Potion Master

       – I am honestly shocked by how quickly this blog has grown, especially since I haven’t roleplayed in over a year! I’m honored to have every single one of you as a follower. Really. Thank you for being supportive of me through all the weird changes this blog has gone through, and all the emotional turmoil I love to hurt my characters with :D In thanks, I’d love to give a few shout outs the the wonderful people on this website.

@ofuntidyhair

Honestly, your James is pretty much perfect. He’s as much as a twat as he is a lovely guy, and I really his interactions with my Remus. So does Remus. OOC you’re extremely kind and understanding of just how excited I get about plotting and our muses’ interactions. Thank you so much for sticking by me since day one.

@prctettcre

You are the sunshine of my dashboard, to be honest. Every thread we’ve had has almost made me cry (And Remus cry every time) and the care you’ve put into our personal relationship means a lot to me. Will means more to Remus than he even can fathom, quite honestly, and with out him, I’m not sure Remus would have ever come out of his shell. So thank you for inspiring me to write, and inspiring my baby to exist, even when that means smacking both of us upside the head with an alcohol soaked towel.XD

@wandmakesthewizard

I love you. It’s very rare that I find people that are as excited about roleplaying as I am and connect well with me on a personal level, and I’ve definitely found that in you. You are as creative as you are genuine, and I Remus and I both agree that your Lucas is one of our favorite characters. He’s well written, and well defined, and well…just Lucas. And that’s all we could ever ask for. <3

@siiriusblxck

You’ve been a part of this blog since the very beginning, and I’m so so happy you have. The way you write Sirius is beautiful; you’ve very true to his character, and I read almost every thread you’re in. Thank you for putting up with Remus’ emotional distress!

The Sweethearts:

It burnt like pouring acid onto their skin. Many of his Death Eaters had cried silently when it was their turn to receive the mark. Severus Snape merely gazed at him steadily, thin lips tightened into what might have been a grimace.

The Dark Lord released the young man after it was done, the tip of his wand falling away from the pro-offered forearm like a large hypodermic needle. There would be the obvious bruises, not to mention raised welts of scarred tissue, as the dark magic settled into Severus’ veins. Surely nothing too onerous for an accomplished potions master to concoct a painkiller for?

Red eyes narrowed into slits filled with obvious amusement. Snape had a more than capable mind to deal with such fleeting frailties of the flesh. Now, to put that keen intellect to work.

“Walk with me.” 

The rest of the Death Eaters dispersed as their Lord took the latest initiate further into the building. The large town house they had chosen to perform the ceremony in belonged to the Carrows. The pureblood family had several such residences scattered across the country. Nothing so grand as the Malfoy Manor, but it had large enough rooms to hold all his followers, as well as a library full of illegal books and a basement below for keeping prisoners secure for interrogation.  

Voldemort took his latest Death Eater to the drawing room, long dark robes billowing over a finely-pressed suit. His tall, skeletal frame seemed barely to fit into the formal attire. The Dark Lord still retained some some of the features of his original human body. Dark, wavy hair covered the top of his head and despite the red eyes, Voldemort had not yet sacrificed his nose for snake-like nostrils. But his handsome looks were fading. 

Something more bestial was clawing its way out of the mortal body Tom’s muggle father had left him with. 

“I am glad power still attracts those with the wit to use it.” Voldemort spoke softly. 

Flicking his wrist, he closed the door behind them. With another flick two chairs were drawn up near to to the open hearth of a crackling fireplace.  

“Your joining us however has not been as prompt following graduation from Hogwarts as I might have expected, Severus.” 

Taking a seat, the Dark Lord crossed his legs, smiling over at the potions master in an obviously disingenuous way.

He did not pull his arm away until the wand had returned to a relaxed position at his Lord's side. Severus could indeed make something for the pain. He would later, but right now it was more relishing the pain, the fact that he Severus Snape had been chosen for a great honor, was a part of something bigger than himself. It was pain but there was pride mingled within his dark eyes.  

"Of course my lord." he said as he drew his sleeve carefully over the marking. Already his mind was at work to a salve that would sooth the burning in his skin. The mark on his soul, not so much but the soul could contend with itself. He was happy. He was of use.  The darklord wanted to deal with those like his Father, harshly. What had muggles ever done, made fun of him, disowned him,hurt him. Caused pain to his mother, and tormented her when she was out in Cokesworth, he felt very little for the muggle population. While it could be argued that Lily was muggleborn, she was still a witch at the end of the day, still capable of powerful magics.

