The Weasleys Brew Again! #3
By Raven Dancer
summary: Another day, another potion, another catastrophe...
As Snape continues to battle his own inner demons as he joins Dumbledore at a convention in London.
a/n: A warm thank you to H.L.B for allowing me to use her character Lila Johnstone, Headmistress of Roanoke Academy in America. A second thank you for correcting my as I'm a native speaker of So. Calif. surfer, dude!
Snape woke to the sound of Dumbledore and Barnes having a wonderful row. His stomach clenched as he heard them both refer to Severus'. The physical reactions continued and he felt sweat forming on his face and back. Next he'd get clammy. Grabbing a pillow he pulled it over his head and tried to stifle the growing need to completely panic.
First he counted. To a hundred. In goblin. Then he tried to assure himself that the two wizards were only angry with each other and not him. That he was not responsible in any way for their anger. That he didn't cause it. Then he pulled himself into a tight ball under the covers and gave in to the shivering.
Well, he tried to do what Jeffrey had outlined to do when he was confronted by flashbacks of his parents.
Under the pillow at least he couldn't hear them any longer. He berated himself for overreacting, for being so damned weak. He was just allowing himself a few painful tears when he felt someone's hand on his shoulder and he nearly fell off the bed when his body jerked away in fear. The conditioned response of an abused child.
The pillow was tugged off but not the covers. The yelling had stopped; that was good. Entire body frozen, waiting desperately for either the blows to begin or the sound of receding footsteps.
Severus? You can't possibly be getting enough air
under all those covers, child, Dumbledore' gentle voice said.
It's me, Severus. Just Jeffrey.... I'm going to touch you,
Severus... Just my hand... It's ok... Barnes' concerned voice. A very light touch of a hand on his shoulder. Snape managed to keep from flinching as the warmth began to pulse through him. Covers were tugged off although he kept his face hidden in the pillow.
Bloody nuisance, Snape muttered. Now touchable a second hand on his back began running energy into the incredibly tight muscles. Dumbledore smoothed back the tousled black hair.
Yes, Jeffrey and I certainly are, he agreed amiably. When Snape tried to negate that he was coerced into sitting up and leaning against his friend.
I know that's not what you meant, Severus, but it's true
all the same. If Jeffrey and I weren't so stubborn we'd
be able to discuss things more quietly, the Headmaster admitted as he carefully put his arms around the frightened wizard. With a ragged sigh Snape nuzzled into the warm beard and familiar scent. Safe. He was safe and loved. Barnes continued the soothing energy until he felt the large muscle groups begin to relax.
Sorry, Severus. We both get a little loud when we're
discussing things, Barnes said, still running hands over the wizard's shoulders. Internal conditions improved quickly, which pleased the Healer. The Potions Master had come a long way in working through his subconscious reactions to some stress situations.
Maybe you should go with Albus, the Healer mused. a
change of scenery might be nice.
It will be very safe, Jeffrey. He won't even have to leave
the room if he doesn't want to, Dumbledore assured him.
I can come immediately if needs be, Barnes said thoughtfully.
And so two days later Severus Snape found himself in London overlooking Kensington Park. Snow blanketed the park and he could see darting blurs of children engaged in a snowball fight. The tidy trees stripped of leaves were black against the white. Paths shoveled clear forming nearly straight lines bisecting at irregular intervals. A hand rested on his shoulder.
What are you seeing, child? Dumbledore asked with interest. The Potions Master considered his answer.
I was reflecting on all the time I have spent these past four
months looking out of windows, he said quietly.
It's early, dinner is at 7. Let's go down and take a short
walk. There is a small cafe on the corner that serves
a nice cinnamon bun, the Headmaster suggested. The area was crawling with security and Aurors; nothing could be safer. He was pleased his friend agreed readily, wanting to go out and do something fun. They put on warm cloaks; Dumbledore wearing rich purple robes while Snape had opted for muggle slacks, shirt and thick black sweater.
The hotel was filled with wizards and witches from all over Europe and the Americas. Headmasters, professors and instructors from many of the best wizarding schools and colleges were attending the education conference. It had been a great honor to be asked to speak before such a gathering and Dumbledore was looking forward to the following evening and his speech. Right now he was looking forward to tea with his friend.
In the lobby they had to stop and greet several headmasters Dumbledore knew. Snape stood slightly back to watch the older wizard with his peers. It was a rare occurrence to see him outside his role as Headmaster and Snape was going to make the most of it.
Albus? Albus Dumbledore? I wondered if I'd see you
before the opening! a cultured American voice caught his attention and he watched as Lila Johnstone swept his friend up into a warm hug.
Hmmmm. Maybe they wouldn't be getting out for that tea after all Snape thought as he watched the affectionate greeting. A slight flush had crept onto the older wizard's cheeks and the Potions Master fought not to snicker. Oh, no, she was just a friend. He covered his mouth quickly to hide a smile, pretending to yawn.
