Chapter Ten: Events in Motion

Nicholas Flamel stood, gazing at the sunrise. The day promised to be bright, though chilly, fall well and truly in the air and edging toward winter.

Since Perenelle's pronouncement, he had taken to looking toward Scotland, wondering. He had often considered contacting Albus Dumbledore, seeking information, but Perenelle had counseled against it, advising him that matters had to take their own course. After so many centuries, he had learned to heed his wife's warnings, and so had let the matter lie.

As if thoughts of Dumbledore had summoned it, an owl bearing a Hogwarts mark swooped out of the sky to land on the railing. Nicholas scooped it up with a careful hand, untying the letter before carrying it inside, where he offered it a perch and a treat.

"Nicholas? I saw the owl."

"Yes, dear." Nicholas turned the letter over in his hand. The sender was not Albus, a fact made evident by not only the unfamiliar handwriting, but the address: 'Master Alchemist Nicholas Flamel'. Albus would never have used the title.

He broke open the seal and pulled out the parchment, reading the letter with ever-increasing interest.

To: Mr. Nicholas Flamel, Master Alchemist

My name is Remus Lupin. I am a Sixth Year Prefect at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I realize that I may be seen as somewhat impudent for seeking correspondence with such a noted figure without prior introduction or invitation, however, I request your indulgence, for it is not for myself that I write, but on behalf of another.

There is in my Year a fellow student by the name of Severus Snape. He is a highly gifted individual, currently enrolled in NEWT classes for Charms, Transfiguration, Defense, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Herbology and Potions. He is not a Prefect, however, I suspect it is because he prefers to concentrate on his studies, and also due to other circumstances which I will elaborate upon later in this missive.

Severus is, to be blunt, a Potions prodigy. He has reworked techniques and recipes for several of the Potions in our school texts, and invented his own Potions besides.

He has also invented his own spells, mostly of a defensive capability, but I am certain alternative applications could be found. I have witnessed at least one alternative Privacy spell, one alternative to a silencing spell, and a cutting spell as well. I know from a friend he has created others, including the counters to the above mentioned spells.

I write to you on his behalf because I know, from a conversation that I was made privy to by a mutual friend, that Severus has ambitions to become an Alchemist or a Magical Researcher. I also know that Severus is of a reserved nature, and would never approach you on his own behalf. His natural temperament is far too cautious to seek audience with someone of your renown.

I will be blunt, and pray that both he and you forgive any indiscretion you may perceive. Fortune has not been kind to Severus. Nor have many people in his life. His mother, formerly of the Prince family, married a Muggle, thus giving him the status of a half-blood, which some hold against him. His finances are meager, to the point of being almost nonexistent, and there are indications that his home life is not a kind one. Furthermore, he has had the ill-luck to be targeted for harassment by some of the more influential students of the school. That is to say, the more popular and richer students, whose family background is accounted, here at least, to be greater than his own. I am ashamed to say that some of his persecutors are close friends of mine, and that I did not stand up for him as my position suggests I ought to have. And though, in Hogwarts, our House is meant to be our home, I have recently discovered that his house would rather see him wronged by others, that they might reap the benefit, than offer him the assistance he deserves.

I have only recently come to realize how much circumstances have conspired against him. And how close I have come to sharing his position, were it not for good friends of my own. And also, I have realized my own culpability in his situation. Severus is not without his flaws, a quick temper and a shade of vindictiveness among them, but I think that said flaws have been much magnified by his circumstances.

I tell you this because it has come to my mind that what he needs is a mentor, someone to guide him into a better path. And, knowing his aspirations, I have undertaken to seek out options and approach them in his name, as I think Severus is not in a position to appreciate the breadth of potential candidates.

To that end, I write to offer my recommendation on his behalf. I realize that you may not be seeking or accepting apprentices at the moment. I realize that it is audacious in the extreme to seek an apprenticeship on behalf of another, and before either of us have completed our NEWT exams. However, I would ask your consideration. If you are indeed open to accepting an apprentice, I offer Severus Snape as a potential candidate. If not, I would request you reply to myself, so that I know not to trouble you with further correspondence. And, if you would be kind enough in that circumstance to pass on any names of individuals of similar studies and skills who might be accepting apprentices, I would be most grateful.

