HP
Lease of new Life - Chapter 38 - Sick Slughorn
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It was now Wednesday the 3rd of October 1990. Severus woke at 07:32 to his Floo going off. He quickly got out of bed and slung on his night robes. He made his way down the stairs and then entered the study. He answered the Floo call and was greeted by Minerva.
"I hope I didn't wake you."
"You did, now what do you want," growled out Severus grumpily.
"Horace is sick, he has taken potions and should be better by tomorrow but we need someone to take his class for the day, you were the first person we thought of."
"You do know I' am on leave," retorted Severus.
"I do but we are desperate Severus."
"I can't do it, I'm teaching Alex potions and History today," replied Severus.
"Couldn't you teach him in your class?" replied Minerva not ready to give up.
"I could what classes are they anyway?"
"Fourth year Slytherins with the Gryffindors in the morning and, second year Slytherins with the Gryffindors again in the afternoon," replied Minerva.
"You know I never understood why Albus's has never separated them, it's a recipe for disaster, with a day like that I think Horace is faking his illness."
"It doesn't change the fact that we need a potions master, and you're the best," commented Minerva trying to play to his egotistical side.
"You know it is my job as a Slytherin to do the manipulating."
"Yes, well will you do it?"
"You owe me a glass of firewhisky when we next go out, and an apology to Alex for me having to wake him up so early."
"Done, I will see you later Severus." Severus nodded and ended the Floo call. He then went to wake Alex. The poor thing he thought to himself. He entered Alex's bedroom and then went over to the bed. He sat beside Alex and then gently shook him.
"Wake up Alex."
Alex looked at Severus with sleepy eyes and then yawned. He regarded his alarm clock and saw that the time was 07:38. "Dad, I'm not supposed to be up for another hour!" whined Alex wrapping the quilt around himself.
"I know and I'm sorry," said Severus hugging Alex to him, "Minerva called because Horace is sick, they need a substitute teacher for the day." Alex ended the embrace and then sat looking at his dad.
"Does that mean you're going to Hogwarts for the day?"
"You're coming as well."
"I' am?"
"Indeed, I'm not going to leave you alone and you can do your potions in my class."
"Oww-okay," yawned Alex.
"Good boy, go down for breakfast while I go get ready," said Severus helping Alex out of bed. Alex stood there in his red footed pyjamas and watched his dad move to his bedroom. He yawned again and rubbed his eyes. He then made his way downstairs to the kitchen. Upon arrival he was greeted by Daisy.
"Morning Alex."
"Morning Daisy."
"What would you like for breakfast?"
"Could I just have some bacon sandwiches with some egg please?"
"Of course coming right up," said Daisy happily getting to work. Alex sat at the table and waited for his food to be served. Whilst waiting he heard a knock on the window. He stood and then jumped onto the side. Sitting there he opened the window and let the owl in. The owl dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet next to Alex and stuck out it's leg for payment.
"Daisy the owl needs paying."
"One moment then," replied Daisy, she waved her hand and a draw opened, she took out a small pouch of money and retrieved a Knut. She levitated it over to Alex who caught it. Alex dropped the Knut into its pouch before it flew off. He was just closing the window as his dad walked in.
"What are you doing up there?" asked Severus as he walked towards Alex.
"Your paper came so I let the owl in."
"I used a Knut from the shopping money master Severus."
"That's fine Daisy," said Severus picking Alex up off the side. He then placed Alex at his chair and then went to sit at his own. He unfolded the paper and began to read. Alex watched his dad and was then served by Daisy who served Severus the same.
"I didn't know what you is wanting but I thought it was best to make it first, that way if you is be wanting something else I can make that instead."
"It's fine Daisy," replied Severus taking a bacon sandwich, "You don't need to get Alex's uniform ready either, I want you to prepare what he was wearing yesterday, we will be going to Hogwarts today and I want him to look smart."
"Yes Master Severus I is be doing it right now."
