A/N: Thank-you all for your patience, been a tad busy. Anyway, ch17 finally
up, and I'm half-way through ch18. I was going to do 17 and 18 as one
chapter but I thought it would flow a bit better as two chapters because 18
starts a few weeks after 17, plus I thought I should update. And, on the
advice of my beta-reader, Deborah, for those who don't know much about
British slang 'Bangers and Mash' is mashed potatoes and sausage.
Enjoy
Chapter Seventeen
Severus walked down the hallway to the potions classroom with Sirius padding alongside, unlocking it with his key Severus entered and put his work on the desk, Sirius laid down on the floor next to Severus' desk. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Hermione entered, "Good afternoon, Professor," she said.
"Good afternoon, Miss Granger," Severus said, "I believe you know Snuffles," he said indicating to the dog by his desk.
"Yes, I do," Hermione answered.
"Would you be more comfortable in another form?" Severus asked the dog.
Snuffles transformed back into Sirius with a gentle 'pop', "Hello, Hermione," he greeted.
"Sirius, when did you change masters?" she asked with a smile.
"I'm a free animal, I choose who I scrounge off of," Sirius said.
"Shall we begin where you left off with Professor Snape, Miss Granger?" Severus asked.
"Yes," Hermione answered, "before the Christmas holidays I had just completed the preliminaries for the tissue reformation potion."
"I believe that you have been learning the instructions for this potion over the holidays," Severus said, Hermione nodded, "Do you have any questions before we start?"
"No, Professor," Hermione said without hesitation.
"Okay, you know where the equipment and ingredients are, if you have any difficulty do not hesitate to ask," Severus said.
Severus sat at his desk and continued working on the Cruciatus Reliever, after months of research and testing Severus believed that it was near completion, the last test that was preformed at the beginning of January had negated the symptoms of the Cruciatus curse, however the potion needed to act more rapidly, it also tasted bitter and left a persistent disgusting after-taste. The taste could easily be improved with flavouring or even sugar, the speed of the potion was going to be more difficult. Severus had heard that in the muggle world certain alcohols were carbonated or nitrogenated so that it carried the alcohol around the body and to the brain more quickly than still alcoholic beverages. Theoretically, carbonating potions should not affect the effects, however such techniques had never been attempted in the art of potion brewing before so the results would be unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Sirius was walking around the classroom looking at the jars of specimens and anything else that looked remotely interesting. Severus looked up and asked "Would you like something to read, Sirius?"
"Well, if you're offering," Sirius replied.
"Look in my office, there is a shelf of books that you can read," Severus said.
"Thanks," Sirius said as he disappeared into the adjoining office. A few moments later Sirius called out, "Aren't there any books beside potion books?"
"No," Severus replied.
Sirius came back into the room with a black leather-bound book about animals and potions, and sat down on a chair by the door.
The tutorial past relatively quickly, Hermione was finishing up the potion and Sirius had taken to wandering around the room again. As Severus straightened his paperwork he asked Hermione, "Have you read the book about the trans-dimensional inverse theory?"
"Oh yes, Professor, I finished it the other week, I'm reading it a second time to make sure I understand it," replied Hermione.
"Are you still interested in the subject?" Severus asked.
"Yes, I wanted to ask if you have any more books about the theory," Hermione said.
"Actually, I was going to suggest something a bit better," Severus said, "Professors Dumbledore and Snape both know the leader, Hellen Gates, who heads the trans-dimensional research group, I could ask Professor Dumbledore to contact Hellen and arrange a trip,"
"You could?" Hermione asked, "I would be able to travel to another dimension and see them work? That would be wonderful,"
"I am sure that Hellen would be delighted to know that such a intelligent girl like yourself is taking an interest in such a obscure branch of potions," Severus said.
"Yeah, I'm sure that a recommendation from Dumbledore would wing it," Sirius said, "I'm not sure that Snape's word would have been able to do it,"
Severus glared at Sirius and opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Hermione, "You don't even know him, Sirius, you can't say something like that,"
"And you know him?" Sirius asked with a smile.
"Well, I know him well enough to know that he is a expert in the field of potions, and that his credibility is high amongst those that matter," Hermione said.
