autumn | severus snape

fifty five

The Potions classroom was dimly lit by the soft glow of enchanted lamps, casting long shadows on the walls. Ophelia sat at one of the workbenches, surrounded by cauldrons, parchment covered in scribbled notes, and an assortment of potions ingredients. Severus stood nearby, his arms crossed, his dark eyes fixed on her with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

"This is highly unorthodox," Severus said, his voice low and even. "Crossbreeding plants for potion use is a dangerous practice, especially without a full understanding of their magical properties."

Ophelia didn't look up as she sorted through her ingredients, her focus entirely on the task at hand. "I don't have the luxury of time, Severus," she said, her tone resolute. "Ana doesn't have the luxury of time."

Severus's jaw tightened imperceptibly at the mention of her sister. He stepped closer, his gaze narrowing as he observed the ingredients she had brought. The beans from the plant she had been nursing for weeks, a newly crossbred hybrid that didn't exist in nature. The bean's magical energy pulsed softly, promising the strength she needed to counter the Thief's Bond.

"And this... abomination is your solution?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Ophelia finally looked up, meeting his gaze with defiance. "It's the best I've got. If you have a better idea, I'm all ears."

For a moment, Severus said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh of resignation, he uncrossed his arms and moved to stand beside her. "Tell me what you have found," he said, his voice softening ever so slightly.

Relieved, Ophelia nodded, handing him a list of steps she had drafted. She placed her notes on the desk in front of him, her scrawled handwriting filling the pages alongside rough sketches of plants. Severus glanced down, his sharp eyes scanning the information.

"Moly crossbred with Sopophorous Vines.." He murmured, his tone still skeptical. "And Flameflower extract for stabilization."

"Yes," Ophelia said quickly, leaning over the desk to point at her notes. "The hybrid plant should produce a compound that interferes with the magical link of the Thief's Bond. If we combine that with a strong enough base potion, it could weaken the connection. Not break it entirely, but enough to give us time to perform the ritual."

Severus leaned back again, his gaze flicking up to meet hers. "And you expect this to work?"

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "But I have to try."

He sighed through his nose, closing the book he had been reading. "Brewing an experimental potion based on a half-formed theory is reckless, Ophelia," he said, though his voice had lost some of its edge.

"So is doing nothing while my father drains her magic dry," Ophelia shot back, her tone hardening.

Severus studied her, his dark gaze heavy but assessing. Finally, he moved toward the shelves lining the walls. He began pulling down jars and ingredients with practiced precision.

"I'll supervise," he said curtly, setting the items on the desk. "And you'll need a binding agent to prevent magical interference, Ashwinder eggs will do."

Ophelia's shoulders relaxed slightly, relief washing over her. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice sincere.

Severus didn't respond, his focus already shifting to the task at hand. "The hybrid plant," he said, glancing at her. "Have you cultivated it yet?"

"Not completely," Ophelia admitted. "But it's stable enough to harvest the beans. I just need help with the brewing process, it's more complex than anything I've done before."