The Weasleys Brew Again! #10

By Raven Dancer

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



As Johnstone moved down the staircase with Dumbledore she turned slightly.
Are you sure about leaving Severus? she asked.

Yes. He trusts Dr. James more than me at times, he said with a sad smile.

More than you? I would think he'd trust you most! she said curiously. The sad smile turned to a slight frown.

I let him down last fall. Dr. James never has. But he loves
me, Dumbledore explained quietly. Johnstone simply put a soothing hand on his shoulder. They were now walking down the hallway towards the great hall. There was a lot of noise coming from the open doors.

Into the mayhem Dumbledore and Johnstone went. As soon as they cleared the door the entire room quieted into silence; all eyes upon the Headmaster as he moved up to the head table. Dumbledore smiled at the surprised faces.

There was a little typo in the Daily Prophet this morning, he said with a chuckle. The relief was loud; scores of voices clamoring at once in joy and asking for explanations. And asking especially why the Headmaster's hair was GREEN. Dumbledore just continued walking unhurriedly to his seat. He stood and faced the school as Johnstone sat in Snape's usual seat. He motioned for quiet.

There was an explosion of some sort in London at an
educational conference I was attending early this morning.
Yes, it was centered in my rooms. No, I was not there. I
returned to Hogwarts last night to attend to some pressing business. Please be sure to let anyone not at breakfast
know I am fine, Dumbledore said very succinctly.
As for the green hair, I would direct your inquiries to Misters
Fred and George Weasley. Now, let's eat breakfast! At that command the students fell to the repast spread before them. A few staff members came down to talk with the Headmaster personally, reassure themselves of his continued good health. Hagrid went as far as to pat him vigorously on the back. Johnstone covered her smile with a napkin.

Dumbledore stayed for over an hour being sure to only eat and drink things on the table. He knew enough eyes would be watching. As students and staff finished many came forward to simply say good morning to their Headmaster. He reassured each and every person that he was fine.

He noted two students that did not stop by: Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. He glanced about the hall: Granger and Weasley were making their way up front. Once up to the table they smiled and said good morning' to Dumbledore.

A fine morning to be sure, the Headmaster answered.
Mr. Potter did not wish breakfast this morning? he asked.

Oh, he had breakfast. But he said he needed to check on
someone and excused himself, Hermione reported.

He didn't see Professor Snape, Ron added with a shrug.

I think I know where our Mr. Potter is, Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling. Inside he groaned; just what would the Daily Prophet make of The Boy That Lived being in his study? Any small tidbit of information regarding Harry was splashed over page one generally. Unless the Ministry elected to suppress it. Then it was relegated to page three.

The Headmaster glanced across the hall as if by sheer will he could pull Potter downstairs and send him off with his friends. Well, he probably could, but accio'ing Harry Potter half-way across the school was bound to be noticed. Before he returned his attention to his tablemates he saw Draco Malfoy walk confidently into the hall, stop short and stare at him. It was hard to really see the boy's face, but the eyes were locked on him for a long moment. Then he turned abruptly and nearly ran out.

Wonder what that was about, Dumbledore mused. He shook his head slightly and looked at a Ravenclaw witch, Brown he recalled and began to chat with her.

As breakfast finally wound down Johnstone fidgeted impatiently.

I think, Headmaster, we can safely leave now, Johnstone suggested.

Oh, I haven't spoken to all the house elves yet, Dumbledore replied with a perfectly straight face.
Not to mention the ghosts. Heavens, the portraits alone will
take most of the afternoon! The witch raised an eyebrow.

Albus, you are a very trying man, she drawled.

Oh, yes. Would you like an example? he leered rather suggestively.

Albus Dumbledore! she said reproachfully. Then stifled a chuckle.
Yes, I would love an example. Later, though. I'd like to
get back upstairs and see if that lovely Officer Murphy has
contacted Mr. Weasley, she batted her eyelashes at the mention of the security wizard. Dumbledore huffed into his beard.

