The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?

Chapter 21

Snape was squinting as he checked his notes. As much as he hated to admit it, it might be time to invest in a pair of reading glasses. He refocused his gaze on something in the distance to give rest to his weary eyes for a moment, all the while pondering the discovery he made. It was as intriguing as it was maddening. It would appear that the water used in Slytherin's potion was – as he had suspected all along – not normal water. In fact, this water had a divine nature unlike anything Snape had ever seen. After consulting dozens of books – both from his personal library and those from the forbidden section in the school – he thought he had found the secret.

This water came from the mythical river Mnemosyne. The sister to Lethe. In Greek mythology, it was recorded to represent memory and recollection. And while the myths of the gods and the underworld and such might have been a bunch of self-indulgent illusions from ancient humans trying to overcome the daily boredom of their pitiful existence, these myths were still birthed by truths. And this river was absolutely real. Wizarding history recorded that it was the interference of a spiteful witch that was somehow connected to the appearance of both of these rivers but the details were either very vague or forgotten. Which was ironic, Snape thought.

This knowledge supported his hypotheses – of course – that the potion in question was related to memory, which in and of itself was exhilarating. But the problem was, how did one obtain water from this river? Its location – while definitely somewhere in Greece – was hard to find. Only a handful of highly regarded and complex potions used the water as an ingredient. And even so, they would only use a drop or two. This particular potion used it as a base. A base! It was absurd! Snape imagined that it would be near impossible to purchase the required quantity to recreate this potion even once! The only hope he had was to find the river and get it himself or send someone he trusted to get it for him. The amount of people he trusted – however – was small. And he wasn't about to use Dumbledore as a lackey.

Well, at this point it didn't matter a great deal just yet. For one, he still didn't know exactly what the potion did. It was oftentimes hard to keep himself from simply taking a swig to rid himself of his curiosity. But he would be denser than a Gryffindor if he were to drink an untested potion created by Salazar Slytherin himself.

As for the other thing… there were still a myriad of ingredients he needed to find out about. Not only that, but he knew for certain that the cauldron that was used was also of great significance. As of now, he only knew for certain that aconite and baneberry were some of the key ingredients in this concoction. As for the rest… well, he was starting to lose faith that he would be able to figure it out by himself. Perhaps those invading Gryffindors could manage to find another clue soon? Oh but how wrong of him to actually hope for that.

In any case, he had been able to successfully copy the runes with which Slytherin had made the stasis box. With Flitwicks help, Snape was quite certain that he could recreate the process and henceforth make dozens of such containers. Of course, that knowledge would do nothing to diminish the value of the box Slytherin had created himself. In fact, said value would come in handy to procure the water he now knew he needed. However, Snape was nothing if not a man of his word. He had indeed deemed the box quite safe and would have to return it to the children that found it. Especially if he wished for their cooperation in the future, of course.

"Severus,"

Snape frowned and redirected his attention to his hearth that was now spitting angry green flames. He recognised that voice but would rather not be anywhere near it. Perhaps if he remained unresponsive.

"Severus, are you there? If not, I'll just come over and wait for you."

Snape supposed that some Slytherins were hard to outcun. Especially one several years his senior.

"I'm here, Lucius," Snape sighed, entirely annoyed and not caring to hide it. "I was in the middle of important research. Is it urgent?"

"Quite so," Lucius said. "It is about my son. Might I travel to your side?"

His tone implied that that was not a request. And Snape supposed that he had seen this coming.

"Very well," he replied. "Please be mindful not to trip over the rug."

The green flames blazed again and a few seconds later, Lucius emerged from the hearth, cane in hand and not a hair out of place. He raised his chin in arrogance and his long fingers stroked the snake head on the cane. He made a show of sneering at Snape's modest furnishings before taking a seat in the nicest chair Snape owned.

"Truly, Severus," he said silkily. "A man of your talents could surely do more to accrue some more wealth. Your humble surroundings are quite unbecoming."

"I have no interest in such things, as you know," Snape said evenly. "What brings you here?"

"Perhaps we could discuss this over a cup of tea," Lucius said. "I would likewise appreciate some canapés, if you have some, of course."

Getting to be more and more annoyed, Snape summoned Anna with a snap of his fingers. He brusquely gave her the order after which she disappeared promptly, correctly reading the situation.

"What experiment are you working on?" Lucius asked. "I have always found the art of potions quite fascinating. A bit too unrefined – of course – for a man of my stature but I can certainly appreciate some of the things a master such as yourself can create."

The man certainly had a flair for small talk. Something Snape absolutely loathed.

"It is not worthy of discussion just yet," Snape told him. "I am still in the early phases."

"Ah," Lucius replied. "I understand. Oh and how fortuitous. Here are the refreshments."

