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Thou Shalt Not!	By : KusanoSaku Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 17650 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All rights for the creation of the Harry Potter novels go to J. K. Rowling. I make no money from this piece of fictional writing

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Title: Thou Shalt Not!

Fandom: Harry Potter

Notes: Post-Battle of Hogwarts fic in part. Non-Epilogue compliant. AR/AU. Evil Dumbledore.

Summery: Severus Snape survives the war, only to realize he has nothing left to live for. While musing what he might have done differently, he is interrupted by the arrival of Dumbledore who is doing some 'housekeeping'. A duel begins and in an attempt to save himself, Severus does the unthinkable and breaks one of the greatest tenants of Magic!

What has he done and where has he gone?

The Past- Ch 13

September 12, 1971

The Potions Master Exam

Aurelius was up early. He’d packed his satchel of required ingredients. It contained not only the ones needed for his own potions but a number of ingredients needed for all potions he might be required to brew. Inside his satchel were two standard pewter cauldrons, one silver, one bronze and one gold. At least one stirring implement of any kinds he might require and his paper.

Alaric had proofread it and offered very few corrections; he was actually quite intrigued with it.

It was currently copied into a journal with a dragon hide cover. That would intrigue the proctors.

He wrapped his cloak around himself; it was grey woven from acromantula silk and held at the throat with a green leaf clasp.

Aurelius was not only early; he was very early.

Having already faced such a host of persons previously and passed at a much younger age, he was not as nervous as his previous experience.

Other Potions Master hopefuls, including his nemesis Horace Slughorn arrived after himself.

Horace attempted to make his acquaintance; Aurelius showed him cold politeness but did little to encourage the man.

Few immediately attempted to attain the coveted first class certification.

Most strove to attain a Mastery and then test higher until one reached the coveted status of First Class Potioneer.

Some like Slughorn never made it above Third Class, there were five classes total. Most young potioneers never attempted higher then third to begin with. They apprenticed to whatever Master or Mistress they could and in time tested to the level their Master or Mistress had attained. Then they would search out a more talented Master or Mistress of higher rank, most often it took years to attain the title of Potion Master or Mistress, First Class.

Persons like Slughorn gave off the false impression that they had a higher rank and were jealous of those with greater talent.

They were invited to enter.

The Exam Hall was in the bowels of the Ministry, on the same floor as the Department of Mysteries and the infamous Courtroom Ten.

There were twelve hopefuls present and twelve stations.

Some of the examinees were stunned to see that there were no provided cauldrons or ingredients.

Random tests at this level required one to bring one’s own equipment, ingredients and tools.

Somehow because he was trying to show his worth, Aurelius was suspicious that the lack of equipment was because of him: to test him harsher then most.

Aurelius chose a station that consisted of merely an empty worktable and ring of stone to contain the fire. His was close to the front of the exam hall. Aurelius was fastidious enough to ward his station so only those with in its boundaries could hear the conversations discussed.

He set a pewter cauldron over the stone circle before he began arranging his chosen ingredients by use and then laying out his tools.

All of his items came from his satchel.

Three of the twelve had already been escorted out because they had no cauldrons.

Damn Horace looked gleeful.

Another three were already sweating and looked ready to bolt.

All of this Aurelius catalogued and ignored.

His dissertation was warded to the table so that only Abraxus could remove it.

Only a fool wouldn’t realize that Abraxus was the one who you had to impress.

Despite his relative youth, Abraxus was the true power in the trio of proctors.

Of course his friend’s curiosity won out and he was one of the first approached.

Abraxus frowned at him, “Aurelius Prince?”

Aurelius nodded. “Yes.”

“This is?”

“My research into a previously never brewed potion. Before my accident I created this potion, it seemed a small thing but easy enough to brew. It is perhaps, more complicated then it seems.”

“What are you proposing to brew for us?” Abraxus asked haughtily.

One would think they weren’t friends…

At the moment they weren’t, Aurelius was an examinee and Abraxus was his proctor.

“A Soothing Draught.”

Abraxus lifted the dragon hide covered journal, “This is?”

“My dissertation on the Soothing Draught.”

“Bound?” Abraxus skimmed it, “Clear handwriting and at first glance clearly not written by an amateur.”

Aurelius inclined his head; “I have been gone sometime by your standards. I am merely proving my capabilities; I am still a Potion’s Master, First Class by my own abilities. I wish to have the title merely reaffirmed.”

Abraxus nodded, “What is the length of time a typical soothing draught takes to brew?”

Aurelius proceeded to explain.

“The differences between a soothing Draught, and other potions.”

“Most other potions that treat anxiety or panic have the side-affect of making one sleeping. A soothing draught accomplishes the goal of calming the imbiber but does not make them drowsy.”