POP
They sat there eating away. Once Alex was finished his dad had him go upstairs to get dressed. Alex entered his bedroom and found his clothes for the day lain on his bed. Daisy had prepared his dark Midnight blue Inverness cape styled robes, along with his black dress trousers and shoes, with a white shirt and matching blue and silver tie.
He unzipped and pulled off his pyjamas. He then changed out of his dirty briefs and pulled on the green snake pair. He still couldn't believe how comfy they were. He slipped on his socks and then pulled up his trousers. He then picked up his white shirt and put it on. With the buttons buttoned up he then quickly donned and laced his black shoes. He picked up his robes and tie and then went down stairs to meet his dad.
He found his dad down in the study. Severus moved towards Alex and had him set his robes down on the sofa. Severus then took Alex's tie and wrapped it around his neck. He moved Alex in front of the mirror so he could start to teach Alex how to tie it. He didn't expect Alex to be able to do it straight away so he planned to teach Alex each step a week at a time.
"First start with the wide part to the right and the narrow part to the left, then pass the wide part over the narrow end to the left," demonstrated Severus.
"Okay," said Alex trying it out.
"Good, now I want you to do that every morning for the next week, once you can do that I will show you the next step, now let me tie it for you," said Severus tying Alex's tie. Alex then put on his robes. Severus smoothed them out making sure they were neat and tidy. He then took a good look at Alex's shiny hair. Alex looked very smart so he let him know.
"You look very smart."
"Thanks dad."
"Now I want you to go get your books, bring Magical drafts and potions, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi as well as A History of Magic," instructed Severus. Alex did as asked and went to get the three books from the shelves. He returned a minute later. Severus shrunk the books down and passed them to Alex to put in his pocket.
Severus then led Alex to the Floo and threw the powder into the fire. "Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office."
"You're looking very brown Alex, good to see you as well Severus."
"Can we step through? Time is getting on and I need to consult Horace's lesson plans," said Severus.
"Forgive me Severus, step through of course."
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Alex and Severus emerged in the headmaster's office. Severus had Floo'ed here since it was the only fireplace that he could access now he no longer had access to his quarters. Alex looked around Albus's office in awe. It was covered in strange looking instruments and items which he couldn't even begin to get his head around. On the walls were portraits of different men and women, he noted that some wore very old fashioned clothing whilst others looked more modern, although the modern ones still looked very old fashioned.
Albus must have seen where he was looking because he commented. "These are all the previous headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts," explained Albus.
"All of them?"
"All of them except for those who came before live portraits were invented, this here is Armando Dippet. He was my predecessor and was head while I was the Transfiguration professor. Next to him is Newton Artemis Fido "Newt" Scamander, who you may know from reading Fantastic Beasts and where to find them. I could go on and all the way back to Heliotrope Wilkins."
"Sorry to interrupt the history lesson but time is getting on," interrupted Severus.
"Ah yes of course my boy, once the lessons for the day are finished you should come see me, we have some things to discuss."
"I will Albus, but we must be going, could you set up the floo so we could Floo to the Slytherin Common room?"
"Yes one moment," replied Albus waving his wand at the hearth. The flames flew up and glowed red before they settled down, "Have a good day, both you."
"You too Albus."
"Bye," called Alex.
"Hogwarts, Slytherin Common room!" called Severus leading Alex into the Floo. They emerged from the Fireplace, Severus waving his wand over them as they did. The flames then rose once again and burned red, signalling that the hearth was once again closed off.
Alex observed the common room. Since it was breakfast it was empty. The carpet was green and there were numerous back leather sofas and armchairs, the sofas were covered with green cushions. Around the corners of the room were study tables. The walls themselves were made of stone with the occasional green tapestry littering them.
At the edge of the room where two archways leading off to what must be to the dormitories. Over the fireplace where two large glass windows with dark green water behind them, it all contributed to a very austere atmosphere. Above the fireplace was a portrait of Salazar Slytherin, unlike the ones in the headmaster's office it wasn't moving.
"That's the lake outside, the common room is under water," explained Severus.
"Are all the common rooms like this?"
