O my soul

O my soul

by

Logospilgrim

Rated PG-13.

Disclaimer: I'm only playing with J.K. Rowling's wonderful toys. I promise I won't break them, or leave them out in the rain.

"What was that thing?" Ron whispered once the Potions Master had moved further down the row. "What were you all talking about?"

"Apparently, Professor Snape converted to... he's become an Orthodox Christian. Wow," Hermione aid.

"A... Christian? What's that?" Ron said. "Wait. Isn't it some weird Muggle thing?"

"It's not weird. It's a religion. I mean, there are millions of Muggles who believe in-" Hermione shook her head. "The wizarding world should really bother to learn more about non-magical people, honestly."

"Sorry. It's just we've been too busy trying to save the world from You-Know-Who," Ron said, miffed. "I guess some of us can't know everything, like you."

"I didn't say-"

"Stop it, you two," Harry said. "Neville is having trouble with his potion."

There was indeed every sign that Neville Longbottom was struggling to keep his cauldron either from exploding or melting. An ominous bubbling sound was emanating from it, and Neville's face was starting to match the color of the rapidly rising potion, which was a sickly sort of green, when it should have been pale yellow.

The whispering sounds that began to travel from one end of the class to the other seemed to alert their Potions Master of the impeding catastrophe; he looked over his shoulder, muttered to himself, then sped towards the back of the room and snatched up Neville's cauldron... just as it violently regurgitated its contents.

Every student in the class froze.

A thick, greenish slop dripped from their professor's face and dribbled down the front of his robes. His eyes were closed, and his mouth was hanging open. After what felt like an eternity, he reached up and wiped some of the mess from his eyes. Then his tongue flicked out and he ran it over his lips. He blew out his breath.

"Mister Longbottom, the recipe called for morning dew, not frog saliva." Severus slowly put the cauldron back on Neville's desk. He waved his hand, and the remnants of the failed potion disappeared. "Instead of a healing potion, you have created a powerful anti-wrinkle cream."

"I... I'm s- sorry, sir," Neville said, shaking from head to foot.

"Mister Longbottom, are the words 'frog saliva' written anywhere on the board?"

"N- no, sir."

"Then why did you include it in your potion?"

"I m- must have picked the w- wrong vial, P- Professor Snape."

Severus sighed. Neville was looking at him as though he expected to be spending the next fortnight knee deep in toad guts.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me...

"Mister Longbottom," he said, lowering his voice, "go back to the potions cabinet, and I will help you to brew the potion properly."

"S- sir?"

"Come with me. Come," Severus said.

Neville was so shell-shocked that he did as the Potions Master asked.

"Many of these vials look almost exactly alike," Severus told Neville when they reached the potions cabinet. "All you have to do is take your time, and make certain you have the right ingredients. After a while, it will become second nature. Or at least, it will become less confusing. Does that make sense?"

Neville gulped and said, "Yes, Professor Snape."

Meanwhile, the Slytherins and Gryffindors had forgotten about their own work and stared, dumbfounded, at the extraordinary exchange taking place in front of them. So Severus said, "Children, unless what I am telling Mister Longbottom is of benefit to you, I suggest you concentrate on your assignments."

The silence was replaced by a flurry of activity, although they all kept glancing in Severus and Neville's direction.

The only one who noticed the curl of disgust on Draco's lips was Harry.

****

When the day was over, Severus was quite worn out. He'd managed to rein in his temper, a much more formidable a task than when he was still sheltered by the walls of the monastery, safe from potions gone wrong and the shadows of his past.

So after dinner, he was looking forward to a quiet, recuperative evening in his dungeons. But when he'd eased into his armchair next to the fire and the call came to go to the Headmaster's office for an urgent meeting, Severus resigned himself to a late night and went without complaint.

That is, until he entered Dumbledore's inner sanctum and was greeted by the sight of Lupin and Black seated before the Headmaster's desk.

