Chapter 5 Ecphonesis

January 10, 1979, 9am

BANG, Bang, Bang, bang, bang. "Severus! Open the blasted door." Regulus stood on the stoop of the rundown Snape family home. "Severus!" The impervious, and warming charms that he had cast to protect him from the cold and rainy January day were starting to fail. He had been standing there banging on the door and waiting for some answer, for over a half hour. "Snape, I know you are in there, get your git hide out here now. I will give you till three to open this door and then I am going to break it down." Regulus swore that he heard movement in the house, it was unlikely for his mother to be home at this hour, and if she had been surely, she would have answered long before now. He knew that the threat to blast his way in, was an empty best. He may be able to undo some of Severus' wards but would likely get caught in some other traps set to keep people out. He wouldn't put it past Severus to even cause the magic to fold back in on itself and kill anyone standing on the stoop.

"ONE," Regulus yelled.

"TWO," He palmed and aimed his wand at the door, making sure that none of the local muggles could see what he was doing.

"Thr…."

"What in the bloody name of Salazar's ghost are you yelling for." Severus walked up behind Reggie. He was carrying several bags of groceries.

"Wha? Where did you come from, shouldn't you be in your house?"

"What does it look like Reg? It's not like I have servants to help me get food and supplies. A man has got to eat." Severus looked around to see if any attention had been drawn to him and his, guest. "An my mum is away at St. Mungo's for therapy today.

The window shade for the home across the street twitched, and a woman in her mid-sixties stood there in a housecoat, a big green wellie on her left foot, and a swim fin on her right. She had yarn in one of the pockets and knitting needles in her other. The glasses that the woman wore made her eyes look terribly big. Severus always thought that this woman could easily be confused for some creature that Lovecraft would describe. Frankly she revolted him, but his mum taught him to at least be formal is one could not be polite.

The woman narrowed her bug-eyed glare at him.

Severus just sighed, he wondered if she would even see the giant letter E on the chart in a doctor's office. Knowing her luck, she would probably have to be told which wall to look at. The woman worked with Arthur Weasley at the ministry. "One would think that working in a department devoted to learning about and taking action against the misuse of muggle cultural objects, that she would learn how to dress like one." He said under his breath. Reg sniggered at the comment.

"Severus Snape, what in the dickens is going on. Mr. Black has been there for over forty-five minutes trying to get your attention." The woman grabbed her broom off her stoop and shook it threateningly at the boys, dropping the knitting project she was working on in a puddle.

Severus raised the bags of groceries and looked at her. "It's alright Madame Loquacious, go back to your knitting. I was just down at the Sainsbury. Seems my friend didn't know my schedule, or my mums as well as you do."

"I'm sorry for disturbing you Madam," he turned to Severus, "what did you say her name was?" Reg looked at the woman thank Merlin she had not actually stepped foot further outside.

"That is my neighbor Mary Loquacious. She works in Misuse of Muggle Artifacts." The woman preened at hearing her being properly introduced to the young Black brother. Severus lowered his voice so that only regulus could hear, "I keep trying to teach her proper dress for proper situations, however it seems that she still has trouble understanding what a typical muggle would wear when it is wet outside."

Regulus had to hold back laughter at this. It would not be proper to have her hear him laughing at her. Most members of that department were obsessed in understanding all the intricacies of muggle culture, but rarely understood them. It was as if they spent more time trying to understand the mysteries of muggles over how best to fit in. Or even keep the wizarding public from crating items that could be harmful to the muggle public in general.

Severus looked at Reg and handed him half of the groceries, before unlocking the door to his home. "Hope you have a pleasant Sunday," he waved at the woman who had just realized her project was getting ruined. "Reg get in the house, at least you know how to dress for this part of town." He pushed past the other man undoing his wards to let him in.

