dæmon infinita potestas = demon of omnipotence
amuletum de verus heredis = amulet of the true heirs
Chapter Two
Having packed most of his belongings into trunks and shrunk them into his jacket pocket Severus pulled his travelling cloak on. Taking one last look around he checked that he had everything and that he hadn't left anything out that might spoil or was dangerous. Happy that everything was in order Severus walked out of his room and made his way down the stairs, he was greeted by Poppet and another house elf, Mizzy.
"Master Severus is leaving for Hogwarts?" inquired Poppet with a look of sadness.
"Yes Poppet, I have to go now, to teach the students," Severus said with a reassuring smile.
"Master Severus will be gone till the summer?" asked Mizzy.
"Yes, like I always do," Severus said warmly, "I have to help protect all of the staff and students at Hogwarts."
"But Master Severus, you could be killed by Voldemort if you return," exclaimed Mizzy wringing her hands on her white bed sheet toga. It wasn't odd that the house elf knew about Voldemort; they knew almost everything about Severus and they could be trusted not to say anything.
"Mizzy, if I can help Albus with anything I will," said Severus, "I will be careful. Besides Voldemort still has a use for me, he won't kill me," Severus added.
"Then Mizzy and I will look after Snape Manor until you return, Master Severus," Poppet said resolutely.
Bidding them both good by Severus picked up his broom by the door and went out of the door. Mounting his broom he gently flew up and then headed north toward Hogwarts.
It wasn't strange that a house elf would attach themselves to their master with fervent devotion but the two elves had acted sadder then usual. But then again they were not your typical house elves.
He let himself relax, though he was still alert to danger, as he admired the beautiful scenery. Severus recalled his research from the last six days, he had found not a lot more about the potion but had found out the names of other books that he could look up, especially in the library at Hogwarts.
Speaking of Hogwarts, the Hogwarts Express would be halfway to Hogwarts by now. He let out a chuckle as he remembered that Minerva would be on the train unbeknownst to the student body; she posed as the lunch trolley lady.
That way she could keep an eye on the students whilst protecting then. Severus thought back to the day that he had found out Minerva's double life, his jaw had dropped and he stared at Albus with a look of total shock.
But now it made sense to have a strong witch on the train to defend it if there was ever an attack. Severus recalled that she played the role quite beautifully; the lunch trolley lady had been worlds apart from Minerva. It was immaculately done.
***
Severus gently touched down in front of the main doors of Hogwarts, dismounting he walked into the hall. Closing his eyes Severus savoured the smell and feel of the familiar building. His eyes snapped open as he felt a presence behind him, turning he realised that it was Hagrid.
"Evenin' professer," said Hagrid amiably.
Hagrid was a half giant; he had long bushy hair and an equally bushy beard. At times Hagrid was a bit dotty but had a heart of gold; he was the Care of Magical Creatures Professor.
"Shouldn't you be in Hogsmeade waiting for the children, Hagrid," asked Severus curiously.
"I jus' 'ave ta pick up a package to give ta Lupin," Hagrid said.
Severus nodded and departed for his quarters in the dungeons. On the way down he saw Albus, Severus picked up his pace to catch up with him.
"Albus," Severus called out.
"Ah, Severus how have you been?" asked the Headmaster.
"I am fine, but I need to talk to you about something," Severus said in a hushed voice.
"Will you walk with me, Severus?" Albus asked.
They both walked out onto the grounds of Hogwarts and headed for the lake. Picking a wood bench they sat down. After a moment Severus started to speak.
"Voldemort wants me to research and brew the Elementum Potion. So far I know that it has something to do with a connection to the elements." Reported Severus.
"How does it connect the user to the elements?" asked Albus with a frown.
"So far all of the books allude to the potion giving the user control of some kind to control of elements."
"That would indeed be quite grave. Will you keep me posted on your progress?"
"Of course, Albus,"
Another moment of silence, "I see Severus you have not taken my advice to get a hair cut," Albus said seriously, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Only if you get yours done, Albus," retorted the younger wizard, "that includes your beard."
"But I won't look gentile and wise if I had short hair," whined Albus with a pout.
"And I will not look like the 'greasy git' the children love to hate if my hair wasn't long and greasy," replied Severus with a smirk.
"You're not greasy, Severus," said Albus nicely ruffling Severus's hair.
A pause. "Are you implying I'm a git?" asked Severus incredulously.
Albus smiled and said, "No comment," then walked away, leaving Severus staring unamused at the retreating wizard's back.
Severus sat at the bench for a few minutes more watching the giant squid in the lake surface and then sink again. Finally raising himself from the bench Severus made his way to the dungeons.
