Chapter Eleven: Holiday Plans
Severus spent the week following his reply to Flamel feeling as if Ashwinder eggshells had lodged themselves permanently in his throat and gut. He found himself watching every owl that entered Hogwarts with such focused attention that even Regulus commented on it. "You look as if you're awaiting a marriage proposal, Snape."
He glared at the younger Slytherin. "Nothing so mundane." He considered, then reluctantly shared another tidbit. Slytherin was a house that respected secrets, but sometimes being too secretive could cause more trouble than it was worth. "I've been in communications with someone about the possibility of an apprenticeship. I'm waiting for a reply."
"Oh? What field are you pursuing?" Regulus perked up. Only a year behind Severus, he'd be doing his O.W.L tests this year, and planning his own career.
"I have several interests. Right now I am simply exploring possible options." He had no intention of telling anyone in Slytherin about the recent developments, or his correspondence with Nicholas Flamel, brief as it had been. He wasn't sure he'd mention it even if he did secure the apprenticeship. Not with the possible consequences. Slughorn wasn't the only Slytherin who would try to take advantage of a prestigious connection.
"If you say so." Regulus shrugged and went back to eating. Halfway through breakfast, an owl did land in front of him. A school owl, with the now familiar writing of his 'Associate' on the parchment. Severus took the letter, squashing the faint feeling of disappointment, then returned his attention to his breakfast.
The letter, when he opened it after breakfast, was full of the usual friendly chatter, as well as an answer to his last query (what rooms would you want in an ideal house), and a new question of the correspondent's own (which is better, city or rural?)
He folded up the letter, considering his reply. His preferences leaned toward rural. There were some conveniences to living in a town or city, but there were no purely magic towns besides Hogsmeade, which meant he'd have to conceal his magic. Besides, he wasn't a social person by either nature or upbringing, and the thought of being surrounded by people...well, he put up with it in Hogwarts, but he was looking forward to having a small space all his own, as soon as he could afford it. For his own question, since they were back on preferred living conditions, he thought he might ask what environment his Associate would want near their house, and see if he could get a few more clues to their identity that way. After all, he knew his own preferences would tell anyone who didn't know him a great deal.
His own ideal house would be small, one story. No need for a grandiose manor. He'd want something larger than Spinner's End though. There would be room for a library, a sitting room, a kitchen, but also a basement potions laboratory. A better one than Hogwarts had, with ingredients properly stocked and labeled and stored, proper ventilation and temperature controls too. A few bedrooms, in case the rare occasion arose that he entertained guests. An indoor, modernized bathroom. Or two, perhaps. His goal was to have a house that had all the amenities for his chosen work, and yet remained comfortable and cozy, rather than sprawling and overwhelming. As for surroundings, he liked the idea of being surrounded by a forest, cool and comfortable, with plenty of shade.
He sat down to pen his letter, wondering if he ought to include Flamel's offer, then decided against it. No sense in getting ahead of himself. Perhaps he would mention it in later correspondence, if his reply didn't cause Flamel to rethink his choice.
***ASiSF***
Remus wasn't particularly surprised when the next few letters between himself and Severus contained no mention of a potential apprenticeship. He hadn't really expected Severus to write of it, assuming Flamel had followed through with his written promise and contacted the Slytherin youth. Even with all the progress they'd made, Severus was still wary about what he shared. From Lily's reports, he'd never even made mention of it in their study sessions together, though they'd all noticed him watching the incoming owls with unusual intensity.
In the meantime, the letters between Severus and the Marauders continued. Remus wasn't surprised to read that Severus, like himself, preferred the countryside to the city. Neither of them were the most social of beings, though his inner wolf and pack mentality made him slightly more so than the Slytherin.
Severus's previous question about preferred rooms had taken some thought to answer. A room for his transformations was a requirement, of course, but not something he would put in a letter. Not in those terms, at least. Beyond that, a small home, with room for his friends to visit. A kitchen and a bathroom and a sitting room that could serve as a library, and possibly a small study where he could write letters. That was really all he wanted. He rather thought a small cottage would do well, as long as it contained a very sturdy basement. He had eventually written that description, adding only a basement where he could let his wilder side out to play.
In terms of surroundings...wolves were creatures of the forest, as far as he was concerned. On the other hand, his human half craved sunlight and warmth and wide open spaces. He settled on describing something like the grassy area outside Hogwarts, where it bordered the Forbidden Forest. Trees, but not too many. A small pond, and a wide open field.