Oh Lord, not them. Not yet. Not tonight...

"Severus," Dumbledore said. "I have some grave news."

"And how does it concern Lupin and Black?" Severus said.

"Now now, Snivellus," Black said. "Is that any way to greet old friends?"

"Sirius, behave yourself," Dumbledore said before Severus could open his mouth. "Now is not the time for this. Nor was it ever."

Black clenched his jaw and glared at Severus, as if daring him to gloat. The Potions Master, however, did not take the bait. He sat down in the empty chair next to the desk and said, "Headmaster, if we could bring this meeting to a conclusion quickly, I would be most grateful. It has been a long day already."

"Severus, after your double Potions class this afternoon, Harry, Hermione and Ron came to see me to report a troubling discussion they'd overheard on their way to dinner," Dumbledore said.

"Oh?"

"They told me that Draco Malfoy was voicing his opinion of your... spiritual allegiances rather loudly."

"I can't imagine it was favorable," Severus said.

"He said something to the effect that it was a disgrace to wizardkind, and that he would be writing a letter to his father concerning the matter."

Severus gave a tired shrug. "I fail to see the relevance of this. Lucius Malfoy is but one of many whose task is to destroy me at the first opportunity."

"We're worried, Severus," Lupin said. "When dark wizards find out that you have adopted, of all things, a Muggle religion... not to mention, one that promotes compassion and self-abasement..."

"We fear they will stop at nothing to capture you and make an example out of you," Dumbledore said, "and be particularly vindictive about it. I doubt Voldemort and his minions will care that you are a former Death Eater: you are what they consider to be a pureblooded wizard, and they will view your actions as the supreme insult."

"Hardly surprising," Severus said, and rubbed his eyes.

"With this in mind, I have asked Sirius and Remus to watch your back," Dumbledore said.

Severus's head snapped up. "It is unnecessary."

"Just a precaution. I was counting on your cooperation, Severus. It would lessen an old man's anxiety," Dumbledore said.

"I have no intention of going anywhere beyond the school grounds. I will be perfectly safe without Lupin and Black's-"

"Please, do this for me," Dumbledore said.

Severus's forehead came to rest in his hand. "As you wish."

"We won't get in your way, Severus, we'll just keep our eyes open for trouble," Lupin said.

"Don't waste your breath, Remus. I can tell he's just oozing with gratitude," Black said.

"If my presence is no longer required, I shall return to my dungeons, Albus," Severus said, rising.

Dumbledore nodded once. "Good night, Severus."

****

The Great Hall was filling up with half-awake students when Severus sat down at the Head Table for breakfast. He was buttering a piece of toast when Draco Malfoy and his cronies walked in the doors and headed for their usual spot.

The blonde boy stared at his Head of House and smirked.

Severus looked back at the young Slytherin, wondering how Lucius had reacted to his son's letter. Unlike many in the wizarding community, Malfoy was well-versed in Muggle lore; based on Draco's own reaction, Severus was quite sure Lucius knew exactly what an Orthodox Christian was. Of course, his interest in such topics had a single motivating factor: that knowledge yielded power. What better way to subdue an enemy than by being aware of his beliefs, habits, and weaknesses?

Severus recoiled inwardly from the horrific recollection of his earlier deeds, from all those unbearable memories that he would probably never be able to erase from his mind...

Forgive me my past transgressions, and absolve me from them all, for Thou art gracious and Thou lovest all men.

Without being conscious of it, Severus crossed himself, sighed and reached for his coffee.

"Learned some new magic, Severus?" came Lupin's calm voice, startling the Potions Master from his somber thoughts. "What you did, just now."

"What? Oh, that... No, it's not magic, Lupin -Remus. It's... a token of love, I guess you might say."

"Ah. Interesting."

"You've been back at Hogwarts for a while, then?"

Lupin smiled. "Since last spring. I'm the most popular substitute teacher there ever was, I think. Not teaching potions, of course, my skills in that department never came close to yours."

