It's coming to the end of September before Severus can properly focus on the Wolfsbane problem posed by Elias. With his marking finally under some sort of control, and the cauldrons being cleaned by a trio of errant sixth-years (Severus smirks at the memory), he can settle down with a glass of wine and a sheaf of papers. He skims Elias's letter from a couple of weeks ago, and almost snorts out his wine. "Something to do with aconite"? Ye Gods above. Aconite and Wolfsbane are the same thing (as he has just reminded the Hufflepuff second years) - Elias must have actually passed out with boredom. Severus snorts again at the image.
Down in Wales, with rain thrumming on the roof of a ramshackle converted barn, Elias is also sitting with papers and alcohol, although he has Muggle whiskey to Severus's elf-made wine, and his papers are runic symbols rather than lycanthropy cures. He's been in London for the past couple of days - clammy, polluted London, with its narrow streets and traffic and grime that sinks into the skin, lingering like a bad smell. Alas, London is also where his societies have their Headquarters. He'd have left the horrible city before, but he's Severus's unofficial proxy for the Potions society, as the old bat, what with his Hogwarts nonsense, can't come to most meetings. The only reason Elias goes any more is to take notes for him. It's getting intolerable, not just the bigotry and slurs, but the ignorance. He can forgive them much, for they are old and will die soon anyway, but ignorance in a society of this calibre! He sighs and throws the runes onto the floor in disgust. He'll pick them up later.
'Accio parchment,' he says, intending to write to Severus. A second later, a hundred scrolls whack him in the face, and he swears.
Dear Severus,
I've just got back from that hellhole of a capital. You'll be pleased to hear I've been very industrious, and have attended many society meetings, and been very sociable, and smiled at many pretty girls and fat men.
It's been so horrible, I can't tell you.
Anyways, I'm back now, and with copious notes on Wolfsbane for you (sans the bigotry, stupidity, etc.). Every time, I think the place will be a little better, and every time it just disappoints me...
I hope Hogwarts is as enjoyable as ever - do give my love to the Grey Lady, you know how she always had a soft spot for me, deep down.
Very deep down.
Ah, give her my love anyway, the look on her face will make it worth it if nothing else.
Best luck with the Wolfsbane - I don't think you need to worry about being beaten to a result, however; heaven forfend the bone-idle slugs should actually work...
Yours, irritatedly,
Elias
Elias,
Thank you for braving the hideous streets of London for me. I am very grateful that I didn't need to go myself. I am less grateful for the existence of the third years, but if they help me irritate you by sending you to London, I shall endeavour to tolerate them.
The Grey Lady spat at me when I said your name. I have never seen her react quite so violently at anything, ever. She wished "a thousand curses upon that devil-spawn" and then swept off (as much as a ghost can) to terrorise an unsuspecting student.
I feel as if I have found my new best friend.
Severus
Sev,
I cannot believe I have been supplanted by an uncouth ghost. I am highly offended. I'd like to see her brave London and the idiots for your precious potions notes.
Elias
Elias,
I am greatly indebted to you for your generosity and kindness in procuring my notes. Now please could you actually send them on?
Severus
Fine. I forgive you. Here they are. Work hard, Sevvy.
Elias