."
+"Hmm," Snape said, "While true, don't you think they might spread out too quickly + in the form of ashes? This might cause a delay in the reaction which I assume you + wish to avoid."
+"Er…" Harry hesitated. He hadn't thought of that.
+Snape looked at the rest of Harry's ingredients and grabbed the jar of honey that + stood among them. "If you're planning on using honey, why not coat the ashes with + it?" he suggested, "That way, they'll stick together long enough and you won't need + to readjust your calculations."
+"Brilliant," Harry smiled, "That's why you're the Master, I suppose."
+"What are you going to use for a base?" Snape asked as he went back to his own + cauldrons once more.
+"For now, I'm going to use plain water," Harry said, "Perhaps laced with rose + water from the Rosa Mystica but I want to try without it first."
+"I advise you to try without it at first as well," Snape said, "I fear that + that particular flower might be too specific for your wishes."
+"Perhaps," Harry said, finally filling his cauldron with water and placing it on a + strong fire. "Well, wish me luck."
+"You don't need luck," Snape snorted, "You have me."
+Harry playfully rolled his eyes but smiled fondly.
+Roughly two hours later, Harry was staring into his cauldron, his expression a mix + of exhilaration and apprehension.
+"How is it coming along?" Snape asked. He was drying his hands with a cloth, + having just cleaned up his work station.
+"It should be nearly done, but I get the feeling that something is missing," Harry + said. He grabbed his notes once more and checked them over, clicking his tongue as he + thought things over. Suddenly, he was disturbed by Hedwig's screech. Harry looked at + her as she was nudging a cloth bag that contained bay leaves.
+"Ugh, I'm so stupid," Harry suddenly said, grabbing the bag. "Thanks, Hedwig. I + can't believe I nearly forgot the bay leaves."
+He carefully picked out three bay leaves, inspecting them for any anomalies before + tossing them in. As they dissolved into the slightly acidic concoction, the potion + turned into an emerald green.
+"Of course it would look Slytherin green," Harry snorted.
+"Let it cool off for a while," Snape said, "I realize you're looking forward to + testing this potion but it wouldn't do to have you scalding your throat in the + process."
+"What am I, five?" Harry said, "I know not to drink boiling liquids, dad."
+"Oh, cheeky now are we?" Snape said, raising a sardonic eyebrow. "Just sit down + and I can show you how to imbue magic responsibly."
+Eager to learn, Harry took a seat as requested and sat attentively with folded + hands as he watched Snape refill the bowl with water.
+"At first, you should practice with your wand," Snape said, "But the result is + much nicer if you manage the magic wandlessly. It is far more natural that way and + the ingredients will react better to it."
+"Now," Snape said, "Every creature alive oozes magic, even muggles, animals and + plants."
+Snape laughed at Harry's surprised look but held up a hand to stop his question. + "I know how it sounds but listen. Magic is imbued within our own lifeforce. It tells + our bodies to do mundane things like healing wounds, growing hair and the likes. Have + you ever heard of mothers suddenly being able to lift heavy loads when their child is + in danger? Loads they would normally never be able to lift? That is made possible + with that same magic, even if very rarely."
+"Only a select few people are actually born with enough magical power to control + and use it. But when we use magic to – for example – heal a muggle, or even use the + Cruciatus curse on them, we make use of the magic already inside of them and make our + own react to it. The same happens when we make a plant grow or befriend an otherwise + vicious animal."
+"How about an object?" Harry asked, "We can transform a needle into a matchstick + and I'm certain neither of those is alive."
+"That is magic you perform on an object, not with," Snape explained, "A reparo + would not work on a broken bone just like an Episkey wouldn't work on glasses. The + one works with the magic in a being while the other just makes things happen to an + object. You can't invade an object's mind or torture it with the Cruciatus. You can't + befriend a rock."
+"So there is no one born without it?" Harry asked.
+"There are some," Snape said, "These people are exceedingly rare and are often + used as guinea pigs by wizards and witches when found. They are never able to perform + magic but they are also impervious to all three Unforgivables as well as most other + spells."
+"So you can't harm them with magic?" Harry asked in amazement.
+"You can," Snape replied thoughtfully, "But not directly. A cutting curse will not + work but an Incendio will because the fire you create is all natural as soon as it + leaves your wand. The same goes for blasting curses and the like. As long as the + effect on the person's body is derived from the spell instead of a direct + effect."
+"But what if –"
+"Harry, we have gone way off subject," Snape suddenly chuckled, "My point is that + everyone has innate magic and it is this magic that I need you to control."
+"Why?" Harry asked curiously.
+"Because it communicates with the surrounding life forms on their level."
+"I think I get it," Harry said, feeling a sense of profound connection after + learning this new bit of information. It was almost overwhelming. "That's + amazing."
+"The meditative skills you learned while practising Occlumency will help greatly + as you attempt to use said magic which is why I have no doubt that you'll be able to + do this.
+"How do I find where it is?" Harry asked.
+"If you will allow me to, I can join you in your mind once more and guide you to + where this magic usually sleeps." Snape sounded doubtful, as if he didn't think Harry + would ever allow him to come that close again. But the boy surprised him, as he often + did.
+"Sounds great," Harry said honestly, sounding somewhat relieved, "If you'll help + me find it, I'm sure I can get the hang of this."
+Snape smiled and glanced over at Harry's potion, noticing that it had stopped + smoking.
+"It would appear that your potion cooled down. Would you prefer to try that first + or would you rather we venture into your mind before that?"
+Quickly, Harry got up from his seat. "Oh, I'm testing my potion first," he said, + "I've been waiting for months to do this."
+Snape chuckled. "I thought as much. Go on then."
+Harry carefully measured what he deduced would be one portion and filled a vial + with it. He noticed that Snape did the same and raised an eyebrow at him but Snape + simply smirked as if challenging him to say something.
+"Well, bottom's up!" Harry said before downing the emerald green liquid. The first + thing he noticed was that it tasted beyond foul. It was somewhat sour as if he was + drinking old-sock-soup but with a hint of old cigarette buds. He grimaced and + scrunched up his nose in disgust.
+"Well that was the worst thing I've ever tasted," Harry groaned.
+"Do you feel different?" Snape asked.
+"Not really," Harry frowned. He looked at his hands to see if anything was + changing, then tried taking in his surroundings as if expecting to see the ghosts of + his parents walk in at any moment. Nothing happened for a while until Hedwig started + screeching viciously and flew up, anxiously making her way to Snape to nestle on his + shoulder.
+Snape – who was sitting in a chair near the edge of the room – was slightly + perturbed by the owl's sudden need for comfort but ignored it. Then the sounds began. + Harry recognized the sound of wailing. It was as if it was coming from somewhere in + the far distance but from multiple places at once.
+Snape frowned when he too heard the sounds. Harry's potion was supposed to work on + a different plain of sorts. An outer-body kind of experience if you will. Whatever + was happening now, Snape was not supposed to be a part of it. Hedwig buried her head + under his wing, shuffling even closer to Snape. Absentmindedly, Snape stroked her + feathers reassuringly as he kept a close eye on Harry.
+The wailing grew louder still and seemed to be approaching rapidly. Harry wondered + if whatever he was hearing was going to collide with him and thought of seeking + shelter. That was a silly thought though since he was the one that took the potion so + instead, he held his wand at the ready and waited.
+Even though both Snape and Harry were expecting something to happen, they both + jumped when the room was suddenly swarming with ghosts. And not just any ghosts. All + of the Hogwarts ghosts seemed to suddenly be converging on this exact spot.
+"Severus," the bloody baron sneered, "What is the meaning of this, boy?"
+"Don't look at me, baron," Snape replied evenly, "It's Mr Potter that + summoned you all here."
+"Harry!" Moaning Myrtle whined, "Why would you do that? I was quietly reliving my + death in my bathroom stall when YOU RUINED IT!"
+"Sorry, Myrtle," Harry said, holding up his hands in defence, "I promise this was + not my intention."
+"Well, I'm leaving!" Myrtle yelled and attempted to float through the ceiling when + she was stopped by an invisible barrier. "Harry, let me GO!" she shrieked.
+"I can't!" Harry said, "It's this potion. We'll have to wait until it wears + off."
+"How marvellous," the fat friar said, "It's positively wonderful to have such a + young potioneer in our midst. Tell me, child, was this your intended effect?"
+"Honestly," the grey lady interjected, "Intended or not, this is highly unusual + and most obnoxious. I demand to be released immediately."
+"That's odd," Harry said, more to himself than anyone else.
+"What is, Harry?" Nick asked him kindly, showing remarkable restraint.
+"I don't see Peeves anywhere," Harry said. "Isn't he a ghost?"
+"Not exactly," Nick explained, "He's a manifestation. That's slightly different. + He came with Hogwarts, so to speak."
+"May I ask how you were all drawn here?" Harry asked, already furiously scribbling + away on a piece of parchment. "Did you feel compelled to do so or did it feel more + like a physical pull."
+"You dare use us for your experimentation?" The bloody baron howled, "You think we + haven't more important business to attend to simply because we are deceased?"
+"And whose fault is that?" the Grey Lady asked, "If it weren't for you, I would + not be in this mess."
+"Calm down everyone," the fat friar said, "We are the resident ghosts in a school + and we should be thankful that the students are trying to learn."
+"I was a student myself," Myrtle complained, "But I got no help. From the living + or THE DEAD!" She started wailing and hid in Harry's cauldron.
+"To answer your question," Nick suddenly replied, "It felt as if I was being + pulled here by a large fishing hook."
+The other ghosts now started joining in and telling their own tales of how they + felt they were drawn there while Harry scribbled furiously. Snape watched it all + unfold while he absentmindedly stroked Hedwig, not wishing to get involved with the + ghosts.
+It was exactly one hour and thirteen minutes later that the first ghost noticed + that it could finally leave Harry's side again. The translucent beings bid their + farewells and left, the fat friar telling Harry to come to him should he be in need + of spiritual assistance before he did. Exhausted, Harry sank down into a chair, + vanishing the rest of his potion with a lazy flick of his wand.
+"Well that was a failure," Harry groaned.
+"Look at it this way," Snape said, "You did not achieve what you intended but you + still created a new kind of potion."
+"Oh yes, and it's so very useful too," Harry said sardonically, "Who wouldn't want + to summon all ghosts within a twenty-mile radius?"
+"It might be useful for clearing out haunted houses," Snape offered.
+Harry made a noncommittal sound and made some more notes. "I think the white + cloves were a bad idea," he said, "They probably made it so that ghosts were drawn to + me instead of souls that have departed. And perhaps the vulture tongues…"
+"Harry," Snape said tiredly, "You're not going to be making any progress today. + You've been at it for hours and I'm sure that you're hungry."
+"But if you'll just let me make this one adjustment –" Harry said, already + grabbing a new piece of parchment when Hedwig nipped his fingers.
+"Ow, Hedwig!" Harry admonished.
+"She's telling you to listen to your teacher," Snape said evenly, a smirk on his + face. "Clear your station, wash your hands and go up to eat something."
+"Alright, alright," Harry chuckled, "I'm going! Can we at least practice that + innate magic you were talking about?"
+"Not today," Snape said, "I can see that these last hours have been draining for + you. And if not, they sure have been for me."
+"Old man," Harry jibed but he yelped when he was hit by a mild stinging hex.
+"Brat," Snape sneered, fixing Harry with a pointed glare. Harry just shook his + head at the man, packing away the remainder of his ingredients.
+At dinner, Draco had joined their table again, basically stealing the entire + platter of asparagus for himself. But Ron reciprocated by hoarding the potatoes.
+"So did you guys notice when all the ghosts disappeared all of a sudden?" Draco + asked, "Peeves had a field day without the bloody baron around to tame him."
+"Oh no," Harry groaned, "What did he do?"
+"He knocked over some trophy cases and got muddy footprints all over the ceiling," + Ron explained, "Filch is not happy about it."
+"It's a good thing that Professor Bell was there to ask him to stop," Draco said + evenly.
+"She managed to do that?" Harry asked.
+"Of course," Ron piped up, "I mean, look at her!" He gestured quite obviously + toward the high table to indicate their History teacher. "What man wouldn't + listen to her? Even if he is a poltergeist."
+"I didn't think she was your type," Hermione said haughtily, practically glaring + at her plate.
+"How could you not?" Ron replied, "She's almost as beautiful as you are and nearly + as smart."
+"Smooth," Draco whispered when Hermione blushed. Ron winked at him.
+"Anyway, about those ghosts," Harry said, "It was kind of because of my potion. + Suffice to say it did not work as intended."
+"You're allowed to work on it now?" Hermione asked, envy in her voice, "That's + great! Does that mean you mastered Occlumency?"
+"In a way," Harry said, not wanting to sound overconfident.
+"So that's what you were doing," Draco mumbled, "Man, you were screaming + bloody murder the other night. It was scary as hell."
+Harry nearly choked on his potatoes. "You heard that?" he asked incredulously.
+"From the corridors nearby, yes," Draco said, not a hint of shame in his + voice.
+"Were you eavesdropping?" Harry asked.
+"Me?" Draco asked, "Never! I simply wanted to visit my godfather. How was + I supposed to know that you were already there? What were you even doing in + there?"
+"Occlumency," Harry said through gritted teeth.
+"Well, it sure sounded hard-core," Draco said, "Nothing like anything I've ever + practised."
+"I suppose you aren't good enough to practice what I've had to just yet," Harry + sneered, smirking when he caught Draco's affronted expression.
+"You're joking," he said, "I'm sure I'm better than you."
+"Are you?" Harry asked, "Do you get tested by Dumbledore randomly as well? Do you + think you could even stop him from getting in?"
+Draco's eyes widened as his eyes flashed towards the headmaster. Dumbledore smiled + kindly at him when he caught his eye and Draco quickly looked away.
+"Ha, he's got you there, Malfoy," Ron said.
+"Shut up, Weasley," Draco growled, angrily mashing his potatoes.
+"On a different note," Harry said, "What are you lot doing for Christmas? You can + come to my place if you'd like."
+"My mum would kill me if I did that," Ron said honestly, "Also, I'd rather not eat + any limerick soup."
+"I'll ask," Hermione replied, "But I honestly doubt I'm allowed to. My parents are + always really happy when I'm home for the holidays, you know?"
+"I'll come," Draco said easily, "If that invitation was directed at me as well, I + mean."
+"Of course it is!" Harry said, happy that someone accepted. Quickly, he jotted a + message down on his cuff.
+"Draco's coming for Christmas!" Harry wrote, including the exclamation + mark.
+"Marvellous," Came the simple reply and when Harry caught Snape's deadpan + expression, he couldn't help but laugh.
+I would very much appreciate it if you could throw more reviews my way! They + are my only payment for what I'm doing here. Let me know what you think; what you + expect and even what you would like to see! I've got some pretty good ideas out of + reviews before.
+Either way, expect the next chapter tomorrow.
+You guys have made me so happy with all of your reviews. Thank you so much! + And to all the guest reviews I couldn't reply to, it was very much appreciated as + well. thank you all for your time. You made my day. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter + as well.
+Chapter 22
+Harry was already packed and ready to go even if he wouldn't need to leave until + the next evening. But he was excited to go back home and see Alex. He vaguely + wondered if he should introduce Draco to him when the blonde came over and decided he + might as well. If Draco was able to act civil to Hermione, he would also be able to + act civil to a muggle.
+With great effort, he had managed to convince Hedwig to leave the dungeons and + head towards Spinner's End. If took him promising her that she would be allowed to + return to the potions lab but eventually, she had nipped his finger affectionately + and taken flight. It would probably do her some good to fly a longer distance. She + hadn't in a while.
+As for Harry, right after dinner, he found himself back in Snape's quarters for + what would be the last time that year. He wasn't there for an Occlumency lesson. Not + really. But Snape had promised him that they would work together to find Harry's + innate magic and the sooner he was able to access it, the better. Especially if it + could help him with his potion.
+"For this one time, I will need you to drop your shields," Snape said as he + regarded the boy sitting in front of him.
+Harry smirked. He had felt the familiar push of Snape's Legilimency but wasn't + about to grant the man access without him expressly asking him to first. After all, + he was supposed to keep his shields up all the time and block any and all attempts of + Snape to force his way in.
+"Okay," Harry agreed, "Anything I should know before we get started?"
+"It'll all become clear once we've entered your mind," Snape said impatiently, + "Now if you don't mind, lower your shields."
+Harry tried to but realized that once you know how to put up your shields, it was + rather difficult to stop doing so. It was almost like swimming. When you didn't know + how to, it was easy to sink to the bottom like a brick. But when you did, it was + quite difficult to stop from keeping yourself afloat.
+"Harry, I'm waiting," Snape said, rapping his fingers on his desk.
+"I'm trying," Harry protested, "Just give me a minute."
+Snape sighed. "Just imagine a doorway of sorts for me," he said, "I'll be able to + find that and use it to get in."
+Harry scrunched up his nose in concentration and imagined a door. Light was + shining through from underneath it and he imagined the door to be usable by Snape + alone.
+"There you go," Snape said and suddenly, Harry felt his presence within his own + mind. The sensation was odd. When they weren't perusing memories or thoughts, he + wasn't entirely closed off from the outside world. Right now, he was aware of both + which gave him a sense of confusion.
+"Are you aware of where I am?" Snape asked.
+"Of course," Harry replied.
+"Join me then," Snape said, "Close your eyes if you must. It makes things + easier."
+Harry closed his eyes and found himself in the now very familiar depths of his own + mind. He wondered if he looked like himself since he had never encountered a mirror. + Snape seemed to be able to take on forms of all kind. But right now, the dour man + simply looked like himself as he stood there, waiting for Harry.
+"I need you to focus," Snape told him, "Focus on the sense of magic."
+"How do I do that?" Harry asked.
+"Do you remember the first time you held your wand?" Snape asked. Harry nodded. + "That's the feeling you're looking for. I need you to think of that."
+"Er…" Harry still wasn't sure. What had that been like again?
+After a few moments, Snape snapped his fingers and Harry felt himself being pulled + into a memory again.
+"Hey!" he protested, "I thought we weren't going to do this anymore?" He almost + kicked Snape out of his mind when he realized that the memory was of him trying out + wands. "Oh," he said.
+"One of the many benefits of being an Occlumens," Snape explained simply, "Is + being able to revisit your own past to look for wisdom you might have missed."
+"Wow, could I use this to pass my exams?" Harry asked incredulously.
+"You could try," Snape said evenly, "But by the time you gathered the information + you would need, the exam would be long over. I don't need to remind you of the + altered flow of time in here."
+"Right," Harry sighed.
+"Here it comes," Snape pointed out when he saw Ollivander's face lit up.
+"I wonder," the old man said.
+"Focus on that feeling. Relive the magic flowing through your wand for the very + first time."
+Harry honed in on the magic he felt course through his young body and grasped it + with his mind, feeling as if he had taken hold of a strong rope. He tugged at it. The + memory disappeared and all of a sudden, he was surrounded by threads of light in many + different colours. The most prominent colour was red. Snape – who could see what + Harry was seeing – scoffed.
+"Typical," he growled.
+"Are you going to tell me that strand is red because I'm in Gryffindor?" Harry + asked incredulously.
+"Of course not," Snape replied, "That's the thread that represents offensive + magic. It was only to be expected that it would be so prominent."
+"And what's this one?" Harry asked as he pointed towards a deep blue one. It was + so thin that it was almost not even there.
+"That's definite proof that you're not a seer and that divination was a complete + waste of your time," Snape said icily.
+"Of course it was," Harry said soberly, "But it was easy and relaxed. Well, until + Trelawney predicted my death, of course."
+"Not exactly what I would call a good reason to take any class," Snape + said, "But since that's behind us, there's no point in arguing about it. Especially + not when in the time-consuming progress of exploring your mind."
+"It does seem rather mundane to discuss my curriculum while staring down at + colourful strands of pulsating magic," Harry deadpanned.
+"Indeed," Snape replied.
+"So… what are we looking for?" Harry asked.
+Snape pointed towards a brilliant white strand that seemed to be three times the + size of the strand that represented seer magic. It was however not even half as + strong as the red strand. Harry frowned at it.
+"That's my innate magic?" he asked, "It doesn't look very powerful."
+"Is power all you can think of?" Snape asked. He sighed in exasperation. "In this + case, its power does not matter. It's powerful enough to make you a wizard which + makes it stronger than average, to begin with. Surely, that should satisfy your need + for excellence."
+"Alright," Harry grumbled, "I get it. No need to get all snarky about it."
+"Come," Snape said and started walking the path the magic took.
+"So we just follow it?" Harry asked, traipsing behind Snape.
+"Obviously," Snape sneered as he kept walking.
+"And then what?"
+"Harry, while I appreciate your sense of curiosity and longing for knowledge, you + should realize that you'll find out soon enough if you would just be patient."
+Harry rolled his eyes and looked around. They had bypassed the corridors - that + resembled those of Hogwarts – some time ago and were now following a staircase + downward. Around them, there were no more walls but rather a large open space with a + great green sky in which fluffy clouds floated aimlessly. Among them, objects were + strewn for which Harry could not think up a reason for them to be there. Like a + grandfather clock and a large picnic basket. In the distance, he could see what + seemed to be a playground and if he really squinted, he was sure there was a castle + to be found.
+"This is pretty wild," Harry snickered as he kept walking down the stairs, + following close behind Snape. "Does your mind look like this as well?"
+"Heaven forbid," Snape sneered.
+"What's wrong with it?" Harry asked, "I kind of like it."
+"Of course you like it, dunderhead. It's your mind we're exploring," + Snape replied coldly, "Just keep going."
+"I honestly don't understand how we're still going," Harry said, completely + undeterred by Snape's less than amicable behaviour, "My mind can't possibly be + this big."
+"I too would not expect the limited capacity of your mind to stretch as far as + this yet here we are," Snape said.
+"If you won't stop being a prat, I'll kick you out," Harry warned.
+"And deprive me of the sight of your horrifyingly sweet fantasies?" Snape + retorted, "However shall I sleep at night knowing that I missed all of this?"
+The stairs finally led them out of the admittedly fantastic scenery and stretched + down a corridor for a while as if they were on the staircase to the astronomy tower. + Snape started muttering under his breath.
+"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
+"Nothing in particular," Snape said, "It would simply appear that your innate + magic is buried deeper than I had anticipated."
+Harry contemplated that for a moment. "Will that make it more difficult for me to + access it?" he asked.
+"Not necessarily," Snape replied, "As long as the path remains straightforward, it + should not pose an extra problem."
+"Then why are you muttering?" Harry asked carefully.
+"The deeper we venture into your mind, the more vulnerable it becomes," Snape + replied, "We should be very careful."
+"It's alright," Harry replied easily, "It's not like you're here to do any damage. + Not this time at least."
+"I was never going to damage you permanently, Harry," Snape said, sounding + somewhat out of it.
+"Of course not," Harry said, "Which is why I fully trust you being here, even if I + am more vulnerable."
+"It's not me I am worried about," Snape said pointedly, "But I am rather worried + that your Gryffindor brashness might bring you to touch something you shouldn't. + Impetuosity is not a valuable trait when doing something a delicate as this."
+"At least give me some credit," Harry objected, "Or have you forgotten + that I have, in fact, withstood that final lesson of yours. Perhaps I am more mindful + of myself than you seem to think."
+The winding staircase straightened out again and the pair of wizards kept walking + further down. This next area was once again wide open and seemingly limitless but + darker than the previous room. The sky was a dark blue as it would be at dusk but + there was no moon and no stars. A forest stood erected all around them but about half + of the trees appeared dead and dry. There were objects hidden in their branches. + Harry frowned when he saw a toy soldier, a baby blanket and a pair of scissors. He + shuddered involuntarily.
+"I don't like this very much," Harry said, unconsciously walking somewhat closer + to Snape. "Didn't you imply that I should like whatever is in here because it's + my mind?"
+"The upper levels are made up of dreams, desires and fantasies," Snape said + evenly, "You control those, even on a subconscious level. The lower levels are made + up of your experiences and fears."
+Harry snorted. "That makes my mind a right house of horrors," he said, "though + this isn't too bad."
+Snape didn't respond. He just kept walking having the courtesy to not look at + their surroundings. All he was focused on was that thread of white light. It seemed + to pulse randomly at them as if urging them to keep going.
+"The things I do to brew my potions," Harry said uneasily as he tried to break the + uncomfortable silence. An owl seemed to hoot in the distance and a slow rumble came + from somewhere across the horizon. Snape was still not saying anything.
+"How much farther do you think we have to go?" Harry asked.
+"You see as much as I do," Snape replied, "Possibly even more so I can't tell + you."
+"How often have you done this?" Harry asked, starting to feel more and more + uncomfortable.
+"A handful of times," Snape replied evenly. "Are you doubting my expertise?"
+"No," Said Harry, "Just trying to determine if I'm a lost cause or something."
+Snape snorted at that comment. "That's a ridiculous notion. Of course, you're not. + The strand is right there. You can see it as clearly as I can."
+"But maybe the core is buried too deeply," Harry said weakly, "None of the other + strands are venturing this far."
+"We will be fine," Snape said soothingly. "All you need to do is focus and we'll + get there. It might just take a bit longer than I had expected."
+"Okay," Harry said doubtfully, "But let me just say that this is getting to be + decidedly creepy."
+"Duly noted."
+Again, the stairs disappeared into the ground, leaving the forest behind as Snape + and Harry descended into another winding staircase. Cracks appeared in the brick + walls the stairway coiled around and the steps seemed more and more unsteady and + dilapidated.
+"Have you ever read Dante's Inferno?" Harry asked out of the blue.
+"I have," Snape replied, "Why?"
+"It's starting to feel as if we're descending from the most benign of circles into + increasingly bad ones."
+Snape chuckled. "Harry, I assure you that if there is such a thing as hell, this + is most certainly not it."
+"I know that," Harry said, sounding exasperated, "I was just making an assessment + if that's alright with you."
+"Watch your step," Snape said urgently when Harry was about to put his weight on a + particularly flimsy-looking foothold. Harry readjusted his gait and fell close behind + Snape to copy his footsteps.
+Once again, the stairs straightened out, revealing an even more grim scene. The + sky was dark all around. There seemed to be something out that looked like stars but + instead of exuding bright white light, they were oozing a blood red that seemed to + stretch out elongated tendrils towards Harry. The crescent moon hung on its side as + if the sky was smirking at the pair walking beneath it. It too oozed a blood-red + light and if Harry looked close enough, he thought he could see teeth in the gaping + mouth between which a red liquid flowed. And all the while the mouth was + smirking.
+Harry gulped and averted his gaze, only to become aware of the surrounding area. + They seemed to be walking in a desert-like area. Dunes made up a large part of the + scenery with strange, spidery plants trapped in their sands. Bits and pieces of + ancient civilisations protruded from the cold sand as night-time crawlers made their + way across the desert. A few of them turned their heads in Harry's direction but + their eyes were hollow and cold.
+"Oh Merlin, please don't let us go any deeper than this," Harry said to himself. + Snape heard him but didn't respond.
+Harry's eyes fell on a mountain of bones that lay stacked neatly against a huge + but dead tree. The bones seemed to move as something burrowed beneath them. Harry + turned his gaze to look at the strand of magic they were still following and wished + for it to reveal its source already.
+Harry yelped when something very close to him slithered across the sand rapidly, + shifting it before it burrowed underneath. It had been much wider than a snake.
+"Nothing will hurt you here," Snape reminded Harry. "Try and relax."
+"If you say so," Harry said, not fully convinced. He would like to believe that + his own mind wasn't about to attack him, though.
+Faster than before, the stairs winded once more and Harry and Snape disappeared + into the ground, leaving the scenery behind. The stairs were now so broken, that they + might as well not have been there. It was now as if they were making their way down a + slope that had sharp edges where the brick steps were still slightly intact.
+Suddenly, Harry lost his footing and slid down when Snape's hand stopped him.
+"Careful," he said, "We may be in your mind and not actually on a physically + arduous journey but that doesn't mean you can't get hurt."
+Harry used Snape's outstretched hand to right himself again and shot him a glare. + "What do you mean?"
+"When one believes themselves to be hurt strongly enough, their physical form will + show the result. The further we go inside your mind, the more your body believes this + ordeal to be reality."
+"Now you tell me," Harry snarled.
+"Would you not have gone if I had warned you?" Snape asked, arching an + eyebrow.
+Harry sighed. "No," he admitted.
+"Once a Gryffindor, always a Gryffindor," Snape smirked, "And I'm not telling you + that you're in actual danger. I'm just trying to prevent some cuts and bruises. Come + on –" he stretched an arm down the path that would lead them farther down. "- I doubt + we will have much further to go."
+Harry inhaled deeply, steeled his resolve and continued walking, taking extra care + to seek solid ground before shifting his weight. The stone column the path coiled + around was missing various stones and showing gaping holes of darkness. Between the + stones oozed a thick green liquid that slowly cascaded down and dripped onto the path + they were taking. Harry thought he heard whispers coming from the wall but knew + better than to stare down its depths.
+The staircase straightened out again and actually ended entirely as if to signify + that this was their final stop. Harry inhaled sharply at the new scene he was forced + to lay eyes upon.
+This time, the sky itself was a blood red. Cracks seemed to appear within it as if + they stood inside a humongous snow globe that had been dropped and broken. Dead trees + stood haphazardly among the earth, cracked because of the obvious draught that held + this area in its grasp. Spiders and centipedes crawled between the crevices, fighting + over what seemed to be scraps of meat. Harry's eyes widened when he saw a huge + millipede wrap itself around what seemed to be a human ear.
+A high pitched creaking sound reverberated around the area in a rhythmic pattern + and made Harry's hair stand on end.
+"What the hell is wrong with me?" Harry murmured.
+"Nothing's wrong with you, Harry," Snape responded, ignoring the trail of spiders + that crossed his path. "Everyone carries darkness in their heart. Even the Gryffindor + golden boy." Snape smirked but sighed when he saw Harry's stricken expression.
+"You've seen much in your life," he continued, "This was only to be expected."
+Harry laughed bitterly. "You expected this?" he asked loudly, gesturing + towards a rotting carcass of what seemed to be a large dog.
+"I understand why this might seem a bit grotesque to you," he said, "But this is + really not as bad as it seems. The mind is a perplexing thing and can be difficult to + understand sometimes."
+Harry scoffed indignantly.
+"Believe me when I tell you that you're within the range of what one might + consider 'normal', Harry."
+"Well, normal is impossibly abnormal," Harry said evenly.
+Snape laughed, lifting Harry's spirit somewhat, though he did still flinch when + the sky splintered even more with a loud crack. For a moment he wondered if they + would find themselves buried under tons of glass soon. Snape had already started + moving again and Harry sped up somewhat to catch up with the man.
+"It can't be much further," Snape told him, "Since there are no more ways down, + the source of your inert magic has to be on this plain somewhere."
+Harry heard the sound of crows as they flew overhead. He looked up to see at least + two dozen of them circling. Sometimes, one of them swooped down to feast on the + multitude of insects exuding from the pores of the earth. Other times, they simply + fought the critters for the hunks of meat they had in their possession. Harry thought + he could hear them yelling things at him. But if they were, their words were + unintelligible. When he looked behind him, he noticed that he was leaving footprints. + He didn't take the time to consider why those footprints were wet with red + liquid.
+The strand of magic they were following was pulsing quicker now. It was the only + spectrum of light that was still visible on this plain and Harry found refuge in it. + He felt his mind reach out to it and hold on, trying not to wallow in the dark + depravity that surrounded them.
+"I doubt Luna's mind is like this," he said as he watched how the skin of some + dead animal was practically melting off the branches of a dead tree.
+Snape snorted. "No, I don't think it would be," he agreed, "But Ms Lovegood is a + special case, isn't she?"
+"She thinks our souls are connected," Harry said, wondering why he even brought + that up.
+"Does she?" Snape asked evenly, "She might not be entirely incorrect."
+"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
+"It's rather obvious, I think," Snape replied, "The fact that I'm walking beside + you as we're making this journey is proof of our connection. No one else could've + gone with you this easily."
+"Why is that?" Harry asked, "Is it because we've practised Occlumency + together?"
+"That is part of it," Snape acknowledged, "But it also has a lot to do with the + fact that we trust each other. And that we've bonded in many ways that others – + Professor Dumbledore for example – have not been able to do."
+"Like when you adopted me?" Harry asked.
+"Yes," Snape agreed, "As well as your apprenticeship."
+"I'm lucky, I guess," Harry said, "That everything is connected to each other like + this."
+Suddenly, Snape held out his arm to stop Harry and peered at the edge of the + thread in front of him. It ended in a large, pulsating orb that exuded strength and + power. The light was so blinding that Harry and Snape had to shield their eyes from + it. Surrounding it were trees in full bloom, bearing fruits of all kind. No creatures + of the dark dared to venture close to it as light exuded from all around the orb.
+Harry was overcome by a sense of calm and stepped forward. Snape didn't stop him. + He merely followed.
+"The orb is you," Snape said as Harry scuffled closer to it, mouth agape. "It is + you at your most primal. It is your most pure and untainted form of magic. Once you + touch it, you will know where it is buried. You will know how to access it. You can + learn how to harness it."
+Harry reached out but hesitated, stopping his hand mere inches from the glowing + ball of light. It seemed to whisper to him. To call to him. Harry grew a bit + suspicious, almost thinking this was a trap of sorts but Snape put a hand on his + shoulder, soothing him.
+"It's alright," he said, "It won't harm you. Reach out, and allow for it to guide + your senses."
+Putting all of his faith in the Potions Master, Harry reached out. As soon as his + fingertips touched the orb, tendrils of the magic sped down the length of his arm, + engulfing the boy in light. Snape let go as if he were chased away by the magic but + he looked on with no concern in his gaze.
+Harry felt himself be enveloped and recognised the feeling that now coursed + through his veins. Even though he was sure that he had never felt it before. He felt + it burrow its way into his mind and knew at that moment where it was and where he + could find it. It made him feel more complete, even if he had never felt incomplete + before. He now knew that he had been.
+Finally, the light withdrew as fast as it had ensnared him and went back to being + a big ball of light. Amazed, Harry looked at Snape to find the man smirk knowingly at + him.
+"I take it that now you understand," he said solemnly.
+Harry felt euphoric and his eyes darted around excitedly as if he was literally + looking for the right thing to say.
+"That was extraordinary," he ended up saying, knowing that it was far from + sufficient."
+Snape chuckled. "That it was," he agreed. "What do you say we get out of + here?"
+Harry knew that his physical body was feeling tired when he felt the tug of sleep + try to pull him away from his inner adventure. He smiled and took Snape's + outstretched hand.
+"That sounds great," he admitted.
+It was a good thing for both of them that there was no need to make the journey + back. Instead, they were catapulted back into the shallow depths of Harry's mind with + tremendous speed where the boy finally broke the connection and entered the physical + realm once more. He was vaguely aware of the sound of Slytherin students making their + way to breakfast. He couldn't help but groan.
+I wonder very much how you guys feel about the way I portray Occlumency. Any + thoughts? As always, reviews are appreciated. It makes me happy!
+Thank you kindly for the reviews. I'm glad that you've all enjoyed the + Occlumency.
+Chapter 23
+With the entire night spent due to Harry and Snape's outdrawn adventure, Harry + found himself sleeping away most of the day. He had eaten breakfast before heading to + his bed but had skipped lunch entirely in favour of his rest. When the time for + dinner came around, he came to with the annoying sensation of someone urgently + shaking him.
+"Wha-?" he muttered, burying his head underneath his pillow in annoyance.
+"Haven't you slept enough?" Ron asked, "It's time for dinner. Get up."
+"I'm not hungry," Harry lied. In truth, he could eat but he would rather stay in + bed where it was warm and comfortable.
+"Snape threatened that he would come to get you if you weren't down for dinner," + Ron warned him, "And I wouldn't put it past him to go through with the threat."
+Harry yawned and smacked his lips. "Fine," he grumbled, "I'm up."
+"You better be," Ron said, "If Snape finds my stash of dungbombs just because you + were too lazy to get up, you're paying me back for them."
+"I said I'm up!" Harry protested, chucking a well-aimed pillow directly into Ron's + face.
+"Come along then," Ron said as he tossed the pillow back onto Harry's bed. "This + is probably the last time we'll see each other in a while. You're lucky I'm still + here."
+"Oh yeah," Harry said, finally getting up, "Hasn't the Hogwarts express left + yet?"
+"It has," Ron said, "But Dumbledore said that Ginny and I can take the floo."
+Harry stifled a yawn as he trudged down the stairs, followed by Ron. "Why would he + do that?"
+"I think the old coot didn't want us to leave without saying goodbye to you," Ron + replied.
+"Us?" Harry asked.
+"He offered Hermione the same," Ron explained, "But she didn't accept it. She + didn't think her parents would appreciate her flooing directly into the living + room."
+"Muggles don't generally appreciate that," Harry said evenly, "But that's alright. + It's only for a couple of weeks."
+"Yeah, and she said she'll owl you," Ron added.
+"So most of the students are gone already?" Harry asked, noting the empty common + rooms. He climbed out of the portrait hole and waited for Ron to do the same before + moving on.
+"Yes," Ron said, "Some will get picked up by their parents and some of the + seventh-years are just apparating home after dinner, like Draco."
+Harry groaned. "I can't believe I haven't even begun to learn apparition yet."
+"It's not that easy," Ron said, "I've been trying for a while now but it's a + difficult skill. I can't believe Fred and George ever got the hang of it."
+"I'm sure I could manage if I just found the time," Harry said, passing the sign + that led to the great hall. "What kind of self-respecting wizard can't even + apparate?"
+"The school-going kind," Ron said easily, "Don't worry, Harry. We'll manage. Maybe + Snape can teach you?"
+Harry laughed. "I'm not sure where he would find the time to do that," he said, + "I'm already his son and apprentice. When would he squeeze in apparition + lessons?"
+"I have six siblings," Ron said, "And still my dad finds the time to teach me. + Surely, Snape would manage if you just asked?"
+"But your father's got your mum," Harry pointed out, "Snape's just by + himself."
+"Ask him," Ron urged again. He turned the corner sharply to walk directly into the + great hall where most of the tables were empty.
+Ginny was sitting next to Luna and Draco was sitting by himself at the Slytherin + table. A gaggle of seventh year Hufflepuffs sat in a huddle at their table, loudly + discussing the next quidditch match and a few stray students of all houses sat spread + out all over the great hall. Most of them sat by themselves.
+"Well this is depressing, "Harry noted, "Why are they all sitting apart?"
+Ron shrugged. "Beats me," he said, "Come on, let's join Ginny."
+Harry would have declined politely had it not been for Luna who was sitting next + to her. "Alright," he said, motioning to Draco as they walked over to the two girls. + Draco nodded, took his plate and walked over to the Ravenclaw table as well, sitting + down at the same time Harry and Ron did.
+Ginny seemed surprised by the sudden interruption but Luna smiled knowingly.
+"Good of you to join us one last time," Luna said, "Before the year is over in any + case."
+"Yeah, where were you during lunch, Harry?" Draco asked, "Ron said you were out + cold but he didn't say why."
+Harry groaned, "I've had an all-night… Occlumency session," he said, not sure how + to phrase it otherwise. At the high table, he saw Snape looking at him, smirking in + satisfaction. Harry wondered why he wasn't tired.
+"Was Snape here for lunch?" Harry asked.
+"Of course," Draco said, "Why wouldn't he be?"
+"What part of all-night Occlumency don't you get?" Harry said irritably, "Or did + you think I practised on myself in the mirror."
+"Snape doesn't sleep much as it is," Draco said, ignoring Harry's rudeness, "And + he always has a lot to take care of before the Christmas holidays. To make sure the + Slytherins are looked after and all, you know?"
+"That is very kind of him," Luna said honestly, "I know his students won't miss + their home as much when they realize that someone is looking out for them here."
+"But he won't even be here," Ron objected.
+"He will be if something goes wrong," Draco pointed out, "It's rarely + necessary but every Slytherin knows that when needed, Snape will come back from + wherever he goes over the holidays. It's very reassuring, really."
+Ginny snorted. "I never would've seen it in him, really."
+"Really?" Luna asked incredulously, "I think there's no Professor here that cares + more than him." She smiled as she looked at Snape, waving softly when she met his + gaze. Snape simply quirked an eyebrow in response but Bell – who was sitting next to + him – waved back enthusiastically.
+"I like Professor Bell a lot as well," Luna said as she refocused her attention on + her friends.
+"Now that, I can understand," Ron said, "Just imagine her being + your head of house."
+"I think it would be great fun," Luna said dreamily as she built a tower out of + her mashed potatoes.
+"How are you getting home, Luna?" Harry asked.
+"Oh, I'm not going home this year," Luna said, "My father is out hunting the + curly-tailed Snarkolks. It will be a while before he's back since they only come out + at the first sign of snow. He needs to be ready for it."
+"What?" Draco asked incredulously, "I've never heard –" He oomphed when Harry + elbowed him between the ribs.
+"We can't all be as educated when it comes to magical creatures," Harry supplied + smoothly, "But don't worry, Draco. If you pay attention, you'll learn."
+Luna smiled knowingly. "I think Draco has already learned a lot lately," she said, + "But I always knew that he could."
+Draco blinked in confusion before sighing deeply and giving himself a second + helping of roast turkey.
+"I think you've embarrassed him," Ron teased.
+"Anyone who isn't embarrassed by who they were last year," Luna said, "Simply + isn't learning enough."
+"Er… right," Draco said, "Well said, Lovegood. How's your uncle doing?"
+Luna smiled at the obvious change in subject but allowed it. "He's busy as + always," she said, "He's working hard to try and save people's lives every day. I am + very proud and rather fond of him."
+"Has he told you anything about the magical illnesses that seem to spread among + the muggles?" Ron asked, now interested.
+"He doesn't seem to know all that much yet," Luna said, "But I believe it has + something to do with the mixing of wizards and witches and muggles."
+"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
+"Purebloods have always lived their lives separately from muggles," Luna + explained, "Or as much as they could. It is a rather recent occurrence for people of + the magical world to mingle with muggles. I think the muggles are simply not + resistant to many magical maladies that we are already immune to."
+"That sounds like a sound theory," Draco agreed, "Like when an animal from Europe + is suddenly introduced to Australia. It might spell disaster for the animals + there."
+Luna nodded. "And yet," she said, "If we allow ourselves to intermingle more, + we'll all be stronger for it in the end."
+"Is this about one illness or multiple?" Harry asked, now interested.
+"I'm not sure," Luna admitted, "My uncle hasn't really told me much. This is all + just speculation on my part."
+"A clever deduction nonetheless," Draco said, "I hope your uncle finds out what's + happening soon."
+"He will," Luna said easily, "He always does."
+"So what are your plans for the holidays, Severus?" Maya asked. She stood leaning + against the doorpost of his office, watching in amusement as he angrily shoved a few + defence manuals back into their rightful place. Why they were catalogued near the + books on magical law was beyond him.
+"Ritually sacrifice some animals, I suppose," Snape deadpanned, "Perhaps claim + someone's firstborn as payment for some past favour."
+Maya snorted. She waltzed inside and picked up one of the graded papers that lay + on Snape's desk, making herself comfortable in Snape's most uncomfortable visitor's + chair.
+"Perhaps if you could refrain from staring at Ms Davies' hindquarters, you + would be able to discern the difference between a charm and a hex," she read + aloud, giggling afterwards. "A bit harsh, don't you think?"
+"I found it to be rather mild," Snape replied, "I still give him an A, did I + not?"
+"Oh, and look at this one!" Maya exclaimed as she grabbed the next one from the + pile. "If you plan to copy someone else's achievements, try not to do so from + The-Boy-Who-Lived. His exploits – as extravagant as they were – are well-known to all + and only a dunderhead would claim these as his own. See me in detention."
+Maya laughed out loud and Snape couldn't help but smile slightly at the sound.
+"Did he really do that?" she asked, flipping through the pages. "Oh dear Merlin, + he sure did!" She snorted, "Did he truly think you would believe him to have fought a + mountain troll?"
+"It would appear so," Snape said, not able to hide his amusement entirely, "First + years often still believe they can take certain liberties."
+"You will no doubt dissuade him of that notion," Maya pointed out.
+"If I don't, I will hand in my resignation," Snape said solemnly.
+Maya put the graded papers back and leaned back as she watched Snape pack. "But + seriously, other than animal sacrifice, what are your plans? Please don't tell me + you'll be brooding."
+"I will be going home," Snape shared, "And I assure you that Harry will not allow + me to brood."
+"No," Maya agreed, "I don't expect that he will."
+She remained silent for a while and while Snape understood the social construct + that urged him to ask her the same question in return, he refused to abide by it. He + never did care much for empty conversation and he hardly ever did it just for the + sake of the norm.
+"What have you come here for?" he asked instead.
+"Can't your favourite colleague come and say goodbye to you?" she asked.
+Snape snorted for multiple reasons. "I will merely be gone for two weeks," he + said, "I am sure you will not miss my company that much."
+"Perhaps not," Maya agreed, "But I will have to postpone my retaliation which is + less than favourable."
+Snape eyed her suspiciously and smirked when she just smiled innocently. "You + know," he noted, "That innocent act does not have me fooled."
+Maya tilted her head coyly. "Not everyone wears a mask, Severus," she said, "I'm + really not that hard to figure out. All you need to do is look."
+"I'm not really looking for anything," Snape replied. He grabbed the stack of + graded papers and shoved them into his desk, locking the drawer with a non-verbal + spell. Glancing around, he was pleased to be able to leave his office as neatly as he + liked it.
+"That might not stop you from finding something, though," Maya replied, "I hope + you'll have a happy Christmas, Severus. And I wish Harry does as well."
+"The sentiment is appreciated," Snape replied, nodding curtly. "I wish you the + same."
+"Good day, Sev," Maya said, winking. She was out the door before Snape could + respond to the unwanted abbreviation of his name. he didn't deem the transgression + important enough to give chase, though. Instead, he rolled his eyes and went back to + locking his closets and drawers, finishing up by locking his door as he left.
+Harry hadn't realized just how much he had missed his home until he stepped out of + the floo, managing not to stumble, fall or otherwise injure himself. Snape was + seconds behind him and seemed amused by that fact.
+"You seem to be getting better at travelling by the floo," he said.
+"I'm long overdue, I think," Harry said.
+"Yes," Snape agreed, "Now hurry and go unpack."
+Harry groaned. "Can't I do that tomorrow?" he asked, "It's already dark out."
+"I believe you know perfectly well how to cast a Lumos, do you not?" Snape said + evenly.
+"Okay, but I want to ask you something when I'm done," Harry said. Snape raised a + questioning eyebrow but Harry was already going upstairs, carrying his trunk with him + as he seemingly forgot that he was allowed to use magic now. Snape shook his head + fondly.
+It couldn't have been more than ten minutes later that Harry came back down the + stairs. Snape vaguely wondered when Harry had stopped racing down them two steps at a + time and sighed as he silently contemplated the speed with which children grew + up.
+"Is everything alright?" Harry asked as he threw himself into his favourite plush + chair.
+"I'm fine," Snape replied, "Did you finish unpacking?"
+"Yes."
+"Zippy!" Snape called out. Immediately, the delighted house-elf stood wringing her + hands in front of her master, looking up at him with glee-filled eyes.
+"Welcome home Master Snape and Master Harry," she said, "I hope yous had nice floo + travels."
+"Delightful," Snape replied sardonically, "Bring me some tea and a hot cocoa for + Harry."
+"Right away!" she said happily before hurrying away.
+"Hot cocoa?" Harry argued, "I'm an adult now. Adults don't drink hot cocoa."
+"I still occasionally do," Snape shared, "And you can't tell me that you don't + enjoy it. Or have you forgotten that I can see you eating every single day."
+Harry flushed stupidly but was saved a reply when their drinks appeared on the + table in front of them.
+"Now," Snape said as he grabbed his tea and leaned back into the couch cushions. + "What was it that you wanted to ask of me? If you desire a pet dragon or chimaera, + I'm afraid I must decline."
+"Well, if you're sure," Harry replied without skipping a beat, "I could settle for + you teaching me how to apparate instead."
+Snape looked at him thoughtfully. "Apparition," he repeated carefully, "That + particular skill has indeed escaped my attention. It does seem a tad preposterous + that you haven't learned how to, yet."
+"I thought so," Harry agreed, "Even if I manage to travel through the floo without + almost killing myself now, I still think I should be able to."
+"It would have been useful that day in the forest," Snape agreed, "It was less + than desirable for you to depend on the goodwill of a death eater to get out of + there."
+"It's a good thing that you're so devilishly charismatic," Harry pointed out, "You + persuaded that Rabastan fellow quite well. I didn't keep him out of Azkaban, + though."
+"He knew that was never an option," Snape replied, "But ten years is awfully + lenient. Lestrange aside, I do believe it would be prudent for you to learn how to + apparate."
+"Excellent," Harry said, sipping his hot cocoa contentedly. He relished the + delightfully sweet mixture on his tongue. He really did like hot cocoa.
+The next morning, Harry and Snape were having breakfast when someone knocked on + their door.
+"Gee," Harry said sardonically, "I wonder who that might be?"
+"Perhaps we should leave him standing there for a while," Snape proposed, "Pretend + that we're not home."
+"I'm sure that he can see the smoke that comes from the chimney," Harry pointed + out, "How else does he always know when we'll be back?"
+"I imagine he has it marked on his calendar," Snape said.
+"Right," Harry chuckled, "The date in a big red circle and every date leading up + to it crossed off."
+The knocking on the door persisted and Snape lazily rose from his chair. "It's too + early for this," he mumbled.
+"It's never too early for Alex," Harry said, "Come on, I know you missed him + too."
+Snape muttered something unintelligible under his breath and opened the door. + Behind it – as expected – stood Alex, wearing that big flashy grin.
+"Severus!" he exclaimed amicably. Without waiting for permission, he took a step + forward and embraced the dour potions master who sighed wearily and allowed the + contact for a few seconds before stepping back.
+"Alexander," he said curtly, allowing the man entry. "To what do I owe this + pleasure?"
+"What, can't I come to visit my best friend?" Alex said cheekily. "I don't know + about you but I missed - Oh dear God, Severus! What happened to your hand?!" Much to + Snape's horror, Alex grabbed his injured hand and gasped at the missing finger. "Your + little finger," he said sadly. "How did this happen?"
+"It's what happens when you mingle with crazy women," Snape said evenly. Alex + stared at him rather dumbfounded but Harry couldn't help but snort.
+When Alex noticed Harry sitting at the table he rushed over. "Harry!" he greeted, + "Good to see you." He ruffled Harry's hair and helped himself to a bit of toast.
+"Alex," Harry said, "You look great!" It wasn't a lie. Where Alex had normally + been dressed in worn-out hand-me-down's that didn't ever seem to fit him right, he + was now dressed in handsome clothes from top to bottom that almost seemed tailored to + him. Even his shoes were so shiny that they seemed new.
+"I know I do," Alex replied cheekily, twirling to show off his new look. "And it's + all thanks to you lovable wizards."
+"I take it your new passion as a tour guide for the magical world is paying off?" + Snape asked.
+"Absolutely!" Alex replied happily. "I get about twenty visitors a day – though it + was a lot more at first - and I charge five galleons a person. Three for a child + under twelve," he added, "It's a price they all seem eager to pay just to hear of + your amazing battle with Voldemort."
+Harry thought it was rather odd to hear a muggle speak Voldemort's name so + plainly, and gathered by Snape's wince that he thought the same.
+"And as if that isn't enough," Alex said, "They almost always tip me very well + afterwards. Apparently, they like listening to my recollection of things."
+"I wonder how much you embellish," Snape said dryly.
+"I don't," Alex said, seemingly sincere, "This is one story that does not need + embellishment. It's crazy enough on its own."
+"I hope you never pointed out our residence," Snape said in warning.
+"Only the old, destroyed one," Alex said honestly, "Which usually earns me some + more sickles for my trouble."
+"It looks like the magical world is treating you well, then," Harry said, happy + for the man. "I'm glad to see it."
+"I even have my own owl now," Alex said, "Emma doesn't know that I do, and I've + had to tell Bruce to only deliver my mail when I'm outside and alone, but it's + necessary for when I need to book large parties in advance."
+Snape frowned at the muggle standing before him, happily munching his toast.
+"What?" Alex asked.
+"I just find it supremely odd to find a muggle be so content in the context that + is the wizarding world," Snape said.
+"It's done me nothing but good," Alex said honestly, "Emma still can't figure out + what tourists are doing here all of a sudden but she knows not to question a good + thing when it so readily falls into her lap."
+"How are you exchanging wizarding money into pounds?" Harry asked curiously.
+"I am aware of how to use public transit," Alex said, "So I just head to the leaky + cauldron and head into Diagon Alley once a month."
+Snape practically choked on his tea. "Excuse me?" he said, "How do you know about + that? How do you know how to get there?"
+"Albus told me about it," Alex divulged, "He's a regular customer of mine, you + see."
+Snape groaned loudly. "That decrepit old goat," he growled, "What is his + game?"
+Alex chuckled. "Don't say that," he said, "Albus has been nothing but kind. He's a + very amazing man. Needs a shave though. Anyways, he took me to the leaky cauldron + once – by apparition, of course, - and introduced me to Tom. Now he gets me into + Diagon Alley whenever I need to be at Gringotts."
+"This is ridiculous," Snape sighed, pinching the bridge of a nose, "A muggle is + now traipsing around Diagon Alley every month, exposed to everything magical."
+"And I'm loving it!" Alex said enthusiastically, "It's a shame I can't use magic + myself but it's already so amazing to be able to witness everything about your + world."
+"Did you ever go into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes?" Harry asked, ignoring the rest of + his breakfast.
+"How could I not?" Alex replied, grinning widely, "That shop is an eyesore if I + ever saw one. But those twins –" Alex chuckled, "-They're to die for."
+"I thought you might like Fred and George," Harry pointed out.
+"I love them," Alex said sincerely. "They recently came up with this amazing + candy! It gets you to speak in nothing but limericks for a few hours."
+Snape snorted loudly at that and Harry couldn't help but grin.
+"I didn't know it had hit the stands yet," Harry said.
+"Not yet," Alex replied, winking at the boy, "But I was one of the first to test + it."
+"Figures," Snape said, shaking his head. "This is getting to be more and more + absurd by the minute."
+"So, where do you know them from, Harry?" Alex asked.
+"They're my best friend's brothers," Harry said, "And they're my friends too. I + used to stay over at their place a lot."
+"Used to?" Alex asked.
+"Well, it's not really necessary anymore now," Harry said, blushing slightly.
+Alex seemed to pick up on the trepidation in Harry's voice and aptly changed the + subject. "So, how are your studies coming along?" he asked.
+Harry glanced at Snape who was smirking at him. "They're going well, I think," + Harry replied, "I haven't really made too much progress on my potion yet, but I'm + getting there. The rest of my classes are going fine."
+"Did you play Quidditch yet?" Alex asked eagerly.
+"One match," Harry said, "And I won, of course."
+Alex groaned. "Of course you did," he said, "Oh, if there's one thing I would love + to do, it's fly a broom. It's a pity, really."
+Harry rapped his fingers on the table as he looked at Alex' face thoughtfully. + "What if -" he mumbled more to himself than anyone else, "- I created a potion based + on foxgloves.
+"With what intent?" Snape asked.
+"If I try and add them to a base of something acidic, I believe that would allow a + muggle to be able to attune to magic for a period of time."
+"Hmmm," Snape responded, "That's an interesting thought. He wouldn't need to be + able to use magic to be able to fly a broom. He would simply need to be able to not + clash with the magic of the engraved runes itself. That might work."
+"Wait," Alex said, "Are you being serious? Could you get me to fly?"
+"Possibly," Snape replied evenly, "But we can't make any promises."
+"Man, if you could manage something like that, it would make me immensely happy," + Alex said, "Not that your interference in my life hasn't made me the happiest man + alive already. I mean, I –"
+Alex seemed to choke on his words for a few seconds before continuing. "- I really + don't know how I can ever possibly repay you."
+"We'll call you the next time we have a leaky roof," Snape said dryly. Alex simply + laughed.
+"You're good people," he said fondly, "You have many fans among the tourists that + come here. They asked me to give you their best wishes but I can't possibly remember + all those people's names. Oh, which reminds me -"
+Snape pulled a crinkled envelope from his pocket and handed it to Harry. "I know + your mailbox is probably just for show and everything," he said, "So I took the + liberty of taking this when I saw the mailman try and deliver it to your old, + destroyed house."
+Harry took the letter and saw his name on the front. Snape's old address was + written beneath it. Frowning, Harry turned it over to find the addressee. He almost + dropped the letter in shock. It came from Dudley Dursley.
+Oooh, my! Please do share your thoughts.
+Chapter 24
+"Harry," Snape started, "If it makes you uncomfortable, you honestly needn't + concern yourself with it."
+Harry said nothing for a while. He just kept staring at the envelope in his hand. + The writing was neat and sort of loopy. He recognised the distinct way in which + Dudley crossed his t's in an upward curvature rather than a horizontal slash. A habit + he apparently never broke.
+"Shouldn't I have brought it?" Alex asked, "I can always take it back. Pretend it + never got delivered."
+Dudley's own address was written in a smaller print underneath his own name. The + words 'Privet Drive' seemed so unreal to Harry at that point. His eyes lingered on + the curly S that started off the word 'Surrey' wondering just how life was at that + house of horrors now that he wasn't around anymore.
+"Harry," Snape urged again. His hand swooped down on the envelope in Harry's hand + with the intention to take it from him but Harry clamped down harder, his gaze + lifting to look at Snape.
+"It's alright," Harry said, forcing himself to smile somewhat. "It's just a + letter. What harm could it do?"
+"To the-boy-who-lived?" Alex chimed in, "Not very much, I'd wager." It was clear + that he was trying to be funny, but the words left his mouth in an unsure fashion. + Harry's attention was back on the envelope so he wasn't even aware of the glare Snape + shot Alex.
+"Thank you for stopping by, Alexander," Snape said. To Harry, it sounded distant. + "Would you mind terribly if I asked you to leave, for now?"
+"Of course, Severus," Alex agreed, "I'll come back some other time, okay?"
+Snape nodded and Alex walked out the door, stopping only for a second to look back + at Harry. He wisely didn't say anything more and left, closing the door as softly as + he could.
+With much trepidation and an unsteady hand, Harry opened the envelope, tearing it + slightly since it was glued shut. Harry wasn't really used to the muggle way of + sending letters anymore. Finally, he took out the two pieces of paper which were + folded neatly in half and opened them.
+Dear Harry,
+Harry couldn't help but snort at the way he was addressed. Not only the fact that + Dudley used his first name felt off, but the 'dear' in front of it felt as + if it belonged in a different universe entirely.
+I know that I'm probably one of the last people you would ever want + to hear from, especially when it is so close to Christmas but I felt like there are + many things that need to be said and I couldn't hold off anymore.
+Basically, I want to apologise.
+Harry swallowed thickly. He realized that it had been a few years since he had + even seen Dudley but he could never have guessed that his cousin would have grown + enough to apologise for anything, let alone for the things he had put Harry through. + It seemed unreal. Half expecting this to turn into a cruel joke, he continued + reading.
+I know there are no excuses for having done what I have done to you + and I realize now that I've been unnecessarily cruel and unjust towards you. Over the + years, I have realized that the way my parents have been treating you was beyond + abusive. You have no idea what it took for me to just write that. But it's true. + They've both been horribly abusive to you and I honestly can't even fathom how you're + still alive. Perhaps it was your magic that kept you alive. Perhaps you're just made + of strong stuff.
+When my parents went to Cokeworth and were stopped by your teacher, + I was out of it. I was later told that I had been attacked by some sort of magical + creature and was sent to a magical hospital to get better. Harry, those people helped + me so much. And they did wonderful things with their magic. They made potions that + helped with the nightmares and there were people that talked with me to clear things + up. I understand that you've suffered greatly in your life but you must understand + that for a long while, I thought I could never be happy again.
+While there, I heard your name a lot. How you were supposed to be + the saviour of the wizarding world. How people were suffering and dying every day and + how they hoped that you would destroy you-know-who soon. I was never aware of the + tremendous pressure you were under. I never knew just how much people depended on + you. I know you've mentioned it once or twice but you must understand that it all + seemed very unreal.
+Harry snorted in slight amusement. He understood very well how unreal it all would + seem. Hell, even Harry himself had found it ridiculous at times. Especially when he + hadn't even heard the prophecy yet. Not believing that particular claim was not + something Harry could fault Dudley for.
+What I'm trying to say is that I admire you. You were bullied for + most of your life and at the same time, some dark wizard was after your life and + apparently came close to killing you practically every year! I was even made aware of + the fact that you managed to fight off those horrible creatures that attacked me, all + by yourself. You fought so bravely, even when I and many others tried knocking you + down every step of the way.
+I have broken all contact with my parents after I asked mum what + the address was of your teacher. I don't know if you still live there, but if you + don't, I'm sure he can get this letter to you. I honestly don't understand how + they're not in jail. I know that by now you are loved and very respected. People + would die for you, even if they never even met you. Surely, if you would wish to + bring my parents to justice, you could do so easily. Why haven't you?
+I would like to tell you that if you should still want to do so, + I'm willing to help you. Yes, I would bring to light my own horrible actions towards + you, but it's the least I can do. And I want to do whatever I can for you. I know it + won't make right what I did. I don't think anything ever will, to tell you the truth. + But I can at least try.
+Finally, I want to tell you that I know now that you are not a + freak. You are my cousin. You have a wonderful gift that I am envious of. I'm glad + for it, though, since it got you away from my folks. You are an amazingly strong + person that has been able to overcome every hurdle in his life. You've done things I + could never do in a million years and I admire you for it.
+I regret everything I have done to you and if I could turn back + time and be nicer to you, I would.
+I will understand if you never want to hear from me again. I will + not contact you on my own after sending this letter. But should you wish to send me + one, I will send a reply. I just hope that one day, I will be able to introduce you + to my children. They will not know their grandparents, so I hope they will at least + know you.
+Thank you for putting up with me all those years without horribly + maiming me with magic. I've seen many things in that hospital and I know now what you + could have done.
+I will not ask for your forgiveness because I know that I don't + deserve it.
+Your cousin,
+Dudley Dursley.
+Harry stared at the signature for a while, not really understanding why he felt + tears brimming in his eyes. Snape apparently understood that Harry's eyes weren't + darting across the words anymore and gently shook his shoulder.
+"Harry," he said, "Are you alright?"
+"I think so," Harry said quietly, his voice trembling. Why was he being so + emotional about this?
+Snape seemingly felt alarmed. He hurriedly sat down in the chair next to Harry, + grabbed his chin and made him look at him. "What did he say?" Snape growled, "If he + hurt you in any way, I'll –'
+"He didn't say anything bad," Harry interrupted before he had to listen to Snape's + fantasy about disembowelling his cousin. "He just said – well, why don't you just + read it? It's too much to explain."
+Harry handed over the letter to Snape and sat there staring at his cold toast as + Snape's eyes scanned the pages. Eventually, the man put down the letter gently and + sighed.
+"Do you want to talk about it?" Snape asked.
+"I wish I knew if he was telling the truth," Harry said, "What if this is all a + big joke?"
+"I could always slip him some veritaserum, if you wish," Snape replied easily. + Harry would have laughed but Snape sounded dead serious.
+"No," he replied instead, "You'll probably be sent to Azkaban if the ministry + finds out."
+"You don't need to send a reply," Snape said, "You don't owe him anything. He even + says so himself."
+"But what if he means it?" Harry asked, "I can't just not reply."
+"I think you'll find that you can," Snape responded, "You are fully capable of + tossing that letter in the bin and moving on with your life. If you wish, you could + toss it in the fireplace."
+Harry chuckled. "That's a nice thought but I don't think I could do that," he + said, "If Dudley is sincere, it took a lot of courage for him to write all those + things. I honestly never even thought he would be able to write this much in one go." + Harry chuckled. "But it's his handwriting."
+"How do you wish to proceed?" Snape asked.
+"I don't know yet," Harry said, "I think I'll take a few days to think about + it."
+"That is always a wise course of action," Snape said, sipping his tea. "Were you + still hungry? I could heat your food for you if you wish."
+"No, thank you," Harry said, "I don't think I could eat anything else right now. + Can we just do some brewing or something?"
+"As you wish," Snape said, standing up from his seat. "Would you like to continue + on your potion?"
+"Not that one," Harry said, "I'd rather keep the tests for it contained to + Hogwarts."
+"Why?"
+"Well, think about it," Harry said, "The last test had as a side-effect that all + of the ghosts in Hogwarts were drawn to me. If I had done that test in here, it + would've seemed as if nothing had happened at all."
+"That's a valid point," Snape agreed, "So what would you like to do instead?"
+"Well, do you have any foxgloves stored in here?"
+For the next couple of days, Harry practically locked himself in the potions lab – + which Snape had created in the basement of the house – coming out only to eat and + sleep.
+Snape would often find himself brewing right next to the boy, keeping a wary eye + out as Harry tried to create the potion he wanted to make for Alex. He knew that + Harry was trying to process Dudley's letter and was doing so by burying himself in + potions work but Snape didn't mind. At least the behaviour was not as + self-destructive as some of Harry's had been in the past.
+On the third day of brewing, Harry had just added the flax seeds and orange zest + for his second attempt when he sat down heavily into his chair.
+Hedwig – who they had not been able to keep from the basement – sat proudly on a + thick perch that Snape had fastened to the wall. She hooted softly in response to + Harry's sudden arrest.
+"Harry?" Snape asked, "What's wrong?"
+"I'm going to send a reply," Harry responded, "It's only right."
+Snape sighed heavily. "If that is what you wish," he said.
+Harry remained silent as Snape walked over to his cauldron and peered inside of + it. "Ten times clockwise should do, I'd wager?" he asked. Harry nodded before leaning + back and closing his eyes.
+"I thought I was rid of all this, you know," he said while Snape stirred his + potion for him. "I haven't even so much as thought about the Dursleys in over a year. + Besides during the Occlumency lessons, of course."
+"The past is never where you think you left it," Snape said easily, "But sooner or + later, we all have to let go of it."
+Harry looked at him strangely as Snape let go of the ladle and turned to look at + him.
+"How do you come up with these things?" Harry asked in bewilderment.
+"I read a lot," Snape replied, smirking, "Now, are you going to toss in the next + of your ingredients or will you deem this batch a failure as well?"
+Harry huffed. "You know as well as I do that the creation of a new potion does not + happen overnight."
+"It doesn't," Snape agreed, "But I believe that this potion will prove to be a lot + easier than the one you're already attempting."
+"I agree," Harry said as he emptied a small container of dirt on his station and + imbued it with his magic. "But I still don't think I've got it entirely."
+"At least you're getting practice in the technique I showed you," Snape pointed + out, "That should help greatly with the – What are you planning on calling that + potion anyway?"
+"Umbral Locum," Harry informed him rather proudly.
+"Fitting," Snape said, "And yes. These techniques will work great for that."
+Harry buried the flobberworms in the sand, watching as they started writhing. When + they stopped moving again, Harry cut them up and tossed them in the cauldron.
+"I suspect it will," he said. He stirred twenty times counter-clockwise, making + sure to scrape the bottom of the cauldron sufficiently as to not allow any of the + residue to stick to the bottom. "Do you think Alex will want to be my test subject + again?"
+"He didn't seem averse to it last time," Snape pointed out, "I think he really + wants to fly that broom. Which reminds me. We've been invited for dinner on boxing + day."
+"Wow, really?" Harry asked, "Emma wants to put up with you again?"
+Snape smirked. "I'm quite sure that she's rather fond of you," he said, "but it + wouldn't be proper of her to invite only you."
+"She might try to set you up with someone again," Harry chuckled.
+"Or she might have found someone for you this time," Snape pointed + out.
+Harry removed the cauldron from the fire and allowed the liquid to cool down. "I'm + going to write my letter now," he said, "If I don't do it now, I fear that I never + will."
+"Dumbledore has always said that you're far too quick to forgive," Snape said + gruffly, "And by Merlin, he is right."
+"I don't think you understand," Harry said, smiling gently. "But I will forgive + him not for his sake, but for my own. It's what I need to do if I want to move on + from this."
+"When did you get so smart?" Snape groaned.
+Harry grinned. "I read a lot."
+Dudley,
+I would never have expected to hear from you again but here we + are.
+I must admit that I wasn't too eager to read your letter and + afterwards, I had to think it over for days before deciding that I would write back + to you.
+You are right to say that your actions – as well as those of your + parents – have hurt me more than words can say. Seeing that on paper makes it sound a + little awkward, but it's true.
+Your parents are monsters and I will never see them in any other + light. But you were a child that was taught by his parents to hurt the freak as much + as he could. That doesn't mean I approve of your actions but it means that I + understand.
+I appreciate the offer of taking action against your parents but I + would rather not. I'm already in the wizarding paper enough as it is, I don't want + anyone to know about what my home life has been like. I would rather forget all of + this has ever happened and move on.
+That said, I think I could manage to allow for at least you to + remain in my life, though I don't think I want to see you just yet. Writing this + letter already takes a lot out of me.
+When you have children of your own, I will make a conscious effort + to meet them, of course. As long as they're not taught the same values you were, I + might even be willing to be part of their lives. But those are things for the far + future and will remain to be seen.
+In any case, I appreciate that you broke ties with your parents for + what they've done to me. And it means a lot for you to acknowledge your mistakes and + tell me you're sorry. I know that must've taken a lot of courage.
+You can write me back if you want. I'll tell Hedwig to wait for + your reply if you want to give her one. Just tie it to her foot. She'll enjoy a strip + of bacon, should you have it.
+Harry.
+Harry reread the letter a couple of times before deciding that it would do, sealed + it and tied it to Hedwig's foot. "Bring this to my cousin, Dudley," he said.
+Hedwig fluffed her feathers in dismay and Harry chuckled. "I know," he said, "I'm + apprehensive too but I think I should give him one more chance. Don't you?"
+Hedwig looked away haughtily and Harry stroked her feathers. "I don't have a whole + lot of family left, Hedwig," he told her, "I know the chances of me making up with + Dudley are slim at best, but I owe it to myself to try."
+Hedwig regarded him carefully for a while, then nipped his ear and flew away. + Harry swallowed nervously when he saw her leave. There she went. Only time would tell + if he made the right decision.
+Harry sat reading in the sitting room with Snape on the day before Christmas. Alex + had willingly tried his second batch of the potion but it had still been ineffective. + Well, not entirely perhaps. It had made his hair rise and float towards either Snape + or Harry. Whoever had been closest. So Harry had been able to make the potion react + to magic – since that seemed to be what Alex' hair had been doing – but not in the + way he had wished it to.
+"Catalogue it nonetheless," Snape had said, "It may not seem useful + right now but maybe someday, someone will know exactly what to do with it."
+Harry sighed as he flipped the page in his Herbology book as he was looking for an + ingredient that could replace the orange zest. Suddenly, his focus was broken when + the floo flared green and a certain blonde stepped through the fire.
+Harry was supremely jealous of the poise and grace with which Draco managed to + step out of the hearth. Harry had been able to stay on his feet last time, but that + was really all that could be said of him.
+"Happy Christmas!" Draco exclaimed happily. In his arms, he carried several gifts. + "Where may I put these?" he asked politely.
+"Happy Christmas, Draco," Harry replied. He jumped up from his chair and went to + greet his friend. "Glad you could make it. Just dump the presents under the tree, if + you will."
+Draco snickered and did as he was suggested.
+"Got anything good for me?" Harry asked.
+"You?" Draco asked incredulously, "Don't be daft. These are all for Severus and + for me, from my friends."
+"Oh, really?" Harry asked as he eyed a package with his initials on it. "And + what's that?"
+"Harry," Snape chided, "It's not polite to snoop."
+"I'm just teasing," Harry said, rolling his eyes.
+"What were you reading?" Draco asked as he eyed the Herbology book Harry dropped. + "That looks utterly boring."
+"I'm just looking for a substitute for my orange zest," Harry said, "I'm trying to + create a potion that would allow muggles to use wizarding tools."
+Draco snorted. "And whatever would you want to do that for?"
+"Alex would like to try flying," Harry said, "And I'm sure that there are many + more wizards out there with muggle friends that would like to give some aspects of + our world a try."
+"I don't know," Draco said doubtfully, "I don't think I approve of muggles + invading our world even more."
+Harry shrugged, "Well, that's what I'm trying to do, whether you like it or not," + he said.
+"It's time you got over those prejudices, Draco," Snape snarled from the couch. He + was narrowing his eyes at the blonde but the boy didn't seem to be too perturbed. "I + would think you would know better by now."
+"I do," Draco objected, "But I don't think it's a good idea to go and give them + magical powers. They could blow everyone up!"
+"I'm not going to give anyone magical powers, Draco," Harry said in exasperation. + "Frankly, I think that would be impossible. All I need is for the muggle energy to + not clash with the magic of the item, like a broom so he's able to use it."
+"I know of more fun ways to spend my holiday," Draco said, "But you do you, I + suppose. If I might make a suggestion, you should probably use ginger instead."
+"Ginger?" Harry frowned, "Why?"
+"Ginger cleanses the body of many things," Draco said, "It might even cleanse + those less than desirable muggle energies."
+Harry wasn't sure if Draco was kidding or not, but his suggestion didn't sound too + bad. "Okay," he said, "I'll give that a try next time." Snape chuckled in + amusement.
+"And speaking of gingers, isn't Weasley coming as well?" Draco asked.
+Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the comment and shook his head. "No, he can't" + he replied, "Mrs Weasley wants as much of her children at home as possible over the + holidays. I can't say I blame here."
+"I would imagine she would have invited you over in that case," Draco pointed + out.
+"She did," Harry admitted, "But - well - We had a previous engagement."
+"Meaning me," Draco said as he made himself comfortable in the chair next to + Snape's.
+Harry shrugged. "It's not like I haven't had Christmas at Ron's place before," he + said, "But I've never had one with you."
+Draco eyed the book Snape was reading curiously to which Snape raised a sardonic + eyebrow.
+"What are you reading?" Draco asked, smiling innocently as he leaned over the + armrest of his chair.
+"Not something that would interest you," Snape replied evenly.
+"If you really think so, why not just show me?" Draco said, leaning even closer. + For a moment, Harry thought the chair might topple but Snape turned the book so Draco + could read it. The blonde frowned in disgust at the cryptic text.
+"What's that?" he asked, "I can't understand a thing it says."
+"That's the point," Snape pointed out, "It's a code."
+"Oh," Draco replied, "And you're trying to crack it, I presume?"
+"You presume correctly," Snape replied.
+"Guys!" Harry exclaimed, "Christmas morning is tomorrow and you're both sitting + here discussing some book?"
+The combined smirks of Snape and Draco were a little unsettling but Harry braved + them by putting his hands on his hips.
+"I like a good read as much as the next guy but I forbid the reading of anything + more intellectual than a greeting card or cracker joke."
+Snape sighed and gently closed the book, putting it back into its rightful place. + He secured it with a complex charm and leant back into his chair, steepling his + fingers. "Very well," he said, "What did you have in mind?"
+Harry grinned mischievously as he locked eyes with Draco.
+A/N: It was never my intention to get chapter 25 to be the Christmas chapter + but I must admit that it's a happy coincidence nonetheless! Please enjoy.
+Chapter 25
+Harry found himself in the kitchen, adding milk to the pudding mixture as he + whisked them into a cohesive blend. Zippy was off somewhere pouting but Harry was not + to be deterred.
+"I still don't understand why you're doing this," Draco said as he dipped a finger + into the dark rum. "Isn't this exactly what a house-elf is for?"
+"This is part of Christmas," Harry said importantly, "You need to make your own + Christmas pudding."
+"Says who?" Draco asked incredulously.
+"It's tradition!" Harry pointed out.
+"Perhaps it is in the muggle world," Draco said, "But in the wizarding world, we + don't make our own pudding."
+"Yes you do," Harry snorted, "Only the very wealthy don't. So I suppose it's no + wonder that you've never touched a whisk in your life."
+"And I could go my whole life without ever doing so," Draco replied.
+"Just give it a try," Harry urged, "I promise you that it will taste so much + better when you made it yourself."
+"That doesn't make any sense, though," Draco said thoughtfully, "What part of the + process would make it taste better? What can we do that a house-elf + can't?"
+"Ah, muggles would say that we add a bit of love to the recipe."
+The snort that escaped Snape could be heard coming from the living room.
+"Oh, would you put a sock in it?" Harry said loudly.
+Draco laughed loudly. "See? Even your father doesn't agree. Can't you just leave + the rest up to Zippy and come play a game with me?"
+"This doesn't take long at all," Harry said, "Why don't you mix the fruits; sugar + and liquor?"
+"Because I don't want to," Draco said evenly.
+"Come on," Harry urged, "You can make a wish as you stir it!"
+"And muggles really believe such a wish would come true?" Draco asked + incredulously, though he still started mixing the fruits.
+"Not really, no," Harry admitted, "But it's a nice thought, nonetheless."
+"If you say so," Draco said as he kept stirring. "You know, this sort of reminds + me of Potions class."
+"It's very alike," Harry said, "If you can brew a wiggenweld potion, you can make + a Christmas pudding. All you have to do is follow the recipe."
+"Will it explode if I add the wrong ingredient?" Draco asked.
+Harry chuckled. "No, don't be daft. You could burn it if you raise the temperature + of the fire too high, though."
+"I'll leave that up to you then," Draco said.
+"Dad!" Harry called out. He was still getting used to calling Snape that but he + found that the more often he did, the easier it became. Draco flashed him a + half-smirk as he did which Harry could only take as approval.
+Harry had also noticed that – for now – the use of the word 'dad' made Snape + spring into action immediately. He wondered how long that would last.
+As he had suspected, Snape walked into the kitchen, eyeing Harry's mixture + critically. "Yes?" he asked.
+"Could you stir the fruits for a few seconds," Harry asked sweetly, "And make a + wish while you do."
+"Why?" Snape asked icily.
+Harry sighed in exasperation. "For magical folks, you two really have no respect + for all things that make Christmas truly magical."
+"That's probably because we can actually use magic," Snape said. As if to + demonstrate, he raised his wand, flicked it, and made the stirrer stir by itself.
+"I don't think that counts," Harry said, though he wasn't sure of that himself. + "Just stir it by hand for a few seconds. Please?"
+With a suffering sigh, Snape grabbed the stirrer, mixed the fruits for a few + seconds and handed it back to Draco. "Satisfied?" he asked.
+Harry grinned broadly. "Absolutely. You can go back to whatever it is you were + doing."
+Snape didn't dawdle and went back to the sitting room. He was no doubt still + working on deciphering that text that the Weasley twins had liberated for him.
+"Allow me to stir it for a moment," Harry said, grabbing the bowl from Draco. The + blonde relented easily and watched as Harry mixed the fruits, a dumb smile on his + face.
+"You baffle me sometimes," Draco said.
+"Hm?" Harry reacted absentmindedly.
+"First of all, I can't believe the saviour of the wizarding world is making his + own Christmas pudding," Draco pointed out. "And second of all, I can't get over the + fact that doing menial labour such as this makes you happy."
+"I doubt you'd understand," Harry replied.
+"Try me," Draco urged.
+"Well, it's just that –" Harry sighed, trying to gather his thoughts. "- I was + never allowed to be part of any Christmas traditions when I still lived with the + Dursleys and – well – something happened recently that got me thinking about that all + over again."
+Draco raised a curious eyebrow. "Why wouldn't they let you join them?"
+Harry suddenly realized that he had never really told Draco about his life with + the Dursleys and was now resisting the strong urge to bang his head against the + wall.
+"Harry?"
+"Could you check the recipe for me?" Harry asked, "How long did the pudding have + to cook?"
+"Five to six hours," Draco replied evenly as he eyed Harry curiously.
+"Right," Harry replied cheerfully, "Pass me the foil, will you?"
+Draco sighed. "As you wish, Harry."
+While the pudding simmered on a low fire, Harry took Draco to go sledging. Snape + had warned them not to go too far and had explicitly forbidden them from treading on + the ice.
+"If I catch you so much as stepping foot on that ice, I will divide all of your + Christmas presents among the needy orphans," he had said. Neither boy had taken great + consideration into his words but they weren't really planning on skating anyway.
+"I know a good hill not far from here," Harry said. He was pulling the sledge + along the snow. Draco had taken a seat on top of it, leisurely eyeing the surrounding + landscape.
+"You're not really helping, you know," Harry pointed out.
+"A smarter wizard would simply use magic," Draco retorted.
+"Have you completely forgotten that this is a muggle neighbourhood?" Harry asked, + "If anyone should see you using magic, you could get arrested."
+"So be subtle about it," Draco said. He went to lay flat on his belly as the + sledge kept moving along, Harry pulling the rope dutifully. Draco whispered an + incantation and suddenly, the sledge felt a lot lighter and easier to move.
+Harry threw Draco an exasperated glare. "Draco," he snarled, "What did I just + say?"
+"You didn't even notice me doing anything," Draco chuckled, "And neither did any + muggle. Sometimes, you just need to be a bit more Slytherin about things."
+Harry rolled his eyes but decided to let it slide. Quite literally.
+"There it is!" Harry exclaimed, pointing at a rather steep hill. Underneath the + heaps of snow lay a dead-end street, Harry knew, that led to an abandoned manor. No + one ever went up there anymore. That is to say, Harry had investigated it at some + point but there was nothing to be seen in there. It had probably once belonged to the + owner of the factories here before they all went out of business.
+"Well?" Harry asked, "Looks like fun, doesn't it?"
+"Harry," Draco said doubtfully, "We fly broomsticks for fun. You can't possibly + tell me that this sledge of yours can go faster or higher than your Firebolt."
+"It can't," Harry agreed, "But this sledge is so much easier to mount with the + both of us. Now get off, I'm not dragging you up that hill. Featherlight charm or + not."
+"Fine," Draco groaned, "But I'm not pulling that thing."
+"Just come along," Harry urged as he began walking up the hill, dragging the + wooden sledge behind him. The crunching of the snow told him that Draco was only a + few steps behind him.
+"Okay," Harry said as they reached the hill, "Do you want to be in the front or + back?"
+"I suppose I'll take the front," Draco said proudly as he took his seat.
+"Alright," Harry said, "But that means you have to watch out for obstacles and + steer accordingly."
+"And how do you steer this thing?" Draco asked.
+Harry laughed. "I have absolutely no idea!"
+"Oh, that's quite reassuring," Draco said, but he laughed and sat down + nonetheless. "If I break an arm, I'm holding you accountable, Potter."
+"Don't worry," Harry said as he took his seat behind Draco. "I know how to brew + skele-gro now."
+"In that case, let us be off!" Draco said valiantly as he used his feet to get the + sledge moving. Harry did the same until the wooden contraption gained enough speed to + move on its own and down the steep hill they went.
+Perhaps it was not quite as spectacular as riding a broom but both boys laughed + heartily on their way down as the snow caught in their path was thrown upwards and + into their faces and hair. The ride down was over far too quickly and ended without + incident.
