Sorry about not getting this out sooner. I had an argument with myself on how to proceed after the letter. Hope this makes up for lost time.
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Chapter 19
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Dumbledore looked up and saw the dawn breaking. He hadn't left his desk all night, spending the entire time reading and rereading the letter Severus Snape had sent. Shocked was the least of his feelings.
Severus had left him with the entire list of ingredients and instructions for making the potion he had created, as well as the Dark Potion and Curse combination that had begun his research. Dumbledore readily admitted that he was not the best when it came to potions, but he did know a great deal about the Dark Arts and other black magic. However, the curse was completely new to him. He would have gone to Remus, except the man would want to know why he was asking, and Dumbledore would have to tell him about Sirius. Which would lead him down a long road he was not ready to travel.
~ Impero Pareo Quamtotius. The incantation is translated as follows, which will give some insight on what it does, if not how it works: command obedience completely. The victim is completely subjected to the whims of the caster. It is far more complicated and stronger than the more commonly used Imperius Curse. It is unlikely that you will find this in any book at Hogwarts, and you will most definitely not find a reference to the companion potion.
When used in conjunction with the potion, the curse overwhelms any willpower the victim could exert over the Imperius alone. The potion works by breaking down those barriers used for resistance, and also by building barriers preventing retrieval of the memories of the time when the curse is active.
As it is, I have not yet found the counter curse. I will continue to search as I am able. Perhaps I'll have some luck and overhear the Dark Lord casting it, but I find that unlikely. I have a book in my home, Ciara Aloysius, which should prove fruitful, but I am incapacitated at the moment and cannot retrieve them.
I doubt you will forgive me for this creation, even though it is possibly my greatest achievement, along with many other potions I never intended to mention. But should you wish to know, I will reveal another secret I've kept from you. ~
Albus Dumbledore had to put the letter down, again. Severus had never intended to tell him about his work under Voldemort. He wasn't too surprised about that, but he was extremely disappointed. Disappointed that Severus had never trusted him enough to share this knowledge. Though looking back, Albus probably would have made the man publicly reveal those potions.
The Potions Master was brilliant. It was just a shame that he put his talents to a Dark use.
But not to be trusted! Where had he gone wrong with the boy?
He couldn't shake that feeling of betrayal. Severus had effectively poisoned one of Dumbledore's own.
He skipped to some of the last lines of the letter.
~ Yes, I understand what I did to Black is unforgivable, and I do not ask you to attempt to forgive me, mainly because I enjoyed having a level of control over him. It was something I had desired for a long time. But believe me, Albus, when I tell you if I could have altered the potion and still received a shadow of similarities, I would have done so. The potion I so lovingly created cannot be mimicked. Doing so would not have achieved any results and my precarious position would have faltered.
I do not doubt that you would have preferred the mimicry and that I remove Black from the Dark Lord's hold. While that would have been best for Black, I knew that he would be released alive the moment I saw that he would be the one to take the potion. Your Gryffindor is essentially unharmed. I have cured what I could of his injuries, and he will have no recollection of his stay. ~
Dumbledore thought back to the notes Voldemort sent him all last week. They had arrived just as Severus was giving him information. He had always sent Severus away. Now he wished he had kept the young wizard in the room while he read; the man might have had some insight on what Voldemort was thinking.
No. Severus did have an idea of what Voldemort was thinking. It was all here in this letter. And it was in the brief statements he made before the interrupting owl. Sirius was being used as a trap. But how? And was it possible to detect the Dark Curse that was or would be controlling him?
~ Professor, I should tell you, though you might already know, Potter and Lupin know nothing of Black's capture and detainment. I feel it might be best not to tell them until I can find a way to dissolve the memory blocks. It would be hard for Black to comprehend, not remembering his own captivity. But as always, I defer to your judgment. ~
He marveled at how Severus never directly insulted Sirius. There were plenty of snide remarks hidden away in direct statements. It made him wonder if Severus had changed his mind about Sirius, but then he recalled the statement about how he 'enjoyed having a level of control over him.' No, there was no drastic change of opinion. But there did appear to be an attempt at controlling outright hostilities.
~ I apologize for not speaking to you in person, but I have a strong feeling that you would not have been able to get past the fact that I was the one who created the potion. (And no, it does not have a name. It was not given one in order that it might be kept a secret, even among the Death Eaters.) When I say I would not have gotten past that point, I mean that is most likely where you were ready to ball up the parchment and incinerate it without a second thought.
I am glad you didn't.
