The Potion's Master
***2 September 1976***
Severus settled himself into one of the front lab tables and pulled out his mother's old textbook along with his quill and parchment. His mother's copy of Advanced Potions Making was amongst his most prized possessions. He had actually found it when he was looking amongst his mother's old school things the year before and he had practically memorised it. Severus had even signed the book as the 'Half-Blood Prince'. As a child, when they were in private, Severus' mother would refer to him as her 'Little Half-Blood Prince'. Those days were long gone.
His mother's old school book had been a boon to Severus. As he conducted research that led him to invent a potion that held the potential to make him financially independent, Severus had made many important discoveries that improved upon some existing practices and even some new techniques. He began to use his mother's text book as a journal, of sorts, where he would jot down some of his best ideas not only for Potions, but for spells. He wouldn't trade the battered tome for all of the new Potion's books in Flourish and Blott's.
Professor Myers had handed out timetables that morning at breakfast and Severus was very happy with his. Arithmancy, Herbology, Ancient Runes, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and of course, Potions would fill Severus' days. The curriculum would not only prepare him for his first career choice, Potion's Master, but also his second choice, Healer.
The Marauders were half right about Severus…he did study the Dark Arts and he knew more about Dark magic than most people his age. That…coupled with his formidable wand skills was why his dorm-mates tolerated him when they normally berated most half-bloods. What they got wrong was Severus did not practice Dark magic. But just the mention of Dark magic had always been enough to set Lily off, so Severus usually kept his private studies…private. Severus could never get Lily to understand that in order to counter Dark magic one had to know how it worked.
He idly watched as the other Sixth-year NEWT students wandered into the dungeon classroom. Oddly enough, Avery was not taking Potions, although he had made a high enough OWL score. Out of his fellow Slytherins, only Rosier and Sinistra joined him on the left side of the room. Rosier was actively trying to attain Sinistra's favour and the young woman seemed to be receptive to his attention. They took a table two rows back from Severus.
Unlike in the lower level classes, NEWT level classes consisted of students from all Houses. The Ravenclaws gathered in the desks directly behind the Slytherins and the Lions and Puffs took the tables in the right aisle. Severus noticed that Lily came in accompanied by her friend Alice, and much to Severus' annoyance… the Marauders…well… the Marauders sans Pettigrew. Apparently all of Lupin's tutoring wasn't enough to drill enough sense into the runt of the pack for him to pass his OWLs on his own. Black and Potter had been boasting for years that they were going to become Aurors. Unfortunately for Severus, that meant having to suffer with them in NEWTs Potions.
Severus purposely turned his face away from the arrogant Gryffindors and focused his attention to the man at the dais. He wasn't about to let Lily know how much she had hurt him and he certainly wasn't going to give any more fodder to the Marauders in which to torment him with.
Dr O'Conner had been introduced the previous night along with his wife and daughter but today he sat alone at his desk, his fingers underlining the text he was reading on his parchment. The Headmaster had announced that the new professor would be addressed with his academic title of 'Doctor', rather than the traditional title of Professor. Lucy had explained that in America, Witches and Wizards attended university to obtain their higher certifications. As opposed to Europe, where one only needed to apprentice under a Master and pass a certification exam to obtain their Mastery, in America one had to earn their degree at a university. Her father had extended his study into the field and obtained a very coveted and rare Doctorate.
Dr O'Conner was a tall man who seemed to be relatively fit for his age. His very demeanour commanded respect. He had dark brown hair and wore curious dark, small round spectacles, even at night. At first, Severus wondered if the doctor was trying to be trendy, but from what he read of Dr O'Conner's articles and what little he had observed of the wizard interacting with the other professors, the Potion's Master didn't seem the sort. His robes were conservative enough and the dark orange-brown conveyed a picture of a man who did not seem frivolous at all.
Severus had just removed his new cauldron and his Potion's kit when Dr O'Conner stood up and called class to order. His hand brushed along the desk top as he came around the front and leaned against his desk. Dr O'Conner then waved his wand in the direction of the blackboard, making the chalk write his name on the board of its own volition.
"Good Morning," the Potion's Master said in a nasal American accent that was distinctly different from his daughters. "I'm Dr Richard O'Conner and this is Lab Four-A, Level One NEWTs, Year Six. Please double check your schedules," the Professor said, "and be certain you are in the right lab."
Only Charity Burbage and Jasper Tugwood of Hufflepuff actually pulled out their timetables to check them.
