51
First Days
A few days after recovering from the Mark, Regulus decided to take a position as a clerk assistant with Borgin & Burke's. Since he had no definite career plans and needed a job, the position suited, though he didn't particularly care for the clientele that frequented the shop or the merchandise it dealt in, which was very shady. Still, it would be unremarked in certain circles that he worked there, and perhaps he might even be able to glean some useful information about which dark items were hot and tip off the Aurors.
His family was less than pleased. "What the hell do you want to work for them for?" Sirius had demanded, scowling. "Half of their merchandise is probably contraband."
"I know, but currently, they're the only ones hiring. And they pay well."
"Half their clients are criminals and dark wizards!" Sirius objected. "Tell him, Dad."
Orion eyed his two sons and sighed. Things had been peaceful for awhile in the Black household, but he should have known it wouldn't last. "Sirius is right, Reg. However, maybe you could do a bit of informing while you're there? Keep your eyes open and let us know if you see anyone selling a particular dark object, maybe give us a tip every now and then?"
"Uh . . . .I guess I could do that, Dad." Regulus said, wondering in terror if Orion could now read minds. "I could just . . .tell you or Sirius directly."
"No . . .someone might get to wondering where we get all our information and put you at risk." Orion told him, helping himself to the basket of yeast rolls. "Just send the department anonymous tips and I'll see that they get looked at."
"Orion, isn't that rather dangerous?" Walburga asked. "If Reg were found out . . ."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take, Mother." Regulus said swiftly. If only she knew that there was no chance of that happening. "I can handle it, I'm not a baby anymore."
"I know, but I still worry, even if you are of age. There's a lot of bad things happening in the world today and I wish you both to try and steer clear of it as much as you can."
Too late for that, Mum. Regulus thought sadly. Then he resumed eating his dinner of roast beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
"Maybe you'll get lucky and find us something to bust that shop over," Sirius said eagerly. He started work at the Auror Department tomorrow and was quite excited to begin to solve real life cases. James also started then, and they had been placed under Orion's supervision. As of yet, he didn't know exactly what he'd be doing, but he hoped he wouldn't be stuck behind a desk writing up reports or anything boring like that.
"Maybe," was all Regulus said. He was secretly hoping to find something illegal as well, and more maybe something that the Order of the Phoenix could use against the Death Eaters and Voldemort. Then working with the slimy proprietor of the establishment would be worth it. Sev thought it was a good idea when I wrote him about it. I just hope I don't end up arrested for collaboration or something if a raid occurs. Then again, I would hope Dad or Siri would warn me before that happened.
Only time would tell.
Potter Manor
The same day:
Petunia brushed a speck of dust off of James' new Auror robes, which were a deep blue trimmed with red and sporting shiny brass buttons. He had his Auror crest that he had received after finishing the Academy pinned upon them, and the nameplate J. Potter pinned beneath it. All rookie Aurors wore the uniform, at least for the first month, till their fellow wizards got to know them, after that it was choice whether or not the official uniform was worn.
"There! Now you'll look all spiffy and dashing, hon," Petunia told her husband, who was sitting in a chair in the corner of their private sitting room, polishing a boot with Always Shine Magical Boot Polish.
James looked up and smiled at his wife. "Thank you, Tuney. I'm sure I'll be the sartorial envy of everyone else in the department."
Actually, he wasn't sure if his fellow Aurors cared too much about clothing, but he knew it made Tuney happy to do small things for him like that, and so he was kind to her. He also wanted to make a good impression on his first day. He quickly finished polishing his boots, then placed them next to his robe, which was hanging from a hook on his closet door.
"Shall we go down to dinner, my lady?" he asked, holding out his arm to escort her.
Petunia took it and together they descended the staircase.