Yours with Utmost Sincerity

Remus Lupin, Hogwarts Sixth Year Prefect

Nicholas read it through twice, then handed it to his wife. "Well, my dear, what do you think?"

Perenelle ran a gentle finger over the parchment. "Young Lupin writes with guilt, and with admiration and sincerity."

"And this young man he speaks of? Severus Snape?"

Perenelle smiled. "I believe he might be worth visiting Scotland to meet. I have a feeling about him."

"Then we shall visit Scotland. I shall make arrangements." Nicholas took the letter back, delivered a gentle kiss to his wife's cheek, then made his way to his study to compose a response.

Perenelle watched her husband go with a fond smile. Then she turned to look out the window. "Severus Snape." The words were breathed on the wind. "And what does your future hold, I wonder?"

***ASiSF***

School passed quickly for Severus. His classes took much of his time, studying and assisting others. NEWT classes were aptly named, as he had come to discover. Even Potions, though it was the easiest subject by far, demanded care and attention as the weeks went on.

As September faded into October, and then November, he found cause to be grateful for his new clothing, far warmer than any he'd had before. And for the study nook he'd created. Fires could only do so much, and the dungeons were often chilly, in spite of Warming Charms and roaring fireplaces. But heat rose, and so the tower room he'd found was far warmer. He found himself spending most of his free time there, working on essays or reading.

It was also an ideal spot to meet with Lily. They met once or twice a week, usually doing homework for various classes. Having renewed their friendship had given him a sense of hope he'd thought dead at the end of the previous term, and Severus clung to it fiercely. To it, and to his correspondence with his Associate.

The letters had decreased in frequency, as their queries to each other had become more theoretical and complex, but they were no less valuable to him for that. In fact, by the end of the second month, he'd come to enjoy receiving them, and penning his replies. It helped that discussing them gave he and Lily amusement and new topics to share with each other.

It had taken him three days to reply to the letter concerning a mentor. He'd eventually named Damocles Belby, the Experimental Potions Master whose name was becoming more and more known for his research. And also, as an afterthought, mentioned his interest in the possibility of becoming an Unspeakable. He'd then countered by asking his erstwhile correspondent what he considered an ideal living place.

The response had been 'somewhere warm and green. England being preferable but not necessarily the only choice'. Followed by a question of where he would travel, if he had unlimited Galleons and time at his disposal.

It had gone from there, ranging over every topic under the sun. Travel, politics, opinions of Muggles. Opinions of Muggle innovations. Music. Even one brief foray into fashion, which both of them appeared to be equally ignorant of. Magical Theory. Animals. Plants. Secret passages and chambers in Hogwarts. Descriptions of both their hometowns, though Severus had kept his carefully edited, describing the park and houses that were more like Lily's than his own.

They had disagreed on some points, such as Muggles in general, and politics in certain points, but he had found his Associate to have a quick wit and an intelligent mind. A bit flippant, but then he was willing to admit he had delivered his fair share of biting sarcasm unto the pages of his letters.

He had made one attempt to track the letter (which failed), and one attempt to track the owl by marking it with a color spell. He'd been frustrated when the owl never arrived for breakfast post, only to appear later, without the letter. Both times, the return letter had congratulated him for the attempt and gently poked fun at him. He'd been half afraid the first time that he would lose his mystery correspondent, but been assured that his attempts were expected, and enjoyed, and that he was welcome to try any methods he liked.

He hadn't tried too hard, only when his curiosity or suspicion prodded him. There had been one attempt with a Potion that would react to the touch of hands. For which his correspondent had either found a reversal, or detected it and worn gloves. A few attempts at trying to solicit information, which usually worked, but not in a way that had yet helped him identify the person. The individual was fond of dogs, but didn't own any. They knew several secret passages out of Hogwarts, but had found all of them by chance. They lived in a modest house in the country, in the eastern provinces of England.

Lily had encouraged him to just enjoy writing and receiving the letters, and though he sometimes worried about who might be reading them, he had done his best to do as she suggested, wanting her to know that he did respect her opinions and her advice. Thus far, he had to admit it hadn't backfired. Not only was he enjoying the game of wits and the exchange of ideas, but the Associate had continued to supply him with texts. By the end of October, he had a full set of new textbooks for all his classes, as well as some additional recommended reading.

