Chapter Eleven: Head of House

Ink glistened on the two completed letters to Goyle's and Weasley's parents. Severus cleaned the nib of his eagle feather quill and waved his wand to dry the two sheets of parchment. His black robes swished around him as he crossed the dungeon; bending close to examine the twisted heap that had once been a pewter cauldron. The metal showed signs of oxidization which meant the cauldron was far from new. It was likely purchased from a second-hand shop or passed down from parent to child or among siblings. The Potions Master straightened and banished the mess in front of him before returning to his desk. He pulled out a requisition form to replace the cauldrons himself but paused before filling it out. These boys were hardly the only students at Hogwarts with second-hand cauldrons. He would have to find out how dire the situation truly was before ordering new ones.

Severus pinched the bridge of his noes as he muttered, "It appears I have an audit on my hands."

Rolling up the two letters, Severus addressed the outside of each scroll to the appropriate family and left the dungeon classroom. As he walked to the Owlery he analyzed the events of the lesson. The instructions had been clearly written on the blackboard, and he had given the students warning of the dangers. He had even tried to moderate his teaching methods in the hope that these students would not grow to revile him. Beckoning two of the school owls down from the rafters he secured a scroll to each of their left legs and sent them on their way. He left the drafty tower behind and headed to the Hospital Wing.

The youngest Weasley boy was waiting outside the privacy curtains when Severus entered the ward. Weasley was wearing button-down shirt and trousers that were both too short for him in the arm and leg. Both boys' shoes and robes lay in two piles on the floor, which the Potions Master avoided as he drew nearer. Madame Pomfrey had obviously erected privacy wards to keep sound from traveling beyond the curtains, but she was visible moving around Goyle's bed. Weasley opened his mouth to speak, but Severus held a finger to his lips and cast a nonverbal Muffliato before addressing the boy.

"I did not want our conversation to distract Madame Pomfrey or distress Mr. Goyle further." Severus scrutinized the boy's appearance before continuing, "I have written to both your families, informing them of the incident. I can have a house elf bring you replacement clothes if you wish."

Ron looked down at his own attire, "I think I'll be alright with another robe from my trunk, professor."

Severus nodded, snapping his fingers before saying, "I require a Hogwarts house elf."

The creature appeared wearing a pristine tea-towel baring the Hogwarts crest, and curtsied politely before saying in a high-pitched voice, "How may Lollie be of service, Master Snape?" Severus noted that the boy beside him looked as surprised by the appearance of the house elf as if he had been Muggle raised.

"Bring robes from Mister –" he paused racking his brain for the name Minerva had announced during the Sorting. "—Ronald Weasley's trunk. It is in the first year Slytherin dormitory." The elf inclined her head and disappeared with another pop.

The boy muttered, "So that's a house elf."

Severus arched an eyebrow, "Surely a son of the Weasley and Prewett line has seen a house elf before today?"

"No sir, we don't have one. All we have is a ghoul that lives in the attic." Weasley's ears turned pink.

"I see," Severus let the matter drop. He checked his pocket watch and noted that lunch was half done. "Would you like to have lunch brought up to you here?"

"No sir," Ronald shook his head. "I want to go down to the Great Hall. I need to ask a friend from another house a question."

"Verry well." As the house elf reappeared, the professor turned his attention back to her.

She placed the robes on the bed beside Weasley and curtsied to both before asking, "Is there anything else Master Snape or Sir Weasey are needing?"

Severus nodded to the elf, "I would like dinner for myself and two students to be delivered to my quarters this evening."

"Lollie will do as Master Snape asks." She curtsied once more.

"No thanks Lollie," Weasley mumbled as he donned his robes, "but thanks for getting my robes."

Severus waved in dismissal, "Thank you, Lollie. You are dismissed." With a pop she vanished.

The curtains opened and Poppy stepped out closing them behind her. Severus dismissed his previous spell, so her hearing was not impeded. The healer looked over her shoulder and said, "You can go if you like Weasley." She gave a start as she spotted the Potions Master, "Severus, I should have known you would be here. Your wee snakes will be alright. Weasley is all patched up, and Goyle will be better tomorrow. The poor boy got a face full, and I want to check his eyesight in the morning before I discharge him. For now, I gave him a sleeping draft and mild pain reliever."

"Do you need me to brew anything for you, Poppy?" Severus asked.

She patted his arm fondly, "The ward is well stocked as always. If anything comes up, I will let you know." She drew her wand and pointed it at the piles of clothes at her feet. "I'll just dispose of these—"

"Wait," Weasley's whole face flushed as he hurried forward. "Can I keep them? The shoes aren't that bad, and maybe if I send the robes back to Mum…"

Madame Pomphrey glanced to her colleague for direction and Severus nodded imperceptibly. She hesitated, "Well we'll have to get rid of the potion at least." Brandishing her wand at the clothes she said "Scourgify!" and smiled weakly at the boy. "There you go Weasley."

