Chapter 9: Questions and Answers
Remus rolled out of his blankets late Monday afternoon with a groan. The full moon had been hellish, but he'd survived. Madam Pomfrey had retrieved him from the Shack just after dawn, dosed him with healing potions, and left him in his Prefect rooms to recover. It suited him better than being stuck in the Infirmary, and he had more privacy besides.
He'd been too out of it, too ill with the side effects of the transformations, to notice anything beyond his bed. But now that the illness had subsided somewhat, he was hungry.
A meal was already waiting, no doubt courtesy of the House Elves and Madam Pomfrey. Not meat, he'd gorged on that in his wolf form. It was mostly breads and soup and sweets, things to help ground him into his human mind. He ate as much as he could stomach, then turned to survey the rest of his rooms.
In accordance to his wishes, his rooms were empty of his friends. But a stack of homework assignments had been delivered along with his texts, and beside that, a small stack of letters.
He lifted the top letter in curiosity, only to discover it was two letters, tied together. The first one was addressed to him in James' handwriting, and he tugged it open.
Remus,
Sirius and I kept up with your correspondence like you asked. And I guess it did the trick, because Snape responded.
Bit of a prickly fellow, but at least he answered. That letter's below this one, as is our response. Read those first, and then the one attached to this. It's his latest reply. Sirius and I haven't read that one, so you'll have to fill us in.
Get better, Moony old man.
Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail
Remus smiled and folded the letter away, then picked up the other two. He read Snape's first, smiling. Snape – no, he wanted to think of the other boy as Severus, even if it was in his own head, if they were going to be friends – had good instincts.
He was also being very cautious, asking no questions that weren't a mirror of what he had been asked. Well, that was hardly unexpected. Remus read the letter, and the response James and Sirius had sent, twice through, then carefully opened Severus's newest response.
Esteemed Associate,
Potions is indeed a subject in which I have a great deal of knowledge and skill. And I see no harm in enjoying and making the most of those talents. I find Potions interesting because they require an altogether different type of discipline than most forms of magic. Concentration. Focus. Patience. An intrinsic understanding of the way things work together.
That being said, Potions is not my only subject of interest, as you well know from your comments on my coursework. I have several. Magic is a diverse thing, and I see no point in ignoring any branch of it's potential.
Perhaps you might entertain my own curiosity, and tell me what subjects you favor.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape of Slytherin House
Remus grinned. The letter was pure Severus. He chuckled softly to himself, then gathered some parchment and ink to make a reply.
***ASiSF***
Severus wasn't expecting another letter at dinner, but he wasn't surprised either when it was delivered. Clearly his 'Associate' had access to the post owls at any time. He secreted it away before his table-mates could ask questions, and waited until he was safely in his bed, wards up, before breaking the seal.
Dear Mr. Snape,
You make an excellent point about the potential of diverse forms of magic. I myself have a natural affinity for Defense, which I do enjoy. However, I must confess I also have an interest in Care of Magical Creatures, and Runes. The outdoor and interactive aspect of the Creatures Class interests me, whereas the concentration and intricacy of Runes appeals to my more studious nature.
I find maintaining a balance between activity and studying to be beneficial for my health. Tell me, do you do the same?
An Associate
Severus blinked at the letter. That was...a rather more honest answer than he'd expected. And more revealing.
Someone who took Runes and Care of Magical Creatures, and probably Defense. Well, these days everyone who could get a passing score took Defense for as long as they could. That wouldn't narrow the field much. But Runes and Care of Magical Creatures were both electives.
He took Runes, so it would be no matter to see who took that class with him. But it wouldn't tell him about any Seventh Years, Fifth Years, or recent graduates who'd had the class. And he didn't take Care of Magical Creatures, so finding out who was in that class would be difficult.
Still, he marked down the information, assembling a small scroll of notes to help him identify his benefactor. Then he settled back to work on homework and work out his reply.
***ASiSF***
Remus spent his two days of recovery working on homework. The rest of the Marauders came by to help after classes, and even Lily dropped in one evening, with course material for Arithmancy. She told him Severus had received his previous letter, and was considering how to answer. She seemed hopeful that Severus was beginning to come out of his shell.
Remus hoped so. He knew that the longer this little game of letters played out, the greater the shock would be. He just needed some way to arrange it so that Severus trusted him enough to meet him, and yet not hex him immediately. It was a thorny problem.
He decided, once his homework was caught up, to work on his special project.
