A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! My story is (unfortunately) a little behind the
seasons so expect Christmas and New Years about Mid January. I'm sorry it
took so long to post this, word was acting up and I couldn't write at all
yesterday. Anyway, I felt that I had to mention, I got a very thorough
review of the first 9 chapters, and I've realized a few mistakes. I'm going
to fix the typos and explain everything else, (like why Methos has a
Gameboy at Hogwarts) in the Appendix, which will also contain all the
information on Healers and Seers and anything else of that nature. Anyway,
in this chapter the classes start, and we get out first glimpse of Adam's
teaching style. Also, the Weasley twins plot their first strike. Here ya
go, In Which Classes Begin.
Chapter 12:
In Adam's Rooms:
The Nightmare returned that night. Again Adam awoke, bolting upwards bathed in a cold sweat, his heart pounding. He sighed and fell back against the pillows with a grunt. He stared, eyes wide at the ceiling. For the umpteenth time that month, and the third time in a row Adam knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. He glared at the ceiling and muttered,
"Why me? All I want is some decent sleep. Is that too much to ask?" There was no answer, but Adam didn't expect one. He would have been mighty freaked if there had been in one, but in Hogwarts, after all, anything is possible. With an air of resignation he stood and prepared for his workout, something that he had a feeling was going to become a daily routine, not just something to get over bad dreams. Sword and towel in hand, he cautiously left his room, heading for the empty classroom that served as his makeshift training area.
He quietly opened the door and closed it behind him. He put the towel on the chair by the door and carried his sword into the center of the room with him. Kneeling, he placed it by his side. Closing his eyes, he started his meditation to center himself after the upsetting dream. Images flashed in his minds eye, images of green fire and black wraiths. An evil high- pitched laugh filled his ears, and he flinched, before controlling himself. Slowly the laughter faded and the images subsided. He was at peace.
All at once he exploded into motion, bringing his sword up with him, slicing, parrying, striking, blocking, he was a blur of motion. Then he stopped, poised in position, before starting again slowly, flowing through the moves like water. He stopped again, his muscles screaming, but the rigid stance he held did not show it. He started again, this time alternating between flowing motions and sharp outbursts. Finally he stopped and drew himself up to a standing position, his blade pointing up towards the ceiling in front of his face. With a big shuddering breath, he let the sword fall, rolling his neck and shoulders to stretch out the sore muscles. He put the sword on the floor again and stretched out. Then, picking up his things, he left the room.
Hovering unnoticed at the ceiling, the Blood Baron watched the whole thing. AS he watched he remembered the last time he had seen the ancient move like that. He grinned evilly. He bet Peeves remembered it as well. With an evil chuckle, the specter floated off.
In the Gryffindor Common Room:
"So there you are! I was wondering where you had gotten off to Ron. You normally don't get up this early unless.oh! Hello Hermione. I didn't see you there." Her giggled from her position on the couch, or more aptly, on Ron's lap. Harry had approached from behind and recognized Ron by the back of his extremely tall red head. He noticed Herm when he rounded the chair.
"Good morning Harry."
"Mornin' Harry. Did you see the schedule yet?" Harry shook his head.
"No. Did you?" Nope. I just got it. Our Prefect is running a little late today," he said while tickling Herm. She giggled and batted at his hands.
"Stop that. It's not my fault, anyway. They were just delivered this morning, something about last minute changes." She handed me a piece of parchment. Harry groaned.
"We have potions first. With the Slytherins. Gah!" Ron shuddered and muttered a word that would have turned Mrs. Weasley a bright red to have hard. Herm winced.
"What next?" Harry looked back at the schedule.
"Well, Ron and I have a Divination and you have Ancient Runes." Ron groaned.
"Ugh. Snape and Trelawney, one right after another. Mondays are gonna be hell." Harry nodded.
"Yes, but he have a free period for Divination today, anyway."
"Eh?" Ron raised an eyebrow.
"There's a note on the schedule. It says that class won't start until next week at least. It doesn't say why." Harry looked at he back of the parchment, searching, but say nothing. He looked up at Ron and shrugged, then burst out in laughter when Ron's stomach growled, loudly.
