HP
Lease of new Life - Chapter 54 - Of Potions - Duelling & Friends
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Friday morning on the 28th December 1990 saw Severus sat at the kitchen table eating his breakfast. For once he was eating alone since Alex was still flat out asleep, no doubt due to the dreamless sleep potion. Well saying he was alone wasn't entirely true, Daisy was there, but still, it felt weird not having Alex by his side as they ate. Considering he didn't want to let Alex out of bed just yet he would most likely miss lunch as well, although there was a chance he might make it. He didn't think Alex would miss dinner though, by mid afternoon he should be able to walk around on his leg although any running was going to be strictly forbidden. It would not do for his son to fall on his leg and break it again, by tomorrow though he should be completely fine.
Severus was interrupted from his musings when there was a pecking at the window. He knew it wasn't the owl to deliver the Daily Prophet since it had already been delivered and it was far too early for the Evening Prophet as well. That meant it was either St Mungo's or the Prophet replying to his inquires. Severus rose from his chair and opened the kitchen window. He retrieved an official looking envelope before he let the owl fly off. He closed the window before he sat down.
Dear Severus Snape,
In regards to your recent inquiry we are pleased to inform you that we do require the assistance of private brewers. A list of the inventory that we require is provided bellow should you wish to accept our order. Please reply ASAP as to whether you will be able to meet these demands so we can make alternative arrangements if you should not be able to do so.
Regards,
Bramble Locket
Head of Stocks and Supplies at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
Contract:
Deadline: Friday 4th January 1991.
Payment: ʛ415.
Pepperup Potion x50.
Blood Replenishing Potion x50.
Calming Draught x50.
Pain Reliever Potion x50.
Bone mending Potion x50.
Skele-Grow x25.
Essence of dittany x25.
Murtlap Essence x25.
Dreamless Sleep potion x50.
Wound Cleaning Potion x50.
Severus read through the order and considered it. In total there were 425 potions that needed to be brewed by next Friday. He usually had around three hours a day where Alex was out of the house so that meant he had twenty four hours of brewing time before the order needed to be posted. That seemed quite reasonable. In fact he believed he could meet the order without any problems. Yes if he used a tiny size 2 pewter cauldron like Alex used then it would take him forever. But of course being a potions master he had access to the size 8 pewter cauldrons which were huge in comparison to the tiny first year cauldrons.
One cauldron worth of mixture could easily fill 25 standard sized vials. He knew he could brew most of the mixtures in around an hour's time, so that meant for every hour he could produce 25 potions, and that's if he only used one cauldron, he was quite capable of brewing with three cauldrons on the go. The only potions on the list he thought would cause problems were the Essence of Dittany and Skele-Grow, which were both complicated and time consuming. He decided he would get them out of the way first and then brew the others.
The next thing to consider was the payment. Of course St Mungo's bought at the wholesale price rather than the retail price. That meant he got substantially lower than what he would normally get. The mark up was quite decent between the two. St Mungo's also bought in bulk so they could justify the payments they offered since they ordered in large quantities, ʛ415 then which was around £2075 was quite a decent amount of money.
It was true that private brewing was a lucrative business. It was also somewhat an unpredictable one as well. If he were to receive orders like the one from St Mungo's every week then he would probably be earning more than he did at Hogwarts, but then again it was naive to believe one would receive orders all the time. Additionally Hogwarts supplied room and board which were costs that had to be considered. He enjoyed brewing though and planned to brew until Alex was aged ten when they would both be going to Hogwarts, him as a professor while Alex would be living with him until he was eleven and therefore a student.
Severus quickly re-read the letter so he would know who to address the letter to. Once he knew he should address it to Bramble Locket he took a fresh piece of parchment and quill and began writing a reply.
Dear Bramble Locket,
I have received the order list and will begin brewing today, the order should be met by the required deadline, please deposit stated payment to vault 831 upon arrival of order.
Regards,
Severus Snape.
Severus sealed the letter in an envelope and then rose. He made his way through to the hall and then up the stairs towards his bedroom. Opening the door he entered his room and strode over to Evana who was dozing peacefully. Severus prodded her awake and fed her a treat. With the letter tied to her leg he opened the window and instructed her to fly to St Mungo's. With the letter sent he exited his room and turned right towards Alex's library.