"Thank you, Ma'am." He stuck his feet into a battered pair of trainers and scooped up his robes before departing the ward. The heavy oak doors closed with a thump behind him.

"Severus, I knew times must be hard for the Weasleys—with all those mouths to feed—but I hoped that… with their two oldest out of school…" Poppy stowed her wand in a pocket of her apron.

"It is possible Molly and Arthur do not wish to burden their sons with providing for their younger siblings." Snape's brow furrowed, "I will speak to Minerva about this. She must have noticed something of the like in her cubs. She may have even done something about it herself, without alerting the rest of the staff." He glanced down at the second pile of clothing which was disintegrating before their eyes. "Banish these before Goyle wakes. I will have them replaced before he needs them."

Poppy nodded before doing so, "Severus can you have your prefects keep an eye on Mr. Goyle? During my examination I found some abnormalities with his vision."

Severus hands clenched, "Are his eyes permanently damaged?" He could imagine there would be hell to pay if he had blinded the son of an old pure-blood family.

"No, no," Poppy adopted a soothing tone. "It wasn't because of the accident. This is something he would have been born with."

Severus relaxed, but only slightly, because it would still be possible for Goyle Snr to blame the accident for his son's ailment. That could get nasty for him and for the school. He would be speaking to Minerva about this. As Deputy Headmistress she could advise him on how best to help the boy, and how to protect the school and help him evade a messy situation in the process. His conversation with Minerva would have to wait. He thought she had a planning period after lunch, but he had first year Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. He bowed to Madame Pomphrey before turning to leave the Hospital Wing.

"I will have my prefects monitor the situation and do so myself while Mr. Goyle is in my classroom. Please, keep me informed of your findings on the boy's condition."

"Of course, Severus." Poppy turned and headed into her office.

His thoughts returned to his godsons as he descended the marble staircase. Draco had been white and shaking as he approached Severus desk. Hurt and disappointment were palpable in Harry's voice when he had accused Severus of not being accessible to them. He was surprised the pair agreed to join him for dinner. If Graham had not winged about how his OWL mark was not an accurate measure of his capabilities, and how he deserved a spot in NEWT Potions for twenty minutes; perhaps Severus could have met with his godsons in his office. The best he could do now was to make it up to them somehow, or was it?

Severus turned away from the doors to the Great Hall and headed down the stairs to the dungeons. A faint click sounded in the empty corridor as he approached his office door. Flinging the door open he stalked into the room, barely registering as the fireplace came to life beside his desk. Severus stepped to the center of the room and raised his wand to chest height and pointed it at the ceiling. His mind focused on the wards that protected his office as he spoke, "Ordines accedere."

Fiery symbols appeared before him and a web of lines crisscrossed the stone walls, floor, and ceiling of the office, centering on the door where a lock appeared in the center of the heavy oak. Severus twirled his wand in a counterclockwise motion and continued to speak in Latin, "Haec mutatio in custodiis agnoscis." The runes became green, and the lock appeared to open, indicating that they were open to modification. He recalled images of Horatio and Draco, placing the tip of his wand at his temple, and drawing forth the information in whisps of silver, "Duo pueri liceat intrare cubiculum, si essent haec verba loquor." Giving his wand a flick, he watched as the strands of memory floated toward the green web, binding with it and fading into the existing wards as he spoke the required pass phrase, "Uncle Sev." Then he lifted his wand one final time and turned it clockwise saying, "finis immutatio." The symbols returned to red as the lock closed, and all faded from view. Then he set quill to paper once more leaving a note for his godsons to find should they arrive before him that evening.

Severus returned to his classroom once more to prepare for the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff first years. He surveyed the room before turning his attention to

the blackboard. He drew a bold underline beneath the most important instruction

Remove the cauldron from the fire before adding the porcupine quills.

With a snap of his fingers Severus called, "Lollie will you come to me please?" A pop announced the arrival of the house elf at his elbow. She rung her tiny hands and waited for his instruction. The wizard arched an eyebrow and asked, "Why so nervous?"

Her ears quivered as she spoke to her bare feet, "Lollie worries that she did not do something to Master Snape's liking, and now she is in trouble…"

Severus sighed before sinking into his desk chair and speaking calmly to the frightened creature before him. "I was not displeased with your earlier work. On the contrary I required further assistance from a house elf, and I was so pleased with your assistance that I called you by name."

Her violet eyes widened as she curtsied deeply to him. Her ears were quivering with excitement rather than nerves as she asked, "What can Lollie do for Master Snape?"