She found she could not help but admire her dashing and handsome husband as she walked beside him. His dark hair, which had a permanent wave to it, was glossy and soft, she often ran her fingers through it at night in bed. He was tall and his shoulders were broad and muscular, he was a fine figure of a man, as Annie would say. Petunia considered herself extremely lucky to have fallen in love with him and there were times when she wondered if she was dreaming, because only in her dreams had she ever imagined she could be so happy.
She recalled the lazy uncertain days of her childhood, when she was afraid of her sister and Severus for having magic. Now she could not imagine how that had ever been so, and how she could have ever feared wizards and their wonderful world. Well, most of it was wonderful, she amended. Voldemort and his Death Eaters cast a pall over everything, much as a certain Nazi dictator had back in the 1930's and 40's. Perhaps Voldemort would end up killing himself eventually. Petunia could only hope. She pushed the negative thoughts away, wanting only to concentrate upon her dinner and being with her husband and family.
Liana and Charles were already seated, having some cocktails while they waited for their son and daughter-in-law to join them.
"Sorry we're late, Mum and Dad," James said as they promenaded into the dining room and took their places to the left of Charles. "Tuney was making some last minute adjustments to my Auror uniform."
"Ah. I see." Charles chuckled indulgently. He was very proud of his son.
"Can't have you looking like something a kneazle dragged in, now can you?" teased Liana, gracing the couple with her warm smile.
James and Petunia both chuckled, then they ordered some cocktails as well. Petunia had a glass of champagne and James a brandy. After that Bilbo brought in the appetizer, which was stuffed mushrooms, and then soup, which was a light onion and bean. The main course was braised beef with new potatoes swimming in gravy, along with creamed spinach.
When they had all eaten till they were bursting, Bilbo cleared away the plates and served lemon ice and coffee.
"This was a first rate dinner, Mum," James complimented Liana, for he knew it was she who chose the menu for each meal.
"Well, it's a sort of celebration for you, dear. On finishing the Academy and joining the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Your father and I are both very proud of you."
"As am I," added Petunia.
"Thanks," James said, their praise making him feel very good indeed. "I can hardly wait till tomorrow."
Charles looked amused. "I can remember you saying that about your first year at Hogwarts too."
"Speaking of school, have you heard that Severus is going to teach potions this term?" Petunia asked. "Lily wrote me yesterday to tell me he's accepted the position."
"How marvelous!" Liana said, beaming. "Eileen must be very pleased."
"If anyone has the nerve and the brains to teach potions to a bunch of mischievous brats, it's Severus." James said. "Thank Merlin, that will never be me."
"Don't you like kids, James?" asked his wife.
"Oh, sure. In small doses. But not having to deal with them day after day. They'd make me nuts. I'm not particularly good with discipline, I'd probably laugh instead of scold them when they pulled pranks and before you know it, they'd be out of control. But not Snape. He's got the evil eye."
"Evil eye?" Petunia frowned.
"Yes, you know, that glaring I-can-see-everything look."
"Oh." Petunia couldn't disagree, because an angry Severus had always sent a shiver down her spine. She finished off her ice and then asked if anyone wanted to play a hand of cards.
They spent a pleasant evening playing cards until it was time to go to sleep. In bed, James made slow yet tender love to her until she fell asleep in his arms.
Snape residence
That same evening:
Lily crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at her husband. "I don't see why you're so set against me coming with you to Hogwarts, Severus. I'm sure you're not the first person on staff to have a wife accompany you."
Severus frowned right back at her. "I explained all of that to you before, Lily. It might compromise your position as a spy if you were to come with me."
"Bollocks! No one outside of our family knows that I've married you. They all think Lily Evans is off somewhere touring the globe and getting lost in America. I'll wear my glamours and become Zoey for the time being and no one, save Dumbledore, will be the wiser."
"No. It's better if you stay here. What about your job at the theater?"
"My boss was planning on letting me go for a few months, we just haven't been making the money to keep two managers on staff and since I'm the junior one, I'll get cut first. He'll give me a bonus if I leave early without a fuss."
"My mother doesn't live at the school with my father," Severus pointed out.
