Chapter 10: How to Train A Guardian
"He has taken the proverbial bait, Headmaster," The Potions master drawled.
"Good, good," Albus' pale eyes twinkled. "Did you recover well last night?"
"I would not be sitting here if I did not."
Severus thought back to Constance in his arms as he stirred from his slumber not too long ago. He remembered how her hands diligently worked away the tremors from his body, how her soft cries caressed his chest. He suppressed a shiver. Well, that's different.
He cleared his throat, "Constance had gotten a hold of me fairly quickly."
Albus smiled in a way that made Severus roll his eyes.
"Good. I believe your first class has Mr. Potter in it, as well as his friends?"
Severus nodded curtly.
"Then you shall give him this note."
Albus grabbed a piece of parchment and wrote something quickly, before handing it to Severus.
Severus arched a thin eyebrow.
"Thank you for buying us some time, Severus," Albus beamed.
"It better not be a waste," Severus muttered. "I will see you at breakfast, Albus."
His robes billowed in his departure. Severus hoped that Harry Potter could handle his own unlike the time he spent trying to learn occlumency. But, Severus was never one to hope.
The door slammed open as the Potions master made his way into his classroom. A few students still jumped at his notoriously abrupt entrance. He smirked knowing he still had it.
Constance snorted quietly as she followed him in and and closed the door quietly. She noticed Severus tersely hand the Potter boy a piece of parchment.
"You will take down the notes for this next potion, which you will undoubtedly see on your NEWTs exam."
A flick of his wand and a list of ingredients and instructions appeared on the blackboard.
"After you have copied the notes, you will begin your brewing. You have made it this far, therefore I expect no explosions or blunders of any kind," his gaze lingered on Longbottom, "as I am giving you everything you need. Assuming you finish writing the instructions correctly, it should take you the rest of class to brew. Once you are finished, bottle your potion and place it on my desk."
His small collection of students looked at him dumbly. One would think that after seven years Hermione Granger would not be the only one moving about the room.
"Get to work," he snapped. His classroom of Seventh years skittered about quickly gathering their parchment and quills.
Severus pursed his lips as he glanced at his class once more. He looked down at his teaching regimen. The Professor let out an obnoxious cough as he tried to stifle his laughter when he saw that Constance drew all over his paper. The few students that dared to look at him received a menacing scowl.
She made him laugh at the most inopportune times.
A rather unflattering caricature of Draco Malfoy dressed in an extravagant gown with an enlarged head, no doubt due to his ego, topped off with a tiara. He looked as if he was floating away at the top of the paper as clouds and birds passed him by. The only objects that weighed him down were two dumpy, bulging sandbags that looked suspiciously like Crabbe and Goyle.
Constance usually drew spiteful cartoons if someone pissed her off. The Potions master found many caricatures of himself scattered about on various papers. Albus even had the nerve to present a cartoon of him to the other faculty members. Once the Headmaster showed it to Constance, she blushed and made herself busy.
Severus snorted. He wondered what the Malfoy brat did to get his Apprentice all riled up.
"Everything all right?" The Potions master whispered to his Apprentice, gesturing to her cartoon.
"Apparently, the Head Boy believed he had 'special privileges' toward women he thought were supposedly beneath him," She muttered.
Expecting to hear her Master chuckle, she was awarded with a rather nasty glare from him instead.
"When?"
"Last night," Constance paused. She was worried she had upset him. "After I brought you in."
"I see."
The Potions master's gaze had settled on Draco and he unconsciously balled his pale hands into fists.
How dare that little ferret approach her that way?
"What did you give to Potter?" Constance asked, not wanting Severus to worry about her.
"Uh," recovering his demeanor, "We will begin training with the Golden Trio today."
"Those three?" Constance nodded her head at Potter and his friends.
Severus looked at her blandly, not bothering to reply.
"And exactly when were you going to tell me this?"
"I forgot," he replied, which was not far from the truth. After the Order meeting, he knew it would have to be done, but he did not think too much on it.
"Do your homework," he ordered as he began his grading.
"Tosser," she muttered under her breath as she opened up one of many books.
"Wanker," he rebutted.
Constance smirked.
"Sir?" Harry called out.
He walked into Dumbledore's office and took in his surroundings. The old, yet eclectic furnishings still had not changed. He grinned when he saw a new assortment of sweets that sat on the Headmaster's desk.
"Ah, Harry," the old man said. Harry whirled around to see Dumbledore approaching him.
Harry sat down in the old mahogany chair designated for visitors as Dumbledore made his way behind his desk.
"You wanted to see me when I had a free period, sir?" Harry asked the eagerness in his voice was hard to conceal. The boy was not going to lie; he had been waiting for some very exciting news.
"Yes," the old man smiled. "I believe it is time we begin your training."
Harry's eyes lit up at the word 'training'. Exciting news indeed!
"If you think so, sir," Harry said, trying to keep from punching the air in triumph. "When shall I begin?"
"Today, actually," the Headmaster steepled his fingers, "you will meet Professor Snape and Madam Roderick in the Room of Requirement, an hour after the end of classes."
