Chapter 46: Planning the Future
Summary: Slughorn tells Severus some unsettling news.
The news of Severus and Sirius' relationship spread through the school like wildfire, not that they were trying to keep it a secret. They spent most of their time together and they weren't shy about showing their affection for each other. Most of the girls at school hated him now for landing the most handsome boy in the school, as if he had robbed them of their happiness. The Slytherins weren't happy about him being with a blood traitor, either and they were vocal in showing their displeasure.
Severus didn't care that much about what other people thought of him, but he could do without the gossip and accusing looks. He was too busy to deal with this. He spent the first week of the new term correcting the students' holiday potion homework and he was busy with the brewing the second week, since they had used up most of the school's potion supply after the battle in Hogsmeade.
It was Wednesday afternoon. Severus left the defense against the dark arts class with Remus and Sirius. They all headed for Severus's rooms, like they usually did.
"This is so frustrating!" said Severus when they got inside. "Two weeks and still nothing."
"You're the one to talk! The mist you made was bigger than everybody else's" answered Sirius and followed Severus to the small kitchen to help with the tea tray.
When they got back to the living room, Remus was already seated. "You heard what Professor Jordan said, it can take months to master the patronus charm and not everyone can do it." he said.
Severus snorted. "Jordan's an idiot. There's no reason we can't learn it. Some people probably just give up on practicing." he said confidently and started to pour the drinks.
"So, how did it go with Andrew?" asked Sirius a few minutes later.
"Good. He said I have to ask for a separate brewing lab, so that no one can take credit for my work." answered Severus, leaning back against the couch.
"What are you guys talking about?" asked Remus.
"Severus is going to work for St. Mungo's this summer." answered Sirius.
"Really? That's great." said Remus. He seemed genuinely happy and a little envious.
"I'll be adjusting the potions, based on their research and I'll probably be doing some general brewing, too. It's a great opportunity."
"I wish I could work at St. Mungo's. I've always wanted to be a healer. I mean, I know it can't happen but that's what I would have done if I could." said Remus.
They were all quiet for a second. "You can't sign up for the healer training, but that doesn't mean you can't work there. I bet Poppy would take you on as an apprentice if you ask and you can volunteer at St. Mungo's in the summer." said Severus.
"I don't know, Severus."
"If it's what you really want, you shouldn't let your condition stop you from going after it."
"He's right, Moony. You can do it. Who knows, things could change for werewolves in a few years." added Sirius.
"Maybe you're right. It means a lot to me that you guys think I can do it." said Remus.
Severus drain his mug and stood up. "I should go check on the skele gro. You guys stay. I'll be back in half an hour." he announced as he turned to leave.
….
Severus stirred the potion five times clockwise, then added one more scarab beetle to the cauldron and adjusted the heat. He was about to open the lab's door to leave, when he heard Professor Slughorn arguing with someone. Severus backed away from the door as recognized Dumbledore's voice. He busied himself with arranging the ingredients and cleaning his work table until he heard the Headmaster leave.
When Severus stepped into Horace's office, the Professor was pouring himself a glass of fire whiskey. Not much of the whiskey ended up in the glass as the man's hand shook. Severus rushed forward and took the bottle. "Let me do that, Horace." he said.
Horace sat heavily on one of the armchairs and buried his face in his hands. Severus poured the whiskey and put the glass in the man's hands.
"You weren't listening, were you?" asked Horace after taking a sip. Severus shook his head as he sat down on the other armchair.
"He wants me to quit. What the hell am I supposed to do if I lose my job, here? I'm too old to start over somewhere else and Merlin knows I'm not fit to stand by a cauldron all day." said the Professor.
"Dumbledore wants you to quit? He can't do that. You're a senior staff member and head of house. He can't make you do anything you don't want to."
Horace took a large sip of his drink. "He has something on me." he said and stared at somewhere in the space. "Tom Riddle, the current dark Lord was a student of mine."
"The dark Lord Voldemort?"
"Yes. Brilliant boy. He had it all, good looks, charm, natural power. Albus was the only teacher who didn't like him." he continued, a look of nostalgia settling on his face. "The boy asked me about something dark once and I answered his questions. Apparently in Hogsmeade he had confronted Albus and bragged that one of Albus' own teachers had helped him achieve undefeatable power. I've denied it, of course, but Albus knows I'm lying. I'm the only teacher left in the school from Tom's school years, after all. He wants me to hand in my resignation by the end of the year."
"He's going to want you back." said Severus after a few minutes of silence. "It's not that easy to find a potion Professor. Being able to control one cauldron while brewing is one thing, keeping an eye on a dozen of them is another story. He must realize that."
"He does. That's why he wants you."
"Me?" asked Severus in shock. "You know I'd never take your job, Horace. Not after everything you have done for me." he said earnestly. "I'm more fit for research anyway."
Horace sighed. "Perhaps it would be better if I leave. I'd probably go crazy without all of you kids around to keep me company, but I do have enough money saved to live comfortably." he said quietly. "It's not like I can handle the extra work when you're gone."
"I'll come by and help with the brewing any time I can. I promise."
"I'll hold you up to that, lad." said Horace with a half-smile. "You better get back to your studies. Just remember, Albus doesn't give up that easily and he usually gets what he wants."
