Always (A Severus Snape Love Story) Years 1-2 (Sylvia's Version)

Chapter 15: The Potion's Master

Chapter 15: The Potion's Master

I woke up the next morning and went to transfiguration with Hermione and Ashley, after a delicious breakfast. A tabby cat with markings around it's eyes sat on the desk. We sat down and started to take notes. The rest of the class joined us, but then Harry and Ron ran in 5 minutes later. Panting, they stopped in front of McGonagall's desk.

"Whew,"Ron said. "Made it. Can you imagine the look on old McGonagall's face if we were late?"

The tabby cat twitched. Then it sprung off the desk and Professor McGonagall took it's place. Whoa.

"That was bloody brilliant!"Ron gasped.

"Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley,"McGonagall said. "Perhaps it would be more useful to turn Mr.Potter and yourself into a pocket watch? That way one of you might be on time!"

"We got lost,"Harry said.

"Then perhaps a map?"McGonagall replied. "I trust you don't need one to find your seats!"

After transfiguration we went down to the dungeons to Potions. I sat next to Ashley, and Severus kept trying to catch my eye. I offered a tiny smile and the locket flickered, but then went out as I looked away. The rest of the class arrived and Severus left, but then banged through the door once we were all seated.

"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class,"Severus said, taking his place at his desk, but not sitting. "As such, I don't expect many of you to respect the exact art that is potion making. However, those select few...."

He looked at Draco, who smirked and then looked at me. I smiled, but catching my mistake, put my head down.

"Who possess the proper disposition,"Severus finished. "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses."

I was interested. This was cool!

"I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death. Then again...."

He looked at Harry, and I looked over too to see that he was writing and not paying attention.

"Maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable enough that you feel confident to NOT. PAY. ATTENTION!"Severus finished.

Hermione nudged Harry, who put his quill back and stopped writing.

"Mr. Potter,"Severus hissed. "Our.... new.... celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of aconite to an infusion of wormwood?"

I slowly raised my hand and Hermione shot hers into the air.

"You don't know?"Severus asked. "Well let's try it again. Where, Mr.Potter, would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

"I... I don't know, sir,"Harry replied.

"And what is the difference between Moonskould and Woflsbane?"Severus asked.

"I don't know, sir,"Harry said.

"Pity,"Severus concluded. "Clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr.Potter?"

A pause. Harry glared at him and Severus directed his gaze to me.

"Let's see if Ms.Potter can tell us the correct answer,"He said.

"If you mixed powdered root of aconite to an infusion of wormwood, you would get a sleeping drought so powerful it is known as the drought of living death,"I said. "You would find a bezoar in the stomach of a goat, and monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant, that also go by the name of aconite."

"Very well done, Ms.Potter, ten points to Gryffindor,"Severus replied.

The class broke out in murmurs.

"Did he just say 10 points to Gryffindor?"Ron asked.

"Well,"Severus said. "Why aren't you all copying this down?"

Everyone gabbed quills and shut up, writing on pieces of parchment. Severus smiled at me, and I smiled back as the locket glowed brightly against my chest.