Harry's excited internal chanting had come to a screeching halt. Snape? Madam Roderick?
"Professor Snape, sir?" He swallowed. "And his apprentice? Not to seem rude, sir, but are you sure?"
"Harry, I know where Professor Snape's loyalties lie," the Headmaster sighed. "And Madam Roderick, well, she plays a pivotal role in this War."
"Sir?" Harry was completely baffled. "But, she is so – so small. And quiet. Is she an undercover auror?"
"Not quite." Dumbledore paused. "Harry, have you heard of Null Magic?"
"No, sir."
"Null magic something a wizard or witch possesses that repels spells from other magical people, even the Unforgivables; however they are incapable of casting spells. Think of it as if they are protected by a non-magical force field. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out. "
Harry nodded dumbly, still unsure of the idea of Null Magic.
"Those who possess it are usually what we call a 'Wizard Warrior'. Null Magic is a very rare trait. Extremely rare. The amount of documented witches and wizards that possess null magic are few but even that number may be incorrect. Madam Roderick, the Potions Master's Apprentice, happens to be one. However, she possesses a mutated form, one that has never been before encountered. She can choose who may cast spells and who may not."
The Headmaster sat in silence, his pale eyes twinkling as it began to dawn on the boy just how vital Constance was to the war.
"I never would have guessed it," Harry whispered.
"I guess that explains why she never used a wand while in class," The boy scoffed. "We always thought she took it to heart when she said she did not believe in 'silly wand waving'."
"You realize that no one else must ever know this?" Dumbledore asked soberly.
Harry nodded.
"Which means," he smiled, "your friends, Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, will be joining your training sessions."
"Yes, sir," he replied. Knowing that his friends would be with him had put him in a better mood.
"Go to lunch, Harry," The old man smirked. "Madam Roderick may look small, but she is an extremely fiery young lady."
The boy excused himself wondering how his training would go later today.
"Bloody hell," Ron sighed. "Who would have thought that little thing packed such a punch?"
Harry nodded.
"That thing you are speaking of Ronald is the Potions Master's Apprentice, a person. And what is so hard to believe about a female such as her to be so powerful? I think it is positively thrilling!" Hermione's eyes twinkled with delight.
She nearly fainted after hearing the news about Madam Roderick from Harry. Not only was someone so interesting here at Hogwarts, but they would be training with her!
Ron rolled his eyes as he reached for the door to the ROR as the entry way appeared. The three peered into a dimly lit hallway before them. Unusual sounds echoed and bounced off the dusty cob-webbed walls.
The three swallowed down their apprehension before stepping through the door. The door disappeared behind them as it always did.
"Harry, Dumbledore said it was only a training session right?" Ron squeaked.
"Of course."
A bead of sweat rolled down the back of Harry's neck. The sounds increased and became clearer as they approached their destination. The sharp ringing was the result of metal clashing and the other noises sounded like grunts of frustration.
As they approached the entrance, the three students squinted as their eyes adjusted. Harry rubbed at his eyes so he could see the two figures exchange blows. He watched as his Potions Master mercilessly swing his sword at his Apprentice, who was keeping up with him quite nicely. Apparently, the two had been at it for a while since they were both drenched with sweat.
Snape had his hair tied back, but a few strands had escaped and whipped about his stoic face. He was dressed casually in a white linen shirt and a pair of black slacks. The only thing that remotely linked him to his strict teaching robes were his worn black boots.
Constance, whose hair was also tied back, wore tight black joggers and a black tank top, instead of the outfit that caused an uproar the first month. Harry wasn't sure, but he swore he saw his two mentors wear the same enthused expression as they fought aggressively, never letting up.
"Good, good," Snape yelled. "Now, come at me faster, harder!"
"Hah!" Constance darted at him with such swiftness and power that Snape was forced onto his knees.
"That's what she said," she joked.
Severus's mouth twitched at her gag.
The Golden Trio watched with amazement as the two exchanged blows and jokes. To think the Snape, they loathed and feared, was on his knees trying not to laugh. It was good to know the snarky wizard had a sense of humor, even if it was a bad joke.
"That was good," he drawled, "but don't get cocky just yet, Constance." Snape pushed back on her sword. Before she could balance herself, he kicked her in the stomach.
Constance skidded backward as the air was knocked out of her. She took deep breaths and glared at her master.
"Such a gentleman," She breathed with a mischievous smirk. "Is this how you get all the ladies on their backs?" Severus growled at her as he took his stance.
Constance glanced to her right and confirmed her suspicions that the rest of the training party had arrived. Too many emotions were flying about in the room.
Well, best not make them worry, she thought. The witch kicked herself up from the ground and motioned Severus forward with her hand.
The dark wizard sprinted towards her and feinted his swing to the left and aimed for the right, but Constance sensed his move before he had the chance to complete it. She smirked; she was getting better at predicting movements.
Severus jumped back and took a defensive stance. He wondered if she was walled up.
"Think fast," he hissed, before he threw a hex at her. The blue-white streak surged from his wand. He sprinted.
