HP
Lease of new Life - Chapter 36 - Sergeant Severus Snape
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It was now Monday the 1st of October 1990. Severus was sat in the study reading over his lesson plans for the day. Today would be the start of Alex's tutoring. As outlined in the schedule Alex would have a two hour lesson in potions and, another two hour lesson in Defence against the Dark arts theory, which would take place in the afternoon. Satisfied with his plans Severus rose to inspect Alex's clothes for the day.
Lain neatly on the sofa was Alex's uniform. Over the weekend Severus had visited Madam Malkin's robes for all occasions. He had taken one of Alex's robes so that Madam Malkin knew Alex's measurements. He had then had her make Alex a uniform which greatly resembled that of Hogwarts.
Alex's uniform consisted of a grey V-neck jumper, grey trousers with black shoes, as well as a black tie and robes, and finally a white shirt. Although none of them were embodied with the schools crest or house colours. The message was clear, whilst in uniform Alex would be learning. Once lessons for the day were finished the uniform would come off.
Arranging Alex's uniform wasn't the only thing he had done over the weekend. As Narcissa wanted to take Alex shopping he had discussed the idea with Alex. He had been reluctant at first but with a bit of encouragement he had agreed to go. He had also given Alex two weeks' worth of pocket money to make up for the money he didn't get while they were away
Severus cast a tempus spell and found that the time was 08:38. Alex's schedule dictated that he would be awake by 08:40. Severus entering drill sergeant mode went to wake Alex on schedule. Entering Alex's room he spotted what was evidently his boy buried amongst the quilt and pillows. He went to the bedside and then gently shook Alex.
"Come on Alex time to wake up," called Severus.
"Dunwanna," groaned Alex groggily, pushing Severus arm away. Severus smiled at that, poor Alex was about to get a rude awakening. He grabbed the quilt and then yanked it off the bed leaving a very exposed Alex who was wearing only his briefs.
"Mnhnn," moaned Alex in discomfort curling up on himself, trying to stay warm and comfortable, realising that his attempt to remain asleep was futile he eventually opened his eyes. Severus grinned at him.
"Up you get Alex," said Severus lifting Alex and placing him on the floor. Alex looked around warily and rubbed his sleepy eyes. "Right well the time is now 08:41, go shower and be downstairs before 09:00, don't bother getting dressed since your uniform is waiting downstairs."
"Uniform?" asked Alex yawning.
"Correct, now shower, come on move it! March...march...march," barked Severus in drill sergeant mode as he escorted Alex to the bathroom. He watched as Alex closed the door behind him and then heard the shower start up. Satisfied he then went downstairs to ensure all was ready in his lab.
Alex stood in the shower letting the warm water run over his back. He stifled another yawn and picked up the soap. He then began to wash himself with the soap and thought about his dad.
He wondered if his dad had ever been in the military, he was certainly doing a good impression of a drill sergeant. I wonder if he will make me do press ups thought Alex to himself, he smirked at the image of his dad saying drop and give me twenty!
Around ten minutes later he was washed and dried. He wrapped a towel around his waist and then another around his shoulders. He then made his way to his bedroom and went to his wardrobe. He took out a white T-shirt and then a white pair of briefs from his draw. A minute later he was wearing both. He then picked up his quilt which his dad had throw off and made his bed. Checking the alarm clock he discovered that the time was now 08:54. He then made his way downstairs and found his dad in the study.
"Good to see you awake and showered as well as on time," said Severus casting a tempus. Alex nodded and then regarded his uniform on the sofa. Severus seeing his gaze answered his question.
"That is your uniform, each morning Daisy will get it ready for you and you will wear it while in classes, once your lessons end at 15:00 you will take it off and wear less formal attire," explained Severus.
"Okay dad," replied Alex moving towards the sofa. Alex sat and then pulled on his black socks. With the socks on he stepped into the grey trousers and then zipped and buttoned them up. Next were his black shoes which he quickly donned and laced. He then stood and tucked his T-shirt into his trousers. With his T-shirt sorted he slipped his arms through his Shirt and began fiddling with the buttons.
