Hey everyone,
Wow, this chapter is not going to be easy. A chapter where present Severus Snape gets to see how future Severus Snape behaves and treats the son of the girl who had been his first ever friend? That is not going to be easy. And for those of you wondering: NO! I am not going to let Severus be the reader; that is overdone.
Okay, have fun,
Venquine1990
PS. The title of this chapter is actually a spinoff of a very popular pastel horses song. Try and find it. Just change future to past and see what you think of it. Personally, I love that song.
Neville's POV
I got the chance to take a glance at the title of next chapter as I am sitting quite close to the Queen and I think: "That is not going to be an easy chapter." And with that thought I look at the teen who might just grow into the man that the chapter is about before my gaze wonders to the one person that has done nothing but confuse me.
Lindilwen also known as Lily Evans, the future wife of Jaurion "James" Potter and future mother to one of my very best friends. Something about her just rubs me the wrong way and I wonder if, by any chance, she made the most changes in character out of everyone I met in this timeline over the next coming years.
"Did getting into a relationship with Prince Jaurion really change her that much? Did it actually make her as caring, heartfelt and amazing as Gran always told me about? Is her not getting into a relationship with the prince actually keeping her from becoming that amazing woman? And why is she fighting that change anyway?"
I then look at the one person who will be hurting the worst if my thoughts get proven true and think: "What – what would happen to Hari if his parents don't get together? Will – will all this be for naught? Will he just disappear? Will I lose my friend? And is there even anyway we can make sure that doesn't happen?"
And with that do I look at the man he is sitting with and soundlessly tell him: "We need to talk." And the man distracts Hari from noticing before he mouths back: "Later, when we're on break." And I nod at him as I think: "I just hope that break happens before things take a turn for the worst. I have to make sure that happens."
And with that I ask: "Your Grace, would you be opposed to me reading next?" Yet instantly Hermione shows her caring side as she asks: "Are you sure, Neville? He really didn't treat you that greatly back then." And while I wonder how she knew, do I just smile and shrug at her before I take the book and start the chapter.
Chapter eight
The Potions Master
And instantly the Snakes in the room as well as Lindilwen look up before Severus asks: "Is there any reason you would prefer to be the reader of this instead of me?" To which I ask: "Remember what you asked about the missed opportunity? Cause that didn't stop at the Feast." And the teenage Snake grimaces at this as I read on.
"There, look."… again, staring.
And instantly Hari groans and hides his face in his godfather's shoulder as his grandmother says: "Hari dear, those people obviously revered the title, but didn't respect it. I can assure you that your popularity as a Prince will be quite different." And her grandson sends her a grateful smile at hearing this as I continue reading.
Harry wished … to classes.
"Ehm, isn't that Percy's job?" Charlie asks and the redhead in question turns red as Ron sighs and says: "Percy was always on his way to the Great Hall by the time we came out of our dorms." Making the second eldest send a shocked confused look at the third eldest in the family, yet I personally don't really care anymore as I read on.
There were … a lot.
By now all of us have loving smiles on our faces as we remember how gorgeous Hogwarts has been before the war affected it directly and caused so much damage to the one incredible castle that had been our home away from home – or for some of us even our first true home – yet I don't let this overcome me as I read on.
The people … first morning.
"That is so something Po-Valivial would do." Lindilwen then says, yet I can tell that her talk with the Queen has definitely left its mark on her as her voice doesn't sound as condescending as before, yet then Hari smiles and says: "Just wait with that sentence, it really was just a case of bad luck." And with that do I read on.
Filch found … third floor.
This shocks the future princess of this world and I see Percy turning red as he groans and says: "Okay, I take full responsibility for that one. If I had properly done my job instead of pulled a Lockhart like I did all year, they would have never even gotten near that thing." And while Ron seems shocked at hearing him say this, does Peter ask:
"Wait, Lockhart? Isn't that that third year Ravenclaw that thinks he can create a Philosopher's Stone in the next few years?" To which Percy, the twins, Ron, Hari, Ginny, Hermione and I shout: "HE'S A RAVENCLAW?" And while Peter yelps in fear, does Hari turn to Luna and say: "I am so sorry for you, Luna."
