Chapter IV: A New Shade of White
Severus was pleased. Not only had his countercurse worked, but most importantly, Lily had seen him do it. He knew it wouldn't be enough to convince her totally of his conversion, but it was a good start. Plus, there was always the more definite proof that would come later. He walked through the castle and up to the fourth floor, where his second home, the library, was waiting.
He entered and snuck past Madame Pince, not wanting to speak to the eccentric woman, and grabbed a book off a nearby shelf. He retreated to his usual table in the corner of the library and opened the book. He was reading up on Jobberknoll feathers in memory potions and was convinced that it would be helpful. Both in his upcoming NEWT, and possibly, elsewhere…
As he browsed the pages of this tome his attention occasionally drifted about. It was during one of these spells that a certain hawk came to land on a windowsill that looked in on Severus. It's beak pecked the window yet didn't draw Severus' attention- It did however gain the attention and wrath of Madame Pince. She quickly tweaked Severus' long nose and that brought him out of his reverie.
She looked furious as his gaze fell to hers. "Well?" She snapped, "Will you be getting that thing or will you continue to disturb my silence?" Pince stood there, tapping her foot on the hard floor. Severus considered pointing out the fact that her tapping was louder than the hawks, but didn't want to be tossed out just yet.
Severus bit his tongue and opened the window, allowing the hawk to settle down upon his table. It stuck it's leg out obediently and allowed Severus to detatch the letter. After successfully removing the letter the hawk turned and flapped off, apparently anxious to get away from the harsh stare of Madame Pince.
He removed the wax seal and Madame Pince snuffed impatiently and then stomped off towards her desk – once again making more noise than he ever did. The hawk, he knew, belonged to Lucius Malfoy; and Severus was most anxious to read what he had written. The thick papyrus quickly unrolled about the length of six inches and was written in a glimmering red ink. Always the case with Lucius, Severus thought fondly, be dramatic.
"Severus," It read "A most wonderful tale has reached my ears…I confess myself most proud. It is unfortunate I was not there, but the Ministry required my presence. As to your question from earlier, I would answer yes. A possession by means of the imperius curse is ideally the same as corporeal possession. The victim would also, in fact, be able to modify their own memories. However, it seems much easier to simply imperius them…I'm sure you perform this…I taught you personally. I wonder why you would ask this? What plans do you have in store, my devious friend? I shall keep this short, we will meet again in three weeks as planned, unless I hear otherwise. –Lucius"
Severus finished reading the parchment and his face was transformed into a look of comprehension, which quickly morphed into glee. He took out his wand and tapped the parchement. "Incendio!" He whispered and the parchment burst into flames and was then nothing more. He opened the window to disperse the smell and then gathered his things.
As he left the library he considered what his friend had told him in the letter.
His thoughts were all mixing together, the components of a great idea brewing, and he trod off to the potion masters quarters. Slughorn would be a great asset right now, he would be able to give him the last bit of information. Once he had that, his plan would truly begin. If his fellow Slytherins were curious about his behavior from today, they would be cursed to insanity by his next plot.
"Lily, you will again be mine, and all you ever thought, will be proven incorrect." His cracked lips burst forth into a radiant smile as he swept downwards, to the dungeons, his feet barely touching the floor.
He reached the wide door and knocked upon it, behind it came sounds of song, and he then heard Slughorn moving hurriedly. Severus listened as the lock came undone on the other side and beheld the door as it came open.
Slughorns' enormous stomach proceeded him and his face lit up as his entire body finally made it's way to the entrance. "Why, Severus, what a pleasant surprise m'boy."
Slughorn spoke in his genial tones and opened his arms in greeting. "Why don't you come in?"
Severus nodded curtly and navigated the room with the experience of one who had done such many times before. He sat swiftly on a large cushioned chair and waited for the Potions' Master to join him.
Slughorns room smelled as it always did, fruity smells filled the air and there was no shortage of tasty treats. Slughorn motioned to a bottle of Elder Mead and Severus understood he was to pour them some. He removed the stopper and poured the shining blue liquid into two goblets, one of which he handed to Slughorn.
Slughorn slumped into a chair that bore his weight reasonably well, although it was beginning to express some disdain in holding his weight.
"Now then," Slughorn drank, "What brings you to me this day Severus? I thought you would be down near the lake? Sitting at the tree you favor so much?" Slughorns mustache twitched merrily.
Severus took a small sip of his mead and placed it upon a white doily. "Sir," Severus spoke quietly. "I was wondering if I could ask you something?"
Slughorn turned a lighter shade of peach for all of a moment and then recomposed himself. "Yes. Of course…What is your question?"
"I was curious, about the effects of Amortentia, when mixed with sneezewort and scurvy-grass." Severus picked up the goblet again and monitored his teachers reaction carefully.
Slughorn looked distressed and perplexed at the same time. He took a few gulps of his mead before he even cleared his throat. "Mmm..hrm…" Slughorn considered the question. "Scurvy Grass and Sneezewort, when mixed with Amortentia, correct?"
Severus nodded.
"Well," Slughorn cleared his throat yet again and adjusted his top most button of his velvet jacket. "The effects of those two components are quite unusual when mixed with something that powerful. From the point of view of a scholar, I would daresay, that it would create total enthrallment and captivation, while eradicating all other memories of previous admiration. Then the sneezewort would create ambiguous feelings regarding many other aspects of the drinkers life. It is a curious proposition indeed Severus. Tell me, are you planning on turning this in as a project? If so, I can hardly wait to see it!" Slughorn roared jovially.
"Severus,…" Slughorn pressed on when Severus didn't reply. "Severus, are you feeling well m'boy?"
For Severus had turned a pale white that was extraordinary even for him. His goblet lay forgotten to his side and his face was slack. His eyes stared towards Slughorn, yet they focused on nothing, they were simply blank. He finally stood and expressed his thanks, and quickly left the room.
The door closed and echoed around Severus as he walked towards the Slytherin common room. As he walked onwards his mind was catching up with his ears, and a sick feeling came upon him.
"It can be done…" He said, without concern of being heard. He slipped into the Slytherin room as a second year exited. He walked away to his own room, his head swirling in thought, and his body shaking with excitement.