Disclaimer – Apparently it is necessary for me to the repeat the obvious, so here goes. I am not JK Rowlings. If I was, the last five books of hers would have been titled "Severus Snape and Some Other People". That being said, I do not own any of these characters nor am I making any money off of this. I certainly do not mean any copyright infringement to Ms. Rowlings, Warner Brothers, Scholastic, Bloomsbury Press or anyone else at all. I am just trying to have a bit of fun.
Chapter 5 – The Experiment
From the safety of a protective magical field, Albus watched his charge once again destroy his nursery. Every item in the room was thrown or kicked or stomped on, even the two year old's beloved potions set. This was the sixth major temper tantrum the toddler had thrown in the last five days. Severus may have enjoyed Hermione Grangers' little game that one evening, but once he realized that he could not recreate the 'magic' he had used that night, he had become furious. And it seemed now to the bedraggled Headmaster that he was becoming more and more difficult to handle with each passing day.
Albus rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. What had he expected when he had turned his surly Potion's Master into a child? Some happy little cherubic infant who would laugh and play games? If so, than perhaps he really was a dotty old fool. He should have known Severus would be as difficult to deal with as a two year old as he was a forty year old. But still, the Headmaster knew in his heart that he had been holding out hope that dealing with the child with love and kindness would somehow change things.
He watched for a few more minutes, until he saw Severus slump down against the wall, his heavy breathing and hollow eyes a sign that the worst was now past. Albus dropped the shield and walked over to the child, then he too slid down the wall so that he was sitting next to the boy. He leaned toward him and wiped his tear stained face with a handkerchief. If it wasn't for the tears no one would ever have known that Severus had been crying, for he hadn't made a sound. Indeed, he still hadn't made a sound at all other than a few gurgles or growls deep in his throat from time to time.
"Come Severus, let's get things cleaned up in here and we'll go see Minerva." That usually got the boy out of his morose. He was fascinated by the Gryffindor Head of House's ability to turn herself into a cat and then back again. And although she always acted put upon when asked to do so, Albus was pretty sure that she enjoyed being the only one who could consistently coax even the tiniest smile from the boy. They had argued constantly as colleagues, of course, but the Headmaster knew his Deputy Headmistress had a soft spot for Severus – at all his varying ages. It was for that reason that he intended to ask Minerva to join he and Severus for the week at his country home. He hoped that getting the child away from Hogwarts, and all the memories that partial recognition were stirring up, would calm the boy. He also greatly enjoyed Minerva's presence, and although they had decided long ago that continuing their one time romance was not practical in their current situation, he still felt more relaxed in her presence than he did with anyone else. With her he did not have to be all wise and all knowing all the time. He was a man like all others, and she knew and respected that.
Albus put Severus in a large chair in the main office, under the watchful gaze of both Fawkes and Phineas Nigellus, whom despite constant criticisms of both Severus' behavior and Albus' child rearing practices, had seemingly grown quite fond of the boy. Albus then returned to the nursery to clean things up. It was best to perform that type of magic outside of the child's sight. Glares of venom and jealousy aside, the old wizard feared it would only instigate another tantrum. Albus had just gotten the toy soldiers to march smartly – the ones that were not broken anyhow – back into their box, when he heard a bell tone which indicated a visitor. The Headmaster arrived back in the main office just in time to welcome Professor McGonagall through the door.
The Deputy Headmistress took one look at the toddler sitting in the oversized chair with his red rimmed eyes and huffed heartily. "Threw another tantrum, did he?"
The Headmaster sighed and gave a small nod of affirmation.
"If you took away that potion's set of his every time he displayed that sort of behavior, the tantrums would cease."
Something that sounded suspiciously like "hear, hear" came from the direction of the former Slytherin Headmaster's portrait. Meanwhile Severus was shooting death glares at Professor McGonagall. Albus decided the best thing to do would be to steer the conversation in another direction.
"Now that all school business has been concluded, I am going to take Sebastian with me to my yearly retreat at my country home. I was hoping you would join us for the week, my dear." He allowed his eyes to twinkle as he said this. He knew that always disarmed her.
"Come now Albus, what would people think?"
"They would think that you are an old friend and my houseguest. Besides, Sebastian will be there, and I daresay we will have many visitors."
At this Minerva turned to look at Severus who seemed to be watching for an answer. No one was ever sure exactly how much he understood. "Very well, if the lad can control his temper, I think I should enjoy a stay with you Albus."