"That's different and you know it. Eileen owns her business and has a toddler to raise. I don't have anyone but you and I want to stay with you. If you don't want me up at the castle, I can rent a cottage in Hogsmeade. You can come and spend the weekends with me."
"And how much will that cost? We don't have the money—"
"Yes, we do. I've been putting half my pay in my vault and with your salary advance, we can swing it. I could always get a job waiting tables or something in the village."
"I don't think it's safe."
"Why the hell are you being so damn stubborn, Snape?" Lily threw up her hands.
"Why the hell are you?" he shot back, his eyes blazing. "Living in a Muggle neighbiorhood is a lot less risky than living in Hogsmeade. There have been Death Eater raids over there, what if Bella or whoever summons you to participate in one? Then what will you do?"
"I'll deal with it. I'm not a child, Severus! You don't need to protect me from everything."
"That's my job, dammit!"
"No, it's not!" she flared. "I can protect myself. I'm not like Petunia. I don't need a man to fight my battles for me. And I'd rather be beside you watching your back, than here worrying myself to death over you."
"There's no reason for you to worry, I'm only teaching potions."
Lily snorted. "And how many things can go wrong when a student doesn't pay attention? You know perfectly well how dangerous potions class can be."
Severus shook his head. "You told me last week that you wanted to spend some more time with your parents. How can you do that if you're at school with me?"
She glared at him. "That was low, Severus."
"Just stay here, why can't you?" he snapped.
"Because I believe a wife's place is by her husband's side, not hundreds of miles away, unless there are extenuating circumstances."
"Bloody muleheaded little witch!"
"Look who's talking, you boneheaded arse!"
Their eyes locked and neither one was willing to give an inch.
Finally, Severus broke the staring match, and rose to his feet. He could feel his temper start to sizzle and knew he had to leave before it exploded. He pulled on his coat and started towards the door.
"Hey! Where are you going, Severus? This conversation isn't over!" Lily called, furious that he would just up and leave in the middle of the argument.
"Yes it is," came the clipped comment, then Snape walked out the door, leaving his irate wife alone.
"Bloody bastard!" Lily swore. "How dare he just walk away?" Several logs blew apart in the fireplace as her magic surged wildly before she managed to bring it under control. Men! Why did they have to be such overprotective asses? Sometimes she found that trait in her husband endearingly old fashioned. Now, however, she found it supremely annoying.
She stalked down the hall and ran a hot bath, she had been planning on coaxing her usually reserved husband into joining her, but the way she felt now she could have cheerfully drowned him. She soaked in the coconut mango bubbles until she started to wrinkle, then she reluctantly got out and dried herself off. Severus still had not returned.
Let him sulk! Him and his bloody male pride! She thought, pulling on her favorite old nightshirt and crawling into bed. A good book beat a man any night of the week.
Severus returned to the house some thirty minutes after he'd left, fully prepared to endure the sharp lash of his wife's tongue, only to find that Lily had gone to bed. Good, he thought. Maybe sleep would cool her temper and allow her to see reason. All he wanted was for her to be safe, and the wards over their small house were nearly impenetrable, since they were blood wards made with a mixture of each of their blood. They couldn't put up such strong wards in Hogsmeade, too many wizards would notice and start asking too many awkward questions, drawing unwanted attention to them.
He quickly undressed and slipped into bed next to her. She stirred, woke, and half-snuggled up to him before recalling that she was still mad at him and then she deliberately turned away from him, giving him her back.
He huffed and hissed, "Fine! Be that way!"
Then he turned away and faced the wall, giving her the cold shoulder in return. They both fell asleep still angry with each other.
SSLSPPJPRB
The next morning, they still weren't speaking to each other. They ate breakfast in silence and Lily went off to work without even saying goodbye to Severus, who simply pretended not to care, though her coldness was making him feel a bit guilty and wondering if he was right in insisting she stay home. He decided to finish packing up what he needed to take with him to Hogwarts and then go visit his mother and Jess. Perhaps Eileen could help him with his dilemma.
