1981

1981

by Iva1201

Chapter 3: A Substitute for the Potions Class

Author's Note: This chapter was betaed by Lady Whitehart and by cardigrl. Thank you both as well as Esmestrella for suggestions!

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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Staff Meeting

Late April, 1981

Yet again, another staff meeting. Minerva McGonagall sighed entering the staff room. Their numbers had increased immensely during the recent war years. There was too much to discuss - and not necessarily because of Dumbledore's involvement in the fight. There were parents and students missing, injured or dead; staff members and their families were afflicted by the war. The safety of the school was the primary task in those days and the staff agreed on weekly reports to the Headmaster. As the Deputy Headmistress, Minerva was better able than many to feel the immense pressure lying on the shoulders of her superior.

The old man was affected himself when his brother's wife had disappeared not long ago. Dumbledore's odd sibling had isolated himself on his goat farm afterwards, not wanting to speak with anybody, including Albus. The Headmaster was more than a little tired, the famous friendly twinkling in his eyes now reserved only for the youngest of Hogwarts students. Minerva and the rest of the staff were meeting an old man, whose eyes were full of sorrow and worry - sorrow for students lost and worry about the future. The Transfiguration professor didn't like this change; it was as if the optimistic little flame illuminating their difficult way had been blown out, leaving them to the endless darkness.

McGonagall and the other three Heads of House were the staff members closest to the Headmaster - the people he trusted most where the school was involved. However, of the four, only Minerva also offered her help in his other business and became a member of the newly established Order of the Phoenix. The Headmaster understood this decision of his staff all too well to try to persuade them. They were more needed here, anyway. But Minerva could see how outnumbered the Order was, and she dreaded the outcome of this war. Flitwick, Pomona and Slughorn were very competent wizards, and she would have liked them on her side in Order business as well. In any case, she had known all three for many years now, and she could see why they had decided to stay away from the fight.

Flitwick had once been a great duelist, but he had never had to fight for his life. Like all the Ravenclaws, he preferred the peaceful library to the battlefield. The tiny Professor felt that his service was most important at Hogwarts where young minds needed to be educated well to be prepared for the cruel real world. Pomona Sprout was a friendly soul, wonderful with small children and her plants - and a person esteemed for her ability to console those who lost somebody close to them. If needed, the Herbology teacher was prepared to fight to her last breath for the school's sake, next to the old Headmaster and her other colleagues. In the long run, though, she needed the calm of her greenhouses to be able to offer her kindness to the others.

The aging Potions master brewed all the potions needed in the infirmary. The increased need of sleeping and calming draughts, as well as occasional emergency brewing for St. Mungo's, was enough to keep him occupied; at least that was what he claimed. The truth was, he preferred his quiet world full of attention from his most promising students to the outside turmoils and dreamt about retiring - if only there would be a talented teacher to take his place! But to find a competent one who could be trusted was a complicated task at the present.

Minerva had often heard what a pity it was that Lily Evans -- no, Potter -- had to join the Ministry research group. Slughorn had, after all, never expected less of her. The Deputy Headmistress had also been told more than once that one of her least favourite students, Severus Snape, may have been more talented than Lily, but unlike his mother, Eileen, or Lily Potter, he lacked the social graces necessary to obtain a well acknowledged job.

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Minerva scanned the assembled collegium. Horace and Filius were seated by the window; the others around the table. Pomona spoke quietly with the Astronomy teacher; Poppy Pomfrey discussed something (very probably the ever-present Quidditch injuries) with the newest Flying instructor. Sybill Trelawney - no wonder there, Minerva thought - failed once again to attend. While the three non-Gryffindor Heads of House decided to stay away from the fight, the Seer (if you could call her that, McGonagall smirked) was of the opinion that no involvement in the real world was the absolutely safest thing. The Deputy sighed deeply, seeing the chair which had once belonged to the latest Defence teacher empty for the third time in a row.

Minerva hoped Dumbledore would have a replacement soon, preferably this week. Such bad luck, the Defence teacher falling into a coma less than three months before the end of a school year! As if there weren't enough demand for competent Defence teachers already; to find one annually was difficult enough. The interviews with the candidates had been scheduled for the Friday last. Since then, Dumbledore had been at the Ministry; not even McGonagall knew whether he had managed to find a substitute.

On Minerva's demand, the house-elves appeared with tea and snacks. Hagrid and Filch arrived, greeted the Deputy and the assembled teachers, and seated themselves next to the entrance. The teachers spoke to each other quietly, marked essays, or read in the Daily Prophet. Minerva poured herself a cup of tea and settled in an empty chair. The Headmaster was late, but that was to be expected. The Ministry was in chaos ever since the Minister had been hospitalized in St. Mungo's a week ago.

