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What Makes a Snape?	By : MagicWords Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 6166 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I own NO portion of Harry Potter or related characters or concepts, nor do I profit from anything posted to this site. My sincere thanks to JK Rowling for letting us ALL play in her world.

Chapter List
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A/N: I have conformed to the original Harry Potter Canon throughout this story and have not altered the characters or story as written by Ms Rowling.
What I have done, is add a new, more...mature layer that I hope you will enjoy. Deliciously snarky Snape throughout! Happy reading!
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Chapter One
He should have been in bed like his fellow sixth year classmates but instead, Severus stood in the astronomy tower looking out into the night. The moon was new and the only light in the late spring sky was the twinkling of distant stars and planets.
He had only one more year at Hogwarts and then, he’d be free to choose his own path. Then those who found such delight in his torment would begin to see the tables turned. He hoped that shift would begin in earnest this summer. Dumbledore had been rather distracted when they’d discussed the possibility of a suitable summer internship but Severus intended to speak to him again.
He sighed heavily and turned to make his way back to the Slytherin dormitories. A slight shimmer above the Forbidden Forrest caught his eye. He continued to watch as it became a little brighter and began to spiral into widening circles. At that distance it was difficult to make out the details, but a massive winged shadow glided along the perimeter. It was quickly followed by a second and a third before the faint glow began to dissipate and the figures drifted silently toward the clearing at the edge of the forest, then disappeared completely.
Severus heard the soft but distinct pop of apparition and saw a light robed silhouette materialize in the clearing.
“What is Dumbledore about at this hour?” Severus mused, knowing the only one who could have possibly Apparated from the castle was the headmaster himself.
His curiosity was piqued when the faint outline of three others joined the headmaster, but rather than risk detection to satisfy it, he thought it prudent to return to his dormitory as quickly as possible. With a final glance toward the clearing, Severus turned and glided down the stairs and through the corridors, pausing in the shadows to avoid a prefect making his rounds. Within minutes he’d made it to the castle’s dungeons and entered the Slytherin common room.
“Regulus, why are you still awake?” he asked when his saw the younger Black studying in front of the fireplace.
“I might ask you the same thing, however, I’m too busy preparing for a bloody potions exam tomorrow,” Regulus Black replied without looking up from his papers. “Not all of us have your talent for brewing.”
“None of you have my talent…for brewing,” he corrected. “What part of the required material seems to be the issue?”
The fifth year handed Severus his notes and after quickly reviewing them, he scribbled some additional comments, scanned the text book and pointed out the related paragraphs for further edification.
Severus waited until Regulus read the notes and the paragraphs then nodded his understanding.
“Snape, you still didn’t say what you were doing out at this hour?”
“Clearly, I was here assisting you all evening.”
“Of course.”
“Good. The potion you’ll be brewing tomorrow for the exam can be quite…dangerous, if one is not…mindful of the consequences.” Severus cast a long, icy glare at Regulus before heading silently to his room.
Severus suppressed a smirk until he turned away. In fairness, Regulus Black, wasn’t a bad sort, and other than the misfortune of having Sirius Black as a brother, he didn’t dislike him. A bit of a pure-blood elitist, but that was typical for Slytherin and something a seventh year Lucius Malfoy had been clear on when Severus first arrived at Hogwarts.
“Snape? Ahhh…You must be Eileen Prince’s half-blood son,” Malfoy had commented as he lead the first-years to the Slytherin common room. “Well, a half-blood Prince is better than a Mudblood by any name. You’d do well to keep to your Slytherin friends and not sully your family’s blood status any further.”
“Sage advice, in retrospect,” Severus thought entering his sleeping quarters. It would be only a few more weeks until the end of term and despite not being particularly popular, he would miss life at Hogwarts when he went back home to Spinner’s End for the summer.
“Home? Not really,” he thought. Hogwarts was more a home to him and certainly more conducive to his general well-being. Dumbledore acted more a parent to him than either of his had ever done. The only positive thing he recalled from his days before Hogwarts was meeting Lily. She’d been his only friend and he’d always hoped for more than friendship someday.
