CHAPTER 10
07 August 1988 - Hogwarts - 9:00AM
"Tim Tams." Severus resisted the urge to scowl at the password as he ascended the stairs to Headmaster Dumbledore's office, another ghastly diabetic coma-inducing confection of chocolate, biscuits, and entirely too much sugar.
"Come in Severus," said Dumbledore from inside the office before the man even had time to knock. The Slytherin alumnus sighed. He'd never be so uncouth as to outright say anything, but privately, he'd always thought it supremely rude for the Headmaster to always invite people in before they could actually knock and announce their own presence. He'd long ascertained that it was the wily old man's way of asserting dominance over visitors before they even made it inside his office.
Upon entering, Severus immediately took the empty seat across the Headmaster, politely declining when Dumbledore offered him a bowl of sugar-frosted lemon drops. How the old man had all of his teeth Severus would never know. A quick cursory glance around the office showed that little had changed since Severus was a student. The man's expansive desk was littered with several knick-knacks and odd little gizmos, some occasionally emitting puffs of colorful smoke. The walls were covered with portraits of Headmasters and Headmistresses past, all of whom politely nodded in Severus' direction upon his entrance. In one corner of the room was Fawkes the Phoenix's perch, the magnificent firebird trilled in delight at Severus' presence. In spite of himself, Severus gave a small smile.
"How are you doing, Severus? Or should I say, 'Moste Extraordinary Potioneer?" Dumbledore's crystal blue eyes twinkled in delight at his past student, who gave a modest smile in return. Severus' most recent potion invention - a unique amalgamation of the Wideye and Wit-Sharpening Potions - had granted him the mantle of Moste Extraordinary Potioneer within the esteemed Society of Most Extraordinary Potioneers, founded by the famed Potioneer Hector Dagworth-Granger. Severus' potion - tentatively called the Wit-Widener - was able to overcome complications from extreme memory loss, be they caused by physical trauma, botched Obliviations, potions accidents, etc. St. Mungo's Healers were currently trying out prototypes on some long-term residents of the Janus Thickey Ward, with very promising results. Once its effectiveness could be verified and the Ministry granted approval, it would be readily available for use through St. Mungo's and approved private Healers. There were already talks of granting Severus another Order of Merlin for his creation, this time Second Class.
"I am doing well Headmaster, thank you for asking. Now, as to my requested presence in your office, I am certain it was not to discuss my newest acquired title." Dumbledore quietly laughed in response to Severus' clipped statement, popping a few more lemon drops into his mouth.
"As succinct as ever Severus. No, you are correct in that statement, I did not ask you here to discuss that. As I'm sure you already know, Horace Slughorn has expressed wanting to go on a sabbatical, in lieu of his recent 103rd birthday. He emphasized a pressing need to relax and reset himself, to further broaden the breadth of his potion-making abilities." Dumbledore popped another lemon drop in his mouth as Severus processed his statement, resisting the urge to snort at 'relax and reset'. Slughorn already did plenty of that, the man's voraciousness for social climbing and sweets well known. His luxury-aligned tastes had long since manifested itself into his infamous 'Slug Club', his personal network of mostly monied pureblooded Hogwarts students, and the occasional Halfbloods and muggleborns. That Slughorn curried blatant favor with the purebloods and their well-connected parents went without saying, brief memories of his own time in the Club flashing through his mind.
"Yes, I am aware of his impending sabbatical, it is all the man can talk about in our recent Society gatherings. Though I lack clarity on what any of his impending plans have to do with me." In spite of his feigned ignorance, Severus already knew exactly what Dumbledore was planning to ask, if the thrice-damned twinkling of his eyes were any indication. Dumbledore suddenly chuckled, and Severus wondered (with no small amount of alarm) if the wizened wizard had somehow heard his impenetrable thoughts.