He watched the others with a keen interest though it was a look without appearing to look for Severus. He folded his hands into the sleeves of the new set of clothing he had been given.  A gift from a younger sister of one of the Death Eaters. Severus's foot fall was even with his lord, if not a few steps behind. Never forgetting his place. The Carrow house was nice, not as beautiful as Malfoy Manor, but than very few places were. Lucius had a love for the extravagant and beautiful. The Carrow's home was darker, but no less lovely.

The Darklord was tall and his mere presences was powerful, it radiated off him never mind how he was changing before their eyes. Never mind that he was slowly becoming something more serpentine ? Severus would have guessed. He observed the drawing room with growing interest though. Having the gift of being in here was one not to squander, and take in.  Was he doing it on purpose, Potions maybe ? Alchemy ? Severus had taken both the Advanced Potion, Alchemy and he was skilled he hadn't found anything yet he couldn't make including turning lead into gold, though few knew of his skill in that area.  

"Thank you, my lord." Severus murmured as he glanced up. The door closed and locked and where he should have felt a flash of fear. Severus felt only acceptance. The warmth in the fire place set him to feeling at ease in actuality. Which was surprising. From what he knew of Tom Riddle. The two of them weren't so different.

The words could have been an accusation and Severus answered quietly and truthfully. Possibly more social than Severus had been with anyone previously. "My interest was purely academic." he explained "I stayed on longer to refine certain arts I have been learning." he explained. "I would have come strait away, but I didn't want him delving into my head and possibly seeing that, I know he actively works against you." he explained quietly. "It is my belief if I may speak freely my lord...to learn as much as one can and apply it as a tool to further one's self, one's belief's and one's agenda."

Severus dared to glance up "He spoke of offering me a position as Potion Master, as Professor Slughorn seems to be retiring."

“Hey. It’s not that bad…” Right? It hadn’t exploded. And that was definitely a vast improvement.

Though she had stepped aside to let Severus inspect her failed attempt at the wideye potion, she now moved back towards the cauldron, peering around the older boy’s arm.

He searched the robe he wore, Severus had added pockets to his school cloak. Producing a bottle that looked crystalline, and he poured the clear substance into the cauldron.  It was his own creation it cleaned potion ingredients, he had tested it since third year. "I am seeing if I can save your cauldron. " he said quietly.

"Slughorn, thinks anyone who doesn't hang onto his every word is a hopeless case. Don't get me wrong I respect the man." Severus stated "He just has certain standards." a brow arched at the admission in after thought. "Your failing potions ?" he asked.

The man was not alarmed he was not the twitchy little boy he had been in school. He was a grown man at this point and capable of handling people in his personal space. He allowed her to see the potion if she wished since she was watching either himself or the potion.  A faint smug look found its way onto his face.

“I have been saying that for many years.” Severus stated “I find the fact that people do not check their egos at the door with their coats to be little more than people vying for the attention of other egotistical people to whom the idea of a world outside their own little bubble is next to non existent.” he spoke freely. “Do not get me wrong I do care for Lucius and Narcissa.” he stated “Its the other’s I can not bear.”

He shifted his gaze to her “I was not aware you had a humanoid form.” he admitted “It suits you.” it was as close to a compliment that Severus got. He gave a nod. “There is nothing wrong with that, Nagini .” he assured her “If you do not wish to be alone, you should take company, if you do there are secret places, hidden that are quiet and peaceful.” that she was precious to the dark lord was enough.

The copper ladle went into a counter clockwise motion as he worked. He paused and counted to twelve and reversed his strokes. He was not afraid of her. He might have been had he only had his own interest at heart. This potion was for the darklord. That he would take something Severus brewed spoke of his trust in him. Severus worked to keep that level of trust. He did not seek power or fame, these things would come with age. “I am, if you have a head for it.” he said looking to her again. The potion was vastly darkening to a deep red.  "Does it interest you ?“

@venenatxs

      She takes into consideration his statement about her current form,       then reaches up to remove her veil. Full lips and flat, snake-like nose,       if you could call it that. It was very similar to that of the Dark Lord, but       not exactly. Perhaps it was the face her face was framed with silky       black hair. 

                “ Thank you… “

      Her gaze returns to him, lips once in a flat line, barely curve into a slight       smile. 

                            “ You seem to understand my plight, then. I will                               take that into consideration. “

               Head lifts as eyes cast down back into the dark liquid, then blinks a        few times before looking around the cauldron. Seems like she was        taking in everything before speaking up again.

He paused in the stirring and seemed to be counting in his head.

