In The Life Of A Potions Master

Chapter 9


Severus sat in his office still trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. It had been a long night and was going to prove to be a long day. He had a stack of papers that needed his attention, logs and journals to go over to get acquainted with all the aspects of the school. And at least two meeting that he knew of.

Hermione had been quite insistent that they finish what they had started as well. He smirked to himself. He was glad she had, he was rather relaxed for what was about to start off his day.

A knock sounded at the door and Severus smirked. Time to be all knowing, he thought. “Come in Mister Potter, and Madam Sinistra.”

They walked in to the office both glancing at each other. “Does that come with the job?” Harry asked.

“Perhaps Mister Potter. Now I called you here today to discuss your theft of my astrology teacher. Normally I would have words with you over this matter, however,” He cut Harry off, “I have decided upon a better solution. What would you think of becoming the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? It is safer then an aruor and the pay isn’t bad.”

Harry looked at Sinistra and back at Severus. “You could keep teaching if I take the job. And you wouldn’t worry about me ending up looking like Mad-Eye.”

“I like the idea,” she leaned into speak in his ear, “Besides what good are naughty school boy fantasies with out a school?”

Harry turned beet red and found himself unable to meet Severus’ eyes, “You got a deal sir. Can I just ask for one thing?”

“Ask what you like Mister Potter.”

“Can I have a different classroom. Everyone else who has used that room has left the school in one form or another.”

Severus laughed, “As long as the room isn’t in use Mister Potter it is yours.”


Severus spent the rest of the morning reading through the pile of papers, geting acquainted with his new responsibilities. He had found out about how big the Head Master’s tower really was and had taken the time to get to know the rooms with in it’s walls. He was in awe of the library and bathrooms. Both of which were larger then any he had ever seen before. He was glad he wouldn’t have to rework the bathroom off of his office, it saved him one of many things he had to get done.

He also found out about the phoenix statue and how it worked. He found out that there was a second statue to match the one on the staircase that told who was riding the revolving stairs. He was laughing by the time lunch grew near. All of Albus’ little tricks were coming into his knowledge.

He could look in to any room he wanted with the use of a diagram of the castle in a room off of the office. He could view the diagram from his desk with the use of an enchanted mirror. If someone was up to mischief he could appear there by touching the corridor he wished to appear in. He had even found out, much to Hermione’s delight, that he could move other people around the castle.

An hour before lunch there was a knock on the door. “Come in Percival.”

“Good afternoon, Severus, I trust you are well?”

“Yes I am quite well. How much do you remember?”

“Quite a bit actually. There are only small holes in my memory. Are those still lemon drops?” Severus Handed him the dish of lemon drops.

“How many times have you done this?”

“Well lets see, my original name was Adrian Merlin Cedric Arturo Excellius Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, so let say we drop the other names, this is the sixth time!” Dumbledore beamed at the now older wizard. “I get younger every time I start over again.”

Severus heard the sound of an egg cracking and saw the small form of Fawkes emerge from the ash on his pedestal. He walked to the small bird and lifted him from his ashy nest. He handed the infant bird to Dumbledore.

“Ah hello my old friend, the day is complete now.” Dumbledore beamed.

“I think he will be far safer out of this office. Crookshanks has been eyeing his egg waiting for it to hatch. I think he has a mind to eat him.”

“That would have been messy. Especially when he burst into flames in the cats stomach.” Dumbledore chuckled.

“Give me that bird, that cat has become a pain.” Dumbledore laughed and shook his head.

“I know this is odd Severus, I am still very much the same as I was. But I am also different. I am sure it will take time for you to adjust to me in my new form.”

“Actually the only part I am having trouble adjusting to is the name. I’ve been calling you Albus for almost nineteen years.”

“So call me Albus, like Shakespeare said ’What’s in a name’, if it makes you more comfortable, I was thinking of changing it anyway, what do you think, Albus Albus Albus Dumbledore? The last was my longest stretch with one name. I grew rather attached to it.”

It was Severus’ turn to laugh and shake his head, “It would make my life easier, that’s for sure. And they wont have to change the chocolate frog cards too much.”

“In that case call me Albus! Makes sense to keep the name anyway, never stayed in the same place after being reborn before. I guess it would probable make everyone more comfortable.”

“So you’re taking the job then?”

“Your giving the job then?”

“Yes it is yours, I can only think of one person better for the job and she isn’t here anymore.” Severus and Albus shook hands and walked down to the great hall for lunch, talking about the past, and all the things they remembered about Minerva.


Hermione had been having an interesting day all morning. Besides the minor reorganizing of Severus’ stores to fit her needs, she found herself being pulled to the Head Master’s office repeatedly. Much to her joy Severus had found himself in quite the good mood and had given her more then one reason to smile. Add on top of that her news for Severus and today was perfect.