"Well as I am sure you already know," he gave Severus a knowing look, "you've come highly recommended to be his replacement for the upcoming school year. Horace's absence also leaves an open position for the Slytherin Head of House, and naturally, you would fill that role." Dumbledore popped another lemon drop in his mouth, leaning back to casually savor its taste. For his part - though his face didn't show it - Severus was quietly seething at the man's presumptuousness.
"I… came highly recommended… to be… a schoolteacher." Dumbledore openly chuckled at the scathing sarcasm, his eyes crinkling in genuine delight. Severus fought back the urge to swear.
"Yes, very highly recommended. Horace and Tom sung your praises, given all the incredible work you've done with The Prince Institute, The Magical Youth Liaison Program, and all your other academically-inclined efforts. Tom repeatedly mentioned that all of the students you privately tutored have seen remarkable turnaround in their Potions abilities, and quite a few have gone on to become successful Potions Masters in their own rights. Per Tom you've successfully apprenticed what, seven NEWT-level students since the incarnation of your Institute? A most unprecedented number! That level of dedication to scholarly excellence is exactly what is needed here at Hogwarts! There are many keen minds that would benefit from your influence, Slytherin or otherwise." Snape gave a disbelieving snort, ignoring Dumbledore when he laughed in response.
"Yes, thank you for that bit of unneeded flattery, but as you so succinctly mentioned, my students are at the NEWT-level. Meaning, they've successfully retained all of the introductory Potions materials and are already well-versed with the subject matter, and are much easier to train and guide in the more advanced Potions principles. They aren't a bunch of uncivilized, untrained, unattentive little dunderheads!"
"Dunderheads still need a good education, Severus, and I imagine once they've experienced your tutelage, whatever dunderheadedness they possess will cease to be a problem." he paused to eat yet another lemon drop, and Severus (in spite of his seething irritation) vaguely wondered if the man was impervious to glucotoxicity. "Plenty of NEWT potential that you will get to cultivate at the offset. Just imagine, all of those future Potions Apprentices." Dumbledore tilted his head back and sighed in perceived imagination, as Severus internally fought his own tongue from spewing the many insults he would have used in any other context.
"I am a very busy man with many prior commitments. You cannot simply expect me to drop all of them to become a Hogwarts Professor, especially with such little notice."
"Certainly not Severus. I would not expect you to renege on anything you've already committed to. And I am certain a man of your noted brilliance can comfortably juggle your prior commitments in conjunction with your potential professorship. As far as your preceding professional commitments at the Prince Institute are concerned, Tom assured me" Severus' eye gave an imperceptible twitch as Dumbledore continued "that your budding proteges Davina Brocklehurst and Piccola Haywood would be readily able to assist in your stead, under your limited supervision."
"Tom said that?" Dumbledore smiled at the obvious dubiousness in Severus' tone.
"Yes he did, with the utmost confidence. He truly believes that you would be the best fit to help educate the newest generations of magicals at Hogwarts. He has complete faith in you." Dumbledore smiled serenely, and Severus swore internally. He and Dumbledore stared unblinkingly at each other for a few moments before Severus sighed in defeat.
"Do I have some time to get my affairs in order?" Dumbledore chuckled delightedly in spite of Severus' defeated tone.
"Of course! The term resumes on the 1st of September, and professors are expected at most a week before. I'll have one of the elves prepare your quarters and classrooms for your use. I will have Horace owl you a list of his potions inventory right away, so if need be, you can authorize purchases for any additional supplies as needed. Our staff will officially meet on the week of the 22nd of August to recoup before the official start of classes." Severus sharply nodded in his response, before rising to leave. Before he could bid Dumbledore goodbye, the wizened old wizard quietly asked: "How are Harry and Lily doing?" Severus froze, his expression going completely blank.
