A Son of Slytherin

A Son of Slytherin

Chapter Four

Letters

Severus entered the Great Hall for breakfast just as the owls began to arrive with the Sunday Prophet. He had read his copy, as usual, before leaving his quarters. Spending more for the early delivery had paid off many times during his years at Hogwarts and today he was prepared. He scanned the room, watching for reactions to the news about the Raid on the Ministry of Magic.

Malfoy was reading to Crabbe and Goyle, pausing from time to time to dart angry looks at the Gryffindor table. Nott and Zabini, sitting several seats apart from Malfoy, were bowed over a shared copy. Miss Davis was leaning on Zabini's shoulder, although Severus wasn't sure if the newspaper was her motive. Others were sitting in small clumps along the table. He could see that Slytherin House was becoming more fragmented than it had been.

At the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables students were grouping up to read and Hufflepuffs started passing copies up and down their table. Heads turned to look at Slytherin or to Gryffindor. Severus was glad the term was almost over.

The regular post owls began arriving at his office shortly after breakfast. He chose a bird at random and opened the letter. This one was from a former student and began cheerfully. He scanned rapidly through the pleasantries to the crux of the letter, "...regret that I cannot..."

Severus tossed the letter to his desk and chose again, and again, and each time scanning the page to the answer he anticipated:

"...it is my good fortune to have so many applicants, and the position has been filled."

"I am very sorry, but..."

"I know how sparing you are of compliments. The boy must be talented for you to recommend him so highly, but as his father's arrest has been reported..."

He read Madam Zabini's letter in its entirety.

Dear Professor Snape,

I received your letter and one from Blaise with the same request. I know Theodore, of course, from Blaise's many letters and from his visits to our home over the past holidays. He is, as you say, a bright, well-mannered boy. I knew that his father had been cleared of involvement with Death Eaters a long time ago. But this new evidence of his guilt changes things.

I am sure you will understand why I hesitate. It is not only my own history. I could overcome that for Theodore's sake. But I am concerned that if his father should be freed, or if others of like mind should want to influence the boy, they would know where to find him. I cannot put Blaise in danger.

Please accept my regrets, but I cannot offer our home to Theodore at this time.

Yours truly,

Elizabeth Zabini

Severus stood and paced. Madam Zabini had been his main hope, doubtful as it had been. He wondered what Blaise had told her. Whatever the boy had said, it hadn't worked. He had no choice now. There was only one person left he could ask. Severus reviewed the letter, already written:

Madam Wood,

I have given your inquiry great consideration. Although I have several capable 7^th years, I know of no one who would be interested in an apothecary apprenticeship. My N.E.W.T. students--across the board--will pass Potions and all of those will be accepted into the next level of their chosen careers.

I do have a 5^th year student, Theodore Nott, who could serve as an apprentice this summer. The boy's family has suffered a crisis and he is in need of a place to stay. As you may know from the "Daily Prophet," Theodore's father was taken into custody by Aurors on Friday morning. Professor Dumbledore was involved in the situation, and there is little doubt of Mr. Nott's guilt. He is currently at St. Mungo's and will be incarcerated at Azkaban upon his recovery.

I am convinced that Theo is completely surprised by this turn of events. The boy does not adhere to the Pureblood ideology usually found in Slytherin House and was shocked to discover his father's membership in the Dark Lord's organization.

He is planning to apply to St. Mungo's Healer program after he completes Hogwarts and is certainly capable of doing the type of work you would ask of him. I can, furthermore, arrange for a waiver of the Restriction of Underage Wizardry so that he can be more useful to you. A stipend can be arranged for room and board and there is money enough to meet his other needs.

Contact me immediately if this is agreeable and we will discuss details.

Give my best to the twins.

Regards,

Severus Snape

Potions Master

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

With some reservation Severus attached the letter to an owl and sent it on. He would have his answer later today, but he was sure he already knew it. He couldn't deny Nott would be a big help at the shop, and there was no doubt that working with an apothecary would help his acceptance into St. Mungo's. But Severus had hoped to send the boy further away. Too much contact with him over the holiday would not be good.