The Professor continued, "Those of you who are not sitting next to somebody, please take this moment to partner up with someone. Most projects will be solo, but there will be one or two where you will be required to work as a team. Choose your seats wisely, because it is where you will remain for the remainder of the term."
A couple of students moved their seats. Unfortunately, Lily was already partnered with her friend, Alice, and much to Severus' irritation, Potter slid into the desk behind them. Potter ended up sitting next to Clementine Wood. Normally, Potter and Black shared a table whilst Lupin shared with Pettigrew. But Wood was seated directly behind Lily and Severus knew that Potter was simply jockeying to get as close to Lily as he could and his cohorts were happy to help.
There were an odd number of students in the classroom and Severus did not expect anyone to partner up with him. Severus had a well-deserved reputation of being picky and temperamental when it came to his school work and not even his own House mates liked to work with him. Only Lily had been able to work companionably with Severus. He actually preferred to work alone, but if he was required to team up with someone he would need a partner. He was about to say something to Dr O'Conner. Needless to say, he was stunned when he felt someone brush his shoulder behind him; and someone who should not have been there, took the inside chair next to his.
"I hope you don't mind," Lucy said quietly. "I like to sit at the front of the room."
Before Severus could reply, Dr O' Conner had turned his attention towards his daughter. "Ms O'Conner," Dr O'Conner said seriously. "You aren't on the rota for this course."
"I apologise, Da…Dr O'Conner," Lucy said contritely as she took a rolled parchment from her bag. "I have note from Professor Myers approving my transfer. I just now left his office. That's why I'm late."
Dr O'Conner stood directly over their work desk and held his hand out, his lips pressed thin. As Dr O'Conner seemed to look down at his daughter, Severus could just catch a glimpse of his brown eyes behind his odd, dark glasses. Something about them struck Severus as strange. They did not follow Lucy's motion as she placed the parchment in his hands. His eyes looked almost paralyzed and they were slightly clouded.
As Dr O'Conner mumbled an incantation that caused the writing on Lucy's parchment to glow and his fingers deftly brushed across the words, Severus was struck by a stunning revelation. Despite his breakthrough into Potions to restore sight…Dr O'Conner, himself, was blind. Nobody else in the classroom seemed to notice.
Dr O'Conner sharply rolled the parchment and said tersely to his daughter as he held the parchment up for emphasis, "We'll discuss this further after class, Ms O'Conner."
"Yes, Sir," Lucy said, seemingly relieved that she was allowed to stay.
Severus was slightly confused over the interchange. True…Lucy had originally said that she was not taking Potions, but he thought that the Potion's Master might be pleased to find his daughter in his class. If anything, Dr O'Conner seemed slightly irritated. More surprisingly, Lucy seemed not to be fazed, nor did she seem to take offence as she took out her quill and parchment and prepared to take notes.
As Dr O'Conner confidently strode back up to the lecture dais, Severus could feel someone's eyes fixed upon him. Most of the students had their attention fixed on the exchange between father and daughter, but Severus had turned just in time to see that Lily had been watching him.
Severus didn't know what to think. A part of his heart raced with happiness to think that Lily might be jealous of another girl sitting willingly next to him, but Severus could not deny that he still felt emotionally caned by her betrayal. When his eyes finally met Lily's, she flushed and turned her attention to the front of the room. Potter and Black had both taken notice of the exchange between Severus and Lily, but Severus simply turned his attention to the Professor as he began to speak and ignored the Marauder's glares.
Professor O'Conner said, "When I call your name, please say 'here', otherwise you will be marked as absent."
The rest of the class soon realised that there was something different about Dr O'Conner, basically because Sirius Black couldn't follow simple directions. Jason Abbot of Hufflepuff answered Dr O'Conner directly when his name was called, but of course Black arrogantly raised his hand a remained silent when the Potion's Master called for him.
It wasn't until Dr O'Conner asked if anyone knew what had happened to 'Mr Black' that Black cleared his throat in embarrassment and answered that looks of realization dawned on the other's faces. Severus looked over at Lucy, curious to see her reaction but she simply shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes, obviously used to the reactions of others. Severus was glad that Rosier and Sinistra were sitting two tables back. He knew he would otherwise be getting a tap on the shoulder and a passed note from Evan asking questions that Severus did not know the answers to.
The rest of the roll call went without incident and after Dr O'Conner explained that only students who were serious about the subject should remain and anyone caught horse playing in his classroom would be dealt with severely, he went straight into his lecture.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the first half of this term will be spent researching and brewing complex medicinal potions and unguents which will include treatments, remedies, antidotes, and cures. Contrary to what many might think, there are differences. Would anyone care to venture a guess what these differences might be?"