He sent the letter off, then looked out the window. Frost was forming on the ground, and that worried him. Not because of the cold itself, but what it signaled. The approach of holidays.
James and Sirius were already planning to return to Potter Manor for the holidays. Peter would also be returning home. Lily would be doing the same, returning to spend Christmas with her parents. All of the Marauders had extended invitations, but Remus had refused. He would be staying at the castle for the holiday.
His final transformation of the year would happen between Christmas and the New Year. His parents had arrangements for his transformations at home, but he knew watching him broke their hearts. The set-up at Hogwarts was far better than anything else that could be contrived, and he saw no reason to put them through such sorrow. He didn't think James or Sirius, or even Peter, had broken his confidence and told their parents what he was, and he wasn't anxious to reveal his secret to their families. James' parents were nice enough, but he wasn't sure that would extend to having a werewolf in their home, especially on a full moon night.
Better just to spend the holiday at Hogwarts, enjoy the famed Christmas Feast, and perhaps get some extra reading and studying done. The assignments for Sixth Year weren't quite as brutal as they had been the year before, but they were still fairly challenging.
He suspected that Severus would do the same. If half of what they suspected about his home life was true, then he'd no reason to want to return to his home for the holidays. But then, if what Regulus had told Sirius at the beginning of term was true, there were Slytherins from the Junior Death Eaters (or whatever they called themselves) already courting Severus to bring him to the Dark Lord. He wasn't sure how likely it was that Severus would receive any invitations, but he was certain of some things.
The rest of Slytherin House would have noticed the change in Severus's appearance. He'd seen them watching as Severus received his letters, and the packages. He had no idea what the Slytherin youth had told his housemates, but it was conceivable that they might take the chance to try and pull him further to their side. And really, what was a series of letters against an invitation to Malfoy Manor, or the House of Black? Especially letters from an unknown 'Associate'?
He finally resolved to mention his own plans in his next letter, then ask what Severus might intend. Which left him only the question of what he might give the other boy as a gift.
***ASiSF***
Severus was surprised when, a few days later, he received two owls. One of them was a normal Hogwarts owl, with a letter addressed in now familiar handwriting. The latest reply from his Associate. The other was a larger owl, with a more formal looking letter. He thought he recognized that handwriting as well, and his heart began to pound.
Breakfast forgotten, Severus tugged both letters free, rewarded the owls with some bacon from nearby, then rose and left the table. Being Sunday, most of his Housemates were having a late morning lie-in, which meant he didn't have to field the usual questions.
It also meant he could go up to his room and meet Lily with fewer chances of being discovered, though he knew that Lily would most likely sleep a little later as well.
He took the letters up, warmed the room as best he could, then settled into his favorite chair. After a moment of indecision, he opened the 'Associate' letter first.
Dear Mr. Snape,
I quite like the idea of a small house in a meadow. Ideally, a meadow with some trees dotted around the area, and a small pond, perhaps. Or a stream. I am partial to having water of some sort nearby, for those warm summer days when nothing is so appropriate as a refreshing dip.
For my own question, I wonder...what are your plans for the holidays? They are coming soon.
My own plans are fairly simple. I have much work to do, and my health in any case does not lend itself to travel at this time. Thus I will be remaining where I am, and attempting to keep up with my studies. Will you be doing the same, or have you other plans in mind?
Your Associate
Severus considered the letter. Plans? He hadn't made any, beyond remaining at Hogwarts for the holiday. He had no interest in returning home. He already knew there would be nothing there. No tree, no presents, precious little Christmas cheer, if any. Tobias Snape would likely spend most of the holiday in a drunken stupor, if Christmas luck and charity provided any funds for him to spend on liquor. Eileen would cook and clean and attend to the house, perhaps work to make a few extra coins. At best, they might enjoy a good meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but the best that the Snape household could produce would be poor fare compared to Hogwarts, and flavored with tension and ill-hidden resentment besides. And even if he were willing to put all that aside, he'd no wish for his parents to spot his new clothing and start in on him over it. Nor did he relish the idea of spending weeks in a drafty, ill-heated heap of a house while wandering around in the threadbare rags he'd have to wear if he didn't want a row over his new things.