Likely you feel betrayed. And you have a perfect right to feel such. I did betray your trust. I knowingly practiced the Dark Arts on one of your own. I did so without your knowledge and in violation of my promise to you. Nor did I tell you afterward, as I should have. Your trust in me is rightfully broken.
I hope this letter contains everything you desire to know about this incident, for it contains everything I know.
Sincerely, Severus Snape ~
* * * * * * * *
"So, what do we know about Snape's removal?" Harry asked while they were walking down to Potions.
"Next to nothing," Hermione supplied. "Professor Dumbledore didn't tell us anything Professor McGonagall hadn't. The __Daily Prophet__ didn't say anything useful, only that Fudge is glad Snape was brought in and that the entire Ministry wants to blame him for the murder of Arabella Figg."
"So, basically the only way Snape can get out of this is if the Ministry listens to Professor Dumbledore."
"Looks that way."
"Come on, guys, it can't be that bad. Snape was only brought in for questioning."
"It probably isn't, Ron, but I'd feel better knowing what's happening."
Harry began to tune out Ron and Hermione's conversation. He had learned what he wanted to know; now he had to wait. It wasn't a very comforting prospect. At least Evan and Irvan were still around. In fact, Irvan had become the long term substitute for Snape. He couldn't explain it, but he no longer was disgusted by the presence of a vampire. Though he wondered how the actions of the other students would change once they knew. He wasn't going to tell anyone, except maybe Ron and Hermione.
Evan was still in the castle. And that was about all he knew. The spider seemed to be enjoying the freedom to wander at will. It had had one run in with Mrs. Norris that Harry knew about. The spider was still cursing cats in general.
Idly he wondered how _Professor_ Irvan was at potions. And wondered how thoughts of Irvan and Evan seemed to merge. It never overly concerned him, but he thought it was odd. Irvan had been a good teacher while substituting for Professor Lupin, and Harry was laughing to himself whenever he heard the Slytherins comment on how wonderful he was. If they only knew. And now that Irvan was Head of Slytherin House, well, he wondered how surprised they would be.
On entering the dungeon classroom, Harry found that both Irvan and the Slytherins were already there and his fellow Gryffindors were trickling in. They seemed a little hesitant with a new force in this familiar environment. Was it going to be better or worse than Snape?
"Is everyone present?" Irvan asked in a voice no one could get tired of hearing. It was smoother than Snape, less threatening. But it always surprised Harry that Irvan spoke English. That voice wasn't meant for English, but the vampire had no discernible accent. When no one made any comments, he continued, "Very well. I'll first answer many of the unasked questions you no doubt have. First of all, I'll be following Professor Snape's lesson plans while he is absent. Unfortunately I do not know how long the Ministry intends to keep him, so there is no use in asking me. I will allow you to keep your current partners unless they cause problems.
"I'm certain I do not need to remind you that I do have all the powers of a professor, unlike a substitute, and I strongly suggest that you remember it. Now, to begin the lesson. Turn to page 342. We will be covering a variation of the Shrinking Solution."
Lab began quickly. As Irvan had explained, "This is a lesson in your ability to read directions, not in being guided through the process." It was quiet. For a change, the Slytherins, especially Malfoy, were doing nothing to provoke the Gryffindors, which both Harry and Ron found odd. In fact, it was such a smooth lab that many of the Gryffindors were beginning to experiment with the noise level in the room.
"He's not that bad," Ron whispered. "Definitely better than Snape." Harry nodded, having nothing to add. He was still conditioned to remain silent lest he receive a detention.
"Miss Granger," Irvan said sharply, catching several students off guard. "Return your attention to your own cauldron. Should Mr. Longbottom require assistance he will consult me first, then we will determine how best to help him. He is not learning anything except dependence by listening to you."
Hermione flushed in anger at the insinuation, but did as she was told. Neville, however, looked stranded. Harry watched his fellow Gryffindor as it became apparent he was floundering. Hermione just wanted to help, but couldn't while Irvan was focusing most all of his attention on that table.
"I almost want to take it back," Ron commented. "He is better than Snape, but not that much better."
Harry didn't really agree. Irvan wasn't embarrassing Neville or Hermione too much. He was just making sure the lessons were learn the way he intended.
Neville finally seem to swallow his fear, even though he shouldn't have any of Irvan. Rather he should, amended Harry, but not in Potions. The boy raised his hand and call, "Professor Irvan, could you come here for a moment. I think I need help." Smoothly Irvan glided to the table and peered into the battered cauldron. He began talking too softly for Harry to hear, but he appeared to be asking Neville questions. Satisfied that Neville wasn't going to crack under pressure, Harry returned to his work and waited for the end of the class.