Severus knew the answer but was not sure how to gain Dr O'Conner's attention without shouting out. From the more than one confused look in the classroom, he wasn't the only one wondering the same thing. The room remained quiet until Lucy finally spoke up.
"If I may, Dr O'Conner," Lucy said without hesitation.
Dr O'Conner turned his attention to his daughter and with a nod of his head he acknowledged her and answered, "Of course, Ms O'Conner."
Lucy straitened herself in her seat and said confidently in her unique accent, "A 'Treatment' is exactly that…it treats the symptoms of a condition, such as headaches, fever, coughing, sneezing or general body aches and the like, but does not cure or heal a malady. A 'Remedy' is used to heal physical trauma, such as broken bones, lacerated kidneys, or burns. Unguents are generally used as topical remedies. 'Antidotes' are used to counter the effects of poisons, toxins, or other Potions like Polyjuice though the effects of that Potion do usually wear off on their own. 'Cures' are used to cure diseases or reverse the effects of Curses. There are some Potions that can act in more than one category, such as a Mandrake Restorative."
Severus was rather impressed by Lucy's thorough answer, and her father seemed to be as well, for there was a slight tinge of pride in his voice when he said, "Very good, Ms O'Conner. Five points to Slytherin. Now…there are many ingredients that are used either alone or on combination with most complex medicinal Potions. Could someone name three ingredients used in these Potions?"
Severus wondered if Lucy would answer again, but she nudged her head in her father's direction, encouraging Severus to give an answer. However, before he could find his voice, Lily raised her hand and tentatively spoke up.
"Erm…Dr O'Conner?" Lily looked about and paled. She put down her hand, nearly sitting on it, when she realised that she looked silly holding up her hand to gain the attention of a man who could not see. Severus never realised she had so many freckles. They weren't unattractive, but Severus had been certain that he had memorised everything about her face.
Dr O'Conner turned his attention to Lily and asked, "Yes, young lady? And what is your name and House?"
"Lily's voice shook a little when she replied, "Lily Evans… Gryffindor, Sir."
"Ah…Ms Evans," Dr O'Conner said brightly. "Professor Slughorn spoke very highly of you. Three ingredients, if you please."
Lily looked slightly more confident at the unsolicited praise and answered with more conviction than she had previously, "Mandrake, Phoenix Tears, and Bezoars are three ingredients used in the bases of many medicinal potions, Sir."
Dr O'Conner awarded Lily five points for Gryffindor—which Severus found to be too generous. Lucy had given a much more thorough answer and had been awarded the same points.
Dr O'Conner was about to continue the lecture, when someone shouted from the back of the room, "Professor O'Conner!"
Severus wasn't the only one who nearly jumped out of his seat when Quirinus Quirrell of Ravenclaw suddenly blurted out the Professor's name.
Quirrell's face coloured as he awkwardly continued now that the entire class' attention was set on him.
"I'm sorry, Sir," Quirrell said more timidly. "I'm Quirinus Quirrell of Ravenclaw."
"Did you have something to say, Mr Quirrell," Dr O'Conner asked, seemingly unaffected by Quirrell's outburst.
"Erm…yes, Sir. I was just wondering why a bezoar would be used as an ingredient when it can be used to counteract poisons in its natural form?"
Dr O'Conner's face brightened. Severus had to admit, he rather enjoyed the way Dr O'Conner encouraged interaction from his students.
"That is a very good question, Mr Quirrell. Can anyone here give him an answer?" Dr O' Conner asked.
Nobody else seemed to have the answer, with the exception of Lucy, who looked as though she were biting her tongue to keep from answering. Severus knew the answer and Lucy must have seen it in his face. She looked at Severus and pointedly nudged her head in her father's direction again. She silently mouthed, "Go ahead."
Severus had to supress the urge to raise his hand like Lily had. He was still looking at Lucy, marvelling at her encouragement when he said, "Severus Snape of Slytherin House, Dr O'Conner."
"Come, Mr Snape, tell us what you know about bezoars."
Old Slugghorn had never called Severus out in class before. The former Professor had always called upon his favourites and Severus had not been amongst them. For a moment Severus thought he might lose his voice.
Then, from the corner of his eye he caught Lucy smiling at him—a genuine warm and encouraging smile. Severus did not know why she smiled at him, nor did he know why he cared, but he found courage in her smile nonetheless.
