Chapter 10: Darkest before the dawn


The potions shop looked average from the outside. Big windows displayed some pretty flasks and ingredients that were on sale. Dark wooden frames and a rusty old sign showed that the owner clearly did not care that much about appearance. But considering that this was a calmer part of the city and nearly every store around here looked just as ordinary and untended, it wasn't that big of a deal. Hermione and Severus stood outside for a few seconds before entering the shop. An old bell made a tinny sound when they entered and just a moment later a middle-aged, corpulent wizard appeared and smiled at them friendly.

"Good morning. How may I help you?", he asked in a polite voice and Hermione immediately started to like him. She gave him a smile and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was here some time ago and asked for some potions, who had dangerous effects when prepared with slightly other ingredients. We know that you have the patent for these potions, that is why we were here.", she said friendly. Of course Severus and she had talked about this beforehand and they had decided to be honest with Barnabas Mayhew.

The wizard's eyes widened with recognition. "Of course, you were here with Harry Potter! I remember." He nodded and the friendly smile stayed on his face. Apparently meeting Harry was still a highlight after all this time. "But unfortunately I still don't know anything about said potions. I asked my wife and Billy, the boy who helps out from time to time, but they never encountered or have heard of anything like that." His tone was sincere and Hermione understood why Harry hadn't said anything. Mr Mayhew seemed convincing.

Severus, who had been quiet until now, stepped in front of him and quickly used Legilimens to dive into the wizard's mind. They knew this wasn't completely fair, but they had to be sure that the wizard wasn't lying. When Severus was done, he quickly obliviated him. The tinier man seemed to shake himself for a second before focusing on Severus, who was still standing in front of him.

"Mr Mayhew, I believe you are a good person, who can be trusted. Therefore we are going to let you in on a little secret." Barnabas Mayhew raised both eyebrows in surprise, but nodded fascinated by the Potions Masters words. It appeared as though he was a good-natured kind of person. Not the brightest, but his heart at the right place.

"My wife lost her memories three days ago and can't remember the last five years. We think that she might have had a potions accident or that someone might have slipped her a dangerous potion. What irritates me is that the potion isn't traceable. Now my question is, do you know anyone who might be powerful or experienced enough to brew a potion with such power? Or do you know which potion we could be talking about?"

Mr Mayhew frowned, his big eyes starring at a spot behind the couple and seriously contemplated possible options. After a while though he simply shook his head.

"There are some potions which cause memory loss, but all of them are traceable. Non-traceable potions are rare. They would probably be found in a dark arts book. But I don't have one.", he said and scratched his nearly bald head. "You know most of our customers are old ladies with sleeping problems or headaches. Nothing too serious. I haven't sold anything powerful in ages."

Hermione sighed and felt her hope slowly dissolve. Maybe she had been foolish to even believe for a second, that this interrogation could lead somewhere. Feeling tired she nodded and Severus, who had moved back to the place next to her, circled her hand balm with his thumb.

The doorbell made the quiet noise again as a woman with ash blonde hair entered the store and gave all three of them a smile.

"Good morning.", she said and carried a basket across the room to the wooden cupboards. Her smile was bright and infectious.

"This is my wife.", Mr Mayhew introduced her and Hermione could see, that he was smitten with the blonde. The Snapes both greeted the woman and Hermione could feel Severus eyeing her from the corner of his eyes. While she unpacked ingredients Mrs Mayhew kept quiet and let her husband go about his business.

"I'm very sorry for your condition, but at the moment I don't have an idea." The doorbell rang again and an old woman came in and wished everyone a good morning. When she saw Mrs Mayhew she immediately approached her and Hermione watched the situation with slight curiosity. The woman seemed to be in a hurry. Mr Mayhew however went on without further notice.

"As for the potions you mentioned. I am the patent owner, but I merely inherited. I never researched anything myself. The potions we sell here are simple ones. There was never need for me to investigate further. My wife is a bit more talented. She usually brews the more complicated potions. But as I said, we don't sell anything other than painkillers most of the time."

Hermione nodded at his words, but tried to keep up with the other conversation as well.

"… to thank you. I'm more than grateful. You've been the only one who was able to help him with his condition." She could only hear bits and pieces from the women, until they moved closer to the door. "I'll prepare the potion and bring it to you tomorrow.", Mrs Mayhew answered with a smile and pated the woman on the back. "I'm sure he'll be better soon. With all the progress we have been making. You'll see." She gave the woman's arm a reassuring squeeze and then wished her a good day.

Severus cleared his throat.

"I'll leave you our contact information, in case you notice something.", he said. The other wizard nodded. "Of course. I'll think about it some more and write you, if something comes to my mind. Let me know if your condition changes. Maybe that information could be helpful." The man gave Hermione a reassuring smile, which she returned before turning around to face the shopkeeper's wife.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but listen to the conversation you just had. You are a healer?", she asked politely. The blonde stilled for a moment before she came forward and nodded. "Well, most of our customers would say so. Why? Are you in need of a healer?"

Hermione looked uncertain. "You must be very talented to help me deal with this problem."

The older woman motioned for her to go on.

"I lost my memory. Not all of it, but the last five years.", she explained. "A potion might have caused this, but we aren't sure."

Mrs Mayhew thought about it for a few seconds before shaking her head. "Potions that erase memories? Sounds like dark magic to me. But no. I can't think of anything right now. I'll keep it in mind though." She smiled apologetic and Hermione sighed. "Well, thank you. Both of you." The brunette returned to her husband's side. "I'll let you know if anything changes.", she said and clutched Severus arm. This trip hadn't gone as well as she expected. In fact they hadn't made progress at all. The fresh air that hit her when they stepped outside was more than needed.


AN: I know. Don't even get me started on how sorry I am for the late update. Work has been tough the last few weeks and I'm struggling to be creative after work. But we are making progress, even though it doesn't seem that way. As always: Thanks so much for your support. It's very helpful. :)

Have a nice day,

AC