But that was before James Potter and his equally arrogant and idiotic friends came between them. It was small things at first, but eventually escalated to their taunting him and making him look the fool in front of her and the entire school at every possible opportunity.
Lily disapproved of Potter’s childish antics, but not enough to come to her senses.
Or come back to him.
She’d made her choice and made it clear that Severus would never be more than a friend to her. Even that relationship was tenuous at best after he’d called her a “Mudblood” in anger. He regretted it deeply, but had resigned himself to going on without her and doing whatever it took to distance himself from the lot of them.
Severus found solace in knowing his abilities were recognized and appreciated by some very powerful and influential wizards and he’d already been asked to join their ranks. There was also considerable satisfaction in knowing that he was ten times the wizard that Potter or any of his friends could ever be. He knew he may not have Potter’s looks or wealth, but when it came to intellect and natural magical ability, Severus knew it exceeded them all.
It was just a matter of time before everyone knew it.
* * * * *
Severus entered the Great Hall for breakfast and the din of chatter was much livelier than normal for the early hour. He scowled at a huddle of students from all the houses gathered in the aisle and blocking his access to his usual seat at the Slytherin table. One of them glanced up and then quickly nudged the others prompting them all to scatter to their own seats.
All except Potter, who as usual, was flanked by Sirius Black and Remus Lupin.
Their backs were to him and they seemed oblivious to the fact that they were blocking his way.
“Arrogant pricks,” he thought. The urge to hex them where they stood nearly won out until he caught a glimpse of red hair beyond the trio. Severus momentarily forgot about Potter and his cohorts when he heard Lily’s voice.
“I do wish you were staying longer,” she said. “It doesn’t seem like enough time.”
“I can’t, I’m afraid. Father says we’re to leave after supper, if we’ve not finished our business sooner.”
Severus didn’t recognize the polite, feminine voice that replied to Lily. Regardless of who the silly chit was, he had little patience for idle chatter and desperately wanted Potter and the others to take their conversation elsewhere.
“Lily’s right, you know,” Potter said. “You should stay longer. At least a few days. The final Quidditch match is this week, Gryffindor versus Slytherin.”
“I’m sure that would be very interesting, but we’re only here to make arrangements for next term and finalize the apprenticeship for one of your students at the end of my term here at Hogwart’s.”
The mention of an apprenticeship finally garnered Severus’ attention. He stood a good head taller than the others and stepped closer to get a better look at the heretofore unidentified visitor. The view was partly obscured, but his efforts weren’t completely in vain.
The young lady in question wore golden brocade and velvet robes and sat perfectly straight at the Slytherin table, her back toward him and hands in her lap. Her hair was the darkest of brown and fell nearly to the floor in soft curls that seemed to dance with the same golden hue of her clothing. The bit of skin he saw in profile was flawless and ever so slightly sun-kissed.
After glimpsing her rich attire and mannerisms, Severus amended his earlier thought. “Silly, spoiled chit.”
He grew more annoyed and more impatient for Potter and his friends to move along, preferably taking the newcomer with them.
“How can you possibly decide in just one day?” Black asked, unaware that Severus was now standing directly behind him and just inches away. “There are nearly a thousand students here.”
“True,” she replied, “but I only need one student and one day will be more than enough time.”
“If time is so critical, and you have only…a day,” Severus finally commented, disdain obvious in his tone. “Then perhaps you…Gryffindors might like to find your way to your own table and let the rest of us…get on with our day?”
His face remained emotionless but inwardly he found a certain satisfaction when Black nearly jumped out of his skin and the others quickly separated and turned to face him. He glared at Potter and waited for his usual derogatory greeting.
“Late to the party as usual, Sniv—”
James Potter was interrupted as Dumbledore rose from his seat at the head table and addressed the students and faculty.
“If you would all find your seats, I have some important and unexpected announcements to make.”