"Yes, Sir," Severus answered, turning his attention back to the Professor. "It is true that the common goat bezoars can counter simple poisons and slow down the effects of more complex ones by simply shoving one down the victims throat—"
Severus was interrupted by soft giggles and choked back guffaws but a sharp "Ahem", from Dr O'Conner quickly brought the class back to order.
The Professor regarded the classroom sternly then said to Severus, "Please go on, Mr Snape."
Severus felt like he had a stone lodged in his throat, but he managed to squeeze out another, "Yes, Sir," and then continued.
"Nearly all poisons, no matter how simple or complex, will have an alternate antidote other than a bezoar. However, the more complex a poison is, the more likely it will require a goat bezoar and the more likely the bezoar will require a catalyst. By analysing the separate components and remembering Golpalott's Third Law that states, 'The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the…"
Dr O'Conner had a funny quirk on his face as he allowed Severus to prattle on about bezoars and Golpalott's Third Law. As Severus continued to speak, the Professor turned his back momentarily and pointed his wand at a tall cupboard that set along the back wall of the room. The right door of the cabinet opened and several small boxes floated across the room and came to rest on a tall table upon the dais.
When Severus finished, Dr O'Conner said, "Mr Snape, I see that you specifically mentioned goat bezoars. Can you elaborate?"
All eyes were on Severus. Most of the class had tuned him out when he initially began to talk, but like Severus, they must have noticed that Dr O'Conner had specifically called on him. Severus wasn't sure if the attention was a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, it was a stroke to his ego to think that he had gained positive attention from the Professor. On the other hand, positive attention from a teacher did not always equate to positive attention from one's classmates. Severus didn't mind telling Dr O'Conner all that he knew, but why did he have to do it in front of the entire class?
Severus tried to swallow down that pesky lump in his throat that stubbornly refused to go away. "Yes, Dr O'Conner. All mammals can produce bezoars, but because goats can digest plants that other grazing animals find toxic, their bezoars are most suited for antidotes, with the exception of nightshades and mould toxins. Solanaceæ and mould toxins are deadly to goats and therefore their bezoars are ineffective for poisons based on either."
Dr O'Conner smiled and said, "Very good Mr Snape. I think such a thorough explanation warrants another ten points to Slytherin."
Severus looked behind him to see the reaction of his House mates. Sure enough, they greeted him with thumbs up and silly grins. He received smattered, half-hearted applause from the Puff's and Ravens. The Gryffindor's just glared at him, mostly because over half of them were Marauders or Marauder worshippers, except Lily. Severus couldn't decipher the far-off look on her face, but as soon as she noticed that Severus had spotted her, her attention became stoically fixed on her Potion's text.
It became obvious that the topic of the day would remain bezoars and their role in antidotes as Dr O'Conner continued to lecture on some of the characteristics of different bezoars and what poisons they are best pitted against. He then passed out one box to each table and asked his students to physically describe the bezoars inside, identify what animal they came from, and name at least two antidotes they could be used in.
Severus was a bit taken aback when Lucy scooted her stool closer to his. Severus wasn't accustomed to being so close to a girl…well…except for Lily, but somehow, Lily didn't seem to count.
Severus opened their box and said to Lucy in a low voice, "You're the Potion Master's daughter. I don't expect to get anything less than an 'O' on this project."
"For some reason, I don't think you need my help to get an 'O' in this subject, Severus," Lucy said with a mischievous grin as she picked the largest bezoar and studied it. "Ten points… Keep on answering Daddy's question like that and we're sure for the House Cup... This one's bovine."
From the type of clover and the course hair embedded in the calcified stone, she was right. They both diligently wrote down the information Dr O'Conner required and went on to the next. The next one was easy. It was obviously a common goat bezoar. When Severus picked up the next one, he almost fell out of his chair.
"Merlin's balls," Severus said under his breath in awe.
Lucy looked up from where she was still writing and warily looked around the room. Apparently she wanted to make certain her father did not hear Severus' coarse language. The professor was leaning over and answering a question from Black, so he either did not hear Severus, or chose to ignore him.
"What…what is it?" Lucy quietly asked with a hint of alarm.
"Look at his one, Lucy," Severus said with quiet urgency. "Is this what I think it is?"
Lucy took the slightly purple stone from Severus' hand. Severus knew his identification was right when she nearly dropped the bezoar from surprise. She looked up at Severus with wide eyes. "Oh, my…If you're thinking that this one is human, I think you're right. But from the lavender colour, it has obviously been rendered inert."
