Chapter Text
“One box Wiggenweld, two boxes Calming Draught, four boxes Pepper-Up, one box Burn Salve...”
It was odd; counting out boxes like a shipping manager for a supply ship. Severus had never had to transport any large amount of potions. He shipped a potion here or there, but nothing of this quantity. He had been receiving shipped samples from apothecary supplicants, but he always returned such samples with responses and samples of his own.
His yearly restock of the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts was stacked up in the sitting room, awaiting the elves the headmaster was sending to assist. The boxes were overly layered with Cushioning Charms and anti-shatter wards, his paranoia about elves handling such a large quantity of items bleeding through like a sieve.
In the past, Severus would merely floo the batches of various balms, elixirs, and cure-alls as he finished them within the dungeons of the castle. Poppy Pomfrey would bustle about levitating them in her own storeroom and nip and barb him about his anti-social tendencies.
Now seeing his cumulative efforts all together, packed, prepared, and ready for use, Severus could not help but stare at the sheer volume of it all. It had never seemed like that big of a task, supplying the ward, but clearly he was not paying close enough attention to the sheer volume he produced every summer.
“I do hope they are paying you for all this.” Bella’s voice slipped up his spine as her body pressed against his back and her chin came to rest on his shoulder. While tall, Bella was still shorter than him and her neck had to crane upwards as they both stared at the very real representation of his work.
“Lucius has been goading you, has he?” Severus could not help but retort. It was a long standing contention between himself and Lucius that Hogwarts should be compensating him for this service.
“Lucky has been busy as of late, so no.” Bella shrugged against him.
Her weight was a welcome feeling; one he had grown quite accustomed to this past month. After his talk with Lucius, and realizing the depth of his own feelings for the woman, he’d come to roost in Grimmauld with both Bella and Corvus.
He had known on some level that Bellatrix was a very physical person; often touching Corvus, Narcissa, and others with casual touches and eager hugs and holds. But he had come to realize just how much the woman needed, or enjoyed, having some physical touch with those whom she felt herself close to during his stay.
Even now; he knew her presence behind him, pressed into his back with her arms wrapping possessively around his waist, was something Bella needed at this moment and he was more than happy to oblige her.
“I just know you are insufferably noble when you think you have some duty to perform.” Bella continued, a cackle worming its way into her tone of voice and he rolled his eyes in response. “You and Corvus both do not understand the benefits of selfishness.”
“I can be plenty selfish, Bella.” Severus snorted and reached down to place a hand over hers. “After all, it was I that claimed you, was it not?”
“If you remember, it was I who bed you...” Bella playfully teased back, pushing away and twirling just out of reach, her fingers running along the back of a sofa. “And had to wait until you were plenty drunk to do so.”
“There are days I think you and Viviana conspired it so, Nightshade.” Severus curled his lip in a sneer, but one with no real venom or hate. Just a toying gesture that caused Bella to smirk in kind.
“Perhaps we did. Perhaps we didn’t. You’ll never know.” Bella let herself lean over the sofa’s back and started her pout. “Must you leave so early?”
“The Headmaster sent a message that he would like to meet before the staff meetings take up our time.” Severus returned to his mental checking. “And I must admit some guilt in heaping all of this on Poppy. I am hoping to make amends by helping her inventory and stock the shelves.”
“How is it you aren’t Head of Hufflepuff?”
“Like a good Slytherin, Bella, I understand the benefits of being on the good side of the person who can both expel and return my organs to their proper place depending on her mood.”
“Healers swear oaths, she would never follow through with such a threat.”
“You do not know Poppy Pomfrey.”
They entered into one of their easy silences, Bella moving about nervously before settling on a settee nearby and watching with distant gray eyes. Severus finished his inventory and began to ensure the seals were tight. Two elves appeared as if merely waiting somewhere for him to be finished. With a shared look of resignation, the two began snapping their fingers and taking the lot.
“What is it you suppose the old manipulator wants?” Bella hummed, still looking rather distant.
“I highly suspect he wishes to interrogate me about my extended absence from the castle.” Severus turned off the part of his brain that was urging him to follow after his hard work. “You know how much he hates not knowing every detail.”
“I hope he’s driven himself mad at the thought.” Bella scowled slightly. “What will you tell him?”
“That quite frankly my duties were met so what I did with my summer was of no consequence.”
“No consequence, hmmm?” Bella quirked her brow, a teasing grin starting across her face. “Careful Sevvy, I might just be insulted.”
“I am not responsible for your bruised ego, Bella.” Severus sniffed but gave his own grin. “You know as well as I that it is merely a deception. Being in his confidence helps me keep an eye on things. Not only for Corvus, but you and Lucius.”
