Dumbledore's Advice
The two professors entered the castle and dried themselves with heating spells. Leonor took a rubber band from a pocket and put the damp hair into a loose bun. Severus watched her privately, avoiding carefully to be too obvious. Leonor's eyes were still red, the face pale and tired, but she looked relaxed and a little happy.
"Are you cold?" he asked.
"No, not cold. I'm getting a headache." She smiled despite herself.
"Dumbledore wants us to visit his office," Severus said matter of factly.
Leonor frowned. "That late? It can wait until tomorrow, can't it?"
"We better show up," Severus answered.
He took Leonor by the hand and led her briskly down into the dungeons, but not to his office. A narrow passageway was hidden behind an alcove built into the wall. Torches flared up on waving a hand and lit the stairs to an upper floor thinly. Severus stopped on a landing of the staircase and turned abruptly. His face was grave and only inches away from Leonor. She moved a step back and bumped to the wall.
"Severus, what— you scare me," whispered Leonor fighting the fear, but he let go and stumbled backwards to sit on the stone.
"I need to know," he panted.
"What, Severus?"
"How many, how many men?" The fury visible plainly.
"Four," Leonor said looking down the passage.
"The cuts and bruises, are they healed completely?"
"Yes, most are. One long cut was lethal. The scar is still visible. It's here." Leonor pointed between the abdomen and the thigh. "I cannot have children," she added sadly. Severus nodded as if something made sudden sense, then spoke quietly.
"My father was a violent drunk. I still remember my mother's painful whimper; the carefully concealed bruises, the days when she couldn't sit or walk. I should have killed him, but I was too cowardly. Instead, I counted the days to get away from home."
"Your mother would not want you to be a murderer." Leonor sat next to Severus putting her hand on his shoulder.
"She always wanted me to leave the house, to pretend I'm not there," he answered ruefully and added with an intensive glance to Leonor's eyes, "Are we friends?"
"Yes, we are. You saved my soul tonight. Should we see Dumbledore now?"
A sheepish smile crossed Severus' face before walking upstairs firmly. Both had been afraid to repulse each other with their past and now they could continue to work together. She liked it and knew Severus did as well.
XXX
Leonor expected to find another secret walk to the seventh floor, but the staircase ended behind a tapestry one floor above the dungeons. There was a little hallway with ancient portrayals and delicate chandeliers. The floor was covered with a thick dark red carpet. The corridor looked elegant and bright, and the wall opposite the tapestry showed a lordly door. On the right-hand side leaned a ladder next to a smaller entrance. A long narrow window to the left gave an outlook to the mountains and the forest.
"Where are we?"
"The potion's storage of the school," Severus said and pointed to the low door, "The other door is my private chamber. I'll get you something against a headache."
Leonor viewed the paintings and then turned looking curiously through the window into the gloomy night. Severus disappeared into his quarters and returned with two vials.
"Here, this is a strengthening solution, my own recipe. Dumbledore will only notice a little tiredness. It should also solve the hangover. Take half now and the other tomorrow morning. The other is for a dreamless and relaxed sleep, for later, if you like."
Leonor nodded and took the first draught. The sting in her head and the sore feeling under her eyelids vanished quickly.
"It works; I feel much better. Do I look alright to go, then?"
"It will do for tonight." He went down the staircase behind the tapestry. The castle was quiet. Severus and Leonor turned briskly around a corner on the seventh floor.
Professor Lupin strolled towards them. He noticed the pair and his expression became inquisitive, and he asked in a friendly tone, "Severus, Professor Scott, it's not a full moon yet?"
"I've got an appointment in Hogsmeade and just stay overnight," Leonor answered with a forced smile. She had hoped to meet nobody. Severus seemed to think along the same line.
Lupin continued with a side glance at Severus, "Ah, may I invite you for a drink then? We haven't had a chance yet. Tomorrow?"
"I'm sorry, but I leave very early," Leonor answered, grateful for the easy excuse and hoping to finish the conversation soon. She felt already tense to meet Dumbledore.
Severus straightened himself and said with a triumphant voice, "Lupin, please excuse us; we have an appointment with the headmaster. Good evening!" Lupin gave a bewildered nod and left.