With that Severus slid off the chair and padded back into the nursery. He arrived moments later with his porcelain bowl and headed towards the door. Albus and Minerva suppressed their mirth – the boy did not take well to being laughed at. He walked after Severus who was now pulling at the door in vain, and gently put a hand on the back of his neck. "We will be leaving in the morning, Sebastian."
Perhaps is was the placement of his hand, or the fact that Severus had recently been crying and therefore had his defenses down, or perhaps it was a pulse of magic that was randomly passing through the castle as they were wont to sometimes do, but whatever the reason, Albus Dumbledore felt in his hand the most powerful surge of energy that he had ever felt emanating from another witch or wizard. The feeling was almost like a shock of electricity (which the Headmaster had once been the unfortunate recipient of after a demonstration of muggle technology by Arthur Weasley) passing from the back of Severus' neck, just behind his ears, into Albus' fingertips. Severus obviously felt it too, because he scrunched up his shoulders and threw his head back trying to dislodge the Headmaster's hand. After a moment Albus was forced to let go when the magic, which had acted like a magnet, suddenly dissipated and abruptly released him.
"Albus, what's wrong?" Minerva could see the look of fear in the child's eyes as well as the surprise on the Headmaster's face.
"I don't know, exactly. But there was a surge of magic that came from his neck. Next moment it was gone, but I felt it quite clearly and so did he." Albus turned back to the toddler who had recovered himself, and was now standing with his arms folded, glaring at his caretaker. Albus reached out towards Severus but the child took a quick step back, just out of the Headmaster's reach. He was obviously a bit wary of allowing the older wizard to touch him again. Albus took out his little pouch of sweets from his deep robe pockets and offered it to the boy. Severus hesitated briefly, but then reached in and helped himself to an orange and white swirled sweet and popped it into his mouth. While he sucked on the sugary concoction he allowed Albus to turn him about and gently bend his neck forward.
Minerva rolled her eyes at this. The grown Slytherin Head of House disliked sweets nearly as much as he disliked Gryffindors. Yet give Albus a mere month and a half with the child and he had given him a sweet tooth. Worse, he was clearly bribing the boy's compliance with sugar, the way one might a dog with a treat. Still, her curiosity was such that she anxiously awaited whatever it was the old wizard might find.
Albus slowly ran an aged finger across the back of Severus' neck. From the base of one ear to the other and back again. He repeated the motion a few more times and then stood back up, patting the child on the head and offering him another sweet.
"There is definitely something there Minerva. It is quite faint now but I can feel it. I will have to ask Ms. Granger to help me with this; she is very keen on solving the puzzle that our young Sebastian has provided us with. But that's for later. Let's have a cup of tea and you can tell me what it was you came to see me about. Minerva was momentarily startled, she had forgotten that she had come to his office for any reason at all. The Headmaster had a way of doing that to people.
"I just wanted to tell you that I was going to take a bit of a holiday next week. But I think I would prefer to be your...houseguest. And no tea for me, thank you. If we are going to be leaving in the morning I have business that needs seeing to." With that the Deputy Headmistress walked briskly out of the office, leaving a smiling Albus and a Severus, with a mouth full of sweets, behind.
*****
Albus Dumbledore sat in his favorite chair near the fire in his sitting room. He had turned the chair away from the fireplace, and faced it instead towards the center of the room so that he could watch the constant comings and goings of his numerous guests. Not for the first time did he wonder why he had ever thought this might be a peaceful week, a bit of respite from the usual hustle and bustle as well as constant decisions of his everyday life. Instead the hustle and bustle had simply followed him here. Indeed, it could even have been said to have increased threefold.
Today alone had seen visits from Harry Potter and the youngest Mr. Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Molly and Arthur Weasley, Poppy Pomfrey and Remus Lupin. At one point it had seemed that half the Order had been there. And while only Remus Lupin currently remained, Hermione Granger was expected at any moment. If you added in the presence of Minerva, Fawkes, the house elves, and Sebastian, the house took on the feeling of being a Muggle London Tube Station at rush hour.
Still, it was quite a bit nicer than his offices at Hogwarts. As majestic as they were, nothing could compare to the warm country patterns that decorated his small country home. Or the large picture windows that looked over a wildflower bespectacled field that led off to violet hills in the distance. The south facing garden, which was tended all year by a loyal house elf, was perhaps the most perfect spot on the earth, thought Albus many a time. And the little pond down the path – now carefully warded after a near disaster with Severus and an evasive frog – was his crowning jewel. Yes, if he could only find a moment alone to partake of his sanctuary, it would indeed be perfect.
