Disclaimer: All rights to the Harry Potter universe belong to Jk, not me. :(
Warnings: slash FWxHPxGW, OCCness, only loosely adheres to canon, some facts changed/ Fred and George are in their second year when Harry first goes to Hogwarts. Creature fic! And other stuff that might happen in M-rated fanfiction.
A huge thank you to all who reviewed and/or favorited this story. :D
Chapter Four Potions Master
Nikodemus walked down the hall, arms crossed and index finger pressed against his lips thoughtfully. How was he to convince Severus Snape to help him with the potion? There wasn't another he trusted to prepare such a complicated brew, not to mention keep his secrets. The man was very skilled in his art and his mind was better fortified than Gringotts.
Piquing the man's curiosity might work. He thought to himself. But there was always the chance Severus would be wary enough of him for such methods to work. He supposed he could always threaten him but he hated to use such…crass methods. Perhaps if he appealed to the man's love for Lily, inform him of the conditions Dumbledore had left her son in…
Yes that would do nicely. Perhaps the man might even be persuaded to tutor the boy in potions. He would make a good mentor for Harry and give the little one someone he knows and can depend on when and if he goes to Hogwarts. Excellent.
With a plan in mind and a grin on his face Nikodemus entered his study in the east wing. He strode purposefully over to the fireplace, pausing only to remove a handful of floo powder from the bright blue ceramic jar on his mantle. Nikodemus then kneeled down, tossed the silver powder into the flames and uttered the name Severus Snape in a crisp clear tone. As the flames changed hue from orange to bright green he leaned his head into the fireplace and hoped Severus had kept with his habit of residing at Spinner's End during the summer months.
Severus Snape leaned back in his plush leather armchair with a contented sigh, setting the delicate crystal liqueur glass containing his afternoon treat of amaretto on the side table before picking up one of his favorite novels. He was looking forward to some light reading before setting back in on his potion's research.
How he relished the summer months. Free from the dunderheaded whelps and thrice-be-damned eye-twinkling headmasters that made his teaching career such a misery. It was really only during the summer holidays that he had the time to experiment with his chosen art as most of his research was much too delicate to conduct in the proximity of the aforementioned dunderheaded students. He was also blessed to be under the ministrations of his house elf Miffy. She always got it in her head to prove she could better take care of her master's needs than the elves at Hogwarts and as such spoiled him rotten whenever he was home. Today for example he had been treated to a rather delicious chicken salad for lunch. Much better than the greasy, fatty foods that made regular appearances for meals in the Great Hall.
Since he was currently feeling quite content, Severus could admit, if only to himself, that maybe teaching at Hogwarts wasn't all that bad, if you looked past most of the teaching staff and ninety-eight percent of the student populace. The school itself was majestic and had long been considered a home to him. A few of the Professors, Sinistra, Flitwick and McGonagall were tolerable acquaintances, good for the occasional stimulating conversation at least. There were even a few students, a very few students, who he felt were actually worth his time to teach.
Really, Severus thought as he took a sip of his amaretto, Albus had been a fool to appoint him as the potions professor, even if it was the best situation for his peculiar…circumstances. Severus would be the first to admit he had neither the patience nor desire to teach the finer points of potion making to those with no talent or regard for the subtle art.
Severus settled himself further back in his chair and was just about to fully immerse himself in the delightful wit of Mark Twain when an unexpected and rather unwanted face appeared in his fireplace. He scowled down at the grinning visage before setting his book aside and addressing the wizard's fiery countenance.
"Nikodemus. How…pleasant it is to see you again." Severus said with a faint sneer. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
"Oh come now Severus. Is that really the way to greet an old friend?" Truly, Nikodemus thought grinning to himself. Severus was so much fun to play with. It wasn't often you would find such a delightful mix of dark and light in one person.
Severus just quirked a brow and snorted softly. "Old friend indeed." He said under his breath before replying. "Come on Nik, out with it. What do you want? And please be frank with me. I am a Slytherin and as such I do have an appreciation for cunning and guile but it much safer when dealing with you to have everything out in the open."
Nikodemus gave a cheerful smile. Ah his friend knew him too well. "Am I really that hard to deal with?" At the man's pointed stare Nikodemus chuckled. "There is no need to worry this time Severus. I'm merely in the need of a rather complicated and delicate potion and there is no other I would trust to brew it for me."
