Hedda Prince and the Hidden Family Line
Part Two: Hedda Prince and the Potioner's Contest
Authors note: As always I do not own Harry Potter or anything to do with the series, nor am I the author of Harry Lupin, the son of two marauders. I wrote this for Yazziyou's Daydreamer based off of a dream she had. My apologies about not getting this to you sooner. I have been super busy, and it's midterm week. So getting it corrected has been a challenge. Fortunately, Tracy from the success center was kind enough to do it for me. Also, another thanks to Leilani Rosairio-Bonilla for making more coreections! Awesome humans (presumably), the both of them.
**Time Skip two years later**
August 20, 2002
London, England.
Wrexley's Center for Wizarding Youth was buzzing with more excitement than usual. It was a recreation center with a quidditch room, offered daycare, taught classes on things like sewing, babysitting, care of magical creatures (not as advanced as Hogwarts of course), and it even had a small petting zoo full of interesting creatures like puffskins. In the Fellwood room, there was to be a potions competition for young witches and wizards. It was like science fairs thrown by muggles. The context of it was that the judges gave the children a basket full of potion ingredients, three to be exact, and the children must use at least one of them–they could use whatever they wanted aside from that.
The Fellwood room was often reserved for parties and events. Today it's bright blue walls were decorated with banners spelling out potion contest! In bright, neon green letters that were enchanted to shimmer and flutter. All the young witches and wizards strolled about proudly in dress robes, often in their house colors, since most of the participant were twelve to seventeen. There were thirty in total, from all over England. Although there were some contestants from some of the near by countries like France, Belgium. Some even came as far as the Nordic States- Although the foreign wizards were the best in the Wizarding school's Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.
They each stood at a table with them, a cauldron, a burner, a candle, and several other things that potions need. The children's parents, siblings, guardians, ETC were directed to a side room with an assortment of refreshments where they could chat and enjoy themselves and the judges could make sure the adults help the children.
Severus lounged on one of the chairs, sipping Elderflower wine. He smirked smugly into the crystal goblet. He was supposed to be a judge but he had entered Hedda, and thus was not allowed to, in order to prevent potential bias. He knew Hedda would win. Almost immediately after she had come to live with him, Severus had shown her potions with high hope but severe doubt that the Prince blood that coursed through her veins would carry the family knack for potions. To his surprise for once in his life, hope won out. Immediately, Hedda had taken to potions.
The host of the event, Gilderoy Lockhart, who took the job because his agent thought it would be good publicity for him, smiled widely at the children with his large, overly white teeth that seemed to sparkle unnaturally. 'It isn't like I need any more publicity. 'Everyone already adores me.' He just did not want to let his fans down.
The rest of the judges were Horace Slughorn, the former Potions Professor– had been offered a decent sum of money, and he wanted to know if any of the young pupils would have been worthy of joining his slug club.
Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, was delighted to be invited to such an extravaganza. Especially since he taught most of them at his school. He sipped his goblet of pumpkin juice chatting away happily with Professor Slughorn about the old days.
Bartemius Crouch Sr., the current minister of magic was the third. Similar to Slughorn, Bartemius was very excited to see the young, talented witches and wizards. Not to mention, it will look good the next time he runs for office– and things like this were expected of him as head of the family. Soon it will be his son doing events like this, he thought, with a sigh. 'If that idiot can get his act together.'
Hildegar Sternburg was the fourth and final judge, a very handsome woman with sharp features, broad shoulders, and platinum blonde hair pulled back in the severest bun would could ever imagine–looking like it was holding her entire face up it was so tight. She was the proud owner of, Sternburg Apothecary, one of the most prestigious potion ingredient shops in all of Europe –and they were providing all the ingredients for the competition.
The judges talked and together they came up with the ingredients. Gilderoy Lockhart announced the choices and nearly blinded the audience with his smile. The other reason that the parents were removed from the audience until it was over was the last time Lockhart had hosted an event, several women had tossed their robes, blouses and various undergarments off at him.
The basket they were given had lotus blossoms, bottled Hungarian Horntail saliva, and a handful of Acromantula hair. Much of the students felt panic well up in them. An amber haired girl, with a Ravenclaw scarf turned to the blonde next to her. "What do they expect us to do with that?" She asked in an incredibly nasally voice to the blonde girl next to her. "I mean we haven't ever used anything like that in school before."
An older boy, with shaggy, neon blue hair shook his head and groaned, throwing his face into his hands. He was not sure how he was going to come up with something impressive enough to woo these judges. 'I'm the best in the Hufflepuff house at potions! I hope I don't let everyone one down,' Neagan Mcliffin frowned.
Hedda sighed and quietly gathered her ingredients. She shoved down any nervousness she felt just as her uncle had taught her to do. 'I don't have time to panic.' She slipped over to the ingredients table. "Okay. What can I do with Horntail saliva?" She mused out loud, trying to remember all of her lessons, gathering several different types of scales, peppermint extract for taste, Doxy droppings, and several other things.
There was only competitor to get started before Hedda, was a short, thin boy. With bright curly, red hair and thick horn-rimmed glasses. He sneered into his copper cauldron, mixing a vibrant purple concoction that bubbled and hissed, occasionally splashing over the sides. A strong aroma of lavender and roses came from it.
Hedda recognized him as the third son from another Pure Blood family. Percy Weasley, she thought was his name. She knew that he was several years older than her and a very good student. He did not concern her too much, she would try her best and if she won, she won. 'I hope if I win, perhaps uncle Sev will let me get a dog!' She crossed her right middle finger with her index finger on the same hand, while using her left hand to add more dragon's breath into her own potion.
