Geneticus

CHAPTER THREE: SINGING SALAMANDERS

Mulder just blinked. "There's no pressure, though, right?"

Dumbledore laughed. "Please understand, Fox, I'm not going to force you to bring your son into our world. You have every right to go home with the next departure of the Hogwarts Express..."

"Here's the thing, Professor. William's mother and I have reason to believe that he is equally important to the Muggle world. There is a threat of alien colonization, and for some reason, these aliens want to use William. I made this journey because in your letter you said you could offer protection..."

With a nod, Dumbledore said, "And I can, Fox. But it will involve some sacrifices on your part."

"He'll have to live here, won't he?"

"Yes. I am very capable of protecting him, but the closer he is to me, the more protection I can offer. It would be best if he could live here."

Mulder frowned. "I don't want to send my son away, Professor. We've gone through so much just to see him safely into the world."

Dumbledore thought for a moment. "Fox, what if you were to join him? You and his mother, of course."

"Hmmm..." Mulder sat back. "How could that work, though? I know you bring in Muggle parents when their children start school...but would we be allowed in earlier?"

"If I say so, yes. Let me think on this a while, Fox. I'm sure we can think of something.

"In the meantime, why don't you take the time to observe a class or two? I believe...yes, I think Professor Snape's Potions class could take you. I think you'd like it."

Mulder nodded. "All right then. Which way do I go?"

Twenty minutes later, Mulder found himself in the dungeons, and he quickly found the correct door to the classroom Dumbledore had instructed him to visit. The room was quiet as the students worked carefully at several tables, Mulder noted that while the students were all wearing the same basic uniform -- a plain black robe with holes for their arms -- there were a few different crests over their left breast.

At the head of the class sat a sullen-looking man, who Mulder assumed was Professor Snape. He strode into the room, approaching the professor with a smile on his face.

"Professor Snape?"

The professor's head snapped up, no doubt surprised by Mulder's accent.

"Yes. Can I help you?" Snape frowned.

"My name is Fox Mulder. I'm visiting Professor Dumbledore, and he suggested I come down and observe your class." Mulder held out his hand. Snape did not grasp it.

"Yes. I remember he mentioned bringing an American into the school. I assume you're attempting to raise the level of American wizardry for a change?"

Mulder was about to correct Snape, admit he was a Muggle, but he got the feeling that Snape wouldn't appreciate a Muggle in his classroom anymore than an American.

"In a sense, yes. Is that all right with you, sir?"

"I suppose. I'll be checking the students shortly; I suggest you stay away from Longbottom there." Snape motioned to one of the boys. "He has a knack for failing miserably."

Mulder nodded and stepped back, inwardly shocked that a teacher would so blatantly insult a student in front of his classmates. Purposefully, Mulder situated himself near the table where Snape had suggested he avoid.

He immediately noted that Longbottom was listening intently to a girl who was whispering instructions to him. Three boys at the next table were observing this exchange with disdain. The disapproving boys wore a different crest than Longbottom and the girl.

Instinct kicked in, and Mulder began surveying the room. It was dark and dank, much like one would expect of a dungeon. The walls were lined with shelves of cauldrons and bottles of liquids and powders and body parts. One particular group of bottles reminded him of Dr. Parenti's "Fetuses Under Glass" display. Mulder looked away.

After a few more moments of near silence, Snape stood up and said, "Time's up. Granger, stop trying to help Longbottom. No doubt he's messed it up beyond hope by now. Weasley, let's test yours first."

A boy -- who had a shock of red hair that made Mulder feel homesick -- looked up, his face reflecting his horror of being chosen. His crest matched Longbottom and the girl's.

Snape pulled what looked like a small lizard out of his pocket and placed it on the table in front of the boy. "Now, Mr. Weasley. You will feed your potion to this salamander. If you've done it correctly, it will begin to sing. If not, it will probably be incinerated by its own shame."

A sip of potion later, the salamander was happily singing "Scotland the Brave," and Mr. Weasley looked quite relieved. The students with similar crests applauded his success, while the others, and Snape, looked decidedly disappointed.

"Very well, Weasley. You got lucky, I suppose. Longbottom however..."

A bell rang then and Longbottom nearly cried out with relief.

"Next week we shall begin a rudimentary veritas serum. Dismissed."

Mulder followed the students. "Thank you, Professor," he added on the way out. Snape just glared after him.

END CHAPTER THREE