"Really?" Severus said a bit disbelievingly. "And what potion do you require?"
"The Sanguis Ascio Potion and I am willing to pay three times the price it is normally commissioned for."
Severus was silent for a moment before responding. "A blood adoption potion? May I ask why you need such a thing?"
Nikodemus gave a small secret smile. "Certainly, though I must ask for an oath that you will reveal nothing of what I share with you first."
Severus contemplated his options. On one hand Nikodemus always dabbled in the most fascinating of subjects and he was sorely tempted to help the man just to satisfy his curiosity. However, dealing with the eccentric wizard often lead to…less than pleasant experiences. The man could be as twisted as the Dark Lord himself when need be and had no compunctions about crossing lines that the general public believed shouldn't be crossed. There was a reason the name Nikodemus Velius was only uttered in whispered conversations.
But it seemed he would only be required to provide a potion. One he had coincidentally already in his own private stores. While it was not the most common adoption potion due to its strength and dark nature it was still requested enough for him to have a few vials in stasis. Being a very complicated concoction to make it was simply easier to have it ready when so many witches and wizards wished to keep their illicit affairs a secret.
"Very well." He intoned. "I can provide the potion. I actually have a dose on hand."
"Excellent!" Nikodemus beamed at him. "It will take a bit to key you into the wards and such but why don't you fetch the potion and come on over to my manor in about an hour or so? I also trust you have the paperwork that goes along with it? Good. It will be much more pleasant to explain things from the comfort of my favorite spot on the veranda on such a lovely summer day than from a sooty fireplace."
"Indeed." Severus said agreeably and Nikodemus' face disappeared from view. He had been to Nikodemus' island estate before and it was a lovely place. He supposed a little sun wouldn't be remiss, although he did regret the loss of his reading time.
"Miffy!" Severus called as he summoned a light over robe of pale green. It could get nippy in the Mediterranean if the wind stirred up.
With a quiet pop the house elf appeared.
"What can Miffy do for Master Snape sir?"
'I'll be heading out shortly for the afternoon and I expect to be gone quite late so there will be no need to prepare dinner. However I would like you to head out to the usual shop in Diagon Alley to retrieve a few ingredients I'm running low on.
She nodded her head a little morosely. "What do you be needing Master Snape?"
"Crocodile lung, about one kilogram should do and make sure it's fresh. Also some asphodel, doxy eggs, and wormwood. That should be all."
Miffy gave a respectful bow before popping out. Severus then headed downstairs and through his potions lab to finally come to a large Mahogany cabinet. He tapped his wand once on the doors to remove the protective spells before opening it and scanning the contents.
"Ah yes, here we are." He said as his long potion stained fingers wrapped around a small glass vial of deep blood red. He double checked the label and was pleased that his elegant script did indeed reveal it as the potion he sought. He then placed it in one of the deep pockets of his black robes before reapplying the protections to his potions closet and heading back upstairs. He would have just enough time to finish the chapter he was on in his book and perhaps another glass of amaretto…no fire whiskey would be better. Severus had a feeling he would need something a little stronger if he was going to deal with Nikodemus for the rest of the day.
Harry stepped out of the shower, grabbing the towel from the counter as he did so. He took a few minutes to carefully dry out his tail; rubbing the fur the wrong way did not feel good. At all. Next he moved on to dry his hair, examining himself in the mirror as he did so, relishing in the fact that he could actually see himself clearly as his vision seemed to have been fixed during the experiment.
He then found the change of clothes Linny had left out for him, a pair of shrunken dark blue trousers and a white t-shirt. He ended up having to leave the trousers a bit low on his hips because his tail was in the way. He'd have to ask Nik what to do about that.
He also found a pair of warm fuzzy slippers and he put them on before heading back out to the study.
Leila was there waiting for him and Harry set her a shy smile before noticing the rather large pile of books on the desk. He went over to see what Linny had left for him to read. He sorted through the titles, some he understood while others made his brow furrow in bewilderment. He finally decided to start with something simple, 'Basic Magical Theories: What every young Witch or Wizard needs to know.'