"I am sure that Professor Snape would take no notice of such comments; as long as he knows his own credibility it does not matter what outsiders think," Severus said.
Sirius looked taken aback by the two's defence of Severus, and gave then a puzzled look. "Okay," he said, "are you two in cahoots?"
Simultaneously, Severus and Hermione rolled their eyes at Sirius.
"Well, we had better finish up here, I am sure you wish to clean-up before dinner, Miss Granger," Severus said, changing the subject.
"Yes, I'm finished," Hermione replied as she put her textbooks back into her brown satchel.
"Same time next week, Miss Granger," Severus said as a way of dismissal.
"Thank-you, Professor," Hermione said and disappeared out of the classroom.
"Are you done yet?" Sirius asked, "I'm getting hungry,"
"Yes, almost," Severus replied as he filed away the paperwork he was working on. Sirius turned back into his animagus guise and trotted over to the door waiting for Severus.
Severus opened the door to the classroom and let Snuffles out, after locking the classroom behind him Severus and Snuffles made their way to the Great hall. On the way they were joined by a crowd of students who had just then returned from Hogsmeade, some of the female students close enough to Snuffles began to pet him, Snuffles was enjoying the attention. Severus rolled his eyes and continued to walk.
When Severus arrived, he could see that the Great Hall was half-full; the students were happily chatting about their day at Hogsmeade and showing off their wares. Severus took his usual seat near the end of the staff table; there were only a handful of teachers present, but because it was a weekend the staff and students turned up whenever they wished, as long as it was between six and eight pm.
Severus placed a steak onto a plate and put it onto the floor for Snuffles who began wolfing it down, Severus got himself a plate of bangers and mash covered with gravy. Just as Severus was about to start eating Flora and Victoria sat down next to him, they greeted each other.
"Oh I see Snuffles is here," commented Flora.
"Yes, he seems to have taken to following me around," Severus said.
"I thought you didn't like dogs," Victoria said.
"Well, short of hexing him I do not think I can get rid of him," Severus said in a weary tone.
"Remus doesn't mind that his dog is following you?" Victoria asked, "I thought he was rather fond of Snuffles,"
"He is but I think that he is busy at the moment," Severus replied.
"Dog sitting, Seraphina? The things that you do for love," Flora said with a sigh.
Severus' eyes widened and he almost choked on his mouthful of mash, "It is not what you think," he protested, "I have no control of whom that dog chooses to follow,"
"Ah, the path to a man's heart is through his pet," Victoria said completely ignoring Severus' protests.
Severus placed a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes in apparent defeat, remembering what had happened in the Three Broomsticks over the Christmas holidays, there was no reasoning with the two witches when they had made up their minds about something.
Just then Remus walked into the Great Hall and approached the staff table, he bade the trio a 'good evening' and went to sit next to Victoria but was stopped by Flora, "Take my seat," she offered as she got up and moved to the seat on the other side of Victoria. Both Flora and Victoria gave Severus a bright smile; Remus gave Flora and Victoria a puzzled look but said nothing. Remus looked at Severus who just shook his head.
"Fine, don't tell me," Remus said pretending to be angry.
"It is nothing," Severus said.
"Of course not," Victoria and Flora said simultaneously.
"I'll find out sooner or later," Remus said.
"I'm sure sooner would be nice, wouldn't it, Seraphina?" Flora said.
Severus simply rolled his eyes.
***
Later that evening Severus was in his kitchenette he had three bottles of pumpkin juice in his hands that he had retrieved from the fridge to the right of the door. It was similar to a muggle fridge except that it was a cold spell cast inside a cupboard; it was, in Severus' opinion, more practical and less bulky. Severus exited the kitchenette and toward the couch by the roaring fireplace, Remus and Sirius was sitting on the couch so Severus sat on the armchair adjacent to them and placed the bottles on the coffee table.
Remus looked at Severus and laughed before flashing him a big smile, "I have just heard a rather funny story," he said.
"Hence the laughter," Severus said.
"Do you want to hear it?" Remus asked.
"Do I have a choice? Severus countered.
Remus shook his head, "I heard about what Victoria and Flora were on about," he said.
"Oh great," Severus said, "Did you tell him, Sirius?"