+"That was fun," Draco admitted.
+"It's much more fun with a friend than going alone," Harry added sheepishly, "Want + to go again?"
+"Okay, but this time, let's try to go faster," Draco said.
+In a few hours' time, the pair made up of a Gryffindor and a Slytherin had made + their way down that same hill dozens of times. Near the end, most of the snow had + been cleared by their glorious escapade and so they were forced to either stop or + magically reapply the snow to the hill. They were discussing the pro's and cons of + using magic when a very familiar muggle approached them, catching Harry from behind + with a snowball.
+"Hey!" Harry protested. He turned around and grinned when he caught sight of Alex. + "Oh, you'll pay for that!" he said. He looked around mischievously and when he was + sure that no one else was around, he swished his wand as subtly as he could and + assaulted Alex with two dozen snowballs. Draco watched the onslaught with a mixture + of shock and amusement.
+"Harry!" Draco exclaimed when Alex went down and faked his own death. "After all + your goody-two-shoes logic, you go and assault a muggle with magic?"
+"Oh, it hurts," Alex groaned ridiculously, "I have been slain. The great Harry + Potter slew me." He writhed in the snow and stretched out a hand towards the sky. + "Remember me not for how I died, but for how I lived," he croaked. And then, his hand + dropped into the snow, and Alex' eyes closed.
+Harry laughed maniacally as he went to stand over Alex' 'dead body'. "Ah, + Alexander. With you gone, there is no one left to protect Spinner's end from my + wrath!" he said dramatically. Draco looked at him as if he had gone insane. "Let this + be a reminder that a muggle can never stand up to a wizard!"
+"We'll see about that!" Alex said as his eyes suddenly opened. He sprang up from + the ground and tackled Harry, dropping him into a mound of snow.
+"Yes!" Alex exclaimed, raising both of his hands to the sky, "Muggles rule! + Wizards drool!"
+"We must certainly do not," Draco snarled, "Harry, what is the meaning of + this?"
+"Oh, sorry Draco," Harry said sheepishly as he got up from the ground. He patted + down his pants to remove the snow and joined Draco again. "I got a bit carried away, + I suppose. This is Alex. Alex, this is Draco."
+Draco narrowed his eyes at Alex as the man extended his hands towards him.
+"He's a muggle," Draco stated, "And he knows about us?"
+"He's a licensed observer," Harry explained, "So yes, he does. He even gives tour + guides around here for wizards and witches."
+"You're supposed to shake it," Alex said, his hand still extended. "It's a muggle + custom."
+"I'm not an idiot," Draco snarled, "I know how shaking hands works. I simply + choose not to."
+"Suit yourself," Alex said, completely undeterred.
+"Draco, you're being rude," Harry said, "Alex is a good friend of Severus and I. + He deserves your respect."
+"Hold on", Draco said, "Are you telling me that this muggle –" he pointed rudely + at Alex, "- is friends with Severus? Severus Snape?"
+"The very same," Alex replied before Harry could, "Why do you think he lives in + this town? It's to stay close to me!"
+Draco scoffed and Harry snorted. "He's a bit eccentric –" "Excuse me?" Alex + interrupted, "- But he's one of the best men I know. I ask of you to be nice."
+Draco looked at Harry incredulously, sighed deeply and finally extended his own + hand to Alex. "I'm Draco Malfoy," Draco said through gritted teeth, "I am pleased to + make your acquaintance."
+Alex took his hand in a firm grip and shook vigorously. "Proper posh boy, aren't + you?" he said happily, "We don't see many of your kind around these parts."
+"Well now I feel offended," Harry said mockingly, "Are you telling me that I'm not + proper?"
+"You fell into the river the first time we met," Alex pointed out, "And you + angered Severus every step of the way! You are not at all proper."
+Harry shrugged. "Point taken."
+"So, how is that potion coming along, if I may ask?" Alex asked.
+"Ah, so you're the muggle that wants to fly," Draco interjected, "Are you sure you + could handle the altitude? If you fall, you could break something."
+"Nothing Harry or Severus couldn't fix, I'd wager," Alex sad easily, "And if + you're implying that I'm scared of heights, I'm not."
+"I wish you could come to Hogwarts at some point," Harry said, "To watch me play + Quidditch."
+"Please," Draco said, "The next match is against Slytherin and you know + we'll win this year."
+"And what makes you so sure of that?" Harry asked.
+"You're far too distracted this year," Draco said happily, "I suspect that even in + the middle of a game, you'll still be thinking of bicorn horns and flobberworms."
+"Even if that were to be true, I would still beat you any day," Harry retorted. He + grinned cheekily when his eyes met Alex' again. "Come on, ask Dumbledore next time + he's here."
+"Who's Dumbledore?" Alex asked seriously.
+"Albus," Harry pointed out, "What, he's never formally introduced himself?"
+"He's a peculiar man," Alex said, "I doubt he does anything properly, unlike young + Draco here." Draco snorted in response.
+"And why would I have to ask him, anyway?" Alex added as an afterthought.
+'He's the headmaster of Hogwarts," Harry said.
+"Ah," Alex responded, "He does look like a magical headmaster. Okay, I'll + do that."
+"Are you sure you want to invite a muggle into Hogwarts?" Draco asked, "The + excitement might just kill him." Draco did not sound at all as if he would mind that + prospect.
+"If he can handle Diagon Alley on a regular basis, I'm sure he can handle + Hogwarts," Harry supplied.
+"He what?" Draco asked loudly, "Harry, what kind of muggle is this even?"
+"The kind that is very much mixed up in our world," Harry replied, "You might even + consider him a squib."
+"I'll pretend that that's a compliment," Alex said evenly.
+Draco snorted again but didn't challenge Alex' assessment. Instead, he decided to + satisfy his own curiosity. "So, what was this about Harry falling into the + river?"
+"Ah, young one, that is indeed a marvellous tale," Alex said. Harry groaned but + said nothing.
+"It was a hot summer's day and I was sitting on the riverbank, fighting a right + monster of a fish. Proper Leviathan, that." Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't help + but smile.
+"After I caught it, I see Harry standing there, clearly in awe as he gazed upon my + herculean body and handsome smoulder."
+Harry choked on a laugh and even Draco was showing a wide grin.
+"He had just seen me struggle with the aforementioned beast and – as impressed as + he was – practically begged me to take him on as my apprentice."
+"Oh boy," Harry muttered but Draco shushed him.
+"Being as magnanimous as I am, I agreed to teach him all I know," Alex continued, + "so I gave him one of my rods and taught him the basics. He fell in love with the + craft immediately and what do you know, soon a fish took the bait."
+"Did he catch it?" Draco asked.
+"Alas," Alex said sadly, "The fish fought bravely and Harry simply lacked + experience. He tried to the best of his abilities but the fish simply dragged him + into the river and would have drowned the poor lad had he not let go of the fishing + rod. But, -" Alex added darkly, " - that was not the end of his struggles."
+"What happened?" Draco asked curiously, no longer deterred by the fact that he was + talking to a muggle.
+"Well," Alex said, "That was the moment Severus arrived at the river. There was + fire in his eyes and an aura of darkness that promised nothing but pain and + death."
+Harry snorted and Draco chuckled.
+"He dragged Harry out of the river and hauled him onto his shoulder before + strutting back to his house. It was tragic. It was the last I've ever seen of poor + Harry. He's probably locked in his dungeons somewhere."
+"Er… Alex," Harry said.
+"Oh, Harry, it's so sad," Alex said gravely, "What has become of you?"
+"Is he all there?" Draco asked, raising a sardonic eyebrow, much like Snape + would.
+"He likes to embellish a lot," Harry sighed.
+"Ah, but I know that you love to listen to my embellishments," Alex pointed out, + "And don't you dare deny it."
+"I must admit," Draco said, "That was rather amusing."
+"Thank you for your consideration," Alex said solemnly. Harry just shook his + head.
+When darkness had set, Draco and Harry had gone back to the house, shivering madly + as they were greeted by the pleasant warmth of the hearth.
+"You've been gone for a while," Snape noted as they walked in, stomping their + boots on the welcome mat to get rid of the snow.
+"It was too much fun to stop," Harry said honestly.
+"We met the muggle named Alex," Draco said.
+Snape eyed him curiously. "And what is your opinion of Alexander?"
+"He's hilarious," Draco admitted, "It's a shame that he's not a wizard, + really."
+"Imagine that," Snape said, "There would be no escaping him if he were."
+"He said he's your friend," Draco pointed out, "He lied, didn't he?"
+Snape stared at Draco for a few long seconds before smirking and turning on his + heel. "I would imagine that you've worked up quite an appetite. What say you we get + started on dinner?"
+"Thank Merlin," Harry said gratefully, "I'm starving!"
+Dinner was a rather rambunctious affair during which Harry and Draco discussed + many things from Quidditch to their N.E.W.T.'s and the girls that walked the halls of + Hogwarts. Snape rarely contributed to the conversation except to provide the + occasional snarky jibe or sardonic comment.
+Eager for Christmas the next morning, Draco and Harry both turned in early. Draco + slept on a spare mattress with blankets and a comforter piled on top of him to + protect him from the cold. Neither boy had the intention to fool around when they + were supposed to sleep because even Harry didn't know what sort of secret potions + Snape had hidden away to test on misbehaving young-adults.
+When Harry opened his eyes the next morning, it took him a while to register that + it was, in fact, Christmas morning. Grinning broadly, he rose swiftly and was about + to shake Draco awake when he noticed that the blonde was already gone. His comforter + lay folded neatly in a corner with his blanket and pillow on top of it.
+Slightly peeved that the sneaky Slytherin did not wake him up, he crept down the + stairs. Years of practice enabled him to not make a single sound as he moved. If + Draco thought he could get away with leaving Harry to lie in on Christmas morning, he + had another thing coming.
+Harry snuck towards the open door and was about to loudly announce his presence + when he heard Draco and Snape talking softy.
+" – Are you coping, Draco?"
+Harry heard Draco chuckle softly. But the sound was bitter rather than amused.
+"As well as could be expected, I would think," Draco replied, "But it's –" he + exhaled sharply, "- It's hard, Severus."
+Harry became aware of the sound of shuffling and peered around the corner to find + himself staring at the back of his two most loved Slytherins. Snape had draped an arm + around Draco but the blonde sat stiffly as he stared into the fire. Harry felt a pang + of guilt for observing the scene in front of him but found it hard to stop seeing how + he had already made the transgression.
+"I understand how hard this must be for you Draco," Snape said soothingly, "If + there's anything I can do -"
+You've already done plenty," Draco said, "You have no idea how it felt to be + invited for Christmas." Harry thought he could hear Draco's voice crack and felt his + own heart break. "For the most part, Slytherin shuns me and it's not as if any of the + other houses readily accept Slytherin outcasts."
+Harry could see Draco lean into Snape's embrace this time.
+Another bitter chuckle escaped Draco's lips. "Except for the golden trio, of + course."
+Snape sighed deeply. "Those three do seem to be rather close to you these + days."
+"They trust far too easily," Draco said, but there was clear gratitude in his + voice. "I can't believe I ever acted the way I did towards them."
+"We have both made plenty of mistakes in that regard," Snape pointed out, "But + Harry has always been quick to forgive."
+"He's a lousy Slytherin though," Draco chuckled. This time, the sound was + genuine.
+"I should say so," Snape growled, "Harry, would you stop skulking around and come + over here?"
+Harry flushed when he realized he got caught and sheepishly shuffled inside. "What + can I say?" he said, "Once a Gryffindor, always a Gryffindor."
+"You're such a prat!" Draco accused as he tossed a throw pillow in Harry's general + direction. He snatched it out of the air as it approached and put it in its rightful + place as he plopped down next to Draco.
+"There's a pot of hot chocolate in the kitchen," Snape said, "Would you like + some?"
+Harry – who noticed that both Snape and Draco already had their own mug – nodded + vigorously and Snape disappeared into the kitchen while Harry settled next to Draco. + Almost unconsciously, he slinked an arm behind Draco's shoulders in comfort and + pulled him closer. Draco allowed it.
+"Happy Christmas," Harry said.
+"Happy Christmas," Draco replied.
+"How long have you been up?" Harry asked.
+"About an hour, I think," Draco guessed.
+"You could've woken me up, you know," Harry growled in mock annoyance.
+Draco snorted. "Even I don't have to heart to wake up someone who curls like a + kitten."
+"I do not!" Harry exclaimed in horror.
+Draco shrugged, but not enough to loosen Harry's soothing embrace. "I may or may + not have a picture as proof."
+"I may not be a Slytherin but I assure you that Gryffindors are just as capable of + taking revenge," Harry said casually, "Ah, thanks, Severus," he added as he accepted + the mug of hot chocolate, releasing Draco as he did.
+"I should probably punish you for eavesdropping," Snape said as he regarded Harry + carefully.
+"Or –" Harry said pointedly, "- If I might make a counter-argument, we should + probably open up our presents now."
+"I second that motion," Draco added playfully.
+"When did I give you two the idea that this is a democracy?" Snape asked icily, "I + rule this household as a firm dictator."
+"Fine," Harry said, "Be that way. Say Draco –" he looked at him mischievously and + whispered in his ear, "Do you know how to play the piano?"
+Draco scoffed indignantly. "Of course I do, what did you expect?"
+"Then come on!" Harry exclaimed as he rushed over to the piano stool. Draco walked + leisurely behind him and went to sit next to the raven-haired boy.
+"Alright," he said, stretching the word, "What do you want me to play? Chopin? + Debussy?"
+Snape was eyeing the both of them curiously as he sipped his own hot chocolate. + Harry suspected that he had added a few shots of rum to the drink but didn't + comment.
+"How about the twelve days of Christmas?" Harry asked.
+"That is far beneath me," Draco said haughtily, "But for you, my friend, I + shall."
+"I knew I could count on you, Draco," Harry said happily, clapping the boy on the + back.
+"And a one, and a two –"
+Draco started playing the piano and Harry sang along.
+"On the first day of Christmas, my teachers gave to me –"
+Draco chimed in cleverly, "A headache caused by Occlumency!"
+Harry chuckled, quickly grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment and picked right + back in.
+"On the second day of Christmas, my teachers gave to me –"
+"Two lemon drops,"
+Snape snorted audibly,
+"And a headache caused by Occlumency."
+Draco and Harry altered as they made up the next sentence for their original take + on 'Twelve days of Christmas' until they ended up at five. Harry quickly scribbled + something down and showed it to Draco. The blonde grinned and when the time was right + they both dramatically sung at the top of their lungs:
+"Five thousand points!"
+Not even stopping once as they went, the boys came up with an abundance of + Hogwartsian references as they continued blaring horribly off-key, their original + intent of simply annoying Snape long since forgotten as they were having the time of + their lives.
+Finally, they came to the final chorus of their song as they went over each point + on the list one more time, in not-so-perfect harmony.
+"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my teachers gave to me -
+ Twelve ghosts a haunting
+ Eleven feathers floating
+ Ten monsters prowling
+ Nine house-elves cooking
+ Eight wands a duelling
+ Seven cauldrons brewing
+ Six cats transforming
+ Five thousand points
+ Four Flobberworms
+ Three Firebolts
+ Two lemon drops
+ And a headache caused by Occlumency"
Both Draco and Harry lingered on that last note, Harry going up while Draco went + down. With an exaggerated flourish, he hit the last key on the piano after which the + boys turned and looked at Snape expectantly.
+"You two are utterly ridiculous, do you know that?" Snape said as he calmly sipped + his hot chocolate with rum.
+"I thought we were rather ingenious," Draco commented, "Coming up with lyrics on + the fly like that."
+"Now, can we open our presents or should we continue singing?"
+"While quite amusing," Snape replied with a wide smirk, "I do believe you've + earned the right to open your presents now and I'd rather not sit through a rendition + of 'Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, if I can help it."
+Harry and Draco high-fived each other as they went to sit on the floor in front of + the Christmas tree, beaming broadly whilst checking out their haul.
+"Open mine first," Harry said eagerly as he handed Draco a small package. Draco + smirked and accepted the present that was wrapped in green and silver. After + unwrapping it carefully, he produced a round contraption of sorts that hung from an + intricate-looking chain.
+"What is it?" Draco asked as he eyed the item.
+"It's a Swiss timepiece," Harry explained as he showed Draco how to open it.
+Draco gasped as he looked at the clock inside of the timepiece, ticking away + properly and extraordinarily correctly. "It's beautiful, but what is that material + it's made out of?"
+"Titanium," Harry supplied.
+"So it's Goblin-made?" Draco asked.
+"Of course not," Harry said, "It's muggle-made."
+Draco snorted. "As if muggles could get titanium and use it to craft something as + beautiful as this."
+"You know, Draco," Snape chimed in, "Muggles have been able to mine titanium for + almost as long as goblins have. And I assure you that the muggle world has masters of + its own as you can see clearly by the creation in your hand."
+"I see," Draco said softly as his eyes still widely looked at the timepiece. "It's + beautiful, Harry. Thank you. I might even wear it sometimes."
+Harry grinned. "You are very welcome, Draco."
+"My turn," Snape said as he levitated one of the gifts towards Harry. "Here you + are."
+Harry did not show the same decorum as Snape and Draco did and quickly tore + through the paper that stood between him and his present. When the malicious paper + was finally vanquished, Harry laid eyes on a beautiful golden potion knife that came + in a delicately adorned box.
+"Wow," he said, "It's beautiful."
+"It's also an artefact," Snape added, "It's self-cleaning and will cut whatever + you're cutting exactly as you would wish it. I expected it might come in handy."
+"This is amazing!" Harry said, "Thank you so much, dad."
+"You are very welcome," Snape said easily as he smiled ever so slightly.
+From Ron and Hermione, Harry received the usual abundance of sweets and books and + from Mrs Weasley, he received his traditional Christmas jumper as did Snape. + Strangely enough, the Weasley matriarch had also knit one for Draco.
+"Look at that!" Harry said, "She already thinks you part of the family."
+Draco looked at the green jumper with a grey D knitted in the middle and smiled + slightly. "She really shouldn't have."
+"Oh, you just try and stop her," Harry said, "But spoiler alert. You can't."
+"I'll be sure to send her a thank-you note," Draco said dutifully and much to + Harry's surprise, Draco actually pulled the sweater on. Harry did the same but Snape + folded his neatly and put it aside.
+"Well that's odd," Harry said suddenly, "I got a gift from Luna."
+Draco grinned widely, "Oooh, what did she send you?"
+Harry opened the box and stared at a supply of dirigible plums. He smiled slightly + as he thought of the same plums she used as earrings.
+"Interesting," Snape said as he spotted the fruits. "These enhance the ability to + accept the extraordinary."
+"Oh!" Harry said, "Do you think I could –"
+"Use them for Alex' potion," Snape completed, "Yes, I do."
+"Brilliant!" Harry exclaimed, "She must be psychic."
+"Or just random," Draco added.
+"It is kind of her to think of you in any case," Snape said, "Make sure to thank + her properly next time you meet."
+Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course, I will," he said, "You don't need to remind me + of the proper etiquette. Now open my gift to you, would you? It's no magical dagger, + though."
+Snape opened the box Harry handed to him to reveal a large collection of music + sheets.
+"I noticed that you know how to play the piano," Harry said, "But you don't have + any sheet music so you never actually play anything concrete. There's both muggle and + magical music in there."
+"Thank you, Harry," Snape said as he leafed through the sheet music, "I'll be sure + to put these to good use."
+"And look," Harry said slyly, "Looks like you got one more present."
+"Hm?" Snape responded, "From whom?"
+Harry wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "It says here it's from Maya Bell."
+"Oh Merlin," Snape sighed, "Set it down. It might explode or something."
+"So check it," Harry said, "But do open it."
+"Alright," Snape said, "But stand back."
+Never one to be taken off guard, Snape performed a series of detection charms on + the small box to verify if it was safe. It took him about ten minutes to be + satisfied, but eventually, he opened the box to reveal a book.
+'Cryptography and its applications throughout History', it read. A + bookmark was stuck between the pages and Snape opened it to reveal a section on the + very same encryption method that had been used on the text he was trying to decipher + at that point.
+"Well well, wonders never cease," he said softly, "This will make my life a lot + easier."
+"She actually managed to give you a book you haven't read yet?" Harry asked + incredulously as he saw Snape's happy expression.
+"Indeed," Snape replied, "This is a very rare book. I didn't think I would be able + to get my hands on one in this lifetime."
+"Looks like there's more than one of us that will need to express our gratitude," + Harry teased.
+"It would appear so."
+"Harry, I still have something for you," Draco said suddenly, "Don't think I've + forgotten about you."
+Curiously, Harry accepted the package Draco carefully handed to him and made sure + to unpack it equally carefully. When he opened the box, it was Snape that reacted + first with a sharp intake of breath. It took Harry a tad longer to realize what he + was looking at. It seemed to be the recipe for Polyjuice potion but with remarks + added all across the recipe going on for several pages.
+"It's Arconus Fecklebright's memoir for the Polyjuice Potion," Draco + explained.
+Harry stared at the pages in awe. This was far more than just the recipe. These + pages held all the thoughts and methods the inventor of the potion had used and had + as he created the potion. With these notes, he could find out the reasoning behind + every step. He could find the method to the madness so to speak.
+"Draco," Harry said, "This must be worth a fortune!"
+Snape scoffed. "A fortune?" he sneered, "This is worth fortunes upon fortunes. I + have asked Lucius to be allowed to take a look at these memoirs for years now. But he + would never allow me to."
+Harry – who understood the full magnitude of the gift he had just received – + surprised Draco with an impromptu hug. "Thank you so much," he said.
+"You're welcome," Draco said awkwardly, "Just make sure you put it to good use. It + serves no purpose, wasting away in someone's vault."
+"Well said," Snape said in agreement, a devilish sparkle in his eyes. He was + probably looking forward to perusing the pages himself. Harry couldn't help but + chuckle at the man's eagerness.
+"There is just one present left," Snape said as he rose from his seat. Harry + flattened himself on the ground to peer underneath the Christmas tree but saw + nothing.
+"No there isn't," he said.
+Snape sighed and said: "Just wait here," as he walked to his laboratory. Harry + locked eyes with Draco but just shrugged.
+A few minutes later, Snape remerged and handed Draco a vial. "Add a few drops of + these to your mother's tea every morning," he said gently, "And let me know the + result."
+Harry frowned as he saw Draco gratefully take the potion, his eyes locking onto + Snape's momentarily before putting it away. Harry knew that he should probably not + pry.
+"So," he said instead, "Who wants Christmas pudding?"
+This chapter turned out to be much longer than I initially envisioned but I + had so much fun with it. I hope you all laughed; perhaps cried for Draco a little + bit? Please do tell me what you thought. It would make this St. Nicholas' day extra + special! (Yes, the 6th of December is special here in Belgium).
+So please review! And as I have done these last couple of weeks, I'm going to + skip the weekend and update on Monday. See you then!
+Chapter 26
+Harry could honestly say that Christmas that year had been great fun. Draco had + been great company – despite his muggle-hating tendencies – and had spiced things up + a bit. While it was always fun to have Ron and Hermione over, it was quite amusing to + have a cohort of sorts that didn't fear Snape in the slightest. Suffice to say that + Harry was sad to see Draco go but he had to go home. Besides, he was not one of the + invitees for boxing day at Alex's home.
+"Did you have a good Christmas?" Snape asked after Draco had left.
+"I did," Harry replied, "Do you think Draco did?"
+Snape smiled and ruffled Harry's hair. "I'm sure he did," he said, "It was kind of + you to invite him. I know that he appreciated it."
+"Good," Harry said, "What are you going to do until we have to go?"
+"I would very much like to make use of the book Professor Bell gave me and go back + to deciphering the ancient texts of Pythagoras," Snape replied, "I don't believe I + will have a lot of time to do so once we're back at Hogwarts so I want to make the + most of my time now. What about you?"
+"What else?" Harry replied, "I would like to try and add those plums Luna gave me + to the potion I'm making."
+"Don't forget about Draco's suggestion," Snape reminded Harry, "He may not be + aiming for a mastery in Potions but he has definitely always been adept in the + subject."
+"I haven't forgotten," Harry said, "But you don't mind me brewing it by + myself?"
+"I see no possible disasters happening with the combination of ingredients you + have been using thus far," Snape said, "But if you do wish to add something that + wasn't on your list yet, I ask that you come to consult me."
+"Of course," Harry said easily. "Happy translating."
+"Happy brewing," Snape retorted as he made himself comfortable in the sitting + room. Zippy was depositing a cup of tea on the table as Harry went down the stairs to + the potions laboratory. Another interesting day of brewing lay ahead of him.
+Harry had absolutely no idea how much time had passed when someone knocked on the + door.
+"Come in," Harry called and the door opened to reveal Snape. His hair was wet and + he smelled like soap. Harry groaned when he realized that it had to be nearly time to + go.
+"Don't groan," Snape chided, "It's mainly you that wished to be present at Alex + and Emma's home, so you can't back out now."
+"But I'm nearly done," Harry argued.
+"So put a stasis on your cauldron and finish up tomorrow," Snape said. "It's time + for you to take a shower and get dressed. We need to be there in an hour's time."
+"I understand," Harry sighed. He flicked his wand once to put a stasis on his + cauldron and walked up the stairs in clear discontentment.
+He very hastily took a shower, making sure that his hair no longer reeked of + potion fumes, and got dressed in the nicest muggle clothes he could find. When he + came down again, he found Snape dressed in his typical black attire and frowned.
+"Black again?" He asked, "No, absolutely not. Out of the question."
+Snape raised a sardonic eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?"
+"You are going to wear something a tad more colourful today," Harry urged, "You + wore all black to their dinner party last year as well. You're not going to a + funeral, you know?"
+"I am not changing my attire," Snape said icily.
+"At least wear a different tie," Harry said.
+"Absolutely not."
+"I have a nice blue one you could borrow," Harry tried.
+"Forget it."
+"How about Slytherin green? You must have one of those."
+Snape sighed. "It's not going to happen, Harry. Now if you're quite finished, I + would hate to run late."
+"Fine," Harry muttered.
+They both donned their coats and braved the cold weather as they made their short + walk towards Alex' house. Snape had once again bought a bottle of wine - a 1985 + Bordeaux - and had handed Harry some flowers to give to Emma. When they arrived, + Snape straightened his tie and knocked on the door. That's when Harry took his + chance. He whipped out his wand which he had hidden in his coat pocket and swiftly + muttered a spell. Before Snape had the time to react, his tie had become an azure + blue.
+Snape opened his mouth to no doubt hit Harry with a scathing remark when the door + opened to reveal Emma.
+"Severus!" Emma greeted heartily as she pulled the man into a hug, "Prompt as + always. And what a gorgeous tie." She then turned her attention to Harry who handed + over the flowers with a sheepish grin. "Oh Harry, how kind of you. They're simply + gorgeous. Do come in, both of you."
+She stepped aside and allowed the two wizards entry.
+As soon as they walked into the sitting room, they were greeted by Alex much in + the same manner that Emma had greeted them. When Snape handed over the wine, Alex + chuckled and clapped him on the back. "Good old Sev," he said, "We can always count + on you to uphold proper etiquette and manners, can't we? Handsome tie by the + way."
+"Thank you," Snape replied through gritted teeth. Harry hid a chuckle in his + hand.
+"Harry, you must have grown ten inches since the last time I saw you!" Alex + exclaimed when he noticed Harry.
+"We've seen each other only yesterday," Harry argued.
+"Must be a growth spurt," Alex said knowingly.
+"Where's Charlie?" Harry asked.
+"Oh, he's at his grandparents'" Emma informed them, "So don't worry about waking + him up. He's not here. Now don't mind me, I'm just going to put these flowers into + some water."
+When Alex had Harry and Snape alone, he motioned for them to come closer and + whispered in a hurried tone: "I am so sorry but Emma invited one extra person + tonight."
+Snape frowned. "A tad unorthodox but I'm sure we'll manage."
+"You don't understand," Alex said, "She invited her sister over."
+Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Really? Why would she do that?"
+"Well, she says that it's because her sister is finally back in the area + but I say that she wants to introduce her to Severus."
+"No," Harry said in an exaggerated tone of voice, "She wouldn't."
+"Oh, but she definitely would, my young friend," Alex said, "You don't know her as + well as I do and she lives for this sort of thing."
+"What sort of thing?" Snape asked.
+"Matchmaking," Alex said in a horrified voice.
+Snape sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "Alexander," he growled, "I + thought I made it perfectly clear what my wishes are on the matter."
+"Oh, I know," Alex said, raising his hands in mock surrender, "Believe me, I do. + But there's no stopping Emma once she's got an idea in her head."
+"Oh, cheer up," Harry said, "Maybe you'll like her."
+"That remains to be seen," Snape drawled, "But I wouldn't get your hopes up; + Either way, I appreciate the warning but I think that next year I shall decline + dinner at your house."
+"He's right," Harry said, "Next time, we should probably invite you."
+"So, who's ready for the appetizers?" Emma asked as she came bustling into the + room. Alex put a finger to his hand to signify that Harry and Snape should pretend + like he hadn't said anything so they didn't.
+"That sounds great," Harry said honestly. He was already a bit hungry. When Harry + looked around the room, he could see that many things had been refurbished or simply + replaced with newer things. It was quite clear that Alex was doing very well + nowadays.
+It didn't escape Harry's notice that Emma kept checking the clock and wondered if + her sister was running late. After an hour of waiting and having eaten all the + appetizers available, Emma invited everyone to the dinner table which was quite + obviously set for five people.
+Snape smirked, "Expecting Charlie to come home early?" he asked.
+"Oh no," Emma replied, visibly flushing, "I just set a plate for him out of habit, + nothing more." Emma glanced outside once more before disappearing into the kitchen + with a barely noticeable frustrated sigh.
+"Looks like you got stood up," Harry said to Snape who snorted rudely in + response.
+"I will not lose any sleep over it," Snape said easily.
+Emma re-emerged balancing four plates of cheese croquettes. Harry quickly got up + and took two of the plates from her.
+"You're such a gentleman," Emma said appreciatively as they set the plates + down.
+"This looks absolutely delicious, my princess," Alex said, "Very much like + yourself, in fact!" He took her arm and pulled her into his lap, giving her an + exasperatingly long kiss. Snape met Harry's gaze and rolled his eyes. Harry snorted + at his father's antics.
+"Alex," Emma chided after a while, blushing fiercely, "The food will get + cold."
+"Can't have that," Alex agreed, "Dig in, everyone!"
+At that moment, the doorbell rang twice and Emma got up from her seat immediately. + As she rushed towards the front door, Harry could've sworn he heard her mutter + 'finally' under her breath.
+"Watch out everyone," Alex hissed, "Here she comes."
+Harry chuckled. "She can't possibly be that bad."
+They heard the door open and heard muffled voices as well as some higher-pitched + exclamations that could be expected from two sisters greeting each other. Footsteps + came up front and Emma hushed someone behind her before approaching the dinner table + somewhat sheepishly.
+"Harry, Severus," she said, "I have a confession to make."
+"Is that so?" Snape asked sardonically. Harry kicked him lightly under the table, + smiling politely all the while.
+"I invited my sister over for dinner today as well," Emma said, "She's a bit late + but I'm sure you'll get along just fine if that's okay."
+Harry knew that Snape did not appreciate being lied to but was amazed by the grace + Snape exhibited as he gestured that all was well.
+"Oh, good," Emma said at the sign of approval. "Come in, sis!"
+A much too familiar chocolate brunette stepped forward, her amber eyes widening as + she took in the company in her sister's dining room.
+"Maya, this is Severus and that is Harry. Guys, this is Maya."
+Harry's mouth fell wide open as his History Professor appeared before him. He + glanced at Snape for a sign as to what to do but the Potions Master seemed entirely + unable to process this information. Maya seemed equally stunned but was the first to + break the tense silence by breaking into a fit of giggles.
+"Maya!" Emma chided, "That is not a proper way of greeting my guests."
+"Oh Emma," Maya laughed, "You have simply no idea how amusing this is."
+Snape snorted and Harry too began to laugh. He was entirely too confused about all + of this. If Maya was Emma's sister, did that mean that Emma knew about magic? And if + she did, was she aware if Alex visiting the wizarding world every so often? Did she + realize that Snape was a wizard?
+"Emma," Snape said as he threw a wary glance at Maya. "Could you please excuse us + for a moment?"
+Emma blinked in confusion a couple of times but seemed to oblige. "I suppose I + will need to make some extra food for Maya. Alex, would you care to join me?"
+"I actually believe it would be beneficial for Alex to stay for a moment," Snape + said. When Emma frowned at him, he smiled at her kindly. "Don't worry, Emma. If I am + correct about certain… things, you will soon be informed."
+"Fine," Emma said, "But I swear, you're just as weird as my sister is + sometimes."
+Harry broke into a new fit of laughter at that and Emma left the room.
+"So," Maya said, grinning widely.
+"So," Alex said, "What's going on here?"
+"Maya," Snape said, "Does Emma know you're a witch?"
+"Of course she does," Maya said easily, "How could she not? I don't go around + obliviating family members, you know?"
+"Hold on," Alex said, "A witch?"
+"Oops," Maya said, slapping a hand in front of her mouth, "Oh Severus, look what + you made me say. I really don't want to keep obliviating Alex. I think it's making + him sort of loopy."
+"Are you telling me that you've obliviated Alex as well?" Snape asked.
+"Frequently," Maya said, "It's so difficult to keep magic hidden from this + one."
+"No one is obliviating me!" Alex protested, "I have a license."
+Maya frowned. "What is he talking about?"
+"He's a licensed observer now," Harry interjected, "We took him to the ministry + last year."
+"You know what," Maya said, "Emma said that she thought the person she was + introducing me to was a wizard but I never imagined that I would stumble onto + you!"
+"Are you sure this is not some very elaborate prank?" Snape asked, "Because if so, + I must admit that it's very well executed."
+"It's not a prank," Maya said, "I merely came here to have dinner with my sister + and her goofy husband. Sure, I knew that I would have to face another matchmaking + attempt but that's how that goes."
+"This is ridiculous," Harry snorted.
+"It's fantastically confounding," Snape agreed. "Alex, if you would summon Emma + back into the room. I'll heat up the food."
+He took out his wand and placed a warming charm on the plates that were already + set on the table. Shaking his head in utter confusion, Alex stuck his head in the + kitchen and asked his wife to come back.
+"Alright, what's going on here?" Emma asked as she placed a plate in front of + Maya.
+"Emma," Snape said, "Harry and I are wizards."
+Emma glanced at Alex who didn't seem at all shocked by the announcement. She then + looked at Maya who was eyeing her somewhat sheepishly.
+"You see," Maya said, "I teach History of Magic at Hogwarts. Severus is my + colleague. He teaches defence against the Dark Arts and Harry is a student of + ours."
+Emma looked at her somewhat wide-eyed. "But – that's, - Alex?"
+"Ah, that is entirely my doing," Snape said matter-of-factly, "I've had to erase + Alexander's memory a couple of times already in the past and thought it prudent to + have him registered as a licensed observer instead. He keeps finding out, + anyway."
+"I knew it," Emma then said, "I knew you had to be a wizard. No one is + that good at healing people, no matter how potent you say your herbs + are."
+"But if your sister is a witch, why didn't you ask her help?" Harry asked.
+"She lived in America," Emma said, "And since she doesn't use phones or anything, + I couldn't very well contact her."
+"I can't believe you knew all along," Alex said, a small smile on his face.
+"And I can't believe you've been able to keep this secret," Emma countered.
+"What I can't believe is that I just found Severus and Harry in your + dining room!" Maya added happily.
+"No wonder you're so crazy!" Alex exclaimed, "You're magical!"
+"As magical as they come," Maya said with a wink. "Now let's eat please. I'm + starving! I got lost on the way here and thought I'd never eat again."
+"Don't be so melodramatic," Emma said.
+Harry chuckled. "This is mental. And you're all so calm about this!"
+Emma and Alex eyed each other for a moment before showing off a big toothy + grin.
+"We've learned to expect the unexpected from each other," Alex said.
+"Surprises like these keep our marriage exciting!" Emma agreed.
+"Muggles," Emma and Snape said simultaneously which made Harry laugh again.
+"Wine, Severus?" Alex asked and without waiting for a response, he filled Snape's + glass to the rim. "No need to be polite. We have enough of everything."
+"Yes, how are you managing that, Alex?" Maya asked, "Last I checked, + there's nothing interesting to be seen in this town."
+"Nothing but Voldemort's place of death," Alex said evenly.
+Maya almost choked on her whine. "You're telling me that you're giving wizards and + witches tours of that event?"
+"Absolutely!" Alex said, "Affluent folk, you magical people. And quite generous as + well."
+"That's such a relief," Maya said, "For a moment, I thought you might have become + a drug lord or something."
+"How dare you!" Alex said in mock anger, "I'll have you know that there is no man + more honourable in the entirety of this town."
+"So did you two have a nice Christmas?" Maya asked Harry, now ignoring Alex + completely.
+"Absolutely!" Harry said, "Draco and I went sledging. We made Christmas Pudding + and we sang Christmas carols!"
+"Oh yes," Snape drawled, "They wrote quite the interesting rendition of 'Twelve + Days of Christmas'."
+"Is that so?" Maya said, "Perhaps I'll have you two perform it in class."
+"Merlin, no!" Harry exclaimed, "Please don't. That would be mortifying!"
+"So, do you two ever have joint classes?" Emma asked as she put away the last + mouthful of food on her plate.
+"No, Sissie," Maya said, "I mean, how would that even work?"
+"Hm," Emma responded, "Are your rooms close to each other?"
+"Not at all!" Maya said, "Severus lives in the dungeons –" Alex snorted – "And I + live nearer to the towers."
+"Of course Severus would live in the dungeons," Alex said, "Why am I not + surprised."
+"It's not that bad," Harry interjected, "His rooms are nice… as far as + dungeons go, at least. You should come to check them out sometime, Professor + Bell."
+This earned him a light cuff on the back of his head courtesy of Snape. "Mind your + cheek, brat," he said.
+Emma chuckled as Alex topped Snape off once more.
+"Harry is going to try and get me to fly a broom," Alex proclaimed out of the + blue.
+"Muggles can't fly brooms," Maya said easily.
+"No," Harry agreed, "But I'm trying to brew a potion that could make it + possible."
+Maya laughed. "Alex on a broom? He would kill himself!"
+"Or perhaps I could become the world's greatest quidditch player!"
+"Impossible," Harry said, "Because that's me."
+"Oh?" Snape said, "Getting a bit cocky, are you? How many times must I remind you + that pride is a Slytherin quality"
+"Yes well, intelligence and wit are Ravenclaw qualities," Harry retorted, "But + that doesn't stop you from making cleverly snarky comments every chance you get."
+"Point taken," Snape admitted as he sipped his wine.
+"Oh you and your house rivalries," Maya chided, "Some of the best relationships + out there are between people from different houses."
+Snape made a noncommittal noise.
+"Time for the main course," Emma said happily as she went back to the kitchen to + fetch the turkey.
+"Your sister is quite the cook," Snape noted, "Does her skill run in the + family?"
+"Goodness gracious, no," Maya said easily, "Kitchens hate me as do pots and + pans."
+"I would imagine you could get quite lost in the kitchen," Snape smirked.
+"Oh please," Harry said, "As if you cook all that much."
+"Just because I don't doesn't mean I can't," Snape remarked. "In actuality, I am + quite a good cook."
+"I can imagine," Maya said, "Isn't every potioneer good at cooking? It's kind of + the same skillset, isn't it?"
+As the evening progressed, Harry noticed that Alex kept the wine coming in rather + large quantities. He wisely decided to only have two glasses but the older and + supposedly wiser adults all partook in the emptying of several large bottles. Even + Snape didn't seem to be paying too much attention to the amount he was ingesting, but + that could honestly have everything to do with Alex who kept secretly topping off his + glass.
+After dessert – which was a Christmas cake – they all made themselves comfortable + in the sitting room where they enjoyed a cup of tea with biscuits. Even when one was + stuffed, there was always room for biscuits.
+"You know what Severus," Maya said, "You're actually quite friendly when you want + to be."
+Snape barked a laugh, "I dare you to proclaim that sentiment at the Gryffindor + table."
+"Oh, they know," Maya said easily, "They see how you're coddling this boy." She + pinched both of Harry's cheeks, smiling at him as she did. "Doesn't he look extremely + coddled? Look at him!"
+Snape regarded Harry for a moment. A smile slowly crept on his face before he + finally nodded. "Yes," he admitted, "He is properly coddled."
+"Professor Bell," Harry complained, "If you could please let go."
+"Oh, Harry," Maya said as she drew him into an impromptu hug that was much too + tight. "Call me Maya, would you? My sister says you're practically family! Severus + too!"
+Snape grunted. "That might be a bit of an exaggeration."
+"Or you simply need to drink more wine!" Maya said happily. She took the bottle + from the coffee table and poured Snape another glass. Much too Harry's surprise, + Snape chuckled pleasantly.
+"We're having tea now," he said, "You should be clever enough to know the + difference."
+"Ah –" said Maya, "Spoken like someone who has never mixed the two before."
+"In this country, we respect our tea enough to not mix it with alcohol."
+Emma laughed as she snuggled closer to Alex. She kept whispering into his ear as + she pointed at Snape and Maya. Meanwhile, Alex just nodded with a goofy grin on his + face. Harry kept wondering how these people were all older than him.
+"Tell me, Maya," Snape said in a voice that Harry could only describe as sultry, + "Where would you look if I asked you to find a bezoar."
+Maya giggled as if that was the funniest thing anyone had ever asked her. "A + goat's stomach, silly!" she replied, "How are you a Potions Master if you don't even + know that?"
+Maya shuffled closer to Snape to get to the biscuits. For some reason, Snape had + grabbed the entire plate and placed it next to him. At that moment, Harry decided + that Snape was entirely too inebriated as was Maya. He would probably be quite cross + with Harry the next morning if he did nothing now. And as much as Harry would like to + see Snape come out of his shell, doing so under the influence of alcohol would + probably do nothing to further any future familiarities.
+"It's time to go home, Severus," Harry said.
+"Just a moment, Harry," Snape replied. He had picked up a biscuit and held it out + of Maya's reach. Maya tried grabbing it but apparently couldn't think of the solution + to simply stand up to take the biscuit away from Snape. Instead, she half leaned over + him to try and get it.
+"Now, dad," Harry urged.
+Snape groaned and tossed the biscuit Maya's way. "I'm afraid that Harry is quite + right. We would best be going."
+"Do you have to?" Alex asked, "It looked like you were having fun."
+"I must admit that it was an enjoyable get-together," Snape said as he rose from + his seat, "But all good things must come to an end."
+"Not history," Maya said dreamily, "History never ends. It only begins."
+"Bye Alex," Harr interrupted, "Bye Emma. I'll see you two later. And I'll see you + in school, Professor."
+Maya waved her biscuit at him. "See you in school, Harry. Remember to write your + essay on troll folklore."
+"Already done that, Professor," Harry said. Snape had donned his coat and was + ready to go. Even when inebriated, he seemed steady enough on his feet.
+"Thank you for a pleasant evening," Snape managed to say before Harry all but + pushed him out the door. As they left, they could still hear laughter coming from + within the house.
+"I didn't require you to rescue me, you know," Snape said and Harry detected a + slight slur in his speech pattern.
+"You'll thank me in the morning," Harry said. The rest of the walk home they + walked in silence but a comfortable one. Harry's annoyance had dissipated already and + he was enjoying the cold winter air on his face.
+When they reached the door, Snape sort of fumbled with his keys, so Harry took + them from him and opened the door.
+"Inside and straight to bed," Harry ordered.
+Snape managed to raise a sardonic eyebrow. "Harry, I'm almost entirely certain + that I have not had enough to drink for you to give me orders."
+"Only almost?" Harry asked.
+Snape waited for a moment before replying. "Almost," he said and he dutifully went + up to his room. Harry followed behind wondering if he was going to have to help Snape + even more but the man shut the door in Harry's face.
+"I am definitely certain that I'm not inebriated enough for you to take off my + shoes," came Snape's muffled voice from behind the door.
+"Well, if you're certain," Harry chuckled before going into his own bedroom. It + was long past midnight and he was very tired. At least he wouldn't wake up + to a headache the next morning. Grinning to himself, he fell asleep.
+I want to thank everyone for their reviews and continued support. The previous + chapter was a blast to write and it's so much fun to see everyone's wishes and + speculations in regards to Maya and Snape. Thanks for that!
+Chapter 27
+Harry was the first one to wake up the next morning. But he had guessed as much + would be true. For a moment, he contemplated making one heck of a racket as he went + downstairs but he decided against it. Snape would no doubt be grumpy enough without + Harry ruining his morning even further.
+So instead, he went down to the potions lab and removed the stasis from his + cauldron. He had Zippy bring down some sandwiches as he carefully imbued the plums he + got from Luna with his innate magic, smiling slightly as they seemed to brim with + life as he did. After he was certain that the magic took, he chopped the plums into + small cubes and added them to the concoction.
+Then came the most complex part of this particular potion. The stirring. Harry had + realized that in order to 'confuse' the magic that would seek to repel muggles, he + would need to lead it astray with a set of tricky stirring motions that he had been + able to set up with Snape's help. He took the piece of parchment on which he had + written down the instructions and started stirring.
+Two clockwise. One counter. Four clockwise. One counter. One clockwise. Seven + counter. And so on.
+Harry didn't even notice when the door creaked open, nor when a large shadow was + cast as Snape came down the stairs. He did notice it when the man finally approached + him to watch what he was doing but he was not startled or brought out of his + concentration.
+Thirteen clockwise. Five counter. Two clockwise. Wait five seconds. Another two + clockwise.
+Harry was nearing the end of the text that described the move-set he needed to + respect. As he stirred, the potion changed colour numerous time. Sometimes, it seemed + to shift into two colours at once before they mingled slowly and turned into an + entirely different colour. It was as if he was working with a liquid rainbow.
+Until finally, he stopped. Not wasting any time, he hauled the cauldron off the + fire and cast a freezing spell at the bottom, effectively draining all warmth from + the potion.
+"Nicely executed," Snape said evenly when Harry started bottling the potion.
+"Thanks," Harry replied without taking his eyes off of what he was doing. "Good to + see you're finally up. Did you come down here to find a headache reliever?"
+Snape smirked. "Initially yes," he admitted, "But then I saw what you were up to + and decided to stay and watch. But now that you've reminded me –" He walked over to + the potion rack and grabbed a headache reliever.
+Harry imagined that if the roles were reversed, he would be forced to suffer + through the headache since it was self-inflicted but he dared not mention this to + Snape. The happier the man was, the easier his life would no doubt be.
+"Have you eaten?" Snape asked after he had downed the liquid.
+"Breakfast," Harry replied, not sure of the current time.
+"Then I propose that we share lunch," Snape said.
+Harry chuckled. "Are you sure you can stomach food right now?" he asked.
+"Don't be such a brat," Snape said grumpily.
+A few moments later, both wizards found themselves seated around the dinner table, + eating the lunch that Zippy had cooked for them. Harry noticed that Snape ate very + little but drank a disproportionate amount of water. Harry enjoyed some eggs – sunny + side up – with toast, completely undeterred by Snape's apparent lack in appetite.
+"I still can't believe it," Harry said, "You know, how Maya ended up being Emma's + sister. Or did you forget?"
+"My memories are very much intact," Snape grumbled, "And yes, it is quite the + coincidence."
+"I think muggles should have a code word or something," Harry said, "I mean, Alex + and Emma both knew about the existence of magic but kept it a secret from each + other."
+Snape groaned. "Really, Harry, how would that even work?" he asked, "On the other + hand, don't answer that. I'm not in the mood for pointless chatter."
+"Fine," Harry said, "In that case, let's talk about the potion."
+"The muggle magicker potion, you mean?" Snape asked glumly.
+"That's the one," Harry replied entirely too cheerful. "I am ready for another + test phase."
+"Do as you wish," Snape replied, "But could you hold off until tomorrow? I feel + like I should be present to cast a cushioning charm should the need arise. And I + don't feel up to it today."
+Harry opened his mouth to protest but Snape's glare already told him that there + was no point.
+"Alright," Harry conceded. "Tomorrow."
+Tomorrow had been fast approaching and the next morning, Snape had been entirely + ready to get an early start again. His grumpy demeanour had once more deflated into + his common snarky attitude and he found himself reading the newspaper long before + Harry had even stirred from his slumber. The headline of the day was not in + accordance with the Christmas cheer of the past few days.
+Muggle Mayhem sullies Holidays
+Last night, the muggle town of Little Hangleton was viciously + attacked. A large number of muggles seem to have disappeared overnight while even + more muggles have been murdered without any sign of external injuries. Auror Angsley + suspects the use of the killing curse.
+But not only muggles were the victims of these horrible attacks. A + few resident wizards that have tried to stand up to the assailant in question, have + also sadly fallen.
+We can only assume that the culprit is one of the death eaters that
+ are still at large. The last few that were arrested were taken in because of the hero
+ of the wizarding world 'Harry Potter', but it is high time that we become able to
+ rely on our Aurors rather than on the skills of a seventeen-year-old
+ boy.
Snape sighed deeply and set the newspaper aside. This smelled of Rookwood and + suspiciously so. It was almost as if the man didn't worry about being found out. His + purpose here was not to instil terror – though he did so very well – but something + entirely different. If only he could find out what that something was…
+"Good morning," Harry yawned as he took the seat opposite Snape.
+"Good morning," Snape replied. He intentionally covered the newspaper with his + plate and handed Harry the toast. "Are you ready for your experimentation?"
+"Absolutely," Harry said, grinning from ear to ear, "What I'm really hoping for + –"
+But whatever Harry was hoping for would have to wait until later because, at that + time, Hedwig swooped in, carrying a package that was neatly wrapped. Another letter + was tied to her foot. Harry welcomed her descent with a piece of bacon and released + her from her encumberment.
+"Is it from your cousin?" Snape asked flatly.
+"Let me see," Harry said as he turned over the envelope. Indeed it was. He snorted + when he saw that Dudley had once again written his return address on the back of the + envelope. Muggle habits die hard. "Yes it is," he finally replied.
+He decided to open the package first. He frowned a bit at first when he saw the + blue blanket inside but when he extracted the item entirely from the box, he found + the initials H.P. embroidered into it. It was soft and smelled clean as if someone + had recently washed it. Harry set it aside for a moment before opening the + accompanying letter.
+Dear Harry,
+My apologies that I took so long to write back. I know that I + hogged your owl for a few days and I hope you didn't miss her too much, but I needed + her to deliver this package. I promise you that I fed her well.
+The reason it took so long is that I was aware of my mother having + some of your possessions. Possessions that I think you weren't even aware of having. + It took some bargaining and empty promises on my mother's part but I managed to at + least extract the baby blanket you were wrapped in on the day you were left on our + porch. I wasn't sure if you wanted it but I thought it best to leave the choice up to + you.
+I washed it first. It had been in the attic for a while and was + rather musty. The embroidery looks really well done. Years ago I heard my mum + complaining that her sister had always been better at crafts and how that wasn't + fair. I see now that she was right.
+I want to thank you for accepting my apology at least and + appreciate that you're okay with keeping in touch. I understand perfectly well that + you would have no desire to see me any time soon, if ever. Should you change your + mind, feel free to contact me. I will be looking forward to it.
+I hope you had a very happy Christmas.
+Dudley Dursley
"It's my baby blanket," Harry said evenly, allowing his hand to caress the soft + fabric. He wasn't sure what to feel at that revelation.
+"It was kind of him to send it to you," Snape said softly, watching as Harry's + fingers traced the letter H gently.
+"I didn't know mum was any good at crafts," Harry said, laughing softly.
+"She was," Snape replied, "And she was able to combine her artwork with charms in + the most lovely way. There probably was a charm on that blanket as well."
+"Do you think so?" Harry asked, eyes wide with wonder as if it was the first time + he heard of the existence of charms.
+"It seems very likely," Snape said, "Allow me." He raised his wand and gently + traced the embroidery with it as he incanted a spell under his breath. A very pale, + soft light revealed itself for a very brief moment before fading.
+Snape smiled. "I should not be amazed that Lily's charm is still in effect – if + slightly – but I still am."
+"What does it do?" Harry asked.
+"It's a warming charm," Snape revealed, "Quite simple but very elegantly applied. + The fact that it survived for more than sixteen years – perhaps even seventeen + depending on when she made it – proves just how capable a witch she truly was.
+Slowly, Snape's smile fell as he lost himself in the past, now tracing the + embroidered letter H with his long, potion-stained fingers. Eventually, he couldn't + suppress a slight sigh.
+"I know," Harry said as he placed a hand on top of Snape's. "I miss her too."
+It was late in the afternoon when Alex finally came over after Harry had sent + Hedwig to fetch him. He was all eager and ready to go, never even contemplating the + possibility that they might be feeding him poison. A fact that Snape found to be very + unSlytherin, not that Alex cared about that particular opinion.
+"Okay," Harry urged as he held out the vial of potion. The liquid inside seemed to + be swirling without prompting. "I think this might be the one. Are you ready?"
+"Please," Alex scoffed, "I was born ready!" With an exaggerated movement, he + snatched the potion from Harry's hand and downed it in three consecutive gulps. He + grimaced terribly after doing so.
+"That was ridiculously vile," he said, his face still contracting excessively, + "Couldn't you have added some sugar or honey or anything?"
+"It doesn't work like that, Alex," Harry told him. From his peripheral vision, he + noticed Snape rolling his eyes. He smiled and regarded Alex carefully. "How do you + feel?"
+Alex looked at his hands and frowned a bit. "I don't feel any different," he + admitted.
+"No queasiness?" Harry asked, "No tingling in your nose or fingers?"
+"My nose?" Alex asked, somewhat perplexed, "No, I feel nothing out of the + ordinary."
+Harry handed Alex his trust Firebolt, letting it go somewhat reluctantly. "Be + careful," he urged, "This broom is very important to me."
+"Oh sure," Alex said, "Your broom is. Never mind me, I'm sure I'll bounce if + something goes wrong."
+Harry chuckled. "Severus will make sure you will," he assured him, "Now, mount it + and try to push off a little."
+Alex mounted the broom and jumped, looking decidedly silly. He did so a few times + and on the third try, he hovered in the air for a bit longer, as if he had taken the + jump under water. Harry's eyes widened. "Yes," he said excitedly, "You've almost got + it. Try again."
+Alex jumped a fourth time and this time he stayed in the air, hovering a few feet + high. For now, the Firebolt stayed firmly in place but in the air nonetheless. Alex + was trying his very best to stay balanced, occasionally throwing an arm to his side + as to not roll over.
+"I'm doing it!" Alex shouted, "I'm flying!"
+"You are hovering," Snape corrected, "But it's an impressive feat nonetheless. For + a muggle, that is."
+"Harry, this is great," Alex said in awe. The Firebolt lurched forward a few + inches and Alex chuckled. "ho, boy," he told the Firebolt.
+"I must admit that this potion is a stroke of genius," Snape said, "Well + done."
+Harry flushed at the notion of pride Snape exhibited and averted his eyes to look + at Alex who was still fumbling somewhat. "I'll bring a second broom next time," Harry + told him, "So we can fly together."
+"Or you can bring two more and Severus can join us as well," Alex offered + excitedly.
+"I think not," Snape growled.
+Thankfully, no accidents happened. Snape hadn't even needed to cast a cushioning + charm. In the end, Alex – though he talked big – did not have the courage to attempt + any actual flying. Instead, he had hovered to and fro while Harry took notes. In the + end, he timed the potion's duration at seventy-eight minutes. Enough time for most + quidditch matches, should that ever become important.
+Harry was stirring the fluid in the cauldron gently as he waited for it to shift + in colour. Once it did, Hedwig grabbed a cluster of lavender and hopped over to + Harry, extending her foot for him to take the plant from her.
+Harry chuckled. "You're such a clever girl, Hedwig," he said.
+"She behaves like a true familiar would," Snape said. He too was brewing but he + was focusing on a blood replenishing potion while Harry took care of the calming + draught. Both were relatively easy to brew and Madame Pomfrey had run out. When Harry + had questioned why Slughorn couldn't brew the potions instead, Snape had told him + that he'd rather not hand over all of his potion-making duties. He would miss them + far too much.
+Harry was glad for it, really. Helping Snape brew like this was quite relaxing and + fun. Knowing that it was for a good cause was merely secondary.
+As Harry sprinkled some bicorn horn dust into his potion, Snape turned down the + fire underneath his cauldron to allow the brew to simmer for a few moments.
+"So, Harry," he said, wiping his hands on a cloth.
+"Hm?" Harry responded distantly.
+"I do wonder what your future plans are," Snape said. He placed two hands on his + working station and leaned forward expectantly.
+Harry chuckled. "What do you mean?" he asked, "Isn't it kind of obvious by now?" + he said as he gestured toward his cauldron.
+"That's not entirely what I meant," Snape told him.
+"Okay," Harry said slowly, "Do elaborate, then."
+"Have you given any thought to your romantic leanings?" Snape asked easily as he + started chopping up some larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito, "You and Draco seemed to + be rather close a few days ago."
+"Hold it right there!" Harry protested loud enough for Hedwig to flap her wings in + disagreement. "I don't know where you got the idea but I'm not into Draco or any + other boy for that matter."
+"Do calm yourself," Snape said, some amusement obvious in his voice, "I was merely + enquiring."
+"For your information, I'm not interested in relationships right now," Harry said + in annoyance, "I'm too busy working on my potions." He threw in his poppy seeds as if + to emphasize that point.
+Snape chuckled. "I do disagree with you," he said, "As I've told you before, you + need to spend time on things other than brewing and studying."
+"I'm already playing Quidditch," Harry protested, "And I hang out with my friends. + I don't see why you're making such a big deal out of this."
+"I would simply hate for you to miss out, Harry," Snape replied, "You're in your + seventh year and as far as I can tell, you haven't explored the possibilities at + all."
+"Oh please tell me you're not saying what I think you're saying," Harry said + desperately, finally looking away from his potion to look at Snape imploringly.
+"Need I spell it out for you?" Snape asked, raising a sardonic eyebrow.
+"How would you even know?' Harry objected, flushing slightly. "It's not like I + told you much about my relationship with Ginny."
+"Ah, but you did," Snape countered with obvious ease, "You told me enough to know. + And if that wasn't enough to go on, the current red hue on your cheeks is plenty + obvious."
+The direction the conversation had taken was mortifying enough by itself but the + way Snape seemed to enjoy this current trajectory peeved Harry immensely. "Would you + stop?" he snarled, "What's it to you if I've had sex or not?"
+"I just don't want you to close yourself off just for the sake of brewing," Snape + replied, not at all deterred. "It would be a pity if you –"
+"What?" Harry interrupted, a mischievous smile now tugging on his lips, "Become + like you? Do tell, Severus. How much experience do you have?"
+"Do you really want to know?" Snape countered, crossing his arms. "Perhaps you + would prefer if I showed you? How are your Occlumency shields nowadays?" The evil + smirk on his face implied that Snape would follow through if Harry didn't let up.
+"Never mind!" Harry replied quickly, "I retract that statement. But honestly, as + far as I can tell, you haven't been with anyone at least since I started school."
+"You would not be incorrect," Snape replied evenly. He grabbed a small jar of + beetle eyes from the top shelf and shook it a few times, clearly starting to become + uncomfortable himself.
+"So when will you be bringing home a pretty woman?" Harry teased, "Or + man, I don't judge." He leaned forward on the back of his chair, his stirrer dangling + lazily betwixt his fingers.
+"I am not interested," Snape said through gritted teeth. He sent Harry a deadly + glare but the boy knew better than to flinch back by now.
+"Oh, but that won't do," Harry said, "You shouldn't spend all of your time brewing + and working. You need to be able to let loose. Much like a few days ago."
+"Whatever do you mean?" Snape asked, momentarily stopping his chopping.
+"What, don't you remember?" Harry teased. He leaned his head in his hands as if he + was recalling a precious memory. "Professor Bell was all over you!"
+"She was not," Snape sighed, "We were simply both somewhat inebriated." The + darkening of Snape's cheeks did not escape Harry's attention.
+"Perhaps," Harry teased, "But you did seem pretty happy."
+"What part of inebriated don't you understand?" Snape countered harshly.
+"I think she fancies you," Harry said in a sing-songy voice. He ducked just in + time when Snape threw a rag at his head.
+"I must admit that it is rather impressive how you've turned this conversation + around to focus on me," Snape said, "But I concede. I will not force you into any + romantic relationship of any sort. I simply wanted to express an interest in my son's + life."
+"Then why couldn't you just say so?" Harry asked in exasperation.
+Snape sighed. "I would appreciate it if you kept me informed of your relationship + status," he said, "Is that better?"
+"I'll see what I can do," Harry said, "But there's nothing going on right + now."
+"As you say," Snape said."
+I write mainly for my personal enjoyment but I admit that getting reviews makes me + really happy! So please take a moment to write something - it doesn't need to be much + - And click that little review button. Thanks in advance!
+I loved the response I got from the last chapter. Thank you all so very much! I've + said this before but sometimes it's quite surprising to see which chapters are more + well-liked than others and the previous chapter was one such case. Alas, Christmas is + over and it is time to go back to Hogwarts. I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter as + well.
+Chapter 28
+While Harry had truly had an amazing time in Cokeworth, he was really looking + forward to going back to Hogwarts. He hadn't seen Ron and Hermione for two weeks but + more than that, he was eager to give the potion another try.
+After saying their goodbyes to Alex, they left for Hogwarts a few days early, just + so Snape could get some things to do with his teaching duties in order. They also + needed to drop off their newly brewed potions in the hospital wing.
+They were back in time for dinner and Harry noticed that all of the leftover + students shared a single table with their teachers. It was elongated but not + extensively so. It was quite odd to see, really. Luna sat next to Dumbledore, having + a pleasant discussion concerning the mapping of creatures in the forbidden forest as + Hagrid interjected occasionally. McGonagall was discussing animagi with a seventh + year Hufflepuff and Bell – who had also returned prematurely – was entertaining three + Ravenclaws with a tale that would have been utterly boring had Binns told it.
+Adding themselves to the group of reorganised Hogwarts occupants, Snape and Harry + sat near Slughorn, where some seats were still available.
+"Ah Harry, Severus," Slughorn greeted amiably, "So good to see you back here. Did + you have a happy Christmas?"
+"Very pleasant, thank you," Harry replied politely. "How was yours?"
+"Oh, nothing too eventful happened, I fear," Slughorn chuckled, "I've seen Peeves + skulk around the dungeons on more than one occasion but besides that, nothing out of + the ordinary has happened. I've mostly been working on some personal research."
+"Harry here managed to invent an entirely new potion," Snape said as he cut into + his beef Wellington.
+"You don't say?" Slughorn said in astonishment. "Do tell, is it the one you've + been working on for the last couple of months?"
+Harry felt himself flush somewhat because of the unwanted attention but replied + anyway. "It's a different potion," he said, "Nothing too spectacular, really. It was + just something I've been playing around with."
+"There's really no need to make yourself or your accomplishments smaller than they + are, Harry," Snape chided lightly. "We're all academics here and I'm certain that + Horace would be quite interested in your invention."
+Harry frowned at Snape who smirked back at him and shrugged.
+"Well, alright," he conceded, "I created a potion that will allow for a muggle to + interact with magical items such as a broom."
+"You don't say," Slughorn said in obvious wonder, "And if I may ask, what did you + use for the base of your potion?"
+"Dirigible plums," Harry provided, "They were a Christmas present from Luna –" + Harry smiled at her when she looked at him at the mention of her name, "- and it + occurred to me that they were perfect."
+"Inspired!" Slughorn exclaimed, "But what did you use to counter their + gravitational pull?"
+"I didn't need to use anything," Harry said proudly, "I simply imbued the plums + with innate magic and they were ready for use."
+"Simply!" Slughorn exclaimed a bit louder than Harry would have liked but the + astonishment in the Potion Master's voice fed his sense of pride. Snape simply looked + smug. "That is a very high level of skill, Harry. One that not even a fifth of all + Potion Masters possess."
+"Do you?" Harry asked, realizing too late just how rude that question + might be.
+Slughorn regarded him for a moment before smiling slyly. "I do," he replied, "And + I know what it takes to learn this particular skill. I gather you've mastered + Occlumency then?"
+"In the sense that Occlumency can ever be mastered," Snape replied smoothly, "But + yes, the boy is extraordinarily talented when it comes to innate magic."
+"Fascinating," Slughorn said, eyeing Harry hungrily as if he was an important + experiment. "Have you been able to test the potion yet?"
+"Oh, I have," Harry replied easily, "We have a muggle friend that knows all about + magic –" McGonagall choked on a potato and Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "- And he + managed to stay afloat on my Firebolt after he took the potion."
+"Do you think he would be able to use a wand after drinking the potion?" Slughorn + asked. Harry thought the man's food must be getting cold as it lay there seemingly + forgotten. He thought about the question for a moment.
+"As much as any wizard can wield a wand that isn't theirs, I would guess," Harry + finally said, "A wizard that has never had any practice with spellwork and magic, of + course."
+"It would be interesting to see if he could," Snape noted.
+"I'm quite certain that this particular muggle would be quite happy to assist you + with your experimentation," Dumbledore suddenly interjected, "But I must suggest that + you remain cautious. I don't know how the ministry would react to a magic-wielding + muggle."
+Snape smirked. "Forgive me, headmaster, but aren't you calling the proverbial + kettle black?" he asked, "For some reason, a certain antediluvian wizard I know has + seen fit to introduce this muggle in question to our world rather dramatically."
+Dumbledore chuckled. "I simply hate to see talent and enthusiasm wasted," he said, + "And I daresay that the young man is thriving because of my interference, wouldn't + you say?"
+Most of the other occupants sitting at the table now seemed thoroughly lost. Only + Maya occasionally chuckled and cast knowing glances at Snape as well as Dumbledore. + Luna certainly looked as if she knew what the conversation was about but she could + just as easily be thinking about something entirely different.
+"Besides," Dumbledore continued, "Life is simply that much more pleasurable when + we understand each other, wouldn't you say so, Maya?" His baby blue eyes sparkled + annoyingly bright and with one glance at Snape, Harry knew that his father was + thoroughly exasperated.
+"Are you telling me you were aware of these impossibly coincidental + circumstances?" Snape snarled as he gestured in Maya's general direction.
+Dumbledore laughed heartily in response. "My dear boy," he said fondly, "There is + very little I am not aware of. Besides, I think it's best that we all try and live + our lives as if we were doing so on purpose."
+Luna – who sat comfortably besides Dumbledore – laughed disarmingly. "That would + certainly confuse death, wouldn't it?" she added.
+Dumbledore smiled broadly. "Or make him into our ally," Dumbledore told her softly + as if it was a secret he shared only with her.
+The other people sitting nearby looked at their headmaster somewhat flabbergasted + before everyone went back to their own conversations.
+"So about this muggle acquaintance of yours," Slughorn said, picking up where they + left off, "Do you think we could convince him to visit Hogwarts at some point in the + near future? Finding a muggle test subject is quite difficult and I would be very + interested to see your potion in action. Perhaps I could discern some issues or + unknown aspects you missed, hm?"
+Snape and Harry looked at each other for a moment. "I think he would be quite + amenable to the idea," Snape replied.
+"Preferably at the next Quidditch match," Harry added, "If Professor Dumbledore + would allow it, of course."
+"Dear Harry, I am somewhat astounded that you would think me disagreeable with + that prospect," Dumbledore interjected again, "While I won't have a flock of random + muggles explore these sacred halls of their own volition, I could never reject one of + the close friends of one of my staff."
+"Close friend is a bit much," Snape protested.
+"You had dinner at his house for boxing day!" Maya protested, "And you two seemed + pretty chummy to me."
+"I'm sure that you were simply seeing things," Snape objected, "Possibly due to + the wine."
+Maya giggled but didn't object which Harry though to be quite graceful of her. She + might as well have pointed out that Snape had been equally drunk. Instead, she just + winked at him and said: "Whatever it is you think of Alex, he thinks the world of + you. If he were an owl or a cat, you would have a familiar on your hands."
+"Alexander is not nearly as useful," Snape said coldly, "Though he did manage to + deliver a letter."
+Harry snorted, "And he was sort of able to fly."
+"Someday we'll make an owl of him yet," Snape smirked, "Perhaps an idea for your + next experiment?"
+"What, animal transformation?" Harry asked, "That sounds ridiculously hard."
+"Impossible, I would say," McGonagall interjected with pursed lips. "It is a fine + art to become an Animagus. There is no way that you could bottle the discipline + required for the transformation."
+"Is that a challenge, Minerva?" Snape asked mischievously.
+"Nothing of the sort, Severus," McGonagall said plainly as she daintily lifted her + cup of tea. "I would hate for any accidents to happen on my account."
+"Perhaps if we were able to distil the innate magic of the animal in question," + Harry told Snape, "And combined it with that of the drinker, it might have the + desired effect."
+"But however would you stop both sources from mingling?" Snape asked. McGonagall + groaned in exasperation but was ignored.
+"You could entrap the innate magic of the human specimen in water," Slughorn + suggested.
+"And the beastly essence in oil," Snape finished thoughtfully, "That's quite a + brilliant suggestion, Horace."
+"But of course," Slughorn told him easily, "Don't forget who taught you."
+"But we would probably need to wait for the full moon," Harry continued.
+Snape shook his head. "The half-moon is what I believe you should be aiming for," + he said.
+"Why not both?" Slughorn added, "It would take some time but it might work."
+"Honestly!" McGonagall growled suddenly, "You three are impossible. There is no + way to create an animagi potion."
+"Afraid that it will fail, Minerva?" Snape smirked, "Or worried that it might + actually work?"
+"Don't come complaining to me when you find yourself trapped," McGonagall said + haughtily. But Harry caught her small smile of amusement. When she saw him looking at + her and was sure that Slughorn and Snape were discussing the possibilities amongst + themselves again, she winked at him. Somehow, Harry thought that she was actually + quite pleased to see Snape passionate like this. Or maybe it wasn't him she + was pleased about.
+Listening to his mentor with a half-ear, he refocused his attention on his + chicken.
+The day after Snape and Harry had come back, Dumbledore had summoned Harry into + his office and he couldn't help but wonder what he had done wrong now. Maybe + Dumbledore was upset about what had happened with the ghosts?
+By the time he had arrived at the gargoyle statue, he had worried himself a great + deal and found himself playing with a loose strand on his robe.
+"Chocolate-covered strawberries," Harry muttered, the gargoyle Dumbledore had + dubbed Archibald allowing him passage.
+As soon as Harry stepped into Dumbledore's office and saw the brilliantly white + smile he was greeted with, all of his worries disappeared.
+"Good to see you, Harry," Dumbledore said, "Would you care for a lemon drop?"
+Harry chuckled. "No thank you, sir," he declined respectfully.
+Dumbledore's eyes shimmered with amusement. "You know," he said, "You always used + to take a lemon drop before. I do believe that Severus' dislike for sweets is rubbing + off on you."
+"I think it's just me growing up," Harry replied easily.
+"Ah yes," Dumbledore said, "The unstoppable passage of time. It is quite sad and + yet quite happy all the same, wouldn't you agree?"
+"Of course, sir," Harry said, not sure what reply was expected of him.
+"But I forget myself," Dumbledore chuckled, "I did not summon you here to listen + to the mad ramblings of an old fool. No, I wish to discuss with you the potion you + have been trying to create."
+Harry's heart jumped slightly. So he was here about his most recent + mishap.
+Dumbledore seemed to read his expression correctly and smiled encouragingly. "No, + Harry," he said, "You're not in trouble. Quite the opposite, in fact. I think that I + will be able to help you."
+"Help me?" Harry said hopefully, "Do you mean it?"
+"I rarely say things I don't mean, Harry," Dumbledore said truthfully, "And I wish + to support you in any way that I can. Now, have you ever heard of an alchemist's + circle?"
+"No sir," Harry replied.
+"Ah, I didn't think so," Dumbledore said, "You see, as you no doubt know, I've + partnered with Nicolas Flamel for an important portion of my life while working on + several alchemical discoveries and developments."
+"I know, sir," Harry said, remembering his first year well. Dumbledore flashed him + a knowing smile.
+"While the outcome of your potion was not entirely your desire, it was only to be + expected," Dumbledore said, "I don't know if you've ever heard of innate magic?"
+Harry grinned, "I have sir."
+Dumbledore actually looked surprised at that. "Have you now?" he asked, "Well, + that makes this conversation a lot easier already. You see, I believe the reason that + your potion summoned ghosts was because it reacted to the innate magic of the castle + as well as its inhabitants."
+"Do you mean the ghosts?" Harry asked, somewhat perplexed. Potions weren't + supposed to do that.
+"The ghosts; the students; the teachers; the rats, all of them," Dumbledore + replied, "All lives, big and small have an effect on any form of magic that is so + decidedly large."
+"Large?" Harry asked.
+"You are attempting to cross planes, Harry," Dumbledore said, "Even if only in + spirit, that takes a tremendous amount of magic. And other spirits interfere with + that process."
+Harry frowned. "So what do I do about that?"
+"The alchemical circle I mentioned earlier – otherwise known as a containment + field – would help keep all innate magic that you do not wish for, out," Dumbledore + said.
+"That's amazing!" Harry said in obvious excitement, "And you will teach me how to + make one?"
+Dumbledore chuckled. "Calm yourself, Harry," he said fondly, "This is not a + dangerous or hard spell I'm teaching you. This is actually rather basic. One of the + first things a budding alchemist would learn. But I believe that it would benefit you + greatly."
+Harry didn't care. Impressive or not, it was amazing that Dumbledore himself was + willing to teach him this alchemical circle. Anything that would help him, he would + take. And as Dumbledore himself had told him before: 'No knowledge is + wasted'.
+The circle itself was nothing magical at all. Instead, it was a drawing. A + slightly complex drawing, yes, but nothing Harry couldn't handle. He was to draw it + in white chalk and make sure that the edges touched each other perfectly to complete + the circle. He even noticed some runes that he was familiar with mixed into the + edges. It took a mere hour of practising to get it right and for some reason, Harry + didn't feel too accomplished.
+"Am I doing it right?" Harry asked sheepishly.
+"That will do perfectly," Dumbledore told him, "But we won't know for sure what + the effect will be until you apply it. Just make sure to take special care to draw + the runes for stability and structure correctly lest there be undesirable results. + Try it next time and tell me what happens. I confess that I'm rather curious as to + what the results will be."
+Harry nodded his consent. "Of course, Professor," he said, "And thank you very + much for showing me this."
+Dumbledore chuckled. "Oh Harry, even though my teaching days have long since + passed, I do still enjoy filling the minds of students with all kinds of wonder."
+Fawkes thrilled beautifully at that statement.
+School restarted the next day. The tables had been reset in their normal positions + and Harry found himself back at the Gryffindor table, surrounded by his friends.
+Draco had joined them once again and Harry noticed that he was wearing the Swiss + timepiece he had given the boy for Christmas.
+"So, you might even wear it sometimes, huh?" Harry pointed out + with a smirk.
+"What can I say?" Draco shrugged, "There's no arguing over quality."
+"It's beautiful," Hermione noted, "And it really suits you, Draco."
+"It does have an aristocratic feel to it, doesn't it?" Draco said, lifting the + piece as he looked at it some more.
+A gasp from Lavender Brown made the fearsome foursome look at her. When Hermione + caught sight of what she was reading, she rolled her eyes in exasperation.
+"Ignore her," she said, "She's probably fawning over some pretty boy again."
+Ron chuckled. "Yeah, 'Witch Weekly'. Ginny was into that for a + while."
+Harry would have ignored her but she was showing more and more people the magazine + cover and everyone she showed it to either broke into uncomfortable fits of giggles + or looked away in obvious embarrassment.
+"For once they're not looking over here," Harry murmured, "So it can't be me."
+He noticed a few people looking over at the head table and when he looked over + himself, he saw Maya sitting there with a self-satisfied smirk on her face and + couldn't help but think, 'What did you do now?'
+Snape was becoming increasingly annoyed at the stares that were directed his way. + When he glared at the ones openly looking at him, they would avert their gaze for a + while, only to giggle at one of their companions and stare at him once more.
+The attention he was getting was mostly female and was directed his way from all + tables of all houses. But there were some boys in the mix as well. Thinking for a + moment that Harry had something to do with this, he looked pointedly at his son but + the boy seemed equally confused.
+He sighed deeply when he realized that there could only be one other person that + would dare and try to openly embarrass him and that person was sitting right next to + him.
+"What did you do this time, Maya?" he asked calmly, trying his best not to seem + bothered.
+"Me?" Maya asked in mock disbelief, "Whatever do you mean, dear Severus? I haven't + done a thing."
+Suddenly, Sprout broke into a fit of giggles and slid a magazine in McGonagall's + direction. Snape noticed that her eyes widened for a moment and that she tried to + cover up a smile with her hand as she read.
+Having no patience for decorum or etiquette, Snape snatched the magazine + McGonagall was reading and stared at it, his own eyes widening in shock.
+Right there, on the front cover of Witch Weekly, was a picture of his own face, + his expression focused as he carefully and precisely chopped op potion ingredients. + He glanced over at his colleagues who seemed to be staring at him with a mixture of + shock and amusement. Growling to himself, he looked at the page McGonagall had been + reading, his eyes narrowing as he devoured the sappy wording about his person.
+Our most eligible bachelor of the week is none other than renowned + Potion Master Severus Snape.
+The intellectual witch might have seen him appear in 'The Practical + Potioneer' quite often, and even more so now that he has taken a young apprentice + under his wing.
+This man has a brilliant mind that he uses not only for the + betterment of the magical community but also to help young witches and wizards + develop their own talents. Though stern towards the students he teaches, he is + devoted to them wholeheartedly.
+He is amazingly charismatic and possesses dark eyes that are able + to read any willing witch like an open book. It will surely take him no time at all + to find out your deepest desires and act on them.
+Severus enjoys reading, brewing potions and spending quality time + with his son. He prefers a 1985 Bordeaux wine at dinner and his favourite flowers are + lilies. While a hard man to get to open up, he actually has a very solid sense of + humour and will no doubt surprise you with it if you give him a chance.
+He is very dependable. A loyal and very courageous man who will + happily save a damsel (or witch) in distress.
+But don't wait too long ladies for this man will surely be snatched + up soon. He is – after all – an extraordinarily rare specimen.
+For a moment, Snape felt himself be overcome with mortification as he realized + what all those – for the most part underage – witches were babbling and giggling + about. He glanced sideways at Maya who sat there looking decidedly smug. He was about + ready to throw something at her when he regarded the text a second time.
+It was not derisive or mocking. There were no signs of this actually being a prank + and any witch who read this magazine would definitely not see it as such. In fact, it + was all rather flattering. A 1985 Bordeaux indeed. Who other than Maya would know + this? It was the bottle he had brought with him on boxing day. And the lilies? Alex + had no doubt told her. He liked telling that story to whoever would listen, after + all.
+With as much dignity as he could muster, he closed the magazine, handed it back to + McGonagall and leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he looked at Maya. She + was smirking at him and he raised a curious eyebrow, regarding her as he would a + particularly interesting potion experiment.
+"So," he drawled, "You think me amazingly charismatic, do you?"
+Maya blinked a few times, her smirk lessening, albeit slightly. "Whatever do you + mean?" she asked innocently.
+"It's quite clear that you're behind this, dear Maya," Snape said, "Do you deny + it?"
+"I might have implied that you would make a fine bachelor of the week," Maya + admitted, "Urging the publishers of the magazine to do a piece on you."
+"Truly?" Snape asked, "And yet, it would appear that you did slightly more than + that."
+"Whatever do you mean?" Maya asked. She was turning rather red and Snape smirked + in the face of her discomfort. Ah, how the tables had turned.
+"This text was clearly written by your hand," he said, "No one else – even at this + table – knows my wine preference."
+Maya snorted, "So I devoted myself to this prank," she said, "I hope you don't + find it too much of a bother."
+It was clear that she was trying to distract him into feeling embarrassed again + but she could not outslytherin the Slytherin head of house that easily. Instead, he + slightly leaned his chin into the space between his thumb and index finger, with the + other fingers lightly brushing his lips, the arm propped up on his armrest. A + devilish smile adorned his features and his dark eyes sparkled mischievously.
+"My dear," he teased, "I do think you've shown your hand much too quickly."
+Maya huffed indignantly as Snape expertly turned the entire prank around on the + instigator. The article had been nothing if not flattering, after all, so in truth, + he shouldn't be too embarrassed. If he thought about it, he rather appreciated the + things Maya had noticed about him. Not that that would stop him from handing out some + payback. He noticed that a large portion of the attending students was now looking in + their direction, as was every member of staff.
+"I suppose I did," Maya muttered. She got up from her seat, still red as a + Weasley's hair and walked out of the great hall, betwixt the Gryffindor and + Hufflepuff tables. It felt thoroughly as a walk of shame that Snape couldn't help but + be amused by.
+"When you're done with that article, Minerva," he said plainly, "I would very much + like to keep it if that's alright."
+The prank war continues! Please let me know what you think because I'm eager to
+ know!
+ *Dances* Reviews make me happy!
I want to thank everyone for their support and reviews. I hope you'll enjoy
+ this next chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
+ Since I have to go to a staff party, I won't be on the discord for a few hours but I
+ can sneakily update this at work. (Slytherin genes!)
Chapter 29
+After classes the next day, Harry was hurriedly making his way towards the + dungeons, eager to give the Umbral Locum another go as well as use the alchemical + circle in the progress. Books and scrolls flung chaotically in his bag, he walked + slightly off-balance as his load hung from his shoulder. That's why, when he rounded + a corner only to find someone standing behind its bend, there was little else he + could do but crash into this person.
+They were a blur of blonde and green and Harry barely recognised Luna as they both + came crashing to the ground.
+"Luna!" Harry exclaimed as he saw the girl blink at him in confusion. She looked + terrible. A large portion of her face and hair were covered in some sort of green + slime that was slowly dripping down her body. She tried wiping it out of her eyes but + didn't seem to succeed. Every time she tried to remove the goo, it seemed to + duplicate in quantity.
+Harry got to his feet and graciously offered Luna his hand, which she took.
+"Thank you, Harry," she said, seemingly smiling at him but Harry couldn't be sure + at this point.
+"What happened?" he asked worriedly.
+"I-" Luna stammered before shaking her head and trying again. "Some very lonely + people thought they might feel better if they pranked me," she said.
+Harry growled as he felt a surge of anger. "That doesn't –" He was about to fly + off the handle – he knew – but practising his Occlumency, he kept it at bay and + calmed himself. Right now, Luna needed him.
+"Come with me," he said. He was still holding her hand and gently pulled her with + him as they travelled deeper into the dungeons.
+"I will be alright, Harry," Luna told him happily, "There's no need to worry about + me."