"I do all to well. " he stated "Some of the Death Eaters are little better." he warned "They feel they are entitled and that they should be the center of the Dark Lord's attention, they act as though they are equals, it is foolish, as we serve we are not his contemporaries." it was fact.

Severus had resumed his movements, the potion was boiling down now. Even before their eyes. He added a handful of leeches to the liquid, which bubbled up and grew darker still. He was observing her with out appearing to observe. "Indeed." he said "The more complicated potions can take upwards of weeks, or months." he did not add except for him. He was not one to toot his own horn. "If you are interested, we can start out simple, I will bring you the works of the first year criteria and if you prove to be good at it, we will continue ?" he offered her.

“There is a certain satisfaction in being able to make a potion, to have the power to craft something that can grant life or take.” he said fondly. He enjoyed his work even if he detested most students.

A very good poker face was useful and he was grateful for his. Not that he wasn’t surprised to see the woman there. Severus blinked and returned his attention to what he was doing. The potion was a rich shade of crimson and held a slightly metallic scent to it. It would brew down until it was a dark crimson, and there would be enough for four vials.  He bowed his head over the potion.

“Indeed, the Malfoy’s often have guests over.” he stated “Though I would think our lord, will not wish to leave you unaccompanied for long periods of time.’ he did not presume to know the mind of the Dark Lord. The young woman’s interest in his work prompted him to speak on it.”It seems that there is little but some new party to attend or some dinner that grows rather tiring, if I may speak freely.” 

Still the Potion Master worked one ”This is a more advanced blood replenish potion.“ he explained “It will help restore both health and the blood loss from ritual.” he stated “It is my own work.” given this was in no book. “Are you interested in brewing ?” he questioned softly.

@venenatxs

    She listens as he speaks, thin brows lifted as she watches. The scent of     it, caused her nostrils to flare underneath that veil. Gold gaze lifts to the     hunched form next to her, then cranes her head in an obvious snake-like     fashion.

         “ Yes, the Malfoy’s always have guests… But I prefer not to            take my company with those who’s egos, of course, reek            with pretentiousness. “

     Nagini stands a bit more straight, but never letting her gaze waver. Her      hands lace together.

          “ The Dark Lord allows our separation from time to time,               though, despite enjoying time to myself, I have yet to              acclimate not having some form of company. “

      She goes back to looking to the contents of the cauldron. No one had       offered to teach her anything. Since, considering, she hadn’t always       been human, never receiving ‘proper’ instruction… And that most were       afraid of her, let alone, approaching her.

"I have been saying that for many years." Severus stated "I find the fact that people do not check their egos at the door with their coats to be little more than people vying for the attention of other egotistical people to whom the idea of a world outside their own little bubble is next to non existent." he spoke freely. "Do not get me wrong I do care for Lucius and Narcissa." he stated "Its the other's I can not bear."

He shifted his gaze to her "I was not aware you had a humanoid form." he admitted "It suits you." it was as close to a compliment that Severus got. He gave a nod. "There is nothing wrong with that, Nagini ." he assured her "If you do not wish to be alone, you should take company, if you do there are secret places, hidden that are quiet and peaceful." that she was precious to the dark lord was enough.

The copper ladle went into a counter clockwise motion as he worked. He paused and counted to twelve and reversed his strokes. He was not afraid of her. He might have been had he only had his own interest at heart. This potion was for the darklord. That he would take something Severus brewed spoke of his trust in him. Severus worked to keep that level of trust. He did not seek power or fame, these things would come with age. "I am, if you have a head for it." he said looking to her again. The potion was vastly darkening to a deep red.  "Does it interest you ?"

@remusetlupus

He did know.

He nodded and spoke no more on that subject because he didn’t want someone accidentally over hearing. The boy looked like he could use a nap for about ten years. Severus shook his head slightly. He fiddled with his books. Socializing was alien to him. When he had been around Lily it was always she who chatted with him and brought up topics, put him at ease. In this case Severus was pondering what could be done. He flipped open his Potions book and he bit his lower lip.

He always assumed Remus felt bad for him since he had almost killed him that night.  Severus had never brought it up and did not blame Remus, while yes he was dangerous , he was trying. He had not set out with the intent to do him in. That had been his friends. Severus paused on a page and tapped a finger to it. “Have you tried a Peaceful Sleep Potion ?” he asked .

“I hardly think you can handle it, if you do not sleep you start to enter states where things get strange, hallucinations, over wrought emotions.” he stated quietly keeping his voice down. “It will pass, if you can manage rest. You don’t want in this shape, during that week.” he added. “A corrosion of willpower can lead to mistakes.” not that he wouldn’t have been delighted if he hurt Potter or Black. It would be unfortunate, and Remus did not deserve that.