"You weren't suppose to tell her," Sirius said to Remus, "Sorry, I just couldn't say no,"
"I'll have to remember that next time I brew a poison," Severus said. "I am glad you find it funny, Remus"
"Well, from my perspective it is," Remus said apologetically.
"Those three just will not listen to a word I say," Severus said.
"Three?" asked Sirius.
"Alates as well," Severus said, "even when I deny it,"
"Yes, but in their minds the more you deny it the more true it is," Remus said.
"That's just crazy logic," Sirius said, "women. Present company excluded, of course,"
"No offence taken," Severus said.
"What are you gonna do?" Sirius asked.
"Lie low and hope it goes away," Severus replied.
"Good luck," Sirius said, raising his bottle as if to toast Severus.
***
Severus was up early on Sunday morning; there were only a handful of students in the Great Hall, mainly Ravenclaws. Snuffles was dozing at Severus' feet, Sirius had been complaining on the inappropriate hour and why Severus had wanted to dine in the Great Hall and not his own room. Severus had wanted a simple change of scenery, the slight hubbub of chattering students.
The fluttering of wings made Severus look up, there was a solitary tawny owl flying into the Great Hall. The owl flew toward Severus and landed in front of him, barely missing his bowl of cereal. Severus untied the letter from the owl's leg and gave him a piece of bacon; the handwriting on the envelope was unfamiliar to him. Severus scanned the letter for charms and curses, there was none, so he opened the envelope and unfolded the letter, the letter read:
Dear Professor Snape,
I am writing on behalf of my mother, Sarah Fenchurch, she is unable to reply to your letter. To be quite frank, my mother is suffering from senile dementia and I do not believe that she would be able to answer any questions regarding her midwifery. You may, of course, attempt to ask her as she does sometimes remember certain memories. I apologise that I cannot be of more help.
Faithfully yours, Miranda Addams
Severus re-read the letter a few times before thrusting it into his pocket, breakfast had suddenly lost its appeal. Standing-up Severus nudged Snuffles with his toe to wake him, "Come on, I am finished here," he said to the dog. Snuffles yawned and followed Severus out of the hall.
Severus began heading for the dungeons but decided against being cooped up inside, so he turned and walked out of the castle. The ground was still covered with a blanket of snow and Severus had not bought his cloak, pulling out his wand Severus cast a body-warming spell. Severus looked down at Snuffles and asked, "Are you cold?" the dog looked up and nodded, so Severus cast the spell over him.
Snuffles followed Severus as he wandered the grounds aimlessly deep in thought, finally he settled down on a wooden bench by the lake. The lake was partially iced over; a large irregular circle of water remained in the centre, where the giant squid was surfacing and diving. Severus rested his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands, he looked at a distant spot on the horizon but his eyes were unfocused.
After some time Severus looked down at Snuffles and gave him a small smile, "Shall we go in? It is probably warmer in the castle," he said as he stood up and walked toward the school without waiting for a reply, Snuffles cocked his head to one side then followed Severus inside. Severus headed for the dungeons and his own quarters, as he the door closed behind him he heard the muted 'pop' that indicated Snuffles had transformed back into his human guise.
"Something on your mind?" Sirius asked.
"Hmm, not really," Severus replied.
"So you took a walk around Hogwarts and sat brooding by the lake for no apparent reason?" Sirius said, "Something to do with that letter you got this morning?"
Severus smiled at Sirius, and said, "Nothing gets past you does it. Yes, it was just a bit of business from my last job,"
"Can I ask what it is?"
"Yes, I believe that you are able to ask me," Severus said.
"Okay," Sirius said, "May I ask what business?"
"No you may not," Severus said with a coy smile.
Severus was saved from further question when a gentle chiming came from the mirror. Sirius went to the mirror and placed a hand on its surface, the mirror image of Sirius in Severus' lounge disappeared and was replaced with that of Remus in his room, he smiled and asked, "Hello, may I come in?"
"Of course, Moony," Sirius replied.
The portal allowed anyone from Severus' quarters to gain free access to Remus' quarters, however, if anyone wished to enter Severus' quarters via the portal they would have to gain permission, this being a valuable feature of an escape route.