The entrance to his quarters was concealed cleverly by merging it with the wall around it. A medium sized picture of a young girl was hung on the door; she acted as the guardian of sorts, letting people in if they had the password.
The girl was in her mid teens, she usually sat on the tree swing overlooking a meadow. Dressed in a simple powder blue dress, with blue ribbons in her blonde hair.
"Oh, good evening, Severus," she said.
"Hello, Selena," responded Severus to the young girl.
A fascinating feature of all wizarding paintings was that they all seemed to have a conscience, sometimes a bit of the actual person who posed for the picture. They could move about freely and walk into other paintings that hung near.
"Password please?" Selena asked.
"Green feathers," Severus stated.
Selena smiled and the wall around her began to shift and finally open, revealing the entranceway to Severus's quarters. Severus thanked the young girl before entering. The door gently shut behind him.
Severus looked at his pocket watch and found that he had half an hour before he had to attend the last minute meeting to make sure that everything was running as it should.
Giving a yawn Severus took out his luggage and enlarged them, flipping open a suitcase he picked up several items before disappearing into the bathroom to freshen up.
***
The meeting had gone off without a hitch and now the Hogwarts faculty (minus Minerva) was seated in at the Staff table in the Great Hall awaiting the arrival of the students. Severus was seated as far right as he could without seeming anti-social or rude; this too was a good position to sit if he wanted to make a quick get away.
The old Grandfather clock at the entrance hall chimed six o'clock, and as if by magic the doors to the Great Hall opened letting in the first of the returning pupils. The first years would arrive slightly later, they would be riding the boats across the lake at this moment, it was a special jaunt that the first years were privilege to, almost a show of grandeur but lacking the fireworks.
The returning students would be collected from Hogsmeade station by sleek black, horseless carriages and bought to the steps of Hogwarts.
Severus watched as the pupils came in and took a seat at their respective tables, the seating arrangements were oldest pupils nearest the doors and descended as it got nearer the staff table.
Just by sight Severus could recognise all of the pupils, their names, ages, house (though that wasn't hard as they wore their house badge and tie), and their merits and punishments so far.
Draco Malfoy entered the Great Hall with his usual condescending look upon his face; he was the son of Lucius Malfoy, 'friend' and fellow Deatheater of Severus. His blond hair slick back into a style reminiscent of a yuppie, his cold silver eyes observing all.
Draco was flanked by his followers, Goyle and Crabbe. They were also sons of Deatheaters but were slow and dim-witted, which made them perfect to be Draco's heavies.
They were in Severus's house, Slytherin. The house that produced the most Deatheaters in all of Hogwarts, something that Severus hoped to remedy. All of the children in Slytherin come from pure-blooded families and were taught from a young age that pure-bloods were better than half-bloods or others that weren't born into wizarding families (mud-bloods, if you wanted to be rude). It was going o be an uphill struggle but Severus wanted to save as many Slytherins from Voldemort's grasp as he possible could.
Just then Harry and his friends entered the Hall, bringing Severus out of his reverie. Harry had inherited his father's looks from his unruly black hair to his mannerisms, however he inherited Lily Evans, his mother's, emerald green eyes and temperament.
Standing to his left was Ron, a prominent pure-blood family with none of the Slytherin prejudice; he had flaming orange hair and a pale freckled face. And lastly to Harry's right was Hermione, Gryffindor's resident swot, her bushy brown hair was now cut and tamed into a bob, her hazel eyes danced with laughter as Ron told a joke.
Severus had been charged to protect Harry covertly and this now extended to encompass his friends. Though most of the time Severus had to act as if he loathed Harry and his house Gryffindor, in fact Severus acted as if he loathed everyone unless they were from Slytherin.
Although Hermione had started to treat Severus differently, respectfully. In the past year there was another attempt on Harry's life, Voldemort wanted to summon the dæmon infinita potestas, to perform the spell the four heirs of Hogwarts were needed as well as the seven broken pieces of the amuletum de verus heredis, that were hidden at Hogwarts
Voldemort enlisted the help from the Dark Mage Valisa Narima. She had posed as the nurse, an apprentice of Madam Poppy Pomfrey; this had given her a good deal of freedom to roam the school searching for the lost pieces of the amuletum de verus heredis.
In February Xanvia Crow and Marissa Cleamont, Rowena Ravenclaw's and Helga Hufflepuff's heir respectively, disappeared. Harry was already known by Albus as the true descendant of Godric Gryffindor, however the only known true descendant of Salazar Slytherin was Voldemort, which of course complicated things. The faculty was put on full alert to protect Harry.