"No each common room is tailored and styled to each house, shall we get going?" Alex nodded and then took Severus's hand. Severus then led him to the exit which opened for them. Once outside it closed leaving behind a blank wall. "Now stay close to me, it is very easy to get lost down here," said Severus, leading Alex through the dungeons until they came to the potions classroom.
Severus unlocked the door and then closed it behind him. He moved towards the teacher's desk and Alex followed. Severus set up a work bench beside his own. He then un-shrunk a wooden box which contained a potion makers kit with cauldron and ingredients.
He set the burner down on the bench and then connected it to a bottle of gas. With everything set up he ordered Alex to sit down and then did so himself. He consulted the lesson plan for the fourth years. Alex leaned over and read it out, "Draught of Peace?"
"Indeed, it relieves anxiety and agitation."
"Sounds complicated," said Alex with a frown after reading the instructions.
"That's because it's a fifth year potion."
"Oh, it's too advanced for me isn't it?"
"Of course it is your eight, not fifteen, you will be brewing a Pepperup potion," explained Severus.
"Should I read now?"
"You can read One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, take out your books and I will un-shrink them." Alex did so and Severus un-shrunk them. Alex then began reading through One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. Severus watched over his shoulder and then checked the time. The lesson would begin at 09:00. He expected everyone to be in the room and seated by that time. It would be interesting to see how many people kept to his expectations when they expected Slughorn instead.
The door opened at 08:51 with Marcus Flint walking into the room alone. He looked up his eyes going wide with surprise upon seeing Severus. "Professor Snape, it's great to see you," greeted Marcus.
"Good morning Mr Flint."
"Are you back then sir?"
"No, professor Slughorn is feeling unwell, I' am his replacement for the day," explained Severus. Marcus seemed to be disappointed to hear that Severus was only there for the day. He perked up when he saw Alex though.
"Your son sir he's okay."
"He is Mr Flint."
"Hi there Alex," greeted Marcus with a smile.
Alex scowled before saying, "sorry but do I know you?"
"Wow that's scary," commented Marcus upon seeing Alex scowl just like Severus.
"He has perfected my scowl, must I remind you that Alex has never actually lain eyes upon you Mr Flint, it would certainly explain his confusion." Marcus remembered that Alex had been blind the last time they met, it was understandable then that he didn't recognise him.
"I forgot you didn't see me last time Alex, but we met in the courtyard in St Mungo's, remember?"
"Oh yeah I remember now, hi then," smiled Alex. It when then that Marcus noticed Alex's yellow eyes, he was about to comment on it but he caught himself. It was rude after all. Alex probably didn't want reminding of the ordeal. He also noticed Alex's and professor Snape's brown skin. Like Alex's eyes he thought better of asking about that too.
"Yes Mr Flint?"
"Sorry professor I was lost in thought."
"I advise that you pay attention and begin setting up, oh and five points will be awarded for arriving early."
"Thank you professor," replied Marcus smiling, who then went to sit at the front setting up his cauldron. The minutes slipped by and more Slytherins entered. Before the lesson started some of the Gryffindors entered headed by Percy Weasley. Percy came to sit at the front. He was setting up his kit when he noticed Alex.
"Professor."
"Yes Mr Weasley."
"Who is that and what he is doing here, surely there are rules against underage wizards being in the school." The classroom went quiet at Percy's words.
"Mr Weasley, if I did not know who this was, do you not think I would have asked him why he was here? This so happens to be my son and he has my permission to be here. Ten points will be deducted for speaking out of turn."
"But sir the rules..." trailed off Percy as he was interrupted.
"Another ten points Mr Weasley." Percy looked down defeated and didn't speak any more after that. Severus stood looming over them all checking the time every now and then. The last of the Gryffindors arrived at 09:00 headed by Oliver Wood, they all looked surprised and then horrified to see Severus there.
"This class starts at 09:00 on the dot. You still need to set up your equipment which means you are all late. Let's see seven late Gryffindors so that will be seventy points," snarled Severus.
Alex didn't feel any sympathy for the Gryffindors, it was their own fault that they didn't come early enough to get set up and prepared. He knew what his dad was like. He was strict and didn't appreciate tardiness. He knew that from his own schedule at home.
