Magic and Mystery Coil by Allegory_for_Hatred

Poppy

On the train to Hogwarts, Dazai talked Snape's ear off about potions. It kept the professor from asking unwanted questions or from staring too long in that contemplative silence Dazai really wasn't liking. The only stares he received this way were ones of stupefaction.

When the train finally rolled into its final destination, Snape blinkingly said, "You're actually reading that book? You understand it?"

His eyes narrowed on the hard-won textbook in Dazai's lap. Sitting atop it was his 'World's Okayest Professor' mug and a deck of cards. Also in Dazai's lap was a worn pair of too-large pajamas. They were Snape's, but the professor had told him to keep them. 'I'm not doing your laundry,' Snape had told him pointedly, 'Save me the trouble and take those with you.' And while they were officially the most comfortable thing Dazai owned, he doubted he'd ever wear them again. Mori was in charge of buying Dazai's clothes, after all. And the boss had... different tastes.

Mori's coat hung thickly over his shoulders in point.

Dazai shrugged. "It's pretty straight forward," he said, which wasn't a lie. Potions were more interesting than Dazai had originally thought, actually. Ingredients weren't added at random, and nothing about the process was arbitrary. Every addition to the cauldron was perfectly calculated. Beozar balanced out frog's tongue. Stirring thrice activated the intrinsic magical properties of staurolite, while stirring twice only changed its color. Dazai was starting to really appreciate the logical calculation that went into potion making.

Math and chemistry, not feelings and sensations. Much more to-the-point, he thought.

Snape hummed, tone indiscernible. He turned an assessing eye onto Dazai, like he was once again not quite believing what he was seeing. Dazai was getting somewhat used to that look. But that didn't change the fact it always left him feeling like he'd said something he shouldn't.

Still, Snape walked Dazai down the train without objection. Dazai clutched his new belongings to his chest to keep from dropping them. Luckily, there weren't many people on board. The students were still on break for some time yet. And the other passengers gave them a wide berth upon identifying the Demon Student. Mostly, only train staff was present today.

Just as they hopped off the train and into the station, Dazai heard a staff-member comment, "have you found it yet? The monster from the other day? I'm petrified I might find it every time I open a compartment."

"No. Thank Merlin, I think it flew away. At least none of the passengers have seen it since. Think we'd lose our jobs if a wild monster was aboard all this time?"

"I heard it was only a pixie."

"Really? I thought it was a fire salamander bat."

"...Hey. What in Merlin's name are you talking about?"

Snape's eyes flicked to them, bewilderment flashing across his face.

Dazai tugged on his sleeve. He physically tore Snape away from that conversation. In no way did he want to talk about Egg's second escapade right now.

"Hey, if a cauldron was lined with copper, would that have any impact on the potency of a pepperup potion?" Dazai bounced around Snape's side to ask, effectively blocking the train staff from view. "Because—"

Snape side-eyed him. The confusion mottling his face dropped into something dry. "With all these questions, I'm to assume you'll be passing my next test, boy."

Dazai's mouth snapped shut.

Snape watched him for a moment longer. When he looked away, there was a small upwards curve on his lips. "But if you ask me the same question in class, I may be inclined to answer."