Some thirty-five minutes later, he was finished packing his personal effects, and Flooed over to Spinner's End. He found Eileen just finishing making pancakes and bacon for Jess. To his amusement, the pancakes were shaped like little cauldrons.
"Plan on becoming a chef, Mum?" he asked, coming up from behind and hugging Eileen.
She jumped and nearly swatted him with the pancake turner. "Severus! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Jess giggled hysterically. "Funny, Sevvy! You scared Mummy!"
Both adults chuckled. "Really, Sev!" said Eileen. She floated the small plate over to her youngest. "Go on, Jess. Eat your breakfast."
Jess needed no encouragement. "A caul'rin pancake! Yay!" she cheered and clapped. "Mmmm . . .good!" she took a bite. Then she looked at her big brother. "Sevvy have some too?"
Severus hesitated. He had eaten some toast and coffee earlier, but found the delicious aroma was making him hungry again.
"Would you like some, Sev?"
"All right. They smell wonderful."
Eileen dished up some cauldron shaped ones for him and some bacon strips as well.
"Sit next to me, Sevvy!" Jess crowed.
He obeyed the little imp. "How's my best girl? Been behaving for Mum?"
Jess nodded.
Eileen coughed and the little girl looked guilty. "Sometimes. Other times she tests me until I long to paddle her all night long."
Severus took several bites of his breakfast before saying to his sister, "Last time I saw you, Jess, you promised you were going to be good. What happened?"
"I no know, Sevvy."
"What did you do now, Little Miss Naughty?"
Jess squirmed under her older brother's gaze. "Umm . . .I painted Eclipse."
"You what?"
"She took the jewel-toned inks from my desk and somehow she managed to paint poor Eclipse all the colors of the rainbow while he was snoozing," Eileen told him. "The poor cat looked so awful! It took me three spells and a container of Magical Mess Remover to get him back to normal."
"What did Dad say?"
"Oh, you know your father. He just laughed and said at least she didn't shave the cat bald like his sister did when she was Jess' age." Eileen shook her head.
"I hope you told Eclipse you were sorry," Severus said to Jess.
"Yes. Mummy smacked me and put me in time out." Jess said, looking pitiful.
Severus was glad he didn't have to deal with her, she knew just how to make him pity her. "Well, you deserved it. It's not nice to paint Eclipse."
"Eclipse looked pretty," the toddler stated.
Severus concealed a smile. Knowing his sister's love for bold colors, he supposed that was true. He continued eating, enjoying this second breakfast more than his first one.
"So, what brings you here today, Sev? I would have thought you'd be busy packing up and all for your move to Hogwarts."
"I was, but now I'm almost all done. I figured I would pay you a visit before I left. Where's Dad, anyhow?"
"He's at school, recalibrating his telescopes for next term. He should be back by noon." Eileen replied, casting a sharp glance at her son. "Sev, is there something bothering you?"
"You always know, don't you?" he shot her a wry look.
"Of course. I'm your mother. What's wrong?"
"Lily and I had a row last night and now we're not speaking to each other."
"Oh? Is this something personal, or can you tell me what it was about?"
Severus told her. Eileen listened silently until he had done, then said, "I can see your point, Sev, but you have to realize something. Lily needs to be near you. It's a common thing for a new bride in their first year to want to keep their husband close to them. Especially since this new job would keep you apart for nine months. I think she feels a wee bit threatened by the long separation."
"Why? You don't seem to be."
"I'm older and have another child to keep me busy. Lily doesn't. I think she fears that you might . . .well . . .lose interest in her if you're apart that long."
"What? But that's ridiculous! I've never even looked at another woman since we started dating. She always been my one and only. Why would she ever think I would lose interest in her?"
"Because a lot of men do. They get lonely and there's some willing young thing waiting to make a move and . . .before you know it, they're having an affair."