The same applied to Mr Weasley. He must be Fred and George's older brother. It seemed rule breaking ran in the family. He knew what Mr Weasley was doing by questioning why he was here. He was being nosey when it was none of his business why he was here. He was glad his dad had put a stop to it.
"You will be brewing the Draught of Peace, the instructions are on the board," said Severus flicking his wand at the blackboard where the instructions appeared. The class starred back at him in confusion, Oliver Wood spoke up.
"Professor."
"Yes Mr Wood."
"Is that potion even a fourth year potion?"
"It is a fifth year potion, professor Slughorn set the work as a test of your abilities, if you have a problem with that then I suggest you speak to him, now begin," barked Severus moving to sit next to Alex.
The class got to work on the potion. Some reading whilst others went to gather their ingredients or fill their cauldrons. "Turn to page twenty and start reading up on the Pepperup Potion. While you are reading I will prepare your cauldron and burner," said Severus to Alex, although his voice was a lot softer than the bark he had used on the class. Alex turned to page twenty in Magical drafts and potions and read up on the Pepperup Potion.
The Pepperup Potion
The Pepperup Potion invented by Glover Hipworth, is a potion to cure or relieve the symptoms of the common cold. It has the unfortunate side-effect of causing steam to come out of the drinker's ears for several hours after it is imbibed.
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.
Bicorn Horn.
Mandrake Root.
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by grinding the Bicorn Horn into a fine powder using your mortar and pestle. Once this is done chop up your mandrake root.
Brewing the potion
First fill your cauldron ¾ 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 powdered Bicorn Horn, upon addition the potion will turn a light blue colour. Leave the mixture to brew for ten minutes and then stir clockwise five times, counter clockwise once and then clockwise five more times. The potion should then turn a dark shade of blue.
Increase the temperature to 200°C.
Now add the Mandrake root and leave the potion to brew for another ten minutes. Once the time is completed stir the mixtures ten times counter clockwise, in which the mixture should turn lilac. 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 but didn't think the potion was all that complicated. It had less ingredients than the boil cure potion or the Oculus potion. He looked up at his cauldron and noted that his dad had already filled it with water and lit the burner. Since his dad had set it up he knew he didn't need to check it so he went straight to preparing his ingredients, he didn't pay attention to what the rest of the class was doing.
The Bicorn Horn like the Unicorn one was tough to prepare and took a lot of effort as well as time. Fifteen minutes later his ingredients were prepared. He was about to get to work on his potion when Mr Weasley spoke up getting his attention as well as his dad's.
"Professor."
"What is it now Mr Weasley?" said Severus his patience waning.
"Is it safe for him to brew potions, I mean he's a kid after all." Most of the Slytherins were shaking their heads and some of the Gryffindors seemed to think Percy had a death wish.
"Mr Weasley do you think me incapable of teaching my son how to brew a potion safely, or perhaps you are working under the assumption that I would let my son brew a dangerous potion," drawled Severus.
"Err no professor," stuttered Percy.
"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn on a matter that does not concern you. Are you incapable of holding your tongue? For your information Mr Weasley how I raise my son is none of your business, now you will stop these infernal questions and keep your nose out of other people's business you insufferable brownnoser, oh and detention Mr Weasley, Friday 20:00 with Mr Filch," spat Severus as he loomed over Percy with both his hands on Percy's desk.
Severus then began patrolling the classroom checking for useless mixtures. Alex got to work on his Pepperup Potion but didn't understand what was wrong with Mr Weasley. You would think after the first time he would have learned his lesson, obviously not. Why couldn't he just keep his nose out, he hated all the attention he got when the class looked at him, which was only made worse by Mr Weasley antics.
An hour or so later and Alex's potion was completed and was now a nice lilac colour. Severus inspected it carefully before adding another label that read Grade O. "This is another perfect potion, I'm very impressed," spoke Severus rather loudly, it was obvious he wanted everyone in the class to know how well Alex had done. Percy looked annoyed, whilst the Slytherins were smirking, Marcus in particular looked pleased for Alex.