He decided he would check on Alex before he began brewing. He took the spiral staircase at a leisurely pace and emerged at the top. He didn't need to step any closer to see that Alex was still flat out. He did step closer though and strode over to the bed. He watched as Alex slept peacefully, he had a cherubic face whilst quietly snoring with his mouth slightly open. He gently brushed his hair out of his face earning a smile from Alex.
Severus deciding it was best to let Alex sleep off the potion departed and made his way down to the basement. It was likely that his son would sleep for some time so he decided to make use of the time and begin brewing. If he was lucky he could tick some of the potions off the list today. Severus set to work and began gathering the necessary ingredients, four times the stated quantities since he was using a size 8 pewter cauldron.
With the ingredients set up Severus arranged the three large cauldrons around him in a small semicircle so he had equal access to all three of them. He also arranged the spelled hour glasses so he could keep track of which cauldrons were doing what. Multiple brewing was easy once you understood the concept. Each mixture required attention at set times, the key then was to stagger when you started each mixture so you could deal with each one. If you didn't you would have to stir all three at the same time and that would ruin the mixture.
Severus started the vat of Skele-Grow first and two minutes later started the Essence of Dittany. The last cauldron was going to be the Murtlap essence since that was one of the orders that required 25 vials. Severus got to work and became enthralled in the brewing entering somewhat of a trance. There was nothing except spending time with Alex that made him happier, and since Alex was currently in the land of nod he would settle for brewing.
An hour or so later and the Murtlap Essence was complete. Since the other two required no more attention until tomorrow Severus rose and made his way over to the store cupboard. Once there he moved to the second shelf on the right and retrieved a wooden crate. Un-shrinking the crate he opened it and looked inside. The crate had an undetectable expansion charm on it. Inside he guessed were around 200 empty vials. He would need to get Daisy to buy some more.
Severus began bottling the Essence and when all 25 vials were completed he began the next part of the process. Since these potions were destined for use by the public rather than his own private use he had to label each and every one of them. He wrote out the first label and checked it.
Murtlap Essence
Brewer: S. Snape PM1979.
Brewed: 28.12.90
Valid: 25.03.91
With the first vial labelled he set to work labelling the others. Although it didn't look it, it was quite a time consuming process. He had just labelled the eighteenth vial when Daisy popped into the basement and interrupted him.
"Alex be wakings master," spoke Daisy.
"Thank you Daisy," said Severus standing. He made his way to the stairs and emerged in the hall. He turned right and then climbed the stairs quickly before he made his way up to Alex's attic. When he emerged he eyed Alex and could tell he was awake. His eyes were currently closed but he was yawning. That was typical though, sleeping potions took awhile to wear off which meant it usually took awhile before the drinker woke up properly. Severus made his way over to Alex's bed and sat beside him on it.
"How are you feeling?"
"Oww-still tired," murmured out Alex cracking his eyes open slightly.
"It will wear off in a moment," said Severus stroking Alex's hair gently. Alex just closed his eyes again and nodded while Severus held his hand. A minute or so later and Alex opened his eyes fully awake. His stomach rumbled and Severus knew it was most likely because he was starving. His last meal had been sometime yesterday afternoon.
"You are no doubt hungry," said Severus helping Alex sit up in the bed. "Daisy," called Severus.
POP
"Yes master Severus."
"Prepare Alex some lunch, something more filling than usual," ordered Severus.
"Of course anything for Alex!" declared Daisy before she popped away.
"How does your leg feel?"
"Feels fine," answered Alex.
"Good, I'm removing you from bed arrest," smiled Severus as he removed the gravity well charm from the bed with a wave of his wand. He left the distress alarms on though, hopefully Alex wouldn't need them but he may have another nightmare. "Now you can walk on your leg but I want you to be careful, especially on the stairs, take them slowly, if you trip it's likely it will break again and I will have to place you under bed arrest for another day which I suspect you won't like," said Severus who knew Alex wouldn't want to miss any more time with his friends.