"I would never dishonor our marriage vows that way!"
"I know that." Eileen laid a hand on his bicep. "I was just using that as an example. I'm sure Lily trusts you. But she is afraid, I think, of being lonely."
"Did you feel like that the first time Dad left?"
"Yes and no. Oh, I missed Dickon dreadfully, but I'm used to being on my own, thanks to your father. So it doesn't bother me quite as much. Lily isn't used to that, however."
"So what should I do? How should I resolve this?"
"I think you should give it a trial run. Say till the end of the term. See how it works out for you having Lily live in Hogsmeade. You might find out it's the best thing for you. Or not."
"I'll think about it."
A piece of pancake hit him smack on the cheek. "Hey!"
Jess laughed.
"Jessamyn, no throwing food!" her mother scolded.
"Funny!" she burst into giggles.
"You see what I have to deal with?" Eileen sighed. "Tell Lily to not be in such a hurry to have kids."
"Little imp," Severus hid a chuckle. "Behave, young lady!"
Jess pouted, her lower lip sticking out. "Sevvy no yell at me."
"I will if you're bad. Are you going to stop throwing food? You're supposed to eat the food, not play with it."
"Okay, Sevvy!" she huffed. Then she started eating again.
Severus had seconds, then spent a pleasant morning playing with Jess before returning to his home. He resumed his packing, resolved to do as his mother had said. That way perhaps Lily would see for herself that it was too dangerous for her and return home of her own accord. He adored her fierceness and stubbornness, though at times it made him want to shake her. Fool woman, did she not know how he would feel if she died? She was his life, without her he would be a broken and lost thing indeed. At the same time, he did not like quarreling with her, and so wished this disagreement mended.
He cooked a simple dish of garlic pasta and a salad as a peace offering for dinner, since this was one of her longer shifts.
Lily arrived home to the smell of roasting garlic and tomato sauce and her mouth watered uncontrollably. "What smells so good?" she wondered aloud.
Then she walked into the kitchen and saw her husband stirring a pot of marinara sauce with a spoon. "Oh, Sev! You shouldn't have. I was going to get some take out."
"Too late for that."He turned to offer her a taste from his spoon.
"Delicious." She looked him straight in the eye. "Severus, I'm sorry for acting like a snippy bitch."
"And I'm sorry for being an overbearing ass. Forgive me?"
In answer, she kissed him, a kiss that sent his blood pressure soaring and which promised a very interesting night indeed.
When he could talk again, he said, "I've changed my mind. You can come with me. Sleeping alone is miserable."
She grinned. "My thoughts exactly. I would miss you terribly if you were gone for so long."
"Then I guess you had better start packing after supper. Which will be done in about . . .five minutes."
"Mmm . . .smells heavenly! I can't wait."
And with that, their quarrel was mended.
Borgin and Burke's
Diagon Alley
8:15 AM:
Regulus swept the shop and dusted the cases of rare and deadly objects till they gleamed. That was so he got to know where everything was in the shop. The manager, one Mr. Bleaker, had told him that under no circumstances was he to handle the ancient pearl necklace or the locket with the Slytherin crest upon it. Both were cursed with powerful magic, and had been donated to the shop by their owners long ago. Regulus looked at each piece, noting that they were of a fine craftsmanship, but was careful not to even brush against them. Sometimes the tiniest contact of skin was enough to set a curse in motion, and Regulus had no wish to die at seventeen.
He dusted around the gory Hand of Glory, which was the cut off hand of a former thief, when a candle was inserted in between the fingers, would give light only to the holder.
There were other relics in the shop as well. Serrated edge dirks, slender garrotes, even poison needle rings. A Cloak of Strangulation. A cursed broom that bucked off any rider. Dark grimoires and spell scrolls. Potions to kill pests and people. It was like a dark wizard or assassin's paradise.