“I’m sure he’s still feeling that sting.” Bella grinned ferally at the thought.
The removal of Albus from the Chief Warlock position had been a shock, to say the least. But a good shock. Severus knew Albus’ influence was spread far and wide. But that was a risk with doing so. Some of those he influenced on the outer rings were feeling rather ignored and used.
Yet, Severus knew Albus was by no means harmless, even without that head of state position and Bella still very much saw him as a threat to Corvus and his happiness.
Severus could not outright debase her of the idea, given the old man seemed to believe Harry was still alive, and was surely making his own investigations to locate him. On top of that delusion, he was also trying to rebuild his base of loyal, devoted, admirers back up by outreaching to students more actively again.
That included Corvus.
“You’ll floo me if he’s in a snit? You’ll share the memory if he completely looses his mind with worry?” Bella cooed and swooned, her face alight with the idea that Albus was suffering even just a touch because of their machinations.
“My, a bit bloodthirsty are we?” Severus smiled softly and moved to stand over her. He brushed her hair away from her forehead and shook his head as if admonishing a child. “I do hope Nymphadora is prepared. You won’t have as many outlets for that energy of yours.”
“She hates that name.” Bella rolled her eyes just like a petulant teenager.
“Thus why I use it.” Severus smirked back. “If one were not aware of the family tree, they would believe she was yours, Bella.”
“Might as well be!” Bella chirped pridefully.
A small tick in his front pocket had him reaching in and pulling out a gold pocket watch. The last gift his mother had left behind. It was a plain watch, a simple S engraved in the back. Severus had been rather shocked that Tobias had not found the item and pawned it for booze money. Granted, his mother had hidden it with magic and he had only found it once he returned to Spinner’s End after the Dark Lord’s fall.
Most of his clothing and affects had been already taken to Hogwarts; Kreacher bemoaning the extra chore, but doing so on Corvus’ behest. And now, as he looked at the time, he was thankful for one less thing to worry about. It was time to get to the castle and see just what it was Albus needed.
“Tell Corvus and Draco I will see them upon their arrival.” He put the watch back in his pocket and watched Bella’s face contort into a full-on scowl of disappointment. “I would be leaving in a few days time regardless, Bella. The staff has to hold their annual meetings, the heads of house must ensure no issues are outstanding, and this year I will have to answer for my sudden shift in routine.”
“You’ve spoiled me, you know.” Bella stood and burrowed the crown of her head into his chest. He reached up and wrapped his arms around her gently, letting her have this moment of weakness. This moment of softness. “Not only will the hatchling be gone, but you...”
“Then it is a good thing I’ve told Nymphadora to be present more than usual.” Severus muttered, inwardly groaning at that particular conversation with the unchecked metamorphamagus. “And I will leave the book for your perusal. The ghosts are flimsy in their loyalties and I would not risk Albus learning of it.”
“I’m not in need of activities. Nor babysitting.” Bella pouted with her lip out, gray eyes daring and dancing with indignation as she glanced up at him. He smiled smugly in return.
“Of course not. However, I find distraction helps when one is lonely.” He tipped her chin up further and rested his forehead on her own. “I have the misfortune of having a castle full of hormonal, idiotic, dunderheads to keep me occupied. You do not.”
“Again, noble.” Bella snickered and pushed away. “Fine. Leave. I will console the hatchlings and try not to drown in sorrowful longing.”
“Tart.” Severus snickered as well, moving to the floo. “Do try to keep the mayhem to a minimum?”
“NEVER!” Bella’s cackling refusal was the last he heard as he flooed away to Hogwarts.
It was one of the few times the wards were lowered and the floo points were connected to the outside world. The professors typically were on the older side and accommodations were made to make their arrivals easier. Apparition, portkeys, and floo travel would be opened for the next few days to let them come in without having to make the trek from Hogsmeade or have their belongings brought up from the front gates.
Landing perfectly in his office, he took a moment to enjoy the silence and perfection that was his sanctuary before the desk was full of essays, quizzes, and other parchment needing his attention. The classroom, too, was in perfect condition, clean and sterile to facilitate the brewing of students who would no doubt destroy the work of the elves before the year was through.
The echoing of his footsteps as he moved his way from the dungeons to the tower that held Albus Dumbledore’s office was like a metronome, calmly leading him back into the subterfuge and mask that made up his persona within these halls.
“What would they say?” His mind chuckled darkly as he slipped through stone passageways and covered bridges connecting the sprawling, intricate portions of the castle. “If they had seen you just then? What would they do if they knew that side of you?”