Leonor and Severus walked to Dumbledore's office without looking back. The gargoyle released the spiral staircase immediately at their arrival. Leonor glanced sideways at Snape; his expression unreadable. A joyous voice called 'Enter' from the inside before they even had knocked. Severus seemed to be used to the procedure and opened the door.
"Headmaster, you wished to see us after our return," he said with a firm voice.
"Yes, indeed." Dumbledore stood next to a small cabinet with a swirling white light and closed it carefully. He turned and examined the professors sternly. Leonor precautionary emptied her mind and was convinced Snape had done the same.
"Severus, how's Madame Rosmerta?" asked Dumbledore more conversationally.
"Clearly not satisfied with the business, only a few house guests to be served."
Dumbledore tilted his head thoughtfully. "We cannot do much, if Sirius Black is on the run, and Fudge insists the Dementors are the best security measure," sighed Dumbledore. "You had no issues passing the gates tonight?"
Severus was shaking his head slightly and put the hands behind his back.
"Would you enlighten me what was so important to leave the castle tonight for several hours?" Dumbledore continued gazing curiously from Severus to Leonor. His eyes twinkling and waiting. Leonor tried to think quickly for an answer, but nothing explained the hours. She was glad when Severus answered without hesitation.
"We discussed a final exam test for the NEWT students. I like to run it before the Easter holidays. Professor Scott will assist with Nettesheimer's experiment and provide some potions samples for usage with Golpalott's Third Law. It will be a profound training and insight into current researches."
Dumbledore glanced at Leonor suspiciously. Leonor confirmed Snape's explanation looking straight into Dumbledore's eyes.
"I'll bring the poisons in the next days, at the February full moon. Professor Snape will do a final check until March."
"Well, well, Severus, may I have a word with Leonor privately?"
Severus bowed, and a grin curled his lips before he left the room. Dumbledore took a seat and gestured Leonor to take the same stool as in the first interview. He folded his hands and considered his fingers a long moment. Leonor watched him unsure if the evening with Snape would be elaborated further. She felt tired, but the adrenaline in her veins kept her observant.
"Leonor, would you allow me to ask a very private question?" asked Dumbledore politely.
"Sure." Leonor shrugged.
"Have you been involved with Lord Voldemort?" Dumbledore's tone was pleasant, but his gaze intensely.
"If I remember correctly, he vanished in1981. I was eighteen and busy to settle down into my own life at the university. He wasn't very strong in the U.S. and I lived rather disguised in a muggle university."
"But you heard of his deeds?"
"Naturally and I do not approve nor support them. Is it that what you like to know?" Leonor felt calmer now. It was a regular topic in England, and she was glad, Dumbledore asked outright. The matter could be solved quickly.
"Only hypothetically, where would you stand in case of his return?"
"Likely a foe," Leonor smirked. She was not surprised by remembering the earlier conversation with the potions master.
"Very well, very well. I may take your offer seriously." He said with a blinking eye.
"Good night, Professor!" Leonor answered happily. The topic had been unexpected, but it didn't need Occlumency to answer trustworthy. She could go to sleep now, finally.
"Ah, Leonor, one more question. What do you see in Severus Snape?"
Leonor swallowed a sudden lump in the throat. "He's very professional, reliable, subtle, an excellent wizard I suppose."
Dumbledore frowned. "I see, his unpleasant demeanour doesn't repulse you as much as others. It may not be like you perceive it, Leonor. Professor Lupin expressed his wish to support you more until end of the term. He has recovered and feels better. Good night!"
Leonor bowed respectfully and left unhurriedly to the West Tower and her quarters. The thoughts about the words of Dumbledore throbbed in her mind. There was a little snowdrop in a vase from Hattie. A brief smile crossed Leonor's tired face. She knew Hattie found the note and would wake her in time. She rubbed her temples and sighed. A few drops of Snape's sleeping potion would do for today, no dreams, no heavy thoughts and all the uncertainty about her new acquaintance evaporated into a deep sleep.
XXX
The restaurant was abandoned on a Tuesday evening. Two tables were occupied; the garden and terrace still closed in late February. Leonor sat on a bar stool chatting with Matteo about St. Mungo's. Matteo's internship in the potions department came soon to an end. He told about the received praise for his potion expertise. Matteo was now the best trainee in the teaching year. He was also attracted by a muggle girl from the neighbourhood and vanished soon in a cloud of expensive fragrance. Leonor grinned. Francesco opened a bottle of Italian red wine and filled three glasses. Maria came from the kitchen wiping her hands on the apron.
