A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything

Chapter 16

Albus looked high and low for Draco and found him in Severus’ laboratory, stirring a potion brewing in it’s pot counterclockwise, “Ah, there you are.”

Looking up with a small smile, eyes only off his potion for an instant before reaffirming his attention, “Give me three minutes Albus...I’m at the delicate stage.” Dumbledore nodded and settled back against the wall, watching as the boy finished two more stirs before taking out the spoon, adding a cup of something minced, two more minutes of stirring, and quickly cooled the flame to it’s absolute minimum.

Casting a tempus spell to alert him in seven minutes, Draco rinsed off his hands and crossed the room, sitting on a stool, “You were looking for me?”

“Quite right, my boy, but first, indulge an old man’s curiosity...what are you brewing?”

A slow smirk spread across Draco’s face, “Bone mend.”

Albus’ expression furrowed together in a frown, “Does Poppy not have enough?”

“She doesn’t have any that are strawberry flavored.”

Completely flummoxed, “I thought flavoring potions was an impossibility save for that spell Severus had come up with.”

“You mean the one that makes you think it tastes like peppermint?”

Nodding, “Yes, that’s the one.”

Tilting his head a little, “It’s never been impossible. Four hundred and seventy-five years ago, a patent was submitted to change the flavor of each ingredient, thereby improving the taste. But it’s time consuming and expensive. It never really became popular and most have forgotten about it. I’ve compiled a list of one hundred and eighty-five potions that can be altered, but only if the flavoring is administered at precisely the right time. Amateur potion making won’t work for this but a potions master should be able to duplicate it.” Glancing down a little before looking back up again. He had never even considered telling his father about this. Lucius thought his potion’s hobby was an acceptable one, but still a hobby. All of his life he’d been expected to prepare to take over Malfoy Manor as heir, not to indulge in his own dreams that would never come true, “I was hoping you would sign for my patent since I’m not of wizarding age yet.”

Albus fairly glowed with pride, “Of course I would. I would also like you to submit this to the university.”

Draco looked up with surprise, “Why? It’s not a new potion, just an...improvement...”

Nodding, “Precisely. Even small changes can give the researchers there an insight in time tried potions. Perhaps it will help them to develop new cures.” Draco agreed with a slight nod and Albus stroked his beard before deciding to ask, “If you have so many, why have you not...”

He trailed off to himself, not really finding a sensitive way to ask that wouldn’t involve his family in
some manner. But Draco caught it, “Father believed I was completely incompetent and I was a mere fluffy status pet to mother.”

Looking troubled, “I apologize, Draco.”

A small, sad smile tugged at his lips, “You saved me, Albus. My life’s story is yours for the asking. Besides, you don’t think that way about me so it’s a nice change.” Draco jumped off the stool, moving back to his potion to give it twelve more turns before killing the fire and letting it cool, “Albus? Do you think they would consider...never mind.”

Albus had yet to move, “Draco?”

Sighing, “Would my work be considered for university credit?”

Raising an eyebrow, “Would you like it to?”

Draco blinked before an excited look crossed his face, “Of course! With a university sanction I would be able to access more difficult potions instead of just NEWT level potions-...”

Draco slapped both hands over his mouth, unable to believe he had just blurted that out. It wasn’t that it was unheard of for a student to dabble with more difficult potions. But some of the NEWT level potions required permission from the school or the student could be expelled. He was just glad he hadn’t said anything about some of the university level potions he’d already experimented with. That could get his wand broken.

Albus gestured for the boy to approach, Draco doing so warily. He squeaked in surprise as he was pulled into Dumbledore’s lap but didn’t protest. He was just surprised as he perched on the man’s leg, meeting his eyes easily that were twinkling back at him, “Draco, now I need to know something first. Is your Godfather aware of your dabbling?” He shook his head quickly. He hadn’t told anybody. He was just curious, “Alright then. Now, I will talk with the Wizarding Board of Education, but I want your word that you will keep your curiosity out of those potions until you’ve been approved for them.” And the Headmaster gave him a look that made it clear the man knew without asking that he’d been doing so already.

Draco nodded. He knew Albus was just trying to keep him out of trouble, “Yes, sir.”

