This chapter is dedicated to Les123454321. Congratulations. The line is
"I've gone temporarily deaf and have no idea what you just said." and is
from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."
Chapter 7-Talks and Payback
As Dumbledore watched, the blue light around Severus grew clearer and stronger until it was almost blinding. It stayed like this for a couple of seconds and then began to fade again leaving a very confused looking sixteen-year-old standing in front of him.
"Severus?" Dumbledore asked gently, "How do you feel child?"
The boy just stared at him.
"Come and sit down with me Severus. We need to talk." Dumbledore put an arm around him and led him to a comfy chair by the fire.
"Do you remember what happened?" prompted the headmaster after a few long minutes.
"I remember drinking my pumpkin juice at dinner in the Great Hall but not much after that." Severus finally answered.
"That's understandable," said Albus softly, "Severus a prank was played on you by Sirius Black and James Potter. They put a de-ageing potion into your drink that turned you into a two-year-old. They added a little more than they intended to."
"WHAT?" Severus jumped up angrily, "How long was I two for?"
"Severus calm down," said Dumbledore gently, "You were two for almost three days."
Severus opened his mouth as if to speak before he realised he had no idea what to say. Dumbledore waited for him to sit down again and gather his thoughts before he continued.
"I realise that this has been a shock to you child. I assure you that Mr Black and Mr Potter were severely punished.
"Expelled I hope." Severus scowled, his eyes looking as fierce as his mothers at that moment.
"They were not expelled," Albus sighed, "I wanted them to learn from their mistakes with a more fitting punishment."
"Where did I stay when I was two?" Severus suddenly asked, "I mean, who looked after me?"
Dumbledore smiled at him and Severus looked around the room at last. He saw toys, a high chair with baby plates on it and story books.
"You looked after me?" He looked down at his shoes, a little embarrassed.
"Of course child. You were a wonderful little boy. I would not have trusted anyone else enough to do it."
The boy's pale face darkened to a deep crimson shade and Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"Were you the only one who took care of me?" Severus found his voice again.
"Well Professor McGonegall helped and I had Remus Lupin and Lily Potter watch you while I was at a Ministry meeting yesterday morning."
"You let LUPIN look after me?" Severus was outraged, "He tried to kill me remember? Why didn't you let one of the Slytherins do it?"
Dumbledore looked at him sternly.
"Remus did not try to kill you Severus. He did not know what he was doing. That prank was Mr Black's fault alone. As for the Slytherins, which of them could I have left you with? Lucius Malfoy? Petula Parkinson? I don't think they are the parental types, do you?"
Severus said nothing.
"Child," the headmaster's tone softened again, "I trusted Remus and Lily to look after you. I knew that they would behave responsibly and treat you well and they did. You are much too important to me to have just anyone care for you."
"I'm sorry." said Severus quietly.
Dumbledore reached over and brushed some of the long dark hair from the boy's face. He had some difficult questions he knew he had to ask his child.
"Do you trust me Severus?" He gave the teenager a penetrating look.
"Yes of course I do Professor Dumbledore. Severus looked up and met his gaze, wondering where this was leading.
"Then I want you to answer some questions for me as truthfully as you can." Albus told him.
"All right." Severus agreed.
"How are things at home?"
Severus started. This was not the type of question he had been expecting. He thought Dumbledore would have asked him whether or not he was planning revenge on Potter and Black but his home life? Why was he asking this?
"It's fine." he answered trying his best to keep his tone light.
"I see," He knew at once that the headmaster did not believe him, "How do your parents treat you Severus?"
"All right I suppose." Severus answered quite truthfully this time, "The way most parents treat their children. As long as I keep out of their way when they are working and things."
Dumbledore quickly replaced his look of shock with his usual kindly gaze. Of course he should have realised the poor boy would think such treatment was normal. He had nothing to compare it to.
"Severus," this time he reached out and took the boy's hand, "What happened if you got in your parents' way?"
"I was punished." Severus was beginning to feel very worried. Would the headmaster think he was bad as well?
"Did any of this punishment involve being beaten or locked in a cupboard?" Dumbledore's tone was gentle but the words sounded harsh in the boy's ears.
"I don't know what you mean?" Severus was afraid now and he dealt with it in his usual way, by getting angry.
"My parents haven't done anything to me that I didn't deserve," he shouted, "May I go now?"
He pulled his hand out of Dumbledore's and stood up quickly. He had to get away.