+Harry felt a pang of hurt in his chest when he recognised the underlying tone of + sadness in Luna's voice. He recognised it from when he had used the same tone of + voice himself, never quite able to fully disguise his hurt.
+"You will be alright," Harry agreed with her, "But for now, you + will come with me."
+Luna didn't say anything after that and agreeably followed Harry into the potions + lab. As usual, no one else was there. No one but Hedwig who was sleeping soundly with + her head tucked under her wing.
+Harry lowered Luna gently into a chair and filled a basin with some water which he + spelled warm. He grabbed a clean cloth and a stool, setting it right in front of + Luna. She stared at him with her blue-grey eyes and Harry looked back at her as he + felt a pang of sorrow for the kind-hearted Ravenclaw. He dipped the cloth into the + water and very gently began removing the slime from her cheek, being careful not to + aggravate her eyes as he did so.
+"Who did this?" he asked gently, dipping the cloth into the water once more and + wiping at her forehead. With his other hand, he gently brushed some stray strands of + hair out of her face so they would not stick to the slime.
+"Just some students in my house," Luna said easily, "They really don't mean to be + cruel. I'm sure they thought they were just playing a prank on me."
+Harry regarded her for a moment and sighed, now slowly removing the slime from her + hair as best he could. "Someone from your own house did this," he said, not even + bothering to formulate it as a question. "That's not right."
+"No," Luna agreed, "But things rarely are."
+"Wait here," Harry said, "Some of it got in your eyes. Let me get something for + that."
+He walked over to the potions cabinet to get some murtlap essence. He did his best + to remain calm and not explode in righteous fury because that was not what Luna + needed right now. He knew very well what it was like to be bullied and – even if he + rarely got it when he was younger – what he wanted most after such an encounter was + just for someone to care. He could be that someone for Luna right now.
+He grabbed the murtlap essence and sat back on the stool. Luna was looking at her + hands and for a moment, Harry thought her eyes were devoid of their usual + dreaminess.
+"They tell me I'm a freak," Luna said softly. Harry almost missed it. But those + words reignited white-hot anger within him in a flash so sudden that he hadn't the + time to control himself before several vials nearby scattered to pieces. Hedwig + screeched as they did and Luna flinched slightly.
+"I'm sorry," Harry said, grabbing her hand, "I didn't mean to frighten you. It's + just that – I used to –"
+"You remember what it's like," Luna finished for him, smiling gently as her eyes + met his once more. "It's quite alright, Harry. You don't frighten me. You never + could."
+"You're not a freak," Harry told her very sternly, "Don't let anyone ever convince + you otherwise."
+"It's true that I'm not exactly average," Luna told him gently.
+Harry huffed. "Average?" he said, "Average is for those who are too afraid to + dream. Average is for the cowards who relish in bullying harmless girls."
+He looked at her fondly, willing her to believe him. "No, you are not average," he + said, "You are amazing. You are exceptional! You are one of the brightest, most + promising witches in here. You are special to a lot of people, including me."
+Luna smiled at him genuinely. With his thumb wrapped in a piece of the cloth, + Harry wiped away a green smudge on Luna's lips, his brow furrowed in + concentration.
+"Keep your eyes open for a moment," Harry told her as he opened the vial of + murtlap essence. "Tilt your head back a bit for me."
+She did as he told her, keeping her eyes open as much as he could. Carefully, he + allowed a few drops of the essence to fall into her eyes, effectively expulsing any + of the green slime that had contaminated them.
+"There," Harry said, smiling gently, "Your eyes are their beautiful selves + again."
+Luna giggled. It made Harry's heart soar to hear it.
+"Luna," he said, "Tell me who did this."
+Luna smiled kindly. "Why?" she asked, "So you can hurt them? Report them?"
+"Well, yes!" Harry exclaimed, "They can't keep doing this to you."
+"They only do it because they're not happy," Luna said, "They want others to + suffer because they suffer. I don't want to cause them more harm."
+"But Luna," Harry protested weakly, "They hurt you."
+"And you helped me," Luna told him appreciatively, "And that is truly all I can + ask for. It made me exceedingly happy."
+"Luna –"
+"I will be alright," She gave his hand a light squeeze, "Just like you are."
+Harry sighed, but handed her the vial of murtlap essence.
+"Three drops per eye," he told her, "Once a day for another week."
+"Thank you," Luna said, surprising Harry as she pulled him into an embrace, + burying her head in his shoulder.
+Almost automatically, Harry placed a soft hand on the back of Luna's hair in + comfort, placing his chin on top of her head. Harry felt the need to linger but Luna + finally withdrew.
+"You know, I always did like the fairy tales about knights in shining armour. Take + this as my favour to you, sir knight," And with that, she kissed him on the cheek, + swirled around and left. Harry couldn't help but blush.
+Harry found himself drawing the alchemical circle – or containment field – in the + exact way that Dumbledore showed him. He paid special attention to the runes that + were the basis of the circle and spent the better part of an hour to complete it. + When he was nearly done, his knees were hurting from kneeling on the cold dungeon + floor.
+"What are you doing?" came Snape's curious question from the doorway.
+With a grunt, Harry lifted himself from the floor, dusting his robes as he did. + "It's a containment field," he said matter-of-factly.
+"I know what a containment field is, Harry," Snape chided lightly, "What do you + take me for? What I want to know is: why are you drawing it all over my laboratory + floor?"
+Harry smirked, "Should I answer your question or assume you know the answer + already?"
+"Mind your cheek," Snape said, smirking slightly, "And do tell."
+"Professor Dumbledore suggested that the reason the potion didn't work is because + of the castle's innate magic interfering with it," Harry explained.
+"Hm," Snape said thoughtfully, "That's not a bad thought. He might be on to + something. Did he teach you how to draw the circle?"
+"He did," Harry replied.
+"Absolutely fascinating," Snape said, "Well, go on then, get to it."
+Harry regarded Snape carefully. "Are you just going to be standing there the + entire time?"
+"At a proper distance," Snape replied, "But yes. If you'll forgive me, my academic + interests far outweigh your need for privacy at this moment."
+Harry rolled his eyes. "Okay, as long as you stay away from my circle."
+Snape chuckled. "I know that," he said, "I may not be an alchemist but I am aware + of its basic science."
+Harry gathered all of the ingredients he needed, making absolutely sure that he + left nothing behind, grabbed his stirrer and his theorem and finally completed the + circle as he and his cauldron remained inside.
+For a moment, a sheen seemed to reflect on a dome-shaped wall that emanated from + the circle, but it had vanished as soon as it appeared.
+"I think it worked," Harry told Snape but he got no response. When he looked at + Snape, he could see the man smirk at him.
+"What?" Harry asked. Snape rolled his eyes in obvious exasperation and shook his + head at Harry.
+"I don't – oh," Understanding dawned on Harry when he realized just how quiet it + had gotten. He could not hear anything from beyond the circle and he could only + assume that Snape – in turn – could not hear him. Well, at least they could still see + each other.
+Harry shrugged, flashed Snape a toothy grin and went to work. Another thing he + noticed – which was quite extraordinary really – was that all of his ingredients + seemed to exhibit an unearthly glow. Frowning, he picked up his thestral hooves, + somewhat horrified by the deep purple fog-like aura that seemed to emanate from + within them. At the same time, the marigold flowers exuded a pleasant orange in a way + that Harry assumed scent would look like, were it visible.
+When he looked at his own hands, he could see wisps of white emanate from his + pores, licking his skin and reaching out to the other colourful variations.
+"Innate magic," Harry whispered to himself. He could actually see the innate magic + of every object. He glanced at Snape who seemed to be studying him with a calculating + look. Harry raised his hands to the man but Snape simply arched an eyebrow. So + perhaps, those outside of the circle couldn't see it. Very well. He would best get to + work.
+For now, he wouldn't change any basic ingredients from his recipe. Perhaps adding + the containment circle would be enough to get the potion to work. He chopped his bay + leaves; imbued his marigold flowers with innate magic and diced his figs. He grated + his thestral hooves and watched the potion change colour as he stirred.
+Being closed off from everything else gave Harry a sense of calm that helped his + focus greatly. The further he got into the potion, the more obvious the colourful + mists around him became. They seemed to be reaching out to him. To be calling him. + Whenever he grabbed an ingredient, his own magic seemed to embrace that of the + element, mingling for a moment before separating once more. It was nothing short of + fascinating.
+When Harry would throw in the items, their magic would be absorbed by the scalding + hot liquid and become part of the swirling mix of what Harry was starting to think + was a semi-sentient potion. Because indeed, the tendrils of magic that protruded from + the potion seemed to be reaching out to Harry. They were calling him. Beckoning + gently and soothingly. Harry thought that if he listened carefully, he could hear the + chimes of little bells.
+It was nearly ready. He was sure of it. The liquid was now white. It looked like + milk even though the swirls of magic told Harry that the concoction was far more than + that. Now all he needed to do was to personalize it.
+As he would for the Polyjuice potion, he pulled out a few of his hairs and threw + them into the cauldron. The magical tendrils absorbed the gift hungrily and in a + manner of seconds, the hairs were gone. Devoured.
+The milky white substance had taken on more of a reddish tint and was sizzling + violently. A vast portion of the potion evaporated into thin air, leaving only enough + substance to fill a single vial. Harry bottled it carefully and dared a peek at Snape + who was watching him with visible anticipation. It would probably be best if he broke + the containment circle now. Before he drank the potion at least. Snape would want to + be able to intervene should something unexpected happen.
+With his shoe, he erased part of the circle, breaking the field. Suddenly, he was + flooded with sounds he had never realized were there. There were the almost inaudible + grunts of stone settling throughout Hogwarts, the distant sounds of chatter and + laughter, Snape's breathing and even the occasional sound of rats burrowing into the + walls.
+"Well, that was certainly… interesting," Snape said. His voice sounded + ridiculously loud and Harry frowned as he got used to the everyday sounds of life + again.
+"What's wrong?" Snape asked.
+"Everything's just so loud," Harry said, "Just give me a minute."
+Snape nodded and walked over to peer into Harry's cauldron, his boots clicking on + the floor. Harry was quickly getting used to the sounds once more and soon he was + able to drown out most of the noise once more. When Snape looked inside the cauldron, + there was a flash of disappointment in his eyes, probably due to the lack of leftover + potion.
+"I can always make more if it works," Harry said.
+"I suppose," Snape replied uneasily, "Have you recovered?"
+"I think so," Harry said uncertainly, "Did you see?"
+"See what?"
+"The magic that exuded from everything! I think it was innate magic."
+Snape frowned. "I noticed no such thing. That's quite peculiar."
+"How so?" Harry asked.
+"I've never heard of the alchemical circle provoking such a response," Snape + replied though Harry had the distinct impression that the Potions Master was talking + to himself rather than to Harry. "Could it be because you unlocked your innate + magic?"
+"Perhaps Professor Dumbledore will know," Harry suggested, "For now, I think I + should drink the potion. Can I?"
+"Go ahead," Snape said, "But don't forget to thoroughly occlude your mind + first."
+"I remember," Harry huffed. As if he could forget all those horrid Occlumency + lessons he had to endure to be allowed to brew this potion.
+Snape gestured to him in a way that told him to carry on with it. So Harry + occluded his mind and drank the potion.
+Where potions usually had a horrid taste – courtesy of all the strange ingredients + one would mix together – this one didn't taste too bad. Harry thought he recognised + the taste of fruit, both sour and sweet except that it was off by a few days. Still + not too bad in his books.
+He vaguely thought to himself that next time he should be sitting down for this + when he felt his legs get weaker and his body collapse. He was caught and gently + lowered to the ground. He wanted to tell Snape thanks but he couldn't speak. He felt + his mind beginning to wander and knew he shouldn't fight it. This is what he wanted. + This is what the magic would provide for him.
+He closed his eyes and allowed the Umbral Locum to do its work.
+A surge of energy suddenly coursed through Harry and he opened his eyes once more. + But what he saw was not the potions laboratory, nor was it Snape. There was nothing + for him to recognise but he immediately became aware of the feeling of being + surrounded. He looked around him as he stood in a greyish void. The stone floor + beneath his feet was wet and there were puddles of water scattered here and there. + Then, they came into focus.
+Hundreds of sprits? Ghosts? Souls? Harry would need to think on it later but right + now, hundreds of translucent being surrounded him. Some of them were standoffish, but + others were smiling at him brightly. A few of them clapped him on the shoulder and + Harry became vaguely aware of the odd sensation of ice, combined with the warmth of + touch.
+"Hello," Harry said doubtfully, "Who are you all?"
+Some of the entities looked at each other while others gave him a mournful look. + Harry noticed that one of them attempted to speak to him because his lips were + moving, but no sound was conveyed. The academic within Harry came to the surface and + he decided that at this point, yes-or-no questions would have to do.
+"Are you all deceased?" Harry asked. A couple of the beings nodded.
+"Are you ghosts?" A kindly older lady shook her head, smiling at him. Harry + thought he recognised her eyes and felt a pang of regret for not knowing her.
+"Did you come here against your will?" This elicited some shrugs. Some beings + shook their heads while others nodded sharply.
+"Who are you to me? Are you family?" Harry asked. Some of the beings nodded while + others shook their heads. A mixed batch then.
+"Is –" Harry's voice cracked a bit. "Is my mother here? My father?" The beings + seemed to be looking around as if they were searching. Harry saw some of them + communicate with each other and thought that their sound simply wasn't able to cross + over to where he was. Then, the crowd parted and a familiar-looking man with untidy + hair stepped forward, a huge grin on his face.
+"Dad," Harry said softly. He didn't know why but he was overcome with nervousness. + What did he do now? James Potter reached out and ruffled Harry's hair. The mix of + cold and warm didn't deter Harry in the slightest. He relished in the touch that was + his father's.
+"I miss you," Harry said, his voice quivering. A translucent hand caressed his + cheek, a thumb wiping away a stray tear Harry hadn't even realized was there. Then, + he was overcome with a sense of panic.
+"Dad," he said, "Can you see me? In my daily life, I mean." James smiled and + nodded solemnly.
+"Oh, I-" Harry realized that his dad would've seen the relationship between him + and Snape. He would know that he called the man – who had been his enemy back in the + day – father.
+"I'm sorry, dad," Harry said, "But it's just that Severus has been there for me. + He helped me to –"
+James seemed pained to not be able to speak to Harry but he didn't hesitate. He + took one more step forward and embraced his son. Cold and warmth alike spread + throughout Harry's entire body as he returned the embrace. He was vaguely aware of a + hand caressing his head.
+"Does this mean, you're okay with it?" Harry asked gently. He could feel his + father nodding against him. Harry took a shuddering breath, feeling quite exhausted. + He pulled back and smiled at James.
+"Is mum here as well?" Harry asked hopefully. James shrugged and looked at Harry + with piercing eyes. His expression told Harry that he didn't know.
+Harry chuckled wryly. "I suppose I'll need to tweak this potion some more," he + said, "Maybe next time I'll be able to talk to you, or look for you + specifically."
+James put a hand on Harry's shoulder and smiled. Harry could only hope that his + current expression meant that he was proud of his son. It certainly looked like it. + He felt a pull at the back of his mind and sighed reluctantly.
+"I have to go," he said, "But it was amazing seeing you here."
+James nodded and grinned widely.
+"Until next time," Harry said as he allowed himself to be pulled back and out of + the spiritual plane he had just visited.
+He opened his eyes to see Snape look at him. He didn't appear overly worried just + yet but there was a hint of distress visible in the man's eyes.
+"Did you pull me back?" Harry asked.
+"No," Snape said, "It must've been the potion wearing off."
+"How long did it last?" Harry asked. He noticed that he was sitting on the floor + and got up, testing his legs for stability.
+"Two hours," Snape supplied. He offered his arm in case Harry would need it.
+"Sure didn't feel like it," Harry grumbled, gratefully accepting Snape's arm. "But + I suppose that was to be expected."
+"Did it work?" Snape asked. Harry did not miss the hope that exuded from the man's + voice and felt a pang of sorrow for him. They walked over to a chair and Harry sat + down in it.
+"Yes but mostly no," Harry told him.
+Snape quirked an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?"
+"I was there," Harry said, "In the other plane if I can call it that. And there + were spirits there."
+"Spirits?" Snape asked, "As in multiple?"
+"Hundreds," Harry sighed, "I don't even know who most of them were but some of + them were my family."
+Snape waved his wand to summon some tea. "Was there anyone there you did + recognise?" he asked, trying his best to make his voice sound neutral but not really + succeeding.
+"Only my dad," Harry said sullenly, "And I couldn't even talk to him. Not really. + They could all hear me, but I couldn't hear them."
+"I'm sorry," Snape said, "That must have been hard."
+Harry smiled. "Yes, but it was also… nice."
+Snape nodded and sipped his tea.
+They sat there in silence for a very long time. Harry had finished his second cup + of tea when he finally spoke up again. "I'll need to make some changes but I think + I'm getting close. That circle really helped."
+"I'm glad," Snape said.
+"Dad?" Harry said.
+"Hm?"
+"You know that – no matter what – you're my father, right?"
+Snape smiled and looked Harry in the eye. "Always."
+Aaaah, the potion is starting to work if you'll believe it. Harry is so close + now! Please let me know what you thought of this chapter by means of precious, + precious reviews.
+Chapter 3 is finally up! I hope you all like it. Thanks for all your support + so far.
+Chapter 3
+Harry was the first out of the floo and made a valiant effort to run up to his + room as soon as he did. His problems with floo travel caused him to stumble though, + and he slammed into the side table with quite a bit of force. He hissed a few curses + under his breath and sort of half-jumped, half-stumbled towards the door once more + when Snape came through, elegant as always.
+When he saw Harry's predicament, he just raised that typical eyebrow like the + smug, sadistic person he sometimes was.
+"You really need to work on your floo travel," he said flatly, his lips quirked + into a sardonic smile. "I can't have you destroying the furniture or your kneecaps + every time we need to be somewhere. Now, where do you think you're going?"
+"Upstairs," Harry replied quickly. The pain had already subsided into a dull + throb. That would definitely leave a bruise. But nothing would be quite as painful as + what Snape had planned so Harry made another attempt at moving upstairs.
+"I think not," Snape said, stopping Harry in his tracks. "Have you already + forgotten? You and I need to talk about some things."
+"I haven't forgotten," Harry said through gritted teeth.
+"I imagine you haven't," Snape replied evenly, sitting down in his personal + armchair. "I also imagine that this is why you're trying to run from me."
+Harry groaned loudly, still not moving from the doorway. "I'm seventeen years old! + I know everything I need to know, already."
+"Is that so?" Snape replied, "Would you mind sharing with me what you think you + know?"
+"Absolutely not," Harry said, shaking his head roughly.
+Snape sighed heavily. "Sit down, Harry," he said in an authoritative kind of + voice. Harry groaned again but did what was asked. He sat down as far away from Snape + as he could, right near the edge of the couch just in case he needed an escape. To + say that he felt embarrassed was an understatement. Snape, on the other hand, seemed + as calm and collected as ever, sitting there leaned back into his chair, his hands + clasped and resting in his lap while his dark obsidian eyes regarded Harry carefully + but with certainty.
+"I realize that this might be difficult for you to talk about," Snape said as + Harry looked away, "But I also feel that it might still be important. I very much + doubt that those muggles talked to you about anything and it's unfortunate to admit + that our school system is severely lacking in educating our children about sex."
+Harry exhaled exasperatedly, fidgeting with the edge of his robe. He didn't + respond but he did glance over at Snape once or twice. Snape seemed undeterred and + kept going mercilessly.
+"You are a young adult and there is no doubt in my mind that your thoughts are + often occupied by images of certain young ladies, one of which might be Ms + Weasley?"
+Harry leaned on his fist as he eyed the door but he did nod once. He kept crossing + and uncrossing his legs and didn't really seem to know what to do with his arms. + Where did he put them when he tried to relax? Wherever he left them, they were in the + way. His cheeks felt hot and he had to swallow thickly.
+"There's really no reason for you to get so worked up," Snape said calmly, + "Everyone goes through what you're going through. It's only natural."
+Harry did his best to relax. Snape was right, of course. He wasn't the only one + with lingering thoughts about the opposite sex. And honestly, he probably wouldn't + feel so elated if he talked about it with Ron or maybe Neville. But talking this over + with Snape? Had Arthur had this talk with Ron? Did Hermione discuss this with her + mother? How did they feel about it? Merlin, this was uncomfortable.
+But Snape hadn't been teasing him nor had he smirked or grinned or done anything + that made it seem as if he was having a laugh. The only one making this + uncomfortable, really, had been Harry.
+"I'm sorry, Severus," he said, trying to relax a little. "You're right."
+Snape nodded, not pressing the issue any further.
+"May I ask if you are indeed in a relationship with Ms Weasley?" Snape asked.
+"I'm not sure," Harry confessed, "We've kissed a few times but –" he glanced up at + Snape before glancing down again, "But we haven't discussed it further. So I guess + not."
+"Have you had intercourse before?" Snape asked as casually as he would ask about + the weather, which Harry could appreciate but it did nothing to stop the + embarrassment from rearing its ugly head once more.
+"No," he said in a very small voice. He wasn't even sure if Snape had heard him + but when he glanced up, he saw the man nod. Harry felt frustrated with himself. Where + was his Gryffindor courage, dang it? He took a deep breath and lifted his head to + look into Snape's eyes, not averting them again this time. Snape seemed to smile ever + so slightly.
+"The muggles have, of course, invented several types of protection for when they + decide to finally take that step and you no doubt know about those already," Snape + said calmly, "But it will please you to know that we, as wizards, have a spell that + functions as both a contraceptive and as protection against any STI's."
+Harry swallowed thickly. He hadn't known that. And now, he was sort of eager for + Snape to explain more.
+"I know you are probably too apprehensive to ask this yourself, but I will teach + you the incantation."
+If the talk up until this point had been embarrassing, it was nothing compared to + practising the incantation to a contraceptive spell with Snape. Ron would probably be + laughing his socks off at the mention of this moment, incanting some vile limerick to + commemorate the occasion, no doubt.
+Luckily for both of them, the incantation was easy enough to learn and Harry got + it right after a few times.
+"Now, the existence of this spell does not give you the right or privilege to go + around Hogwarts and mating with everyone willing," Snape went on.
+Harry slapped a hand in his face and dragged it downward as he groaned aloud. But + Snape ignored it entirely.
+"Do keep in mind that women are not simply beings that look nice and feel good. + They too have feelings you need to take into account. Do not take advantage of them + for if I hear anything of the sort, you will have me to deal with."
+This time, Harry looked at Snape with a hint of righteous fury dancing in his + eyes.
+"Why would you even think that I would do such a thing?" he said, his voice more + fuelled by embarrassment than anger.
+"I don't believe you would do so consciously," Snape admitted, "But the + battlefield that is teenage romance is littered with landmines and booby traps. I + simply urge you to be careful. Is that something you can promise me?"
+"Yes," Harry croaked under his breath.
+"One last thing then, if I may," Snape said.
+Harry felt that Snape had already taken enough liberties... He felt the strong + urge to say that no, he indeed may not. But Snape would go ahead anyway and punish + Harry for his cheek as well. So instead he just meekly nodded.
+"Try and make your first time a special occasion when it comes to that. I advise + you to not run into it haphazardly. There is nothing wrong with waiting for a bit if + you don't feel you are ready."
+Harry waited for a few more seconds but when Snape didn't add anything else to the + conversation, he grumpily asked: "May I be excused?"
+"You may," Snape replied easily, waving his hand towards the door.
+As soon as Harry was given permission he bolted from the couch and all but ran + upstairs, nearly tripping on the stairs twice in his eagerness to get away from the + mortifying experience he just underwent.
+"Harry, we will need to get you registered," Snape said the next morning at + breakfast.
+"Registered?"
+"As my apprentice," Snape clarified, "We need to send your registration to the + guild. I will need to keep them posted on your progress and results."
+Harry frowned. "So there are more people than you to look over my shoulder?"
+"Surely, you understand that your work will need to be assessed and evaluated by + some sort of structure. Apprenticeship is not really covered by the Hogwarts + curriculum and there are no exams to determine your grade."
+"I thought you would just decide if I was good enough or not."
+"Of course not," Snape said, "I alone am not the foremost authority in what and + what is not considered a viable Magnum Opus. I will be part of the council at the end + of it, but I will not be alone in this."
+"It is quite simple, really," Snape explained, "I already drafted the document + while you were hiding in your room yesterday –"
+Harry flushed as he recalled the embarrassing conversation he had been forced to + take part in.
+"- and now all it requires is our signatures."
+Snape produced a long sheet of parchment onto which a wall of text had been + produced in a neat scrawl that was unmistakable Snape's. The header of the parchment + portrayed a large symbol that was comprised of a mortar, pestle and a phial out of + wich three drops were spilling. At the bottom of the parchment sat two large spots, + indicated by their names, waiting to be signed. Harry was indicated as 'Harry James + Potter; Apprentice whereas Snape was indicated as 'The esteemed and highly decorated + Potions Master; Severus Snape. It seemed like a lot of extra nonsense surrounding + Snape's name but it did make it all seem more official. Harry glanced over the text, + not really understanding a whole lot of it, except that Snape would have the rights + to his creations and any papers he might produce but he was also charged with + teaching Harry what he knew, furthering his career. He was also supposed to provide + Harry with housing, clothing, food and the likes but since he had already adopted + Harry, that part of the text seemed unnecessary.
+"I simply copied the text that's agreed upon by the guild," Snape clarified, "It + is important to be as correct as possible when dealing with a practice that is – for + lack of a batter term – still somewhat archaic. Oh, and speaking of archaic –" Snape + fished a small blade out of his pocket, "- this document will have to be signed in + blood."
+"Well that's crude," Harry commented, "We're not making a pact with a demon or + anything, are we?"
+"Of course not, Harry," Snape sighed, "This is simply the way of the guilds. If + you want to be an official apprentice, this is what needs to be done. You need to be + bound to me in blood until such a time you are proclaimed a Master."
+"And that might take years," Harry said flatly.
+"Indeed," Snape replied curtly.
+Harry thought it over but didn't think too much of it. Had this been any other + Master of the trade, Harry might have declined altogether. After all, binding + yourself to someone with blood didn't seem too straightforward and might even imply + something darker. But Harry trusted Snape completely.
+"Alright then," Harry finally answered. Snape nodded and proceeded to make a cut + in his left palm, allowing some blood to fall into an empty inkwell. Once he deemed + it enough, he dipped a quill into the blood and signed his name in wide, big + lettering, ending in an elegant flourish.
+"Your turn," Snape said, providing Harry with his own empty inkwell and the + blade.
+Without hesitation, Harry made the cut in his own left palm and did as Snape had + done. His signature came out a lot more untidy and short. There were no flourishes or + elegant calligraphic letters but it would do.
+For a split second, a quick glow overcame the parchment but it was gone as fast as + it had appeared. With a flick of his wand, Snape healed both his and Harry's + incisions. Then he rolled up the parchment, tying it neatly with a thin ribbon and + summoned an owl to deliver it for him.
+"Take this to Master Lovegood, for me," he told the owl after which it took flight + and disappeared through the window.
+Harry quirked a curious eyebrow but said nothing.
+"There," Snape told Harry, "We are all set for the following years. I'll be + looking forward to working with you."
+Harry snorted at the stiff manner of speech. "I look forward to learning from the + best. Not that I haven't been doing that already for the last couple of years, but oh + well."
+"Don't get cheeky with me, apprentice," Snape said, "Or I'll have you doing + nothing scrubbing cauldrons for the duration of the first year, if only to get some + discipline into you."
+Harry bowed exaggeratedly and grinned, "As you say, Master."
+Snape snorted but said nothing in response. Instead, he flicked his wand, + vanishing the leftover blood and quills and banishing the dishes to the sink.
+"I'm expecting visitors," Snape said, "And I believe that it would be advisable + for you to stay, if only for you to get a grasp on the more Slytherin of traits that + a Potions Master sometimes needs."
+"Okay," Harry said carefully, "Who's coming?"
+There was a mischievous glint in Snape's eye. "Oh, you'll see," he said, "But I + ask of you to not interfere into the conversation and to keep your reactions to a + minimum."
+"I'll…try?" Harry replied, not sure what he was getting himself into.
+"See to it that you do," Snape said. He picked up the Daily Prophet, cutting off + the conversation effectively as he scanned the articles.
+Harry was sitting at the dining room table with a nearly blank piece of parchment + in front of him. Snape was sitting across from him, reading a book. Whoever those + mystery visitors were, they had not shown up yet but judging by Snape's calm + demeanour, they were not late.
+Harry refocused his attention on the task before him and frowned. What kind of + potion did he want to create? What could be beneficial to the wizarding world?
+He stared at the ceiling as he mulled it over. He thought about his own life. What + had he himself been struggling with the most? He's had his fair share of + difficulties, that's for sure, but what had been the hardest? His face fell somewhat + when he realized just what that was.
+The death of loved ones. Especially that of those he had never known. Not that the + death of Sirius – or even Cedric – hadn't been hard to bear. In fact, it had very + nearly destroyed him. But it still didn't compare to that long-lasting ache of + longing he had always felt for his parents. The painful yearning that reared its ugly + head every time he was reminded of the horrible faith that had befallen his parents. + The thoughts about what could have been were hard enough, but that feeling of being + alone had nearly driven Harry to kill himself a long time ago.
+And while he was not alone anymore, there were still times that he missed his + parents. He missed Sirius. He missed having a true family.
+Harry sighed as he tapped the piece of parchment with the back of his quill, + biting his lower lip as he thought. He was slightly embarrassed with how dark his + thoughts had gotten all of a sudden but on the other hand, he felt that he might be + on to something. After all, he was not the only one who had lost loved ones. He was + not the only one who would have unfinished business with the deceased. How many + people longed for just a few more minutes with those who passed away? How many people + regretted those last words that had fallen between them?
+Harry scribbled the base of this thoughts down.
+Many people long for a connection to their dead loved ones. In some cases, + this might help with their mental health.
+Right. Now, what did he want to do about it? What did he want his potion to do? He + brushed his lips with the feathery quill as he pondered. He was pulled sharply out of + his reveries when the floo flared brightly and two people stepped out of the hearth, + their red hair covered in ashes.
+Both Fred and George Weasley shook their hair out, grinning sheepishly when their + gazes fell on Snape and Harry.
+"Hi, Harry! Hi, Severus!" they greeted in sync.
+Snape frowned at the familiar address but didn't reprimand the boys.
+"Mr's Weasley," he greeted curtly, "I received your owl this morning. It felt + rather –" he smirked somewhat "-desperate."
+"Desperate is right!" Fred exclaimed as he took a seat right next to Snape. George + took the seat on the opposite of Fred.
+"Severus, we have slept on it and our resolve has only grown," George + explained.
+"We need that potion," Fred argued, "Poetic Justice would fly off the shelves, we + know it!"
+"And it's not as if you have a whole lot of use for it," George said, "What do you + even use it for besides occasionally punishing our baby brother? Don't get me wrong, + it was hilarious! But we see greater things for your creation."
+"Don't let it be forgotten and kept in the dark," Fred begged.
+"How does twenty per cent sound?" Fred and George asked in unison.
+Snape had listened to the twins in amusement, his lips twitching ever so slightly + as if to hide a smile.
+"I don't think you understand, gentlemen," Snape said, "I have no need for money. + I am well off enough to live rather comfortably for the rest of my days."
+"Aha!" Fred exclaimed, "No need for money you say –"
+"- but perhaps you have need for something else?" George finished.
+"There are many things a Potions Master such as me could want," Snape said evenly, + "But most of those things can be bought or bargained for by myself. It's not + something I could use two rambunctious Weasley twins for."
+Fred and George looked at each other, a wide grin on both of their faces.
+"You said 'most of those things'," Fred pointed out eagerly.
+"That means that there are some things that you can't get your hands on," George + said, nearly licking his lips in anticipation.
+Snape folded his hands neatly in front of him and regarded the twins + carefully.
+"There is one thing," he admitted, "I suppose I could – oh, never mind. There is + no way that two children such as yourself would be able to assist me in this + manner."
+"I hear someone underestimating us, Fred," George said loudly.
+"It would appear so, George," Fred replied, shaking his head, "One would think + that anyone who has dealt with us for so many years would know better."
+"Try us, Severus," George said eagerly.
+"Name your price and our reward," Fred followed up, nodding.
+"Very well," Snape sighed heavily, "If you insist."
+The twins glanced at each other with victory shining in their eyes before focusing + their attention on Snape. Harry's presence seemed to have been all but forgotten.
+"The thing I require is the ancient texts of Pythagoras," Snape said evenly, + pausing for effect. The confused looks on the twins' faces indicated that they had no + idea what Snape was talking about.
+"It has come to my attention that these texts are currently hidden somewhere in + the Library of Alexandria."
+Snape smirked when he saw understanding in the eyes of both twins.
+"Naturally, the library is not only defended by curses and traps that were placed + there by the ancient Egyptians, but it is also guarded closely by a group of wizards + called 'the Order of Anathema'. They've put several layers of protection in place + that I doubt even Albus Dumbledore could breach."
+He lifted his eyes to meet the twins' excited gazes.
+"Do you now see how impossible this venture would be? Naturally, if you were able + to get these texts, I would gladly give you the recipe for free, including the rights + to them. But seeing how that will never happen –" Snape rose from his seat, standing + to signify that it was time for the twins to leave, "- I can only thank you for + coming and wish you luck in your further dealings."
+"Now hold on right there, Severus," Fred said happily.
+"We happen to have a brother that works in the Order of Anathema," George pointed + out.
+"Do you now?" Snape asked in surprise, "You must be speaking of William Weasley. I + knew he was a curse-breaker but I didn't think he was stationed in Egypt."
+"Ah, but he is," Fred said happily.
+"Maybe we can surprise you yet!" George added.
+"We shall pay our brother a little visit," Fred smirked, "Because we miss him so + much, of course."
+"And who knows," George shrugged, "If we should happen to encounter these texts of + Pythagoras, why wouldn't we bring them back with us?"
+Snape made a show of sighing in exasperation. "You're welcome to try but I don't + think you can do it."
+"How dareth thou doubt us," Fred said in a mock hurt tone of voice.
+"We shall surely triumph in this epic quest thou hath bestowed upon us," George + exclaimed.
+"Fare thee well!" And with a flash of green fire, the twins disappeared from + sight.
+There were a few seconds of silence before Harry began a slow clap. Snape turned + to him with a snarky grin on his face.
+"I can't believe they fell for that," Harry said, "You played them the whole time, + didn't you?"
+"Did I?" Snape replied, "How could you accuse me of something so very…"
+"Slytherin?" Harry pointed out.
+"Indeed."
+And another chapter has been written. Can you believe it? Where oh where is + this story headed? What did you think? Please don't hesitate to review.
+Thank you all for your reviews! I hope this next chapter answers some questions + and gets some things moving.
+Chapter 30
+Suffice to say that Harry's brief but emotional encounter with James Potter was + more than enough motivation he needed to get right back to work on the potion. As + much as he would have preferred to skip class altogether the next day, he knew that + his father and master would never let him live it down, so he had to painstakingly + make it through the day. Time passed by slowly, except in potions class.
+They were creating a level ten antidote that would work on even the foulest of + poisons. Exceedingly difficult to make because the ingredients needed to be added + rather swiftly and in the correct order. Sometimes it was a matter of seconds in + which the ingredients needed to be absorbed by the fluid so there was absolutely no + room for contemplation.
+Not a single student was talking and even Professor Slughorn kept his mouth shut + as he moved about the classroom, not quite as silently as Snape would have, but + almost equally so.
+As far as Harry was concerned, this potion – though definitely one of the more + complicated ones – was no problem at all. He had practised brewing it many times + under the watchful eye of Snape. And he was grateful to have done so because the + first time he had attempted this particular brew, his cauldron had spat blue fire all + over the lab because he hadn't added the chimaera hoof in time.
+It was almost like a competition. More and more students had to give up as + Slughorn needed to intervene to prevent disasters from happening. The number of + things that could go wrong was astounding! So far, one cauldron had exploded while + another had imploded. One student had produced the same blue fire Harry once had and + one Hufflepuff's concoction suddenly started overflowing excessively, coating the + floor in horrible blue sludge.
+Near the end, even Hermione needed to be rescued when she added the fire-lizard + tales just a tad too quickly and black smoke erupted from the potion. Slughorn + banished it immediately and told Hermione to clean her station.
+"It's quite alright, Ms Granger," he told her as she was no doubt pouting about + the mishap. "For getting this far, you at least deserve an Exceeds Expectation. I + hardly expected anyone to get to the last step."
+Harry heard Hermione sigh and mumble something under her breath but was much too + focused to care. As far as he could tell, there were only three people left in total + who were still brewing. Him, Draco and Michael Corner, his defence partner.
+Harry stirred the potion feverishly. If he stirred too calmly, the entire potion + would harden like cement and be ruined. His arm was starting to hurt but he would not + let up now. He would definitely not be outbrewed by a Slytherin.
+He heard swearing coming from Draco and glanced over. His stirrer was standing + upright in his potion, seemingly stuck. Like cement.
+Alright, time for the gryphon feathers. Harry needed to add twelve in total, but + not at once. Slughorn had come to stand between Harry and Michael, carefully + surveying the both of them. The other students were standing on the side-lines, + silently watching on as if Harry and Michael were the last contenders in an amazing + competition.
+Harry threw in the fifth feather. He had arranged them carefully according to size + beforehand and was throwing them in from smallest to largest as to not upset the + concoction too much at once, much like when you add warm milk to a mixture of beaten + eggs. Only a bit at a time or the eggs would react. But his potion didn't. It kept + bubbling gently, as Harry stirred with all his might.
+He grinned as he thought that maybe seventh-year potions class was not at all + boring, after all.
+When the last feather was absorbed into the potion, Harry kept stirring + feverishly, carefully diminishing the ferocity as the seconds passed by. Eventually, + he found himself stirring very slowly until he finally stopped. Rather than hoisting + his cauldron of the fire, he doused the flames with a basin of water he had kept + nearby. It wouldn't do to reintroduce movement to the potion now.
+When it seemed that the potion was perfect and would not still implode nastily, + Harry wiped his brow with his sleeve and looked over at Michael. He too was dousing + his fire, an intense and focused look in his eyes.
+"Well done, boys," Slughorn said enthusiastically, "Harry, I knew you would be + able to do it. Well done to you and Michael, I see that you've studied hard!"
+"Thank you, Professor," Michael said, "I did indeed."
+"Twenty points to Gryffindor and Ravenclaw," Slughorn said happily, "And we will + be using those potions to restock the infirmary. As for the rest of you –" he turned + to face the rest of the class. "- I assure you that failure in this potion's + completion did not lead to a failing grade. You will all write an essay on the + creation of this potion and where you specifically went wrong and how to prevent that + in the future. This will be the deciding factor of your grade for today."
+He winked at Harry and Michael. "You two don't need to write the essay, of + course," he said, "And you both receive an Outstanding for your work. If there were a + grade higher, you would have received it today."
+"Thank you, sir," Harry said, happy with the praise. "Now, run along. You wouldn't + want to keep your next professor waiting, now would you?"
+Slughorn received a general murmur in response as students packed their bags in a + hurry and left his classroom.
+"Is something wrong, Draco," Harry asked as they walked to their charms class.
+"Wrong?" Draco asked, "No, why do you think so?"
+"You seemed a bit distracted today," Harry shrugged, "It doesn't seem like you to + botch a potion just because of a lack of stirring."
+Draco sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It's nothing," he murmured.
+When Harry looked closer, he could see the dark circles beneath his friend's eyes. + With a surge of determination, he grabbed Draco's wrist and stopped walking, glancing + at Hermione to signify that she should keep going.
+"Harry –"
+"Don't lie to me, Draco," Harry said softly. He waited until everyone had passed + and then let go. "Something's wrong and I'm not going to wait forever for you to tell + me."
+"I told you that nothing's wrong," Draco snarled.
+"You look like death warmed over," Harry pointed out, "And you can't focus." He + moulded his facial expression into one that conveyed concern. "Draco," he sighed, "I + know what it's like to struggle with certain things on my own. And it's not + healthy."
+"Oh yeah?" Draco growled, "I know for a fact that you have been keeping secrets + from me. So why should I tell you mine?"
+"What are you talking about?" Harry asked in genuine confusion.
+Draco laughed bitterly. "I noticed when I was at your house," Draco said, "You + mentioned something about your relatives and closed off immediately after that. In + fact, you never did tell me why you went to live with Snape."
+Harry took a step back and glared at Draco darkly.
+"But it's fine for you, is it?" Draco snapped. Harry thought he looked like he was + about to burst into tears but said nothing of it. "You can keep your secrets + but I should just tell you whatever is going on in my life? It + doesn't work like that."
+"Draco," Harry sighed, "I haven't even told Ron or Hermione the full story."
+Draco glared at him and then smiled cruelly. "Then I think you're in no position + to lecture me."
+He picked up the bag he had dropped on the floor and hoisted it onto his shoulder, + starting to walk off. Harry grabbed Draco's shoulder and pushed him roughly against + the wall.
+"Fine," he spat, "But if I ever hear you repeating this to anyone else. + Anyone at all, we are no longer friends." Harry noticed Draco's sharp intake of + breath and worried eyes.
+"Of course," Draco said, "That's only fair."
+Harry realized that they were probably running late for class by now but he didn't + care anymore;
+"The reason I live with Severus now is that my family… well –" Harry sighed and + averted his eyes, "They beat me up. They starved me and they locked me in my room or + my cupboard. I've come close to death on more than one occasion."
+Harry let go of Draco's shoulder and took a few steps back, licking his upper lip + nervously.
+After a long pause, Draco finally spoke. "Harry –"
+"Don't," Harry urged him, "It's all in the past now. I don't need any reassurances + and I don't need your pity."
+Draco sighed and averted his eyes, clearly not sure of what he should say.
+"What I do need from you, Draco," Harry said, "Is for you to trust me and tell me + what is wrong. Waiting for the problem to resolve itself does not work."
+"Severus already knows," Draco said, "He's trying to help me."
+"With what?" Harry urged.
+"My mother," Draco said softly, "She's having problems. The healers think it's + because of the stress of everything that's happened with my father; the prosecutions; + the stares…"
+Harry furrowed his brow in sympathy. "What problems?" he asked.
+"They call it stress-induced dementia," Draco said, "It's quite uncommon but of + course, the Malfoy family should be so lucky." Draco laughed bitterly. "Severus gave + me something that might help her."
+"Does it?" Harry asked.
+"A bit, I suppose," Draco sighed, "But not that much. I think she's getting + worse."
+"I'm sorry, Draco," Harry said, putting a comforting hand on the blonde's + shoulder. He shot Harry a challenging look.
+"So, now that I've told you, how are you going to help me?" he asked + defiantly.
+"By being here for you," Harry said without skipping a beat.
+"That's not enough," Draco replied softly, his voice quivering. And yet, he leaned + into Harry's touch.
+"No," Harry agreed, "But that won't stop me from trying."
+Draco chuckled. "You really don't leave someone alone once they've become your + friend, do you?"
+"Never," Harry said truthfully.
+After the last lesson of the day – which was the charms class to which Draco and + Harry had shown up exceptionally late – Harry had gone straight back to the dungeons + where he would continue working on his potion. He would absolutely need to substitute + some of his ingredients. Perhaps if he –
+He walked into the potions lab, and stroked Hedwig absentmindedly in passing, + walking straight over to the ingredients cabinet. He perused them all as if hoping + that one of them might tell him that it was what Harry needed.
+"Hi, Harry."
+Harry bumped his head harshly against the shelf when the voice startled him. + Groaning, he pulled back and turned around, rubbing the sore spot on his head.
+"Luna," he said in surprise.
+"I didn't mean to startle you," Luna said dreamily, "Do you have a guilty + conscience?"
+"What?" Harry protested, "No, I just don't expect anyone to come here.
+"But Hedwig is here."
+Harry stared at her for a moment before laughing softly. "Yes," he agreed, "Hedwig + is here."
+"Are you going to brew that potion again?" Luna asked, "I would very much enjoy + meeting the ghosts as they come here."
+"I'd rather not repeat that, actually," Harry chuckled, "And no, there won't be + any brewing today. I need to revise some of my ingredients."
+He took a seat and unfurled his theorem. He barely even noticed when Luna took the + seat next to him and stared at the parchment in his hands.
+"Vulture tongues do not seem right," she mentioned.
+"Why not?" Harry asked.
+"Vultures aren't welcoming to the dead at all," Luna pointed out, "They would + rather feast on their flesh, wouldn't they?"
+"Hm," Harry agreed, "So perhaps Jackal fur instead?"
+"That does seem like a splendid idea," Luna said as she clapped her hands + together.
+"Anything else that seems dodgy to you?" Harry asked, extending the paper so Luna + could take a closer look.
+"The white cloves seem too narcissistic," Luna said, "This shouldn't be about you + but about them."
+"Well –" Harry said thoughtfully, not finishing his sentence.
+"I am very fond of ghost pipe," Luna said happily.
+"Monotropa Uniflora," Harry said eagerly, "Unpollinated, of course. Luna, you're a + genius!"
+"I'd really rather not be," Luna said evenly, "Genius inspires resentment. I + wouldn't want you to resent me."
+"I would never," Harry replied seriously.
+"Oh, well that's good," Luna replied, joyously accepting Harry's words.
+Harry regarded her for a moment, seriously wondering what Luna was even doing in + the potion's lab. She wasn't brewing anything nor had she brought any books to + study.
+"Have people been bothering you again?" he asked as he carefully changed some of + his arithmetic formulae.
+"Oh no," Luna said, "Not at all. People are usually kind, aren't they?"
+Harry looked up from what he was doing. "Are you sure?"
+Luna nodded peacefully. "I am quite content, actually. And I think other people + might have noticed that. I've been left alone."
+"It's a pity that those idiot's don't see how wonderfully your mind works," Harry + growled. It was out before he had thought about it.
+Luna chuckled. "Eventually, everyone is able to see what sits in front of them," + she says, "It takes those that look to others just a bit more time, that's all."
+After a long day where he had been hard at work, Snape liked going to his quarters + and sit there in peace, reading a book and indulging himself with a singular glass of + Fire Whiskey. But for a while now, the solitude and calm of his private quarters had + obviously been disturbed and he was getting increasingly annoyed.
+McGonagall had called him crazy or sleep-deprived but Snape knew for a fact that + his stack of essays had been rearranged. He knew with one hundred per cent certainty + that some of his potions appeared to have been relabelled and it was beyond clear + that his books seemed to be moving of their own accord, never respecting the order in + which Snape had so carefully placed them.
+Today, the glasses Snape used to pour himself his beloved Fire Whiskey no longer + sat on the top shelf. No, instead, they were moved to the bottom one. Why would + anyone go this far to torment him? Initially – when it had all began – he had + suspected Maya to be behind this all but he had to reconsider. These were his private + quarters and Maya did not have the ability to get in here without enlisting Harry's + help. And Snape knew for a fact that Harry had been engrossed in his studies and + hadn't been in his quarters for a while now.
+Snape huffed, and with a wave of his wand, he moved the glasses to their rightful + place, foregoing the fire whiskey for now since his mood had been dampened + considerably.
+He was just about to read through one of his novels 'The Signal-Man' by + Charles Dickens when he heard a knock on his door. Annoyed to be disturbed + when he desperately needed some alone time, he considered simply not opening the + door. But the knocking resounded a second time. Snape sighed, put his book aside and + stalked over to his door.
+"What?" he asked as he opened his door rather swiftly. He was more than a little + bit surprised to see Maya standing at the other side. He raised an eyebrow and + smirked at her.
+"Are you lost again?" he asked.
+Maya chuckled but it sounded a bit forced. "Not this time," she said, "The signs + you put up have helped me greatly in manoeuvring through the castle."
+Snape took in Maya's fidgety appearance and frowned. "Is something the matter?" he + asked.
+"May I come in?" Maya asked in return.
+"If you are not planning on releasing a family of mice or anything of the sort," + Snape said evenly.
+Maya chuckled again and Snape noted that it still didn't sound genuine. "Very + well," he said, "Come in and have a seat."
+"Thanks," Maya said, sitting in front of the fireplace. "Oh," she added as she + noticed the book on his side-table. "I didn't peg you for a Dickens-enthusiast."
+"On occasion," Snape told her, pouring her a cup of tea. "Now," he said sternly, + "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
+"I believe we need to talk," Maya said.
+Snape was genuinely confused. "About what?" he asked, "Did something happen with + Alex?"
+"Oh no," Maya said, "Nothing of the sort. No, I meant that we needed to talk about + that article. You know, -" she added when Snape raised an eyebrow, "-The one in Witch + weekly."
+"Ah yes," Snape smirked as he sipped his own tea, "It was a nice try but you + forget that you're dealing with the head of Slytherin house."
+Maya regarded him carefully, staring as if Snape had grown a second head.
+"What?" Snape asked.
+"Do you truly not realise?" Maya asked, "Or are you being deliberately + obtuse?"
+Snape furrowed his brow at the History Professor and gently placed his cup on its + saucer. "Surely, I have no idea what you're implying," he said carefully.
+Maya turned rather red as she too set down her cup. She clasped her hands firmly + in her lap and breathed in deeply as if she was gathering courage.
+"Maya –"
+"I like you," Maya blurted out. Snape's eyes widened slightly and he found himself + staring at the woman in front of him.
+"All those things I wrote in the article – well – I believe them all to be true," + she said, "I really admire you and I have for a while now."
+Snape's lips tightened and his stare hardened. Up until now, their pranks had all + been innocent and fun but this? This went too far.
+"That's a rather cruel thing to say, don't you think?" Snape said harshly. "I + would think that an intelligent woman such as yourself would understand such a thing + as boundaries but clearly you do not."
+"Severus, I-"
+"No," Snape interrupted coldly, "I don't know who put you up to this or what gave + you this idea but you can consider this relationship we've had between us to be + over."
+To Snape's shock, Maya actually began to cry. A fine actress indeed.
+"You don't understand!" she pleaded, "I never –"
+"Spare me your redundant excuses," Snape snarled, "I've heard enough. Please + leave."
+"But I-"
+"NOW!"
+Snape had never seen a fellow teacher scatter before his gaze as quickly as Maya + did at that point. Usually, it was only the students in which he could instil such + fright. But frankly, she deserved it. Harmless pranks and jokes were one thing. But + playing with a man's heart like that. A man that knew very well that he was unlovable + and would remain alone at that. Well, it was beyond cruel. And Snape didn't want a + thing to do with a woman that would think such actions funny or acceptable.
+Beyond angry, Snape aimed his wand at the book that lay waiting for him and + blasted it into a million pieces. Bits of parchment floated around him as he sunk + into his chair, burying his face into his hands.
+At breakfast the next morning, Harry had piled a lot onto his plate. He was + absolutely starving, possibly due to the excitement of the day before.
+"So the Monotropa Uniflora has white blossoms when it's unpollinated," Harry + explained to the only ones that would listen: Hermione and Neville. " But when its + pollinated, the blossoms turn brown."
+"Fascinating," Neville said sincerely, "Which blossoms would you need?"
+"The white ones would be best, I think," Harry said easily, "Just to preserve + purity."
+"I think there might be some in greenhouse three," Neville told Harry, "If you + want, I could ask Professor Sprout if I can harvest some later."
+"That would be great, Neville," Harry said, "Thank you."
+"Owl post," Ron said, glad to be able to interrupt their 'boring' conversation. + Harry glanced at the owls but didn't see his own snowy white among the mix. Of + course, she would still be in the dungeons. What he did see was a very formal looking + barn owl head his way.
+Without much ado, the owl dropped the next issue of 'The Practical + Potioneer' next to Harry's plate where it wouldn't get dirty. Harry glanced at + the head table to see if Snape received his issue as well. He saw that he did but + frowned when he saw Snape sitting there, looking utterly forlorn. For some reason, + Bell sat quite a few seats away from the dour man, seemingly just as depressed.
+'What's wrong?' Harry wrote on his cuff.
+After a second, he saw Snape look at him with a dark scowl. Harry pointed at his + own cuff as a signal and Snape sighed exasperatedly before looking at it. He took + much too long to read the short sentence and did not bother replying. Instead, he + looked at Harry pointedly before turning his attention back to his eggs, though they + were untouched.
+'Staring at them isn't going to get them into your stomach.' Harry + wrote.
+This time Snape didn't look at him or the cuff. Instead, he got up from the table + and left the great hall.
+What in the world?
+"Harry, I can't believe you got published again!" Hermione said.
+Momentarily distracted, Harry looked at Hermione to see that she was already + leafing through his magazine.
+"Did I?" Harry asked in surprise. "What with? The magic muggle potion?"
+"The potion that lets you summon ghosts," Ron said as he glanced over Hermione's + shoulder, "Useful for clearing out old haunted houses, I'd wager."
+Harry could not bring himself to feel too happy about this new publication. + Something was wrong with Snape. Wrong enough to not even smirk at Harry in + satisfaction as he found out about the article. What was going on?
+Oh goodness. Do let me know how you feel about this chapter if you can. The next + update will be on Monday. *dodges rocks*
+A big thank you to everyone who reviewed! Don't be too upset with poor old + Snape. He's had a lot of bad things happen to him. On that note, please enjoy this + chapter!
+Chapter 31
+Harry was very much aware that Snape's personal problems were no concern of his + nor would Snape appreciate him prying. That's why Harry tried not to let Snape's + attitude get to him at first. But after several days had passed and Snape – as well + as Professor Bell – were still sulking like a couple of teenagers, Harry decided that + he was sick of it.
+Since Snape was hardly approachable when he was in a mood, Harry decided to talk + to Bell in the weekend. That's why he found himself standing in front of her door on + Saturday morning. He knocked three times and waited patiently. A stumble inside of + the office told him that Bell was in. A few seconds later, the door was opened + hesitantly.
+"Good morning, Mr Potter," Maya greeted in mild surprise, "Did you have questions + about the staff of Caduceus?"
+"No, Professor," Harry replied, "But I did have some questions. Could I come in, + please?"
+"Of course," Maya told him, stepping aside to allow Harry entry. When Harry was + inside, Maya closed the door and went to sit behind her desk, steepling her fingers + as she smiled kindly at her student. "Sit down," she said, "And tell me what's on + your mind."
+Harry accepted her offer to sit and met his History Professor's gaze. "I hope that + I'm not intruding with this…" he said, suddenly wondering why he thought it was a + good idea to meddle into the affairs of his father. "But I'm very worried."
+Professor Bell frowned. "What are you referring to?" she asked. Her voice was less + kind and Harry thought that she might already have a very good idea of why he was + there.
+"What happened between you and my dad?" he asked, "He looks like you kicked his + favourite puppy."
+"And what makes you assume that I have anything to do with his current demeanour?" + Maya asked flatly.
+"Because you look exactly the same way," Harry pointed out.
+"I hardly think this has anything to do with you," Maya said softly.
+"Perhaps not," Harry agreed, "But I can't just sit by and do nothing while someone + I care about is in obvious distress."
+"I assure you that the only reason Severus is in 'distress' is due to the + machinations of his own warped mind."
+"Excuse me?" Harry responded, a bit taken aback by the sudden bite in Maya's + voice.
+Maya sighed. "I apologise," she said then, "I shouldn't have said that. Perhaps + you should speak to Severus about this instead."
+"He's hard to talk to when he gets like this," Harry said.
+Maya laughed bitterly. "You don't say."
+"Look," Harry said, "Did you pull a prank on him that went too far or something? + Because I'm sure that if that was the case a simple apology would set things + right."
+"It was nothing of the sort," Maya said sort of angrily, "Though he will tell you + that it was."
+"Wait, so he thought you pranked him when you didn't?" Harry asked, sufficiently + confused.
+"Exactly that," Maya said, distress now obvious in her own voice. She seemed to + lose all decorum as she huffed and ran a hand through her long hair. "I know that + we've been fooling around for a while but can't a person tell someone else that she + likes him without being kicked to the curb?"
+Maya clapped her hand in front of her mouth after she said that, looking at Harry + with thinly veiled embarrassment.
+Harry stared right back with utter amazement. "Wait," he said calmly, "You like + Severus?"
+Maya sighed, "Ignoring the last couple of days, yes," she said, blushing slightly, + "Very much so."
+"Oh no," Harry mumbled, "And you say he –"
+"He threw me out," Maya said, shrugging as if she didn't particularly care. But + she was an open book and Harry knew that she did.
+"He threw you out," Harry said evenly, "That git!"
+"Harry, I don't need you to fight my battles for me," Maya warned when she saw + Harry bristle, "We're both adults here."
+Harry snorted, "Yes, you would think so, wouldn't you?" he said, "Thank you for + talking to me, Professor."
+"Harry," Maya said warningly, "Leave it."
+"I can't, Professor," Harry told her frankly, "I don't know what his problem is + but I assure you that it's not you. I'd rather he stops burying his personal issues + within himself."
+Maya frowned but said nothing. Taking this as his chance to leave, Harry opened + the door and left Maya's office, thoroughly annoyed.
+Harry had gone straight to the dungeons and to Snape's personal chambers. He + didn't bother knocking but rather forced his way inside to find Snape in his kitchen. + He looked at Harry as the boy came in and raised his eyebrows as he took in Harry's + angered appearance.
+"Harry, I'm not in the mood," he said darkly.
+"Oh, not in the mood are you?" Harry said as he closed the door just a tad too + harshly. "I wonder if you even realize what you've done!"
+Snape sighed. "What are you upset about this time?" he asked + exasperatedly, "Is it because you got published again? Is it because I haven't + responded to your messages all the time? I honestly would rather deal with your + teenage tantrum some other time. Perhaps we could reschedule?"
+"Oh, you think you're so funny, don't you?" Harry growled, "The hilariously + sardonic greasy git of the dungeons!"
+Snape's gaze darkened even more as he slammed his hands on the kitchen table. "I + warned you that I am not in the mood for this," he hissed, "And I will give you one + more chance to get out of here before I throw you out myself."
+"Like you did with Professor Bell?" Harry challenged.
+Snape seemed taken aback by that as was evident by the shock on his face.
+"How do you know about that?" he snarled.
+"Does it matter?" Harry challenged, "What I would like to know is why you would + behave the way you did. If you're not interested, you can tell her that. There's + absolutely NO need for you to humiliate her as you did."
+Snape sneered, "And I take it that your Gryffindor chivalry compelled you to come + set me straight, did it?" he asked cruelly, "Did it ever occur to you that perhaps it + was not I that was in the wrong here?"
+"Oh really?" Harry countered, "Please do explain then. Go on, I have all day. + Explain to me why your response to someone confessing her feelings for you – + something that would have no doubt taken a lot of courage – is to throw her out and + then shun her from there on out?"
+"She was joking," Snape said coldly.
+Harry threw up his hands in exasperation. "No, she wasn't!"
+"You're far too naive."
+"And you're much too cynical."
+"Whatever the case, I assure you that Professor Bell does not need you to fight + for her."
+"Don't you understand?!" Harry shouted, "I'm not fighting for her. I'm fighting + for you!"
+Snape actually dared chuckle at Harry's outburst. The sound was dark and bitter. + "I don't need you to do that," he said, "You know nothing of love yourself. What + makes you fit to tell me what to do?"
+"I now understand why you had that conversation with me, the other day," Harry + said snidely, "I joked about it at the time but you really just don't want me to end + up like you."
+"Mind what you say," Snape snarled.
+"When will you stop excluding yourself from the rest of the world?" Harry said + desperately, "My mum is dead! Lily is dead! When will you understand that?"
+Snape's look turned into ice and his lips formed a very thin line.
+"You are a child, Potter. Ill-equipped to deal with the social hardships of life. + But I suppose I should not be surprised seeing how you were brought up," Snape + sneered. Harry felt his blood turn to ice at the cruel statement.
+To him, it felt as if they had travelled several years back in time. Snape + normally never spoke to him like that anymore.
+Harry closed off his heart to protect it from the Potions Master's wrath and + narrowed his eyes at him. "I really hate you sometimes, you know that?" he said + softly but he knew that Snape had heard him.
+"Well, right now I'm not too fond of you either," Snape said darkly. "Get out, + Potter."
+"Fine," Harry replied. Without another glance at the man who he – until a few + moments ago – regarded as his father, he stalked out of Snape's quarters and rushed + out of the dungeons, regretting that he ever walked into Maya Bell's office that + day.
+Harry had skipped dinner that evening, opting for an early night. Anything to stay + out of Snape's way for a while. Perhaps once they both had had sufficient time to + cool down, they could reconcile. But as Harry went over the things Snape had said in + his head, he knew that the time wasn't right for that yet.
+The next morning, he had skipped breakfast as well. He half expected Snape to send + him a message through his cuff to ask him where he was, but no such message came. + Snape was probably still pretty angry himself.
+It was a good thing that Harry knew Dobby. When he asked the house-elf to bring + him some food, he had gladly obeyed and brought Harry much more than he could + possibly eat. A good thing too, because drinking potions on an empty stomach was + rarely a good idea.
+And now, Harry found himself in the potions lab, painfully aware of how close he + was to Snape but not bothering to pay the man a visit. Oh no, he would brew this + potion with or without his help.
+Harry peered into his cauldron. He had substituted the water base for a honey mead + base and was waiting for it to heat up to an acceptable temperature. He glanced + towards the edge of the room where Slughorn sat, watching him with great interest. + Every now and then, his lips moved and Harry would gesture towards his own ears to + signify that he could not hear the man due to the containment field.
+Upset as he was, Harry was not stupid. He knew that experimentation with this + particular potion should always be supervised and hey, several months ago Snape + himself had said that Slughorn might come in handy at some point. Though he probably + wouldn't have expected Harry to substitute Snape for him this blatantly.
+Well, Slughorn had agreed rather excitedly.
+When the honey mead was sufficiently hot, Harry started adding ingredients as he + stirred, careful to keep a close eye on the innate magic of everything involved. He + incinerated the jackal fur before adding it to the potion and was pleased to see the + concoction eagerly swallow the ashes.
+The innate magic of the ghost pipe was a gorgeous green that reminded Harry of + life and joy. The potion's innate magic seemed to reach out to the ghost pipe before + Harry had even fully managed to prepare it.
+"Be patient," Harry chuckled before realizing that speaking to a liquid was rather + insane. And yet, he could feel its eagerness, its… familiarity in a way. As he was + brewing, completely closed off from the rest of Hogwarts and even the world, Harry + was able to forget his current strife.
+Too soon, he reached the final stage of the potion. He pulled out some of his + hairs and tossed them into the crystal clear potion that somehow looked like plain + and translucent water. The potion bubbled vigorously, the larger portion of the + liquid evaporating as it had done before until there was only enough left to fill one + vial. Harry collected it carefully and – with some disappointment – breached the + containment field once more.
+"Harry," Slughorn said in amazement, "That was fantastic!"
+"Thanks, Professor," Harry brushed off the comment, "But now I need to actually + test it."
+"Of course, of course," Slughorn said. In some ways, he seemed to be even more + excited than Harry was.
+"The effects of the potion lasted two hours last time," Harry told Slughorn, "I + don't know if the timeframe will increase with the changes I made but if I am out for + more than three hours, it's best that you go get Professor Dumbledore."
+"Of course," Slughorn said agreeably, "I'll keep a close eye on the time."
+"I suspect it will be a bit boring to watch me but I'm counting on you, + Professor."
+"Harry," Slughorn, "I understand my duty as a Potions Master. I'd rather you + didn't suggest otherwise."
+"I apologise, Professor," Harry said, "You're right of course. Well –" he sat down + on the floor with his back against the wall. He occluded his mind as he had done + before and lifted the potion to his lips. "Bottom's up!"
+He downed the potion in one, placing the empty vial next to him so it wouldn't + shatter when he lost consciousness. He looked at Slughorn and saw his face going out + of focus.
+And then, the potions lab disappeared altogether. Harry felt a tug on his mind and + allowed it to transport him to the plane where he would hopefully be able to + talk to the spirits this time.
+Where last time he had found himself standing in a dark and damp room, he was now + sitting in a meadow that stretched as far as the eye could see. Wildflowers and tall + grass surrounded him. The sky was a baby blue and even though there was no sun, Harry + got a distinct impression that it was warm.
+While still taking in the scenery, he was suddenly surprised by two hands covering + his eyes. The touch was cold and warm at the same time but the hands were not + transparent. Reflexively, Harry raised his hands to cover the ones obstructing his + vision.
+The hands moved to cup his cheeks and turn his face slightly. And suddenly, Harry + found himself staring into the eyes he saw every day when he looked into the mirror. + People always told him he had his mother's eyes. It was unreal to have them looking + back at him like this.
+"Mum," Harry said. The redheaded woman nodded and kneeled next to him. She didn't + look like a spirit or ghost or anything. It was almost as if she was really there. + Only…
+"Mum, can you talk to me?"
+Lily opened her mouth and her lips moved as if she was saying something but no + sounds were produced.
+"Damn it," Harry huffed. Lily gave him a reproving look and Harry snorted. "I'm + seventeen, mum. I will use some bad language every now and then." That elicited a sad + look from the woman as she grabbed hold of one of Harry's hands.
+"Is dad not here this time?" Harry asked. Lily shook her head and placed a hand on + Harry's heart. "Do you two talk to each other in – you know – the afterlife?"
+Lily twisted her hand a few times as if to say 'In a way'.
+"I'm experimenting with a potion now," Harry told her, "I'm trying to make + something that will allow me to talk to you."
+Lily placed the tip of her index finger against Harry's temple and gave him a + questioning look.
+"Are you worried about the consequences to my mind?" Harry asked. Lily nodded.
+"Snape taught me Occlumency," Harry said evenly, "I'll be fine."
+Lily got up from where she sat and placed her hands on her hips giving Harry + the look. It was the same look that Molly Weasley sometimes gave Ron when he + had caused some sort of trouble.
+"Are you trying to tell me I did something wrong?" Harry chuckled, "Because I'm + sure that in seventeen years' time, I did a lot of things wrong."
+Lily seemed to sigh. She grabbed Harry's arm and pointed towards the cuff he was + wearing.
+Harry frowned. "Are you upset about Snape?"
+Lily gave a sharp nod.
+"For what he said or for what I said?" Harry asked.
+Lily glared at him pointedly and then held up two hands as if she was weighing + something.
+"You realize that he's the adult, right?" Harry asked, "I can't help it + if he's being a prat."
+A pained expression struck Lily's face and she looked away for a moment as if she + was caught off guard by a memory.
+"Mum," Harry said, "I miss you."
+Lily sat back down next to her son and draped her arm around Harry's shoulder. + Harry didn't mind the cold tingle. Another hand brushed through his hair and he + couldn't help but think that life would've been a lot different for him if he + could've had a loving mother.
+"I miss all of you," Harry then said, "You, dad, Sirius…"
+Gently, Lily lifted Harry's arm and brought the cuff into focus again.
+"I know," Harry said softly, "I have Severus now. And I appreciate him for it but + sometimes he can be such a –"
+His mother's hand clasped his mouth and when Harry looked at her in surprise, she + shook her head mildly.
+"I get it," Harry chuckled, "No cussing."
+Lily nodded sharply.
+Harry felt a tug at the back of his mind and groaned. He took Lily's hand and held + it tight. "I don't want to go yet," he said.
+Lily got up and dragged Harry to his feet.
+"I've only just gotten here," Harry said, "I'm sure I can stay just a moment + more."
+Lily shook her head and inclined her head into the distance, signalling for Harry + to go. Harry felt another tug at his mind. It was stronger this time.
+"Okay," he said, "I'll go. Please just –" Harry stepped forward and drew his + mother into a tight embrace. By now, she was slightly shorter than he was. "- Hold + me. Just one more time."
+Lily's arms enveloped him in one more embrace. Harry thought he could faintly + smell her hair if he really tried. He could dimly imagine the sound of her laughter. + He could almost… almost be with her.
+But she let him go and shooed him away with an exaggerated motion of her hands. + With one last look into his mother's eyes, Harry exhaled and let go.
+Harry blinked a few times and the potion's lab came back into focus.
+"Welcome back, Harry," Slughorn said kindly. He sounded as if he was paying + attention to his inflexion and Harry wondered why that was. When he reached for his + glasses to right them properly, he noticed that his face was tear-stained. Well, that + was just brilliant.
+"I'm sorry, Professor," Harry said, his voice sounding hoarse. "I don't know why + I'm crying."
+"That's quite alright, Harry," Slughorn said, "Were you able to meet a + spirit?"
+"Yes," Harry said, righting himself on wobbly legs, "There was only one this time + but she –" Harry ran a shaky hand through his hair, "- I still couldn't hear her. + There's still something wrong. A reason that the potion is not working to its fullest + effect."
+"Perhaps one of the catalysts isn't strong enough," Slughorn suggested.
+"Maybe," Harry agreed, "I'll have to look into it again. How long was I gone?"
+"Two hours and a half," Slughorn said, "So I guess you managed to extend the + duration of the potion somewhat, hm?"
+"I'm not sure," Harry said, "Maybe."
+"I think you need to get something to eat, my boy," Slughorn said, "You've been + brewing for hours and then you've been gone for a long time as well. It's nearly + dinner time, after all. Come, let me escort you."
+"That's okay," Harry said, "I'll eat something in the common room."
+"Nonsense!" Slughorn exclaimed, "Come now. I know that you don't feel up to it + right now but you'll feel much better after sitting with your friends and getting + some sustenance into your body."
+"Professor, I-"
+"I'll hear no more of it," Slughorn said sternly, "Since I've been supervising + your progress for today, I also need to make sure that you recover properly. I won't + have either Professor Dumbledore or Snape on my case should you suddenly collapse in + the hallway."
+Harry chuckled somewhat and sighed. He really didn't want to but on the other + hand, he did need to eat. And it would be good to see his friends. "Okay, you win," + Harry said.
+"I usually do," Slughorn grinned, "Come. Let's walk."
+The walk to the great hall was accompanied by discussions and comments about + various ingredients and their effects. Suffice to say that the short walk was not + enough to determine what was still wrong with Harry's potion but it distracted him + enough to be able to walk into the great hall without trepidation once they got + there.
+"I'll leave you to your friends now," Slughorn said, "Good work today. I know that + you'll work it out soon. You're so close! Just remember to let me know once you do, + okay."
+"Of course, Professor," Harry said. They parted ways and Harry did his best not to + look at the head table. He didn't even want to see the expression on Snape's face + right now. He had walked in with Slughorn after all.
+"Are you alright, Harry?" Hermione asked as he took his seat.
+"Yeah, you do look a bit knackered," Ron added.
+"I've been brewing all day," Harry explained, conveniently leaving out the part + where he had tested the potion and seen his mother. It had been emotionally draining + and truly, he wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed.
+"Well, it's good to see you show up for a meal," Hermione said motherly, "You have + to eat something."
+"Dobby brought me breakfast this morning," Harry told them, "It's not like I've + been going without."
+"Well, could you make sure to tell Snape that next time?" Ron asked pointedly, "He + came looking for you here at lunch and was absolutely furious that we didn't know + where you were."
+"I'm sure he wasn't mad at you," Harry said, tearing off a piece of bread, "He's + mad at me."
+"I'm sure he's just worried," Hermione pointed out.
+"I don't know," Harry said, "We had a pretty bad fight."
+"Even so," Hermione said smartly. "That's what people who love you do. They care + for you even at the moments that you don't get along."
+Harry felt a pang of guilt and finally looked at the high table. Snape was there. + He was staring at his plate again, his food still untouched.
+Throw some love my way, if you could. Reviews are greatly appreciated as you
+ well know.
+ In any case, thanks for reading!
Thank you all for your reviews! They made me so very happy. I hope you're not + all too upset with Snape.
+Chapter 32
+It had been a long time since Severus Snape had felt as thoroughly depressed as he + did now. In fact, it had been since before he had rescued Harry from the Dursleys, + welcoming him into his home. Admittedly, the boy had slowly but surely brought colour + into his life.
+And now, here he was. He had said a terrible thing to Harry in the last fight they + had. He had basically taken the fact of Harry's abuse and thrown it in his face. What + kind of a horrible man did something like that? He had also managed to drive away + Maya. While he was still not convinced that what Maya had told him was not a prank, + he had to admit that he had reacted extremely brash. And in doing so, he had chased + the woman who had become somewhat of a friend, away. She hadn't spoken with him since + that fatefull day. And Harry hadn't even looked at him anymore since their fight.
+As the cherry on top, Slughorn had gleefully told Snape about the last experiment + Harry had conducted in regards to his potion. The old potions master meant no harm + and was clearly simply very excited to be a part of Harry's discovery but it stung + Snape nonetheless. Harry had not felt comfortable enough to ask Snape to assist him + again and he likely wouldn't anymore unless Snape forced him to. And since Snape was, + in fact, Harry's master according to their quite binding contract, that's exactly + what he would have to do.
+This was a mess. And he had no one to blame but himself for it.
+He was pulled out of his reveries by an intruding voice. "Severus," spoke + Dumbledore from Snape's fireplace. "May I come in?"
+"I've never been able to stop you before," Snape grumbled.
+Dumbledore chuckled and stepped out of the fire. "Good to see that you're still + up," he said.
+Snape frowned. Was it that late already? He had completely lost track of time with + being engulfed in his thoughts.
+"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Snape asked plainly, "Did one of my Slytherins + misbehave again?"
+"Nothing that has come to light yet," Dumbledore said, that infernal sparkle in + his eyes hinting for mischief. "No, I have come here for another matter + entirely."
+"Do elaborate before the clock strikes midnight, Albus," Snape said wearily, "I'm + simply not in the mood for one of your longwinded monologues."
+Dumbledore sat down in one of Snape's more comfortable chairs. "Then let me get + straight to the point," he said, "Maya and you seem to be having some issues and + quite frankly, it's bringing the rest of the staff down."
+Snape huffed, "I could hardly care less about the feelings of your staff, Albus," + he said sardonically, "They are all adults. I'm sure they can get through these + tragic times all by themselves."
+"I would very much appreciate it if you would take this matter seriously," + Dumbledore chided, "You said yourself that you wish to make this conversation brief. + If only for that purpose, I suggest you cooperate."
+"There's not much to say," Snape said softly, "She told me something personal. I + reacted characteristically poor which she took badly of course, and now we're no + longer on speaking terms."
+Dumbledore frowned. "What did she tell you that made you withdraw into yourself so + much?" he asked worriedly, "This isn't like you anymore."
+"I would rather not divulge," Snape replied, "It's personal."
+"And it's affecting everyone around you," Dumbledore said sternly, "Even + Harry."
+Snape winced visibly.
+"Don't think I haven't noticed," Dumbledore said, "I had hoped that by now you + would know not to allow your foolish pride to get in the way of any personal + relationships."
+Snape smiled grimly. "I will always be a Slytherin, it would seem," he said, + sipping his tea.
+"Severus," Dumbledore said, a warning evident in his voice. "Your personal matters + are your own until you bring about negativity on the rest of us. I will always + attempt to resolve any issues with patience and understanding but if you insist on + making this difficult, I will be forced to move forward as I see fit."
+Though he still spoke softly, Snape knew that Dumbledore was warning him. And all + foolish pride aside, he knew very well that Dumbledore was not to be trifled with. He + would rather face embarrassment than the man's wrath.
+"She has seen fit to tell me that she's enamoured with me," Snape grudgingly + admitted, "If you care to believe such things."
+Even now, Dumbledore had the audacity to not look shocked. "I realise that it is + often the curse of those involved to not realize the feelings one might have for the + other but does this really come as a surprise?"
+"I beg your pardon?" Snape asked.
+"Her feelings for you have been clear to most of us for a while now," Dumbledore + said, "In fact, I got the feeling that you were starting to like her as well."
+"I won't deny that she has been humorous to have around," Snape said coldly, "But + that is all it ever was."
+Dumbledore regarded Snape for a while with a knowing look and smiled. "You too are + worthy of love, Severus," he said kindly, "No matter what you might think."
+"Albus," Snape sighed, "I can't."
+Dumbledore sighed sadly. "Unfortunately, I am very much aware of your internal + struggle," he said, "and I pray to whatever deities are out there that you may find + salvation before it's too late."
+"Surely, I know not of what you speak," Snape growled, "Cryptic old man."
+"For now -" Dumbledore said, ignoring Snape's jibe. "- I want to impress upon you + that our dear Maya meant every word of what she said and apparently you have treated + her rather cruelly in return."
+Snape nodded and had the decency to look ashamed as he stared at a spot on his + carpet. Dumbledore placed a hand on Snape's and smiled kindly. "I know you will make + this right."
+"At once, headmaster," Snape agreed.
+"Thank you, my boy," Dumbledore said, "I've always had the utmost faith in + you."
+Snape stalked fiercely through the corridors, his robes billowing behind him like + the wings of a bat. "At once, headmaster," he grumbled as he mimicked himself + sardonically. "Never mind that it's the middle of the night and it's highly unlikely + that Maya will even still be up."
+There had better not been any students out of bed after curfew for if Snape caught + any, there would be hell to pay.
+Finally, he found himself staring at the door that he knew led to Maya's private + quarters and stared at it for a good long while. For some time, he wondered what he + was going to say to her. He practised the sentences in his head. But how could he do + that when the conversation could go every which way? That is, if she would even allow + Snape to talk at all.
+Growling at his own indecisiveness, he finally raised his fist and knocked loudly + on the door. He was about to knock a second time when the door opened slightly to + reveal Maya, peering at him from behind the crack. When she saw who it was, she + opened the door some more and fixed Snape with a fierce stare. "Can I help you?" she + asked icily.
+"I have come here to express my apologies," Snape said evenly, "And I would very + much like to explain my reaction if you would allow it."
+Maya regarded him for a moment. "Severus, it's late," she said.
+"I realize that," Snape said, "But I would rather not allow this animosity between + us to continue a moment more. That said, if you would prefer to wait until morning, I + would understand."
+Maya sighed. "Come on in, then," she said, "When you put it like that, I can't + very well refuse you, can I?"
+Snape attempted a smile that he felt came out somewhat crooked and followed Maya + inside. Her quarters looked very much like his own except for the fact that the walls + did not consist of stone bricks but were even and dressed in a chocolate coloured + wallpaper. The fire in the hearth had almost gone out and Snape suspected that Maya + had been getting ready for bed. The night robe she was wearing was certainly an + indication of that.
+"Sit wherever," Maya said casually, "Would you like some tea?"
+"Please," Snape accepted gracefully as he sat down in a blue velvet chair.
+Maya conjured a pot of tea and two cups for the both of them, as well as a plate + of biscuits and sat down across from Snape.
+Snape noticed that – even though they were at odds with one another – Maya blushed + when she glanced at him. In his mind, he was kicking himself for his horrible + misconduct.
+"I have treated you supremely poorly," Snape told Maya. The regret in his voice + was genuine. "I truly thought that you were playing a nasty trick on me."
+"I would never do such a thing," Maya told him.
+"I realise that," Snape said solemnly, "I allowed my own misconceptions and + distrust to get the better of me. It is not the conduct of a wise man and I am + thoroughly ashamed of the way I acted."
+"Is it that hard to believe that someone might be attracted to you?" Maya asked. + Snape was relieved to see her relax into her chair, grabbing a biscuit as she leaned + back.
+"I have never been deemed desirable before," Snape told her plainly.
+"Oh, I can't possibly believe that," Maya said, "My bet is that you simply scared + any suitors away with your… er-"
+"Charming personality?" Snape finished sardonically.
+Maya giggled. "Yes," she said, "That."
+"It is kind of you to say so, but there's no way of knowing," Snape said. "So you + understand the reasoning behind my outburst however misplaced it was?"
+"Indeed," Maya said, "And I forgive you."
+Snape sighed in relief. "I am glad to hear it," he said, "Now if you'll excuse me + –"
+"Hold on," Maya said sternly.
+Snape – who froze in the middle of rising from his seat – looked at her in + confusion before sitting back down. "My apologies," he said, "I'm not sure what else + you would wish to discuss and it's getting rather late."
+"Don't you think I deserve an answer after all this?" Maya chided.
+Snape blinked in confusion. "An answer?" he asked, "I don't recall you asking me a + question."
+"Oh, for heaven's sake, Severus," Maya growled, "Let me say it again. I like you + –"
+Snape felt himself flush.
+"- I really like you, despite your occasional outburst," Maya continued, + "and I want to know if you feel the same way about me."
+Snape frowned as he clasped his hands in front of him. He hadn't even given this + part of the conversation any thought, assuming that it would no longer be relevant. + Did he like Maya? Well, she was certainly an agreeable person to be around. But would + he be able to think of her the same way he did of – No. He didn't think he could.
+"I'm sorry, Maya," he told her after a moment of silence. "But I don't think I do + right now."
+Maya regarded him solemnly for a moment, then smiled. "For now, you say," she said + mischievously, "I sense a chance there."
+Snape chuckled softly. "Perhaps," he said, "one day. Now, I shall take my leave + and allow you some rest."
+"How kind of you," Maya told him, "Very well. Go on and get out of here."
+She followed him to her door and opened it for him. Snape stepped out to leave + when Maya grabbed his hand and turned him around.
+"Just one more thing," she said softly. Before Snape fully realized what happened, + Maya leaned forward, standing on her tippy toes and surprised Snape with a passionate + kiss that lasted no longer than a few seconds. "That's payback for what you did + before," she said, blushing fiercely. "Now we're even. See you tomorrow!"
+Maya closed her door, leaving a befuddled Snape in the hallway. The feeling of her + lips on his would linger for several more hours.
+When Harry entered the great hall the next morning – flanked by Ron and Hermione – + he went to sit in their usual spot. He was much less upset than before and was now + thinking about what he could do to get Snape and Maya to make up when he looked at + the high table. As he did, his mouth all but fell open in surprise.
+Snape and Maya were sitting next to each other, conversing enthusiastically. Maya + was brandishing a piece of toast as she told what was no doubt a fascinating tale + until a piece broke off and landed in Snape's coffee. Instead of scowling he simply + switched his cup with hers and then covered his new cup with a napkin.
+"They look happy," Ron said when he noticed Harry staring. "I wonder what + happened."
+"You and me both," Harry murmured incredulously.
+When Snape caught Harry staring, he looked at him remorsefully and wrote something + on the cuff. Harry looked at his wrist when the piece of jewellery grew warmer.
+'We need to talk.' It said.
+"No kidding," Harry mumbled but he just nodded at Snape instead of writing a + response.
+'After class?' Came the new sentence and Harry nodded his approval once + more.
+"On speaking terms again?" Draco asked as he wiggled his way in-between Harry and + the Gryffindor girl sitting next to him.
+"What do you mean?" Harry asked innocently.
+"Oh, don't pretend like there was nothing going on," Draco chided as he stole + Harry's last crumpet. "When Snape is in a bad mood, us Slytherins suffer. And let me + tell you: We suffered."
+"And what makes you think his bad mood had anything to do with me?" Harry asked + curiously.
+"Ah, your friends are terrible at keeping their mouths shut," Draco said + triumphantly. "Isn't that right, Granger?"