His fellow Slytherins had mostly stopped bothering him about all the letters and books he was receiving. Avery seemed to believe he'd acquired Lucius Malfoy as a patron, or someone equally powerful. Given that Severus no longer met Lily anywhere he could be spotted, the suggestion of such a patron had convinced Avery and his friends to leave well enough alone. There was some risk, as Malfoy himself would likely deny it if asked, but he'd been careful to never actually confirm any specific rumors. Only that he was 'exploring options' and 'making connections'.

At the beginning of October, he finally managed a Hair Protection Potion, using mostly Muggle ingredients. Making it smell nice had been a bit trickier than the actual formula, but he'd managed in the end to get one that smelled mostly like pine. After three straight weeks of testing the formula on his own hair and seeing a marked improvement, he presented the formula, and a bottle for inspection, to Attwater.

Attwater looked it over. "And this protects against Potions fumes?"

"Yes. Most of them. There are certain ones it can't do much about, but it will protect your hair from the majority. And I've listed the ones it won't do much with in the warning label on the back."

Attwater read the label. "Impressive. I'd heard you were good. Will you be marketing this?"

Severus flushed. "I don't know."

"You should. Even if you only sell the formula to one of the other care product companies, you could make a name for yourself. And a bit of coin."

Severus made a face. "I don't exactly want to be known for making beauty products."

"Even so. You have to start somewhere. I'd suggest taking a bottle and stopping in at the Potions shop in Hogsmeade. Get their take on it."

"I...I'll consider it." Severus nodded. "I...thank you for your encouragement, Prefect Attwater."

"Jeremy. And it was no trouble. I told you, I wanted to do right by you this year." Attwater looked him over. "I see you've been taking my advice. Good for you. And...there's been no trouble?"

"No." Severus shook his head. "No trouble."

"Good." Attwater nodded, then checked his watch. "Time for dinner." Severus watched him go, thinking.

He wouldn't have necessarily told Attwater if he had been feuding with the Marauders, but the truth was...he hadn't had an encounter with them since the first day at the lake.

It was by far the strangest part of the whole term. James and Sirius never pranked him in their shared classes. Nor did any of the Marauders say more than three words to him, at any encounter. A clipped nod and a brief 'Snape' were the most he got from them.

He hadn't started anything, for fear of angering Lily, but the lack of aggression on their part was puzzling. He was grateful for the reprieve, but he couldn't help being suspicious of it. Five years of continual targeting weren't easy to forget. Besides, there was the ever-present knowledge that they were now privy to his worst secrets, at least partially, and he couldn't imagine that they'd keep quiet about it forever.

Whatever had led to the temporary stop on pranking by the group was clearly no longer a consideration. Pranks had started up again, the House Hair Color spell being the first. There had been a few Transfiguration pranks, a few sticking spells, and other such. One memorable one where all the chairs and desks in the Charms classroom had been set to fly to the ceiling, hover for a few moments, then drop back down at random intervals. And one where the Ravenclaw breakfast table had been found floating upside down. And set for breakfast too.

They were clearly Marauder pranks, and Severus found it odd that none of them had focused on the Slytherins. Or him. He'd yet to be targeted by so much as a mild Color-Change Charm. He wanted to believe that either Regulus's warnings, or Attwater's, had done the trick, but he couldn't fully convince himself of that. After all, no other punishment or warning had ever been effective. Not detention, not loss of points, not threats or warnings. Not that the teachers had delivered many warnings, and the Prefects up till this year had interfered even less, but still...he couldn't fathom what might be different this year.

Somehow he doubted that Potter and Black had grown a sense of maturity and realized what utter prats they were being. He was equally doubtful that Lupin had grown a spine, or Pettigrew a conscience and a spine.

Fortunately for his peace of mind, he was too busy with his studies, his friendship with Lily, his correspondence with his Associate, and tutoring his fellow Slytherins to think too long on the matter. He was also too busy enjoying feeling warm and healthy and mostly content for once in his life.

At some point, he'd figure out who his mysterious 'Associate' was. And what the Marauders were up to. But for right now, things were going well enough that he was in no hurry.

