Downside of Aging Potions - Chapter Seven
"Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles,
the frozen smiles to chase love away.
Human kindness is overflowing,
and I think it's gonna rain today."
-Neil Diamond, I Think it's Gonna Rain Today
The next day, Hermione walked behind a very furious Snape on the way to Diagon Alley.
Snape had pulled his hair back in hopes to alter his appearance. Plus, he was nearly twenty years younger. He almost looked like a different person; unless you knew how to look like Hermione did. Even his nose was slightly smaller.
They walked to Madame Malkin's Robes and he was sized to get Slytherin robes. Hermione waited patiently, telling off a boy as he taunted Snape. 'Stupid brat.'
He came out with five sets of robes. One Slytherin, one travel, two regular black ones, and one dress robe, Madame Malkin had insisted him having for the Yule Ball they were doing this year at Hogwarts. They exited the shop and Snape bent down and muttered to her, "I don't see why I need all this, I will be changing back soon."
"Well, you don't know how long you will be like this." She didn't add that this might even be permanent. She shuddered at the thought. She wanted him back to his original state. It just wasn't right seeing him like this.
They got his books and then he said, more than asked, "Three Broom Sticks." When they arrived, they got hassled by Madame Rosmerta again, although she wasn't aware this was Professor Snape.
"Hermione, lovely to see you again. And who is this fine young man?"
Hermione forced a laugh down, "This is-"
"Sloan." Severus said.
"Yes... Sloan. He is a new student at Hogwarts." Hermione said. 'Sloan' nodded.
They walked off hurriedly.
They sat at the same table as they did on their last little visit and then he sighed. She cleared her throat, "Sloan?" She asked curiously.
His response was tight. "It was my father's name." That subject seemed touchy so she didn't ask.
"Okay. So before we try and reverse this...Transformation, we have to know what we have." Snape said.
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "What do we have?"
"Well, we know I've gone back in years, however, I still have my memories from when I was older than now. So, I think I got younger, not permanently, but only my body really. Because I am aware of everything going on and I am perfectly fine mentally." Snape said, writing it down for the record.
Hermione sighed, "That sounds right. But..." She lowered her voice, "How do we know this isn't...Permanent?"
"Because; Aging potions only work for a little while. And even though the whole bottle went in, it should only last short term." He said quickly and confidently, though she was sure he only spoke quickly to sound sound confident.
After a few more minutes, they went back to the castle.
She went to find in depth information on Aging Potions, Healing Potions, and Vampire blood. Snape went to remember how to be a kid.
When Hermione picked up her book, McGonagall walked in. "Students, we need to inform you all that Professor Snape has gone on a mission for Professor Dumbledore. We don't know how long he will be gone, but we have found a temporary replacement."
Students murmured to each others, some more enthusiastically then others. Actually, most more enthusiastic than others.
"That is all. Good day." McGonagall turned to leave. When she left, students exploded with happiness.
"Can you believe it?" "Snape's gone!" "Christmas has come early!"
Hermione felt herself grow red in anger. Maybe he was a little strict, or really strict, but most agreed that he had mellowed out.
"Hermione! Can you believe it? Snape's gone." Ron said excitedly, Harry grinning behind him.
"Yes, Ron. I heard McGonagall come in here and announce it to everyone." Hermione said lazily.
"Well, now you can hang out with us more, right?" Harry asked. Ron nodded, "Yeah, we've got to show you this-"
"Guys, I'm trying to study, okay?" Hermione said irritably, dropping her arm against the table.
Ron looked as if he'd been slapped, but Harry nodded, "Alright. We'll catch you later." Harry walked away signaling for Ron to follow.
Hermione felt her stomach pang with guilt for snapping at them, but everyone's reaction to Snape disappearance did not leave her the best of moods. She sighed and tried to concentrate of the material in front of her but found it increasingly difficult.
She sighed again. What she'd give to have her Head Girl room right now...
This was bullshit.
He didn't know how to be an eighteen year old again. He didn't know how, or want, to sit through classes again. This. was. bullshit.
He sighed and consumed his- sixth or seventh?- cup of whiskey. His eyes were blurry; from the drink, which irritated him. Apparently his alcohol limit and sunk with his body, which was very logical. Which irritated him more.
Regardless, he poured another glass and tipped his head back, consuming most of the drink in a swallow.
He shook his head, beginning a headache. He blinked and finished it off, wincing thinking of the consequences.
"Professor!" A voice hissed.
He frowned. The only ones who knew the passwords to his rooms were the teachers and Dumbledore. And...
"Granger?" He looked towards the door and blinked, dizzy to see she was right in front of him when his eyes met her abdomen. He watched her pick up the bottle and sigh.
"Drinking is not going to help. Not to mention a whole bottle of whiskey. It's not going to settle with you, being eighteen and all."
She put his arm over her shoulder and supported him with her arm around him. She forced him to stand and carried him to his bed, letting him go onto his bed gently.
He groaned and set his head back onto his pillow, the punchy feeling had not stopped rattling his head. "I hate this." He murmured.
She sat down, a little breathless from carrying him. "I know. I would hate to be in your position. But... we'll find the counter potion. Sooner than you think, I bet."
He growled softly and shut his eyes. He wanted to sleep. But... Not alone. He felt her stand up.
"Hermione." He said, before he could stop himself.
She stopped, seemingly astonished. "Yes?" She asked softly.
He rolled onto his side and opened his eyes a little, "Will you... Just stay with me?" He watched her emotions change on her face, swirl like a storm until finally she sat back down on the bed.
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