+"Traitor," Harry chuckled, pointing an accusing croissant in Hermione's face.
+"Doth thou threaten the fair lady?" Ron asked haughtily as he grabbed a croissant + of his own. "Then I must challenge thee to a duel to the death."
+"Thou standeth not a chance!" Harry exclaimed as he knocked the croissant out of + Ron's hand with his own. "Thine blade is made from soiled oats while mine was made + from tempered grains. Thou hath lost. Fair lady –" he now directed his attention to + Hermione. "Thou art hereby claimeth."
+Hermione took on a dramatic pose and spoke with a quivering voice: "Art thou truly + my saviour? Or hath thou killed my love? I shall not stand by your side for thou art + not mine, nor am I yours. Instead, here I shall lie, in the cold arms of my betrothed + and remember a time long since past when he and I were gladsome together."
+"Bloody hell, Hermione," Ron exclaimed, "That was brilliant."
+"I must agree that that was rather lyrical," Draco said, slow-clapping softly for + the girl. "Well improvised."
+Snape shook his head at the scene unfolding at the Gryffindor table. "This is your + fault, you know," he told Maya.
+"How so?" Maya asked.
+"Filling their heads with history," Snape huffed, "Back in my day, history class + was so boring that not one student would repeat its contents outside of class. + Now look at them!"
+Snape gestured towards Draco who held a baguette underneath his arm, pretending to + be stabbed to death.
+"What can I say?" Maya said, "History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes + with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness. It has always attracted youngsters to its + beauty."
+When Harry reached Snape's quarters later that evening, he didn't dare simply come + in. So instead, he politely knocked.
+"Enter," he heard Snape say and so he did.
+Snape sat waiting for him, a steaming pot of tea at the ready – because of course + – accompanied by several slices of treacle tart. Harry looked suspiciously at his + favourite treat as a crooked smile found its way to his lips.
+"Have a seat, Harry," Snape urged. His voice was not harsh or demanding. It seemed + to be careful and soothing. So Harry obeyed. Not that he would've childishly kept + standing had he not liked the circumstances, mind you.
+"I have quite a lot to tell you," Snape said, "And I'm not entirely sure what to + say first."
+"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Harry said, doing his best to sound teasing.
+Apparently, it had worked because Snape relaxed somewhat and smiled. "As you say," + he said, "Then let me begin by apologising. I should never have said what I said to + you. Not only was it untrue but to use your history against you in such a manner was + appalling."
+Harry nodded. "I admit that it was very disconcerting," he said.
+"I can imagine," Snape said, "I was angry because of recent events and didn't + think before I spoke. I will make sure not to make that same mistake again."
+"And if you do?" Harry asked, raising one eyebrow.
+"If I do, I give you permission to curse me," Snape said solemnly, "No + unforgivables, though."
+Harry snorted. "Shame," he said, "But I suppose that I'll forgive you. As long as + you promise to treat me to treacle tart more often."
+Snape chuckled. "I can do that."
+Harry relaxed somewhat and leaned back comfortably in his chair. "So, I've noticed + you and Professor bell get along a lot better again," he said smartly, "Any + developments I should be aware of?" The smirk on his face resembled that of a + Cheshire cat.
+"Get your mind out of the gutter, brat," Snape said sternly, "Nothing happened. I + simply went to her chambers to apologise."
+"To her chambers?" Harry repeated with a growing interest, "Why would you not + simply go to her office?"
+"It was late," Snape replied, "She had already retired for the night."
+"How convenient," Harry teased; "And what did you do in her private chambers?"
+Snape stared at Harry blankly. "Stop regarding me with that filthy teenage mind of + yours," he said. "Nothing happened. We talked it over. I apologised. We agreed that a + more intimate relationship is not going to happen and then we both went our separate + ways."
+Harry seemed almost disappointed with that bit of information. "Seriously?" he + asked. "This very attractive, funny and intelligent woman takes an interest in you + and you say no? Honestly, you must have some pretty high standards."
+Snape smiled sadly. "That I do," he said, then quickly tried to change the + subject. "Now, if you would please tell me about the last experiment you did with the + potion? Professor Slughorn told me all about it but his lack of insight into + Occlumency rendered some parts of his explanation somewhat incoherent."
+"Well, it was all a lot more focused," Harry said, eager to steer away from the + uncomfortable subject himself. "I was able to see just one spirit instead of a whole + army. But her touch was still chilly – I'm not sure if I can fix that – and I could + still not hear her."
+"Who did you see?" Snape inquired.
+Harry glanced up at Snape guiltily as he remembered what he had told the man + during their fight. "I saw mum," he said, "and she was rather cross with me even + though I couldn't hear her."
+Snape chuckled fondly. "That does sound like her," he said. "It sounds like you're + very close to a breakthrough."
+"I think so," Harry said. "Now I just need to figure out what to change. What + about all of this isn't powerful enough? The potion seemed to like everything I + offered it…"
+Snape quirked an eyebrow. "You're talking about it as if it were sentient," he + said.
+"In a way, it is," Harry said. "Not sentient like you or me or even Hedwig but it + feels as if it acts on instinct. Or perhaps reacts on instinct."
+"Then I suggest you re-evaluate your offerings," Snape grinned, "Can't have the + Umbral Locum be displeased, now can we?"
+Harry knew that Snape was joking but at the mention of the word 'offerings', a + cold chill crept down his spine.
+"Oh no," he groaned. His legs felt like they were made of jelly and if he hadn't + been sitting down, he was sure that he would have crumbled. The blood had drained + from his face.
+"Is something wrong?" Snape asked.
+Harry heard the voice but didn't register its meaning as he stared at his folded + hands, thinking of the consequences of his discovery.
+"Harry," Snape prompted again.
+"I know what's wrong with it," Harry explained. "I know why it's not working. + You're right. My offering wasn't good enough."
+"What are you talking about?"
+"It's blood," Harry then said. "The potion needs blood."
+Snape regarded Harry in a calculating manner. "If that is the case," he said + softly, "Does that bother you?"
+"What?" Harry asked, chuckling grimly, "That the potion I created is going to end + up being dark magic?"
+Snape clicked his tongue in annoyance. "It is not wise to jump to that conclusion, + merely because one of the ingredients ends up being blood. Does the potion feel dark + to you?"
+"I don't think so," Harry said decidedly. "I think it's a matter of balance. This + potion works so well with innate magic. If you hadn't taught it to me, I don't think + I could've ever gotten this far, really. And I'm starting to think that a sufficient + amount of blood might bring the whole concoction into harmony. I know it sounds a bit + strange," Harry chuckled when he felt a sudden kinship with Luna, "but I really think + this is good. Not bad."
+Once more, Snape regarded Harry carefully and then smiled. "If only I had realised + just what a knack you have for potions during your first years," he said. "That + natural raw talent of yours combined with your inherent understanding of the flow of + things is a mixture to be reckoned with."
+Harry chuckled. "I learned from the best though, didn't I?" he said.
+"From whom?" Snape teased. "Professor Slughorn?"
+Harry rolled his eyes. "You really want me to come out and say it, don't you?"
+"Oh, how that would please me," Snape said evenly.
+"Fine," Harry said evenly. "You're the best."
+"What's that?" Snape asked silkily. "I'm afraid I didn't quite catch that."
+"You're the best Potions Master," Harry admitted annoyedly.
+Snape ruffled Harry's hair and grinned. "And don't you forget it, brat," he said + fondly.
+Well, not hope you were hoping this could go I'd wager? Don't worry. Not all + is lost! Please leave me a review if you can. It's always appreciated.
+A big thank you to those who sent me a review. You people put a smile on my + face. I know there's quite a bit of speculation going on and I hope that this next + chapter might already answer some questions. Lots of things going on in this one so + please do enjoy.
+Chapter 33
+More Magical Maladies Manifest in Muggles
+St Mungo's reports a staggering amount of muggles to be admitted to + their premises. There have been reports about numerous illnesses including but not + limited to Dragon Pox; Cerebrumous Spattergroit and the black cat flue. While usually + very treatable in wizards, our magical cures seem to not have the same effect on the + muggles in our care.
+There have also been reports of a new malady that is highly + contagious and supremely lethal. So far, no cure has been invented for what doctors + now call 'the Dissolving Sweats'. Reportedly, the + muggles' organs are slowly dissolving from within after which the muggle expulses the + destroyed tissue by sweating profusely.
+For now, the unknown disease has stayed contained within the muggle
+ population but we still advise caution. Dr Lovegood asks that if anyone should you
+ notice any muggle in their neighbourhood that is experiencing sudden weight loss;
+ hair loss; vomiting and general weakness, they should notify St Mungo's
+ immediately.
Harry closed the paper with a frown and looked at Hermione. She looked very pale + and her hands were shaking.
+"Hermione," Harry asked, "are you okay?"
+"Just worried," Hermione replied. "This epidemic seems to be getting worse and + worse. Do you have any idea how many muggles have died so far?"
+"They didn't say," Harry replied, scouring the article again to make sure he + didn't just miss it.
+"No, they didn't," Hermione said. "They don't want to cause a panic. But the + muggles obviously know that something is up and they report hundreds of deaths + already."
+Harry looked at the high table where Dumbledore was reading the muggle paper + 'The Sunday Times' with a concerned frown. Snape was rapping his fingers on + the table as he seemed to be deep in thought.
+"I'm sure your parents will be fine," Ron said. "They're doctors, aren't + they?"
+"Dentists," Hermione sniffed.
+"Tooth doctors, right!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm sure that they know how to stay + healthy."
+Hermione shrugged. "I suppose," she said. "They would know how to stay + away from any contagious people and to wash their hands frequently. They do know what + to look out for."
+"There you go," Ron grinned, "They will be fine. And you'll see. Someone will find + a cure very soon."
+"I sure hope so," Harry mumbled, "because, at this rate, Voldemort will still be + getting what he wanted, even though he's dead."
+"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
+"I'm sorry," Harry said. "I was just thinking out loud. I'll ask Severus about it + later. He's a Potions Master so surely he has some idea of what's going on or what to + do."
+This brought a hopeful smile to Hermione's face. "I suppose you're right," she + said, finally taking a few bites of her food.
+"What do you make of this epidemic?" Harry asked Snape once he got them alone. + "any ideas?"
+"It is quite odd," Snape replied. "It almost seems as if this is some sort of + attack."
+"Biological warfare?" Harry suggested.
+"Quite so," Snape agreed. "While the magical community has grown resistant to most + of the well-known maladies that are going around, the muggles have no such + resistance. That's why it's killing them too easily."
+"And the dissolving sweats?" Harry asked.
+"That is the enigma," Snape admitted. "It almost seems like some sort of horrid + combination of a number of maladies that we are already familiar with. Some sort of + unholy offspring, if you will."
+"So someone is targeting muggles," Harry growled.
+"I think that it is no coincidence that this new illness does not seem to affect + magical folk," Snape said thoughtfully. "Something in their biological make-up makes + the muggles vulnerable against this attack. Something that we are protected against. + Of course, this is all speculation."
+Snape sighed deeply. "For all we know, it is only a matter of time before the + first wizard or witch is affected by this horrid disease. But I honestly don't think + that will happen."
+"Do you have any idea of where they stand on making a cure?" Harry asked.
+"The guild is working on it," Snape told Harry. "Dr Lovegood, in particular, is + hard at work, though I imagine he has his hands full trying to keep the muggles + alive."
+"Hermione is worried," Harry said.
+Snape nodded. "I imagine that all muggle-borns and half-bloods with muggles in + their families are concerned," he said. "But I assure you that the magical community + is doing the best they can."
+"Are you trying to come up with something?" Harry asked.
+Snape shook his head. "Not right now," he said. "As you are well aware, I have + other duties to attend to. Besides, I do not have a sample of the disease and I will + not be bringing one into Hogwarts just to attempt something that my colleagues are + already working on."
+"But you're better," Harry pointed out.
+Snape chuckled. "When it comes to diseases at least, I assure you that Dr Lovegood + is more proficient than I am."
+Harry cursed himself for his lack of forbearance as he walked out of the main gate + and into the direction of the forbidden forest. He would not need to venture in too + deeply but he hoped that he would be able to find some recently deceased thestrals. + He had run out of thestral hooves for his potion and seeing how they were quite + critical to make the concoction work, he decided to try and harvest some himself.
+If there weren't any available he would have to order them but that could take a + while and Harry wanted to wait as little as possible.
+As he walked into the edge of the arboreal enclosure, Harry slowed down his pace + and tried to walk as softly as he possibly could. It would not do to spook the herd + before he even got to them.
+"Good morning, Harry."
+Harry all but jumped out of his skin when he was suddenly addressed out of the + blue. Instinctively, he had drawn his wand and whirled around to come face to face + with Luna. She was hanging upside down from a low-hanging branch, holding on tight + with her legs. Her arms were dangling down much like her hair was but she raised one + hand to wave at Harry unnecessarily.
+"Luna," Harry said," You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
+Luna smiled serenely. "It's quite alright," she said, "Your heart is strong."
+"Thanks, I guess," Harry said, "But what are you doing here?"
+"I'm looking for the Spotted Snurcax," she said matter-of-factly.
+"Okay," Harry said slowly," And why are you upside down?"
+"To find the snurcax, you need to become the snurcax," Luna + replied easily, "And very much like bats and possums, the spotted snurcax likes to + view this world entirely upside down. Very unlike the striped snurcax, mind you."
+Harry smiled fondly and shook his head at the blonde. "If you say so, Luna," he + said, "Say, have you seen the thestral herd anywhere near here lately?"
+"Of course," Luna said, "They are at the creek right now. The morning breeze makes + them thirsty, you see?"
+"The creek?" Harry asked thoughtfully, "I didn't know there was one here."
+"I think you never looked hard enough," Luna said, "People often miss things that + cross their paths, simply because it's not on their mind. But I can show you where it + is if you'd like."
+"I wouldn't want to disturb your search for the er…"
+"Spotted snurcax," Luna supplied, "Don't worry. They'll be here all year."
+"Thanks," Harry said, offering Luna his hand. "Be careful coming down, okay?"
+"Thank you, Harry," Luna said as she took Harry's hand and gracefully dropped down + from the branch. "Aren't you just my knight in shining armour?"
+Harry chuckled, "Without the armour, you mean."
+"And without the horse," Luna added, "Is that why you're looking for the + thestrals?"
+"No," Harry said, "I was just looking for one that might have recently died. I + need their hooves."
+"For your potion," Luna said.
+"For my potion," Harry agreed, "So, what do you think?"
+"Of the potion or the thestrals?" Luna asked, "Or a peculiar combination of the + both of them?"
+"The thestrals," Harry clarified, "Have any of them died recently?"
+"I don't think so," Luna said dreamily, "But maybe if you ask them nicely, they + might give you what you need." Her eyes shone with such clarity and determination + that Harry did not dare question her.
+"Okay," he said somewhat doubtfully, "I'll do that."
+"You have grown," Luna suddenly said as they kept walking into the forbidden + forest, ducking underneath overhanging branches as they went.
+"Have I?" Harry asked, "I'm still not as tall as Ron, I think."
+Luna chuckled. "Perhaps not that literally," she said, "I meant it in a spiritual + way. I can see that you have a greater understanding of yourself."
+"Well, I have been getting a lot better at Occlumency," Harry told her, "Maybe + that's what you mean?"
+"Perhaps," Luna replied. She clasped her hands behind her back and started + skipping ahead of Harry who quickened his pace to keep up with her. They reached a + clearing in which a creek streamed calmly. Surrounding the waters stood the herd of + thestrals. Some of them raised their heads and looked at the intruders thoughtfully + before deeming them safe and going back to their drinking and grazing.
+"Hello, Sunspot," Luna greeted as she approached a certain mare, "And how are you + doing today? Has your hip gotten better at all?"
+Sunspot tapped the ground with her foot a couple of times before bucking and + pushing her nose into Luna's outstretched hand.
+"Oh, that is so good to hear," Luna said happily, "I do hope that you'll be more + careful from now on."
+Harry looked around but saw no signs of any of the thestrals being sick or dying. + He sighed to himself. It was probably better this way. Luna might not have taken it + well had they stumbled upon a body.
+"Go on," Luna goaded, "Ask Blueberry to help you. He's standing over there." Luna + pointed toward one of the larger thestrals that stood proudly on top of a small hill, + his wings folded neatly at his flanks. He appeared to be standing guard while the + rest of the herd grazed.
+Harry frowned. "You mean for me to just go up to him and… ask for his hooves?"
+"That would be a strange thing to do," Luna noted, "Just ask him to help you."
+Harry did not think that would be any less strange but he couldn't help but trust + Luna. She had – after all – clearly bonded with the herd. She must know what she's + doing. So Harry carefully walked towards the stallion that watched his approach + carefully but without backing down.
+"Hello," Harry said uneasily.
+"His name is Blueberry," Luna advised as she threw her arms around a foal, + scratching its chest.
+Harry cleared his throat and tried again. "Hello, Blueberry," he said, "I'm + brewing a potion to be able to talk to the people I have lost."
+Blueberry regarded him carefully and for a moment, Harry almost believed that it + could actually understand him. He glanced behind him to see Luna sitting down in the + grass as a thestral nudged her carefully with its nose before lying down next to + her.
+"So, I was wondering if you could help me in its creation somehow?" Harry finally + said.
+For a moment, Harry and Blueberry regarded each other, neither one of them moving + even though Harry desperately wanted to move back. But then, the proud stallion + turned around and started swishing its tail rather wildly until several hairs + dislodged from it.
+Harry understood the message immediately and gathered as many of the hairs as he + could into the pouch he had brought along for this purpose. When Blueberry started + bucking at him, Harry moved back a few steps.
+"Thank you, Blueberry," he said solemnly before turning away and searching for + Luna again. The girl was crouching next to the creek, a smile on her face. Harry + approached her and went to stand next to her. He stared into the water and saw their + reflection.
+"Did you ever wonder if the person in the water is real, and you're just a + reflection of him?" Luna asked seriously.
+"I really hope that I'm the one who is real," Harry replied, "Otherwise, + everything we've been through was for nothing."
+"Well, if you want to be sure…" Luna said. She used her hands to form a makeshift + cup and scooped some of the water up. Then she got up and opened her hands above + Harry's head, effectively dousing him with the liquid.
+"Luna!" he exclaimed, startled by the cold water, "What are you doing?"
+"It would appear that you are still you," Luna said easily, "So that means that I + am still me."
+"Are you sure?" Harry asked mischievously, not about to be outdone by the + Ravenclaw. He didn't quite bother with decorum and simply splashed some water in + Luna's direction. She was either too slow to dodge or simply didn't want to. Either + way, she too was soon soaked.
+"That is quite refreshing," she said, smiling brightly. "So what do you see + now?"
+If Harry had seen the suspicious-looking glint in Luna's eyes, he probably + wouldn't have looked away. But he did. And Luna – in a moment of Slytherin clarity – + nudged Harry just strongly enough to throw him off balance. Harry – whose reflexes + were superior to those of Luna – swirled as he fell, grabbing the first thing he + could to try and keep himself upright. When that something ended up being Luna's arm, + they both ended up falling into the creek, disturbing its waters and chasing off some + of the younger thestrals.
+For a moment, Harry sat there feeling quite shocked. Water dripped down from his + drenched hair and into his face. He half sat, half lay into the cold water, + scrambling to find his glasses when he noticed his movements were restricted since + Luna was now laying on top of him, where she had landed. She looked at him with a + serene smile on her face, her eyes darting to his hair ever so slightly.
+"You have a frog on your head," she said sweetly. Harry chuckled and Luna moved + her hand to his head as to remove the frog. But when it hopped away on its own, she + settled her hand against Harry's cheek and tapped his nose with her own.
+"You are absolutely extraordinary," she whispered.
+Harry inhaled sharply as he realized at that moment just how much Luna meant to + him. With a rush of courage, he pressed his lips against hers, gently putting a hand + in her neck as he closed his eyes and lost himself in the moment.
+When she stroked his hair and deepened the kiss, he realized that he felt truly + happy.
+Harry had never felt more excited in his life. Even the day he first came to + Hogwarts didn't feel like this. He completed the containment field and shivered when + he sensed its dome engulf him once more. He didn't know why he felt like this but + something told him that today would be the day. He would finally be able to finish + the Umbral Locum.
+He felt like a composer as he worked on the potion. The honey mead simmered + pleasantly, the tendrils of magic stretching all around him. He revived the ghost + pipe with his innate magic before adding it to the brew. He added the burned jackal + fur as he would add pepper to a juicy steak. He stirred the potion with the practised + and precise movements of a master.
+Harry wasn't even remotely distracted by Snape waiting patiently at the other side + of the alchemical circle. In fact, he even forgot that the man was there. He relished + in the silence that was now his own and felt invigorated by the colours of magic all + around him as they were revealed by the circle. This felt right.
+Harry tossed in the carefully peeled bark of the weeping willow and quickly added + the moth wings before the bark was completely immersed. The crow feathers he dipped + in honey made specifically from Gorse flowers before adding them to the concoction as + he stirred.
+Swirling colours of purple, red, green and orange seemed to spur him on as he + stirred and added, chopped and diced. He monitored the fire like a mother would her + sleeping child and reacted every time it seemed to change. Not a thing went + wrong.
+The heat that rose from the cauldron drew Harry into a warm embrace. The popping + of small bubbles sounded almost like the ringing of bells and the scent that emerged + from the fumes reminded Harry of a warm spring day after it rained.
+As he stirred, the fluid turned clear while the differently coloured strands of + magic swirled inside until a whirlpool of explosive colour seemed to rise from the + cauldron, swirling chaotically and yet very controlled.
+Harry knew that he was very nearly there. This time he would succeed for sure. He + grabbed the knife he had gotten from Snape for Christmas and was about to cut into + his hand when the energies around him seemed to break and crackle. Harry couldn't say + how he knew this but he understood that the potion did not want him to + personalize it. No, not him. Not this time.
+A tongue of green magic lashed out at the containment field, in the direction that + Snape was sitting. Apparently, the dark Potions Master saws nothing as extraordinary + as Harry was for he was just sitting there, watching intently but completely + relaxed.
+Harry smiled when he realized the magic's objective.
+He locked gazes with Snape and beckoned for him to come nearer. Snape frowned but + did so. He stepped closer until he was at the edge of the containment field. He could + not pass it.
+Orange wisps danced around Harry's wrist as he stretched out his hand. It breached + the circle as he held it out towards Snape. After a moment's consideration, Snape + took Harry's hand in his. Harry held on tightly and gently tugged on Snape's wrist, + urging the man to step forward. Purple magic was practically licking at the breach + Harry had created, almost begging to be allowed to welcome the newcomer as if it was + an excited pet.
+Snape allowed Harry to guide him inside and stepped through the breach. When he + was inside of the alchemical circle, it sealed itself off completely once more. + Snape's eyes widened as he took in the display that was dancing magic, a whirlpool of + colour emanating from the cauldron and the scents of happy days longs since past.
+"Harry," he said. "This is amazing."
+Harry smiled knowingly. "This is the creation of Umbral Locum," he said. "This is + the connection between the planes."
+Magic of all colour was dancing around Snape, gently playing with his hair and + cloak, making it seem as if Snape was facing a strong wind. He allowed the magic's + embrace and chuckled when a particularly devious strand of red magic tugged at his + sleeve.
+"Why have you called me in here?" Snape asked.
+"The potion does not want me to take it this time," Harry said.
+"What do you mean?" Snape asked.
+"It's hard to explain," Harry said. "But I've been brewing like this for a while + now. I've been communicating with the innate magic of all the ingredients that go + into this potion and I know that in a way it is sentient. And right now, + it's telling me that it chooses you."
+"But are you certain about this?" Snape asked. "This is your creation and I know + there are people you want to see."
+Harry smiled. "I will get my chance," he said. "For today, this is how it has to + be."
+He handed Snape his knife – heft first – and waited patiently for the man to take + it. Snape regarded Harry carefully before taking the knife from him.
+"How much blood will it take?" Snape asked.
+"I imagine that it depends on the circumstances," Harry replied, knowing that it + was so. "I will tell you when to stop. For now, just cut your hand and open it above + the cauldron."
+Snape faced the colourful creation and dutifully cut his hand without even + flinching. He watched the blood slide down his palm and drip into the cauldron. As it + did, the clear solution underneath the whirlpool changed colour.
+"More," Harry encouraged, watching alongside Snape as the colour was still + changing.
+More blood was sucked into the cauldron, the whirlpool doing a fine job of + stirring it just right.
+"Just a bit more," Harry said when about a cup of blood had been added. "Just a + few more drops I think. Okay, stop."
+Snape closed his hand and withdrew it. He would cast a healing spell once the + potion could no longer be disrupted by the magic.
+The whirlpool slowly dissipated to reveal the Umbral Locum below it. It was + burgundy in colour and smelled of herbs and spices. The amount was scarcely enough to + fill one vial. The magics that had surrounded Harry up until this point all vanished + and soon, there was nothing there but silence.
+"It's complete," Harry said, feeling incredibly exhausted. He broke the + containment field and sat down heavily into a chair. When he looked at Snape again, + he almost laughed when he saw how confused the man looked.
+"What's wrong?" Harry asked, "Didn't you ever see a potion before?"
+"I have," Snape said evenly, "But never one that was anchored to me in such a + specific and fantastic manner. I can't help but feel honoured."
+"The honour is all mine," Harry said. "Now, don't keep me waiting. I want to know + if it worked or not."
+"You want me to drink this?" Snape asked incredulously.
+"It's not poison," Harry chuckled, "What are you afraid of?"
+The expression on Snape's face revealed nothing but Harry could take a wild + guess.
+"You will only find what you need," Harry urged. "Please. I know you can do + it."
+"Okay," Snape conceded. "I will."
+"I would sit down on the floor if I were you," Harry advised. "Unless you want to + end up with a cracked tailbone or anything."
+"I would rather not," Snape said as he sat down as gracefully as he could.
+"Don't forget to occlude," Harry pointed out. Snape sneered at him but did so. And + then, he drank the potion.
+Years of training Occlumency and Legilimency did not prepare him for this moment. + He wouldn't have been able to stop the sensation, even if he had wanted to. It almost + felt like apparition, though instead of feeling a hook behind his belly button, he + felt one behind his mind.
+Before he knew it, he landed near the river in Spinner's End, staring at a piece + of wood from the yew tree as it drifted past. And for a small moment, he wondered if + he perhaps had apparated after all. Until he heard a painfully familiar + voice.
+"Hello, Sev."
+I will not be updating tomorrow for the sole reason that I + wanted chapter 34 to be the finisher of the week. I know, I know, you all hate me for + doing this but I'm asking you to wait just one more day!
+Please do let me know what you think. Many things happened this chapter. I'm + sure you have one or two things to say!
+See you on Friday.
+It's nice to see how anticipated this chapter is. I hope it's worth the small + wait. For those interested, I suggest listening to River flows in + you by Yiruma. There's a longer version on youtube. It's + what I listened to while writing this and I think it fits.
+Chapter 34
+Snape whirled around to come face to face with Lily Evans. Or rather, Lily Potter. + Her brilliantly green eyes seemed to shimmer with happiness as she looked at him. Her + long red hair framed her face oh so very perfectly and the smile that graced her lips + was the most beautiful thing Snape had ever seen.
+"Lily," Snape said breathlessly. "Is it really you?"
+"In the flesh," Lily said brightly. "Well, on second thought that's not really + true is it?"
+Lily grinned as Snape stood stammering. "You can laugh now," Lily teased. "That + was funny."
+"You look exactly the same as you did when I last saw you," Snape said + reverently.
+"Ah yes," Lily said knowingly. "It's one of the benefits of dying young. You'll + look forever beautiful. Not very good for the skin, though."
+Snape chuckled wryly. "I can't believe this worked," he said.
+"Did you have so little faith in my son, Sev?" Lily asked. "I've been told that he + learned from the best."
+"I know what he was doing," Snape said. "And I know what he was trying to + accomplish but I dared not hope."
+Lily regarded him sadly. "Come with me," she said. "Let's go to our usual + spot."
+"Our usual spot is gone," Snape said. "It was destroyed many years ago."
+"You forget the power of our memories," Lily said easily. "I know that I can find + it. You just need to follow."
+Lily took Snape's hand in his. Her touch was warm. There was no cold sensation + accompanying it as Harry had described before. Snape squeezed gently, never wanting + to let go again. She led him past the river, ducking under branches and past + shrubberies that Snape knew were no longer there. Eventually, Lily let go of Snape's + hand to duck and crawl underneath a hedge of particularly thick bushes. Snape + followed only to end up in a familiar clearing. One that hadn't been around for many + a year but was remembered fondly nonetheless.
+It was small but it was theirs. Theirs alone. Not even Petunia had known about + this clearing.
+"Sit with me," Lily invited as she patted the grass next to her. Snape sat down, + noticing the warmth Lily exuded as he sat so very close to her.
+"I do believe we have many things to talk about," Lily said. "Which is why we + asked Harry to allow you this potion."
+"You asked him to?" Snape said.
+Lily smiled. "We were around," she said, "as we always are. And we guided him + throughout the process."
+"That's why the potion appeared sentient," Snape said.
+"We merely gave him a small nudge," Lily explained. "And none of the spirits he + tried to contact were malicious. We just feel that we know better than the living who + needs to talk to us. After all, we see more of what goes on in your minds than you + do."
+"And you thought I needed to talk to you more than Harry did?" Snape asked + incredulously.
+"Harry has come a very long way," Lily said fondly. "His life has been coated in + darkness for a long time. But since you took him in and saw him for what he really + is, light has been the dominant factor in his life. Unfortunately, the same can't be + said for you."
+"He deserves to be happy," Snape said.
+"So do you!" Lily exclaimed. "Even if you don't think that's true."
+"You died because of me," Snape said sullenly as he leaned back. "All because of + that ridiculous prophecy. And even when I knew the Dark Lord was after you, I + couldn't protect you."
+"None of us could have known that Peter would betray us," Lily said soothingly. + She wrapped an arm around Snape's waist and put her head on his shoulder.
+"I should have –"
+"Shoulda coulda woulda," Lily chided, "I will not allow you to wallow in self-pity + any longer. If I – Lily Evans – don't deem you responsible for the death of Lily + Evans, then by Merlin, you are not responsible for the death of Lily Evans!"
+Snape chuckled as he relished the weight of Lily's head on his shoulder. He + desperately wanted to embrace her but didn't think it appropriate to do so.
+"I need to thank you, really," Lily said in a softer tone. "You took in Harry when + he needed you most. James and I are very grateful to you for that."
+Snape snorted. "Unlikely," he said.
+"I swear!" Lily said in indignation. "Cross my heart and hope to die."
+Snape groaned painfully.
+"Okay," Lily chuckled, "No more death jokes. I'm sorry. But it's true, you know? I + know that you and James didn't see eye to eye when you were younger but he grew up. + And I know you did, as well."
+"Did I?" Snape asked. "I tormented your son for years, simply because James was + his father."
+Lily let Snape go and shot him an exasperated look. "I know what you're doing, you + know," she said smartly. "You're trying to convince me that I should be upset with + you so you can keep telling yourself that you deserve all the bad things that happen + to you."
+"That is absurd," Snape growled, tugging at some grass beneath his closed + fist.
+"Yes, it is," Lily said knowingly. "So knock it off. You made Harry the happiest + he's been since he was left on my sister's doorstep. And sure, you have your faults + as does everyone. But I assure you that we have forgiven you."
+"Does that include the mutt?" Snape asked sardonically.
+Lily laughed. It was a wonderful sound and Snape never wanted to part with it + again.
+"I'll admit that he was less than happy when he found out that you took Harry in," + Lily said in a conspiring tone of voice. "But that had more to do with jealousy than + anything else."
+Snape raised a sardonic eyebrow. Lily laughed again, picked some blades of grass + and dropped them on top of Snape's head. "Okay fine," she conceded. "Sirius still + doesn't like you but you can't be everyone's friend."
+"I only wanted to be yours," Snape sighed and stared at a beetle scurrying around + in front of him. "I never cared about anyone else."
+Lily looked at him sadly. "I know," she said. She placed a warm hand on Snape's + cheek and forced him to look at her. When obsidian met emerald, Snape's heart nearly + stopped. He so desperately wanted to stay here forever. To be with her.
+"I miss you," he said. "The feeling never goes away. I dream of your laughter, of + your hand in mine. I dream of what I wish could have been."
+Lily sighed as she placed a comforting hand on Snape's knee. "It does not become + you to remain stuck in the past," she said.
+"I just can't stop wondering," Snape said grimly. He placed his hand on top of + Lily's and looked at her. Merlin, she looked so real. So alive. She felt so warm and + she smelled of that bottle of perfume he once brewed her.
+"Wondering what?" Lily asked, smiling knowingly.
+"Had I never called you… that and more importantly, had I never joined the death + eaters, would we –" he swallowed thickly as he did his best to gather his courage. + Lily simply smiled at him reassuringly, clenching his knee just a bit tighter. "Would + we have had a chance?"
+"Is that really something you would like to know?" Lily asked.
+"It is," Snape said. "Not knowing is the worst of it. And I'm not sure if I'll get + another chance after this."
+Lily regarded him carefully for a moment, then playfully swept her hair back. She + used to do that a lot, Snape remembered. "
+"I loved you," Lily said simply. Honestly. "And had our cards been dealt + differently, I'm sure that I would have ended up with you rather than with James. But + in this lifetime, it was not meant to be."
+Snape grimaced painfully. "So it was truly all my own fault," he said. "Had I not + been so stupid, you would've –"
+Lily placed her index finger on Snape's lips to stop him from talking.
+"It's impossible to know what might have been," Lily told him. "And speculation of + the past is the worst enemy of the future. I need you to move past all of this."
+"But how could I ever move past you?" Snape asked desperately. "You are everything + to me!"
+"My dear, darling Severus," Lily said kindly. "You have moved heaven and earth to + do right by me and eventually by Harry. You have done all that you can for me. And + now, there is only one more thing I desperately want you to do for me."
+"Anything," Snape breathed.
+"Do you promise you will do your best to fulfil my request?"
+"I swear it," Snape said.
+Lily smiled as she pressed her forehead against Snape's. "I want you to let me go, + dear friend." She said. "Unpause your life for me."
+She wrapped her arms around Snape's neck and embraced him lovingly. "You deserve + all good things that are coming to you. And I forbid you from sabotaging yourself any + longer. Do you hear me?"
+"I hear you," Snape said softly. He hesitantly reciprocated the embrace.
+"I'll haunt you if you do," Lily said fondly. "I don't know how that would work, + but I'll find out."
+Snape chuckled. "I'm sure you would," he said. "You've always been exceptionally + clever."
+"Clever girls do seem to be your type," Lily said. She drew back and winked at + Snape. "So, tell me about this Maya."
+"There's nothing to tell," Snape said.
+"Come now," Lily teased, "I know she kissed you and I know very well how that made + you feel."
+"Regardless, she is not you," Snape pointed out.
+"No, she's not," Lily agreed, "I am me, and she is her." She sighed and + tousled Snape's hair. "It's really not fair to compare the living to the dead you + know. The dead don't make mistakes."
+"She's just a friend," Snape insisted.
+"A fried you like to get a bit drunk with," Lily giggled. "A friend that was all + over you last Christmas."
+"It appears you and your son share the same confusion about what inebriation does + to people," Snape said sardonically.
+"Oh come on!" Lily huffed, "It's not like I'm going to tell anyone your secrets. + Just admit that you like her already." She stretched out her arms and fell backwards + to lay in the damp grass.
+Snape joined her and stared up at the clouds. One floated past that looked + suspiciously like a Snallygaster. Snape snorted in amusement and rolled his eyes.
+A long but comfortable silence stretched between the two of them when Snape spoke + again.
+"I'll admit," he said slowly, "that I do sense some form of attraction towards + her." He felt almost ashamed to admit this to Lily.
+Lily snorted before breaking down into giggles. "Some form of attraction?" she + asked as she slapped Snape playfully on the shoulder. "Would it really be that much + harder to just say that you like her?"
+Snape sighed exasperatedly. "Fine," he snarled. "I like her!"
+"Yes!" Lily exclaimed victoriously. "Sirius owes me ten galleons!"
+Snape turned his head to look at the redhead incredulously. "I don't know what + matter to address first," he said. "The fact that you made a bet with the mutt + concerning my interests or that you seem to still be using currency."
+"We don't," Lily said, "But it's still fun to bet. And we have to do + something around here!"
+"Yes," Snape agreed. "We wouldn't want you to go out and haunt people."
+"What do you like about her?" Lily asked.
+"Lil!" Snape exclaimed, "I really don't feel comfortable getting into this right + now."
+Lily snorted. "For one, she is hot!" she said, counting on her fingers.
+Snape stared at her wide-eyed. "That is –"
+"What?" Lily interrupted, "Not at all what you're interested in? Please, you're a + man. Don't forget that I've seen what's in your mind."
+"Who knew that it would take death for you to learn Legilimency," Snape + chuckled.
+Lily grinned broadly in return. "Was that a joke, Severus Snape?" she + asked. "Surely, hell has frozen over. Perhaps I should go check."
+Snape couldn't help it. The comment wasn't even all that funny but combined with + the close proximity of his oldest friend made him erupt into laughter. It was loud + and inelegant and soon Lily joined him, the occasional snort from either one of them + interrupting the mad chuckles.
+"Thank you, Lily," Snape said when he had calmed down.
+"Whatever for?" Lily asked.
+"For seeing me one last time," Snape replied. "You were right. I was stuck in the + past."
+"And now?" Lily asked as she absentmindedly placed a hand on Snape's upper + arm.
+"Now," Snape said solemnly, "I will do my best to honour your last request."
+Lily smiled warmly at him. "I knew I could count on you."
+Snape felt the sensation at the back of his mind that told him it was time to go. + It was what Harry had warned him about, and he knew better than to deny that urge + lest he get stuck here forever.
+"It would appear that I have to go," Snape told Lily. He was surprised to find + that he was rather okay with it.
+"I know," Lily said. "Go on then. And remember your promise." In a most tender + moment, she grabbed Snape's hand in hers and kissed it fondly. "I love you, + Severus."
+Snape smiled and squeezed Lily's hand one last time as he gazed into those emerald + green eyes.
+"I love you too," he said and a moment later, he was expelled from Spinner's End. + His eyes fluttered open as he took in the scene that was the potions lab. A sense of + calm overtook him that he had not known in a long time and emerald eyes met him once + more.
+"How are you feeling, dad?" Harry asked.
+Snape smiled. "Never better."
+Snape hadn't actually divulged much to Harry about his conversation with Lily. He + didn't think it necessary for the boy to know. But he had been over the moon when + Snape had told him that the potion was an absolute success and had started taking + notes at a furious pace, not even noticing when Snape had retreated to his + chambers.
+And now he was pacing his sitting rooms, not sure what he was supposed to do from + here on out. He could almost hear Lily's voice egging him on. Come on Sev, you + can do it!
+Snape growled at the imaginary voice and continued his pacing. If he was going to + do this, he had to do it right. But how should he best approach this? Should he visit + Maya in her quarters later that evening, explaining that he had somehow seen the + light? Snape huffed at himself for the ridiculous thought and shook his head.
+Perhaps he could change the signage he had placed around Hogwarts to direct her to + his personal chambers only to act all surprised when she arrived there? What madness! + He had never done anything of the sort and didn't have the foggiest idea on how to + proceed. He had nearly thrown a throw pillow – which he had been tearing at for a + while - into the fire to alleviate some of his distress when the door opened.
+"What are you doing?" Harry asked as he eyed the abused pillow in Snape's + hands.
+With a huff, Snape threw the pillow back in its place and crossed his arms. "I'm + thinking," he said.
+"Okay," Harry said slowly. He walked around Snape and dropped himself onto the + couch, watching with interest how Snape resumed his pacing.
+"What are you thinking about?" he asked, grabbing one of the biscuits that had + been left on the table.
+"Things," Snape replied curtly.
+Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I can't help you if you give replies like that." He + moved his legs onto the couch and lay flat on his back, tucking his arms under his + head.
+"I assure you that this does not concern you," Snape snarled.
+Harry chuckled. "What did mum say that has you so frazzled?" he asked.
+"Plenty of things," Snape said through gritted teeth. He really didn't want to get + into this with the boy right now.
+Harry pointed his wand at the ceiling and conjured a small green light that he + made dance across the cement. "And the most disconcerting thing was…"
+"Maya," Snape spat.
+Harry dropped his wand. "What?" he asked. "How did that come up?"
+"Believe it or not, but your mother asked me about her out of the blue," Snape + said. "Which is so like her when I think about it."
+Harry smirked and flipped himself onto his stomach. "And what did she have to say + about that?" he asked. "Does she want you to snog Maya? She does, doesn't she?"
+The pointed glare Snape sent Harry's way was apparently enough of an indication. + Harry laughed and threw the already abused throw pillow against Snape's pacing form. + "I knew it!" he exclaimed. "But why does that have you so worked up?"
+Snape flicked his eyes skyward in exasperation and stopped pacing. "Because I + don't have the slightest idea on how to handle this," he told Harry. "I already + turned her down. I can't very well waltz up to her and tell her 'Just kidding'!"
+The amusement with which Harry regarded Snape at that moment was nothing short of + infuriating but when the brat opened his mouth to speak, it only got worse.
+"Well," he said, "since I've already gotten two girlfriends this year, maybe + you would do well to take my advice."
+"Very cheeky," Snape growled, "And what – pray tell – would… hold on, two + girlfriends?"
+"Later," Harry said dismissively. "For now, I would advise you to act less like a + Slytherin and more like a Gryffindor."
+"A Gryffindor?" Snape repeated with barely disguised disgust.
+"A Gryffindor," Harry said confidently.
+This got Snape pacing again as Harry leaned back into the cushions, regarding + Snape with far too much amusement.
+'Gryffindor,' Snape thought. 'Courage, bravery, nerve and + chivalry'. He repeated that line a couple of times in his head and added + impetuosity for good measure. Perhaps not an official house value but + certainly one that was present among most Gryffindors. 'And when did that brat + get another girlfriend? Focus, Severus!'
+"Gryffindor," Snape suddenly exclaimed aloud. "I understand." And before Harry + could say another word, he threw open his door and stalked away in a hurried + pace.
+He was vaguely aware of Harry hurrying after him but ignored him. Right now, he + was a man on a mission.
+"Severus," Harry said as he jogged after Snape. "What are you doing?"
+"I'm playing Quidditch," Snape replied sardonically. "What does it look like I'm + doing?"
+"I don't know," Harry said exasperatedly. "You look like someone who is hurrying + into a precarious situation without a plan!"
+Snape smirked. "Think like a Gryffindor, you said."
+"That's not at all what I meant!" Harry called out. But Snape ignored him. The + seed had been sown and now he would make sure to bloom his plan – for he did have + one, however last-minute – into fruition.
+If Snape had gotten the time right, dinner would be in session at the moment so he + would no doubt find Maya sitting in the great hall. Harry seemed to understand the + same thing and suddenly hurried off as if he were trying to get there ahead of Snape. + What he thought that might accomplish, Snape could only guess.
+And then he was met with the doors of the great hall that were wide open to + welcome any dinner guests. Without hesitation, he walked inside and saw that Harry + had joined his friends at the Gryffindor table. As he stalked past, he heard his son + mutter to his friends. " -Absolutely bonkers! I told him to act like a Gryffindor and + he went all –"
+Maya had not yet taken her seat at the high table. A Ravenclaw student was talking + animatedly to her as she showed off a much too long essay. Snape schooled his + expression into a neutral one but he had to admit that even he felt nervous in the + face of what he was about to do.
+Maya noticed him and straightened her back. She smiled warmly as Snape walked up + to her, exuding confidence and determination.
+"Severus, here you –" she began but she couldn't say any more for Snape gave her + no such opportunity. In one smooth motion, he closed the distance between the two of + them and pulled Maya into a tight embrace as his lips connected to hers. For a + moment, she tensed but then she relaxed and leaned into him, her hands finding + support on his back.
+Snape became aware of the entire great hall falling silent but he didn't care. At + that moment there was no time and there was no one else but him and Maya. They were + nothing but two people finding solace in each other's presence and he knew that she – + like him – did not want to let go.
+After what seemed to be an inappropriate amount of time, Snape pulled back, a sly + grin on his face as he looked at a severely flustered Maya.
+"Severus," she breathed.
+"I was a fool, Maya," Snape said. There was a kindness in his voice that very few + people in this hall had ever heard from him. "I'm yours if you'll still have me."
+Maya smiled broadly as she flung herself around his neck. "Of course I will!" she + exclaimed.
+Instantly, a few people from the Gryffindor table started clapping, much to + Snape's annoyance. He glared at Harry who sat there looking decidedly smug. More and + more students followed Harry's example until the entire student body had erupted into + loud applause, most of them standing up.
+Snape knew that he should feel mortification. But all he felt in that moment was + an overwhelming happiness that he had not dared would ever be his again.
+Oh my Goodness, this is the end of one of the archs. *Sniffle* It's a sad but + happy occasion. This is the chapter I had in mind when I thought of TPM. This is what + the most important part in my opinion because this is where Snape finally lets go of + his anguish. But there's still so much more to come! Please do review and tell me + what you thought!
+I want to thank everyone who has reviewed. I put a lot of effort and heart + into the last chapter and was very happy to find it so well-received. I think you'll + find this next chapter quite entertaining as well. Please enjoy it!
+Chapter 35
+When Harry had completed the potion for himself it had turned into an emerald + green, much like his and his mother's eyes. It had tasted sweet with a tangy hint to + it and as Harry drank it, he felt warmed, as if he had just drunk a hot cup of + tea.
+The location his mind was sent to was not at all a familiar one and it looked + rather plain. It was clearly a sitting room, decorated in the garish colours of + Gryffindor. A fire was burning in the hearth, inviting him to sit.
+"It's so good to see you again," a familiar voice said.
+Harry snapped his attention away from the fire to look into the mischievous gaze + of his godfather.
+"Sirius!" he exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace the man. "I missed you so + much."
+"I know," Sirius told him soothingly. "And I'm so sorry that I put you through + that. I was… rather impulsive."
+"It was not all your fault," Harry said bitterly.
+"You're right," Sirius replied as he drew back and placed a hand on each of + Harry's shoulders. "It was Bellatrix's fault. But you certainly avenged me, didn't + you?"
+"And nearly got himself killed in the process," came a disapproving voice. Harry + smiled even brighter when he recognised his mother leaning against the doorpost.
+"Mum," he said, standing frozen to the spot.
+Lily huffed. "Oh sure, rush into the arms of your godfather but not in mine. What + am I, chopped liver?"
+Harry laughed as he shook himself from his stupor. Moving forward as Sirius pushed + him a bit, he fell into his mother's arms as well.
+"Hello, scamp," Lily greeted. "You did so well brewing that potion. I certainly + know who you got your talents from."
+"Please," scoffed a second male voice. "He may have your potioneering + skills but he has my talent for Quidditch and mischief."
+Harry was beside himself with joy as James appeared next to Lily, putting his arm + around his wife and son both. "Good to see you, son," he said.
+"Why don't we all sit down," Sirius suggested. "I'm feeling somewhat left out + here."
+Lily snorted. "You've had more time with him than we had," she chided. "You can be + without his attention for five minutes." But she did let Harry go and guided him + towards the chairs that waited in front of the fire.
+"So," James said. "The youngest seeker of the century? By Merlin, you have no idea + how proud I am of you."
+Lily sighed. "He did also defeat Voldemort, you know," she pointed out.
+"And that's a very close second," James told Harry with a wink.
+"And this potion you created," Lily said. "I have to admit that I would have never + been able to. Severus has certainly taught you well."
+Sirius growled. "Speaking of that greasy git," he said, "what in the world + happened there?"
+Harry glared a bit at Sirius. "I'm not sure what you mean."
+"You even glare like him!" Sirius pointed out. "And you're calling him dad now?" + He put a hand on James's shoulder and pointed at his friend's bespectacled face. + "This is your dad."
+Harry felt a pang of guilt as he looked at James, but the man was glaring + pointedly at Sirius.
+"Padfoot," he growled. "We've been over this. Severus was there for Harry when no + one else was. He adopted him so he could have a home. How can you be mad about + that?"
+"That's all well and good," Sirius said. "But I don't like that he's trying to + take your place. It's like the ultimate payback!"
+"Sirius Black!" Lily exclaimed as she hit him on the back of his head. "you ought + to be ashamed of yourself. Look what you're doing to Harry!"
+Harry was feeling less than happy about his godfather's disapproval but he was + trying his best to hide it. Apparently, his best wasn't good enough, though.
+"Oh Harry," Sirius said, properly mollified. "I'm so sorry. I know you didn't do + anything wrong. It's just that when it comes to Snivellus –"
+"Severus," Lily interrupted.
+Sirius sighed dramatically. "Severus," he growled. "There is some bad blood + there."
+"And yet he hasn't tried to disparage you," Harry pointed out. + "Even though he's had all the time in the world to do so."
+James laughed. "Looks like Severus is the more mature one, isn't he?" he said.
+"Point taken," Sirius said but then his expression turned into a sadder one. + "Harry, why haven't you ever told me about the abuse your relatives put you + through?"
+Harry managed not to flinch but averted his gaze anyway. "I was ashamed," he + admitted.
+"You've done nothing to be ashamed of," Sirius told him sternly. "I don't know why + you would ever think that."
+"I know that now," Harry said with a slight smile. "But I used to feel bad that I + wasn't able to defend myself against a few muggles."
+Lily kicked the existential table angrily. "When my sister dies, you can be damn + sure that she's not going to have a peaceful afterlife."
+"Her husband as well," James snarled. "I will make sure to make their afterlives + hell. Dares to put his hands on my son, does he?" He punched his fist into + his flat hand and glared angrily into the fire.
+"Yeah," Harry said awkwardly. "That would be great."
+"Oh look at us," Lily sighed. "We're getting all worked up about the past again." + She scooted closer to Harry and drew him into a brief hug. "I'm sorry my sister is + such an awful person, Harry. For now, we'll have to take satisfaction in the + punishment Severus has already dealt them."
+Harry blinked. He had never known what exactly Snape had done to them but the + reminder of that day warmed his heart.
+"Now, speaking of Severus," Lily said, "How are things going with him and + Maya?"
+Harry groaned. "That was so awkward," he complained. "Some time ago – right after + he spoke to you – he strutted into the great hall and snogged her right in front of + everyone!"
+James laughed loudly. "No way!" he exclaimed, "That doesn't sound like him at all! + Did you confund him or something, Harry?"
+"I told him to act like a Gryffindor," Harry explained.
+"That goes to show what he thinks of Gryffindors," Sirius snorted. "I bet she + slapped him right then and there, didn't she?"
+Harry huffed. "No," he said, "She was all too happy to return the favour. It was + horrible!"
+"Don't act out," Lily chided. "I saw you initiating that round of applause."
+"It was a spur of the moment thing, okay?" Harry defended himself. "But having to + retell it just makes it so much more mortifying!"
+"So, Sn – Severus has a girlfriend now?" Sirius asked incredulously. "About bloody + time." James punched him on the shoulder. "Ow- what?!"
+"I think he's trying to point out that you're a prat," Harry said. "Severus had a + lot of things to work out."
+"I'm just glad he finally did," James said honestly. Lily looked decidedly + smug.
+"It's a good thing you sleep in Gryffindor tower," Sirius pointed out. "Young love + can be quite loud."
+"Argh, Sirius!" Harry exclaimed as she scrunched up his nose. "Why are you doing + this to me?!"
+Sirius snorted. "don't tell me you've never considered it," he said. "How long has + it been since they hooked up?"
+"A little over a month," Harry begrudgingly admitted.
+"Yeah," Sirius said smugly. "Even Severus will have gotten some action by + now."
+"It's more than you get nowadays," James laughed as he pushed against Sirius's + shoulder playfully.
+"Well, I have a good excuse," Sirius said. "I'm dead. Severus only + looks dead."
+"Please stop insulting him," Harry groaned. "I don't think you understand just how + much he helped me. In fact, he's even saved my life many times way before he even + started to like me."
+James clapped Sirius roughly on the back of his head. "If you don't stop this + foolery now, I'm kicking you out," he warned.
+"Sorry," Sirius mumbled. "I'll be good."
+"More importantly, Harry, you've got a girlfriend of your own," Lily pointed + out.
+"I do," Harry said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head in discomfort. + "But I'd really rather not get into too much detail."
+"Whatever the details, I like her," Lily said with a definite tone of voice.
+"As long as you remember to treat her with respect," James told Harry + importantly.
+"Am I a Gryffindor or not?" Harry asked smugly.
+"As long as a certain Slytherin isn't rubbing off on you," Sirius complained.
+"Please, I'm rubbing off on the Slytherins," Harry said easily. + "Even Draco Malfoy has come around."
+"See?" Lily said, "You're already doing better than your father and godfather were + doing back in the day. They just couldn't get past their rivalry with Severus."
+"And a good thing too, or Harry might have been a Snape," Sirius muttered. This + earned him a cuff to the head from both Lily and James but Harry just laughed.
+"I take it you'll be a Potions Master soon now?" Lily asked proudly.
+Harry chuckled. "Not so fast," he said. "Severus is taking me to a guild-meeting + first where the board will assess my skill and contributions. And then they'll + vote."
+"I doubt anyone could deny the hero that is Harry Potter," Sirius pointed out.
+"I hope that's not the case," Harry objected. "I want to be recognised for my + skill and not for my reputation. I worked hard on this, you know?"
+"And we're all very proud of you, son," James said.
+"Yeah, even if you're a potioneer now," Sirius sneered but in a teasing sort of + manner.
+Harry regarded the three parental figures in the room with a big smile on his + face, enjoying the warmth that came from his mother and relishing in the proud gazes + of the two marauders.
+"I wish we could stay like this forever," Harry said wistfully. The adults + regarded him sadly.
+"That's not possible, Harry, you know that," James said. "You get this + moment but after that, it's probably not a good idea to try and talk to us + again."
+A part of Harry wanted to protest and ask why that was but he already knew the + reason. It was the same reason why he first had to master Occlumency before + attempting to brew this potion. Too much of this and any person could become insane. + Harry recognised the dangers of wanting to stay here and knew that his dad was + right.
+"I know," he said solemnly. "I'm just glad that I got this opportunity."
+"And it's all because of your own genius," Lily said fondly. "My little boy is all + grown up!" She embraced him in a crushing hug that left Harry gasping for breath + until James loosened her grip with a chuckle.
+"Don' smother him, love," he said. "We wouldn't want him to join us just yet."
+"I mean, in a way we do," Sirius interjected, "But in another way, we don't."
+Harry smirked. "I get it," he said. "I know exactly what you mean. But let's face + it, Severus needs me!"
+James ruffled his son's hair. "He really does," he said. "Oh, and do me a favour + when you see him. Could you tell him that I really am sorry for the way I behaved + back in school? I really was an arrogant prat."
+Harry flushed a bit but nodded. "Of course," he said.
+"Sirius," Lily said in a warning tone of voice.
+Sirius rolled his eyes and sighed. "Okay, so I suppose that trying to get him + attacked by a werewolf went a bit too far."
+James cuffed the back of his head again.
+"Would you stop that?!" Sirius asked incredulously. "But seriously, kid, I am + sorry. I crossed a line there."
+"You were so far over the line that you couldn't even see the line anymore," Lily + growled.
+"I'll tell him," Harry said. "Just try to get along in my absence, okay?"
+"We will do our very best," James promised solemnly.
+Harry cast one last longing look at his family, then sighed in resignation. "I + love you all," he said.
+"We love you more," Lily said.
+Harry chuckled softly and whispered, "I love you the most." He closed his eyes and + felt the sensation of leaving the existential room and being warped back into his + body. When he knew he was securely back, he refused to open his eyes just yet. He + tried to soak up the entire experience before being forced to go on living again.
+His nose wiggled slightly when he smelled herbs and spices. He sighed again and + opened his eyes. Snape stood vigil nearby. A book lay opened in his hand but his gaze + was affixed on Harry.
+"You're crying," he noted.
+Harry rubbed his eyes. "Your observation skills are keen as ever," he replied + sardonically as he hoisted himself off the ground.
+"I apologize," Snape said. "I simply didn't know that your physical body might + experience the normal responses to what you're feeling when your mind is out of your + body."
+"Oh," Harry replied uneasily. "So it was an academic statement."
+Snape placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and gave him a knowing smile. "How was + it?"
+"It was nice," Harry replied. "Scary; comfortable; confronting…" Harry sniffled + and yet he smiled. "Wonderful."
+"Was it enough?"
+"No," Harry admitted. "How could it be?" He sighed and felt as if a burden fell + off his shoulders. "Close enough, though."
+"You did very well," Snape noted.
+"Oh, and I have a message for you," Harry said seriously.
+Snape quirked an eyebrow. "From whom?"
+"Dad and Sirius," Harry admitted.
+Snape growled. "Do I want to know?" he asked doubtfully.
+"They are sorry for what they did," Harry said. "Though dad seemed more apologetic + than Sirius."
+Snape regarded Harry carefully for a moment and sighed. "It would not do to linger + in the past." He said. "Your mother told me as much. Therefore, I forgive them."
+He looked at a spot somewhere behind Harry and smirked. "Do you hear me, Potter? + Black?" he asked loudly. "I forgive you. You can go frolic in the afterlife in + peace."
+Harry raised an eyebrow. "That was almost nice," he chuckled. "Thank you."
+Snape huffed. "Come now," he said. "Maya is waiting for us."
+It had been less of a hassle than Harry had thought to bring a muggle into the + sanctity of Hogwarts. He knew that any muggle approaching the castle would normally + see nothing but a ruin and be compelled to walk away, but when Alex approached the + gates after Snape apparated him into Hogsmeade, nothing of the sort happened.
+Harry was waiting for them and waved excitedly when he saw the man approach. + "Alex!" he shouted. "Welcome to Hogwarts!"
+Alex clearly had to hold himself back not to break into a sprint. When he reached + Harry, he grabbed the boy's shoulders and gasped eagerly. "Harry," he said + importantly. "You never told me your school was this epic!"
+Harry chuckled but Snape appeared less than amused. "Come," he said before he + began stalking towards Hogwarts.
+Alex walked next to Harry as they followed the Potions Master inside. Snape didn't + look back even once, confident that his order to follow was being obeyed.
+"Look at his robes," Alex whispered in awe. "They are so… floaty!"
+"I know," Harry whispered back. "I'm still not convinced that he doesn't use a + spell to make them so."
+As they walked towards Dumbledore's office, many students leapt aside as they saw + Snape approach, many of them pressing themselves against the walls as if that would + somehow protect them from Snape's wrath. But today, Snape ignored them all as he + marched towards his goal.
+"Geez," Alex muttered. "You guys weren't kidding, were you? Severus is not very + popular here."
+Harry shrugged. "The older the students become, the less afraid they are but he + still manages to give most first – and second-years quite a freight."
+"No kidding," Alex said. "Just look at those billowing robes, the twitch in his + lips, that one raised eyebrow and those flaring nostrils! Who wouldn't fear such a + –"
+"Would you kindly shut your mouth?" Snape snarled as he whirled on Alex. Harry was + biting his lip to keep himself from bursting into laughter and Snape's angry + expression did not make that any easier.
+"Yup," Alex said slyly. "Definitely flaring nostrils."
+"Alexander, I'm warning you," Snape said. "You are a guest here but I assure you + that I have the means and the patience to transform you into an obedient puppet + without anyone ever suspecting I had anything to do with it. Alternatively, I could + simply poison your food. Do. Not. Give. Me. A. Reason."
+Alex didn't seem too impressed with Snape's tirade but he did keep his mouth shut + for a while. Five minutes later he couldn't contain himself anymore, though. "Do you + think you could show me this chamber of secrets, Harry?" he asked innocently.
+"Lemon custard," Snape snapped at Archibald. The gargoyle leapt aside and Alex's + mouth dropped open when he saw the winding staircase move all on its own.
+"Wicked," he said in awe, then climbed on for good measure. "This is the best day + of my life!"
+Harry chuckled as he followed close behind while Snape waited until the staircase + stopped moving to climb it himself rather than ride it like some overexcited toddler + as he would say.
+When all three had arrived upstairs, Snape knocked three times on the door. Harry + thought his annoyance was clear by the way the sound reverberated of the walls. Alex + didn't notice or didn't care. He was still taking in all the moving portraits and + magical thingamabobs.
+"Come in," came Dumbledore's friendly voice.
+Snape opened the door and immediately walked to a corner where he leaned against + the wall, leaving the two chairs for Harry and Alex.
+"Albus!" Alex greeted amiably. "It's so good to see you. Love what you've done + with the beard."
+Dumbledore chuckled. "It's so very good of you to come here, Alex," he said + kindly. "Would you care for a lemon drop?"
+"You know me, Albus," Alex said cheekily as he grabbed a sweet out of the offered + bowl. "I would never turn down free food."
+Snape scoffed and Harry smiled.
+Suddenly, Alex gasped when he spotted Fawkes. "What is that?" he asked in + reverence. "That must be the most beautiful bird I've ever seen. Hello gorgeous, + what's your name?"
+Fawkes thrilled magnificently and gently nipped the fingers of Alex's outstretched + hand.
+"That's Fawkes," Harry supplied. "I think he likes you."
+"Hello Fawkes," Alex said gently. "I'm Alex. It's very nice to meet you."
+Fawkes spread his wings in a gentle fashion and stepped onto the hand Alex had + still offered.
+"Ooh, you're a tad heavy aren't you?" Alex chuckled. He carefully stroked Fawkes' + feathers as if he were scared the phoenix might break. Fawkes clicked his beak + contentedly.
+"Stop playing with the bird, Alexander," Snape snarled out of the blue. "You're + meeting with the most powerful wizard of our time. It would do you well to pay the + proper respect."
+"It's quite alright, Severus," Albus said calmly. "Fawkes is normally never that + fond of newcomers. Especially not muggles. I think that young Alex here might have an + exceptionally pure heart."
+"Yup, that's me," Alex said proudly. "The heart of a hero."
+When Snape glared at him again, he chuckled and allowed Fawkes back on his perch. + "But Severus is right, Albus," he conceded. "I'm sorry. I forget myself."
+"It's fully understandable for a muggle to get lost in our world," Albus said + kindly. "But one that might appreciate its wonders will always find his way back. + Please have a seat."
+Alex sat down next to Harry, beaming from ear to ear.
+"My dear Alex," Dumbledore said happily. "Welcome to Hogwarts. As I understand it, + you're here primarily to spectate Harry's next quidditch match and perhaps even try + and fly a broom yourself?"
+"That was my understanding," Alex replied easily. "And anything else you would + have me do here, really. I'm willing to try everything!"
+"Truly?" Snape asked. "Care to sit into one of my first-year potions classes?"
+"Severus," Dumbledore chided, but there was amusement in his voice. "Alex, you are + welcome to our facilities but I must urge you to remain close to either Harry or + Severus as you roam these halls. You never know what you might encounter after all." + He winked mischievously at Harry who chuckled in response. Snape just growled.
+"Severus, please lend Alex one of your robes so he might blend in more easily, + would you? Oh, and no roaming the forbidden forest, if you will."
+"Why would I go into a forest that is literally called 'the forbidden + forest'?" Alex asked incredulously.
+"Excellent question," Snape replied. "Harry?"
+"Why do teachers give first graders detention in the same forest?" Harry asked + smartly, "That kind of gives the impression that it's not all that dangerous after + all."
+"Oh, so it's fine?" Alex asked.
+"Er… no," Harry conceded. "It's very dangerous. Don't go there unless you want to + be eaten."
+"Indeed," Dumbledore added cheerfully. "Now Harry, shouldn't you be getting ready? + I hear that Slytherin has quite a good team this year."
+"We'll see about that," Harry chuckled. He got up from his seat and made to leave. + "See you in the stands, Alex," he added, then left in a hurry.
+"Ah youth," Dumbledore said happily as he popped a lemon drop into his mouth. Alex + took another as well while Snape just shook his head in dismay.
+"There are so many wonderful things happening today," came Luna's airy commentary. + "Gryffindors are facing off against Slytherins, as you probably already know, and one + of Professor Snape's best friends came here to watch. Isn't that nice of him?"
+Harry chuckled when a large amount of the bystanders visibly looked over at Snape + to get a look at the newcomer who was sitting next to him. Alex waved cheerily and + even blew kisses at a few of the female parents that had also come to watch.
+"He seems like a nice person, doesn't he?" Luna asked. "He does have that gentle + aura about him. Where do you think he knows Professor Snape from? I heard –"
+"For Merlin's sake, Ms Lovegood," McGonagall's voice suddenly shouted. "20-10 to + Slytherin!"
+"That's alright," Luna assured her. "The match has only just begun and I'm sure it + can still go both ways. Harry knows what he's doing even when he doesn't. I think it + has a lot to do with confidence, don't you? I really like that about him, among other + things."
+Harry chuckled and tried to tune out the wonderfully weird commentary that Luna + provided. He needed to focus on the snitch.
+"Is your girlfriend distracting you?" Draco taunted.
+"Perhaps you're the one who is distracted," Harry pointed out. "Since you're here, + talking to me instead of looking for the snitch."
+"I'll find it," Draco said confidently.
+"You will," Harry agreed. "In my closed fist!" He didn't wait for an answer but + started flying circles while he occasionally glanced at the stands. Alex was clearly + beside himself as he watched the players toss the quaffle and dodge bludgers.
+Narrowly, Harry dodged one himself, only to have it redirect itself at an + unfortunate Slytherin.
+"Okay snitch," Harry said. "Where are you?"
+"50 – 50," McGonagall shouted, interrupting Luna's monologue about thestrals and + their mating habits.
+And then he saw it. The snitch was flitting somewhere near the goalposts, + seemingly undisturbed by Ron as he did his best to block the quaffle. He didn't know + where Malfoy was but he didn't see him anywhere nearby so he sped off towards the + tiny golden ball.
+While it was always dangerous when the snitch was close to the ground or the + bleachers, Harry found it easier to try and catch the snitch when none of the other + players was nearby. Now, the snitch was relatively easy to reach but he would still + need to bypass an obstacle course that consisted of players in both red and + green.
+A speeding stripe of green alerted Harry to the fact that Draco had now also seen + the snitch and was going after it himself. It was on.
+Harry zigged passed the players in his path and tried his best to avoid those who + would purposefully collide with him. He managed to dodge a bludger as well as a bat + that was aimed at his head rather than at a violent ball. He was getting close and + knew that if he would just keep up this speed, he would get the ball before Malfoy + did.
+But naturally, he could not be so lucky as to have that come easily. Right ahead + of him, a bludger came his way, Harry's head right in its collision course. None of + the Gryffindor beaters was nearby and Harry knew that he should take a chance. He + wanted to dodge by veering upward but noticed that he wouldn't be able to move fast + enough to both dodge and catch the snitch, so instead, he positioned a foot on his + broom and pushed himself off at the very last moment, effectively jumping over the + bludger, Newton's first law keeping him headed in the snitches direction.
+His fist closed around the snitch and for a very small moment, he felt absolute + joy until he realized that he was now without a broom. But it was still very close + by. He flailed helplessly as he grasped at the broomstick, only narrowly managing to + grab it again. But now he was falling. Cursing himself in his head, Harry tried to + get his broom to slow down his fall as he clumsily managed to hook one leg over the + wood. He managed to do so, but only slightly. So when he finally connected to the + ground, the crash still knocked the wind out of him and an all too familiar pain shot + through his wrist.
+Harry grinned. His wrist was probably broken but if that was the cost for winning + this match, he would gladly pay it. Triumphantly, he raised the uninjured fist + containing the snitch into the air and relished in the cheers of the crowd, + congratulating him on his victory. The jeering of the Slytherins only made his + triumph that much more glorious.
+Harry chuckled as he sat upright. Alex must be freaking out right now.
+Finally Alex has come to view a quidditch match! I hope you like it. Don't + forget to review!
+On another note, I'm not sure how much I'll be updating this week. I've got + the necessary chapters written but with the holidays, I don't know how many people + will actually be reading so I suppose it will depend on the traffic I get. I think + I'll definitely update again tomorrow and see from there.
+I must say that I was amazed by your responses! There were so many, I just had + to update. It's a good thing that the chapter was all ready to go. Please enjoy this + distraction from the holiday rush!
+Chapter 36.
+Harry sat on the hospital bed with a satisfied smirk, watching the hustle and + bustle going on around him. Several Gryffindors were sitting on various contraptions + in his direct vicinity, talking excitedly about the amazing catch Harry had pulled + off. Madame Pomfrey hadn't asked them to leave yet because, for once, Harry's + injuries were surprisingly minor, but if they kept being so loud, Harry knew it was + only a matter of time.
+"I still think that constitutes as cheating," Draco complained. Some of the + Gryffindors jeered at him but Draco ignored them. "You weren't even touching your + broom when you caught the snitch!"
+"There is no rule that states that you have to," Hermione pointed out + cleverly.
+"Besides, Malfoy," Ron said with his mouth full of celebratory chocolate frog. + "It's not as if Slytherins play fair and square. Or did you not notice when your + beater tried to hit Harry with his bat?"
+Draco smirked. "That was an accident," he said slyly.
+"I think you should just accept my superiority," Harry said smugly. "I'm better + than you and you know it."
+"I'm just not as desperate as you are," Draco said smugly. "I don't see the use of + getting myself killed just to win a Quidditch match."
+"A point of view I wish Mr Potter shared," drawled a deep voice. The Gryffindors + all quieted down as they laid eyes on Snape.
+"Hi, Professor," Harry said cheekily. "Did you see my amazing catch?"
+Snape opened his mouth to say something scathing when Alex pushed past him and sat + on the edge of Harry's cot.
+"Harry!" he exclaimed. "That was brilliant! Even after reading all about it, I + could never guess just how exciting this sport is! And you! You were so good!" Alex + had to catch his breath with all the excitement going on.
+"Don't encourage him, Alexander," Snape admonished. "He's not supposed to get + himself injured while he plays."
+"Come on, Severus," Alex said gently. "The best sports carry with them a risk of + injury. Think of rugby; baseball; football…"
+"There are different kinds of risks," Snape growled. "And the risk of nearly + getting yourself killed is not one I want Harry to take."
+"I only broke my wrist," Harry pointed out.
+"A broken wrist," Alex whistled. "Such a spectacular stunt and the only injury you + sustained was a broken wrist. Well done!"
+"Alexander!" Snape snarled. "Don't encourage him."
+Harry groaned. It was bad enough to have Alex and Snape squabble about him but to + have nearly the entire Gryffindor team bear witness was straight up mortifying.
+"Could you have this discussion elsewhere?" Harry asked.
+"But you were going to fly with me," Alex pointed out. "When do you think your + wrist will be healed?"
+"I don't know if I want Harry flying in a while," Snape said coldly.
+"What?!" Harry exclaimed. "But I have to test the potion!"
+"There's no need for you to fly alongside Alex to see if your potion works," Snape + pointed out smoothly. "You will administer it and then watch from the side-lines. I'm + sure that either Mr Malfoy or Mr Weasley will be happy to teach him."
+Harry glanced around to see that his teammates were sufficiently confused about + what was going on and decided not to fight Snape on this. He probably wasn't really + going to be able to fly today anyway.
+"Fine," he grumbled.
+"Drink this, Mr Potter," Pomfrey said as she suddenly pressed a potion in Harry's + hand. Harry recognised it as a small dose of skele-gro. "There's no need for you to + stay here waiting for that wrist to heal. I would also rather not have your Fanclub + littering my medical wing so you'd best be off."
+"I don't have a Fanclub," Harry grumbled but Pomfrey raised an eyebrow as she + allowed her gaze to roam the multitude of people currently present.
+"Oh really?" she asked. "You could have fooled me."
+"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Harry," Alex said. "Come on, let's go."
+"Why would you look a horse in the mouth?" Ron asked. "Is it to make sure that + it's a regular muggle horse or something?"
+Hermione sighed exasperatedly. "I'll explain later, Ron," she said.
+"Let's go," Harry said as he grabbed his quidditch cloak that was draped across + one of the chairs. With a sideways glance at Snape, he crept past the dour man, + ignoring the sardonic eyebrow he raised and fled.
+"You're too hard on him, Severus," he heard Alex say as he left.
+"I'm not nearly strict enough," Snape huffed. "He still gives me cheek."
+Harry chuckled and hurried off.
+Harry found Alex and Snape again on the Quidditch pitch. He was carrying his + Firebolt in his good hand and had the Magic Muggle potion tucked into his pocket. + Draco, Ron and Hermione were also waiting but the rest of the Quidditch team was + thankfully no longer present.
+"Thanks for waiting," Harry said.
+"We couldn't very well get started without the potion," Snape drawled. "Otherwise + you can be assured that you would not be present."
+"Are you really still upset?" Harry asked incredulously. "Worse things have + happened."
+"Just get on with it," Snape growled with an irritated hand movement.
+"You take my Firebolt, Ron," Harry said as he handed the redhead his broom. "It + would be safer if Alex uses a school broom for now."
+Ron accepted with a big grin. "As you say, mate," he said. He handed Alex the + school broom and accepted the Firebolt happily.
+Alex mounted the broom with excited haste and Harry chuckled. "You need the potion + first, you know." He pointed out.
+"I know," Alex said. "Hand it over already."
+"You might at least pretend to have some manners," Snape said coldly.
+Harry fished the potion out of his pocket and was about to hand it to Alex but + stopped his hand midway.
+"What in the –"
+"What's wrong?" Draco asked. "If you suddenly realised that there's a muggle + present in Hogwarts then yes, that is decidedly weird."
+Hermione cuffed him to the back of the head. "Stop being such a prat," she + hissed.
+"Guys!" Harry interrupted. "Are you really not seeing this?"
+"I see it," Snape said calmly. "Alexander. Do you realize you're floating?"
+Alex blinked a couple of times and looked down at his own feet when he realized + that they weren't touching the ground anymore. "Wow," he said. "Does this mean I'm a + wizard now?"
+Snape scoffed. "Hardly," he replied. "But it would appear that you no longer need + the potion to fly a broom."
+"Fascinating," Harry said. "Draco, Ron, could you teach him the ropes while I make + some observations?"
+"Sure thing!" Ron called out. He already took to the sky and started flying + circles around Alex while Draco seemed to take the time to patiently explain some + things to the man, even if he was a muggle. Harry followed Snape to a bench and sat + down with him.
+"What do you think is going on?" Harry asked curiously.
+Snape regarded Harry. "It's your potion," he pointed out. "What is + your observation?"
+"It's odd," Harry replied without taking his eyes off of Alex. "I think that the + potion awoke his innate magic. That much is clear. And it did wear off back then, did + it not?"
+"It did," Snape confirmed. "So why is he able to fly a broom now?" He asked the + question as if he was asking it in his potions class. Harry had the distinct feeling + that the man already knew the answer but would rather that Harry found out on his + own.
+"Er…" Harry doubted.
+"When we went inside your mind and unearthed your innate magic, did it revert to + slumbering once you were done?"
+"No," Harry admitted. "It was far easier to use it from then on. It almost became + second nature."
+Snape said nothing. He just crossed his arms and watched as Alex actually started + flying in slow circles while both Draco and Ron flew protectively close to him.
+"So perhaps innate magic – once awakened – does not collapse back onto itself," + Harry said smartly.
+"I suspect as much," Snape replied. "It probably took a while to manifest itself + properly once the potion wore off because Alex is a muggle, which is why it didn't + appear to be permanent at first."
+"Hold on," Harry said importantly. "You don't think he can do magic now, do + you?"
+Snape chuckled. "No, Harry," he said. "I'm certain that you did not invent a + potion to turn muggles into wizards and witches. You simply awoke his innate magic to + form the most basic of bridges. He will be able to fly brooms now; be somewhat more + resistant to illnesses and perhaps even heal slightly faster but he will never be + able to actually perform magic."
+"That would be a bit much, I suppose," Harry said. Alex had just performed a loop + and nearly fell off his broom had Ron not been there to shove him upright again. + "He'll never be a Quidditch prodigy, will he?"
+"Unlikely," Snape snorted.
+"You're going to write to 'The Practical Potioneer' about this, aren't + you?" Harry asked.
+"Naturally," Snape replied easily. "I believe this is one of your most useful + potions yet."
+Harry laughed. "Well, this one didn't stem from the failure of another potion, I + suppose."
+"Speaking of the Umbral Locum, did you finish your paper to accompany it when we + visit the guild?" Snape asked.
+Harry sighed. "Almost," he admitted. "I just need to go over everything one last + time to make sure there are no more mistakes."
+"I can look it over for you as well, should you so desire," Snape proposed.
+"You don't consider that cheating?" Harry asked.
+"I'm still your Master," Snape pointed out. "It is only logical that I would + inspect your work. Especially before I need to introduce you to my colleagues. I + won't have you dishonour me."
+Harry paled considerably. "Dishonour you?" he asked.
+Snape sighed. "It will be fine," he said in a smoother voice. "I have every + confidence that you will do spectacularly. I have seen what you can do first hand and + I am already proud of you."
+Harry smiled and watched as Alex was now smoothly sailing through the skies, + whooping as he did. He shivered slightly when a cold wind rustled his hair. Snape + drew an arm around Harry's shoulders and pulled him closer to him.
+"You're almost there, Harry," Snape said. "If you can manage not to get yourself + killed while playing Quidditch, you will become a Master yet."
+Harry chuckled. "I'll try to never land on my head."
+Snape sighed in exasperation and ruffled Harry's hair.
+"Brat."
+Dinner that evening was rather amusing. Snape had proposed that they eat in his + private quarters but Alex had insisted on eating in the great hall. He was completely + enamoured by the enchanted ceiling and floating candles and simply loved swapping + stories with Dumbledore. So rather than eating privately in the dour Potions Master's + rooms, he chose the much more exciting option.
+He was seated between Snape and Dumbledore with Maya sitting on Snape's other + side. Every now and then, Maya and Alex would talk to each other, both leaning in + much too closely for Snape's comfort as was obvious to all who were watching.
+And many were.
+The fact that Alex was a muggle had not been shared with the general student body + so naturally, everyone assumed that the strange man was a wizard. Not only that, but + since he took Snape's scowls and glare without so much as a flinch or any other sign + of discomfort, people were starting to think that he was a very powerful one.
+"I bet that Snape keeps glaring at him because he's here for the defence + position," Harry heard some Hufflepuff say.
+"Yeah," his friend agreed. "And look. He clearly doesn't even care. He's not + afraid of Snape in the least! The only other wizard that doesn't seem to mind him is + Dumbledore."
+"That's what I was thinking. He must be very powerful."
+"Not to mention dreamy," Another girl mentioned. "Do you think he's married?"
+Harry snorted in his glass of pumpkin juice and glanced over at the high table + again, right at the moment that Maya planted a chaste kiss on Snape's cheek as she + stole one of the potatoes from his plate. Alex watched the scene with his mouth agape + and seemed to be stuttering some words. Maya laughed, the sound reaching Harry easily + and Snape just rolled his eyes and stole his missing potato back.
+"Looks like Alex found out," Harry told his friends, inclining his head towards + the adults.
+Ron snickered when he saw Alex shake Snape's hand excitedly before the Potions + Master roughly snatched his hand back. Maya threw a Brussels sprout at Alex's head + which caused him to sit back down. Dumbledore seemed very amused by all of this and + was eating as he watched the scene unfold as if he were at some dinner with a + show.
+"What do you reckon that's all about?" A third-year Gryffindor asked. "They look + like they're best friends or something."
+"Oh my," A girl next to him said excitedly. "Do you suppose their relationship + just stops at friends?"
+Another girl sighed. "It would fit beautifully, wouldn't It?" she whispered. "The + cold and collected professor with a man as vibrant and happy as Alex is. He could + probably change Snape for the better."
+Harry seriously had to do his best not to spit out his juice in laughter as he + listened to the girls. He covered his mouth with his hand to aid him.
+"You two are forgetting about Bell," another Gryffindor pointed out.
+"She can't get in the way of true love," the first girl said haughtily.
+That was too much. Harry sprayed his juice all over his plate and started laughing + uncontrollably. Hermione hid her face in her hands in mortification while Ron just + seemed flabbergasted having been too occupied with eating to notice anything going on + around him.
+Harry glanced over at Snape to see the man look at him in disgust as Harry wiped + the juice from his chin. Alex casually refilled his glass for him as the man glowered + and Harry laughed again.
+The girls were now squealing excitedly among themselves and Harry vaguely wondered + if they would form a Fanclub of sorts.
+Harry found himself on the edge of the forbidden forest once more, strolling + alongside its rim with Luna at his side. The forest might harbour some scary + creatures and sound foreboding but if Harry was honest, it wasn't all that terrifying + after all. Especially if you chose to walk there at the start of spring when the sun + was high in the sky, with a pretty girl skipping next to you.
+"When will you be visiting the guild?" Luna asked as she slid her hand across a + tree they passed.
+"Next weekend," Harry replied. "I just hope I'm ready."
+"You seem nervous," Luna noted. "Why is that?"
+Harry chuckled. "Because I have to show a bunch of Masters my work and hope that + they deem it good enough.
+"Good enough for what?" Luna asked.
+"To become a Master," Harry said.
+Luna chuckled. She stopped for a moment and looked at Harry with a happy twinkle + in her eyes. "What you become does not depend on others, I think," she said.
+"But it does," Harry replied uneasily, running a hand through his hair. "They can + make or break me."
+Luna gazed at the sky for a while and smiled when she saw some birds fly by. "If + you told a bird that it can't fly anymore, would it stop?" she asked.
+"No," Harry chuckled. "Of course not."
+"Nor can you tell a fish to stop swimming," Luna added giddily.
+Harry smiled and grabbed Luna's hand. "I wouldn't dare," he said indulgently.
+Luna put her free hand on Harry's shoulder as she faced him, smiling pleasantly. + "No one can make you step brewing, Harry," she said easily. "The only person you are + destined to be is the one you decide to become."
+Harry put his arm on the small of Luna's back as he started swaying lightly. Luna + giggled and followed his lead.
+"How did you become so wise?" Harry asked her. In a slow movement, he lifted the + hand that held hers, having her spin in a slow circle before she giggled and clasped + his shoulder again.
+"I listen a lot," she explained.
+"And what do you hear now?" Harry asked as they danced in a slow circle. Luna put + her head on Harry's shoulder as he pulled her closer. Her hair smelled like plums and + strawberries.
+"I hear music," she whispered.
+The couple started dancing a bit faster to a melody that Harry did not perceive. + His rhythm was powered by the giggles that escaped Luna's lips.
+"And what does it tell you?" Harry asked as he gazed at his partner while the + world swirled all around them.
+"It's hard to say," Luna said. "Life is a beautiful melody but the lyrics are all + messed up."
+Harry chuckled as he lifted Luna into the air and gazed at her wonderfully serene + expression. He then let her fall gently into his embrace and hugged her close.