With practiced elegance, Lucius raised his already filled cup to his lips and took a silent sip. Afterward, he grabbed a small biscuit and took a dainty bite before placing it on his saucer. Just watching him was exhausting.

"Now, Lucius, if you don't mind," Snape said. "Kindly tell me the reason of your visit."

"My," Lucius replied. "It would appear that you have forgotten quite a few rules of etiquette since no longer being a part of – well – the better crowd, so to speak."

Snape knew exactly what he was talking about but ignored it.

"I simply don't have time for such luxuries," Snape replied. "We don't all have plenty of hours in a day to kill."

"A pity, indeed," Lucius said. He put down his saucer without a sound and folded his hands in his lap. "As I mentioned before, I am here to discuss Draco's punishment."

"You're talking about his removal from the quidditch team," Snape said.

"As you say," Lucius replied. "I have a hard time understanding why you would resort to such measures when it's clear that Draco is the best seeker you could have."

"It matters not," Snape said evenly. "Your son beat and injured another student and destroyed all of their belongings. A student in his own house, nonetheless. I will not stand for such disruptive behaviour."

Lucius' friendly demeanour changed almost instantly though he kept his voice pleasant. "Oh he did, did he?" he asked. "I confess that this is news to me. Is there any reason why I was not informed of these transgressions?"

"I felt it was more appropriate to share them with you after the year was over, considering the circumstances."

"Which are?"

Snape sighed. Since Lucius was a director of the board there was no way he wasn't going to find out sooner or later. "I'm speaking – of course – about Gryffindor tower burning down."

"Pardon?" Lucius said, his carefully neutral expression suddenly showing true surprise. "Surely, you jest."

"I most certainly do not," Snape replied. "Sourced from whatever means or magic – we have yet to find out – somehow the tower was set ablaze and it burned down. It is for this reason that the Gryffindors have all been temporarily resorted. It is with one of the new students that your son has taken offence."

"And whom might that be?" Lucius asked.

"I don't believe it appropriate for me to divulge that information," Snape said. It wouldn't do for Lucius to tell his son that what he did was alright simply because his violence was directed at Harry Potter. "As it stands, the nature of his transgressions is of such, that I had no choice but to take away quidditch from him. If that means that you will be taking back your brooms now, I understand. I'll have them owled to you tomorrow."

"Take them back?" Lucius repeated. "Don't be silly, my old friend. They were a gift to Slytherin house. It would be quite uncouth indeed for me to take away my support simply because you thought it necessary to reprimand my son. For what it's worth, I do not fault you for your decision. Draco does need to learn to show restraint. This is not news to me."

Lucius got up and dusted his robes as if they were now coated in dirt. In reality, not a speck was on them. "I thank you for the information," Lucius said. "I'll leave you to your experimentation now."

Snape inclined his head. "I appreciate it," he said.

"I look forward to our next visit, Severus," Lucius said. "They are always so very drole."

Snape resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Have a nice evening, Lucius."

"And you," Lucius said pleasantly before disappearing again. The green flames turned to their warm orange hue once more and Snape sighed in relief. Why was it that he was suddenly being visited by all who knew his name. Or so it seemed, in any case. Loath he was to admit it, though, he appreciated a visit from the werewolf far more than one from the Malfoy patriarch. Snape found it hard to forget the gruesome things Lucius had done during the great war. Certainly, Snape was no innocent but at least he felt remorse about those days while Lucius seemed to recount them with glee.

Snape shuddered. He was an awful man, for certain. One could only hope that his son would grow up to be a bit more benevolent. It was interesting that Draco had told his father that he had been expelled from quidditch whilst not disclosing why it was so. He supposed it was normal behaviour for a teenager. No doubt that his father would punish him as well for his transgressions. Even if he got punished only for getting caught.

Snape sighed. Honestly, dealing with Slytherins could be truly exhausting. He picked up the parchment he had been working on before, read it through one more time and picked up his quill to transcribe everything into his grimoire in a neat and orderly fashion.

"Don't be afraid," Harry coaxed Hermione.

"Harry, you're being insane," Hermione said, fear speckling her voice. "Nothing coming out of the forbidden forest is good."

"There's unicorns in there as well, you know," Harry told her.

"I know," Hermione huffed. "But what you described is no unicorn. I never met a werewolf before and I'm not tempted to do so now."

"It's not a werewolf," Harry said.

"And how do you know? Have you ever met one?"

Harry smiled encouragingly at her friend. "Come on, I promise that he's friendly."

"I'm really not a dog person," Hermione tried in vain. "What if it bites me?"

"He won't," Harry said with confidence. "Though he might try and snuggle up a bit."

They stopped in their tracks next to the owlery, where Harry had first met the strange dog. There was nothing there, though.

"Harry," Hermione said softly. "I thought you weren't supposed to go out without another Slytherin or two."

