The Weasleys Brew Again! #2
~ La Ballata di Capelli Verdi

By Raven Dancer

summary: Another day, another potion, another catastrophe...

Dumbledore struggles with his pride as he faces the real possibility of facing his peers in London with vibrant green hair. Will the Twins be spitted and broiled? Will various Hogwarts' staff develop jelly legs? Will Snape save the day?


Snape slept deeply the entire night waking late the next morning when the Healer began scanning him. With a face-splitting yawn the Potions Master settled against the strong body allowing the scan to continue.

Good morning, Severus, the soft voice intoned warmly. Barnes was pleased that the wizard was finally, (finally!) comfortable with him.

Good morning, Jeffrey, Snape returned muzzily.

Up, to the loo, dressed, brushed, to the table, presented with breakfast and tea. The assuring routine helped ease the Potions Master into the day.

And a very, very green Headmaster.

At the very least most of the smell had dissipated on its own. The colorful hair and beard nearly glowed in the sunlight. Still too sleepy, Snape did not react, not so much as a giggle, when he looked at his friend. In fact, the rather serious look (solely due to drowsiness) consoled Dumbledore.

*Maybe I can survive the twins latest torment!* the Headmaster thought to himself.

As he became more awake Snape's analytical mind kicked in. The modified dung bomb definitely created a dye. Unfortunately, given the reaction of the odor to plain soap he didn't have much confidence he would be able to actually remove the green without damaging Dumbledore's hair. Of course, he could simply mask the color, fill the shafts in with a white dye. He look speculatively at the greenness.

A knock at the door brought announced the arrival of the culprits; their hair was now a rich purple and they smelled vaguely of rotting vegetation. Professor Jacques followed them in at a respectful distance.

Oh my, Barnes said, covering his mouth. Jacques barely managed to suppress his grin.

Professor Snape, I concede, he said with a small flourish of his hand.

And well you do, before these gentlemen loose their
hair, Snape commented. He poured more tea and looked at the spectacle before him.

Purple certainly isn't your color, he further remarked. With guilty nods the two hung back, fidgeting nervously.

Did you eat? Snape inquired and received reluctant shakes of heads.
Then come eat. We'll get down to work once you're
done.

Quickly both boys secured chairs and began to help themselves to the food before them. They had not eaten the night before nor breakfast that morning. Neither wanted to show themselves in the great hall. It was bad enough in Gryffindor Tower being teased. Plus no one wanted the smelly duo near them!

Dumbledore opened all the windows with a sweep of his wand. A decidedly cool breeze began to circulate, cutting down the stench. Barnes retreated to the bedroom and returned with a very warm robe and thick socks for Snape. He did not want his patient getting a cold on top of everything else he'd been through!

Snape requested the twins notes to review as they ate. Seeing that he wasn't needed the Headmaster retired to his desk to work. Jacques sat next to the Potions Master answering his questions the best he could.

It was soon very apparent that Snape was running mental circles around the French wizard. He certainly couldn't keep up with the Potions Master's train of thought as it careened over combinations of ingredients and their reactions. When he began comparing the differences in body chemistries between the four of them Jacques flopped back in his chair.

You have lost me, Professor Snape! Jacques dramatically threw his hands up in the air. Snape looked at him quizzically.

Now it was Barnes' turn to snicker at the confused Potions Master. The Healer had followed the conversation in a general sort of way but was neatly left in the dust. From the looks of it George was not following, either. But Fred leaned forward.

So Zonko's has an ingredient or two in addition to the
published list that keeps the reactions from occurring.

Yes, they guard their real recipes fanatically, Snape concurred, looking over at the purple haired student.

If they won't release those ingredients we can only
narrow down what they might be by looking at the
end result, the Headmaster's green hair, and what
might have reacted with our own secret' ingredients, Fred continued, his own mind beginning to isolate those ingredients. He stood up and moved to stand next to Snape and lean over the list of ingredients. Soon they were discussing possible interactions.

Well, I am going back to my labs, Jacques said. Barnes nodded but the other wizard paid no attention. George looked between his brother and the French professor.

Should I go with you, sir? he asked. At this Snape looked over at him.

Oh, no, we're going to need a guinea pig and gopher, he said with a slight smile.

George soon found himself in the library picking up books then to the potions lab to pick up a cauldron full of ingredients as well as two more books from Snape's shelves. Returning to the headmaster's offices he watched his brother working with Snape as they brewed small batches of various potions.

By early afternoon they'd broken through the odor problem and neutralized both the rotting vegetable stench and the original odor that clung to the older wizards. With great pleasure Dumbledore showered away the annoying smell.

Unfortunately, his hair was still green. The twins' hair was still purple.

The Potions Master and student now applied themselves to the problem of removing the dye. This proved to be much more difficult. The reaction for each of them was different. A small piece of hair had to be added to the potion to adjust it for each wizard.