Once over, he sought Neville out, curious about what had happened after Irvan came to assist.
"Well, he just asked me questions about what I did and what the book said to do. Nothing unusual, I guess. He's not half as scary as Professor Snape. But he's still scary. He sounds like he's from somewhere else, but I don't know where. My Gran says that people who don't have any accent are the ones you need to watch out for. But I like him."
Harry was glad no one knew who Irvan really was. If they did, he bet the parents would pitch an awful fit.
Lost in thought, he barely heard Ron talking to him during lunch. Hermione conveniently ignored the redhead by sticking her nose in a book. "Sorry, Ron. I wasn't paying attention."
"Right, you weren't. I was asking how the Quidditch Team was doing."
"Oh, just fine. We're working hard for our first match."
"Ravenclaw can't be that much trouble."
"It's not. We're just using that game as practice before the one with Slytherin."
"That'll be a fun game. Especially if Snape's not here to see it."
"It will be interesting. I'm betting that the Slytherins are going to be trying extra hard to win with Snape gone. You can tell they're not happy about it."
"No kidding. But I'm just hoping that they stay that way. At least then we don't have to worry about stupid little pranks in Potions."
"I doubt they'll try Irvan's patience too much. I have a feeling they like him better than any of the other teachers, but I don't know about how much they respect him."
"Who cares? I like things the way they are." Ron slowed down to eat, inadvertently giving Hermione an opening into the conversation.
"Harry, remember when you expressed an interest in learning more about portkeys?"
"What about them?"
"I picked this up from the library, and thought you might be interested in it."
"You aren't supposed to take reference books from the library," Ron accused, mouth full of food.
Hermione sent him a withering look and continued to talk to Harry. "It describes how portkeys are created, and the best ways to do so. And Ron, Madam Pince happens to like me, and trusts me enough to let me take it out of the library."
"You don't mind if I take a look at it tonight?"
"Not at all. I just need it back by the end of next week."
"I'll get it back by then. Oh, that reminds me. Have you found anything out about Professor Hidelberg?"
"No, not much. He was a good Potions Master, wrote several books, but from what I've seen they are for other Potions Masters, not students. I do believe that whoever wrote __Potions and Their Failures__ came from the Snape family. They have a long line of people who could have published under S.O.S. Professor Snape is not the only one, but he is the last in the direct line of heirs. I'm thinking he wrote it. His father was good friends with Professor Hidelberg. And there are no pictures from Snape's seventh year. The most recent in the book are of his sixth year. That gives him plenty of time to have written commentary on the sixth year failures and have the book published in time for his seventh year, with the help of his father."
"Sounds like you thought this through," muttered Ron.
"I have. And I think it's the most logical possibility. But I don't have any proof," she added glumly.
"That's alright. We have a suspicion, even if it takes a confession to prove it. Anyway, who would have thought Snape would be capable of writing something useful, as well as fun to read."
"Perhaps that's why he wrote under a pseudonym. He didn't want to ruin his reputation as a serious git," Ron commented gleefully, not at all perturbed that he liked something written by Snape.
* * * * * * *
Dinner came far too early for his liking. Irvan hated the fact that he was required to attend. He hoped the Headmaster wouldn't do anything about Slytherin House though. The House-elves were more than agreeable about providing dinner in the Slytherin common room. He was still surprised that House-elves were not afraid of vampires, even though he had known this for over a thousand years. He didn't understand it, nor did he try. Why did he need to when everything worked just fine the way it was? But he was still curious. Perhaps that would become his next point of study after he solved the animagus dilemma.
He walked into the Great Hall and immediately found Dumbledore beckoning him over. He sighed. It was too much to hope for to have the man just ignore the fact that one fourth of his students were absent. He might as well explain that they intended to be absent for as long as Severus was gone. It wasn't too unreasonable.
Irvan glanced down at the tables. Slytherin's wasn't even set. Not a single dish or utensil. But the Head Boy, Marcus Brentwood, was sitting at the far end, back toward the rest of the houses.
"Good evening, Irvan," Dumbledore greeted. Irvan nodded in recognition. He wasn't in the mood to socialize. It had been a frustrating day and he was hungry. And nothing on the table was going to satisfy him. Unfortunately, he was going to have to wait until later that night. Maybe he could slip into London, or the nearest Muggle city, for a real meal. It wouldn't be too much trouble, not to mention it would last much longer than any creature he would find in the Forbidden Forest. Centaurs excluded, but he had no desire to battle one of those.