“Good, now, I would like to inquire something. What are your feelings of the creatures out there. I do not mean the magical creatures that Hagrid brings to the school. I am speaking of the sentient magical creatures. Vampires, Werewolves and the like...”

Draco went a little pale, “Why?”

The boy was quick and Dumbledore knew he would grasp the point, “Well, there is a man that I have invited to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts in the fall-...”

“Is he a Werewolf or a Vampire?”

Rubbing his trembling back, smiling reassuringly, “A werewolf.” Draco winced and eyed his fingers, wringing his hands, “Draco, I value your feelings on this.”

Shaking his head and frowning to himself, “No. You merely want me to agree so you can hire him with a clear conscience.”

Albus blinked in surprise. That had not been the response he had expected, “Draco. The hire is not finalized and there are other applicants. But he is the best at the subject and I wanted to be sure you would be comfortable.”

Draco sighed, not looking up, “Sure. Fine. May I go now?” Typical Gryffindors. Why did he even bother asking? It was quite obvious Albus was set on this. Why ask him if he was just going to talk and talk until he agreed?

Frowning to himself, “Draco-...”

The blond jumped to his feet, back straight and eyes reserved, “Good day, Headmaster.” Draco strode out without a backward glance and Albus knew somewhere in there, he had made a mistake.

***

Severus didn’t have a difficult time finding Draco. The boy usually hid in the dungeons or the astronomy tower when he was upset. And while a part of him was gleeful that the boy hated the idea of Remus Lupin coming here as much as he did, a logical part of him could acknowledge the man was right for the job. And while he could be petty about it, he would never want his godson to be caught in the middle between himself and Albus. His godson’s life had been difficult enough and if his setting aside his anger could help the boy then he would.

“Draco.”

Draco was curled up near the edge but not too far out. His knees were bent and curled up to his chest, arms wrapped around his legs. But he looked up, eyes suspiciously red yet his face was dry, “Yes, godfather?”

Snape sighed to himself even as he strode to the edge, looking out at the Forbidden Forest for a moment even as he folded his hands behind his back. Half turning to the right and giving his godson an honest look. Albus had treated the situation incorrectly. Direct and honest without trying to approach it delicately, that was the only way to talk to Draco that wouldn’t offend him, “I’ve hated that werewolf, Remus Lupin for years, but he is the best for the job. The Headmaster wanted to include you in the decision and he would have retracted the offer to Lupin had you voiced concerns.”

Snorting, “Why would he even offer to a werewolf. They hate humans. They’re animals!”

A point, but only a small one, “Actually, Lupin was a wolf while at Hogwarts as a student when I attended. He is a wolf but he was raised as a human. He may have hung around with Potter and Black but he was a good sort.” And Severus said ‘good’ a lot like one would say ‘fuck’.

Sighing, “So why isn’t Dumbledore here to tell me this.”

One eyebrow raising, “I believe he is of the impression you did not want to listen.”

Draco sighed again and looked more than petulant, “I’ve never met a wolf. How would I know he wouldn’t
change and attack me?”

Severus narrowed his eyes, “Draco, you’re more intelligent than that. You know werewolves only change on the cycle of a full moon.”

Gesturing wildly, “So he roams and goes berserk one night! And what of after? The change hurts from what I’ve read. He wouldn’t be able to attend classes for days after, so what is the point of a professor who doesn’t attend half the time?”

Sighing through his nose for patience, “Draco. Calm.” Draco glared and crossed his arms but he was calm enough to listen, “Now, I’ve been working on a brew to affect the change. It doesn’t stop the change, but leaves him in a manageable state so that he is not a danger, to himself or to others. At most he would miss a day or so of classes each month and the other professors will work something out.”

Sounding wary, “What ingredients?”

“The traditional kind.”

“But wolf’s bane is poisonous.”

“I’ve modified it. I can give you a list if you like, but you would have to accept that he would be coming here.” Draco gave him another glare, but it was a good Slytherin trick and he could appreciate it. He was too curious to pass up the opportunity to pick apart one of his godfather’s potions. Grinding his teeth together a moment before nodding once. It was as close to acquiescence as he was going to get.