Regulus returned the shop's broom to its hook and went behind the counter again as the door chimed. He waited, hoping to see some prominent scion up to no good. But it was only a house elf, buying some slug repellent for his master's garden.
The morning dragged, and Regulus found himself yawning and drinking cup after cup of strong coffee in order to stay awake. He had few customers, a warty old witch buying a frog summoning elixir and some Amortentia, an old wizard purchased a cane to both help him walk and beat his lazy apprentices. The young wizard began to see why the former clerk had left. Far from being exciting, this job was dreadfully boring.
He hoped that tomorrow would be better and also that Sirius was not bored to tears as well.
PPJPSSLSRBCB
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Ministry of Magic:
Sirius arrived promptly at eight o'clock at the DMLE, loosening his tie as he waited for instructions. Orion had told him he would summon both new recruits into his office as soon as he was settled. Sirius looked about and saw several witches and wizards doing various things, writing out reports, mailing them with Inter Office Memos, talking quietly to each other.
James Flooed in a moment later and the two friends greeted each other and then both waited for Orion's call.
Several of the older Aurors shared looks of amusement at the eagerness displayed by the two newbies. Finally, they heard Orion's voice from the office. "Would Aurors Black and Potter report to me at once?"
Sirius reached the doorway first, with James a step or so behind.
Once inside, Orion bade them have a seat and then he began to explain that one of an Auror's first duties was routine patrol. "That's our main objective—to make people feel safe in their own homes and neighborhoods, especially now. And while we're also around to capture dark wizards, first and foremost, we serve the people. Today, I'm going to send you out with one of my top Aurors, Captain Moody. Watch him and listen to him. He'll tell you what you need to know."
Orion pointed to a large wall map. "Here's where you are and here's where you'll be patrolling." He indicated off to the right, a large number of streets highlighted in green. "If you run into anything unexpected, or come under fire from a suspect, do whatever Moody tells you. No heroics, understood?" He fixed James with a stern look.
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Dismissed. You'll find Moody waiting beside the door." Orion then waved them off.
Sirius and James gave him respectful salutes and went to find Moody.
After greeting the bluff Auror, all three departed for their patrol, Moody muttering under his breath about young pups.
Nothing eventful happened, much to Sirius and James' dismay, they had been hoping for something exciting. But Moody told them Aurors prayed for uneventful patrols and didn't bother enlightening them that Orion had chosen this route precisely because of it.
SSLSPPJPRB
September 2nd, 1979
Hogwarts:
Severus had carefully placed all the cauldrons the required three feet apart and made sure they were all in good condition. He also checked on the supplies in the back cabinet for the hundredth time, nothing had changed. He kept only ordinary ingredients in the cabinet, anything volatile or poisonous he kept locked up in his office or in the potions storeroom, to be retrieved by him for a lesson only.
He had decided that he would begin each class with a simple introduction, and then go right into having the students copy the formula written on the board in their notebooks. After that, they would start to brew. He carefully straightened his black Potions Master's robes and tried to settle on presenting a no-nonsense but approachable demeanor. His stomach was doing yo-yo's, even though he had already drunk a Calming Draft. Was every new teacher so bloody nervous on their first day? He hoped there wouldn't be any discipline problems.
Dickon had advised him that if there were, he should not hesitate to punish the offender, even if they were members of Slytherin. For that was the other unexpected thing-Dumbledore had also made him Head of Slytherin House. He had spent a brief two hours last night going over rules and introductions with the snakes, who didn't seem all that impressed with him. Then again, they were used to Slughorn, who pretty much allowed them free reign. Well, that would change. Severus had high standards, he would make his snakes have high standards too, academically and athletically.
Severus wiped his hands on his robes and stood behind his desk, waiting for the first class to file in, which were Ravenclaw and Gryffindor firsties.
They arrived, noisily, shoving and elbowing each other through the door of the classroom and then scattering to find seats at the desks, which were able to seat two students each. Severus winced at the noise level, he had forgotten than a group of children could sound like a stampede of screeching hyenas. Abruptly, he decided this was not how students in his class were going to behave, like rowdy spectators at a rugby match.