"Oh, be quiet. I'm hungry, it's not a crime."
"It is when you threaten to cause a famine whenever you sit down to eat." Ron turned to her, eyebrows raised.
"Oh really? A famine?" He started tickling her again. He found out she was ticklish over the summer, and delighted in it. He loved making her laugh, and if he got to touch her at the same time, all the better. He stopped, finally, when his stomach growled again, letting Herm's (and Harry's) laughter subside.
"Come on, then. Lets to eat." Still chuckling at the couples' antics, Harry followed them down to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall
Breakfast was by far much more subdued than the feast of the night before. The trio sat at the Gryffindor table, where Ginny was eating her porridge, her eyes barely open, Dean was engrossed in today's Daily Prophet, and Seamus was in serious dander of burring his face in his food. Just before he nodded of completely, each time Dean would reach over and pull Seamus back, waking him a little more. Ron, of course, dug right in, eating porridge, eggs, sausages, ham, bacon, potatoes, biscuits, and really, anything he could get his hands on. Harry had some eggs and potatoes, while Herm simply had some toast and fruit. Herm took a bite of her apple, chewed, and asked Harry,
"Say Harry, what do we have after Lunch?" Harry took out the parchment again.
"History of Magic." Herm clapped her hands.
"Oh, wonderful! We get to meet the new teacher. This is great!" Ron nodded his agreement, not bothering to slow down his feasting. Herm frowned at him.
"Ron, slow down. You're going to make yourself sick." Ron shook his head, gulped down some juice, and replied,
"I know, you would think that wouldn't you. But I've eaten like this all summer and I've never gotten sick. It's weird. It's like I can't get enough food in me fast enough." He resumed to chowing down. Herm looked at him curiously for a moment, then shrugged and went back to her apple. By that time the whole school was present, and Dumbledore appeared, standing, at he staff table.
"Students! I have and announcement that effects most of you. It appears that our esteemed Divination teacher, Professor Trelawney, has fallen ill. She will not be able to teach her classes this year. There were a few half- hearted groans, and a few wails (Lavender and Parvati) but most of the students were silent, not wanting to burst out in joy. Dumbledore continued, "I have called in a replacement, but due to some extenuating circumstances, she will not be here until next week. Until then all Divination classes are canceled." There was applause. They couldn't help it. Minerva smiled contentedly, and Snape smirked. Dumbledore sat down, and breakfast continued.
Snape turned to Adam, who had not reacted to the news in any way, except to stare at Dumbledore, in shock. A replacement for Divination.Adam shook himself mentally. He shouldn't jump to conclusions. There were many wizards and witches qualified to teach divination. It probably wasn't even her.but there was that nagging voice in the back of his head, telling him that he was right. His instincts told him it was her that Dumbledore spoke of, and his instincts were never wrong. He was brought back to reality when Severus spoke.
"Adam? Are you alright?" Adam looked at Severus and smiled. Severus's expression was concerned, though the casual observer would have seen annoyed.
"I'm fine, Sev. Just need a little more sleep at night, that's all." Severus looked skeptical, but nodded.
"If you're sure."
"I am. Really." Severus looked at him for a moment longer and nodded his acceptance.for now. Adam looked back at his breakfast, pushing it around his plate. 'I'm probably just being paranoid,' he thought, 'I mean, just because I've had the Horsemen on my mind lately doesn't mean that all the regrets from that time are going to appear.' But again, there was still that doubt. 'It's probably nothing.' He returned to eating his meal. He would have to have that talk with Dumbledore soon.
Later - in the Potions classroom.
"Very good Mr. Malfoy. I see that someone in this class pays attention." Draco ducked his head, pleased by the praise, and then smiled up at his mentor. Snape almost smiled back, but then continued on to criticize a Gryffindor's potion. Ron turned and whispered to Harry.
"Draco is acting a little weird. He hasn't said word one to us, and when he gets praised he doesn't gloat. What's up with that?" Harry shrugged and stirred the chopped iguana liver into the potion.
"Maybe he's developed a conscience." He glanced up at Snape, quickly. "But Snape is just the same as ever."