Remus began to walk forward and emerged out of the mirror with a slight 'slop' sound, "That was a weird experience," Remus said.
"That mirror is only suppose to be used for emergencies," Severus said in a disapproving tone.
"I know but I just wanted to try it out," Remus said, "also, Harry is in my quarters at the moment, I told him that Sirius was still asleep in my room and I was just coming to fetch him.
Sirius perked up at the mention of his Godson, "You gonna be okay down here?" he asked Severus.
"Yes, you go on, Remus is here," Severus said.
Sirius smiled and walked through the mirror.
"Just the man I want to see," Severus said.
"Really?" Remus asked.
"Yes, I believe that I have completed the Cruciatus reliever," Severus said.
Remus winced the mention of the word 'cruciatus' as he knew what was needed of him; he pulled out his wand and said, "Okay,"
Severus went into the laboratory and poured a deep blue potion into a bronze chalice and set it down on the coffee table, using 'wingardium leviosa' he cleared a spaced by the fireplace, and then conjured up a full- length mirror. Remus stood next to the table wand aimed at Severus; Severus looked over at him and asked, "Ready?" Remus nodded.
Severus cast 'crucio' at the mirror, which reflected the spell back at him, when the spell hit him Severus fell to his knees and gripped his arms with his hand. Remus waited a few seconds then cast 'finite nox incanteum' and grabbed the chalice from the table. Gently supporting Severus' head Remus raised the chalice to Severus' lips and forced most of the potion down his throat.
A few moments passed before Severus looked up at Remus and smiled, "I think that works,"
"Thank god," Remus said, "I won't have to watch you hexing yourself anymore,"
"Well, I may have to test the potion a few more times," Severus said, "the potion was administered as soon as the curse was finished, I would like to try it a few hours after the curse, or let the curse persist for a longer time,"
Remus' face fell, "And I was hoping this was the last time,"
"You know that this hurts me more than it hurts you," Severus said.
"Yes, of course, but still, I don't like seeing people in pain, especially from an unforgivable," Remus replied.
Severus rose from the floor and went into the laboratory to record the results; Remus rearranged the furniture and sat down on an armchair. When Severus came back into the room a few minutes later he offered Remus some refreshments but Remus turned down the offer, so Severus sat down opposite Remus.
"So," Remus started casually, "I haven't heard anymore updates about the analysis of that potion, how's it going by the way?"
"I've finished the analysis," Severus said.
"So what was the potion," Remus asked when Severus did not elaborate on the findings.
Severus started to concentrate on a section of the coffee table.
"Severus," Remus prompted after a few moments.
"The potion was a strong glamour remover," Severus said in a soft tone.
"What?" Remus said with confused look on his face.
"A glamour remover," Severus repeated.
"But that is.I mean it would mean." Remus said.
"Yes," Severus replied.
"You're taking this awfully well," said Remus.
Severus looked up sharply and said, "Would you rather I start cry hysterically and shout abuse to the Fates for playing such tricks upon my life?"
"Well, no." Remus said.
"Or perhaps I should descend into a spiral of depression and alcohol," Severus continued, "Or go on a campaign of terror that would rival Grindewald's just to take out my pain and frustration on the innocent,"
Remus stood from his chair and walked over to Severus, grabbing him by the shoulders he said, "Severus, get a grip on yourself, we can work through this,"
Severus blinked and looked up at Remus, "I apologise I have no idea what came over me," he said, "Yes, you are right, I will get to the bottom of this riddle,"
"Have you started yet?" Remus asked.
"Yes, but all of my leads have led me to dead-ends. My parents diaries have yielded nothing, and the midwife has become senile, I really do not know where to go next," Severus said.
"Are you positive that the potion was a glamour remover?" Remus asked.
"Yes quite sure," Severus replied.
"Maybe the potion reacted to something that turned you female or perhaps it's some kind of dark magic," Remus said.
"Could be, but you are really grasping at straws are you not," Severus said.
"Well, you have to pursue every possibility," Remus said, "I can help you with the dark arts bit,"
"Remus, you know that I know a lot about the dark arts and although there are spells to change a persons gender I do not think it applies to my.case," Severus said.
