A/N: I want to mention that I am starting an RP that takes place in MWPP 7th year. It's on the AU side (as a good HP RP should be IMO), and OCs (creatures included) of all types are welcomed. The group is slash friendly, and will be plot-driven over NC/adult (though that type posting will be acceptable and properly tagged should the inclination to write it comes up). If you've never RP'd before but always wanted to try one out you're more than welcome to come aboard … even if it's just to lurk for a bit to watch the posts til you decide if you want to jump in somewhere. Anyone interested in joining please leave a review or email me at piriotessa at gmail dot com (please put RPG in the subject so I won't accidentally overlook it) and I'll get with you about the particulars. Thanks!
As always cheers to my readers/reviewers! :)
Chapter Eleven: Potion Class Problems
Severus watched with trepidation as the first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins filed into his classroom. He briefly made a mental note to keep an eye on both Draco and Ron, however, now was not the time to drop his guards. If anything those guards were more in tune then they had been a quite a while, though his nerves were on edge, for many reasons.
Just before class he had finally received word that the people he had owled earlier had agreed to meet before the day was out. Then there was the added factor that Lucius was also going to be coming to the school at lunchtime to speak to the two of them about his son's situation. Catching Lucius now before things got too far was putting pressure on him, but he knew it had to be done. These things were certainly not helping his mood at the moment, and seeing the new batch of Gryffindors, not to mention the abysmal looking group of the new Slytherins he now had command of, was not helping his already soured mood.
Of all the issues he had to deal with today, finding out that Harry had collapsed earlier was the heaviest weight on his mind. Minerva had come to Severus right before his first class had begun and informed him of the situation, though the fact she hadn't much to tell only infuriated him to no end. Severus had dismissed his first class as soon as physically possible, but by the time he arrived at the Infirmary Remus was already pacing outside with a huge scowl on his face. Not to his surprise, Remus had been kicked out of the Infirmary for hovering over Harry too much.
When they both had finally been allowed inside the room Harry was still unconscious. He had a concussion according to Poppy, though she wasn't sure as to why … which again only infuratied Severus to no end. His son was not one prone to such things, so whatever was causing Harry to be ill gave him great concern. There was nothing more he and Remus could do though, even in the Wizarding World a concussion was something magic couldn't cure easily, it needed time to heal on its own. Poppy had said that although she didn't think it was all that bad, Harry would be out for a little while longer. He was also not to be disturbed under any circumstances by anyone, including his over-protective parents.
Remus had tried to argue with her as he wanted to stay by Harry's side, though a desperate looking plea from Poppy forced Severus to convince his lover to go back to teaching his classes. That was two hours ago though, and now Severus was the one silently brooding over the fact that there hadn't been any word from Poppy as of yet. He took that out externally by giving his latest batch of first years a scowl that would have put fear into Salazar Slytherin himself if he'd still be alive.
'You will be quiet or I will begin deducting House points and assigning detentions,' he said icily to his class as a buzz of conversation started, which was promptly halted at his words.
He cast an appraising eye over his Slytherins first, then turned and sent a few icy glares to the Gryffindors. His gaze stopped for a moment on Draco; he had the feeling he would be seeing far more of the boy than he would have liked. Somehow he would have to devise a way to get the boy alone after class, if nothing else then to know if he knew what had caused Harry's sudden collapse. That would have to wait though, now it was time to put on his "game face" as Remus liked to call it, and with a slight smirk he relished the fact that he truly enjoyed this aspect of teaching.
Looking over all the students one last time it didn't escape Severus that Harry was noticably absent, so to take his mind off that he put up his defences and went into his normal routines. At least that was something he didn't have to do much thinking on; it would keep his mind occupied for the time being. Taking out his ledger book he began to do roll call. He stopped when he got halfway down the list and looked up with a smirk on his face, his gaze now focused on a particular person on the Gryffindor side of the room.
'Well, well, Mr Malfoy … our new celebrity,' he said in a soft, silky voice.
Draco looked up startled as he heard his name called, then scowled as he heard a few snickers coming from the Slytherins. 'A celebrity? Of what, Sir?' he asked warily.