"First see to that Gregory Goyle, another first year Slytherin, has a full set of clothing to wear when he leaves the Hospital Wing tomorrow morning." Severus arranged some papers on his desk as he continued, "I would like lunch brought to the classroom today. I wish to go over this lesson plan before the class arrives. You would also need to return here before the lesson begins to clear away my dishes."

The elf nodded eagerly and asked, "Is there anything Master Snape wants to eat for lunch?"

He gestured vaguely, "Something simple like sandwiches will suffice, and a cup of soup. As for a beverage, pumpkin juice will be fine."

"Is that all Master Snape needs?" she asked. He nodded and she disappeared with another pop.

The Potions Master went to the storage cabinet to conduct an inventory. He waved his wand over the shelves replenishing the stores inside from the main potion stores attached to his office. He went over his beginning speech in his mind and pondered a series of questions for this class. It was customary for him to ask three questions of increasing difficulty to assess a classes' collective knowledge, but he had admittedly done more preparation for the first lesson because of Harry's presence, and later because of his question while the pair shopped at Diagon Alley.

Severus had said, "...You will find that many of your classmates say I am harsh or cruel, and at times I suppose I can be, but the very nature of my subject requires absolute obedience in a crisis. I would rather them dislike me and be safe, than like me and be lax in their attention."

Horatio's brow furrowed and he asked, "Can't you be respected and be liked?"

As he contemplated the questions, he would ask this new class of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs his lunch arrived. He nodded again in thanks to Lollie and returned to his desk. A small bowl of soup was centered on a plate of chicken and ham sandwiches. He inhaled the scents of rosemary and garlic, as he sampled the tomato-based broth with chickpeas and chunks of carrot and leak floating in it. He unfurled the next lesson's roster and observed the names as he ate his lunch.

Hanna Abbott H Her mother could have gone for a Mastery in Potions if she had not fallen in love with a muggle her first summer out of Hogwarts. We shall see if Miss Abbott has her mother's flair.

Susan Bones H The daughter of Edgar Bones raised by her aunt Amelia current Head of D.M.L.E. be prepared for many questions about ingredients and method.

Terrence Boot R Half-Blood but raised primarily in the muggle world so Filius told me. He has caused quite a stir among the Eagles by promoting muggle medicine.

Amanda Brocklehurst R Typically a Hufflepuff family if memory serves, I wonder how her relations took her sorting.

Michael Corner R

Stephen Cornfoot H

Kevin Entwhistle H

Justin Finch-Fletchly H

Beatrice Fowley R Heir to an old pure-blood family, interesting an English forename paired with an Irish surname.

Anthony Goldstein R

Wayne Hopkins H A note from Pomona this morning said to keep him away from the fiery Ms. Jones to prevent conflict.

Megan Jones H Pomona mentioned that Welsh is her primary language, make sure she is following written and spoken instruction.

Earnest Macmillan H Another heir to an old pure blood family.

Eloise Midgen H

Padma Patil R The identical twin of the Miss Patil in Gryffindor. We shall see if this one is as prone to giggling.

Abigail Powell H Note from Pomona this morning said to put her near the front of the classroom and make sure she can read the instructions.

Oliver Rivers R

Sophie Roper R

Georgina Smith H Perhaps expect sibling rivalry between these two. That is something to watch out for.

Zacharia Smith H

Lisa Turpin R

Blaise Zabini R I would have expected the heir to the Zabini's estate to be in my house, but no matter his intellect must have outweighed his ambition.

A hush fell over the waiting students as Severus closed the dungeon door. He strode up to his desk and turned to face the young Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws drawing in a breath to begin his welcoming speech. He checked the roster and noted that the students who had been mentioned by their Heads of House were already where they should be. Placing the scroll on his desk he turned back to the silent class.

"Who can tell me the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion making?"

A couple hands raised, one of which was Ms. Abbott, he nodded to her. "Moonstone can soothe anxiety and balance emotions. It is also known to be essential in mind healing and protection. It is most often used in healing and calming potions, such as the Draft of Peace."

Severus had been about to bring up that potion himself, he gave the girl an approving nod and said, "Very Good Ms. Abbott, five points to Hufflepuff for your thorough answer." A slim boy sitting next to Mr. Zabini raised his hand and Severus acknowledged him, "Yes, Mr. Rivers?"

"Please sir, moonstone is also known for enhancing communication and insight, and has even been known to grant powers of telepathy and clairvoyance." Several students tittered at the boy's last statement.