Oh, Officer Murphy? It was my idea! he protested lightly. Johnstone stood and moved passed her old friend.

Ah, but he's the one putting it into action! Action speaks
louder than words! she tossed over her shoulder. Dumbledore stood up and followed her.

I can show you some action, he harumphed after her. They moved through the halls a respectful distance apart, greeting students and staff they met. It took a full half-hour just to get to the gargoyle and beyond to the moving stairs.

Dumbledore commanded half-way up the spiral. He looked above and below then moved towards Johnstone.

Now, what was that about actions and words? he purred encircling her in is arms.

Why Headmaster Dumbledore! This is so, so sudden! she affected innocent surprise well. The wizard growled and pulled her closer kissing her gently then more passionately. Johnstone opened her mouth slightly and tantalized him with a gentle swipe of her tongue. He encouraged her, his tongue dueling with hers before she slid in and stroked his palate sending a quiver through his body. After a few heated moments they broke apart.

Mm, I think I like this idea of action, Dumbledore murmured in her ear, tracing the lobe before nibbling slightly sending a delighted shudder through her. The sound of an opening door somewhere above them caused them to break apart like guilty teenagers.

Hullo? Who's coming up? the voice of Officer Murphy drifted down to them.

Uh, Albus Dumbledore and Headmistress Johnstone, the wizard said quickly.
The stairs seem to be stuck and we're walking up.

Johnstone hissed trying not to giggle.

Half a moment! Murphy called.

the security wizard suddenly commanded and the stairs once more began their upward motion. Soon both witch and wizard were deposited at the door greeted by a smiling Murphy.

The stairs at the Ministry had a nasty habit of freezing up
when me and the missus rode em sometimes, he explained. Johnstone laughed musically while Dumbledore fought off a blush. Both followed the officer into the room.

Now, Mr. Weasley will be here within the hour to take your
messages Headmistress. The Daily Prophet reporter is due
about the same time, he explained as they moved towards the sitting area. Dr. James was reading a paperback with Snape curled up against his chest asleep.

Johnstone fought the urge to rush over and make sure the ill wizard was ok. She held out nearly 15 seconds when she gave in and walked at a normal pace sitting down next to them. Then she reached out to just stroke his hair.

Hi Lila, Snape murmured, stretching a little. Johnstone jerked slightly before resuming her ministrations.

Hi sweet pea, she said warmly causing Snape to quirk a quick grin. Dr. James chuckled deep in his chest.

Sweet pea? Severus must like you if you can get away
calling him that, the Healer rumbled. The man mentioned blushed very slightly.

Severus is just indulging my maternal whims, the witch said happily electing to hold the younger wizard's hand.
Thank you sweet pea!

Several emotions flitted across Snape's face, finally settling in a shy smile. The warmth of the moment was neatly shattered as the door flung open into the wall admitting a wild-eyed Remus Lupin.

he called loudly, searching the room. He saw Johnstone first.
Lupin sprinted across the room and hugged the Headmistress.

Missed breakfast didn't you Remus? Snape remarked dryly. The relieved wizard pushed up and hugged the Potions Master next.

The paper didn't mention you, but I knew you'd gone with
Albus and I didn't know you'd come back early. gods, I was
so, so, and he started crying softly. Unused to being the comforter, the Potions Master did his best to soothe the distraught man. Johnstone clucked over both of them while Dr. James just shook his head.

It's been catharsis central the past hour, the Healer chuckled.
Jeffrey went back to the clinic and we've had several
professors stop by. They'd skipped breakfast and come
straight up here. We gave them the good news and sent
them down to the great hall.

Lupin calmed sufficiently enough to look up and see Dumbledore. He pushed up in one quick movement and launched at the older wizard. Albus allowed Lupin to snug up tight against him until he sighed and relaxed. He tried to step back but the Headmaster held him a moment longer.