"I didn't see you at the little get-together celebrating my return."

"I was dealing with my monthly problem," Lupin said. "You hadn't arrived in time to brew the potion for me."

"I apologize, Remus. No one told me."

"Nothing to worry about. You'd just gotten here after... well, convalescing and all that. I wouldn't have wanted you to be put to work as soon as you'd crossed the front doors."

Severus shook his head. "It would not have been work. I shall make certain the potion is ready next time around."

"I have to say, you do seem more relaxed these days, Severus."

"Less like a surly bastard, you mean."

A small laugh escaped Lupin. "I wouldn't put it that way. You had your reasons to be unhappy."

"Happiness is fleeting," Severus said, filling Lupin's cup of tea. "It can't be the source of one's attitude."

"I suppose you're right. And I'm glad you're back, Severus."

"Thank you. It is good to be here."

At that moment, a great black dog made its way towards the Head Table and sat next to Lupin.

"Snuffles, where have you been?" Lupin said.

The dog snarled at Severus.

"Behave," Lupin said. "Here, have some bacon."

The animal licked its chops and began to eat, no longer paying attention to the Potions Master.

"Don't mind him," Lupin told Severus. "He's grumpy in the morning."

"Aren't we all," Severus said. His eyes wandered across the room, which was now filled with half-awake students.

"You look all right," Lupin said.

"I slept well. I don't have... as many nightmares as I used to."

"Ready to take on the little rapscallions, then?"

Severus chuckled softly. "I may need a few more hours of rest for that. But I'll have to manage as best I can, I suppose."

He was about to take another sip of coffee when Snuffles turned around and hit the Potions Master's arm with his muzzle, startling Severus and causing him to spill the hot liquid all over his robes.

"Snuffles!" Lupin said, and reprimanded the dog with a slap.

All eyes in the hall suddenly grew alert. The students fixed the front of the room with curious stares.

Lupin cast a cooling charm and asked Severus, "Did you get burned? Are you-"

"I'm fine, don't chastise him," Severus said, clenching his jaw. He removed the stain with a muttered spell. "It was just -just an accident."

Lupin glared at the dog and pointed towards the doors. "Get back to my rooms and stay there 'til I fetch you."

But Severus put his hand on Lupin's arm and said, "It's not necessary. I'm sure... Snuffles won't do it again." The Potions Master looked down at the animal and said, "Will you?"

The dog bared its teeth and ran out of the Great Hall.

Lupin shook his head. "I'm sorry, Severus."

"Don't worry. Some things can't be fixed overnight."

The Headmaster leaned over to Severus, holding another mug of coffee. "Here, Severus. You're sure you weren't hurt? The coffee's quite hot."

"My robes are thick enough," Severus said. "I appreciate your concern, Headmaster, but I assure you it is unwarranted."

McGonagall and Dumbledore exchanged a surprised glance.

"Why, Severus, whatever has happened to that temper of yours?" McGonagall said.

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control," Severus said.

"I see," McGonagall said. "A sensible approach, indeed."

"One I confess I have not yet perfected," Severus said with a self-deprecating smile.

Lupin, Dumbledore and McGonagall laughed.

The Headmaster noticed that almost all the students were whispering to one another and gawking at the Potions Master.

"I daresay the opportunities to practice will be plentiful," Dumbledore said.

****

The Headmaster's statement soon turned out to be prophetic. Throughout the day, Draco Malfoy and a few of his fellow Slytherins seemed determined to find out how much mischief it would take to make their newly converted professor crack. Severus, however, had several protectors of which he was not aware, namely Harry, Hermione, Ron, and a number of other students from all four Houses; word had quickly spread about the Potions Master's radical alteration. But despite their best efforts, they could not prevent everything that befell him.

One calamity, in particular, would be referred to in hushed tones for years to come.