Ten minutes later, Minerva smiled at Dumbledore's tall figure stepping out of the fireplace. The Headmaster's face was tired, but McGonagall noticed that his eyes had reacquired at least a part of their twinkling for a change. It seemed as if a sparkle of hope had been lit in them and, strangely, Minerva immediately felt relieved and hopeful.

The news from the Ministry was announced first. Dumbledore had been asked to take over the office. He had declined but had promised to help more than he had before. Minerva and the other Heads of House acknowledged the increase of their duties without protest. Well, all except Slughorn, who once again proclaimed he was old enough to retire and hoped Dumbledore would find a new Potions master for the following year.

Minerva shook her head disbelievingly. The man was terrible. A substitute for his class! As if they didn't already have enough problems. And Dumbledore! Typical. The Headmaster surely couldn't tell Slughorn this was no time to discuss things like this. No, he just kindly smiled and, with a twinkle in his eyes, informed the bald man they should speak about this later - as if no war raged beyond the castle's wards, which thankfully were at least still secure!

The wards were the next discussion topic, together with security arrangements for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. Hagrid and the caretaker were questioned about nightly movements at school and in the Forbidden Forest. Then the Headmaster - satisfied that no news meant good news - announced the name of the new Defence teacher. Slughorn remembered him, as he used to be in Slytherin, and confirmed that nothing was known about any involvement of the future Professor with You-Know-Who's regime. Dumbledore explained that the man was recommended by Alastor Moody and was a retired Auror. Minerva, together with the collegium, approved his appointment (a standard procedure since the time the position had in all likelihood been cursed). Then Dumbledore released the majority of staff and only the Heads of House remained in the room with him.

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To Minerva's surprise, the Headmaster turned to Slughorn first. "Horace, tell me - you have always enjoyed teaching a great deal," Dumbledore started. "This wish of yours to retire... Are you in earnest about it?"

The Potions Professor angrily exclaimed: "Albus! I am one of those taking life seriously! I have been telling you repeatedly during the last three years that I wanted to retire." Minerva knew this was true.

"And I meant it. I am not one to run around and offer Muggle sweets, kind smiles and reassurances that life will be good! No, I am not you. I, for one, feel old." Slughorn frowned then. "You should be happy I am not irresponsible enough to simply lay my resignation on your table by the end of the year, Albus! Merlin knows I have earned the right to enjoy a bit of peace!" The lack of extraordinarily talented Potions students in the recent years was not mentioned, but Minerva knew their old colleague gravely missed Lily Evans, recently married Potter, and - even if reluctantly -- her Potions' partner.

The Headmaster's eyes twinkled with mischief now, and Minerva almost missed the seriousness of the past weeks. Almost. In truth, she was relieved to have the familiar optimistic Dumbledore back. Her superior's smile brightened as he informed Slughorn, "Well, Horace, then you will be glad to hear I have been able to find a substitute for your classes. A wonderful one, if I may say so myself."

Slughorn appeared dumbfounded. Minerva was aware he had never expected the Headmaster would let him go this easily and was secretly disappointed Dumbledore wasn't trying to persuade him to stay any longer. But then, he really wanted to retire and the sooner the better. The Potions Professor nodded and smiled.

She wasn't that confident. "Who?" McGonagall asked impatiently.

Dumbledore seemed to enjoy the moment - his face was lit with a wide smile (without doubt a pleasant sight after all the pessimism, but still a bit disconcerting). Minerva almost expected him to demand that they guess.

The Headmaster confirmed that, saying, "Oh Minerva, I am sure you know him. He is quite young, but I am confident he is brilliant enough to satisfy even yourself. He may lack experience; however, I am sure you all will help him to become as proficient as Horace." Seeing a bit of disappointment in the face of his oldest colleague, the Headmaster added: "With time, certainly. Good teachers need much patience and I have reason to believe that our youngest Professor possesses quite a temper. Nevertheless, he is brilliant... And educated, and may I say praised, by our estimated Horace himself."

Quite young - inexperienced - youngest Professor - impatient - brilliant - Hogwarts student. Minerva was running through the options. The present youngest Professor at Hogwarts was 29. Sibyll, sure. Plenty of years until she feels old and voices the same wish as Slughorn has today. Minerva's mood darkened while she turned her thoughts back to the new substitute Professor. Younger than Sibyll, brilliant, infamous for his temper. Hogwarts student. Good enough to satisfy even Slughorn - who secretly values his position enough not to allow anyone incompetent to have it. Brilliant, probably not only in Potions. Young, you know him for sure, Minerva. Inexperienced - not long from Hogwarts. In his early twenties or even younger then. Praised by Slughorn... Brilliant, he... And then she knew. Albus liked him after all.