"You may know a lot about the dark arts but I'm sure you don't know everything there is to know, and with my contacts and resources I could do a thorough check," Remus replied.
"Okay," Severus said, "but I am not holding my breath,"
*****
Enjoy
Chapter Seventeen
Severus walked down the hallway to the potions classroom with Sirius padding alongside, unlocking it with his key Severus entered and put his work on the desk, Sirius laid down on the floor next to Severus' desk. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Hermione entered, "Good afternoon, Professor," she said.
"Good afternoon, Miss Granger," Severus said, "I believe you know Snuffles," he said indicating to the dog by his desk.
"Yes, I do," Hermione answered.
"Would you be more comfortable in another form?" Severus asked the dog.
Snuffles transformed back into Sirius with a gentle 'pop', "Hello, Hermione," he greeted.
"Sirius, when did you change masters?" she asked with a smile.
"I'm a free animal, I choose who I scrounge off of," Sirius said.
"Shall we begin where you left off with Professor Snape, Miss Granger?" Severus asked.
"Yes," Hermione answered, "before the Christmas holidays I had just completed the preliminaries for the tissue reformation potion."
"I believe that you have been learning the instructions for this potion over the holidays," Severus said, Hermione nodded, "Do you have any questions before we start?"
"No, Professor," Hermione said without hesitation.
"Okay, you know where the equipment and ingredients are, if you have any difficulty do not hesitate to ask," Severus said.
Severus sat at his desk and continued working on the Cruciatus Reliever, after months of research and testing Severus believed that it was near completion, the last test that was preformed at the beginning of January had negated the symptoms of the Cruciatus curse, however the potion needed to act more rapidly, it also tasted bitter and left a persistent disgusting after-taste. The taste could easily be improved with flavouring or even sugar, the speed of the potion was going to be more difficult. Severus had heard that in the muggle world certain alcohols were carbonated or nitrogenated so that it carried the alcohol around the body and to the brain more quickly than still alcoholic beverages. Theoretically, carbonating potions should not affect the effects, however such techniques had never been attempted in the art of potion brewing before so the results would be unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Sirius was walking around the classroom looking at the jars of specimens and anything else that looked remotely interesting. Severus looked up and asked "Would you like something to read, Sirius?"
"Well, if you're offering," Sirius replied.
"Look in my office, there is a shelf of books that you can read," Severus said.
"Thanks," Sirius said as he disappeared into the adjoining office. A few moments later Sirius called out, "Aren't there any books beside potion books?"
"No," Severus replied.
Sirius came back into the room with a black leather-bound book about animals and potions, and sat down on a chair by the door.
The tutorial past relatively quickly, Hermione was finishing up the potion and Sirius had taken to wandering around the room again. As Severus straightened his paperwork he asked Hermione, "Have you read the book about the trans-dimensional inverse theory?"
"Oh yes, Professor, I finished it the other week, I'm reading it a second time to make sure I understand it," replied Hermione.
"Are you still interested in the subject?" Severus asked.
"Yes, I wanted to ask if you have any more books about the theory," Hermione said.
"Actually, I was going to suggest something a bit better," Severus said, "Professors Dumbledore and Snape both know the leader, Hellen Gates, who heads the trans-dimensional research group, I could ask Professor Dumbledore to contact Hellen and arrange a trip,"
"You could?" Hermione asked, "I would be able to travel to another dimension and see them work? That would be wonderful,"
"I am sure that Hellen would be delighted to know that such a intelligent girl like yourself is taking an interest in such a obscure branch of potions," Severus said.
"Yeah, I'm sure that a recommendation from Dumbledore would wing it," Sirius said, "I'm not sure that Snape's word would have been able to do it,"
Severus glared at Sirius and opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Hermione, "You don't even know him, Sirius, you can't say something like that,"
"And you know him?" Sirius asked with a smile.
"Well, I know him well enough to know that he is a expert in the field of potions, and that his credibility is high amongst those that matter," Hermione said.
"I am sure that Professor Snape would take no notice of such comments; as long as he knows his own credibility it does not matter what outsiders think," Severus said.
Sirius looked taken aback by the two's defence of Severus, and gave then a puzzled look. "Okay," he said, "are you two in cahoots?"