***ASiSF***

Remus was enjoying his Sixth Year at Hogwarts. He'd considered, and agreed to allow his friends to run with him again for the October full moon, with some caveats. They were to stay within the bounds of the land around the Shrieking Shack. No running through the village or the forest like they had been, risking attacking someone. No pranks. And no being seen on the trip down or the trip back.

All of them, even Sirius, had agreed. And, as near as he could tell, they'd abided by the rules he'd set down. There was no sign that they'd left the Shack, let alone the grounds, at the end of the nights, no indication that they'd been followed or seen. And, he had to admit, the transformation was far less painful with them there. The wolf calmed in the presence of his 'pack'.

The only downside was that his 'pack' was missing two members. The wolf tended to translate 'friends' as 'pack' in the transformation, and as such, missed Lily. And oddly enough, Severus.

The letters between himself and Severus had become much longer, if less frequent. They'd covered a wide range of topics. Philosophy, music, Muggles, sports, even venturing into fashion at one point. Severus had proved as ignorant on that point as he was, and they'd quickly switched to other topics of more interest, such as magical theory.

Severus had a rather cynical philosophy towards life, not unexpected given his circumstances. He had a decided dislike of Muggles in general, for which he cited poor experiences, though he admitted under pressure that he had met a few that were different. He was much more interested in Muggle innovations, though quick to point out the downsides to them, such as loss of jobs, pollution of the air and water, and other things. Lily was quick to explain that he lived near the factories in their shared hometown and been exposed to much of the pollution he mentioned.

That wasn't a problem the Wizarding World had, not with Air Clearing Charms and 'Aquamenti' to provide fresh clean water whenever one wanted. It was an interesting, even if somewhat depressing, alternative view to the things Remus had read or experienced.

Severus's taste in music was more Muggle than Wizard, though he liked some facets of Wizard music. He was a fan of dark and earth toned colors. He did like green, but his preference wasn't limited to that, though for some reason he disliked all forms of yellow, and despised gray, for reasons that Lily wouldn't divulge and Remus could easily guess, especially given the Lake Incident of the previous year. Gray was the reminder of poverty, and the shame it could bring.

Severus liked warmer temperatures, and if given a chance, he'd travel to America, where the diverse climate was said to have a remarkable number of interesting Potions ingredients, and the culture was said to be a vast 'melting pot' of different methodologies and beliefs. He was also interested in Middle Eastern and Eastern methodologies, said to be far different from the education they got at Hogwarts. The mention of that led to several discussions of possible differences, and a great deal of research and exploration on all their parts.

Despite the formal nature of his writing, as time passed, there was a noticeable relaxation on Severus's part. He became more sarcastic, exposing a dry humor that Lupin had expected but never been exposed to, and a wry twist to his words. He proved curious and quick witted, and it was only luck that they'd foiled his Owl-Coloring attempt and his potion attempt at discovering their identities. He was incredibly knowledgeable in various subjects, but also willing to cite his sources and give credit where credit was due when he researched something. He had even, once or twice, admitted when Remus and the others had the better of him in an intellectual debate of one kind or another, something that had surprised both Sirius and James.

He was still cautious. He never mentioned Lily by name, though he often mentioned 'a friend'. He revealed very little about his hometown, and Lily, reading the letter, had explained that Severus had been describing only the 'nicer' parts of town. She'd given them a description of the neighborhood Severus lived in that was far bleaker than the one he'd put on parchment. He mentioned almost nothing about his family, even when Remus tried to prompt him. The one letter he'd sent casually mentioning his own family and asking about Severus's had been met with a curt refusal to discuss the matter and a change of subject. Which said it all, really, considering that even Sirius, who had run away that summer and mostly preferred to forget his own last name, could be coaxed into talking about his relatives.

Still, he was opening up to them. And as the letters continued, he seemed to warm up, becoming friendlier and less suspicious.

It was good, and it was enjoyable, but it was also a problem.

Severus didn't know who he was, who they were. And revealing that was...none of them, not even Lily, could see any way that it wasn't going to be a catastrophe. Given Severus's suspicious nature, discovering that he'd been corresponding with the Marauders was sure to result in an explosion of epic proportions.