It was in the middle of this thought that Remus Lupin entered with Hermione Granger in tow. Severus, who had been playing with his shape fitter cube (one of the few toys that intrigued him), dived quickly behind Albus' chair. Severus' reaction to Lupin's visits these past several days had surprised Albus. At first the Headmaster was sure Severus would either ignore him or sneer at him, as he did others for whom he had shown contempt in his adult form. But instead Severus had demonstrated genuine fear of the easy going man. It hurt Albus to realize that the prank played on the 15 year old Severus had left such an indelible mark that he had spent the remaining years in terror of Remus. Hiding it of course, behind a veil of contempt. Albus wasn't sure whom he felt sorrier for – the gentle werewolf who was forced to bear the stigma of his unwelcome animal nature, or Severus, who had allowed that fear to poison any possible relationship he could have had with his thoughtful classmate.
"Hello Professor," greeted Hermione cheerfully. "And hello to you too, Sebastian," she added, craning her neck to get a glimpse of the child behind Albus' chair.
Severus did not make a sound, nor even peer out the tiniest bit, but Albus could hear through the cushions that separated them, that his deep ragged breathes had eased up a little.
"Welcome Miss Granger. Sebastian missed you, as did I. The note I left you before departing concerning Sebastian's…hmmm….what shall we term it, perhaps magical aura? Did you have a chance to look into it?"
Hermione nodded. "I did Headmaster. I found a few references to such a thing. I had a bit of a time convincing Madam Pince to allow me to bring the books with me, but as it is your house, she finally agreed. Still, I am not sure if anything in them is actually relevant here. I should like to conduct some experiments with Sebastian if that is alright.
Albus gave a cheery affirmation, but inwardly he groaned. It had taken a full three days here, with a combination of Albus' geniality and Minerva's no nonsense approach, to put an end to the tantrums. Today was the first day Severus was acting content. He had even reduced the amount of objects he stared at to fewer than a dozen or so. All he didn't need were a few experiments, like the one Ms. Granger conducted while sitting for Severus last week, to set the boy off again.
He offered both Remus and Hermione some tea, but they politely refused, and then Lupin took his leave so as not to distract the child. Once he was gone Severus easily came out from behind the chair, but it was clear he was suspicious that something was up. Hermione set out several items of magical symbolism within a circle which she laid down, made of a fine rope. There was a gold pentagram representing magical power, a large jewel bedecked goblet denoting prosperity, a silver hand with a jade eye embedded in it which was an amulet of protection and good health, a pair of small silver bells which was indicative of fertility and a happy home, and finally a design made up of seven diamante stars that represented peace.
"I thought you distrusted Divination, Ms. Granger?" Albus had scene such a circle before. It was often used to 'predict' the future path of a child on his first birthday. The child was placed in the center of the circle, and the item he first reached for was thought to be his most likely strength in life. Of course even the most besotted parents thought it not much more than a birthday game, passed down as a wizarding tradition from a simpler time, and having little true foresight.
"Actually Headmaster, the Life Circle, was never meant to be conducted as it is today. In earlier times it was performed a year after a child had first demonstrated his ability to do magic. Also, the incantation people use today at a child's first birthday is a terrible bastardization of the real spell. Finally, the spell must be chanted by both a witch and a wizard – not a randomly chosen party guest."
"I am impressed Ms. Granger. And you have the spell now?"
She did. And as Albus read the parchment he realized that he recognized some pieces of the proper incantation from long ago, at one of his brother's Life Circle. His parents had been unusual people, even for witches and wizards, but in the end they had usually known exactly what they were doing. He smiled at that thought, and then nodded at Ms. Granger to begin.
Fortunately for Hermione, Severus was so fascinated by the objects she had put out that she had no problem convincing him to step inside the circle. In fact the most difficult part was keeping the toddler from touching all the items before the incantation was said. Albus took care of this little dilemma with a limiting spell that safely cocooned Severus within the circle, though the child was clearly not pleased. The two adults touched their wands carefully to the rope and at Hermione's cue, simultaneously spoke the incantation. Then Albus quickly lifted the limiting spell on Severus, and they waited.