Lily cast a disapproving look towards Severus, then quickly followed James and Sirius back to the Gryffindor table. The Slytherins who had gathered in the general area, moved down the long wooden table to give him plenty of room. The young lady simply moved enough so that she was properly seated at the table. She then turned her attention on the Headmaster at the front of the room. Severus quickly sat in the open seat behind her then waited for Dumbledore to continue.
“I am delighted to announce that next year Hogwarts will host a very special guest. One Hogwarts student will act as her guide and study partner during her stay, and the task will be reciprocated at the end of the year, when that student will attend a post graduate term at her school for a master’s apprenticeship.
“I would now like to introduce our distinguished guests. Please welcome Aesalon and Maeve Avonleigh…Lord and Lady of Avalon.”
"Avalon?" Severus thought. "The Avalon?"
Severus wondered if he’d heard the Headmaster correctly, as did many others. Shocked whispers spread throughout the room and round of welcoming applause quickly followed. As the room quieted, Dumbledore continued his introduction.
“As you know, Avalon is the ancestral home of some of the greatest witches and wizards in history and the source of the most powerful magic in the wizarding world. Their secrets are closely guarded. Their borders are closed and invisible to all save the sons and daughters of Avalon…and select individuals who are chosen every few hundred years to apprentice with the Masters of Avalon.
“Many of you may have already met our third guest here in the Great Hall this morning. It was her wish to spend time with our students before the formal introductions. I believe that she has made her way round to all the house tables and has chosen to sit among her fellow students this morning. Please join me in welcoming Miss Elladora Avonleigh.”
All eyes turned to the Slytherin table and the figure seated next to Severus. There were more whispers and applause as she turned and golden amber eyes met his. The initial shock of the unusual coloring faded quickly when he recognized the sheer panic in those eyes.
Without thinking, he stood and offered his assistance to help her up. She took his hand and stood, slowly and gracefully, the now serene expression on her face giving no hint of her earlier fear or the force with which she gripped his hand. She returned to her seat and finally released her hold on Severus as the Headmaster continued.
“Now,” Dumbledore said. “Our guests will only be here for the day, and I know everyone has questions. Therefore, they will be visiting various classes throughout the day. All students who will be entering their seventh year next term will be considered candidates and therefore, Lady Elladora will be visiting the sixth year classes personally.
“Only one student will be selected with no alternates. If that student for any reason does not wish to accept either the responsibility of acting as guide and study partner during her stay here, or the offer of the apprenticeship at the end of next term then the opportunity is forfeit…”
“Thank you,” she said, leaning toward Severus and whispering her words. “You’d think I’d be used to this but despite its ostentatious history, Avalon is considerably less…formal than Hogwarts. If you hadn’t offered your hand, I fear I’d have Disapparated on the spot.”
“You can’t Apparate in or out of the castle or the school grounds,” Severus offered smugly. “It’s impossible.”
“Then I’m especially thankful you were here. Achieving the impossible would have most certainly made for a poor first impression on my future classmates. I daresay they’d hate me from the start,” she said smiling. “I’m Ella, by the way.”
“Severus,” he replied flatly. He contemplated her remarks as breakfast appeared on the table. He offered her the platter of breakfast meats before taking two fat sausages for himself. She helped herself instead to assorted fruits and cheeses and a bit of sweet pastry, but had barely managed a few bites before being interrupted by curious students.
He watched in silence as she politely answered the myriad of ridiculous and irrelevant questions, forsaking her meal in the process.
“Who bloody hell cares if she had a pet unicorn as a child,” Severus thought, listening to the inane inquiries. “There are ingredients so rare they exist nowhere except Avalon and these fools only think to ask about her pets?”
More and more people crowded around, eventually wedging themselves in the small space between his seat and hers. After being bumped numerous times and despite his best scowls, Severus opted to forego his breakfast and head to the quiet of the potions lab until his first class. He glanced behind him as he made his way out of the Great Hall, expecting to see Potter and Black among the throng of students surrounding the young witch. Instead, he noticed both, as well as Lily, were engaged in conversation with Lord and Lady Avonleigh.