Harry sighed. "Those rules are too stifling," he said. "Sometimes, I just want to be alone, you know? Or to be with a friend that isn't a Slytherin." Honestly, Harry had experienced firsthand why that particular rule was in place but it wasn't worth sacrificing his freedom over. Not for him. Besides, he was used to a lot worse.

"Hello?" Harry called out. "Dog?"

"Sure," Hermione said. "Call out to the inhabitants of the forest, why don't you? I swear, one day you're going to get us –"

"Shh, there he is," Harry whispered.

"- killed." Hermione squeaked slightly in a higher pitched voice when the large canine appeared from the woods. Its head was low and its ears were back as if it was about to attack. But when it noticed Harry, it seemed to perk right up.

"Hello boy!" Harry called out. "Long time no see. Sorry that I didn't come to visit earlier."

The dog broke into a trot and Hermione hid behind Harry in fear.

Harry chuckled. "I swear he's friendly," he said. "He even helped untie me at some point."

"It's a dog," Hermione pointed out. "It doesn't have opposable thumbs. Oh dear, here it is."

The dog came to a halt in front of Harry. It gently put its snout into Harry's hand before giving it a singular lick.

"It's good to see you too," Harry said. "I brought a friend."

The dog almost seemed curious when Harry stepped aside so it could get a better look at Hermione. It wagged its tail in a friendly manner but didn't approach Hermione who was practically shaking in fear.

"Go ahead," Harry said. "You can pet him."

"He looks as if he could snap off my hand with a single bite," Hermione said.

"Yes," Harry agreed. "But he's also very fluffy."

"I think Hagrid's rubbing off on you," Hermione said shakily. "Harry, this is dangerous. We should go back."

"I brought you here for a reason, you know," Harry said. "This dog is amazing to talk to. He's a great listener."

"It's a dog," Hermione reiterated.

That's when the dog moved right next to her, pushed the top of his head into her hand and sat down, gentle as can be.

"Oh," Hermione said, slightly awed. "I guess he really is friendly. Is your owner around here somewhere, boy?"

The dog just yawned.

"I think he's a wild dog," Harry said. "Look at his coat. He's really scruffy and skinny looking."

The dog snorted and raised his snout in the air.

"You're right," Hermione said. "If he had an owner, I don't think they're around anymore. But what do you want to do about it?"

Harry pulled a little bag out of his coat, filled with scraps and gave it to the dog. "Nothing, really," he said. "He doesn't want to follow me to the castle and I think he likes his independence. He comes when I call him but always leaves after a while. I guess he just likes getting food."

"Do you come here often?" Hermione asked.

"I've only discovered him this year," Harry told her. "And I've only gone looking for him a couple of times so I could… you know, talk to someone."

Hermione suddenly looked sad. "Harry –"

"That's why I wanted to introduce you to him," Harry interrupted her quickly. "I know he's just a dog and he doesn't really understand what you're saying but that's part of what makes it nice to talk to him. And you can be sure he'll keep your secret."

Hermione shook her head at him. "With fantastical beasts, you can never be sure," she said.

"He really looks like just a dog," Harry said.

"Just a dog that lives in the forbidden forest?" Hermione pointed out. "Come on, now. If that's true, he's one lucky dog."

"Fine," Harry said. "That's a great idea. Dog, your name from now on is 'Lucky'."

The dog barked once right before going back to eating his scraps.

"I think he likes it," Harry said.

Hermione shook her head, smiling lightly. "Boys," she sighed.

When Harry's next patronus lesson began, he felt all sorts of ways about it. He worried about the fact that he couldn't produce the patronus anymore, even if he had managed before. And he also couldn't help but wonder about the beautiful example that Snape had shown them. Why could a man that seemed utterly miserable in all aspects of his life produce such a radiant patronus when Harry couldn't even manage a whisper. Not after that one time.

And what Snape had said was true. For whatever reason, Lupin was not able to conjure one beyond the shield form himself. Did that mean that he couldn't really teach Harry? No, the truth was probably that Harry wasn't good enough. He was warned before they started this whole thing that this spell was exceedingly difficult. It was his own fault that he didn't take that warning to heart.

Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained. He would just have to keep trying. Especially with all of those dementors swooping around the Hogwarts grounds. It was a miracle that they hadn't taken an innocent soul yet. This time, Harry couldn't exactly blame Dumbledore for the unguarded peril, though. If he understood correctly, the ministry left the man with little choice.

"Hello, Harry," Lupin greeted him jovially when he walked into his office. "How have you been?"

"I've been good," Harry said automatically. "How about you?"

"Never better," Lupin told him, smiling widely. Though something in his eyes seemed to belie that statement. "Are you ready for your training today?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Harry said, not feeling confident at all. He took out his wand when Lupin raised his hand.

"There'll be no need for that," he said. "I thought that we might try something different, today."

"Something different?"