After putting his groceries away and brewing a pot of strong coffee for the two of them to split, he finally settled down and looked over at the black-haired man who tried in vain to not look like his elder brother. "So," he drawled, "what was so important that you were here pounding at my door this early? Misplaced your own sobering draught or hangover cure? Did Sirius misplace his? I would say last night you were three sheets to the wind, but even that doesn't cover how much of Abraxas's scotch you drunk, let alone the drinks with dinner, the cocktails before, the brandy after. Why on earth did you engage in that blasted drinking contest between the three Marauders? Trying to become on yourself? You know they can drink you under the table and have developed potions and spells to cheat at drinking games. You should have followed either my lead or Brax's and stopped at the arm-wrestling contest. Even better followed Lily's lead and not drink at all."

"Yeah, I get it. My mother poured the sobering draught down my throat last night when I got home. Apparently, Sirius apparated us, and we both got splinched. He was the least drunk between the two of us. Mother hasn't given him a potion either last night or this morning. But I swear my mouth still tastes like I licked the carpeting and got wood paneling splintered into my tongue."

"It is your own fault you know. She likely only gave you a half dose if you still feel like that." The man and his brother were a menace. Both Abraxas and Orion spoiled him on his birthday. He had tried to tell them not too, but this year without Orion to temper the elder Malfoy's penance for overindulgence, the simple family meal he agreed to turned into some version of a muggle Spring Break party. He didn't even know half of the people who chose to attend.

"Yeah well, I suppose that was my punishment then. So um, yeah, have you heard back on the defense job? I mean if anyone is qualified for that position it would be you. I mean, I did get the basic potions job, so I guess I better learn how to teach children, that are pre-NEWT students, not to blow themselves up." He looked at Sev hoping that he was not the only having to go back under Dumbledore's regime.

"No. I did not."

Regulus's face fell. "Oh, well, I guess I will have to be going alone."

"Shut it Reg, the werewolf got the defense job. Though I think the Dark Lord will regret having removed the curse on the position, with the plan on my acceptance of it. No, I got advanced potion students, and NEWT levels. Plus, the head position for Slytherin." He pinched the bridge of his nose. While he was hopeful that he could encourage new advances into the field of potions, he was not looking forward to the responsibility that being head of Slytherin would demand. "Old Sluggy finally retired. I really hope that the half-wits, clots, and pretentious sitzfleish, that seems to make up our house, will behave and listen to reason. They will not get quite the same favoritism out of me. If they imagine that I will have my own version of the Slug Club they are sorely mistaken.

Reg jumped out of his seat and was halfway across the room when he realized that he was going to hug Severus, who would probably hex him if he attempted to do just that. He tried to stand but overcorrected with the momentum he built up, and slid into the worn-out sofa, toppling upside down next to his friend. He tried to make it look dignified, but there was no chance that he would look like anything other than his brother who had just slipped on the ice after transforming from a dog.

"This is a new look for you. I didn't know you were that flexible. So how much more of a pretzel can you turn yourself into? I mean if that is what you truly wanted, I am certain that I can transfigure you so that you may live out this strange little dream of yours."

Regulus began laughing, it seemed he couldn't stop once he got started. "I'm… Just… Thankful that my brother isn't here." He finally caught his breath, as tears leaked from his eyes and up his nose. He still hadn't tried to untangle himself. "Sev, can you please remove my leg from behind my head?"

"You know I could leave you like that and summon that dog you call a brother."

"No. Please don't I will behave."

"Very well then. When do you start? The old man is having me come in at Easter break to take over the upper classes from Slughorn. He is at least giving me time to finish up my mastery project and present it. I would think that they know the Slug Club is going the way of the Aqrabuamelu. I think that they expect you to be lenient, since you just graduated, and are closer to their own age," He trailed off in thought for a moment. "But you are still going to protect them, right? The other houses are likely still hell bent on torturing snakes with Dumbles in charge."

"For your information Aqrabuamelu still survive just not in England and only in small camps in remote locations. As for Hogwarts, I take over the lower levels in two weeks. Though I think that Lupin starts tomorrow, Dumbles is tired of his head duties and teaching all seven years, plus handling the two apprentices, his last teacher had. I'm still not sure how a simple banishment charm… Well, vanished her." He sighed looking at Regulus and helped to untangle his friend. 'He is actually going to let Reg around potions and children? The man can be a menace and is prone to exploding his cauldron.' "Yes, I am going to protect them, what do you take me for, another Marauder? With the originals gone I am sure some other pack has taken up their mantle.