"Here let me help you," said Severus who gently brushed Alex's hands out of the way. He then expertly buttoned up the shirt and then smiled at Alex who smiled back. Severus then took the black tie and wrapped it around Alex's neck. He then quickly tied a Windsor knot and smoothed it out.
"I will teach you how to tie your tie soon if you want," said Severus regarding Alex.
"Please dad," replied Alex.
"Good, now tuck your shirt in and finish getting dressed." Alex nodded and then started tucking in his shirt, with his shirt done he then slipped his jumper over his head. His dad then passed his robes which he promptly put on. With his uniform on his dad directed him to the mirror so he could see himself.
He had to admit that he looked very smart and professional. He certainly felt like a real student and was ready to learn.
"One moment Alex," said Severus going over to the table beside his reclining chair. He then took out his camera and took a picture of Alex in his uniform. "You look very smart, I'm proud of you," praised Severus. Alex really did beam at the praise. It was good knowing his dad was proud of him.
"Come lets have breakfast, it would not be good for you to do your lessons on an empty stomach," said Severus motioning for Alex to follow him into the kitchen. Alex followed his dad into the kitchen and took his seat at the table.
Daisy made some Rice Krispies and pumpkin juice and, gave him an apple and banana which he suspected was because of his dads orders. His dad settled for a traditional English breakfast and ate whilst reading the Daily Prophet. Alex had his breakfast and watched his dad reading the prophet. Once he had finished eating his cereal and drinking his juice he started on his apple.
"Anything interesting dad?"
"Not really Alex, just debates and arguments in the Wizengamot," said Severus lowering his paper slightly so he could address Alex.
"Oh, what's the Wizengdmot?"
"You mean the Wizen-gamot," said Severus breaking down the word for Alex.
"Yeah," replied Alex.
"Well the equivalent in the Muggle word would be the Crown Court. Albus is Chief Warlock and therefore head of the Wizengamot," explained Severus.
"Does that mean he's like a judge?"
"In a way yes although he has more influence and power than a mere judge."
"Oh I see."
Severus sat there reading through the Daily prophet and only stopped when he checked the time. Seeing that the time was now 09:55, he stood and went to find Alex. He entered the study and found Alex reading with a book on his lap. He recognised the book by its bindings. It was One thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Pyhllida Spore. He smiled quite pleased that Alex was trying to prepare for the lesson.
"Come Alex it's time for class," said Severus, holding open his lab door so Alex could enter. Alex slipped off the sofa book in hand and entered the lab. Severus closed the door and then went to sit next to Alex on the work bench. On the bench itself was the same set up for when Alex had brewed the boil core potion. Severus lit the burner and then regarded Alex.
"Today's lesson is divided into two parts. The first part is a practical combined with theory. You will read page 17 in Magical drafts and potions on the Oculus Potion. The second half of the lesson will be devoted to self study, you will read through One thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi as you were doing before class, understood?"
"I understand," replied Alex.
"Good, if you need help then just ask, now begin," said Severus as he began to brew one of his own potions.
Alex opened Magical drafts and potions to page 17 and began reading up on the Oculus potion.
The Oculus Potion
The Oculus Potion like the Boil cure Potion is an elemental potion taught to beginners. When brewed correctly the potion will enable the drinker to cure minor ailments afflicting the eyes. Examples include Conjunctivitis or the Conjunctivitis curse.
"Dad?"
"Yes Alex?"
"Could the Oculus potion have healed my eyes?"
"I thought you might ask that but no it could not. You see it's only meant for minor ailments, no potion could cure the amount of damage your eyes suffered, only a skilled Oculist like David could heal them," explained Severus.
"Oh I see," replied Alex going back to his reading.
To brew this potion you will need the following:
A standard size two pewter cauldron or equivalent.
A standard potion maker's kit.
A five minute hour glass.
A ten minute hour glass.
Wormwood.
Stewed Mandrake.
Ground Unicorn horn.
Crystallized Water.
Alex looked up and could see that his dad had already opened the store cupboard. He stood and made his way over to it. "You can find the Wormwood and Stewed Mandrake on the bottom left shelf, the Unicorn Horn and Crystallized Water on the opposite," said Severus without even looking up from his potion.