And the girl smiles at him as she says: "Don't be, you and Ron made sure he finally got rid of all the Nargles that were bothering him." Yet while I see that others are wondering what she means, do Ron and Hari share a look before Ron mutters: "Well, not all of them." And while the girl says: "Oh, how sad." Do I just read on.
He wouldn't … seconds later.
"Sure wonder why he got rid of that owl of his." I hear Jaurion mutter and I ask: "He had an owl?" The slightly younger teen nods and says: "A nasty looking thing, seriously resembles a vulture more than an owl, it does. I can only assume that it'll die somewhere in the coming years." And I nod, not really caring as I read on.
Filch knew … good kick.
"We actually pull a few pranks from time to time to that owl of his." Sirius snickers and instantly Charlie turns on him and asks: "Pranks? Describe pranks?" And the younger Lion turns white before he says: "Hey, cool it. We just trick her into confiscating stuff we no longer need, nothing more." And the Weasley nods as I read on.
And then … used for.
This alone makes me smile as I remember how happy I actually was fighting alongside her and throwing all kinds of dangerous plants down from the Astronomy Tower to the approaching Death Eaters and other bastards and then seeing the Professor either make sure it would hit the right target or strengthen the plants' powers.
It had definitely been horrible that, plenty of times, our thrown objects actually came too late and that we had a first-person view of friends and loved ones falling, some of their screams actually reaching us all the way up in our tower, yet we had fought like mad and all of us had lived to tell the tale, at which I read on with quiet relief.
Easily the … of sight.
At this Lindilwen actually giggles and she says: "I – I can't believe I'm saying this, but – he must have been excited over the idea that – that you might have inherited my Charms talent." And instantly, even though she had been hesitant to say it, the younger girl sees the effect her words have on my best friend.
His whole face lights up with utter ecstasy over being tentatively recognized by the younger girl as her son and his eyes start shining so brightly I would almost say they outshine the gems they are supposed to resemble and while I can tell that this alone shocks the redhead, does she then show him a gentle smile as I continue reading.
Professor McGonagall … first class.
Yet here Harry instantly turns slightly melancholic and he says: "You know, McGonagall has really proven herself this last year and I know it sounds slightly wrong and selfish, but – heh, I just wish it hadn't taken Hogwarts being taken over before she proved her honest worth." Yet this shocks the present teens and Jaurion asks:
"What do you mean?" And Hari leans back against the seat he shares with Snuffles as he says: "It's just – I can count all the times she came to our common room in our first four years on two hands – and leave fingers left." And while this seems to shock the teens from the past, do I hate having to agree with my friend as I read on.
"Transfiguration is … been warned."
"So tell me, kiddo, you got any of our talents or are the teachers and their expectations making it hard for you to enjoy our favorite classes?" Jaurion asks and Hari smiles a he says: "Let me put it this way, charms like Diffindo are my favorite and I nailed my first year exams." This makes the other teen smile at his son as he asks:
"So, you're the Artistic kind of caster, are you?" To which Hari smirks from him to Lupin before he pulls out his wand and instantly just by looking at the grin on his face do I feel excitement filling me up as I can already guess exactly which spell he is about to use and I sit up a little more straight along with most of my friends.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry happily states the incantation and the gorgeous, proud looking, familiar stag bursts from his wand, prancing around the incredible room and more than ever representing the late Lord Potter of the Eighties as the enchantment on the room makes it look as if it is dancing across the clouds around us.
All of the teens of the present look flabbergasted at the gorgeous bit of magic as its shine is brighter than I have ever seen it and the details on its antlers, muzzle and fur look utterly amazing, yet then I see Ron and Hermione share a look and I nod at them before all of us happily pull out our wands and shout the same incantation.
And with that do a hare, an otter, a Jack Russel Terrier, a lynx, a tigress cub, a gorgeous swan, an eagle, an armadillo reptile, a huge bear-like dog and a wolf join the stag in its prance and I look around, smiling widely when I see that Bill, Fleur, Lupin and Snuffles have all joined my friends and I in casting the spell.