When Hermione sat down to dinner with Harry and Ron, she whispered, "Listen... I think Malfoy's up to no good."

"He's been up to no good all day," Harry said. Not that they'd been able to pin anything on him: from the thin sheet of ice that had suddenly materialized in the Potions Master's path as he strode out of a classroom and made him tumble on the hard stone floor, to the live cockroaches that had streamed out of his leather bag during their own double potions session, Malfoy had managed to keep his nose clean.

Their professor, on the other hand, had often looked like he was just about ready to give them all a month's worth of detention, but stifled the impulse by sheer force of will. Then his shoulders would sag and his voice softened. This only strengthened their determination to shield him from further attacks.

"I overheard him saying something about Muggles being useful sometimes, that they could be creative," Hermione said.

"Malfoy said that?" Ron said.

"Then he said that Professor Snape needed to remember what he truly was," Hermione said.

"I don't like this. Maybe we should warn the Headmaster right now," Harry said.

At that moment, the Potions Master entered the Great Hall. His face was drawn, and he was rubbing one of his temples, but when he saw students who were smiling at him, he smiled back.

Harry glanced at the Slytherin table. Malfoy and his cronies were busy eating their meals, and acted as though their Head of House did not exist.

"Maybe Malfoy was just being his usual prat self," Ron said.

"Still, we need to talk with the Headmaster soon," Harry said.

It was already too late.

Severus had not put one foot on the first step to the Head Table that a powerful stench filled the room, and the torches against the walls flared; then, over the Potions Master's head, a black, swirling cloud appeared. Before anyone had time to blink or scream, it was as if the cloud dissolved itself onto the professor, drenching him with what looked like several bucketfuls of oil.

A few seconds went by; no one moved. All present realized it wasn't oil that dripped from the Potions Master's shuddering form and pooled at his feet.

It was blood.

Shrieks and cries rang across the room; Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, and several other professors rushed toward Severus, who stood there shaking and staring at his blood covered hands.

The Headmaster muttered a cleansing charm, but the blood did not disappear.

"Albus!" McGonagall said with a trembling voice.

"Minerva, get the students out of here, quickly."

She nodded, her face white, and ran to alert the prefects.

"Severus," Dumbledore said. "Come, it's all right, it's all right."

But Severus didn't seem to hear. Long strands of hair stuck to his face, which was streaked with blood, and he couldn't tear his gaze from his hands. "N- n- no- no-"

Dark revel it's a Dark revel Voldemort can't fight oh my God help me-

"We have to get it off of him, now!" Lupin said.

"Accio cup," Dumbledore said, and transfigured it into a tub. Another spell and the water it contained was steaming hot.

"Everyone, leave, except for Remus," Dumbledore told the assembled professors, who filed out of the hall along with the few remaining students.

The Headmaster then waved the two tall doors shut.

"N- n- not a D- Death Eater anymore-" Severus said, agonized breaths wracking his chest.

"No, you're not, and we're going to get you cleaned up right away," Dumbledore said.

Severus sank to his knees, oblivious to his surroundings.

Suddenly, there was a loud banging noise at the doors. Severus pitched forward and wrapped his arms around his torso. Dumbledore whipped out his wand, but then Minerva's muffled cry reached his ears: "Albus! Poppy is with me!"

The doors swung open to let the two witches in, then slammed shut again.

The mediwitch blanched when she saw the blood that soaked Severus from head to toe and made his robes cling to him like tar-covered wings. She raced to him and skidded to a stop, almost slipping on the blood that encircled him. McGonagall had told her it wouldn't be his, but Pomfrey found that almost impossible to believe at the moment.

She scanned him with her wand. "Severus? Severus?"

He whimpered.

"He's in a state of shock," she told Dumbledore. "Why is he still-"

"I tried to remove the blood with a charm, but it didn't work."

"It didn't work?"

"Let's get these robes off him," Lupin said.

Once again, the Headmaster murmured a spell, and once again, nothing happened.