"Thanks dad," said Alex before starting his search for the ingredients. Severus just nodded in approval before going back to brewing. Alex found the Wormwood first and then spotted the small Stewed Mandrake.
He then moved over to the opposite shelf, the Crystallized water was easy to find since it was in a small vial and labelled. Similarly the Unicorn Horn wasn't that hard to find either. With his ingredients sourced he moved back to the work bench.
Warning:
Ensure that the cauldron and all other equipment have been properly washed and that there are no residue ingredients from previous potions on them.
Alex did a furrow check of the cauldron and equipment to ensure everything was clean. He then went back to reading to find out how to prepare the ingredients.
Preparing the Ingredients
Take the Wormwood and chop it into small chunks measuring around one inch in diameter. With the Wormwood prepared, you should now prepare the Unicorn Horn by grinding it down into fine powder with your mortar and pestle.
Brewing the potion
First fill your cauldron ½ of the way with water.
Now heat your cauldron to 100°C. You will know when this occurs when the water begins to bubble.
Now add the chopped up Wormwood and stir the mixture five times clockwise. Leave the mixture to brew at the current temperature for five minutes in which it should turn brown.
Now turn the temperature up to 150°C and add the Stewed Mandrake. With the mandrake added leave the mixture to brew for fifteen minutes in which the it should turn a bright shade of red.
Now turn down the temperature to 100°C.
Next use your mortar to pour in the ground Unicorn Horn, stir the mixture five times counter clockwise and the leave the mixture to brew for another five minutes.
Lastly add the Crystallized water and stir the mixture in a figure of eight for best results. The mixture should now turn a deep orange colour. Leave the mixture to cool for ten minutes and then pour it into the desired size vial for storage.
Alex read through the instructions another two times to make sure he understood everything. He then began to prepare the ingredients. As his dad had warned previously his was very careful with the sharp knife. He chopped the Wormwood into small chunks which took him around five minutes. He then started on the Unicorn horn which took a lot of effort and a good ten minutes to grind down.
Satisfied and with his ingredients prepared he double checked the book before taking his cauldron. He headed over to the sink to fill his cauldron with water. With the Cauldron half way full he returned to the bench, before he even tried to lift the cauldron it levitated out of his hands and then rested over the burner. He looked up in surprise and saw his dad who was putting his wand away.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Alex then got to work on brewing his potion. He turned the temperature up to 100°C and waited until it began to bubble. He then dropped in the chopped up Wormwood and stirred the mixture five times clockwise. He then turned the five minute hour glass.
Now that he had to wait he decided to do some reading. He opened One thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi and began where he left off. Severus who was brewing his own potion and keeping an eye on Alex smirked rather satisfied.
He was glad Alex was taking the initiative. Rather than sit around idly he was using the time between each instruction to read. A large proportion of his students at Hogwarts would use the time for idle chit chat. It was good to see Alex taking it so seriously.
Alex read and kept an eye on the hour glass. When the sand was about to run out he straightened up and paid attention. The mixture turned brown just as the last sand emptied. He turned the temperature up to 150°C and then dropped the Stewed Mandrake in with a bit of a splash. He then turned the ten minute hour glass. He did all this humming away without realising he was doing so. Severus watched on in pride, his son really was a natural and he could tell Alex was enjoying himself.
After ten minutes of waiting and reading Alex turned the five minute hour glass and then resumed his reading. It was another five minutes later when the mixture turned bright red that he straightened up. He decreased the temperature to 100°C and then poured in his ground Unicorn horn.
With the Unicorn Horn added, he stirred the mixture five times counter clockwise and, then turned the five minute hour glass again. He then finally added the Crystallized water and stirred in a figure of eight. The potion turned a deep shade of orange and Alex waited another ten minutes before declaring, "Done dad."
Severus rose and then took a good look at Alex's potion, it was perfect. He took out a small bottle and handed it to Alex. He watched as Alex poured some into the bottle before handing it back. He stopped the bottle and sealed it, he then sat next to Alex.
"So how did it go?"