Eventually, the other students all fell into a groove at their own paces as they got ideas for their own potions.
A few drops splashed onto the toad. Instantly, a halo of bright, purple butterflies fluttered around the toad. Slughorn scratched his forehead, which was beginning to form wrinkles. "It's certainly attractive." Afrodille beaming smile fell with his next words. "However, the Gloriahalysis is a relatively simple potion." He waved a pale hand. "I'm afraid everyone in the Slug club could have done it as first years."
Renee scowled. 'What does an old man like him know anyway. My daughter did wonderfully.'
The Minister of Magic shook her hand right away. Bartemius thought it was only a flashy, useless potion. He cast her a fake smile, however, he noticed that the poll results of his popularity were down this month and it would be good to have foreign support—even if it is the French. As a British man, he is not particularly fond of the French but he does not display any of the revulsion that Hogwarts new history professor Donodrid Reece feels. "It's quite a spectacular display as expected from a fine school as Beauxbatons. Let us hope the other contestants show as much talent!"
Renee placed her right hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Why thank you, Minister. I'm happy someone recognizes talent." She cast a pointed look Slughorn, who did not notice as he was too busy digging through his robe pockets, looking for a package of lemon drops he had picked up earlier as a present for Dumbledore. Slughorn had forgotten about it until the butterflies made him think of the shop display.
Dumbledore, stroked his fluffy, silverfish-white beard. "Yes, Bartemius is right. It is pleasant to see that Madame Maxime must have a wonderful potions instructor." There was a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. "Let us see what our own Severus Snape's prodigy can pull off before we decide what Potion's master has the greatest student, though."
Both mother and daughter smiled at each other, thinking at the same time, 'They shall come to see that Beauxbaton is clearly the better school.'
"Nordik Kleodendrum Ugandense vould hafe workt better zan das Old Rome version for a longer effect." Hildegar commented, using her wand to rapidly jot things down onto her notepad–causing a few splashes of black ink to dribble down from the floating inkwell.
Renee just studied her perfectly manicured, scarlet nails, while Hildegar spoke. After the shop owner left Renee whispered to her disappointed daughter, "She probably is just hating on the French."
Looking up, with a small smile on her glossy lips, Afrodille nodded at her mother. "Did you see her robes? Those were in style two seasons ago." They continued to whisper back and fourth for a while.
The judges moved through the tables, testing all the potions on a different toad, lest combining potions have an undesirable effect. Several were quite good as to be expected of students that spend much of their lives studying potions, however nothing had been exactly extraordinary. Slughorn found himself to be relieved to be retired, none of them seemed good enough to be in his Slug club.
The seventeenth table surprised them. Only Albus was expecting something interesting to come out of the punk looking boy leaning on the back of his chair before straightening up when he saw the judges. 'They finally reached me.' Neagan Mcliffin internally sighed. 'I wish my I-pod worked here. Ugh! the waiting.' When Hildegar poured the red and black liquid with bright emerald green swirls that appeared and disappearing throughout vial, onto the toad. At first there was nothing. In the front, Rina chuckled. "What else can you expect from a Hufflepuff."
Then the background music played by the famous Jerichana Rowton, the famous violinist was halted, as loud Irish music came out of nowhere. Anastasia Longbottom, Augusta Longbottom's older sister grabbed at her chest. She was the closest in the audience to Negan's table. The sound waves from the magical speakers knocked off her hat. The elderly witch grumbled under her breath as she dusted off the feathers on the stuffed Peregrine Falcon. 'I bet at least this punk understands that Peregrine Falcons are much more wicked than vultures.' Anastasia was pleased that she understood the young people lingo of the day. With the loud upbeat, Celtic music playing, a green and red kilt appeared on the toad as it began to do a rapid jig.
Negan's dad, an older man in his mid-fifties with golf pants and a bow tie, held hands with wife who just turned thirty one. Jareth and Kana were very proud of their son. Kana shoved a strand of her light brown hair behind her ear as she hugged Negan. "See, I knew you could do it, Negan!"
Jareth patted his son on the back. "Way to go, Sport. After this we can go anywhere you want for supper, to celebrate."
The Hogwarts's headmaster clapped along to the beat of the music until it ended a few moments later. "Wonderful, Mr. Mcliffin! Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall will certainly be pleased with combining potions, Transfiguration and Charms!" Albus Dumbledore had been tempted to do a jig of his own, even though he often preferred Gryffindors', not that he would admit it even to himself. He was always proud when a student accomplished something great. Dumbledore shook hands with Mr. and Mrs. Mcliffin, happy to finally meet them. They were both friends of Pomona Sprout, and she often went on about them in the staff break room.
Minerva McGonagall smiled at Mister Negan Mcliffin, while continuously glancing at her co-worker Pomona Sprout, who was the head of Negan Mcliffin's house, to see if she would begin jumping up and down like an excitable child at a carnival show– not that Minerva could entirely blame her if Pomona did. Minerva felt like doing that every time Gryffindor won the house cup or sometimes even a quidditch match if it was the championship or it had been a while since they had. Of course, Minerva was too self-controlled to allow herself to do it, but still she felt like it. Pomona was only waving at Mr. and Mrs. Mcliffin and clapping excitedly for her student.
Even Severus was pleased. 'It turns out Mcliffin pays attention after all.'
It was unfortunate that Professor Flitwick was in Birmingham, attending a meeting on Charms classes for educators. Dumbledore made a mental note to send Flitwick an owl as soon as the event was over.