* * * * *
Severus arrived at his Defense Against the Dark Arts class in time to hear Potter and Black debating why Ella should sit with one of them at lunch. Lily simply rolled her eyes, mumbled something about boys being idiots and directed her to the nearest vacant seats.
“Don’t mind them, Miss Avonleigh.” Lily said taking the chair next to the young lady before continuing. “They’re just being prats, and more so than usual, I’m afraid.”
“I’d prefer Ella, if you don’t mind. Everyone has been quite…solicitous.”
“No doubt,” Severus interjected as he took his regular seat on the other side of where both girls now sat and opened his book. “I expect Potter has been following you like a snitch at a quiddich match.”
“Hello again, Severus,” Ella said, smiling.
“Hello, ladies,” Severus replied politely as the Headmaster entered the classroom.
“Humph,” accompanied by a curt nod was Lily’s response. She then directed her conversation to Ella. “Professor Dumbledore has been filling for our regular DADA professor all week. Everyone they’ve hired to teach this class, seems to have extraordinarily bad luck. I suppose they call it Dark Arts, for a reason.”
“That’s absurd,” Ella said, chuckling softly. “Magic itself is neither dark nor light. It simply…is.”
“That is quite an interesting comment,” Severus said. “But if that is the case, then how would you explain the existence of curses so heinous they are considered… unforgivable?”
“The curses are only as heinous as the intent, and by default the moral fiber, of the witch or wizard casting them. The magic is completely neutral.”
“So you disagree that dark magic corrupts the user?” Severus asked, obviously intrigued.
The trio was unaware that Dumbledore and the entire class had taken note of the conversation and was now listening intently.
“No, I disagree that dark magic exists. Magic is a constant and therefore incorruptible. The variable that is corruptible however is the practitioner, not the magic itself. It is the human element that presents a problem, not the magical element.”
“But, Ella,” Lily said, glancing uncomfortably at Severus. “There are dark wizards who even now are gaining influence and followers, by doing terrible things--”
“Quite right,” Ella replied. “There are dark wizards, not dark magic. These wizards wield the same magic as any other. It is the darkness in their character that dictates the intent behind the magic. If it is their intent to instill fear and doubt in those they wish to subjugate, then they use their magic to that end. Once fear and doubt begin to replace courage and faith, it weakens the intent, and thereby the resolve, of those who would stand against such subjugation.
“Fear, doubt, courage, faith…even hate. These are all human qualities that influence intent, not magical qualities.”
“That is quite an astute observation, Miss Avonleigh. But what of love?” Professor Dumbledore said. “That is a very human element. Where does that factor into your argument?”
Ella smiled, blushing slightly at the realization that the entire class was now waiting for her response. “Love is not only human, it is universal. It is the most ancient of all magic and it is, for all intents and purposes, the basis for magic as you know it today.”
“So how do you suggest we use that theory to protect ourselves from Dark Mag--, or rather the dark intent of certain wizards?” Lily asked.
“If I may,” Dumbledore interrupted. “Miss Avonleigh is correct. Love is a very old magic. She is also correct in that the intent of the wizard or witch ultimately dictates the outcome when magic is used. The stronger the intent, the emotion behind the magic— the more powerful the results. Anger, hate, fear are all powerful dark emotions that direct intent. However, those who focus only on these eventually isolate themselves and have only these from which to draw their strength.
“Those whose intent—whose driving forces are things such as courage, loyalty and love, never stand alone. They have something to believe in, to protect, to live and even die for if needed. That is the true power, the true magic…unconditional love.”
Everyone in the class was silent as they mulled it over and Dumbledore gave Ella a wink before he continued.
“Now, I believe today, I would like to deviate from the standard lesson plan and discuss something we don’t normally teach and that is the Patronus charm. This is a very good example of the point that Miss Avonleigh made. The first step in successfully conjuring a Patronus is to focus on the happiest, most powerful memory you have. The form a Patronus takes varies on the individual, their memories and, their intent. So, class, at this time, I would like each of you to have your wands ready, focus your thoughts and repeat, Expecto Patronum.”