"Yes you may go," replied Albus with a touch of sadness in his voice, "But remember child, I am always here if you need to talk. I care about you and you can always come to me for help."
Severus just nodded and ran from the room. Horrible memories were filling his mind, his father standing over him with a leather belt, being thrown into a dark cupboard. He choked back tears and masked his face in his usual sullen angry look. He would think about ways to get Black and Potter back, it was safer.
Albus Dumbledore watched the boy he looked upon as his son leave with a heavy heart. It was obvious to him that Severus did not feel he could defy his parents. Worse still, he thought he deserved their cruelty. Salazar and Jasmine had instilled deep feelings of unworthiness and fear in their child that he covered with anger and bitterness. Albus worried about what the coming summer would hold for Severus. He knew he couldn't keep him at Hogwarts forever. For a long time he sat by the fire, thinking about what he could do for Severus. Suddenly he jumped up and threw some floo powder into the fire. Professor Atwood's face soon appeared in the flames.
"Adam could you come through to my office for a moment. I have something to discuss with you."
The last few days of term were very quiet. Severus quickly settled back into classes and the Slytherins finally stopped commiserating him on having to stay with "That old fool Dumbledore" after the de-ageing prank. Severus found it was easier just to tell them he remembered nothing about it.
Two days before term was due to end Severus walked to the great Hall for lunch. He was a little early and only Serenity Winter was there. She smiled at him, glad of a chance to talk to him alone.
"Hi Severus," she said brightly, "How are you?"
"Fine." he answered carefully.
"You know I had nothing to do with that prank," Seri said, "I gave James and Sirius a good telling off for doing it but as usual, they didn't listen."
Severus met her green gaze and knew that she was telling the truth. A wicked smirk came over his face.
"Well I know a way to make them listen," he said, "You could help me if you want. It would be easier for you to do it."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a small bottle.
"Oh no Severus!" Seri put her hands on her hips and looked at him sternly, "I don't agree with putting potions in ANYONE'S drinks. I know how gifted you are at potions but even you could make a mistake. What would happen then?"
"Relax will you," Severus rolled his eyes, "I didn't make it, I bought it and I know how much to put in, unlike those idiots."
Seri looked unconvinced.
"Look, here are the instructions and everything. I even have the receipt if you want to see it." Severus assured her, "Oh Come on Seri, please?" he wheedled giving her big puppy-dog eyes.
"Oh all right, " agreed Seri, "But you'd better tell me truthfully exactly what the potion does. If you've lied to me about any of this I'll own up for both of us."
"Typical Gryffindor." Severus grumbled, "All right. This is what will happen."
The last day of term was bright and warm. There was a lot of hustle and bustle of students getting ready to go home for the summer. Many were chatting about where they would go on holiday. Severus always found this very depressing. His parents would no more take him on a holiday than invite Albus Dumbledore over for tea.
At around midday a prefect arrived at the Gryffindor and Slytherin Transfiguration lesson and gave Severus a message to go straight to the headmaster's office. "Uh oh," he thought, "Dumbledore can't possibly know what I've planned for the leaving feast, can he?"
He put on his best innocent look as he gave the password "Sugar Quill" To the stone gargoyle, which sprang aside.
"Come in Severus." Dumbledore sounded cheerful as he beckoned for him to sit on a chair opposite his desk.
"I have a proposition for you my boy," he began, sounding very pleased, "How would you like to take the Advanced Potions Exams next year? They would allow you to teach Potions in a Magic School."
Severus looked surprised, "Headmaster I'd love to but where would I get time when I'm studying for my NEWT's? Aren't I too young?"
"You would not be the first to take extra exams although very few have done so before. Only those with great abilities in a certain area could do it and you are one of them." Severus smiled shyly.
"I have spoken to Professor Atwood and he agrees with me. He has written to your parents and requested that you stay here at Hogwarts during the Christmas and Easter holidays. He will use that time to give you extra tuition, if that is agreeable to you of course."
"Yes," Severus stammered out in amazement, "Did they agree?"
"Yes they did. They seemed pleased that the Head of Slytherin was prepared to give you extra lessons."
Severus could not believe it. Almost a whole year without having to go home to be slapped and told that he was useless. He would be free for a while at least.
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore," he smiled. His eyes shone and Albus momentarily saw a glimpse of the little boy he had been a few days ago. He returned the smile with his twinkle back in full force.
"You are most welcome Severus. You deserve it. Now lets get off to lunch."
He walked with Severus to the great hall.