He knew he should have stopped. Should have given more clues in his earlier letters. Hell, even come right out and given his identity. But Severus...he enjoyed conversing with him. The anonymity that had seemed necessary now seemed like armor and a hindrance all at once. He wanted to tell Severus who he was, but was afraid of losing the growing friendship between them. The on-again-off-again attempts to discover his identity were fun, a sort of game between them, and he feared the consequences when Severus discovered the truth.

He couldn't make himself stop writing the other boy. He couldn't bring himself to reveal his identity. All he could do was keep going, and wondering when it was all going to blow up in his face. A part of him hoped that he could keep the secret until Severus had stopped being so suspicious, maybe even till the end of the year or the end of their time at Hogwarts, but a part of him suspected he wouldn't be that lucky. And that it might be worse if he was.

How far could they go, before the cost of anonymity outweighed it's benefits? He wasn't sure.

He was distracted one morning by an owl landing heavily at his plate and eating his bacon. It was a Hogwarts owl, but the note, as he pulled it free, didn't come from Severus. The handwriting was elegant and thin, and addressed to him. He handed the owl another serving of bacon, which it accepted, and opened it.

He read the first line twice, then snapped the letter shut, his heart hammering in his rib-cage.

James frowned at him. "Moony, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." He shook his head.

"Something in the letter?" Sirius craned his head to look.

"Not here, Siri." He was glad it was a Saturday. "Got a spare bit of parchment?"

Sirius passed him one. He folded a paper airplane, and tossed it gently to Lily, seated partway down the table. She looked up, and he jerked his head towards the door, mouthing 'Tower'. After a moment, she nodded.

He wolfed down the rest of his breakfast as fast as he could without choking, then darted out of the Great Hall, his friends following him. Lily met them at the entrance to the Common Room a few minutes later, looking concerned. "Remus? What is it? I'm supposed to meet Severus..."

"Not here. Your rooms or mine."

Lily frowned, then nodded. "Mine then." She turned and led the way.

It was only in the privacy of Lily's prefect rooms that Remus dared open the letter and begin reading again. Sirius watched him from the couch, his foot bouncing on the floor until his impatience got the better of him. "Moony, come on. What's going on? Is it...bad news?" He frowned.

"No. Not...bad. I don't think it's bad. It's just...here." He handed the letter off to Lily. He'd read it twice, and he doubted he'd forget the contents any time soon.

Lily read the byline, and her eyes widened. "Oh..." She sat down abruptly. "Oh."

Remus nodded.

James sighed. "Come on, just tell us already, will you? I think I'm gonna go nuts if you keep making faces like that."

Lily swallowed hard, then, with a glance at Remus, began to read the letter aloud.

To: Mr. Remus Lupin, Sixth Year Prefect of Hogwarts

Concerning: Your Most Interesting Recommendation

Mr. Lupin, I must confess, your letter was most unexpected. It is quite rare for me to receive correspondence from an individual as young as yourself, particularly on the matter of an apprenticeship in my field, and even rarer for me to receive a request on behalf of another. Though I have often sought recommendation and opinions on those who have applied themselves to me for instruction, I have never before received a missive offering me recommendation on behalf of one who has not even solicited me for an interview, or a position.

For that alone, your letter intrigued me, irrespective of it's contents, which were quite interesting in and of themselves. However, though I could discuss your letter and it's contents for many pages without end, I shall be brief, for you know what you have written, and so I shall not trouble you with anything other than my own replies to the queries you have placed and the concerns you have voiced.

I do not find your letter impertinent, despite being unexpected. Rather, that you have undertaken to aid a school-mate, I find a noble enterprise, and I understand your reasons for both abruptness and secrecy in the matter.

I am not at present seeking apprentices, but neither am I currently instructing anyone. Rather, it has long become my habit to discover who is seeking me, and afterward ascertain whether they have the skills and the potential necessary to the study of Alchemy, which is quite a demanding field. As such, your recommendation does not find me particularly willing nor unwilling to engage your school-mate, Severus Snape, under my mentorship. As such, my intentions are as follows:

I shall shortly address a message to the young man himself, to ascertain if he would be interested in an apprenticeship. That being determined, we shall then see if he is of the appropriate mind and temperament to be a student of Alchemy, and if he and I are much suited to one another, as mentorship demands some levels of compatibility in personality. Your disclosures indicate him to be highly intelligent, but intelligence alone does not make a proficient Alchemist, nor a compatible student. However, should our discourse with each other be favorable, I am not adverse to taking your recommendation and accepting the young man into my care and introducing him to my craft.