"Thought not," he muttered to himself as he performed another feint.
The three Gryffindors watched as the blue-white streak dissipated mere feet from Constance, stunned to see Null Magic at work. Seeing that was almost nothing compared to their Potions Master's sword making contact with the Potions apprentice's forearm. Almost.
The three cringed. Training with Snape was going to be anything but easy. What else could one expect from the snarky Potions Master?
"FUCK!" She screamed as she held onto her wound, the blood gushed from between her fingers.
"I've told you time after time, always have a wall up!" Severus hissed as he dropped to his knees to heal her wound. "Whether I am with you or not," he whispered.
"Scourgify." Nothing happened. Severus stared at Constance, clearly not amused.
"What?" She stated, "You told me to always have a wall up."
Why she was willing to do a joke at the expense of her pain was beyond Severus.
"Please, lower it so that I may clean and heal your wound. It's my turn to take care of you now," he sighed.
Constance smiled as he cleaned and tended to her wound. The charm he used barely left a scratch.
"I apologize for my language," Constance said a bit louder than she should have.
"You don't have to shout, woman. I'm right here," Severus sneered.
"You can come out now," she smirked, delighted to see Snape roll his eyes at his students.
"Are you all right, Madam Roderick?" Hermione asked.
"Of course!" Constance beamed, punching the air exposing her healed forearm. "Good as new! Call me Constance, please. Now, are y'all ready to train?"
The three students glanced at each other and mouthed, "y'all?"
"She is an American," the Potions Master drawled. "It was easier for her to teach you dunderheads if you thought she was British."
"Now, that you mention it, I always thought her accent was a bit off," Ron said.
"Horrid, actually," Harry joked.
Constance glared at the newcomers.
"Anyway," she interrupted their laughter, "Severus, what are we going over today?"
"We will be going over the basics for them, obviously," He looked over his students, "then verify the roles each will play depending on their personalities and capabilities."
"Sounds easy enough," Constance smiled. "Now, who am I up against?"
"You," he drawled, "will take a seat and rest. I will be the one to determine that. Actually, you could start by keeping your wall up. Potter, with me."
Harry followed the Professor to the center of the room. He shifted about awaiting further instruction.
"Pull out your wand, Potter. I want to see how well you duel."
The boy did so hesitantly, about to take a defensive stance. However, Severus seemed to think he took too long to draw his wand.
"Expelliarmus!" Severus yelled; the wand clattered to the ground as Harry was forced back.
"Oi! Cheap shot!" Ron shouted.
"Quiet, Weasley," the man sneered. "This is not a formal duel. I merely wish to see if Potter really learned anything under the tutelage of the previous DADA professors."
Harry grabbed his wand and stared fiercely at his Professor. Constance smirked, bloody man was enjoying himself.
"He needs to be on his feet expecting whatever I may throw at him. Quick and precise, Potter. Any hesitant moments you should have may be your last. Come."
As Harry and Severus dueled, Ron cheered and jeered from the sidelines. Hermione took the opportunity to ask Constance a few questions.
"Miss… Constance?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, Hermione?" Constance replied as she watched Severus who looked smug.
"Is it really true that you can control who can cast spells and not?" Hermione's eyes twinkled in anticipation.
"Yes," the older woman smirked. "In fact, why don't I give you a demonstration?" She smiled deviously as she looked at Severus.
Severus was so happy inside he could hardly contain himself. He was given the chance to throw hexes at the bane of his existence. Seeing Potter frustrated as he could not land a single spell on his person was incredibly satisfying. His confidence lessened when he spoke a spell and nothing happened.
Harry smiled, seeing his chance to blast Snape off his feet.
"Expelliarmus!" The boy cried.
Snape flew so far back and high, you would think he really was a bat. He groaned as he landed on his back.
"Constance," he growled.
"What?" She was trying so hard to stifle her giggles. "I was merely giving a demonstration. Besides, I think it's about time you switched out partners."
She pushed Ron ahead, who gave her the most terrified look he could muster. She snorted and mouthed, "Be a man."
It at least pushed him to walk with a bit more confidence, even if he did whimper a bit.
Harry approached Constance with a wide smile.
"Thanks for that, never thought I would get to knock Snape off his feet again!"
"No problem, Harry."
"So," he asked, "how long have you been training with swords?"
"Oh, just a couple of days now. I think I have gotten better since I forced him onto his knees. It shouldn't take much longer, now." Constance replied as she watched the duel. She frowned. The Weasley boy needed to grow a new set of balls and stop bloody whimpering.
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks with each other. A couple of days?
"It's easier for me," she added quickly when she sensed their confusion and tried not to reveal too much. "I learn stuff really, really fast and Professor Snape is an accomplished swordsman and instructor."
The two students watched their red-headed friend finally land a hex on Snape, thanks to Constance of course. Training with Constance to keep Snape in line may not be so bad after all.
"CONSTANCE!"
Maybe.
AN: Thanks kate1309 for your thoughtful reviews. I will try my best to keep adding to the story. I thought I'd leave this chapter here before I leave for Guatemala for a few weeks. Enjoy.