That thought was chased away, as he saw the gargoyle that protected the headmaster’s office already turned sideways and the stairs already leading up to the literal heartbeat of the old structure.
He slowed slightly as he heard voices. Albus had sent a letter, requesting his arrival today at this time, and Severus assumed it was to not-so-subtly try to pry into his absence this summer. Like clockwork for the ten years prior, Severus returned here at the start of August to brew for the Hospital Wing and otherwise stay in solitary confinement in the dungeons.
This year was a departure from that routine and Albus was far too observant to not have noticed it.
Yet, it sounded as others were also summoned. The low voices were exchanging pleasantries and Severus steeled himself for whatever nonsense Albus was no doubt planning.
Last year, Albus had called them together to protect the Philosopher’s Stone. What would he have this year, a Pandora’s Box?
“Ah! I think I hear Severus approaching!” Albus’ far too happy voice snapped Severus out of his doomed thoughts and he took a steadying breath before stepping up the last step and into the office proper.
As he assumed, there was another person there. Sitting in one of the chairs in front of the headmaster’s desk was a man, based on the stature and size, with graying, light brown hair. Something familiar screamed at him for a brief second before the man stood along with Albus to welcome him.
Severus’ mind halted briefly, snarling with pure loathing. A flash of amber eyes, the glinting of white, long teeth. Gray fur replacing human skin and bones breaking underneath.
“Severus! It is good to see you!” Albus was still prattling on happily, coming around the desk to pat his shoulder and try to catch his gaze.
Severus, however, would not let the man. His eyes locked with a pair of green, exhausted looking eyes across the room. This was the man, not the werewolf, logically Severus knew that. But he knew what the man became. That was the entirety of the situation and he sneered, eyes starting to tick as the realization really began to settle.
Albus had set up an ambush the likes Severus had not anticipated. And he wanted to curse and hex the perpetrator until his fury finally died down.
“I must say we missed you in the castle. Poppy was quite worried when you didn’t return.”
“My apologies, Headmaster.” Severus put his arms behind him, removing the temptation to draw his wand. “I found myself rather occupied this summer.”
Shields were snapping back to the forefront, something he realized rather late that he’d allowed to go lax while in Grimmauld. There had not been a need to hide his emotions, his thoughts, amongst the hallowed halls of the Black Family. There had been a calmness about the home that had allowed him that reprieve and he had eagerly allowed it to lower his defenses.
But he needed them now, desperately, as he faced off with someone he’d thought never to see again.
Remus John Lupin.
Prankster. Bully.
Werewolf.
Severus knew that this was one of the weaker members of the pack of bullies that had tormented him and so many others during their school years. Still, Lupin had participated. Lupin had laughed. Lupin had been critical to charms work that had drove a great many of the ‘pranks’ the group had prided themselves for. So he was not entirely blameless for the things that the Gryffindors had done.
The group had tried to lure Severus to his demise, using the werewolf as the instrument. Lupin may have been unawares, but as soon as he had been returned to his senses he had tried to make excuses and overtures on his friends’ behalf.
“I hope that it wasn’t anything too serious that kept you, my boy.” Albus’ hand on his shoulder was now pulling him forward. “You are an integral part of the staff.”
“I have been contracted with an apothecary society.” Severus drew out in a low, serious tone, never looking away from the other occupant in the room. “Do not worry, it did not affect my brewing for the school. However, I did find myself drawn into the theory practices and the symposiums they were holding.”
Lupin looked rougher than he did the last Severus had saw him. His clothes were clearly second-hand and poorly tailored. His skin was almost sallow. Not yet a yellow denoting true illness, but not exactly a healthy complexion either. And his face was a crisscross of long scars. Some were deep, like the one just over his nose and bordering his cheek, causing that side of his face to look shadowed. Others were shallow, but still silvery and poorly healed.
Yet he still had that timid posture. That overly submissive look of guilt that constantly colored his face. Years of carrying such guilt had caused faint wrinkle lines to form, especially around his eyes. His hair was more gray than brown and despite them being the same age, Lupin certain looked older than Severus felt he himself looked.
“You always were quite brilliant with potions Severus. I’m surprised it took a group so long to start contracting you.” Lupin was finally speaking, stepping up shyly and smiling in appraisal at the news.
“Agreed!” Albus was nodding along, stroking his beard as his eyes twinkled in that damnable way of his. “I have no doubts you met both duties with upmost integrity and devotion, Severus. We were merely concerned.”
“There was no need. Now, if I may know why I was summoned Headmaster? I wish to assist Poppy in stocking the wing, since everything arrived at the same time.”
“Now Severus, you know Poppy has elves at her disposal.” Albus was trying to draw him forward, towards the seating area. “I asked you here today to discuss a few things. One of which you may already have noticed.”