"How was your first day teaching potions?" Dumbledore continued unfazed.
"Quite well. Most of the students still retained their fear of Severus. It was most amusing. Suffice to say, the first years were more willing to test the waters, so to speak. I'll have the remaining years tomorrow. I believe the seventh years are going to be more of a trial."
"You seem to be including the Weasley twins in your prediction."
"I have already met them."
"It's good you know what to expect. Though it appears you haven't managed to convince the Slytherins to join us."
Irvan was expecting that change in topic. Expecting it, but not really wanting to answer it. "They are convinced of their beliefs. They will not return until Severus has."
"Why, then, is Mr. Brentwood here?" Irvan caught the knowing twinkle in the Headmaster's eyes. He already knew the answer. And that irked Irvan. Why would anyone ask something they already knew?
"I believe he is here to make an appearance. I understand that it is expected of the Head Boy."
"Indeed it is."
Irvan felt a brief satisfaction, as just after Dumbledore spoke Brentwood stood and left. Exactly ten minutes since the beginning. Exactly the same time Severus had spent in the Great Hall before the Aurors arrived. He carefully hid his victorious smile, knowing that it was not his victory, as surprise crossed Dumbledore's face. Many other teachers and students expressed surprise, but it was the calm and collected Headmaster he was glad to shock.
"If you will excuse me, Headmaster, I will go find something more suited to my tastes." Irvan rose, not allowing Dumbledore to demand otherwise, and left through the teacher's entrance.
He was grateful to leave. The smells of the foods were starting to nauseate him. Most particularly the garlic flavoring the dishes supported in full blast. While it was not a foolproof method of keeping vampires at bay, it certainly was a deterrent. He had once made the mistake of allowing an acquaintance take him to Gilroy, California to meet a friend. He had been in a sullen mood the entire trip, and no doubt had given the acquaintance exactly what she wanted just to get out of that God-forsaken place.
He was definitely ready to visit some Muggles this evening. Maybe he could even forget about the discontented little ball of emotions that was Severus. He doubted it, but he could try. Irvan had not spoken a word to Severus since the wizard had forbidden him to attempt anything that involved him, Azkaban, and Aurors. Basically, rescue was out of the question.
Figuring he would have the best luck in London, Irvan sped for that metropolis with all his vampiric haste.
* * * * * * *
The dog had finally reached the edge of the forest, even with the vague sense of disorientation. He didn't really know why he was here, but he knew this was a safe place and he needed to be here. The majestic castle loomed overhead in the distance, like a beacon showing the way home. He had always loved that castle. Now he was back home.
A small part of the dog remembered the history he had with the place, but the majority was overwhelmingly happy at the prospect of seeing two specific people again. His Godson and Moony.
"You?!" an incredulous voice demanded. "What are YOU doing here?" Padfoot turned around searching for the voice. Funny, he couldn't smell anything. Every sense told him he was alone. Except there was a voice. Dogs' eyes were sensitive in the dark, but he could discern nothing out of the ordinary. At least not until one of the shadows deliberately stepped toward him.
Padfoot growled in warning, ready to rip out the intruder's throat.
"Never mind, I'm sure it doesn't matter," the shadow said. He recognized it was a vampire now. Right before he went to kill the creature, he remembered there was a vampire here that was suppose to be protecting his Godson. "Whatever the reason, I am certain Dumbledore will want to see you before anyone else knows you are here."
Padfoot transformed into the man known as Sirius Black. "What do you mean before anyone else does?"
"Exactly what I said."
"What are you doing here?"
The vampire cast an aura of being annoyed. "Trying to convince myself that you are not on the menu for tonight." Sirius didn't think the vampire was being very sarcastic.
"Fine, I'll go see Dumbledore." He made as if to transform again, but the Dark Creature stopped him.
"It would be easier to cast an invisibility and silencing charm if you remain human. My brand of magic doesn't form well around animals." Sirius looked at Irvan blankly for a moment, then curiously. What motive would the thing have to keep him from being discovered? The vampire must have read much in that glance, for it answered, "I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, and definitely not for your sake. But Harry doesn't deserve to have the only thing resembling a relative taken from him." Now Sirius gaped openly. Since when did vampires have anything resembling feelings? "If you're quite through, we can get going."
"Did you cast the spells, yet?" he asked doubtfully, too tired to manage much else.
"Of course, but it will be useless if you intend to keep talking."
He was too tired for irritation to filter in, and unexpectedly thankful for the vampire's arrival. Now if he could just remember why he had decided to come here...