Alex then sat there and read through One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi for the rest of the lesson. The end of the lesson was signalled when Severus called, "Bottle your mixtures and bring them to me for grading, homework is to write an essay on the properties of the Draught of Peace, ten inches." The class rushed to pass their labelled vials. Severus stood them in a try on his desk and watched as they left. Once the door was closed he turned to Alex who looked up from his book.
"What did you think of the lesson?"
"It was good dad although Mr Weasley was annoying, I don't know why he kept asking about me but it made me nervous."
"I know that's why I was so annoyed with him. He is an attention seeker who loves playing the teacher's pet and abiding by the rules to such an extent it's annoying. Yes people should follow the rules but who appointed him as judge jury and executioner? I know he has ambitions to be a prefect, if he were in my house I would make sure he never got the badge."
"It was silly of the Gryffindors to come in late as well wasn't it."
"It was," smirked Severus.
"What do we do now?"
"Well potions is taught as a double lesson. Since it is 11:00 we have an hour free period before lunch. I will be grading these potions, I suspect most will fail, do you want to help me grade them?"
"Sure," replied Alex leaning towards the vials to get a closer look. They sat there together grading the potions. Severus gave Alex the stamps which he would use to stamp on the grade slips. There were six stamps in total, one for each respective grade.
Severus was glad to have Alex with him since it made the task less monotonous. Alex mostly used the Troll and Dreadful stamps, although a few earned P's whilst the A's were a rarity. Despite his annoying nature Percy Weasley earned an Acceptable along with a few Slytherins.
With the grading complete, Severus packed away their things and then led Alex out of the potions classroom. Once outside Severus locked it and then led Alex through the dungeons to the great hall. Instead of going through the main doors he ushered Alex through a door near the head table.
Severus observed the head table for what used to be his old place but was now Horace's. He spotted it next to Minerva's with a smaller chair in between them. He guessed the smaller chair was for Alex. They made their way over to the chairs and Severus had Alex sit in between himself and Minerva.
"Alex, Severus, good to see you, I believe I owe you an apology for waking you early Alex, so sorry," greeted Minerva apologising.
"Hi Minerva, it's okay though," smiled Alex, who began to pile food onto his plate. Severus sat down and did the same, nodding towards Minerva.
"So Severus, ninety points from Gryffindor and one of my students in detention. I believe this is some sort of revenge for me waking you up this morning isn't it?"
"Perhaps you should complain once the day is done, I have the Weasley twins in my next lesson and you know what they are like." Minerva groaned at that.
"Point taken Severus, although whatever did Mr Weasley do to deserve your wrath?"
"He kept speaking out of turn and, was asking questions about why Alex was in my classroom or if it were safe for him to brew potions. I put him in his place, it's none of his business, I'm Alex's father while he is not."
"Well if you put it like that Severus fair enough, I will have a word with him before his detention."
"Thank you."
"Dad people are starring."
"I think they are starring at you Alex," said Minerva.
"Why?" asked Alex nervously now he realised that they were staring at him.
"Well firstly it's unusual to see a child at the head table, secondly its usual to see your dad here now he is on leave, thirdly people will be even more interested now they know you are professor Snape's son," explained Minerva.
"Just ignore them," said Severus trying to ease Alex's worries.
"Okay," replied Alex going back to eating.
"So Alex did you enjoy your holiday?"
"Yes it was great, dad taught me how to swim, we went shopping, went all these nice restaurants and canoeing as well!"
"I look forward to seeing the pictures, but what about now your home?"
"Oh dad is giving me lessons."
"In what subjects?"
"Everything I think, even Muggle subjects like Maths, English and Science."
"Mathematics," corrected Severus.
"And vocabulary lessons," replied Alex after his dad corrected him.
"Really Severus?"
"I don't mind Minerva I like that dad is helping me to speak correctly, the first lesson was to stop saying 'Kay', god I feel bad saying that now," mused Alex.
"Well I have noticed that your English has improved," praised Minerva, "but what of the other subjects, surely you are not learning Divination as well?"