After making his choice Harry made his way a bit shyly over to the large Shadow Panther sprawled on the floor. As he stood there watching her lithe strong form the strangeness of everything seemed to finally catch up to him. He clutched the book in his grip tightly against his chest. It was a little hard to believe that anyone, especially such a beautiful creature would want to be his mum. He could almost believe Nikodemus wanted him, if only because of the experiment but Leila, what would she get out of him? Not even the Dursley's, his real relatives had wanted him, why should Leila? Harry thought as his aunt and uncle's voices echoed in the back of his mind.
Freak
Useless
Not even his parents would have wanted him.
Good for absolutely nothing and certainly not worth loving…
Leila herself peered up at the small boy with concern as he stopped before her and worried his lip with teeth that were more pointed than they used to be.
"Youngling, what are you fretting over?"
At first the boy seemed hesitant to speak, but after a moment he asked in a small voice, "Why do you want to be my mum? I mean I'm really grateful and everything I just don't understand how anyone…how anyone could want me."
Leila's black eyes narrowed and she rose to her haunches, rising over the slight frame of the young boy who was now her cub.
"And why do you think I wouldn't want you?"
Harry fidgeted under her gaze and to his shame he felt tears prickle at his eyes. He scrubbed furiously at them before saying in a very small, very quiet voice.
"No one else has."
"All the more fools they, my child." She said as she draped a large paw over his shoulders and drew him near. "You are mine now and never doubt that you are infinitely precious to me."
All Harry could do was nod as his new mum pulled him close for a cuddle. He chuckled a bit weakly as her whiskers tickled his ears.
After a few moments Leila gave her cub an affectionate lick and said. "Now enough fretting. I believe Nikodemus wanted you to do some reading this afternoon."
Harry let out a small smile even if he still felt a bit troubled. "Yes mum." And after Leila sprawled again across the floor he followed suit, resting his head against her side and propping open the book he had chosen.
This was how Nikodemus found the pair when he came in a short while later. He stood in the doorway watching them; the only sign that he was noticed being a slight twitch of their ears. Harry seemed to be quite engrossed in the book he was reading, occasionally sounding out a word or phrase he didn't understand so Leila could explain it to him. Nikodemus felt his gaze soften at the sight the pair made. It was quite cute.
"Little one," he said to gain their attention. "There has been a slight change of plans. The man I was going to have brew the potion already has some available. He will be bringing it over shortly and I think you would like to meet him."
"Really sir?" Harry said raising his bright green eyes to meet Nik's violet ones.
"Yes. He was actually a…close friend of your mother's before they had a falling out."
"It would be brilliant to hear more about her, though if they had a falling out…would he really want to see me?" Harry trailed off uncertainly.
"No need to worry little one. Even after their disagreement Severus still cared very deeply for Lily. He did, however, dislike your father very much. It would be a good idea not to mention him."
"His name is Severus?"
"Yes, Severus Snape. He is a potions master and is the professor of the subject at Hogwarts, the school you will most likely be attending once you turn eleven. He is a strict man but also a very valuable friend. You will learn many things from him."
Harry nodded and Nikodemus smiled pleasantly in return.
They then spent the rest of the time waiting for Severus discussing the first chapter in the book Harry had chosen. Harry was more than grateful to do so as Nikodemus made things much easier to understand and he quite enjoyed the attention the older man was giving. He'd never had anyone look at him with something akin to pride before…
Nikodemus for his part was pleased. The boy seemed to have a genuine interest in learning and his innate sense of curiosity really was delightful, despite whatever wretchedness he had gone through with those muggles. And surely the wizarding world needed more young with minds that questioned. The ministry and that light-minded fool have been lulling the public into complacency for years. And if his little one's curiosity instigated a little mischief well, all the better. It was often said that curiosity killed the cat, but it was equally often forgotten that satisfaction brought it back, and normally said feline was left much wiser than before.
The time passed quickly and before long Linny arrived announcing the arrival of Potions master Severus Snape in Nikodemus' study.
"Wait here for a bit little one. There are a few things I must discuss with Severus before he meets you."
"Alright sir." Harry said as he grasped his tail and began to play with it a bit nervously.
Nikodemus merely scratched him soothingly behind his ear and left with Linny following at his heels.