"I'll be careful dad, I didn't mind staying in bed but I'd probably become bored pretty soon," replied Alex.
"Indeed, is there anything you need?"
"Could I go toilet?"
"Yes of course, I will help you to the bathroom," said Severus helping Alex out of bed. Severus held onto Alex and made sure that he didn't walk to fast. He was pleased to see that Alex had the sense to favour his left leg. He stood in front of Alex and backed down the stairs as he kept hold of Alex's shoulders. The last thing he wanted was Alex falling forwards down his stairs. They made it to the bathroom where Severus left Alex to it.
Alex took his time which Severus guessed was because he had to unzip his footed pyjamas. He heard a flush and then the water running from the sink. A moment later Alex emerged and they made their way down the stairs to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen Severus sat Alex down at his seat with the warning that he remain there for a rest before he did anymore walking. Alex didn't argue since his leg still felt delicate.
Daisy served Alex his lunch and he practically began wolfing it down. Severus who would normally not condone such manners didn't say anything. He knew Alex was hungry and that it wasn't his fault so he didn't think it fair to say anything. Although Severus had already eaten he sat at the table as well, reading a the latest copy of the Practical Potioneer. He did so to keep Alex company.
Half way through Alex's early lunch there was a knock at the front door. Severus scowled at Alex when he made a move to get up which quickly made him seat his bottom back on the chair. Severus marked his page by folding the top corner before he set it down on the table. Severus moved to answer the front door and was greeted by Sebastian holding some leaflets when he did so.
"Hi there Mr Snape!" greeted Sebastian enthusiastically.
"Good morning Sebastian, what can I do for you?"
"Could I see Alex...I mean he's okay right?"
"He is fine, he's been asleep since yesterday but he woke up around twenty minutes ago and is having his lunch," explained Severus. "where are the others?" asked Severus, slightly annoyed only Sebastian had bothered to visit his son.
"Oh well you said we couldn't visit until today, we weren't sure whether you would let us see him now so I thought it best to ask before I told everyone else," explained Sebastian. Severus's anger abated at Sebastian's explanation, it made sense, there was no point gathering everybody together if they knocked on the door and were told to go away.
"You better come in then, but I'm warning you now, don't get him overexcited and don't ask him to come outside as well, he won't be allowed out until tomorrow and I don't want him to be disappointed which he no doubt will be if you get his hopes up," warned Severus.
"I won't Mr Snape I promise," said Sebastian looking Severus in the eye, it was clear he had taken the warning seriously. Severus nodded in agreement before he turned with his hand outstretched towards the hall, making it clear Sebastian should enter. He did so and Severus closed the door behind him.
"He's in the kitchen," said Severus gesturing for Sebastian to follow. They made their way into the kitchen where they found Alex who was almost finished with his lunch. He was currently gulping down some milk and smiled when he saw Sebastian enter.
"Hi there mate," greeted Sebastian with a wide grin. He moved to sit beside Alex who said hello as well. "So how's your leg?" asked Sebastian with concern creeping into his voice.
"I'm okay, I've been under bed arrest," smiled Alex as Daisy took his empty plate away for washing.
"Bed arrest?"
"Yeah dad said I had to stay there till my leg got better, I didn't mind but he's like an overprotective mother sometimes," smirked Alex. Severus who was sat nearby obviously heard everything because he looked up.
"I could always change my mind and decide you need to spend the next three days under bed arrest," smiled Severus.
"Dad!"
"I think he's only pulling your leg," smiled Sebastian.
"What are those Seb?" asked Alex pointing towards the leaflets Sebastian had brought with him.
"I got them yesterday evening, some man was handing them out to all the kids in Hogsmeade. I was dying to tell you but you were resting so I couldn't, there from B.N.Y.D.A," said Sebastian showing Alex the leaflets.
"B.N.Y.D.A...what's that?"
"I know, I didn't even know what it meant until I read the leaflet, it means the British National Youth Duelling Association, they want young people between the ages of eight and eleven to join up, that's not all there holding a tournament in July!"
"That's neat," replied Alex taking one of the leaflets for himself. Severus who was sat nearby listened with growing interest. He too decided he wanted to see one of the leaflets.