"Sigh." Harry smiled and started chopping the spider legs, while Ron continued stirring. A large crash and a loud cry brought their attention up to the front of the room. Snape, Neville, a boy named Chuck and a quarter of the classroom were covered in a thik green goo. Snape was livid.
"Mr. Longbottom. Would you care to explain what you did!" But Neville was shaking too badly to respond at all. "I think it is pretty obvious what happened. You messed up again MR. LONGBOTTOM! Not only that but you have effectively ruined a quarter of my classroom. You and Mr. Helm (Chuck) will stay behind and CLEAN THIS ROOM. Whatever is not cleaned by the end of your Lunch you will finish in DETENTION with me this evening. Am I understood?" They could only nod, Neville reduced to sobs. "You may start now." He looked up at the rest of the class. "When your potion is finished bring me up a vial and you may leave." He looked down at himself in disgust. Over at the sink he grabbed some paper towels and tried to get as much of it off himself as possible. 'at least I don't have a class next.'
Ron looked at Harry. Both returned to their potions, wanting to be done as soon as possible. They finished quickly, but were still the last to leave. On their way out they exchanged glances as they brushed past Adam Pierson as he entered the classroom. He didn't have a class this one or the next, so he had decided to visit his friend. He was halfway there when he heard the screaming, and he proceeded the rest of the way in extreme caution.
Upon entering he stared at the class in shock. He walked silently up next to Severus, who was sitting at his desk, his fingers massaging his temples. "So that's what all the shouting was bout." He said softly to Severus. Sev jumped, not realizing his friend was there.
"Adam! You surprised me. What are you doing here?"
"Free period. I though I would visit."
"Visit?"
"Yup, and I'm glad I did. I'm here just in time."
"For what?
"To cover your class while you go clean up." Severus looked up at him, and laughed softly, shaking his head. "Go shower." Severus stood, resigned.
"Mr. Longbottom." He waited until he looked up. It took about two seconds. "Professor Pierson will be watching you for the next few minutes. I expect you to be on your best behavior. If I find out you pulled any stunts, you will be serving detention with me for a week! Is that understood?" he nodded. "Good. I shall return." With that he swept out of the classroom. Adam stared at the boy scrubbing the floor for a long moment before he spoke.
"So you're Mr. Longbottom." Neville looked up and nodded once, a quick jerky motion. He was scared of this new teacher who seemed so friendly with Snape. His hand shook as he cleaned up the goo. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Longbottom," Adam continued, "especially from Professor Sprout. She seems to think the sun rises and sets on you." That was unexpected. Neville realized he was staring, his mouth open. It snapped shut and he looked down with cheeks flaming. He never really was good at receiving praise. "Professor McGonagall also spoke to me about you. She likes you as well, but admits you are a bit clumsy." The red in Neville's cheeks got impossibly brighter, and his head ducked down further, the brush working double time. Adam watched this for a moment, and waited for the brush to slow once more.
"Professor Snape also spoke of you." Neville froze. Here it comes. "He is of the opinion that you will never completely come to grasp the fine art of potions." Neville sighed, a wet harsh sound. When Adam continued his voice was softer. "But to tell the truth, not everyone is. I failed potions three times and blew up the classroom twice before my teacher pulled me aside and gave me some advice.
"Adam,' he said, 'I know you are a bright student. You're getting top marks in all of your classes.except this one. Why is that.' What do you think I replied?" Neville shrugged his shoulders. "I replied that I could never remember all the ingredients or when they went into the potion or how much to put in.basically I couldn't remember the formula" Neville was looking at him now, the brush moving almost on it's own. He was having that very same problem. "Is that all?' he asked me. 'No,' I replied. I'm also a klutz. Everybody knows it.' 'No, Adam, you are not a klutz. I've seen you in practice,' he meant fencing, ' you are as far from a klutz as I have ever scene. Proper notes can contradict the forgetfulness. Those I know you have, you just need to get your nose out of the air and use them.' I admit it was a nasty habit I had. I would never look at my notes, trying to commit it all to memory. Never do that. It's not worth it most of the time anyway. He continued on to say, 'the real problem here is you are lacking the confidence in yourself needed to excel in this class. And until you realize that potions are just like anything else you'll do fine." Neville was looking at him obviously not believing.
