章 1545: 7
Chapter 7: The Potions Master (less mean than last time though)Notes:
Hello everyone,
first of all a big "thank you" to all of you, with the last chapter this story didn't only reach 10, but also 12k hits and a hundred reviews. That is still astonishing.
And here we finally are, meeting Severus Snape. What's gonna happen this time around?
Have fun
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harry didn't know how, but he found himself partnered with Hermione - no big surprise there - but Neville was partnered with Daphne. They had chatted on the corridors on a few occasions but they still had suspected she'd join her best friend, Tracey Davis. But since she was the only Slytherin willing to partner up with a lion and they were an odd number, Tracey partnered with Bulstrode, Malfoy with Parkinson, Crabbe with Goyle and Theo with Blaise. All the others had sorted themselves into duos too, for example Seamus and Dean (Harry was certain that would be dangerous at some point), Parvati and Lavender and because there was no one else left, Fay Dunbar had to partner up with Weasley. Neither of them was really happy with that, but it didn't seem like there would be an alternative with the current constellation.
Barely a minute after they all had settled in, the cold voice of Severus Snape sounded through the classroom, greeting them. As melodramatic as always he walked to his desk, grabbed a scroll of parchment and started to read out the names of students and check if everyone was in attendance. As soon as he reached "Potter, Harry." he looked up and said "let's hope that you live up to your name, shall we? Fame isn't everything, Mr. Potter."
After Snape's same old "I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death…" speech, he again started asking Harry questions, but this time a bit more friendly, to Harry's surprise.
"Mr. Potter, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Hesitating barely a second Harry replied: "Powdered root of asphodel? With an infusion of wormwood that should give you the basis of a potion called Draught of Living Death. A sleeping potion that is rumoured to be a creation of the potion master Linfred of Stinchcombe, the "potterer." Though that can hardly be proven now, but since he invented an early form of Skele-Gro and Pepperup, it's not unlikely."
To say that Snape was stunned was an understatement. How could that little boy know that? What had Minerva done? As Draco started giggling because of "the potterer" and asking if that was one of Harry's ancestors, Snape took a more precise look at the book in front of the student. It wasn't a new copy, that was for sure, but why? But then a little purple stain on the side of the book caught his attention. How was that possible?
Severus remembered that moment very precisely. It was very early in first year when he, partnering with Lily Evans, spilled some potion onto her book, creating that stain. He had been so ashamed, but she just laughed and told him that it would always make her remember potions class with him. For the rest of the year - actually until the end of their friendship - they regularly partnered up and added notes to both their books, improving the potions significantly.
If he had his mother's books, then he would have her notes, diaries and the same from Potter. So that's what Minerva had done. Took him away from the Dursleys and brought him to one of the Potter properties. Maybe the young boy had taken the ring and was Heir or even Lord Potter, depending on the will of James Potter. Smart woman. She was opposing Dumbledore with that. Dangerous, but potentially successful. Maybe there would be a third side in the upcoming conflict, one without a master demanding complete obedience like Voldemort or Dumbledore. So he would need to get on Potter's good side. Not that he liked that, but young Harry wasn't only his father's son but also Lily's son. He couldn't be that bad. And because of that Severus decided to call out Malfoy.
"Actually that's not that funny, Malfoy. Mr. Potter is really a direct descendant of said potion master, the founding patriarch of the Potter family if I'm not mistaken. A twelfth-century pureblood, way older than the Malfoys. It seems that your mother's teachings about wizarding genealogy were not that successful. Five points from Slytherin house and your mother will get a letter about that.
Oh, and Mr. Potter, where would you look for a bezoar, and why?"
"That's a stone from a goat's stomach and an antidote to most potions."
Snape was happy with Harry's replies. Either he had studied his mother's books for many, many hours or he had her natural gift for potions. Since he knew that Minerva had first met him on his birthday and if she had freed him then, he would only have had a month of studying, possibly less. And he seemed cosy with the muggleborn witch next to him, apparently gifted too.