"It was good dad I liked it," replied Alex smiling.
"Good and how do you think it went?"
"I think it went well dad, I don't think I made any mistakes," replied Alex although he looked a bit unsure of himself.
"You're right, this is another Outstanding," said Severus taking a label and attaching it to the potion.
"Really dad?" asked Alex eagerly.
"Really, now take your potion upstairs and go clean up, once your done meet me in the study," said Severus handing Alex the potion to put on his shelf.
"Thank dad," said Alex running out of his lab. Severus smirked and then waved his wand cleaning the cauldron. He then got to work cleaning up the lab and putting everything away. He left the pictures he had been developing to dry and then took Alex's books. He then entered the study and found Alex sat on the sofa waiting patiently.
"Here are your books, now read up to chapter three in silence for the next hour. Make sure you comprehend what you read as I will be giving you a short quiz at the end," said Severus handing Alex his potion books.
"Okay dad," replied Alex getting to work. Severus nodded approvingly and then sat himself at the desk. He took out his DADA theory lesson plans for the afternoon and scrutinised them carefully. He planned to give Alex an introduction and then go over some dark creatures. An hour later he called for Alex to stop.
"Alright you can stop now." Alex closed his book and set it down beside him. He then looked up attentively at Severus.
"What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" quizzed Severus.
"It's a sleeping potion dad... also known as the uhh...Living Draught of Death," remembered Alex.
"Correct, now where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"
"In the stomach of a goat," replied Alex.
"And what does it do?"
"It will save you from most poisons," replied Alex instantly.
"Good and can you tell me what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?"
Alex actually smiled at that question, "That's a trick dad, there is no difference, they are the same plant also know as Aconite."
"Very good, I will add five points for your good work on your potion and another five points for answering all my questions."
Alex looked up at the hour glass and saw ten points being added which meant he now had fifty points. "Does that mean I can get a prize now?" asked Alex excitedly.
"It does, why don't you think about it for a little while before you use them? Don't worry about losing them in the meantime since they can't be deducted anymore," said Severus pointing towards the hour glass. Alex looked and realised that the hour glass was now empty but at the bottom there was now a one next to a star. He realised that the hour glass must reset to zero once it reached fifty but added a prize.
"Now why don't we get something to eat before we start Defence?"
"Sure dad," said Alex getting up to follow his dad to the kitchen.
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It was now later in the afternoon. Severus and Alex had eaten their lunch and were now in the study once again. Severus had Alex sit at the desk and sat beside him. He was now ready to give Alex his first lesson in defence against the dark arts and was looking forward to it. As many of Hogwarts students rightly guessed he had sought the DADA position for years and would enjoy teaching Alex the subject.
"Ready to begin?"
"Yeah dad," nodded Alex.
"Good, now listen carefully," said Severus turning slightly to face Alex.
"The Dark Arts are many, varied, ever-changing and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, spouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible," said Severus, he watched Alex as he spoke and could tell he was hanging on to his every word, "Your defences must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the Dark Arts you seek to undo," said Severus finishing his speech.
"So are you saying that you need to be careful and think of new ways to beat them?" questioned Alex inquisitively.
"Indeed, first we will start by looking at some Dark creatures," said Severus placing The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble in front of Alex. "Turn to page five and read aloud," said Severus watching Alex.
Alex opened the book and turned to page five and then read the title.
The Pogrebin M.O.M Classification: XXX
He then read aloud as his dad had asked although he was a bit nervous about doing so, he could read very well but he hated reading aloud. There was nothing worse than sitting in class and being asked to read aloud which drew all the other kids' attention to him, the feel of all those eyes on the back of his neck, it always made him stutter.
"The Pog-Pogr," started Alex.
"Pogrebin," added Severus.
"The Pogrebin is a Rus-Russian demon," said Alex before taking a breath. "barely a foot tall, with a hairy body but a smooth, overside-oversized grey head." Alex took another breath and then read, "When Crouch-crouching, the Pogrebin res-resembles a shiny, round rock," said Alex who then took another break before reading, "Pogrebins are attra-attracted to hu-humans and enjoy telling-trailing them," said Alex who stopped when Severus put up his hand.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No but I can tell you don't like reading aloud," reassured Severus, his statement was confirmed when Alex nodded his head. "Read the rest to yourself and let me know when you are done," instructed Severus. Alex read from where he had left off.