"Settle down," Severus chided the giggling and smirking students. He contemplated the boy's answer for a moment, "In the context of potions, moonstone is often essential in amplifying the mind, allowing the drinker to make connections that allow him or her to achieve outcomes that are not readily apparent, but I have not yet seen a potion that will grant the drinker the power to converse directly with another with only their mind. However, the field of potion brewing is always changing, and such an elixir may be developed in the future." He gestured to Mr. Rivers and added, "Your first statement was correct, for the purposes of this discussion. Five points to Ravenclaw Mr. Rivers"

Returning to the list of questions he had prepared, "Who can tell me about the key ingredient in a restorative draft," he asked as his eyes swept the tables of students. "And a bonus point if you can name the danger in procuring it." He noticed Miss Abbott's fingers tapping on the desk, and suspected that she already knew the answer, but was refraining from raising her hand to give her classmates a chance to respond. Mr. Boot's hand was the first into the air and Severus nodded to him.

"That would have to be mandrake, sir." Boot said, "and the danger is that the cry of a mandrake is instantly lethal." He opened his mouth to speak but paused glancing to his classmates.

Intrigued to know what was on the boy's mind Snape said, "Go on Mr. Boot, you are correct on both counts, but what more do you have to say?"

"Well for Muggles they're taught that the root is poisonous, but the fruit is edible. I was wondering why things that are toxic to non-magical people are not so for wizards and witches?" As the boy was speaking, some of his classmates sighed or rolled their eyes, but the two boys sitting with him smiled at one another, as if they had expected him to say something like this.

"A good question Mr. Boot, and one that holds true for many ingredients in potion brewing." Severus stepped away from his desk and began to pace the isle between the tables. "In the case of mandrake, it is likely that the Muggles believe it to be toxic, because anyone who digs it up without proper ear protection will die, so the belief may have been encouraged by magical people to protect their Muggle neighbors. However, there are many substances which have poisonous properties on their own, that are tempered or transformed through the act of potion brewing to no longer be harmful. You will find that there is much more to brewing than following a se. f instructions, though that is very important to do, but your own innate magic is part of the process, and as you progress through our lessons your own knowledge and intuition will be able to guide you." He turned back to Mr. Boot and added, "Five points to Ravenclaw for your answer Mr. Boot." He noticed one of the Hufflepuff boys raise his hand. "Yes, Mr. Macmillan?"

"So is it true then, that a muggle could not brew a potion, even if he or she followed the directions?"

"That is correct, because they do not possess the magic in their blood, in their being to infuse into it through the act of brewing." Severus turned from the boy as he prepared to ask his final question and caught a look of disappointment on his face. He was being too generous with house points, if the students believed they would earn some simply by opening their mouths. No matter, he would refine this new method in the coming weeks. He removed a set of glass vials from his robe pocket and placed one on each of the tables. "Which of you can correctly identify this potion and it's use, do not break the seal, I will answer any questions you might have about it." For a few moments, the students took it in turns to examine the bottle of clear liquid.

"Does it have a taste or smell, professor?" asked Miss Abbott.

"Neither it is completely odorless nor tasteless." He watched as the girl twirled the end of her pigtail absently in thought, but beside her Miss Bones' eyes widened and she raised her hand, "Yes?"

"This is a shot in the dark, but is this potion regulated by the Ministry?" Severus nodded and she clapped her hands together, her eyes bright with anticipation as she asked, "Is it the truth potion Veritaserum?"

"Correct," Severus drew out his wand collecting the bottles with a non-verbal summoning charm and catching them in his free hand. "Three drops of this potion, in say your evening pumpkin juice, would have any of you spilling all your secrets to the entire Great Hall. Five points to Hufflepuff Miss Bones." A couple of the students laughed at his evening pumpkin juice remark, but most looked apprehensively at the one bottle he still held in his hand. "This potion is difficult to make, and you will likely not see it again unless you reach NEWT Potions."

"If it's so advanced, why even ask us about it?" complained a blond Hufflepuff boy. The girl across from him groaned as he finished speaking and muttered something to him.

Snape turned sharply to the boy, not only had he spoken out of turn, but he had questioned his methods. "Five points from Hufflepuff Smith for speaking out of turn." His voice dropped into a menacing cadence as he added, "And if you ever question how I run my class again it will be more." Severus drew his wand and the boy flinched away, but the Potions Master merely flicked it in the direction of the blackboard. "All of you find a brewing partner and use the time remaining to us to attempt a simple Cure for Boils. Pay close attention to the final line of the instructions." He read aloud the important point, "Take the cauldron off the fire before adding the porcupine quills."

As the class began preparing their cauldrons and gathering ingredients, Severus returned to his desk where he procured a copy of the directions, which he had written out earlier. He placed the parchment in front of Miss Powell who had already been squinting at the board. She peered at the paper through her thick glasses and glanced up at him in confusion. He spoke quietly so only the girl could hear, "Your head of house told me you might have trouble seeing the board, and shortly the dungeon will be full of steam and smoke, so visibility may be poor."