“Noticed?” Severus found he could no longer hold back the venomous snarl in his throat and felt his nose crinkle in true disgust. “Yes, how could I not notice the presence of my attempted murderer.”
Lupin was instantly stepping back, head bowing down in deference and body slumping back into the seat he had vacated moments before. Severus could only shake his head in disgust at the cowardly movement before staring harshly in Albus’ direction.
“Now Severus. It has been many years since that unseemly business. It was a mistake, not one of Remus’ making. It was Sirius Black who lured you to the Whomping Willow that night...”
“For the express purpose of putting me in front of a werewolf. That werewolf.” Severus pointed out sharply.
“Severus, I truly regret what happened that night. Had I any idea that Sirius would be so reckless...”
“Yes, perhaps then the Potter’s and their son would not have met such ends.” Severus went for the low hanging fruit, relishing the absolute anguish that streaked across the man’s face as he straightened in shock and horror.
It was a cowardly blow in Severus’ own right. Especially knowing what he did. But he was in no way amused by what Albus had done here.
“That was uncalled for Severus.” Albus’ own voice dipped in severity, denoting his disapproval. But Severus kept his head held high and resisting the guilt that Albus tried to liberally apply through the sorrowful glance thrown his way.
“Must I ask why he is here?” Severus continued on, ignoring that all to get to the bottom of the the wolf’s presence. “Let me guess. Word has finally spread to whatever pit of despair he’s been wallowing in. He has heard about Corvus Black. I would think, Lupin, you’d want nothing to do with the family after everything that happened.”
“Severus, that is enough.” Albus was finally straight as an arrow and frowning harshly. The tone behind his words were enough to cause him to lower his head in deference. “While I am hoping that Remus and Corvus can get to know one another, that is not the purpose of this meeting.”
“He’s every right to be angry Albus. I told you he would be.” Remus was sighing, running a shaking hand through the already mussed hair.
“It does not excuse his behavior Remus. You were both boys then. A mistake was made and a very grievous one. But it happened and no damage was done.”
Severus snorted at that, earning another glare.
“As it is, I am hoping that we are all adults now. Severus, I have hired Remus on as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.” Albus was returning to his seat, looking between both men as he spoke.
“Of course you have. Because a possessed wizard hadn’t been enough...”
“Possessed?”
“Severus, that is behind us.” Albus waved off the comment about Quirrell handily, ignoring Lupin’s own questioning glance.
“Does the Board of Governors know this is your choice?”
“The Board selected him over a few candidates. Remus has masteries in Transfiguration, Charms and Defense so he is overly qualified.”
“So they do not know of his affliction. And I can only assume we are making the same mistakes with his monthly problem?”
“Severus, I assure you that I take many self precautions these days. Albus has also updated the wards and glamours on the Shrieking Shack and...”
“And I was hoping to discuss the last of our precautions with you today.” Albus cut the man off with a nod and stared up at Severus in turn. “You are, proven by your recent exploits, one of the most talented Potion Masters in Britain, Severus. As such, I am requesting that you brew the Wolfsbane Potion for Remus during his tenure.”
Severus really felt his back go straight at this. The absolute nerve of the man! The potion was very complex, time consuming, but it certainly was in his wheelhouse of ability. It was just the gall of the man to think he would ever brew potions for one of his former bullies.
“I understand that this is an incredible favor I am asking of you, Severus.” Albus was switching tactics, a twinge of placating pleading entering his voice. “But this is for the safety of our students while also allowing them access to a qualified teacher. I’m sure you would prefer Remus have Wolfsbane at his disposal. It allows him to keep his mind and make the threat the werewolf poses negligible. That is good for the students, including your godsons.”
“Guilt. Quite the motivator Albus. Truly.” Severus folded his arms in front of himself and glared. He anticipated that move, but it still raised his hackles and inflamed his anger even more.
“I am not trying to guilt you into anything Severus. I am merely making the point that it is beneficial to have the potion, along with the other safeguards I and Remus have put in place.”
The stand-off the ensued was tense. Severus wanted very badly to say no. To storm out like Bella in one of her fits. Yet, he knew; he absolutely knew, that Albus would proceed with Lupin as the Defense Professor regardless if he brewed Wolfsbane for the pathetic man or not.
Without the potion, there was always a risk some idiot student looking to prove themselves brave would find a way into that abominable shack where Lupin resided during the full moons as a student.
“I will ensure you are compensated for your time Severus. I know it is a difficult potion and you have your other duties to juggle as well...”