"It must have something to do with the blood," Dumbledore said. "I've never seen such dark magic before."

"Come on, Severus, we're going to get these clothes off you," Lupin said and tried to pry him from the floor.

Severus raised his head, the thick, red ooze dribbling from his face. "Murderer, I'm... a mu- murderer-"

"Turn him over on his back," Pomfrey said, and soon all of them were struggling to undo the rows of buttons, now caked with blood, that held him trapped.

"Damn it!" Lupin said, and began to rip the fabric in half.

McGonagall yanked the Potions Master's shoes off and Pomfrey was tugging away at his trousers. The three professors and the mediwitch were out of breath and frantic, save for Severus, who'd lost consciousness.

Then, the Headmaster noticed something.

The blood-stained corner of a piece of paper was sticking out of one of Severus's pockets. Dumbledore pulled it out and unfolded it, whispering, "What in Merlin's name..."

Lupin, McGonagall and Pomfrey stopped what they were doing for a second, and their eyes met the Headmaster's.

"Albus?" McGonagall said.

The Headmaster showed them what was on the parchment, and they gasped.

It was a strange sort of pentagram, filled with symbols that struck fear in their hearts; at the center was the leering image of a horned goat. The words Severus Snape were written in a twisted scrawl at the top of the page.

Lupin was about to speak when the parchment burst into flames and disintegrated.

"Minerva," Albus said, "I want you to contact this priest, Father Nikolski. The fireplace in his office at the monastery has been linked to the Floo network."

"Do you really think he can counter something like this?"

"I don't know, but... If you'll remember, he did remove the Dark Mark. There obviously exists magic with which we are unfamiliar -at the very least, his presence will reassure Severus. Go to my office, and bring him here without delay."

She nodded and left.

In the meantime, Pomfrey and Lupin had finally managed to get Severus undressed, and both of them lowered him into the tub.

"Look, it's working," Pomfrey said, rising the blood off his skin with the warm water. "Albus, get me some soap."

The Headmaster transfigured a piece of bread into a bar of soap and gave it to her. Then he turned to Lupin. "Would you hand me your robes, Remus?"

The werewolf obeyed and Dumbledore said, "Let's try the cleansing charm again... Scordiosa."

The blood was instantly removed from Lupin's robes.

"Of course. This only affected Severus," Dumbledore said. He muttered the spell a few more times, cleaning his own robes, as well as Pomfrey's, and then the floor. "Ah, much, much better." The Headmaster then destroyed Severus's ruined clothes; a burst of flames, and the rumpled mess had vanished.

"He's starting to look better too," Pomfrey said, gently scrubbing flaking blood from the Potions Master's face. "The poor man. Who do you think- who could have done something so horrible?"

"It's too early for conjecture. But Severus will require additional protection until the culprit is found. I am hopeful Father Nikolski will have a number of beneficial suggestions."

"I'm done, lay the robes on the floor, Albus," Pomfrey said. She levitated Severus out of the water, dried him with a wave of her wand, then she and the Headmaster wrapped the robes around his warm body.

"I should move him to the Hospital Wing, when the priest gets here you could-"

Pomfrey was interrupted by McGonagall's shout behind the door. "Albus!"

Once more, the doors opened, revealing the breathless Transfiguration professor, and a man dressed in a long black tunic with flowing sleeves. He was also wearing a cylindrical hat which was covered by a black veil that trailed down his back, and he was clutching a leather bag. The instant he saw Severus lying on the ground, he hastened to the stricken man and knelt down next to him.

"Father Nikolski, I am Headmaster Dumbledore, I trust Minerva has told you-"

"Some attack has occurred," the priest said, touching Severus's forehead.

"We were just about to take him to the Hospital Wing," Pomfrey said.

"One moment, please," Father Nikolski said. "There is an important matter to attend to, right away."

Pomfrey glanced at Dumbledore, who said, "Whatever you deem is necessary, Father."

