Did I Say That Out Loud?

Summary: Severus loses a magical bet to Albus. The consequences? He's forced to take Argentine Tango lessons from Hermione during her summer break from University. An uneasy friendship is formed that turns into something more. What part does the Wolfsbane Potion play, and what is the mystery behind the Enchanted Leaf? Equal parts: humor, sensuality, adventure, and mystery. My answer to the Codpiece Challenge on WIKTT. HG/SS (Rating for later chapters)

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc., of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

Note: Since I started the story so long ago, it should probably now be considered AU and is not compliant with The Half-Blood Prince or Deathly Hallows.

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Dances with Witches

Chapter 46: Did I Say That Out Loud?

December shouldered on, as December is wont to do. With just a mere week to go until the students left for the holidays, the break drew nearer by leaps and slow lags, depending on the hour. Wednesday night was spent discussing revisions for the potions with a varying amount of success when said revisions were applied in practice at Hogwarts on that weekend. In the end, they came up with a potion that, while not a cure, was a significant improvement over the Wolfsbane Severus currently brewed.

Hermione spent the week bouncing back and forth between classes and the library. She was in much better spirits that Saturday as she made her way down to the dungeons. She smiled indulgently as she watched Severus ink through the parchment he was grading. “Problems with the first-year essays again?”

Severus’ glare drew a sly smirk from the witch. “Dare I ask what has you in such a mood? Severus?”

Absentmindedly, he ran a hand through his hair, a headache forming behind his eyes. “Albus.”

“Albus.” Hermione smiled, trying not to laugh as she nodded sympathetically. “What did he do this time?”

“He’s come up with yet another bloody idea to promote inter-house relations.”

“And that would be?”

The dark man bit out the words through clenched teeth, his glare hot enough to burn holes in the desktop as he tossed a rolled up parchment in Hermione’s direction. “Game night.”

Hermione unrolled the parchment and scanned the page. “Oh. Oh, my God.” She laughed as she read the notice. “I don’t believe this. Bingo, Monopoly, Life, Twister. Severus, if a student isn’t Muggle-born, they’ll have no idea how to play these games. Where…”

Wearily he shook his head. “Arthur Weasley brought them round one day to ask questions of the new Muggle Studies instructor. Albus saw them, and, well… there you have it.” He gestured to the scroll she held.

“I don’t know. It might be fun. I used to play them when I was young. Though maybe they should limit the games to those in Muggle Studies class. Make it a group project.”

Severus’ eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Heads of House are expected to moderate the evenings.”

“Ah, worse than a Yule Ball, then. Maybe we can have a game night of our own.” She wiggled her eyebrows lewdly for emphasis. “I can show you how much fun the two of us can have with a few of these. We can play strip Twister later. I’ll even model my new holiday thong for you.”

Severus thought he heard the echo of an ethereal thud in his head; he suspected the annoying voice had passed out. The thought of strip Twister and a thong too much for it to handle.

Reaching for the witch, Severus smiled. “I think that is an excellent idea.” Enfolding Hermione in his embrace, he leaned in for a slow sensual kiss. “However, considering it is only one in the afternoon and that I am required to attend dinner tonight, that plan of action will have to wait for later.”

“What a shame.” Hermione shivered as Severus gently nibbled her earlobe, his hands skimming softly along her arms. “Mm, you keep doing that, and we’ll never get anything done.”

“We only have this week to finalize the potion. The next full moon falls on the twenty-first, just two days after the students leave. If Lupin is going to test the potion, we need to be sure of what were doing. There will be time for us later.”

“Right.” While disappointed, she had to agree with him. And the chance to prove her theory was just too good to pass up.

The two disappeared through the back archway, walked through his quarters, and set to work in his private lab. Severus was pleased with the revised potion. The amount of humanity Lupin would retain would more than double with the new formula. While Hermione was disappointed with the amount of progress they’d made, he was more than happy with the changes, considering the formula had not been changed since Damocles had first created the complicated potion.

Hermione reached for their research journal to record the latest results. “It’s still not a cure.”

“No, it’s not, but it is a tremendous improvement. The shilajit may be difficult to obtain on a regular basis, but I’m sure we can find someone who can supply it. Unfortunately, I don’t believe it alters the taste any.” He finished labeling the potion phials, each marked clearly with the alterations they contained as well as which cauldron and stirring rod was used for the final solution.

“Does it taste bad?”

“According to Lupin, it tastes abominable.”

“Can’t we do something to make it taste better?”

