Stranger In A Strange World by Theskyatdawn2

Chapter 23

After a couple days in the laboratory, the Cruciatus Curse potion was completed. Now for testing. I sent a message to Augusta Longbottom asking her to tea to discuss a proposition I have that might interest her. I also asked her to bring Neville, because I have a little boy the same age that I would like him to meet. Her response was curious. She is very taciturn. She said she would come alone because she has never met me before. I wasn't insulted at all. I understood she was careful with her grandson. I messaged her back about tomorrow at 3:30pm. She agreed to come.

I asked Severus what he thought about this. He replied, "What does Augusta have to lose if we test our potion on her son and daughter-in-law, she has no other options at this time. Besides you are very meticulous about the formula specifications being you were dealing with the drug you described. I think you were right, they are the best candidates." He patted my hand and said he would be in the lab working on some of his own personal research while I entertained Augusta. I kissed him before he left.

Augusta arrived at the door. I opened it to see if I get a version of what was described in the books. She appeared tall, dark hair with a little gray at the temples. She was very stern in her face and her demeanor was wary. I smiled.

"Hello Mrs. Longbottom, please come in? I am glad you came, I know it must be out of the blue for you." She frowned and walked in the foyer. She was looking around at everything. I felt like it was an examination.

"Yes, it was. Do you contact people for tea like this often?" I kept smiling.

"Not at all, I only allow people I can help or care about in my home. So you are on my list at this time." I looked her straight in the eye. "Come let sit and talk, shall we?" I led her to the sitting room by the fire.

We sat down and Dilly popped in with a really nice tray of tea, cookies and small finger sandwiches. I said, "Thank you, Dilly my dear." She popped back out.

Augusta said kind of seriously and observantly, "You treat your house elves respectfully, not many people of your station do." I looked at her seriously. I proceeded to pour the tea and took a cookie.

"I am not like other people in this community of wizards and witches. I have traveled the world and seen and learned many things.(Ok, I fibbed a little.) Respect is earned and only can be achieved through giving. I believe and apply it to myself, to treat others as I wish to be treated. It is not a hardship to practice." I think I saw and felt a shift in her emotionally. She prepared her tea.

She said, "Well, be careful there are many purebloods that would try to take advantage of you, without your guard up."

"I don't associate with those sort of people and if I did trust me, I would have a full suit of armor on." I giggled. She smiled at me. Yay me! I broke through her shield.

"So, what did you want to discuss with me?" Right, she didn't beat around the bush. I smiled and offered her the cookies.

"I am a researcher and developer of potions in my laboratory. I know I am young but I am very adept at what I do. I developed an antidote for people who have been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse." She sat up straighter and her eyes were wide. I think I got her attention. "The thing is, I need to test my antidote on someone. I want to help you and Neville. If this goes well it may release your son and daughter-in-law from the purgatory they are trapped in. It also would work on their recovery from it and for those who are not as severe too. I would adjust the formula accordingly to know the strength needed for Frank and Alice. But by all means, you must understand that I will do no harm to them. I just want to help people who suffer from the vegitative coma and from the lesser affliction when that damnable curse is used on a victim."