+"You're still nervous," Luna said as he stroked her hair.
+"A little bit," Harry admitted.
+"Don't be," Luna told him. "Some things are meant to be. Even if they take a + couple of tries to get there."
+A few days later, Harry found himself in the library studying with Ron, Hermione + and Draco. Well, Ron was doodling something in his notebook rather than writing his + essay on the merits of elemental shields but the other three were working hard.
+Harry had just finished adding another paragraph to his essay on the Umbral Locum + when Hermione disrupted his thoughts.
+"So, what do you make of this career day that's coming up?" she asked.
+"Hm?" Harry asked absentmindedly.
+"The career day, Harry," Hermione snapped. She bumped into his elbow, causing his + face to almost collide with the table they were sitting at.
+"Hey!" Harry said in indignation. A vicious hush from Madame Pince made him drop + his voice to a whisper. "I was focusing."
+"What are you concerned about?" Draco asked her. "I'm sure you can do whatever you + want."
+"Yeah," Harry agreed. "And I'm already quite clear on what I want so I don't see + the point, really."
+"I could use some advice," Ron sighed, his doodle now finished.
+Draco looked at his notebook and frowned. "I advise against becoming an artist, + then," he said.
+"What?" Ron hissed, "And I suppose you've got it all worked out then, have + you?"
+"Of course," Draco said haughtily. "I want to create artefacts."
+"Sure," Ron said. "But what kind of magic will you focus on? What objects? Will + you create the objects yourself or buy them off of someone else? If you create them + yourself they're that much more powerful but you would need to learn an additional + craft. How are your smithing skills, anyway?"
+Draco stared at Ron with a rather dumb look on his face before replying. "You know + an awful lot about artefacts," he said.
+"Sure," Ron shrugged. "Between having Charley and the twins as brothers, I pick up + on a lot of stuff like that."
+"Guys," Hermione whispered. "Could you discuss this later? What am I going to do + about this career day?"
+"You're going to be handed a bunch of pamphlets, answer a bunch of questions and + get some advice from McGonagall," Harry droned. "It's not like you have to make a + decision then and there."
+"But I feel like I should come prepared," Hermione whined. "Most of you already + know what you want to do but I'm just lost."
+Ron snorted. "You're lost because you can do everything. Your options are so vast, + it's ridiculous, really."
+"You might end up being a stay-at-home-dad, Ron," Draco said, grinning broadly. + "With a wife as ambitious as this one."
+Ron broke into a coughing fit immediately and hurried out of the library as to not + disturb anyone. Well, that or to avoid any further mortification.
+Draco shrugged. "Just become the minister of magic or something," he told + Hermione. "That should keep you plenty busy."
+Harry knew that Draco had meant it as a joke but caught Hermione thinking that + over with a contemplative smile on her face. He shook his head in mild amusement and + went back to his essay, describing how substituting thestral hooves for thestral hair + had caused the spirit's touch to no longer be cold.
+Just a few more days and they would visit the guild. He hoped that he had earned + the necessary votes. If not, he wouldn't know what would be expected of him next.
+Many things happening. Many things done. I wonder what you feel about all of + this? Starting next chapter, things will pick up speed again. As I will be doing for + the remainder of the week, I'll have to check whether or not to update depending on + the traffic. Don't hate me for this! I just don't want to update when nobody reads. + So please do review!
+Christmas eve and yet so many of you read and reviewed. I could hardly believe + it! But I couldn't very well keep from updating when so many of you are still on top + of things. So here you all are! Another chapter for your amusement. Thanks for all + your support.
+Chapter 37
+With a loud bang that sounded like a car backfiring, Harry found himself standing + in front of what appeared to be a small Aztec pyramid. Only in appearance though for + the weather was clearly still very much British and Harry was pretty sure that + apparating only got someone so far. Snape removed his hand from Harry's shoulder and + gestured towards the pyramid.
+"Shall we proceed?" he asked.
+Harry – who was too nervous to voice his agreement – nodded, clutching his bag + with his research and his potion close to his chest.
+"And stop worrying, for crying out loud," Snape told him. "You've faced basilisks, + the Dark Lord and several Death Eaters in battle. Surely you can face some decrepit + old men."
+Harry snorted. "Dumbledore is old," he pointed out. "But I would rather not face + him in a battle."
+"You're not battling these men either," Snape said. He began walking and pushed + Harry along with a firm hand between his shoulder blades. "You're simply presenting + your Magnum Opus."
+"Simply," Harry scoffed. "You're kidding, right?"
+"Just keep walking," Snape urged. "We've been over this. Your paper is sound. Your + theorem is well worked-out and we both know that your potion works."
+"I know," Harry said. "And yet, I'm still nervous."
+"I'm right here," Snape told him. "Now stop fidgeting like that or I'll have you + writing lines when we get back."
+"What for?" Harry asked in dismay, his nervousness somewhat forgotten.
+"For not believing your Master when he tells you that you have done well," Snape + supplied.
+"Well, that's just –"
+"Hush," Snape said. "I'd rather not have my esteemed colleagues listen to our + bickering."
+Together, they walked up the steps in silence until they reached the entrance at + the very top. By the end of it, Harry felt rather winded while Snape appeared as if + he had taken a leisurely stroll. Grumpily, Harry suspected that Snape had taken a + potion for that.
+Harry was wearing the dress robes that Snape had given him for his previous + Christmas – the ones in crimson and silver - and felt rather dashing. Especially + after Luna had given him her seal of approval. Snape didn't look half bad himself. + Maya had taken him shopping for new dress robes for this occasion. It had taken a lot + of convincing and - as Harry understood it - bribing, but Snape wore dress robes that + were a combination of emerald and black with silver accentuations on the cuffs of his + sleeves. Naturally, the robes still billowed.
+"Deep breaths," Snape said quietly as he held his hand on the doorknob. "And + relax."
+Harry complied and smiled at Snape to signify that he was ready. He didn't know + why but he held his breath as Snape opened the door.
+Instantly, the sound of murmured voices coming to a halt reached Harry's ears. + Snape stepped through the door and Harry followed closely. They stepped into a large + chamber that was well-lit with torches. The walls were made up of large brick stones + and knew very little decorative elements save for a few items that looked like + weapons, one of which a winged staff with two snakes winding around it. Harry thought + it would be wildly impractical to carry that thing into battle. There was also a + sword with a silver blade and a shield shaped like a Gryphon tucking in its wings. + Harry suspected that it was made out of solid gold.
+At the centre of the room stood a large round table with fourteen chairs, thirteen + of which were currently occupied by – as Snape had said before – old men. Harry only + recognised one and wondered when exactly Professor Slughorn had arrived here.
+"Gentlemen," Snape greeted evenly, standing tall. Harry felt sort of in awe when + he saw just how confident Snape was, glancing at each and every face in the room with + a positively bored expression on his face, his hands clasped behind his back.
+"We do appreciate you being so very prompt, Severus," a short man said. His hair + was long and silvery and tied into a thick ponytail and he wore a short beard. + Something about his features seemed familiar to Harry but he couldn't quite put his + finger on it. He noticed that he was fidgeting and willed himself to stop.
+"Of course, Caratacus," Snape replied politely. "I understand that you are a very + busy man. Especially these days. We will take no more of your time than absolutely + necessary."
+The other men all eyed Harry and Snape curiously but none of them spoke. Harry got + the distinct impression that this Caratacus character was the boss of sorts. Even + Slughorn didn't do anything but smile and nod at Harry. Though the small + acknowledgement put Harry a bit more at ease, even if only slightly.
+"Kindly present us with your Magnum Opus, Mr Potter," Caratacus said urgently. + Harry hastily started walking over to the table when Snape stopped him with his + outstretched hand and motioned for the boy to give him his research. Harry obliged + willingly and watched how Snape duplicated the papers fourteen times, passing along a + copy to each of the Masters present. He presented the bottled potion in the middle of + the table and spoke.
+"Harry James Potter who is apprenticed to myself, Severus Snape, is presenting his + potion named Umbral Locum. I have supervised the creation of this potion as well as + most of its test runs. You will find a detailed description of both the theorem and + the practical findings in the papers in your hands. I kindly ask you to read through + them and hold all questions until after you're finished."
+Snape took a seat in the last empty chair and started reading his own copy. Harry + suppressed a frown. Snape had read through all his paperwork several times over. No + doubt he knew several of the pages by heart by now. The man didn't even glance at + Harry as he stood waiting as rigidly as he could. Harry suspected that this had + everything to do with decorum and tried not to mind as much as he once would have. + Instead, he occluded his mind and allowed himself to become at ease.
+When he visibly relaxed, Harry could've sworn that he saw a smile on Snape's face + but didn't know if that was because of the notes he was currently reading or because + he knew that Harry had occluded.
+It seemed to take forever for the men to read everything they had been given. + Harry tried to read the facial expressions of the Masters present but they weren't + exactly open books. Every now and then, one would glance at the potion in the middle + of the table. Other times, one's eyebrows would go up so far that they almost + disappeared into their hair. Harry saw some shake their heads where others smiled + very lightly. When Caratacus started rapping his fingers on the table, Harry looked + at the man only to find him staring right at him.
+Harry immediately righted himself, neatly clasped his hands behind his back and + tried to look worthy of the man's attention. He seemed to be waiting for something. + Eventually, the other Masters closed their bundle of paperwork and folded their + hands, waiting until everyone else was finished. When they were, Caratacus spoke + first.
+"This potion of yours needs to be personalized during its creation", he said.
+"Yes sir," Harry replied, pleased that his voice sounded loud and clear.
+"Then tell me, Mr Potter," the man continued, "just for whom was this particular + potion brewed? The one now sitting in front of is."
+"For me, sir," Harry answered again.
+"Surely you understand that we can't test a potion that won't work on us. Has + anyone but you ever tested this potion?"
+"Yes, sir," Harry replied eagerly. He felt a slight tremor in his hands behinds + his back and squeezed his fingers. "My Master – Severus Snape – has drunk the potion + before."
+This elicited a few quiet murmurs as the attention shifted to Snape who sat + straight in his chair.
+"Severus," Caratacus prompted. "Is this true?"
+"It is," Snape replied honestly. "And I can testify that it does indeed work as + promised."
+"As long as you are able to Occlude," Caratacus pointed out. "What would happen to + those who could?"
+"We haven't tested that," Harry replied again. "And I would advise against it. I + suspect the test subject might lose memories of the person they are meeting with. I + would suggest anyone willing to try it who is not able to occlude to have an + Occlumens join them for their protection."
+"There aren't that many around, I daresay," Caratacus said again.
+"No sir," Harry admitted.
+"Very well," Caratacus coughed and flipped a few pages. "I must admit that it is + rather disconcerting that this potion requires the use of blood." He gazed at Harry + from across his spectacles, regarding him for a moment. "Surely, you understand that + this is highly unorthodox and will likely be allowed only under various + restrictions."
+"I would hope so, sir," Harry replied. "While I created this potion to help + people, I also understand that it wouldn't be to everyone's benefit to meet with the + dead. If a mind healer would deem it helpful, I would hope that the patient would be + allowed its use."
+Harry was starting to feel rather proud of himself. He had prepared this meeting + through and through. And while before, he had been worried that he might not be able + to answer all questions, he found that so far he had no problems in doing so. He + could feel Snape's gaze resting on him but didn't dare look away from Caratacus in + fear that he would be deemed impolite for doing so.
+"I suppose that would be agreeable," Caratacus said before flipping through more + pages. After a while, he sighed deeply. "Mr Potter," he said. "The brewing of this + potion requires the use of Occlumency, innate magic and an alchemical circle. These + are all very rare skills and I must say that most of the brewers in our guild do not + possess these skills. One perhaps but not two and only very rarely all three."
+"I admit that the difficulty level of this potion is high," Harry said. "But the + skills required to brew it – while rare – can certainly be learned. I assure you that + anyone who is willing enough to brew the Umbral Locum will succeed in learning these + skills. They might even benefit them in their own creations."
+A new round of murmurs swept across the table and Harry wondered if he had said + too much. This time he did glance at Snape and saw that the man was smirking, an + amused glint in his eyes.
+"As you say," Caratacus said when his colleagues quieted down. "I suppose the test + is not to create a potion that is easy to replicate but rather to create something + beneficial to our magical kind. Thank you for your presentation, Mr Potter. We shall + take this into account as well as your other creations of late and put the question + of your Mastery to a vote. We shall send you an owl with our decision."
+"Of course, sir," Harry said respectfully.
+"Gentlemen," Snape greeted again as he rose from his seat and joined Harry on his + way out. He was – after all – not allowed to vote for his own apprentice.
+"How did I do?" Harry asked. He had begun fidgeting again.
+"You've done admirably," Snape said gruffly, an angry scowl in place.
+"And yet, you don't seem happy," Harry pointed out. "What's wrong?"
+"You heard them," Snape sighed as he sat down on the very last step. "They're not + going to allow you a Mastery this time."
+Harry frowned. "Why not?"
+"Saying that they'll review your other creations first," Snape huffed. "Honestly, + this potion should have been more than enough to convince all of them on the spot. + Also, they know very well what you've been brewing so far. I've kept them updated to + the best of my abilities. Honestly, Lovegood just can't stand young talent and would + rather convince his colleagues that you're too young rather than accept your + talent."
+"Lovegood?" Harry asked in confusion.
+"Yes," Snape said. "Caratacus Lovegood. He's the head of St Mungo's."
+Harry found himself gaping at his father. "What?" he asked. "And you didn't think + that important enough to tell me?"
+"Which part?" Snape asked cleverly. "That he's the head of St Mungo's or that he's + your girlfriend's uncle?"
+"Oh, I don't know," Harry replied sardonically. "Perhaps both?"
+Snape chuckled softly. "Neither of these facts would have done you any good in + your quest today. Your head was swimming with information already and I did not feel + the need to add to your inner turmoil."
+"Does he dislike me?" Harry asked.
+"Hm," Snape replied. "Dislike is a strong word. But he believes that at least part + of your success of late has much to do with your status and your defeat of the Dark + Lord. He would probably need some more convincing before he sees that your skills are + your own."
+"As if you would ever allow me to cheat," Harry snorted. "You'd sooner become the + next Dark Lord."
+Snape laughed loudly at that. "As you say," he replied with another chuckle. "Now, + I suggest we leave this wretched place behind. Worry not. There will be more + chances."
+"Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get there," Harry said as he smiled at + his shoes. He didn't see Snape's befuddled expression but just smiled feeling better + with the consoling words Luna had given him before he even really needed them.
+When Harry joined his friends in the great hall for dinner, it became clear that + they had been waiting for him expectantly. Even Draco had joined the Gryffindor table + again and Luna had taken a seat next to him. Harry swallowed a groan and took a seat + next to Ron.
+"So," Draco said. "Are you a Master yet?"
+"Unfortunately not," Harry sighed. "Well, officially they will let me know their + vote via owl post but Snape thinks they're just stalling."
+Ron frowned. "Why would they do that?"
+Harry shrugged. "Snape thinks said that they are very archaic in their way of + thinking and difficult to convince. He also said that Mr Lovegood probably thinks I + only got as far as I did because of my reputation." He glanced at Luna who was + listening with a serene smile on her face.
+"Hold on," Hermione interjected. "Lovegood, you said?" She then turned to face + Luna. "I didn't know there was a Potions Master in your family."
+"Oh yes," Luna said airily. "My uncle is quite an amazing potioneer. He really + seems to listen to the elements, as I gather. Father is quite jealous of him + actually. He doesn't do a lot of brewing anymore though. He doesn't have the time + since he's running St Mungo's and everything."
+Hermione nearly choked on her food. "Hang on!" she gasped. "He's the head of St + Mungo's as well? That's amazing!"
+Luna smiled. "Yes, he has always been quite ambitious," she admitted. "But it + makes me feel sad for him. I don't think he ever finds the time to think about + himself anymore. It made him somewhat difficult to approach."
+"Hm," Harry responded. "He seemed stern but not unfair."
+"That's right," Luna said. "You'll just need to convince him somehow. I am + absolutely sure that you will get his vote once he sees what you can do."
+This cheered Harry up somewhat. "Thanks, Luna," he said, putting his hand on hers. + He glanced over at the high table where Snape was talking with Maya. She shook her + head slightly and said something in a rather fierce manner that made Snape laugh. She + glanced at Harry and when she noticed him looking at her, she looked at him sadly. + Harry just shrugged and smiled at her.
+"It's nice to see everyone so happy," Luna said. "I think Professor Snape might + finally have rediscovered himself."
+"Whatever that means," Ron snorted before helping himself to a roll.
+"Good to see that you're all turning into a big, happy family," Draco said far to + sarcastically. He skewered a piece of meat and inelegantly shoved it in his + mouth.
+Harry regarded the Slytherin carefully, remembering that things weren't well with + his mother. "Draco," he said. "Is everything alright?"
+Harry did his best not to say too much in front of his friends. He didn't think + Draco would want the news about his ill mother to spread.
+"As much as it was before," Draco sighed. "I'm sorry, Harry. That was uncalled + for. You deserve to be happy and Snape does too. It won't do to be envious."
+Harry bumped into Draco's shoulder with his own ever so slightly and grinned at + the boy when he glared at him.
+"Everything will be okay," he told the blonde. "Just you wait."
+"How much longer?" Draco sighed.
+"One day at a time," Harry told his friend. He ignored the odd glances their + friends were giving them, as did Draco. He didn't seem too convinced but offered + Harry a small smile nonetheless.
+"Those old goats need to be replaced anyway," Maya said as she passionately + pointed her fork at Snape. "Any person with half a brain could see that Harry knew + what he was talking about." She huffed as she cut her pasta into very small pieces. + "I have half a mind to go over there myself and tell them what's what."
+Snape chuckled. "You will do no such thing," he told her. "In fact, you wouldn't + even know where to go."
+"So tell me," Maya urged.
+"Eat your food," Snape told her as he cut into his own vegetables.
+"I am," Maya protested. She ate a forkful of pasta and glanced at Gryffindor + table. "Harry seems to be taking it well."
+"He has good friends," Snape told her. "And he knows that he can always try again + later. In any case, it would have been rather early for him to become a Master, + wouldn't you say?"
+Maya shrugged. "What does age matter if your talent speaks for you?"
+"He could probably do with some more life experience first," Snape said plainly. + "Perhaps then those old coots would take him more seriously."
+"And where would he be getting that experience?" Maya asked incredulously. "He + needs to finish his education first."
+"I'm thinking about it," Snape replied with a sideways glance at McGonagall. + "Don't worry so much. You're supposed to be impartial about your students."
+Maya snorted indignantly. "Since he's your son, I can't do that," she pointed out. + "As if you are impartial."
+Snape chuckled. "Much more so now than I was a few years ago," he admitted. "I + don't let my personal relationship with Harry get in the way of my classes, in any + case, nor of his apprenticeship."
+"Neither do I," Maya said. She dumped another handful of cheese on her plate and + meshed it in the dish. "But I can feel sorry for him while I sit here where no other + student can hear me."
+"I suppose," Snape agreed. "Just don't grade his essays unfairly simply because + he's a bit down about his result."
+Maya chuckled. "You and your essays," she said, swatting his shoulder + playfully.
+Snape raised a sardonic eyebrow. "Surely, you would not have them submit + drawings about their favourite historic event?"
+Maya just winked at him and took another bite of her food, not acknowledging + Snape's question with an answer. Dumbledore seemed to be humming pleasantly in the + background.
+"I am working with lunatics," Snape mumbled amusedly and somewhere to his left, + McGonagall snorted.
+It was only the next morning when Slughorn had returned to Hogwarts and had taken + his seat at the high table. Harry looked at him anxiously – a part of him still + hoping that Snape had read too much into Lovegood's response – but was met with a + neutral mask of indifference. Snape was talking to him in what appeared to be a + hushed whisper but he too showed no emotions.
+Harry was drawn out of his thoughts when a soft, fleeting kiss was pressed against + his cheek. He looked up just in time to see Luna sitting down next to him.
+"Good morning, Luna," Hermione greeted her kindly. "I hope you slept well."
+Luna smiled at her sweetly. "I always do," she replied. "I like to dream, you see. + I never tire of dreams."
+"I suppose," Hermione said uneasily.
+"Was I in them?" Harry asked, smirking slightly.
+"You were," Luna admitted. "But in my dream, you were a golden snake swimming in a + sea of green."
+Harry grimaced. "How would you know that snake was me?"
+Luna giggled. "It was a dream," she replied. "I just knew, of course."
+At that moment, the owl post arrived and Harry retreated out of the conversation + to look up at the parliament of owls now soaring through the halls as they dropped + letters and packages.
+A particularly large, white owl swooped down gracefully and landed in front of + Harry; extending its foot. It looked up with large blue eyes and waited patiently. + Harry inhaled sharply and removed the letter.
+"You flew a long way, didn't you?" Luna asked the owl kindly. "Would you like some + bacon, Mr owl? Or would you prefer a sausage?"
+Relieved of its burden, the owl hopped over to Luna to accept her offering before + hooting in thanks and flying off again. Harry glanced at the high table where Snape + was watching him intently and opened the letter.
+For the eyes of apprentice Harry Potter
+Mr Potter,
+We have read both your theorem and the accompanying paper with much + interest and curiosity. The foundation for the Umbral Locum is sound and its effects + could one day be implemented by mind healers as you suggested.
+At this time, however, we feel that the creation of this potion has + been somewhat rash and it hasn't been tested properly. Two test subjects – one of + those being yourself – is not enough to stave a scientific breakthrough.
+And while you have invented a few other potions as well, we would + like to see what you're able to come up with in the future before we fully accept you + into our ranks.
+If you are serious about your desire to become a Potions Master, I + expect you to not allow this first refusal to shake the foundation of your goals. + Persevere, Mr Potter and perhaps one day you will stand among us as our + equal.
+Master Caratacus Lovegood.
+Harry sighed in resignation. He folded the piece of parchment and put it in his + pocket.
+"Bad news?" Hermione asked.
+"As Snape expected," Harry sighed. "They won't accept my contribution."
+"There's only one thing you can do, I suppose," Luna said as she grabbed his + hand.
+"Oh yeah?" Harry asked. "What is that?"
+"Try again, of course."
+What did you all think? Don't neglect to send me a review now! Please, as a
+ Christmas gift?
+ On that note, Merry Christmas to you all!
You guys have been ace at reviewing this week! What was I even worried about? + Your reviews truly made my Christmas all the merrier. Thank you so much for that. And + to the guests whom I can't reply to: I truly appreciate your comments as well. A big + thank you to you as well.
+Chapter 38
+Career day.
+Harry sighed as he stood in front of the door that would lead to McGonagall's + office. Chairs lined the walls on either side of the door. Some were occupied with + students waiting their turn but most were empty. Harry didn't exactly want to sit + down. He was more of a pacer. And sure, it might bug some people out of their + stress-induced daze but Harry could care less.
+He glanced at the sign on the door again. Career day. The words did not change no + matter how many times Harry looked at it and he couldn't help but chuckle. How often + had he found himself here simply because he had been in trouble or in danger? It felt + so very unreal to be here for something so very mundane and still feel more stressed + about it then when he went after the Philosopher's stone in his first year.
+He knew that he was being ridiculous. He had chosen his path already and he was + following that until he became a Master. But on the other hand, he couldn't help but + wonder what he should do if Lovegood kept rejecting him. Would he turn to the path of + an Auror after all? In truth, he didn't want to. He had seen more than his fair share + of blood and pain and didn't desire any more of that. Professional Quidditch player + then? Snape might just kill him if he told him that. Harry chuckled to himself, + earning some glares from the surrounding students. He just rolled his eyes and kept + pacing when a new applicant walked into the corridor.
+Harry frowned. "Draco?" he asked incredulously. "What are you doing here?"
+Draco looked at him as if he was entirely too stupid. "The same as you, + dunderhead," he said. "Career day."
+"This is McGonagall's office though," Harry pointed out. "Don't you need to go + find Snape?"
+Draco smirked. "Oh dear, didn't he tell you?" he asked.
+"Tell me what?" Harry asked in exasperation, not eager to play this game.
+"The heads of houses are teaming up," Draco explained. "Apparently this is a way
+ to combat bias.
+ They put Slytherin with Gryffindor and Hufflepuff with Ravenclaw."
"What a splendid idea," Harry snorted. "Do you think they'll get through this day + unscathed?"
+"I'm sure they will," Draco said dismissively. "Where are Ron and Hermione?"
+"They're scheduled in two hours," Harry explained. "And unfortunately McGonagall + made it very clear that no one was to loiter in the hallways until half an hour + before their scheduled appointment."
+Draco sat down into an empty chair and stretched his limbs, seemingly unbothered + by being surrounded by Gryffindors.
+"Where are the other Slytherins?" Harry asked.
+"They were all scheduled later," Draco said. "I think they tried creating blocks + of Slytherins and blocks of Gryffindors just to make sure that we don't hex each + other's brains out."
+"A nice distracting duel sure would be fun," Harry sighed. Draco merely chuckled + in response.
+The next thing they knew, the door opened and Dean Thomas came out looking + surprisingly flustered and laden with a multitude of brochures. He quickly scampered + out of the way, trying desperately not to drop anything and disappeared out of + sight.
+"Harry Potter," McGonagall called unnecessarily seeing how Harry stood practically + in front of her. She nodded at him and walked back inside. Harry followed closely + behind and with one last glance at Draco – who looked positively bored – he closed + the door.
+McGonagall appeared to have elongated her desk so it could comfortably fit both + her and Snape who sat rigidly in his chair. The bored expression on his face matched + Draco's and Harry couldn't help but snort, disguising it as a cough. Piles and piles + of pamphlets and booklets lay in heaps behind McGonagall's desk and Harry curiously + tried to sneak a peak but noticed that the lettering was too small to be legible from + this distance. McGonagall locked the door magically and cast a silencing spell to + boot – which Harry thought to be somewhat over the top – before taking her seat next + to Snape.
+"Welcome Mr Potter," McGonagall said, addressing him formally. "As you are aware, + Professor Snape and I are here to discuss your future with you."
+Harry nodded and felt a half-grin creep up his lip. "Yeah," he replied, "But I do + believe that's pretty much taken care of."
+"Is it?" McGonagall asked. "If you don't mind my asking what are your + plans for the future?"
+Harry blinked stupidly and glanced at Snape before replying. "I'm apprenticing to + become a Potions Master," he explained. "That's what I'm doing and what I will be + doing until I reach that goal."
+"That's all well and good, Mr Potter but what are you planning to do with that + degree once you've attained it?"
+Harry opened his mouth to respond and was slightly taken aback when his words + failed him. He hadn't really considered his options and truth be told, he really + didn't know what options there were.
+"You clearly haven't given this too much thought just yet," Snape pointed out. + "Which is precisely why we are here."
+Harry exhaled and leaned back in his seat, looking between his two teachers. "Very + well," he said. "What are my options?"
+"One of them should be quite obvious," Snape explained evenly. "You could always + find a teaching position at a school that is hiring. If not Hogwarts, there are + others."
+"You could also become a healing brewer," McGonagall added. "It's a stressful job + which means that hospitals like St Mungo's are always hiring. You would be working on + cures, antidotes and your everyday healing potions."
+"You might decide to take the scientific route," Snape then said. "If you enjoy + inventing potions, you could make your career out of it. Invent new recipes, patent + them and sell them to the highest bidder or just sell them yourself."
+"Potioneers are always needed in alchemy, artefact creation, law enforcement…" + McGonagall said.
+"Even at the ministry, a skilled brewer is very much sought after," Snape + supplied. "And there as well, there is a multitude of branches you could + explore."
+Harry's mind was reeling with all the new information he was getting. He never + really thought about it all that much. He thought the career of a Potions Master + would be rather straightforward but it turned out that it was far from it.
+"I know this is a lot to take in, Harry," Snape said. "Which is why we have a + proposition for you."
+"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
+"As you are probably aware, there has been a massive outbreak among muggles + causing St Mungo's to be flooded with patients. They are in dire need of assistance + and have been asking the potions guild for journeyman brewers to accept an internship + there."
+"An internship?" Harry repeated cautiously.
+"It would give you a look at another part of what being a Potions Master entails," + McGonagall told him matter-of-factly. "Not only that but in an environment like St + Mungo's, you are sure to get a lot of experience. More so than you would get at + Hogwarts."
+Harry contemplated this for a moment when Snape thrust a folder into his hands. + Harry flipped it open to see the detailing of an internship as potioneer as well as + some information about St Mungo's.
+"But when would I do this?" Harry asked. "I'm still studying."
+"It would have to wait until after your seventh year, of course," Snape said + easily. "I still wish you to take your N.E.W.T's to the best of your abilities. But + once this year is over, you would get started at St Mungo's."
+"At the start of the summer break?" Harry asked, not sure if he would like + that.
+Snape sighed. "Apprenticeship or not, people are suffering," he said. "If you say + yes to this offer, I will be wanting you to take it seriously. So yes. It will take + most of your specialisation year including the summer break."
+Harry mulled this over in his mind when he saw his two teachers staring at + him.
+"Do I have to decide now?" Harry asked.
+"Of course not," McGonagall said easily. "Feel free to take your time but don't + wait too long. St Mungo's requires confirmation by the end of May at the latest."
+"In the meantime," Snape interjected, "Take these." He thrust an enormous stack of + paperwork in Harry's arms and smirked as he watched the boy struggle. "They will help + you explore your options. I'm sure Ms Granger will happily help you sort it out."
+"Right," Harry said, somewhat flabbergasted. "Thanks. And I'll think it over."
+"Make sure that you do," McGonagall said. "And inform Professor Snape of your + decision."
+"As soon as I make it, I will," Harry said. McGonagall opened the door for him and + he hurried off, only glancing momentarily at Draco who had raised an eyebrow at his + suddenly flushed appearance.
+A few hours later, Harry found himself sagging into one of the chairs in the great + hall. It wasn't time for dinner yet, but at least here he could sit and talk to his + friends without being hushed. Hermione, Ron and Draco joined him very soon. Silently, + he wished that Luna could be there as well but she was in class.
+"That was highly informative," Hermione said excitedly.
+Harry groaned. "A bit too much so," he said.
+"There's no such thing as too informative," Hermione said exasperatedly.
+Draco snickered. "Are you sure about that?" he asked. "Would you care to listen to + a detailed explanation of the night I've had with Ms Greengrass the other day?"
+"Ew no!" Hermione replied quickly. "And you know that's not what I meant."
+"What did they tell you, Ron?" Harry asked, trying desperately to steer away from + the awkward conversation.
+Ron sighed. "Can you believe that McGonagall is still bugging me about becoming an + Auror?" he said. "I'm no good at potions at all and I'm not exactly trying to get a + N.E.W.T in it so why would she even bring that up?"
+"Surely you might be able to join one of your brothers in their careers," Hermione + offered.
+"What, and be a curse-breaker?" Ron asked incredulously. "Or tame dragons? You're + mental. That's not for me." Ron sighed and laid down his head on top of his arms. + "Maybe I'll become a professional quidditch player."
+"What about you, Draco?" Hermione asked. "Do you still want to go in the artefact + business?"
+"I don't see why not," Draco said. "Though I must admit that I hadn't looked at it + well enough yet. It turns out that there are a lot of different paths I can take to + achieve my goal." He sighed and ran a hand through his perfectly groomed hair. "I'll + need to take some time to think about this."
+"I hear what you're saying," Harry sighed. "I never really thought what I would do + with my life after I manage to become a Potions Master and it turns out that there's + a whole lot of things I could do."
+"Like what?" Hermione asked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
+Harry slid his pamphlets across the table to the bushy-haired girl which she + excitedly accepted. "As you can see," Harry said, "there are many options. Snape even + told me to consider an internship at St Mungo's."
+"Harry, that's brilliant!" Hermione exclaimed. "You could gain so much experience + over there. Especially now. Surely you accepted?"
+"Not yet," Harry admitted. "I told Snape that I would be thinking it over. I'm not + sure if St Mungo's would be for me, you know."
+"But isn't Caratacus Lovegood the head of St Mungo's?" Draco pointed out.
+"He is," Harry replied. "What's your point?"
+Draco rolled his eyes and sneered at Harry. "Honestly!" he said. "You Gryffindors + don't have an iota of cunning in your body, do you? Think, Harry. This would be your + chance to show him what you're made of."
+"Oh!" Harry exclaimed, softly slapping the underside of his fist into his open + palm. "I see what you're getting at. If I get him on my side, he might be able to + convince the rest of the council to give me my mastery after all."
+Draco rolled his eyes. "Have you learned nothing from living with a Slytherin?" he + sighed. "This is probably why Snape proposed it in the first place."
+"Either way, it sounds like a brilliant idea, Harry," Hermione said. "It will get + you to brew in a professional setting to see what it's like. It would probably give + you a better idea of what you want to become once you're done."
+Harry smiled, feeling a bit more reassured. "You're right," he said. "Thanks. I + think I will accept."
+"There's a good boy," Draco mocked. "So anyway, Hermione. How did your + appointment go?"
+Harry truly tried his very best to listen to the different careers had been + suggested to Hermione but there were so many and they all sounded so boring to Harry + that he ended up zoning out. His mind was whirring with anticipation, thinking about + just what it would be like to be working at St Mungo's.
+Maya was watching over Snape's shoulder as he attempted to decipher yet another + page in the book the Weasley twins had secured for him. He had gotten halfway through + it by now, not in small part thanks to the book he had gotten from Maya for + Christmas, but it was still a long and arduous journey to get through it all.
+"I don't think that word is correct," Maya said, pointing at the word 'spear' + Snape had just written down, smudging it in the process.
+Snape sighed, gently swatting her hand away. "Then what do you think it + says?" he asked.
+"It clearly says 'staff," Maya told him. She sipped the tea she was holding and + flopped down onto the couch next to him, folding her legs underneath her and leaning + into Snape's shoulder. He absentmindedly put an arm around her shoulders while he + kept staring at the pages.
+"Hm," he said. "I think you're right. That would make a lot more sense." + He replaced the offending error and went back to reading the text.
+"Did you find anything interesting hidden in those pages yet?" Maya asked + curiously.
+"A few potion recipes," Snape told her. "Some of which I've never heard of before + and others that seem to be older versions of modern potion recipes."
+Maya snorted. "You're telling me that this book is full of potion recipes?" she + asked. "And those Weasley twins just happened to find it for you?"
+"Absolutely not," Snape told her, grinning widely. "I told them to get this book + for me in exchange for one of my more benign inventions. I knew that it + would be full of recipes."
+"You're such a Slytherin," Maya sighed. She put her head on Snape's shoulder and + allowed her eyes to droop. "Is there anything in there that isn't about potions?"
+"A few things," Snape said. "There are some personal accounts of historical + events. Mostly muggle events though, so I doubt you'd find it all that + informative."
+"Hm," came Maya's sleepy response.
+"And there's mention of a few artefacts. Though most of them seem to be either + lost or simply mythological."
+"Meaning?" Maya asked.
+"Meaning that no such artefact ever existed and they were made up to scare the + muggles or perhaps lure them into submission."
+Snape glanced at the brunette when she didn't respond anymore. Her breathing had + evened out and she appeared to be soundly asleep. Snape sighed and flicked his wand + to summon a blanket which he then clumsily draped across the sleeping form of the + history Professor. He still didn't remove the arm he had draped around her.
+"Merlin save me from foolish dunderheads that insist on keeping my company," he + whispered softly. He gently brushed a strand of hair out of Maya's face and tucked it + behind her ear. He kissed her gently on the forehead and flicked his wand once more + to dim the lights and the fire in the hearth. He then rested his chin on top of + Maya's head and closed his eyes, relishing the sense of peace that overcame him. The + book lay momentarily forgotten.
+The next couple of months were dominated by a blissful sense of calm. There was no + drama, no life-threatening circumstances and no potions that sought urgent + completion. In fact, the peacefulness of the time leading up to the N.E.W.T. finals + got tedious very fast and even though Harry could often find distraction in the + brewing of potions both old and new, he was desperately looking forward to the day + where he no longer needed to study transfiguration or charms.
+The Magic Muggle potion had been featured in 'The Practical Potioneer', courtesy + of Snape, of course, and as a result, Harry had soon become flooded with either + requests for permission to brew it or orders in which people offered an amount of + galleons that was far higher than the potion ingredients it required.
+Snape had told Harry that he could try to sell the patent to the recipe for a + large sum of money; accept any amount of orders for the potion he wanted or just + ignore both types of letters. For now, Harry thought it better to brew the potion + himself – since he was still fine-tuning his skills anyway – and perhaps sell the + recipe at a later time. After all, he could probably ask for even more money once he + had attained the title of Master.
+A large amount of Slytherins had been glaring at Harry menacingly once they caught + wind of the Magic Muggle potion – probably due to the fact that they didn't want + muggles to have anything to do with their world – but after a few weeks, they seemed + to forget all about it and went back to their routine of ignoring Harry to the best + of their abilities.
+Harry had been very pleased when he had walked into the N.E.W.T. exam for potions + only to find out that he would be brewing the draught of living death for his + examination. With a confident look on his face that was not shared by many other + attendees, he had brewed the potion easily – ignoring the examiner every time she + stepped near his cauldron – and completed it to what he knew was absolute + perfection.
+Transfiguration was a different matter entirely. Harry had never fully gotten the + hang of human transfiguration, despite having practised his skills for days. The + blond test subject whose hair he was supposed to transfigure into a long, black, + curly mane instead of his short bob still had streaks of yellow run through his hair + which honestly looked quite fashionable but would no doubt be a cause for point + deduction.
+Defence against the dark arts was – as was to be expected – a breeze as well. For + this test, Harry was supposed to duel with his examiner. The man had obviously + started out rather cautiously, firing spells of mid-level strength that Harry had + blocked very easily. Once Harry had actually managed to get a few shots in, the + examiner became rather serious and started duelling Harry in earnest. It was the most + fun Harry had ever had in an exam and he had to admit that the man had been very + good. After fifteen minutes, the man had called a halt to the exam, even though there + had been no obvious victor. But Harry had seen the obvious smile that had graced the + man's lips.
+Harry was semi-certain that he had managed to pass his exam for Herbology if only + because of the help Neville had given him while studying. He thought he had managed + to identify each plant correctly but had not been able to repot the Narcissistic Newt + Vine without allowing it a glimpse of its own crystallized roots. Unfortunately, it + started swooning as it became enamoured with itself and refused to be buried again + without some forceful convincing on Harry's part. It left the poor plant heartbroken + and no doubt earned Harry some bad marks.
+And last but not least, Harry had to struggle through his charms exam. It had been + rather difficult to charm what Harry could only describe as a rabbit raccoon into + submission but he thought he had done a pretty good job at it. He had calmed it down + considerably and had even dared to pet the raccoon. Unfortunately, the racoon had + bitten him in the end when his charm had worn off too quickly. Harry thought he would + have flunked for sure. His only hope was the extra points he would have gotten for + performing the spell non-verbally.
+Naturally, by the end of it all, Hermione was stressing about all of her subjects, + worrying about the slightest errors while Ron was just happy to have it all behind + him and took to leisurely lounging about the common room. He vowed to never set foot + in the library again. Even Harry took a break after he was done with his N.E.W.T's + and joined Ron in games of chess and flew around the quidditch pitch with both Draco + – who was absolutely positive that he passed every subject – and Ron. With Luna, he + spent many a peacefully casual moment in the confines of empty classrooms and + forgotten clearings in the Forbidden Forest.
+And then – at last – the day had finally come for the seventh-years to receive + their N.E.W.T. results. Unlike the OWL's, which were sent by owl post during the + summer break – these results were announced on the very last day of school so the + students would know just what steps they could take next.
+That's how Harry found himself in McGonagall's office once again, staring down + into a very large cup – not unlike the house cup – in which a crystal blue concoction + swirled, white wisps of cold smoke escaping its vortex.
+"Are you ready for this, Mr Potter?" McGonagall asked, a small smile tugging on + her lips.
+Harry smiled nervously. "I don't suppose you can give me a hint?" he asked, only + half-joking.
+"Even if I wanted to, I can't," McGonagall told him frankly. "I don't know the + results myself, either." She handed Harry a piece of parchment with nothing but his + name on it and gestured towards the cup. "Let's find out together, shall we? Just + toss in your name, if you will."
+Harry chuckled. "I couldn't have just opened a letter or something, could I?" he + said.
+McGonagall smiled at him. "The headmaster does like to add a bit of magic to every + experience," she said fondly. "At least I've been able to stop him from charming the + toilets to speak to their occupants."
+Harry laughed, more because of his nervousness than the joke but he appreciated + McGonagall's attempt to distract him. He took one more deep breath and tossed in the + piece of parchment. It dissolved quickly in the seemingly acidic liquid and the white + wisps rose and changed to a golden colour as they formed words and letters.
+Potions: O
+ Transfiguration: E
+ Defence Against The Dark Arts: O
+ Herbology: E
+ Charms: A
Harry grinned broadly as he took in his marks. He passed all five of his + N.E.W.T.'s, even if he had been cutting it kind of close with charms. He glanced over + at his head of house who was beaming at him brightly and felt oddly aware of the fact + that she would no longer be in charge of him very soon.
+"Well done, Mr Potter," she told him fondly. "Though I must admit that I never had + any doubt in your abilities."
+"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied proudly. "I couldn't have done it without + your guidance."
+And that's that. Are you happy with where this is headed, I wonder? Can you + imagine what will happen next? Please don't forget to send a review my way. It will + make me all the happier. As for tomorrow, I have another Christmas party that starts + at a somewhat awkward time so I might be updating either a lot earlier or a lot later + than usual. We'll see.
+Thank you lovely people for reviewing! This is turning out to be a very good + week. Can't believe I updated every day! And it's all thanks to you! Please enjoy + this next chapter as well!
+Chapter 39
+Harry sat in a simple wooden chair that was the third from the left in a row of + ten. Only two other chairs were occupied: the one on the very end by a woman in her + early twenties that already sat there when Harry had arrived and the one, two seats + over by an older gentleman that smiled when he caught Harry's gaze. He had small + spectacles leaning on the front of his nose and he was hiding his balding head + underneath a bowler hat, which he had politely tipped at the woman when he came + in.
+Harry sat rigidly, his hands folded in his lap as he awaited his turn. A few + hallways down, he could hear urgent voices and the banging of closets. It was not + every day that he found himself amidst the hustle and bustle of St Mungo's but today + he was here for his interview. The more the thought about it, the more eager he + became to be allowed a chance at working here for a while. That thought alone made + him rather nervous so he did his best to clear his mind and ignore his + surroundings.
+The door opened and a girl his age stalked out rather confidently, walking away + without looking back.
+"Sophia Williams," called a man, reading the name from a clipboard. "We are ready + to see you now."
+Ms Williams got up from her seat, straightened her skirt and walked over to the + man who stepped aside to allow her entry. He closed the door behind him, effectively + blocking all sounds from within from escaping. There was no doubt in Harry's mind + that a silencing spell was firmly in place.
+"Yer needn't look so worried, lad," the older gentlemen told Harry when he was + about to go back to staring at his hands. Instead, he aimed his emerald gaze at the + man and blinked in slight confusion.
+"Sir?" He asked respectfully.
+The man inclined his head towards the door and smiled. "They'll need an 'ole lot + of people ter fix the right mess they're in, don'tcha think?"
+"I suppose so, sir," Harry replied, shifting his hands in his lap. He really + didn't feel up to conversation right now but didn't think it polite to just ignore + the man. Instead, he refocused his attention and asked: "Are you here for the + internship as well?" The man looked just a tad too old for that.
+"Aye, lad," the man replied scornfully. "Ah done and messed up the job ah had in + me previous life. So I've found meself with no choice but ter learn a new craft or + two."
+"And you chose to become a potioneer?" Harry asked incredulously. He glanced at + the man's hands, half expecting them to be trembling but they were steady and + slender.
+"Why nae?" The man said. "It's rather interestin'. An' ah think I'm rather good at + it. What about ye?"
+"I'm not half bad," Harry told the man. "I haven't blown up a cauldron in + years."
+The man chuckled. "I 'aven't exactly got a clean record' meself," he said. "But as + ah said, they be needin' lots of people to 'elp. They shan't turn us away, I'm + certain of it."
+"I sure hope so, sir," Harry said.
+The man wanted to say more but thankfully, the door opened at that moment to allow + Ms Williams to walk out. Her facial expression was one of concern but that could mean + just about anything.
+"Harry Potter," the man with the clipboard now said. Harry ignored the gasp that + elicited from the older gentleman and rose from his seat.
+"You may enter," clipboard man said and Harry walked inside, very aware of the + door that closed behind him and the silencing spell that was cast at the hands of + Caratacus Lovegood.
+"Harry Potter," he greeted evenly, gesturing towards a chair for Harry to sit on. + Harry noticed that Lovegood's eyes did not travel to his scar and that his name had + been spoken just like any other name would be. This both pleased and worried Harry. + Obediently, he took a seat.
+"It is good to see you again, Master Lovegood," Harry said as cordially as he + possibly could.
+"Likewise, Mr Potter," Lovegood replied dismissively. "Now, if you could kindly + fill in this questionnaire for me so we can see what it is you know."
+A piece of parchment was shoved in front of Harry on which fifteen questions were + asked. Harry frowned at them. They were so basic that any fifth-year could have + answered them. He almost felt insulted.
+'What is the main ingredient used in most antidotes?'
+ 'A bezoar', obviously.
'What must you always remember when cutting up murtlap tentacles?'
+ Harry chuckled to himself in reminiscence before writing down: 'Remove the
+ suction cups.'
'How can you check if a blood clotting potion has expired?'
+ 'Its colour becomes brown instead of red.'
And so it continued. Halfway through the written test, Harry glanced up at + Lovegood in disbelief. Was the man playing with him? Why were these questions so very + basic? But Lovegood was scribbling away hastily while Harry took his test, clearly + still working even while taking these interviews.
+Harry suppressed a sigh and finished filling in all the questions, absolutely + certain that he got every last one of them correct. He handed the test back to + Lovegood who scanned it over before nodding.
+"Very well, Mr Potter," he said. "You are hired. Please return at seven o'clock in + the morning next week Monday. You will be working with healer Johnson. Ask for him + when you floo in."
+Lovegood then looked towards his assistant. "Call in the next one," he said and + returned his attention to his work. Harry felt somewhat flabbergasted as he was + ushered out of the room. Perhaps the older gentleman outside had been right and they + were really desperate to get all the help they could get. Harry scoffed to himself. + Hermione would have been able to get this internship as well had she so desired. Even + Ron might have. On the other hand, no. No, he wouldn't have.
+"John Scofield," the man with the clipboard called as Harry took some automatic + steps forward. He glanced at Mr Scofield who winked slyly before entering the office + full of confidence. Harry shook his head in disbelief and made for the front entrance + where he would be flooing home.
+He didn't even falter when he stepped out of the floo and into the house in + Spinner's End, though the soot still clung to his robes as if he had cleaned the + chimney in them. Snape was waiting for him, pretending to read a book. Harry + knew he was pretending since he was still on the exact same page he had been + on when Harry left.
+"Interesting book, Severus?" Harry asked, raising a sardonic eyebrow in a feeble + attempt to copy the dark Potions Master.
+Snape smirked at him and put the book down. "How did it go?" he asked instead of + replying to Harry's question.
+Harry sighed and sank into the couch.
+"That bad?" Snape asked, frowning in disbelief.
+"Actually, no," Harry told him. "They practically threw the internship at me. It's + like they're desperate or something."
+"Why do you think so?" Snape asked.
+Harry drew up his legs and folded them underneath him as he leaned on the armrest. + "All I needed to do was fill out a lousy fifteen-question-questionnaire with + questions that anyone who had gotten an OWL in potions would have been able to + answer," he said bitterly. "They gave me the position on the spot but I think they + gave it to practically anyone that showed up."
+"You must understand that they're desperate," Snape pointed out. "They are + tremendously shorthanded as it is, and people keep quitting on the spot."
+"Still," Harry sighed. "They're going to have me do nothing but basic stuff."
+"Then that is what you will do," Snape told him plainly. "You will create the most + basic of potions and you will make them to be perfect. Perform to the best of your + abilities and you will be trusted with more important tasks."
+"Do you really think so?" Harry asked, completely unconvinced.
+"Trust me," Snape said easily. "You will get your chance. As I said, they're + constantly shorthanded and I'm certain that the time will come where they will be in + need of your expertise. That's when you'll so kindly make yourself of use."
+"And if they don't?" Harry asked.
+"Even if they don't," Snape said, "you will still get the experience you need and + the opportunity to learn new things. There is no rush."
+Harry sighed, stealing one of Snape's biscuits. "No rush," he agreed.
+That next Monday came very fast. Not wanting to be late, Harry had gotten up at + five-thirty, took a quick shower and ate some breakfast – despite feeling nervous – + leaving him enough time to wish Snape a good morning when the man got up at six + forty-five and use the floo to get to St Mungo's.
+He bypassed an already full waiting room to go the reception desk where a stocky + bespectacled woman looked up at him with a questioning gaze.
+"How can I help you?" she asked. Harry could hear the weariness in her voice and + wondered just how long she had been working her shift already.
+"I'm Harry Potter," Harry informed her, ignoring the slight widening of her eyes. + "I'm here for my internship. I'm supposed to ask for healer Johnson."
+The receptionist sighed deeply and grabbed a clipboard. "Right," she said after a + few seconds. "Healer Johnson should be waiting for you in laboratory seven. Just take + the hall on the right and keep going until you reach the elevators. Take them down to + level B-1 and keep walking until you reach number seven."
+That sounded easy enough. "Thanks," Harry said. The receptionist was already + looking over his shoulder to greet the next person in line and Harry took that as his + cue to leave. He followed the instructions he had been given and ended up in his + designated location with relative ease. The first thing he noticed when he reached + level B-1 was how quiet the corridors were. He wondered if this was because of + silencing spells or because of the lack of brewers. Deciding not to dwell on it, he + walked into lab seven where a tall man was brewing what smelled like an antidote for + lesser poisons. He looked up when Harry walked in and motioned for the boy to take a + seat.
+"I'll be right with you, Mr Potter," he said, stirring the potion. "I just need to + focus on finishing this potion."
+Seeing how he was a little bit early, Harry didn't mind. While healer Johnson was + brewing, Harry looked around the room and found it ridiculously empty. It was a very + large room that was a hundred feet long and thirty feet wide. Throughout the middle + of the room stood a very long table that stretched from the front to the back of the + room, a couple of stools on wheels resting underneath it.
+The walls were lined with potion ingredients from top to bottom with large stairs + attached to the shelves in order for the brewers to be able to get to them. Harry saw + practically every ingredient he could imagine and that included even the rarest of + sorts. Underneath the tables, there were also several shelves but these were lined + with books to their fullest capacity which seemed to be more than it physically could + be.
+Many grates with empty cauldrons waited to be used, stirrers of every shape and + size resting on the table. Parchment and quills could be found for when notes needed + to be taken and there was even some chalk available that Harry could use for a + containment field should he so desire.
+"There," healer Johnson said as he hauled his cauldron off the fire. "That should + do it. At least I hope so."
+"It looks alright to me," Harry said.
+"You would know, I suspect," Johnson pointed out. "While I do know some things + about the brewing of potions, I am definitely no potioneer. But everyone needs to + pitch in while people leave left and right."
+"Why are people quitting?" Harry dared ask.
+Johnson sighed. "The stress gets to them," he replied. "Many potions need to be + brewed nowadays; Not only that but chief Lovegood wants a cure to be found for the + sick muggles and when the potioneers are unable to do that, he can get somewhat + cross."
+"Am I the only one who will be working here, sir?" Harry asked as he glanced + around the empty room once more.
+"Normally I have one other person coming in," Johnson said, checking his watch. + "But he seems to be running late. Not a good start to an internship, I daresay." He + put his hands on his hips, looking into his cauldron for a moment before snapping his + attention back to Harry.
+"In any case, I'll be needing for you to brew three hundred pain-relieving potions + today," he said. "Stocks are running low and our patients are suffering."
+"Three hundred?" Harry gasped. "I don't think I can do that before five + o'clock."
+Johnson laughed out loud at that. "Mr Potter," he said. "None of us have the + luxury of leaving on time. I suspect you will notice that soon enough. Ah, Mr + Scofield, there you are."
+Harry barely had the time to register the assumption that he would be staying + until very late when the kindly older gentleman he had met earlier walked in with a + big smile on his face.
+"Sorry I'm late," John said. "The floo traffic was nae pleasant."
+"Don't worry Mr Scofield," Johnson said, waving off his apology. "I need you to + start brewing blood replenishing potions. About a hundred should do for now."
+"Aye, Healer Johnson, ah will," John said, completely undeterred by the expected + amount. He rolled up his sleeves and walked over to the left side of the table. Harry + remained on the right side and did the same.
+"I will leave you to it then," Johnson said. "If you need me, I'll be upfront with + the patients."
+"Aye, sir," John said at the same time that Harry said: "Yes, sir."
+The healer left, leaving the two interns up to their own devices.
+"I told yer tha' they would 'appily take anyone," John said as he gathered his + ingredients. "They even took a chance on me."
+"But there were others too," Harry pointed out. He got water started in eight + cauldrons and started gathering his ingredients as well. "And they're not in + here."
+"This is lab seven," John replied easily, "I reckon tha' there are other brewers + in the other labs as well."
+"You're probably right," Harry said. He started preparing his ingredients, making + sure to reactivate the ones he could with innate magic the same way Snape had taught + him. He caught John glancing at him curiously a couple of times but didn't allow the + man to distract him.
+"At the risk of soundin' a wee bit dumb," John said after a while, "Magic is + s'posed ta be detrimental ta potions innit?"
+Harry smiled. "It is," he agreed. "But only if you don't know how to use innate + magic. My Master showed me how."
+"That's mighty interestin', tha' is," John said in obvious excitement. "An' who is + yer Master, laddie?"
+"Severus Snape," Harry said proudly. "He taught me everything I know."
+"I've 'eard of 'im," John said, clumsily grinding some bat fangs. "He's in the + practical Potioneer a lot int it he?"
+"All the time," Harry agreed. "And he deserves to be. He's really good at what he + does."
+"I reckon' he is," John agreed, continuing to prepare his ingredients in silence. + Harry – who was grateful that the man stopped asking questions, continued preparing + his very large pile of ingredients with the expert motions of a seasoned brewer. He + noticed that John was moving a lot slower as he was still trying to cut his + ingredients as precisely as he could. He didn't show the automatic movements that + Harry had already mastered and Harry wondered if the man would even be able to brew + half of what he was ordered today.
+It didn't take long for Harry to reach that point where he withdrew into his own + thoughts and just created his potions without even thinking too much about it. It was + when he felt most at peace and not even the impossible amount of potions they were + expecting from him brought him any stress. It just made him all the more determined + to show them all just what he was made of.
+Methodically, he worked his eight cauldrons at once, bottling the finished potions + expertly as soon as they were ready and placing them on the waiting tray. Every hour + or so, a nurse would come to take the potions with her, whirling them off to wherever + these potions got stored. John was also able to complete several potions each hour + and although he didn't move as fast as Harry, his potions seemed to be + well-brewed.
+It was nearing midday and Harry had sent off his last cauldrons for cleaning, + filling eight new ones with water when he heard a familiar voice.
+"Hi, Harry."
+He turned around to find Luna standing in the doorway, a satchel in her hand.
+"Luna,' Harry greeted happily. He left his cauldrons for what they were and rushed + over to give Luna a quick kiss. "What are you doing here?"
+"It's nearly lunchtime," she said matter-of-factly. "You must be getting hungry." + She smiled and extended the hand that held the satchel. Harry chuckled and looked at + her.
+"How did you even know that I neglected to bring lunch?" he asked.
+"Did I know that?" Luna asked and Harry wondered if she was talking to him or to + herself. "I suppose I might have. You need to take care of yourself before you can + take care of others, don't you think?"
+"Yer absolutely right, lassie," John said as he wiped his hands on a piece of + cloth. "The lad is so caught up in 'is work tha' I dinnae think he would bother to + eat."
+Luna smiled kindly at him. "He gets like that sometimes," she said. "But that's + alright. I'll look out for him."
+"He's lucky ter 'ave ye," John said easily. "Name's John, by the way. John + Scofield."
+"Pleased to meet you, Mr Scofield," Luna said, shaking his hand. "I'm Luna + Lovegood."
+"Like ther chief?" John asked. "Is he yer da'? Never mind. Tha's rude of me ter + ask."
+"Not at all," Luna said kindly. "The chief is my uncle. He's a very nice man."
+"I reckon'," John replied. Harry glanced at him, willing the man to leave him to + eat with Luna in peace and apparently he was smart enough to get the message.
+"I'll be off ter continue brewin' now," John said all of a sudden. "I fear I'm + somewhat be'ind."
+"I'll see you in a bit," Harry said before joining Luna outside.
+"He seems nice," Luna commented.
+"Overly so," Harry said in exasperation. "I just want to focus on brewing but he + seems to want to talk a lot."
+"I'm sure he means well," Luna said as she hooked her arms around Harry's elbow. + "He's no doubt eager to get to know you and learn from you. I got the sense that he's + really interested in brewing."
+"Well, he should be," Harry pointed out. "He's an intern here just like me."
+"Then you should do your best to get along," Luna said. "You'll probably be + spending a lot of time with him."
+Harry groaned but nodded. "You're right," he said. "As you always are."
+"How has your day been going?" Luna asked.
+"Alright," Harry said. "I've only been brewing pain relief potions and it doesn't + look like I'll be done with them for a while but it's actually been fun. There's + something relaxing about methodically doing something you're good at. And I've brewed + this potion so many times already, I know exactly how to brew it."
+Luna and Harry went to sit down at a table in the courtyard of the hospital. It + was a nice day out and Harry enjoyed the rays of sunshine that reached his skin. Luna + started unpacking the duffle bag and revealed sandwiches with cheese as well as two + pieces of treacle tart that Harry eyed hungrily.
+"This is amazing, Luna," Harry said as he grabbed one of the sandwiches.
+"You should thank your dad for this," Luna said evenly as she nibbled her own + sandwich.
+"What do you mean?" Harry asked suspiciously.
+"He prepared this lunch for us," Luna said happily. "And then he flooed me and + asked me to bring this to you. I think he thought you might have appreciated it."
+Harry blushed slightly as he got started on his second sandwich. He couldn't + believe how hungry he had gotten without even noticing it.
+"It's nice how he's looking out for you," Luna then said. "Oh, this one is with + jam. Want some?"
+When Harry opened his mouth to reply, Luna took her chance and inserted the + sandwich into Harry's mouth who took a bite before Luna retreated. He did his best + not to choke on the unexpected bite of food and chewed it.
+"It's good, isn't it?" Luna asked. She was leaning her head on her hand as she + watched Harry rather coyly.
+Harry laughed after he finally swallowed his food and claimed one of the pieces of + treacle tart. "It was lovely, Luna," he said. "So how have you been getting on?"
+"Oh, I've been enjoying my summer so far," Luna said dreamily. "I've already + finished my potions essay for Professor Slughorn. He asked an essay about liquid luck + but I think he would rather enjoy my addition about the Chinese Crane and how its + presence seems to elicit the same effect."
+"Does it?" Harry asked suspiciously.
+"I'm rather sure of it," Luna replied, now claiming the second piece of treacle + tart. "My father went to China once. He met a crane in Xi'an that followed him around + for the better part of the day. He's never been luckier."
+"Your father has been to China?" Harry asked.
+"Oh yes," Luna said. "He travels quite often. He's been to nearly every part of + the world in his search of rare fauna and flora."
+"Have you ever gone with him?" Harry asked, his piece of treacle tart now + gone.
+"Only very rarely," Luna replied. "I was at school during most of his travels and + even during the summer vacation, he prefers to leave me at home. He tells me it's not + safe, you see?"
+Slyly, Luna slid the second half of her treacle tart over to Harry, smiling + sweetly all the while.
+Harry frowned as he stared at the piece of tart that seemed to mysteriously appear + in front of him, not really registering where it came from. "He leaves you alone?" he + asked.
+"Sometimes," Luna said." But it's quite alright. He always brings me back + something fascinating. And he has so many stories to tell."
+Harry absentmindedly began eating the treacle tart as he thought about that. "I + don't mean to be rude but doesn't that seem a bit…harsh?"
+"Oh no," Luna objected. "He doesn't mean to be harsh at all. It's just that since + my mother died, he sometimes seems to forget that I'm still there."
+Harry grabbed Luna's hand concernedly and squeezed it.
+"Don't feel sad, Harry," Luna told him before he could start comforting her. "I + love my father very much and I know for sure that he feels the same. It's just that + sometimes I need to take care of him as much as he needs to take care of me. It's + like with you and Professor Snape."
+"What?" Harry asked. "I don't think that's right. I haven't really done anything + for Severus."
+"You and I both know that that's not true," Luna told him. "And it's fine that + way. It's nice to be depended on sometimes, don't you think?"
+Harry thought about that, finally realizing that Luna had sneakily given him the + largest part of her own piece of treacle tart. He smiled at the thoughtful girl and + raised her hand to his lips to kiss it.
+"You're amazing, Luna," he told her. "Thank you so much for keeping me + company."
+"Anytime, Harry," Luna said sweetly. "Now go on. Go back to saving the world + again."
+Harry chuckled. He got up, kissed the top of Luna's head and headed back to his + lab. If she would manage to come over like this every now and then, he knew that he + would make it through these days easily. With a spring in his step and a smile on his + face, he went back to brewing the pain-relieving potions with renewed vigour.
+It was past eleven o'clock when Harry finally stumbled out of the fireplace to get + back home. The lights were out and the rooms were quiet. Snape had already gone to + bed, no doubt. Harry yawned as he ran a hand through his hair, barely succeeding in + keeping his eyes open. But he had done it. He had brewed all three hundred + pain-relieving potions in one day.
+He had gotten very surprised looks from healer Johnson when he announced his + results and suspected that they might not even have expected Harry to finish his + assignment in one day. John surely hadn't managed. He had only finished forty blood + replenishing potions.
+Harry dragged himself up the stairs and into his room, collapsing onto his bed + without even taking his clothes and shoes off first. It didn't even take ten seconds + for him to fall into a deep sleep that he would not stir from easily. That's why he + didn't notice when Snape came into his room just twenty minutes later to remove his + shoes, transfigure his clothes into pyjama's and lift his blankets to rest on top of + him.
+Per the norm, this will be the last update of the week. I will be back on + Monday, though! Please tell me what you think through your fabulous reviews! I'm + anxious to know how you feel about all of this.
+Oh, and a happy birthday to Vueren!
+I had a hint of writer's block writing this chapter. But here it is! Thank you + all for your reviews.
+Chapter 4
+"So Fred and George just went off to Egypt and haven't been back in weeks," Ron + explained. "They hired some guy fresh out of school to man the store while they're + gone but I don't think he was expecting them to be gone for quite so long."
+Harry chuckled when he thought about just what the twins were getting up to.
+Ron, Hermione and himself were sitting in the Hogwarts express that would once + again take them to their beloved school for the last time. Well, at least for Ron and + Hermione. Harry could have taken the floo but wanted to experience this ride one last + time. Next year though, he probably would just travel with Snape instead.
+Lucky for him, Ron was now limerick-free.
+"They didn't even tell me what they were going to do," Ron continued, "They said + that they were going to visit Bill but I don't think that would take so long. And why + wouldn't they know when they would be able to get back from a regular visit? No, + something fishy is going on."
+"They probably just needed a vacation," Hermione offered, "They've been working so + very hard, after all."
+Ron huffed, "I doubt it. Their workplace is their playground. Every day is a + holiday for those two. No, I think they're trying to invent another joke or prank of + sorts which they're going to test on me as soon as they're back."
+"So don't eat anything they give you," Harry suggested.
+"He could never turn down food," Hermione said indignantly, "Not even if he + suspected it was laced with something suspicious."
+"It is bad practice to waste food," Ron said matter-of-factly. "And I'm at least + eighty per cent sure that the twins won't try to kill me."
+"But they might have you speaking in limericks for another month," Harry said.
+Ron made a rude sound. "Like they would ever get the recipe from Snape," he said, + "Nah, It'll probably be something less subtle like… I don't know… Having someone + speak in a high pitched voice or something."
+"I don't know, Ron, they might end up surprising you," Harry teased.
+"What?" Ron exclaimed, "Harry, you know something, don't you?"
+"Don't be silly," Harry replied easily, "How would I know more than you? It's not + like they randomly stop by or anything."
+Harry winked at Hermione who giggled into her hand.
+"Have any of you seen Draco, by the way?" Harry asked, "I'm a bit surprised that + he didn't join us."
+"I think that coming back to school might be a bit hard for him," Hermione replied + softly, "We've been owling over the holidays and he doesn't like leaving his mother + alone for so long. Not after… you know."
+"Yeah," Ron agreed, "It must be tough coming back here. This is where his dad got + killed and everything."
+"I guess he's grateful that there's only one year left of school," Harry said, "I + wonder what he's planning on doing after."
+"Artefact creation," Hermione said easily, "That's what he's told me anyway. He's + gotten really interested in it."
+"It beats Death Eater," Ron shrugged.
+"Ron!" Hermione chided, "What an awful thing to say."
+"I was just kidding, Hermione," Ron said, frowning somewhat. "You really don't + need to protect the Malfoy heir against all the evils in the world."
+"I'm not!" Hermione argued, "I just think he needs a friend, right now."
+"Fine," Ron said sort if grumpily, "But don't forget that I need you too."
+Hermione rolled up the magazine she was reading and lightly tapped Ron on the head + with it. "Don't be jealous, Ronald," she chided, "You know you're much more important + to me."
+Ron grinned. "You'd best remember that! Oh Harry, did you want a chocolate + frog?"
+Harry accepted and unwrapped his chocolate treat as Hermione went back to reading + 'The Practical Potioneer'. Harry frowned when he recognised the cover.
+"Since when do you read Potions magazines?" he asked.
+Hermione huffed somewhat in annoyance. "Well, I'll have you know I've looked into + staying at Hogwarts for a specialisation year as well. And to do that, I've been + reading up on the different Masters and what is required to become one."
+"Severus is always reading that magazine as well," Harry pointed out.
+"Well, of course, he is," Hermione said exasperatedly, "It's the foremost magazine + on everything regarding potions after all. If you want to stay on top of things, you + need to be reading it every time another edition comes out. Didn't you know + that?"
+Harry flushed a little. "No, I didn't," he admitted, "Do you think I could read it + once you're done with it?"
+Hermione passed him the magazine with a sigh, "Go ahead. I've already read it + twice," she said, "And there's a form in the back that you can fill out if you want a + subscription. I suggest that you do so since you've already chosen to specialise in + potions."
+"I will!" Harry said gratefully, "Thanks, Hermione."
+"You're very welcome," Hermione replied sweetly as she withdrew another magazine + from her bag called 'A plan for Plants'.
+Ron rolled his eyes and got up from his seat. "You guys have fun," he said flatly, + "I'll just go look for Draco or Neville or something."
+Both Hermione and Harry grunted noncommittally, already engrossed in their + reading.
+When Harry, Ron and Hermione walked over to their usual spots in the middle of the + Gryffindor table, they noticed Draco sitting on the Slytherin side. When they saw + each other, Draco raised his hand in greeting but stayed in his seat. Harry didn't + know if he was staying because he still needed some time to himself or not but either + way, he was sure that during the night of the sorting at least, students were not + allowed to mingle among other houses. Especially when those students were prefects. + So Harry just smiled in return and took his seat.
+He glanced over at the high table and noticed that Snape was regarding him + carefully. Almost as he had done during the feast, his very first year. But there was + no malice in his eyes this time. Harry smiled at him which seemed to satisfy Snape + since he turned away and started talking to McGonagall.
+Harry had not anticipated for a new teacher to make their way into Hogwarts this + year since Slughorn was still teaching potions, and Snape had managed to hold on to + the defence position, but there she was.
+She was a woman in her early thirties with long, dark chocolate hair and amber + eyes that seemed to shine with glee as she took in the great hall. She was clearly + not very tall and seemed somewhat shy as she was listening politely to other + teachers' conversations but didn't jump in herself. Harry thought she looked sort of + lonely as she sat there.
+And who was she anyway? All the other teachers seemed to still be present so Harry + could not imagine what the woman was doing there.
+As always, McGonagall stood at the ready with the sorting hat to divide the new + group of first years into the four houses. Harry clapped along dutifully for every + child that joined Gryffindor but ignored the jeers and scathing remarks some of the + Gryffindors would make when a child was sorted into Slytherin.
+When the sorting was over, Dumbledore rose from his seat and spread his arms to + signify that he was about to make an announcement. It didn't take long for the + majority of the children to quiet down and for the rest of them to be elbowed by + their peers until they too shut their mouth. Once everyone had settled down, + Dumbledore smiled happily, his eyes twinkling and addressed the students.
+"It is nice to see so many new faces grace this hall with their presence, this + year," he began, "And it pleases me, even more, to announce that one of those new + faces will be your new History of Magic teacher."
+Surprised murmurs rose from the more seasoned students of Hogwarts. Dumbledore + allowed it to go on for a few minutes before resolutely raising a hand, motioning for + everyone to calm down once more.
+"It has come to my attention that Professor Binns no longer wished to teach. He + would rather spend the rest of his death in peace and quiet. We thank him for the + many years of service and wish him the very best. In his stead, we welcome the very + talented and engaging Professor Maya Bell."
+The new woman gave a small wave, smiling shyly before dropping her hand and + looking back at Dumbledore.
+"That's the author of 'Connections through the ages'," Hermione + hissed.
+"I am well aware that most of you who had the opportunity dropped the subject of + History of Magic altogether," Dumbledore continued, "Which has resulted in there not + being a single student in the NEWT class. Now I am aware that this is perhaps the + result of something other than simply the subject matter."
+Harry noticed Snape shake his head lightly in dismay.
+"Which is why I want to offer you all a chance to get reacquainted with History of + Magic. I only ask of you that you see it through for a couple of weeks. If you decide + – after these weeks – that you would still wish to drop the subject, I will not blame + you and allow you to do so without a problem. But it would make me most happy if you + would generously use your time to give Professor Bell a chance. I know for sure that + she might surprise you."
+Dumbledore's eyes twinkled fiercely in the light of the enchanted candle.
+"Now I do believe that I've kept you long enough," Dumbledore concluded, "Please + enjoy your meal."
+After this confusing turn of events, platters appeared on every edge of every + table, filled with the most delicious food of any kind. Harry grabbed the first + pitcher of pumpkin juice that was in reach and smelled it carefully before pouring + himself a glass. He took a small sip and slushed it around in his mouth cautiously + before deciding that if it was indeed poisoned, it was undetectable. He looked over + his shoulder to see Draco give him a sheepish grin and held up his glass in salute + before drinking resolutely.
+He then looked at Snape who raised his eyebrow at him and Harry gave him the + thumbs up after which Snape rolled his eyes.
+"So what do you make of this new teacher?" Hermione asked.
+"She's cute," Ron said pointedly as he stared at the high table.
+"Ron!" Hermione chided, smacking him on the head.
+"It sucks that we need to take History again," Harry groaned, "I won't have enough + time for everything as it is."
+"You can just drop it again after a few weeks," Hermione pointed out, "And + besides, it might turn out to be interesting."
+"Yeah, it's about time they found a replacement for old Binns," Ron said, "I can't + believe they didn't do so sooner."
+"It did seem a bit overdue," Hermione agreed.
+Harry looked back at the high table to see Professor Bell try and strike up a + conversation with Snape but the Potions Master gave her a curt reply and turned away + to chat to McGonagall. Bell seemed to take it in stride though. She just shrugged and + turned towards Flitwick who sat on her other side and happily engaged in conversation + with her.
+'Play Nice' Harry wrote on the cuff Snape had given him for his birthday + the previous year. Snape looked at his wrist and simply shot Harry an exasperated + look before continuing his conversation with the transfiguration professor.
+"Did Snape tell you about her beforehand?" Ron asked curiously.
+"Nope," Harry replied, "Kept me completely in the dark."
+"Oh well, he doesn't strike me as the talkative type even at the best of times," + Ron said.
+"He probably wasn't allowed to say anything," Hermione argued.
+"Why in the world would that even matter?" Ron asked, "This could hardly be + considered a state secret."
+"Well, whatever the case, I think it's nice that we get another shot at History + this year," Hermione said resolutely, "And who knows. If she's a good teacher, I + might even consider a speciality year in the subject."
+"If McGonagall allows you to," Harry pointed out.
+"Oh, why wouldn't she?" Hermione said, "No professor would ever deter a student + from learning more, would they?"
+Hermione dug into her food and Ron shared a knowing look with Harry. McGonagall + better agree to something or Hermione was going to be hell to be around for the + entirety of the year.
+After a day of classes that were hardly interesting, Harry found himself in the + library with Hermione at his side. They had been in there for an hour already, + finishing up the homework they had already been assigned before moving on to more + personal topics.
+For Hermione that meant building a case for herself that would hopefully convince + McGonagall to allow her to stay an extra year.
+For Harry, this meant building up his theorem. The sheer amount of books in the + library were sure to help him. And lucky for him, Snape had trusted him enough to + grant him unlimited access to the forbidden section. That was a good thing too + because there was information there that he would desperately need.
+The current subject matter of interest was Dementors.
+'Related to the Lethifolds, Dementors are that much more vile. They cannot be + killed but they do have a natural life-span that runs out eventually. No one knows + how long that is since no dementor can be distinguished from the rest.'
+Harry skimmed the pages as he tried to find what he was looking for.
+'They feed off of people's terror and darkness, removing all feelings of + happiness as they draw closer to make it easier for them to prey on their victims. + When their prey is sufficiently made devoid of happiness and hope, the soul becomes + more vulnerable to outside influences. Eventually, it can be taken by a dementor, + resulting in what is known as the Dementor's kiss. There is no recovery possible from + such an attack.'
+"What are you reading about?" Hermione asked, shaking Harry's focus.
+"Dementors," Harry replied, showing Hermione the passage he was reading.
+"interesting," Hermione said, "A bit dark, but interesting."
+"It's remarkable that they attack the soul," Harry told her, "They are able to + suck out, and therefore move a soul, something that is normally not only invisible + but also untouchable which is probably why most muggles are sceptical about its + existence."
+Hermione nodded contemplatively, "True," she agreed, "Since they consume thoughts + and emotions, I can only assume that the soul is classified in the same category as + those."
+"I don't think that's entirely right," Harry said, "I think the soul is + the category."
+"Ah, that would make a lot of sense!" Hermione said, "But what does that + mean?"
+"Do you remember that spell my mother created?" Harry asked, "The one that can + convey emotion?"
+"Of course I do," Hermione huffed indignantly, "We used it to help Draco out, + after all."
+"What if I can use it to sort of imitate the dementors? You know, to draw a soul + closer."
+"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said carefully, "That sounds kind of dark. And I + think it's an innate ability of theirs, not one you can emulate. And why would you + want to do something like that anyway?"
+"It's not like that," Harry replied, "I don't plan on sucking out anyone's soul or + anything. What I want to do is attract them, pull them closer so to speak. I can't + explain why just yet. It's for the potion I'm trying to create, you see?"
+"Well, as long as you're careful," Hermione said, frowning at her friend, + "Professor Snape is supervising you, right?"
+"He is," Harry assured her, "I am not even allowed to start brewing until he + approves of my theorem." He sighed heavily, "I've already worked on it a bit over the + summer but it's coming along very slowly."
+"Well it's not as if you have a deadline," Hermione pointed out, "Take it slow and + be thorough. Especially when meddling with things like dementors."
+"Don't worry, I will be," Harry assured her.
+Hogwarts was overtaken by a horrible heatwave. It had gotten so bad that the + students were allowed to forego their school robes and were wearing nothing but their + normal clothes. Even most of the teachers refused to don their teaching robes. Only + Snape seemed to ignore the suffocating heat, proudly stalking through the hallways as + his robes billowed behind him.
+It helped, of course, that he spent a large portion of his day in the dungeons. + Even the defence classroom was in the vicinity of the cooler part of the castle.
+The many owls that lived in the school were sluggish and annoyed, preening their + feathers more than normal and delivering the mail with long delays. Hedwig, however, + seemed to be worse off than any of the other owls. One morning, she came swooping in + at breakfast. She was on her way back from delivering Harry's subscription for + 'The Practical Potioneer', the first edition already tied to her talons, + when she all but crashed into his bowl of cereal.
+"Hedwig!" Harry exclaimed loudly, jumping up from his seat. Hedwig screeched + softly as she flapped her wings weakly.
+"Take her to Hagrid," Hermione said in a panicked tone, "He'll know what to + do."
+Harry didn't need to be told that a second time. He scooped up the weakened owl in + his arms and raced to the high table where none of the teachers seemed to have + noticed anything being amiss.
+Hagrid – who was sweating profusely under the mass of hair that he called a beard + – looked up as Harry came to a stop in front of the high table and showed him the + weakened owl.
+"Hagrid," he said helplessly, "Something's wrong with Hedwig."
+"Oh dear," Hagrid said as he took Hedwig from Harry, "It'll be alright, my beauty, + don't you worry."
+Hagrid emptied a bowl of potatoes onto his plate and filled it with cool water. He + dunked Hedwig's feet in the bowl but kept her body out of it, offering her a separate + saucer to drink from.
+"What's wrong with her, Hagrid?" Snape asked apprehensively, unhappy about Harry's + expression.
+"She's overheated," Hagrid explained, "Snowy owls are not used to temperatures + such as these."
+"What can I do?" Harry asked worriedly.
+"You'd best take 'er somewhere cold, while it's this hot out," Hagrid replied, + "Take 'er to the dungeons if you can. I'm sure she'll perk right up after a few + hours."
+Harry looked at Snape with a sort of pleading look in his eyes. "Would that be + alright, sir?" he asked.
+"Of course," Snape agreed easily, "I wouldn't dare put your owl's health at risk." + He thought it over for a second, "I would advise you to put her in the students' + potions lab. Not a lot of people actually use it, and it's cold in there. I would put + her in my chambers but there's always a fire burning down there so I doubt that would + be an adequate solution."
+Harry turned to Professor Slughorn at that. "Would that be alright with you, + professor?" he asked.
+"Of course, Harry!" Slughorn replied amicably, "Anything for one of my top + students. Just make sure you provide her with a perch so she won't sit on any of the + cauldrons."
+"Thanks, Professor," Harry said and raced down to the dungeons with a slightly + more lively Hedwig on his arm, the magazine still attached to her foot.
+As promised, he provided her with a makeshift perch immediately, setting her up + with food and water and taking her burden away from her.
+"I'm sorry, girl," Harry said as he stroked Hedwig's soft feathers, "I should have + realized the weather was too hot for you. But don't worry, I won't have you flying + out for a while."
+Hedwig hooted softly in return, ruffling her feathers somewhat in dismay.
+"It's for your own good, you know," Harry said, "But I'll keep you company as + often as I can, okay?"
+Hedwig clicked her beak and tilted her head slightly as if she was thinking it + over. Then she flapped her wings, causing a loose feather to fall to the ground.
+"Hmmm, that won't do," Harry said, "It would be bad for random owl feathers to be + added to people's potions. But don't worry!"
+Harry took out his wand and twirled it a few times as he walked around Hedwig, + murmuring the incantation 'castus' under his breath.
+"There," Harry proclaimed proudly, "If I did it right, you shouldn't be dropping + any feathers or dirt or anything into anyone's cauldrons. I wouldn't want you to get + kicked out."
+Hedwig didn't respond this time. She just stared at Harry accusingly.
+"I promise that you won't get bored," Harry tried to dispel Hedwig's foul mood. + "Who knows, you could even help me out when I brew some potions."
+Hedwig clicked her beak and turned away from Harry to start pruning her + feathers.
+Harry sighed. "Get some rest, girl," he told her, "And don't bite anyone."
+Another chapter concluded if you can believe it. I wonder what you're all + thinking? Care to review and tell me? Thanks for reading!
+A big thank you to all the lovely people who sent a review. As always, they + put a smile on my face. Thanks for waiting so patiently for this next chapter. Here + it is!
+Chapter 40
+Throughout the next couple of weeks, Harry dutifully got up at five-thirty, got + showered, ate breakfast and left for St Mungo's. Sometimes he would see Snape in the + last five minutes before he took his leave but most of the time, he didn't.
+Nine times out of ten, Luna would meet Harry for lunch, lifting his spirits and + bringing him some of his favourites to eat. Treacle tart was often a part of it and + almost every time, Harry ended up eating her piece of tart as well.
+Harry would always get an impossible amount of potions to brew and he managed + every day to complete his task while John never was. Though Harry had to admit that + the potions he did finish were of very respectable quality.
+He would never be home in time for dinner nor even before nightfall. More often + than not, Snape would have already gone to bed by the time Harry got in and if not, + Harry was too exhausted to engage in any conversation that went beyond 'Good night' + anyways.
+Right now, Harry was focusing on brewing a batch of fever reducer. He had raised + the number of cauldrons he was working with from eight to twelve, bustling about as + the concoctions required new ingredients to be added, and putting a stasis on those + that needed his immediate attention but that he couldn't get to just yet. He was so + very much into the brewing zone that he didn't even notice it when a few people + entered the lab.
+"Harry Potter!" said a harsh voice. Harry glanced up from what he was doing for a + moment to see chief Lovegood standing there next to healer Johnson and a few other + healers that Harry didn't recognise. Harry flushed when he realized who had come down + to what he now considered to be his lab but knew that he couldn't get too + distracted lest his potion would fail. So he went back to adding sudarshan leaves to + the potion while addressing Chief Lovegood.
+"How might I be of assistance, sir?" Harry asked, immediately walking over to + another cauldron as to not waste any time.
+"What in the blazes are you doing, boy?" healer Johnson exclaimed. Harry glanced + at him, somewhat confused, but wasted no time to get back to yet another cauldron to + give it the much needed stirring it required. "You asked for fever-reducing potions, + did you not, sir?" he asked. "That's what I'm brewing."
+"And is there any reason why you're using twelve cauldrons instead of one, Mr + Potter?" Lovegood now asked. "Do you realize the dangers of dividing your attention + as such?"
+Harry put a stasis on all of the cauldrons with a single flick of his wand to now + give the healers his full attention. He noticed that John had also stopped brewing + and was following the conversation closely.
+"Harry 'as been brewin' like this fer weeks," John said. "And he's not made a + single mistake yet."
+"I did not ask your opinion, Mr Scofield," Lovegood said without taking his eyes + off of Harry. "Kindly go back to brewing your potion. You are behind as it is, as I + understand."
+"Aye sir," John said dejectedly as he went back to his stirring.
+"I don't understand the problem, sir," Harry said honestly. "This is how I've been + taught to brew. This is how I've always done it."
+"You're an apprentice," Lovegood said coldly. "A Master such as Severus Snape will + have no problem with controlling multiple cauldrons at once, I'm sure, but a boy such + as yourself – who has no experience worth speaking of – will not be brewing quite so + dangerously!"