"Miss…Granger, was it? Can you tell me the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
Hermione was more than surprised that Snape had asked her something, but replied instantly: "Sure, professor. There is none, it's the same plant, going by the name of aconite as well, or aconitum, if you prefer the Latin name."
Snape thought that this was a satisfactory answer, walked up to both of them, wanting to give points, when he saw a gleam around her neck. A necklace.
Severus didn't know why exactly it had caught his attention, but again, it took him only moments to recognise it. It was the silver necklace that Lily was given by her mother for her eleventh birthday, the one with the emerald pendant that matched her eyes. Something was up with those two.
"Lacewing flies, fluxweed, knotgrass, leeches. Add horn of bicorn and boomslang skin. What do you get?"
The duo had realised Severus' stare at the necklace and the book, he knew something was up. But most of all he didn't hate them. He would be one hell of an ally, so they looked at each other, then back at him and simultaneously answered:
"Polyjuice potion!"
"Very good, five points to Gryffindor each for advanced knowledge. And now, you dunderheads, why aren't you taking notes of what they just said? Forget my last question, but the rest is part of the curriculum."
To say that they were stunned was an understatement. Apparently it had really been Dumbledore who implanted the hate for Harry in Snape's head, but now… He was way nicer and even gave them points. That gave them something to think about while brewing their first potion. With their experience and Lily's notes, probably inspired by Snape, they succeeded. During the process of brewing the professor came up to them and silently cast a Muffliato.
"Muffliato? That's a nice one, mum wrote about that one, haven't tried it yet though. I assume some of those corrections were inspired by you, professor?"
Harry pointed onto the notes, scribbled into the margins. Severus nodded.
"Whatever game Minerva is playing, it is working. Trying to startle me with the book and the necklace - you would have been such nice Slytherins. And by the way, that potion is actually quite good, even with having some of my notes."
The kids smiled. Their life was already way better, and with Snape doubting Dumbledore they considered it unlikely that the old meddler would find out about the professor's observations. After ending this potions class with some extra points (though Ron lost them some) and a nicely brewed potion, they went back up into the great hall to spend some time amongst their peers. They had the afternoon free and because of that were seated at the Gryffindor table. Simply to ease the situation with the redheads they even tried to chat casually about potions with the rest of their fellow lions, including Ronald. At one point Mione called over to Daphne sitting at the Slytherin table and asked her to come over, but the Slytherin girl didn't react instantly, mainly because Ron started complaining.
"Granger! Why would you invite a snake to our table? Besides, she's not allowed to sit here either way."
Mione shook her head and replied to the redhead: "That's wrong, we only need to sit at our house tables at the big feasts. And if you have any problems with Daphne then just leave."
A variety of first year students overheard that statement and within minutes half a dozen students joined the lively conversation, including Daphne, Blaise, Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott. Despite Ron's clear discomfort he kept quiet, probably to get closer to Harry. It became abundantly clear that Neville and Daphne got along very well, at some point even Daphne's best friend, the half-blood Slytherin Tracey, joined in and conversed with the Heir Longbottom.
That made Harry smile. Something he had always missed in the previous timeline was this unity amongst his peers, no matter what house they were in. After Padma Patil joined them as well to chat with her sister, they had students from all houses combined at the Gryffindor house table. It didn't take long for the teachers to realise that, especially since ghosts loved to gossip. Both Minerva and Filius Flitwick, both having no classes at that time, took a walk down to the great hall to see it themselves. Though they came independently, they arrived at the same time, just looked at each other, then they looked at the table and after whispering a few words Minerva spoke up.
"What an unusual sight. Slytherins at the Gryffindor table, together with Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Very unusual."
Hermione wanted to speak up to defend that, fearing criticism, but McGonagall cut her short.