Indeed, your frank and earnest description of both him and yourself already encourages me in his favor, enough so that, should we not suit, I shall endeavor to see that he is placed under the tutelage of someone suitable for his temperament, his skills and his ambitions.

Cordially,

Nicholas Flamel, Master Alchemist

There was ringing silence in the room for a moment after she read the final line. Then James dropped to the floor with a thump. "Bloody hell...Nicholas Flamel? You wrote Nicholas Flamel?"

Remus nodded. "After I overheard Severus saying he wanted to be an Alchemist, or a Magical Researcher in the Library, I started looking up noted researchers and Alchemists. I didn't pick Dumbledore, for obvious reasons..." James and Sirius both winced and nodded. "...and I thought that since Gryffindors are supposed to be daring, why not go for the best? I didn't think he'd actually...I mean, he's a legend. I didn't even really think he was accepting apprentices any more. I just thought it would be worth a shot."

"Well, unless Snape bollixes it up somehow, it looks like it was well worth it." Sirius gulped in a breath. "Nicholas Flamel...Moony old man, you've got some stones on you."

Lily breathed softly. "This is...he says he'll help Severus find a mentor, even if they don't wind up working together. This is...amazing." She turned and hugged Remus abruptly, then jerked back and scrubbed her eyes. "I'm supposed to meet him and I've got to get going but...thanks for sharing this with me." She smiled, then grabbed her bag and darted out the door.

"Nicholas Flamel...wow...that's huge." James picked himself up off the floor, eyes still wide.

"Yes it is." Remus looked at the letter Lily had given back just before she left, but his mind was on a sheaf of letters hidden in his trunk. "I wonder if he'll tell us in his letters."

***ASiSF***

Severus wasn't sure what was going on with Lily. She'd showed up for a Saturday study session pale and out of breath, but all she'd told him was that she'd received unexpected news about a possible summer engagement, and she didn't want to jinx it before it was certain.

It was a bit disconcerting, especially after he'd shared the majority of his 'Associate' letters with her, but he let it lie. As much as it grated, he supposed Lily was entitled to keep her secrets. And he could understand, a bit, the desire to avoid jinxing something by celebrating it too early.

There was an owl waiting for him, the second Friday in November. Not a school owl, as were most of the ones that brought his 'Associate' letters. It wasn't an owl he recognized at all. Nor was the handwriting addressing the note to him. He untied the letter, gave the owl some bacon, then tucked it away in his pocket to read later in his private study nook. He had a Free Period that morning, and every intention of reading the letter, then finishing up some of his homework. He'd sent off his latest 'Associate' letter the evening before, so that wasn't a consideration.

He ate quickly, but neatly, then retired. He was finding that climbing the stairs to his study room was indeed beneficial, and he was glad he'd packed away a bit of fruit and some bacon to eat when he arrived. He pulled the door shut and engaged a privacy ward, knowing Lily had classes and wouldn't come until the next day, then picked his favorite chair, sat down, and opened the letter.

Seconds later, he was glad he was sitting. He dropped the parchment to his lap, took deep breaths to control the roaring in his ears, then picked it up and read it through again. The words didn't change.

To: Severus Snape Sixth Year of Hogwarts

Concerning: A Proposal

Mr. Snape, my name is Nicholas Flamel. I am a Master Alchemist, and if your interests run in any way towards that field, then you have most likely heard of me.

Your name has recently been recommended to me on the matter of an apprenticeship, to commence either in summer, or at the close of your current educational commitment. My queries have provided me with the impression that you are an industrious, studious and intelligent young man, a prodigy in some fields, and thus impressed upon me that, academically at least, you are not unsuited to the field which is my particular pride and joy.

Having thus received recommendation of you, I wish to inquire whether the pursuit of a study of Alchemy would indeed be of interest to you. Please indicate your interest, or lack thereof, in a return owl. If you are not interested, then I wish you well in your ambitions and endeavors, and I shall turn my attention elsewhere. If, however, a pursuit of Alchemy is of interest to you, then I should be happy to discuss the matter with you, to see if an arrangement of apprenticeship between us might be suitable.