"When did you learn that?" Lindilwen, Jaurion and his friends and Severus all ask in shock – and the boys other than Severus in amazed excitement – and Hari answers: "Third year, I had to." To which we go on: "Fifth year, Hari taught us." And then Lupin answers: "I learned it next year." And then Snuffles shrugs and says:
"It kept me sane in the last year before my accident – don't ask." Yet this actually makes the stag falter and instantly Snuffles guides his Patronus to run closer alongside the beast, his movement causing for soft rays of light to shine off of the dog and obviously affecting both the stag Patronus as well as its caster at the same time.
"Fleur and I learned it after our wedding, during Hari's seventh. We taught ourselves and the state of our world helped us feel the need to do so." Bill then says and Jaurion asks: "Wait, you mean Dementors were just openly roaming the land?" And Hari, Ron and Hermione are the ones nodding, making him whiten in utter fear.
We then focus back on our charm, yet I drop my own and say: "Keep them up, guys. I'll keep reading.""Will they really be necessary? Surely nothing too bad happens?" Lindilwen asks fearfully and Ron answers: "Nah, but they are nice to have around." The girl nods and while the Patronuses run around us, do I read on.
Then she … a joke.
"That is so not good." The king mutters and he goes on as he says: "I know we have different classes for the different kinds of Elves in our world, but even those who would rather be a Librarian than a Castle Guard are always guaranteed of top notch Defensive Magic Classes. Does the same not count for Hogwarts anymore?"
And Hari shakes his head as he says: "I know you went to Hogwarts twice, the second time being at the start of this century, I guess, but somewhere around the fifties, before he went down the path that made him Voldemort, Riddle tried becoming Defense teacher and when he was denied this chance by Dumbledore, he cursed the position."
This shocks the man and he says: "But that's not supposed to be possible. Only –." And instantly the man whitens before he sighs and mutters: "Oh, how a mighty line has fallen." Making many of those around me look at him, some of the Partonuses fading, yet the man doesn't look up from looking into his lap and so I continue reading.
His classroom … head start.
"That really can be a wondrous thing for people like us. And before you ask, guys, my folks always turn crazy when they can study something new and by the time we got close, they were already done with all of their research, making it that much easier for them to seem naturals." Peter tells his friends and Sirius asks:
"So, you're –?" Yet he leaves the question hanging open and Lindilwen asks: "You don't even know if he's Pureblood or not?" And the teen shrugs as he says: "Call me a rebel, but I can't stand how much importance my parents put behind Blood-purity. Made me grow careless, really." And the girl nods as Peter answers:
"Half-Blood, Muggle dad, witch mother. Though my mum definitely loves several things of the Muggle world over the Magical; their drinks, their outdoor structure, their burial grounds. Don't ask." He ends, yet while his friends nod can I not help but feel as if the boy is trying to give off some kind of hint before I read on.
Friday was … said Harry.
"Wish it hadn't required a second war against him for her to take her Headship seriously. Though, I do have to admit one thing. Bloody hell, that woman knows her bloody spellwork." Hari exclaims and because we know he means her spells casted during the last battle, do we all nod in agreement with his feisty words before I read on.
Professor McGonagall … day before.
Yet here Hari and Ron share a shocked look before they chorus: "We thought that was huge?" And instantly I laugh, remembering how hard those two had needed to start working once we all got to our O.W.L.s year, though that was also because of the DA, the war and Umbridge, yet I don't let this ruin my enjoyment as I read on.
Just then … school owls.
And this behavior is now repeated by said owl as she happily soars around the cloud and sky based room before soaring down to land on her master's shoulder and start preening his hair, her amber eyes falling on the broom in his lap and her beak letting out a sound of sheer delight at seeing it before she goes on with her work.
And just like every other time the owl has made her presence known, which hadn't been often as the owl had kept to herself and the other pets for most of the reading, do Harry's eyes tear up with pained glee, proving he still has a hint of trouble believing he has his first friend back in his life. And at this heartfelt sight, do I continue reading.