After March Hermione purposely earned a detention with Severus, after much debate she and Severus started to work together to prepare Harry for the confrontation.
As the year drew to a close Harry was kidnapped by Valisa by the use of a port-key, Harry was taken to Voldemort at Riddle Mansion, his dead father's derelict house, along with the other two pupils who had been missing for most of the year. Whilst Harry was being held in the basement a Deatheater, Severus in disguise, gave Harry a port-key.
Soon after Harry was taken to see Voldemort, both Xanvia and Marissa were already present; the spell was going to be preformed. The blood of all four heirs was bleed onto the amuletum de verus heredis and the incantations were spoken.
The most important part of the spell was not the blood or the incantation but the mind-set to summon the dæmon infinita potestas and bend it to your will.
For all his planning Voldemort had underestimated Harry, Harry understood the bases of the spell and mind wrestled Voldemort for control of the spell. After a long battle Harry won and aborted the spell, with the port- key Harry transported Xanvia, Marissa and himself back to Hogwarts.
The old clock chimed again announcing to all that the first years would be here any moment. When all of the returning students had taken their seats the door of the Great Hall swung close, the teachers and students all fixed their eyes on the door as it open again.
The first years were lead by Minerva up to the front of the Great hall were a battered old hat sat upon a stool. The battered sorting hat stirred and looked at the first years who gasped in surprise, before starting his song.
As the hat finished it's rather uninspiring song Minerva began calling off the names of the first years; there were 63 pupils this year.
"Alanis, Benedict," called out Minerva.
A brunette stepped out of the crowd timidly and sat down on the stool, the sorting hat was placed upon his head, the brim falling over his eyes. A few moments later the hat yelled out, "Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers and the young boy smiled as he took his seat with his new house.
Severus sat staring into an undistinguished spot on the far wall, the sorting was one of the most boring ceremonies that Hogwarts had, that and the end of term feast, oh, and the Graduation ball, the Halloween ball, the Christmas ball.the list just went on and on. Who knew that in a school year there were so many balls and ceremonies.
Whenever the Hat shouted out 'Slytherin' Severus would pull out of his thinking and make a mental register of the person.
The sorting went on till the last person was called, "Watson, Emilia,"
The hat barely grazed her red hair when the hat yelled, "Gryffindor!"
Ron nudged Harry and whispered, "That's my cousin,"
The count so far was: Gryffindor - 18 pupils Ravenclaw - 15 pupils Hufflepuff - 17 pupils Slytherin - 13 pupils
Severus was almost thankful for the low number of Slytherins, he knew half of them were from Deatheater parents.
The entire hall quietened down as Albus stood up to make his usual announcements, "Welcome to Hogwarts, I hope that everyone had an enjoyable summer. Now a few announcements, the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden," Albus said with a smile,
"And I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back Professor Lupin as the Defences Against the Dark Arts teacher," Albus said with a smile. Remus stood up and took a bow, whilst the students applauded. "and also our new Duelling teacher Professor Jurgon,"
This time a pretty raven-haired woman stood up, she was dressed in a dark red robe, which complemented her colouring. Crystal blue eyes shone with mirth as she also bowed at the students as they applauded.
"Now let the feast begin," intoned Albus, with a wave of his hand food began appearing on the tables eliciting a gasp from the students, even though the returning students had seen it before it was still spectacular to see.
"Do you think the new Duelling teacher is evil?" asked Ron.
"Ronald Weasley!" reprimanded Hermione.
"What?" asked Ron with a mouthful of chicken. "You know each new member of staff that comes here always seems to be evil and bent on getting Harry, Quirrell, Narima, Lockhart, Moody.need I go on?"
"Lupin isn't evil, Quirrell was already here when we were first years, Lockhart was a coward, Moody was Crouch in disguise, but I'll give you that and Narima," said Hermione.
"What about Snape?" asked Ron with a glare at the Potion Master.
"What about him?" asked Hermione, knowing all too well what Ron was talking about.
"His a," Ron looked to his left and right before whispering, "Deatheater."
"You know that his on our side," said Hermione tiredly.
Ron gave Hermione a 'yeah-right' look and she in turn rolled her eyes at him. Harry shook his head at them and have Ron a friendly thump on the shoulder, "You know you two are hopeless,"
Meanwhile back at the staff table Severus was pushing a couple of beans around his plate, giving them a vicious stab he speared them onto his fork and devoured them. Looking up at the Great Hall he spotted Hermione give Ron a whack around the head, and some of the first year Slytherins eyeing up potential allies and enemies. Excusing himself, Severus stood up from the staff table and made his way out of the Great Hall.