Not only did they have to adjust the potion individually, they found it had to be adjusted each time it was used. The initial batch had kept George red-haired for nearly thirty minutes. A second dose from the original batch did not work well but when the base formula was once more altered with a new strand of hair George went red once more.

Barnes called a halt to the experiments when Snape became obviously tired. The students went back to their tower with specific directions to record any changes during the night. For good measure Dobby was sent along to wake them hourly.

The house elf was very excited to be part of the group helping the Headmaster. The twins weren't sure they were pleased; an excited elf did not bode well. The three headed off for their room as Snape brooded over his notes.

Severus, bed! That will wait until morning, Barnes gently nagged.

Yes, you've done a Herculean job getting both antidotes
brewed in a single day! Dumbledore praised his friend. But still Snape did not budge.

Barnes playfully growled. Distracted Snape looked up.

The mix is too fragile. I don't think the base will hold up
for more than 12 hours, Albus. If it doesn't then you'll
have to mix a new base daily, maybe twice if you decide
to go out in the evening, the Potions Master murmured.

Sleep! Then see what happens in the morning, Barnes plucked the parchment from his patient's hand earning a tired glare. Dumbledore, for the moment white-haired again, held out his hand.

Come, Severus, he smiled gently. After a moment Snape accepted the hand. He struggled briefly getting up out of the chair. Barnes quickly slipped to his side supporting and scanning him. He frowned slightly as he guided the tired wizard to the loo.



A new morning. A green-haired Headmaster looked up from his Daily Prophet and smiled warmly as Snape padded out from the bedroom still rumpled and sleepy. Tea was poured, sugared and nudged to the Potions Master. No use in trying to converse until the drowsy wizard was closer to awake.

You're not as glowing this morning, Snape finally commented finishing up his second cuppa.

I noticed. But it's still very green. I'm afraid the potion
did nothing when I used some fresh hair and drank it, Dumbledore reported carefully. Snape reached for a muffin and hesitated briefly over the butter dish. Without a word the Headmaster pushed the butter and preserves close to the reluctant wizard.

Thank you, Albus, he said with a sigh slicing open the muffin and adding some butter and a dab of strawberry jam. After a month working with Barnes Snape could almost help himself to the various dishes on the table. Years of his parents not allowing him to serve himself still had a hold on him, especially when he was tired. Dumbledore was heartened even at the slight waver to get his own.

The Headmaster continued to read as the Potions Master ate breakfast slowly becoming more alert. The morning routine was comfortable now. A knock at the door alerted them to visitors. Dumbledore picked up his wand and quickly neatened Snape's hair. A nod of thanks and then the wand moved again and the door opened.

Dobby careened in with an exuberance only demonstrated by informercial hosts and house elves. He bounced over the couch and landed with a thump on the table, smiling and shaking his head as his ears flapped.

Dobby, you will achieve flight one day soon, Snape remarked dryly.

Dobby no want to fly! Dobby like to leap. Dobby like
to appear and disappear, the elf began.

Dobby like to wake George. Dobby like to wake Fred, George intoned.

Dobby like to ricochet all through Gryffindor tower. Dobby
like to wake George and Fred's roommates, continued Fred.

George and Fred's roommates throw George and
Fred out into the common room, George growled.

Dobby like common room. Dobby like George and Fred, the elf grinned wide like a cheshire cat. Dumbledore stifled his snickers.

Thank you Dobby. You've done your job perfectly! Snape said seriously, the praise washed over the elf causing him to bounce in place. Both wizards grabbed sloshing tea cups.

Dobby, please bring some hot tea and breakfast for
Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore said quickly. The elf saluted jauntily and rocketed out of the room with a crack. Snape regarded his mentor with raised eyebrow.

I get the distinct impression Dobby enjoyed himself, the Potions Master commented.

He most certainly did, George said sourly, plopping down in a chair and helping himself to the tea available. Fred followed suit sitting next to Snape.

Still purple, the wizard commented.

Yes, still purple. Between 7 and 8 hours this time. But
when we tried the potion it didn't work. I think that some
of the ingredients are just too fragile. We'll have to mix
a fresh base at least twice a day, Fred observed.

We may be able to add another hour or two to the
potion's span. And the color is slowly starting to fade.
I'm sure after a solid week you two will be back to
normal although the Headmaster might take longer, Snape considered aloud. Fred nodded in agreement. A new breakfast began to come up on the table and both boys pitched in to eat. Snape selected a few more bits to eat judiciously encouraged by Dumbledore. Still too thin, still too weak, but thank the gods his appetite had finally returned.

After breakfast Fred assisted Snape in brewing up a batch of potion which Dumbledore was given. White-haired once more the Headmaster was freed up to leave the rooms and wander about the castle. He was cautioned to return well before the eight hour span had passed.