The stone was smaller than the more common goat bezoar, but as Lucy said, it was stained a light-purple. In the middle of the calcification was a clump of very fine, long hair that could belong to none other than a human. There were also little pieces of what looked to be linen cloth embedded in the stone.
Human bezoars, though not unheard of, were exceedingly rare and rarely used, basically because as an antidote, they were only effective for the person who produced them. Unfortunately, they could also be used to cast very powerful curses against the one who produced it and the only way a counter-curse could be produced was with another bezoar from the same person. As a result, when a human produced a bezoar, it was common practice to neutralise its magic in a potion that caused it to turn light-purple. Most human bezoars were produced by children. No one wanted to risk their child's bezoar making into the hands of a Dark Wizard.
Severus and Lucy looked up at each other, both exclaiming in hushed and excited voices, "Wow!"
Severus turned to his quill and parchment, writing frantically as Lucy hurriedly skimmed through the text to look up more information on human bezoars. As Severus wrote, he silently pondered about how nice it was to have a partner that could become as excited over potion ingredients as he was. Lily was very good at Potions, but she never became excited over them like Severus. Lucy might prove to become the ideal partner. And to think…she hadn't planned on taking Potions.
The lesson ended, and Dr O'Conner assigned everyone to read Golpalott's Third Law so that they might be prepared to produce an antidote to an unknown poison at their next meeting.
Severus noticed that Lucy was packing her bag rather quickly. She tried to move her way past Severus when her father called out, "Lucy…I believe I asked you to stay behind."
Lucy plunked her bag back down on the table and gave a sigh of resignation. She knew she had been caught and there was no point in denying it.
"Yes, Daddy," she said heavily.
Severus was gathering up his rucksack, getting ready to head for lunch, when Dr O'Conner said, "Mr Snape. If you don't have a class to rush off to, may I have a moment of your time after I talk to my daughter?"
Severus felt the butterflies gather in his stomach as he put his own bag back on the table, "Of course, Sir," was all he could managed to say.
Lucy was already in her father's office, standing in front of his desk, looking very much like a petulant child who knew she had done something wrong. Severus just didn't understand what it could be. It didn't look like he would find out because Dr O'Conner ominously closed the door behind him.
Once, he heard Lucy's slightly raised voice say, "But, Daddy, I know I can do it…" to which her father replied, "Your mother and I have already given you our final word on this, Lucy."
There were a couple more minutes in which Severus heard nothing and then Dr O'Conner finally opened the door, holding up a parchment to his daughter who looked slightly heartbroken. "I'll be sending this to Professor Myers straight away."
Despite the resigned expression on her face, she still stopped in front of her father then stood on her toes, planting a kiss on his cheek, "Yes, Daddy."
Dr O'Conner stood at the door waiting for Severus to enter. As he passed Lucy she asked, "This is my lunch hour too. I can wait if you like."
He looked at her bemusedly and said, "Sure," because he was too stunned to say anything else.
Severus stepped into the Potion Master's office. It was much like old Slughorn's office had been; full of slimy potion ingredients that were fascinating, even if a bit nauseating to look at. The room was windowless and dark, despite the two sconces lit on opposite walls. It was rather eerie. Severus wouldn't want a jar of disembodied newt eyes staring back at him every day, but he supposed that wasn't a problem for Dr O'Conner.
"Please, Mr Snape, make yourself comfortable," the Professor offered as he closed the door behind him.
Severus took one of the chairs in front of Dr O'Conner's large oak desk, but he was anything but comfortable.
Dr O'Conner seated himself in his chair on the opposite side of the desk. To Severus, he seemed rather imposing, but the first words out of the man's mouth caught him by surprise.
"First thing, Mr Snape, I would like to thank you for standing up for Lucy yesterday on the train. That was very noble of you."
Severus searched his mind for the right words because, 'You're welcome' just didn't seem right thing to say and he wondered how much of the story Lucy had told him.
"Well, I couldn't just stand there and let them talk that way about a girl, Sir," Severus said, mildly astonished that he hadn't choked on his words from his nervousness.
"She told her mother and I last night after the feast," the professor said as he picked up a file that was lying on his desk.
Severus remembered Lucy ran up to the Head table to speak to her parents after the Welcoming Feast was officially over and the firsties had been gathered to follow the Fifth Year prefects. Oddly, it wasn't her father, but her mother who had been seated next to the Headmaster, and she wasn't even an employee. Severus didn't think Lucy had enough time to give them details about the train ride. Apparently, he was wrong.