'A Malfoy in Gryffindor ... I dare say that warrants a bit of a celebrity status, don't you?' Severus said smoothly.
'No, Sir … I do not,' Draco replied and looked over to the Slytherins. 'Weasley is in Slytherin, yet you didn't say anything about him making the front page of the Daily Prophet.'
'Mr Weasley is not the one in question, Mr Malfoy, you are,' Severus said sharply. 'And that will be one point from Gryffindor for your cheek. In this room you will learn not to question me, or you will be out of here before you can say —' he began, however, a loud bang interrupted him.
Looking up he was shocked by what — rather who — he was seeing. He managed to regain his composure quickly, and without batting an eyelid he sneered, 'Mr Lupin-Snape, how kind of you to finally join us. I suggest you take your seat, and that will be another point from Gryffindor for your tardiness.'
'Harry!' Draco exclaimed happily as his friend walk over to him. 'You all right?'
Harry smiled weakly and nodded as he sat down. 'Yeah. You?'
'I'm fine, though I was worried as anything,' Draco said, relief clear in his voice.
'That will be enough chatter!' Severus cut in and glared at the boys. He hadn't realised just how hard it was going to be to have Harry in class, especially now that his son had chosen Gryffindor … which made things all the more difficult. Keeping his expression neutral he said coolly, 'If I may continue with my class Mr Lupin-Snape … or would you prefer to catch up with each other in detention?'
Harry looked up startled; he hadn't expected to be reprimanded in such a way. 'I'm sorry, umm … Professor, I just got out of Hospital. I didn't mean to be late.'
'I think by now the entire school is aware of the precarious predicament in which you found yourself this morning. In the future, see that your illnesses do not plague you when it interferes with my class. Let me assure you … as well as everyone here,' Severus said glancing around the room before settling his gaze on Harry, 'that despite the fact you are my son, it will not entitle you … or anyone else from your pathetic house … to any special treatments from me. Do I make myself clear?'
'Y-yes, Sir,' Harry replied in a subdued voice, wincing at his father's tone.
Severus didn't reply, he couldn't or he'd undo everything he'd just said. It hurt to say such things, but it had to be done, he had a reputation to uphold after all. For the moment, all he could do was give Harry a curt nod, then he turned back and finished out the role call. After he was done he put his ledger away and stood up, leant his torso against his tall desk, crossed his arms across his chest, and eyed his class critically.
'You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making,' Severus began. His voice was low but he knew, as always, every student heard him. 'As this class has little in the way of foolish wand-waving, you may hardly believe this is magic. It is unlikely most of you will understand the beauty of a simmering cauldron … let alone comprehend the thrill of the billowing fumes that can bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses … but for those who deem to understand this art … I can teach you bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death — if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.'
Looking over the students his eyes settled on the Gryffindors, his usual sneer crossing his lips. 'Mr Malfoy, tell me … where I would find a bezoar?' he asked.
'A what, Sir?' Draco asked puzzled.
'A bezoar, Malfoy. I take it you did not think it important to pick up a book before coming to this class. Clearly despite coming from the family you do, your father has neglected even the most basic magical education,' Severus drawled which earned him a glare from Draco. Choosing to ignore the boy he turned to the Slytherins and looked around before settling his gaze on another outcasted student. 'Weasley, tell me where would I find a bezoar, and extra points if you can tell me its purpose.'
Ron looked up startled at being called on. 'Err … a bezoar … right … umm …,' he began then remembered something he'd overheard from his brother Percy. 'Oh yeah, I remember! You can find it in a goat's stomach, and its main function is to … to … counter-act certain poisons,' he said, more as a question then a statement.
'Very good, five points to Slytherin,' Severus said nodding towards the red-head, whom he noticed was now receiving more attention then he had been. The boy had obviously impressed his fellow house-mates; they were looking at Ron with an appraising eye, something Severus noted for future reference. 'That will be two points from Gryffindor for your lack of knowledge, Malfoy,' he said turning back to the Gryffindors. 'Thomas!' he barked out, crossing the room to stand infront of the dark-skinned boy's desk. 'Tell me … what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?'
'A what to a what …?' Dean asked looking bewildered.