“Do you ensure Minerva’s compensated?” Severus muttered darkly, wondering if this was how Minerva got herself buried in tasks that were not hers to handle? The guilt-tripping, sparkly-eyed, grandfatherly nonsense Albus was trying to pull just now. “I have demands.”
“Of course.” Both men nodded and assumed as he stood there stock-still.
“I administer the potion. Every time. There will be no refusal of taking it in my presence and there will be no complaints about when and where I deliver the elixir.”
“We do not want the student body knowing that Remus...”
“I am aware of the panic that such information would cause, Headmaster.” He sneered at the old man, silencing him once more. “Though you seem oblivious to it.”
“Regardless, I wish to propose a compromise. The potion will be given here, in my office. Forgive me, Severus, but I do not yet trust you both to act civily and do wonder what purpose the demand has...”
“Yet, here you are asking me to brew the potion your new hire requires. Buy it, if it is so imperative.”
“You know the board would not approve such an expenditure...”
“Yes, I am well aware. Which is why you are trying to guilt me into doing it using school supplies. So I will administer it when and where I wish. This is not a negotiation.”
“Severus...”
“Secondly, I will demand that if Mr. Black decides he does not wish to ‘associate’ with Mr. Lupin outside of his classes, Mr. Lupin will abide that decision.”
“Severus, really!” Albus was protesting now. “Mr. Black deserves to know more about his father. I doubt the family has told him much and Remus was one of his closest friends.”
“So close he did not see the betrayal coming, yes? One does wonder what exactly Mr. Lupin will tell Mr. Black about his father that he doesn’t already know. Or perhaps, you are hoping he will tell him all the good-feeling tales of your time in Hogwarts; antagonizing the students and professors alike?”
“I only wish to meet him. See him.” Lupin muttered sadly, looking rather contrite. “I did not know Sirius had a child, but I can’t help but want to at least meet him and talk to him.”
“Misplaced guilt over Potter’s spawn?”
“Severus!” Albus was standing again, eyes flaring with outright disgust at the second under-handed comment. “I think perhaps that we should adjourn. I was hoping that the past could be left in the past...”
“Then perhaps next time, Albus...” Severus snarled, locking the older man’s gaze in his own with just as much disgust. “You will not ambush me in the hopes I will react favorably. I will brew the potion, I will deliver it. But I will insist my simple, few, demands be met.”
He then locked eyes with Remus Lupin, the man watching both in unabashed guilt and restrained anger. Good, the man did want to rant and rave as much as he did. Severus would NOT make this easy nor would he inadvertently put Corvus in the situation of having to deal with the werewolf for any longer than was necessary.
“Mr. Black is his own person, Lupin. He is not some miniature of that blasted friend of yours, nor is he some replacement for him. If Corvus decides that he does not wish a correspondence with you, and trust me I will know, then you will leave it.”
“Because you are his godfather, yes?” For the first time since the meeting had begun, Severus saw some resistance flare to life in the oddly detached, lifeless eyes that had been observing from this point. “I do have to wonder how that came about...”
“As it is none of your business, you will have to do with knowing that yes, I am.” Severus sneered pridefully and whipped back to Albus, who was looking more and more discouraged. “If that is all, Headmaster, then I was hoping to assist Poppy and see if she had any last minute needs based on our incoming first-years.”
“Yes, of course Severus.” Albus nodded, waving softly to dismiss him. “I am appreciative Severus, no matter what you may think.”
“Yes, thank you Severus.” Lupin added in softly, now bouncing between timid guilt and outraged pride. “If there is anything I can...”
“Nothing. There is nothing you can do. So merely take the potion and our transaction will be done.”
Severus swept out, his cloak flying behind him like a banner of war. It was aggravating that he had let his emotions play so openly just then, but the rage that Albus had all but cornered him had him lashing out. It was his only defense in this situation and he would not do this task without making it very well known how he felt about it.
“Bella is rubbing off on me.”
Still, the anger would not serve him for his planned task for the day, so as he maneuvered the castle, he carefully tucked away the emotions in his deepest forests of his mind. By the time he’d reached Poppy’s infirmary, he felt more at peace and ready to face the motherly matron of Hogwarts.
An unsung hero of the castle, honestly. Poppy Pomfrey was a fixture when he had arrived. She was a gifted healer with a stern, no-nonsense approach. She’d heal you, she’d fix you up, but if you were in her ward because of tom-foolery or reckless actions, she would scold you fiercely so the lesson would stick.
The slightly round woman was right where she normally was this time of year. Checking the hospital beds, ensuring the linens were crisp and sterile. The stockpile he’d sent with the elves was now being sorted by a different pair of the creatures, carefully removing the vials and containers with life-saving and pain-relieving concoctions.