The leaving feast was a very happy affair as usual. Severus debated whether or not he should tell Seri to forget the whole payback idea. He was a bit scared that it would ruin his chance to stay at Hogwarts during the holidays next year, especially since he'd heard about the headmaster's warning. He decided to go ahead, the potion would only last about two hours anyway.
He distracted James and Sirius by knocking James's bag off his shoulder, causing everything to spill out.
"Sorry Potter. Didn't see you there." he drawled.
"Get your eyes tested then Snape." growled James as Sirius helped him to pick his things up.
"Maybe you should take your own advice Potter," said Severus with a sneer, "Then you might see how much you need a haircut."
"Shut up Snape," retorted Sirius, "At least he washes his. Slimeball."
As the argument was going on Seri added four drops to both Sirius's and James's goblets. The other students were too busy watching the commotion to notice.
"Boys, Boys!" Professor McGonegall snapped, marching towards them, "Sit down immediately and stop this foolishness. Really, you are behaving like First years."
They all went and sat in their places.
It didn't take long for Severus to see the results of his potion. Both Sirius and James were very thirsty after playing Quidditch in the hot sun and they gulped their drinks down before touching their food. They gasped as a strange sensation overtook them. The students stared as yellow light grew around them and when it receded they couldn't believe their eyes. There in front of them stood two old men. Severus had given Seri an ageing potion. One drop added twenty years. They were both ninety-six!
Sirius was a little stooped over with a very wrinkled face while James had grown thinner and had a beard that would rival Dumbledore's. The Great Hall erupted with laughter.
"Silence!" called Dumbledore loudly, "Who is responsible for this?"
As he asked he looked around and his eyes fell on Severus who looked innocently back. He wasn't going to own up. He was a Slytherin after all.
"Headmaster if I may," Atwood got Dumbledore's attention, "I have the antidote for this potion. It is much easier to reverse than the de-ageing one."
He gestured for the boys (or old men) to follow him to the dungeons, which they did at a very slow pace.
"Well since it is the last day of term and we have an antidote, there is little I can do," said Dumbledore, "But be warned that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated from now on."
He sat down again and tried to keep his own amusement from showing. Really they had looked very funny.
He looked over at Severus who gave him a little smile before turning back to the Slytherins.
TBC
Thanks for all your kind reviews
Chapter 7-Talks and Payback
As Dumbledore watched, the blue light around Severus grew clearer and stronger until it was almost blinding. It stayed like this for a couple of seconds and then began to fade again leaving a very confused looking sixteen-year-old standing in front of him.
"Severus?" Dumbledore asked gently, "How do you feel child?"
The boy just stared at him.
"Come and sit down with me Severus. We need to talk." Dumbledore put an arm around him and led him to a comfy chair by the fire.
"Do you remember what happened?" prompted the headmaster after a few long minutes.
"I remember drinking my pumpkin juice at dinner in the Great Hall but not much after that." Severus finally answered.
"That's understandable," said Albus softly, "Severus a prank was played on you by Sirius Black and James Potter. They put a de-ageing potion into your drink that turned you into a two-year-old. They added a little more than they intended to."
"WHAT?" Severus jumped up angrily, "How long was I two for?"
"Severus calm down," said Dumbledore gently, "You were two for almost three days."
Severus opened his mouth as if to speak before he realised he had no idea what to say. Dumbledore waited for him to sit down again and gather his thoughts before he continued.
"I realise that this has been a shock to you child. I assure you that Mr Black and Mr Potter were severely punished.
"Expelled I hope." Severus scowled, his eyes looking as fierce as his mothers at that moment.
"They were not expelled," Albus sighed, "I wanted them to learn from their mistakes with a more fitting punishment."
"Where did I stay when I was two?" Severus suddenly asked, "I mean, who looked after me?"
Dumbledore smiled at him and Severus looked around the room at last. He saw toys, a high chair with baby plates on it and story books.
"You looked after me?" He looked down at his shoes, a little embarrassed.
"Of course child. You were a wonderful little boy. I would not have trusted anyone else enough to do it."
The boy's pale face darkened to a deep crimson shade and Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"Were you the only one who took care of me?" Severus found his voice again.
"Well Professor McGonegall helped and I had Remus Lupin and Lily Potter watch you while I was at a Ministry meeting yesterday morning."
"You let LUPIN look after me?" Severus was outraged, "He tried to kill me remember? Why didn't you let one of the Slytherins do it?"