“How could you brew a soothing draught in the time frame of this exam?”

“The exam begins on a Sunday and ends on a Wednesday so all potions must take no longer than three days. A Soothing draught takes two days but I can finish it in less.”

“How?” Abraxus frowned at him.

“Through the use of a localized time spell.”

“Not that spell. Few potions masters have the skill or the power to control that spell. You could cause an explosion…” Abraxus glared at him.

Aurelius frowned, “How does one accomplish an order for influenza potions for an out of season outbreak in summer? A truly skilled brewer can brew a dozen batches in a matter of hours rather than weeks. An influenza potion takes two weeks to complete without such a spell.”

“Very well I would like this potion and a series of others.”

“Which ones?”

“A soothing draught, Felix Felices, Amortentia and the Draught of Living Death.”

“No Polyjuice? No Wiggenweld Potion? No Gregory's Unctuous Unction? No Veritaserum?” Aurelius asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Surely,” one of he other proctors sniifed, “Such levity is inappropriate.”

Aurelius bowed, “My apologies. All I meant was that surely a more difficult series of potions would me a better showing.”

“How many cauldrons do you have?” Abraxus asked.

Aurelius smirked, “Two of each.”

“Very well, if you believe you can brew more then what I required you are welcome to attempt to prove yourself.” Abraxus decreed.

Aurelius inclined his head, “Very well.”

“Polyjuice takes two months…” the shorter proctor protested.

“If he thinks he can brew it in three days let him.” Abraxus sneered and let the other two proctors away

Aurelius went to work; he started the Soothing draught first. Preparing the ingredients one by one.

Once all the ingredients were added properly to the soothing draught, Aurelius set it to simmer. The vials were already prepared. He cast the spell to finish the potion by speeding up time within the cauldron. He ladled the contents into ten phials and then sealed them before setting the now empty cauldron aside. He removed the next cauldron from his satchel and started Amortentia.

The rhythm was so familiar and calming, that soon that potion was simmering.

A few timed spells and it was releasing familiar scents…

The spell of Lucius’ vanilla scented hair-cleansing potions. The smell of spring wind and the faint odour of a Quidditch Chaser after practice. The spell of Lucius’ favourite Sandalwood and patchouli cologne. Biting his lip, Aurelius ladled that into ten phials as well.

Stacking the dirty cauldron on the previous one, Aurelius went to begin his next potion he started the Polyjuice the previous potions having relaxed him.

He’d no sooner added the Boomslang skin then Abraxus clapped his hands, “We will break for dinner now.”

Aurelius blinked and checked his watch; it was six thirty. He chose to let it simmer instead of putting it under a stasis charm. He would speed it up later...

“Prince come with me.” Abraxus snapped.

Aurelius warded his brewing station so it couldn’t be entered until he returned.

Then he made his way over to the head proctor, “Yes Proctor Malfoy?”

“I’m going to Antonio’s. You will accompany me and expound upon this.” Abraxus decreed tapping the dragon hide cover of the book that Aurelius submitted.

“Of course Proctor.” Aurelius said following him out of the exam hall.

The three proctors sealed the hall after kicking the examinees out.

The other Potion Master, First Class hopefuls were escorted to a small chamber to dine.

Horace of course tried to insinuate himself with the proctors.

“Abraxus, Damian, Cletus. Might I convince you to join me in this lovely restaurant in Diagon that just opened?”

Abraxus scowled, “I already have plans. Come along Aurelius.”

Aurelius was internally smug and the cool dismissal of Horace’s flattering attempt at bribery.

“A meal is being provided in there Horace.” Damian said stiffly behind them.

Aurelius shook his head, “If he can’t make the second class exams why does he even try the first class?”

Abraxus shrugged, “Merlin only knows.”

They ate pasta at Antonio’s, both of them drinking espresso rather than wine due to the exam.

Abraxus skimmed the dissertation as he ate asking questions.

Aurelius gave replies between bites about the potion and its creation.

“So how many have you finished already?” Abraxus asked setting the journal aside.

“The soothing one is finished, so it the Amortentia.”

“Speaking of Amortentia what did you smell?’

Aurelius sighed, “Lucius…”

Abraxus raised an eyebrow, “What did you smell?”

“His hair potions, his cologne, him after Quidditch practice.” Aurelius admitted reluctantly.

“How could you know what he smelled like after practice?” Abraxus frowned, “I thought you only arrived not long ago.”

Aurelius sighted, “I might have seen them yesterday, I snuck onto the Hogwarts grounds.” He was not going to admit he was Severus Snape to Abraxus that was just confusing. “I met with the kids and we discussed their possibly transferring. They decided on Durmstrang.”