Albus leant over to Remus with concern etched on his face, "Where's Severus going?"
"He said that he had a potion to prepare," reassured Remus, his blue eyes conveying more than was said.
"Oh, he hasn't eaten much has he," Albus stated more than questioned.
"No. I saw him picking at his food," replied Remus as he pushed his greying hair back behind his ears. "Don't worry, Albus, I'll go check on him tonight when I go get the potion.
With a nod Albus turned back to his plate.
***
In the near pitch-blackness of the dungeon classroom Severus sat on a desk watching several cauldrons as they bubbled. The cauldron nearest to him changes from a dull purple to a vibrant red, which elicited a smile from him, after adding a handful of Ledum palustre (wild rosemary) and stirring the potion twice clockwise, Severus extinguished the fire and took the cauldron off the tripod.
After casting a cooling charm on the potion Severus reached to the next table grabbing a brown glass mason jar, he poured the contents in. A label marked 'Insect Sting Potion' was stuck to the jar before Severus levitated it to the open stock cupboard.
A knock on the door announced the arrival of someone, "Enter," said Severus, still concentrating on the two remaining cauldrons.
The door open with a creak and the shuffling of fabric followed. "Good, you're just in time, the wolfsbane potion is nearly done, Remus" stated Severus.
"How did you know it was me?" asked Remus curiously as he eyed the Potion Masters back.
"A luck guess," Severus said with a shrug.
"Right," said Remus apprehensively and moves over to where Severus is sitting.
Severus added the shredded wolfsbane into the cauldron causing a minor explosion that announces its completion. After 'accio-ing' a scroll legged, copper goblet towards himself Severus poured the silver liquid into it. Casting a cooling charm over the liquid Severus handed the goblet to Remus.
"Thank you, Severus," smiles Remus, "I guess now's as good a time as any to drink it," said Remus eyeing the potion wearily.
"Don't worry, Lupin, I haven't poisoned it," said Severus.
"Its not that that I'm worried about. Do you know how bitter this tastes?" Remus asked.
"Yes. I know my herbs and potions," replied Severus haughtily.
"Not suggesting otherwise." Remus said with at open look on his face, "Anyway can you make it taste sweeter?"
At this Severus's lips curl into a small smile, "Just drink it," he urged the DADA professor.
With a dramatic sigh Remus downed the entire contents. He looked at Severus and said, "What did you put in it? It taste nice for a change,"
"Cinnamon, not only does it taste good but it is also a good remedy for nausea, which you have complained about, and it doesn't inhibit the effects of the wolfsbane, which is helpful," Severus said with triumph.
"Did that take long?" asked Remus, his interest piqued.
"No not really," replied Severus modestly, "a few weeks, two or three"
Just as Remus was about to praise Severus and the potion he sensed the Potion Master go tense. Then Remus smelt the familiar scent of Snuffles, the door opened and Snuffles entered cautiously.
"Padfoot, what are you doing here?" asked Remus.
The dog looked at Severus then Remus and back at Severus, with a small 'pop' Snuffles metamorphosised back into Sirius. Dressed in a faded black robe Sirius took a protective step towards his friend.
"What are you doing in the dungeons at this time of night?" countered Sirius.
"Just coming to collect my potion, Padfoot," said Remus plainly.
"Have you got it?" Sirius questioned.
"Yeah, just drunk it," Remus said, wondering what Sirius was getting at.
"Well, let's go," said Sirius with a small gesture toward the door.
"Sirius, I'm talking to Severus," explained Remus
"Severus?" asked Sirius, baffled at Remus using Severus's first name.
"Yes, Severus," reiterated Remus.
"When did you start calling that slimy git, Severus?" asked Sirius indignantly, purposely mimicking Remus.
Turning now to look at Severus, Remus saw that he had started mixing some ingredients into the remaining cauldron. Severus look up at Remus and regarded him for moment, "Please, don't let me hold you up," Severus said in mock graciousness.
"Oh, how kind of you, Severus," Sirius mocked.
With a sneer Severus replied, "I'm sure you want him more than I do," the innuendo not lost on Sirius.
"Why you," Sirius began, taking a menacing step toward the Head of Slytherin.
Remus placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder, "Please, Sirius. Let's go," said Remus, half dragging his friend through the door.
When they had left the classroom Severus extinguished the fire underneath the last cauldron and poured the contents into an engraved, silver goblet. After cleaning all of his equipment with magic Severus made his way to his quarters down the hallway with the goblet.