Regulus groaned as he sat up straight,

"Never underestimate the stupidity of adolescent minds being forced a ministry dogmatic method. They will get bored and try anything." He quirked a grin at that.

"Now," he smoothed his clothes back into place, "do you want to join me for darts and a pint? I sent an owl to the rest of the boys."

"Does that include the new Mrs. Potter?" Regulus tilted his head and looked at Severus, who ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I still don't know what she sees in that toerag, even if he has settled down."

Regulus shook his head, "as to your question, yes, since Sirius is invited, I expect the rest of their gang to tag along. Although, I mean… well… there is her situation, and well, there is what you overheard last week." He stumbled of his words in embarrassment.

With the low birthrate, and high infant mortality rate. It was almost expected for women to stay home or even on bedrest while pregnant. Lily on the other hand refused to kowtow to the demands of his mother, or the suggestions of Narcissa. Lily had kept saying things like how muggle women usually did not need to be treated that delicately. She had even convinced Narcissa to see a muggle, ob… ungy, orgnie, Obginny? He couldn't remember what she called them. She had explained that it was a muggle healer that took care of women specifically and looked after neonatal concerns. Since then, Narcissa was helping other pregnant witches to see Squib healers in the same profession. He knew some of his friends at St. Mungo's were furious about this turn of events. One of his classmates, who was a Ravenclaw by the name of Reginald Nott, was a witch's healer continually ranted about this. It was if he thought by peaking to him that he would have any influence on Lily.

"No, it isn't. But then again when has 'Prongsie'" Severus made large air quotes, and sneered at the nickname, "ever listened. I am surprised that he took time away from your brother and the werewolf to even sire an heir, but she has proof."

"Ok, I understand. One drink and then I am on guard duty as usual."

"Too right you are, now grab your coat, and let's go."

~ooOoo~

"You summoned me, my Lord?" Severus knelt before the dais. He was as low as he could go while he prostrated himself at the feet of the man.

"Yes, Severus. Please rise." The imposing man stepped down from his throne and began walking across the ballroom, leaving Severus in his wake. "Do you know that Narcissa has done a lovely job of reenergizing the gardens here? They almost rival her personal ones. She of course has assured me that she is not yet finished, but it is a lovely day for a stroll. I do hope you are having a pleasant holiday before you must deal with, what did you call them? Dunderheads, I believe."

"Yes, my Lord, to both. So, if I may be impertinent, why have you summoned me. I am certain if you truly wanted a lovely stroll, that perhaps Bella, or Cissa would be much better company than myself." He stayed at least a step behind the man and held his breath for the possibility of an incoming curse.

"My dear boy, there is no need for that, I just wanted to step away from prying ears and eyes. Do catch up if I wanted a servant to wait on me hand and foot I would have called for the rat, and not you." He led them further away from the manor to a small pond. There was an elegant metal garden bench, and a table with chairs under a large willow.

The dark lord gestured to sit once he took the bench. "I have come across a few different interpretations for the phoenix draught. But I think I am ready to begin gathering for it." The Dark Lord looked concerned for a moment. "Thank you for suggesting that I look through the notes and books myself. The different conclusion that I reached is just an alchemical brewing of it rather than just a standard cauldron. Please take a look and see if you come to the same conclusion based off your new mastery." He smiled at Severus patronizingly as he handed him the notes he had compiled.

Severus read through them once, pulled out his own note pad and biro to double check numbers, and read through it again. "Sire, you are correct. This would offer a stronger effect, and clearly raise the chance of success in use. Did you see though, by doing this it can only be used once, and the effects would be different from what my initial study would describe. This," he wiped his brow suddenly sweating, "this my Lord would bring you back from the dead. It wouldn't be a healing potion at all."

The possibilities of the Dark Lord rising from the dead was very concerning. He had no clue how this could possibly go against his masters wishes, but still some thought was irritating at the back of his mind. Instinctually he knew that there was something off about this, but he couldn't place his finger on it. Everything seemed in correct proportions. It was possible that the harvest times of the ingredients were off. Was it that the true effects or side effects of the potion were incorrect? He sat there in quiet contemplation. He almost missed the Dark Lord's answer.