"Cheers!" Francesco said raising the glass.
"On Matteo!" Leonor smiled. The parents beamed proudly.
"Have you visited that apothecary in Hogsmeade? How was it?" Maria asked.
Leonor shrugged the shoulders. "Jackson is old. I think he walks crooked, because of pain in his back and knees. I offered to examine it, but he doesn't trust. The sold quality is bad. I wouldn't buy anything if I can avoid it. The place is neglected. His daughter and her husband work in the Ministry of Magic. They have two children, a house, a garden and like him to live with them. She cares and would like to have him near. He's really lucky with his family the old grouch."
"Is it something for you then?"
"Hogsmeade is a good place. I think it's the most popular wizarding location after Diagon Alley. The house has a good size, a nice garden. Best is the beautiful view of the countryside. It's in a side street at the periphery of the village. I should see it again in the spring and sunlight, but I believe there are some magical plant patches too. The bushes will hide the apparition from the neighbours."
"Sounds good."
"The price is brazenly for all the necessary repairs, cleaning and the bad reputation."
"Is it worth the price?"
Leonor was shaking her head. "I wait. I've been the first interested party; let's see how many will come and if somebody pays the price. I cannot do much without the exam anyway."
"And what about that Professor?" Maria asked gingerly.
"My curse hit him, and it was about time to heal it. He endured the pain bravely."
"I thought they had a matron?" Maria considered Leonor. Leonor fumbled on her sleeves.
"Sure, but he did not blab. Severus has a good sense for the right painkillers and doesn't need a matron." Admiration resonated in Leonor's voice.
"Men often keep quiet if defeated. He seemed to need you!" Maria grinned, "Does it have any consequences for you?"
"No, he didn't complain, nobody knows it. He organized a pre-examination test for the NEWT-students and allows me to bring things from my stocks for analysis. We'll do also the experiment to detect the third poison for my exam; all agreed by Dumbledore already. It will be before Easter." Leonor smiled shyly into the glass.
Maria noticed that Leonor sounded happy talking about that man. Snape made some impression on her, but Maria said nothing despite an inner disbelief about the professor's attitude.
"It's very kind of him, isn't it?"
Leonor nodded lost in thoughts. Richard's and Dumbledore's words echoed still in her head, but there was also the bright doe. Everything was prepared for teaching and the exam test. She had done everything with a new enthusiasm and even her latest trial of Nettesheimer's theory was successful; she hadn't achieved such a good outcome since January. If the experiment with Snape would return the same result, then it would be fantastic. The antidote was already simmering and there was a chance to have the poisons done by end of March. She swallowed the pleasurable feeling; Maria might be correct about men too. Still, she was looking forward going back.
XXX
The mild rain in the middle of February had driven out the winter. The early flowers predicted the spring, and the front gardens in London showed a little green between all the brick fronts of the muggle town houses.
Pauline sat on Leonor's shoulder. "It's boring for you Pauline, isn't it? No patients to oversee, no mail to deliver." Leonor was stroking the bird. "You will have a lot to do if I buy the apothecary. The next days will be a change at least, Hogwarts you know."
Pauline hooted in understanding and flew to the windowsill for a nap. Leonor selected clothes for the new season and packed it into the suitcase; it would be easier to wear jeans and other muggle fashion below the cloak now. Sometimes she hated the old-fashioned wizarding robes. She felt younger in jeans and a t-shirt. An eager tap on the windowpane made Pauline jump and scream in disapproval. A screech owl continued tapping to the window with a letter in her beak until Leonor opened it. She took the scroll and sent both owls for a snack to Pauline's cage.
The handwriting was unfamiliar, a sudden apprehension in her stomach while opening the letter:
"Dear Professor Scott, I'd like you to meet me early for dinner on Wednesday, at 5 o'clock in my office. I hope we will catch up all the topics of your last report. Remus Lupin."