This morning … off again.
Here Lupin sighs and we all look at him as he says: "I know it was mentioned in the chapter just now, but I hate how this sounds as if this was your first letter all school year. I actually send you a care package on the third and, by the sounds of it, you never received it." At this Hari shakes his head and answers the man:
"I didn't even know you existed until my third. Because of – well, Halloween and Third, people were just very savvy with keeping things a secret from me, even if they did concern topics I had a natural right to know – such as my parents." And this seems to stop Mrs. Weasley from objecting quite well before I hear him grumble:
"They can make restorative draughts out of screaming plants and hide entire houses and castles with only a few charms, but they can't think of ways to tell me about my parents and not mention a single event? Seriously." And this makes the younger teens from this year share a worried look with each other before I continue reading.
It was … so far.
At this Severus sighs in defeat, yet I barely notice it as I share flabbergasted looks with my friends before we all start to chortle and Hari is actually the first to break, laughing so hard he falls right back against a set of clouds and we all follow him, all of us laughing about a small part of the single sentence I just read.
"The worst thing that happened so far? It is just so unbelievable that Hari actually thought that back then. It's just –." Yet then I realize what I am about to think and instantly my humor is replaced with pain and I mutter: "It's unbelievable how normal and innocent your thoughts were back then. How completely teenage-like."
And instantly my friends also stop laughing, all of them looking at me shocked before they too sigh and turn to look sad. "Wait, I'm confused." Peter says and I explain: "Snape – Snape – definitely became worse as years progressed, but – even he was tame compared to the rest." And while the lad cringes at this, do I read on.
At the … hated him.
"Oh Merlin, I can't believe this happened." Severus then groans before he turns to Jaurion and says: "I turned into you." And Jaurion looks shocked before Sirius says: "You mean, the James that he showed to the world at large." Yet here Severus sneers and says: "No, I mean the Potter I met on our first train ride to Hogwarts."
And to my shock do both father and son cringe at this, yet then Sirius glares at Severus and sneers: "Trust me, Sn – Snape, there are parts of that event that even you don't know about." This makes the future Potions Master send him a look that proves he very much doubts this and yet it is Jaurion that speaks and says:
"If you recall correctly, it was you who searched Lindilwen out and found her in our compartment. Sirius and I had been the ones making all the comments, but – if you recall correctly – Remy and Pete were there as well, just quiet and to themselves. And three times a guess what House members caused that behavior of theirs?"
This seems to shock both Severus and – for some strange reason – Hari and while I wonder when the boy found out about this meeting, does Jaurion just say one last thing: "Remember this, Snape. It was not my father, as you have been proven the last few days, that made me desire Lions over Snakes." And with that I read on.
Potions lessons … new — celebrity."
Here Severus sighs and Remus says: "Strange. You don't strike me as the type to hate someone for being famous." But then Severus shocks me as he says: "It's not that. I probably – or my future self – probably hates the fame Hari gets for surviving – what my dearest, first friend did not." And the younger wolf nods as I read on.
Draco Malfoy … dark tunnels.
This alone makes the King close his eyes in restrained anger and he sighs to release this before he says: "It certainly would seem as if your future self –." But then Lupin smiles and says: "Let's call him the Brewer." And the king nods before he says: "It seems that the Brewer is indeed quite proficient in Occlumency."
"Is that bad?" Lindilwen asks and the king answers: "In normal cases, no. Learning Occlumency as you grow up, especially if you take a profession in books, potions, herbs or other things that have many sub-topics. However, in this case, the Brewer used it just last chapter to hurt my grandson and that – that makes it wrong."
The girl looks shocked and then the King turns to Severus, but then – to my shock – Hari says: "Severus is like the Brewer the same way that – well, I can't say yet, I'm sorry, but you already know we have a reason to distrust Peter, yet he is not the person we met in our past." The King nods and I read on, feeling slightly shocked.
"You are … to teach."