He'd been researching alchemists ever since he'd overheard Lily and Severus talking in the library. It wasn't a well studied field. The requirements for becoming even an apprentice made his head spin, and for Mastery…well, there was a reason Albus Dumbledore was the last known student to have become a practicing alchemist, and even he was said to have only partial mastery of it.
Really, the only known true master of the art was said to be Nicholas Flamel. If there were any others, they were members of the Unspeakables. There were some practitioners, here and there. Researchers and dabblers. But not many masters.
Remus made notes of all the prominent researchers, no matter how their reputation stood. He looked up information on contacting the Unspeakables for an apprenticeship, though there was little to find. Apparently, they selected their own apprentices. Still, a letter to the Department of Mysteries might have some affect.
The Headmaster was an option, but Remus hesitated to approach him. He rather thought Lily was right, and he stood by his original assessment that Severus regarded all teachers with suspicion, if only because of their failure to stop the Marauders.
Nicholas Flamel. The most noted and acclaimed alchemist in history. Dumbledore had been his last apprentice, despite the number of aspiring alchemists listed afterward. Aiming for his approval would be mad. Which was why Remus was fairly certain Severus would never try it. Severus was too cautious to dare something so audacious.
Remus grinned. Severus might be too cautious, but he was a Gryffindor. Audacious was in his nature. And writing a letter would give him something to do while waiting for Severus to reply to his latest query.
***ASiSF***
It took Severus a day or two to arrive an answer he was satisfied with. His 'Associate' had been fairly frank, and he wasn't sure how to reply.
Finally, he had an answer he could live with. He sent it off.
***ASiSF***
Remus received the next letter before breakfast, his first morning back to classes. He grinned as he opened it.
Esteemed Associate,
I myself am more of a studious nature. I find little joy in physical activity, preferring my pursuits to be of a more cerebral nature. That being said, I am not against the occasional duel. And if it must be confessed, as I feel your honesty warrants, I will admit that it has recently been suggested that more exercise might be of benefit to me.
I would be willing to entertain suggestions of such activities, especially given the oncoming onset of colder weather.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape of Slytherin House
Remus smirked.
"Oi. What's that?" James appeared over his shoulder. "Another letter?"
"Yes. It is." Remus handed the letter to his friend. "What do you think?"
James read it, and Sirius read over his shoulder. Even Peter edged up to get a look at it. James frowned. "Still writes like he's got a poker up his bum."
"Yes. But he admitted that he'd been advised to exercise more. That's admitting a weakness, or as close as someone like him might get to it. And he's asked for advice, even if he's trying to sound off-hand about it." Remus grinned. "Don't you see? We might be getting somewhere."
"You might be." James made a rueful face. "He'll still hex us blind if we approach him."
Remus grimaced. "True."
"We have a bigger problem." Sirius scowled. "What sort of activities can we talk to him about, without giving ourselves away, or suggesting something he can't or won't do? I mean, Quidditch is out. I don't know that I've ever seen him on a broom except when he has to be, and with James and I playing..."
"Urgh. No. Bad idea." James shook his head. "No Quidditch."
"Dueling isn't bad, but that'll put us right back where we started." Remus sighed.
"And running around as an Animagus is out." James sighed. "We don't know if he even has an animal form, much less the transformation down. And even if he did, we'd have to reveal ourselves. We might as well shout the whole thing from the Tower in that case."
"The tower..." Remus tapped the letter on his chin. "I wonder...we might tell him about some of the disused tower study rooms. Climbing stairs is good exercise. And if we send him up Ravenclaw way, it shouldn't make him too suspicious. Might even put him off our trail a bit."
"Oi...that's a good idea." Sirius brightened.
"But...what if he catches us there?" Peter frowned, looking worried.
"No problem. We can find another place to study. It wouldn't be much trouble." James shrugged. Then he frowned thoughtfully. "Maybe...maybe we could use this to sort of pave the way. I mean, if we showed Lily a few spots, then suggested to Snape that he try working in the Tower rooms. And if he mentions it to her, then she can show him up there, and...I don't know. Show her one of the nicer ones, make it look recently used."
"Plant the idea that we're friends of Lily's." Remus considered. "It might work. We'll ask her at breakfast." he folded the letter up. "Come on."
Remus managed to slip Lily a note over her morning porridge. She gave him a slightly dubious look, but nodded. Remus grinned and began composing a letter.
***ASiSF***
Severus received the next letter, and a new copy of the Ancient Runes text, complete with supplemental index, the next morning. He waved off Avery's question with a curt dismissal, finished his breakfast, then retired to read the note in private.