They were so relieved to finally have something bragworthy out of all the pimple corrector, color changing, mimicking potions, etc the other students created. Before Negan Mcliffin's potion, the only moderately creative one was by Kimiko Kurosaki, a muggle born transfer from Mahoutokoro to Durmstrang. Being a huge fan of anime, it was easy for Kimiko to decide on what she was going to do. She gave the toad cat ears and gave it a cutesy Lolita voice. "Kiss, Kiss fall in love! Maybe you're my love-"unfortunately, she must have added too much Rhizome powder because the poor creature soon stared barfing up ramen and passed away before finishing the lyrics.
Bartemius Crouch Sr. was impressed that a Hufflepuff of all people could come up with something so clever. "Well done, my boy." He clapped him on the back, perhaps a little too hard. 'Ugh. A Hufflepuff came up with something cleverer than anything my pathetic son did during his competitions.' He came to the realization he was scowling, and grinned before anyone had the chance to see it. "That was quite the spectacle."
He shook hands with Negan's parents. Jareth worked in Magical Education Committee board at the Ministry so Bartemius had seen him from time to time and had met his wife at the yule parties; she always brought the best cakes.
Even Hildegar smiled a bit, because during the competition her expression had gone grimmer and grimmer. "I must admit, I am fan of das Irish Jig. My Grandfatcher was fount of das Irish ant he taught it to me." When Hildegar spoke to the parents, she was impressed by how genuinely nice they were.
Slughorn was ready to start back up his club as a summer project, if he could find more creativity sand talent like Mcliffin just showed. Much to his disappointment and everyone else's there as not another noteworthy potion until they reached the twenty fifth table. Jareth beamed when Slughorn mentioned that to him. Slughorn remembered Jareth Mcliffin well; he was one of the students who was in his Slug club so the previous potions instructor could not have been more pleased to see that the talent passed on to his son.
The judges nor the spectators did not need to read the plague on the table to know who this project belonged to. It was made clear by the large number of people and the bright red hair on top of their heads. Percy Weasley had his freckled nose tilted into the air and he smiled with a very cold, proud smile for an eleven-year-old boy. Hildegar placed the toad on the table, in a bored manner, once again her sea foam eyes had glazed over and all she could not but help wonder why she had decided to do this than go to bowling night with Abelard, Yeager and Elsa. She once again poured the potion over it.
The liquid was the color of a summer sunset, Hedda was impressed. It was a rare potion, that worked similarly to a Veela's allure. Except instead of feeling romantic attraction, what felt whatever kind of attraction of the one thing they want most. For example, for an instant she had a strong desire to ask Severus for that toad instead of a dog. Thankfully, the potion did not work if you realize what it is. She quickly snapped out of it.
The moment the potion poured over the toad, Hildegar's eyes would have filled hearts if she were a cartoon character. She saw her best friend, Elsa holding two giant bowls of sauerkraut. She almost hugged the frog but as she moved her arms she quickly came to the realization that it was the affection potion. She smiled. 'zis pleasink to fint such a talented young vizard.' Her pale eyebrows seemed to crinkle in on themselves. "Zee potion zee wrong color, sough."
The judges had a hard time believing that a first year could create such a potion. The judges once again made their comments both pleasing and unpleasing to the young Weasley. Percy knew he had messed up the color, and he was terribly upset over it. "I can't believe it. It's all that Shunpale's fault. Him and that stupid explosion distracted me." He muttered under his breath.
"Ariana and Grindlewal–" died on Dumbledore's lips. Dumbledore hid the mist in his eyes. He did not want anyone to know what he saw. Ariana holding up one of his old robes that she just mended she used to love mending things, the muggle way. Grindelwald was beside her, holding up a Wizarding chessboard, in a gesture that invited his old friend to play. "Well done, Mister Weasley. We are looking forward to having you in Hogwarts."` Dumbledore leaned in so only Percy could here. "I'm happy to be the name sake of such a brilliant boy." He winked. 'How in the world did he learn the Erised potion?' The headmaster wanted to know. 'He must have been reading a great deal upon the subject. Gryffindor's are finally catching up to Slytherin in potions. It was only a matter of time, after all Gryffindors are the best house.' A little voice whispered in the back of his head. Dumbledore ignored it and continued to smile.
Hildegar nodded. "Yes. It is brilliant for such a young Khilt." She nodded her approval. She turned to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "You musht be das parents. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Veasley. Your Khilt vill not die horribly from his own shtupidity." Arthur thanked the German witch, with a hesitant tone. If he was being honest with himself, he was a little scared of her.
To be fair, when Hogwarts and the other schools came together for Amico Raccolta week, which is a week that happens once every five years, where all eleven wizarding schools met at a large location. In recent years, it was usually a hotel chain owned by a muggle born of some sort, on a different continent every time, chosen by the heads of the schools meeting and putting their continents/ countries name on a piece of paper and the head of the school that was chosen last time choosing. It was a chance for all the students to get to meet new people and learn about other cultures. The teachers signed up for which classes they would teach, not only their regular subjects but specific things about their cultures. For example, professor Honda from Hatoukotoro taught students how to grow silk worms for garments. It was not only professors but shop owners and professionals across the wizarding world would come to teach the students about their culture's wares and professions. They would be hosted at different times and rooms. It was a lot like a muggle convention. The students were required to attend at least five classes a day, and different types. Other than that, they were free to wander, get to know other students and encouraged to make friends. As the name implied, the event went on for a week.
The Italian Wizards really pushed this one, for the students to make prospective matches on all different continents, not just the three that always group up for wizard tournaments. The others thought it was wonderful for the students to be more cultured. Amico Raccolta week was never held during the Triwizard tournament, usually two years after the Triwizard tournament takes place.