Severus made a tsking sound. 'Yet another Gryffindor who decided not to open a book before coming to class,' he said coldly. 'I assume then you cannot even tell me the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane, can you,' he said, scowling at the blank look on the boy's face. Shaking his head he swept past him to stand at Harry's desk. 'Mr Lupin-Snape,' he said in a silky voice, staring his son down.
'Umm … yes … Professor?' Harry asked meekly.
'What is the answers to the questions I just asked?' Severus asked.
'Oh … umm … asphodel and wormwood make the Draught of Living Death, a very powerful sleeping potion. And monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant … it also goes by the name aconite,' Harry replied, a tiny glint of excitement in his eyes. Potions was the one thing he loved more than anything; any chance to show off his knowledge was something Harry relished.
Severus nearly smiled, a touch of pride flowing through him, though of course he couldn't show it. Instead he merely nodded at Harry and said, 'That is correct. Two points to Gryffindor for Lupin-Snape's accurate reply — however, it will cost you three for Thomas's sad lack of knowledge,' he said curtly and made his way to his desk. 'Now, you will open your text-book and begin reading the first chapter until it is time to leave. You will be silent; if I so much as hear a peep from anyone they will find themselves serving detention tonight with me,' he scowled and sat down at his desk, his stern gaze sending everyone scrambling for their books.
Dean hadn't liked at all what had happened; why bother giving the points if the man was only going to take even more away? He was ready to open his mouth to say something when he saw Seamus shake his head and lean over towards him. 'Don't say anything, Dean, look how he treats his own son, who knows what he'd do to us,' Seamus whispered. Dean closed his mouth and nodded back, sending a look of sympathy to Harry, which is when he noticed how odd his dorm-mate was looking.
'What's wrong with Harry? He's not looking very good,' Dean whispered to Draco.
Draco turned to look at his friend and gasped at what he was seeing. Harry was looking positively horrible; he was sweating profusely and his face was pale as a ghost.
'Harry? What's wrong?' Draco whispered worriedly, grateful that Snape was still ignoring them and had thankfully not realised they had been talking.
Harry shook his head though it only caused him to slump in his chair, his eyes going blurry. 'I feel funny again. I think —' he began to say, then to Draco's surprise Harry groaned, closed his eyes, and slid underneath the desk. To Draco's horror, Harry was now sprawled on the floor, unconscious yet again.
'Professor? Professor Snape!' Draco called out in a panic, not even caring what the man would do to him for his out-burst.
'Malfoy, what is so important that you must disobey —'
'Harry's fainted!' Draco cut in quickly, and pointed underneath the desk.
'What?' Severus asked startled and walked over to where Harry and Draco's desk was. Pushing Draco out of the way, he knelt down next to Harry and drew in a sharp breath as he saw how lifeless his son looked. 'Malfoy, get Professor Lupin, he should be in his classroom. Tell him to come here immediately. The rest of you are dismissed; return to your commons until your next class. GO!' he barked out.
The students didn't need to be told twice; within moments the classroom was empty, save for an unconscious Harry and a very concerned Severus. Lifting Harry gently off the floor he swept into the back of the classroom to his and Remus' private rooms. He lay Harry on the sofa near the fireplace and began to look him over.
It was clear that something was very wrong; Harry's breathing wasn't normal nor was his pulse, which was racing at a furious pace. There was also a trickle of blood on his forehead, though what it was from Severus wasn't sure. He assumed Harry must have hit himself as he fainted, yet … something didn't feel quite right about the blood. For now it would have to wait, stabilising Harry's breathing and pulse was more important.
Severus quickly went back out into his workroom and pulled a few phials out of his private stores then came back in and gently force-fed them into Harry, praying they would help. He was grateful when a few minutes later Harry returned to somewhat normal, although his skin still looked pale and clammy … and the blood was still glistening menacingly in the light.
He wiped it away but it continued to trickle down his forehead, and Severus got a bad feeling he wasn't going to like why that was. He would wait for Remus before investigating further, though if his suspicions were right … he, Remus, and Sirius were running out of time. This time though they would be ready, no one — especially Dumbledore and Voldemort — were going to use him and his family again.