"Thank you, sir." She mumbled, flushed with embarrassment.

He inclined his head, "I will continue to provide these alternate instructions for you in future if you find them helpful, and if you need anything further, I will be at my desk."

The Potions Master counted the eleven flasks on his desk and checked his pocket watch. There were still ten minutes until the double period ended, but Severus decided to release the class early. He wanted to see if he could catch Minerva before she left her final class of the day. "You all did good work today, remember to read chapter seven of Magical Drafts and Potions in preparation for our next lesson. Until then you are dismissed." The usual flurry of motion was accompanied by surprised exclamations as some students checked their watches. The professor waited for his charges to exit the dungeon before locking the door as he too left.

Once in the corridor Severus turned for another staircase that was used primarily by staff and older students who knew of its existence. He climbed to the second floor bypassing the Entrance Hall and first floor altogether. Stepping through the tapestry that concealed the entrance, he set off toward the Transfiguration department. However, the sight of Quirrell exiting his new office and glancing furtively around before sneaking up the marble staircase, changed his plans for him. With a gesture of wandless magic, Severus activated the silencing runes on his boots, and followed the former Muggle Studies professor.

The murmur of lessons taking place in classrooms on either side filled the corridor with indistinct muttering. Quirrell crept along the third floor and halted at the door beyond which Hagrid's Cerberus was standing guard. He pressed his ear to the wood and listened; though Severus was astounded that it could reach the door at all with the absurd turban the man was wearing. Severus cleared his throat and was satisfied to see Quirrell jump at least half a foot into the air.

"You gave me a fr-fright Se-Severus," The pale man clutched at his chest and lent against the stone wall beside the locked door.

"Checking on the well-being of Hagrid's pet?" Severus arched an eyebrow as he drew closer. "I had no idea that your new duties included Care of Magical Creatures, professor."

"Not at all, I was ju-just ma-making sh-sure no st-students ma-made its pa-past the door." Quirrell patted the wood lightly. Perhaps it was Severus imagination, but he thought he heard growls from the other side. Quirrell gulped and continued, "After Fi-Filch fu-found st-students lu-lurking near here, I wanted to ma-make ce-certain no one got hurt."

Severus thought, If anyone is lurking it's you. Aloud he said, "I expect it would be apparent rather quickly that students had crossed the threshold." He reached out and tried the door, which was mercifully still locked. "For one thing, the Cerberus would be barking or growling, and I suspect any foolish person would scream upon encountering it."

"Quite right," Quirrell agreed with a weak smile. "So, what br-brings you up here, pr-professor?"

"I have just released my First Year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students and had some questions for Professor Flitwick about one of his hatchlings."

"Ah," Quirrell started to walk back along the corridor, "I hope no one is in tr-trouble already?"

"No, but if they were it would be a matter between their Head of House and myself." Severus canceled the silencing runes as he followed his colleague.

"Of course," Quirrell waved in farewell as he began to descend back to the second floor. Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, glad to be rid of the man for the moment.

Doors opened on either side as the professors began to release their classes. The upper forms gave the Potions Master a wide berth in the crowded halls, some of his snakes offering a nod or rarely a smile in greeting as they passed. He sought Flitwick, after all Quirrell himself had been a Ravenclaw at school, and the sly old Charms teacher might have some insights on his former pupil. A stack of books floating along preceded the arrival of the dueling champion, the tiny wizard was levitating them above his head. He spotted the Potions Master and halted before the younger man.

"Master Snape, I hope none of my eagles were a bother for you this afternoon?"

Severus bowed to the half-goblin, "Your eagles were well behaved. However, I would like a word with you in your office if you have a moment?"

Flitwick scratched his chin, "Well, if you don't mind going against the tide to go all the way up to my office, then I will be happy to speak with you."

Severus stepped aside to allow the shorter man to lead the way. Flitwick greeted several students by name as they crossed his path, but Severus noticed the students interest in carrying on a conversation with the amiable wizard evaporated when they caught sight of him. As the crowds thinned Severus commented, "I hope I am not keeping you from important scholarly communication with your students."

"No, I should be thanking you. It seems that your dour reputation is allowing me to cover more ground. You see, between my stature and popularity with the students, I find it tedius to travel across the castle at speed. I suppose I could always make myself fly or else force the students out of my way, but I prefer keeping both feet on the ground when possible." He grinned slyly up at his colleague, "and it is much easier to catch pixies with honey than vinegar."