“Not without changing the properties of the potion at this stage.”

“Well, that’s it, I guess.”

“Hermione, we don’t have to stop trying. We can continue our research after the holidays. This is not an assignment that’s due before you leave on break.” Methodically, he stored the remaining potions ingredients, mindful of the rarity of some of the ingredients they had used.

Hermione smiled sheepishly. “I guess I hadn’t thought past Remus trying the potion. Between worrying about my apprenticeship and revising for end of term, I just figured we’d be done with the potion, too.”

“Hardly, once we’ve tried the potion out on Lupin, we should look at other potions that can be modified. A change in another formula may point the way to additional changes to the Wolfsbane. Research has no end.”

Hermione nodded, realizing they had made tremendous strides in the past few weeks. Still…she had hoped for a cure.

Severus watched the emotions play across her face. There were times she could be read like a book, without the use of Legilimency. “Hermione, we may never find a cure. There may not be one. But this is still cause to celebrate if it works.”

Her smile was tired. “You’re right. You’re a brilliant researcher. It’ll work.”

“Yes, I am. But I rather like to think we work well together. You do realize how much further you are than most masters. There can only be a handful, that I know of, that can actually brew Wolfsbane properly. Not only can you brew it, you successfully altered the potion. Definitely a good day’s work.”

Severus resisted the desire to roll his eyes as Hermione pulled her day-planner out from underneath their journal. “So, the students leave on Friday, the nineteenth. Crooks and I can be here that evening before dinner. I should be able to leave Cambridge as soon as classes are over.”

“Wonderful, I’ve so missed that ruddy cat.”

“Be happy he likes you. He’s a very good judge of character.” She turned back to her calendar. “That just gives us Saturday to prepare a fresh batch to try out on Remus on Sunday.”

“Traditionally, he takes the potion for three days, to ensure full coverage during the first phase of the full moon.”

“That’s great,” she said, changing an entry in the calendar. “I come on the nineteenth; we can brew the potion on the twentieth. Remus will need to take it the twenty-first through the twenty-third. Oh, that means he’ll be able to attend Christmas breakfast at the Burrow. We’re supposed to meet Senalda on the twenty-third at seven, should I reschedule? Is that too late to give him the potion?”

“He can take it before we leave. We’ll know Sunday night if it was successful or not. Does it say anywhere in there ‘shag Severus’?” he asked with an amused smile.

Hermione nodded her head. “It does, but I encrypted the notations in case anyone else looked at my planner. Look.” A quick reveal did show a number of entries that weren’t visible before.

Severus’ eyes grew wide as he read her notations. “You have been busy. Oh, I like this one. Very creative,” he said, tapping the entry that had appeared on the date marked December 31st, New Year’s Eve.

“Well, they’re just a few of the different positions and fantasies we’ve mentioned trying. I thought it might be helpful if I wrote them down,” she said with a shrug.

“You’ve numbered the positions? And the locations, too?”

“In case we want to repeat any or combine a few we like.”

“And color coded them.”

“I like to keep things organized.”

“I see.” A glance at the lab clock showed they had fifteen minutes before dinner started. “Come, I need to be in the Great Hall in a few minutes. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time for us to look over your list later. I have just enough time to find a few wayward students to deduct points from on our way there.” Donning his formal teaching robes, Severus disappeared; Professor Snape stood in his place. He brushed a nearly invisible piece of lint from the sleeve of his robes, straightening the collar and cuffs as he primped. “Shall we, Miss Granger?”

Hermione smiled, shaking her head. It never ceased to amaze her; the change from Severus to feared Potions master was a visible thing. He stood taller, his stance broader, he became even more intimidating than usual. She knew it was an illusion, a persona he donned as effectively as he did his robes, but still, to see him transform into this person fascinated her.

One brow rose questioningly. “Is there a problem?”

Her smile turned into a smirk. “No, sir. No problem at all.”

“I may not be able to take points off Gryffindor where you’re concerned, but I can still give you detention,” he said silkily, opening the door with a flourish.

Hermione’s eyes widened. “Maybe I should add school girl fantasy scenarios and role-playing to that list?”

His warm laugh followed her out the door.

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They’d discussed Hermione’s timetable and the changes they’d made to the Wolfsbane with a thrilled Lupin. His overwhelming gratitude grated on Severus’ nerves, as did Albus’ constant twinkling in his direction, neither doing much to improve his mood.