She was gray now, curls that coiled around her rounded face softly and with a look of grace. Her brown eyes were keen and sharp, even now, and it was very hard to pull anything within her domain. Even now, she had stopped her movements and was watching him approach. A fond smile on her still-smooth skin.
“Severus. There you are.” She put her hands on her hips as he neared, eyes dancing with unrestrained concern. “I was starting to get worried! You’re always going on and on about leaving the whole mess. I thought perhaps this year you had finally made good on the threat.”
“My apologies, Poppy. As I was telling Albus, I’ve been delving back into research opportunities.”
“Oh! Well then! I suppose that I can let slide.” Poppy smiled knowingly and reached out to pat his arm fondly. “It’s about time that mind of yours was put to use.”
“Cute.” He found himself grinning at the jab and looking about. “I do regret that everything arrived at the last minute. I know you are a stickler for order and timeliness.”
“It can’t be helped.” Poppy tutted and set back to straightening the sheets on the bed she was near. “Locket and Trinket will see that everything is labeled and sorted properly. I’m not some helpless matron.”
“No, you are not.” Severus agreed. Still, his recent conversation was still trying to poke through and he could not help but see if she too had been tasked. “I see you may be once more babysitting, along with your other considerable duties here.”
“Now Severus.” Poppy frowned at him. “I have not been expressly asked, but I do know Remus will be teaching this year. And I also know he’s as harmless as a puppy if properly contained. Will you...”
“Yes, Albus gave me no choice.” Severus sighed. “I came to see if you had any other requests. Any first-years that require accommodations or need altered brews.”
“None yet that I know of. Still, thank you, Severus.” Poppy approached him and reached out again. This time her hand lingered on his upper arm and he felt the small squeeze. “I know that was difficult for you, but Remus will appreciate it. It will also mean I won’t have to patch him up quite as much as I did as a child.”
“Small miracles.” Severus noted darkly, earning a sharp pinch from the older woman. “Since you are so certain in your elves capability, I was also hoping to speak to you privately?”
“Oh? Is everything alright? I do hope you haven’t been overworking yourself this summer!”
Poppy switched instantly into her predestined role. Always a mother hen, always concerned about other’s health. It still surprised him to watch it happen, especially where he was concerned.
The matron had taken a shine to him during his own school days here, and what he had gone through because of the Gryffindor quad that had roamed the halls much like a pack of wolves. Fitting. And there were plenty of other students who followed their lead. Yet, he still felt that his time as a Death Eater would have completely put the woman off and had not expected any kind of welcome when he started to teach. Let alone the same one of concern Poppy Pomfrey would show him each year he came back to Hogwarts as a student.
“I wish you hadn’t. I wish I had done more. But that was your mistake to make Severus. I could not stop you.”
“I am fine, woman.” He brushed the concern aside as he always did, rolling his eyes softly at her antics. “I merely wish to discuss some things with you that I think could... assist us... with our extra-circular activities here at Hogwarts.”
It wasn’t a lie. After Lucius had all but brow beat him into taking his title, assigning a proxy, and going through different legislation and initiatives with Lucius and Walther Greengrass, Severus knew that Poppy Pomfrey had something to offer the initiatives dealing with children’s welfare and what options and regulations should be enacted to help those children in less than ideal situations find help.
He and Poppy had been doing so since the first Slytherin first-year he’d discovered sporting a broken collarbone and bruising in the shape of hands all over her arms.
“You haven’t a case already do you, Severus?” Poppy was frowning slightly, but moving herself towards her office as Severus followed behind.
Healer’s offices, no matter where they were, were layered heavily with privacy, anti-spying, and disruption wards so that patient confidentiality was kept. Severus and Poppy both knew if Albus could dismantle the ancient protections created by the Healer Mungo Bonham had devised, then there was a whole new concern to have. The founder of Saint Mungo’s had been adamant about protecting his patients and the spell creating the privacy wards was ancient.
“No, not yet.” Severus reassured her softly as they closed the door behind them and an elf popped up a tea set as if following a script. “I am not certain how closely you follow the Wizengamot proceedings, or the current legislation being debated.”
“Little to none, I must admit.” Poppy sat, pouring her tea and putting three cubes of sugar in and a dash of milk. “The lot of it is posturing nonsense if you ask me.”
“Very true.” Severus snickered and sat himself and poured a cuppa before adding one solitary sugar cube. “I myself try to keep out of it. However, there is something of note on the horizon that I feel can be of great help to us in particular.”
He raised a brow at her suggestively. Poppy and he had learned early on that Albus tended to sweep abuse and neglect into a category of issues that weren’t his to meddle with. Families, and how they dealt with their offspring, had the right to conduct themselves as they would. Regardless of the countless examples of what such home lives did to children.