Severus muttered, "I prefer to threaten them with a mist of doxicide if they misbehave…"

Flitwick's keen hearing picked up the sour comment, and he waggled a long finger up at his former student, "Now, now, Severus I hope you haven't frightened my poor callow chicks too badly. I do not fancy a weekend of convincing them, and sometimes their parents, that Potions is a core subject at Hogwarts, and they must continue learning from you." With a swish of his wand, he lowered the books to the floor beside his office door.

Snape grit his teeth, "Rest assured, that I will attempt, to keep you from having those conversations in the future."

"Good, see that you do." Flitwick beckoned for him to enter.

Flitwick's office was lined with bookcases interspersed with windows which normally afforded grand views of the castle grounds, but these were covered by heavy curtains in Ravenclaw blue and bronze. A white marble fireplace carved in the shape of outstretched eagles wings dominated the east wall and resting atop it was a bust of the founder herself. Their feet were muffled by a thick carpet displaying a gnarled oak tree complete with mistletoe. Severus studied the pattern of cleverly hidden Goblin script worked into the fabric. It was a grounding sort of image and the only tribute to his non-human ancestry.

Flitwick's shadow fell across the trunk as he explained the image's meaning, "Brodlus, it means balance, it symbolizes all balance in the world, between change and permanence, creation and destruction, sickness and health, life, and death, etc. Usually, my students walk over the rug without noticing the goblin script. Would you care to take a seat?"

Severus arched an eyebrow, "Do you still consider me one of your pupils?" He took the proffered seat beside the fire and Filius joined him.

Lacing his long fingers Flitwick studied the younger man, "We are all still learning Severus. There are things about Potions or Herbology that I will never grasp but are considered common knowledge among Herbologists or Potion Brewers everywhere. On the other hand, you and I are both educators at this fine school, and you have grown from the boy who stepped foot in my classroom twenty years ago."

Severus sat back in his chair, thinking of those first shared classes with Lily Evans, and the look of sheer joy in her face as she levitated a feather for the first time. His heart clinched with a pang of loss for a moment, and his fingers dug into the blue upholstery. He was grateful that the older wizard did not press him to speak, but when he looked up there was a very knowing expression in his former professor's eyes.

Flitwick gestured toward a wheeled cart, which rolled toward them at his nonverbal command. "Would you care for anything? Brandy, Fire Whisky?" He poured himself a measure of dark liquid from a cut crystal decanter, which refilled itself once the stopper was replaced. "The decanter will pour what you desire, you need not even consciously know what it is you want."

Intrigued, Severus arched a quizzical eyebrow, and took one of the glasses in one hand, opening the decanter with the other and pouring. The dark liquid was warm, but through some magic of the glass the heat did not cause him pain. Taking a cautious sniff the Potion's Master detected the soothing aroma of mint tea, and when he took a sip, it was prepared the way he preferred, piping hot and with a touch of lemon and honey. The Charm's Master smiled as he sipped his own drink, watching the wonder on his usually reserved colleague's face.

"And what did this curious artifact give you to drink?" Severus put down the decanter and watched as it filled again with an opaque liquid. He lifted the glass to his lips and tasted it again, savoring the sharp flavor of mint, complemented by the tart citrus, and muted with a subtle hint of sweetness.

"Raspberry soda," Flitwick held up the glass, and the liquid within cast a ruddy light across the floor. "I developed a taste for it during my Charms apprenticeship in Italy many years ago." Flitwick sipped at his drink making a satisfied sound before inquiring, "So to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, somehow I doubt it is simply for an idle chat."

Severus nodded, thinking back to his reasons for coming all the way up here, "What can you tell me about our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? I interacted with him very little in his previous role as Muggle Studies teacher, and the headmaster has asked me to keep an eye on him…"

Flitwick sucked air through his teeth as he thought, "Well, I know the turban is a recent acquisition… I thought it might have caused a stir among some of our students, but no-one seems offended by it… Come to think of it, the stutter is new as well. Professor Vector commented on that in the staff room the other day. She said she avoids conversation with him now unless it is necessary, because it takes him longer to finish a sentence than it takes her third years to solve a simple arithmetic equation." The hand that was not holding his drink moved to tug at his slim beard. "These oddities might just be him re-inventing himself for his new position, but if the headmaster has you trailing him, it means Dumbledore has a hunch that something is amiss."

"It is merely speculation for now," Severus sipped at his drink, "Are there any other observations that come to mind?"

Flitwick finished his drink, setting it aside before resting his long-fingered hands on his knees. "None that I can think of…" he paused, studying the tree depicted on the rug at their feet. After a moment he looked up, "I don't know if this is relevant, but there is an odd smell that lingers about him. I didn't mention it because my ancestry gives me sharper senses, and I didn't want to be impolite."