No, he would be remaining at Hogwarts, and from the tone of the letter, so would his Associate. Which meant…
There was a chance he could identify them over the holidays. The castle was almost empty during Christmas. And if they were in poor health, they'd likely be seeing Pompfrey over the break. Which meant, if he could find a reason for seeing the Nurse as well, then he might see his benefactor's face. Given that he'd been helping supply the Infirmary with potions ever since Third Year, he had ample excuse. Slughorn had never given him any credit, of course, but that was no matter. All he had to do was take a supply up, and see who was there. He could try and work things out from that point.
He folded the letter back up, then turned his attention to the second letter, opening it carefully. Moments later, he was glad to be seated.
To: Mr. Severus Snape, Hogwarts Sixth Year
From: Nicholas Flamel, Master Alchemist
Concerning: The Proposal
Mr. Snape, I was delighted to read that you do, in fact, have some interest in the study of Alchemy. It is indeed a challenging field, involving many branches of magic, magical theory, and study, and few deem it worth the time and effort to pursue. I am gratified to have discovered a potential student of the art in yourself. As such, it would please me greatly if we could meet in person to discuss the prospects of furthering your education in the field. I find that face-to-face meetings are far more productive than simple correspondence, especially for a decision of this magnitude. And make no mistake, it is a decision of great importance, for both involved parties.
I am aware that your current status as a student does not leave a great deal of time however, unless my understanding is amiss, I believe that the holiday period will soon be upon us all. It is also my understanding that students of Hogwarts are given two or three weeks away from school at this time, to better celebrate the season.
As it happens, my wife Perenelle and I will be visiting the Isles during the winter holiday, visiting with friends and enjoying the sights, as we often do. It would please me greatly to arrange a meeting during that time, in Hogsmeade if you intend to reside at Hogwarts Castle over break, or in Diagon Alley or another place of your choosing if you will be housed elsewhere.
Given the usual amount of activity surrounding the holiday, I would suggest some time in the week before Yule, that is Christmas, for such a meeting. However, not knowing your plans, and having a flexible schedule myself, I shall leave that up to your discretion.
I await your reply, and wish you well in your studies.
Cordially,
Nicholas Flamel, Master Alchemist
Severus dropped the letter into his lap and concentrated on controlling his breathing. His heart was pounding loudly in his ears.
A meeting with Nicholas Flamel over the holiday could change everything. If it went well, he could take the first step to gaining everything he'd ever wanted. He was thrilled beyond belief, and terrified beyond words.
He knew his own skills. He knew he was gifted in Potions and Defense. He'd worked hard to create spells, just to prove he could, and to create potions and modify the recipes to make them more effective. He'd worked just as hard to get O scores on his O.W.L tests. He'd even gotten an O in Transfiguration, by far one of his weaker subjects, and in History and Astronomy, which he found dull more than anything. He'd even taken the O.W.L for Muggle Studies, just because he could, and gotten an O in that.
And yet...all his hard work had never earned him any real recognition from Slughorn. Or even any notice, let alone any consideration, from his other teachers or the Headmaster. Even among his fellow Slytherins, it earned him tolerance and grudging respect, nothing else. Flamel was old, even among wizards. He'd just had his 600th birthday. What if he was like Slytherin pure-bloods, seeing nothing but his half-blood status and his lack of money? What if he was like Black and Potter, only seeing him as a Slytherin, another destined to be a Death Eater simply because of his Sorting? What if he was like Dumbledore, the last known student Flamel had taken? Disregarding him simply because he wasn't...well, he'd never known why Dumbledore cared nothing for him.
Severus shoved the thoughts aside. It didn't matter. If Flamel rejected him, then it wouldn't be because of his own lack of effort. The thought hurt, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it. He needed to send a reply. The Christmas holiday was fast approaching.
A quick look at his calendar told him the duration of the break. The first weekend would be the 21st and 22nd, though he wasn't sure Flamel would want to meet on Midwinter Solstice. Conceivably, he could get permission to meet during the week, since it was holiday, but to do so would involve advertising his intentions. Slughorn would be curious, and many of the other teachers would be suspicious. The next weekend would be just before New Years, but it might be preferred.
He read the letter again. No, Flamel had specifically suggested a meeting prior to Christmas. In that case, better to suggest the Solstice, but include a polite recognition of the day and a request for alternatives.