I'm sorry, Remus. I wish you hadn't been so hurt, he whispered to the DADA professor.

Thanks, Albus. I'm just glad you are all fine, Lupin replied as he rubbed away tears. A tentative knock at the door caused them to break apart. Murphy opened the door and held it as Harry Potter walked in. He held a small box.

the student nodded his head as he looked beyond at the strange woman next to Snape and Dr. James. Dumbledore smiled indulgently.

Go on, Harry. It's ok, he encouraged Harry before turning to Johnstone and moving his head slightly, silently asking her to move. Snape sat up allowing Dr. James to shift off the lounge. Both Healer and Headmistress gave the student some privacy.

I know you were ok, Harry said as he came close to the Potions Master.
I mean, I'd seen Dr. Barnes in Hogsmeade yesterday and
he said you were back. But...

But you still needed to be sure? asked Snape quietly. Harry nodded silently. After a moment of simply staring at each other, the younger assuring himself the elder was alive, the snarky Potions Master opened his arms and was nearly ploughed over.

Oh, wonderful! Let's have the Daily Prophet show up
now! Snape grumbled to the boy.

I could say you adopted me. That would be very exciting Potter returned with a weak chuckle. He snugged tighter, head against the wizard listening to the heart beating its soothing rhythms.

Snape merely snorted, but he was mostly thinking about Fudge and Malfoy. Something was not right with Fudge but whether it was a control curse or simple idiocy he did not know. He continued to hold Harry, patting him on the back a little.

At least you didn't burst into tears, Snape finally said. The boy looked up, a few tears had streamed down his face. The Potions Master gently wiped them away.

Well, not many then, he concluded. Potter shifted until he sat beside the wizard, still talking quietly.

Across the room Murphy was discussing the latest pieces of information he'd received from the ministry. Yes, Clarion had been shipped off to Azkaban before further questioning could be done. Some shards and flash burns had been found indicating a muggle-type bomb had been used to destroy the rooms.

Lucius Malfoy had been identified as one of the Death Eaters present on the attempted kidnapping. But because they hadn't used veritaserum at the time of confession and because Malfoy looked like he had an alibi for the time of the kidnapping (nothing less than the Minister of Magic's vouching) he wouldn't be charge much less questioned.

I don't understand why my word wouldn't be enough! I
recognized the voice and I was there! Johnstone complained to the wizards.

Because of Severus. It only became worse last year when
he showed his mark to Fudge. The minister thought he was
deranged Dumbledore explained.
He's not trusted by enough ministry people and he's my'
spy, not theirs.

Well, they take any information he sacrifices himself for! growled Murphy.

And they use his expertise in potions, added Dr. James.

So that creature will go free? Johnstone pursued.

Murphy said.

I should have hexed him when I had the chance! she grumbled. Movement caught their attention and they turned slightly to see Harry and Snape coming over. Johnstone moved back letting them into the circle and allowing her to get a hand on the Potions Master's arm. He raised an eyebrow giving her a warning look.

Harry has something to share, Snape began,

I ran into Draco Malfoy when I left breakfast this morning, the youth said. He wanted to know who the witch was; Murphy he'd met before. Before he could continue Dr. James spoke up.

Let's go sit down. It's been quite a busy day and it's not
even half over! the Healer herded the group towards the couch and chairs. He managed to nudge Johnstone out of the way and pulled Snape down next to him. Harry took the other side of the couch. He put the small box in Snape's hands.

Just something to go with your tea, Severus, Harry said quietly while the rest sat in various chairs. Snape sneered a slight smile.

You're trying to fatten me up, too? he snarked. Harry grinned.

Slowing you down; I want a better advantage when you
come back to teach, he shot back. Snape started to set the container on the low table but thought better of it when he noticed Lupin sitting directly across from him. He simply left the gift on his lap.

Well, Harry, what did you have to tell us? Murphy asked.