Just like it had done when he was scanning Lucy's schedule, the parchment began to glow as Dr O'Conner deftly scanned it with the tips of his fingers.
"My daughter has always had a hard time socialising outside of family," the Professor commented. "It's heartening to see she has made a friend already. Hm…It seems the OWL examiners had some very flattering things to say about your brewing techniques and your problem solving abilities."
"Thank you, Sir," Severus said. He wondered where this was going. The Professor had already thanked him for defending Lucy.
Dr O'Conner closed his file and turned back to Severus, "Other than a couple of minor disciplinary incidents with the same group of boys, you have a rather impressive academic record, Mr Snape."
Severus was tempted to tell the Professor that it was the same group of boys who insulted his daughter, but he had a feeling that this meeting had nothing to do with the Marauders.
"I also noticed that you never made a grade lower that an 'O' in Potions, yet Professor Slughorn failed to recommend you in his letter to me. Did you and Slughorn not get along?"
Severus wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't that he didn't get along with Slughorn; it was just that he had been invisible to Slughorn. Severus was homely and awkward. He had no social or political connections and he was not charismatic. Chances were, the ex-Professor only thought Severus made good grades because of Lily. It never occurred to him that Lily had succeeded as well as she had in Potions because it was Severus who mentored and encouraged her, not the other way around. Certainly, Lily was bright enough to have done well in her own right, but whenever she rose her hand to give an answer in class, more often than not they were Severus' words she used.
Severus was afraid to complain about another teacher, even an ex-teacher. He did not what to be seen as a whinger or an excuse maker.
"No, Sir. I had no issues with Professor Slughorn."
Severus didn't think his voice sounded convincing and apparently, Dr O'Conner thought the same thing.
"Mr Snape, I'm asking you to be candid. I have gone over every student record over the summer and yours stands out. You were obviously Slughorn's top student and frankly, I am mystified by his omission of you in his letter."
Severus focused on the intricate design on the tips of his prized dragon hide boots. "Well…Sir…I don't think it's my place to criticise a teacher."
"In this case, I believe it is," the Professor countered. "But as we are getting short on time, we'll readdress the question at another time. I need to get to the point of this meeting so you can get to lunch. Are you interested in a career in Potions, Mr Snape?"
Severus' attention was caught immediately and his heart leapt with excitement. "Yes, Sir, I am. Especially medicinal potions and counter-curses."
There was a satisfied grin on the Professors face, "I have to admit, I've rarely heard such a detailed explanation on bezoars from one of my Graduate students. Very impressive, Mr Snape…very impressive."
"Th…Thank you, Sir," Severus stammered.
Dr O'Conner now had a wide smile. "You're welcome. I am offering you an assistantship, Mr Snape. I'm afraid it isn't very glamorous. Mostly grunt-work. You would be required to do some things that are often done by students in detention, but you would also run errands for me into the village from time-to-time, so that might be fun. There is also a small stipend and lab privileges, with my permission, of course.
"An assistantship?"
"Yes, and if that works out, then perhaps we can later discuss a formal apprenticeship."
"An apprenticeship…you would recommend me for an apprenticeship?"
"Recommend? No. I would offer you an apprenticeship under myself. That is of course only if the assistantship works out and your parents agree."
Severus sat mute. He was having a hard time breathing. He would have been more than thrilled for a recommendation. But an apprenticeship under Dr Richard O'Conner! Severus could write his ticket anywhere!
Severus was a little nervous about a letter going to his parents. He didn't know if they would even bother to answer it.
"My father is a Muggle," Severus said almost apologetically. "He doesn't understand much about magic and my mum is ill. I'll be of age in January. I can sign myself into an apprenticeship then."
Dr O'Conner arose from his chair, keeping his right hand on the edge of the desk and allowing it to guide him towards Severus' voice. "There's nothing to apologise for, Mr Snape. My father's a Muggle too."
Suddenly Severus felt a comforting masculine hand on his shoulder. "Mr Snape? Was there something else you wanted to say?"
There was much Severus wanted to say. But he would not talk about his parents. Of course, he would send his mum an Owl and tell her all about the assistantship, but he doubted he would get a reply. As the years passed, his mum had become more and more withdrawn from reality. When his father wasn't home, she mindlessly went about, quietly cleaning the house the Muggle way and obsessively reading the Daily Prophet, which was her only link to the wizarding world when Severus wasn't about. Frankly, Severus believed she needed professional care, but he had no say in it and his dad didn't seem to care overly much.