"He gave me an example of what he meant, but I don't think it would apply to you, it goes back to that fencing thing. So I'll adapt it to you." He paused for a moment thinking. "When you work with magical plants you have to be precise, correct?"
"Yes." Neville spoke for the first time, is voice quavering a little.
"And you have to be attentive and make sure that everything is done right or the plant will die?" Neville nodded. "Well, potions are the same way. What make is so different to measure out a cup of eye of newt as opposed to a cup of magical plant grow?" Neville shrugged again.
"I'm not really sure. Plants have always been easy for me. I've worked with them so long it like second nature, and Herbology isn't really magic, not like potions or transfigurations, it's just plants." Adam smiled. There was the 'root' of the problem. (A/N, it wasn't an intentional pun, but I like it.)
"Neville. If it wasn't magic it wouldn't be taught at Hogwarts. Most people don't consider History technically magic either, as you don't work with wands, but it is." Neville looked confused. "History is full of magic, and only a wizard can know this history, just as only a wizard can only work with those plants." He paused again and waited for Neville to look at him. "Once you get over this silly notion that Herbology isn't magic and that you don't belong here you will continue to mess up. But that is something you have to do on you own." He sighed and seemed to deflate just a little, returning to his former image of the strange new teacher, and less of his councilor one. "Now, I suggest that you get cracking on that floor, young man. I believe you want to be finished before lunch if at all possible." Neville nodded and went back to work, cleaning thoroughly, but twice as fast.
Snape returned a few minutes later, but in his haste he forgot to put in his hair grease, (It's similar to the stuff used in Grease) and his hair fell naturally with a healthy shine. His robes were clean and as he walked over to the desk he pulled his hair back with a tie, not realizing the lack of grease. With his hair clean and dressed in fresh robes, his appearance boosted up a few notches. He walked up to Adam.
"Did he give you any problems?" Severus whispered-growled, more for the sake of keeping up appearances than any real malice. The shower had returned him too a rather upbeat mood, though he was certain it wouldn't last. Adam looked at him.
"No problems, and I have a feeling you will be getting less from him as well."
"What do you mean?" But Adam just smiled in that maddeningly enigmatic way of his. He looked Snape over, his eyes coming to rest on his hair.
"Did you do something different to your hair?" Severus looked confused; going over his shower in his head (nice image to all you Snape-lovers out there!) he then realized what Adam was talking about, that he had forgotten his grease. His hand flew up to his hair.
"I forgot to put my stuff in it." Adam nodded.
"On purpose?"
"No."
"You should."
"Eh?"
"Forget it on purpose. You look better without it."
"Oh." Severus blushed faintly, but only Adam noticed. Adam grinned, then looked at his watch.
"Well, it's almost lunchtime. I wanted to go set the final touches to my classroom before then, so I'll be off. I'll see you then Severus. Goodbye Mr. Longbottom."
"Goodbye, sir."
"I'll see you then Adam." Adam left and Severus sat down at his desk, steepling his hands. He looked over at Neville. He had it all off the floor, and was working on the walls, which had started to dry, making it more solid, and less likely to drip. Neville as well was starting to solidify. Severus sighed.
"I believe you are done for now Mr. Longbottom. I recommend that you wash yourself of before you turn into a statue. You can finish the cleaning later tonight during your detention. You may go." Neville dropped the brush in the bucket and placed them both in the sink. He collected his books and turned to go.
"Thank you professor," he said as he paused before Severus's desk. Severus nodded and Neville hurried off to get a new robe and take a shower. Severus remained there in thought, stroking his beard until lunchtime.
TBC.