"They are doing as well as can be expected, given the circumstances. Lily has provided a wonderful life for her son, who is thriving in spite of the events that led to his mother becoming a divorcee and a single mother." Dumbledore visibly flinched and Severus internally crowed, glad that his barbs hit home. He knew that the old wizard had never forgiven himself for influencing the Potter couple's now infamous separation. Lily's refusal to engage with any of his owl posts certainly reinforced her unwillingness to entertain the Headmaster. With a grave nod, Dumbledore quietly nodded and Severus returned the gesture before imperiously leaving the office, ink-black robe dramatically billowing behind him.
Tom's Study - Castle Basilicus - 11:40AM
"You are the most meddlesome man I have ever had the misfortune of meeting! Thank you so much for successfully ruining my life!" Tom looked up from his notes at Severus' heated statement, resisting the urge to chuckle at the childishly annoyed expression on his dear friend's face. For his part, Severus unceremoniously plopped in the empty velvet green divan beside Tom's desk, fuming all the way.
"Well hello Severus, it is wonderful to see you too! I am doing quite fantastically, thank you so much for asking! I see you are doing just as well today!" Tom chuckled as Severus grumbled out an apology, but nonetheless continued his pouting. Tom fully turned in his charmed swivel chair to face the grumpy man, leaning back and languidly crossing his legs. From his linked frame to Tom's right, Nobby laughingly greeted Severus.
"Alright there Sev? It's good to see you as always!" Though he was never completely fond of the nickname 'Sev', Severus was more than willing to oblige Nobby. The man's genuinely forthright and caring nature had made a positive mark on Severus, and as such, he allowed him the privilege.
"Good to see you as well Nobby, as always. Apologies for my entrance, as you can see I am justifiably annoyed at our supposed friend here." Severus glared in Tom's direction as Nobby openly laughed. For his part, Tom merely smirked in amusement.
"Aye, as long as he draws breath Tom will never stop his schemes." Nobby's eyes sparkled as Tom openly laughed at his statement. "Well, I'll leave you two to it!" And with that, Nobby left his frame and returned to one of his many linked frames, granting the two men much needed privacy.
"So, I am to assume that you accepted Dumbledore's offer for the Potions Professor position?" Severus snarled in response, causing Tom to lightly chuckle.
"Yes oh great and meddlesome one, I am now firmly entrenched within whatever scheme you cooked up to get me to play schoolteacher to a bunch of snot-nosed little brats! Reduced from my well-trained NEWT-level students to this madness!" Severus was openly seething, and Tom had to stifle his laugh at Severus' impertinence. He steepled his elegant fingers before addressing his irritated friend.
"Yes, I am very glad to hear that you will be accepting Dumbledore's offer. I wanted you at Hogwarts because I do firmly believe that you are the best choice to help shape the rising generation of young magicals that will pass through our shared alma mater." Severus' responding snort interrupted Tom, who lightly rolled his eyes. "Yes Severus, I really do believe so. We face a momentous opportunity to guide many a new generation away from the flawed teachings of their parents, especially those of our House." He gave Severus a knowing look as the man quietly sobered, nodding along to Tom's logic. "You and I know above all others that those flawed teachings have laid a treacherous foundation of violent bigotry from which the past wizarding wars and skirmishes were borne. We can, we will, do our part to stave the continuation of this tried and true tradition. As a Slytherin, you will have the solid respect of the House, and being fully cognizant of the various nuances of Slytherin-ness, you will be best suited to maneuver those treacherous waters. You are in the best position to keep an eye on whom will take on the Slytherin Prince mantle, especially with Harry's impending enrollment within the next few years." Severus slowly nodded, digesting the truth of Tom's words.
"Speaking of incoming Slytherins, how is your godson doing?" Severus rolled his eyes, his mild frustration apparent.