"Pass me of those as well please," said Severus holding out his hand. Severus received one of the leaflets from Sebastian and read it as the kids did the same.
B.N.Y.D.A.
British National Youth Duelling Association.
Tournament between July-August 1991.
B.N.Y.D.A. is pleased to announce that next year before the school term starts between the months of July and August, there will be a duelling tournament for all young people to participate in. To ensure the tournament remains fair it will be broken down into age brackets. Participants can either sign up for the singles or join up as teams and enter either the 2v2's or 4v4's. BNYDA Membership is required and submissions must be entered no later than the 30th of June.
Requirements:
Minimum age to enter is 8.
Maximum age to enter is 16.
BNYDA Membership.
Parent/guardian permission.
Benefits to parents:
Your child learning to defend themselves.
Improved fitness for your child.
Teaching your child self discipline and responsibility.
Your child will have better control of their magic.
Teaching your child wand safety.
Improved self esteem and confidence for your child.
Helping your child's DADA education at school.
Benefits to Children:
A chance to be Duelling champion in your age group.
Getting a wand early (if you're under 11).
Learning new cool tricks and spells.
Meeting other kids and making friends.
Passing DADA exams in school with ease (Older than 11).
It's fun and makes you fit and healthy.
Age groups:
8-11 (pre-school)
12-14 (1st – 3rd years)
15-16 (4th – 5th years)
Rules of tournament:
No physical contact.
No weapons other than wands.
Participants will only use spells appropriate for their age group (First year spells for 8-11).
Participant's uniforms and numbers should be clearly displayed.
Participants may not leave the arena until the duel ends.
Participants are not allowed to cross the centre line and enter their opponents half.
Participants will cease casting upon the end of the duel for any reason.
Safety:
Qualified healers from St Mungo's will be on hand and will intervene if there is a serious injury.
Referees will also stop the match if they think it is necessary to intervene, especially if a participant is injured.
However please note that duelling is a competitive sport, some form of injury is to be expected, however the risk is lower the younger the participant due to the restriction on the spells they can use and their knowledge.
To apply send off the membership forms to the BNYDA headquarters in London. Those under the age of eleven will need to apply for a early wand access exemption with the Ministry of Magic. For more information see section 3 on children under 11 entering.
Section 3 – Children under 11.
Under normal circumstances children under the age of eleven would not be allowed to purchase a wand. In order for your child to obtain a wand you must send off the relevant forms bellow to the Ministry of Magic – Department of Magical Education – Improper use of Magic Office.
Upon approval the following rules must be enforced, note that applications for EWAE (Early Wand Access Exemption) will be refused immediately if said child is not a member of BNYDA. If said child should cancel their BNYDA membership after obtaining their wand, then their wand will be confiscated and held at the MoM until they turn eleven at which time it will be returned.
Rules of use:
The child must be supervised by a qualified BNYDA instructor at all times.
The wand must be locked away and stored in a warded location when not in use.
Should only be used for training purposes or in an authorised duel.
Can only be used for 2hours per day unless participating in a tournament.
Should not be used by anyone else.
Duelling:
The rules for children under 11 duelling are slightly different. In the interest of safety the duel will be decided on hits rather than subduing your opponent. Each child will have 5 lives. They will lose 1 life per hit. A hit is achieved when a participant fires a spark at their opponent and hits any part of their body. Only 1 first year spell per participant is allowed each duel to prevent magical exhaustion.
"What do you think dad?" asked Alex eagerly. Severus could tell Alex wanted to enter.
"It is certainly interesting, especially the part about the early wand access exemption, if you two entered you could both get wands before you're eleven."
"Yeah we could sign up for the doubles," spoke up Sebastian.
"You could teach me the practical stuff as well!"
"It says it has to be a qualified BNYDA instructor, perhaps I could become one though," said Severus.
"Could you teach Sebastian as well dad?"
"If I was a qualified instructor I could, and I would as well, especially if you both signed up."
"I think we should sign up, what about you mate?" asked Sebastian.
"It's up to dad."
"But what do you want?" asked Severus
"Well...I'd like to do it," replied Alex uncertainly as he looked up at Severus.