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And of course, I would like to thank my beta The Goddess Artemis.
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Chapter 19
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Dumbledore looked up and saw the dawn breaking. He hadn't left his desk all night, spending the entire time reading and rereading the letter Severus Snape had sent. Shocked was the least of his feelings.
Severus had left him with the entire list of ingredients and instructions for making the potion he had created, as well as the Dark Potion and Curse combination that had begun his research. Dumbledore readily admitted that he was not the best when it came to potions, but he did know a great deal about the Dark Arts and other black magic. However, the curse was completely new to him. He would have gone to Remus, except the man would want to know why he was asking, and Dumbledore would have to tell him about Sirius. Which would lead him down a long road he was not ready to travel.
~ Impero Pareo Quamtotius. The incantation is translated as follows, which will give some insight on what it does, if not how it works: command obedience completely. The victim is completely subjected to the whims of the caster. It is far more complicated and stronger than the more commonly used Imperius Curse. It is unlikely that you will find this in any book at Hogwarts, and you will most definitely not find a reference to the companion potion.
When used in conjunction with the potion, the curse overwhelms any willpower the victim could exert over the Imperius alone. The potion works by breaking down those barriers used for resistance, and also by building barriers preventing retrieval of the memories of the time when the curse is active.
As it is, I have not yet found the counter curse. I will continue to search as I am able. Perhaps I'll have some luck and overhear the Dark Lord casting it, but I find that unlikely. I have a book in my home, Ciara Aloysius, which should prove fruitful, but I am incapacitated at the moment and cannot retrieve them.
I doubt you will forgive me for this creation, even though it is possibly my greatest achievement, along with many other potions I never intended to mention. But should you wish to know, I will reveal another secret I've kept from you. ~
Albus Dumbledore had to put the letter down, again. Severus had never intended to tell him about his work under Voldemort. He wasn't too surprised about that, but he was extremely disappointed. Disappointed that Severus had never trusted him enough to share this knowledge. Though looking back, Albus probably would have made the man publicly reveal those potions.
The Potions Master was brilliant. It was just a shame that he put his talents to a Dark use.
But not to be trusted! Where had he gone wrong with the boy?
He couldn't shake that feeling of betrayal. Severus had effectively poisoned one of Dumbledore's own.
He skipped to some of the last lines of the letter.
~ Yes, I understand what I did to Black is unforgivable, and I do not ask you to attempt to forgive me, mainly because I enjoyed having a level of control over him. It was something I had desired for a long time. But believe me, Albus, when I tell you if I could have altered the potion and still received a shadow of similarities, I would have done so. The potion I so lovingly created cannot be mimicked. Doing so would not have achieved any results and my precarious position would have faltered.
I do not doubt that you would have preferred the mimicry and that I remove Black from the Dark Lord's hold. While that would have been best for Black, I knew that he would be released alive the moment I saw that he would be the one to take the potion. Your Gryffindor is essentially unharmed. I have cured what I could of his injuries, and he will have no recollection of his stay. ~
Dumbledore thought back to the notes Voldemort sent him all last week. They had arrived just as Severus was giving him information. He had always sent Severus away. Now he wished he had kept the young wizard in the room while he read; the man might have had some insight on what Voldemort was thinking.
No. Severus did have an idea of what Voldemort was thinking. It was all here in this letter. And it was in the brief statements he made before the interrupting owl. Sirius was being used as a trap. But how? And was it possible to detect the Dark Curse that was or would be controlling him?
~ Professor, I should tell you, though you might already know, Potter and Lupin know nothing of Black's capture and detainment. I feel it might be best not to tell them until I can find a way to dissolve the memory blocks. It would be hard for Black to comprehend, not remembering his own captivity. But as always, I defer to your judgment. ~
He marveled at how Severus never directly insulted Sirius. There were plenty of snide remarks hidden away in direct statements. It made him wonder if Severus had changed his mind about Sirius, but then he recalled the statement about how he 'enjoyed having a level of control over him.' No, there was no drastic change of opinion. But there did appear to be an attempt at controlling outright hostilities.
~ I apologize for not speaking to you in person, but I have a strong feeling that you would not have been able to get past the fact that I was the one who created the potion. (And no, it does not have a name. It was not given one in order that it might be kept a secret, even among the Death Eaters.) When I say I would not have gotten past that point, I mean that is most likely where you were ready to ball up the parchment and incinerate it without a second thought.
I am glad you didn't.