The priest retrieved two small bottles from his bag; one contained some oil, the other, wine. He mixed the liquids together, murmuring, "A woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.' 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.' Holy Father, Physician and Healer of souls and bodies, who has sent us Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the healing of all sickness and deliverance from death: heal Your servant, Severus, from every infirmity that may have seized him in body and soul."

Then he anointed Severus's forehead, his cheeks, the base of his throat, and the palms and backs of his hands.

Severus opened his eyes.

There was absolute silence.

Father Nikolski stared intently at the Potions Master, who at last said with a barely audible voice, "As you raised the paralytic of old, by Your divine intercession raise my soul, thoroughly paralyzed by many sins and unseemly acts, that, being saved, I may call to You. O compassionate Christ, grant me healing." The words had no sooner left his mouth that unconsciousness claimed him again.

Pomfrey moved closer, and swept her wand over Severus's limp form. "No traces of black magic left. Your, uh... your potion seems to have worked, Father."

The priest smiled, then grew serious once more. "It was the grace of God. And now, Severus needs to be in bed, and rest, I am sure you agree." He looked at Dumbledore. "You could show me what this evil document contained, Headmaster? Professor McGonagall told me some details. It is most important that I know as much as possible."

"Of course," Dumbledore said.

"Will Severus be safe in the Hospital Wing?" McGonagall said.

"I will arrange everything," Father Nikolski said. He scooped Severus in his arms and rose to his feet. "Let us go."

"This way, Father," Dumbledore said.

****

A candle was burning on the bedside table, illuminating icons of the Virgin of Vladimir and Christ the Bridegroom, as Severus slept. Father Nikolski had first blessed the bed with holy water, and after the Potions Master was covered with blankets, the priest had touched the dark head in four places, marking Severus with the sign of the Cross.

Though it was late at night, Father Nikolski was still awake -he kept watch over his spiritual child, and prayed softly. "Save, o Lord, and have mercy on the victims of sin, those who are enduring any agony of body or mind, strengthen them, Lord Jesus, and help them in body and mind..."

He was determined to guide Severus through this latest ordeal. The priest recalled Dumbledore's description of the horrendous incident, and marveled at the purity of Severus's soul, the depth of his contrition: overcome by the assault of the enemy, his first reaction had been to condemn himself.

Father Nikolski gazed at Severus and whispered, "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh."

A small sound came from Severus, and he woke with a start.

The priest immediately reached out and grasped Severus's hand. "Child, I am here."

"Father... I couldn't do it... couldn't fight him..."

"No, Severus. The enemy took you by surprise, attacked you viciously. You called on the name of the Lord, did you not?"

Severus frowned and struggled to remember.

"Do not be anxious, child-"

(my God help me)

"Yes, yes... I asked for help, b- but..."

"You did all that was correct, and therefore, you have emerged victorious from the trial. The Lord has allowed this for the perfection of your soul. Do not forget what the apostle has said: 'our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,' so you must not lose heart, and persevere, knowing the Lord will save those who endure to the end."

"Father, when I saw the, the blood... suddenly, the whole room turned red, and... all those memories, I thought -I was trapped, Father, it was as though I'd been hurled back into the past." Severus began to tremble.

"Shhh, I know, I know," the priest said, stroking Severus's head. "You will have to be vigilant, child. You have been forgiven. Such thoughts are a temptation of the enemy, who wishes you to believe you cannot draw near God. The Lord will always gives grace to the humble."

Severus's eyes watered. "Father, did you bring a Psalter with you?"

"I will read, but you must rest, Severus."

"Please, Father."

The priest opened the book and started to chant. "O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters."

"Let not the floodwater overflow me, nor let the deep swallow me up; and let not the pit shut its mouth on me," Severus said, joining the priest in his psalmody.