"It would mean a lot of hard work Alex, learning magic at your age won't be easy and it will be very tiring, the training will also be quite rigorous."
"Like what?"
"More than what we do with our wand practises now, physical fitness as well so lots of long runs to build up stamina. If your okay with that then I have no problem with you entering," replied Severus who eagerly anticipated Alex getting his wand. At the moment they were restricted to the theory but with a wand Alex could begin to learn the practical sides of magic.
"What sort of physical training?"
"Well running to build up stamina, swimming would also be useful as well. Also Sebastian will have to ask his parents for permission."
"Will they?" asked Alex aiming the question at Sebastian.
"I think they will, especially if your dad agrees to train us, I don't think they would just trust any stranger."
"That's good, when can you ask them?"
"I could go ask them now. I need to tell the others they can visit you as well."
"They're coming?"
"Of course they are! They didn't come yet because you were resting," said Sebastian standing up. Alex moved to stand up as well but sat back down when he received another look from his dad.
"I got it, no walking unless you say I can," spoke Alex quietly, earning an approving nod from Severus. Sebastian just grinned at the situation. He thought it was funny how protective Severus was being.
"I'll see you out."
"Bye Seb!"
"Cya in a bit Alex," spoke Sebastian as he left with Severus. Alex sat patiently and waited for his dad to return. When Severus returned he sat down at the table and regarded Alex.
"Your other friends should be around later, Sebastian said they would probably have lunch first. Are you excited about getting a wand?"
"Sure dad!"
"I must admit I' am anticipating it as well, you do realise I could start teaching you lots of spells when you get it don't you?"
"Like what?"
"All sorts, we will start off with the basic charms first but we can move on from there. I don't think you will have any problems with the wand movements since you have practiced them so much but you might find controlling your magic difficult."
"Why?"
"All magical beings have magic flowing through their blood. Magic in children hasn't matured yet and is quite wild, that's why children have accidental magic, when you learn how to cast spells you learn how to control it, since you are younger than those who start at eleven it may be harder, so don't be disappointed if you find it hard at first."
"Okay."
"Now I'm going to go brewing for awhile would you like to join me?" asked Severus standing.
"Please," replied Alex.
"Come then," said Severus helping Alex up. They walked down to the basement with Severus supporting Alex on the stairs but otherwise leaving him to his own devices. Once in the lab Alex seated himself next to Severus as he began setting up more cauldrons.
"What are you doing dad?"
"I received a letter from St Mungo's with a contract for potions, I started making them this morning while you were sleeping, I'm going to brew some pain relievers, blood replenishing potions and calming draught," explained Severus as he began chopping ingredients.
"Could I help you?" asked Alex eagerly.
"No you cannot," replied Severus.
"Why?" asked Alex looking crestfallen.
"Because these potions are going to be used in public, you need to be a certified potions master to do that, it would be illegal for me to let you brew potions and give them to St Mungo's," explained Severus trying to reassure Alex. "Do you see the labels on the Murtlap Essence?" asked Severus as he passed Alex a vial.
"Sure dad."
"The label acts as a public record, the potion can be traced back to me if anything goes wrong with it, that way there is accountability, if I sent potions with your name on them they wouldn't be accepted, and if I lied and put my name on it then I may get into trouble for fraud, do you want me to get into trouble?"
"No dad," replied Alex shaking his head vigorously.
"If you could help I would love you to, since you can't help me with the St Mungo's order why don't you brew so you can restock our own private stock?"
"Sure dad!" beamed Alex who was all smiles at the suggestion, gratefully that he could help. Father and son sat brewing together in silence, neither needing to say anything to the other, both appreciating the subtle art of potion making and enjoying brewing. They continued to brew together until Daisy interrupted them.
POP
"Master Severus there be someone at the door."
"Thank you Daisy, most likely it's your friends, come lets go see them," said Severus placing a stasis charm over the cauldrons. "I don't want you staying in the lab unsupervised anyway," said Severus standing, he moved to help Alex up and then regarded Daisy. "Take Alex up to his room and make sure he stays in bed."