After so many rebuffs and refusals, Poppy and he kept any cases they came across to themselves. They helped the children reach out independently to resources Saint Mungo’s and different charity organizations offered. Poppy herself conducted a variety of home visits during the summers to ensure any child that had escaped their circumstances had not ended up in similar or worse homes and were acclimating to the changes.
Severus always made sure that he was available for those suffering to talk about the issues they faced or concerns they had about the processes. He worked closely with those they had ‘saved’ to form an unofficial underground network that ensured anyone suffering from abuse would be guided into their sphere of awareness.
“Oh really?” Poppy sat down her cup and eyed him with a small amount of disbelief. But a spark of hope. “Given my contacts at Saint Mungo’s cite the Ministry’s protocols as one of their biggest hurdles, I find that hard to believe.”
“Yes, as I knew you would. However, I’m certain you’ve at least seen some news of the new Chief Warlock?”
“Lucius Malfoy of all people.” Poppy frowned and scoffed, stirring her tea a bit aggressively. “I understand Albus wasn’t doing the job properly. Given what happened with Mr. Potter retaliation was likely to occur; I know that. Still, I can’t help but fear we’ve gone in the completely opposite direction.”
Severus could not blame Poppy. As most healers, she had oaths she had taken upon her masteries of doing no harm. Of doing her upmost to heal and comfort the ill and the injured. Those oaths often clashed with the Dark Lord’s tactics and agendas. It was most likely one of the reasons Narcissa had stopped where she had in her own healer’s training. She had seen the writing on the wall and knew her husband had already been recruited by his father. She knew what would be asked of her.
“You are not alone in your concerns, Poppy.” Severus soothed her with a small nod to her and setting his cup aside. He folded his hands in front of him and leaned them on the table between them. “But you know that I have been friends with the family for a while now. Abraxas Malfoy was my sponsor for my mastery.”
“Yes, of course I do.” Poppy snorted back and shook her head. “You haven’t been speaking to him regarding our activities, have you?”
“Only in a case-by-case fashion, up till now.” Severus told her softly. He never told her how he got some of the more difficult Slytherin cases out of their pureblood homes. “While he spends a great deal of his time running family businesses and political ventures, Lucius is a fully licensed law wizard. He has helped me with the cases that require old law and blood politics to handle.”
“I see.”
“That is what I wanted to speak to you about, Poppy.” Severus moved forward, eyes meeting the woman’s eyes to show his sincerity in full. “There has been a shift in the House of Malfoy. A slow one, a subtle one, but a shift all the same. Lucius has, these past years, been donating and assisting orphan funds. He has been reaching out to the few charity organizations; some of which I know you use. He wants to draft a welfare act, one that allows for reporting, assistance, and placements.”
“He does? Why?” Poppy’s voice and face were full of outright skepticism. Of course they were. Who would have though Lucius Malfoy a champion of such a cause.
“The why is rather complicated.” Severus sighed, sitting back a touch. “I doubt you’ve had a reason to meet Mr. Black as of yet, but I can safely say that a good deal of his motivation is stemming from the boy and his early circumstances.”
“I’ve heard Filius talking about him. Aurora as well. Quite the academic, from what I’ve heard.” Poppy was turning away, focusing on something absently as she thought. “Early circumstances?”
“Yes, Poppy. He would have never made it here, if not for intervention.”
“Merlin.” Poppy blew out a breath, her eyes saddened and downcast now. She knew what that statement implied. “So now, Lucius Malfoy is now trying to keep other pure-bloods from such treatment?”
“Everyone, Poppy. He has come to the idea that magical blood is magical blood.” Severus saw her sit up and her eyes go wide. The shock written on her face was now one of complete disbelief. The Malfoys had been rather staunch blood purists for generations. “Given he knows my own history, the history of those few cases I’ve had to bring to him, and of course Mr. Black’s... well, let us say that he has found a soft spot he did not know he had. It’s been rather entertaining to watch him struggle to be honest. Humble and Lucius Malfoy do not exactly fit, but he is willing to try for the sake of saving other children from such fates.”
“Morganna…” Poppy was picking up her cup, if only do be doing something with her hands. She would not believe him fully, or at all. Not at first. But he could give her what information she needed and help her to see they did not have to agree on every single thing to actually bring about something worthwhile.
“Corvus Black is in a much better place because the Black Family intervened.” Severus noted. “If my understanding of the legislation is correct, Lucius wants different levels of interventions depending on the situation. Sponsorship programs, placement programs, funds like the ones Hogwarts uses for poverty cases. He is looking to create a culture change, Poppy. One that structures itself into supporting the children, in whatever capacity that is needed.”