Likely you feel betrayed. And you have a perfect right to feel such. I did betray your trust. I knowingly practiced the Dark Arts on one of your own. I did so without your knowledge and in violation of my promise to you. Nor did I tell you afterward, as I should have. Your trust in me is rightfully broken.
I hope this letter contains everything you desire to know about this incident, for it contains everything I know.
Sincerely, Severus Snape ~
* * * * * * * *
"So, what do we know about Snape's removal?" Harry asked while they were walking down to Potions.
"Next to nothing," Hermione supplied. "Professor Dumbledore didn't tell us anything Professor McGonagall hadn't. The __Daily Prophet__ didn't say anything useful, only that Fudge is glad Snape was brought in and that the entire Ministry wants to blame him for the murder of Arabella Figg."
"So, basically the only way Snape can get out of this is if the Ministry listens to Professor Dumbledore."
"Looks that way."
"Come on, guys, it can't be that bad. Snape was only brought in for questioning."
"It probably isn't, Ron, but I'd feel better knowing what's happening."
Harry began to tune out Ron and Hermione's conversation. He had learned what he wanted to know; now he had to wait. It wasn't a very comforting prospect. At least Evan and Irvan were still around. In fact, Irvan had become the long term substitute for Snape. He couldn't explain it, but he no longer was disgusted by the presence of a vampire. Though he wondered how the actions of the other students would change once they knew. He wasn't going to tell anyone, except maybe Ron and Hermione.
Evan was still in the castle. And that was about all he knew. The spider seemed to be enjoying the freedom to wander at will. It had had one run in with Mrs. Norris that Harry knew about. The spider was still cursing cats in general.
Idly he wondered how _Professor_ Irvan was at potions. And wondered how thoughts of Irvan and Evan seemed to merge. It never overly concerned him, but he thought it was odd. Irvan had been a good teacher while substituting for Professor Lupin, and Harry was laughing to himself whenever he heard the Slytherins comment on how wonderful he was. If they only knew. And now that Irvan was Head of Slytherin House, well, he wondered how surprised they would be.
On entering the dungeon classroom, Harry found that both Irvan and the Slytherins were already there and his fellow Gryffindors were trickling in. They seemed a little hesitant with a new force in this familiar environment. Was it going to be better or worse than Snape?
"Is everyone present?" Irvan asked in a voice no one could get tired of hearing. It was smoother than Snape, less threatening. But it always surprised Harry that Irvan spoke English. That voice wasn't meant for English, but the vampire had no discernible accent. When no one made any comments, he continued, "Very well. I'll first answer many of the unasked questions you no doubt have. First of all, I'll be following Professor Snape's lesson plans while he is absent. Unfortunately I do not know how long the Ministry intends to keep him, so there is no use in asking me. I will allow you to keep your current partners unless they cause problems.
"I'm certain I do not need to remind you that I do have all the powers of a professor, unlike a substitute, and I strongly suggest that you remember it. Now, to begin the lesson. Turn to page 342. We will be covering a variation of the Shrinking Solution."
Lab began quickly. As Irvan had explained, "This is a lesson in your ability to read directions, not in being guided through the process." It was quiet. For a change, the Slytherins, especially Malfoy, were doing nothing to provoke the Gryffindors, which both Harry and Ron found odd. In fact, it was such a smooth lab that many of the Gryffindors were beginning to experiment with the noise level in the room.
"He's not that bad," Ron whispered. "Definitely better than Snape." Harry nodded, having nothing to add. He was still conditioned to remain silent lest he receive a detention.
"Miss Granger," Irvan said sharply, catching several students off guard. "Return your attention to your own cauldron. Should Mr. Longbottom require assistance he will consult me first, then we will determine how best to help him. He is not learning anything except dependence by listening to you."
Hermione flushed in anger at the insinuation, but did as she was told. Neville, however, looked stranded. Harry watched his fellow Gryffindor as it became apparent he was floundering. Hermione just wanted to help, but couldn't while Irvan was focusing most all of his attention on that table.
"I almost want to take it back," Ron commented. "He is better than Snape, but not that much better."
Harry didn't really agree. Irvan wasn't embarrassing Neville or Hermione too much. He was just making sure the lessons were learn the way he intended.
Neville finally seem to swallow his fear, even though he shouldn't have any of Irvan. Rather he should, amended Harry, but not in Potions. The boy raised his hand and call, "Professor Irvan, could you come here for a moment. I think I need help." Smoothly Irvan glided to the table and peered into the battered cauldron. He began talking too softly for Harry to hear, but he appeared to be asking Neville questions. Satisfied that Neville wasn't going to crack under pressure, Harry returned to his work and waited for the end of the class.