"Silence, all of you!" he snapped, using a silent charm to amplify his voice so he did not have to shout over them.
Everyone froze and looked at him.
"I am Professor Snape, and this is potions class, not a Quidditch rally. That being so, you will remember your manners and enter my classroom in a quiet and orderly fashion from now on. All of you, get up and leave the room without pushing and shoving and no talking and line up in the hallway."
They gaped at him. He gave them a stern look, one that he had perfected last night in the mirror and on Lily, who said he reminded her a little of Tobias. But then, a little went a long way.
Slowly, they got up and went back out of the classroom.
A few of them muttered, not paying attention to "no talking" rule, "This is stupid!"
"Who cares if we're talking?"
Severus suddenly appeared behind them and said coldly, "Anyone who cannot follow these simple directions will lose five House points."
They shut up.
When the class was more or less lined up in the hall, Severus pointed to the doorway to the dungeon and said, "Now, each of you shall proceed inside without pushing, shoving, or screeching like banshees. Or else I shall take ten points. You are Hogwarts students, not a pack of Cornish pixies, and you will act like it when you enter my classroom. Quickly and quietly!"
This time the students filed into the room and each took a seat without indulging in babbling and so forth. Severus noted that all the Gryffindors sat on the left side of the room and the Ravenclaws on the right.
Once they were all seated, Severus closed the door and stalked to the front of the room. "Better. Now I shall call roll. When you hear your name, raise your hand and say "Present, sir!"
He began to read off the list of students Dumbledore had handed him this morning.
Severus paid close attention to the face that went with the name, so that he could remember each student by the end of the period.
Some of the boys were joksters, responding to his command with "A present, sir? But it's not even Christmas!"
Severus rolled his eyes and said sharply, "Your jokes are best told outside of my class, Mr. Stephens. Potion making is a serious business, one slip or foolish mistake could result in permanent bodily harm."
Several students gasped.
The one wit asked, "So what's so good about potions, professor?"
Severus was taken aback. He had never expected someone to ask that question of him. He thought for a moment then said, "Potions are a delicate art, and with them you can do many things. You can . . .bewitch a person's mind, make them feel love or hate, despair and hope. It is a subtle magic, yet among the most powerful. A potion can heal or destroy. It can bring one back from near death . . .or leave them hovering on the cusp of destruction. I could poison all of you in this room with a single vial of tasteless odorless nightdusk venom . . .or cure you with golden broom from the effects of a Cruciatus Curse. I shall teach you all of that and more-"
His little speech was interrupted by Mr. Stephens and three of his Gryffindor louts sniggering, burping, and farting.
Severus felt the slow burn of embarrassment creep up the back of his neck. Not even fifteen minutes into class and already he had troublemakers disrupting it. Several others were turning around and snickering as well. In another minute, his words would be disregarded and forgotten, and he would be seen as a foolish incompetent instructor. He cleared his throat loudly, recalling something Dickon had once done to a student who chronically disrupted his class.
"Mr. Stephens, do you have a digestive problem? Something you ate isn't agreeing with you?"
The boy jerked his head up. "What? No."
"No, sir."
"I mean, no, sir, I don't."
"Because from the way you are acting, I would think you need a Stomach Soother. Would you like to go to Madam Pomfrey for one, or shall I give you a tablespoon myself?"
The boy suddenly lost his cavalier smirk and went red. "N-no, I'm fine, sir."
Now the others were tittering.
"You are certain? Because excess gas can be very painful. We wouldn't want you to . . .explode."
Several of the Ravenclaws were hysterical at Snape's wit.
Stephens was bright red, nearly matching his House tie now. "No, professor! I don't need any medicine. I'm fine, sir!"
Even his mates were chuckling.