"I'm not here to break that up, Miss Granger, definitely not. We both know it is allowed by Hogwarts rules, though most students are unfamiliar with that fact. Professor Flitwick and I are here to reward you for the promotion of inter-house unity. Together we decided to give twenty points each to all actively participating students, that would be eighty for Gryffindor with Messrs. Potter and Longbottom, Miss Granger and Miss Patil, forty for Hufflepuff for Miss Abbott and Miss Bones, Twenty for Ravenclaw thanks to Miss Patil and sixty for Slytherin for Mr Zabini, Miss Greengrass and Miss Davis."
They were stunned by Minerva's actions and that actually led to more students switching tables, even in the upper years, though not so many of those were here, most had classes. Flitwick too smiled at the students and then walked up to Harry and asked if he was allowed to join them.
"Mr Potter, may I join you? Your actions here made me remember a story that included your mother, one I would like to share with you and your friends if you want me to."
Harry nodded and he, Mione, Daphne, Neville and Tracey started to listen to a tale of Lily Evans and her study group. She, as a Gryffindor, was often to be seen with Alice Rowle, soon to be Longbottom, Aurelia Nott, who was now Lady Greengrass and Daphne's mother as well as Andromeda Black and Marlene McKinnon. With Andi being a Slytherin, Aurelia a Ravenclaw, Marlene a Hufflepuff and Lily and Alice being Gryffindors, that group of friends was one of the very few ones with students from all houses, not just at that time but during Flitwick's whole time as professor. For most of the staff it had always been something they couldn't comprehend, but it had been a functioning group. Most of those girls were amongst the top of the year, only rivalled by the Marauders (James in transfiguration and DADA, Sirius in DADA and Runes and Remus in all of the above as well as potions and Arithmancy) or Snape, who had been a bigger potions prodigy than Lily Evans or even Slughorn.
While the students in the great hall were pretty chatty, Albus Dumbledore had to endure a living hell. During his long life he had been part of many confrontations and fights, but hardly anyone could rival Molly Weasley neé Prewett. The Prewetts had always had a certain temper and a loud voice, but Molly was certainly one of a kind.
Currently the headmaster was standing in the Burrow's living room, where the Weasley matriarch yelled at him. They had to use that spot for their meetings, because of all the pictures in his office. Yes, they were bound to keep his secrets when he commanded them too, but some of those had other loyalties too and oaths of secrecy always had their grey zones. If Sirius were to get free eventually, which he hoped would never happen, Phineas Black would certainly be able to spill some of Dumbledore's secrets to his Lord Black, for example. That's why they had never met there for that topic of discussion.
"Dumbledore, you promised me that Ron would get close to the Potter boy. Giving him a fair share of the boy's fame and wealth if he were to become his best friend. You promised me that after the Potters' deaths and since then dozens of times. He grew up knowing that the boy-who-lived would not only go to school with him but that he'd be a fellow Gryffindor and best friend. Just like with Ginny. We still have that betrothal contract for their marriage. My daughter will raise the next Potter kids with my help, if the boy really needs to die. I trusted you!"
Dumbledore, glad that he had put up an anti-eavesdropping charm, shook his head and gave Molly his "disappointed grandfather" look.
"Molly, the plans are still in motion but I fear that Minerva had accidentally guided him another way. She ran into him in the Alley when he was there with Hagrid. He probably knew his way to the platform through her. But no worries, I have ordered Hagrid to invite both Harry and Ron to his hut. They'll get closer, and if it means I have to remove the muggleborn girl or the Longbottom boy from his side. And yes, the contract is still in play. The goblins won't recognise its validity though but if it ever comes to it I'll force it through the wizengamot. But Harry will trust me and when I tell him it was his parents who created it he will concede."
"It's not that I don't trust you and your skill, Albus, but I think once Ginny gets close to the Potter boy I'll add some of my special potions to ensure success. It did work with Arthur too."
Dumbledore smiled, though if you looked close enough you could have seen the devilish grin underneath. And that's the person wizarding Britain calls the Leader of the Light. Seemed like one hell of a joke. If the world would only know that it took quite some convincing to make the sorting hat put him into Gryffindor, not Slytherin, they might see him very differently. But he needed to keep up that image for the greater good. There was a prophecy after all which needed to be fulfilled, and that wouldn't happen without his help.
