A/N: This is more of an add-in chapter. It might not be driving the plot along so much, but it makes sense. Believe me. Oh, and if Severus' behaviour confuses you (I have to say, that guy confuses ME a great deal), lets just say, his idea doesn't come out of rational thought.
Thankies to my reviewers: Jestana, Silver Witch, VoyICJ and Star(). And thankies to you Laura Kay for those compliments. Mine go to you, since your story "What She's Doing Now", made my picture of MM/SS.
Further thanks to those of you, who reviewed my story "The Duelling Contest". Please, keep it up. The Reviewing, I mean.
Chapter 9 – The Potion
Once inside Horus McGonagall's study at the manor, Severus exclaimed: "What was that all about?"
"I have no idea. But it confirms our suspicions that Aunt Minerva is the key figure in that whole mess. Whatever she can do, it would make their plans fail. Now, let's not stand around here, we need to go."
They quickly went to the staircase, but stopped halfway down the hall and pressed against the wall. Uray McGonagall came up the stairs.
Melina's heart constricted at the sight of her father. He had aged so much during the last week. The worry about his sister and the situation in the wizarding community were very hard on him. Quite often, Melina was tempted to share her secret with him, but her aunt had strongly advised against it. "The less he knows, the safer he is. They will come on you in their search for me. If he doesn't know anything, they can't do anything." Still, it was a difficult thing to do.
When he had passed, they quickly went to the secret door and proceeded into the tunnel. Maybe, it was only Severus' overtired mind, but the walls seemed to give him more room this night. "That was a close call again." He quietly said.
His only answer was a nod, as Melina once again broke into a run to reach their destination faster. He had to hurry to keep up with her.
They reached their destination in a much shorter time than usual, but had to sit down on the armchairs breathing heavily.
"What is the matter? Where have you been so long?" Minerva asked worriedly.
"Everything." Melina answered. "They school was so crowded tonight, we had to hide at least half a dozen times on our way from the kitchen to the classroom."
"Why?"
"It seems like the Dark Lord is bringing in his supporters at night to search for something. During the day they aren't there." Severus commented slightly out of breath.
"Yes, and there are certainly more of them. We didn't have so many problems during the last nights."
"And now?"
"Now, they seem to have become frantic about something." The younger woman replied. "Although I cannot imagine about what."
"It's obvious, isn't it? The longer Minerva is on the run, the more they have to fear that their plans go to waste. Especially, if they don't find this item they were looking for." With a wave of his hand, Snape signalled that he would elaborate on this topic later on. "The Dark Lord cannot keep up his pretence of doing no harm to anyone for an indefinite time. So far nothing out of the ordinary has happened. He hasn't changed anything so far. The school is run as usual." Snape coldly commented.
"That is a relief and a surprise. I didn't think he would do that." Minerva chimed in.
Snape looked at her. "Yes, but it is completely against his basic plans: To wipe out any trace of 'Mudbloods' from the community." He paused, knowing full well that despite their noble and ancient descent, the last two generations of McGonagalls were considered as such. The women exchanged a worried glance.
He tried to get their thoughts back on track. "Additionally, he has to hurry, because people start to ask questions. Unpleasant questions. Mostly, where their transfiguration teacher is and what has happened to her." He turned to Minerva again. "You have been gone for over week. Nobody has seen you or heard from you. And Voldemort's introduction speech wasn't exactly enlightening. All he has told them was that you had been removed from your positions at school. That isn't exactly the thing to quell the curiosity of people. Especially, those like Potter, Granger and Weasley."
"Does he suspect anything? That you are on my side, helping me? Does he suspect that you know where I am?"
"No, I don't think so. He has given me absolutely no reason to believe that he doesn't trust me. With Dumbledore on his side, he has me on his side, too. One way or the other. Only sometimes I get a bad feeling, but that could be my imagination. And since it looks like the fireplace in my classroom hasn't been used for decades…"
Minerva grinned. "You wonder why, right?" Severus nodded. "Well, I cannot explain the specifics, since my father never shared them. But he liked to go home daily…without permission that is. Therefore, he meddled a bit with the floo powder, so it became untraceable. But," she held up her hand in warning. "as far as I know, it only works with certain fireplaces. Probably only with those in the manor and some in the school. Those he would use…"
Snape nodded in awe. "Your father was a genius. Really. His abilities as Potions master were really quite overwhelming. I have never seen such complex potions recipes as in your father's books in this lab."
McGonagall smiled, pleased, but quickly became all business again. "So, are you done with this 'Make-over'-potion (I decided to name it like that, since this is what is going on. I know there is probably another name, but still…)?"
He took some flasks out the pockets of his robes, and Melina did the same. "Yes, it is finished. But, I don't know how it is going to work. If there are side effects, or how long it works or anything. The only hint your father provided in the recipe was that you have to picture the new look in your mind while taking it."
Minerva nodded. "Alright." She stood up and took one vial. "Well, let's hope for the best."
"Are you sure, you wanna do that? This stuff could kill you." Melina asked.
Her aunt only nodded. Her face however, was pale with anxiety.
Snape felt a need to comfort her. "Don't worry, I'm here. I also brought some potions with me to revive and strengthen you in case something goes wrong."
His colleague nodded gratefully.
"But what if a side effect comes later? You can't hang around here until we find out exactly how that stuff works. You need to return to the school by morning."
Severus shook his head. "I am not returning. I'll stay here. I am of much better use nearby. Besides, I can't stand being in Hogwarts any longer."
"Good heavens, no Severus. You have to go back! You must go back!"
"Why, Minerva? Hogwarts is no longer a good place to be. It is only a matter of time until Lord Voldemort will start to show his true face. He is all set to do it. You know it, and I know it. If I am stuck there, we might lose the chance to stay in contact. And let's face it; with all of those goons running around the castle at night, it will become almost impossible for Melina to sneak in. It was a very close call tonight already."
Minerva frowned. "It might be that it is going to be dangerous, but, we need you there. You are the only one who can find out and keep us informed on what is happening in the school." She started pacing. "If the plan – and my ability to make it fail – has something to do with the school, we need somebody inside. And Severus, you are the only one who can be that somebody. Only you!" Her voice turned into a plea. "Please Severus, you must go back.."
For several minutes they simply stood there and with their eyes locked battled out their different positions.
"You don't leave me any choice, do you?" He finally relented with a defeated sigh.
"Well, it is the most sensible thing to do. And…" Melina chimed in. "we'll find a way to keep up our contact."
Snape turned his head between the two women. They were serious and determined. So, of course, he would return. "Alright, then. I'll go back."
The McGonagalls visibly relaxed.
"Now, about that potion. Why don't we find out, if it works and how…"
Minerva nodded and held the vial with the potion high. She scrunched her nose. "Baby-blue. Now that is an odd colour. Not a very comforting one, I have to admit."
"Well, the recipe said, it would turn into this. So, I believe your father aimed for this colour."
"Never say my father had no sense for the odd things in life…" Minerva snorted.
Then she un-corked the flask and raised it to her mouth. She shot one last look at her companions...
"Think of the new look, you want to have. And don't worry, I'm right here." "Good luck, Aunt Min."…
Closed her eyes, concentrated hard and downed the content of the vial in one gulp.
At first nothing happened, but then all her insides began to lurch in the way she was familiar with from her first animagus transformations. Only it burned much more…
"My goodness…Aunt Minerva…"
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