Dear Mr. Snape,
You're right about the colder weather inhibiting activity. I've heard even the Quidditch players have trouble staying in shape when it gets fierce. However, I've discovered that if one is looking for exercise, Hogwarts itself is an invaluable aid.
In a word: staircases. There are a number of them. I find myself well served by climbing up and down them to various classes, but also in between times. While I am well aware that a Slytherin such as yourself has less to do with stairs than those who dwell in the towers, I should like to tell you a little secret I have discovered.
There are a number of unused rooms that make excellent study nooks around the upper floors. Particularly around Ravenclaw Tower. Some of them seem to see more frequent use than others, if the marks in the dust are to be believed, but I find them even better than the library for a spot of quiet study.
If you would care to use the suggestion, you might find a place to exercise your mind as well as exercising your body.
A thought I had: You have professed an interest in the many diverse branches of magic. Do you also include Astronomy and History in these disciplines?
An Associate.
Unused Tower rooms. It was an intriguing thought. Lily might know of some good places, if he asked her. And if he could find one or two that suited, he could make them into a safe place to meet with her for studying. Somewhere where Avery and his friends would be less likely to spy on them.
The Marauders would be a risk, of course, but it would be worth it.
He resolved to ask her about it, then turned his attention to the final questions written in the letter.
***AsiSF***
Remus received the reply the next day. He read it sitting on his bed, Sirius and James leaning over to read from either side.
Esteemed Associate,
I will take your suggestion under advisement. Your point about the stairs and their uses is true enough, but there are other considerations I shall have to think upon before deciding on the ultimate value of your input. Nevertheless, you have my appreciation for the recommendation, as well as for the supplement to my personal library for study.
History, if one learns it properly, may be of assistance in some forms of magic. However, I should hardly call what Binns teaches History. I consider self-study to be sufficient in the field. There is much that is left out of our formal education in this area that I would consider to be valuable, and much that is included, though extraneous.
Astronomy is of the greatest use in Divination, a branch of magic for which I have no aptitude and little inclination, if truth be told. However, there are elements that are of use in other disciplines, such as Runes and Arithmancy, and even Herbology and thus Potions to some degree. As such, though it is not my first interest, I find it to be a useful enough discipline. However, much like History, self-study can be applied. Or so I have found it to date.
I should be interested in your own views on the matter, having aired mine.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape of Slytherin House.
"Huh. Not big on Divination." Sirius blinked. "I'd almost have expected him to be seriously into it, if only for a possible advantage."
"Well, he said he has no aptitude." James shrugged. "Maybe that's it."
"Maybe." Remus folded the letter back, thinking.
He was thinking about the things he'd heard from Lily. The things he'd heard about and from Severus, through his letters.
Maybe Severus didn't want to know the future for another reason. Remus disliked Divination himself, knowing that any form of Seer's Sight would reveal his secret. And even if it didn't...the shadow of his curse would mar everything. He'd never wanted to know, knowing that any future he had would be tainted by the werewolf curse that hounded him every month.
Or maybe Severus was simply one of those people who believed in making his own future. Or maybe he didn't care to know the future because he saw no point. There were people who believed prophecies were just possibilities, and some who thought they were gospel. If Severus were one of the former, he might not care. Possibilities could be changed.
Still, it was an interesting insight into the Slytherin's mind.
***ASiSF***
Severus felt almost annoyed with himself at how pleased he was when the next letter arrived, the following morning. He brushed off Avery's usual question, finished his meal, then took took the letter to the library.
Dear Mr. Snape,
I have to confess, I am rather fond of History. The patterns of it interest me, particularly the more political aspects. Though I will grant you that Binns does not teach in a manner that encourages retention of the material, and what he covers leaves much to be desired. Especially of recent History and current events. I can only suppose that, being a ghost, he has little awareness of such things. However, as you pointed out, self-study is indeed an option, and there are several interesting tomes in the library that cover the material in greater detail.
Astronomy, I confess, is not a class I enjoy, or excel at. Though I've never given much thought to Divination as a subject, Astronomy itself holds little interest for me, in any application. Perhaps knowing the moon phases is important for gathering certain herbs, or for certain spells, but I fail to see the point of knowing all the moons of Jupiter, or Saturn, and their exact position at any given time. I feel I am better served obtaining an instrument that will give me the information I require, rather than becoming an Astronomer. But I commend your diligence in study.
I could go on about academic subjects for some time, however, I already knew you are a studious individual. And, I confess, I am curious to know more abut you, outside of the academic circle. So, a random question, if you will indulge me.
What is your favorite food?