*****
amuletum de verus heredis = amulet of the true heirs
Chapter Two
Having packed most of his belongings into trunks and shrunk them into his jacket pocket Severus pulled his travelling cloak on. Taking one last look around he checked that he had everything and that he hadn't left anything out that might spoil or was dangerous. Happy that everything was in order Severus walked out of his room and made his way down the stairs, he was greeted by Poppet and another house elf, Mizzy.
"Master Severus is leaving for Hogwarts?" inquired Poppet with a look of sadness.
"Yes Poppet, I have to go now, to teach the students," Severus said with a reassuring smile.
"Master Severus will be gone till the summer?" asked Mizzy.
"Yes, like I always do," Severus said warmly, "I have to help protect all of the staff and students at Hogwarts."
"But Master Severus, you could be killed by Voldemort if you return," exclaimed Mizzy wringing her hands on her white bed sheet toga. It wasn't odd that the house elf knew about Voldemort; they knew almost everything about Severus and they could be trusted not to say anything.
"Mizzy, if I can help Albus with anything I will," said Severus, "I will be careful. Besides Voldemort still has a use for me, he won't kill me," Severus added.
"Then Mizzy and I will look after Snape Manor until you return, Master Severus," Poppet said resolutely.
Bidding them both good by Severus picked up his broom by the door and went out of the door. Mounting his broom he gently flew up and then headed north toward Hogwarts.
It wasn't strange that a house elf would attach themselves to their master with fervent devotion but the two elves had acted sadder then usual. But then again they were not your typical house elves.
He let himself relax, though he was still alert to danger, as he admired the beautiful scenery. Severus recalled his research from the last six days, he had found not a lot more about the potion but had found out the names of other books that he could look up, especially in the library at Hogwarts.
Speaking of Hogwarts, the Hogwarts Express would be halfway to Hogwarts by now. He let out a chuckle as he remembered that Minerva would be on the train unbeknownst to the student body; she posed as the lunch trolley lady.
That way she could keep an eye on the students whilst protecting then. Severus thought back to the day that he had found out Minerva's double life, his jaw had dropped and he stared at Albus with a look of total shock.
But now it made sense to have a strong witch on the train to defend it if there was ever an attack. Severus recalled that she played the role quite beautifully; the lunch trolley lady had been worlds apart from Minerva. It was immaculately done.
***
Severus gently touched down in front of the main doors of Hogwarts, dismounting he walked into the hall. Closing his eyes Severus savoured the smell and feel of the familiar building. His eyes snapped open as he felt a presence behind him, turning he realised that it was Hagrid.
"Evenin' professer," said Hagrid amiably.
Hagrid was a half giant; he had long bushy hair and an equally bushy beard. At times Hagrid was a bit dotty but had a heart of gold; he was the Care of Magical Creatures Professor.
"Shouldn't you be in Hogsmeade waiting for the children, Hagrid," asked Severus curiously.
"I jus' 'ave ta pick up a package to give ta Lupin," Hagrid said.
Severus nodded and departed for his quarters in the dungeons. On the way down he saw Albus, Severus picked up his pace to catch up with him.
"Albus," Severus called out.
"Ah, Severus how have you been?" asked the Headmaster.
"I am fine, but I need to talk to you about something," Severus said in a hushed voice.
"Will you walk with me, Severus?" Albus asked.
They both walked out onto the grounds of Hogwarts and headed for the lake. Picking a wood bench they sat down. After a moment Severus started to speak.
"Voldemort wants me to research and brew the Elementum Potion. So far I know that it has something to do with a connection to the elements." Reported Severus.
"How does it connect the user to the elements?" asked Albus with a frown.
"So far all of the books allude to the potion giving the user control of some kind to control of elements."
"That would indeed be quite grave. Will you keep me posted on your progress?"
"Of course, Albus,"
Another moment of silence, "I see Severus you have not taken my advice to get a hair cut," Albus said seriously, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Only if you get yours done, Albus," retorted the younger wizard, "that includes your beard."
"But I won't look gentile and wise if I had short hair," whined Albus with a pout.
"And I will not look like the 'greasy git' the children love to hate if my hair wasn't long and greasy," replied Severus with a smirk.
"You're not greasy, Severus," said Albus nicely ruffling Severus's hair.
A pause. "Are you implying I'm a git?" asked Severus incredulously.
Albus smiled and said, "No comment," then walked away, leaving Severus staring unamused at the retreating wizard's back.
Severus sat at the bench for a few minutes more watching the giant squid in the lake surface and then sink again. Finally raising himself from the bench Severus made his way to the dungeons.