+Harry frowned and opened his mouth to argue but Lovegood wasn't done yet.
+"We were wondering how you always managed to brew as much as you did, and now we + have our answer. But no more."
+"But sir!" Harry finally spoke up. "If it gets you the necessary potions when you + need it, and I don't have any problem brewing like this, what is the problem? I can + do this!"
+"Mind your place," healer Johnson then said. "You're speaking to the Chief and you + would best mind your tone."
+Harry glanced at his direct supervisor and saw a flash of pity in his eyes.
+"People need these potions," Harry said, trying his best to keep his voice steady. + "And you're severely understaffed. I know for a fact that most of the interns you + accepted have already quit again. I can make you these potions in record time and + have proved to you that I can do this. Why would you sabotage me like this?"
+"Because you are not brewing safely," Lovegood snarled, seemingly losing his + temper. "I will not have an apprentice blowing up the hospital simply because he's + too arrogant to see that he's bitten off more than he can chew"
+"But I'm not –"
+"Enough," Lovegood said dangerously. "Others may accept your rebellious attitude + because of your name and the stories attached to it, but I will not. You will follow + the rules just like anyone else and you will not endanger anyone with your folly. If + you cant do as I say, you will be kicked out of the internship program."
+Harry doubted that he could be missed at this point but thought it better not to + test this theory. So he remained calm and didn't say another word even though he was + fuming on the inside.
+"You will finish the potions in these cauldrons one by one," Lovegood then said. + "And once those are done, you will resort to using one cauldron at a time. Is that + understood?"
+"Yes, Chief," Harry said evenly, trying to not show any emotion in his voice.
+Lovegood nodded sharply and left again, followed on his heel by the other healers, + some of which threw incredulous glances in Harry's direction.
+Once a few seconds had passed, John spoke up. "Awa' an bile yer heid," he + grumbled. "Tha' auld dobber cannae even see a good thing when it bites 'im in the + arse."
+Harry sighed in response. "I can't brew the number of potions he needs when I use + only one cauldron at a time," he said as he stirred the first one. "I just don't + understand what the big deal is."
+"Well, 'tis quite rare to see anyone brewin' multiple brews at once," John said. + "I dinnae ken anyone ter do tha'."
+Harry shrugged. "That doesn't mean it's dangerous," he said. "And he'll run out of + potions much sooner than he'd like this way."
+John shrugged and winked at Harry. "He'll ken 'is mistake soon enough," he + said.
+"I suppose you're right," Harry sighed though it still didn't sit right with him. + But John went back to his own brewing and left Harry to lightly simmer in peace, much + like the fever reducer.
+Snape sat in his chair by the fire, sipping a glass of pumpkin juice as he thought + about his current situation.
+While he was happy that Harry was taking his internship so seriously, he was + beginning to wonder if Harry was not working himself too hard. He seemed to be + exhibiting a combination of the hard-working mentality the Dursleys had knocked into + him and the hero complex that had guided most of his rash actions at Hogwarts. Young + as he was, if Harry went on like this much longer, he might just get sick himself. + And knowing Harry, the boy would not let on anything was wrong until it was too + late.
+Snape had regularly been sending Harry messages through the cuff they shared and + always received a reply back after, though it was always short and to the points.
+'Has your partner blown up any cauldrons yet?' Snape sent to Harry in an + attempt to start some light-hearted banter. In the brief moments they had been able + to talk to one another, Harry had told Snape about the older gentleman that had + decided to turn his life around while he was well in his fifties. Apparently, he had + potential but was nowhere near as skilled as one needed to be while working on a + schedule.
+'No.' Harry replied shortly.
+Snape looked at the word and sighed, not knowing what he could reply to that + anymore. Harry was undoubtedly busy and so he just let him be.
+Snape hissed when he felt a sharp pain in his thumb and glanced down to see that + his glass had bitten him.
+"Maya," he called out with mild annoyance.
+"What?" Maya called back rather groggily from within the bedroom.
+"Is there any reason in particular why you found it necessary to charm my glass so + it would bite me?"
+There was a momentary silence, followed by a few thuds and thumps as Maya was + undoubtedly getting up and getting herself dressed. She emerged moments later with a + delighted smirk on her face.
+"Payback," she said easily. "For charming the mirror to show a stain on my face + that wasn't there."
+"I see," Snape replied dryly. He tapped his wand against the glass to get it to + behave again before setting it down. "Have you heard anything from your sister + lately?" he asked as Maya waltzed into the kitchen to help herself to a danish.
+"No," Maya replied. "I haven't but she rarely keeps in touch anyway. Why?"
+When Snape didn't reply, Maya chuckled. "You miss Alex, don't you?"
+"That's preposterous," Snape scoffed. "It's just out of the ordinary that + Alexander hasn't bothered me yet."
+"If you're worried, why don't you just go over there?" Maya suggested. She walked + back into the sitting room and flung herself sideways on Snape's lap, draping one + arm, around his neck for balance. Snape smiled at the intrusive woman who seemed to + have no respect for personal boundaries.
+"It's not becoming to visit people without notice," Snape said evenly.
+"Now you're just making up excuses," Maya chided, lightly tugging on Snape's hair + for punishment. "Why do you have such issues with admitting that Alex is your friend + and that you miss having him around?"
+"He's not my –"
+"Would you stop?" Maya said. "Don't you lie to me, Severus Snape. Now repeat after + me. Alex is my friend."
+"Maya, I hardly think that –"
+"That does not even sound remotely like what I wanted you to say," Maya said. "Try + again."
+Snape narrowed his eyes and said nothing.
+"No?" Maya asked innocently? She gently cupped Snape's face and teased him with a + light kiss that she quickly withdrew from when he tried to reciprocate. She grinned + evilly. "Well?"
+"You're such a tease," Snape said but then he sighed in resignation. "As you wish. + Alexander is my friend and I'm worried about him."
+"Good man," Maya praised before hungrily drawing Snape into another kiss. "Why + don't we go and check up on him then?"
+"In a bit," Snape agreed. "First, I have some other plans."
+Maya giggled when Snape grabbed her around the waist and threw her over his + shoulder. The half-eaten danish she was eating dropped to the floor as Snape headed + back into the bedroom, laughing theatrically.
+Harry smiled politely as Luna unpacked the baguettes with fried eggs on them, + handing one to Harry.
+"This looks great, Luna," Harry said honestly. The eggs had been kept warm with a + warming charm and the bread was crunchy. And yet, Harry didn't seem to have much of + an appetite. After taking two bites, he stopped eating and stared at a dirty spot on + the table, thinking about the earlier occurrence.
+He was drawn out of his reveries when Luna grabbed his hand. He looked into her + blue eyes in confusion and then noticed how rude he was being. "I'm sorry, Luna," he + said honestly. "I didn't mean to ignore you or anything."
+"What's on your mind?" she asked kindly. "It might help to talk about it."
+"It's a bit difficult," Harry admitted.
+"Because it has something to do with my uncle?" Luna asked knowingly.
+Harry chuckled. "Always the perceptive one, aren't you?" he said incredulously. + "But yes, it does."
+"You can tell me," Luna told Harry honestly. "I will understand if you're upset + with him. He can be difficult sometimes."
+"He told me I can't brew in multiple cauldrons at once," Harry grumbled. "I've + been doing fine these last couple of weeks. I've completed every last one of the + ridiculous assignments I have been given and I've not wasted a single potion."
+He looked at Luna but she just looked back at him serenely, cupping his hand with + hers and listening intently to his troubles.
+"I honestly don't know how they want me to brew three hundred bloody pain reliever + potions in a single day when I can only use one cauldron. I'm already here from dusk + till dawn only getting a break to hurriedly eat my lunch and dinner. I don't see any + of my friends, or my father anymore but I've never complained about it. After all, + those sick people really need the potions."
+Harry inhaled deeply when he noticed that he was running out of breath. Luna still + didn't reply. She just handed him a glass of water from which he drank eagerly before + continuing.
+"After all those weeks, Chief Lovegood just waltzes into my lab with a slew of + healers and tells me off for not brewing one potion at a time. He says that only + someone as accomplished as Severus could do that and that he won't risk me blowing up + the hospital just because of my arrogance."
+Harry clenched his free hand into a fist and stared angrily at that same dirty + spot on the table.
+"He feels that I only do these things because of who I am. Not for a moment does + he seem to consider that I actually know what I'm doing. He even threatened to end my + internship if I continue the way I've been going. But I don't know how to else to + complete my assignments if I don't."
+Harry sighed deeply and found to his horror that tears seemed to be welling up in + his eyes. Blaming them on his exhaustion, he blinked them away and looked hopelessly + at his girlfriend. "Luna, what am I going to do?"
+The kind look in Luna's eyes had shifted to one of fierce determination and yet + she smiled.
+"You're going to continue brewing," Luna told him easily. "Because that is what + you do. You do what you think is best and don't let anyone stop you."
+Luna got up from her seat, moved to stand behind Harry and gently put her arms + around him in a warm embrace. She kissed Harry on the cheek as he grabbed her arms as + if they were some sort of lifeline.
+"You're not going to allow anyone to get to you. Not even the chief of medicine," + she told him knowingly. "You're Harry Potter. You're the boy who warmed Severus + Snape's heart, the boy who made friends with Draco Malfoy. You helped me when I was + bullied and you worked hard on all of your creations. You have friends and family + that care for you, not because of your great accomplishments, but because of who you + are."
+Harry couldn't help but smile at Luna's reassurances. He leaned back into her hug + and looked up to meet her loving gaze. "Thank you, Luna," he said fondly. "That + really helped."
+"I'm glad," Luna said, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Now, you'd best eat your + food and get back to work."
+"Where are you going?" Harry asked, confused when Luna went in the wrong direction + to floo out.
+"Oh, I just have some things I need to do," she told him sweetly. And then she was + gone, leaving a somewhat befuddled Harry behind.
+Snape stood staring at the blasted door of his blasted muggle-friend with a + frightening scowl on his face contemplating at what point in his life he turned into + the soft-hearted man that would worry about someone as frivolous as Alexander.
+And since when did he listen to anyone but Dumbledore telling him what to do? Even + if that someone was a gorgeous chocolate-haired woman that made away with his + heart.
+Snape shook himself from his unhelpful thoughts and knocked on the door with the + ferocity of a landlord eager to collect his overdue rent.
+There were some sounds coming from inside that made it clear that someone was home + but it took a very long time before the door actually opened to reveal a very + dishevelled-looking Alexander. He looked as if he hadn't bathed in days. There were + bags under his eyes and that annoyingly permanent grin on his face had vanished + without a trace. And when he saw Snape, there was no denying the fear that sprung to + life in his eyes. Snape couldn't help but feel a sharp twinge of worry.
+"Severus," Alex breathed. "Why are you here?"
+Snape frowned. "I hadn't seen you for quite some time," he said. "I was merely + wondering if everything was alright."
+Alex glanced downward before looking back up at Snape. There was a grief in his + eyes that Snape had never wished to see on the man's face. He suddenly became even + more worried.
+"Alex," he said sternly. "Where are Charles and Emma?"
+"Charles is at his grandparents," Alex said. "And Emma… Emma is inside. But + Severus, she is so sick."
+"Why didn't you warn me?" Snape snarled as he brusquely moved past Alex and walked + towards where he knew their bedroom was. "You've never been shy to ask my help in the + past. Why didn't you come to me this time?"
+"I don't want her taken away," Alex said. There was a hopelessness in his voice + that broke even Snape's heart.
+"Taken away?" he asked. "What do you mean? Why would I take her away?"
+"It's this epidemic," Alex said in a hushed voice. "It's all over the papers + nowadays. People are getting sick. And all of a sudden, they disappear. You wouldn't + know anything about that, would you?"
+With a few large strides, Snape had made it into the bedroom where Emma lay + shivering in the bed. He kneeled beside her and gently put a hand on her + forehead.
+"It's going to be alright, Emma," Snape said kindly. "I'm here for you."
+"I won't let you take her away," Alex said sternly but his voice trembled. Snape + ignored him while he took Emma's pulse. He sighed when he noticed that it was a bit + slow. He then motioned for Alex to join him in the hall.
+"You're right," he told the muggle. "Those disappearances have happened because + this illness is of a magical origin. The healers have taken in the muggles that have + fallen ill, trying to separate them from the healthy muggles."
+"Are they able to cure it?" Alex asked hopefully.
+"Not yet," Snape told him. "The best healers are working on it but no cure has + been found. If we take Emma to St Mungo's –"
+"No!" Alex objected, moving in front of the door to the bedroom as if he needed to + shield his wife from Snape. "If they can't help her anyway, I don't want her to go + there. Please –"
+"Alex-"
+"I'll do anything. I can take care of her!" Alex said in desperation. "Please + don't take her. I know you could if you wanted to but… I'll…"
+Snape sighed and ran a hand through his hair. For a moment, he didn't know what to + do. If he took Emma to St Mungo's, she could receive the magical care she needed but + he could also understand Alex's worry. The muggle authorities were probably going + crazy with all the disappearances of the sick people and their papers were probably + full of conspiracy theories.
+"Alright, Alex," Snape finally said. "I won't take her anywhere. But on one + condition."
+"Yes?" Alex said, his stance relaxing slightly.
+"You'll allow me to give her the potions I think she'll need," Snape said. "And + you will get some food in you from time to time. I also believe sleep and a shower + are in order."
+Alex chuckled, though the sound of it was not quite as happy as Snape would've + liked it. "You win, Severus," he said. "You're really a good friend, do you know + that?"
+"As are you," Snape admitted. "Don't worry. I will help you to the best of my + abilities. You can count on me."
+"I always do, Sev," Alex replied wearily, flashing a brief yet genuine smile in + Snape's direction. "I always do."
+Harry stared at the missive in his hand. It was short and to the point, written by + Caratacus Lovegood himself.
+Mr Potter,
+Come to my office at 13:45.
+ Do not be late.
C. Lovegood
+Harry wondered what he could've possibly done wrong now but he dared not stay + away. For a moment, he missed the expectation of detentions and loss of points at + Hogwarts because then he knew what was coming. Now, there was nothing but + uncertainty.
+He knocked on the door at exactly 13:45 and entered when he was prompted to do so + by the commanding voice of the chief.
+"Mr Potter," Lovegood greeted curtly. "Do come in and close the door, if you + will."
+Harry did as he was told and stood waiting.
+Lovegood sighed. "Take a seat boy," he said. "Come now, we're both busy people and + I'm sure you would like to get this meeting over with as quickly as I do."
+"Sir?" Harry asked as he took his seat. "I'm not sure what this is about."
+"Of course you're not," Lovegood said. "But I'm not one for small talk so let's + get straight to the point. You're dating my niece."
+Harry's eyes widened momentarily and shifted briefly to Lovegood's wand that lay + casually on the edge of his desk. "I am, sir," Harry told him, doubting if it was a + good idea to admit that at this point.
+"During lunch, my niece seemed to deem it necessary to come into my office and + tell me just how unfair I'm being," Lovegood continued.
+Harry was unable to suppress a mortified groan. "I'm so sorry, sir," Harry said. + "That was never my intention. I'll talk to –"
+Harry was stopped when Lovegood raised his hand. "As she explained to me your + attitude in school as well as your accomplishments both in and out of the field of + potions, I realized that I might have been somewhat unfair towards you."
+Harry couldn't help but stare.
+"While I would never allow any intern to brew as you have been, I understand that + you've been doing so for a while now and that you're managing just fine. Only the + boys who need to clean the cauldrons can complain about that."
+Harry secretly pinched himself to see if he was dreaming. Did Lovegood just make a + joke?
+"On another note, I think I need to make clear that when we assign you a certain + amount of potions to brew, it is not expected for you to complete said assignment in + a day's time," Lovegood continued. "That being said though, I agree that it's been + most useful for you to brew the way you have. Our healers would be in even more + trouble if you weren't as skilled as I have to admit you are. Therefore, I give you + permission to use multiple cauldrons again. If you, however, have an accident while + doing so, this privilege will be revoked immediately. Is that clear?"
+"Yes sir," Harry said in wonder. "Thank you, sir!"
+"Alright, Mr Potter," Lovegood then said. "You'd best be off. I understand that we + really need the rest of those fever reducer potions soon."
+"Right away!" Harry said eagerly. He nearly knocked over his chair in his haste to + get out and get started again, eager to show chief Lovegood that his newfound faith + in him was not unfounded.
+He hurried back towards the elevator and was about to get in when he locked eyes + with a familiar, distraught-looking Slytherin. He skidded to a halt as he took in the + dishevelled appearance of the blonde.
+"Draco," Harry said. "What are you doing here?"
+Oops. Looks like it sort of ended on a cliffhanger. Sorry! Do let me know what + you thought, please. The next chapter will be up tomorrow.
+Thank you all for your fast reviews! I was really amazed. You all know how + much I appreciate it. On another note, I finished writing the last chapter yesterday + so I can tell you that there will be 47 in total. Let the countdown begin.
+Chapter 41
+The look that Draco gave Harry was one of worry and concern, but not for Harry's + sake. When Harry looked a bit closer, he could see some traces of blood on Draco's + hands and robes. The blonde himself seemed to be frozen in his tracks as if he was + not sure of what to do next.
+"Draco," Harry urged again. "What happened? Are you hurt?" As if on instinct, + Harry grabbed one of Draco's hands and checked to see if it was injured in any way + but Draco pulled his hand free before Harry could get a closer look.
+"I'm fine," Draco replied, his voice emotionless as if he was trying to contain + himself. "Shouldn't you go back to work?"
+"I will in a second," Harry said. "But I get the feeling that right now, my friend + needs me."
+A long moment passed in which Harry and Draco stared each other down before Draco + relented with a sigh and a shaky shrug.
+"It's my mother," he said, his voice barely audible. "This morning, she had + regressed to when she was a young girl. When she looked in the mirror and saw + herself, she got really scared."
+Draco's voice was shaking and Harry put a comforting hand on his shoulder but said + nothing.
+"I couldn't calm her down in time," Draco continued hopelessly. "There was some + accidental magic – I didn't even know that could still happen with adults – and she + blew up the mirror. There was glass flying everywhere and she got cut by most of + it."
+Draco sobbed and buried his face into his hands. "Even after all that, I couldn't + get her to calm down," Draco said. "She didn't recognise me and she was hurt. A few + of her injuries were bleeding badly and I was getting worried so I – I stunned her + and brought her here. Harry, I stunned my own mother!"
+Harry moved closer and enveloped his suffering friend into an embrace. Draco did + not fight him.
+"I'm so sorry, Draco," Harry told him honestly. "I didn't realize that things had + gotten so bad. It must have been really hard on you."
+"I don't know what to do anymore," Draco hiccoughed. "I'm only eighteen. I don't + know how to deal with this."
+"You did the right thing by bringing her here," Harry told him. "I'm sure that the + healers will take very good care of her."
+"Yes," Draco replied bitterly. "And then I can take her back home and the whole + thing can start all over again."
+Harry withdrew from the hug, placing a hand on either of Draco's shoulders and + looked him in the eye.
+"Draco, if this is becoming too much for you, you can always leave her at St + Mungo's. There's a specialized wing for people with her kind of condition."
+"I can't leave her here," Draco said, horrified. "She's my mother. I will take + care of her like she would take care of me."
+Harry nodded. "As you say, Draco," he said. "I was merely making a suggestion. + Would you like me to accompany you to your mother's room?"
+"I – I would like that," Draco admitted, smiling slightly at his friend. "But + don't you have things to do?"
+"I will stay a bit longer tonight," Harry said easily, neglecting to say that he + already stayed much longer than he should. "It's alright."
+Draco nodded and led Harry to his mother's private room. They walked in silence + and when they reached the door, Harry waited patiently for Draco to muster the + courage to turn the knob.
+At long last, they entered the room, finding Narcissa Malfoy strapped to the bed + as she stared out of the window to her right. Her hair was a tangled mess and she + seemed to have lost some weight. Her eyes that once held such strength were now + filled with confusion and uncertainty. She looked up when Harry and Draco walked in + and smiled ever so slightly.
+"Where am I?" she asked, her voice slightly higher pitched than it should be.
+"You're in St Mungo's, mother," Draco told her. "You had a bit of an + accident."
+"I've told Bella not to play with fire," Narcissa sighed wearily. "When she does, + it's always me that gets burned." She turned her eyes towards Harry and + looked at him hopefully. "Did Bella get punished for it?"
+Harry smiled at the woman and nodded. "Of course she did, Narcissa," he told her + kindly.
+"That's good," Narcissa sighed, leaning back somewhat. She then locked eyes with + Draco again. "Where am I?"
+There was no mistaking the pain in Draco's eyes when he answered for a second + time. "St Mungo's."
+"I don't like hospitals," Narcissa told him. "Why would you bring me here? I want + to go home!" She struggled against her bonds and looked as if she was ready to + scratch someone's eyes out but she couldn't win from her restraints and eventually + gave up. She kept her seething stare locked on Draco. The Slytherin was very + startled.
+"You were hurt," Draco pointed out. "I'm not too good at healing. I had to bring + you here."
+Narcissa's anger seemed to deflate as she looked at Draco with concern. She + motioned for him to get closer and Harry thought he saw a flicker of recognition in + Narcissa's eyes. Draco seemed to have seen the same as he eagerly moved closer and + grabbed his mother's hand.
+"Lucius, my love," she said sweetly. "I've missed you. Could you tell me where I + am?"
+Harry's heart ached for Draco as he saw the blonde open his mouth to try and + formulate an answer. When no words came out, Harry answered the question for him.
+"You're in St Mungo's, Narcissa," he said kindly. "You've injured yourself. Can + you remember that?"
+"Of course I can," she replied, smiling sweetly. Her eyes never left Draco's grey + ones. "My love, why do you look so sad?" she asked. "I'll be okay. I'll come home to + you in no time. You'll see."
+Tears now fell from Draco's eyes as he pushed his forehead against Narcissa's + hand, eager for the touch, even if her love was not strictly directed at him.
+"Everything will be alright," she said comfortingly. She then turned her gaze on + Harry who was trying to salvage his neutral expression. The confusion in her eyes was + evident as she seemed to recognise him but couldn't quite produce a link in her mind. + Her gaze flickered downward as she seemed to try and recollect herself and when she + locked gazes with Harry again, all signs of recognition seemed to be gone.
+She smiled sweetly and asked: "Where am I?"
+Snape sat down in the chair Alex had procured for him in the bedroom. He was left + alone with Emma while Alex talked with Maya who had come along with Snape this + time.
+"Emma, can you hear me?" Snape asked in a calm, soothing voice.
+Emma wearily opened her eyes as she looked at Snape and smiled. "The shadow has + come to visit me," she joked weakly. "I must be in a bad way. How horrible do I + look?"
+Snape chuckled as he brushed a strand of sweaty hair from Emma's forehead. "Not + half as bad as Alex does," he told her honestly. "Now, could you sit up for me? I + need you to take a few potions."
+With Snape's help, Emme sat up, a pillow propped behind her back. Snape noted the + droplets of blood that stained her sheets and cast a quick scourgify to get + rid of them. He then handed her a fever-reducing potion.
+"For me?" Emma joked weakly. "You shouldn't have."
+"Less babbling and more drinking," Snape reprimanded softly. "I will pour it down + your throat myself if I have to."
+Emma chuckled and drank the potion, grimacing horribly at the taste. "Couldn't you + have added some sugar or something?" she asked wearily. "That stuff is vile."
+"I'd rather not go over the intricate details of potion-brewing right now," Snape + sighed. "Drink this one next. It's a pain-relieving potion."
+"Dare I ask if this will taste better?" Emma asked.
+"I'd advise against it," Snape told her honestly. Emma smiled and downed the + second potion as well.
+"Nope," she said. "This was way worse."
+"But it made you feel better, I'd wager," Snape pointed out.
+Emma blinked a few times and then looked at Snape in surprise. "Much better," she + said. "That was fast!"
+She made to get up but Snape gently pushed her back down. "You're not cured, + Emma," he told her. "I merely alleviated your pain. Now I need you to drink one more + potion. It should serve to keep your organs intact for a while longer."
+Emma shuddered but drank the offered vial. She wiped her mouth with the back of + her hand as she stared at the empty vial. "What's wrong with me?" she asked.
+"You've contracted a magical malady," Snape told her. "I will not lie to you. This + disease has no cure as of yet and has proven to be fatal one hundred per cent of the + time."
+Emma frowned but didn't seem as shocked as she should be. "This is the disease + that's in the news every day, isn't it?" she asked. "The one that makes people + disappear?"
+"It is," Snape confirmed. "But I'm trying my best to create a cure."
+Emma smiled as she took hold of Snape's hand. "If you're working on this, + I have no doubt that I will be just fine."
+Snape scoffed but said nothing.
+"But just in case that I won't be," Emma said softly, squeezing Snape's hand, + "could you take care of Alex for me? Charlie will be fine with my parents but Alex… + he's not good at handling a loss."
+Snape swallowed thickly as he gazed at the severely ill woman. "If it comes to + that," he said, "I will. But I won't have you worrying about things that are most + likely not going to happen. I will make this work."
+"Of course you will, Severus," Emma said. "But if you can't, I forbid you from + blaming yourself."
+"Emma –"
+"I would very much like to sleep now," Emma told Snape. "If there's nothing else, + could you let me be, please?"
+Snape sighed and gathered his supplies with a flick of his wand. "As you wish," he + said. "Try and get some rest. I'll be back for you tomorrow."
+"Thank you, Severus," Emma said groggily as she pulled the covers closer to her + chin. Snape quietly left the bedroom and headed into the sitting room where Maya and + Alex were waiting for him.
+"How is she?" Maya asked. "Is it the –"
+"It is," Snape told her honestly. Maya let out a shuddering breath and sank back + into the couch.
+"No," she pleaded. "It can't be."
+Alex didn't respond. He was leaning forward, his hands clasped and hanging limply + between his knees as he stared at the coffee table. Snape set down his potions kit + just a tad too harshly in order to shake Alex from his less-than-helpful reveries. It + worked as Alex looked up and glared at Snape.
+"If you could kindly pay attention, Alexander," Snape told him. "These are the + potions Emma will need to take twice a day. Give her this one – he motioned towards + the fever-reducer – first and give her these two after."
+Snape knew that he wasn't exactly exuding comfort right now but he really needed + Alex to understand what he was supposed to do. Slipping into his professional + demeanour was not only a means to that end, but it was also a comfort for Snape + himself, who was watching one of his friends waste away before his eyes.
+"Thank you," Alex said. "What will you do now?"
+"I will retreat into my lab and start working on finding a cure," Snape said. He + then directed his attention at Maya. "Will you stay with him?" he asked. "Make sure + that he eats and sleeps? Emma can eat as well but I would recommend lukewarm foods + only. Preferably liquids."
+"Of course, Sev," Maya said. "But do remember to eat something yourself, + okay?"
+Snape huffed but smiled when he saw Maya's concerned gaze. "Don't worry," he said. + "I will instruct Zippy to bring me meals at the appropriate times. You should just + worry about your family."
+Maya grabbed his hand for just an instance as she placed a chaste kiss on Snape's + lips. "I am," she said meaningfully. Snape just nodded and retreated out of the front + door. Acutely aware of the three people depending on him, he hurried back home.
+When Harry had returned to finish his batch of fever-reducers, John had made no + comment about the time it had taken him to come back. Harry had added two more + cauldrons to his batch in order for him to try and catch up and was finding that it + took little extra effort to do so.
+After a few hours of working in silence, John spoke up.
+"What's on yer mind, lad," he asked. "Ye've been very quiet since ye got back. + Auld Lovegood dinnae sack you, did he?"
+"No," Harry said. "In fact, he told me that I can brew with multiple cauldrons at + once."
+"Then what's got ye so melancholic?" John asked as he continued stirring his own + brew. Harry wasn't even sure what the man was making today.
+"I was wondering why there are next to no potions that can cure mental illnesses," + Harry said.
+John shrugged. "Our folk dinnae put much stock in the mental capacities of the + ill," he said. "The mind is very difficult ter mend as well, ya ken? Much easier to + deal with lacerations and the like."
+"But a sick mind is far more crippling than a crippled leg," Harry argued.
+"Aye," John said. "Tis as ye say. But tis of no difference, I'm afraid."
+Harry huffed. "Well, I think I know exactly what my next research project will + be."
+John barked a laugh. "And when will ye seek to do that, laddie?" he asked. + "Lovegood's got us both working practically non-stop. Yer aff yer heid if ye think ye + can fit more brewin' into yer day."
+"I'll make it work," Harry said confidently. "There's plenty of potions that can + help me achieve my goal."
+"Aye, but don't go an' get yerself into trouble, ye hear?" John said. "I'd find + myself rather lonely without ye here."
+Harry chuckled. "I'm sure you would do fine without me," he said. "But don't + worry. I know what I'm doing."
+"So ye always say," John said, shaking his head.
+In the next few weeks, Harry put in even more hours than he already was. + Sometimes, he didn't even come home to sleep anymore, simply transfiguring a cauldron + into a bed of sorts to sleep in for a few hours. He didn't even eat his lunch outside + of the lab anymore. Instead, he would have a house-elf bring him something to eat + which he would eat while brewing and researching. Without even noticing it, his + birthday had come and gone. No owls could reach him where he was now and Hedwig was + not allowed in the St Mungo's laboratory so she just stayed at Spinner's End.
+Snape hadn't sent Harry very many messages anymore other than the occasional. + 'How is everything?' and 'I hope you're taking care of yourself'. + Harry had always replied with short and to the point answers but it was enough to + know that someone cared. He didn't even mind that he was no longer socializing with + other people at the moment because right now, people were depending on him and he + couldn't let them down.
+Little did Harry know that Snape was in just such a predicament in which he was + getting more and more desperate as time kept ticking away mercilessly. Every day, he + was fighting to keep death at arm's length and every day, he was feeling as if he was + succeeding less and less.
+Harry threw in the petals of the pansy flowers into his brew, quite certain that + he made a breakthrough in the restorative memory draught he was creating when a piece + of parchment appeared in front of his nose at the exact moment that one appeared in + front of John's. Harry put a stasis on his cauldron and read the parchment.
+Urgent staff meeting planned at 16:30.
+ Location: The second-floor meeting room.
+ Attendance is mandatory.
It wasn't signed but there was only one person that could call for a general staff + meeting and that was chief Lovegood.
+"What d'you reckon' the auld dodger wants now?" John asked Harry.
+"Maybe it has something to do with the cure?" he offered. "Maybe he made a + breakthrough or something?" He really hoped that was the case. It would severely + decrease his workload and give him more time to try and help Draco.
+At 16:28 Harry found himself in the required room with barely a minute to spare. + And even then, he was contemplating how he would have been able to put that minute to + good use. He was scribbling away any thoughts and ideas about the memory restorative + draught he was trying to come up with on a spare bit of parchment, barely even + noticing when Caratacus Lovegood walked in.
+The room had been flooded by not only potioneers but also healers, nurses and even + the janitors of the hospital. When Lovegood spoke, everyone looked up.
+"You are probably all wondering why I have summoned you here," Lovegood said. "I'd + rather not beat around the bush and keep you all from your work. I am not able to + find a cure."
+A stumped silence was Lovegood's only response so he just continued speaking. "I + have tried to find something to counteract this disease for months now but am + entirely unable to do so. Nothing is working and people are dying."
+Lovegood's expert eye gazed at the crowd gathered in the room, hanging on his + every word.
+"Therefore I have summoned you here to ask for your help," he said. "Anyone who + thinks that they can create a cure – I don't care if they are an accomplished healer + or a janitor with hidden talents – will be rewarded by me. I will award you a sum of + five-hundred-thousand galleons, coming out of my own pocket to the one who can + present me with a cure. If you need the time to do so, please take it. We need to + rally as one group in order for us to beat this thing. I am counting on you. You are + excused."
+The crowd broke into excited murmurs and conversation but Harry didn't want to + discuss this with anyone. He just wanted to get back to his lab and continue brewing. + If only the gods could be that merciful.
+"Mr Potter, a word," Lovegood called after him.
+Harry froze in his tracks, momentarily wondering if he could get away with + pretending that he didn't hear Lovegood in the first place, but decided against it + and turned around. "Sir?"
+"I have a few more things to discuss with you," Lovegood said. "Stay for a + moment."
+"I really should get back to work, sir," Harry said.
+"This will only take a moment," Lovegood told him. Harry sighed and sat down in a + chair that had previously been occupied.
+"It has come to my attention that you are no longer eating in the courtyard," + Lovegood said. "You also rarely leave the hospital to go home anymore. You do with + very little sleep and keep brewing. It's all we can do to keep replenishing the + stocks of ingredients at this rate."
+"I'm merely doing what is required of me," Harry said.
+"I am the first one to compliment hard work," Lovegood said. "But what you're + doing is not healthy. If the circumstances were any different, I would force you to + take a week off."
+"But the circumstances are not different," Harry told him. "This is what + you need me to do right now."
+"The additional research you have taken on is entirely unnecessary," Lovegood + pointed out dryly.
+Harry swallowed thickly. "I'm still meeting my quota, aren't I?" he said + softly.
+Lovegood sighed. "That is beside the point, Harry," he said. Harry blinked in + surprise at the use of his given name. "You are on the brink of self-destruction and + I will not have a promising potioneer do this to himself."
+"I need to do this," Harry replied evenly, beyond all common sense.
+"Like Master, like apprentice," Lovegood sighed. "Harry, I need you to focus on a + cure for now. Your workload will be lessened for a while so you can do this. I urge + you to put your personal research aside for now and pick it up later."
+"But I –"
+"When a cure is found, you will have much more time on your hands. I will even + offer you my assistance in whatever it is you're trying to do. But please. I need + your mind on this problem."
+Harry stood there, silently contemplating Lovegood's words for a while before + sighing in resignation. "I will do what I can," he said. "And I'll put aside my + research for now." Harry just hoped that Draco would be able to last just a bit + longer without his help. The boy had looked on the verge of collapse the last time he + saw him and yet he had insisted on taking his mother home.
+"I knew I could count on you," Lovegood said. "Now let's get to it. We haven't the + time to dilly-dally."
+Desperate times call for desperate measures.
+ I realize that it's New Year's Eve so I'll do what I did during the Christmas
+ holidays and wait and see if I get any response. If people don't read this, I won't
+ update on Wednesday. But I'll defenitely update on Thursday.
Let me know what you think! Happy New Year!
+Wow! I am blown away by your responses! I think only the last chapter op TPA + has gotten more reviews than this chapter did, and that defenitely didn't happen + overnight. You guys are the absolute best and I love you for it. A big thank you to + all the guest reviews as well. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to you but you guys + rule!
+As to you-know-who who made me chuckle... nice try but you get one chapter a + day. I will fight you!
+Enjoy this next chapter. You all deserve it! It's a tad early because I need + to go to yet another party... *groan* ... but that's alright.
+Chapter 42
+About a week had passed since Snape had found out about Emma's condition and he + had been spending every waking moment trying to develop a cure for 'The + dissolving sweats'. Unbeknownst to him, Harry had been doing the exact same + thing back in St Mungo's but neither of them was having any luck.
+When Snape tried to add some valerian root to his current attempt for an antidote, + Hedwig screeched at him.
+"Keep that beak in check, you ruddy bird," Snape snarled. Hedwig clicked her beak + disapprovingly.
+"Don't you think that I'm aware that this is a longshot?" Snape asked. "Because I + am. But if it has escaped your notice, I'm running out of – oh Merlin, I am speaking + to an owl."
+Hedwig hooted softly but Snape merely glared at her and tossed in his valerian + root. "If you don't refrain from giving me your unwanted advice, I shall confine you + to Harry's quarters. Am I understood?"
+Hedwig just glared haughtily at the Potions Master as if to say 'I'd like to + see you try'. Snape ignored her and was about to toss in his crumpled St John's + wort leaves when a pop brought him out of his focus.
+"It's lunchtime, Master Snape," Zippy said dutifully.
+"I'll just eat some more at dinner time, Zippy," Snape replied without even + turning away from his cauldron.
+"That won't do, Master," Zippy said. "Mistress Bell asked Zippy to make sure that + you ate every meal."
+Snape groaned. "I am your master, Zippy, not her," he reminded the little + house-elf. "And I'm telling you to leave it for now."
+"Zippy is sorry, Master," Zippy said. "But Zippy must insist. Zippy wouldn't want + to make Mistress Bell sad."
+After a moment of silence, Snape sighed. "Fine," he said. "I acquiesce. Just bring + me a bowl of soup if you will and I'll eat it here."
+"Oh no, no, no," Zippy said. "Master mustn't eat where Master works. Mistress Bell + asked me to see to it."
+Snape grumbled something incoherently before moving past Zippy and hurrying up the + stairs in undignified defeat. Hedwig tucked her head under her wing as she awaited + Snape's return while Zippy simply popped into the dining room, taking care of Snape's + bowl of soup.
+When Snape sat down, fidgeting with a napkin as he waited, he noticed a letter + sitting on the table. Zippy must have accepted it while Snape was downstairs. When he + turned it over, he noticed that it carried the seal of St Mungo's. Frowning, he + opened it.
+For the eyes of Master Severus Snape only.
+Severus,
+I am contacting you in regards to your apprentice Harry + Potter.
+He is a diligent young man that does his very best to prepare + whatever potions we ask of him and other than the incident we had a few weeks back, + Mr Potter has made sure to fall in line and do as we have asked of him.
+Snape frowned. He didn't know what the letter was referring to and he wondered + what kind of trouble the stubborn Gryffindor had brought upon himself this time.
+I am starting to worry for him, though. You may have noticed that + he comes home less and less of late. He tends to sleep in the laboratory where he + also eats. He rarely comes out anymore save to take care of his personal needs and + even those he tries to keep in check as much as possible.
+I've already talked to him once but he only seems to be burying + himself in his work more and more. And while we appreciate the steady flow of potions + that we can understandably use, it won't do to have the young man collapse on us when + we need him the most.
+Therefore, I wish to urge you to summon him home for the remainder + of the day and if necessary tomorrow as well. We can make do without him for that + long at least. This is not a punishment but rather a preventive measure.
+I'm sure you understand seeing how you can get lost in your + creations as well.
+I hope you will take action soon.
+Master Caratacus Lovegood.
+By now, a bowl of soup had appeared in front of Snape and was sitting, waiting for + him. Snape contemplated the letter as he stared at the wisps of damp coming from the + bowl. It was true that he hadn't seen much of Harry of late but he hadn't paid too + much attention to it. He now found that he really should have.
+He knew what Harry was like and he realized that Lovegood was right. In fact, if + Lovegood had become concerned, Harry must really be taking it too far. So + Snape used the cuff to contact Harry directly.
+'You are to come home immediately. You may resume your internship the day + after tomorrow.'
+Snape ate a few spoonful's of soup before he received a reply.
+'Can't. Busy.'
+Snape growled and wrote back. 'This is not up for negotiation. Floo back right + now or I will come and drag you here.'
+It took a while longer for Harry to reply but the answer was not satisfactory.
+'I'm in the middle of brewing some blood-replenishing potions. I + can't.'
+'That's what stasis spells are for.' Snape replied.
+It took Snape getting through his entire bowl of soup, waiting for a reply and + even when he was finished, a reply hadn't come. Nor had Harry flooed back in.
+'Last chance,' Snape wrote. But no reply came and Snape grumpily stalked + over to his fireplace, grabbed a handful of floo powder and tossed it angrily into + the flames speaking as clearly as he could: "St Mungo's."
+Harry had taken off the distracting cuff and left it on the long table in the + middle of the lab. It was strange, but after such a long time of constantly wearing + that thing, his arm felt oddly naked without it. But Snape was starting to become + annoying and Harry could not afford any distractions right now.
+He was brewing a batch of blood-replenishing potions and was moving from cauldron + to cauldron as he added as required and stirred what needed to be stirred. In the few + rare moments in which all cauldrons were simmering peacefully, Harry took to thinking + on the theory of a cure. He had tried brewing something several times already but + never had his brew been potent enough to cure this horrendous disease. And the longer + it took him, the more people died.
+Harry shook his weary head and cleared it of all negativity by means of + Occlumency. If he hadn't mastered the arts of the mind before, he wasn't sure if he + would have been able to handle the stress of this particular internship. He realized + that the stress was largely caused by the uprising of the dissolving sweats but he + still couldn't help but wonder how other internships were compared to this one. Much + more easy-going, he would wager.
+"Harry, lad," John said. "It's about time ye ate somethin', innit?" he asked. "Ye + didnae eat breakfast either."
+"Not hungry," Harry mumbled as he continued taking notes. One of his cauldrons lit + up and Harry walked over to it to give it another stir.
+"Ye're a long time deid, ye ken," John said.
+"Hm," Harry responded. Sometimes, he didn't even recognise what John was saying + and he just found that smiling and nodding worked best.
+Since his potions were all behaving again, Harry went back to taking notes, + wondering just why the valerian root didn't work as intended in his previous batch. + It was at that moment that the door to his lab opened. Choosing to finish his + sentence before acknowledging whoever was here to pick up more potions, he scribbled + away, only barely noticing the flurry of black in the corner of his eye.
+Suddenly, the quill he was writing with was ripped out of his hand, leaving an + ugly blot on his notes. Exasperated, he looked up only to find his father standing in + front of him. The only sound he managed to produce at this revelation was less than + intelligible. "Oh."
+"We're leaving," Snape told Harry, giving him no room to argue.
+"I told you I can't," Harry tried anyway.
+"Ah think yer master is right, lad," John piped up. Harry shot him a look of + betrayal. "An' dinnae ye look at me like tha'. Yer ken tha' ye cannae keep workin' + like this."
+Snape shot a look at John that was clearly supposed to keep the man from + interfering and so he did.
+"These blood-replenishing potions won't brew themselves," Harry told Snape, + pretending he hadn't heard John.
+"I'm certain that Master Lovegood is able to procure another brewer to finish your + potions for you."
+"He won't allow this, you know," Harry said angrily.
+"On the contrary," Snape told Harry easily. "He asked me to come and get you + before you wear yourself out completely."
+Harry looked at Snape in shock, his mouth agape as if he were a fish on dry + land.
+"Now, if you'll stop trying to talk your way out of this and come with me quietly, + there won't be any trouble."
+"But I –" Harry glanced at his cauldrons longingly.
+"Ah can finish yer brews for ye," John offered. "Ah am not as good as yer, but + ah'll manage."
+With a sigh of defeat, Harry nodded. He gathered his papers, thinking that he + might at the very least be allowed to do some research at home, and put them in his + pocket. Snape frowned but said nothing. Instead, he turned around and started walking + at a rather brusque pace that reminded Harry of all the times he had had to jog to + keep up with the Potions Master at Hogwarts. Nowadays though, all Harry had to do was + quicken his pace to keep up.
+Feeling embarrassed that he would have to be escorted home by his father, Harry + kept his head down while he followed Snape, not once looking up until they reached + the fireplace.
+"You shall go first," Snape said. "And if you don't floo home, your punishment + will be severe."
+Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Where did Snape think Harry was planning + to go anyways? He grabbed a handful of floo powder, tossed it in the fireplace and + called out his destination. A few seconds later, he stumbled out of the hearth, + couching as he had inhaled some of the soot.
+He scurried out of the way just in time for Snape to come out as well, not a speck + of dust on him or his billowing robes. His eyes were stern but if Harry had been less + exhausted, he would have noticed the concern that was present as well.
+"First of all, go take a shower," Snape said.
+Harry glared at him with all the force he could muster. "You dragged me home so I + could take a shower?" he asked incredulously. "They have showers at St Mungo's, you + know."
+"Facilities you have clearly not taken advantage of in a while now," Snape + countered coolly. "Go shower now, unless you want me to come with you and scrub you + clean myself."
+Harry felt his cheeks colour red in embarrassment and hurriedly climbed the + stairs, making sure to stomp loudly with each step he took. He knew that he was + behaving in a childish manner, but he was tired. And he didn't want to argue about + any of this.
+Muttering to himself, he slammed the bathroom door, undressed and hopped into the + shower.
+By the time he got out, he noticed that his clothes had vanished and new ones had + been laid out in their place. Harry wagered that Zippy had something to do with that. + A part of him wanted to be difficult but seeing how he didn't have any other options, + he got dressed in the provided garments.
+When he was done, he walked back downstairs – not stomping his feet this time – + and halted when he saw Snape sit by the fire, reading through what looked like his + own notes.
+"How did you get those?" Harry asked in annoyance.
+"Magic," Snape replied absentmindedly. "Take a seat, please."
+Harry complied and sat down, noticing that a plate of sandwiches and fruit had + been left on the coffee table.
+"Subtle," Harry muttered but he grabbed a sandwich with cheese anyway.
+Snape finally looked up and placed Harry's research on the table, facing it + towards Harry. "Have you been researching the creation of a cure?" he asked.
+"Obviously," Harry snarled, belatedly realizing that he really was + sleep-deprived if he dared speak to Snape in such a tone.
+"Speak to me like that again and you will suffer the consequences," Snape warned. + Harry clamped his mouth shut but nodded his compliance.
+"I need to speak to you in regards to a few things," Snape said. "First of all, + the obvious. You are not taking care of yourself."
+"But I -"
+"I'm not finished," Snape said coldly. "You have not been eating, sleeping or even + bathing on a regular schedule. You may think that helps the patients at the hospital + but in the long run, it will only prove to be detrimental to their cause when you + collapse. I am quite aware of the lack of brewers St Mungo's currently faces and I + know they can't do without you for a while -"
+"Then why take me out of there?" Harry accused.
+"You're not listening!" Snape snarled, slamming his flat hand on top of the table, + nearly spilling Harry's tea. "You're destroying yourself at this rate. And if you do, + who will be better for it in the end?"
+Harry glared but did not speak.
+"I know you can see reason," Snape then said. "And I know that you're merely + trying to help. It is very admirable for you to put forth so much effort for the sake + of others. But that quality brings the risk of overexertion and I can clearly see + that you're nearly there."
+"I'm fine," Harry said evenly.
+Snape's eye twitched dangerously as he clutched his mug so tightly, Harry wondered + if he was resisting the urge to throw it.
+"You are truly making me hate that particular phrase," Snape growled. "When it + comes from you, it is never truthful and always an attempt to deflect. You are not + fine. Any dunderhead could see it. Just look at yourself."
+"What am I supposed to do?" Harry asked harshly. "People are dying every single + day! And while they are dying, they're suffering tremendously. Lovegood can't find a + cure so he's become so desperate to ask everyone – including the bloody janitors – to + try and brew a cure. Not only that! But I see Draco showing up in the hospital + because his mother had a bout of accidental magic –"
+"Narcissa was in the hospital?" Snape asked in concern. Harry stopped his angry + tirade and glanced at his father. He sighed when he realized that he should have + informed him earlier.
+"She was," Harry confirmed. "Some time ago. But she's gone home already. Draco is + really suffering, though."
+Snape sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Draco is not your responsibility, + Harry," he said. "Nor is finding a cure. This disease is particularly difficult to + overcome. It's almost as if the source of the disease has closed off all paths that + any medical ingredients would normally take."
+Harry scoffed. "I'll say. This is bloody impossible," he said angrily. "But hang + on. Do you mean to say that you've also been working on a cure?"
+"I am," Snape said honestly.
+"Why?" Harry asked, sensing that something was off. "Did Lovegood ask you to?"
+"He did not," Snape replied.
+"Then why did you suddenly develop an interest?" Harry asked sharply. "Who is in + trouble? Is it Dudley? Did he send you another letter?"
+"Of course not," Snape replied harshly. "Calm down."
+Harry shot out of his chair and glared at Snape. "Tell me what's wrong!" he + shouted.
+"Sit. Down," Snape ordered. His tone reminded Harry of Hogwarts so much that he + complied. He sat back down and seemed to shrink back into himself for a moment, + realizing that he was attacking someone who was on his side.
+"I'm sorry," Harry said. "I'm just –"
+"Tired, I'd wager," Snape told him. "You will be going to sleep for a few hours. + After that, we can talk some more over dinner."
+"But I still need to –"
+"There's nothing for you to do," Snape said in a calming voice. "For now, I merely + need you to rest up a bit. Perhaps we can compare our research later when you're able + to think more clearly."
+"Yes, sir," Harry finally complied. Now that he wasn't present on the battleground + that was St mungo's, practically brewing non-stop, he could feel the weariness of the + last months wash over him, nearly dragging him down. He wanted nothing more but to go + to sleep. So he went up to his bedroom, collapsed onto his bed and drifted off almost + immediately.
+When Harry woke up again, he felt more rested. He could have easily gone back to + sleep if he had wanted to, but he could smell the scent of food wafting up the stairs + and thought that it would be nice to eat a warm meal again. So he crept out of his + bedroom and came down the stairs when he was stopped by a familiar voice.
+"She hardly ate anything today," Maya said softly. "I don't think she has that + much longer, Severus."
+"I'm sorry," Snape replied. "But I won't give up. Not yet. Here-"
+Harry could hear the familiar sound of vials clanking together and he imagined + that Snape handed Maya some.
+"These are her supplies for tomorrow," Snape said. "Make sure that she takes them, + even if she won't take anything else."
+Harry thought he could hear someone sob and though that it was wildly + inappropriate for him to keep listening. So he came down the rest of the stairs, + making an effort to try and produce a loud enough sound to be heard but not loud + enough to be suspicious.
+When he arrived downstairs, he could see Maya withdrawing from Snape's arms as the + man looked at her with concern.
+"Don't give up," he told her. "It's not over until it's over."
+"Thank you, Severus," Maya said but her voice sounded blank. "Oh hi, Harry," she + added. "It's good to see you home."
+"Hi, Professor Bell," Harry greeted.
+"I told you to call me Maya," Maya told Harry with a smile. But Harry could see + the tell-tale glistening in her eyes.
+"I'll be off now," Maya then said. "I'll see you two later." And without waiting + for a reply, she all but stormed out the front door.
+"Dinner time," Snape told Harry as if none of that had just happened. He walked + over to the dining room table and took his customary seat, waiting for Harry to do + the same.
+"Is Emma sick?" Harry asked as he sat down.
+Snape sighed and steepled his fingers. "She is," he admitted.
+"Is it the dissolving sweats?" Harry asked rather unnecessary. Snape just nodded. + Harry groaned painfully and buried his face in his hands. "How is Alex doing?" Harry + asked, his voice muffled by his hands.
+"As well as could be anticipated," Snape replied. "He's taking care of Emma to the + best of his abilities."
+Harry looked up sharply and shot Snape an incredulous look. "Hold on," he said. + "You're telling me that Alex is with Emma right now? And you didn't think that a bit + dangerous?"
+"Harry –"
+"This disease is highly contagious!" Harry shouted. "How long has Emma been sick? + It will probably be days before Alex becomes ill as well. And what about Charlie? Has + he been allowed to stay near Emma as well?"
+"Charlie is with his grandparents," Snape said. "And Alex wouldn't leave Emma's + bedside. In fact, he had been tending to her for quite a while by the time I found + out anything was wrong. He hasn't gotten sick yet."
+Harry sighed in relief. "That's good news at least," Harry said. "But why isn't he + getting sick?"
+Snape frowned as he took in Harry's comment, tapping his finger against his upper + lip in thought. "That –" Snape said, " – is an excellent question."
+"What have you tried so far?" Harry asked, absentmindedly plating his food that + was roast with potatoes.
+"Have a look," Snape said. He passed a thick looking tome in Harry's direction. A + narrow strip of cloth was trapped between a few pages to indicate where Snape had + left off. The cover of the book was an emerald green with intricate details and + pictures of ancient runes added in relief to the thick leather. Harry opened the book + at the last additions.
+"This is your grimoire?" Harry asked.
+"Obviously," Snape said evenly.
+Harry looked at the pages where Snape had written down the recipes he had already + tried as well as the ones he was still planning on trying in the near future.
+"Don't try this one," Harry said, pointing to what Snape was going to brew next. + "It does nothing but cause shallow breathing. This next one doesn't work; this won't + work either…" Harry continued skimming the pages. "I haven't tried this one yet but + the one below that has disastrous results. Definitely don't try that one, ever."
+"Have you attempted using chamomile yet?" Snape asked.
+Harry groaned. "You would think that something so simple and common would at least + do no harm, wouldn't you?" he said. "But I tried it and it has a very adverse + reaction to someone with the disease. It's almost as if it was created with the + intention to react nastily to all logical solutions."
+"It probably was," Snape sighed.
+"What?" Harry asked.
+"I believe I told you my suspicions before," Snape told Harry, refilling his glass + of wine. "I firmly believe that Rookwood is behind all of this. If there's anything + he likes to do, it's to test his new creations be it on muggles or purebloods + alike."
+"All the victims are muggles, though," Harry pointed out.
+"They are," Snape replied. "Perhaps he tested this disease on wizards as well, + only to realize that it had no effect. The Dark Lord would have commended him for + such an epidemic, for sure."
+"But the Dark Lord is gone," Harry said.
+"Rookwood will always be a man of science," Snape said. "The problem is that he + has no ethical boundaries and is therefore very dangerous. He's also quite + intelligent. He knows how to hide away and how not to get caught. Remember, to the + populace, this disease seems completely natural. Only a few people suspect there to + be foul play in the mix. Therefore, no Aurors are chasing him down beyond keeping an + eye out for all loose death eaters."
+"But what does he want?" Harry asked.
+"That's the problem," Snape said, pointing his fork at Harry. "There's + nothing in particular that he wants. He merely wants to work in peace and create as + well as destroy what he can. He doesn't care for fame, money or glory. All he cares + about is opportunities and how to grab them."
+"So, how can we find him?" Harry growled.
+"I'm not sure, Harry," Snape said wearily. "And right now, it doesn't matter. The + disease is spreading, whether my theory is correct or not. Finding the madman behind + it comes second to finding a cure and we can't do both."
+"We?" Harry asked.
+"Since' we're both apparently working on this thing, we might as well join + forces," Snape said logically. "I think it would be nice to work together on + this."
+"Can we start now?" Harry asked eagerly.
+"Absolutely not," Snape reprimanded. "For the rest of the day, you will rest. I + will feed you dreamless sleep if I have to."
+Harry made a face. "It's still early."
+"Tomorrow, you may work with me," Snape told Harry. "But I require your mind to be + fresh and awake."
+"Fine," Harry said. "But then you should go to sleep at a decent time as + well."
+"Pardon?" Snape asked.
+"You reprimand me just fine," Harry pointed out. "But you look like you haven't + gotten all that much sleep lately, either."
+For a moment, Snape seemed taken aback but then he smiled. "As you say, + apprentice," he said. "Tomorrow then. Bright and early."
+"As the sun rises," Harry sighed.
+I know some of you have been dying for some more interaction between our two + protagonists so here it is! I hope it satisfies you until tomorrow. Please don't + forget to leave me a review. Five more chapters to come!
+You guys are the best! I know that many of you have been speculating about the + cure and its origins. This chapter will have most of the answers. I hope you'll all + be pleased with the results. Thanks for all your reviews! The same to the guests I + couldn't reply to. Enjoy!
+Chapter 43
+Both Snape and Harry had turned in rather early, both eager to get started on + their collaboration but not wanting to break their promise to the other.
+If Harry was entirely honest with himself, he needed this. He needed to get a full + night's rest as much as he needed that large breakfast spread he woke up to the next + morning.
+It was barely the crack of dawn but Harry hadn't felt as well-rested in a long + time. Snape was already up and sitting at the breakfast table, feeding Hedwig some + bacon strips. When he saw Harry, he motioned for the boy to take a seat next to him. + Harry complied easily and hungrily stacked his plate with pancakes.
+"Good morning, Harry," Snape said as he helped himself to some more healthy + choices like toast and fruits.
+"Good morning, dad. Good morning, Hedwig," Harry replied. Hedwig hopped over and + nipped Harry's finger affectionately. Harry stroked her feathers, smiling as he + reconnected to his familiar.
+"Have you been helping Severus in the lab, girl?" he asked her. Hedwig ruffled her + feathers angrily and hooted once. Harry frowned at Snape.
+"I didn't normally take her advice," Snape said easily as he sipped his tea. "Your + owl seems to believe that she knows potions better than I do." Hedwig hooted again + but looked away. Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
+At that moment, there was a tapping sound at the window and Snape got up to allow + the two awaiting owls entry. One of them carried with him the daily prophet. Snape + paid the owl to receive the paper and it was off again without even waiting for some + food or water. The second owl, however, flew over to Harry's chair, landed on top of + it – much to Hedwig's dismay – and extended its foot.
+"And who do you belong to?" Harry asked the Ural owl that simply hooted in reply. + Harry had never seen one in real life before. He accepted the letter and offered the + owl some of his breakfast. There was plenty to go around anyway. Hedwig fluffed her + feathers as she stared menacingly at the newcomer but the Ural simply ignored her as + it dunked its beak into a bowl of water.
+The letter was sealed by a wax sign of a black eagle perching in an oak tree. Not + knowing what this meant, Harry opened the letter and read the contents.
+Esteemed potioneer Harry Potter,
+We contact you in regards to the Magic Muggle Potion you have + invented a few months ago. We were quite intrigued, reading about it in the practical + potioneer but still have many questions regarding the concoction. Therefore, we would + like to request a meeting with you at a time that suits you.
+As we understand it, you are naturally quite busy at the moment but + if you could kindly fit us into your schedule somewhere in the near future, that + would be most agreeable.
+H. Spilogaster
+The German guild of theoretical and practical potioneering and + alchemical solutions.
+Harry practically rolled his eyes at the letter. He did not want to get into + this right now.
+"Who sent it?" Snape asked, his eyes not leaving the daily prophet.
+"The potioneer guild in Germany," Harry replied sounding absolutely bored. + "They want to meet about the Magic Muggle potion as if I have the –"
+Snape looked up from the prophet as he regarded Harry. The boy was holding the + parchment mid-crumple but had frozen his movements. "Harry?"
+"I am an idiot," Harry mumbled.
+"What makes you say that?" Snape asked, intrigued.
+"The Magic Muggle potion!" Harry all but shouted. "Don't you see? + That's why Alex didn't get sick yet! That could be the catalyst to + curing this disease!"
+Snape groaned and slapped himself on the forehead. "It's painfully obvious when + you say it like that," he said. "Merlin, how could I have been so blind? The illness + has no effect on wizard folk. The potion must have reacted with his innate magic + enough to give him the same protection!"
+"Sleep-deprivation got us both, it would seem," Harry said. "Let's go brew it + right away."
+"Of course," Snape agreed. Harry sent off the Ural owl without a reply and hurried + down the stairs to the potions lab, following closely behind Snape. Before they could + close the door, Hedwig flew in as well and casually landed on her perch, looking just + a tad too pleased with herself.
+"You know this potion better than I do," Snape told Harry. "Go ahead and brew it. + I will prepare your ingredients."
+Harry paused for a moment to stare at Snape incredulously. Did Severus Snape – one + of the greatest Potions Masters of his time – just offer to be second violin to + Harry's first? Just like that?
+"Would you cease your gawking and get started?" Snape admonished. "You just had a + breakthrough teetering on the edge of an epiphany. Do something with it." Hedwig + hooted her agreement. Harry just snorted and got to work.
+He filled his cauldron with water and got the fire started at exactly the right + intensity. By the time he had selected the appropriate stirring rod, Snape had + already prepared the first ingredients Harry would need.
+"If this works, we might need to contact Ms Lovegood about supplying us with more + dirigible plums," Snape said as he was slicing one to ribbons.
+"If this works," Harry replied, "I'm sure that she would be happy to give us every + last one she has."
+They brewed together in record time without Hedwig making even one comment. They + worked like a well-oiled machine together and even though there was much at stake, + Harry had rarely felt as content as he did at that moment. Glancing at Snape a couple + of times, he was pretty sure that the man felt the same way. Harry couldn't help but + reminisce about his very first Potions class and how disastrous that had gone. He + snorted at the thought of that Snape knowing how things would end up.
+"It looks as it should," Snape suddenly said. Harry nearly jumped out of his skin + when he noticed Snape's close proximity but he was able to hold himself together.
+"Yes," he agreed. "This is the Magic Muggle potion. Now we have to see if it will + work or not."
+"Then I suggest we go, immediately," Snape said, already bottling some of the + concoction and putting the rest in a stasis field to tend to later.
+They hurried towards Alex's home in silence, ignoring the rays of the sun that + were harsh enough to cause the sky to shimmer. Conditions that weren't good for the + ill.
+They didn't even need to knock. Maya must have seen them coming from afar since + she opened the door before they even reached the threshold. Her expression held + something akin to both hope and fear.
+"You look hopeful," she said in a sort of weary excitement.
+"There's no time," Snape told her as he rushed past her. "We'll explain + later."
+Harry followed Snape, glancing at Maya as he went but she made no attempt to stop + them. Instead, she closed the door and rushed over to the sitting room where Alex + probably was.
+Snape barged into the bedroom as if he owned the place and crouched down at the + bed that stood against the wall, facing the window. Harry stepped inside as well and + gasped at the sight of Emma. The poor woman, who had been so full of life at + Christmas, was now skin and bones. Her eyes were sunken in and her skin had an + unhealthy grey tone to it. Her hair had lost all sheen and virility and was now + limply framing her face. When she extended her hand in Snape's direction, Harry could + see it tremble before Snape grabbed it. And yet, she smiled.
+"Hello Severus," she greeted with a hoarse voice. "How kind of you to come and + bring Harry along."
+"There's no time for chit-chat," Snape said as he uncorked the vial.
+"No, there never is with you," Emma chuckled weakly. "What have you brought for me + today?"
+"Hopefully," Snape replied as he helped Emma to sit up, "a cure."
+"That would be lovely," Emma sighed. She was too weak to hold onto the potion + itself but Snape lifted it to her lips and helped her drink it until she finished the + last drop. He then gave her some water to wash away the taste. Harry noticed that her + sheets were flecked with blood but Snape had taken notice as well and had waved his + wand to get rid of the substance.
+They waited a few minutes to allow the potion to work before Snape took out his + wand and cast a diagnostic charm on Emma. Harry stood next to him to read the + magically conjured parchment alongside Snape. The results were… not as they would + have hoped.
+"Don't look so depressed," Emma said kindly. "You did your best."
+"This doesn't make sense," Harry insisted. "It worked for Alex. Why wouldn't + it-"
+"We're close to figuring this out, Emma," Snape said, interrupting Harry. "You'll + see us soon. Hang in there, alright?"
+"I'll try," Emma said weakly. "But don't wait too long, alright?"
+Snape clasped her hand between both of his in a moment of comfort before gently + putting it down and motioned for Harry to come with him. Alex and Maya were already + waiting for them downstairs. The hope in their expressions broke Harry's heart. He + had been sure that this was the solution. And it wasn't. It was enough to drive + anyone into desperation.
+"Join me in the sitting room," Snape said and he walked in without even waiting + for a reply. Maya and Alex exchanged a glance and Harry couldn't help but think that + if this could all end well, those two would be closer than ever. Alex might not even + call Maya insane anymore.
+"What do you want to tell me?" Alex asked in a quivering voice. "Do you want me to + stop hoping? Will you tell me that it's too late? That you tried everything? Because + I won't accept that!"
+Harry noticed that Alex didn't look so good either. He too had clearly lost a lot + of weight in a short amount of time. There were dark bags under his eyes and he was + constantly fidgeting nervously.
+"Alex," Snape said and Harry couldn't help but wonder when exactly Snape had + stopped saying 'Alexander'. "We did try everything we could. We thought that we + finally had it but it didn't work."
+"I can't figure out why though," Harry said, biting his thumb. "If it worked for + Alex –"
+"What?" Alex asked. "What worked for me?"
+Snape sighed as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "The potion you drank in order + to fly a broom," Snape told him. "It was probably what made you resistant to the + disease in the first place."
+Alex jumped up at that. "Then why won't it work on her?"
+"It would appear that it works as a preventive measure," Snape explained calmly. + "But it doesn't have any healing properties."
+"Can't you just add some healing herbs to it?" Alex asked unwittingly.
+"It doesn't work like that," Snape explained with a patience he would never show + in class. "All potions rely on the perfection of their composition quite heavily. + Adding one more ingredient could render the whole thing useless. This is true even + more so in this particular potion since it relies heavily on the use of innate + magic."
+Maya sighed. "It's a shame that we don't know the whereabouts of the staff of + Caduceus," she said hopelessly. "The book described it as being able to integrate + healing properties into any potion."
+"The staff of Hermes?" Harry asked. "Wasn't that just a myth?"
+Maya smiled weakly. "If you'll remember the first lesson we had together," she + said, "you'll remember that some of those myths were based on truth. Even Pythagoras + wielded the staff at some point."
+Snape got out of his chair so quickly that it toppled over.
+"Severus?" Harry asked. "What's wrong?"
+"Maya, you might have just saved your sister's life," Snape said excitedly. + "Harry, come along right now."
+"But where –"
+Snape didn't give Harry any time to finish his sentence. He just grabbed him by + the wrist and all but dragged him behind him. Without so much as a farewell or + warning, Snape spun on his heel and with a loud crack, the pair of them + disapparated.
+The surprise apparition was enough to force Harry onto his knees as soon as they + landed. Snape didn't give him the time to recover, though. Instead, he dragged Harry + to his feet and led the boy behind him.
+"There's no time for that now," Snape said as he took some hasty strides.
+Harry leaned on Snape's arm until the world stopped spinning and looked up to see + where they were. They had landed right in front of the pyramid that was the base of + the potions guild.
+"Why are we here?" Harry asked.
+"You still didn't figure it out?" Snape asked as he started climbing the steps. + "The staff Maya was talking about. The one that's described in the book the Weasley + twins procured for me. It's hanging in these very halls!"
+"It's what?" Harry asked incredulously.
+"You were probably too nervous to notice last time, but it's right here. The staff + of Caduceus otherwise know as the staff of Hermes. It has been an heirloom to the + guild for a very long time, gifted to us by Pythagoras himself."
+"And you didn't think to use it before?" Harry asked, already panting as he was + climbing the stairs. He wondered why they couldn't just apparate directly to the top. + How did all of those old men do this?
+"It can't heal diseases by itself," Snape explained, not out of breath in the + least. "As Maya said, it can provide healing properties to any potion without + disrupting its harmony. Don't you see? This is perfect!"
+They reached the top. The door was closed but Snape was able to open it with a + mere touch of his palm and a hissed password. The door swung inward with a soft + keening and Snape swept inside. Harry followed to see the staff hanging on the wall + in plain sight. Right next to a shield that looked like a Gryphon, bracing itself + with its wings. Perhaps he had seen it before.
+Snape lifted the staff from the wall and Harry half-expected the ceiling to cave + in or for boobytraps to spring into action but none of that happened.
+"Anyone can just take it?" Harry asked incredulously.
+"Anyone that's been anointed in the guild," Snape replied impatiently. "Now come + on, there's no time to lose."
+Together, they swept out of the guildhall again, climbed down the stony steps and + apparated as soon as they could. This time, Harry was prepared and did not + falter.
+"Won't Lovegood notice it's gone?" Harry asked as they hurried into their + house.
+"He will have received a notification that I took it right about now," Snape told + Harry. "But I'm quite certain that he will be most pleased if this works. Using the + staff should not put a dent in that victory. After all, it's what Hermes intended + when he created this artefact in the first place."
+When they stumbled back into the lab, they inadvertently woke up Hedwig who looked + at them with a reprimanding look on her face. She fluffed her feathers but made no + sound as she was suddenly distracted by the golden gleam of the staff.
+"It is quite fortunate that we decided to leave the rest of the potion for later," + Snape said. "Or we would have to brew the whole thing over again."
+Harry stood there somewhat forlornly when Snape swivelled to look at him. "Well?" + he asked. "What are you waiting for? Draw your alchemical circle."
+Harry sprung into action at once, grabbed some of the chalk that was stowed away + in the desk and started drawing. Snape was watching him intently but didn't seem to + take any action of his own. As if he knew what Harry was thinking, he spoke up.
+"You're the one who created the potion," he said. "That's why it has to be you who + alters it. If we don't do it like this, the artefact might not respond as we wish it + to. And I'd rather not try again simply because we were too hasty."
+"Understood," Harry said. When he finished the last intricate rune that was a part + of the circle, he got up, removed the stasis that was on the cauldron and accepted + the staff from Snape. It was quite heavy and unwieldy. It felt warm to the touch and + while they were standing in the containment field, it seemed to want to reach out to + the potion.
+Harry could see white and golden threads of innate magic coming from the staff and + licking the blue threads that exuded from the Magic Muggle potion as if they were + nothing but a mist. He could hear the sound of bells and got the vague impression + that something was talking to him. Guiding him.
+'Reach out,' something inside of him said. 'Reach out with your own + source and I shall comply.'
+Harry looked at Snape to see if the man had heard the same thing he had but he was + simply regarding Harry with great interest.
+Harry let go of the staff with one hand and tried to focus his innate magic into + it, as he had done many times before. Long strips of what seemed to be white ribbons + materialised into thin air and Harry used them, nay, guided them to grab hold of the + golden tendrils and directed them to come into contact with the blue mist.
+He weaved the different magics together as if they were a tapestry that needed + completing. He tried to find the natural balance between them and listened as the + staff seemed to direct him. It was a draining experience, but one that felt + absolutely wholesome. He knew that this was right. And when the potion began to shine + with a golden sheen, Harry realized that it was complete. He cut the golden tendrils + carefully and allowed them to settle where they were ingrained.
+"I think it has been done," Harry told Snape. The man was staring at him with + something that resembled awe. It looked entirely foreign on the Potions Master's + face.
+"There's no time for praise or questions," Harry told Snape evenly, though he felt + the quiver of excitement still present in his voice. "We have to get this potion to + Emma."
+"As you say," Snape said, his gravelly voice grounding Harry once more. "Fill a + vial and put a stasis on the rest of it."
+"Yes sir," Harry complied. He carefully measured one portion, not spilling a drop + in the process, and charmed the vial to keep it from breaking for good measure. He + pocketed the potion and raced up the stairs.
+"Let's go!" he called unnecessarily because Snape was right behind him. The staff + lay forgotten in the lab.
+For the second time that day, they raced to Alex's home, the new and improved + potion in Harry's pocket. Once more, Maya opened the door before they could even + reach the threshold and as before, they raced up the stairs without even + acknowledging Maya's presence. This time though, Alex was standing next to her, a + hopeful expression on his face as he watched the two potioneers climb the stairs + towards his wife.
+When they barged in the door, they found Emma still awake, looking at them with + eyes that were much too bright, a small trickle of blood coming from the corner of + her mouth.
+"Twice in one day?" she asked weakly. "You pamper me too much."
+Snape took a handkerchief out of his pocket and used it to gently dab away the + blood on Emma's face. He then grabbed the potion Harry handed to him and showed it to + Emma1; "Drink this, if you will," he said importantly.
+"This better not be poison," Emma chuckled softly.
+"Don't play coy right now," Snape growled. "There'll be plenty of time for that + later."
+"Oh Severus, you always know what to say," Emma said, smiling weakly. But Snape's + glare caused her to acquiesce. She allowed Snape to help her sit up and bring the + vial to her mouth. The potion was surrounded by a golden sheen that Harry would bet + would glow in the dark. As Emma drank, that same golden sheen seemed to envelop her + body. Snape had to help her steady the vial as she almost gave up drinking halfway + but the Potions Master wouldn't let her.
+When the vial was empty to the very last drop, Snape and Harry watched Emma + carefully, waiting for that golden glow to disappear. When it finally did, Snape took + out his wand and cast the diagnostic spell once more, Harry hovering next to him, as + he read the results.
+And there you have it. I won't say much more at this point. Do let me know
+ what you thought, if you can.
+ Four chapters to go.
I'm terribly sorry about the cliffhanger everyone! I really didn't think it + was that bad but clearly I was mistaken. It's a good thing that I was still planning + on updating today, isn't it? Thank you all for your large amount of reviews! I am + shocked but in a good way. Enjoy the next chapter!
+Chapter 44
+Snape and Harry both stared at the piece of magically produced paper as the + results made themselves known. Even when the quill stopped writing, there was a pause + in which neither wizard knew what to say. To Harry's mortification, he could feel the + onset of tears in his eyes as he looked at the results.
+"Another failure is it?" Emma asked. There wasn't even disappointment in her voice + and Harry realized that she had lost all hope.
+"My apologies, Emma," Snape said plainly. "But for once, you are incorrect. It + worked."
+"Excuse me?" Emma asked.
+"The potion has taken effect nicely," Snape told her again. "There is no more + trace of the illness. In fact, some pre-emptive healing has already been done."
+"Severus," Emma said, "I know you're new to making jokes, but this is a rather bad + time to start with it."
+Snape chuckled and sat on the edge of Emma's bed, showing her the parchment.
+"Look here," he told her. "These fluctuating values show me that your body had + begun its healing process. And the blank space beneath it indicates a lack of foreign + intruders. The disease is gone."
+"Do you mean –" Emma choked, "- I'm not going to die?"
+Snape actually cracked a smile. "You are not," he said kindly. "As long as you + manage to stay in bed for another two weeks or so while your body heals. You are + still severely weakened and your organs need time to recuperate."
+Then, Snape looked at Harry to find him looking a bit shellshocked. "Harry?" he + asked carefully.
+"It worked?" Harry asked. "It actually worked?"
+"The staff of Caduceus is a powerful artefact," Snape explained. "The combination + of it with your potion was truly a stroke of genius if I do say so myself."
+Harry couldn't help the giant grin that spread on his lips. They made a cure. They + really made a cure!
+"We have to go tell everyone!" Harry suddenly exclaimed. "Maya and Alex must be + worried sick!"
+"That would be a fine idea," Snape agreed. "Why don't you call them up here?"
+That's exactly what Harry did. He exited the bedroom and positioned himself on top + of the stairs. When he looked down, he saw Maya and Alex looking up at him with worry + in their eyes.
+"Could you two come up here?" Harry asked. "Something important happened!"
+Maya and Alex glanced at each other for one moment before they both bounded up the + stairs, slipping past Harry as they entered the bedroom.
+"What happened?" Alex asked as he hurriedly grabbed Emma's hand. "Is it bad? Oh + God, no. Please don't let it be bad. Is it good? Did you make some progress?"
+Snape handed Maya the diagnostic parchment with a smile and addressed his best + friend. "Alex," he said importantly. "Emma will be fine. We found the cure. It + worked."
+"It – it did?" Alex stammered. "Do you mean it?"
+"Why do people assume that I would make light of a situation such as this?" Snape + asked annoyedly. "Yes, I mean it. She simply needs to take the potions I will provide + and keep to the bed for another fortnight."
+"Severus," Maya then said. Harry noticed that the parchment in her hands was + trembling. She glanced between Emma and Snape several times before enthusiastically + throwing her arms around Snape's neck and kissing him wildly. "You did it!" she + exclaimed. "You really did it!"
+"Well," Snape said as he recovered from Maya's attack. "I need to give credit + where credit is due. This was actually Harry's creation. All I did was get the staff. + Harry did all the work."
+"You did?" Maya asked incredulously.
+Harry grinned as he held his hands up defensively. "You're welcome," he said, + afraid that Maya might assault him much as she had Snape. "It's fine really."
+There was no way he could've stopped her short of using magic. Maya threw herself + at Harry, embraced him tightly and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. "You are + absolutely brilliant," she told him.
+"I learned from the best," Harry pointed out embarrassedly.
+"I think it's time we left Emma and Alex in peace," Snape said. "All of this + excitement would still be too much for Emma to handle. Besides, I believe that we + need to make our way to St Mungo's rather urgently."
+"Oh, of course," Harry said. "I can't wait to see the look on chief Lovegood's + face."
+"Severus," Alex said as he stopped Snape from leaving by grabbing his robes. + "Thank you. Thank you so much. I will always be indebted to you after this."
+"Think nothing of it," Snape told Alex. "That's what friends are for."
+When Snape and Harry flooed into St Mungo's, it was rather telling how little + attention was paid to them. Even with Snape holding a rather obvious staff and Harry + being – well – Harry, no one so much as glanced at them as they all hurried about, + tending to the needs of the next victim.
+"Let's go to chief Lovegood's office," Harry told Snape, already hurrying to make + his way there. "He's usually in there nowadays."
+Snape followed closely behind his apprentice as they dodged and weaved past nurses + and concerned relatives of patients alike.
+"I wonder what the practical potioneer will have to say about this," Harry mumbled + while they were walking.
+Snape snorted. "The practical potioneer? Your face will probably be on the front + page of every newspaper in existence."
+Harry chuckled. "Nothing I'm not used to, I suppose."
+When they reached Lovegood's office, they barged in without even knocking to find + the chief hunched over his desk, scribbling away furiously. He did look up when the + two potioneers shut the door. His eyes shifted to the staff in Snape's hand and his + lips formed into a thin line.
+"Severus, Mr Potter," he greeted. "I am eagerly awaiting your explanation for + taking one of our most prized artefacts."
+"My apprentice used it to create the cure you require," Snape said evenly as if he + was describing the weather. "I take it that our measures will be excused once you + witness the results?"
+Lovegood eyed both younger wizards critically before lowering his gaze to the + potion in Harry's hand.
+"You are certain?" he asked. "This will work?"
+"It will," Harry said confidently. "The effect is instantaneous. Not only that but + after taking this potion, the muggle in question will be immune to the disease for + the rest of their lives."
+"I will believe it when I see it," Lovegood said. He got up from his chair and + motioned for the two potioneers to follow him. They did as they were told and noticed + that Lovegood was leading them to the medical wing that held all of the diseased + muggles they had been able to round up so far.
+They looked absolutely miserable. Not only were they clearly suffering because of + the disease, but they were also separated from their families and friends, having + been practically abducted by people with powers they had never deemed possible.
+Harry had noticed that the nurses had tried putting muggles who knew each other + together but more often than not, the sick individuals were alone. Some of the + patients were mere children. And while they adapted a lot better to the discovery + that magic was a real thing, they did not cope with the fact that they were left all + alone very well.
+The nurses and staff were doing the best they could to appease the frayed nerves + of the muggles present, but their words proved to be of little comfort to the + suffering mass.
+"I assume this portion was measured for an adult?" Lovegood asked.
+"Yes," Harry replied as his eyes were still scanning the enormous number of + muggles.
+They walked to the back of the wing where the oldest and therefore most critical + of the patients were stationed.
+"Mr Williams," Lovegood said, addressing an elderly looking man who was clearly in + a bad way but was still trying his best to glare at his visitors. "We believe that we + have produced a cure for your ailments."
+"Go pour it down someone else's throat," Mr Williams said gruffly with as much + strength as he could muster. "I'm an old man, anyway."
+"I assure you that if this works, we will administer the cure to the other + patients as well," Lovegood promised. "But since you're by far the most critical of + patients, I insist that you drink the potion."
+"I don't need your hocus pocus," Mr Williams growled. "I don't believe in any of + this. Why won't you just bring me to a real hospital, already?"
+"Drink the potion, Mr Williams," Lovegood urged. "I promise you that we're merely + trying to help. You would be dead within a day if we brought you to one of your + regular hospitals."
+The elderly muggle allowed his eyes to roam from Lovegood to Snape – who was + looking decidedly disinterested – and Harry, who imagined there was something akin to + pity in his eyes.
+"Fine," Mr Williams said. "I'll drink it. But just this once."
+"Once will suffice," Snape said easily.
+The man drank the potion with the help of a pretty nurse and marvelled at the glow + that seemed to emanate from his hands as he watched it take effect.
+"Interesting," Lovegood said as he watched. When the glow finally subsides, Snape + spoke again.
+"You can cast your diagnostic charm now, Caratacus," he said. "You'll find that + we've spoken the truth."
+Lovegood glanced at Snape and Harry one last time before casting the spell and + reading the parchment that came into existence. Harry noticed that Mr Williams + appeared rather fearful at the sight of the magically conjured item and hoped that + the ministry would be able to send enough Aurors here to obliviate everyone when this + was all over.
+"I can't believe it," Lovegood said after rereading the parchment several times + over. "Mr Williams is cured. There is no more trace of the illness."
+"I never realized before how much you doubt my word, Caratacus," Snape said. "I + believe I should show some kind of dislike in regard to that realisation."
+"Oh, would you stop, Severus?" Lovegood snarled. "Even I couldn't make a cure. + Forgive me if I was doubtful that a mere apprentice might succeed where I didn't. Are + you certain that you had nothing to do with it?"
+"All I did was retrieve the staff," Snape said honestly. "The potion is a variant + of one Harry has created a while ago. It all makes sense if you think about it."
+Lovegood glanced at Mr Williams and the other patients that had grown still and + were listening in by now. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion in my office. I + assume you have the time?"
+"Not too long, though," Harry said. "We need to start brewing a great deal more of + the potion. And I doubt there are enough dirigible plums here to brew what we + need."
+"Yes, my brother is sure to have a large supply of the things simply lying + around," Lovegood said. "But, dirigible plums? You simply must explain to me where + those come in…"
+The conversation in Lovegood's office had not been about much more than Harry + sharing the recipe and explaining where the staff came in and how to ingrain the + magic from it. Unfortunately for Lovegood, the creation of this potion required a + great deal of skill that could not be expected to be had by any of the interns + currently working at St Mungo's, save for Harry, of course.
+Not only that, but most of the resident brewers that had been left were not + capable of brewing this complicated draught at all. This meant that Snape was briefly + enlisted – with the promise of a very nice salary – to assist Harry with brewing the + Magic Muggle potion. They were moved into lab nine for this since John would merely + get in the way of their alchemical circles. And for a brief instant, even Caratacus + Lovegood himself came to assist with the creation of this cure.
+The muggles were starting to get better and the ones that were completely cured + were brought home by an Auror who obliviated the patient and their families as well + as all the concerned parties in the direct vicinity of said muggles to make it seem + as if they never left in the first place. Suffice to say that this was an endeavour + of epic proportions that not only called for an increase in working hours in every + Auror's day but also proved to be quite an expensive endeavour to the ministry of + magic that was forced to cover the costs of both the stay of the muggles in St + Mungo's as well as their reassertion into their everyday life.
+Thus, the minister was forced to increase taxes which was met with much anger and + resentment towards the ministry, not only because of the increase in costs but also + because of the minister's ineptitude that was the cause of the epidemic in the first + place. After all, had they caught all the Death Eater's by now, this would probably + never have happened.
+Many of the pureblood families were simply upset by the fact that the minister was + stepping in to help the muggles in the first place – using their hard-earned money to + do so - rather than having them fend for themselves. All in all, the truth was that + no one was no longer happy with the man and so, he was forced to resign by the time + that most muggles had finally been cured.
+That day was a happy day for Harry but it had absolutely nothing to do with the + political consequences that went on in the background. After all, he couldn't care + less.
+No, in fact, he had just finished what would probably be the last batch of the + Magic Muggle potion and he was expected in Lovegood's office. Wiping his hands but + unable to rid them of all the potion stains he had received here in St Mungo's, he + watched the completed potion in the last cauldron he had been brewing in with a + forlorn smile. Snape had stopped helping a week ago. After all, he needed to be back + at Hogwarts to make his final preparations for the start of the new school year.