Lily and Severus were the first to succeed, and curiously, both cast a doe. James was next, casting a stag that danced between the two does and finally teased Lily’s into following it. The rest of the students had difficulty focusing and only Sirius was able to cast a partial form that looked like a large dog. After several minutes, Dumbledore addressed the class again.
“Miss Avonleigh, you are familiar with casting the Patronus Charm, are you not? Perhaps you’d care to demonstrate for the class.”
“Of course, Professor, though as you probably know, the techniques used in Avalon are primarily wandless and nonverbal, so it may not be particularly helpful for demonstration purposes—“
“Are you saying, you can produce a full-bodied Patronus, silently and without a wand?” Severus said, incredulously.
“Yes,” she replied simply. “I must request that Professor Dumbledore cast an extension charm on the classroom before I begin, but if he feels it would be helpful, then I will demonstrate,” Ella replied.
Severus noted the broad smile on the Headmaster’s face as he nodded in agreement. The excited comments of the students quickly filled the room as Ella stood and approached the Professor. After a brief consultation he nodded and cast the extension charm as requested expanding the room to nearly the size of a quidditch pitch. Without preamble, Ella simply turned toward the class and nodded then looked skyward.
Instantly, a golden Patronus emerged above her and everyone in the room gasped as it took shape. Even Dumbledore watched in fascination as an ethereal dragon hovered, grew larger, then finally began gracefully circling the room. Severus turned to Ella studying her closely and looking for clues to how she had accomplished such an impressive bit of magic. Her amber eyes glowed slightly as she guided the form effortlessly around the room. It circled, then looped, then circled again. It came toward Severus, stopping in midair in front of him, then lowering and tilting its head as if studying him. Suddenly, it twirled and spiraled straight up, finally dissolving into a shower of sparkling light just before it reached the ceiling.
Cheers and applause erupted from the class and Ella quietly returned to her seat between Lily and Severus.
“Well done, Miss Avonleigh. Well done! Now if everyone will take their seats,” Dumbledore said. He quickly reversed the extension charm and brought the class back to order. “Casting a Patronus, even with a wand, takes a great deal of practice and concentration, but it is one of the most effective protective charms you can use. As Miss Avonliegh so impressively demonstrated, if the need arises, it can be cast without a wand.”
“Professor,” Severus asked. “How was that even possible?”
“Perhaps, Miss Avonliegh might like to explain,” Dumbledore replied.
“Avalon is…unique,” Ella began, cautiously. “Its magic is pure and powerful enough to shield it from the outside world. We are not subject to the underage magic restrictions of the Ministry. We begin our studies at birth and learn to use our magic just as we learn to walk and talk. As a result, most generally master wandless and nonverbal skills before those outside of Avalon have their first wands.”
“That was a very powerful Patronus,” Potter said. “Where did that come from?”
“With regard to the form of the Patronus, it generally takes the shape of something that is…meaningful to the caster. Our family crest is a dragon, and my father is sometimes referred to as the “Old Dragon”, though generally not to his face,” she said, chuckling. “But, that is where I draw my strength. With regard to the strength of the Patronus, it goes back to intent and the strength behind that intent. As the Professor pointed out, love, especially unconditional love, is very powerful magic.”
“Indeed,” Dumbledore responded. “Now then class—let us try again, shall we? Wands at the ready and focus…”
* * * * *
Severus was alone in the potions lab, reviewing the ingredients and steps for brewing Draught of Living Death:
The ingredients needed are wormwood, asphodel, valerian roots, Sloth brain, and the juice of a sopophorous bean. The potion should resemble a smooth, black currant-coloured liquid at the halfway stage; it should then turn a light shade of lilac, then clear as water, after you stir the potion counter-clockwise seven times.
Despite his slight obsession for the Dark Arts, Potions was by far his favorite subject. It was precise, methodical, and left no room for error. His appreciation for it grew every day, and he discovered subtle nuances that fascinated him.