I saw Draco when I was going up to my room. He was
hanging about the stairs with some other Slytherins, Harry explained.


So Potter, bad news, eh? Malfoy had not sounded sad in the least.
Things are going to change around here, my father told
me last night! Wait for my owl before you leave your
rooms,' he told me. And this is my reward, the sneering student whipped out a parchment and tossed to to Harry.


At this point Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to the Headmaster.

Draco,
Do not trouble yourself by walking to the hall
for breakfast. I will send for you shortly and
you will eat with the new Headmaster of Hogwarts.
~Father

Dumbledore read aloud. He passed the paper on to Murphy.

I told Draco he might want to pop in for a look at the
Great Hall as the Headmaster was at table at the moment.
He was so full of himself he didn't notice when I tucked the
parchment in my robe. Last fall Draco had been so
concerned and helpful when Professor Snape was ill that I
can't understand why he'd be happy about anything
happening to the Headmaster, Harry finished up leaning slightly against the Potions Master. Snape gently rested his hand on the student's shoulder soothing him.

I doubt very much his father mentioned anything about
anyone being killed; most likely said the Headmaster would
be removed. Draco probably didn't even see the morning's
papers, Snape told the youth. He suspected Draco did not know much about his father's activities. The senior Malfoy would not compromise himself by telling his son too much. Only fed the child pureblood superiority propaganda all these years.

But when Draco was a little older... Snape's dark thoughts were pushed aside by Murphy's voice.

He said he'd spoken with his father last night? Murphy asked carefully.

Yes, he said that specifically; many of the students went
into Hogsmeade yesterday and some stayed out late.
Professor McGonagall gave permission to everyone who
was in good stead, Harry explained. Murphy glanced at the Headmaster.
Hagrid was counting heads as we came back, the student added.

Well, I'll have to check with Hagrid then, Murphy said. The officer moved across the room and summoned Dobby. While he was occupied Dumbledore asked Harry about the owl post that morning. As they listened to his answer Snape stifled a yawn.

Tired sweet pea? Johnstone asked earning a nasty glare.

Sweet pea? Harry asked incredulously.

Headmistress Johnstone is allowed to call me whatever
she'd like, but you will not go repeating that to anyone! Snape growled. Harry giggled slightly.

Oh, no professor! Never! Harry managed with nearly a straight face. He looked at Johnstone.
What school do you head, ma'am? he asked politely. The witch happily filled him in on her school. As Harry listened everything clicked into place.

Then Sirius, his voice dropped and he found himself pressing a little harder against Snape. The Potions Master simply wrapped his arm around Harry.

Yes, Harry, Sirius is a guest at Headmistress Johnstone's
academy, Dumbledore said gently.

You know, I think I'll just ring up Beryl and get some tea and
hot chocolate sent up. I'm feeling rather overwhelmed at
the moment and I can tell I'm not alone! Lupin smiled wanly and stood to summon the house elf. Before an uncomfortable silence could set in Snape rose and pulled Harry across the room to the large windows overlooking the grounds. They watched as a figure that could only be Hagrid moved from the caretaker's hut towards the castle, disappearing below them.

I'm still upset about Sirius, Harry admitted quietly to Snape.
I love him so much, he's all I have, but I am so angry with
him.

Have you two corresponded? Snape asked carefully.

No. Nothing has come and I haven't written. I don't know
what to write! Severus, he nearly killed you and me! He
hurt you so much! Harry sniffed and tried to turn away, but the Potions Master had not let him loose, keeping him snug under his arm.