A/N wow, that took a while. Ok, so the story Adam fed Neville was a complete load of bull. Oh well, it worked at giving Neville some confidence. So far Snape, Draco, and now Neville go through a transformation in this story. Sorry it took so long for me to post, school just started up again, and I have a big English test tomorrow, and a geometry test soon, and a History paper due, and novel to read.and I still find time to write this wonderful story. Ain't I grand! Anyway, next chapter is the one you're all been waiting for, Adam's History of Magic class. Don't you like the way I managed to find a legitimate reason for Snape's hair, and how to clean it up without his sounding totally disgusting? I do. Anyway, more to come soon! R/R!
Chapter 12:
In Adam's Rooms:
The Nightmare returned that night. Again Adam awoke, bolting upwards bathed in a cold sweat, his heart pounding. He sighed and fell back against the pillows with a grunt. He stared, eyes wide at the ceiling. For the umpteenth time that month, and the third time in a row Adam knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. He glared at the ceiling and muttered,
"Why me? All I want is some decent sleep. Is that too much to ask?" There was no answer, but Adam didn't expect one. He would have been mighty freaked if there had been in one, but in Hogwarts, after all, anything is possible. With an air of resignation he stood and prepared for his workout, something that he had a feeling was going to become a daily routine, not just something to get over bad dreams. Sword and towel in hand, he cautiously left his room, heading for the empty classroom that served as his makeshift training area.
He quietly opened the door and closed it behind him. He put the towel on the chair by the door and carried his sword into the center of the room with him. Kneeling, he placed it by his side. Closing his eyes, he started his meditation to center himself after the upsetting dream. Images flashed in his minds eye, images of green fire and black wraiths. An evil high- pitched laugh filled his ears, and he flinched, before controlling himself. Slowly the laughter faded and the images subsided. He was at peace.
All at once he exploded into motion, bringing his sword up with him, slicing, parrying, striking, blocking, he was a blur of motion. Then he stopped, poised in position, before starting again slowly, flowing through the moves like water. He stopped again, his muscles screaming, but the rigid stance he held did not show it. He started again, this time alternating between flowing motions and sharp outbursts. Finally he stopped and drew himself up to a standing position, his blade pointing up towards the ceiling in front of his face. With a big shuddering breath, he let the sword fall, rolling his neck and shoulders to stretch out the sore muscles. He put the sword on the floor again and stretched out. Then, picking up his things, he left the room.
Hovering unnoticed at the ceiling, the Blood Baron watched the whole thing. AS he watched he remembered the last time he had seen the ancient move like that. He grinned evilly. He bet Peeves remembered it as well. With an evil chuckle, the specter floated off.
In the Gryffindor Common Room:
"So there you are! I was wondering where you had gotten off to Ron. You normally don't get up this early unless.oh! Hello Hermione. I didn't see you there." Her giggled from her position on the couch, or more aptly, on Ron's lap. Harry had approached from behind and recognized Ron by the back of his extremely tall red head. He noticed Herm when he rounded the chair.
"Good morning Harry."
"Mornin' Harry. Did you see the schedule yet?" Harry shook his head.
"No. Did you?" Nope. I just got it. Our Prefect is running a little late today," he said while tickling Herm. She giggled and batted at his hands.
"Stop that. It's not my fault, anyway. They were just delivered this morning, something about last minute changes." She handed me a piece of parchment. Harry groaned.
"We have potions first. With the Slytherins. Gah!" Ron shuddered and muttered a word that would have turned Mrs. Weasley a bright red to have hard. Herm winced.
"What next?" Harry looked back at the schedule.
"Well, Ron and I have a Divination and you have Ancient Runes." Ron groaned.
"Ugh. Snape and Trelawney, one right after another. Mondays are gonna be hell." Harry nodded.
"Yes, but he have a free period for Divination today, anyway."
"Eh?" Ron raised an eyebrow.
"There's a note on the schedule. It says that class won't start until next week at least. It doesn't say why." Harry looked at he back of the parchment, searching, but say nothing. He looked up at Ron and shrugged, then burst out in laughter when Ron's stomach growled, loudly.
"Oh, be quiet. I'm hungry, it's not a crime."
"It is when you threaten to cause a famine whenever you sit down to eat." Ron turned to her, eyebrows raised.