Once over, he sought Neville out, curious about what had happened after Irvan came to assist.
"Well, he just asked me questions about what I did and what the book said to do. Nothing unusual, I guess. He's not half as scary as Professor Snape. But he's still scary. He sounds like he's from somewhere else, but I don't know where. My Gran says that people who don't have any accent are the ones you need to watch out for. But I like him."
Harry was glad no one knew who Irvan really was. If they did, he bet the parents would pitch an awful fit.
Lost in thought, he barely heard Ron talking to him during lunch. Hermione conveniently ignored the redhead by sticking her nose in a book. "Sorry, Ron. I wasn't paying attention."
"Right, you weren't. I was asking how the Quidditch Team was doing."
"Oh, just fine. We're working hard for our first match."
"Ravenclaw can't be that much trouble."
"It's not. We're just using that game as practice before the one with Slytherin."
"That'll be a fun game. Especially if Snape's not here to see it."
"It will be interesting. I'm betting that the Slytherins are going to be trying extra hard to win with Snape gone. You can tell they're not happy about it."
"No kidding. But I'm just hoping that they stay that way. At least then we don't have to worry about stupid little pranks in Potions."
"I doubt they'll try Irvan's patience too much. I have a feeling they like him better than any of the other teachers, but I don't know about how much they respect him."
"Who cares? I like things the way they are." Ron slowed down to eat, inadvertently giving Hermione an opening into the conversation.
"Harry, remember when you expressed an interest in learning more about portkeys?"
"What about them?"
"I picked this up from the library, and thought you might be interested in it."
"You aren't supposed to take reference books from the library," Ron accused, mouth full of food.
Hermione sent him a withering look and continued to talk to Harry. "It describes how portkeys are created, and the best ways to do so. And Ron, Madam Pince happens to like me, and trusts me enough to let me take it out of the library."
"You don't mind if I take a look at it tonight?"
"Not at all. I just need it back by the end of next week."
"I'll get it back by then. Oh, that reminds me. Have you found anything out about Professor Hidelberg?"
"No, not much. He was a good Potions Master, wrote several books, but from what I've seen they are for other Potions Masters, not students. I do believe that whoever wrote __Potions and Their Failures__ came from the Snape family. They have a long line of people who could have published under S.O.S. Professor Snape is not the only one, but he is the last in the direct line of heirs. I'm thinking he wrote it. His father was good friends with Professor Hidelberg. And there are no pictures from Snape's seventh year. The most recent in the book are of his sixth year. That gives him plenty of time to have written commentary on the sixth year failures and have the book published in time for his seventh year, with the help of his father."
"Sounds like you thought this through," muttered Ron.
"I have. And I think it's the most logical possibility. But I don't have any proof," she added glumly.
"That's alright. We have a suspicion, even if it takes a confession to prove it. Anyway, who would have thought Snape would be capable of writing something useful, as well as fun to read."
"Perhaps that's why he wrote under a pseudonym. He didn't want to ruin his reputation as a serious git," Ron commented gleefully, not at all perturbed that he liked something written by Snape.
* * * * * * *
Dinner came far too early for his liking. Irvan hated the fact that he was required to attend. He hoped the Headmaster wouldn't do anything about Slytherin House though. The House-elves were more than agreeable about providing dinner in the Slytherin common room. He was still surprised that House-elves were not afraid of vampires, even though he had known this for over a thousand years. He didn't understand it, nor did he try. Why did he need to when everything worked just fine the way it was? But he was still curious. Perhaps that would become his next point of study after he solved the animagus dilemma.
He walked into the Great Hall and immediately found Dumbledore beckoning him over. He sighed. It was too much to hope for to have the man just ignore the fact that one fourth of his students were absent. He might as well explain that they intended to be absent for as long as Severus was gone. It wasn't too unreasonable.
Irvan glanced down at the tables. Slytherin's wasn't even set. Not a single dish or utensil. But the Head Boy, Marcus Brentwood, was sitting at the far end, back toward the rest of the houses.
"Good evening, Irvan," Dumbledore greeted. Irvan nodded in recognition. He wasn't in the mood to socialize. It had been a frustrating day and he was hungry. And nothing on the table was going to satisfy him. Unfortunately, he was going to have to wait until later that night. Maybe he could slip into London, or the nearest Muggle city, for a real meal. It wouldn't be too much trouble, not to mention it would last much longer than any creature he would find in the Forbidden Forest. Centaurs excluded, but he had no desire to battle one of those.
"How was your first day teaching potions?" Dumbledore continued unfazed.