And while the Marauders had actually become shocked and Peter had actually moved closer to hear what I read better with eyes filled with wonder, do Sirius and Jaurion now chortle themselves while Severus groans in personal revulsion and Remus, Peter and Lucius all send the teen comforting looks before I continue my reading.
More silence … a dunderhead.
Yet here I read ahead and say: "Just to let you all know, this may seem like Snape is trying to just humiliate Hari, I personally think he was trying to see if Hari even had a sliver of his mother's talent inside him. He just – well, he did it in all the wrong ways." And while I receive a grateful smile from Severus at this, do I read on.
"Potter!" said … the air.
"How did you even know that?" Remus asks and Hermione blushes as she says: "I had all of my school books read by the first week, so my parents took me on another visit to the Alley. Only, that then became a weekly tradition all the way into the week of the first." And while this makes her friends chortle, do I read on.
"I don't … with laughter.
"To be honest, I didn't have the answer either. I just – and yes, I know it sounds wrong – enjoyed seeing my favorite teacher humiliate my new rival. That, and seeing you look that clueless just added to my glee." Draco mutters and Ron seems shocked at hearing how sincerely sorry the blonde seems to feel as I continue reading.
"I don't … try her?"
And instantly I see Lindilwen tense as well as see the Marauders and Severus turn to her in utter shock and Severus whispers: "Lindilwen to the core." Yet while the girl tries to hide it, do I see a glimmer of discomfort overcome her before she sends a faux smile her former friend's way, yet I also notice something more worrying.
Hari himself too seems to have noticed the quickly hidden discomfort as he winces at the sight before – even to his own confusion – he suppresses a strange yawn. "He took a nap only last chapter. Even the fight that took place last week didn't tire him out like this. What is going on?" Goes through my mind before I read on.
A few … cheek, Potter."
"Wait, you only took one point? Why?" Sirius asks, apparently shocked and while his friends look at him as if he's lost it, does Severus mutter: "I'm a Snake, Black. I start out small and then increase my efforts the longer I get the chance." And while Sirius now seems to regret even asking the question, do I sigh and continue reading.
Things didn't … the fire?"
"Severus, how in Merlin's name are you still a teacher? This sounds like you have been treating students like this for at least several years, but – surely –." Lucius is actually the one complaining, yet then Hari, who seems to look fatigued again, interrupts him and says: "He had his uses." Yet he keeps silent after this and thus I read on.
Neville whimpered … the quills?
"HIS BACK WAS TURNED!" Sirius shouts and Jaurion follows this as he yells: "HE COULD NOT HAVE SEEN THAT!" And Remus actually joins forces with Lupin, who chorus as they shout: "THAT'S YOUR JOB, NOT HIS!" And this last one shocks Severus as well as others more than the others, thus embarrassing Lupin.
"Feeling insulted, are we?" Hari then quips and everyone looks confused, except for Lupin as he mutters: "It was the right thing to for me to do." Yet Lucius seems to take this the wrong way as he asks: "Since when are you responsible for reprimanding one of my House?" Yet Hari shakes his head as he says:
"That's not what he meant, Lucius. Or was it, professor?" And this shocks those of the present, yet then Hari coughs and when we all look at him, we see him smirking and twirling his wand as he says: "I had to, remember?" And instantly the man gets overwhelmed with compliments of his teaching skills before I continue reading.
Thought he'd … very nasty."
"In time I'm sure I will. Which really makes me wonder what uses I could possibly have when I am clearly lacking the required teaching skills." At this he and Lucius both turn to Hari, yet the boy has his head leaning on Snuffles' shoulder as he says: "Discovered those a week ago." And both Snakes sigh at this as I continue reading.
As they … Fang —back."
"Who is that?" Sirius asks and instantly Hari and Ron seem to have trouble holding back laughter, yet it seems as if Sirius knows exactly why as he instantly shoots out of his seat and asks: "HOW DID YOU FIND OUT?" To which Snuffles says: "He is my godson, remember?" And this helps the teen settle down as I read on.
Hagrid's big … he looked.