For a moment the dark haired boy did not realize he was once again free to touch. But when he waved an angry hand in the Headmaster's direction, and realized he could extend it as far as he wished, his eyes quickly darted around him. He was without question searching for a particular object, and that object in turn was searching for him. By now the golden pentagram was spinning furiously in its place, nearly levitating itself with its vibrations. Severus finally twisted his small body around to see it and made a grab for it. The object gave off a whirring sound, like a metal top when it spins, and then magically changed shape, each of its points thinning out and wrapping itself around Severus' small hand. Severus cocked his head to the side and watched it, fascinated. There was no fear whatsoever in his eyes. And then the former pentagram suddenly vanished - seeming to the astonished onlookers to have melted into the child's hand.
For a moment no one said anything. Then in a small voice Hermione whispered "I hope Mrs. Weasley didn't want her pentagram back."
The small joke broke the tension in the air and Dumbledore laughed heartily. "Quite a bit more interesting than the party game, wasn't it?" His eyes twinkled brightly. Then he looked over at Severus. "I suppose it is quite clear that the child's foremost ability is that of power. But are you sure Ms. Granger that the subject must have demonstrated magical ability for at least a year before the Circle will work?"
"Yes Sir, quite sure."
"Hmmm... we have a bit more experimenting to do then, I suppose."
Hermione smiled at this. Albus knew she loved a good challenge and that certainly was what Severus was choosing to be.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Remus put his head around the doorframe and Albus beckoned him in. "So how did it go?" he asked, smiling at Sebastian.
Albus took a step towards the child, ready if necessary to hold him safely in his arms if Severus began to panic.
This time however Severus let out a low guttural growl from deep within his throat. He then began to crawl slowly towards Remus, with his chin tilted upward and his head slightly cocked to the side. His small dark eyes were transfixed on the man a dozen feet away, and his tiny nostrils were flaring. He looked for all the world like a wolf ready to pounce. Remus gulped and took a few steps backwards, trying to keep a smile on his face despite the obvious sense of nervousness he was feeling.
Albus and Hermione exchanged glances. It was quite comical really, thought Albus. A grown werewolf backing away from a small boy like that. It was also an interesting turn of events, to say the least. While Albus contemplated this, he saw that Hermione had obviously decided to come to Lupin's rescue. She walked over to where the small child rested on his knees and stood over him. "It's not nice to growl at people," she remonstrated in her most adult voice.
Severus responded by baring his teeth at her.
She only grinned back at him. "Are you pretending to be a doggie?"
Apparently that little insult was too much for Severus to bear, for he promptly closed his mouth, returned to his feet, and retreated to the chair that Albus had been sitting in earlier. He climbed upon it and then gave Hermione his usual withering glare.
Hermione chuckled and looked over at Remus who had by now recovered himself and was looking a bit sheepish to have been bested by a two year old. "I thought that might work," she said.
"You should have been a Slytherin, my dear," smiled Albus.
Severus' venom glare was now turned upon the Headmaster.
"I'll be back in a few days Headmaster. There another experiment I want to try. Although this one is best conducted while he sleeps."
The old wizard nodded and bid a good evening to his guests. He walked to his chair, and bending down lifted up his young charge who still weighed next to nothing despite the house elves best attempts to fatten him up. "You need a few more sweets, that will do the trick. Perhaps tomorrow I will introduce you to the joys of chocolate frogs. Much tastier than real ones, and my picture in on one of the cards," Albus murmured cheerily into the boy's ear.
The Headmaster carried him up the small back stairway from the sitting room to the bed chamber corridor. He helped the boy to wash up and changed him into a nightshirt, then he put him gently into his cot, covering him with the velvet duvet cover taken from his Slytherin bedchamber – reenlarged of course to the proper size for a one so young. Then he touched his fingers to the boy's forehead and whispered "Somnus". Severus rewarded him with the tiniest of grins before his eyes drifted closed.
Authors note:
"Somnus" is Latin for "sleep".
Another thank you to everyone who has reviewed, especially those people have reviewed repeatedly (I am very grateful!). I really appreciate your kind words. Knowing someone is reading the story makes it more fun to write and encourages me to get the chapters out faster. As it is I am working on it 2-3 hours a day so I doubt I could get any quicker in posting, put I know it puts a big smile on my face when my mail button pops on screen and it's a review.
As for little Severus, I will try to keep him young for a few more chapters, but for my story to work he will have to grow back up at some point. Hopefully it will be worth it for him (and for the readers). Any last requests for little Severus activities should be sent in now, as I am trying to get a solid outline down. Thanks!
-Hawaii