Two more batches were created, each slightly different. Fred and George took a dose from different batches and were released to go to classes; both given strict instructions to log any side effects and to check-in at lunch. They would also return after their last classes to study in the office until bedtime.



When Dumbledore returned in the early afternoon he found his friend curled up in the lounge sleeping in a patch of sunlight. Affectionately he stroked Snape's hair without waking him. Moving to his desk he began to sort through the small avalanche of owls that had landed there.

It was nearly five-thirty when the Headmaster noticed his hair was once more green. A tap at the door announced the arrival of Fred and George, still red-haired and smiling. Both noticed the sleeping Potions Master.

I'll wake Professor Snape, gentlemen. Would you ring
for Dobby and have him bring up tea? Dumbledore asked. With a barely suppressed shudder they headed over to the small table to ring for the elf.

The Headmaster went to his friend and sat carefully on the lounge. He ran his hand up and down Snape's back and spoke gently to him. It took a few minutes to wake the wizard; he stirred, blinking his eyes trying to focus on his surroundings.

Hello Severus. Time to wake, dear child, Dumbledore said softly. Snape smiled and arched very slightly into the touch.

hullo Albus, he murmured enjoying the affection. The older wizard indulged him, continuing to run a soothing hand and speaking very softly. Fred and George pretended to be interested in Dobby and setting up the table although they watched both men. Dumbledore could be believed, he was warm and even affectionate when he wasn't disciplining them. Snape, on the other hand, had always been a frightening and imposing figure. To see him so fragile was jolting; to see him wanting the affectionate words and touches startling. After a few moments Snape's eyes slid across the room and saw the students. Dumbledore smiled.

Fred and George. They are still red-headed, the Headmaster offered. Instead of getting upset at his privacy being invaded Snape slowly sat up and leaned shamelessly against his mentor.

And you are definitely green again, Albus, he murmured. A final pat on the back from Dumbledore and Snape gained his feet padding straight into the loo.

When he returned tea was laid out and waiting. Snape was pleased none of the three had any adverse side effects from the potions. The Twins sipped politely for a few minutes; they'd served an impromptu detention with Professor Flitwick that afternoon. Before a half-hour passed first George then Fred returned to their purple splendor.

Well, it looks as if we can extend the potion to about
nine hours, Snape said critically examining George's hair for any damage.
I can't see any change of color, though.

Why don't you two go down to dinner. We will follow
shortly, Dumbledore sent the twins off, both mumbling indistinctly about someone wanting another potion. In fact, as soon as they were out the door the Headmaster looked expectantly at his friend. Snape's lips curled into a subtle smile.

Yes Headmaster, let me fix you a new potion for tonight, and the Potions Master nimbly mashed ingredients together before stirring in a thin stream of water. Dumbledore clipped a small piece of hair and dropped it in before the final stir and drank. White hair again.

I think I might need a personal Potions brewer at the
conference, the Headmaster said slyly, stealing a side glance at Snape. For his part the wizard glanced with a raised eyebrow.

Wouldn't Jeffrey be a better choice? he asked dryly. Dumbledore shook his head.

I don't need a healer! The rumors would really fly if I
showed up with a healer in tow! he exclaimed nearly offended. Snape grinned.

Oh, and how would it look to have a Potions Master
tailing you around? he asked with a smirk.

Definitely , as the students would say. I'll be
mentoring you, Dumbledore said. That garnered him an annoyed glare.

I need you, the older wizard wheedled a bit. How
would it look if I were green-haired?

Like you'd mildewed, Snape said sarcastically, not too impressed by being mentored. Now he earned a glare.

Severus! I have to deliver the opening address! I am
representing not only Hogwarts but England! You don't
want Hogwarts to be viewed as a backwater joke, do you?
They'd question the capabilities of our staff, especially you,
to not draw too fine a point, Dumbledore threw in a jab to Snape's pride thinking it would work.

It rather looks like the Headmaster of Hogwarts is
having some discipline problems, the Potions Master's eyes narrowed. He had found an antidote and in less than a day. He was not going to buy into that line of guilt.

Child, I need you. I don't want to look ridiculous. Please, Dumbledore finally stated the true case. Snape looked at his friend weighing the entire trip.

Ok, Albus. I'll come and mix your potions, he relented with a shy smile. The Headmaster's eyes twinkled in relief.

But you need to tell Jeffrey; he might not think I should
tromp all over the place. I'm not sure I can apparate, Snape ended softly. His prolonged convalescence had been difficult.

Dumbledore said with a shrug. And there
shouldn't be a problem. Good security and a wonderful
room. You can loll about the room and rest or tag along
with me for some of the activities. The prospect of taking Snape away from the school for a holiday did have a special appeal. They hadn't been away from the school together for years. They used to go to museums and the theatre before that disastrous year with Quirrel. Looking at Snape he smiled.

Come, Child, the Headmaster said affectionately. He accio'd Snape's robe and held it open for him. Together they went down to the Great Hall for supper.