Remus moved from across the table, sliding next to the boy on the bench. Had Remus been properly rested, the words on the page might have made sense, but to his sleep deprived, garbled mess of a brain, the pages looked as if they were swimming with unreadable text. Severus was right, perhaps he wouldn’t be able to handle this on his own. With an exasperated breath, the werewolf pressed his palms to his eyes, unsuccessfully trying to clear his head.

            – “A potion might be a good idea, honestly. Can you, uh…I mean, would you be willing to help? I could do it myself if I could read the book, but I think I might be too tired.”

Part of Remus was embarrassed. He, the smartest in his group of friends, couldn’t even read a book at his current mental capacity. Admitting he needed help from the boy he almost accidentally killed was even worse. It seemed unfair to even ask. However, Lupin knew that Severus was the best potion maker in the entire school– if he was going to get help, Snape would be the man for the job.

        – “Hey, I know we’ve never talked about it, but I do want you to know how truly sorry I am about what happened. I had no idea those two idiots would do something horrible like that, and I wish I could have stopped the transformation from even happening. Honestly, you’re a good person, a kind person, and what they do to you…you don’t deserve any of it. I know just saying something like this isn’t much help, but I have been trying to stop them. Unfortunately the more I ask, the more they make it clear that I don’t have any power over them. They, uh, threaten to tell the school about the whole monthly thing.”

Remus didn’t think about what he was doing, mostly because Remus couldn’t think, but before he could stop himself, a kind finger ran over Severus’ cheek, a deep frown pulling at his brow.

"I can brew it." he stated the question was likely more would he do it for him. A bob of his head followed "If you need it I will brew it for you." he stated. "I do want something in return." he stated seriously. "Promise me you will keep an eye out for Lily, she wants nothing to do with me, and Potter." he shook his head again. It was clear Severus was worried for his best friend, even if he was a former friend in Evans eyes.

Where Severus might have taken delight and made fun of the situation had the others been around. There was no one here to bring the worst out of him and the boy did not poke at the inability, he did not laugh and say and I thought you were so smart. He just glanced to the other boy reassuringly. "We will get this done." he promised. Remus had he been in any other shape would have been just fine brewing it on his own. He had skill in Potions.  The dark haired boy added "The Potion in the Book, is wrong, if you add Dandelion to the brew it makes it smoother."

It was not a common topic no. "I kept it to myself regardless of what they might say to me. It wasn't that I wanted to out you to begin with. I just wanted to prove that they were sneaking out and getting up to things." he said "That they weren't so great as everyone thought they were." he whispered back to the other boy a sigh followed. "It led to a mess, and I don't know what Dumbledore said to the others, but he told me I was never to speak of it. Of course, I wouldn't speak about it, it would only make things worse." he wasn't callous on purpose. Just when crossed. "You call these boy's your friends.." he asked "How could they be willing to out you ?" his dark eyes held a look of disbelief in their dark depths.  

Severus flinched before he could stop himself, human contact was very alien to him and he dipped his head over the potion book. Not pushing Remus off the bench he sat on just a little space. "Do you really think they would do that to you ?" he asked darkly. His hand rose to where the contact had been a moment before. "I don't...people..they aren't...touchy with me." he explained. The fact was Tobias hurt him regularly so Severus was a twitchy boy and jumpy with physical contact, he wasn't prepared to share that yet.

"There are classrooms no one uses, I suggest one of those to rest in once the brew is done, it will take me a few hours at most." Severus answered the apology than "Its alright, neither of us had much say in it." he stated "Black, lured me there." he began to make a checklist of things he would need. 

Happy Birthday, Severus Snape!

       Gold eyes gaze over into the slightly darkened room. Of course,        she was curious. The snake-woman slinks her way in, careful to        to approach his side in a less surprising or unnoticed way. Her         veiled face tilts down, watching his hands. 

                        “ Really now? “

"Indeed, the Malfoy's often have guests over." he stated "Though I would think our lord, will not wish to leave you unaccompanied for long periods of time.' he did not presume to know the mind of the Dark Lord. The young woman's interest in his work prompted him to speak on it.”It seems that there is little but some new party to attend or some dinner that grows rather tiring, if I may speak freely.” 

Still the Potion Master worked one "This is a more advanced blood replenish potion." he explained "It will help restore both health and the blood loss from ritual." he stated "It is my own work." given this was in no book. "Are you interested in brewing ?" he questioned softly.