The entrance to his quarters was concealed cleverly by merging it with the wall around it. A medium sized picture of a young girl was hung on the door; she acted as the guardian of sorts, letting people in if they had the password.
The girl was in her mid teens, she usually sat on the tree swing overlooking a meadow. Dressed in a simple powder blue dress, with blue ribbons in her blonde hair.
"Oh, good evening, Severus," she said.
"Hello, Selena," responded Severus to the young girl.
A fascinating feature of all wizarding paintings was that they all seemed to have a conscience, sometimes a bit of the actual person who posed for the picture. They could move about freely and walk into other paintings that hung near.
"Password please?" Selena asked.
"Green feathers," Severus stated.
Selena smiled and the wall around her began to shift and finally open, revealing the entranceway to Severus's quarters. Severus thanked the young girl before entering. The door gently shut behind him.
Severus looked at his pocket watch and found that he had half an hour before he had to attend the last minute meeting to make sure that everything was running as it should.
Giving a yawn Severus took out his luggage and enlarged them, flipping open a suitcase he picked up several items before disappearing into the bathroom to freshen up.
***
The meeting had gone off without a hitch and now the Hogwarts faculty (minus Minerva) was seated in at the Staff table in the Great Hall awaiting the arrival of the students. Severus was seated as far right as he could without seeming anti-social or rude; this too was a good position to sit if he wanted to make a quick get away.
The old Grandfather clock at the entrance hall chimed six o'clock, and as if by magic the doors to the Great Hall opened letting in the first of the returning pupils. The first years would arrive slightly later, they would be riding the boats across the lake at this moment, it was a special jaunt that the first years were privilege to, almost a show of grandeur but lacking the fireworks.
The returning students would be collected from Hogsmeade station by sleek black, horseless carriages and bought to the steps of Hogwarts.
Severus watched as the pupils came in and took a seat at their respective tables, the seating arrangements were oldest pupils nearest the doors and descended as it got nearer the staff table.
Just by sight Severus could recognise all of the pupils, their names, ages, house (though that wasn't hard as they wore their house badge and tie), and their merits and punishments so far.
Draco Malfoy entered the Great Hall with his usual condescending look upon his face; he was the son of Lucius Malfoy, 'friend' and fellow Deatheater of Severus. His blond hair slick back into a style reminiscent of a yuppie, his cold silver eyes observing all.
Draco was flanked by his followers, Goyle and Crabbe. They were also sons of Deatheaters but were slow and dim-witted, which made them perfect to be Draco's heavies.
They were in Severus's house, Slytherin. The house that produced the most Deatheaters in all of Hogwarts, something that Severus hoped to remedy. All of the children in Slytherin come from pure-blooded families and were taught from a young age that pure-bloods were better than half-bloods or others that weren't born into wizarding families (mud-bloods, if you wanted to be rude). It was going o be an uphill struggle but Severus wanted to save as many Slytherins from Voldemort's grasp as he possible could.
Just then Harry and his friends entered the Hall, bringing Severus out of his reverie. Harry had inherited his father's looks from his unruly black hair to his mannerisms, however he inherited Lily Evans, his mother's, emerald green eyes and temperament.
Standing to his left was Ron, a prominent pure-blood family with none of the Slytherin prejudice; he had flaming orange hair and a pale freckled face. And lastly to Harry's right was Hermione, Gryffindor's resident swot, her bushy brown hair was now cut and tamed into a bob, her hazel eyes danced with laughter as Ron told a joke.
Severus had been charged to protect Harry covertly and this now extended to encompass his friends. Though most of the time Severus had to act as if he loathed Harry and his house Gryffindor, in fact Severus acted as if he loathed everyone unless they were from Slytherin.
Although Hermione had started to treat Severus differently, respectfully. In the past year there was another attempt on Harry's life, Voldemort wanted to summon the dæmon infinita potestas, to perform the spell the four heirs of Hogwarts were needed as well as the seven broken pieces of the amuletum de verus heredis, that were hidden at Hogwarts
Voldemort enlisted the help from the Dark Mage Valisa Narima. She had posed as the nurse, an apprentice of Madam Poppy Pomfrey; this had given her a good deal of freedom to roam the school searching for the lost pieces of the amuletum de verus heredis.
In February Xanvia Crow and Marissa Cleamont, Rowena Ravenclaw's and Helga Hufflepuff's heir respectively, disappeared. Harry was already known by Albus as the true descendant of Godric Gryffindor, however the only known true descendant of Salazar Slytherin was Voldemort, which of course complicated things. The faculty was put on full alert to protect Harry.