+It was over. Harry tossed the rag on the long table in the middle of the lab and + made his way to Lovegood's office. On his way there, he stuck his head into lab + seven. His lab, where John was working on what appeared to be tissue + restorative draughts.
+"Hello, John," Harry greeted as he leaned against the doorframe.
+"Harry," John greeted. He seemed to be somewhat upset.
+"Is something the matter?" Harry asked, wondering how anyone could be upset at a + time like this.
+John sighed and turned around. "It's nothin', lad," he said. "It's simply been no + fun fur this auld chap to be brewin' by 'imself, you understand?"
+"I'm sorry, John," Harry said. "I didn't mean to leave you here by yourself. But I + needed to work with alchemical circles and the wrong kind of influence could have + ruined the whole thing."
+"Aye lad, ah understand," John replied. "That dinnae mean that ah 'ave ter like + it, though."
+"You'll see plenty of me starting tomorrow," Harry said. "I'll be back to brewing + the regular potions, no doubt. And I still have something else I need to work on, as + well."
+"Busy as ever, are ye?" John chuckled. "Ah'll be lookin' forward to it, lad."
+"Me too," Harry said. "I have to go now. Lovegood asked for me."
+"Course he did," John grumbled. "Off ye go then. Go on." He waved a cloth in + Harry's direction who waved at the old apprentice and took off.
+As he walked towards Lovegood's office, he noticed just how calm the hospital was + in regards to a week ago. There were a lot fewer patients and Aurors present now and + the most urgent cases were back to being accidental transformations and splicing. + Harry never thought he could be so happy to see a nurse fuss over a wizard with a + large chunk of his shoulder missing. Trying not to smile too much, he finally entered + Lovegood's office who was arranging some papers before tossing them in the bin.
+"Ah, Harry," Lovegood greeted jovially. "Take a seat, would you? Did you want a + nice cuppa?"
+"That sounds lovely," Harry agreed, easily lowering himself into the most + comfortable chair Lovegood owned, besides his own. "What did you call me here for, + Caratacus?"
+Lovegood conjured a teapot, two cups and a tray of biscuits before taking a seat + across from Harry and filling Harry's teacup before getting to his own.
+"If you'll remember, I offered a reward to anyone who was able to create the cure + for this horrible illness," he said, to the point as ever.
+"I remember," Harry said smartly. "A large sum of money and your promise that you + would help me in creating a potion to cure dementia."
+Lovegood sighed. "Is that what you were doing back then? Well, a promise + given is a promise kept."
+"While I appreciate that you feel this way, I wonder if you were willing to + bargain?" Harry asked, adding some honey to his tea.
+Lovegood quirked an eyebrow in amusement. "And what is it that you wish to change + in our agreement?" he asked. "I thought I was being rather generous."
+"Oh, very much so," Harry agreed. "But I find that I do not need such a large sum + of money, nor do I want it."
+"No?" Lovegood asked, sipping his own tea. "Do tell. There's hardly anything I + could refuse you at this point."
+Harry grabbed a biscuit before leaning back and meeting Lovegood's gaze with a + serious look of his own. "I want your vote in the council," he said matter-of-factly. + "I wish to be anointed as a Master and I do believe that I have earned the right, + wouldn't you agree?"
+Lovegood smirked as he too leaned back. "Are you certain that you're not a + Slytherin?" he asked.
+Harry leaned forward as if he was about to tell Lovegood a secret and smiled. + "Don't tell anyone but I really am. I simply tricked the sorting hat as well as + Gryffindor house to think I was a Gryffindor. But I was actually a Slytherin from the + start."
+Lovegood laughed heartily, spilling droplets of tea as he shook with glee. "My + boy, you are simply too much," he said. "But I agree with your proposed change in our + contract. I shall put the question of your Mastery to a new vote and recommend you to + each and every one of the council members."
+"I'm sure that will suffice," Harry said, smiling kindly. "But I would still + require your help with the potion."
+"By all means," Lovegood said easily. "I would be quite interested to be involved + in the process of your creations first-hand."
+"Then I suppose we have a deal," Harry said, offering his hand.
+Lovegood chuckled and shook it. "You have surprised me, Harry Potter," he said. + "At first I thought there was nothing special about you but your name and scar but + you have proven yourself many times over."
+"Thank you, sir," Harry said, feeling himself flush. "That means a lot."
+"Now if you could show me what you have come up with so far, I'll happily take a + look at your potion with you."
+"I hoped you might say that," Harry said. He waved his wand and a few pieces of + parchment appeared out of thin air. It was a charm John had taught him at some point + when he saw just what a mess his stack of papers was becoming. He grabbed the notes + he had made thus far and showed them to Lovegood.
+"Before I was forced to quit my experiments, I was thinking of using pansy petals + as the catalyst for this potion," he said.
+"That makes a lot of sense," Lovegood told him. "Pansy flowers have been known to + be good for the memory. Did you consider using shavings of unicorn horn as well?"
+"Of course," Harry said. "And I was wondering if I could attempt to use the staff + for this potion as well."
+"I would gladly lend it to you, Harry," Lovegood said amiably. "But it's a + courtesy I will not be granting you too often. Do keep in mind that it's a valuable + artefact and heirloom to the guild. Other brewers may have use for it."
+"I will make sure not to wear out your patience," Harry chuckled. "I merely wish + to use it, just this once."
+"You're quite inventive, do you realize that?" Lovegood said as he refilled his + cup. "Have you always tackled your duties with such intensity?"
+"Not at all," Harry chuckled. "But I did have some madman after me before. And + besides, I have someone I want to make proud now."
+"Your Master?" Lovegood asked.
+"My father," Harry replied, smiling softly.
+Only three more chapters to go! for those who want a say in the matter, I have + three ideas on what to write after I'm done with TPM. I posted the first chapter of + each idea on my discord channel with a pol underneath it for people to vote what they + would prefer to see next. The link to the discord is on my profile.
+In any case, please do send a review my way. Oh, it pleases me so. *Happy + grin*
+I know I said I wasn't going to update in the weekends anymore, but you have + all been so great with reviewing this last week that I couldn't help myself. So, as a + big thank you to everyone, here's the chapter somewhat earlier. You might find it to + be a poisoned gift, though...
+Chapter 45
+It was impossible to truly recognise what time it was when one was brewing in the + St Mungo's laboratories since the torches burnt magically all day long and there was + no window to indicate the position of any of the celestial bodies. Therefore, Harry + relied solely on the growling of his stomach to indicate just when it was time for + lunch, though it was not always accurate.
+When another loud growl elicited a chuckle from chief Lovegood, Harry grinned + sheepishly. "Perhaps it's time for us to get some lunch?" he asked slyly.
+"A fine idea," Lovegood said. "Our minds don't work all that well on an empty + stomach."
+"Do you want to join us, John?" Harry asked politely.
+"Nay, Harry," John replied. "Ah wouldn't dream of getting' in the way of yer + complicated discussions. Ye'd best get on without me."
+"If you say so," Harry said, shaking his head bemusedly. Come to think of it, he + had never seen John eat in the upper levels before. He always stayed downstairs, + eating what little food he brought. Despite his outgoing nature towards Harry, the + man really did seem to appreciate his solitude. Harry could respect that.
+As they sat in the courtyard, the two potioneers couldn't help but discuss the + project they were currently working on. And even though Harry knew that he had roped + Lovegood into doing this with some Slytherin tactics of sorts, he could tell that the + older Master was actually enjoying himself. He imagined that it was a rather welcome + distraction from the normal office work he normally had to do.
+"I think that we should try adding some tears of Mnemosyne," Harry said as he + munched on a piece of toast. "I know what you're going to say. It's too expensive. + But I honestly couldn't care less."
+"Harry, we've been over this –"
+"So, St Mungo's won't fund any potions to do with mental illness. I get it. But I + could at least pay for the ingredient myself."
+"Why are you so insistent on creating this potion?" Lovegood asked. "You never did + tell me what sparked your sudden interest. Is it because of someone in the + family?"
+"Not family," Harry said. "It's to help one of my friends."
+"You know, Harry, it's not a good idea to allow your personal feelings to guide + your progress," Lovegood said importantly though he looked less so with jam on his + cheek.
+Harry snorted. "It's how I've made my best creations," he said, "The cure to the + dissolving sweats being one of them."
+Lovegood sighed. "Severus did warn me that you tend to give your emotions free + rein," he said.
+Harry rolled his eyes but smiled. "As much as I appreciate you two discussing the + subject of me, I assure you that he worries too much."
+"A young man like yourself needs to be worried about," Lovegood said, buttering a + new piece of toast. "Otherwise, you'll run yourself ragged."
+"If it's to help my friends, I'll do anything," Harry said easily. "Besides, I + have been taking it easier. Look, I'm eating." As if to demonstrate, he + shoved just a few too many apple slices into his mouth and started chewing vigorously + in annoyance with himself.
+Lovegood chuckled. "So I've noticed," he said. "So, about those tears. If you + truly think that they will help your progress, I will order them immediately."
+"I'll pay you back, sir," Harry said after he swallowed his apple slices.
+"Just this once, I will pay for them," Lovegood said. "So you'd better make them + count."
+"I promise that I will," Harry said dutifully.
+"See to it that you do," Lovegood said, pointing his toast at Harry. "Or I'll have + you scrubbing cauldrons to pay me back."
+Harry groaned. "I thought I was done with all that when I finished Hogwarts."
+"Ah, think again, young friend," Lovegood said happily. "The dishwashers are + rather cross with me because of the number of cauldrons you send over there every + day."
+"I'm sure you can scare them into submission," Harry said casually.
+"That depends on the number of cauldrons," Lovegood chuckled. "We're almost past + the point where my stern demeanour is not enough to keep them placated."
+"Oh dear," Harry said sardonically. "I suppose I'll simply need to stop brewing so + much."
+"Going home on time would help," Lovegood pointed out.
+"I will," Harry said. "As soon as I'm able to help my friend."
+"On the condition that no other friend of yours will desperately seek help + afterwards," Lovegood said cleverly.
+"Exactly!" Harry said, grinning widely. "But don't worry. I really don't have + that many friends."
+"As long as the ones that you have are good ones," Lovegood said.
+"Oh yes," Harry told him. "They are the best."
+True to his word, Lovegood had ordered ten tears of Mnemosyne right after lunch. + He had impressed in his letter that he – as the head of St Mungo's – had urgent need + of the ingredient and that he would not stand for any delays. This assured Harry that + he would have access to the ingredient by morning at the latest.
+Unfortunately, he had not been able to produce a potion with the desired results + just yet. It helped that Lovegood was with him and it was nice trying to figure the + problem out but at the same time, Harry was very aware of the trouble Draco was in at + that exact moment, so he couldn't bring himself to enjoy this collaboration too + much.
+As far as Harry could tell – despite not having a final result just yet – they had + made a lot of progress. This made him want to keep going but around eight in the + evening, Lovegood had ordered him to go home. It was hard to ignore the chief when he + was working on the same project you were so Harry had no choice but to comply.
+"Aren't you going home as well, John?" Harry asked the older man.
+"Nay," he replied. "Ah still 'ave some things that need completin'."
+Harry frowned but said nothing. He just grabbed his things and left. Lately, John + was becoming more and more closed off and Harry wondered if this had anything to do + with the attention he was getting from Lovegood. Sure, Harry didn't speak with John + all that often anymore but it's not like he was talkative whilst brewing anyway.
+Deciding to ask John about it in the morning, Harry went home, taking the + floo.
+When it flared to life at the house in Spinner's End, Harry had not expected to + see a half-dressed Maya sitting on the couch with Snape leaning over her in a most + provocative manner.
+"Dear Merlin!" Harry exclaimed before they had even noticed him. "Don't you have a + bedroom in which you can do this stuff?"
+"Harry!" Maya replied, hastily covering herself with a shirt that had been + carelessly thrown aside. "Er… turn around for a moment, would you?"
+Harry did as she asked but couldn't help but notice the smirk on Snape's face as + he did. "And what are you so happy about?" Harry complained. "You do realize that + your son just walked in on you, don't you?"
+Snape snorted. "You're an adult now, Harry," he replied easily. "I'm sure you + realised just what is going on in this house while you're away. And even sometimes + while you're not."
+"You can turn around now, Harry," Maya said. Harry did so carefully to find Maya + fully dressed again.
+"Weren't you supposed to be at Hogwarts?" Harry accused. "To prepare for the new + school year or something?"
+"We found ourselves ready much sooner than anticipated," Snape said easily. "And + there are too many intrusions going on at Hogwarts. Can you imagine Dumbledore + flooing into your chambers at the most inappropriate times?"
+Harry frowned. "What, like I just did?"
+"In all honesty, I didn't expect you home so soon," Snape pointed out.
+"Stop teasing him, Sev," Maya said, lightly slapping Snape on the shoulder. "Can't + you see that Harry had a long day? Harry, would you like something to eat? A cup of + tea perhaps?"
+Harry sank wearily into a chair, not even caring anymore about the awkward + situation he walked into. Snape and Maya certainly didn't seem to mind. "Dinner would + be fantastic," he said. "I'm starving."
+While Maya went to talk to Zippy about dinner, Snape straightened out his robes + and sat up a bit straighter. "Have you made any progress today?" he asked.
+"I think so," Harry said. "I feel like we're almost ready to use the staff. But + we're not there yet. I wanted to use some tears of Mnemosyne."
+Snape frowned. "That's a very expensive ingredient."
+"So I've been told," Harry said. "But if it's what's needed to help out Draco, I + don't see why we shouldn't use it. Besides, Caratacus ordered the first batch using + his own money. He said he would only do it once though."
+"That man," Snape chuckled. "His curiosity often gets the better of him but this + isn't even subtle."
+Harry shrugged. "Whatever gets me where I need to be."
+"Very Slytherin of you," Snape pointed out.
+With a pop, a plate filled to the brim with mac and cheese appeared in front of + Harry, the delicious smell causing his stomach to growl.
+"Zippy was all too happy to make you your favourite," Maya said as she re-emerged + from the kitchen. "Anyway, I think I'll leave you two boys to chat."
+"Don't leave on my account," Harry said in between bites.
+"It's not like that," Maya said. "But I need to bring my sister her latest batch + of potions and see how she's doing."
+"How is she doing?" Harry asked, suddenly ashamed that he didn't ask + earlier.
+"Much better thanks to you," Maya said happily. "Alex is watching her like a hawk, + never leaving her bedside to make sure that she doesn't relapse but she seems to be + out of the woods."
+"That's good to hear," Harry said with a release of breath.
+"I just hope the ministry doesn't take too long to catch what remains of the Death + Eaters," Maya growled. "If Severus is right, and Rookwood is behind this, it might + not take him too long to create a new disease."
+"Quite so," Snape said. "And Rookwood is definitely one to learn from his + mistakes. He would not make it so easily curable next time."
+"Where would we even begin looking, though?" Harry said.
+"Not we, Harry," Snape pointed out coldly. "They. You are not running off after + another Death Eater."
+Harry shrugged uneasily. "That's not what I meant. There's no need to get all + protective."
+"I know exactly how you think and I beg to differ," Snape replied.
+"As I said, it's not like anyone knows where to begin looking for him," Harry + said. "For all we know, he fled the continent."
+"I don't think he would do that," Snape said. "If he wants to continue his + experimentation, he will most likely not want to switch his local or control group. + That would not do in the scientific world."
+Harry ran a hand through his hair in mild exasperation and continued eating, + grumbling something inaudible under his breath.
+"I'll be off now," Maya said, breaking the sudden silence. She kissed Snape + goodbye and planted a kiss on Harry's cheek next. "Take care of yourselves," she said + before making her exit.
+"She's really growing on you, isn't she?" Harry asked after a while.
+"That should not matter to you," Snape said dryly.
+"You're parading her in front of me first thing when I get home," Harry said + cheekily. "Besides, I think it matters plenty if she might become my new mum."
+Snape cuffed Harry lightly to the back of his head, causing him to spit out some + bits of pasta. "Hey!"
+"For now, I'll ask you to not stick your nose where it doesn't belong," Snape said + in a light-hearted tone of voice. "And I'll try not to be as careless in the + rooms we share."
+"Yeah, you can't very well put a sock on the fireplace," Harry chuckled.
+"That would be most ineffective," Snape countered.
+When Harry finished two-thirds of his overly filled plate, he pushed it to the + side where it disappeared with a pop. "I wouldn't mind, you know," he said after a + while. "If she were to become… more permanent."
+"It is far too soon to discuss such matters," Snape replied. "But I'm pleased to + have received your blessing nonetheless."
+"Do you want to play a game of chess?" Harry asked. "It's been a while."
+Snape smirked. "I would love to," he replied. "But you do realize that you cannot + possibly best me."
+"I've gotten better!" Harry exclaimed in a very poor attempt to defend himself. "I + might surprise you, yet."
+"We shall see."
+Harry did not surprise Snape in the least and he had lost five consecutive games + of chess. When he lost the last one in merely ten moves, he got up and called it a + night. Even if the hecticness of the dissolving sweats was mostly over, Harry still + needed to get up early every day to begin working on his invention and his other + potions. Sometimes, he even arrived before Lovegood did.
+That's why he needed his sleep – as he now realized – and was not at all pleased + when he was awoken by some loud, unidentified noises that seemed to be coming from + downstairs.
+"Tempus," he whispered to find out that it was barely four in the morning. Too + early for Snape to be up. Suddenly, Harry was on full alert like he often had been + during the days that Voldemort was still after him. He grabbed his wand and opened + his door as quietly as possible. He thought he heard hushed voices talking to each + other. If these were some muggle burglars thinking they might have hit the jackpot, + they were going to be in for one heck of a surprise.
+Harry crept down the stairs, carefully placing his feet near the edge of each step + to try and not make them creek. As he came nearer to the sitting room – where the + voices were coming from – he could also hear the sound of someone sobbing and was + that the clipping of shears?
+Harry could feel some sweat drops run down his back and wondered when he had + become so anxious to confront unidentified assailants. Or perhaps he had never been + comfortable with the concept and he simply forgot.
+He took a deep breath, leaned against the wall and peered from behind it to try + and catch a glimpse of the intruders. What he saw nearly made him drop his wand. + While unexpected, he experienced a feeling of déjà vu as he saw Draco Malfoy sit on + the couch, in the exact same spot he had been in when Harry had found him talking to + Snape last Christmas morning.
+Snape was there this time as well, carefully measuring some bandages and cutting + them when he thought them long enough to be up to the task. Harry couldn't see much + of Draco from, where he was standing but he did see some dried blood polluting the + blonde's otherwise immaculate hair. Deciding on a different approach from the one he + had taken at Christmas, Harry stepped into the sitting room, his wand now lowered to + make himself known.
+"Draco," he said, causing two heads to swivel and look at him. Draco's cheek was + cut raggedly in three aligning lines as if he had been scratched. "What + happened?"
+Harry moved swiftly across the room to take a seat next to Draco, only to take in + the rest of his injuries. His right arm had been cut severely with what clearly had + to have been a knife. From the location where it was cut, Harry could clearly see + that Draco had used the arm to defend himself. He appeared to have a nasty head + injury as well and there were more scratches in his neck. Worst of all was the look + of despair and devastation that was present in Draco's eyes, leaving no room for + other emotions.
+"Harry, you should be in bed," Snape chided.
+"I woke up," Harry said, putting a hand on top of Draco's uninjured one since the + boy hadn't responded yet. "Was it your mother?" he asked.
+This elicited a sob from the Slytherin but he did not draw back his hand. "Yes," + he admitted hoarsely. "She didn't recognise who I was anymore. She thought I was an + intruder. I tried telling her. I – I tried reasoning with her but –"
+"She could not be reasoned with," Snape said evenly. "It is not your fault, Draco. + This is the natural progression of her condition."
+"I never expected her to become violent," Draco said in a small voice. "She never + was before."
+"I know she never wanted to hurt you, Draco," Harry said. "If she had realised who + you were to her, she wouldn't have done what she did."
+Draco hissed as Snape dabbed some disinfectant onto his wounds. "I know that," he + replied. "Rationally, I know that. But I –" He drew back his hand and buried his face + into it. "It gets harder to believe that. And I know she can't help it but sometimes + I find myself hating her for it. I'm such a horrible person."
+"You're human," Harry pointed out. "It's only natural to have that kind of + response when someone hurts you."
+"Harry," Draco croaked. "I don't know how much longer I can take this."
+"Perhaps it is time for you to take her to St Mungo's," Snape said as he mended + Draco's cuts to the best of his abilities.
+Draco laughed bitterly. "And make a mockery of what is left of the Malfoy name?" + he said. "My aunt went insane. My father thought he could become the next Dark Lord + and now I would put my mother in the loony bin? I would never be able to show my face + again. Nor could she."
+"Draco," Harry said softly. "This is killing you."
+Draco breathed a shuddering sigh and looked at Snape with tear-filled eyes. + "Please," he said. "Please help me."
+"Draco," Snape sighed, now wrapping the bandages firmly around Draco's arm, "I + don't know if –"
+But Harry had heard enough. He hadn't fully realised the urgency of the situation + before and was now practically kicking himself for coming home early when he could + have spent more time trying to figure out how to help Narcissa. How could he have + done this to his friend?
+Harry got up from his seat; transfigured his pyjamas into clothes with a flick of + his wand; walked over to the fireplace; ignored the stern voice of his father calling + him back; tossed in the floo powder and called out 'St Mungo's'. Snape might not + think that he could figure this out but he had been working on the solution with + Caratacus Lovegood by his side. They were so close, he could feel it!
+At what now was four-thirty in the morning, there weren't very many people about. + There were only two people in the waiting room and they seemed to be falling asleep + where they sat. The lights were still on but they shone very dimly. The receptionist + was minding her own business, filling out a crossword puzzle. She glanced at Harry + when he walked in but didn't even address him, knowing very well by now that the boy + worked here.
+Occasionally, a nurse would walk the corridors and enter a few rooms to administer + medicine where it needed to be dispensed but this all happened in perfect silence, + nothing but the sound of footsteps giving away that anyone was even still working at + this hour.
+And soon, Harry's own footsteps filled the ward as well as he hurried towards the + elevator. Once inside, he mashed the button to go down, knowing full well that it + didn't help in the slightest to keep pressing it, but it made him feel slightly + better all the same.
+Once downstairs, he didn't even wait for the elevator doors to fully open to dash + out and hurry towards the lab. Draco was still firmly on his mind and he wondered if + he would be able to help out his friend before he descended into madness himself.
+He had already set a few steps into the lab before realizing that the torches were + already burning. A cauldron was on the fire and a concoction that Harry did not + immediately recognise was bubbling steadily. The shutting of a cabinet door caught + Harry's attention next and he locked eyes with John who had a furious glint in his + eyes that quickly vanished when he spotted Harry.
+"John," Harry said carefully. "What are you doing here already?"
+"Ah 'aven't left yet," John replied easily. "I didnae ken tha' it was so late + already."
+Harry frowned as he glanced at the potion again. "What are you making?" he asked. + "That doesn't look like any healing potion I've ever seen."
+John cleared his throat and took a few steps towards the cauldron and + inadvertently Harry before replying. "Ah became a wee bit jealous when ah saw ye + inventin' yer own brews," he said. "Ah wanted to try me hand at me own creation."
+"And what exactly are you trying to brew?" Harry asked, taking a cautious step + back.
+John smiled kindly. "Why dinnae ye come and smell it," he said. "Ye'll find out + with tha' keen nose of yers."
+"No thank you," Harry said. "In fact, I think I forgot something. I'll be right + back." Harry turned around and was about to bolt when he suddenly couldn't move + anymore. He was able to shift his eyes just barely to notice how a greenish smoke + seemed to envelop his body, causing it to freeze where he stood.
+John sighed as he walked to face Harry. "You are much too clever for your own + good, do you know that?" he said. "It wasn't supposed to be like this. I respect you + and your talents very much, Harry Potter. But for some reason, you decided to get in + my way."
+He walked over to the bubbling cauldron, covered his nose and scooped up a fair + portion with a ladle which he then brought over to shove underneath Harry's nose.
+"It might be a tad earlier than I had envisioned but you're here now," he said. + Harry wished desperately that he could respond. That he could do something. But not + only was he paralyzed, but the potion that he was made to smell was also making him + drowsy.
+"Don't fight it," John said soothingly. "It will all be over soon."
+Whatever it was, it was too strong, and soon, Harry felt his eyes droop shut, and + his senses turn to black, no longer realising why he thought it so important to stay + awake in the first place.
+A poisoned gift indeed... I will not be updating tomorrow, just to be clear. + But you can expect the next chapter on Monday. Please do leave a review because I + would love to know how you feel about all of this.
+Two more chapters to come.
+I definitely don't regret posting on Saturday. Thank you all so very much for
+ your reviews. It's been great reading your reactions and I couldn't help but laugh
+ evilly at times.
+ Small warning. The upcoming chapter contains pain and violence.
+ Enjoy!
Chapter 46
+When Harry next woke, his body was no longer frozen. He still couldn't move, + though and when he opened his eyes he found out why that was. He was lying flat on + his back on what used to be part of the long table that ran along the middle of the + lab but was now transfigured into what seemed to be a rack. A medieval torture device + Harry knew from some of his history books. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he + thought of what the device could do.
+"I see that you're finally awake," an unfamiliar voice said. Harry shifted his + head to look in the direction the voice had come from to find an unfamiliar person + staring at him. It was a tall man who seemed to be rather old. His short hair was + mostly grey bit still showed flecks of the brown it once probably was. His eyes – + though brown – were cold and serious and showed none of the joy that his smile seemed + to emanate.
+"Who are you?" Harry asked, surprised that his voice hadn't trembled.
+"Don't you recognise me?" the man asked. "We have been brewing together for a + while now. I should hope that you wouldn't forget me after all we've been through + together."
+"John?" Harry asked, trying to shake the confusion from his still murky brain.
+"In the flesh," the man said with a small bow. "Well, not exactly, of course. + Since I'll be done here in a few hours, I don't have the need to drink that dreadful + Polyjuice potion anymore."
+Harry growled as he struggled against his bonds. But it was no use. "Who are + you?!" he shouted.
+The man laughed but his eyes still held no joy. "Shout all you want, dear friend." + He said amusedly. "I've had the common sense to cast a silencing spell on the room. + No one will hear you."
+Harry just stared at the man now, willing him to answer his question but not + wanting to ask it again.
+"Oh, alright," the man said. "I'm surprised that you don't recognise me. I go by + the name of Augustus Rookwood."
+Harry gasped as he stared at Rookwood. "What?" he asked. "Why would you even be + here?"
+"Think, Harry," Rookwood said. Harry felt dirty just by hearing his name on the + Death Eater's tongue. "It was a means to witness the results of my experiments + first-hand. This disease was my masterpiece, you see? And it was going rather well –" + Rookwood glared menacingly at Harry, slapping him lightly – almost playfully – in the + face. "- Until you and Snape came along. Honestly, from one scientist to another, did + you think it polite to come in between me and my research?"
+"You were murdering people!" Harry exclaimed.
+"Muggles," Rookwood shrugged. "Vermin that is no better than the mice that gnaw + away at your walls, or the rabbits that ransack your garden. I never hurt an actual + person."
+Harry stared at Rookwood, dumbfounded to realize that the man was completely + serious.
+"You've hurt one of my friends!" Harry accused.
+"A muggle friend?" Rookwood asked, his eyebrow raised in question. "So get another + one. They are as replaceable as dogs."
+Harry felt a white-hot flash of rage as he struggled against the chains that bound + him once more, wanting nothing more than to punch Rookwood right in the nose.
+"Calm yourself, Harry," Rookwood said evenly. "You might hurt yourself before + I get a chance to. Now, I've noticed that fine little artefact you carry + with you."
+"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry spat.
+"Don't play dumb with me, boy," Rookwood warned. "I've seen you use that cuff many + times over. Daily even. You use it to stay in touch with your father. It's rather + heart-warming, really."
+Rookwood gently stroked Harry's arm right above the cuff and Harry shivered + involuntarily.
+"What say you we summon him here, shall we?" Rookwood asked. "After all, he had + much to do with ruining my experiment. Not as much as you, mind you but I would still + like to send a message that it will not do to mess with my plans."
+Rookwood clicked the small quill out of the cuff and ignored the growl that + escaped Harry's throat.
+From his vantage point, Harry could see the message that Rookwood was sending to + Snape.
+'If you want to see Harry alive one last time, come alone to lab 7 within 15 + minutes.'
+"You realize that you can't win against him, right?" Harry said, trying to get a + reaction out of the stoic potioneer. But the man just smiled at him.
+"Oh, dear boy," he said warmly. "I've had plenty of time to prepare for this + eventuality. Your dear old father does not stand a chance."
+"You're mental!" Harry said.
+"I beg to differ," Rookwood replied as he sat down on a stool next to Harry. "I'm + simply a tad distraught that you got in my way. It's a pity, really –" Rookwood + pulled on a handle that caused the chains around Harry's limbs to tighten painfully. + " – I was truly enjoying cooperating with you, watching the next generation of + brewers develop. And then, you went and did this."
+Rookwood sounded almost sad when he pulled the handle again and Harry grit his + teeth as he felt the painful strain on his limbs.
+"So this is all some kind of sick act of revenge?" Harry asked, breathing a bit + more heavily than before.
+"Exactly so," Rookwood said. "I realize that it might come across as petty –" he + pulled the handle again, " – and in a way, I suppose that it is. But even a man as + patient as myself has his limits. And I will not have you or Severus thwart me ever + again."
+When Rookwood pulled the handle once more, Harry finally cried out. He heard a + popping sound and felt an excruciating pain in his left ankle that was only suffering + all the more because of the inhuman strain on his body.
+"AAAARGH!"
+"Hush now," Rookwood admonished. "We've scarcely begun."
+"Let me go, you psychopath," Harry snarled through gritted teeth. "I can't believe + you're torturing me simply because your ego was bruised!"
+Rookwood looked at him sharply, glaring daggers at the boy before he smirked + unnaturally wide. "My research is all that I have left now," he said, patting Harry's + injured ankle. He cocked his head to the side as he continued to regard Harry. + "You've taken that away from me. So now, I'll take away from you what you deem most + precious."
+"You can never – AAAAAH!"
+Rookwood pulled the handle again, a positively bored expression on his face as + Harry felt both of his wrists snap at the same time. There was nothing he could do to + stop the tears from flowing down his face.
+Rookwood leaned over and gently wiped away his tears. "Don't cry, young + apprentice," he said soothingly. "You have to be strong. Can you do that for me?"
+"You're a MONSTER!" Harry spat. He tried to bite the hand that was still wiping + away his tears but Rookwood was too fast.
+"Perhaps I am just that," Rookwood mused. "I fear that my beliefs and ideals are + no longer accepted in this strange new world." He leaned leisurely against the + handle, almost teasing Harry since he could not expect when next it would be pulled. + "I was once revered as someone knowledgeable; admirable even among my peers, you + know?"
+"Among your Death Eater friends, you mean," Harry snarled.
+Rookwood clicked his tongue. "Don't forget that your father was also one of us." + He laughed bitterly. "Your father," he repeated amusedly. "If Lord Voldemort + were still alive he might have wiped out the continent when he learned the news."
+"But he's not," Harry replied with a sense of accomplishment. "We killed him. The + two of us together."
+"And now the two of you will die together, won't you, you little runt?" Rookwood + spat in a tone that seemed very different from the way he had been talking earlier. + Harry nearly blacked out when he felt the strains finally dislocate his right ankle + but there was something in the air that kept him from doing so.
+"Enjoying the pain?" Rookwood asked coyly. "Judging by the number of scars on your + body, you are somewhat of a masochist."
+If Harry had been able to struggle at his bonds, he would have but not only was + his strength leaving him fast, his limbs could and would not cooperate with him + anymore.
+Harry didn't respond. He simply glared at Rookwood, clenching his teeth together + with so much force that he wondered if they would break soon. All the while he was + wondering where in the world Snape was and what was keeping him so long. Had he + fallen asleep again?
+"Tell me, Harry," Rookwood said sweetly. "Do you want me to continue? Does this + strike your fancy?" He pulled the handle again, a bit further this time and Harry + screamed in agony when he felt his elbows pop out of their sockets. It was some of + the worst pain he had ever felt. Immediately, he felt his hands go numb and was + vaguely aware of feeling his heartbeat in his ankles and the unnatural strain on his + kneecaps. Surely, they would be the next thing to go.
+"STOP!" Harry shouted.
+"Oh?" Rookwood cooed. Harry vaguely got the impression that the man was becoming + more and more unhinged the longer he talked to him. "Not as much a fan as I thought, + then? It's alright. You can just beg me to stop instead, hm?"
+"Why are you doing this?" Harry cried, his voice now decidedly unsteady.
+"I already explained this to you, Harry," Rookwood snarled. "You need to learn to + listen. If Snape had already made his appearance, the pain would have already + stopped. Did he misplace the floo powder or something?"
+"He won't come," Harry said, a part of him hoping that Snape would stay away but a + larger part of him hoping that his father would come to rescue him. "He's too clever + to walk into a trap like this."
+Rookwood nodded. "Once upon a time, I would have agreed with you," he said, gently + brushing a strand of hair out of Harry's face. He smiled. "But not anymore. He cares + for you. I've seen it. And you know it."
+Another twitch of the chains and the distinct sound of cartilage snapping and + bones breaking. The pull at Harry's already destroyed ligaments was agonizing enough + on its own but the feel of his knees dislocating as well as his kneecaps breaking, + elicited a howl of deep pain. One that made Rookwood chuckle.
+"Poor little Harry," he teased. "Was able to defeat Voldemort when he was still a + child but can't seem to hold himself together after a few minutes of torture." + Rookwood laughed. "No pun intended."
+As Harry breathed, he couldn't help the keening that escaped him. He would be + horrified at himself had he been able to think beyond the pain.
+"If you're going to kill me anyway, why don't you?" he practically begged. + "There's no need for all of this."
+"If Severus doesn't get here within five minutes, I will," Rookwood said + placatingly. "But for now, you'll just have to hold on for a moment more. Don't + worry. I'll sit with you."
+Rookwood moved his stool to sit slightly behind Harry and to the boy's horror, the + man started stroking his hair.
+"Everything will be alright," he whispered in a tone that could have been + described as lovingly had it come from anyone else. "Soon, there will be no more + pain."
+Harry sobbed because of the horrific pain that would not leave his abused limbs + alone. He wanted desperately to pass out but was unable to. To make matters even + worse, Rookwood began singing, ever so softly as he continued stroking Harry's hair + as would a mother to comfort their child.
+"Stop it," Harry hissed through the soft humming. But Rookwood ignored him and + kept gently stroking the boy, now occasionally kissing him on the forehead.
+Harry's breathing hitched painfully as he tried his best not to move. How did he + always get into these kinds of messes?
+"Dad," he croaked desperately, as Rookwood placed a soft kiss in his neck.
+"I think you may be right, Harry," Rookwood said softly. "Severus seems to care + less about you than he does about himself. But that's alright. You have me now."
+Harry shuddered in pain and disgust as Rookwood's hand caressed his chest softly + as it travelled down. "It is nearly time," he whispered in Harry's ear. "Can you hear + the ticking of the clock? Tick –" he stroked Harry's thigh, grinning as the boy + whimpered. "- tock."
+Harry didn't register what happened next all that well but he became aware of the + distinct feel of a powerful blast of air and the sudden disappearance of Rookwood's + presence.
+"Stay away from my son!" Snape shouted and Harry lifted his head slightly to look + at the entrance to the lab in relief. Snape stood there, his wand extended and a + furious look in his eyes. His gaze flickered towards Harry momentarily. He flicked + his wand and Harry was liberated from his bonds. The sudden flood of renewed agony, + caused by the abrupt release caused him to cry out in pain once more but Snape didn't + rush to his aid, as he would no doubt normally have done. Instead, he kept his eyes + trained on Rookwood who was laughing as he got back up.
+"Making an entrance at the very last minute, Severus?" he asked gleefully. "I + never took you for one who appreciated dramatics. But I'm sure that Harry loved you + drawing out his agony as much as you have."
+Snape did his best not to allow Rookwood to distract him with his taunts. It was + already difficult enough not to hurry to Harry's side and take him away from the + wretched man standing across the room. The boy was clearly in agony, not to mention + the foul things Rookwood was doing to him as Snape arrived. He shuddered at the + thought. This man had truly descended into madness.
+Snape took a few daring steps forward when Rookwood clicked his tongue.
+"Not so fast, Severus," he chided. "You should watch your step."
+Snape growled and flicked his wand in Rookwood's direction, cursing to kill. But + Rookwood erected a shield as he crouched to take cover behind the table.
+"Tell me, Severus," Rookwood hissed. "What do you get when you combine chimaera + oil with phoenix feathers?"
+Snape angrily thrust his wand forward, causing the table to explode into thick, + jagged pieces. He quickly erected a shield of his own to shield both him and his son + from the chunks.
+Rookwood flicked his own wand in retaliation but instead of firing a curse, he + tipped a jar on one of the shelves next to Snape, causing it to fall the floor, the + oily substance within spreading quickly. Before Snape could respond, Rookwood + summoned a phoenix feather that was hidden underneath the table in Snape's vicinity + and dragged it through the oil.
+Snape tried erecting a shield to protect himself from the blast but he was not + able to do so in time. The arm that he raised instinctively to shield his eyes took + the brunt of the damage. Judging from the pain, Snape guessed that he suffered + third-degree burns at the least. A fire was started because of the blast that was now + burning through the shelves quite quickly and heading towards the tipua leaves via a + path created by the oil.
+At that moment, Snape had to make a split decision. He could focus his attention + on Rookwood and try to incapacitate him as soon as possible or he could stop the fire + from reaching the tipua leaves. If he didn't do the latter, the toxic fumes released + by the burning leaves would no doubt prove fatal within minutes. He could protect + himself with a bubblehead charm but Harry would have no such protection. The choice + was an easy one to make.
+Snape focused his attention on the fire, vanishing oil that had not been set + alight yet as well as casting aguamenti to douse the flames. This allowed Rookwood to + start firing hexes and curses as he pleased but Snape knew that the man was not the + best dueller. And even while focused on the fire, he still managed to block and dodge + most of the enemy spells fired in his direction. Some weren't even close to + connecting with him, which Snape could only be thankful for at that moment.
+When he finally managed to douse the fire, he turned his attention back to his + former colleague.
+"Stop this right now, Augustus," he snarled, worrying more and more about his son + that lay writhing in tremendous pain. "How do you even expect to win this?"
+"There is always an answer," Rookwood replied easily. "But I'm not about to tell + you what that is."
+Snape fired a slew of Sectumsemprae in Rookwood's direction, wanting nothing more + than to sever the man's head clean from his torso. A few of the curses connected with + Rookwood but the man didn't seem the least bit perturbed, despite the blood he was + now rapidly losing.
+"That's not very original, coming from you, is it?" Rookwood taunted. Snape just + grit his teeth as he did his best to ignore the stabbing pains that ran through his + arm. He then noticed that Rookwood produced a potion and lifted his wand to try and + make a pre-emptive attack.
+"Should you really be looking this way?" Rookwood called. "Your son is coming + perilously close to dying!"
+Snape's heart skipped a beat as he glanced over at Harry and realized that + Rookwood's missed attacks from earlier had actually been spot on. He had blasted + several jars that were placed strategically in Harry's vicinity. A sort of gas + erupted from all of them that seemed to mix into something that Snape could only + imagine would be highly lethal.
+He cursed under his breath, erected a shield and moved closer to Harry. But + Rookwood wasn't even attempting to block him from doing so at that moment. Instead, + he drank the potion. Snape noticed the sickly black colour of the potion and thought + he knew what it was but didn't have the time to dwell on it at that moment. As soon + as he reached Harry, he charmed a gust of wind into existence that blew the gas in + Rookwood's direction. For good measure, he cast a bubblehead charm on Harry to + prevent any future traps of this manner.
+"I'm sorry, dad," Harry groaned. Snape wanted very much to comfort Harry but he + knew that he couldn't afford the distraction. Harry seemed to understand as he closed + his eyes and bit his lip.
+"I'll wrap this up quickly," Snape said softly so that Rookwood wouldn't hear him. + He focused his attention on Rookwood again and noticed that the man's earlier + injuries had vanished completely. It then became clear as day what the man had + drunk.
+"You must really be desperate," Snape said stoically. "I'm starting to believe + that you do not have much of a plan, after all."
+"I had a plan, Severus," Rookwood snarled as he now came towards Snape as + if he feared his assaults no more. "But you and your little apprentice saw fit to get + in the way of that."
+Snape cast a blasting curse at Rookwood that the man was too slow to block but + even though it connected, it hardly seemed to have any effect. As was to be expected, + of course.
+Now Rookwood cast several hexes in a row. Snape blocked and dodged what he could, + crying out in agony when he landed painfully onto his injured arm.
+"Oh, did you hurt your arm?" Rookwood asked. "Maybe you need some burning salve!" + with another flick of his wand, a jar of said substance flew off the shelves and + would have landed on Snape's head had he not ducked underneath a part of the table + that still stood upright.
+"No?" Rookwood asked as he marched closer. "You are so unkind to reject my + assistance. I thought we were old friends."
+Snape sent another cutting hex Rookwood's way and cursed heavily when it seemed to + cause absolutely no damage.
+"Let Harry go, Augustus," Snape said. He crawled underneath the table to come out + the other way. "It's me you really want."
+"Is it?" Rookwood asked. "And since when do you know anything about what I want?" + he cast another spell at Snape that was about to land somewhere on his left shoulder + so Snape stepped to the right and out of the way. No sooner had he done that when he + heard an awful snapping sound and the sudden sharp feeling of the breaking of bone + and the piercing of flesh. He inhaled sharply when he became aware of the pain and + glanced down to see what seemed to be a bear trap compressed around his foot. Only, + he knew that it hadn't been there a moment before.
+"I've always been better at transfiguration than you have," Rookwood pointed out + smugly. "Misdirection as well."
+Snape was aware of the jar of acidic Asian scorpion venom sitting on top of the + shelf above Rookwood and tried his best not to glance at it, lest Rookwood realized + that it was there as well. Balancing his weight on his healthy leg, he pointed his + wand at Rookwood's chest to distract the man but used his left hand to wandlessly + topple the jar over. Unfortunately for Rookwood, he was standing right beneath it as + the jar smashed and the acid splashed all over his head and back.
+Rookwood didn't scream. He didn't writhe. He didn't exhibit any sort of signs that + he was in pain. His clothes were smoking somewhat and melting where the acid had + landed but his skin didn't seem to react at all.
+"Your death is going to be a very painful one," Snape sneered. "I do hope you're + prepared."
+"I will take you down with me before that happens," Rookwood snarled. "Just look + at you. You're stuck."
+"Am I?" While Rookwood had been dealing with the acid, Snape had quickly tapped + the trap with his wand, ordering it to release him. It was now tossed aside, laying + forgotten next to Snape's mangled foot.
+Rookwood growled and cast another slew of spells in Snape's direction. He blocked + each one easily as he kept his gaze locked onto Rookwood's.
+"You're losing focus fast, Augustus," Snape said mockingly. "Tick tock, as you + say."
+Snape realised that at some point – probably before they had even started fighting + – Rookwood had become completely unhinged. There was a crazed look in his eyes and + the way he was breathing rapidly between clenched teeth made Snape surprised that he + wasn't frothing at the mouth.
+"Tick-tock," he said again, purposely taunting his adversary.
+"I'll show you," Rookwood growled. "Avada –"
+Much could be said about the killing curse but there was a good reason that it was + not the only spell in a Death Eater's repertoire. Not only was it always obvious that + it was to be cast, its wand movement left the caster in question wide open and the + curse took a long time to cast. Time that was very precious in the midst of battle. + Which is why this was precisely what Snape had been waiting for.
+As soon as the first syllable left Rookwood's mouth, he ducked and threw himself + under the table again, seeing nothing but Rookwood's feet as he uttered the second + syllable. Non-verbally, he cast his next spell, by firmly planting his hands on the + floor, his wand connecting both hands as he envisioned the ground to crack. It did + under his command as Rookwood uttered the second syllable of the second word. But it + was fast enough. He lost his footing as the ground opened up beneath him and he + stumbled to fall onto the jagged cracks that the stone had formed, only to have the + floor close up around him again.
+This was not a spell meant to wound anyone but to capture someone. Rookwood could + not have protected himself against that. Snape got up from under the table as + Rookwood stumbled, his balance broken by the awkward position in which he was + captured. He had not dropped his wand though and was now aiming it in Harry's + direction.
+"I can still kill the boy," Rookwood snarled. "If nothing else, I can + still take his –"
+Snape did not allow Rookwood to say anything else. He drew back his hand for a + moment before punching Rookwood square in the jaw as hard as he could. This did not + injure his old colleague but it did cause him to drop his wand.
+"You will never lay another hand on Harry," Snape growled as he stepped on + Rookwood's wand, cracking it with his weight. "In fact, you will never lay another + hand on anyone. Your time is up."
+Rookwood laughed. "What makes you so different?" he asked. "Why can you + continue living your life while I can't?"
+Snape sneered, showing nothing but disgust for the Death Eater now babbling in + front of him. "As a very good friend of mine once said: 'It's our choices that show + what we truly are'. And I would like to add to that that these choices gave + me the right while yours condemned you."
+Rookwood grinned broadly as he stared at Snape. "Tick-tock," he said. Some blood + drizzled from between his teeth.
+"Tick-tock," he said again as gashes and cuts appeared all over his body. Blood + started oozing from all over his body.
+Where the acid had touched him before, his skin now started to melt until it + started to look like candle wax. "Tick tock!" he screeched as more and more injuries + started to litter his body. Injuries that Snape knew could never be survived.
+"Tick-tock," Snape agreed. "It is the sound of your life running out."
+Rookwood said no more. His eyes glazed over as his body crumpled. His arms dropped + lifelessly next to him as his body half-collapsed as it was still captured in the + stone maws of the floor. Snape was suddenly very aware of the broken pieces of + Rookwood's wand still under his foot. And as sudden as this battle had happened, it + was over. Nothing to show for it but a broken laboratory, a dead Death Eater and two + mangled potioneers.
+Did you all enjoy the chapter? I certainly loved writing it! Please let me + know what you thought in a review. Tomorrow I will post the very last chapter. See + you then!
+Thanks to everyone for reviewing and for sticking around this long. Wtihout + further ado, here is the next and last chapter of the series. Please enjoy!
+Chapter 47
+It was a very good thing that they were already at St Mungo's seeing how both + Snape and Harry required urgent medical attention. Due to the mangled state of + Snape's right foot, it had taken him a while to go and get help, especially since it + was still very early. But eventually, he had managed to flag someone down and after + that, it had only been a matter of minutes before both he and Harry had been + recovered and placed in a room together. An Auror had arrived shortly after to + collect Rookwood's dead body.
+As soon as Harry has been removed from the lab, he had finally and thankfully + blacked out. When he next opened his eyes, he could only make out blurry shapes and + colours. Instinctively, he moved to grab his glasses but winced when he was met with + incredible pain as he tried to do so. This caused the memories of earlier that + morning to come flooding back to him and he gasped in both pain and worry.
+"Dad?" he asked, still trying to get a better view of his surroundings.
+"I'm here," Snape replied and Harry relaxed considerably. "Here, hold still for a + moment." Harry did as he was told and felt how Snape placed his glasses on his + nose.
+"Thanks," Harry said. He then turned his head to get a better look at Snape who + was sitting in the bed next to his. His left arm had been completely bandaged and his + right foot was in a cast of sorts.
+"A cast?" Harry pointed out. "What happened to skele-gro?"
+Snape growled. "Whatever else Rookwood had done in that lab, he had also released + some sort of mist that made sure that I can't benefit from any curative potions for a + while," he replied angrily. "It's not permanent but it will be at least a week before + I can be released from this cast."
+"I'm sorry you got hurt," Harry said.
+"You should see the other guy," Snape deadpanned, eliciting a chuckle from + Harry.
+"I'll bet," he replied. "But Severus, what the bloody hell took you so long?"
+"Language," Snape chided softly. Harry simply scoffed in response.
+"After tending to Draco's wounds, I took him home to make sure that his mother was + alright again. I didn't want to leave him in a dangerous situation, of course."
+"Right," Harry responded.
+"When I got the message, I was right in the middle of talking to Narcissa, trying + to get her to take a mixture of a calming and a sleeping draught. I never imagined + the possible urgency of the message. I am… truly sorry."
+Harry frowned as he witnessed the tortured look on Snape's face. "It's alright," + he said finally. "At least it wasn't because you were getting busy with Maya or + something."
+Snape snorted. "I would punish you for that cheeky statement, but I think you've + been punished enough for a while."
+Harry tried to sit upright but Snape quickly placed a hand on his shoulder. "None + of that," he said. "The damage to your body is quite extensive. It will take a while + for you to heal."
+"Did I breath in that mist as well?" Harry asked, frowning.
+"No," Snape replied. "I cast a bubblehead charm on you. But there's only so much + that magic can do. You should know better than anyone that some injuries can't + possibly heal overnight."
+Harry groaned. "I can't do a single thing like this," he said, trying in vain to + move his fingers. "I'll get bored."
+"It's a good thing that you have me for company," Snape pointed out.
+"Great," Harry sulked. "I'm imprisoned in a hospital bed and as a bonus, the + snarky bat of the dungeons is here to keep me company."
+"Don't make me suffocate you with a pillow," Snape warned. "It would be quite easy + to do so right now."
+"If you're going to do it, do it now," Harry whined. "I'm not looking forward to + staying here all cooped up."
+"You don't even know how long you're supposed to stay here," Snape pointed + out.
+"With an overprotective dad like you, I can only imagine," Harry sighed. "And I'm + supposed to brew something to help Narcissa out. How am I supposed to do that when I + can't even hold a stirrer?"
+"You're not," Snape said easily. "It will just have to wait. Now, to pass the time + I thought I would read to you."
+"You have got to be kidding me!" Harry exclaimed, but he couldn't help a smile + from forming.
+"Oh, I'm quite serious," Snape said. "What do you want to hear? 'Tales of Beedle + the Bard' or 'Hogwarts, a History?"
+"I have gone seven years without reading that book, despite Hermione's + insistence," Harry chuckled. "And now it seems rather pointless and just as + boring."
+"The children's book it is," Snape said, rolling his eyes. Harry relaxed into his + cushions and looked at Snape expectantly. The man opened the book with a sigh and + began to read. "There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and + wisely…"
+Exactly one week later, Harry found himself in lab eight. Since lab seven had + pretty much been reduced to rubble, he was given that lab to complete his + experimentation. It was a good thing that the tears of Mnemosyne had been delivered + after the battle and were therefore not in need of replacement. Harry had only been + allowed to leave yesterday but was very much eager to. Snape – though he had still + been wearing a cast – had been allowed to walk around after only one day of being + hospitalised, much to Harry's dismay.
+It was good to be brewing again. His hopes for helping Malfoy were still high. It + had been telling that Draco hadn't even come to visit Harry while he was in the + hospital. It probably had everything to do with his mother. Ron and Hermione had come + to visit him, Hermione playing the role of overbearing mother hen while Ron kept + cracking jokes like how Harry might've grown a bit taller after all of this. Luna had + been by as well, of course, but she had been much more gentle and careful around him + than his two friends had been. It was good to know that – even after graduation – + Harry was still able to count on his friends. He had no doubt that this would always + be the case.
+Carefully, Harry added three of the tears to his potion and watched how waves were + suddenly created in the concoction as it swirled around a very still centre.
+"Interesting effect," Lovegood said as he watched Harry work. He was there, still + upholding his end of the bargain. "In my humble opinion, this should definitely do + the trick. I don't think the staff will even be required."
+"You don't?" Harry asked incredulously.
+"This potion should do fine by itself," Lovegood said. "After all, we mustn't + forget to brew without the use of rare artefacts such as this one. It's admirable + that you wish to help your friend but just imagine; if this works, many more people + would benefit from this draught. And if other potioneers would be able to replicate + the potion – which would be nigh impossible if you plan to use the staff in the + recipe – soon we might find ourselves equipped to deal with dementia easily. And + stemming from that, other mental illnesses might be considered to become curable as + well."
+"That makes sense," Harry had to admit. "But if it doesn't work –"
+"If it doesn't work, you can always brew the whole thing again and use the staff + after all," Lovegood said. "But I urge you to try the potion without it first."
+Harry smiled at the man who had procured the tears for him in the first place and + had spent a great deal of his time to help Harry achieve the current result. The + least he could do was grant him this request. "Of course," he finally said. "Would + you mind if I go to my friend right now to test it? I realize that it's still the + middle of the day…"
+Lovegood chuckled. "Harry," he said, "these last few months you have worked two + days worth of hours every day. I'm sure I can allow you to leave a tad earlier than + usual in return. If you would kindly let me know the final result, though, I would be + most appreciative."
+"Of course," Harry said. He bottled two vials of the potion to be sure – you could + never know when one might break – and made his way to the floo. He still had a bit of + a limp, which was only natural if you considered what had happened to his knees. Even + with magic, he was bound to feel some discomfort after only a week.
+When he finally arrived at the corridor of hearths, he chose an available one, + tossed in some floo powder and called out "Malfoy Manor!"
+The floo flared and Harry got inside, gritting his teeth as he stumbled through + the network. When he finally arrived at his destination, he stumbled forward and was + only barely able to keep himself upright by clinging to a table that stood + nearby.
+"Harry," said a voice as Harry righted himself, noticing a slight tremble in his + legs. Perhaps taking the floo had been a bit overconfident. Well, he still + didn't fully understand how to apparate, after all.
+"Hi Draco," Harry replied as he shakily tried to catch his breath. "Sorry to stop + by unannounced."
+"Sit down for a moment, will you?" Draco said, sliding a chair out from under the + table for Harry to sit in. "I heard what happened. I'm sorry that I couldn't come to + visit. Mother –"
+"You don't need to apologize," Harry said uneasily. "I understand. It's why I'm + here, actually."
+Draco frowned. "What do you mean?"
+"My being in the hospital sort of caused a delay in my plans but I think I did + it," Harry said."
+"Did what?" Draco asked. His tone betrayed his hopefulness but Harry imagined that + Draco wanted to hear the words for himself.
+"I believe I've managed to brew a cure for your mother. Chief Lovegood helped me + and he too thinks that the potion should be potent enough."
+"You're serious, aren't you?" Draco asked as he sat down as well.
+"Dead serious," Harry replied. "If you want, we could test it right now."
+"Please," Draco said hoarsely. "If you think this will work, let's try it out this + instant."
+"Where is she?" Harry asked.
+"Sleeping," Draco replied. "If you would follow me, I'll guide you to her + room."
+The two walked in complete silence as they both hoped that the potion would work. + Harry had made more complicated potions than this one before but for some reason, he + was even more anxious for the result of this particular potion than he had been for + the cure to the dissolving sweats. And he knew that it meant the world to the boy + walking beside him.
+Several years ago, it would have been unthinkable for Draco to put all his trust + in a potion of Harry's creation. Harry shuddered to think what would have happened to + the blonde if they had never become friends in the first place. Would Snape have + tried to come up with this potion? Would Draco have even told his Godfather of his + troubles in the first place or would he have locked himself and his mother away, + waiting for the day that one of them had enough?
+Harry shook himself out of those grim thoughts and followed Draco into Narcissa's + bedroom. She slept on the right side of a very large bed that stood centred against + the wall across from the door. It seemed much too big for only one person and Harry + felt strange knowing that Lucius had slept in the very same bed not all too long + ago.
+"Mother," Draco said softly as he approached the bed. Narcissa didn't stir and + Harry kept standing in the doorway. He didn't want to spook the woman when she + woke.
+"Mother," Draco urged again, a bit louder this time.
+"Daddy?" Narcissa said groggily. "Five more minutes."
+Draco sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He glanced at Harry and inclined his + head to signal for him to come closer. Harry took the potion out of his pocket and + walked over.
+"It's time to wake up," Draco urged, trying to sound stern.
+Narcissa rubbed her eyes and stared blearily at Harry. "Daddy, who is that?"
+"My friend," Draco replied soothingly. "He's here to help you."
+Narcissa glared suspiciously at Harry who was starting to feel an upcoming ache in + his knees from walking and standing so much. Draco seemed to notice Harry's + discomfort since he summoned a chair for him.
+"I want you to behave yourself, okay?" Draco told Narcissa. "I'll buy you a + present if you do. Can you do this for me?"
+Tears glistened in Draco's eyes as he looked pleadingly at his mother. She smiled + and grabbed his hand. "Okay," she said. "I'll be good."
+Harry cleared his throat and showed Narcissa the potion that was periwinkle in + colour. "I need you to drink this for me, okay?" he asked. "It's not going to taste + very good but it will help you."
+Narcissa glanced at Draco again who nodded encouragingly and took the potion with + both hands.
+"It's pretty," she said.
+Draco smiled as he wiped away a tear. "Just like you are," he said softly.
+Narcissa giggled girlishly at that. She removed the stopper from the vial and + scrunched up her nose when she smelled the sour damp that came from the potion.
+"Do I have to drink all of it?" she whined.
+"To the last drop," Harry said importantly. "But I know that you can do it. I have + faith in you." He smiled and nodded towards the vial.
+"Okay," Narcissa said. She pinched her nose and downed the potion, though it took + her several gulps to get it all down. Afterwards, she handed Harry the vial back + which he pocketed automatically.
+"Close your eyes," Harry told her. "You're going to start feeling sleepy."
+"But I just woke up," Narcissa protested, stifling a yawn.
+"You only need to sleep a little while longer," Harry told her soothingly. "When + you wake up again, everything will be better."
+"Okay," Narcissa said, already laying her head back down. She curled up as Draco + tucked in the blankets around her.
+"Good night, daddy," Narcissa sighed. Instantly after, she was sound asleep.
+With a trembling hand, Draco summoned a second chair and sat down next to Harry. + "I really hope this works," he said listlessly. "I don't know what I'll do if it + doesn't."
+Harry put a hand on Draco's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "If it doesn't work, + I'll try again," he said earnestly. "I'll keep trying until I get it right. I promise + you that."
+Draco eyed him wearily, with the utmost respect flickering in his eyes. "How I was + ever able to be such a git to you is beyond me," he said. "You must be the best + person I have ever met."
+"I'm stubborn, that's what I am," Harry chuckled. "That's usually not a good + thing, either. Ask Severus."
+"Yeah," Draco replied plainly.
+They sat together in comfortable silence for a very long time as Narcissa slept. + She stirred every now and then but didn't wake.
+"How are you feeling?" Draco asked after a long time. "I've noticed that you're + not exactly in the best of health, yourself."
+Harry rolled his right shoulder experimentally as he worked out some kinks. "I + think I'd rather have another encounter with Voldemort than with Rookwood. That man + was insane!"
+"He always seemed to be pretty grounded," Draco said. "You know… back in the + day."
+"That's what Severus said," Harry scoffed. "But when you start torturing people + with medieval devices, then singing some crooked lullaby to them as they cry in + agony, you're pretty mental in my books."
+Draco frowned. "I didn't know what he did exactly," he admitted. "Will you make a + full recovery?"
+"I will," Harry said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love magic. + The problem is that when the lunatics get their hands on it, it can be very + devastating."
+"You're going over this pretty lightly," Draco pointed out.
+"I'm used to my fair share of pain," Harry said with a wry chuckle. "That said, + last week was one of the worst days of my life, even if the pain didn't really last + all that long. I guess I went too long without running into trouble."
+Draco chuckled and was about to reply when Narcissa suddenly sat up, her eyes wide + open as she stared at Draco in shock.
+None of the three people present spoke for the first moment but when the silence + became too uncomfortable, Draco reluctantly said: "Mum?"
+A few tears dropped from Narcissa's eyes as she regarded Draco, her lip trembling. + "D-Draco," she said. "I'm so sorry, child. I'm so, so sorry." Draco gasped as he + heard his name on his mother's lips again.
+Narcissa's tears now flowed freely as she buried her face into her hands, her + shoulders trembling as she tried to contain herself. Draco sat next to her in the bed + and draped his arm around her shoulders. Harry saw that he was trying to stay strong + but he was not really succeeding.
+"It's alright, mother," he said, a careful happiness evident in his voice. "You're + back now."
+He glanced up at Harry and when he saw the boy watching carefully he mouthed the + words 'thank you.'
+Harry smiled, nodded and silently retreated from the room, leaving mother and son + to grieve the time they had lost with each other.
+When the skele-gro would finally work on Snape again, he was able to get rid of + the cast he had to wear. Already, he was complaining about its itchiness to which + Harry could only roll his eyes. If he could trade his aching joints for a very + localised itch, he would do it in a heartbeat.
+When the cast was indeed removed, there was only one last thing for Harry and + Snape to do. They had once again been summoned to the guild pyramid to attend another + meeting.
+"I suppose that saving the world again might have changed their views of your + skills," Snape told Harry as he started climbing the stairs. Harry groaned as he too + dragged himself upwards.
+"What is it with old societies and their terribly impractical meeting places?" he + complained. "Honestly, would it kill them to install an elevator? Or better yet, to + relocate to a nice air conditioned office building?"
+Snape laughed as he offered Harry his arm in assistance. Harry gratefully took it, + leaning heavily on Snape for the rest of the way.
+"I'll bring it up in the next guild meeting," Snape said. "Perhaps it is time for + some changes."
+When they finally stumbled into the meeting space, everyone was already sitting in + their rightful seats. Harry could see that the staff of Caduceus was back on the wall + as if it was never taken in the first place. Snape didn't take his seat. Instead, he + allowed Harry to sit there, knowing that the boy was still healing. None of the other + masters objected.
+"Welcome back, Harry Potter," Lovegood said authoritatively. "It is not usually + that we gather twice in the same year for the same person. But we have all agreed + that you provide enough cause for an exception."
+Snape snorted as if to say that that was nothing new but Harry ignored him, + entwining his fingers and listening politely.
+"As we are all aware, you have been quite busy since last we all met," Lovegood + continued. "Not only have you shown astounding promise as a brewer while maintaining + the hospital stocks, but you also managed to brew a cure to a disease that – until + recently – seemed to be undefeatable. And you did so without any outside + assistance."
+Harry was about to object when he saw Snape shake his head out of the corner of + his eye.
+"Esteemed colleagues," Lovegood continued, now facing the other Masters. "After + the onslaught that was 'the dissolving sweats' happened, I have joined Mr Potter's + research to try and find a cure to a more common and often forgotten disease, namely + dementia."
+The masters started whispering to each other when Lovegood raised his hand to + demand silence. "I was able to get some first-hand experience with Mr Potter's + process. And though he may be somewhat chaotic at times –" Lovegood winked at Harry + as he said this, " – He is also fiercely committed to every task he receives or gives + himself. Had he not been interrupted by the unfortunate appearance of a certain Death + Eater, he would have no doubt completed the cure sooner."
+"Master Lovegood?" one of the Masters interrupted. "Are you implying that he + managed to create a cure? For dementia, I mean."
+"Only a few days ago," Lovegood said. "But yes. Yes indeed. The potion has been + tested and the test-subject has been reported to have made a full recovery. We shall + have to wait to see the long-term effects but it all seems very promising, much as + our apprentice himself."
+Snape put a hand on Harry's shoulder and when Harry looked up at him, he could see + the man smiling.
+"I propose another vote," Lovegood finally said. "And I believe we needn't wait + for Mr Potter to leave the room. He is still recovering from his injuries for one and + I do believe that we can share the results immediately this time."
+Lovegood glared around the room as if he dared anyone to disagree with him. When + no one did, he smiled and nodded. "All those in favour of granting Harry Potter the + title of Potions Master?"
+Lovegood raised his hand high in the air and was immediately followed by eleven + others. Harry gaped with open mouth at the fast response. Since Snape wasn't allowed + to vote, that meant that everyone had voted in his favour. Everyone! Snape squeezed + his shoulder in excitement and Harry swallowed thickly.
+"Then it appears we have reached an accord," Lovegood said. "Congratulations, + Master Potter. "I am certain that we may keep expecting great things from you."
+"Thank you," Harry said breathlessly. "Thank you all for this honour. I – I don't + know what to say."
+Lovegood and several others chuckled.
+"Eloquent as always, Mr Potter," Snape teased from behind him. Harry looked at his + father to see his eyes shining with pride. Harry had never seen the man smile + brighter. "Well done, my son," he said. "You deserve this."
+Harry quickly wiped his eyes and grinned. He had done it. He had finally done it. + Now, there was only one more step he had to take.
+He had long since decided just what it was that he wanted to do. That was why he + stopped Professor Slughorn as they reached the bottom of those awful stairs.
+"Well done, Harry," Slughorn said in obvious delight as he clapped Harry on the + shoulder. "Well done, indeed. Your mother would be proud."
+"She is," Harry agreed. "But I was wondering about something."
+"Do tell, Harry," Slughorn said eagerly. "Anything I can help with, I will."
+"Well, I was wondering if you were still planning on teaching next year?" Harry + asked. "If you don't mind my saying, it appears to me that you're rather tired of all + of this."
+Slughorn sighed, stroking his chin in thought. "While I do love to teach, it is + sometimes difficult to keep up with the students who seem keen on… thinking outside + of the box, so to speak," he admitted. "Your Ms Lovegood is a fine example of that. + But with Severus on the defence post, I fear that the job might go to someone who is + simply not qualified if I went back into retirement. Just look at what happened with + Defence Against the Dark Arts for all those years."
+Harry nodded in understanding. "I hear what you're saying sir," he said. "But how + would you feel about me as the next teacher?"
+"You?" Slughorn asked, a smile broadening on his face as his eyes began to shine. + He clapped his hands together. "My boy, that would be a fabulous idea. If you're + serious about this, I would happily recommend you to Albus."
+Harry winked cheekily at Slughorn. "I'm very serious," he said. "Though I can only + hope to be as good a teacher as you are, sir."
+Slughorn snorted. "I may be easy to flatter but even I see you being blatantly + modest." He sighed happily. "Yes, you I could happily allow to take my position. But + only you."
+Epilogue
+Harry was checking himself in the mirror, trying to see the back of his robes as + Snape was trying to button them for him.
+"Would you stop squirming so much?" Snape chided. "You're going to wrinkle + them."
+"I just don't get it," Harry sighed. "My robes are exactly the same as yours and + yet they don't…"
+Snape smirked. "They don't what?"
+"You know," Harry said, making a wavy movement with his hand. "They don't + billow!"
+Snape chuckled as he walked around Harry, eyeing him critically. "You know," he + said. "I will let you in on my secret as long as you promise not to tell a single + soul."
+Harry grinned as he watched Snape from the mirror. "You have my word," he said + solemnly.
+"You see," Snape said softly, "everyone thinks that I must use a spell on my robes + for them to get like that. But they're wrong. What I truly use –" With an exaggerated + flourish, Snape produced a small vial from his robes. "- Is this!"
+"A potion!" Harry smacked himself on the forehead. "I should have known."
+"Use this one on your robes," Snape said. "A few drops should suffice. And if you + really like it, I can give you the recipe later. Just don't be surprised if the + students start referring to you as a bat."
+"Brilliant," Harry said in awe. "I'll make good use of it."
+"I'm sure you will," Snape said. "Now be off. You can't be late for your first + class."
+Harry winked at him. "Only by a minute," he said cheekily.
+The door to the potions lab opened with a bang as Harry Potter – the new Potions + Professor – stormed into the classroom. Taking long, hasty strides, he kept walking – + his robes billowing behind him - until he reached the front of the class, then + allowed his cold and foreboding glare to pierce every student's gaze, calling them to + attention without a word.
+"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class," he + said icily, his voice booming through the otherwise quiet classroom. "As such, I + don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is + potion-making. However, for those select few –" he stopped his gaze at an entirely + random Gryffindor, "- Who possess, the predisposition…"
+It suddenly became far too much. Harry started laughing, waving his hand in a + dismissive gesture as he casually hopped onto his desk. "I can't do this," he told + his new students, chuckling all the while. Some of the first-years shared an awkward + grin between them.
+"Let's try a different approach, shall we? I'm Harry Potter and that over there is + my owl Hedwig," he said pointing at the snowy owl who sat on a perch in the corner. + "If she tells you you're doing something wrong, you'd best listen. She's usually + right. Now, which one of you knows where to look if you needed a bezoar?"
+The end.
+I can't believe that the series has come to an end at last yet here we are. + It's only fitting that I say a few things.
+First, I want to thank my beta and friend for all of his hard work. On the + site he is known as Pagemaster4TW and on the discord channel as + Sneaky_Prawn. He has gone far beyond what a regular beta would do. + He's been here for me since the beginning of TPM and has helped not only by reading + the chapters beforehand and unearthing the mistakes but also by engaging in hour-long + brainstorming sessions with me. without him, TPM would probably be 20 chapters less + long. Thank you Sneaks! I know we didn't always see eye to eye but you really made a + difference.
+Secondly, I want to thank all of the people who have read the trilogy from + start to finish. Especially those who have patiently waited for me to upload time and + time again. A special thanks to those who reviewed and to FallingToast/FallingBread + who has even made fanart for the series.
+If I might ask you one last time to send me a review to tell me how + you felt about TPM but also which of the three stories you liked best. I am very + eager to find out.
+I will not be gone for long. Soon, I'll start on a new mentor story. I hope to + see you all there to join me on a new journey. Expect the first chapter of 'The + Subterfuge' on Friday.
+Thank you all!
+Chapter 5
+"So Hedwig, as we already knew, you can only see thestrals once you've seen death + and accepted it."
+Hedwig hooted knowingly in response.
+"Exactly!" Harry said as he turned the page of his book. Hedwig sat on her perch, + tilting her head as her master continued reading.
+"It says right here that they serve as some sort of bridge between the world of + the living and the dead. They are generally accepted as an ill omen but they're + really kind creatures – Luna would agree with that, I'm sure – that merely seek to + heal the ones left behind. Mentally, that is."
+Harry sighed, "The bridge between our worlds…"
+Hedwig flapped her wings twice and clicked her beak sharply, causing Harry to look + up;
+"Oh, right!" He grabbed hold of the sprigs of lavender he had already prepared and + threw them in his simmering cauldron. "Just in time. Thanks, Hedwig." Harry stirred + his concoction a few times, checking to make sure that it changed into the correct + colour and sat back down into his chair.
+"So perhaps a few strands of thestral hair could do the trick," Harry mused. He + scribbled a few notes on a piece of parchment that was already littered with askew + sentences, carelessly deposited onto the paper as if written down in haste. "But + should I use the hair of their tails or the hair of their manes? Hmmm…"
+Hedwig sagged somewhat on her perch, visibly relaxing as her master continued + studying.
+"Marigold flowers would work well in contrast," Harry mused out loud, "But I could + also use Acacia leaves."
+Hedwig ruffled her feathers in obvious dismay.
+"What?" Harry chuckled, looking up, "You don't like Acacia leaves?"
+Hedwig screeched shortly in response.
+"Marigold flowers it is," Harry said, writing down his chosen ingredient. Hedwig + hooted softly, tucking her head under her wing.
+"Oh, shoot!" Harry suddenly exclaimed, "I'm going to be late for History of + Magic!"
+He hastily put a stasis spell on the cauldron, swept his notes into one big, messy + pile and grabbed his bag and books as he held his quill between his teeth.
+"Ber Herdwerg," Harry tried saying but he got no response from the owl. In a hasty + flurry, he bolted out of the dungeon and raced towards his next class, spotting the + person in his path just a tad too late.
+And who better to crash into than Draco Malfoy? With a thud, Harry landed hard on + his backside, his books scattered everywhere, pieces of parchment still fluttering in + the air as they slowly descended. Harry's quill had dropped to the ground and rolled + away somewhere.
+"Seriously, Potter, can't you watch where you're going?" Draco chided in + annoyance, "A guy can't even walk through the dungeons anymore without being knocked + on his arse."
+"Sorry," Harry mumbled sheepishly as he got off the floor. He rubbed his backside + tenderly before extending a hand to the Malfoy heir who took it gracefully. Harry + pulled him upright before he went to pick up his things in a hurry.
+"Sorry, Draco," Harry apologized, "I'm going to be late for History."
+"You're actually going?" Draco asked incredulously, "You Gryffindors really are + too goody-two-shoes. You dropped the class! There's really no reason to go back + there. It's boring as hell anyway."
+"So I take it you didn't go?" Harry asked as he took one of the books Draco + offered him.
+"Not a chance," Draco replied easily, "I've got better things to do than listen to + the tedious details of orc and goblin wars. I would think you do too."
+Harry shrugged. "I don't see the harm," he admitted, "If I don't like it, I can + always drop it again, just like Dumbledore said. I just feel kind of bad for + Professor Bell you know?"
+"Oh, I get it now!" Draco exclaimed happily, "You've got the hots for her."
+"Wha- no!" Harry replied hastily, "She's like thirty"
+Harry started walking at a hurried pace. If he was fast, he could still make it. + Draco followed along, not letting up.
+"True as that may be," he said, "You have to admit that she's easily the hottest + teacher we've ever got."
+"Hermione would argue that that honour would befall Lockhart," Harry chuckled.
+Draco rolled his eyes. "Of the female teachers, you dunce," he said, slapping + Harry lightly on the head.
+"Please," Harry scoffed, "I prefer girls my own age."
+"Oh? Like who?" Draco urged.
+"Well, this is my stop!" Harry deflected easily, hurrying into the designated + classroom. He glanced over his shoulder to see Draco give him an exasperated look but + simply sent him a defiant smirk before he went to sit beside Ron and Hermione. Draco + left, smiling triumphantly for some reason.
+"What was that all about?" Ron asked.
+"Just Draco telling me how hot he thinks Professor Bell is," Harry divulged.
+Hermione huffed. "Boys," she growled but made no further comment. Harry's eyes + locked with Ron's for a moment before they boy chuckled. It was barely a few seconds + later that professor Bell flew into the class, looking a bit flustered with several + strands of hair out of place.
+She smiled warmly at the full class of teenagers that was already waiting for + her.
+"Hi guys!" she greeted, "I'm sorry I'm late. It's just so hard to find my way + around here."
+With a loud thud, she allowed her books to fall on her desk. "Oops, sorry!" she + winced at the loud noise. "Say, did you know that the staircases move on their own in + here? How does anybody get anywhere on time?" The look of amazement in her eyes + reminded Harry of many a first grader and made him realize that Bell did not go to + school here.
+"Oh, but I really should get started, shouldn't I?" she said somewhat + apologetically. She took out her wand and faced her class, still smiling brightly. + "Please open your books to page twenty-three. Today, we will be learning about + wizards and witches who have been worshipped by muggles throughout the ages, raising + them to a God-like status."
+"That's a long title," Ron whispered. Harry chuckled and Hermione shot him a + disparaging glance. Bell didn't seem to notice though.
+"There's no need to keep your eyes glued to your textbooks, children," Bell said, + "All of my classes have been doing that but I will make sure that you see the world + around you instead."
+She swished her wand in some complicated, elegant patterns when the air itself + started to vibrate, taking on colours and foreign outlines. Sounds started to fill + the room and Harry clutched his desk hard out of fear that he would fall to the + ground as soon as the room stopped writhing and moving. He noticed several others do + the same.
+"Don't worry," Bell said in a soothing voice, "Relax and take in the scene around + you. The year is 975 AD. We find ourselves in a town called 'Hofstadir where the + winds are cold but the pastures are green."
+Harry gasped in amazement as he laid eyes upon the large valleys and hillsides as + people hustled and bustled to get on with their lives. Most people wore thick, + woollen clothes. Pigs, sheep and goats seemed to be walking around in utter chaos but + this went unnoticed by the passers-by.
+"Among the villagers in this town, walks one that is more devious and clever than + any of his peers. Here he comes now!"
+A man walked among the villagers with his head held high, his posture proud as he + saluted those he passed. The ones that noticed him bowed down deeply, their noses + touching the ground as the man swept past, his long cloak billowing after him as his + long, black hair swept in the mind. A mischievous smile adorned his handsome face and + his long fingers held a lute that he played as he walked.
+"His name is Loki," Bell explained, "Some of you have probably heard about him + before. He is known as one of the most accomplished Masters in transmutation that + have ever walked this green earth. Back then, there was no ministry to keep the + wizards in check, so there was no one to stop a wizard from flaunting his skill. Such + a wizard often became revered."
+Loki bowed down to a beautiful young lady with long blond hair, tied into a braid + and held out an elegant hand. He spoke in a language that Harry did not understand + but the young lady giggled girlishly and took the hand. With one gesture, Loki + transformed her old rags into rich clothes. He picked up a few rocks from the ground + and transformed them into jewellery which he graciously handed over to the woman.
+Bell shook her head, smiling thinly. "A very accomplished master indeed but also a + trickster," Bell continued. "He broke many a woman's heart as he travelled, and + deceived many people just to get what he wanted."
+"Sounds like he would have done well in Slytherin," Ron snorted."
+"Quite right, Mr Weasley," Bell agreed, "He would have. If not for his cunning, + then surely for his ambition. But let's move on shall we?"
+Professor Bell swished her wand to the left and the room spun until it stopped on + an entirely new scene.
+"Since we're on the subject of incorrigible tricksters, we shall move further into + the past. We are in Greece and the era is 500 BC. Here we encounter a wizard that + loved muggles more than anything and was always doing his best to make their lives + better, much to the dismay of his fellow wizards and witches, of course. You can + imagine just how important 'pure blood' was at that time."
+The children watched a tall man wearing a ridiculous outfit mingle among what + seemed like commoners. Whenever someone tried to bow before him – which many + obviously felt compelled to do – he quickly stopped them and held them upright.
+"This is Hermes. I called him a trickster," Bell explained, "But he is one with a + good heart. He would mostly trick his own kind to the benefit of the muggles whom he + sought to protect. Pay close attention to the items he carries."
+Harry squinted and tried to discern the many silly-looking things this Hermes + carried with him. He wore a large satchel which depicted a rooster. He also wore a + round hat and a travellers cloak. With him, he carried a winged staff which was + entwined by two snakes but what was most noticeable were the ridiculous winged + sandals he wore.
+"Could he actually fly with those?" some disbelieving Hufflepuff asked.
+"He most certainly could," Bell said, "He charmed them much in the way one would + charm a broomstick. The wings are completely unnecessary, yes, but they surely filled + the hearts of his beloved muggles with awe. The most tricky part was to actually + maintain his balance in those shoes as he flew. Can you imagine?"
+As if ordered to do so, Hermes leapt into the sky and took off, the useless wings + on his sandals flapping for nothing but show as he wielded his staff at nothing in + particular.
+"He used his staff for healing and - according to some accounts – for alchemy as + well. It is clear how much the muggles loved him and he was rewarded for his efforts + by being considered a God."
+Bell flicked her wand once more and the scenery changed to that of a desert zone. + Large pyramids permeated the area and everyone recognised it unmistakably as + Egypt.
+"We have time for one more," Bell said happily, "I clearly don't need to tell you + where we are. It is about 2400 BC. This tour of our history would obviously not be + complete without including the ancient Egyptians, now would it?"
+Some of the students agreed wholeheartedly, Hermione being one of them. She had + been taking in all of the new information with wide-open eyes and a gleeful smile on + her face.
+In a flash, the scene zoomed in on the base of one of the pyramids where a female + lion lay basking in the sun.
+"Meet Sekhmet," Bell said dreamily, "She was known as the Goddess of War and + Healing but truthfully she was just a witch albeit a very powerful one at that."
+The class watched as the lioness rose from her spot and transformed into a + gorgeous woman with long, black hair. Her face was painted with black streaks and she + wore garish jewellery coloured in gold and blue.
+"As you can all see, she was an animagus which only served to enthral the muggles + even more."
+Some of the girls sighed dreamily as they watched the beautiful woman walk towards + her subjects. In the background, slaves were hard at work, sweating and labouring + away in the dry desert, their slavers always behind them.
+"It was a different time," Bell said sadly, "And Sekhmet was royalty. She never + saw any problem in using slaves and even used them herself. We can only hope that she + treated them with kindness."
+The scenery changed again but was still focused on Sekhmet who stood at the front + lines of what appeared to be an army.
+"She was ferocious," Bell continued, "And she was one of the very best at + duelling. She was always at the front lines of any battle and helped her people + through many wars."
+The students watched, their hands clinging to their seats in excitement as Sekhmet + charged into battle, casting spells left and right while not even using a wand or + anything of the sort.
+"Even when the enemy had their own wizard or witch –" Bell continued, focusing the + scene on another magic user that now came to stand in front of Sekhmet "- She still + won every battle. But even so –" The scenery changed again. They were now seeing the + aftermath of the battle. Many people were injured and dying. Sekhmet could be seen + kneeling down next to a bleeding man. "- She still cared for the lives of the people. + She was skilled in battle but also in healing charms. Unfortunately for her, she had + plenty of opportunities to practice both."
+Bell raised her wand into the air and in one fell swoop, the scenery seemed to get + sucked up into its tip. The entire class groaned but Bell smiled fondly.
+"Don't worry, class," she said, "If you would like to, you can take my class for + the rest of the year. I understand that history can be a bit boring but if you apply + yourself you can learn some interesting stuff."
+The class murmured incoherently in agreement, excitement clear in the air.
+"Now," Bell said, clapping her hands together, "I do believe it's time for lunch. + This is a bit embarrassing but could any of you show me the way to the great hall? + I'm afraid I'll just get lost again and miss lunch entirely."
+"We'll take you, Professor!" Hermione shouted excitedly, practically jumping up + and down.
+Bell chuckled. "Thank you very much, Ms Granger. I'll take you up on that."
+She picked up her bag and waited for the golden trio to get out of the classroom + after which she locked it magically.
+"I don't think anyone will be stealing anything from inside there, Professor," Ron + said.
+"Most definitely not, no," Bell replied, "But the magic in this room has been + strengthened to aid me in my… way of teaching, so to speak. I wouldn't want anyone + wandering in there unsupervised."
+"That was amazing, Professor!" Hermione said happily before Ron could retort, "Who + knew that History of Magic could be so amazing?!"
+Bell laughed, "Thank you, Ms Granger," she said, "That's quite the compliment. + Especially after learning about the horrible reputation my subject has in this + school. Everyone seemed to dread coming to my class."
+"Well, we were taught by a ghost," Ron said evenly, "And he was so boring, + everyone always fell asleep."
+"So I've heard," Bell said shaking her head, "It's such a shame, really. If I had + been taught by such a Professor, I'm sure I never would've taken a liking to the + subject myself."
+"Where did you go to school, Professor?" Harry asked daringly.
+"Ilvermorny," Bells admitted.
+"That's so far away!" Hermione exclaimed, "You don't sound American at all."
+"That's because I'm not," Bell chuckled, "But my father had us moved there for + work so I had to attend Ilvermorny instead of Hogwarts. It's a shame, really. I had + always wanted to come to Hogwarts."