“It’s bad enough I’m required to attend, I won’t let Albus pressure you into it, too,” he said angrily; they’d returned to his quarters even before dinner was finished, his mood darkening as he recalled Albus’ request of Hermione. “And explain to me how you can suggest ‘Game Night’ be turned into a weekend? Have you lost your mind?”

“A Muggle weekend might be fun. We could turn the Great Hall into a movie theatre. Have popcorn.”

“And what would you show? The Wizard of Oz?” he asked with a sneer.

“It doesn’t have to be a movie about magic, just something to entertain the students.” God, what movie would be appropriate? If she had to choose a movie about magic, Practical Magic would probably lead the list. The women were strong willed and independent, and showed magic being used responsibly. Well, most of the time. Star Wars was at the top of her favorites list, but it would be too foreign, raising too many parallels to Voldemort and his Death Eaters for some of the students. Gone With the Wind was another of her favorites that would get lost in translation from Muggle to magic cultures. The Princess Bride might suit. It was a charming tale, told with humor and probably wouldn’t offend anyone. She had to laugh. The fact that it took place in a castle made the story ‘enchanting’ for most Muggles; at Hogwarts, it would just seem like home to the students. “How about The Princess Bride? I think the students would like it. I know Albus would. There’s swords play, pirates, magic. Have you ever seen the movie?”

Severus frowned. “It doesn’t matter. We’re not showing movies.”

He could balk all he wanted, but she had every intention of finding a copy of The Princess Bride to show him over break. The main problem would be how to spell a DVD or VHS player to work amidst all the magic. Maybe the twins knew a way to do it; she made a mental note to ask them when they went to the Burrow for Christmas. “Does that mean our game night is off, too?” she asked demurely.

“Now that,” he said stepping towards her, “…is another matter, entirely.”

Severus had seen the game played when he was a child, though he’d never played Twister himself. He watched as Hermione transfigured the rug in front of the fire into a giant Twister mat, nodding when he heard her add a cushioning charm for good measure. He wasn’t sure where the ‘strip’ part came in, but he was sure Hermione would tell him.

Her smile was wicked as she altered the spinner. The traditional sections, left and right foot and left and right hand remained, but a new caption was added to each of the colors, Now, when a person spun anything red, he also had to remove one article of clothing, his choice, according to the caption.

“All right, I’ve charmed the spinner to spin on command. So, here are the rules: You move as you normally would. If you spin ‘Left foot red,’ you must move your left foot to the closest red circle; however, all the reds say, “Remove – your choice.” That means you must remove one article of clothing, your choice. If you name the article of clothing, it will be magicked off.”

The yellow circles now read, “Remove – opponent’s choice.” His eyes widened as he read the green circles, “Kiss – your choice.” Of course the blue circles, not to be left out, now read, “Kiss – opponent’s choice.”

“And you’ve played this before?” He didn’t really want to know. Nor did he want to know who had introduced the witch to this version, though it was on the tip of his tongue to ask.

Can you at least wait until she shows us the holiday thong before you open your mouth and screw this up for us? He should probably have his head examined, since he thought the voice was starting to make sense lately.

“Take your boots off.” Hermione’s trainers were already stacked to the side. “I used to play Twister when I was little. I just thought it would be more fun if you and I played a more adult version.”

“So you just created this?”

“Severus, they don’t make strip Twister, though Fred and George might be interested if they ever add an adult section.”

A slow sigh seemed to escape the dour man; there was no one else. He was getting too old for this. It was a simple matter for his boots to join her footwear. “And now?”

“You stand at that end. I stand here. You just have to say ‘spin,’ and the spinner will turn.”

“Ladies first,” he said with a slight bow.

Hermione’s first spin was right foot red, remove – your choice. Her left foot stayed on the yellow square it was on as she shifted her right diagonally to a red circle. “Remove, right sock,” she intoned with a small smile.

Severus’ first move was a mirror of hers, even down to the article of clothing removed. Several spins later, they were both partially dressed, each choosing to remove the other’s shirt when the spin of their choice came up. Several heated kisses had ensued as their bodies became entangled with each other.

It wasn’t long before Hermione was down to her ‘holiday thong.’ A cheery scrap of red fabric with the words, “Christmas Wishes Granted Here” printed across it in green and white. It had taken all of Severus’ will not to ravish the witch when her knickers were revealed, the substantial bulge in his own underpants testament to her allure.

The game ended rather abruptly when Hermione’s next spin forced her to straddle Severus so she could place her hand on a green circle, her face, albeit upside down, was now level with his groin. There was no question in her mind where she would kiss to complete her spin. Pressing forward, she exhaled slowly, placing a heated open-mouthed kiss against the already straining bulge in the wizard’s underpants.