Simultaneously, Severus and Hermione rolled their eyes at Sirius.
"Well, we had better finish up here, I am sure you wish to clean-up before dinner, Miss Granger," Severus said, changing the subject.
"Yes, I'm finished," Hermione replied as she put her textbooks back into her brown satchel.
"Same time next week, Miss Granger," Severus said as a way of dismissal.
"Thank-you, Professor," Hermione said and disappeared out of the classroom.
"Are you done yet?" Sirius asked, "I'm getting hungry,"
"Yes, almost," Severus replied as he filed away the paperwork he was working on. Sirius turned back into his animagus guise and trotted over to the door waiting for Severus.
Severus opened the door to the classroom and let Snuffles out, after locking the classroom behind him Severus and Snuffles made their way to the Great hall. On the way they were joined by a crowd of students who had just then returned from Hogsmeade, some of the female students close enough to Snuffles began to pet him, Snuffles was enjoying the attention. Severus rolled his eyes and continued to walk.
When Severus arrived, he could see that the Great Hall was half-full; the students were happily chatting about their day at Hogsmeade and showing off their wares. Severus took his usual seat near the end of the staff table; there were only a handful of teachers present, but because it was a weekend the staff and students turned up whenever they wished, as long as it was between six and eight pm.
Severus placed a steak onto a plate and put it onto the floor for Snuffles who began wolfing it down, Severus got himself a plate of bangers and mash covered with gravy. Just as Severus was about to start eating Flora and Victoria sat down next to him, they greeted each other.
"Oh I see Snuffles is here," commented Flora.
"Yes, he seems to have taken to following me around," Severus said.
"I thought you didn't like dogs," Victoria said.
"Well, short of hexing him I do not think I can get rid of him," Severus said in a weary tone.
"Remus doesn't mind that his dog is following you?" Victoria asked, "I thought he was rather fond of Snuffles,"
"He is but I think that he is busy at the moment," Severus replied.
"Dog sitting, Seraphina? The things that you do for love," Flora said with a sigh.
Severus' eyes widened and he almost choked on his mouthful of mash, "It is not what you think," he protested, "I have no control of whom that dog chooses to follow,"
"Ah, the path to a man's heart is through his pet," Victoria said completely ignoring Severus' protests.
Severus placed a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes in apparent defeat, remembering what had happened in the Three Broomsticks over the Christmas holidays, there was no reasoning with the two witches when they had made up their minds about something.
Just then Remus walked into the Great Hall and approached the staff table, he bade the trio a 'good evening' and went to sit next to Victoria but was stopped by Flora, "Take my seat," she offered as she got up and moved to the seat on the other side of Victoria. Both Flora and Victoria gave Severus a bright smile; Remus gave Flora and Victoria a puzzled look but said nothing. Remus looked at Severus who just shook his head.
"Fine, don't tell me," Remus said pretending to be angry.
"It is nothing," Severus said.
"Of course not," Victoria and Flora said simultaneously.
"I'll find out sooner or later," Remus said.
"I'm sure sooner would be nice, wouldn't it, Seraphina?" Flora said.
Severus simply rolled his eyes.
***
Later that evening Severus was in his kitchenette he had three bottles of pumpkin juice in his hands that he had retrieved from the fridge to the right of the door. It was similar to a muggle fridge except that it was a cold spell cast inside a cupboard; it was, in Severus' opinion, more practical and less bulky. Severus exited the kitchenette and toward the couch by the roaring fireplace, Remus and Sirius was sitting on the couch so Severus sat on the armchair adjacent to them and placed the bottles on the coffee table.
Remus looked at Severus and laughed before flashing him a big smile, "I have just heard a rather funny story," he said.
"Hence the laughter," Severus said.
"Do you want to hear it?" Remus asked.
"Do I have a choice? Severus countered.
Remus shook his head, "I heard about what Victoria and Flora were on about," he said.
"Oh great," Severus said, "Did you tell him, Sirius?"
"You weren't suppose to tell her," Sirius said to Remus, "Sorry, I just couldn't say no,"
"I'll have to remember that next time I brew a poison," Severus said. "I am glad you find it funny, Remus"
"Well, from my perspective it is," Remus said apologetically.
