The Houses Competition (or THC)
House: Slytherin
Class : Charms
Category (Drabble/Standard): Drabble
Prompt(s) chosen: [character] Horace Slughorn
Word Count: 942
Disclaimers/triggers: Marauder Era
Betas: Dev 3, Aya, Dharish, Ash & Hope
Overlooked
The lanky young man bent over his cauldron, eyes trained on the task at hand, paying no attention to his surroundings. It was close to watching an artist so focused on his art that the world beyond its scope was meaningless.
Horace Slughorn was familiar with the intense, unperturbed nature of Mister Snape when brewing. But Walter McKinnon, standing next to him in observation, did not seem as impressed.
Horace had never considered Walter vain enough to discredit talent over appearances. Horace squeezed his thumbs into the shallow pockets of his waistcoat, leaned his head toward the Healer-in-Charge of St. Mungo's Poisoning Department, and spoke quietly, "The boy is brilliant—a prodigy in Potions, if I do say so myself."
McKinnon's blonde eyebrows lifted, nibbling his lips indecisively as he watched the student before him attending his N.E.W.T.s. Walter nodded after a moment, his hand rising to rub his chin. "He's certainly talented; that's plain to see."
Ah, there was the interest he had expected.
Horace doubted this introduction for a moment, but of course, his former pupil would appreciate the promise of young Snape's talent. Clearing his throat, he considered what would entice Walter and began to list the many talents Severus had. "Top of his class, Outstanding in Potions all seven years, keen eye for alchemy, you know, he's never had an accident in practicals. I would say a talent like his will be heavily sought after once these N.E.W.T.s. are scored."
Walter's eyes still focused on the seventh-year student, keenly monitoring his technique as he let out a quiet exhale.
"And Cathal Travers recently got that lucrative promotion to the Dai Llewellyn Ward, an illustrious position. I knew he would do well," Horace announced proudly. He'd always had a nose for the type of student who would go far. Travers was such a student, he was sure—just as he was sure Severus Snape would excel in this field. "That leaves you with an open position that suits someone with his skills."
"Your connections and ability to keep up with the events outside this school amaze me, Horace." Walter chuckled, brown eyes glancing at Horace.
"I'm interested in the success of the members of the Slug Club." Slughorn smirked smugly, sliding his finger over his solid silver pocket watch to check the time. Satisfied that Severus would finish with more than enough time, he closed it. He gave McKinnon a knowing look as he put his hand on his shoulder. "And these connections have helped many distinguished wizards and witches reach their potential, including yourself."
"That's right, and you know I was grateful for that chance to prove myself." Walter nodded before checking back at the lab station where the subject of their conversation worked diligently
Horace then noticed Walter's shoulders tightened, and he didn't know why. "What is your concern then? It's all over your face."
"My only concerns with Mister Snape are his associations and temperament," the Healer said.
Slughorn untucked his fingers from his pocket and held his hands out in clear confusion. "Whatever do you mean, my boy?"
"You know my niece?"
Without doubt, he knew the man's niece. Horace Slughorn had taught all the McKinnons for nearly fifty years. "Marlene—great Beater. Wish I had her on my team. We would have won the House Cup with her last year—she regretfully declined an invitation to the Club."
This anecdote brought a smile to his guest's face before it shrunk, his mouth resting on a thin, tight line instead. "She told me some worrying things about this young man and the company he keeps. You do remember that my wife is a Muggle-born."
Horace's confusion intensified and he nodded with a smile. "Of course. How is Jacquiline?"
"She's doing well," Walter remarked, clearly making note of every move Snape made. "This young man made a Muggle-born girl, a friend of Marlene's, distressed with a slur I refuse to voice. I cannot foresee backing someone who throws that word around."
"I heard of the incident," Horace stumbled, striving to save face and preserve Snape's recommendation. "But it did seem out of character for him. He and Lily, another member of the club, were inseparable up until the event, they were childhood friends. I marked it down as growing pains."
Walter looked at him skeptically from the corner of his eye. "And his supposed involvement with these fanatical 'Death Eaters'?"
Slughorn balked at the group's mention. "Speculation, I'm sure. He doesn't seem the type. With enormous potential in the field, he could revolutionize medicinal potions if given the chance."
"I'm sorry, Horace, but I can't take that risk." Walter shook his head, frowning and resolutely turning his back on Severus to meet Horace's eyes. "My reputation would be on the line, and it was from you that I learned that a wizard's reputation is everything."
"Yes, of course." He never liked it when a supposedly well-matched plan failed, and his face fell as he wet his lips. "I believe if given the chance, he could do great things in your department."
"I will keep an eye on him, and if it is speculation, I will approach him with a different offer. We will have other posts in the fall," Walter compromised, glancing back at the young potioneer.
It was not all a failure, this could still be salvageable, Horace considered, clapping his hands lightly. "Yes, keep Severus in mind."
Walter agreed with a tilt of his head, and then his gaze swept over the other students. "But that leaves me with a job to fill now. Do you have any other recommendations?"