"Oh really? A famine?" He started tickling her again. He found out she was ticklish over the summer, and delighted in it. He loved making her laugh, and if he got to touch her at the same time, all the better. He stopped, finally, when his stomach growled again, letting Herm's (and Harry's) laughter subside.
"Come on, then. Lets to eat." Still chuckling at the couples' antics, Harry followed them down to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall
Breakfast was by far much more subdued than the feast of the night before. The trio sat at the Gryffindor table, where Ginny was eating her porridge, her eyes barely open, Dean was engrossed in today's Daily Prophet, and Seamus was in serious dander of burring his face in his food. Just before he nodded of completely, each time Dean would reach over and pull Seamus back, waking him a little more. Ron, of course, dug right in, eating porridge, eggs, sausages, ham, bacon, potatoes, biscuits, and really, anything he could get his hands on. Harry had some eggs and potatoes, while Herm simply had some toast and fruit. Herm took a bite of her apple, chewed, and asked Harry,
"Say Harry, what do we have after Lunch?" Harry took out the parchment again.
"History of Magic." Herm clapped her hands.
"Oh, wonderful! We get to meet the new teacher. This is great!" Ron nodded his agreement, not bothering to slow down his feasting. Herm frowned at him.
"Ron, slow down. You're going to make yourself sick." Ron shook his head, gulped down some juice, and replied,
"I know, you would think that wouldn't you. But I've eaten like this all summer and I've never gotten sick. It's weird. It's like I can't get enough food in me fast enough." He resumed to chowing down. Herm looked at him curiously for a moment, then shrugged and went back to her apple. By that time the whole school was present, and Dumbledore appeared, standing, at he staff table.
"Students! I have and announcement that effects most of you. It appears that our esteemed Divination teacher, Professor Trelawney, has fallen ill. She will not be able to teach her classes this year. There were a few half- hearted groans, and a few wails (Lavender and Parvati) but most of the students were silent, not wanting to burst out in joy. Dumbledore continued, "I have called in a replacement, but due to some extenuating circumstances, she will not be here until next week. Until then all Divination classes are canceled." There was applause. They couldn't help it. Minerva smiled contentedly, and Snape smirked. Dumbledore sat down, and breakfast continued.
Snape turned to Adam, who had not reacted to the news in any way, except to stare at Dumbledore, in shock. A replacement for Divination.Adam shook himself mentally. He shouldn't jump to conclusions. There were many wizards and witches qualified to teach divination. It probably wasn't even her.but there was that nagging voice in the back of his head, telling him that he was right. His instincts told him it was her that Dumbledore spoke of, and his instincts were never wrong. He was brought back to reality when Severus spoke.
"Adam? Are you alright?" Adam looked at Severus and smiled. Severus's expression was concerned, though the casual observer would have seen annoyed.
"I'm fine, Sev. Just need a little more sleep at night, that's all." Severus looked skeptical, but nodded.
"If you're sure."
"I am. Really." Severus looked at him for a moment longer and nodded his acceptance.for now. Adam looked back at his breakfast, pushing it around his plate. 'I'm probably just being paranoid,' he thought, 'I mean, just because I've had the Horsemen on my mind lately doesn't mean that all the regrets from that time are going to appear.' But again, there was still that doubt. 'It's probably nothing.' He returned to eating his meal. He would have to have that talk with Dumbledore soon.
Later - in the Potions classroom.
"Very good Mr. Malfoy. I see that someone in this class pays attention." Draco ducked his head, pleased by the praise, and then smiled up at his mentor. Snape almost smiled back, but then continued on to criticize a Gryffindor's potion. Ron turned and whispered to Harry.
"Draco is acting a little weird. He hasn't said word one to us, and when he gets praised he doesn't gloat. What's up with that?" Harry shrugged and stirred the chopped iguana liver into the potion.
"Maybe he's developed a conscience." He glanced up at Snape, quickly. "But Snape is just the same as ever."
"Sigh." Harry smiled and started chopping the spider legs, while Ron continued stirring. A large crash and a loud cry brought their attention up to the front of the room. Snape, Neville, a boy named Chuck and a quarter of the classroom were covered in a thik green goo. Snape was livid.