"Those three just will not listen to a word I say," Severus said.
"Three?" asked Sirius.
"Alates as well," Severus said, "even when I deny it,"
"Yes, but in their minds the more you deny it the more true it is," Remus said.
"That's just crazy logic," Sirius said, "women. Present company excluded, of course,"
"No offence taken," Severus said.
"What are you gonna do?" Sirius asked.
"Lie low and hope it goes away," Severus replied.
"Good luck," Sirius said, raising his bottle as if to toast Severus.
***
Severus was up early on Sunday morning; there were only a handful of students in the Great Hall, mainly Ravenclaws. Snuffles was dozing at Severus' feet, Sirius had been complaining on the inappropriate hour and why Severus had wanted to dine in the Great Hall and not his own room. Severus had wanted a simple change of scenery, the slight hubbub of chattering students.
The fluttering of wings made Severus look up, there was a solitary tawny owl flying into the Great Hall. The owl flew toward Severus and landed in front of him, barely missing his bowl of cereal. Severus untied the letter from the owl's leg and gave him a piece of bacon; the handwriting on the envelope was unfamiliar to him. Severus scanned the letter for charms and curses, there was none, so he opened the envelope and unfolded the letter, the letter read:
Dear Professor Snape,
I am writing on behalf of my mother, Sarah Fenchurch, she is unable to reply to your letter. To be quite frank, my mother is suffering from senile dementia and I do not believe that she would be able to answer any questions regarding her midwifery. You may, of course, attempt to ask her as she does sometimes remember certain memories. I apologise that I cannot be of more help.
Faithfully yours, Miranda Addams
Severus re-read the letter a few times before thrusting it into his pocket, breakfast had suddenly lost its appeal. Standing-up Severus nudged Snuffles with his toe to wake him, "Come on, I am finished here," he said to the dog. Snuffles yawned and followed Severus out of the hall.
Severus began heading for the dungeons but decided against being cooped up inside, so he turned and walked out of the castle. The ground was still covered with a blanket of snow and Severus had not bought his cloak, pulling out his wand Severus cast a body-warming spell. Severus looked down at Snuffles and asked, "Are you cold?" the dog looked up and nodded, so Severus cast the spell over him.
Snuffles followed Severus as he wandered the grounds aimlessly deep in thought, finally he settled down on a wooden bench by the lake. The lake was partially iced over; a large irregular circle of water remained in the centre, where the giant squid was surfacing and diving. Severus rested his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands, he looked at a distant spot on the horizon but his eyes were unfocused.
After some time Severus looked down at Snuffles and gave him a small smile, "Shall we go in? It is probably warmer in the castle," he said as he stood up and walked toward the school without waiting for a reply, Snuffles cocked his head to one side then followed Severus inside. Severus headed for the dungeons and his own quarters, as he the door closed behind him he heard the muted 'pop' that indicated Snuffles had transformed back into his human guise.
"Something on your mind?" Sirius asked.
"Hmm, not really," Severus replied.
"So you took a walk around Hogwarts and sat brooding by the lake for no apparent reason?" Sirius said, "Something to do with that letter you got this morning?"
Severus smiled at Sirius, and said, "Nothing gets past you does it. Yes, it was just a bit of business from my last job,"
"Can I ask what it is?"
"Yes, I believe that you are able to ask me," Severus said.
"Okay," Sirius said, "May I ask what business?"
"No you may not," Severus said with a coy smile.
Severus was saved from further question when a gentle chiming came from the mirror. Sirius went to the mirror and placed a hand on its surface, the mirror image of Sirius in Severus' lounge disappeared and was replaced with that of Remus in his room, he smiled and asked, "Hello, may I come in?"
"Of course, Moony," Sirius replied.
The portal allowed anyone from Severus' quarters to gain free access to Remus' quarters, however, if anyone wished to enter Severus' quarters via the portal they would have to gain permission, this being a valuable feature of an escape route.
Remus began to walk forward and emerged out of the mirror with a slight 'slop' sound, "That was a weird experience," Remus said.
"That mirror is only suppose to be used for emergencies," Severus said in a disapproving tone.