"Yes master I be doing it."
"Stay in bed son, I don't want you overdoing it with all your friends here," explained Severus.
"Okay dad," agreed Alex as Daisy took hold of him. A moment later there was a loud pop and he was in his bedroom in the attic. Alex walked over to his bed and then get in under the covers. A minute or so later he could hear voices which were getting louder. The voices increased in volume until Alex observed a mop of blonde hair emerge at his spiral staircase. It was Francis who raced over to him.
"Alex! How are you doing?" asked Francis as he jumped onto Alex's king sized bed.
"I'm doing better now, my leg's okay but dad just wants me to rest."
"Hi there Alex," greeted Oscar.
"Alecks!"
"Hi mate," greeted Brendon who was followed by the rest as they emerged. They crowded around Alex's bed. There was quite a lot of room on the bed so most sat on it while those who couldn't brought over the bean bags. With everyone gathered it was then that the get well soon cards were produced. It was a little late but Alex knew that was because they couldn't have visited sooner, regardless he appreciated it a lot.
"Thanks guys!" beamed Alex.
"Can you come out tomorrow?" asked Brendon.
"I think so."
"That's good, Quidditch was boring without you."
"Easier though," smiled Emily.
"That's why it's boring," returned Brendon.
"Hey mate I spoke to my parents, they said it was okay," spoke up Sebastian.
"That's cool I'll mention it to dad."
"So what you been doing?"
"Brewing in the lab with dad," replied Alex.
"So he didn't keep you in bed all day," smiled Sebastian.
"No, he only sent me here when you guys came, something about not overdoing it."
"He's right you know though, I have broke my leg a few times and once I tried to walk on it before it healed properly and I broke it again."
"Yeah I suppose."
"Alex's...I hope you don't mind me asking...well...we have been wondering," said Sebastian as he looked around to the others for support, they all nodded to him, "wondering about the other day–"
"You're wondering why I was okay when I broke my leg?" asked Alex who had a pretty good idea where this was going and thought it best to save Sebastian the trouble.
"Yeah," blushed Sebastian.
"Like I said I'm used to it," replied Alex who knew they would understand what that meant.
"Did they beat you?" asked Brendon. Alex just nodded his head.
"What like really bad?" asked Oscar.
"Vernon used to beat me a lot," replied Alex.
"Who's Vernon?" asked Sebastian.
"He's the man who ran the orphanage."
"So you didn't mind your leg the other day because he beat you enough to break bones?" winced Sebastian. Alex nodded again.
"Like what?"
"Mostly my arms and legs, but he pushed me down the stairs once," said Alex, getting a gasp from everyone, "luckily my magic prevented the worst but it still hurt like hell, the worst beating was when my dad came to rescue me, dad never said how bad it was but I know he broke a lot of bones, definitely my ribs, my chest was killing me, that's when he blinded me as well," retold Alex.
"Did he...did he you know, take you to the healers?"
"No," laughed Alex at the absurdity of Uncle Vernon or Aunt Petunia caring enough about him to take him to the doctors. "The first healers I ever met were the ones who healed me in St Mungo's, I was in there for over a month."
"That's terrible Alecks," spoke up Luke wide eyed.
"Yeah mate, but what did you do then?" asked Amy.
"I had to put up with it, whining would just get me more beats, I'm not trying to be tough or anything but it's all I've ever known," replied Alex quietly.
"Did he do anything else to you?" asked Sebastian eyeing Alex carefully. Alex returned the gaze and gave a slight nod. He understood what Sebastian was asking but was grateful he hadn't asked it in an obvious way, especially with the others there. Considering Sebastian knew of the neglect, the physical and emotional abuse, it only left one area of abuse they had not discussed, sexual abuse. Alex watched Sebastian as his face paled, it was obvious he understood. The others didn't seem to understand though.
Before anyone could say anything though Severus emerged for which Alex was extremelly grateful for. "Alright kids, Alex's needs his rest, thanks for visiting him but he will be back outside tomorrow," called Severus.
"Bye Alecks!"
"Cya mate, don't forget about the tourney," called Sebastian.
"I won't."
"Bye," chorused the rest.