"No!" she cried aloud. "You can't, Albus! He is far too irresponsible! I won't have him hexing students as he did Bertha Jorkins! I don't care if you assigned him all those unrecorded detentions in the infirmary because you felt guilty for the incident with Lupin. I don't care he knows now how to heal the damage he may cause... He should have been expelled! He may be brilliant, but he is dangerous! ... He is very likely one of HIS followers, Albus!"

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Bertha Jorkins. Lupin. If the other Heads of House hadn't known before, it was clear now. Severus Snape, not even three years out of school. Brilliant, but not very popular. Slughorn's best student - if you didn't count Lily Potter, who was preferred as a better companion. Not one known for his social skills, but very knowledgeable of the subject - if only he could be more patient.

Both the Heads of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff recalled the boy (coming from a relatively poor family) providing some tutoring during his later years at Hogwarts. Impatient but effective. Pomona Sprout looked up at the Headmaster, who was patiently waiting on the verdict of his inner circle: "I would agree with your selection, Albus, if you really want to have young Mister Snape here. I am sure you wouldn't invite him to teach here, if you thought he was as irresponsible as he was in the past."

Filius Flitwick nodded. "It would be a waste if a fine mind like his didn't share its knowledge. Mister Snape may not yet have all the virtues required of a teacher, but I trust your opinion, Albus. And he is young enough to learn. I will gladly help him."

McGonagall said nothing. While she didn't like the boy, she had always acknowledged his intelligence. But she wouldn't let him teach or even get anywhere near the school, if it was left to her. Slughorn seemed to think it all over as well. Dumbledore left them both some time and then asked, "Horace?"

Slughorn nodded - not very happy. Lily should have been the one to succeed him. But nodded anyway. "I can't deny he is very talented. But be forewarned, Albus - he would be much better suited to some research institution. Even a private laboratory would be better for him. I think that is what he has been doing recently... Remember, I was his Head of House - and know him quite well. He is really not patient enough to be a good teacher. But I will give him this - he was always good help, when some brewing went wrong - and he knows the subject." Dumbledore acknowledged this with a nod and turned to McGonagall, who was standing now by the fireplace and looking at the flames. "Minerva?"

The Transfiguration teacher was silent. Then she locked eyes with him. "If you take the responsibility, Albus - and present this idea to the Board of Governors yourself. If nothing else, they will object to the boy's youth."

Dumbledore smiled, a twinkle again in his eyes. "Accepted." He looked at Horace Slughorn again. "I have a little request for you, Horace... We have all agreed that young Mister Snape lacks on some qualities teachers should have - and I am not going to deny it, Minerva." His eyes briefly turned to her again. She smiled sadly; it was still not enough for her.

Albus Dumbledore ignored her look and went on. "We all know the young man is very gifted and capable teaching not only Potions. This could be good should we need to substitute for the Defence classes again. Merlin knows it happens often enough and neither of us has enough free periods to cover all the classes." (Or is not willing to, dear Horace. Minerva added for herself.) "He will be also able to brew all the potions needed for the hospital wing." Slughorn confirmed this with a nod.

"This leaves us the teaching problem itself... Horace, if you will - Mister Snape would need to learn how to approach different age levels. Oh, I don't doubt he remembers quite a lot - but he can't recall that much from his first and second years. I suppose he can't be familiar with the exact requirements for the OWLs and NEWTs either, not speaking about the curriculum in total. Horace, I would like you to stay here long enough to initiate him with your syllabus and explain tohim the problems that usually occur, especially in the lower classes. He will receive the old Potions master's quarters in the Dungeons, so you may use your chambers until the summer. Until then, I would like you to continue with your Head of House duties as well.

That will solve also the financial issue, if you have wondered, Minerva," Dumbledore turned to her briefly, "as the School Order allows us to hire for both positions separately and this year we have even a sufficient budget surplus. Now, Horace, do you agree?" Dumbledore asked finally.

Horace Slughorn nodded - his wishes were finally heard. Severus Snape should be intelligent enough to memorize the syllabus within a week. Slughorn didn't want to oversee the classes for too long, either. If the boy wanted to teach, he would have to find the best tactics himself. And Slughorn would let him; there was nothing better than to be thrown to the water, if one wanted to learn to swim.