In Arthur's sixth year, Amico Raccolta week was hold in Schwerin Palace in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, A federated state in north Germany and one of Arthur's new friends, Michaelos Johnson, a sixth year, from Livermorny, had made a snide comment about a German student being a Nazi. Michaelos was a very handsome, with smooth, dark skin and the beginnings of a short, prickly beard. Earlier the boys had gotten into an argument about the best Quidditch player. So Michelos was snubbing him to some of the other boys in one of the large open halls in the castle. Usually the American wizard was one of the nicest guys you could meet. However, Abelard had insulted James Green, the seeker on the American national quidditch team. Unfortunately, that student turned out to be Abelard Sternburg, Hildegar's older brother. She was passing by in the hall with another girl, both held woven baskets, whose contents emitted steam and a pungent, bitter smell. As soon as those words were uttered from the American wizard's lips, the young witch stopped in her tracks. At her sudden stopping, Elsa, the witch accompanying her almost tripped. "Vhat's das matter, Gar?" Elsa's blue eyes lit with alarm. Hildegar just handed Elsa her basket to hold before she turned on her heels, the fur cloak flying behind her.
"Vhat dit you say?" Hildegar snarled. As a first year, she was shorter than the guys especially compared to all six feet and three inches of Michaelos. Hildegar appeared to be a rather cute, blonde girl with ringlet curls peeking out from the fur cap. Michaelos rolled his eyes. "What's got you all bent, ankle biter?" He shoved his large hand into the pockets of his blue robes. Before he could say another word, Hildegar reached up and grabbed a hold of Michaelos throat and pushed him against the wall. Several of the wizards who were hanging out with Michaelos jumped back. It took Arthur a bit longer to notice what was happening as he was playing with the paddle ball that another wizard brought with him. Elsa just continued her journey to the common room, as she's seen Hildegar get into dozens of fights, she would just wait for her to come back.
"If you zay zat again I vill kurse you. Zen repeatedly beat the krap out of you with my fists before sendink you home to zer mutter." She was shaking in anger. Michaelos skin paled, and his eyes widened. The other two boys were too frightened to say anything lest she turned on them.
Arthur finally looked up when he managed to hit the small rubber ball against the wooden ball. "I did it! Did you lot see–" he paused when he noticed the scene that lay before him. Understanding dawned on him. "Michaelos was upset because your brother insulted his favorite quidditch team." He defended Michaelos. The red head shrunk back when she turned those icy blues on him.
Slowly the fist around Michaelos throat unclenched and she smiled. A complete mood change. "I see. Boys fighting ofer silly games. Abelard should learn to fokus on his studies as he does zat game. He woult be as good as me," Hildegar left as if nothing happened.
Arthur and the other two boys immediately helped up Michaelos, who had fallen to the floor in shock and terror. The boys hurried to their dorms, too frightened and embarrassed to tell a professor. What teenage boy would want people finding out that they were cowed by a girl. A scary she-hulk girl. But still a girl. Arthur and the other prayed that they would never see her again and avoided Abelard and her the rest of the week.
"That means a lot coming from the best potions shop in the world! I read an article on you shop in Witch Weekly!" Molly gushed. His wife's voice brought Arthur back to the present. He was relieved when Hildegar did not seem to recognize him. Even though he did not look too different. She got rid of her baby fat, and it turned to all sharp points, which fit her personality better. He relaxed more when it was the next judges turn to speak.
Clap. Clap. clap. The minister of magic crowded into Percy's personal space. "Yes, the others are right.' Bartemius turned to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "He clearly comes from fantastic blood lines!" He knew that the Weasley's were already supporters of him, but it would be best to ensure their continued support.
Arthur nodded as he shook the ministers hand. "Why, thank you!" Molly's head tilted up in an overly proud way and she placed both hands on Percy's shoulders. "After William, was selected as head boy in Gryffindor, I knew he set an excellent example for his brothers!"
There were groans from the other students, all except one, they knew Percy's potion was better than theirs. Mcliffin smiled, he was happy. Percy's was decent. 'It's nice to see kids do so well.'
Severus Snape had watched the events of Percy's potion with cold, calculating eyes. 'The third Weasley would have done better in my house.' The potions master mused. He stood still beside Hedda who was doodling with her quill waiting for her turn, completely undaunted. Severus wished she would not doodle, he learned early on that it was a habit of hers. It did not mean that she was not paying attention, she was, she just did it to keep her hands busy. At first when he would tutor her at home, she would doodle on her scrolls and he got annoyed, he learned to tolerate it, even though it did not look professional to turn in one's essay with butterflies scribbled on it, it was still work that was way above average for someone her age. In all honesty, he was incredibly proud of his heir.
When he first brought her home, he expected her to be behind in most things magical and regular, due to her irregular upbringing. He just was not prepared for how far behind. The potions master planned from the beginning to tutor her in many things, until the child could go to Hogwarts, and even then, during the summers when she was away from Hogwarts. The things he could not teach well (There were not a lot of those, mostly recreation things like her piano lessons) When he found out the child could barely read, and could not count to ten he immediately sent her to St. Mungos for a mental examination to figure out what was wrong with her. It turns out she had a muggle mental health disease called dyslexia. He went to a couple bookstore, even ones in the muggle world in an attempt to cure it. Eventually he worked on it with her and unexpectedly quickly she picked up the skills. She was now reading at the level of a young adult. Though her math skills were still dreadful, they were at least far better than they were. Her best skill remains to be her art level, which according to Narcissa who was more familiar with young children than himself thanks to all the play dates she set up for her son, Hedda was way above most her age with her art abilities. Severus did not fail to notice that was one of the only complements that his relative ever paid Hedda, even if her tone was a begrudging. It seems Narcissa gets slightly jealous at anything that Hedda can do better than Draco. With a even more smug smirk if possible, Severus absently patted the child's shoulder with what could be considered affection.