“What exactly is he getting out of it?” Poppy was sighing, wanting to believe but also knowing past endeavors colored one’s future actions to a degree. “Is it merely a publicity stunt riding on Harry Potter’s circumstances and his new position? It is a subtle attempt to flame anti-muggle sentiments?”
“How you didn’t sort Slytherin, woman.” Severus shook his head. Poppy was astute as any of his snakes. Despite saying she did not keep track, she knew what undercurrents lay beneath the actions of the students and the others around her. “I cannot say with one-hundred percent surety. One can never be sure with politicians and lawmakers. But I feel rather strongly that it is more an attempt to lay groundwork. To start putting into place programs that can be expanded upon once Corvus comes of age.”
“Mr. Black?” Poppy cocked her eyebrow at his slip, his calling the boy by his first name. “And why exactly would Mr. Black need groundwork laid?”
“Did you not hear about his study group last year?” Severus smirked mischievously. “His outreach to the muggle-born students who had questions about old traditions and wixen culture?”
“I… that actually was a thing? I thought it a mere rumor. It happens now and then, but always seems to get quashed when the muggle-borns figure out the agenda is indoctrination...”
“Ah. Yes, Albus’ narrative.” Severus really let the feral grin spread. “I sponsored the club myself. Corvus ran all of his topics and ideas past me and gave me summaries of the questions the muggle-borns asked. And do you know what I saw, Poppy?”
“No, but you seem awfully chipper about it.” Poppy snorted playfully; narrowing her eyes to warn him not to string her along too much longer.
“Change, Poppy. I saw change.” Severus watched her tilt her head in confusion at first, seeing how truthfully, he had said those words. “He was very young when he was found, but he still has fragments of memory. He knows he was lucky. He knows that things don’t quite work as they should. And he wants that to change.”
After a beat of silence, he continued “And in his own way, he is bringing about that change. Through his family, through his friends.”
“You believe he’s changed Lucius?” Poppy was whispering, realizing it all now. “You think he is able to change the pure-blood bias.”
“Strange, I know. He’s only twelve. But I do, Poppy. I do.”
“Well…” Poppy drew out the word slowly, nodding to herself and whatever internal dialogue she was completing. “Lucius would listen? Even if I’m saying things he does not want to hear?”
“I can say that he would. And if you find you cannot deal with his personality, Walther Greengrass is acting as my proxy on the Wizengamot.” Severus nodded solemnly in return. “I’ve found him to be a rather agreeable man.”
“Your proxy?” Poppy stilled. “Severus, you’ve always told me you were half-blood; raised muggle.”
“I am. I was.” Severus sighed. It was a risk, telling Poppy. Albus could always find out he’d taken up the mantle this way. But maybe knowing he too was trying to influence the lawmaking body of their government, perhaps Poppy too would want to make her own mark. “My mother, however, was a pure-blood from a noble line.”
“Then... why...?”
“You know why Poppy.” Severus heard the unspoken question. Why hadn’t he saved himself. Why hadn’t he left the abusive situation for one possibly better suited for a magical child. “I’m a prideful, disgruntled, angry man. Or... at least I was.”
A beat of silence had him glancing up to meet the matron’s gaze. Her eyes were swimming uncomfortably, and he looked away quickly. Great, now he’d really awoken the mother drake and Poppy was going to be harassing him for the remainder of the year as to what he meant.
“Something’s changed, alright.” Poppy was whispering out after a few more minutes to compose herself. “I think I noticed it. A few years ago. Small, odd, but nothing I could put my finger on. But last year... last year I really noticed something different. Where were you this summer, Severus?”
He paused, unsure how much he would trust to the woman who had patched him up more times than he could count. During his school years, and after he turned spy. The woman who made it her mission, for who knows what reason, to ensure he wasn’t completely isolated and becoming the actual bat that students referred to him as.
He still wanted to protect that piece of sanctuary he had found. He still wanted to insulate himself as Bella did from the outside world. But he also wanted to tell someone, anyone, about this change in fortune. About the unlikely family he’d found himself. Lily was dead, he could not tell her. Poppy was all who was left that would actually be happy for him if he did so declare his relationship with the Blacks and Bella in particular.
Yet, he knew Albus had eyes and ears everywhere. And sometimes the elderly healer wanted to brag about her ‘children’. Those students who had wormed there way into her heart. He, against all odds, was still one of them.
So he merely put on a small smile, genuine and fond. He would give her enough to know that things really had changed. Because it wasn’t just Lucius who had shifted. It had been him and Bella as well.
“Home.”