Lupin nodded and gestured towards a chair. Harry hadn't noticed yet, but the table was set with tea and all sorts of bite-sized snacks. "I thought it might be a good idea to talk about happier things than dementors for a bit. To try and get you in the right mindset."

"Oh," Harry said, feeling a little bit lost. "I suppose that makes sense." Though he wasn't sure what Lupin wanted to talk about that would make him happier. He took the proffered seat all the same.

Lupin took the seat opposite of Harry and immediately took one of the cookies. Harry hadn't taken him for a sweet tooth but he supposed that the chocolate should have tipped him off.

"Wonderful," Lupin said after he had taken a bite. "Now, Harry, do you think you could tell me a little bit about your family? Who do you have waiting for you at home?"

If Lupin was trying to make Harry happy, he was off to a rough start.

"Well, I have my aunt and uncle," Harry told him. "And my cousin."

"Oh, how old is he?" Lupin asked.

"He's my age," Harry told him. "But er… We don't get along too well. With the magic and all. So er… that's not really going to serve your purpose, I'm afraid."

"Oh," Lupin said, looking somewhat abashed. "Then what about your romantic –"

"Could you tell me more about my parents?" Harry blurted out. He was really not in the mood to talk about that sort of thing with Lupin. He was a fantastic teacher and all and Harry really liked him but this was too personal, too quickly.

"I'm sorry," Harry added. "It's not that I don't trust you or anything but I just know that there's no happy memories to be found in whatever you're trying to uncover. Not happy enough, at least. But maybe if you could tell me about my parents some more…"

Lupin smiled slightly. And the pain hiding behind those eyes seemed to deepen. But Harry knew better than to comment on that.

"As you say, Harry," Lupin agreed. "I really shouldn't pry. We're not that close. It's just that… sometimes you remind me so much of James that I forget that. To me it almost feels as if I've known you for years, you understand."

Harry nodded slightly.

"Now, let me think…" Lupin said. "Stories about your parents…"

They sat in amicable silence for a while. Harry carefully selected a finger sandwich when Lupin suddenly slapped the arm of his chair.

"Oh, this is a good one." Lupin actually scooted forward in his seat and a mad twinkle got caught in his eyes.

"So, James and I and a couple of er… other friends had this rival. Sort of like you and Mr Malfoy, I believe." Harry nodded. "Now, the four of us were very good at sneaking around. So good, in fact, that we managed to get into other common rooms, entirely undetected. That's why we concocted a plan to make a potion that would turn anyone's hair pink. We wanted to mix it into our rival's shampoo once it was done."

Harry snorted. "What?"

"I know, I know," Lupin said. "Perhaps not the most mature of plans. But you'll be pleased to know that we failed entirely."

"You seem quite happy about it, though," Harry pointed out, noting the huge grin on Lupin's face.

"Oh my, yes," Lupin said. "Because Peter accidentally knocked over the cauldron before we could do anything with the potion. He was too embarrassed to tell us anything so before we knew it, the stuff had spread through the entire castle!"

"What?" Harry exclaimed? "How?!"

"Heck if I know," Lupin said. "Now, it did turn Sn – er… our rival's hair pink in the process but the problem was that everyone else in the castle was affected too!"

Harry laughed. "What did that look like?"

"Well, your professor McGonagall – please don't tell her I said anything – was sporting amazing neon green locks," Lupin revealed. "Professor Dumbledore's beard was adorned with rainbow-coloured stripes and not even the ghosts were spared!"

"Come on," Harry chuckled. "That can't be real."

"Oh but it was," Lupin assured him. "We tried to fix it before anyone caught wind of us having done anything but we only made it worse! Now everyone's hair changed colour every hour!"

Harry couldn't stop himself. He was laughing so hard that the tears were rolling down his cheeks. "No!"

"Yes!" Lupin assured him. "Luckily, Professor Slughorn managed to reverse the damage we did in the end. Though I believe that Professor Dumbledore was quite aggrieved to find out that his rainbow-coloured streaks were gone."

Lupin chuckled and wiped away a tear he shed while laughing. "Aaah, I will always remember that day for 'The great hair dye disaster'."

Harry chuckled. "I guess Snape was right about one thing."

"Oh?" Lupin said. "What's that?"

"My dad really was a rule-breaker, wasn't he?"

Lupin smiled. "It occurs to me that as your Professor, I really shouldn't be encouraging this kind of behaviour. Merlin knows that I couldn't sport violet hair." Harry laughed. "But… as your father's close friend, I can secretly admit… he was one of the best. He hardly ever got caught. And if he did, he would charm his way out of trouble."

Harry grinned impishly. "Oh yeah?" he asked. "Tell me one of those stories." He made himself more comfortable on the chair and grabbed another couple of finger sandwiches. "Because one is far from enough."

"Well alright," Lupin conceded. "Let me tell you about that time your father encountered a lost Veela…"