At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry the group persisting out of firsties from all houses slowly broke up as there were still some essays to write and Harry had to make his way down to Hagrid's as three o'clock was approaching. Both Hermione and Neville had opted for staying in the castle since Hagrid hadn't said anything about bringing friends along, though last time it hadn't worried him with Ron. Still, it was something that Augusta would certainly disapprove of.
When Harry knocked, he heard Fang's familiar, loud barks and Hagrid calling him back while the half-giant made his way to the door and opened. The sight that presented itself here was just like always: a warm fire, the smell of food, Fang going absolutely insane, Ron sitting at the table, tea being prepared…wait a second, why was Ronald there?
"Weasley? What are YOU doing here? Oh, sorry for that reaction, hey Hagrid, how are you doing, thanks for the invite."
Harry needed a second to calm himself and behave politely like Augusta had told him to. He entered and took the offered seat while smiling at Ronald, appearing to be completely calm. In the inside of his head though he was anything but calm. So that's why Hagrid hadn't had an issue with Ron tagging along last time, probably another plan by old Dumbles himself.
"So, Harry, I was just telling Ron here a few stories about the past. Did you know that his uncles knew your parents? The Prewett twins and the Potters were some of the closest allies Dumbledore had in the last war."
Ah, so that's what that here was. With old stories they wanted to make him feel like they should be friends, because their families were. What a lousy attempt.
"Oh really? Interesting to hear, are they still around to tell me some stories about mum and dad?"
Ron shook his head and told him that they hadn't survived the war, that they had died fighting alongside his family and Dumbledore's order. This time Ron sounded sincerely sad and Harry gave him his condolences. He was pretty sure that that had not been an act, both he and Mione believed that Ron had mainly been a pawn in Dumbledore's plan and not a calculating mastermind and damn good actor. Maybe they could turn one of the old meddler's pawns against him, but then they would have to overcome their hate against him. So he'll just play nice for now, but not get too friendly.
The main topic of discussion was the recent break-in at Gringotts a while back, the one that had been aimed at stealing the philosopher's stone. Just like last time around Hagrid avoided talking about it, but was not as secretive, maybe because he didn't go to the vault together with Harry so from his point of view there was no way the student would connect those events. Afterwards they did some quidditch talking with Harry acting like he had barely a clue and the only knowledge he possessed came from reading books about it. Strangely it felt good, despite his hatred towards Ronald, simply because it had been just like that for the past seven years. On the other hand it was not something he desired to have again, Neville and Hermione were so much better company and he didn't feel the need to dial back his skill so Ron wouldn't be disappointed in himself. He didn't need to act like he hated the library and enjoyed gobstones or wizard's chess simply to make Ron stay in a good mood.
Now that he thought about it, it had always been so obvious. And in the end it had always been Ron who left him when he needed his help the most - be it the tournament or the tent. Hermione had always been there. He had been an idiot.
After about two hours of chatting Harry excused himself and went back up to the castle. Ronald seemed like he wanted to join him, but Hagrid's desire to talk about the dragons Charlie was caring for wasn't satisfied and so he kept the conversation ongoing.
As soon as Harry had walked back into the castle he wished to have his invisibility cloak again, because around a corner he was able to hear Malfoy and his two henchmen whispering and plotting, though he couldn't make out anything in particular from that distance. Luckily he still had his future knowledge and could still cast a disillusionment charm, using his second wand for that. That was mere prevention if someone should ever check his phoenix wand for previously cast spells.
"...and I'll just wait for the right opportunity. Father showed me some simple dark spells to use in duels and Potter won't stand a chance against me. Once I challenge him to a duel, his fate will be sealed."