****

The next day, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the dungeons, their eyes fixed on the door, waiting for the Potions Master's arrival. None of the students couldn't believe their enigmatic professor would be teaching so soon after what had happened; during breakfast, Dumbledore made the announcement that the Potions Master was fine, and would resume his classes that very afternoon.

"He's late," Hermione said. She toyed nervously with a piece of parchment. "The Headmaster should have forced him to take at least the rest of the week off."

Ron glanced at Draco. "All I can say is, Malfoy had better watch it."

"I don't know, Ron. He's looking kind of pale," Harry said.

"Yeah, worried he's really done for this time."

"There is a difference between a bagful of cockroaches and... whatever that curse was," Hermione said, and shuddered.

"Only a Malfoy could have come up with something so twisted," Ron said. "You've seen what his father's like."

"Maybe, but-"

Harry's words were cut short by the sound of the door screeching open.

Their Potions Master, face slightly drawn, walked to the front of his desk and, crossing his arms, leaned back against it.

"Good afternoon, children. Today, we are going to brew a counter-hex potion. This potion is effective against hexes which specifically affect the internal organs. For instance, the Cervicum Delirias curse, known to cause fearful hallucin-"

"Professor Snape, sir..." Hermione said.

"Ms. Granger? What is it?"

"I was wondering, sir, if you don't mind my asking, are you... all right?"

"Your concern is appreciated, but I assure you that I'm perfectly well. Shall we continue?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione said, repressing the urge to contradict her Potions Master.

"As I was saying, children, the Cervicum Delirias curse triggers powerful hallucinations, often resulting in seizures. Once you have brewed your potions, as usual, we will test them out."

Neville Longbottom fumbled with his cauldron and turned red.

After the students had fetched the necessary ingredients, Severus assisted and encouraged those who were having trouble, and praised those whose potion was of the right texture and shade. He paid particular attention to Draco, whose expression wavered between apprehension and disdain. Their Potions Master ignored the young Slytherin's frosty demeanor, and treated him with unmistakable kindness.

"What's the professor doing?" Ron said. "I mean, do you see that? Doesn't he know Malfoy's behind this whole sick blood prank?"

"Malfoy's acting weird. Like he's freaked out or something, and doesn't want to show it," Harry said.

"We have to get to the bottom of this," Hermione said. "Otherwise, I'm worried about what could happen to Professor Snape next."

Which is exactly when the Potions Master said, "Class, it's time to test your potions." He turned to Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy, we will begin with yours. I will test it."

All the students gaped at their professor in disbelief, while Draco's smug look melted right off his face.

"Sir, we always test our own potions."

"There's a first time for everything, isn't there?"

"Professor Snape, I don't think this is safe. I -I could have made a mistake. What if something goes wrong-"

"Don't you have any confidence in your potions skills, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco's lips curled, and his cheeks flushed. "You used to be fond of proclaiming how I excelled at it, sir."

The Potions Master ladled some of Draco's potion into a glass. "Everyone, watch carefully. Mr. Malfoy's potion is exactly the right coloration, a deep, oxide red, and note the texture: not quite as thick as cream, with no lumps whatsoever." He sniffed it, and nodded. "Once the victim has been hit with the curse, ideally the potion should be ingested as soon as possible to prevent the chance of brain damage. It takes a few minutes to take full effect, so don't be alarmed if I don't quite seem like myself until it does."

"We have to stop this!" Hermione said.

"How could Malfoy have tampered with the potion if he didn't even know the professor was going to drink it?" Harry said.

"I told you Snape'd gone mad," Ron said.

"He's a Potions Master," Harry said. "Do you really think he wouldn't know if Malfoy'd messed it up?"

"Malfoy looks like he's about to hurl," Ron said. "Not a good sign."

Then, the Potions Master placed the tip of his wand against his head and said, "Cervicum Delirias."

"No!" Hermione said.

The professor swayed and groped for the glass. He downed its content in one gulp, and it slipped from his fingers.

------

End of Part two