Severus, you remember Lila don't you, Dumbledore suddenly turned nearly catching Snape's indiscretion. Tooling his face into simple friendliness he held out his hand.
Yes, I do. A pleasure, Headmistress, Snape said formally.
Severus! It's Lila! the witch insisted, touching his arm. He stiffened initially but then relaxed; in all his dealings with her he'd always felt secure and accepted. Sensing Snape was now at ease the witch set formality aside and she pulled the younger wizard into a warm hug.
Lila felt the stiffness return but held on patiently until he eased. Much too thin and the reserve he used to hold tightly about himself was gone, at least for now. She knew immediately he was still not well. Why had Albus brought Snape here? Releasing the younger wizard she took his arm as though she wanted the support.
And where are you two fine gentlewizards going? the witch asked in her most unpressing tones.
To walk a bit then have some tea, Dumbledore replied, surveying the familiarity in which Snape was holding on to Lila. He wondered which one he felt more territorial about.
And a cinnamon bun. Albus says they're very good, Snape added sounding even younger than he was. Lila smiled at him warmly. She quelled her instinct to gather the young wizard up and hug him again.
Do you mind an old witch tagging along? she asked, looking at Dumbledore to be sure. The twinkle in his eyes said it was fine.
I was just going to suggest you join us, Dumbledore said.
As they moved to the door both Headmaster and Headmistress stopped.
I don't have any muggle currency, Dumbledore said in consternation.
Neither do I! I was going to get some sterling back home
but I was very busy just before I left, admitted Johnstone. Snape looked at them both with great amusement.
I think I can cover this little excursion, Snape murmured. Both of his companions looked sharply at him.
When did you have time to get some cash? Dumbledore asked a bit too quickly.
I have my connections, Snape replied, not bothering to tell him Dr. James had taken care of his banking for him.
And I have my Gringotts Visa. So if something catches
your eye, or yours, and he actually grinned at Lila,
then you shall have it.
I think I'm in heaven! Young and loaded, she deadpanned, fanning her face dramatically. Dumbledore just shook his head. Little did Lila know just how loaded. They would have a lovely time.
It was a good thing Johnstone knew Snape had been ill. He was a bit slow as they moved up the sidewalk, taking in the cold air and wintery sights. They had not gone very far at all when Dumbledore gently herded them back across the street towards a bakery shop and cafe.
A moment, Snape said, relocating Johnstone's hand onto Dumbledore's arm as he approached a newspaper stand and looked at the various headlines. Selecting one he handed a few coins to the vendor and moved back by Dumbledore. Both wizard and witch looked at the Potions Master as he pretended to be absorbed in the headlines.
Severus, let's go, Dumbledore said with a smile. Snape looked up, eyes dark and intense, full of mirth. They both knew the younger wizard had shifted Johnstone to him, but was not going to make a production out of it. Maybe later there'd be a slight verbal jibe, but not now. They entered the bakery and happily breathed in the warm seductive smells of cake and bread.
First Snape was settled at a table, cloak hung on a nearby hook. He simply handed his wallet to the Headmaster. Dumbledore pulled Johnstone to the counter to peruse the confectionary options. A tray was put together with a large cinnamon bun nestled between several petite fours and sugared biscuits. A large pot of tea was ordered. The witch carefully carried the tray back to the table while the wizard paid for it.
Snape was drowsily watching the world pass by his new window. Lila reflected that he should be tucked into bed. Preferably in his jammies and with a teddy bear. She shook the image out of her head. She'd known Albus was protective of his child' but now she was going to have to quell her own instincts. Although she wasn't sure if she wanted to.
Albus had poured out his heart and troubles to her in several parchments in the past two months. He'd been so afraid for Snape after the brutal treatment he'd received. Not to mention the emotional upheaval between horrible childhood memories that had been alluded to as well as what had recently happened. One of the main recent' problems was now at her school, Roanoke Academy, as a .
After weeks of escalating practical jokes Black had attacked Snape in a fit of rage. Dumbledore had protected the fallen wizard and sent Black away. It had been a difficult time by all accounts. In point of fact, it still was; Black was stubbornly fighting any help Johnstone tried to arrange for him. The anger and hatred ran deep.
But here, at least with Dumbledore and Snape, it was calm. Lila watched with quiet satisfaction the warm smile and gentle pat on the should Albus gave his Potions Master as he handed back the wallet. With a very affectionate glance, the younger wizard tucked it into a pocket.
I'll pour, Snape offered as the pot was set down in front of him.
Sugar and cream, Lila? he asked politely then added the requested cube and splash of liquid. Accepting her cup she noted he didn't bother asking Dumbledore, simply added with a practiced hand. A small vial was palmed in his hand and she wondered if he had to take some potion with his tea. She glanced at Albus who seemed to be aware of the vial. Soon they were eating their dainties and sipping the warming liquid.