"An odd smell?" Severus brow creased in thought, he hadn't detected an odor around the man. After all Dumbledore's instructions had been to monitor Quarrell's movements, not his personal hygiene. "Do you know what it smelled like?"

"Hmm… garlic perhaps? No, but something equally as pungent." Flitwick checked his own pocket watch. "I will let you know if I think of anything else, but I'm afraid I must be going. I have a study session with NEWT Year 1 students."

Severus rose from his seat, tipping back the last of his tea. "Thank you for your time, Professor." He bowed courteously to the older wizard. "I apologize if I infringed on your schedule in any way."

Flitwick shook his head with a dismissive wave, "Do not trouble yourself Severus, I will keep an eye on Quirinus as well, both eyes as often as I can spare them."

Severus smirked as he crossed to the door, "Thank you for your assistance, Professor. I will let myself out." He crossed the rug and opened the door saying, "I was impressed with young Mr. Rivers today. He had some interesting theories about the uses of Moonstone."

"Ah yes," Flitwick said fondly, as he waved his hand across his office door. The lock clicked as he grinned up at Severus, "he has an interesting view of magic coming from a mystic background and being largely muggle raised."

"That explains his interest in clairvoyance… perhaps you should suggest he take divination in his third year?" He matched the stride of the Charms professor as they walked down the corridor.

"Perhaps…" Filius said noncommittally as he passed through a tapestry and began to descend the hidden staircase beyond. With a flick of his wrist his want was in his hand, and he waved it in an arc above a step that caused many of the younger students trouble, "Claudum Incaptionum." He walked over it with ease and glanced up at Severus, allowing the younger man to pass before equipping the magical trap again.

Severus parted ways with Flitwick at the first floor and continued down to the dungeons. He was just considering returning to his office to wait for Horatio and Draco when an angry sixteen-year-old burst from the entrance to the Slytherin common room. The young witch stopped short before running into him and said, "Master Snape."

"Miss Farley," Severus intoned, "is there a particular reason for you to be storming from the common room?"

Gemma sighed, directing a glare over her shoulder at the unremarkable stone wall, which they both knew concealed the entrance to the common room. "I came in on the tail end of a row between Sterling and one of the first years."

"Which first year?" Severus asked with an edge of resignation in his voice.

"Dominic Selwyn," She hesitated a moment before adding, "It seemed to be about the first potion's lesson…"

Severus repressed the instinct to sigh in frustration, "What about the lesson?"

"It wasn't just about the lesson—though Selwyn was upset one of his friends was hurt—but he apparently said something out of order to the youngest Weasley." The prefect explained, tugging on one of her hair spikes nervously.

Snape narrowed his eyes, "What did Mr. Selwyn say?"

"That… Weasley… should…" Gemma blurted the last words, "ask to be resorted—" and took a step back as if bracing for a tirade.

Stepping around the girl, Severus approached the stone wall, placing his hand upon it. The wards recognized him as Head of House and the wall slid aside. He stalked into the room ignoring the curious glances from his charges. A hush fell over the room as he moved through it, he reached the fireplace and turned to face the common room, "Pardon my abruptness, but I require your undivided attention. I would like all of you who are present to pass the word along to your housemates that there will be a Slytherin House meeting tomorrow at 2 pm and attendance is mandatory." He glanced toward the fifth-year prefect, "Mulciber I wish to speak with you and Selwyn at noon, and anyone else who was directly involved in the confrontation." Glancing around the room he noticed that Weasley was not present, so he asked, "Where is Weasley?"

"He went to tea with some friends at the Game Keeper's hut." Miss Bulstrode answered.

Nodding to her, he turned again to Mulciber, "Keep an eye on him this evening, and if he seems distraught about his house placement bring him to speak to me."

The blond nodded, reaching for his quill. "I'll try to reassure him, but if that doesn't work, I'll bring him to you sir." An unfinished essay sat before him.

"I will leave you all to your own pursuits," Snape said as he crossed toward the stone wall, "but remember to pass along word of the meeting tomorrow afternoon." The wall slid aside, and he passed through to the corridor. Gemma was still standing there looking surprised. "Miss Farley, you look as if you've been confounded."

"I'm sorry sir," she shook her head with a bemused expression, "I just didn't expect you to come out again so quickly."

He explained, "I want to have everyone together, and have a better grasp of what happened before I address the issue. So, I have scheduled a mandatory house meeting for 2pm tomorrow."

"I'll make sure everyone hears about it sir."

The wall beside them opened once more, and both turned to see Marcus Flint standing there. "Sorry for intruding…"

"Not at all, I was merely informing Miss Farley of the meeting." Snape stepped aside to let the boy pass. "I should be returning to my office."

"Ah," Flint sounded disappointed. "Could I have a moment of your time, professor?"