Dumbledore looked at him sternly.
"Remus did not try to kill you Severus. He did not know what he was doing. That prank was Mr Black's fault alone. As for the Slytherins, which of them could I have left you with? Lucius Malfoy? Petula Parkinson? I don't think they are the parental types, do you?"
Severus said nothing.
"Child," the headmaster's tone softened again, "I trusted Remus and Lily to look after you. I knew that they would behave responsibly and treat you well and they did. You are much too important to me to have just anyone care for you."
"I'm sorry." said Severus quietly.
Dumbledore reached over and brushed some of the long dark hair from the boy's face. He had some difficult questions he knew he had to ask his child.
"Do you trust me Severus?" He gave the teenager a penetrating look.
"Yes of course I do Professor Dumbledore. Severus looked up and met his gaze, wondering where this was leading.
"Then I want you to answer some questions for me as truthfully as you can." Albus told him.
"All right." Severus agreed.
"How are things at home?"
Severus started. This was not the type of question he had been expecting. He thought Dumbledore would have asked him whether or not he was planning revenge on Potter and Black but his home life? Why was he asking this?
"It's fine." he answered trying his best to keep his tone light.
"I see," He knew at once that the headmaster did not believe him, "How do your parents treat you Severus?"
"All right I suppose." Severus answered quite truthfully this time, "The way most parents treat their children. As long as I keep out of their way when they are working and things."
Dumbledore quickly replaced his look of shock with his usual kindly gaze. Of course he should have realised the poor boy would think such treatment was normal. He had nothing to compare it to.
"Severus," this time he reached out and took the boy's hand, "What happened if you got in your parents' way?"
"I was punished." Severus was beginning to feel very worried. Would the headmaster think he was bad as well?
"Did any of this punishment involve being beaten or locked in a cupboard?" Dumbledore's tone was gentle but the words sounded harsh in the boy's ears.
"I don't know what you mean?" Severus was afraid now and he dealt with it in his usual way, by getting angry.
"My parents haven't done anything to me that I didn't deserve," he shouted, "May I go now?"
He pulled his hand out of Dumbledore's and stood up quickly. He had to get away.
"Yes you may go," replied Albus with a touch of sadness in his voice, "But remember child, I am always here if you need to talk. I care about you and you can always come to me for help."
Severus just nodded and ran from the room. Horrible memories were filling his mind, his father standing over him with a leather belt, being thrown into a dark cupboard. He choked back tears and masked his face in his usual sullen angry look. He would think about ways to get Black and Potter back, it was safer.
Albus Dumbledore watched the boy he looked upon as his son leave with a heavy heart. It was obvious to him that Severus did not feel he could defy his parents. Worse still, he thought he deserved their cruelty. Salazar and Jasmine had instilled deep feelings of unworthiness and fear in their child that he covered with anger and bitterness. Albus worried about what the coming summer would hold for Severus. He knew he couldn't keep him at Hogwarts forever. For a long time he sat by the fire, thinking about what he could do for Severus. Suddenly he jumped up and threw some floo powder into the fire. Professor Atwood's face soon appeared in the flames.
"Adam could you come through to my office for a moment. I have something to discuss with you."
The last few days of term were very quiet. Severus quickly settled back into classes and the Slytherins finally stopped commiserating him on having to stay with "That old fool Dumbledore" after the de-ageing prank. Severus found it was easier just to tell them he remembered nothing about it.
Two days before term was due to end Severus walked to the great Hall for lunch. He was a little early and only Serenity Winter was there. She smiled at him, glad of a chance to talk to him alone.
"Hi Severus," she said brightly, "How are you?"
"Fine." he answered carefully.
"You know I had nothing to do with that prank," Seri said, "I gave James and Sirius a good telling off for doing it but as usual, they didn't listen."
Severus met her green gaze and knew that she was telling the truth. A wicked smirk came over his face.
"Well I know a way to make them listen," he said, "You could help me if you want. It would be easier for you to do it."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a small bottle.
"Oh no Severus!" Seri put her hands on her hips and looked at him sternly, "I don't agree with putting potions in ANYONE'S drinks. I know how gifted you are at potions but even you could make a mistake. What would happen then?"
"Relax will you," Severus rolled his eyes, "I didn't make it, I bought it and I know how much to put in, unlike those idiots."
Seri looked unconvinced.
"Look, here are the instructions and everything. I even have the receipt if you want to see it." Severus assured her, "Oh Come on Seri, please?" he wheedled giving her big puppy-dog eyes.