Ten minutes and one magical oath later found both Nikodemus and Severus situated on a high veranda overlooking the eastern coastline and enjoying the slight, sweet scented breeze. The view of the rolling landscape between the chateaux and the pebbly beach was beautiful, filled with a dense scrubland of sage, holm oak, myrtle, strawberry trees, buckthorn, spurge olive and juniper.
Severus allowed himself to indulge in the panorama for a few moments before speaking.
"Nik, as much as I enjoy your company perhaps you could begin explaining what need you have for a very powerful, not to mention decidedly dark adoption potion.
"Of course Severus." Nikodemus said as he let his rather inscrutable gaze trail over to his companion. "I must say you are not being very subtle today."
Severus just scowled at him.
"My. Dealing with all those children certainly have improved your intimidation skills but that isn't the point of this conversation. You wanted to know why I need the potion? It's simple really. I am adopting a child. A boy of eight."
A child? Nikodemus Aeolus Velius wanted to adopt a child? Severus thought incredulously. What with the man's rather…unique personality and singular profession he couldn't help feel a bit of disbelief. Unless…
"This must have something to do with your experiments. I can hardly see you take in such a nuisance as a young boy without proper incentive."
"You really do know me all too well. I did indeed need him for one of my experiments, my greatest one yet and entirely successful I might add. Adopting the boy was part of the deal I made to secure his involvement."
Severus raised a quizzical brow. "Dare I ask about this experiment?"
Nik chuckled. "I would be delighted to tell you of it. Because of its nature it is something that will have to be kept private for quite some time and while I love my work just for itself, the opportunity to bask in my success is something I would relish."
"You know of my interest in the nature of the many types of magic, namely 'wild magic' and magical cores?"
Severus nodded and Nikodemus continued.
"I have always been intrigued by the differences between the two and the way they interact, so similar yet so very different. 'Wild magic' makes up the very thread of our world, binding together the living organism that is planet earth. While the magic that stems from a wizards core seems to be a reflection and result of our own souls, therefore being much more unique from person to person. Our personal magic is an amazing amalgamation of humanities' need to manipulate and our need to maintain our individuality. Conversely, beings tied to wild magic vary little, if at all, compared to their own species.
Nikodemus then leaned forward excitedly, eyes lit with the passion he felt for the subject.
"Now imagine what would happen if a wizard could tap into the power of wild magic and not lose or damage their own core. Can you imagine the power and understanding, the sheer amount of knowledge that could be gained by being so in tune with a portion of mass consciousness?"
"And this experiment you conducted has something to do with this? I admit it would be a wondrous thing to accomplish but surely even you know how fantastical a goal it is. Similar numerous attempts have been made and they all have failed, rather horribly I might add." Severus interjected.
"Normally so yes, but the previous attempts have been purely magical in nature. What those early researchers didn't realize is that while magical creatures have a core of sorts it is actually tied to their being, their very flesh and a wizard's magical core is grounded to their soul. A true elemental wizard must not only have a core that contains both types of magic, but a body as well. You need to combine both body and magic to achieve the desired results."
After a few moments silence Severus spoke.
"What proof do you have that such a thing would work? And how exactly would you go about doing so. I don't imagine a normal transfiguration would do the trick."
Nikodemus chuckled. "No. But that is where my own unique area of study comes into play. I have always been impressed and intrigued with muggle science, especially their work on genetics. Things like gene splicing and cloning. I have long been using it in my breeding of magical creatures. I would never have been able to produce any of the numerous hybrids that I currently market without such techniques."
"Now, to begin my actual telling of events. In order to create an elemental wizard I first needed a subject. A wizard with a core that was still young enough and powerful enough to withstand the changes I wanted to make. To that end I used this device." Nikodemus then pulled out what looked like a silver pocket watch and handed it to Severus.
Severus reached out for small object absentmindedly as his quick mind was piecing together what information he had gained so far.
Nikodemus was adopting a child. In exchange for help with an experiment. An experiment that called for potentially deadly and irreversible manipulation of a wizard's body and magic. Would Nikodemus really…even if the man was a genius…
"This is something I created to detect magical signatures and cores. It will scan an area and let me know if there are any magical beings in a radius of nearly 50 kilometers and also display the strength of their cores. I have a larger one with a much wider scope that I used to narrow down my search to Little Whinging, Surrey."