Leonor wasn't surprised; she'd almost anticipated more attention from others since the evening at the 'Three Broomsticks'. She sighed in relieve. It wasn't anything about the planned potions study. She carefully stowed the clothes in the suitcase and put the potion samples on top. A look at the wristwatch told Leonor to have enough time for a hot shower. The screech owl and the eagle owl understood each other well. Pauline didn't share the feed with every bird voluntarily. Leonor sent both owls through the window back to Hogwarts; she'd be earlier in Scotland anyway.
"You both can fly to Hogwarts together; it will be more fun," she smiled looking after the two black dots vanishing into the sky. She retreated to the small shower. The hot water changed the air quickly into a steam bath with the refreshing scent of shower gel. Leonor dressed in black jeans, half boots, and a tight jumper; the magically dried hair drawn back and tied into a ponytail. Leonor's image in the mirror showed lesser grey in the dark brown hair, maybe it will be completely gone soon. It was unlikely anybody noticed it at Hogwarts. She put over the cloak and threw the travelling bag to her back before silently appearing at the Hogwarts gates. Hagrid waved from his hut and Leonor made a detour. Buckbeak the Hippogriff was tied to the vegetable patch and Leonor bowed in a distance deferentially. Professor Hagrid was pleasantly surprised when the Hippogriff allowed Leonor to come closer. She revealed her apprenticeship at the dragon station in Romania but had to hurry to the appointment with Professor Lupin. The afternoon could likely have ended at Hagrid's with a tankard full of beer, or wine talking about dragons.
The students flooded the corridors after their last lesson of the day. All Slytherins greeted Leonor friendly. It was easy once you had been accepted into their group. Looks of older boys and girls followed Leonor's billowing cloak. She savoured the moment but felt also a bit ashamed. Leonor would have liked to visit Severus first, but he was nowhere to be seen and it was already a little late. She hoped to have time later in the evening and knocked straight at Lupin's office.
"Sorry, Professor. I made a stopover at Hagrid's to visit the poor Hippogriff."
"No problem." Lupin's voice was friendly. A creature sat in a covered cage or box and made restless noises. The office was cleared up and the desk empty. Lupin offered Leonor a chair and sat behind the desk; her January report and some marked essays in front of him. Leonor leaned back and waited.
"I'm Remus." Lupin reached with his hand across the table.
"I'm Leonor." Leonor shook his hand and smiled.
"May I offer you something to drink, a tea?"
"Yes, thank you."
Lupin rummaged in a sideboard, put the teabags to the water and heated the cups with his wand. He gave Leonor the cup with a traditional blend of English Breakfast.
"Sugar?"
"Milk, if you have."
Lupin waved his wand and a small jug of milk appeared instantly.
"Thanks." Leonor vanished the tea bag after only a short standing time and added milk generously. Remus watched her with some side glances.
"You've been new to the Wolfsbane Potion?" asked Leonor.
"Yes, how do you know?"
"It makes very tired in the beginning but improves after a couple of months. You look better."
"It's the good meals at Hogwarts."
"If you think so. Is there no way to get the potion regular?"
"The ingredients are expensive and without a solid job— I'm not much of a potion maker to do it myself."
"It's hard to hide lycanthropy." Leonor nodded sympathetically.
"You suggested to work with the advanced students more on dark magic for a better understanding of the defence, but I believe it's sufficient to continue with the subjects in the books." Lupin handed Leonor a scroll of parchment. "It's the list of topics for every class to be discussed until the end of April. I suggest you'll make the students repeat the relevant chapters in the book and you discuss questions."
"Sure." Leonor shrugged and read the parchment. It settled the matter of teaching. She was already very adept with the books. There wasn't much to prepare anymore, and she could concentrate on the library and potions. "Anything else for this month?"
"Please do the supervision of the Hogwarts Grounds on Saturday afternoon. You should patrol the area between the lake and the gates to ensure the Dementors keep out." Leonor nodded in agreement.
"I graded some essays again." Lupin pointed to the paper on the desk.
"What was wrong with my grading?" Leonor asked a bit disappointed.
"Dumbledore and I believed the grading too advanced." He moved the essays over to Leonor to look at it.
"You think it's not necessary to mention Inferi?"
"Dumbledore believes it is better to leave some matters in the shadows." Lupin measured his words carefully.