"Rest assured, Stephens, if I hear any loud disturbances from you, I shall come over with a spoon and give you a dose." Severus promptly waved a hand and the bottle of Stomach Soother and a large tablespoon popped up on his desk.
The Ravenclaws were convulsed with laughter.
Let's see you act up in my class again, you little troublemaker! Snape thought, watching the boy duck his head.
Severus then deliberately ignored him, continuing his speech. "As I was saying—you can learn all of this and more if you apply yourself and pay attention. I will give twenty House points to the student who demonstrates the most aptitude for potions in each House at the end of the year." He tapped the board. "Here you shall find the formula for a Boil Cure potion. Copy it into your notebooks." He waited to see them begin before he began lecturing on the properties and uses of that particular potion.
Then he split them up into pairs, allowing them to choose their own partner to work with. He soon discovered that was a mistake, for most students chose their friends and then ended up chatting instead of working on the lab. He found he wasted more time scolding and taking points than he did supervising and vowed to choose the pairs next time so something could actually get accomplished.
He watched Stephens like a hawk, but the boy didn't seem inclined to disrupt the class again after his earlier humiliation.
Severus turned to answer a question a small Ravenclaw girl had about regulating the fire under her cauldron, and that was when his little troublemaker tossed a handful of porcupine quills into his Ravenclaw neighbor's cauldron, causing it to explode.
Within moments, there was chaos.
Girls screamed, boys whooped, and those who had been splattered with the potion began wailing.
Severus spun around, wild eyed. How had this happened? It was a total disaster.
"Everyone, remain calm!" He barked. He quickly vanished the ruined potion and then snapped, "Stay where you are! Those of you hit by the potion come to my desk so I can give you an antidote."
Three students shuffled towards him, whimpering and the Ravenclaw whose cauldron had exploded was sobbing, "Oh, sir, I don't know how it happened! I was being careful!"
"Never mind, Miss . . .err . . .what is her name?"
"Clarice Bell." Supplied another House member.
"Miss Bell, accidents happen, especially to new potions students." He quickly ushered her to his desk, where he kept a stock of antidotes on hand.
But before he could administer it, someone else's cauldron bubbled over and yellow potion spilled onto the floor.
Severus bit his lip hard. Such mishaps were common, but he knew they could have been avoided.
Just then, Dumbledore came into the room. "Hello, Professor! Just dropped by to see how you were getting on your first day and all—great Merlin's ghost!"
Severus wanted to fall through a hole and disappear. He had wanted to impress the old wizard with how well he was managing his first class and instead Dumbledore saw a bloody disaster.
"Headmaster, there was a . . .slight accident . . ."
"I can see that. You three need to go and visit the Hospital Wing," Dumbledore said calmly and he sent the three girls who were injured down there.
"I could have treated them—"
"Nonsense, professor! That is what Madame Pomfrey is for. Now, let's see if I can't give you a hand here." The old wizard waved his wand and the spilled potion was cleaned up and order restored to the classroom in under a minute. "Very good! Everyone enjoying potions? Excellent! Carry on, Professor Snape!"
Then he swept back out the door.
Severus looked at the clock. They now had less than fifteen minutes of class remaining and none of the students had finished brewing. What a bloody mess!
He decided to have them do it over next lesson, Vanished their potions, assigned two feet of parchment on the first two chapters of their textbook, and then dismissed them.
Then he went to his desk, pulled out a Headache Remedy and drank it down. He was certain Dumbledore was going to send for him at the end of the day and tell him he was not suited to teach a ladybug how to fly, much less potions. So much for first impressions.
And he still had the rest of the day to get through. Right then he wished he had some firewhiskey. Or a Time Turner.
He put his head in his hands. Why did I ever think I could teach?
Sorry for the delay in posting, but I am trying to finish But For A Dog for my sister's birthday, so I won't be updating this again until that is done. I have to get it finished before October 7th, so it takes priority, but I wanted to give all you IC fans a chapter to tide you over.
Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing, and hope you liked this chapter!