It was later, as she left them at the elevators, she realized she didn't really know which wizard had taken the potion. The younger wizard she could understand; he'd been very ill, very hurt. But what if Albus had taken the potion? Was he ill? Was Snape simply keeping the older wizard together for the conference? Being the opening speaker was a great honor; she'd been asked to speak at previous conferences and had enjoyed the perks. Maybe she'd wrangle an invite back up to the suite she was sure Dumbledore had been given.
Yessss, that would be nice, alone with Albus. Her mouth curved in a small smile.
Severus woke to strange noises; wet noises. Little moans. He'd fallen asleep in the lounge chair hours before while he read a muggle murder mystery.
Sleepily he turned very slightly and looked toward the end of the room where the noises were coming from. Albus was on the couch. Snape straighten imperceptibly as he saw who else was there.
Lila! And they were certainly well acquainted, no matter what Dumbledore had protested in the past. At least the tonsillectomy he seemed to be giving the witch showed some very specific knowledge of her. She wasn't fighting him off, either.
Sleepy, the Potions Master watched for a moment longer before decided voyeurism was not his cup of tea. Especially when watching someone he regarded as his parent. He had to hand it to Albus, though, he certainly was spry.
Using his wand that had been left by his chair Snape carefully cast a silencio charm over himself and eased himself upright. Not that either witch or wizard would notice a herd of hippogriffs charging through the room. He moved to his room and carefully pulled the door nearly closed. It was nice that the suite given over to the keynote speaker had two bedrooms. Some things Snape had no desire whatsoever to hear or see. He slipped under the covers and snugged around his pillows.
*aaahhh!* This was much better he decided as he drifted back to sleep.
SEVERUS! Wake-up! Severus? the insistent voice kept at Snape. A hand shook him.
Ger off me! he complained, trying to pull covers back over himself. The bed was so nice and warm...
Severus! Please! Wake up! the voice continued. It was rather whiny and this annoyed the Potions Master.
I need my potion, Severus! Dumbledore flipped his friend over and forcibly sat him up. Snape blinked blearily. It seemed to be dark in the room and he peered at the muggle clock.
Albus! It's hardly 5:30 in the morning! Your meetings don't
start for nearly four hours! Snape groaned as he felt his legs being pulled out of the nice warm cocoon he'd made for himself.
I need it now, Severus! I have, uh, I have an early meeting
I just found out about! Dumbledore hedged.
a distinctly feminine voice drifted through the closed door. Snape thought a very long moment before his eyes widened slightly.
Albus! You didn't! No, I don't want to know! Snape said rapidly.
Severus, it's not what you think, Dumbledore stumbled over his words. Snape just looked at his mentor waiting. Soon a flush spread slightly over his cheeks.
It really isn't, the Headmaster maintained, although he would not make direct eye contact with the Potions Master any longer. Grumbling Snape rose from the bed and staggered to the small desk near the window. It was decidedly cooler here and he shivered. Lights on and he began to put together the ingredients he'd measured out the afternoon before. Water then a strand of hair dropped in and stirred thoroughly. With a chuff of air Snape held the beaker out to his mentor.
Thank you child! Dumbledore said warmly and downed the potion in two swallows. The hair, less bright neon but definitely green shifted back to white. The Headmaster gently helped his friend up.
Might as well do the loo since I'm up, Snape grumbled and moved to the door. Opening it quickly he very nearly ploughed into Johnstone.
Severus! Are you all right? she asked with concern. He looked exhausted and thinner; no coat or robe to hide the lean lines of his body. He looked at her, in one of Albus' dressing gowns, wondering just what she'd been told about this little holiday'. He bet it didn't include the lovely shade of green Dumbledore's hair had been dyed. He sighed and managed a very small smile.
I'm fine, Headmistress, he began.
she said firmly.
I'm fine, Lila. Albus was simply making sure I was
comfortable. I'm just going to the loo and then back to
bed, Snape reported dutifully. He was painfully used to accounting for all his movements these past several months to nearly anyone who asked. She returned his smile then glanced down at her outfit.
ah, this is not what it seems, Severus, the witch hedged, just as Dumbledore had.
I'm sure it's not, he agreed equitably, moving towards the loo. *Those too are soo much alike! What do they think I think they were doing? Playing exploding snaps all night? And for gods sake, I don't care if they are boinking each other! I just want to go back to sleep.* If he were lucky they'd both go back to Albus' bedroom before he came out.
Which he wasn't. Albus was insistent on fussing over him. Damned if Lila didn't tag along for the family moment.
You're both lucky I'm ill, he muttered darkly as covers were tucked around him with a warming spell for the cool sheets. He snuggled down with a happy sigh before he remembered he was being upset.
Well, daddy, I'm all tucked in, he said snidely.
Then, sleep child! Dumbledore said with a smile and raised his hand to charm his friend.
Just be back before 2 pm, Albus, Snape said softly, eyes closing as sleep overtook him.
I will be, the Headmaster replied, soothing Snape's cheek before standing to go back to his own room.