"Divination?" asked Alex with a confused expression.
"Apparently not, thank god," replied Minerva with a smile.
"I am teaching Alex potions as well as the theory in the other three core subjects. He also does theory in Herbology, Arithmancy and History of Magic. You know about the Muggle subjects and the vocabulary lessons , the last subject is essay writing."
"Seems very comprehensive, does Alex get any rest?"
"He does four hours a day Monday to Saturday, two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon, he only does two hours on Sundays."
"Will there be any need for him to come to Hogwarts by the time he is eleven?"
"Of course Minerva he won't be able to do magic until he gets his wand, although he has been doing very well in potions."
"What potions have you brewed?" asked Minerva before taking a sip from her goblet.
"I brewed the boil cure potion first then the Oculus potion, I brewed the Pepperup potion today in class," replied Alex proudly.
"Very good young man, I hope you are getting the rewards you deserve."
"That reminds me I will award you with five privilege points when we get home."
"Thanks dad."
"You're welcome now finish eating," commanded Severus. Alex did so and finished off the rest of his lunch. Once they had eaten they returned to the potions classroom for the afternoon lesson.
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Alex sat next to his dad who was looking at the lesson plan. Alex read the plan and could see that the potion the class would be brewing was the Swelling Solution. It didn't seem to be that complicated, it was definitely harder than the first year potions he had been brewing but, was no way near as complicated as the Draught of Peace. It didn't matter though since he wouldn't be brewing it.
"Why don't you start reading A History of Magic, start off by reading up on the formation of Gringotts and the 1612 Goblin rebellion," instructed Severus.
"Okay," replied Alex opening the book. He sat there quietly lost in the tome. Eventually Graham Montague, Warrington and a few other Slytherins entered. Not long after that the rest of the Gryffindors entered. The main group consisting of Fred and George Weasley, Lee Jordan, Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson. It seemed word had gotten around quickly. Professor Snape was back so turn up to his lesson late on pain of death.
"You will be brewing the Swelling Solution today, the instructions are on the board, now begin," barked Severus. The class quickly began working. Snape observed them all closely since they were second years after all and more likely to make mistakes. The class was mostly uneventful until Severus had to intervene.
He grabbed Alicia Spinnet's wrist before she could drop the ingredient into the cauldron. "Mrs Spinnet, do you have any idea what would have happened if you added the Puffer fish eyes now?"
"No...pro-professor...sorry," stuttered Alicia Spinnet.
"There would have been an explosion and you would have been maimed. Pay closer attention to the warning signs in the text, five points will be deducted for your carelessness, hopefully it will teach you a lesson," spoke Severus silkily.
"Yes professor," replied Alicia Spinnet. Severus moved closer to the Weasley twins and heard them whispering away.
"No way you ask him," said George.
"Err no did you hear what happened to Percy this morning," retorted Fred.
"Yeah but he's a git, I would have shouted at him too, and given him detention," replied George.
"Point taken bro, but still it's Snape I don't have a death wish, you ask him."
"Ask me what Mr Weasley?" asked Severus from behind the twins. They both turned and gulped. "A verbal response Mr Weasley."
"Is it true your son was brewing potions this morning?" asked Fred.
"He was indeed brewing and it was a potion not potions."
"That's cool," said the twins in unison.
"Hmm well you're both unusually well behaved, what's wrong with you both, do you need to go to the infirmary?"
"No sir we behave now," replied George.
"Why don't I believe that," replied Severus walking away from the twins. It didn't take long and he wasn't disappointed. Around ten minutes later the classrooms silence was disturbed by Warrington shouting.
"Hey you git I know it was you!"
"Mr Warrington what is the meaning of this," growled out Severus there in a flash.
"They sabotaged my potion!" exclaimed Warrington angrily pointing towards the Weasleys. Severus inspected the potion and found it was a muddish brown instead of the light shade of red it was supposed to be, it was now useless. Severus pulled out the offending ingredient, Moonseed.
"Is this true Weasleys?"
"No sir we're innocent," replied Fred.