Her soulful ministration to his erection, even though the cotton of his underpants, destroyed whatever shred of concentration Severus had been holding on to. Collapsing, he lay flat on the mat, the colored circles beneath him forgotten as Hermione pulled his underwear to the side and drew his erection into the heat of her mouth. His groan fed her arousal, her bum wiggling as he stroked the inside of her thigh.

Hermione shrieked as Severus’ spell floated her in the air over his body. Silently, he removed her thong and set to work pleasuring the witch as she returned the favor to his aching cock. It didn’t take much more for either one to reach completion, Hermione flopping bonelessly to the side when Severus carefully released the spell holding her aloft.

“I told you Muggle games could be fun.”

Severus’ smile was warm. “Indeed.”

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The next week passed uneventfully. Hermione spent the lion’s share of her time, when not with Severus, in the library either revising for end of term exams or actually taking the exams themselves. Even the revised list Professor Brisbane had distributed was shunted to the side as she focused on studying.

The list now included an additional ten names that had not been there before. Three of the instructors had already been crossed off of Hermione’s ‘possible list.’ She assumed she would find the information she needed to research the remaining seven new masters in Hogwarts Library over the holiday break. Hopefully, one of the new candidates would meet her needs and she his.

Friday finally rolled around, bringing with it the end of the term as well as the end of exams and the fear and excitement of the new and improved Wolfsbane Potion they were going to give Remus in less than forty-eight hours.

A mild winter storm blew gusts of cold air mixed with fluffy snowflakes through the front doors as students and staff departed for the holidays. Hermione arrived at the castle, a light dusting of snowflakes clinging to her winter cloak, her cheeks rosy from the walk up from the Apparation point. The last of the students darted out the front door leaving the main foyer silent. She stood quietly, her head cocked to one side as she listened to the castle sighing around her. The butterflies in her stomach took flight as she thought about the days ahead. A slow smile came to her as she thought of how far she’d come from the bossy frightened firstie she’d been.

With so few staff, and only a handful of students staying over for the holidays, dinner was a quiet affair at a single round table in the staff lounge, an event Severus usually looked upon with dread, preferring instead to grab a bite in his quarters whenever possible. Had the headmaster not required the staff to attend the first dinner following student departures (ostensively to discuss plans for the remaining break), he would have been happily ensconced in his quarters with Hermione right now.

“Harry, I didn’t expect to see you until Thursday. What are you doing here?” Hermione hugged her friend before settling into her seat, Severus nodding silently in Harry’s direction as he sat next to her.

“Ginny is on call for the holiday, so I thought I would keep her company.” The redhead in question burst through the staff door, her anger propelling her along.

“Six students in the whole school. Six students. And my idiot brothers have to sell them, at half price no less, their new line of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Skiving Snackboxes. Two of them are unconscious, one had feathers that refuse to molt, and the other two have sprouted donkey ears and a tail. Just wait until I get my hands on those two.” Angrily, Ginny pulled out the chair next to Harry and sat down.

A quick look at those around her revealed the Hogwarts staff and only one student, so focused she was on the Wolfsbane potion and testing Remus Hermione had failed to notice those around her.

“And since you are obviously awake, featherless, and in possession of only those appendages normally found on the average wizard, Mr. Dankin, may I ask how you escaped the fate your fellow classmates are suffering?” Severus’ direct questioning, coupled with his unwavering stare, made the young man shift uncomfortably in his seat.

“I’ve had problems with Skiving snackboxes before, sir,” Dankin stammered out, his color draining rapidly under such close scrutiny.

“I see.”

“Kevin was my patient last week. He had lovely pink spots and chartreuse stripes that went so well with his eyes,” Ginny said, smiling, one brow raised, daring the young man to challenge her comment.

“Spots kept him in the hospital?”

“Well, the spots and stripes faded quickly enough, but there were other…less visible, problems. Fortunately, I was able to owl George and Fred for an antidote. He barely missed one day of class. I do believe it was Misters Drumshire and Harper that slipped the Skiving Snackbox into his breakfast, if I’m not mistaken.” Ginny smiled indulgently at the young man. She had hoped for a quiet holiday to spend some time with Harry without the hustle and bustle of the school around them, though growing up with six brothers, especially George and Fred, she was given to understand Dankin’s desire for revenge.

