Disclaimer: We in no way own Harry Potter or the world that surrounds him. These belong to J.K. Rowling and her respective publishers and the WB. We aren't making any profit off of this. We do, however, claim this story and its plot.
A/N: "Hiya! This is our first fic, and I'm kinda worried that it's not all that good."-Chris
"I am, too. J.K. Rowling's work is genius, and I don't want to screw it up too bad."-Lor
"Yeah, so please tell us what you think of it."-Chris
"And criticize us, please."-Lor
"We want your criticism."-Chris
"We need your criticism."-Lor
"We LOVE your criticism!"-Both
"So enjoy, and we hope you like it."-Lor
Chapter One: Licorice Whips
Severus Snape hurried through the halls of Hogwarts towards the headmaster's office. "Licorice whips," he said firmly to the stone gargoyle. It had hardly leapt aside before he bounded up the spiral staircase. Albus Dumbledore rose from his desk as his office doors flew open. Dumbledore opened his mouth to greet him, but was cut off as Severus raised his hand for silence.
"Forgive me, but there are pressing issues at hand." Raising an eyebrow, Dumbledore took his seat. "Very well, then." Dumbledore conjured a silver tray with a teakettle and two cups on it.
"As you know, I was summoned to a Death Eater meeting tonight," he began to pace. "I was going down to the where the meeting was to be held. Toward the bottom I heard voices. Among them I caught Lucius Malfoy's voice. He was commanding them to attack me the moment I entered. He called me quote 'Dumbledore's traitorous lapdog'. Luckily they weren't yet aware of my presence, and I fled immediately. I hastened to your office upon my arrival. My cover has been blow, Albus!"
Snape ceased his pacing as Dumbledore pulled up a chair with a flick of his wand. Snape sank into the chair with a heavy sigh. Dumbledore's brow creased as he frowned slightly. "So it has... tea?" Snape scowled across the desk. "No, I see. Well, then, this is grave news, Severus." He took a cup of tea for himself, and the tray vanished as he took a sip. "You are in great peril. Obviously, you cannot continue teaching here. It would place both you and the students in danger."
Snape nodded his agreement, "Yes, they will know I am here. Where will I hide?"
"I'm sure you would have arguments about staying at Grimmauld's Place, and there is no safer haven than Hogwarts."
"It's too risky; a student would see me, especially Draco Malfoy. We can't have him running to his father."
"One of the students... yes, but you would have to blend in... here at Hogwarts." A slow smile spread across his face. "That reminds me, Severus, have I ever told you about my great-great nephew?"
"I wasn't aware you had one, sir," Snape replied slightly put off.
"I do now!" Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eye gleaming at full force. "Surely, you're not implying-,"
"Oh, but I am," Dumbledore said, grinning madly.
"That's preposterous!"
"How so?"
"Well, there are pictures of me in the records, and what if Lucius Malfoy comes to visit? He would recognize me in an instant!"
"No, no, I'm not suggesting a few drops of the Eternal Youth Potion. I'm speaking of the Age Metamorphe Elixir. I believe you have most of the ingredients in your private stores. I can send Minerva to get the metamorphmagus blood. I'm sure Tonks would be happy to donate a pint or so. She should have it here by noon." Snape sat rubbing his temples. "So are you up to the challenge, Snape, old boy?"
After a pause Snape said, "I'll do whatever you think is best, Headmaster."
"It's settled, then!" Dumbledore rubbed his hands together. "For tonight you should take refuge in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey will accommodate you there. Snape gave him a curt nod and took his leave.
In an empty classroom near the hospital wing, Snape hovered over a simmering cauldron. The potion had been brewing all day, and it was now time fore the last ingredient. Albus and Minerva were there to assist him. He uncorked the vial of blood and poured it into the bubbling elixir. The once purple concoction turned a deep green. He stirred it three times counterclockwise, and then turned off the flame while sighing, "It's ready."
"Now, remember, Severus, you must take it while it is still hot. It is most potent that way."
"I know, Minerva. After all, I am the Potions Master." He ladled himself a cup full of the elixir.
"Bottoms up," said Dumbledore while Snape drank the potion.
The potion created a warm and tingling sensation as it slid down his throat. Nothing happened for a few seconds, then he felt a sudden pain in the very pit of his stomach. The pain spread throughout his entire body, and he doubled over, clutching his torso, and gasping. Falling to the floor he felt as though he was being torn apart and yet sucked in all at once. His flesh was crawling, and colors danced across his vision in whirls. He felt his body changing rapidly, compressing and expanding to fit his new form. The pain subsided as abruptly as it began.
He heard Dumbledore calling to him. He rolled onto his side, and Minerva gasped. "Severus, are you alright?"
"I believe so," an unfamiliar voice sounded, and he was taken aback to realize it belonged to him.
"Remarkable," Dumbledore proclaimed. Severus sat up and released his grip on his stomach.
"Did it work?" he asked. Dumbledore chuckled, "Most effectively. Now we just need to get you acquainted with your new identity and get you in bed. After all, you have your first day of school ahead of you tomorrow."