She finished looking over the class lists, and curriculum for the year and made her way up to the great hall. She was famished after her full day and was looking forward to seeing her husband.

She entered to find him standing behind the high table, a banner stretched across the ceiling that read ’Welcome back Hermione!’ and the applause of the staff. She felt the tears well up in her eyes as she was greeted by the staff and ushered to a seat next to Severus.

The meal quickly turned into a delightful addition to a lovely day. Hermione wasn’t sure what had happened after she fled dinner last night. But she wouldn’t be surprised if Severus had some choice words with the staff. Still they all did seem genuinely happy to see her back from the grave.


The day ended up being wonderful for Hermione. She finished her work well before dinner and spent some time reading quietly in her office. Dinner was her favorite dish, she was sure that was Severus’ doing, and she marveled at the chocolate moose. It was all around a good day.

And yet she was feeling down right awful. She still hadn’t told Severus anything she had planned. She was starting to feel rather nauseous just thinking about it. Worst then that was he had gone in to Hogsmead and she had no clue when he would be back.

That had left her plenty of time to think. She spent most of her time pacing the headmaster’s sitting room trying to figure out how best to tell him. By the time he did return she had worked herself into an emotional wreck.

Severus had found Hermione curled up on the couch crying. He had no clue what had gone wrong but he had a feeling, a really bad feeling, that it was his fault. He moved to the sofa and pulled Hermione into his arms. He held her tightly against his chest rocking her gently.

“What’s wrong love.” he asked gently.

“MEN SUCK,” she wailed as a fresh wave of tears swept over her, “Here I am sitting alone, waiting for you with no idea of when you will get back from gallivanting all over the wizarding world, and you don’t even care that I am pregnant!” Severus dropped her on the floor as he sprung to his feet.

“You’re still pregnant, you didn’t lose the baby!’ He started to pace the room in quick long strides. “We’ll need a nursery, something nice, not like what I grew up in, and toys, our child should have toys. We’ll need to find a nanny. Oh gods I will have to learn how to diaper, I’ve never done that charm before. Don’t want to do it by hand again. And we will need to child safety the rooms. Dear Merlin there is so much to do!” Severus started to move around the room rattling off a list of things that needed to be moved or set with sticking charms.

Hermione in the mean time sat on the floor half laughing half crying, “Severus we have nine months, will you calm down. My butt really hurts.”

“Bloody hell, I am so sorry Hermione. I forgot I dropped you.” Severus helped her back onto the couch as she laughed at the crazed look as he continued to think out loud.

“Need to cushion these floors, baby falls on these will crack it’s little skull open. I’m glad we are no longer in the dungeons, those floors would have killed a child who fell.”


They spent the rest of the night going over plans for the baby’s arrival. Severus had turned out to be more then correct, they had a great deal to do in nine months. With only a week left till the start of term they quickly set off to begin preparing the castle for their tiny addition.

By the start of term the had rearranged their rooms to be more child friendly. Added a nursery, the walls of which were light green with gold highlights. Bought enough toys to keep the child interested till it’s sixth birthday. And worked out a schedule for the staff to help Hermione with the potions class should they brew something unsafe for her. They had even found the time to go over names.

“I don’t think I will allow Severina, Severus, you must be out of you mind! I was thinking Lilly, Helen, or Andrea.”

“Gods no woman. I wont see my daughter named after Potter’s mother, to much of a reminder there. Helen is your mothers name, isn’t one enough? And why Andrea?”

“How about Sandra?” Hermione asked in a soft voice.

“I think she would have liked that. It wont bother you?” Severus asked in a reserved tone.

“No, after all those dreams I feel like I was in love with her Severus. I think it would be wonderful. So we have a girls name, what do you think of Salem for a boy?”

“Salem Snape, doesn’t sound so bad. Yes, I like it. The first Snape with a non Roman name.” Severus smiled brightly and Hermione felt her heart flutter, “I’ve seen that look before. What did Poppy say?”

Hermione grinned as she pulled Severus down to her. She crush her lips to his in a hungry kiss. “She said don’t be to ruff with me or you would never find vital parts of your anatomy again.” Severus chuckled as he flipped open the clasp of Hermione’s robes.

“Good thing I plan on being gentle then.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The first of September found Severus as nervous as the first years Flitwick was currently levitating the hat onto. Very soon he would give his first welcoming speech as the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He watched as the final nervous student, Dimble Zebeck sat on the stool. The hat gave a moments thought then yelled Slytherin.

Of the four house, Slytherin had gotten only two new students. Sinistra and he shared an knowing look. They had expected a decline in house enrolment. They had both held out hope for more then two new students though. Mean while Albus looked thrilled with the eighteen new students under his charge. It seemed Gryffindor would be using all of its first year dorms this year.

When all the students were seated Severus stood and let his gaze sweep over the room. The students quickly quieted and waited for the black robed wizard to speak.