"Quite well. Most of the students still retained their fear of Severus. It was most amusing. Suffice to say, the first years were more willing to test the waters, so to speak. I'll have the remaining years tomorrow. I believe the seventh years are going to be more of a trial."
"You seem to be including the Weasley twins in your prediction."
"I have already met them."
"It's good you know what to expect. Though it appears you haven't managed to convince the Slytherins to join us."
Irvan was expecting that change in topic. Expecting it, but not really wanting to answer it. "They are convinced of their beliefs. They will not return until Severus has."
"Why, then, is Mr. Brentwood here?" Irvan caught the knowing twinkle in the Headmaster's eyes. He already knew the answer. And that irked Irvan. Why would anyone ask something they already knew?
"I believe he is here to make an appearance. I understand that it is expected of the Head Boy."
"Indeed it is."
Irvan felt a brief satisfaction, as just after Dumbledore spoke Brentwood stood and left. Exactly ten minutes since the beginning. Exactly the same time Severus had spent in the Great Hall before the Aurors arrived. He carefully hid his victorious smile, knowing that it was not his victory, as surprise crossed Dumbledore's face. Many other teachers and students expressed surprise, but it was the calm and collected Headmaster he was glad to shock.
"If you will excuse me, Headmaster, I will go find something more suited to my tastes." Irvan rose, not allowing Dumbledore to demand otherwise, and left through the teacher's entrance.
He was grateful to leave. The smells of the foods were starting to nauseate him. Most particularly the garlic flavoring the dishes supported in full blast. While it was not a foolproof method of keeping vampires at bay, it certainly was a deterrent. He had once made the mistake of allowing an acquaintance take him to Gilroy, California to meet a friend. He had been in a sullen mood the entire trip, and no doubt had given the acquaintance exactly what she wanted just to get out of that God-forsaken place.
He was definitely ready to visit some Muggles this evening. Maybe he could even forget about the discontented little ball of emotions that was Severus. He doubted it, but he could try. Irvan had not spoken a word to Severus since the wizard had forbidden him to attempt anything that involved him, Azkaban, and Aurors. Basically, rescue was out of the question.
Figuring he would have the best luck in London, Irvan sped for that metropolis with all his vampiric haste.
* * * * * * *
The dog had finally reached the edge of the forest, even with the vague sense of disorientation. He didn't really know why he was here, but he knew this was a safe place and he needed to be here. The majestic castle loomed overhead in the distance, like a beacon showing the way home. He had always loved that castle. Now he was back home.
A small part of the dog remembered the history he had with the place, but the majority was overwhelmingly happy at the prospect of seeing two specific people again. His Godson and Moony.
"You?!" an incredulous voice demanded. "What are YOU doing here?" Padfoot turned around searching for the voice. Funny, he couldn't smell anything. Every sense told him he was alone. Except there was a voice. Dogs' eyes were sensitive in the dark, but he could discern nothing out of the ordinary. At least not until one of the shadows deliberately stepped toward him.
Padfoot growled in warning, ready to rip out the intruder's throat.
"Never mind, I'm sure it doesn't matter," the shadow said. He recognized it was a vampire now. Right before he went to kill the creature, he remembered there was a vampire here that was suppose to be protecting his Godson. "Whatever the reason, I am certain Dumbledore will want to see you before anyone else knows you are here."
Padfoot transformed into the man known as Sirius Black. "What do you mean before anyone else does?"
"Exactly what I said."
"What are you doing here?"
The vampire cast an aura of being annoyed. "Trying to convince myself that you are not on the menu for tonight." Sirius didn't think the vampire was being very sarcastic.
"Fine, I'll go see Dumbledore." He made as if to transform again, but the Dark Creature stopped him.
"It would be easier to cast an invisibility and silencing charm if you remain human. My brand of magic doesn't form well around animals." Sirius looked at Irvan blankly for a moment, then curiously. What motive would the thing have to keep him from being discovered? The vampire must have read much in that glance, for it answered, "I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, and definitely not for your sake. But Harry doesn't deserve to have the only thing resembling a relative taken from him." Now Sirius gaped openly. Since when did vampires have anything resembling feelings? "If you're quite through, we can get going."
"Did you cast the spells, yet?" he asked doubtfully, too tired to manage much else.
"Of course, but it will be useless if you intend to keep talking."
He was too tired for irritation to filter in, and unexpectedly thankful for the vampire's arrival. Now if he could just remember why he had decided to come here...
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And of course, I would like to thank my beta The Goddess Artemis.