“And you placed this Weasley snack where?” Considering the student was a Hufflepuff, Severus was impressed with the young man’s method. It was actually more indicative of a Slytherin than a Hufflepuff.

“In the chocolates Derrick received from his mom. I thought it would be safe enough. He never shared, though I know Bill would sneak a few. Caught him at it one time. Am I in trouble, sir?” Dankin was fairly vibrating in his seat, his nerves stretched to their limit.

Severus poured himself a cuppa, shrugging elegantly. “I’m not you’re Head of House. None of my Slytherins are involved. I assume it would be up to Madam Weasley. Since it is the holiday break, and she is the one burdened with excess work, it would only be fitting she determines your future. Unless, of course, she would rather I see to your… punishment. Something that should fit the circumstances, I imagine.”

The young man paled as he looked at the teachers and guests at the table. Slowly, his eyes rolled back up into his head until only the sclera could be seen as he slid unconsciously to the floor.

“Severus!” Hermione and Ginny both bolted out of their seats in an effort to catch the young man.

“What? I didn’t touch him.”

“No, you just scared him to death.”

He gestured to the body now stretched out on the floor. “He’s not dead. I can see a steady pulse throbbing at the base of his throat.”

Harry smiled quietly to himself. He was surprised Neville hadn’t passed out any number of times Snape had belittled him in Potions. War hero or not, Snape was an imposing figure and still feared by those he taught.

“No comment, Potter?”

“Nope, none that I can think of,” Harry said with a grin. While Ginny revived Dankin, he turned toward Snape. “Professor, I know you’re planning on trying your revised potion Sunday night. I’d be happy to help in any way I can. What, um, safety methods were you planning on using?”

Hermione looked up from her placing?place? on the floor. “Safety methods? I’m sure Remus will be fine. In any event, Ginny will be there if there’s some type of medical problem, but I can’t imagine there will be anything Severus or I can’t handle.”

Severus peered thoughtfully at Harry; they’d come a long way since Hermione was hurt. “I’m not sure which would be more effective, setting up a ward surrounding Lupin or actually restraining him. My only worry is if the potion tampers with his strength, a fact I don’t know if I can extrapolate properly at the moment or not.” He glanced quickly at those around him. “Perhaps you and Lupin will join me in my office after we eat. We should have a plan in place before Sunday night.”

“Restrain him? Severus, do you know what you’re suggesting?” Hermione’s indignation rose sharply as she looked between her best friend and her lover, who were casually discussing Remus as if he were some lab rat.

“He’s right, Hermione. If the potion doesn’t do what you think it will, I’ll be putting all of you at risk. That’s something I won’t do.” Remus’ quiet voice silenced those at the table. “I suppose we should use the Shrieking Shack. It would be fitting if things work out well. I’ll do whatever you decide, Severus.”

A slight nod from the dour man acknowledged Remus’ trust in him. “Possibly a combination of the two. As I said, I believe my office would be a better place to finalize plans.”

“You said the potion would work,” Hermione snarled accusingly.

“I said the potion should work. What if his strength increases? What if there is no change or, Merlin forbid, it causes an opposite effect? I am not willing to put you or anyone else at risk.”

“Hermione, Severus is right. I couldn’t live with myself if I… if someone else… Well, it’s the reason I usually leave the castle. It’s just fortunate the students are on break, or I wouldn’t have stayed now.”

Hermione remained quiet throughout the remainder of the meal, speaking only when spoken to. Her earlier enthusiasm had been tempered with the knowledge that this was real, not just some intellectual discussion, that her experiment could actually change Remus’ life, for better or worse.

It was decided that Harry, Ginny, and Remus would meet them in Severus’ office to discuss the location and safety measures they should put in place after Ginny checked on her charges in the hospital wing.

“You’re awfully quiet. Would you like to tell me what’s bothering you?” Dropping the wards on his office door, Severus looked questioningly at Hermione. He was fairly sure she was upset with his attitude, wrongfully attributing it to his past prejudices of any of James Potter’s friends rather than worry for her. While Remus may have been the last of the Marauders, he had no desire to cause the werewolf harm. He’d given up that ghost when the war had ended, but the question of safety was very real, something Potter and Remus seemed to understand, even if Hermione didn’t.

“This is Remus we’re talking about. You just seem so…”

“Indifferent, so nonchalant, so cavalier?”

“What? Are you a thesaurus now?”

Severus laughed. “No, but you are fairly easy for me to read. Even without Legilimency.”

“Because I’m a Gryffindor?”