Hedda jumped slightly at the feeling of Severus's sudden hand on her shoulder, half expecting him to hit her. "wooohaah!" A monkey like noise escaped her lips. Severus ignored it. It was a left over trait from living with her mother. She realized it was only him, and went back to what she was doing, grinning lightly at the affection. There were couple more people in front of her, and she grew bored some time ago, and was happy that the judges had provided several scrolls for her to work with, so she used what was left to draw several flowers around an almost anime look young man with large doe eyes. She wrinkled her nose in distaste as her gaze fell over the hands. 'Merg. I can never draw hands.' The child thoughts turned toward her guardian and saw with the red headed boy's potion. 'Uncle Sev, does not seem to desire anything. Sometimes he gripes about the stupidity of other people, to the other adults. Be he has a beautiful home…. A great job… Maybe he secretly wants a dog too?' She twirled her quill in the air as she was thinking. Hedda did not have the nerve to actually ask him. While she may be the person most comfortable with the frigid professor, there were still barriers between them.
Once more the next set of competitor produced simple potions, none particularly mention worthy, and the judges were assuming that they had already selected the champions as they reached the last table.
Bartemius Crouch Sr. thought it was cute such a young girl, would want to compete in the competition. Nothing much could be expected of a young, pure blooded witch. 'She should be focusing on learning how to get the best loyalty from her non-house elf staff, and which colors were appropriate for wearing to what kind of party. I'm sure she made a lovely potion for best cleaning dust off Knick knacks.' He crossed his arms in front of his chest as Hildegar placed the toad on the blue table cloth. His graying eyebrows popped up when he saw the name on the card, and who was standing next to her. Hedda Prince. Now that he thought of it, he heard rumors of Severus Snape adopting a little girl a few years back. He had his assistant send him a card and a fruit basket.
When Severus saw, the judges headed toward them, he sharply jabbed Hedda's arm with his wand. "Pay Attention.' He hissed. His body was rigid as he waited to see what Hedda had created.
"Yes, Uncle." As Hildegar placed the tad in front of her, Hedda straightened up immediately now was her time to prove her potions ability and earn herself a puppy. She chased away thoughts of the coloration, and puppy names from her head. 'It's time to focus.'
The German witch's usual icy blue eyes were a darker lagoon blue with relief that the event was almost over. It also surprised her, to see a young girl at this event. Hildegar was only a year or so, older than her when she was competing in competitions. However, Hildegar was a prodigy, and from what most of the other children had done, she was not expecting much out of this girl.
Unlike the other students, Hedda had a sample prepared out of the cauldron in a special goblet with ancient runes inscribed into it—it was a yule gift from her guardian. The potion itself was clear and gave off only the slightest hint of peppermint, seemingly undistinguishable from flavored water.
Percy scowled, wondering why he did not think of presenting his in such a dignified manner. Mrs. Weasley noticing her son's face, saw a smudge of ink on his cheek and promptly licked the palm of her tanned hands, from working in so long in the garden, and wiped it off. Thus, turning Percy's face as red as his hair. "Mom, stop, please." He pleaded, almost under his breath, hoping that no one saw his mother treating him like a child.
"There you go, pumpkin. You look as spiffy as a new broom." Mrs. Weasley cooed, before turning away to take Ginny to the ladies room as the toddler started to sniffle and bawl, and Mrs. Weasley's caught a whiff of her soiled diaper.
As soon as their mother left, the twins ganged up on either side of their brother. "I would've said you look as presentable as stuffed tomato," Fred chuckled.
On the other side of Percy, George shook his head. "No. No dearest twin of mine, our brother looks as handsome as a red scaled Hungarian horntail."
Charlie glared at his brothers. "What is wrong with the two of you?" Percy sneered, now Charlie surely would scold the twins. Just as Percy was thinking it would serve those troublemakers right, Charlie finished his thought. "Everyone knows Hungarian Horntails have black scales. Perce here is as red as the eyes of a Ukrainian Iron belly." The three chortled together as Percy grew more red.
Bill stood closer to all of them. "Now. Now boys. We should be nicer to our brother. Before he explodes. He's as red as the rubies in the sarcophagus in the tombs of Egypt!" All of them were laughing now, even little Ron (who was not sure what they were laughing about but he did not want them to think he was out of the loop) Except for Percy of course, who continued to grow redder, until his face was almost a purplish color like a bad bruise.
"You okay son?" Mr. Weasley, who finally came back from his trip to the bathroom. He left ten minutes ago, but on his way back to his family he saw several muggle-born's playing with matchbox cars and he simply could not resist watching them race. Eventually their mom got creeped out by an older man, asking her kids a bunch of weird questions, like the function of a rubber duck. Ellie Perkins was regretting letting her husband drag her to this event. 'Wizards are so strange.' She loved her husband, and knew he was proud of his wizard heritage so she put up with it. Arthur's blue eyes were wide with concern. "Did you inhale any potions' fume, son?" Percy only managed to choke out a reassurance that he was fine before counting to ten and turned away from his family.
Back at Hedda's table, Hildegar carelessly poured a single drop of the potion onto the toad. Without any warning, there was an eerie hissing noise, like acid and within seconds the splash of potion bubbled and gurgled where it touched the toads skin. Before the unfortunate animal could even cry out in pain there was pearly, white bones left, completely dissolved of any muscle or skin.