"You mean to leave hidden for the Slytherins?" Leonor sipped the tea in agitation. It tasted lukewarm and bitter. Lupin didn't answer.
"Withholding dark magic is no solution; it will not hide for the searcher. Shouldn't we spend more time with the misguided kids to convince them otherwise? All students should know to defend themselves and to make a choice. We may not be able to persuade everybody. But can we put a whole house at stake without effort, can't we? Most Slytherins understand very well the cruelty."
Lupin waved his wand. Dinner plates and cutlery arrived together with a plate of cold meat, salad, and bread. It looked delicious, but Leonor felt no joy nor appetite. Lupin gestured Leonor to start and helped himself to a full plate. Leonor leaned back and crossed her arms over the chest demanding an answer. Lupin avoided eye contact and spoke only after a while.
"Most dark wizards are from Slytherin House." Lupin considered the woman briefly. Leonor thought of Quirrell and Black. "Slytherins are not very fond of muggle-born, half-bread or other non-pure blood witches and wizards. You should be careful with your parentage and education," Lupin added. Leonor shrugged nonchalantly. Lupin continued, "Severus isn't the person he pretends to be."
Leonor gasped and thought about something for a moment. "Did Dumbledore send you to me?" asked Leonor kindly. She pulled a curious face. Leonor took some bread and ate slowly.
Lupin continued to speak conversationally. "No, but you should know. Severus was a loner. He became part of a Slytherin gang when he was older. They used Dark Magic at school for leisure and became known Death Eaters. Severus knew a lot of Dark Magic and 'Mudblood' was a regular insult for muggle-born. Some say he knew more dark hexes when he arrived in school than the seventh years. I trust Dumbledore to have his reasons to let him teach at Hogwarts."
"You've studied with him?" Leonor said calmly hiding the already known fact.
"We've been in the same year, but I was in Gryffindor. Snape had always a grudge against James Potter and his friends. Nobody knows why; likely he's been jealous. James was very popular, an excellent student and Quidditch player. Snape never stopped hexing James. Severus protested vehemently against my employment at the school. If it wouldn't be for Dumbledore; I had never set a foot to the school, not now and not as a child. Please, have some dinner!" Remus added the last sentence in a matey tone and a confident expression crossed the scarred face.
Leonor looked along the walls as if they were transparent. The story about Potter and Snape sounded different from Lupin. She tried to recall her conversations with Severus but couldn't find it indecent. He had been a Death Eater. He was unpleasant and sarcastic, but believing he was a fraud or villain made Leonor feel sad and unjust. There had been so many snarling agents at the FBI and Leonor knew there was always a history to become bitter. Leonor startled when Severus put a goblet of fuming Wolfsbane Potion on Lupin's desk. She must have missed the knock.
XXX
Severus spoke unemotionally to Lupin; a shrewd glance to the revised essays, Leonor's unused plate, and the unfinished tea, but decided to say nothing. He was curious about the sudden interest in private conversations with Scott. Apparently, it had something to do with the visit to the pub in the village. Lupin was ordinary and outwardly grateful as always. Leonor gave Severus an encouraging smile before saying, "Severus, can I give you the samples later?"
He gazed at her intently and said, "I'm occupied by the career advice and assessments till the end of the week," and added with a side glance at Lupin, "—a pleasure some cannot comprehend."
"I give you the samples and equipment now, check it and send me an owl. I can bring more. I used an extension charm on the box; the contents will not break either," answered Leonor walking business-like over to her travelling bag.
She took a small packet and handed it to Severus holding his hands a moment too long. He retreated hastily to the door, her hands a tingling sensation on the skin. He envied Lupin for the time with Leonor but couldn't risk meeting her evidently again. She was appealing in the tight-fitting shirt without any jewellery around the delicate neckline. He quickly escaped the pleasant smell of fresh foam bath and Leonor's perfume into the dungeons.
The charms used on the package were promising, and he believed the final exam test to be more exciting this year. A quick glance into the box revealed ten numbered vials, the kit for Nettesheimer's test and a folder. The folder contained the description of each blended poison, likely a good read for the night. Severus put everything back to the box and added the vial from the ministry to give it back to Leonor latest in March. Everything was safely locked into a private cabinet on arrival of the first student.