After March Hermione purposely earned a detention with Severus, after much debate she and Severus started to work together to prepare Harry for the confrontation.
As the year drew to a close Harry was kidnapped by Valisa by the use of a port-key, Harry was taken to Voldemort at Riddle Mansion, his dead father's derelict house, along with the other two pupils who had been missing for most of the year. Whilst Harry was being held in the basement a Deatheater, Severus in disguise, gave Harry a port-key.
Soon after Harry was taken to see Voldemort, both Xanvia and Marissa were already present; the spell was going to be preformed. The blood of all four heirs was bleed onto the amuletum de verus heredis and the incantations were spoken.
The most important part of the spell was not the blood or the incantation but the mind-set to summon the dæmon infinita potestas and bend it to your will.
For all his planning Voldemort had underestimated Harry, Harry understood the bases of the spell and mind wrestled Voldemort for control of the spell. After a long battle Harry won and aborted the spell, with the port- key Harry transported Xanvia, Marissa and himself back to Hogwarts.
The old clock chimed again announcing to all that the first years would be here any moment. When all of the returning students had taken their seats the door of the Great Hall swung close, the teachers and students all fixed their eyes on the door as it open again.
The first years were lead by Minerva up to the front of the Great hall were a battered old hat sat upon a stool. The battered sorting hat stirred and looked at the first years who gasped in surprise, before starting his song.
As the hat finished it's rather uninspiring song Minerva began calling off the names of the first years; there were 63 pupils this year.
"Alanis, Benedict," called out Minerva.
A brunette stepped out of the crowd timidly and sat down on the stool, the sorting hat was placed upon his head, the brim falling over his eyes. A few moments later the hat yelled out, "Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers and the young boy smiled as he took his seat with his new house.
Severus sat staring into an undistinguished spot on the far wall, the sorting was one of the most boring ceremonies that Hogwarts had, that and the end of term feast, oh, and the Graduation ball, the Halloween ball, the Christmas ball.the list just went on and on. Who knew that in a school year there were so many balls and ceremonies.
Whenever the Hat shouted out 'Slytherin' Severus would pull out of his thinking and make a mental register of the person.
The sorting went on till the last person was called, "Watson, Emilia,"
The hat barely grazed her red hair when the hat yelled, "Gryffindor!"
Ron nudged Harry and whispered, "That's my cousin,"
The count so far was: Gryffindor - 18 pupils Ravenclaw - 15 pupils Hufflepuff - 17 pupils Slytherin - 13 pupils
Severus was almost thankful for the low number of Slytherins, he knew half of them were from Deatheater parents.
The entire hall quietened down as Albus stood up to make his usual announcements, "Welcome to Hogwarts, I hope that everyone had an enjoyable summer. Now a few announcements, the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden," Albus said with a smile,
"And I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back Professor Lupin as the Defences Against the Dark Arts teacher," Albus said with a smile. Remus stood up and took a bow, whilst the students applauded. "and also our new Duelling teacher Professor Jurgon,"
This time a pretty raven-haired woman stood up, she was dressed in a dark red robe, which complemented her colouring. Crystal blue eyes shone with mirth as she also bowed at the students as they applauded.
"Now let the feast begin," intoned Albus, with a wave of his hand food began appearing on the tables eliciting a gasp from the students, even though the returning students had seen it before it was still spectacular to see.
"Do you think the new Duelling teacher is evil?" asked Ron.
"Ronald Weasley!" reprimanded Hermione.
"What?" asked Ron with a mouthful of chicken. "You know each new member of staff that comes here always seems to be evil and bent on getting Harry, Quirrell, Narima, Lockhart, Moody.need I go on?"
"Lupin isn't evil, Quirrell was already here when we were first years, Lockhart was a coward, Moody was Crouch in disguise, but I'll give you that and Narima," said Hermione.
"What about Snape?" asked Ron with a glare at the Potion Master.
"What about him?" asked Hermione, knowing all too well what Ron was talking about.
"His a," Ron looked to his left and right before whispering, "Deatheater."
"You know that his on our side," said Hermione tiredly.
Ron gave Hermione a 'yeah-right' look and she in turn rolled her eyes at him. Harry shook his head at them and have Ron a friendly thump on the shoulder, "You know you two are hopeless,"
Meanwhile back at the staff table Severus was pushing a couple of beans around his plate, giving them a vicious stab he speared them onto his fork and devoured them. Looking up at the Great Hall he spotted Hermione give Ron a whack around the head, and some of the first year Slytherins eyeing up potential allies and enemies. Excusing himself, Severus stood up from the staff table and made his way out of the Great Hall.