+"Well, at least now you get to experience it," Harry offered, "And you don't even + have to sit through Binn's classes for it."
+Bell laughed. "I don't think I should be allowing you to speak about my + predecessor that way, but I'll permit it just this once." She winked at the threesome + as the stairway they were just on changed direction. Bell let out a little yelp and + clutched the balustrade tightly.
+"Why does it do that?" she asked in amusement.
+"We honestly don't know," Harry replied.
+"Some would say that Hogwarts is a bit fickle," Hermione supplied, "She likes to + toy with new people."
+"Oh, come on Hogwarts, be nice," Bell chided, "I'm not going to spray paint your + walls or anything like that."
+"It's okay, Professor," Hermione said, "We're still going in the right + direction."
+"This castle is huge," Bell said in awe, "Do you think we're –"
+"And what is the golden trio doing, wandering around the corridors?" drawled a + familiar voice, "Lunch will be starting soon."
+"Hi, Professor," Harry greeted Snape, completely undeterred by his sour attitude, + "We were just on our way there but the staircase moved on us."
+Snape frowned. "I didn't expect you to be needing a chaperone at this age. Afraid + to get cornered by a fantastical beast of sorts?"
+Harry frowned at Snape's odd behaviour. He opened his mouth to say something when + Bell interjected.
+"Actually, Professor Snape, they're the ones escorting me," she said, biting her + lip in embarrassment. "I haven't gotten the hang of navigating this place yet. It's + very daunting and I was worried that I wouldn't make it to the great hall in + time."
+Snape raised a sardonic eyebrow, "I understand," he replied curtly and swivelled + on his heel to depart but Harry stopped him.
+"You could help her out, Professor," Harry said sweetly, "You know, show your + fellow colleague the area. Show her the secret passages and everything."
+Snape narrowed his eyes at Harry. "Don't presume to tell me what to do, Mr Potter + or I will be forced to punish you accordingly."
+Harry was ready to fight Snape on this but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. + It was Bell's. She smiled sweetly at Snape and said: "That's okay, really. I'll be + fine. You go on ahead and we'll make it there on time as well."
+Snape nodded curtly and walked away, his robes ever-billowing.
+"What's his problem?" Harry muttered, "He's acting as if someone stole all of his + dragon blood."
+Bell chuckled softly, "Now, Harry, you shouldn't say stuff like that."
+"And why do you call him 'Professor Snape'?" Harry asked, "All of the other + teachers call him Severus. And he's about your age."
+"Well," Bell said in a hushed voice, "He kind of scares me. But don't tell him I + said that! He'll probably be very mad that I said anything of the sorts to a student. + As a matter of fact, could you just forget the last five minutes happened? That would + be great."
+"If you say so, Professor," Ron shrugged.
+"But he's really not as bad as he seems," Harry said.
+"Though he does take some getting used to," Hermione supplied, "But once you've + moved past his walls, you'll see that he has a heart of gold."
+Ron snorted, "Hermione! Did you forget that awful potion he fed me?"
+"Well, you were rummaging through his potions lab," Hermione said smartly, "What + did you expect?"
+"You all dared me to do it!" Ron huffed, "And a Gryffindor does not back away from + a dare."
+Bell chuckled merrily, "Is that what Gryffindors stand for then? I'll be sure to + remember that."
+"What house were you sorted into, Professor?" Hermione asked, "I know that + Ilvermorny has four houses as well."
+"I love that you know that!" Bell said happily, "Well, I was sorted into + Thunderbird."
+"I guess I can see that," Hermione nodded knowingly. Harry and Ron just shared a + confused look.
+"Here we are!" Harry said as he gestured towards the open doors to the great + hall.
+"You three are my heroes!" Bell exclaimed happily as she led the way inside. She + waved one last time at the trio as they took their seat. "See you next time!" she + shouted before half-walking, half-running to the high table to sit in the last + available spot next to Filch to whom she amicably started chatting away.
+"What are you looking at?" Ginny chided as she saw Harry staring after + Bell.
+"Just wondering how someone so airheaded managed a teaching position here," Harry + said, shaking his head.
+"I like the way she teaches, though," Ginny said, "She's much better than Binns + ever was."
+"Much better looking too – Ow! Hermione!"
+Ron was rubbing the sore spot on his head where Hermione had hit her with her + book.
+"What was that for?"
+"For being a pig," Hermione snarled before digging into her food.
+Ron rolled his eyes and stuffed two rolls in his mouth. Meanwhile, Harry smiled + wryly at Ginny who winked at him with a smirk.
+"Why are you being such a git?" Harry asked as he carefully measured his sheep's + milk.
+"Excuse me?" Snape snarled. Harry finished measuring, the tip of this tongue + between his teeth and waited to respond until he had put the beaker back down.
+"To Professor Bell, I mean," Harry said, "You're acting as if she were some + first-year Gryffindor or something."
+"I believe that my interactions with other members of the staff are of no concern + to you," Snape said dangerously, "Now, focus."
+"Don't be like that," Harry groaned, "No one is around to hear us anyway. I don't + get why you're being so defensive. Hold on, it says here to use a sprig of rosemary + but wouldn't the potion do better with azaleas? I'm sure it would react better to the + acid of the snake venom."
+"Interesting argument," Snape conceded, "Go ahead and try it but be sure to wear + gloves as you do so. Also, I am not being defensive. I simply do not like her. There + are a lot of people I don't like and I don't want to be forced to interact with + them."
+"No one is forcing you," Harry said as he rummaged through the stash of + ingredients, looking for azaleas.
+"Then what would you call that attempt to have me show her around the castle?" + Snape huffed, "Social interactions are bad enough without them being forced on + me."
+"A little bit of common courtesy could go a long way," Harry said as he retrieved + his prize. "And who knows, you might end up liking her."
+"She is far too child-like and energetic for my taste," Snape snarled, his nose + scrunched up in disgust, "I've heard about her lessons. Ridiculous."
+"Brilliant!" Harry countered, "I don't think anyone will want to drop History of + magic now. If she teaches like that all the time, we will all be history buffs in no + time."
+"I would rather you focused on potions," Snape said, watching with interest how + Harry carefully tossed in the azalea leaves.
+"I am!" Harry said, "And hey. You're the one who told me to keep up with my other + classes as well. Don't get all upset with me that I find them interesting."
+Snape didn't respond. He watched intently as the potion in Harry's cauldron + bubbled gently. Hedwig flew over and landed on Harry's shoulder, hooting softly.
+"What do you think?" Harry asked.
+"Shh," Snape hushed him, "Give it some time."
+They both watched the concoction intently. When it stopped bubbling, Harry hauled + it off the fire and bottled the brew.
+"Hmm," Snape pondered, "I suggest that we test the potion as soon as we can. Don't + forget to write down your findings and your work. If this potion turns out to be more + potent, it might interest a lot of people."
+"I only changed one thing." Harry argued, "It won't change the world."
+"We can only change one thing at a time, Harry," Snape said, "The important thing + is for you to keep trying.
+I hope you all enjoyed that. What do you all make of Professor Bell?
+ Please grace me with your reviews! They help keep me happy and motivated.
I want to thank you lovely people for the reviews. I'm especially happy that + Maya is so well received since she will play an important part later on. Please + enjoy!
+Chapter 6
+A loud, cackling laugh pierced the night air as Greyback ripped a poor + unsuspecting muggle apart under the eerie light of the full moon. Bellatrix sat + slouched comfortably against a large oak tree, twirling her wand expertly while she + giggled, her amusement triggered by the helpless howls of Greyback's victims.
+Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange sat with her, quietly taking in the dark scene as + it played out. They were not disturbed so to speak but they didn't share in the + crazed delight Bellatrix seemed to drown her senses in whenever she saw blood.
+"I honestly don't understand what you see in her," Rabastan whispered to his + brother, "She's mental."
+"Be quiet," Rodolphus said softly, throwing Rabastan a disparaging look. "She + might kill you just for saying that, you know?"
+"My point exactly," Rabastan muttered through gritted teeth. He kicked the corpse + of the half-eaten muggle that lay before him as he waited for the feral werewolf to + finish his meal.
+"I just don't understand why we have to stay with them," Rabastan said.
+"You know very well why," Rodolphus hissed, "I don't know if it has escaped your + attention but for the last year, our kind has been hunted down and thrown into + Azkaban. Or worse, murdered in cold blood. I prefer my chances as they are in a + larger group instead of by myself, thank you very much."
+"Rookwood seems to be doing fine all alone," Rabastan sighed.
+"Well I'm sorry to say but you are simply not as clever or cunning as Rookwood," + Rodolphus replied, "You are welcome to take your chances by yourself, brother but I + am staying with my wife and her pet wolf if it's all the same to you."
+"What are you two blathering about?" Bellatrix' shrill voice cut through the + sultry summer air.
+"We were just wondering about Rookwood's whereabouts, my dear," Rodolphus replied, + "No one has seen him in a while."
+"I doubt that anyone will see him again," Bellatrix pouted, "He's always been a + cowardly little rat. Very much like Pettigrew, you know. He likes to hide and bide + his time while his stronger allies do all the dirty work."
+"Of course, Bella," Rodolphus said trying not to unnerve his wife.
+Bellatrix huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "What? Don't you like being + around me anymore?"
+Rodolphus put on his winning smile and closed the distance between him and his + wife in one long stride. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to + him, his lips meeting hers in what appeared to be a wild, passionate kiss. But while + her eyes were closed, Rodolphus shot a warning look at his brother before refocusing + his attention on taming the beast.
+"I would never want to leave your side, my love," he added for good measure. + "We're simply worried about our current status."
+Bellatrix wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and grinned widely as she + tapped Rodolphus' nose lightly. "I'm sorry, my pet," she whispered, "It's all because + of that traitor, Snape that we're in this mess."
+"You are quite right, my darling," Rodolphus agreed easily, glad that the focus + wasn't on him or his brother for a change. He tried desperately to ignore the sounds + of ripping flesh and someone gurgling as they tried to breathe through their + blood-filled throat. "If it wasn't for Snape, we would all still be in the presence + of our esteemed and wonderful Lord."
+As expected, Bellatrix fell despairingly into his arms, wailing loudly as she was + reminded of their tragic loss.
+"There will never again be one as great as he was," Bellatrix sniffed, clinging + onto Rodolphus' robes as she sobbed. "He understood. He always understood."
+"I know Bella," Rodolphus said lovingly. Or at least, he tried to sound loving. + Greyback howled somewhere in the distance and Rodolphus' eyes darted to his brother + who was looking around in fear, probably wondering if he would be Greyback's next + victim.
+"I will murder them," Bellatrix suddenly said viciously.
+"What did you say, my love?"
+"I will murder them all!" Bellatrix screeched, "And I will start with Snape and + that Potter brat. They took my lord away. My reason for being alive! I shall take + their lives as compensation and they will suffer greatly before I do!"
+Rodolphus had to do his very best not to roll his eyes at the deranged woman. She + had been spouting nonsense about revenge every other night. But the truth was that as + long as they were hunted by the ministry, they could hardly move about casually. + Planning any sort of attack on people who were under the protection of Hogwarts and – + by extension – Dumbledore would be nothing short of foolish. Even Bellatrix would be + able to understand that.
+Harry carefully watched the bubbling of the potion in his cauldron, adding the + ingredients at exactly the right intervals. He was stirring the concoction as he + wandlessly commanded his stirrer to circle in intricate patterns, holding his book + open with the hand that was not busy casting spells.
+He barely heard Slughorn's lecture or corrections as he hovered near other + students' cauldrons. Instead, Harry focused carefully on the hiccoughing solution he + was brewing. A silly potion for being relatively difficult to brew, for sure. + Especially when one considered the fact that hiccoughing was harmless most of the + time and would pass on its own. But it was good practice.
+In fact, Harry thought that if he tweaked the potion a bit, it might become useful + to combat heartburn.
+"Perfect as always, Harry," Slughorn commented as he glanced into Harry's + cauldron.
+"Thank you, sir," Harry replied politely, careful not to look away from what he + was doing. It was not as if he didn't value Slughorn's opinion but he valued Snape's + more. And he knew that brewing at this level was far beneath him at this point. And + Harry suspected that Slughorn knew it too. The old Potions master hovered for a few + seconds more while Harry revisited his heartburn idea in his mind. Something seemed + to be bothering the man but Harry paid it no attention at this point.
+Harry put a stasis on his cauldron before hurrying off to the pantry. It was so + odd to think that rummaging through the various potion ingredients felt like second + nature by now. A couple of years ago, he would not have recognized that black lotus + that was carefully tucked away in a corner, nor would he have known what its uses + were. Harry smiled to himself as he considered how far he'd come and kept looking for + the ingredients he needed.
+It wasn't long until he had his hands on some root of the ginger plant but it took + him a while longer to find the liquorice. He emerged victoriously and noticed that + Slughorn was looking at him. Harry thought it would be best if he actually made his + intentions known and approached the older man.
+"Excuse me, sir," Harry said politely.
+"What can I do for you, Harry?" Slughorn asked kindly, "Those ingredients do not + belong in the hiccoughing solution."
+"I'm aware of that, Professor," Harry said, "But I was wondering if you would + allow me to alter the potion a bit to make it more… well… useful."
+"That is not really the assignment, Harry," Slughorn said doubtfully, "My request + of you was a hiccoughing solution."
+"I understand sir," Harry said, "So how about I divide the potion I've brewed so + far into two cauldrons and pick up from there?"
+"Do you believe yourself proficient enough to work on multiple draughts at once?" + Slughorn asked, furrowing his brow.
+Harry actually snorted at that. "I assure you that's not a problem, sir," Harry + replied respectfully, "I've done it many times before."
+Slughorn considered Harry for a moment before his expression softened. He almost + seemed disappointed about something.
+"Very well," he conceded, "As long as you provide me with a vial of the + hiccoughing solution at the end of class, you may proceed as you suggested. But do + not expect me to go easy on your grade simply because you took on an extra + difficulty."
+"I wouldn't dream of it, sir," Harry said happily before hurriedly getting back to + his cauldron.
+With a flick of his wand, he summoned a spare cauldron, belonging to the school + and set it on the fire. He carefully divided the solution in half and summoned a + second stirrer that he put to work as well. If his calculations were correct, the + making of the potion could stay the same for the most part but a few of the + ingredients needed to be substituted.
+In the cauldron that was meant to become the hiccoughing solution, Harry carefully + added two spoonfuls of anise oil. At the same time, he added the liquorice to his new + creation. It smelled sweet and its consistency became a lot thicker. Perhaps not + entirely as envisioned.
+With the anise oil completely absorbed, Harry added the cups of pineapple juice + accordingly, moving the stirrer in an up- and downward motion such as to absorb the + juice without allowing for too much air to be pushed out. It would still need to + bubble, after all. Harry sighed. He could make this potion with his eyes closed. He + turned down the fire somewhat to let the hiccoughing solution simmer and turned his + attention back to the second cauldron. He finely cut up the ginger root and added it + bit by bit to the solution, watching carefully as the tough roots were swallowed by + the thicker liquid.
+It would need to boil for a while longer to soften the tough root, but that would + result in more liquid escaping and a thicker solution. So either it could be used as + some sort of syrup or he would need to add more water along the way. But that water + would not have absorbed any of the ingredients yet so that might be problematic. + Perhaps he could –
+Oh, he had almost forgotten to add the final ingredient to the hiccoughing + solution. He grabbed the previously chopped up dill plant and scattered it into the + potion, giving it two more stirs before hauling it off the fire and leaving it to + cool. It looked positively perfect and should earn him an O easily.
+However… Harry now stared at the second potion with a hint of defeat but also + curiosity. This wouldn't work. He bottled a sample anyway to check out later. Maybe + Snape had an idea of what went wrong.
+"Stay after class if you will, Harry," Slughorn said and when Harry snapped his + head up to look at his professor, he found him to be looking at him kindly.
+"Of course, Professor," Harry agreed, cleaning his working station before deciding + that his hiccoughing solution had cooled down enough to bottle as well.
+Both Hermione and Draco shot Harry a curious glance when class was over but went + on ahead without him. It was not as if Slughorn was known as some sort of terrifying + teacher. In fact, he had been nothing but friendly in the past so there was no reason + for concern.
+When the last student had left the room, Harry placed his potion on Slughorn's + desk and waited.
+"Ah yes, thank you, Harry," Slughorn said, giving the potion only a momentary + glance. His eyes then searched Harry's nervously, almost as if he was some infatuated + schoolboy.
+"Harry," he said gravely, "It has come to my attention that you have been + apprenticed to Severus."
+"That is correct," Harry admitted carefully.
+Slughorn sighed exasperatedly as he stood behind his chair, leaning heavily on the + slim piece of furniture.
+After a moment's consideration, he asked: "May I ask why you haven't asked + me to be your master? I am the current Potions Master of Hogwarts, + after all. Not to mention that I'm the one who taught Severus most of what he knows. + I have far more experience and I daresay that I am most likely the more capable + brewer."
+Harry was taken aback for a moment. Slughorn was jealous?
+"It is clear to me that you are a very talented young man indeed," Slughorn + continued when Harry didn't answer. "At least as talented as your mother was if not + even more so. I would have very much liked to tutor you as well. Have you not even + considered me?"
+"Professor," Harry stammered uncomfortably, "I'm not sure if you've heard but I + have been living with Professor Snape for the last couple of years. Not only that, + but he officially adopted me last Christmas. Even if you were the better potioneer –" + Which you're not, thought Harry, "- It was still far easier for me to be + aligned to someone who already had a connection with me. You see Professor, he knows + me better than anyone at this point and he knows how to motivate and teach me."
+"So it was more about your personal connection than about skill?" Slughorn + questioned.
+"That would be accurate," Harry said dryly.
+"I suppose I can understand that," Slughorn agreed, "Especially after having so + tragically lost both of your parents."
+Harry simply nodded. He knew what Slughorn was trying to do. He wanted to start + building some sort of rapport between the two of them but Harry really didn't feel + like opening up to Slughorn. Not that he was a bad man, per se, but Harry didn't like + how the man seemed to collect people.
+"Very well, Harry," Slughorn said after a moment's respite, "Thank you for your + explanation. Just remember that if you ever need potion advice and Severus is not + around, that I can always help you out. Now run along."
+"Yes, thank you, Professor," Harry replied before hastily leaving, hoping that he + hadn't missed too much of lunch yet.
+The tables in the great hall were still stacked with food and drink and not a + single student had left yet. Harry supposed that he had more time than he originally + thought. He went to sit with his friends and glanced at the high table, meeting + Snape's gaze. The man raised his eyebrows as if asking Harry where he had been but + Harry simply shrugged.
+The man might officially be his father now, but there was no reason for Harry to + go and tell him everything that was going on as soon as it happened. He would explain + Slughorn's jealousy to him the next time they shared a pot of tea or something.
+"What did he want?" Draco asked as he slid in the seat next to Harry. None of the + Gryffindors even seemed to care anymore that the Slytherin prince joined their table + every now and then. It had become a normal occurrence and Draco wasn't pestered about + it by either side anymore.
+"He wanted to know why I chose Snape over him," Harry said easily.
+Draco snorted. "Ah, the never-ending battle for + The-Boy-Who-Continues-To-Live."
+"Honestly," Harry growled, "You would think that with Voldemort gone, people would + pay less attention to me."
+"Less?" Ron exclaimed, his mouth filled to the brim. "You killing off the greatest + threat to the wizarding world in decades has only increased the wonder surrounding + the golden boy, you know?"
+"Chew with your mouth closed, Ronald," Hermione chastised. "Did Slughorn + understand in the end, Harry?"
+"I think he did," Harry shrugged.
+Before anyone could say anything else, Peeves flew into the great hall, much to + the dismay of most of the teachers and students present. Instead of charging forward, + like he normally would, he floated near the entrance, looking over his shoulder as if + he were waiting for someone.
+A few seconds later, a frayed and out of breath Professor Bell appeared, smiling + sheepishly when she saw everyone's gaze fall on her.
+"Milady," Peeves said jovially as he bowed exaggeratedly, stretching his arm + across the hall.
+"Thank you, Peeves," Bell said gratefully, "I don't know what I would have done + without you."
+Peeves cackled loud before disappearing through a wall.
+"Bloody hell," Ron whispered, "Did she tame Peeves?"
+"Looks like it," Draco replied in utter amazement. "In the end, it was beauty that + tamed the beast."
+"Stop drooling," Harry chided, "Before she hears you. And isn't it beauty that + killed the beast?"
+Bell walked alongside the Gryffindor table to go and sit in her usual seat but + stopped briefly next to Hermione to whisper: "I got lost again," before she hurried + along.
+Hermione chuckled loudly as the slightly flushed Professor Bell took her seat next + to Snape who only gave her a sideways glance before stiffly buttering his toast. Bell + tried to offer him the jam but Snape ignored her completely. Eventually, she put the + jam down next to the butter and focused on a bowl of fruit salad herself.
+"Looks like Snape found a new victim to assert his dominance over," Ron said + flatly.
+"Maybe he's just not used to pretty ladies sitting next to him?" Draco + offered.
+"Oh, stop it already!" Hermione huffed, "If you like her so much, why did you skip + her class?"
+"You really shouldn't have," Ron added, "It was brilliant."
+"So I've heard," Draco admitted, "I'll go to the next one."
+When Harry looked at the high table again, he saw Bell having an animated + conversation with Dumbledore while Snape sat in between them, looking awfully + disgruntled. Harry couldn't help but laugh. He really did like this woman and most + others seemed to as well. But it was so like Snape to dislike someone just for being + happy and perky.
+That evening, Harry found himself in the students' lab once again examining the + sludge he had created. Hedwig was eating the owl treats Harry had brought for her as + he tested the thick liquid to see if it was poisonous.
+"What are you doing?" Came Snape's deep voice.
+Harry jumped somewhat, slightly startled at the sudden presence of his adopted + father.
+"Don't do that," he scolded, "prowling around like the dungeon bat you are."
+Snape raised that typical sardonic eyebrow and smirked maliciously. "Five points + from Gryffindor for your disrespect."
+Harry made a distracted noise as he went back to examining his failure.
+"I will ask again," Snape said impatiently, "What are you doing?"
+"Trying to find out if I made something that works or if I just made expensive + mud."
+Snape snorted, "Expensive mud is the main export product of Potions Apprentices. + It's too bad nobody will buy it."
+"I thought I was on to something," Harry said, ignoring Snape's attempt at a joke, + "But my instincts might have been off."
+"Harry," Snape sighed, "What are we practising here?"
+Harry looked up in confusion, twirling his sludge vial back and forth.
+"I may call this subject an art when I try to get through to students but in + reality, it is a science. Everything needs to be carefully measured and calculated if + you want something to work. Surely, you know that?"
+"Of course I do," Harry said grumpily, "It was a spur of the moment thing."
+"It's fine if you want to try some things," Snape replied, "But it would be better + if you thought these things through before you put them to the test. You can get + lucky every now and then but if you do something very wrong, you might blow up."
+"I know what ingredients not to mix, you know," Harry argued, "I might + accidentally make the potion inert but I doubt I would blow anything up." He was + getting a bit annoyed with Snape's interference.
+"Don't presume that you know everything," Snape said sternly, "Not even I know the + full effects of every single ingredient out there, let alone their effects on each + other. You are most likely aware of the basics behind most of the ingredients found + on the premises but I highly doubt you've explored every single possible + combination."
+Harry huffed in annoyance. "Not yet, no but I can't get there without doing + research!"
+"Mind your tone," Snape said gruffly, "And you're right. You have to do research + but that doesn't mean randomly throwing some ingredients together and hoping that + they magically bland into what you've envisioned. Did you even calculate the proper + amounts before acting on your instincts?"
+"No, sir," Harry admitted. "But I was sure I got it. It seemed like such an easy + substitution."
+Snape's gaze softened. "It's not atypical of apprentices to believe they know the + ins and outs of the craft," he said gently, "But it would do well for you to know + your limits before you proceed. If not for your own safety, than for that of + others."
+Harry nodded and thrust his vial in Snape's direction. "So this is –"
+"Expensive mud," Snape replied easily. "Why don't you work out what you were + trying to do and attempt it again tomorrow? Don't give up now. I bet you're on to + something here."
+"Okay," Harry said, putting down his notes for now. "Will you help me?"
+"If you deem it necessary," Snape replied, "Though I would first advise you to try + by yourself."
+Harry nodded, dropping his head on his arms as he looked at Hedwig who was + cleaning her feathers.
+"Slughorn is jealous of you," he said.
+Snape didn't look the least bit surprised. "Professor Slughorn, Harry," + he corrected, "And let me guess. He wished that you had chosen him as a + master instead of me."
+"Yup," Harry said, "Ten points to Slytherin."
+Snape ruffled Harry's tangled hair as the young man chuckled wearily. "Stop that!" + he said, batting Snape's hand away.
+"Scared I'll chase away the birds?" Snape asked amusedly but continued on in a + more serious tone of voice. "Did you get the feeling that Professor Slughorn might + treat you unfairly because of this?"
+"Nah," Harry said, "He's not like that. It felt more like he's going to try to get + in my good graces."
+"He's not a bad ally to have, you know," Snape said thoughtfully, "In the end, he + too is an accomplished master."
+"I guess it's hard to imagine him as such," Harry admitted, "When you're used to + your Potions Master gliding through the castle like some sort of deranged dementor, + the charismatic feel of an average ageing man is severely reduced."
+Snape sneered dangerously. "Be careful before this deranged dementor has you + gutting toads for the rest of the evening."
+"You can't," Harry smiled contently.
+"And do tell me why that is, you brat," Snape snarled.
+"Because I already cut ginger root today," Harry said cleverly, "It wouldn't react + well with the frog's kidney's, sir."
+Snape smiled broadly. "Exactly right, apprentice."
+Chapter six is finished already. This is going well. Please share your + thoughts with me through the power of the review! 'Imperio!'
+Hello, dearies. I need to warn you that while from this chapter I'm heading in + the direction of Ginny/Harry, I don't like the pairing and this is not how it's going + to go. Also, since romance really isn't my prime writing style, this following + chapter will probably have the most romance in the entirety of this fic. It's simply + to make Harry's seventeen-year-old brain seem more realistic. I'm sorry for those put + off by it, but again, this is simply not how it's going to go. Trust me a bit on + this!
+Chapter 7
+Snape sneered maliciously as he sat alone in the staff meeting room. He resolutely + despised these gatherings and was absolutely certain that he could spend his time far + better than sitting there listening to some old fool proclaim Gryffindor greatness. + And yet, Snape found himself with no choice in the matter. However less than ideal + this situation might be, Snape was still employed to Albus Dumbledore and would, + therefore, need to do at least as much as attend regular staff meetings, however much + he loathed it. At least he had managed to avoid the onerous burden of 'Secret Santa' + every year.
+Snape's mind snapped back to attention when Dumbledore moved on from his usual + pleasantries and the ridiculous offering of lemon drops. It was only Hogwarts' latest + addition that took one of the offered sweets. From the way Dumbledore's eyes + sparkled, one would think he had just been gifted a particularly rare novelty. One + that would do well on his desk alongside his other thingamabobs.
+"As the first point on the agenda I would like to inform you all of the very first + apprenticeship we have had on school grounds in over a decade," Dumbledore said + happily.
+Snape glanced around the room to see Slughorn, Poppy and McGonagall eyed him + knowingly while the rest of the staff stared curiously at Dumbledore. "It has become + apparent that Harry Potter displays quite the proficiency in potions. He has + therefore been assigned as an apprentice to our very own Severus Snape."
+Taking in the reactions of the staff was rather amusing. Snape noted that Slughorn + seemed beyond envious but this he had already gathered from Harry's explanation. + McGonagall seemed rather pleased for some reason. Well, as Harry's head of house she + was rather close to him. She must be very aware of the current relationship between + what once were antagonists. Perhaps even more so than Dumbledore.
+Speaking of which, he was gauging the reactions of his employees as much as Snape + was but the furious sparkle in those baby blue eyes did not diminish. In fact, they + seemed to shine with a brightness that was rare even in Dumbledore.
+Hagrid was predictable as always. The good-natured oaf wasted no time in + congratulating Snape by patting him harshly on the back, practically knocking the + wind out of him. Snape did his best to keep up the appearance that he was unbothered + by the half-giant's manhandling and graciously accepted his congratulatory slurs.
+Poppy simply beamed at him. She had definitely seen Snape at his worst, mentally + speaking. Snape flushed when he recalled a few moments where he had nearly broken + down over Harry's shattered body. It was a good thing that he could count on her + discretion or his reputation would be permanently destroyed.
+Most of the others simply murmured congratulations, some more heartfelt than + others. It was clear that some of his colleagues still deemed Snape unworthy of + caring for Harry. But then again, they hadn't exactly announced their newfound + rapport to the world so that was only to be expected.
+Maya Bell, the far too gleeful History professor with no sense of direction + whatsoever was, of course, not aware of the history Snape and Harry shared. That is + unless someone told her about all of the intricate details of the staff's + relationships be it among each other or with students.
+Snape narrowed his eyes as he watched the brunette approach him, her eyes darting + around the room as if to gauge everyone else's reaction first. He could see the exact + moment she decided on her own tactic when her eyes stopped seeking validation and + simply steadied to calmly meet his gaze.
+She smiled at him warmly and Snape had to keep himself from rolling his eyes at + her. What was she even trying to achieve here?
+"Congratulations, Severus!" she said heartily, "I know I can expect great things + from both of you in the future. And who knows –" She actually had the audacity to + wink at him. "- you might even wind up in the history books."
+"Aren't we, already?" Snape drawled, sardonic eyebrow firmly in place.
+"Well of course you are!" Bell replied easily, "But I meant as academics. + Inventors perhaps. I know you are already well established as a potioneer but I can't + wait to see you elevate Harry to the same heights!"
+Snape wondered if Bell was always this energetic and whether she consumed a + regular dosage of pepper-up potion for it.
+"Thank you," he replied sullenly, not in the least interested to continue this + conversation. He had hoped that his cold demeanour would cause the woman to flee but + she did not. Instead, she glanced around the room, clearly noticing that Snape had + chosen to sit somewhere secluded and took the empty seat next to him as he exhaled + loudly in response. Bell either didn't notice or didn't care.
+"Excuse me, Headmaster," Slughorn then said. Snape kept his gaze steady. Oh, + here it comes.
+"I think it rather unwise to have a talent such as the one Harry possesses be + under the sole attention of Professor Snape. Not that I in any way disregard his + talent for the craft nor his diligence in brewing his creations but we have to keep + in mind that this is his first apprentice."
+"I appreciate your concern, Horace," Dumbledore said kindly, "As I'm sure Severus + does as well –" Snape didn't even attempt to look appreciative at Slughorn's + meddling, "- but as I'm sure you're well aware, the contract has been signed."
+"Yes, I gathered as much," Slughorn continued, "And I would never even dream of + taking Severus' place in the boy's life. Absolutely not. But perhaps Severus too + could use a mentor of sorts."
+Snape narrowed his eyes dangerously.
+"To make sure that he follows protocol and leads Harry in the right direction, I + would suggest that I am allowed to oversee their interactions, and when I deem it + necessary, intervene. If all is well, they will, of course, not encounter any sort of + intrusion on my part."
+Dumbledore seemed to think this over, much to Snape's chagrin.
+"Will all due respect, headmaster," Snape spoke up, "I am quite sure that I have a + handle on things. There is no need for a third party to be present."
+"Actually Severus, I do believe there is some merit to Horace's idea," Dumbledore + said, "I'm sure Harry would be delighted with the extra set of helping hands to guide + him forward. You will, of course, remain his mentor and he, your apprentice, make no + mistake of that. But perhaps it would be wise to allow for a substitute so to speak. + For when you are indisposed or unable to discuss something with Harry for whatever + reason. How does that sound to you?"
+It sounded very much like Dumbledore didn't leave Snape any choice in the matter. + But alright. If Slughorn wanted to play this game, Snape would happily deal him his + hand. And who knows, the old yet admittedly competent master might come in handy + sooner or later.
+"That will be agreeable," Snape said evenly, once more ignoring the murmurs from + his colleagues.
+When everyone settled down, Dumbledore smiled brightly and moved on.
+"As for the second point on our agenda, I would like to inform you all that the + History lessons have been a grand success."
+This time everyone clapped without scruples. Snape simply nodded curtly in Bell's + direction. It was the smallest sign of respect he at least felt he needed to allow + her. She smiled brightly at everyone involved.
+"I realize that it is rather unorthodox for students to take on a class they have + previously dropped, especially for those who are in their seventh year, but I feel + that we must allow it this once," Dumbledore added. "The knowledge they attain this + way will not be wasted whether the students pass their NEWT's or not. And if they + enjoy it, I see no harm in allowing their interests to develop further."
+Snape noticed everyone nodding in agreement as Bell sat there with a + self-satisfied smile on her face. She looked as if Christmas had just come early. Of + course, she would bask in the glory of her victory already. She hadn't even achieved + anything yet. They would see, by the end of the year if she would remain + victorious.
+"As for the third point on our agenda, we need to urgently discuss the upcoming + courtship of the house-elves. I expect every Professor to be sympathetic to a + decrease in their services for a short period of time. As such, I would like to + emphasize…
+Ginny was softly stroking Hedwig's feathers while Harry was pouring over the + experimental potion he had messed up yesterday. As he was making the necessary + calculations he started seriously regretting that he had taken divination instead of + Arithmancy but he powered through nonetheless.
+When Ginny had asked him if she could accompany him to the dungeons - empowered to + do so by the obvious ruse that she was interested in his apprenticeship and how + things were working out – Harry had happily agreed. But while her presence was quite + nice, it was a hindrance to Harry's work. In fact, he was forced to scratch out his + calculations for the third time already when he realized he messed up again.
+The fact that their relationship status was yet to be determined did not help + quell the musings in Harry's mind that overshadowed his academic interests. Ginny was + talking softly to Hedwig as the snowy owl tilted her head in understanding. Since he + was the man in all this, wasn't he supposed to take the first steps? Not exactly a + modern idea but the wizarding world was rather archaic and Ginny was a pureblood. + Harry sighed and dropped his quill. He was getting nowhere with this.
+"Ginny," he called out to the redhead. She turned to face him and smiled brightly, + causing a weird churning feeling in Harry's stomach.
+"Yes?" she asked softly, halting her movement of stroking Hedwig's chest. Her eyes + darted over to Harry's mess of notes and he quickly buried them under his crossed + arms.
+"I –er…" What was he going to say again? He had no plan whatsoever and was feeling + more nervous than he had been taking his OWL's. Wasn't that silly? He was seventeen + years old which made him of age. He had bested some of the most powerful wizards of + his time and numerous other dangers that had been flung his way. In fact, he had + saved Ginny's life at some point during his never-ending ordeals so where was his + courage now? Had he used the last of it when he was fighting Malfoy?
+Oh no, she was staring at him, her brown eyes shimmering with curiosity and dare + he name it hope?
+Mentally slapping himself, Harry steeled his resolve and stood from his seat, + stepping close to Ginny. Her eyes never left his but the closer he got, the more + flushed her face became. It was nothing short of adorable.
+"We should probably talk about what's been going on between us," Harry said, not + sure how he had managed to speak that entire sentence without allowing his voice to + tremble. He was glad for it. It would make him appear strong and confident.
+Ginny simply responded with a shy nod that was anything but helpful to Harry's + difficult task. He cleared his throat and continued.
+"The truth is, Ginny," he said softly, "that I like you. I mean, really + like you. And I suppose I'm wondering if you –"
+Harry wasn't even able to finish his sentence when Ginny lunged forward without + warning and flung her arms around Harry's neck with such intensity that he was forced + to take a few steps back until he was backed up against his desk. She kissed him + passionately and rather hungrily as her lithe form pressed against him. Gingerly, + Harry returned the embrace as well as the kiss, all the while thinking about how + lucky he was.
+When Harry and Ginny joined Ron and Hermione at dinner that evening, they looked + sort of dishevelled but luckily, Ron didn't notice. He was far too busy explaining to + Hermione why he deemed the 'Starfish and Stick' one of the more useful moves for a + keeper to learn. Hermione was doing her best to seem interested but was failing.
+"Hi guys," she greeted happily at the pair's arrival, obviously glad for the + distraction from the Quidditch talk. She did a double-take before narrowing her eyes + at Harry but said nothing.
+Harry – who felt strangely put in the spotlight – tried straightening out his + robes as he searched for a change of topic.
+"So Ron, heard anything from Fred and George yet?" he asked.
+Ron snorted. "Hardly," he said, "Bill sent a letter to mum practically begging her + to come and get the twins away from him for some reason but mum insists that they're + of age and don't need her to tell them what to do anymore. Not that they've done a + bang-up job listening to her in the past, of course."
+Harry frowned. "Why does he want them gone?"
+"Because they've been there for ages, I suppose," Ron said, shrugging, "And now he + can't get rid of them. They must really like Egypt."
+"Yeah, that must be it," Harry agreed, "But I hope they come back soon. Their joke + products might run out if they don't."
+"Not yet," Ron said, "They already set up and pre-paid a long term delivery. + Almost as if they've anticipated staying away for a while, now that I think about + it."
+"Well, they're nothing if not crafty," Harry replied, "I'm sure they've thought of + all scenarios before leaving their shop behind."
+"Honestly, I think they're going to come home with an amazing new prank," Ron said + as he bit off a huge chunk of the steak he pierced with his fork. Hermione scrunched + up her nose in disgust but chose to roll her eyes instead of berating her + boyfriend.
+"Hey guys," Draco interrupted as usual. He went to take a seat when he froze and + allowed his gaze to drift over Harry and Ginny. Ginny met his stare defiantly but + Harry squirmed somewhat in his seat. He became even more uncomfortable when a devious + grin spread across Draco's face.
+He altered his course ever so slightly to worm his way in between Harry and Ginny, + draping an arm around both of them.
+"It's about time, you two," he said happily. Ginny shoved him away, causing him to + almost land into Harry's lap, sniggering all the while.
+"What are you talking about?" Ron frowned, "About time for what?"
+"Isn't it obvious?" Draco exclaimed, easily straightening Harry's tie, "These two + snogged."
+"What? No way," Ron said dismissively, "What are you on, Draco? And can I have + some?"
+"Fine," Draco said, grabbing a clean plate and filling it up, "Don't believe me. + And while you're at it, you can ignore that tell-tale blush on both of their faces as + well."
+"Harry, tell him he's full of it," Ron chuckled. His smile faltered somewhat when + Harry stared decisively at the chicken filet on his plate. "Ginny?"
+"And what of it?" Ginny said casually, "I'm sixteen years old, you know. I have + needs, the same as you."
+"No you don't," Ron said, "You're my baby sister. All you need is Quidditch and + hanging out with your friends."
+Ginny huffed as she got up from her seat, walked over to Harry so Draco wouldn't + physically be blocking him, grabbed him forcibly by the necktie and planted a + passionate kiss right then and there on the unsuspecting boy's lips. Several of the + surrounding students cheered and whistled. Not that Harry minded. Oh, he didn't mind + in the least.
+"I'm not a child anymore, Ron," Ginny told her brother as he stammered + incoherently, "I'm a woman and want to be treated as such. And if I may say so, I + advise you do the same to Hermione before she runs off and finds a man who is more + than willing to. Pass me the butter, Harry."
+Ginny casually buttered a nice warm roll, resolutely ignoring the stunned faces of + the golden trio and the self-satisfied grin on Draco's. Harry could only admire her + straightforwardness and aloof mannerism at this point. He himself felt an odd + combination of mortification and gratification. The mortification only won out when + Harry remembered that Snape was probably sitting at the high table and had no doubt + seen it all.
+As if in slow motion, Harry gazed up at the spot Snape usually sat at and was met + with obsidian eyes that were accompanied by a much too cheerful smirk. And then that + sarcastic git raised his glass in salute and winked. Harry groaned, wishing that the + ground could swallow him whole right then and there.
+Harry was glad that Snape didn't really seem to want to have a conversation about + his newfound relationship. Other than the occasional snarky comment, he made no fuss + or anything for which Harry was grateful.
+What he was less grateful about was Slughorn's interference. But when it seemed + that Snape was not at all concerned about it, Harry relaxed as well.
+"As I've mentioned before, he's a useful ally to have," Snape had reminded Harry, + "and he might be able to help you when I'm otherwise engaged."
+What that had meant, Harry had no clue but it wasn't farfetched to think that + Snape had various side projects he wanted to make progress on, like the one he had + used the Weasley twins for.
+It was a few weeks later when Harry received his latest issue of 'The Practical + Potioneer' which was sent out mainly because of the position of Mars and the effect + that would have if you started brewing 'Ares' draught' within the next + couple of days. Hermione had explained to Harry that while the magazine seemed to be + distributing at random, the latest edition always had something to do with the lunar + cycle or that of the other celestial bodies.
+Happy to have something other to read about than the various attacks on innocent + muggles and muggle-borns, Harry started thumbing through the magazine while Hermione + did the same. Their respective partners shared an exasperated look before beginning a + discussion on quidditch.
+"Harry!" Hermione gasped, "You've been published!"
+Harry frowned. "That can't be," he said easily, "I haven't actually done anything + yet and I promise you that I didn't send anything in."
+"Yes, because I'm sure that there are multiple apprentices to Professor Snape out + there that go by the name of Harry James Potter," Hermione replied sardonically, + "Skip to page eight and see for yourself."
+Harry did what Hermione said and was perplexed to find about half a page dedicated + to one of his recent discoveries which he had forgotten all about.
+'On the increased potency of the antivenom potion'
+While a rare occurrence, it does happen every now and then that an apprentice + shakes awake the community with a simple yet important discovery.
+Esteemed Master Severus Snape reported to us that his apprentice Harry James + Potter offered to exchange the sprig of rosemary for azalea leaves. Risky and + unnecessary you say? Many would agree but under the watchful eye of his Master, + apprentice Potter took that risk and therefore elevated the potion to new levels of + potency.
+As always, we recreated the potion to test the theorem ourselves and after + multiple tests, we can conclude that this discovery is indeed viable. Therefore we + urge everyone to take note and adjust their recipes accordingly.
+Why an apprentice was found to have such a profound understanding of potions + and, more importantly, their ingredients can only be traced back to the Master + himself. Severus Snape – of whom you'll find more information on page 14. – has + graciously taken Harry Potter under his wing which allowed the pair of them to best + you-know-who.
+It goes without saying that we will be expecting great things from this future + potioneer and can only hope that his prowess will match his Master's.
+"Wow Harry," Hermione breathed, "This is amazing! I'm so jealous of you."
+"I'm not even sure how they know," Harry frowned.
+"Oh, isn't it obvious?" Hermione said excitedly, "Professor Snape informed them. + Look, it's right here at the bottom."
+Harry glared at the finely printed text, 'Supervised and collected by highly + esteemed Potions Master Severus Snape and derived by his Apprentice Harry James + Potter'.
+"I'm not sure I like this," Harry growled, "Yet another reason to be in the + spotlight."
+"I think it's brilliant," Hermione said, "You're good enough to get published + already."
+"Yeah, that's amazing!" Ginny interjected as she grabbed the magazine from Harry. + "Wow, my boyfriend must be really smart." She winked at Harry when Ron groaned. "I'm + proud of you," she then added earnestly, kissing him softly as if in reward to his + achievement.
+"What does it say about Snape though?" Ginny then asked, flipping the pages + accordingly.
+'On the brilliance of Master Severus Snape'
+It is easy to become complacent once you've attained the status of Master but + Severus Snape has never fallen for that particular trap. With talk of his already + famous apprentice Harry James Potter, it might be easy to lose sight of the Master + behind the student but we will remind you exactly why you shouldn't.
+Severus Snape is not only the youngest Potions Master in over a century, he + has also made leeway on a lot of important potions of our time. Not only has he + improved tremendously on the 'Wolfsbane Potion' – which though originally created by + Damocles Belby left much to be desired – he also shared some astounding research on + the staff of Caduceus and invented the Ares' draught which is featured on page + 3.
+When we take a look at his creative process …
+The article went on and on about the various potions Snape had created and + improved upon. Testimonies from other Masters who grudgingly admitted to Snape having + a hand in the success of their own creation and even some prizes he won such as the + golden chalice which he apparently received thrice.
+"Wow, Snape is more impressive than I thought," Ron finally added to the + conversation. He had been reading Hermione's magazine over her shoulder. "Or are they + embellishing?"
+"I somehow doubt that," Hermione said, "This is a very respectable magazine. It's + not like the daily prophet, you know."
+"They didn't even mention the limerick potion," Ron snorted, "Who knows how many + unregistered potions he created to punish people."
+Hermione sighed, "You got what you deserved, you know."
+"And it was hilarious too!" Ginny interjected, "I hope you step out of line at his + home again."
+"Never again!" Ron said, "I will be on my best behaviour at his house from now + on."
+Harry glanced at Snape who was reading the same magazine they were with a look of + mild interest and couldn't help but think that he was lucky to have such a respected + Master to guide him. He knew Snape was good, but he had never truly known just how + accomplished and well-respected he was in the community.
+And at once, he was overcome with a sense of pride. Not for himself, but for the + dour man currently sitting at the high table, raising a sardonic eyebrow when he + caught Harry staring.
+And there you all go. I hope you liked the chapter and I wonder what you all + would like to see next.
+Please review! It pleases me so.
+This chapter is quite important and will finally get the ball rolling some + more. I know that many of you have been waiting for some more discord and angst and + such and this is the prelude to some of that awesome drama.
+Chapter 8
+It was nearly two whole weeks later when Harry deemed his theorem worthy of + inspection. As instructed, it had opened with a hypothesis of his idea.
+"… I have encountered death and its following misery more times than I can + count, not only in my own life but in that of others as well. The wounds of war are + far more than just physical and the wizarding world is only starting to develop an + understanding of what that entails just now. I wish to help people who have been + unable to move on after losing a loved one and believe that communicating with the + person they lost might benefit them greatly. I know that it would help me.
+He explained how he wanted to achieve this result. He had done the math as best he + could. He had listed all ingredients as well as their counters should they be + necessary and he created the chemical formula that went with the recipe. Harry felt + that he was ready to start brewing the potion. After all, it could not improve + without the much needed practical trial and error.
+So he had finished the theorem with the conclusion that if all went well, the end + result would be to communicate with the souls of the departed through the typical + senses of sound and sight but also through touch and even smell. After all, had he + himself not always longed to be hugged by his mother?
+Harry contemplated if he should wait for Snape to come to meet him in the lab but + since they hadn't actually agreed to meet, he decided to just go to Snape's private + quarters and present him with his work. So he made the very short trip, and politely + knocked on the door, his hands trembling with anticipation.
+"Enter," Came Snape's usual response. Harry opened the door and looked at Snape + who was reading the Daily Prophet with an almost bored expression on his face.
+"What can I do for you, Harry?" he asked without even looking up.
+"I think I've finished my theorem," Harry said, feeling somewhat giddy, "And I was + wondering if you'd be willing to look it over to approve me for the practical + follow-up."
+A small smile graced Snape's features for the better part of a second before he + put down the newspaper and held out his hand.
+"I could do with some more interesting reading," he sighed, "It would seem as if + the writers for The Daily Prophet are becoming less and less competent. Go on and + hand it over."
+Harry thrust the sheets of parchment forward with a bit more force than was + necessary causing him to lose the last few pages that weren't held firmly in + place.
+"Sorry," Harry mumbled as he ducked and clumsily picked up the pages from where + they landed. He handed them over to Snape who added them to the back of the theorem, + shaking his head in mild amusement.
+"There's no need to be so nervous," he said in a calm voice, "I am here to assist + and guide you, not to shoot your ideas down."
+Harry relaxed somewhat and waited with his hands clasped behind his back.
+Snape sighed heavily. "Take a seat and keep yourself occupied, Harry," he ordered, + "Judging by the length of this, I will be reading for a long while. And I will not + have you staring at me while I do so."
+"Of course, sir," Harry agreed. He grabbed one of Snape's potions books – one + Harry had already read several times – and curled up in the chair next to the + fireplace.
+Snape chuckled and started reading, expertly ignoring the glances Harry chanced + every now and then.
+It quite literally took hours for Snape to get through Harry's theorem. His face + had not once betrayed his thoughts and it was driving Harry mad. He had finished with + the book some time ago and was quickly overcome with boredom. And yes, that was a + welcome change from the anxiety he had been feeling for those first thirty minutes + Snape had been reading but he wanted to get this over with already.
+In his mind, he went over his idea several times, hoping that Snape would not find + too many faults with it and allow Harry to further his studies. He had been working + on the theory for months now, after all, and was just itching to start throwing those + ingredients together and see a result. As a manner of speaking, of course. He would + never haphazardly throw ingredients together. Not anymore, at least.
+Finally, Snape cleared his throat and Harry looked up from the spot on the table + he had been staring at vacantly, meeting Snape's cold, calculated expression.
+"First of all, I would like to impress upon you the importance of the presentation + of your theorem," Snape spoke.
+Harry frowned, not interested in such things at all but waited and listened + politely.
+"I see that you have utilized the standard parchment that is commonly used in this + school," Snape pointed out. "While fine for common homework and notes, your theorem – + especially that of a Magnum Opus – should always be produced on decent parchment. In + fact, having grown up in a muggle household, I am certain that you're aware of the + existence of paper. While the wizarding world is generally behind when it comes to + appreciating the inventions of the common muggle, when it comes to important tasks + such as these, we make grateful use of their craftiness."
+Harry had to keep himself from rolling his eyes. Instead, he calmly said: "Use + paper, not parchment. Understood."
+Snape smirked at him but didn't comment.
+"Furthermore, the terminology you used is far too complicated," Snape continued, + "If it were for my eyes only, that would be fine but you need to remember that when + you publish a theorem, more people than potioneers will read it. A master in + herbology, for instance, might take great interest and in your case, I might even + suggest that a seer might deem this a compelling read. Therefore, you have to make + this easier to understand."
+"Dumb it down," Harry snorted, "got it."
+"Watch the cheek, brat," Snape chided lightly this time. He sighed and + continued.
+"You must remember that this is a scientific text. Therefore, you should avoid + using opinions and emotional sentences above all else. Otherwise, you come across as + biased from the start and will not be taken seriously."
+Harry nodded in understanding, still waiting anxiously for any comment about the + contents of the theorem rather than the surrounding technicalities.
+"I've noticed that your arithmetic skills leave much to be desired," Snape droned + on relentlessly, "I've encountered three major errors that would leave your potion + inert at best and cause mass destruction at worst. Furthermore, you didn't specify + the thickness or the type of cauldron one should use for this potion nor the material + of the accompanying stirrer. You added the use of a spell in the potion but didn't + specify how the spell works or how one goes about casting it. Especially since you're + using a spell that is not well known, it is of crucial importance that you do + so."
+Harry's confidence had been decreasing more and more over the course of Snape's + carefully structured criticism and by the end, he didn't have much hope left. Yet he + still dared to ask.
+"Could I start brewing it while I rework the theory? As soon as I've worked out + the math properly, of course."
+Snape regarded Harry carefully, making the boy feel like some sort of rare and + valuable potion ingredient. A flicker of sadness marred the stoic appearance Snape + was trying to convey, if only for a second before he spoke again.
+"Out of the question," Snape said, "In fact, I believe that this potion should + never be attempted, even when the theorem is perfected. It is dangerous not to + mention quite dark. Even when you manage to brew it, I can only imagine the + devastating effects this will have on the drinker's psyche. I cannot condone this." + Snape sighed deeply. "I suggest you start from scratch and come up with something + less… controversial."
+"How can you say that?" Harry bellowed, his temper quickly taking hold of him, + "I've been working on this for months! It's not dark. It's supposed to help + people!"
+"Harry –"
+"No!" Harry interrupted, "You're supposed to be so great. You could probably think + of something to help me realize this. I know you could! But of course, you don't! Why + would you when you obviously can't even face my mother!"
+Harry grabbed his theorem and stormed out of the door, leaving a befuddled Snape + behind. He regretted what he said immediately but was too upset to go back and + apologize. He had put so much time and work in this! And it took Snape only a couple + of hours to decide that he was inadequate and not allowed to brew his creation.
+Upset, he ran all the way to the Gryffindor tower and stormed into the common room + where Ron, Hermione and Ginny were sat.
+"Harry," Ginny said, getting up as soon as she saw how upset Harry was. "Are you + okay?"
+"No," Harry snapped, "Snape says I can't make my potion!"
+"Oh Harry," Hermione said soothingly, "I'm sure he'll allow it once you polish the + theory just a bit more."
+Harry laughed bitterly. "Oh no," he said, "Snape was very clear. I can't brew it. + Not now, not ever. Months of research, out the window!"
+Angrily, he slammed the parchment onto the table and sat down with a frustrated + sigh.
+"Well, what did he say?" Ron asked, unsure of what he could contribute to a highly + academic problem.
+"He said it's dangerous and dark," Harry said flatly, "And that there was no way + to drink this safely."
+The three Gryffindors shared a look and Harry narrowed his eyes.
+"What?" he growled.
+"Well," Ginny started, "It's just that Snape is a well-respected Potions Master. + He probably knows what he's talking about."
+"How can you say that?" Harry asked, angrily getting to his feet again, "You're + supposed to be on my side."
+"We are!" Ginny countered, "And so is Snape. We just don't want you to get + hurt."
+For a second, Harry felt his chest tighten with a twinge of guilt when he + remembered what he had said – well more like yelled – to Snape before storming out. + It was cruel, especially when Snape was indeed just looking out for him. But then his + disappointment came washing back over him and swept his guilt away like the ocean + would footprints in the sand.
+"Fine," he scowled, turning his back on the three traitors. "I can see how it + is."
+"Harry –" Ginny started, reaching out to him.
+"Don't," Harry spat at her, "I need to be alone for a while."
+And with this theorem under his arm, he left the Gryffindor tower once more, + swiftly losing hope of being treated fairly. But perhaps, there was one more person + that could help Snape see the light. Steeling his resolve once more, Harry headed + towards Dumbledore's office.
+Harry was about ready to blast that gargoyle to pieces when it refused to allow + him entrance for the umpteenth time. Harry had named every sweet he had ever + encountered, be it muggle or wizard and the blasted thing still wouldn't open.
+Just when Harry was on the verge of pulling out his hair, the gargoyle finally + moved, revealing Dumbledore waiting at the top of the stairs.
+"Come on up, my boy," he said loudly, "It would not do for you to blast the + hallway to pieces."
+Harry mumbled something under his breath about ancient headmasters but made his + way up anyway. When he entered Dumbledore's office, he was surprised to find Slughorn + seated there already. The man greeted him warmly and Harry reciprocated politely.
+"The password is simply 'milky way'," Dumbledore informed Harry, "But I asked + Archibald not to allow anyone entrance while I am up here with Horace. Of course, I + didn't account for one very upset potioneer in training to grace me with his + presence."
+"Archibald?" Harry asked.
+"The gargoyle, Harry," Dumbledore chuckled, "Have a lemon drop."
+"No thank you, sir," Harry said dryly.
+"Very well," Dumbledore conceded, "Now how may I help you?"
+Harry glanced over at Slughorn, not sure if he should speak with the man present + but Dumbledore waved his concerns aside.
+"If this is about anything to do with your apprenticeship, I assure you that + Horace is more than capable to enlighten you with his insights. Two heads are better + than one, as I always say."
+Harry shrugged. Maybe Slughorn would be on his side and would be able to come up + with a way to help Harry, even if Snape couldn't or wouldn't.
+"He won't allow me to brew my potion," Harry explained, placing his theorem on + Dumbledore's desk. Slughorn took it immediately and started leafing through it but + Dumbledore simply steepled his fingers and smiled warmly as he listened to Harry.
+"I've been working on this for months," Harry repeated for the third time that + day, "And now Snape won't even allow me to go forward with this. I mean, I know there + are some errors in there and I mean full well to correct them but I really don't + think this will be as dangerous as he makes it out to be.
+"Do you feel that Professor Snape is treating you unfairly?" Dumbledore asked.
+Harry sighed in frustration. "No," he said, "Not on purpose anyway but I think + that he lets his personal feelings get in the way."
+"Harry, this is brilliant!" Slughorn exclaimed after a short while as he thumbed + through the list of ingredients and regarded the formula carefully. "There might be + some consistency errors here and there but you could really make this work. This + could very well be the discovery of the century!"
+Harry felt his disappointment and anger diminish somewhat while Slughorn gushed + over his theorem. At least there was someone who saw its potential.
+"Horace," Dumbledore said gently, "Would you kindly leave Harry and I alone to + talk for a while? We shall revisit our own discussion at a later date."
+"Are you sure, headmaster?" Slughorn asked, "I'm sure I could be of value if + –"
+But Dumbledore held up a calm hand, stopping every objection Slughorn could have. + When Dumbledore regarded you with the look in his eye that he had now, you knew that + you should make yourself scarce. And so Slughorn fled Dumbledore's office but not + without squeezing Harry's shoulder reassuringly as he left.
+"Harry," Dumbledore said warmly, the sparkle in his eyes already back at full + force. "You and I have faced each other many times in the past. Be it in this office, + the hospital ward or anywhere else. But it has occurred to me that we have never had + a professional conversation before. Before anything else, I want you to know how + pleased I am to know that there is now room in your life for these sorts of problems. + Your life is no longer focused solely on the destruction of Voldemort and so we can + move on to more pleasant conversation."
+Dumbledore sighed solemnly as he glanced over Harry's theorem and Fawkes thrilled + sadly in accordance.
+"And yet it would appear that Voldemort still influences your life somewhat," + Dumbledore continued, "If only through the absence of the people you deserve to have + here for you."
+"He doesn't run my life, sir," Harry objected quietly, "These choices are my + own."
+"There is no shame in being shaped by the life you've lived, Harry," Dumbledore + said, "Even if there was a great deal of sadness in yours. I hope you don't + misunderstand me. Voldemort is in no way dictating your actions from this life or the + next, but our experiences shape us. And yours have shaped a longing for what might + have been. I am sad to admit that I too am sometimes plagued by such notions."
+"Which is why I want to brew this potion," Harry said earnestly.
+"Allow me to give you some grandfatherly advice," Dumbledore said as he laid out + the pieces of parchment next to one another as if he was making an overcomplicated + puzzle.
+"Your journey into attaining this mastery has only scarcely begun. And you will + encounter many pitfalls along the way. It is only natural that you require direction + to follow this path correctly but when I look at your theorem I sense that this is + something you still lack, as do any young pioneers such as yourself. You don't lack + knowledge. Of that, I can see the proof right here. But you have to gain that sense + of direction to even begin going anywhere."
+"Because Harry," Dumbledore added with a knowing look in his eyes. "It is not the + destination that matters, it's the journey that takes us there."
+Feeling somewhat deflated, Harry leaned back into his chair, actually grabbing a + lemon drop.
+"So I suppose that you think Snape is right?"
+"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore chided lightly, "And you would do + well to remember that he is your mentor and far more knowledgeable than you are at + this stage."
+Harry sighed in defeat.
+"Having said that, I don't agree that you should simply discard your entire + project and start anew."
+Harry's green eyes filled with hope. "Do you mean that I could still make this + work?"
+"I certainly believe so, Harry," Dumbledore said, "For now, you should probably + leave your project to simmer. There is no shame in that, you know? I have projects + going on that I have let simmer for decades simply to give myself some time to think + it over."
+Dumbledore chuckled at the horrified look Harry gave him.
+"Not that I had that in mind for you, my boy," he assured him, "But I do think you + should put a halt to this potion until you've mastered Occlumency."
+Harry actually snorted at that. "Professor?" he asked, "I feel like that's neither + here nor there."
+Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "Trust me on this, Harry," he said gently, "And tell + Severus what I said. I'm sure he will adjust his opinion accordingly."
+"Alright," Harry said doubtfully as he took his cue to leave, forgetting to take + this theorem with him.
+Harry felt slightly better after the conversation with Dumbledore but was not + looking forward to facing Snape just yet. He had said something admittedly horrible + to the Potions Master, even though the man was obviously only trying to help. Sure, + he hadn't needed to be so dramatic about it but Harry's reaction was still over the + top.
+In fact, it was reactions like that, that had made it so bloody difficult for + Harry to master Occlumency. He was fine as long as he wasn't emotional but those + times were rare indeed. It was a good thing he hadn't been sorted into Slytherin way + back when. He wouldn't have lasted a week surrounded by the cool and collected + personas of Snape's house.
+Harry walked all the way back to the dungeons, passing Professor Bell on his way + to Snape's personal quarters. He stopped for a moment to help her out.
+"Are you lost again, Professor?" Harry asked.
+"Oh Harry, thank Goodness," Bell said, "Good to see you. I'm afraid that I can't + find the staircase to the second floor."
+"You wouldn't down here, Professor," Harry said, "We're in the dungeons. You need + to go all the way back until you see the doors to the great hall and take a + right."
+"That sounds easy enough," Bell said, smiling thankfully. "But where are you + going?"
+"To see Professor Snape," Harry sighed with a somewhat haunted look in his eyes. + Bell frowned slightly at that. "Anyway, good luck, Professor!" Harry exclaimed before + turning the corner that led to Snape's personal quarters.
+He was about to knock on the door when he heard loud voices come from within.
+"I can't believe you would keep Harry from personal growth, Severus!" Came the + unmistakable voice of Slughorn. "This potion is nothing short of genius."
+"I will not endanger his life and mind for the completion of a potion, no matter + how brilliant it might be," Snape countered strongly.
+"Sometimes you need to take chances to improve yourself," Slughorn said.
+"Not at this stage," Snape growled, "Not when he's still learning to find his own + way."
+Then Slughorn said something indiscernible to which Snape replied; "Above anything + else, he's still my son."
+Harry swallowed thickly and knocked on the door, tired of eavesdropping. It took a + few seconds longer than normal for Snape to beckon him to come in and when he did, + Harry opened the door slowly and doubtfully.
+"Come in, Harry," Snape sighed when the boy kept dawdling at the door, "Professor + Slughorn was just leaving."
+Slughorn made a noise in the back of his throat and glared at Snape who was + completely undeterred by the shorter man's gaze. He then turned to Harry and sighed + solemnly.
+"I'm sorry Harry," he said, "I tried."
+And he left as Harry stood there somewhat awkwardly.
+"Looks like I'm not the only one with a sense of the melodramatic today," he said + painfully as he shuffled his feet.
+Snape regarded him before turning to face the fire.
+"Sit down, Harry," he said curtly. Harry was glad to find no anger or resentment + in Snape's voice. The poorly disguised hurt on his face cut Harry deeply, though.
+"I'm sorry," Harry blurted out as he hastily sat down in accordance with Snape's + command. "I shouldn't have said what I said."
+"No, you shouldn't have," Snape said softly. He had his hands clasped behind his + back as he gazed into the flames. Anxiously, Harry licked his lips, his hands playing + with a stray thread of his cloak.
+"I was upset," Harry said, "But it was still wrong of me. I really am + sorry."
+This time Snape faced Harry and found the boy sitting there, resigned to his fate. + He sighed softly.
+"I forgive you, Harry," he said, "Though I do not condone your behaviour in the + least. I will have you know that many accomplished masters have started projects that + months or sometimes even years later proved to be useless or simply too dangerous to + ever use or even brew. This will happen again."
+"I understand sir," Harry acknowledged.
+There was a moment of silence in which Snape regarded Harry carefully.
+"I realize you visited with the headmaster," Snape then said softly, "And + Professor Slughorn as well. Did you hope that they would overturn my decision?"
+"Well, yes and no," Harry admitted honestly, "I didn't expect to find Slughorn + there but Dumbledore didn't send him away. I never meant to include him. I did hope + that Dumbledore might talk to you and have you come up with a solution."
+Snape sneered, "And how did that work out for you?"
+"Well –" Harry started, not sure how Snape would take this mad suggestion.
+"Out with it," Snape snarled, crossing his arms tightly.
+"He suggested that I master occlumency."
+For a moment, Snape's face was frozen in a mask of disbelief and Harry wondered + idly if he should floo the hospital wing. But then, the Potions Master shook his head + incredulously, smiling as he did so.
+"That brilliant old man," he muttered, seemingly forgetting that Harry was still + in the room. "Occlumency, of course! It is that simple."
+He started pacing in front of the fireplace. Harry had to tuck in his legs, afraid + that Snape would trip over them if he didn't.
+"It's rather genius, really," Snape continued muttering, "If one could lock down + their mind while still allowing for – but that would also mean that –"
+"Professor?" Harry interrupted.
+Snape stopped his pacing and looked at his charge with interest and excitement in + his eyes.
+"Harry," he said solemnly, "It appears that this time, you truly will + need to master occlumency."
+I know what you're thinking! Damn, MS. Occlumency again? I thought you + abandoned that idea altogether? But no sirree, here it is! Back for more. How do you + all expect this to go? I hope you'll look forward to what comes next. And please, + please throw me a review!
+Chapter 9
+As Harry was gathering his things to get ready for his first Occlumency lesson in + a long time, Ginny stopped him.
+"Hold up, you're going to practice with Snape again?" Ginny asked. The annoyance + lacing her voice was evident enough for Harry to raise his eyes skyward in + frustration.
+"You know that I'm working hard," Harry countered, "You know what I'm trying to + achieve here. Being an apprentice is no joke and if I want to be able to brew my + potion, I need to step up."
+"But you're already gone for most of the day," Ginny argued, "Even in the + weekends, you're always busy. You rarely even come to Hogsmeade anymore and when you + do, you shop in the apothecary for over an hour."
+"That's because their assortment isn't always the same," Harry sighed, trying his + best to make his girlfriend understand, "So at times, I need to check their inventory + again."
+"Do you even know how to have fun anymore?" Ginny asked, crossing her arms + tightly.
+Harry sighed and brushed a stray lock of Ginny's hair out of her face, cupping her + cheek tenderly as he did so. "I don't mean to make you feel this way," he said + softly, "But I'll make it up to you. Meet me in the common room later, okay? Once I'm + back from my Occlumency lesson."
+Ginny smiled and placed a hand over the one that still rested on her cheek. + "Sounds good to me," she said, "but make sure to be there. I won't be responsible for + my actions if you're not."
+"I'll be there," Harry said solemnly, "I'll miss you."
+"Yeah well don't miss me too much," Ginny said, "Or Snape might see some memories + about you and me and I won't have that!" She winked flirtatiously and spun on her + heel, her red hair swishing as she went.
+Harry just shook his head and quietly made his way down to the dungeons. He could + understand that Ginny was unhappy about him spending all this time on his studies but + he also felt like she should understand that he was passionate about this.
+By the time he arrived at the door of Snape's private quarters, his mind was + completely befuddled by the mysteries of the female mind. He shook it off and + knocked.
+"Come in," Snape called.
+When Harry walked in he noticed that Snape had pushed all of the furniture aside, + leaving a nice and open area to practice Occlumency in. What he also noticed were a + few bottles of a potion he didn't recognise. And since Harry was certain that he + would be able to recognise most known potions by now, this did not bode well for + him.
+"You realize the door is attuned to your magic as well, don't you?" Snape + asked as he took one of the vials, "You don't need to knock every time. Especially + when I'm already expecting you."
+Harry shrugged. "It just seems like the polite thing to do, really."
+Snape just motioned for Harry to sit by pointing to a spot on the floor. Harry + complied easily.
+"As you are well aware, we will be revisiting your Occlumency training," Snape + explained. "We left off at a rather difficult stage in your training too."
+"My emotions," Harry supplied.
+"Quite right," Snape said, sitting down in front of Harry, the vial of unknown + potion held loosely between his long fingers.
+"The difficulty here is that you appear to have mastered the technical aspects of + Occlumency entirely. I am unable to get to the memories you hide away – in fact, I + still haven't found your hiding place for them – but once you get emotional about + anything, your shields crack, and your memories come as if of their own + volition."
+"Like with Voldemort," Harry pointed out.
+"Exactly so," Snape admitted in a low voice. "It worked out to our advantage that + time but that won't work for the potion you have planned."
+"I'm still not sure how Occlumency is in any way related to my brewing that + potion," Harry noted.
+"Sometimes you're as much of a dunderhead as your fellow Gryffindors are," Snape + sighed, "It is obviously not necessary for the brewing process but it is essential + for when you actually drink the blasted draught."
+It was as if a lightbulb was turned on in Harry's head. "I see," he said, "To + counteract the combination of the honey mead and the monotropa uniflora."
+"Especially if you are indeed planning on adding the basilisk blood," Snape noted, + "Which I know you are because you need its magic potency. What I do wonder though is + how you are planning on getting it."
+"Well, there is a basilisk body simply waiting to be harvested underneath + Hogwarts," Harry offered.
+Snape sneered and shook his head lightly. "A discussion for another time perhaps. + We have strayed far from the point I originally wanted to make. When you get + emotional, you can't perform Occlumency."
+"Right," Harry admitted begrudgingly, "Is that what the potion is for?"
+Snape sighed heavily and ran a hand through his long hair. "We need you to + practice Occlumency while under great emotional distress," he explained, "Otherwise, + these lessons are entirely useless. I assume you haven't heard about the 'Drink + of Despair'?"
+Harry shook his head. "No, but it doesn't sound good."
+"It's not," Snape agreed, "I was tasked with its creation while still under the + Dark Lord's service. What he was planning on using it for, I'll never know since I've + never actually seen him feed it to anyone but that's irrelevant"
+"Now it definitely doesn't sound good," Harry said, attempting to convey + a joking tone but failing miserably.
+Snape glared at him pointedly before he went on. "In its undiluted form, this + potion induces fear, delirium, severe stomach pain and brings forth the drinker's + most intense and painful memories. When diluted – as I have done for this occasion – + the effects are all still there but in a much more bearable capacity."
+Harry swallowed thickly, "You want me to drink this?"
+"If I'm being completely honest with you, Harry, no I don't," Snape said plainly, + "If it was up to me, I would stop this foolishness entirely, cancel your occlumency + lessons and have you work on a new idea for an entirely new potion that doesn't + require you to get reacquainted with some of the most painful memories of your + life."
+Snape frowned as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder, applying just a bit more force + than necessary. "Say the word and we stop this. But if you wish to proceed with + brewing your creation, we have no choice in the matter. This is the only way."
+The gaze that met Snape's after that held unmistakable courage and determination. + Snape knew instantly that there was no getting around this. Harry would always be a + Gryffindor. He would not back away from a challenge such as this.
+"I'll manage," Harry said, keeping his voice steady. He held out his hand in order + to take the potion from Snape. The potions master reluctantly gave it to him.
+"Hand me your wand before you drink it," Snape said, "I won't have you attempting + to hex me because you suddenly think me to be the Dark Lord."
+Harry didn't think that was particularly likely but he handed over his wand + anyway.
+"Now I want you to clear your mind and raise your shields before you take the + potion," Snape said as he tucked Harry's wand away next to his own.
+Harry nodded and closed his eyes. He discounted all emotions and hid his most + embarrassing and painful memories under the invisibility cloak of his mind, as he'd + done before. He nodded when he was done and felt Snape's probe with a nonverbal + Legilimens to test him.
+"You're ready," Snape said, "Go ahead and drink the potion. Try to focus on + keeping your shields up despite your emotions. Don't try to force them back because + you won't be able to. Understand?"
+"I understand," Harry said and before he could change his mind, he downed the + potion in three swallows.
+As soon as the potion was gone, Snape took the empty vial from Harry's hand and + placed it on his desk. He then sat down in front of Harry, watching him intently.
+At first, Harry didn't really feel any different. He stared at Snape who was + sitting silently in front of him and kept his shields up. For a moment, he wondered + if Snape had done something wrong with the potion. Perhaps he diluted it a bit too + much. But then, Harry was overcome with a wave of agony and despair so powerful, he + was nearly knocked over by the sheer force of it.
+"Concentrate, Harry," Snape reminded him, "This is an exercise not in controlling + your emotions but in focusing around them. Keep your shields up!"
+Harry was six. He was hiding. He didn't know what happened but when Dudley had + pushed him again and again, Harry had gotten so very angry. And almost as if in + resonance with his anger, the couch cushions had exploded, terrifying both children + present. Harry didn't know what had happened but it wasn't his fault. His aunt and + uncle hadn't shared this opinion though.
+It didn't take long for Uncle Vernon to reach the state in which he resembled + a purple balloon, ready to burst. While aunt Petunia comforted Dudley, uncle Vernon + took a few menacing steps towards Harry.
+"Focus Harry," came a familiar voice, "Raise your shields. You're not + occluding."
+Harry blinked and for a moment, he could see Snape sitting in front of him, his + demeanour relaxed but his eyes held a worried gaze.
+Right. He wasn't six. He was at Hogwarts and he was practising Occlumency. Now + that he focused on it, he could feel Snape's presence in his mind. Somehow, he found + this to be a reassuring anchor of sorts.
+With a flash, the memory resumed right where it left off, the myriad of emotions + coupled with a dull throbbing pain in his stomach.
+"Freak!" Vernon bellowed as he got closer to Harry. Harry scrambled up the + stairs, not sure where he was planning to go.
+"You dare!" Vernon roared, "You dare attack Dudley like this! You dare + disrespect us in our own home!" Harry kept glancing over his shoulder to see the fat + man approaching fast. Without thinking, he slipped into the master bedroom and ducked + under the bed.
+"Harry, listen to me," a soothing voice said, "This isn't real. This is all in the + past. Clear your mind."
+Only a moment later, Vernon stormed through the door, his heavy footsteps + halting for a moment.
+"I've had enough of your freakiness, boy," he growled menacingly, "But I will + teach you –" He took a few steps toward the bed and Harry held his breath, his small + hands clasped over his mouth to stop any sound from emerging. Fear quickly overtook + him.
+"Listen to the sound of my voice, Harry," that same soothing voice said, "You are + safe now. Your uncle has been dealt with. You need to raise your shields."
+"I will teach you not to mess with normal people!"
+Faster than Harry had thought Vernon could move, the raging man ducked to the + floor and peered under the bed. A malicious smirk split his face in two when his + beady eyes locked onto Harry's. Harry screamed through the hands he still had clasped + over his mouth, backing up to the far wall to avoid Vernon's grubby hands. But the + man got a hold of Harry's pants leg and reflexively, Harry kicked.
+As soon as his foot connected with Vernon's arm – however light the attack + might have been – Harry knew he was in big trouble. Vernon roared in rage and grabbed + at Harry again, this time getting a hold of his shirt collar.
+He dragged Harry from under the bed, tears streaming over the young boy's + face.
+And then the memory was banished. Harry blinked a couple of times as he took in + his surroundings. Memories of what he had been doing came crashing back and he + groaned at his failure.
+But he wasn't in Snape's quarters either. The surrounding area was a blinding + white and there were no pieces of furniture or really anything materialistic to break + the awful white that enveloped him.
+"Are you alright?"
+Harry snapped his head back to see Snape standing next to him, a vacant expression + on his face. Harry frowned, not knowing what to make of this.
+"Severus?" he asked, "What's going on?"
+"You were not occluding," Snape explained, "And I didn't want to see the rest of + that memory nor did I think you did."
+Harry flushed. At least, he thought he did. He wasn't sure of what was possible in + his current surroundings.
+"So where are we?" Harry asked, "We're not dead are we?"
+Snape chuckled, which reassured Harry tremendously.
+"Not at all," Snape replied, "Since the potion is still in effect and will be for + a while, I needed to isolate your consciousness and put it in some sort of + quarantined area so to speak. I've disconnected you from your emotions and passive + memories for the time being."
+Harry stared incredulously. "You can do that?"
+"I am an accomplished Legilimens, Harry," Snape said in a way that almost sounded + as if he were insulted, "The mind holds little to no secrets for me. Doing something + like this is easy."
+Snape waved a hand and conjured a black chair in which he sat down. "Do you want + to try again, or do you wish to remain here until the potion wears off?"
+"I want to try again," Harry said honestly, "It's just that –"
+"Yes?" Snape urged.
+"When I'm in a memory, I can't remember what I'm doing. I can't even remember that + I'm a wizard."
+Harry sighed. "How do I practice Occlumency without even remembering what that + is?"
+"Eventually, it will become second nature," Snape explained, "You will constantly + be raising those shields, regardless of whether or not there is a threat. For now, + you would do well to focus on yourself before you are drawn into another memory."
+"Focus on myself?"
+"Yes," Snape replied, "It would appear that you were surprised by the sudden pull + of your memory. Perhaps this is why you've lost sight of who you are. Now that you + know what can happen, I need you to picture yourself sitting here. I want you to + imagine those shields around your mind and I want you to try and distance yourself + from the memories that will attack you."
+"But they're so strong," Harry uttered.
+Snape smiled and put a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "You are stronger," he + said easily.
+Harry blinked to keep a few tears at bay. After the vivid memory, he just + witnessed, remembering just how miserable he had been throughout his young life, the + impact of a parent that believed in you wholeheartedly was enormous.
+"Let's try again," Harry said confidently.
+Snape nodded. "Remember to try and retain yourself," Snape warned, "I will release + your mind in three, two, one…"
+Harry was eight. He was standing at the edge of a great river while the + Dursleys were trying to fix their flat tire. Why uncle Vernon had thought this + shortcut was a good idea was beyond anyone but Harry knew better than to say + anything.
+Harry focused on himself. He knew this was a memory. He knew this wasn't real. He + was aware of his own breathing and could vaguely make out the reassuring presence of + Snape sitting across from him.
+"Wanna play a game, Harry?" Dudley asked innocently. By now Harry knew better. + Dudley never had good intentions with Harry.
+"Not really," Harry had replied cautiously. "There's nothing to do here + anyway."
+"We could go for a swim," Dudley countered.
+Harry looked at the river that was running rather fast behind him. He frowned + and looked at Dudley.
+"I think that's a bit dangerous," he said, "The current is strong and I don't + really –"
+"What?" Dudley asked, smirking all the while, "Don't you know how to + swim?"
+The presence of Snape in Harry's mind was quite reassuring but at the same time, + he realized that the goal of this exercise was to expel Snape completely. But with + Snape gone, so would be his anchor. Harry tried his best to shove this memory aside + but it was firmly in place. Much more so than during normal Occlumency lessons.
+Was it because of the potion or was it because he was much more emotional now? + Harry was kind of upset with Snape viewing even more memories of his past. He hadn't + even seen half of his horrible past.
+"You know I don't," Younger Harry growled at Dudley.
+"Well, I do," Dudley said proudly.
+Harry huffed indignantly. "Well, we can't all be bloated enough to be our own + life raft."
+Dudley's demeanour switched from reasonably calm to enraged in a matter of + seconds.
+"Focus," Snape's voice resounded through Harry's mind. "Recognise your emotions + for what they are. They are a part of you but they need not hinder you. Allow them to + wash over you and detach yourself from them."
+Harry took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, ignoring the feelings of fear + and anger that lingered near the surface.
+Dudley rushed forward and slammed his shoulder into Harry's chest. Harry was + knocked backwards and tried to keep his footing when the ground disappeared from + beneath him and his body made contact with cold water.
+'I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions,' Harry thought.
+ "Then don't be," Snape replied calmly, "Dominate them."
Harry felt a sense of cool wash over him as he stepped back and looked at the + scene rationally. Fear had been a very logical emotion for a child that fell into a + river. Especially one that didn't know how to swim. But Harry wasn't that child + anymore and needn't be afraid.
+He was angry at Dudley for putting him in that position, and rightly so. But + Dudley was still as much of a child as Harry was. It was only right to forgive him + for such actions if only to heal himself.
+The memory ended and Harry was aware that Snape's presence was gone. He felt a + sense of loneliness but also one of accomplishment. He felt someone touch his knee + and opened his eyes, very much aware of the pain in his stomach.
+"Well done," Snape praised him, "Now keep that focus. The potion won't wear off + for another ten minutes or so. Use that time to practice."
+Harry focused on his breathing. He even found that focusing on the pain in his + stomach helped. He allowed his emotions to run their course but did not fight them. + At least, he tried to.
+Every now and then, he felt Snape probing his mind with Legilimency but he did not + break Harry's walls. It was obvious that Snape was being much too gentle though. If + he applied any pressure, Harry knew that his walls would break apart.
+"I think it was that muggle 'Nietzsche' that said, 'One ought to hold on to one's + heart. For if one lets it go, one soon loses control of the head too'," Snape + suddenly said.
+Tired emerald eyes met obsidian and stared at Snape incredulously. "What?"
+"I thought it rather fitting." Snape explained, "Makes me wonder if he was perhaps + a squib to have such a keen grasp on a very important Occlumency lesson."
+"You're distracting me," Harry breathed.
+"Am I?" Snape countered, raising a sardonic eyebrow.
+"Fine," Harry said, "I understand. It's all a part of it. I'm doing my best + here!"
+"Care to tell me what you thought of when you pushed me out?" Snape asked, "I'm + curious to know what your approach was."
+"I thought about my feelings," Harry said through gritted teeth, feeling somewhat + stupid. He was vaguely aware of the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "And I + thought of why I had them and tried putting them into context."
+"A very clever way of approaching yourself," Snape commended, "In order to move + on, you must understand why you felt what you did and why you no longer need to feel + it."
+Harry groaned as he put a hand on his aching stomach. "Sure," he panted, "Whatever + you say."
+"Harry, you've made a breakthrough today," Snape said suddenly.
+"You're going easy on me," Harry accused.
+Snape snorted. "Going easy on you? You are still aware of the potion I fed you, + are you not? I might not be trying to invade your mind to the best of my abilities at + the moment, but the fact that you are speaking coherently while under the potion's + influence is worthy of praise by itself."
+"It's diluted," Harry gasped.
+"Yes," Snape nodded gravely, "And eventually we can test your skill using the + undiluted version –" Snape shuddered at the thought. "- But for now, this is + impressive enough."
+Snape eyed Harry curiously as the boy was leaning back, panting heavily as he + attempted to power through the pain.
+"We would never have been able to elevate you to this level of Occlumency at the + beginning of our collaboration," Snape said kindly.
+"Yes well," Harry said, "I trust you a lot more not to rummage through my mind and + sell my memories to the highest bidder."
+Snape chuckled. "Witty to the end, aren't you? Just relax and let the potion run + its course. It will only be a few minutes more. Afterwards, you can meet up with that + redheaded girlfriend of yours."
+"How do you know about that?" Harry groaned.
+Snape frowned at his charge. "What do you think?"
+Harry just groaned. This time more out of embarrassment than out of pain. + Sometimes it sucked to have a father that could read minds.
+"Actually, could I just stay here tonight?" Harry asked, "I really don't feel that + well and I'm not sure I can even make it back to Gryffindor tower on my own."
+Snape regarded him carefully. "Hm, I suppose it would be prudent for me to make + sure there are no lasting side effects. Very well. You may stay here for the night. + Your room is ready for the night."
+Harry sighed in relief as he tried to stand on unsteady legs.
+"Thanks, Severus."
+"Anytime," Snape said easily.
+Did you all like Harry's Occlumency lesson? Do let me know what you think. I + anxiously await your reactions.
+