So, that was what they were talking about. The stupid midnight duel in the trophy room. He should have never agreed to that - or wait, it was Ron who accepted and proclaimed himself his second. Another thing to manage better this time. But since it was nothing to really worry about he just ignored that and made his way back to the common room.
Without even knocking Severus Snape barged into Minerva McGonagall's office, being absolutely furious. He had barely been able to contain himself in class, the amount of references to Lily and the knowledge the kids possessed nearly made him lose his mind.
"What have you done, Minerva? The Potter boy gave his friend a necklace Lily Evans once wore and came in with her books. And the knowledge - how? They both told me the recipe for Polyjuice simultaneously and without hesitation. You must have brought him to Gringotts yourself and he's not either Heir or Lord. That won't make Dumbledore happy, we both know that the lack of magical knowledge Harry was supposed to have was the main reason for giving him to those muggles. The boy is no longer malleable, good job. I still haven't managed to see your endgame."
Now with all his anger gone he plunged himself into one of the dark red armchairs in the professor's office. Without having to ask for it Minerva handed him a glass filled with Scotch, both Severus' and her preferred drink.
"I could have taken him in, you know? With Black in Azkaban, the Longbottoms not able to take him and Remus Lupin being prohibited to do so as a werewolf, Andi Tonks, Amelia Bones or I would have been the next in line. I would have gladly done it."
The former death eater had to admit that he had never seen McGonagall with so much resignation and sheer disappointment on her face. But if what she said was true (and he suspected it was) then she had not only seen the wills, but also lost all trust in Albus Dumbledore.
"I think you know it already but be prepared, the Dark Lord is not dead, not completely at least. I don't know how, but he's still looking for Harry. It's all my fault. And since I know that you want the best for the boy and don't just use him like either of the two cruel masters I serve, you'll have my support. For Lily, for Harry."
With that he emptied his drink, put down the glass and shook his head in disbelief.
"Am I really that predictable that you already prepared veritaserum for me? Perfectly hidden, Minerva, didn't think you still had it in you. I would have told you the same regardless though. They startled me, they showed me that it wasn't either the Dark Lord or Albus, they showed me that you had rejected Albus' plans. A third party, one not looking for power. Oh damn, I'm just gonna leave now, still gracefully, before I tell you all my darkest secrets. There's a reason I hate veritaserum. Good job though, but don't try it ever again, this time I forgive you for the boy's sake."
And with that he was gone, faster than he had appeared. Minerva thought that this was undoubtedly the strangest encounter she had ever had with the potions master. Once Harry had left for Hagrid's, Hermione had visited her and told her all about potions class. Thank god that Snape had been in class until now, otherwise she would have gone into that meeting without any preparation.
Yes, her initial thought had been that the kids went mildly overboard with the behaviour in Snape's class, but it had worked. Luckily she still had her contacts in the auror department to get a hold of veritaserum in under an hour. Now she was calm and felt confident. Snape was on her side.
During Minerva's revelation Harry stormed into the common room and looked for Hermione, who sat alone in a corner, reading a book about goblin culture when Harry approached her.
"And, how was it at Hagrid's?"
The boy shook his head and blurted out the truth:
"Ron's been there and I think everything is and has been a setup. How could we have missed that?"
After he told her everything she was frustrated and upset, though at the same time agreeing with him that they might be able to remove one of Dumbledore's pawns if they really befriended him. She still hated Ron's future self because of the love potioning and deemed the idea of befriending Ron as stupid, but couldn't completely disagree with Harry. Main thing was that they'd stay clear of potions and Dumbledore's manipulations, everything else came later.
That line of thought was interrupted by Neville, who just came from the greenhouses to ask if they had already started their potions essay. Since they didn't, all three took a stroll down to the library.
Life now was so much better than ever before.
Notes:
So, that's it for today. Just a brief uptade on how the story is coming along:
Next week's chapter is nearly done and I've got the chapters structured and planned up to Chapter 18, which should be beginning of year 2. And I already have plans how that's gonna end, I hope you'll stick around.
Until then, see ya all next week
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