Also, I have noted your tendency for mirroring my question in your own, and while I find it understandable, I would prefer that you ask the questions that are on your mind. So, in answer to the above noted question, my favorite food is chocolate. I indulge rather more than is good for me on that count, and am fortunate that I don't gain the weight I deserve. And now, I invite you to pose a question of your own, which I shall endeavor to answer, provided it is not a question of my name.
An Associate
Severus frowned at the letter. He had hoped that his methods would avoid notice. Asking a question might reveal even more than his answers to date. And...favorite food?
Growing up as he had left little room for favorites. In his house, it had always been a matter of eating what he was served, and the less said the better. Hogwarts had provided him with more options, but even then he tended to eat whatever came to hand. Though, he supposed he did have a preference or two.
He perused the letter again, noting down the information it contained. Someone who liked History, but not Astronomy, and had no interest in Divination. An interesting combination.
Someone who liked chocolate. That was no help. He rarely paid any attention to what anyone else was eating. Besides, he'd already confirmed that the individual wasn't in Slytherin, and trying to see what people in other Houses were eating was virtually impossible.
He wrote the notes down in his scroll anyway, then considered the admonition at the bottom of the page. A question of his own? He wasn't all that conversant in that sort of thing.
He closed his eyes, trying to think of questions he might have been asked in casual conversation, or might have asked someone else. He couldn't really think of anything. Until…
Lily. He and Lily, when they had first become friends. He recalled their conversations, some of the questions she had asked him. There was no point in asking the questions she'd posed about what was real and what wasn't, but some of her other questions might do.
He opened his eyes, pulled out another scrap of parchment, and began scribbling a short list of questions he might ask his correspondent.
***ASiSF***
The reply letter arrived the second morning after his own missive. Remus would have been annoyed but, seeing as he'd turned the tables on Severus with his question at the end, he suspected it was only fair to give the Slytherin youth more time. Besides, nothing said Snape had to reply to him immediately. Nothing at all.
Still, he was glad to see the letter arrive in his dorm in the early morning hours. He took it, snitched a treat from James to give the owl, then unrolled the note.
Esteemed Associate,
I suppose I should have expected your response to my methods of questioning, however, given your maneuver, you shall have to forgive me if I ask a question which you are not inclined to answer.
In response to your previous query...I have few favorites, but I am not fond of rich or heavy foods, and prefer simpler fare. Oatmeal with honey or a little sugar for breakfast being an example. I am also somewhat partial to a chicken-herb soup. The mother of a friend supplied me with an excellent recipe at one point, but the soup the Elves here make is also quite good. With a fresh hot roll and a bit of butter, I would consider it perfect.
As for my own question: You know much of my academic standing, and while I am not sure if you would answer a query into your coursework, perhaps you will tell me what aspirations you have for your future? Particularly as you seem to have taken an interest in mine.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape of Slytherin House
"Soup?" Sirius blinked at the note, re-reading it over his shoulder in the Common Room. "He likes soup?"
"Chicken-herb soup, to be precise, with a fresh roll and butter." James looked puzzled as well. "I wouldn't have expected…."
"Yes, well...I admit, I guessed, since I was with Lily in the kitchens. I remember she asked about it. And she did mention he has a touchy stomach."
"I guess. But...soup..."
"Soup what?" Remus looked up as Lily came t stand beside them. "Sorry. I thought I heard my name."
"You did." Remus handed her the note.
Lily read it, a small frown forming on her face. "Oh."
"What?" Sirius's brown furrowed.
"It's just..." Lily shifted in her seat. "I know where Severus got that recipe. He got it from my mum. She came to pick me up from the park one day and...well, she met Severus. And she was worried about him. She told him he looked too thin, asked if he'd like to come over for a bite. And Severus, he said no, he was just...that he hadn't been feeling well. Mum gave me the recipe for the next time I saw him, to help him feel better. A few months later, he mentioned something about thanking Mum for the recipe, said it really helped. I didn't know it was a favorite though. And..." She broke off, flushing.
"And?" Remus queried her gently.
"Well, Severus probably wouldn't want...and I'm not sure if it means anything...but...I told Mum. And later, I heard her and Dad talking. About layoffs. A lot of people were out of work. Not my father, but in the factories. And I think...I think that Mum was talking about Severus and his family, but she said that sometimes a good soup was all that stood between a body and starvation."
"You think...he was...that's all he had to eat?" Sirius looked appalled. "But that's…that's...no one could survive like that."
"Some of them do. Among Muggles, and probably in places like that awful Knockturn Alley, off Diagon." Lily spoke softly. "Sometimes it can be even worse."
