Fic: Wishing Well.
Author: serendu
Rating: pg:13. Knowing how I write there will probably be swearing in it at some point.
Disclaimer: If you recognise it - then it isn't mine. Unfortunately. *sulks* HP belongs to Rowling, BTVS to Whedon. Lucky them.
Distribution: TTH, My LiveJournal, FF.net.
Note: Heh. Am inspired. Not 100% sure where the idea of Snape being a 'Master Potions Professor' came from – I've read far too much fanfic starring him to properly accredit the concept – I just know I read it somewhere – so apologies if you think I nicked it from you – content yourself with the reassurance that my story will never be as good/original/interesting as yours – and please let me know so I can state where it was from.

Wishing Well

Chapter 2: Changes.

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the stranger)
Ch-ch-Changes"

David Bowie: Changes

 The next potions class was very odd. A memo of parchment stuck to the entrance to the potions classroom declared:

'Notice to all students: Due to unforeseen circumstances Professor Snape will not be teaching Potions classes in the near future. Students are expected to attend classes as normal and suitable substitute teachers will be provided until a replacement is found. Signed:  Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore'

"Replacement is found?" Harry queried after reading the note, and then entering the classroom. "How difficult is it to replace Snape?"

"Yeah, s'not like he was…" Ron started as he followed Harry inside.

"Honestly! Haven't either of you bothered to read Hogwarts, A History yet?" Hermione demanded, more out of habit than anything else.

"Well, why would we need to?" Ron answered. "We've got you to do that for us."

Hermione sighed, dropped her bag and sat down in her seat. She waited for them to sit down near her before beginning her lecture.

 "Well listen." She said, putting on her 'instructing the boys' voice. "Hogwarts, A History, lists all the professors and their achievements. Professor Snape," She emphasised his title trying to imprint on the two boys the necessity of addressing their teacher correctly for a change, "Is listed as a Master Potions Professor. Very few of those are around today and even fewer teach."

"So?" Ron asked.

"So finding a decent replacement for him won't be easy. Neither Durmstrang or Beauxbatons employ a Master Potions Professor, Hogwarts is very lucky in that respect. I think Salem do in the States, but in Western Europe Hogwarts is the only school which does. Most Master Potions Professors only teach at university level." She paused seeing the uncomprehending looks on their faces.  "Put it this way – if you think Hogwarts has difficulty finding decent DADA teachers, well, Potions will be far worse."

"Why?" Harry questioned. "I mean, can't Dumbledore find someone to replace Snape? After all," He lowered his voice, "Surely they planned for something like this to happen with Snape being, well… y'know."

Hermione paused and thought about that. "I'm not sure." She commented after a few moments. She glanced back at the notice which had informed them of the change. "I'm not sure at all."

***

Master Potions Professor Severus Snape, formerly Potions Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry groaned as he woke up. As he stretched he noticed a distinct lack of bed sheets, where his bed sheets usually were. Dismissing this as not important he continued to wake up.

Then as he blearily looked around he noticed a distinct lack of walls, floor, ceiling, bed and furniture of the room he had fallen asleep in. A distinct lack of anything really. No ground, no sky…. Just nothing.

He did however, have his wand. And he was clothed. Muggle clothes no less, but still clothed. Which could only be an improvement on the alternative he decided.

"Ahh, good you're awake." A voice drawled.

He moved, far more quickly than most would give credit for as he had been soundly asleep only moments earlier. He swung around, wand ready. "Who are you? Where am I?" He demanded. "Answer me!"

*******

Ooooh. Still don't know where this is going. Which makes it all the more fun. R&R please. It inspires me.

serendu.