"I know but I just wanted to try it out," Remus said, "also, Harry is in my quarters at the moment, I told him that Sirius was still asleep in my room and I was just coming to fetch him.
Sirius perked up at the mention of his Godson, "You gonna be okay down here?" he asked Severus.
"Yes, you go on, Remus is here," Severus said.
Sirius smiled and walked through the mirror.
"Just the man I want to see," Severus said.
"Really?" Remus asked.
"Yes, I believe that I have completed the Cruciatus reliever," Severus said.
Remus winced the mention of the word 'cruciatus' as he knew what was needed of him; he pulled out his wand and said, "Okay,"
Severus went into the laboratory and poured a deep blue potion into a bronze chalice and set it down on the coffee table, using 'wingardium leviosa' he cleared a spaced by the fireplace, and then conjured up a full- length mirror. Remus stood next to the table wand aimed at Severus; Severus looked over at him and asked, "Ready?" Remus nodded.
Severus cast 'crucio' at the mirror, which reflected the spell back at him, when the spell hit him Severus fell to his knees and gripped his arms with his hand. Remus waited a few seconds then cast 'finite nox incanteum' and grabbed the chalice from the table. Gently supporting Severus' head Remus raised the chalice to Severus' lips and forced most of the potion down his throat.
A few moments passed before Severus looked up at Remus and smiled, "I think that works,"
"Thank god," Remus said, "I won't have to watch you hexing yourself anymore,"
"Well, I may have to test the potion a few more times," Severus said, "the potion was administered as soon as the curse was finished, I would like to try it a few hours after the curse, or let the curse persist for a longer time,"
Remus' face fell, "And I was hoping this was the last time,"
"You know that this hurts me more than it hurts you," Severus said.
"Yes, of course, but still, I don't like seeing people in pain, especially from an unforgivable," Remus replied.
Severus rose from the floor and went into the laboratory to record the results; Remus rearranged the furniture and sat down on an armchair. When Severus came back into the room a few minutes later he offered Remus some refreshments but Remus turned down the offer, so Severus sat down opposite Remus.
"So," Remus started casually, "I haven't heard anymore updates about the analysis of that potion, how's it going by the way?"
"I've finished the analysis," Severus said.
"So what was the potion," Remus asked when Severus did not elaborate on the findings.
Severus started to concentrate on a section of the coffee table.
"Severus," Remus prompted after a few moments.
"The potion was a strong glamour remover," Severus said in a soft tone.
"What?" Remus said with confused look on his face.
"A glamour remover," Severus repeated.
"But that is.I mean it would mean." Remus said.
"Yes," Severus replied.
"You're taking this awfully well," said Remus.
Severus looked up sharply and said, "Would you rather I start cry hysterically and shout abuse to the Fates for playing such tricks upon my life?"
"Well, no." Remus said.
"Or perhaps I should descend into a spiral of depression and alcohol," Severus continued, "Or go on a campaign of terror that would rival Grindewald's just to take out my pain and frustration on the innocent,"
Remus stood from his chair and walked over to Severus, grabbing him by the shoulders he said, "Severus, get a grip on yourself, we can work through this,"
Severus blinked and looked up at Remus, "I apologise I have no idea what came over me," he said, "Yes, you are right, I will get to the bottom of this riddle,"
"Have you started yet?" Remus asked.
"Yes, but all of my leads have led me to dead-ends. My parents diaries have yielded nothing, and the midwife has become senile, I really do not know where to go next," Severus said.
"Are you positive that the potion was a glamour remover?" Remus asked.
"Yes quite sure," Severus replied.
"Maybe the potion reacted to something that turned you female or perhaps it's some kind of dark magic," Remus said.
"Could be, but you are really grasping at straws are you not," Severus said.
"Well, you have to pursue every possibility," Remus said, "I can help you with the dark arts bit,"
"Remus, you know that I know a lot about the dark arts and although there are spells to change a persons gender I do not think it applies to my.case," Severus said.
"You may know a lot about the dark arts but I'm sure you don't know everything there is to know, and with my contacts and resources I could do a thorough check," Remus replied.
"Okay," Severus said, "but I am not holding my breath,"
*****