"That's awful." James looked a bit pale. "Not having enough to eat…that would be..."
Remus could sympathize. His family wasn't the best off, but even at the worst they simply made do with fewer new clothes, and perhaps a little less meat for the wolf on full-moon nights. He'd never had to survive on soup. He wasn't even sure it was possible, with his metabolism.
"I don't know that it's true. It's just speculation." Lily shook her head. "I probably shouldn't have brought it up, I just..."
"No. It's an important thing to know." Remus shook his head. "Even if it's speculation, there's probably some truth to it." He looked at the letter again. "Hmm...I'll have to think about the answer to his question though."
"What...oh, what you want to be? Didn't we all have those discussions last year?" James frowned.
"Of course we did. But I have a few...limitations." Remus grimaced. "My health condition..."
"Well, just tell him what you'd do if you could. I mean, you made it here, even though that was supposed to be impossible with your 'health issue'. So, just tell him whatever."
"It seems a bit like cheating."
"So tell him what you'd love to do, and then tell him what you might do, and keep it vague." Lily grinned.
"Err...yes." Remus blushed. "I should have thought of that."
"You can't think of everything." Lily looked at the clock, then jumped to her feet. "I've got to go get ready." She darted off up to the girl's dorm.
"Right. Classes." James nodded. Remus folded the letter back into his pocket and went to get ready for the day.
***ASiSF***
Severus was a bit put out when no letters arrived that morning, or the next, or the next. He even mentioned it to Lily, who counseled him to give it time.
Saturday morning, however, a large owl found him, carrying what turned out to be a new Transfiguration text and a letter. He gulped his last swallow of juice, gathered up the book and left, making his way to a classroom halfway up Ravenclaw Tower that he'd discovered and made his own in recent days.
The text was up-to-date, and also included some supplemental references, notes that promised to make the subject easier to study, if not practice.
The letter was written in a now-familiar hand.
Dear Mr. Snape,
Chicken-herb soup with a fresh roll? That does sound good. I shall have to try it. I prefer my own meals to be more substantial, but I can see where that might appeal, particularly on a cold day in winter, with mulled cider.
As for aspirations...well, in my younger days, I rather wanted to be a dragon tamer. However, although I have maintained my interest in Magical Creatures, I fear the life may not be the best suited for me. Though I do love the exercise and the outdoor aspect of it, I fear that many magical creatures are not too fond of me. In addition, there are some health concerns involved.
Given these considerations, I have given some thought to perhaps an academic venture involving creatures. Perhaps teaching Care, or Defense with a focus on Creatures? It merits some thought, and I confess I have not solidified any plan as yet.
Then again, I have some proficiency in wand work and Charms. Perhaps spell development involving animals and creatures? There has to be some way of subduing a dragon that does not involve cursing it blind or a dozen stunners at once...and perhaps a way of spotting creatures before they get too close.
I am tempted to ask after your own aspirations, but having admonished you against parroting my questions, I suppose that I should set a good example and refrain from doing the same. So instead, I shall ask a slightly different question.
If, after Hogwarts, you could choose anyone to apprentice with, who would you choose? Humor me and assume that you would be assured of receiving the desired apprenticeship, no matter who it was and with no strings attached.
An Associate
Severus stared at the letter. He read it through, then read the last paragraph again.
Who would he apprentice with? If he could choose anyone?
He hadn't really thought about it. Apprenticing was...difficult. His mother's estrangement from her family meant he had none of the connections of the Prince family available to him. He had no money for establishing connections of his own. He had his skills in Potions and his spells, but without help that wouldn't get him very far. And Slughorn wasn't interested in him. Too busy pandering to those with more money and influential families.
He'd assumed prior to this year that he'd have to claim a favor from his Housemates to get anywhere. Most likely, he'd have to accept the patronage of someone like Malfoy or Avery or Rosier. And most likely, they would offer it only if joined their cause. Joined the Death Eaters.
Before this year, he hadn't particularly been enamored of the idea, but he hadn't been against it either. He didn't particularly like Evan Rosier or Avery or Wilkes, but at least there was some form of acceptance there. Better than nothing.
But now...now he had this Associate. Things were different. Or at least, they seemed like they could be. If he could broaden the current correspondence, and perhaps bargain his skills with someone like Attwater, he might have more doors open to him. As Lily suggested, there might be other options available.
So, if he dared to hope that things might work out...who might he want to apprentice with? If he could have a choice, a real choice?
Severus folded the letter up and stowed it carefully in his pocket.
He had some research to do.
Author's Note: And now they're learning about each other. Who likes the random stuff I put in?