Over the summer, Severus noticed that most nights, she had to be reminded to bathe and feed herself. The only good to seem to come out of his mother's lethargy was that she had no bruises when Severus came home from school last spring. She had withdrawn so far into herself apparently Tobias found that beating up on her was no longer worth the energy. That…and Severus' threats.
Tobias hadn't laid a hand on Severus in over two years because Severus had grown enough to fight back. Severus had also told his father that although he had terrorised his wife into being a Squib, Severus was not. Sod the ban on underage Wizardry, he wouldn't hesitate to curse his own father if he laid a hand on his mum again. But despite the fact that Tobias no longer physically abused his family the psychological damage was already done.
Severus was determined that once he could, he would get his mum away from Tobias and get her the professional help she needed. He was afraid that it was only a matter of time before his father's old habits resurfaced their ugly heads, and then his mum might really be in trouble. But running away took money, and so did acquiring the services of a good Mind Healer. Severus needed this assistantship. If he could gain the apprenticeship by spring, he could actually take his exam for his Mastery before he turned twenty. His mum just needed to hold on a bit longer. Over the summer he had told her as much...that he would take her away as soon as he could. He just hoped she believed him.
He hated to think about his home life. It accomplished nothing but making him angry and resentful. Angry at his father and his temper…resentful that his mother hadn't done more to protect herself and her son in the early years, yet he could not find it in his heart to fault his mum. There was no use in talking about it with anyone because there was nothing anyone could do. His mum's Prince relatives had disowned her long ago and Severus couldn't see appealing to the Snapes. So he and his mum were alone in the world, and it was up to Severus to take care of her as much as he could on his own.
"No, Sir. I can't think of anything."
The Professor did not look convinced as he removed his hand from Severus' shoulder. "Okay then."
With a flick of his wand a parchment emerged from his desk and floated over to Severus. "This is a list of responsibilities and expectations for both of us. Think on it the next couple of days and if you're interested, be here at seven o'clock Saturday night."
Severus looked at the rolled parchment in awe as he arose from his chair. He was so grateful he was at a loss for words. "Sir…I…I don't know what to say."
"Well of course you don't," the Professor said with a chuckle as he led Severus to the door. "You haven't even read the parchment. You might have a change of heart."
Dr O'Conner held out his hand and Severus shook it enthusiastically. "I'm sure I won't. Thank you, Dr O'Conner. I am so honoured."
Dr O'Conner chuckled again and said, "Please…enough with the praise. You'll give me a big head. Just keep up what you've been doing, Mr Snape, and I'm sure everything will work out splendidly for you."
As Severus came out of the office with Dr O'Conner, he saw Lucy look up from her reading. He said, "Thank you again, Professor. I promise to make you proud."
"I'm sure you will," Dr O'Conner said as he patted Severus on the shoulder and then turned his attention to his daughter.
"Lucy?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Make sure you come down and say hello to your mother before curfew."
"I will," Lucy said as she stuffed her Charms book into her bag. "Severus and I better get going if we're going to eat."
"You two get going, then. I'll see you tonight, Lucy…Severus—I hope to see you Saturday," the Professor said pointedly.
Severus and Lucy said their goodbyes to Dr O'Conner and headed up the stairs to the Great Hall.
"So…what did Daddy want?" Lucy asked excitingly.
Severus couldn't help but smile when he answered, "He offered me an assistantship with a stipend."
Lucy looked like she was going to jump out her skin as her face was lit up with excitement. She began walking backwards to face Severus. "Why, that's fantastic, Severus! If you play your cards right, it could lead to an apprenticeship!"
"That's what your dad said," Severus said happily. Severus was afraid that he might have to depend on Avery and Mulciber's Dark Lord to get ahead. Who knows what he would have asked in exchange for such a favour. But now…now Severus had a legitimate chance for an apprenticeship under one of the world's best Masters. This…this could change everything.
"By the way, why did he call you in? Doesn't he want you in potions?"
Lucy sobered a little and turned around, facing the right direction. She held on to her rucksack strapped across her shoulder with both hands, and walked step-in-step with Severus. "Of course he wants me in Potions. He just doesn't want me to overload."
"Overload? You didn't drop a class to pick up Potions?"
"Of course I did," she said with a bit of offence. "The thing is I added two courses," she added remorsefully.
Severus stifled a laugh. "I take it he took issue with it.