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back, for those new students I would also like to welcome you to your first year of learning. As you can tell we have had several staff changes this year. Let us start by having a moment of silence for those who fell.”

Everyone bowed their heads in silent thought of the missing faces. Severus looked up and continued, “I would like to commission a statue in honor of those who have been lost. All students are encouraged to submit ideas for the statue to their heads of house by the end of October.

“As to the new staff let us begin with my former position. Professor Hermione Snape will take over as Potions Mistress and Deputy Headmistress,” He paused for the applause and continued. “Madam Weasley will be serving as our medi-witch apprentice and take over the position fully next year. I expect you all to treat her as you would any of the teachers. Professor Grubby-Plank will be taking over care of magical creatures. Professor Sinistra is the new head of Slytherin house. Professor Dumbledore will be teaching transfiguration and is the new head of Gryffindor.”

He smiled at the applause and startled and confused looks the students gave the young Dumbledore.

“And finally Harry Potter, survivor of many curses has consented to fighting the curse of the Defense position and seeing if he can last longer then a year. Let us wish him the best of luck in his battle against the forces the conspire against the defense teacher. Now with that out of the way let the feast begin.”

And with that the food appeared and the speculation began. Severus smiled at Potter, “I do hope your luck holds out Professor. And if your nervous about your first class just remember these.”

Harry took the large envelope from Severus and opened the flap looking at the pictures it contained. He went from silently laughing to full on peals of laughter that rang through the hall. Severus smiled to himself and felt Hermione squeeze his hand under the table. It was going to be on hell of a year at Hogwarts.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The months quickly passed and things settled into a quiet rhythm. Classes were going well and Severus was bored. The Christmas break was upon them and to date the only thing he had done was host staff meetings. Once a week he got to interact with someone. He hadn’t even seen a student outside the great hall or the castles halls yet. He was quickly learning why Albus meddled so frequently. The job was boring. More over it was tedious. The ministry wanted reports on everything from apples growing on trees to the number of xylophones the would need for the up coming term. Severus had to wonder about the latter request for information. What would a wizarding school do with a muggle musical instrument?

Severus grabbed a bag of toffees from his desk, a habit he had picked up in hopes of relieving the boredom of the long day till Hermione returned to him, and left his office to roam the halls. Maybe today would be his lucky day and something would happen he mused. Maybe the house elves would strike. Or the teachers would demand a barbeque. Or the houses would start a prank war against each other.

As his mind started to mull it over he decided a barbeque wasn’t such a bad idea. It was just too bad it was rather cold outside. But then was he a wizard or a muggle? So with that thought in head the new Headmaster headed to Hogwarts main courtyard to begin placing the spells to keep the weather pleasant.

Before long the school was a buzz about the Headmaster’s magical endeavor. Students and teachers spent their breaks watching the advance magic being woven into the open courtyard. The teachers lending their assistance in their area of expertise.

That night the student were directed to the courtyard. The smells of barbeque and freshly cooked meats pulling them there. The courtyard was laid out casually with small tables of two, four and six seats. Three huge buffet tables were laden with meats and side dishes and deserts. The long table at the head of the outdoor room was set for the teachers and music floated on the air from an unseen source. House elves dressed in red and green tea towels, and tinsel hanging from their ears, manned the countless grills and pots heaping fresh food onto the tables.

Severus stood up from his place at the table and looked over the assembled students and teachers. “I’d like to welcome everyone to this years first annual Christmas barbeque. As many of you are going home to be with your families this year I decided that we should do something to mark the holiday season with something fun. So eat up and dance the night away.”

While the students ate and gossiped and the teachers praised Severus began thinking in earnest of a way to keep himself busy. He was drawn out of his internal struggle with the mundane by his wife’s hand gentle squeezing his.

“This was a wonderful idea Severus.” Hermione smiled up at him.

“Thank you love. I thought after ever thing we have all been through these last couple years that maybe Albus was right and its high time for some fun.”

Hermione gave him an appraising look, “And?”

Severus smirked, “And Mrs. Snape I was bored out of my bloody mind. I was just trying to decide on a hobby. If I keep throwing barbeques the student will think I am trying to fatten them up for some potion.”

Hermione laughed, “Well at least you didn’t decide to start throwing tea parties. Have you considered research?”

“Of course I have considered research. We just do so much research after classes that I thought it rather pointless to fill my days with nothing but research. I guess after all this time I have just gotten used to being around people,” He said sullenly.

“Well perhaps you can start a model train layout, or maybe collect stamps?” Hermione asked impishly.

Severus scowled good naturedly, “Your lack of concern for my plight is astounding coming from a Gryffindor such as yourself.”