That determined, he pulled out two sheets of parchment. One to address to Flamel, and one to send to his Associate, informing him that he would stay in the Castle. And after that…
He rather thought it might be time to tell Lily what was going on with him. Even if the meeting went badly, she was his friend and deserved to know what was going on.
***ASiSF***
Remus had just received an owl from Severus when Lily came bounding into the Gryffindor Common Room. Her eyes were wide and bright, and she looked a bit like she'd been hit by a Confundus Charm. The instant she spotted Remus, she raced over, yanked out her wand, and cast a privacy ward around both of them.
Remus blinked. Lily gestured. "Come on, reinforce it. I don't want to take any chances."
He blinked again. "Er...all right." He pulled out his wand and cast his own favored privacy charm. "What's going on? You look...everything all right?"
"Of course. It's just...I can't let this get out, but keeping it to myself..." Lily huffed, then flopped into a chair, her eyes shining. "I was just studying with Severus."
"All right. He..." Remus paused, not sure if there was a tactful way to ask if Severus had been a git or something.
"He was fine. He's always polite these days. But he was nervous, and I finally asked him why, and he told me." She met his eyes, her own dancing with excitement. "He's got a meeting over the holiday in Hogsmeade, to discuss the possibility of an apprenticeship."
"Amazing." Remus grinned. "Who with? Did he say?"
"He did." Lily bounced a little in her seat. "Remus...he's meeting with Nicholas Flamel."
"He..." The air left Remus in a whoosh as he collapsed back into his own chair. "Nicholas Flamel? He's actually...Flamel?" He couldn't seem to get a coherent sentence together.
"Yes. He said Flamel wrote him weeks ago, told him he'd been recommended for an apprenticeship, and to write back if he was interested. Severus told him he was, and now they're supposed to be meeting to see if it will work out. If everything goes well, Severus might have an apprentice contract signed before the end of the year."
"That's quick." Remus breathed and tried to control his racing heart.
Flamel. Flamel had actually taken his suggestion, and Severus had found enough courage to take the opportunity. He had very little doubt that Severus could make the proper impression, especially now that he had decent clothing and no longer looked like a dirt-poor waif. Healthy, well-dressed...and of course Severus had the intelligence to make a good impression. As long as he kept his temper, which he doubted Severus would lose in front of Flamel even if stripped naked in front of the school, there was nothing to stop him. Unless Flamel was more into pureblood ideology or something like that than he seemed to be.
"I know. I was surprised when he told me. But...even if he doesn't get this opportunity..."
"Flamel said he'd help him find a master that suited him." Remus finished. "Either way, unless he makes a monumental mistake..." not impossible, but he thought it was less likely than it had once been. "...then Severus will land on his feet."
"He has a chance." Lily shifted on her seat, then flung herself forward to wrap him in a bone-crushing hug. "He has a chance, and you did it. You gave him a way out. We talked about it, but I was never sure it could happen."
Remus grinned and patted her back a moment, then nudged her to sit back. Lily obliged. "It's probably too soon to tell, and it'll be Severus's doing more than mine. And yours, of course. You've been a big help. There are so many missteps we could have made, if you weren't here to explain things."
"Severus deserves it." Lily sighed. "I don't want to tell Potter and Black yet though."
"No." Remus nodded. He could see her reasoning. James and Sirius weren't too good at hiding their feelings, and Peter could barely keep a secret if his life depended on it. How he'd kept the secret of Remus's lycanthropy and their Animagus transformations was a mystery. "No. We'll wait until Severus mentions it to his Associate." He grinned.
"Yes." Lily smiled back. "It's just...I'm so happy for him. I'll be on eggshells the whole break, wondering how it went for him."
"Well, I'll be in the Castle. If you want, I can try and keep an eye on him."
Lily huffed out a sigh. "That would be great, if you think you can do it without him catching you."
"Easy enough." He'd ask James if he could borrow the Map and the Cloak over the holiday.
Just then, the portrait hole opened to reveal James and Sirius, Peter tagging along behind. They'd just come in from Quidditch practice, if the mud on their robes and shoes was anything to go by. Remus stifled a grimace. Better them than him, even if it meant the showers in their dorm would be unavailable for the next hour. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lily give a flick of her wand to disperse the privacy charms. A quick shared glance, and both of them pulled out their Potions notes.
Even news like Lily's didn't mean there wasn't studying to be done.