"Yeah it's not our fault he's rubbish at potions," replied George.
"Ten points will be deducted for your cheek Mr Weasley, and I highly doubt you have ever been innocent."
"Well more innocent then we usually are."
"No matter, there is an easy solution to this, hold out your hands both of you," demanded Severus, in a tone of voice that said if you don't then you die. Both Fred and George quickly complied and held out their hands. Severus waved his wand over their finger tips. He then did the same over the Moonseed where Fred's fingerprints appeared.
"It seems you have been caught red handed Mr Weasley," snarled Severus. Fred bit his lip and gulped. "Fifty points will be deducted and you will serve a detention with Madam Promfrey, Friday 20:00, there will be no excuses for not attending, do I make myself absolutely clear," growled Severus threateningly.
"Yes sir absolutely, not a shadow of a doubt," squirmed Fred. Severus smirked and then waved his wand over Warrington's cauldron vanishing its contents. Fred and George both smirked but not for long. Severus performed a switching spell on Fred and Warrington's cauldron. Fred's potion appeared in Warrington's leaving his own empty. "A zero then Mr Weasley," said Severus before walking off.
"Damn it, how does he turn it around on us so easy," muttered George. Fred just shrugged and put his face on the desk defeated. Alex watched on somewhat perplexed. Why would anyone want to sabotage a potion? Didn't they know how dangerous that could be, not to mention how mean it was. He sighed and found himself liking the Weasleys and the Gryffindors less and less.
Fred and George had already annoyed him with their comment in Hogsmeade, not to mention their brother was a nosey git and, they had just sabotaged a fellow student's potion for no apparent reason. He definitely understood why his dad didn't like the Gryffindors very much. Up on till now he hadn't seen anything positive from them, the Slytherins however showed respect towards his dad and were generally nice to himself, Marcus in particular.
The lesson was brought to an end by Severus, "Bottle your mixtures and bring them to me. For homework write an essay on how to properly brew the Swelling Solution, seven inches," called Severus, which was met by a collective groan. The class shuffled out and Severus regarded Alex.
"Who founded Gringotts?" quizzed Severus without warning.
"Ehmm Gringott the Goblin," replied Alex.
"And when did the Goblins retain full control of Gringotts after he died?"
"Not until 1865 when the Ministry of Magic granted it them," replied Alex.
"Correct, and who were the leaders at the time of the 1612 Goblin rebellion?"
"Human or Goblin?" said Alex seeking clarification, his question got a smirk out of Severus who had worded it that way as a trick, he was pleased Alex had not fallen for it.
"Goblin."
"Then Bodrod the Bearded and Urg the Unclean," replied Alex succinctly.
"And where did it take place?"
"Hogsmeade of course," said Alex as if this was obvious.
"Very good, another five points will be added bringing up your new total to ten points."
"Thanks dad."
"You're welcome now let's go meet Albus."
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Authors Notes:
I wrote this chapter for a number of reasons, the first reason being that I wanted to highlight the difference between how Severus acts when teaching students compared to when he teaches Alex. It was also important for Alex as well as the reader to see that difference. Additionally I wanted to show the snarky side of Severus, and what better way to do that than have him be nasty to a bunch of Gryffindors?
Additionally I added in some concepts concerning the Floo system at Hogwarts. It a lot of ways it was quite ambiguous in the books how the system actually works. Sirus Black was able to contact Harry in GOF through the Gryffindor fireplace. It is never really established whether anyone can do this or, whether Sirius got permission from Dumbledore since they were in contact with one another. Regardless in my story the only fireplaces that can be accessed from the outside are the professor's quarters and the headmasters. Anywhere else and not even floo calls can be initiated.
The chapter was also important to introduce Alex to the Hogwarts students even if it's only through rumours and seeing him in the great hall. Hopefully people like the chapter. I certainly enjoyed writing it, particularly the part where Severus loses his temper with Percy. Next chapter titled Malfoy Manor sees Alex visit the Malfoys. You have seen how Alex and Narcissa get on but how will he interact with Lucius and Draco? Let me know what you thought of the chapter.
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