"Oh all right, " agreed Seri, "But you'd better tell me truthfully exactly what the potion does. If you've lied to me about any of this I'll own up for both of us."
"Typical Gryffindor." Severus grumbled, "All right. This is what will happen."
The last day of term was bright and warm. There was a lot of hustle and bustle of students getting ready to go home for the summer. Many were chatting about where they would go on holiday. Severus always found this very depressing. His parents would no more take him on a holiday than invite Albus Dumbledore over for tea.
At around midday a prefect arrived at the Gryffindor and Slytherin Transfiguration lesson and gave Severus a message to go straight to the headmaster's office. "Uh oh," he thought, "Dumbledore can't possibly know what I've planned for the leaving feast, can he?"
He put on his best innocent look as he gave the password "Sugar Quill" To the stone gargoyle, which sprang aside.
"Come in Severus." Dumbledore sounded cheerful as he beckoned for him to sit on a chair opposite his desk.
"I have a proposition for you my boy," he began, sounding very pleased, "How would you like to take the Advanced Potions Exams next year? They would allow you to teach Potions in a Magic School."
Severus looked surprised, "Headmaster I'd love to but where would I get time when I'm studying for my NEWT's? Aren't I too young?"
"You would not be the first to take extra exams although very few have done so before. Only those with great abilities in a certain area could do it and you are one of them." Severus smiled shyly.
"I have spoken to Professor Atwood and he agrees with me. He has written to your parents and requested that you stay here at Hogwarts during the Christmas and Easter holidays. He will use that time to give you extra tuition, if that is agreeable to you of course."
"Yes," Severus stammered out in amazement, "Did they agree?"
"Yes they did. They seemed pleased that the Head of Slytherin was prepared to give you extra lessons."
Severus could not believe it. Almost a whole year without having to go home to be slapped and told that he was useless. He would be free for a while at least.
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore," he smiled. His eyes shone and Albus momentarily saw a glimpse of the little boy he had been a few days ago. He returned the smile with his twinkle back in full force.
"You are most welcome Severus. You deserve it. Now lets get off to lunch."
He walked with Severus to the great hall.
The leaving feast was a very happy affair as usual. Severus debated whether or not he should tell Seri to forget the whole payback idea. He was a bit scared that it would ruin his chance to stay at Hogwarts during the holidays next year, especially since he'd heard about the headmaster's warning. He decided to go ahead, the potion would only last about two hours anyway.
He distracted James and Sirius by knocking James's bag off his shoulder, causing everything to spill out.
"Sorry Potter. Didn't see you there." he drawled.
"Get your eyes tested then Snape." growled James as Sirius helped him to pick his things up.
"Maybe you should take your own advice Potter," said Severus with a sneer, "Then you might see how much you need a haircut."
"Shut up Snape," retorted Sirius, "At least he washes his. Slimeball."
As the argument was going on Seri added four drops to both Sirius's and James's goblets. The other students were too busy watching the commotion to notice.
"Boys, Boys!" Professor McGonegall snapped, marching towards them, "Sit down immediately and stop this foolishness. Really, you are behaving like First years."
They all went and sat in their places.
It didn't take long for Severus to see the results of his potion. Both Sirius and James were very thirsty after playing Quidditch in the hot sun and they gulped their drinks down before touching their food. They gasped as a strange sensation overtook them. The students stared as yellow light grew around them and when it receded they couldn't believe their eyes. There in front of them stood two old men. Severus had given Seri an ageing potion. One drop added twenty years. They were both ninety-six!
Sirius was a little stooped over with a very wrinkled face while James had grown thinner and had a beard that would rival Dumbledore's. The Great Hall erupted with laughter.
"Silence!" called Dumbledore loudly, "Who is responsible for this?"
As he asked he looked around and his eyes fell on Severus who looked innocently back. He wasn't going to own up. He was a Slytherin after all.
"Headmaster if I may," Atwood got Dumbledore's attention, "I have the antidote for this potion. It is much easier to reverse than the de-ageing one."
He gestured for the boys (or old men) to follow him to the dungeons, which they did at a very slow pace.
"Well since it is the last day of term and we have an antidote, there is little I can do," said Dumbledore, "But be warned that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated from now on."
He sat down again and tried to keep his own amusement from showing. Really they had looked very funny.
He looked over at Severus who gave him a little smile before turning back to the Slytherins.
TBC
Thanks for all your kind reviews