Ugh. awk. Cggh. Dumbledore choked on the lemon drop he had just placed in his mouth and swallowed as soon as the toad dissolved. He spat the candy back into his hand, after Hildegar came up behind him and roughly pushed on his thin chest, almost cracking one of his ribs. Quickly recovering, Dumbledore nodded his thanks to Hildegar, wincing in pain. "That was certainly something!" He made a broad gesture toward the carcass on the table. 'Don't tell me, she's going to be the next Bellatrix…' He internally winced, remembering how he had to permanently remove the Black sister from potions in her fifth year, when she tried to summon an army of the undead. The headmaster straightened his large, pointy, blue hat. Blue eyes met golden brown. "Are you going to take your uncle's place when you grow up?"
Hedda met Dumbledore's smile with a bright grin of her own. "I'm not sure. I still have a lot to catch up on to be as great as uncle Severus." She answered with a sweet, earnestness. Looking to see her uncle's reaction. He did not particularly look any different, but he was not scowling so Hedda took it as a good sign.
'The dark side of her family clearly is showing up in her genes.' The voice in the back of Dumbledore's head spoke up again. 'Maybe we should have intervened before she was adopted by Severus…." The light from the lights (They were not real light bulbs just glass with enchanted mushrooms inside to glow like a muggle florescent light bulb) overhead gleamed on the old wizard's glasses. 'Maybe she could be of use, if the need arises…' "I think you're well on your way." Dumbledore, shook the girl's hand and stepped back so the other judges could make their comments. Hedda's ears turned slightly red at the praise.
Slughorn realized his mouth was hanging open and promptly shut it. "Simply stupendous! What a wonderful use of potion ingredients! For her age!" He gushed, with overly excited movements. "You simply, must let me tutor her over the summer!" He exclaimed to Severus. "That's it. This summer, I'm going to restart the Slug club! I'll talk to Albus later, and get permission. It should count for extra credit of course...' He mumbled to himself fading into his own thoughts.
Hildegar used the former potion's instructor's silence as a chance to speak. "Vhat a Khild! I almosct vant to adopt her myself!" This was the most animated she has been all day. "The vay sche used the Hungarian Horntail Saliva. I voult not hafe zought of it." She shook her head, rapidly, though not a strand of the platinum blonde hair came out from its prison in her bun. "Such a deadvry poison. One voult nefer expect such a young, kute Khilt." She laughed, a strangely light hearted sound for such a manly, rough woman. "If sche vas part of das Duquesne Spy Ring sche vould not hafe gotten herself kaught like those dunces." If what she said about the previously captured and executed spy ring concerned anyone, no one mentioned anything. After handing Snape her business card with orders to bring Hedda with him, the next time he comes to buy potion ingredients, she step back with the other two judges so the English minister of Magic could have a turn.
With what he thought was his award-winning smile (It was more of a creepy car salesman smile) Bartemius shook Hedda's hand with an unnecessarily strong grip, followed by Severus's hand. "What a wonderful child you have! I would be proud to have a daughter like her."
Severus did not have the same impressed look the other parents had when talking to the Minister of magic. "She is my niece. And yes, she is very talented.' Instead his voice hold barely hidden venom.
Bartemius did not seem to notice, smiling wider, he carried on. "In fact, if you find yourself with some spare time next week why don't you bring Hedda down to the Ministry office, and she can be in the interview with Mrs. Wilheilm who has an interview with the prophet on unusual potions. I'm sure Hedda here," he gestured to the child, "could help her out a bit." Severus offered a non-confirmative answer. His shoulders relaxed just enough that unless you were intensely studying his body language you would not have noticed how tense he was when talking to Bartemius Crouch Sr.
Hedda kept glancing at her uncle as the Judge's walked back to the Judge's table on the stage and began whispering to each other and looking at notes. The young witch was hoping for clue that he was pleased with the effects of her potion. She herself was pleased with how it turned out, and she did not notice any of the disturbed expressions from the audience. Dumbledore and Bartemius hid their emotions well. Hildegar and Slughorn were too excited about the potion skills shown to be unhappy by how dark the potion was.
As the judges made their way back, Gilderoy blinked a couple times to shake himself from the fear and amazement that spread through him and the last competitor's potion. "The judge's will need the next fifteen minutes to discuss amongst themselves!" He spoke into the microphone. "I would like to personally say that each and every contestant did a wonderful job today! And should be proud of themselves!" Cue the blinding smile. "I think one day, there is several of you that could be as famous as I am." He posed for another round of camera flashes. "As I'm sure you brilliant young witches and wizards did your homework on the competition." He paused and chuckled. "If not, shame on you." Lockhart exaggeratedly waved his index finger at the audience. "Anywho, you'll know how the winners are chosen. I'll explain just in case. The judges choose based on..."
He went on into a whole tangent, and somehow managed to reference himself or his books every other sentence. Hedda stopped paying attention some time ago and went back to trying to figure out what Severus might have saw with the potion… Until the judges announced that they have come to their conclusion and passed a sheet of parchment to Lockhart.
"Well, here we are ladies and gentleman. If I call your name, come on up and stand beside me. Please try not to faint from excitement!" He winked. "For use of creativity, multiple magic skill sets, and nice blend of Brugmansia vines Negan Mcliffin in third place!" Negan's purple eyes widened, and he tripped climbing the steps on the stage in his excitement, causing Percy and several other contestants to snicker. Negan paid them no mind, as he picked himself up. The audience clapped as Negan posed for the cameras holding his prizes which included a small bronze cauldron filled with treats from honey dukes, three sacks branded with the Sternburg Apothecary label filled with several potion ingredients of decent value.
Gilderoy Lockhart's new book–signed by him of course, and twenty-five galleons.