As for the Head of House duties, Horace never cared for anyone except members of the Slug Club more than was required, but was always available for students should they have problems. He would continue in that.

Severus would be probably glad to brew for the infirmary as soon as possible as well; the boy liked acknowledgment. Let Madam Pomfrey be the one who would give it to him! And let the retirement start as soon as possible... Horace Slughorn was a Slytherin and, like all the members of his House, appreciated fulfillment of his own goals above all...

The staff meeting was over; Sprout, Flitwick, and Slughorn left (Slughorn with a huge smile and dreaming eyes). Minerva McGonagall was asked to stay behind. Dumbledore needed to inform his Deputy about the real reasons behind the employment of Severus Snape. The old Headmaster dreaded her reaction - but it had to be done. There weren't many people he would trust more both with the school and the Order.

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The Headmaster appeared nervous. "Minerva... Try not to interrupt me, if you can. There is another reason why I have offered young Mister Snape a position at Hogwarts. And before you say anything, know that I trust him. Trust him and support him. . . . You know I was unfair to him before. We all were, and we are partly responsible for his decisions. But the boy has changed. He was here the last week as one of the applicants for the Defence position and he confessed something to me I feel you need to know as well, for both his sake and the sake of this school. My dear, it's a knowledge you are not going to like, but I ask you to have faith in both me and the boy. Believe me when I tell you he is sincere. And if you can't yet trust him yourself, give him the mercy of your doubt. Don't judge him harshly; Merlin knows we did before and we weren't right. I have reasons to trust him. And know that I would never offer him the position here at Hogwarts should he be dangerous to the students."

Minerva had suspicions she didn't like at all. But she trusted the Headmaster - more than he would ever know. She nodded her affirmation and waited for the blow.

Dumbledore turned and stepped to the window. He looked out of it and was silent for a long while. Minerva decided to be patient. Several minutes later, Dumbledore felt prepared to tell her the rest. Hopefully, the pause was long enough for her to prepare for the worst.

"Minerva, the boy - and once again let me say that I trust him... The boy used to be..." Dumbledore's words slowed down as the old man tried to find the best words to break the news to his colleague. Damn, it shouldn't be this hard, he thought. But Minerva didn't trust the boy as it was. She didn't need him to add to her worries. And Severus Snape didn't need her suspicions. But he couldn't explain about the prophecy; he couldn't tell her he trusted the boy because Fawkes did. She would think him an old fool, and it wouldn't make it any easier for her to believe the boy.

But Dumbledore shouldn't have underestimated his Deputy. She was clever enough to see the boy's confession was something terrible. Dumbledore wouldn't be this nervous, if it were some little sin like, like... stealing books from the school library or... growing illegal plants in the greenhouse Pomona reserved for her older students' researches. No, there had to be more. She knew too much about young Mister Snape's Hogwarts problems.

No, it couldn't be from the time of his schooling. There were plenty of small troubles he had back then, and two bigger incidents she was aware of. There could be more as Dumbledore was dangerously lenient with the boy after the werewolf's incident. But there could be nothing worse than the cutting curse the boy used on Bertha Jorkins. No - and this was reported by Dumbledore himself... It had to be something from the years that followed. But what... What was serious enough to make Dumbledore almost stutter? And then she knew and she didn't like the idea. No, not at all. "Albus, don't tell me he is a follower of You-Know-Who."

Dumbledore nodded. "Voldemort, Professor. And he was. WAS, Minerva. I trust him. Please, remember that. I will ask you once again - I don't require that you trust him now. I am aware you have no reason to do so. But give him the benefit of the doubt and let him prove himself. Will you do this for me?"

This time the silence was longer. Then the Deputy Headmistress said slowly: "I will try. Please, don't ask more of me now."

Dumbledore released the breath he had been holding. "I won't. I only want to make you aware that he is spying for us. It may yet come time when he will need your confirmation on this should I not be around... " The Headmaster beamed at her then, "Thank you, my dear."

"I pray you are right, Albus," Minerva said, evidently still skeptical, and then left the staff room, leaving the Headmaster behind. The old man approached the window once again and watched the sun going down behind the Forbidden Forest. It was crimson, and all the seers he had met in his long life said that this colour of a sunset meant upcoming death or war. He shuddered unwillingly as each death pained him and, thinking back to the conversation he had just had with the Deputy Headmistress, he breathed, "So do I, my dear, so do I. I pray Fawkes will choose another occasion to be wrong for the first time since I have known him."

Then, picking up his pile of scrolls, Dumbledore deserted the room as well.

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