Second chance a new choice

The man in the moon

Severus bent over the brewing cauldron. Two weeks, and he still hovers like a hawk. I insisted on doing it myself, so it was done right.

Augustus Prince circled the potion cauldron again as it bubbled green.

I doubt it's the mix he's watching. Severus caught one of Augustus' glances. He's just as passionate about potions as I am. What a discussion that was yesterday, and the day before that. Stubborn man. Then there was Lily's visit a few days ago. He gave a quiet snort. She watched Augustus like a cat tiptoeing around the neighbor's hound—too curious to leave. That was an interesting few hours.

"Your grandfather?" she asked at their spot by the stream. "Sev, that's wonderful!"

"Hah. He abandoned my mother," he said. "And he has no idea I'm his grandson."

"Sounds like you respect him though."

Severus nodded. "He isn't a weak pureblood—like most of them. I admire his strength, but to like someone and to respect them are two different things."

"That doesn't make any sense," Lily huffed. "What's he like?"

"Doesn't talk much—a few sentences here and there. It covers what needs to be said, nothing more. Not exactly the cheerful type."

Lily laughed and lay on the stream's bank, face-up. "Sounds like someone else I know." She giggled and spread her arms in the damp grass.

"Who?" said Sev.

"For an old, experienced man you're so dim sometimes. It's you, Sev. You just described yourself."

He choked. Am I really so like a grandfather I've never met? How?

To Severus' amusement, when Lily accompanied him to the Ministry afterwards, Augustus was taken aback by Lily's seemingly unfounded enthusiasm and curiosity.

Lily was shy but tended to chatter when nervous. She talked so much Augustus scolded, "Be quiet or leave."

After that, Severus assured her Augustus' brusqueness was nothing to worry about. "He interrogated me too," Severus offered.

By day's end, Augustus granted Lily his approval saying, "You've a flair for potions, young lady. Stick with it."

Likely she'd asked the right questions all along. August just hated being interrupted.

She watched Severus brew the Wolfsbane potion with fascination, but several hours later she left to meet the demands of her active social life.

Severus finished the potion.

Three days before the full moon.

Umbridge slipped through the door. "Are you finished, dear?" Her usual sickly sweet voice grated. "You said you'd be done about now, and people are waiting."

Severus exchanged looks with Augustus. "What people?" said Severus.

"The test subjects, dearest." Umbridge giggled.

More like guinea pigs. She probably hopes to kill a couple werewolves with this potion. She was a little too delighted when she found out they could die from this. Severus smirked. No faith in my brewing abilities. Too bad for her. My potions are always perfect.

"Would you like to meet them? I'm afraid most are unaware of why they're here."

So, she dragged in werewolves against their will. Can she do that? Of course. I should've realized she can. Joy... Facing a group of werewolves who'll likely hate me. Exactly what I need to add to my collection of personal nightmares because I so love them. Severus gritted his teeth and nodded.