"Draco is fine as can be, a living testament to a pureblood scion." Tom openly frowned, his expression mirrored on Severus' face. "In spite of mine and Lucius' subtle best efforts, he is very much his mother's son." Both men scowled, in mutual dislike of Narcissa Malfoy. Both were aware of Narcissa's pureblood fanaticism, a direct reflection of Cygnus, Druella, and Walburga Black's poisonous influence. A spoiled, cruel, and pampered pureblood princess, Narcissa embodied the absolute worst of magical society, all wrapped up in a too pretty and too calculating package. Tom secretly lamented the unfortunate Veela that had perished to grant Narcissa her artificial allure, allowing the sociopathic woman to further live up to her name.
"Well, we will have our work cut out for us, and as is said, 'Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing.' We shall overcome in victory." Severus nodded in acceptance and leaned back into the divan, allowing his body to relax. Peripherally, he was aware of Tom's intense gaze.
"Is there something you wanted to ask?"
"Yes, in fact." Tom's voice turned gentle, "How is Eileen doing?" Severus sighed, allowing himself to further sink into the divan. His beloved mother Eileen Prince (née Snape) was currently dealing with dementia in her advanced age, suffering ever-increasing bouts of memory loss, visual perception, and impaired motor skills. Severus had actually created the Wit-Widener potion to help treat Eileen's ailment, but the woman had not positively responded to the treatment. Thankfully, Lily was aredently using her extensive knowledge and Muggle Biochemistry PhDs to good use, working to find a usable cure working upon the known medical remedies for dementia. She was currently experimenting with medications called donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, all of which worked by boosting levels of a chemical messenger in the brain involved in memory and judgment. Lily was also experimenting with another muggle drug called memantine, another chemical messenger involved in learning and memory. She was hoping to create a double medication that would help permanently cure Eileen's dementia, and Severus was eagerly working to create the potion-component that would be needed in the treatment. From his position on the divan, Severus iterated all this to an attentive Tom.
"That's excellent to hear Severus, and I am fully confident that the two of you will be able to create the cure Eileen needs. I, as always, have complete faith in your combined abilities." Severus smiled in gratitude, a gesture Tom returned in kind. Soon a light bell chimed throughout the study, signaling time for lunch. Elegantly rising, Tom swished his wand and all of the notes spread across his desk arranged themselves into a neat stack. A fresh stack of parchment, two additional quills, and a pot of never-empty ink neatly arranged themselves besides the stack of notes, all of which levitated alongside Tom. Rising, Severus pointed a curious stare.
"Come along to the solarium Severus, I had Mab lay out a delicious lunch for us. We'll need plenty of fuel to tackle all of this." He gestured towards the floating pile of paper, eyes focused and intense. "You see, Daimon finally delivered on the schematics for the wardbreakers his dearest little brother Hugo was making for the Death Eaters. These are all the schemes that correspond to the Shafiq, Burke, McKinnon, and Longbottom Manors respectively." Severus quirked an impressed brow as Tom cruelly smirked. "Oh yes. You see, I was able to convince dear Daimon that the best course of action would be to give me every single detail pertaining to how these wardbreakers were feasible. Their creation resulted in the untimely demise of four families, all of whom are facing differing levels of extinction. His actions against his peers signify a direct violation of the precedence of basic camaraderie that exists between all houses. It was either forsake the schematics, or languish alongside his loathsome brother in the deepest bowels of Azkaban's North Tower. As you can see, Daimon made the better choice." Tom's smile turned positively vicious, as his voice took a lightly hissing lilt. Not for the thousandth time, Severus was very pleased he was Tom's friend and ally, and not his enemy.
Together, the two men ventured out of the study, actively scheming as all good Slytherins do.
AN 1: And here is Professor Snape! He will be starting his Hogwarts tenure in 1988, just as the Weasley Twins will be matriculating, so plenty of fun to be had :)
AN 2: Shakespeare is Tom's favorite author, his works introduced to him by Nobby in Tom's 4th year. There will be plenty of future quotes Tom will reference.
AN 3: And we finally have the case of the wardbreaker resolved! Well, half-resolved. We'll see more as the story progresses.
Next stop: First Day of Hogwarts, 1991!