He’d been experimenting to improve on this particular potion and he was so absorbed in his task, he didn’t notice he was no longer alone.
“Forgive me for interrupting, but do you know where I might find Professor Slugworm? The Headmaster asked that I see him about what they’ll be brewing before I sat in on his class this afternoon.”
Severus was annoyed at the interruption but amused at the inquiry, and rather pleased to see Miss Avonleigh without a crowd surrounding her.
“If you are referring to Professor Slughorn, I believe he had a disciplinary matter to attend to with some first year Slytherins.”
“Slughorn?” Ella said, blushing. “Merlin’s beard I’ve called him Slugworm all day.”
“Don’t concern yourself about it. To be perfectly honest, on many days that moniker is exceedingly more appropriate.” Severus said, smirking. “We’re brewing Draught of Living Death today, if that is what you want to know.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you. Is there a text you’ll be following?”
“Advance Potion-Making by Libatius Borage,” Severus replied, indicating his copy of the book on the table.
“May I?” Ella asked. Severus nodded his approval and Ella picked up the book. She skimmed the text and frowned. “Borage may have written the book but he’s omitted some key points that make things much more difficult. The omissions may have been an oversight, or simply ignorance.”
Severus gave her a puzzled look. “It is a rather complicated and tedious potion but as long as the ingredients and steps are followed correctly—”
“You see, that is the problem. Look here…he lists the juice of a sopophorous bean, but doesn’t provide an exact weight or volume to quantify the ingredient. Furthermore, nowhere in this book does he tell you how to actually extract the required amount of juice from a sopophorous bean. That leads me to believe that the omission is one of ignorance rather than oversight.”
Severus thought about it and grudgingly admitted she was likely correct. He’d wondered himself about that particular ingredient and debated how much juice would really be necessary for optimum results. “What would you suggest?” he asked.
“I’ll show you if you’d like.” She said waiting for Severus to give her permission before intruding on his workspace.
“By all means.” Severus stepped aside, genuinely interested in what she would do.
“First, it works best with a silver blade. Do you mind if I Transfigure yours?”
He motioned for her to continue and she picked up his knife. He saw the metal finish cloud and ripple slightly, before reforming with the distinct luster of pure silver.
“Did you just change base metal into silver?”
“Yes,” she said as though it were nothing. “Silver is relatively simple. Gold is a bit more difficult but I’ve never had any real problem doing it.”
Severus thought she was joking, but decided not to ask and focused again on her juicing demonstration.
“If you want to get the desired quantity of juice from one bean, don’t try to cut it. The bean should be crushed with the flat edge of a silver knife, like this.” Ella placed the bean under the blade of the knife and slowly crushed it, then turned the blade over. “You see? The juice—all of the juice, adheres to and beads up on the silver and you can transfer it to the mixture from there.”
“Extraordinary,” Severus said, clearly impressed. “How did you know?”
“My father sometimes has trouble sleeping so I watched Mum. She taught me to make this when I was eight. Oh, there’s one other thing Borage doesn’t mention. You need to stir the potion counter-clockwise seven times as he indicates, but then sir it clockwise once. That will produce the clear color in the end product much quicker.”
Severus picked up the book and re-read the text to see if the author had mentioned the additional step anywhere in the instructions. As Ella stated, he did not. He wanted to question her further, but she was already on her way out of the lab.
“If you see Professor Slugwo—er, Slughorn, tell him I stopped by and I’ll be back for class. Oh, by the way! I won’t be mentioning any of that information in class, so you might want to make note of it and keep it to yourself. I don’t believe it would be wise for me to point out to the faculty that Advanced Potion-Making isn’t terribly…advanced.”
Severus began writing in the margins of his book before she finished her sentence.
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A/N: This is a WIP with more of Snape's final year as a student at Hogwarts and his "education" beyond, how and when he took the Dark Mark, how he survived his double life, and most importantly, how he came to be the sexy bad boy you just can't resist. I also promise you a happy ending post DH...so stay tuned!
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What Makes a Snape?