Severus produced his pocket watch, noting that it was nearly time for dinner. "If it is only a moment Flint."

Miss Farley nodded to the pair and excused herself from the conversation, heading down the corridor in the direction of the lesser-known staircase.

"It's about the first years," Flint held up a hand to forestall any immediate objection. "I know they can't be on the team, but I was wondering if—after they've had a few flying lessons—I could let them do a try out for next year. No real bludgers, just some flying, maybe tossing a quaffle around, that sort of thing."

Severus brow furrowed as he considered, if Flint wanted to do a little scouting, and the first years had some flying lessons under their belts, there shouldn't be any harm in letting him run a mock tryout; on the other hand, there could be safety issues. He could see if Madame Hooch would be willing to supervise the trials. There were the other heads of house to consider too; as much as Minerva tried to separate her roles, putting on the proper hat for the job, her ability to be unbiased was always tested most when it came to Quidditch. He frowned at his choice for captain this year, but this passion and cleverness was precisely why he'd chosen him. "I will speak with Madame Hooch and the other heads of house about your request."

Flint sighed, "but then they'll all want to do it. They're already trying to copy our First Year chaperone system."

"Of course, they will," Snape smirked, "but if they like the idea enough you could have your mock trials, so you shouldn't complain."

"Suppose not," Flint shrugged. "Thanks for hearing me out professor."

Snape nodded, "I will speak to my colleagues about your proposal in the coming week." Flint expressed his thanks and Severus headed off toward his office. As he approached the door opened for him, and revealed that indeed both his godsons were inside, but they were not alone. Standing there with a severe expression, her black hair swept up in its usual bun, and her square framed glasses flashing in the firelight—was Minerva McGonagall—the witch he had intended to speak with all afternoon.

"You cannot go around dressed as your alias and looking like yourself Mr. Potter. Anyone could have come in here, and all the work we have done to preserve your anonymity would be for naught."

Severus stepped inside his office, closing the door swiftly, and all three occupants of the room turned to face him, "Minerva, Harry is free to be himself in this room. My door was locked by magic, but the wards have exceptions and all three of you may bypass them." His eyes turned to Harry standing before them in Slytherin green and silver and he wished fleetingly that Harry had been sorted into his old house, and not his alternate identity. "Even so you should exercise caution when wearing—"

"Yes, Uncle Sev, we've talked about this before." McGonagall arched her eyebrows at the informal form of address but made no comment. Harry sighed wearily, "I'm sorry… I was just talking with Draco about… it doesn't matter…" Behind Harry Draco narrowed his eyes in annoyance though his brow also furrowed in concern. Severus studied his godson for a moment, noting the crease between his brows, and downcast expression. He wanted more than anything to get to the bottom of what was distressing Harry and produce a remedy for whatever it was. The intensity of the impulse surprised him, nurturing and soothing did not come easily to him, and yet this boy's happiness and wellbeing was becoming one of the most important concerns in his life.

Severus turned to the fireplace and ran his index finger down the back of a raven statue on the mantle. A section of bookcase slid backwards and to the side, revealing a passage beyond, and lamps illuminated the short corridor that was revealed. He turned to the two boys, "My quarters are through there, our dinner should be waiting for us. I need to have a word with Professor McGonagall, and then I will join you." Both boys nodded and prepared to take their leave.

Minerva spoke up, "Potter, I'm sorry I was harsh with you. I did not know you were so protected in this office."

"It's alright professor," Harry nodded to her before following Draco through the doorway which closed behind them.

The two colleagues turned to face one another, and McGonagall said, "Poppy tells me there was an incident in your first year Gryffindor and Slytherin class and you wanted to speak to me?"

"Indeed," Snape sighed as he sank into a chair and began to tell his story…

A/N: There you have it, chapter 11 has finally been posted, and I will be returning to Harry/Horatio's POV for next chapter. This was a bit of an experiment, to return to Severus' POV and give a snapshot of his mental state and conflicting concerns. If you all want to see more from him let me know, or if you want me to stick as closely to Harry/Horatio's POV going forward. There is a big conversation coming up between Severus and his godsons, so I'd particularly like to know if you want to see that from Severus' perspective or Harry's.

And to address the Hippogriff in the room, I'm sorry for the long delay, and I'll try to get in a regular posting schedule again soon, but there are a lot of demands on my time, so I don't have a lot of time to write. I will do my best to get the next chapter out to you guys in a couple weeks if I'm able. Thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Cheers, A E H

P.S. A note on the spells, I apologize to anyone who speaks/writes Latin. I used a translation program, and therefore can't be assured that the grammar is proper. The gist is that Snape is modifying the wards to allow Draco and Horatio access to his office, bypassing his wards.