"Mr. Longbottom. Would you care to explain what you did!" But Neville was shaking too badly to respond at all. "I think it is pretty obvious what happened. You messed up again MR. LONGBOTTOM! Not only that but you have effectively ruined a quarter of my classroom. You and Mr. Helm (Chuck) will stay behind and CLEAN THIS ROOM. Whatever is not cleaned by the end of your Lunch you will finish in DETENTION with me this evening. Am I understood?" They could only nod, Neville reduced to sobs. "You may start now." He looked up at the rest of the class. "When your potion is finished bring me up a vial and you may leave." He looked down at himself in disgust. Over at the sink he grabbed some paper towels and tried to get as much of it off himself as possible. 'at least I don't have a class next.'
Ron looked at Harry. Both returned to their potions, wanting to be done as soon as possible. They finished quickly, but were still the last to leave. On their way out they exchanged glances as they brushed past Adam Pierson as he entered the classroom. He didn't have a class this one or the next, so he had decided to visit his friend. He was halfway there when he heard the screaming, and he proceeded the rest of the way in extreme caution.
Upon entering he stared at the class in shock. He walked silently up next to Severus, who was sitting at his desk, his fingers massaging his temples. "So that's what all the shouting was bout." He said softly to Severus. Sev jumped, not realizing his friend was there.
"Adam! You surprised me. What are you doing here?"
"Free period. I though I would visit."
"Visit?"
"Yup, and I'm glad I did. I'm here just in time."
"For what?
"To cover your class while you go clean up." Severus looked up at him, and laughed softly, shaking his head. "Go shower." Severus stood, resigned.
"Mr. Longbottom." He waited until he looked up. It took about two seconds. "Professor Pierson will be watching you for the next few minutes. I expect you to be on your best behavior. If I find out you pulled any stunts, you will be serving detention with me for a week! Is that understood?" he nodded. "Good. I shall return." With that he swept out of the classroom. Adam stared at the boy scrubbing the floor for a long moment before he spoke.
"So you're Mr. Longbottom." Neville looked up and nodded once, a quick jerky motion. He was scared of this new teacher who seemed so friendly with Snape. His hand shook as he cleaned up the goo. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Longbottom," Adam continued, "especially from Professor Sprout. She seems to think the sun rises and sets on you." That was unexpected. Neville realized he was staring, his mouth open. It snapped shut and he looked down with cheeks flaming. He never really was good at receiving praise. "Professor McGonagall also spoke to me about you. She likes you as well, but admits you are a bit clumsy." The red in Neville's cheeks got impossibly brighter, and his head ducked down further, the brush working double time. Adam watched this for a moment, and waited for the brush to slow once more.
"Professor Snape also spoke of you." Neville froze. Here it comes. "He is of the opinion that you will never completely come to grasp the fine art of potions." Neville sighed, a wet harsh sound. When Adam continued his voice was softer. "But to tell the truth, not everyone is. I failed potions three times and blew up the classroom twice before my teacher pulled me aside and gave me some advice.
"Adam,' he said, 'I know you are a bright student. You're getting top marks in all of your classes.except this one. Why is that.' What do you think I replied?" Neville shrugged his shoulders. "I replied that I could never remember all the ingredients or when they went into the potion or how much to put in.basically I couldn't remember the formula" Neville was looking at him now, the brush moving almost on it's own. He was having that very same problem. "Is that all?' he asked me. 'No,' I replied. I'm also a klutz. Everybody knows it.' 'No, Adam, you are not a klutz. I've seen you in practice,' he meant fencing, ' you are as far from a klutz as I have ever scene. Proper notes can contradict the forgetfulness. Those I know you have, you just need to get your nose out of the air and use them.' I admit it was a nasty habit I had. I would never look at my notes, trying to commit it all to memory. Never do that. It's not worth it most of the time anyway. He continued on to say, 'the real problem here is you are lacking the confidence in yourself needed to excel in this class. And until you realize that potions are just like anything else you'll do fine." Neville was looking at him obviously not believing.
"He gave me an example of what he meant, but I don't think it would apply to you, it goes back to that fencing thing. So I'll adapt it to you." He paused for a moment thinking. "When you work with magical plants you have to be precise, correct?"