Rina frowned she could not believe a Hufflepuff won anything. Oh well, she was certain to get second place. Her blemish cream was perfectly done. "Well, Ladies and Gentleman, Our second-place winner won from using a rare spell, nearly perfectly executed except the color was of a couple shades off. Percy Weasley!" There was a loud cheering from Percy's table. Fred and George managed to sneak in party blowers and blew several, along with Bill and Charlie until their mother snatched them away.
Percy's pale lips twisted, wondering who stole first place from him. Nonetheless he smiled and walked to the stage, almost tripping himself because he had his nose so high he forgot to look where he was going and Afrodille's purse had tipped over and several make up kits now littered the walk way. None the less, Percy smiled and held his head especially when he got his picture taken with all of the judges particularly, the Minister of Magic. The ginger wizard's inner fan boy was screaming out. He ignored. 'Act intelligent,' He repeated in his head. Eagerly shaking his hand. His brown eyes burned with envy, as they have most every time he saw the older wizard. 'One day… That will be me.' Percy was handed a silver cauldron filled with an IOU for ten house points for whatever house the winner was in, Gilderoy Lockhart's new book with his signature, and a copy of his portrait (Percy made a note to give those to his mom for yule), fifty galleons, a voucher for one thousand dollars for anything at Sternburg Apothecary's.
"And finally, first place was given for using a potion that only the most advanced potion masters can even attempt without blowing themselves up, and executing it perfectly! Something completely unheard of at her age. Hedda Prince!" The young Witch dropped the quill she was holding, floated through the crowd in away reminiscent of Severus. There were no raucous cheers, just a classy sort of clapping. Her uncle was so pleased, he practically reeked of pride. Hedda's brunette hair which Dapper had curled for the event, so her curls would be more pronounced than ever, bounced with her every step. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, which she was not particularly fond of, it made her nervous. The urge to retreat behind her uncle clutched at her heart, but she kept moving forward anyway. A Brindle Boxer, with floppy ears danced across her thoughts as she smiled, posed for the photos, shook hands with the judges and finally accepted he prize: A golden cauldron filled with one hundred galleons, one of Lockhart's autographed books, a day pass to hang out with him at his home (One prize she planned to accidentally lose), an expensive gold and silver set of wizard's chess, a 300,000 voucher for Sternburg Apothecary.
"Now everyone! Let's have an applause for all the competitors. Remember It's not whether you win or lose! It's that you've tried! Not everyone can win every time." Hildegar was considering casting a curse at the announcer to make him shut up. 'The annoying, whiny, girly, boy-wizard might be okay.' She thought as she was listening to his speech. Contrary to popular belief, she was not as harsh as she seemed, well she was but not when it comes to people who at least try. That is why she had a house elf place five galleon vouchers for her store under the seats of all the competitors that did not win. Then Gilderoy continued on, and she once again lost all respect she had for him. "Well, I do. But we can't all be my amazing self" He placed his hand over his heart, and several witches in the audience cowed their agreement, to Hildegar's absolute disgust.
"Anywho! I need all of the families of the winners to join the winners on stage for a group photo!" Gilderoy requested. Slowly Mr. and Mrs. Mcliffin stood on either side of Negan. Minnie Mcliffin tried to smooth the wrinkles on her polka dotted maxi skirt. 'I see that mister Mcliffin gets his sense of style from his parents.' As he looked to his student to his parents, as he came to stand beside Hedda.
The entire gaggle of the Weasley clan made their way across the stage, Severus stiffened. He was not a fan of the Weasley's who were known, for their ridiculous fear/ disgust of "dark" families. In fact, a couple years ago when Severus was reading parenting advise books, he tried to set up a play date for Hedda when he first got her. The potions master had read that it was good for children to socialize with others their age. The only other child around her own age, Hedda saw was Draco who was a couple of years younger. Severus wrote to Molly Weasley to see if Hedda could spend the day with her twins, who would be the same age as Hedda, plus getting to know the others in her horde would be a bonus. That woman had the nerve to write back telling him in so many words that she did not feel comfortable having her children around a child from a "dark' family. She did not want them behaving in a suspicious manner. Severus wrote back politely telling her that was fine and in a roundabout way that he would not what Hedda to act like wizarding trash anyway.
The photos were finally done all of the families intermingled, once again a fresh array of snacks had appeared, and everyone was asked to eat and mingle and make their way out as they pleased. A couple of people were asked aside every so often by the reporters who wanted interviews. Severus and Percy eventually found themselves alone on the stage, both of whom had their gazes fixed on Hedda who was cleaning up her supplies on her table. Though Percy's was a look of malicious and Severus wore a content look (which is as close to adoring as he can get).
While his parents were in line at the snack tables, and his sibling off somewhere causing trouble, Percy had no doubt, he was writing in his scrolls ideas of how Hedda's potion could have been chosen over his. It was clearly very dark magic, and that should have disqualified he immediately. He heard his mother saying so to his father during Hedda's judging. He did not notice that his Potions professor was standing beside him, until he was right next to him. 'Wait that's it! Hedda is Snape's Niece! I bet he somehow helped her! That's the only way someone three years younger than me could have beat me!' Before he could think anything else, a pained gasp escaped his lips. A finely tailored black boot was being ground onto his own cheap, faux leather boots. "You will not accomplish anything you know. You are pathetic. Second Place, might as well have been only a participatory prize. Did you see what Hedda did? You will never be half as good as she is. You might as well give up now. You will not accomplish anything in life anyway. Your potion was a pathetic excuse for side show mumbo jumbo. You have failed at this. You might as well have been struck down by A Veela's fireball." The whole time he kept grinding his foot, harder with each word. Before Percy could really process what happened Severus had glided away, the crowd parting around him like the red sea. With tears in his eyes, Percy bit his lip and picked up his things. He would not forget this day. Vengeance would be his. He would destroy Hedda Prince if that was the last thing he did….