Nikodemus then paused when his guest didn't appear to be listening. "Severus really, I wish you would pay attention. I don't have to share any of this you know." He said with a pout.
Severus brought his attention back to his host. It would do no good to fret over the man's apparent lack of morals. He knew what Nikodemus was capable of. Not to mention the man said earlier that his experiment was successful. It was better now just to listen.
"Now, back to what I was saying. I arrived in Surrey in the general area of the one I was looking for. I didn't expect it to be difficult. In fact I was expecting a muggleborn as the only other signature I picked up was that of a squib, one Arabella Fig. I assume you know her. As she is a member of the flaming turkeys or whatever Dumbledore named his little club."
Severus snorted. "Yes I know her. Annoying woman with absolutely no common sense."
'Anyway I found the boy almost immediately and I tell you Severus, I was very close to finding his guardians and putting them through a torture session that would have made even old Tommy boy feel faint."
"May I ask why?"
"They abused him. Those filthy muggles had the gall to abuse a wizarding child. Even after a glance I could tell so. He was so waiflike and bruised. They told him he was a freak and lied to him about his parents. The magical scans I cast revealed evidence of many untreated broken bones and malnutrition. I imagine it will take some time to fully fix what they have done to him."
"But they didn't manage to break him, not completely, and the boy has a very powerful core for one his age. So much potential, not really surprising though considering his parents."
Severus brows furrowed slightly. "His parents? I though you said he was muggleborn?"
"Oh I thought he would be. Imagine my surprise then when I noticed a scar on his forehead. A scar in the shape of a lightning bolt."
"Good Merlin. You don't mean…"
"Yes. I found Harry Potter, Lily's child."
"That's impossible. How could Lily's child, the Potter heir and Boy-Who-Lived be left in a home with abusive muggles? Albus said…"
"Oh I can imagine what that old fool said. But think about it Severus, leaving the boy in a place where his spirit would be crushed would make him moldable. And who wouldn't want a supposed savior and hero of the wizarding world bending to their will. How grateful would the boy be when he was 'rescued' from such a place? I can imagine many ways such a situation would benefit Albus Dumbledore."
Good God. Lily's son subjected to such treatment, even if he was the offspring of James Potter…
Nikodemus let silence rein while the potions master collected his thoughts. When the man finally turned to him with eyes burning with questions that demanded answers he continued.
"I made him a proposition. If he helped me with my experiment I would give him a family. Support him and give him a place he was well-treated. I told him what the consequences could be and he accepted."
"You took Lily's son and put him through a process that could have destroyed his very being. Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now." Severus said coldly.
"No need to get snarly Severus. I'll have you know there was only a six percent chance of failure. I am nothing if not meticulous. Not to mention that the changes I wrought in him will only help him in the future. With both light and dark after the boy he will need all the help he can get."
That Severus could agree with. Any added protection for the boy was good. He was slightly and only very slightly mollified by the low percentage of failure.
"Tell me exactly what you did to him. You mentioned genetic changes?"
"Yes. I fused his DNA and his magical core with that of a Shadow Panther named Leila."
"How on earth did you get a Shadow Panther to agree to such a thing?"
"She had been injured and was unable to have a child. Fusing her DNA with Harry's in essence made him her child. Something both of them seem to be extremely pleased about."
"And the potion? You are blood adopting him why? Not that I would be upset to have the Potter blood thinned."
"It is the safest way to keep him. Neither the ministry nor Dumbledore would stand for me keeping him and I don't want him to be a prisoner here. And keep him I must, even without the promise I made him. His body and magic are unique and most likely still undergoing changes and he will need to be monitored closely."
"Will he be able to function as a normal wizard? Attend school and such?"
"I expect so, but we will have to see. Now, are you ready to meet him? My little one is very anxious to meet you after I told him of your close relationship with Lily."
Severus nodded, his mind still a bit tumultuous as he rose from his seat and let Nikodemus lead him back inside.
Sorry it's been so long since an update! Review and let me know what you think.
Silver Ardor Dragon asked about the Shadow Panthers. I read a fanfic not too long ago, can't remember which, where Harry gets a nundu kitten from… I think it was Death or something? Anyways they described it as a black kitten with wings and that inspired my Shadow Panthers. I came up the powers and specific characteristics though.