"Exactly, Severus, exactly. This would allow me to resurrect myself should anything befall me, and not just at an age or magical level that I am now. It stays in the system permanently, and it will bring me back at my prime at the height of my magical prowess. No need to go through with splitting one's soul for immortality. This would make it possible." His smile turned from patronizing to manic before Severus's very eyes.

Severus swallowed This man may be a champion of the dark to others, but he understood power. He ran the numbers again. "My Lord, there is a mistake here. I… I am sorry to point it out, but if you follow this method, I don't think that it will give you, well that result." He cringed at the thought of what the dark lord may choose to do with him now that he had pointed out the parts that were incorrect.

"What? Where?" He dragged his notes back to himself, furiously going over them.

"Just here Sir."

"Oh, I see Severus, you are correct, that result would kill anyone, even a mountain troll. What do you think I should use?" He furiously scribbled new calculations on his notes to see if he could come to the same conclusion as Severus did.

"Well, if we base it off similar healing potions, I am not exactly sure. Are you are looking to distill the oils?"

"Yes, that is indeed the case. Is there a better way to gather the necessary components and brew it?"

"Just a moment, Sir." Severus began making various notations in the margins of his previous notes. "I cannot guarantee that you will get the outcome that you are suggesting, but if we follow this method, it can bring you back from limbo at least, and it would remain in your system until you need it. I believe you need to distill both the phoenix tears and the basilisk venom with fresh spring water that has a major ley line near it."

"My suggestion would be for harvesting it at Glastonbury Tor, or the Casterligg Stone circle, since I doubt you will have access to Hogwarts. Even if you did, I think that the headmaster, or at the very least a head of house would interrupt you. That would mean the most optimal time is on a full moon at one of the quarters. It will have the strength you need to keep you from poisoning yourself. Thursday will be the best date for you, as I delivered Lupin's Wolfsbane yesterday. It was one of the demands the old man's stipulated into my contract. This Thursday will allow you have three days between the moon and Easter Sunday, it is also equally balanced between Ostara and Beltane. I believe you have the rest ingredients to finish the potion then on Easter morning."

The Dark Lord thought about the suggestion. Severus was a prodigy when it came to potions. He was also proving to be loyal counsel, and a good resource when he needed additional information. The young man soaked up knowledge like a sponge and could recall it with ease. Even tested on topics months after the book had been studied, he could recite word for word passages that had been read. "Thank you, Severus. It seems that I have things to gather, sooner rather than later. Leave the gate to Hogwarts unlocked and unwarded on Monday, it would seem I need to… to visit an old friend."

Severus knew that he was being dismissed. He bowed briefly to the Dark Lord and collected his notes. Any additional thoughts on the potion would only anger the man. 'He will call me if he needs anything else. I honestly wish that he was not considering the school. There is no telling how it will go.' The thoughts at the back of his mind continued to irritate him. It was an itch that he couldn't scratch, and he needed to figure out why it bothered him so. Once off the property he quickly apparated back to Hogwarts and stormed to the library.

~ooOoo~

"Bloody Hell. I should have told him these new calculations." Severus had just finished going back over his notes on the phoenix draught. He had put them aside since Easter to focus on the dunderheads that had made it to NEWT level. His search of his library, and the Hogwarts library generated no results. Summer break had just begun two days ago, and he knew that the final pieces of the ritual the Dark Lord cast was back on the solstice. It was too late now. If he tried again, it would not only kill him, but also anyone with a dark mark, or he could attempt to brew it as a straight healing potion, leaving some of the more complicated parts out. Even that had a fifty percent chance of killing them all.

Severus knew that he should face his lord and take his punishment. It was not that he had truly done something wrong, but his advice was incomplete, and he knew it. He should have spoken up that day. He gathered his notes and put his head into the floo. "Malfoy manor, ABRAXUS." He yelled, it was closed to travel, or he would have stepped through.

Lucius stood from a chair and turned towards the fireplace, "Severus? My father is out of the country I am afraid. The Dark Lord's orders. Is there something I can help with?"

"Can you let me through I've made a grave mistake."

Lucius' face turned grey at the news that his old mentee brought.