Alex watched them depart but wished Sebastian could stay, he wanted to talk to him about what had happened. He used to hate talking about the abuse but since he had spoke with Draco about it he didn't mind it so much. Yes it still hurt a lot but he always felt better afterwards. He didn't want the others to feel left out so he devised a plan to get Sebastian back up here.
"Daisy!"
POP
"Yes Alex?"
"Could you go tell Sebastian he forgot his gloves."
"But i not be seeing any gloves."
"I know I just want him to come back here without making it obvious."
"Of course Alex I be telling him."
POP
Alex sat and waited and grinned when he saw Sebastian emerge followed by Severus who looked slightly annoyed. "You should be more careful," reprimanded Severus.
"But Mr Snape I didn't bring any gloves," replied Sebastian.
"Then why did Daisy say you had?"
"Hi Sebastian...dad he didn't forget his gloves but I needed a reason to get him to come back," explained Alex.
"You're definitely going to be in Slytherin mate," smiled Sebastian.
"Indeed," smiled Severus. His son was certainly very cunning when he wanted to be.
"So what did you want mate?" asked Sebastian going to sit on Alex's bed.
"I'll leave you two to it," said Severus leaving. He guessed rightfully so that this was most likely going to be a private matter.
"You understood what I meant right?" asked Alex quietly.
"Yeah I mean mum told me about it...she said you might have been...you know," trailed off Sebastian who sat in thought for a moment. "So he did didn't he?"
"Yeah he did, the first time he did it was on Halloween, I was six," replied Alex. Sebastian's eyes went wide when Alex said that and an expression of understanding came across his face.
"That's why you were so down at Halloween wasn't it?"
"Yeah it was," said Alex letting out a sigh.
"You're doing well though," commented Sebastian.
"What do you mean?"
"Well you normally cry when you tell us stuff...wait I don't mean that like your weak or it's bad...I just meant," stuttered out Sebastian getting tongue tied. Alex smiled at Sebastian's sheepish expression.
"Don't worry mate, it was hard at first but I spoke about it a lot with dad and then I told Draco, I hope you don't mind that I told him first but he's like a brother to me, my dad's his godfather and we're kind of like god brothers even though it's not official."
"No mate its okay, I'm glad you told me though, it means we're best friends," smiled Sebastian.
"Yeah," smiled Alex. "Dad said its part of the healing process and that it gets easier as time goes on, I think that true because it was hard when I first told dad. We were in hospital at the time and he suspected something was wrong because of a dream I had, he practically had to hold me to him to stop me from escaping, I fought at first but I got tired and gave up, that's when I told him...I was so scared of what would happen or what he would think of me."
"Alex your dad loves you, anyone can see that, even if he is a bit snarky with everyone else," smiled Sebastian.
"I know," grinned Alex.
"Why don't we go tell your dad about my parents allowing me to enter?"
"Sure," replied Alex as Sebastian helped him out of bed.
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Authors Notes:
One thing I realised about potions in the HP universe is just how much they are used. With that realisation in mind I thought it only appropriate that they should be tracked in order to log who brewed what. I therefore added the labels to the vials with the information on them for that purpose. I also felt it appropriate that Severus would decline Alex's help. I've seen Harry and Severus in other fics brew potions together for the infirmary but I just don't think it would happen. A professional would not trust an amateur with something so important.
Now everyone knows what BNYDA stands for. I thought how cool it would be for there to be a duelling tournament for kids. We know there are duelling tournaments since Flitwick is a duelling champion. I thought the reason behind BNYDA would be that they wanted more kids to learn how to defend themselves.
Another issue was the wands. In the books it is pretty clear that children only get their wands when they are eleven years old. I thought there must be a good reason for that and concluded it was most likely because of a law. The EWAE was therefore the logical way of getting around this. So yes Alex is going to be getting a wand early.
I also wanted to discuss the abuse a bit more in this chapter and it's a result of the events of the previous chapter. I felt now was the right time for Sebastian to know about the abuse, as well as the others to a lesser extent. I really hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please let me know what you thought of it. Next chapter is titled 'The wand chooses the wizard' do I really need to spell it out?
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