Staying in their shadow and crouching quickly should the shadow's owner turn around. If a Pogrebin is allowed to trail a human for many hours, a sense of great futility will overcome its prey, who will eventually fall into a state of lethargy and despair. When the victim stops walking and sinks to their knees to weep at the pointlessness of it all, the Pogrebin will leap and attempt to devour them. However, it is easy to repulse the Pogrebin with simple hexes or the stupefying charms. Kicking has also been found to be effective.
"Done."
"Good, now I want you to make notes on the Pogrebin as well as a drawing of it, also include a list of its features and how to combat one," instructed Severus.
"Okay dad," said Alex taking up his quill and parchment. He sat there for the next half an hour working on his notes and drawing, he annotated the drawing with additional notes concerning its features. Rather amusingly he included his dad in the picture being followed by a Pogrebin with a second picture showing his dad blasting the Pogrebin with a spell. He couldn't help but laugh at the picture which got his dad's attention.
"What is so funny young man?"
"Just my picture," said Alex leaning back in his chair. Severus leant over and looked at the drawing on Alex's parchment. The drawing wasn't going to get into any art galleries but, it was quite detailed and decent for an eight year old. He spotted the Pogrebin and what he could only guess was him blasting it with a stupefying charm.
"These notes are satisfactory, now turn to page six and read up on the Gytrash," instructed Severus.
"Okay," replied Alex turning to page six.
The Gytrash M.O.M Classification: XXX
A Gytrash is a spectral dog similar to a grim. The Gytrash only comes out at night and is very fast and dangerous with its long forked tail being its main weapon. The Gytrash is transparent in appearance and is extremely sensitive to light sources. Therefore a simple Lumos spell can be used to ward off a Gytrash. Since the Gytrash can be warded off by a Lumos it mainly threatens Muggles, Squibs and untrained Witches and Wizards.
"Do you want me to make notes and draw again dad?"
"Yes Alex," replied Severus looking up from his book. Alex began taking notes and putting them into his own words. He also drew a picture of a Gytrash although he wondered how he was supposed to draw something that was see through. He decided to just draw the outline of it.
After working on the Gytrash they took a break in which Alex sipped on some pumpkin juice. Around ten minutes later they got back to work. Severus had Alex read through The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection for the rest of the lesson. Eventually his dad put his hand up and told him stop.
"Let me see," said Severus holding out his hand. Alex passed his parchment and waited for the verdict. "Good work, tomorrow morning we will look at Mathematics and Arithmancy and in the afternoon we will look at Herbology."
"Okay dad."
"Now go upstairs and get changed out of your uniform, leave it on your bed and Daisy will take care of it," ordered Severus. Alex nodded and then left the study, making his way up the stairs. He arrived in his bedroom and then began to get undressed. Whilst undressing his thought about the day.
It had really not been that bad at all. He hadn't be picked on or bullied like he would have been if Dudley, Piers Polkiss and the rest of the gang were around. Not only that but he didn't need to be scared of doing well like he used to. He knew he wouldn't be beaten and that his dad wanted him to do well, he expected it and he wasn't going to disappoint. Additionally he really liked learning about magic and everything his dad taught him. Yes he had to work on Saturdays and Sundays but he really didn't mind, he liked learning and his dad was a great teacher.
He finished getting undressed and laid his uniform on his bed. He then dressed himself in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. He then went downstairs to meet his dad.
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Authors Notes:
Not much happens in this chapter but I felt it was necessary to establish Alex's tutoring. Of course Alex's tutoring will be mentioned in subsequent chapters but I won't go into as much detail. If you're interested in the creatures of the Harry potter world, then I suggest you read Fantastic Beasts and where to find them. It has lots of information including the information I used on the Pogrebin. I hope everyone had a happy new year, welcome to 2012! Please let me know what you thought of the chapter, next chapter is titled Prince Alexander, any guesses what that is about?
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