"Yes." Neville spoke for the first time, is voice quavering a little.
"And you have to be attentive and make sure that everything is done right or the plant will die?" Neville nodded. "Well, potions are the same way. What make is so different to measure out a cup of eye of newt as opposed to a cup of magical plant grow?" Neville shrugged again.
"I'm not really sure. Plants have always been easy for me. I've worked with them so long it like second nature, and Herbology isn't really magic, not like potions or transfigurations, it's just plants." Adam smiled. There was the 'root' of the problem. (A/N, it wasn't an intentional pun, but I like it.)
"Neville. If it wasn't magic it wouldn't be taught at Hogwarts. Most people don't consider History technically magic either, as you don't work with wands, but it is." Neville looked confused. "History is full of magic, and only a wizard can know this history, just as only a wizard can only work with those plants." He paused again and waited for Neville to look at him. "Once you get over this silly notion that Herbology isn't magic and that you don't belong here you will continue to mess up. But that is something you have to do on you own." He sighed and seemed to deflate just a little, returning to his former image of the strange new teacher, and less of his councilor one. "Now, I suggest that you get cracking on that floor, young man. I believe you want to be finished before lunch if at all possible." Neville nodded and went back to work, cleaning thoroughly, but twice as fast.
Snape returned a few minutes later, but in his haste he forgot to put in his hair grease, (It's similar to the stuff used in Grease) and his hair fell naturally with a healthy shine. His robes were clean and as he walked over to the desk he pulled his hair back with a tie, not realizing the lack of grease. With his hair clean and dressed in fresh robes, his appearance boosted up a few notches. He walked up to Adam.
"Did he give you any problems?" Severus whispered-growled, more for the sake of keeping up appearances than any real malice. The shower had returned him too a rather upbeat mood, though he was certain it wouldn't last. Adam looked at him.
"No problems, and I have a feeling you will be getting less from him as well."
"What do you mean?" But Adam just smiled in that maddeningly enigmatic way of his. He looked Snape over, his eyes coming to rest on his hair.
"Did you do something different to your hair?" Severus looked confused; going over his shower in his head (nice image to all you Snape-lovers out there!) he then realized what Adam was talking about, that he had forgotten his grease. His hand flew up to his hair.
"I forgot to put my stuff in it." Adam nodded.
"On purpose?"
"No."
"You should."
"Eh?"
"Forget it on purpose. You look better without it."
"Oh." Severus blushed faintly, but only Adam noticed. Adam grinned, then looked at his watch.
"Well, it's almost lunchtime. I wanted to go set the final touches to my classroom before then, so I'll be off. I'll see you then Severus. Goodbye Mr. Longbottom."
"Goodbye, sir."
"I'll see you then Adam." Adam left and Severus sat down at his desk, steepling his hands. He looked over at Neville. He had it all off the floor, and was working on the walls, which had started to dry, making it more solid, and less likely to drip. Neville as well was starting to solidify. Severus sighed.
"I believe you are done for now Mr. Longbottom. I recommend that you wash yourself of before you turn into a statue. You can finish the cleaning later tonight during your detention. You may go." Neville dropped the brush in the bucket and placed them both in the sink. He collected his books and turned to go.
"Thank you professor," he said as he paused before Severus's desk. Severus nodded and Neville hurried off to get a new robe and take a shower. Severus remained there in thought, stroking his beard until lunchtime.
TBC.
A/N wow, that took a while. Ok, so the story Adam fed Neville was a complete load of bull. Oh well, it worked at giving Neville some confidence. So far Snape, Draco, and now Neville go through a transformation in this story. Sorry it took so long for me to post, school just started up again, and I have a big English test tomorrow, and a geometry test soon, and a History paper due, and novel to read.and I still find time to write this wonderful story. Ain't I grand! Anyway, next chapter is the one you're all been waiting for, Adam's History of Magic class. Don't you like the way I managed to find a legitimate reason for Snape's hair, and how to clean it up without his sounding totally disgusting? I do. Anyway, more to come soon! R/R!