Hermione and Severus shared a light laugh. Hermione watched as the wheels of Severus’ mind went to work. He smirked. All he needed was to find an appropriate room, he mused.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The students left and returned from their winter break and all seemed normal in the hollowed halls of Hogwarts. Classes resumed friends caught up and teachers taught. Everything was normal except on the second floor. The sounds of construction could be heard from inside an unused classroom down the hall from the Headmaster’s office.

Everyone, including Hermione, was wondering what Professor Snape was doing in the empty classroom. It took seven weeks before they got their first hint. Severus, finally finished in his classroom set of to continue his construction through the halls.

Students and teachers watched in confusion as the formerly feared Headmaster went through the halls laying large gauge rail tracks several feet of the ground. So the halls of the second floor were laid with tracks, small towns, roadways, and water ways. The track was supported by decorative arches that supported the land masses that Severus spent his days painstakingly constructing.

The students were all abuzz come one sunny day in May. That day Severus had been absent from the second floor corridors. When the student entered for their Friday night dinner it was to the site of Professor Snape smiling of all things. More worrying he was smiling at them.

Hermione grinned at her husband, “You’re scaring the children dear. Maybe more of a happy Slytherin smirk would be appropriate.”

“Perhaps,” he said thoughtfully, “However I find that building all that was actually rather fun. So if I feel like smiling Hermione, I fully intend to enjoy my laps of Slytherin smirk thank you very much.”

As the meal drew to a close Severus stood and waited for the silence to fall over the students, “As many of you may have noticed,” he began, “I have been building a model railroad on the second floor. The suggestion that I take up the hobby was, of course, a joke. However after finishing the construction in the second floor classroom I found that I rather enjoyed myself.”

He looked at the students and smiled again, “Tonight after dinner I would like you all to join me in the inaugural run of the first trains that will grace Hogwarts second floor. I would also like to announce the refurbishment of eight of the second floor classrooms as student lounges. Each year has their own lounge and one communal lounge. I hope that you will all use these lounges to help build the relations between the four houses of this school.”

After dinner the residents of Hogwarts headed to the second floor corridor to see their eccentric Headmaster’s trains. The marveled at the tiny people who waved from their own little world above the halls. And watched as tiny muggle cars and boats went about their business. Finally the hall filled with train whistles and the sound of train horns as the the students and faculty watched the trains leave the multiple stations.

Each train had a different theme. There was one for each house, one for the faculty, one for the school, a copy of the Hogwarts Express. There were Muggle commuter trains, and freight trains. The students watched in awe as a train for the circus passed with tiny animals roaring in their rolling cages passed by. Then a steam engine passed with a magical menagerie. They watched wizarding fire shapers and Dragon tamers. Watched as one train car continually change shapes from a coach car to a tea cup, then to a tree. They watched as tiny wizards and muggles boarded trains and headed off for destinations unknown.

The heads of house walked around handing their students peaces of parchment with the passwords to their new lounges. And then everyone looked surprised as Severus tapped a series of bricks with his wand and stepped through the new formed archway and suddenly appeared on the train layout.

Severus for his part was enjoying the looks of surprise on everyone’s faces. He quickly amplified his voice and walked to the edge of the landing. “You will find that our little train layout is interactive. Sense we can’t increases the frequency of Hogsmead weekends I figured you could all enjoy taking a train ride or a walk through the muggle world. Remember this arch will only open to student on weekends.”

Severus walked away from the edge and the students waved as he boarded the Slytherin train and was soon chugging away from the station.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione sat with Severus resting in front of their fireplace. Her hand rested lightly over the swell of her rounded belly and Severus couldn’t help but smile.

Hermione looked to Severus with a question in her brown eyes, “So what made you decide to make the layout interactive?”

“You mean besides giving the students one more place to waste time?” When Hermione nodded he continued, “We just got out of a war with a mad man with no understanding of what he started. Pureblood wizards are still whispering about the ‘great cause’. Now every student will be taking muggle studies. They just wont know it.”

Hermione nodded, “So who’s going to be watching the students during their little trip tomorrow?”

Severus smirked, “The muggle police of course. We’ll decide which teacher will get the notice should any student be arrested tomorrow at the staff meeting before breakfast. We’ll also set the schedule of who will look after the different lounges each night.”

Severus stood and walked behind Hermione’s chair. His long graceful hands began to kneed the muscles of her shoulders and upper back. Hermione moaned low in her throat as the knots of the day slowly unraveled under Severus’ practiced mist rations.

Severus smiled down at Hermione, “Come along love. I think it’s time we retire we have a big day ahead of use.”

Husband and wife left to the bedroom and soon dozed off into a contented sleep. Both looking forward to what tomorrow would bring.

A/N: Just one more chapter and the epilogue. Many thanks to all those who have left reviews. Your support has made this a joy to write. Also I am well aware that Severus may seem OC, however I remind everyone that we really dont know all that much about him besides Harrys POV.