"You have not brought shame to our family," Severus informed Hedda as they made their way to the floo, so they could return to the Prince estate. He cast a glance at her with his usual smirk. "I expect great things of you, Hedda Prince." Her eyes were the color of golden wheat, as she basked in the rarely given praise that her uncle gave her.
The young witch was so overjoyed that she did not even notice the stares, that followed them, as it usually did when they went out in public that to Severus's reputation and the scary vibes that seemed to emit from him. "I can't wait to tell Harry!" She could imagine the envious look on the younger boy's face. Harry wanted to come watch the competition but unfortunately, Sirius had forgotten all about it and scheduled a trip for him, Remus and Harry to go to a muggle zoo that day. It helped Remus remember why he usually did most of the scheduling. The two headed towards the Fox's eye which was a cute little pub that doubled as an inn and was Severus's preferred floo network as well as Severus's preferred floo network point in that area of London.
"Welcome back, professor!" A man wiped down the bar. He was wearing suspenders and an eyepatch- not because he needed it, but because he thought it made him look cool. Ringo Shunpike, the owner of the pub smiled. He was eccentric but kind, and had a classy establishment. He also genuinely seemed to like Severus, for whatever reason the potions professor could not figure out. It is not like he ever treated him any different than he did the rest of the populace. Ringo grew on Severus after a while. 'He's like a less obnoxious Sirius Black.' Severus nodded his greeting to the inn owner and pretended to not see him slip Hedda a gigantic sugar quill with his finger to his lips in the "Shh" motion, while Severus went to check out the rack with the jars of floo power for sale on it. He was running low at home. Ringo was usually offering Hedda, all kind of treats and what not. Severus actually left her with him a couple times when he would be gone for several days looking for ingredients. He seemed to be like another uncle to the young witch. Severus did not mind, Hedda seemed happier to be left at the pub than in Narcissa's care anyway. Severus did not trust that oaf Sirius to watch Hedda, unless Remus was also there, as Sirius almost killed his own son from time to time with his stupidity. The Potion's instructor was certainly not going to entrust the girl's care to Walburga, Bellatrix or any of the other relatives as Hedda could be considered a muggle born.
Motioning to hurry up, Severus waited until Hedda joined him in the fireplace. She was hugging Ringo goodbye. They bid their ado's to Ringo. "Prince manor." Severus instructed as he tossed the grainy powder. Within moments the two of them were once more within the walls of the Prince estate.
That night Hedda, after she talked to Harry with the floo network she spent some more time staring at her trophy. It was not good enough to warrant a puppy, but at least now she had galleons she could buy several yellow scroll holders. Her eyes fluttered as she fell asleep in the large ebony bed covered with heavy gold curtains. Yellow scroll holders are her favorite things. Slowly the candles around her room went out as she entered her dream land.
On the small writing desk in the corner of the room were a few of her gifts sent from her relatives after they had returned. Hedda was surprised by how many owls had shown up. Harry's white snow owl sent her with a stuffed badger, which was her favorite animal, that his daddy had bought him to give to Hedda. Harry did not need another stuffed animal aside from Paddie, his black stuffed dog. The note with it was from all three of them. Each had the own section, the first being Harry's then his mom then his dad's.
Dear Hedda,
I am very happy you won! I knew you would! Murus and Cerberus, even agreed on that one! And they never agree on anything! The zoo is wonderful! Full of all kinds of animals! Daddy says next time you can come with us if your uncle says it is all right. I will share more next time we see each other.
Sincerely,
Harry Lupin-Black.
Dear Hedda,
Cheers on Winning! Even if it is something nerdy like potions! Winning is certainly something I know about! I have won several quidditch matches at my time in Hogwarts! Soon you and Harrison, will be doing the same at school! With my fabulous influence you won't turn out too badly, even if you live with Snivolous. See you Sunday. I'm baking you cake shaped like a potion's bottle!
See you soon,
Sirius.
Dear Hedda,
I send my congratulations at your results. Don't listen to Sirius on potions, it's a great path to go down. We're having a Sunday roast at our house tomorrow if you and Severus would like to attend. Please send notice.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin.
Ps. Tell Severus not to worry, Harry and I will be baking the cake. Sirius will only be helping. So you don't have to worry about any more food poisoning cases.
-RL.
Hedda smiled when she received these, then went and got confirmations from her uncle before sending Hedwig back with the return notice in the pouch strapped to her leg. She had even got a letter from The Malfoy family.
Dearest Harriet,
We received news of the competition! Fabulous darling! Simply Fabulous! Lucius and Draco send their best regards! Isn't Severus just the best baby sitter ever?
Sincerely,
Narcissa Malfoy.
Hedda was not surprised that Narcissa got her name wrong, she always did. And for whatever reason she kept thinking that Severus was only babysitting her. All the time. Even though he brought her with him every time they met up. The witch was just happy that she thought well enough to write.
A couple of floors away, Severus sat in his study, still staring at the smiling picture of Him and Hedda. Hedda's picture was looking around and smiling. Severus was staring straight ahead firmly, only occasionally glancing at the side with a curled lip before twisting back into a smirk.
"It has been a pleasant evening…" He muttered into the murky brown liquid in his tea cup.
_End of part two_
Authors Note: So let me know what you guys think! So far this is my most popular story! I am super pleased with all of the favorites, likes and kudos, ETC! If you have any questions, and any other things I would be happy to answer any of them!