I await your owl, at your earliest convenience.

Most Cordially,

Nicholas Flamel, Master Alchemist

Nicholas Flamel. Someone had recommended him to the attention of Nicholas Flamel, the most noted and acclaimed Alchemist in History.

And Flamel was impressed enough to offer to discuss the possibility of an apprenticeship with him.

He had no idea who had recommended him. Dumbledore (unlikely in his opinion), Slughorn (equally unlikely, though for different reasons), his Associate, Attwater, or someone else. Whoever it was, to even be considered by a man like Flamel, even if he failed to secure an apprenticeship with the man…

For a moment, the thought of the debt he would owe his unknown benefactor nearly choked him. If it was someone like Malfoy, then the Dark Lord literally held the key to his soul with this. But if it wasn't...he couldn't pass up this opportunity based on who might have granted it to him.

His first urge was to dash off a letter proclaiming his acceptance (something along the lines of 'yes, yes, please yes!') and race to Owlery with it. He squashed the impulse with an effort. A reply to something of this magnitude, to a man like Flamel...he couldn't be slapdash about it.

All thoughts of homework were set aside. Severus took a few moments to get his breathing under control and calm his nerves, then pulled out parchment and his best quill, and began to compose a reply.

***ASiSF***

The letter to young Severus Snape had been sent only a week before, but Nicholas was not surprised when the owl winged it's way out of the gray sky to alight on the balcony. He had said 'at your earliest convenience', but he had a feeling that young Snape was not the type to wait.

He took the note, then ushered the owl inside to a stand where it could refresh itself and await his reply. He then took the note to the morning room, where his wife was wont to spend her after-breakfast hours. "Perenelle, it seems our young master Snape has replied." She came immediately to stand by his elbow, curious as he had known she would be.

He unfolded the letter and read it through, appreciating the formality and effort the young man had put into writing it.

To: Master Alchemist Nicholas Flamel

From: Severus Snape, Sixth Year of Hogwarts

Concerning: Your Proposal

Master Flamel, I confess I was most surprised to receive correspondence from a noted individual such as yourself. Even more so, to read that someone had recommended me to your attention, and that my performance academically has been worthy enough to merit even your tentative approval.

It is true that I have some natural talent in both Potions and Spell-Craft, but I confess that I was uncertain if my proficiency was great enough to recommend me to a study of Alchemy. Having said that, and having read in your previous letter that my academic achievements have been given favorable review by yourself, I will readily admit that Alchemy has long been an interest of mine.

I have, from my earliest youth, held a fascination with the workings of Magic in all it's diversity, from Runes to Arithmancy to Potions to Charms and Transfiguration. And I have long considered that Alchemy would be an ideal field to work in, pursuing as it does the study of the combination of many diverse fields of magic, and their applications, alone or in combination with each other.

As such, I am highly gratified by your offer, and I would be most interested in discussing the possibilities of a position under your expert instruction, as I am most honored by receiving your consideration for such discussion.

To that end, I await your next communication with great hope and anticipation.

Yours With Utmost Gratitude and Sincerity,

Severus Snape, Sixth Year of Hogwarts

It was a well-addressed letter, polite and formal enough that even his own instructors, in long ago days, would not have been offended by it. It was also brief, avoided long-winded airs, and modest without being overly so in a way that would have conveyed insincerity.

He handed the letter to his wife. "What do you think, my dear?"

She read the letter slowly, her fingers tracing the words on the parchment. "He writes with great sincerity. And hope...desperation, almost, I would call it." She traced the lines again, a small frown creasing her brows. "There is pain in him. An uncertainty of his own worth. But there is strength in him too."

"Worth pursuing as a student?" They had already made plans to visit Scotland, perhaps to meet the young man, but to take him as an apprentice was another matter entirely.

"He is worth considering. I will know more if we meet him."

"Then I will tell him we will be in Scotland at the holiday, and see if a meeting can be arranged." He gave his wife a gentle kiss to her fingertips, then stepped away to compose his reply.

Author's Note: So...who liked the exchanges between Flamel and Remus and Severus?

Next time: Meeting arrangements are made. Among other things.