Albus leant over to Remus with concern etched on his face, "Where's Severus going?"
"He said that he had a potion to prepare," reassured Remus, his blue eyes conveying more than was said.
"Oh, he hasn't eaten much has he," Albus stated more than questioned.
"No. I saw him picking at his food," replied Remus as he pushed his greying hair back behind his ears. "Don't worry, Albus, I'll go check on him tonight when I go get the potion.
With a nod Albus turned back to his plate.
***
In the near pitch-blackness of the dungeon classroom Severus sat on a desk watching several cauldrons as they bubbled. The cauldron nearest to him changes from a dull purple to a vibrant red, which elicited a smile from him, after adding a handful of Ledum palustre (wild rosemary) and stirring the potion twice clockwise, Severus extinguished the fire and took the cauldron off the tripod.
After casting a cooling charm on the potion Severus reached to the next table grabbing a brown glass mason jar, he poured the contents in. A label marked 'Insect Sting Potion' was stuck to the jar before Severus levitated it to the open stock cupboard.
A knock on the door announced the arrival of someone, "Enter," said Severus, still concentrating on the two remaining cauldrons.
The door open with a creak and the shuffling of fabric followed. "Good, you're just in time, the wolfsbane potion is nearly done, Remus" stated Severus.
"How did you know it was me?" asked Remus curiously as he eyed the Potion Masters back.
"A luck guess," Severus said with a shrug.
"Right," said Remus apprehensively and moves over to where Severus is sitting.
Severus added the shredded wolfsbane into the cauldron causing a minor explosion that announces its completion. After 'accio-ing' a scroll legged, copper goblet towards himself Severus poured the silver liquid into it. Casting a cooling charm over the liquid Severus handed the goblet to Remus.
"Thank you, Severus," smiles Remus, "I guess now's as good a time as any to drink it," said Remus eyeing the potion wearily.
"Don't worry, Lupin, I haven't poisoned it," said Severus.
"Its not that that I'm worried about. Do you know how bitter this tastes?" Remus asked.
"Yes. I know my herbs and potions," replied Severus haughtily.
"Not suggesting otherwise." Remus said with at open look on his face, "Anyway can you make it taste sweeter?"
At this Severus's lips curl into a small smile, "Just drink it," he urged the DADA professor.
With a dramatic sigh Remus downed the entire contents. He looked at Severus and said, "What did you put in it? It taste nice for a change,"
"Cinnamon, not only does it taste good but it is also a good remedy for nausea, which you have complained about, and it doesn't inhibit the effects of the wolfsbane, which is helpful," Severus said with triumph.
"Did that take long?" asked Remus, his interest piqued.
"No not really," replied Severus modestly, "a few weeks, two or three"
Just as Remus was about to praise Severus and the potion he sensed the Potion Master go tense. Then Remus smelt the familiar scent of Snuffles, the door opened and Snuffles entered cautiously.
"Padfoot, what are you doing here?" asked Remus.
The dog looked at Severus then Remus and back at Severus, with a small 'pop' Snuffles metamorphosised back into Sirius. Dressed in a faded black robe Sirius took a protective step towards his friend.
"What are you doing in the dungeons at this time of night?" countered Sirius.
"Just coming to collect my potion, Padfoot," said Remus plainly.
"Have you got it?" Sirius questioned.
"Yeah, just drunk it," Remus said, wondering what Sirius was getting at.
"Well, let's go," said Sirius with a small gesture toward the door.
"Sirius, I'm talking to Severus," explained Remus
"Severus?" asked Sirius, baffled at Remus using Severus's first name.
"Yes, Severus," reiterated Remus.
"When did you start calling that slimy git, Severus?" asked Sirius indignantly, purposely mimicking Remus.
Turning now to look at Severus, Remus saw that he had started mixing some ingredients into the remaining cauldron. Severus look up at Remus and regarded him for moment, "Please, don't let me hold you up," Severus said in mock graciousness.
"Oh, how kind of you, Severus," Sirius mocked.
With a sneer Severus replied, "I'm sure you want him more than I do," the innuendo not lost on Sirius.
"Why you," Sirius began, taking a menacing step toward the Head of Slytherin.
Remus placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder, "Please, Sirius. Let's go," said Remus, half dragging his friend through the door.
When they had left the classroom Severus extinguished the fire underneath the last cauldron and poured the contents into an engraved, silver goblet. After cleaning all of his equipment with magic Severus made his way to his quarters down the hallway with the goblet.
*****