***ASiSF***
The Hogwarts owl winging it's way out of the sky wasn't expected, but neither was it a surprise. Nicholas set his tea to the side and opened the window so the bird could find refuge inside. The weather wasn't horrible, but the leaden skies promised a change in the near future, and he wasn't minded to let an owl freeze to death outside his window.
He took the letter from the owl's leg, offering it water and some treats in return and directing it to the nearby owl stand, then returned to the table just as Perenelle arrived for breakfast.
"Mail from Scotland?"
"Yes. Young Snape, I believe." Nicholas slid a letter opener through the wax seal and removed the folded missive.
To: Master Alchemist Nicholas Flamel
From: Severus Snape, Sixth Year Hogwarts Student
Concerning: Your Proposed Meeting
Master Flamel, I am most gratified and honored to receive your offer of an interview for a possible apprenticeship. As such, given your recommendation, my own plans are as follows:
I have intentions to remain at Hogwarts for the duration of the holiday. As a Sixth Year, I have some freedom to visit Hogsmeade on the weekends, and would be amenable to a meeting in the establishment of your choice. However, you have suggested meeting prior to Christmas, and upon research, it has come to my notice that this years pre-Christmas weekend falls on the 21st and 22nd, which is to say, the days of Midwinter Solstice. As I know not how formal your observances of the holiday are, and to which traditions you adhere, I thought it best to take note.
In light of this fact, I would prefer if you would name the date, time and location of your preference, that I might avoid suggesting something that does not suit with your observances of the season. More to the point, it does not escape my notice that, in spite of your generous suggestion, you are the Master, and I am the hopeful applicant and, as such, it is your right and privilege to conduct the interview in the time and place of your greatest convenience. I would not wish to show disrespect by putting my own inclinations ahead of the respect such a noted master of the Art is due. Therefore, I humbly request that you owl me with your preferred arrangements, and I shall enable myself to be able to meet them, in whatever manner is necessary.
I await your reply at your convenience, and I look forward to the opportunity to make your acquaintance.
With Utmost Gratitude,
Severus Snape, Sixth Year of Hogwarts
Nicholas perused the letter, a small smile forming on his lips as he finished.
Young Snape had done well in writing the letter. Extending the courtesy of a would-be apprentice to a prospective master, researching the dates and indicating his awareness of the Old Rites as well as the more modern customs and acknowledging the potential conflict. Whatever else the young man was, he had manners, or at least the sense to be courteous. There were plenty of young wizards who would not have been so polite. And if there was a subtle edge to the deference, a hint of abasement that spoke of being treated as a second class citizen...well, he would know soon enough from where it stemmed. Most likely the strife young Lupin's letter had spoken of.
Perenelle plucked the letter from his fingers as he finished, reading it through with pursed lips. "Unpolished, but wise. And courteous. Or at least attempting to be so."
"Yes, that was my impression as well." Nicholas nodded. "What do you think?"
"I think that a Solstice meeting with young Snape would be a very good idea."
"A Solstice meeting? The 21st?"
"Yes dear. It may prove a turning point." Perenelle smiled.
Turning point indeed. Both of them knew the power of the Solstices and Equinoxes. And Winter Solstice, Years Long Night, was generally considered the tipping point from darkness to light. From the way Perenelle emphasized the words, this one had the potential to be more significant than most.
"Very well. I will write and tell young Severus to meet us in Hogsmeade on that date. The Three Broomsticks should provide adequate accommodations." He could have suggested meeting at Hogwarts Castle, but some latent instinct urged against it.
No, not instinct, but rather an awareness in the back of his mind. Albus Dumbledore was well known as an associate of his, and the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Yet, neither Lupin nor Snape had given any indication that they had involved Albus in their communications with him, though most would have assumed that Dumbledore's endorsement would be a powerful element in their favor. And it was true, he had maintained a strong friendship with the younger wizard since their paths had diverged. And yet...clearly there was something else in play, since Lupin had apparently bypassed Dumbledore to appeal directly to him.
And if that was the case, whatever conditions had merited such action, it would be best to meet on neutral ground until he could sort out what was going on.
Nicholas took the letter and folded it back into it's original shape, then moved to retire to his study. First, he had a reply to make to young Snape. After that, there were plans to be made.
Author's Note: Sort of a filler, but things are moving along. Next chapter...drama! Certain things come to light...