"Of course not, Fang has a scary name, so of course Hagrid trains it to be like a newborn spaniel pup or something." Jaurion says, yet here Hari and Ron share a worried look and then Ron says: "That's not always true. He also had three pets named Buckbeak, Whitherwings and Aragog. We met them in the Second, Third and Sixth."
"And those were?" Lucius asks, his voice proving that he is testing the waters and wondering whether Jaurion's theory of Hagrid naming dangerous beasts with cute names gets proven right before Ron says: "The first two were Hippogriffs and you don't want to know about the third." Making the blonde shudder as I read on.
"This is … the forest."
"Hagrid, there is trying to make a good impression – and there is failing said good impression by freakin' lying." Charlie snorts before he says: "First of, we just got proven that the twins never went willingly and two, you always invited me." And while this seems to shock Mrs. Weasley out of her need to rant, do I just continue.
The rock … to it."
"Heh, that owl's worse. We missed out on a total of 256 pranks thanks to that little runt stealing some of our most essential pranking gear." Sirius grumbles, yet this makes Hari and Ron share a shocked look and Ron mutters: "Did that owl steal – it?" And Hari shrugs in contemplation, yet doesn't answer to which I read on.
Harry told … the students.
"Then why am I a teacher?" Severus asks, his voice proving how he just wouldn't have been able to read this chapter himself and none of us have the answer. At this the teen sighs before he leans back, Lucius seated in such a position that Severus leans against his shoulder and while the elder Snake embraces him, do I read on.
"But he … on purpose.
"How is that even fair? Hagrid met your relatives, so he knows how little you know about our past. Why would he purposely keep you from hearing about it?" Jaurion asks and Hari grumbles: "Because he focuses more on one single event than the eleven years he knew you guys." And this shocks his father as I continue reading.
While Ron … this afternoon.
"The Guard Elves are not going to like hearing that." The king says and we all look at him as he says: "Our world does do trades with the Human world, especially the Magical and Gringotts' reputation is definitely known even here. Yet the Guard Elves have only just agreed to start guarding some of our treasures in Gringotts' Vaults.
If they then hear that Gringotts will have its reputation ruined in little over a decade – that is not going to help boost their confidence in their latest task." Yet then Hari says: "But I thought only Royal Elves were allowed to enter war-filled zones and Ariador was never informed of the war ending in 1981 or of you and dad dying."
Here his grandfather sighs as he says: "Good point, though I really would have preferred it if they had known, if only so they could have taken over where your folks left off. It would have made your life a lot safer." Yet I can instantly read Hari's mind as he thinks: "And put everyone else at risk." Making me sigh before I read on.
Harry remembered … were there!"
"This is part of the plot line, isn't it?" Severus asks and while I can tell that he is just happy that the chapter has stopped being about him, does Hari nod before Cedric grins and says: "Awesome, we get to experience a Harry Potter adventure from his own perspective. Don't ask." And while Hari groans in annoyance, do I snicker and read on.
There was … tell Harry?
"My guesses? Yes. Hogwarts, I guess. And for the wrong reasons, but apparently so." Sirius says and Severus groans again before Lucius asks: "Will next chapter be any less – bad Brewer – related?" And I read the next title in shock before I say: "Probably, though it seems the torch will be passed on." And the blonde groans.
Yet then Severus stands up and asks: "Can all those that the Brewer once taught please stand up?" And instantly everyone from Bill and Charlie to Ginny, Luna and I get up before Severus sighs and says: "I know we already – separated present from future, but still, I feel I have to say this, if only to prove myself something vital."
At this I think: "There is no way he would do that, will he?" And to my shock, does the teen say: "I'm sorry. I know this is your past and my future, but you still suffered through it and – while I won't know why I will be like that for a long time, do I know one thing; my future is not today." And this makes us all smile in pride.
Hey everyone,
I have an important question to you all: SHOULD I use the Harry Potter wiki for background info on the characters or should I create my own? I know, with the whole creation of Ariador, that creating my own background sounds more believable, but if you would prefer bits of canon to be implemented, I will happily do so.
LET ME KNOW,
Venquine1990