Harry, your godfather has problems. He's always disliked
me a great deal. I can't even remember what happened to
start us off. But he is still your godfather and I know he
loves you very much, Snape said quietly, his words falling softly like soothing summer rain.
He needs you Harry, you are his only tie, his only hold.
Azkaban does horrible things to people and Sirius was there
twelve years. I know it doesn't excuse his behavior, but it
does add to whatever problems he brought there. Send him
a note, Harry. Just tell him about your last quidditch
practice or something fun you did in a class or in Hogsmeade.
You don't have to worry about what happened before winter
break. Let that go for now, the low dark voice was warm, comforting. Harry turned into the wizard's shoulder and began to cry. They stood together, then sank down into Snape's chair by the window. The Potions Master could hear the clothing of others swishing near, he could feel healing energy being sent without being touched. But his assortment of mother hens, as he mentally referred to them, stayed back.

I, I swore I'd stop crying around you! Harry said, his voice breaking.

I think that bloody Healer is rubbing off on me, Snape grumbled, causing Harry to hiccup a giggle.
I also think we'd best get some hot chocolate before Lupin
drinks it all.

At least we'd better hide your candy, Harry returned.

Damn straight! Snape asserted. The Potions Master let the student pull him up out of the chair. When they turned to walk to the table a flurry of robes greeted them.

We'd best hurry, though, I seem to recall a reporter from
the Daily Prophet is going to stop in, Snape said, choosing to ignore the concerned looks.

I'll just wash-up and snag a mug on the way out then, Harry decided.

Come back up after dinner. We can talk and I'll have Dobby
get us an express bird, Snape said quietly before propelling Harry towards the bathroom and turning to the table himself. With a tired sigh the Potions Master sank into a chair and accepted a hot mug of tea from Lupin.

How is Harry doing? the DADA professor asked with some concern. Snape sipped at his mug before answering.

He's still somewhat confused. Fear and anger are very
powerful emotions, Snape said. Dr. James sat next to him and put the tin of sweets in front of the professor popping the lid off.

*mmmmmm* Chocolate! Lupin sniffed the air. Snape sneered slightly. But the Potions Master selected a piece of divinity and then pushed the tin to his colleague.

I suggested he write Black. Get the lines of communication
open again, Snape said with feigned disinterest as Lupin carefully looked over the treats before selecting a large square of chocolate fudge.

An excellent idea Severus, murmured Dr. James. As soon as Lupin raised the sweet to his lips he froze and stared at Snape.

You suggested Harry write Sirius? the DADA professor asked a bit incredulously.

Well, they are family, Remus, Snape said as he carefully sipped the hot liquid.

You suggested Harry write Sirius? the stunned wizard asked again. Johnstone nudged him.

Severus suggested Harry write Sirius, she repeated bemused. Lupin continued to stare trying to understand. Snape set his cup down and started to slice a thin piece of divinity off his chunk. With a contented sigh he placed the candy on his tongue and let it melt.

Why did you tell Harry to write Sirius? Lupin rephrased his question hoping for clarification. With a frown Snape stopped enjoying the diversion and picked up his tea again sipping enough to clear the candy out of his mouth.

Because they love each other. They need one another. I
know Black made a mistake but there must be underlying
reasons. They need to reconcile, Snape replied as he began to slice another piece of divinity. Dr. James smirked but kept quiet. Lupin eyed the Healer suspiciously.

You're doing something to cause this, the wizard weakly accused. Dr. James lifted both arms.

Look ma, no hands! the Healer snorted. Dumbledore smoothed his beard stifling his grin while Murphy busied himself with the tea pot. Snape was the only one blithely ignoring the exchange as he decadently draped another sliver of divinity over his tongue.

At this point Harry moved through, snagged a chocolate cream from the candy tin and a large mug of hot chocolate. He said good bye to the assembled group and slipped quickly out the door. Before Lupin could pursue his line of questioning Dobby shot back into the room.

Mr. Hagrid said reporter is here. Mr. Hagrid said he will
talk with Officer Daniel Murphy when reporter has left, Dobby excitedly reported. Both Dr. James and Snape rose as one.

We'll just be in the other room, the Healer said picking up his cup and the tin of candy. Dobby retrieved the Potions Master's cup and candy plate and led the procession out of the room.