Gently, Severus pulled the annoyed witch to him. His comment a whisper as he tipped her head up before kissing her. “No, because you’re you.”

Melting into his touch, Hermione allowed herself to be placated. She knew he was right, but this was… Remus.

A quiet cough stopped the pair before things could go further. “I can come back if this a bad time.” Remus’ amused smile annoyed the Potions master.

“Lupin, you’re timing is impeccable as always. Come in.”

“Remus.”

“Hello?” Harry stood uncertainly with Ginny in the doorway, the expression on Severus’ face casting doubt as to their welcome.

Hermione’s discomfort grew as they discussed in earnest the problems restraining an adult male that had fully transformed into a werewolf. Remembering the episode her third year, she knew intellectually that Severus was right, but this was… Remus.

In the end, it was decided that they would use the Shrieking Shack for their trials, properly spelled and warded by Severus and Harry, and equipped with restraints to ensure the utmost in safety for those present, as well as keeping Remus safe as possible from himself.

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Severus watched Hermione carefully chop the last of the runespoor eggs, each slice the same thickness as the one before it. Which left only the salamander kidney, sitting safely to the side, and warded against the dungeon chill lest it damage the magical properties of the organ, that still needed to be prepared for this stage of the Wolfsbane.

A frown forming, Severus leaned casually against the table behind him, his tone belying nothing of his meaning. “I’ve finished dicing the pickled cockroach clusters. I can start pureeing the salamander kidney if you want to lay out the ingredients for the next stage.”

“Hm? Yes, all right. I’ve just about finished with the runespoor eggs.” Hermione reached for their potions journal, absentmindedly running a finger down the list on the open page. “I still need to pull the foxglove and scurvy-grass from the stockroom.” Her head popped up, light dawning in her eyes. “Pickled cockroach clusters? Uh, that’s just too disgusting to even think about.”

“Nice to see you’ve finally joined me. If you cannot give your full concentration to a potion, you should not be brewing it. Pass me the salamander kidney. I’ll dice it up.” With quick, efficient moments, Severus unwarded the ingredient and set to dicing it evenly on a fresh cutting board. Though he thought he knew what the answer was, he asked the obvious question of the witch anyway. “Hermione, would you please tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Everyone seems to be treating Remus as if he were nothing more than a lab specimen, even Remus himself is acting as if he’s sub-human.”

“Because he agreed he should be restrained? We have no idea if the altered potion will affect his strength.” He stopped working to watch her as he spoke. “Do you have any idea how strong a full grown adult male werewolf is?”

“Pretty strong?”

“If he chose to, he could rip a head clean from its body.”

“Remus would never do that!”

Severus nodded. “No, Lupin in his right mind would never harm anyone, but as a werewolf, out of control… Do you not recall your third year? When he forgot his Wolfsbane? There was still enough residual potion in his blood for him to recognize you and the others; it’s what made him run the other way instead of attacking. We don’t know what effects the altered potion will have. It could completely negate the residual of the Wolfsbane he’s been taking as well as allow his full strength to manifest. I will not take chances with your safety or anyone else’s that will be there tomorrow. Lupin agrees wholeheartedly. If he does lose control, do you want him to have to live with the consequences because you didn’t want to restrain him?”

When put that way, how could she argue? “Fine,” she said irritably. “You’re right. I’m wrong. I just… I don’t know. I was so excited when I knew we were going to brew the new potion, but I just didn’t realize what went along with it.”

Severus nodded. “It’s not just a series of ingredients and equations on paper. You’re about to change someone’s life, hopefully for the better.”

They spent the remainder of the day brewing the new potion as well as a batch of the standard formula, just incase the new potion proved to be ineffective.

In less than twenty-four hours the moon would be high in the sky. Either the potion would be a success… or it could actually make things worse. Only time would tell.

-TBC-

A/N: Never say never. Since this chapter is now complete and to my liking, I decided to post it even though I haven’t finished writing the story completely (and previously said I would not post until I finished writing it), though I am closing in on finishing it. A few health problems have cropped up in the last few weeks shooting my work and writing schedules to hell. Hopefully things will get back on track soon.

A grateful thank you to my beta, the wonderful Southern_Witch_69, and her prowess with comma (or lack thereof) detection. Thank you, Sun, I appreciate all the help and time you give me.

Still to come: Christmas break (including breakfast at the Burrow), the revised Wolfsbane, Dinner with Senalda, Valentines, an apprenticeship, the school year, and the finale.

-Pearle