"Took issue," Lucy scoffed. "I'm lucky he didn't call me to the woodshed."
Severus wasn't entirely sure what Lucy meant by that, but he was pretty sure it wasn't a good thing.
"What was the other course you added?"
"It doesn't matter," Lucy said evasively. "He said I had to choose one and since Uncle Albus tutored me in Defence and Transfiguration over the summer, I decided to keep Potions. Do you know how to make a Patronus? I can't make a corporeal one yet, but Uncle Albus said…"
Lucy started to ramble so quickly, it took a moment for Severus to register what she had said.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait," he said as he grabbed her arm. Lucy stopped and looked at him quizzically. "Did you just say, 'Uncle Albus'? As in Albus Dumbledore? As in Headmaster Albus Dumbledore?"
Lucy nodded so quickly, for a moment, Severus thought she might have a nervous tic. "Yeah. He's my great graddaddy's big brother. They don't talk much, but they try not to let that…"
Severus just couldn't believe his ears. It didn't make sense. "You mean to tell me that the Headmaster is your uncle?"
Lucy looked around, apparently making sure they would not be overheard. "I should learn to keep my mouth shut," she chastised to herself.
"No, he's not really my uncle. He's my grandmamma's uncle," Lucy practically whispered. "My grandmamma moved to America before World War Two. Look…I don't want word to get around, so keep it quiet."
"I don't understand. Why don't you want anyone to know? You could…"
Before Severus could get out another word, Lucy interrupted, "Look, Severus…I was teased enough in my last school because I was two grades ahead of everyone else. I'm going to get it bad enough here because Daddy is the Potion's Master. If folks find out that I'm related to the Headmaster, I might not hear the end of it. Please don't tell anyone," Lucy pleaded.
It never occurred to him that Lucy might have been teased in her last school. But it was often the case that the most gifted students usually suffered the most heckling from their fellow classmates. Severus knew what that was like. "I promise on one condition," he said.
Lucy gave a quirky smile, perhaps because she heard Severus' true unconditional promise. "What is it?"
"Will you teach me how to conjure a Patronus?"
"Of course I will."
Lucy had taken Severus by the hand and began to lead him into the Great Hall, but he held her back.
"Wait, Lucy. I have to tell you something before we go in," Severus said as he dropped his hand from hers.
"You better make it quick," Lucy said impatiently. "I have a pit where my stomach used to be."
Severus swallowed a deep breath and took a quick look at the large crowd of students chatting and gossiping over their afternoon meals. He was afraid that after he said what he had to say, he might lose his new friend. But she deserved to know the truth. "Look, Lucy. You should know…I'm…I'm not the most popular bloke her at Hogwarts. If you hang out with me…well…some of the others might give you a hard time about it."
Lucy face was crestfallen and Severus' heart nearly ripped out of his chest. "Would you rather I not keep company with you?"
Severus began to trip over his reply. "No…I mean, yes…I mean of course I want to keep company with you…I'm just letting you know that if you do…keep company with me, I mean…you're still likely to be teased," he said apologetically.
Lucy's smile slowly returned to her face and she took Severus' hand again. "If I'm going to be teased, it's better to be teased because I have a friend, than because I don't have one. Let's go get something to eat."
Nobody paid much attention to Severus and Lucy as they entered the Great Hall and sat at the Slytherin table.
Lily and the Marauders must have already eaten and gone outside to enjoy the warm late summer day. But Severus didn't care. He had just been offered a position that any young man his age should covet. And he was casually eating lunch with a new friend. It was the best first day at Hogwarts Severus had ever had.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey There…I'm still alive! Yours Truly has been a VERY sick girl these past two months. That is why there has been such a delay in the chapters. I'm sorry I haven't replied to reviews lately too, but I really thank every single one of you following this story and especially those of you who encouraged me with you reviews. You are all wonderful.
To those of you waiting for the next chapter of ACaF, it is coming soon, hopefully this weekend. If you recall, ACaF is a re-write and admittedly, the original chapter is rather cheesy, and trust me—old cheese is hard to scrub away. :P
Again, a special thanks to my wonderful Beta, Tambrathegreat. If you haven't checked out her stories, you REALLY should. She is an awesome talent. On that note, any typos you find here are mine because I made some minor changes after she sent me the chapter back.
If I don't update before January, have a Happy Christmastide, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Yule, Happy New Year, or whatever it is that makes you Happy. Just BE HAPPY!
TTFN
~Missyann