The answer he expected came in the afternoon.

Dear Professor Snape,

I am familiar with your Theodore Nott. He is the tall, thin Slytherin who comes into my shop on Hogsmeade weekends and purchases rather unusual combinations of supplies. Depending on his bent, Herbology or Potions, I think he has made some rather intriguing concoctions. But at any rate, he is polite and honest and I have no complaint against him. I am willing to take him as a temporary apprentice, so long as he understands I do require that he works hard in my shop and that he keeps up with his studies. If he is accustomed to free time during the holiday, he will be disappointed.

I have two young daughters, and as Nott will be, for all intent and purposes, a member of the family, I do expect upright behavior at all times. If this is agreeable, I will be more than happy to welcome him into my home at the end of the term.

The girls send their best wishes and request that you come for dinner on the first available evening.

Yours truly,

Shirley Wood, Apothecary

Hogsmeade Village

Severus strode to the fireplace and tossed a handful of floo powder into the small flame. "Wood house," he said, and waited. He felt the familiar spinning and then Shirley smiled at him from her kitchen.

"Hello, Severus. Did you get my letter?"

"I did. Apparently you misunderstood. You're to apprentice him, not adopt him."

"I'm so happy you're pleased," she said dryly. "I think I can mange one Slytherin boy. Do you want to come to dinner today?"

"Tomorrow, if you don't mind. Professor McGonagall isn't back yet and I'm watching for trouble now that the Prophet is out."

"Then tomorrow. We can go over the details then. I don't imagine there will be any problems." They said goodbye, and Severus backed out of the hearth.

He expected Professor McGonagall soon, and he knew she'd try to sneak in without help. Severus put the letter in his desk and hurried along the passageway and up the stairs to the entrance hall. He stepped through the doorway in time to see Potter pointing a wand at a wide-eyed Draco.

Severus spoke sharply, "Potter!" He strode across the hall to the four boys. No doubt Draco had started something again, but Severus couldn't help wishing Potter would learn to ignore him. "What are you doing Potter?"

"I'm trying to decide what curse to use on Malfoy, sir."

Severus stared at him. He needed to disarm Potter before Malfoy did something that would make things worse. "Put that wand away at once," he said. Now to soothe Draco and separate the boys.

"Ten points from Gryff--Ah, I see there are no longer any points to take away." This would be easy. Severus smiled. He could give Potter a detention to keep the boys apart for a few more hours. "We'll just have to..."

Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, "Add some more?"

"Professor McGonagall, out of St. Mungo's I see!" he said, striding forward. As he suspected, there she was with baggage and cane, trying to manage on her own. He watched with veiled amusement as Crabbe and Goyle submitted to her request and trudged off with her carpetbag and cloak. He was admiring her rather nice job of separating Malfoy from his guards and nearly missed her question.

"...What say you, Professor Snape?"

"What?" his reply sounded sharper than he intended, but of course he would agree with the Deputy, "Oh--well--I suppose..."

"So that's fifty each for Potter, the two Weasleys..."

He listened as she named each young hero. In a moment she had re-worked the hourglasses, overturning all the unfair advantage the Inquisitorial Squad had given Slytherin. He had to give her credit, she even remembered to deduct the ten points from Gryffindor.

Then just as quickly, she sent Potter and Malfoy outside where they were unlikely to continue the fight. It was very handily done and he would have admired her skill if it hadn't had such an effect on his House standing. He scowled at the hourglasses, making Minerva chuckle. "Come now, Severus, it's better this way. We wouldn't want Albus awarding points at another end-of-term feast."

"You're right, of course. But I'm sorry Potter didn't hex Malfoy," Severus replied. She gave him a suspicious look and he continued, "I could have taken more points from your House." She smiled at that and he took her arm as they made her way to her office. They had a lot to talk about.