“Well, that is interesting.” Abraxus said relaxing in his chair.

“Remus agreed to meet Fenrir.”

“That is good. Fenrir is a bit of a decent sort.”

They finished and Abraxus paid for their meal.

Aurelius blinked, “What?”

“I can’t let you pay or else they will think you’re bribing me. I invited you so I’ll pay.”

Aurelius sighed, arguing with a Malfoy usually ended in disaster and one rarely won.

They Apparated back to the Ministry and returned in time for the proctors to unlock the exam hall.

The examinees returned to their stations.

Aurelius sped up the potion in the cauldron and added the next ingredient.

They were expected to vacate the hall at 11 pm. They would be readmitted into the exam hall at nine Monday morning.

Aurelius continue the potion until they were told to prepare to leave.

He tidied up his station but left his ingredients for the Draught of Living Death and it’s antidote. He would finish those and the Polyjuice tomorrow. Then he would start Gregory’s Unctuous Unction.

By the time the exam ended on Tuesday at six in the evening he planned to have six completed potions.

He would be taking his used cauldrons home and scrubbing them. He preferred to do such chores himself to be sure that they were done properly.

They were escorted out and the exam hall sealed.

“We will see you at nine tomorrow.” Abraxus informed them shortly.

Aurelius turned away, his satchel resting on his shoulder.

Abraxus followed him.

Aurelius was a little tired but his mind was awake.

He was not exactly sure whether he was alright with Abraxus flooing into Merrivale behind him.

“Just how emotionally attracted are you to my son?” Abraxus asked.

Aurelius turned to face him; “I want your son as my bonded, yet I am willing to allow a blood connection with the House of Black.” If only to ensure that Draco was conceived, he was fond of the boy despite his formerly gruff exterior.

“You are an odd one Aurelius Prince.”

“I would do near anything to have Lucius as my bonded.” Aurelius admitted with a nervous sigh.

“Perhaps we can come to an agreement. If you are truly that serious about my son I’m sure we can discuss things.”

Aurelius wasn’t sure what the Malfoy Lord was referring to, “If you wish “

“I wonder what…”

“Your son seems to be highly attracted to Aurelius.”

The two men turned towards the voice.

“If I were you Abraxus I would betroth Lucius to Aurelius. At least if you must have a contract with Walburga would you actually consider a one-child contract? I think Lucius would prefer to lose his virginity to Aurelius though. He’s done me a favour and I did promise him Aurelius after a fashion in exchange.”

Aurelius coughed, “Alaric! Why in the world would you promise him me?”

“One you already want him, and he clearly wants you. While I don’t understand the attraction, it would be wise to allow the connection. If my opinion is still worth anything since I’ve resigned my title as Dark Lord.”

Aurelius groaned, “Your advice would be welcome if it didn’t involve Lucius.”

Abraxus stroked his chin; “Lucius has an attraction for Aurelius? Interesting, I am sure that a contract could be signed and sealed but not filed until Andromeda breaks the contract and Narcissa bears a child. Why are you insisting that such a union be in existence even for a short time?”

Aurelius sighed, “Narcissa and Lucius together produce a very talented young man, he will be the best Seeker Slytherin has seen in a hundred years. He will be a fine Potions Master, taking after his grandfather and has a natural gift for Charms and Ancient Runes. He will be a fine heir to the bloodline.” Then he frowned, “I was wondering, have you heard of a scandal erupting between Sixth Year Arcturus Weasley and Fifth Year Mary Prewett yet?”

Abraxus frowned, “No. I’m sure Lucius would have passed that along if he had.”

“You had dinner tonight at Grimmauld Alaric. Did Walburga invite you up to the library?”

Alaric nodded, “Yes. Why?”

“Was Cedrella still there?” Aurelius asked.

Alaric nodded, “Yes.”

“That means that that hasn’t occurred yet. Arcturus still has a chance…what I was asking is regarding a soon to be discovered scandal. Sometime last spring, Mary Prewett who prefers to be called Molly used nefarious means to sleep with Arcturus. She conceived. She is planning to hide the pregnancy as long as possible and then entrap Arcturus in a bonding.” Aurelius said thoughtfully.

“Arcturus Weasley is betrothed to Gideon Prewett.” Abraxus frowned.

“Yes. I think the smartest thing to do would be to have pressure put on Septimus to go forward with the bonding and have them bonded this winter over the holidays. Once the arrangements have begun, Lucius should cast a glamour negating charm on Prefect Prewett. Unless of course we can find a more appropriate method of forcing the discovery of her pregnancy. Since she in essence raped the Weasley heir, she ought to be stripped of her rights to it. Arcturus and Gideon ought to be together, if only to prevent tragedy from striking the Prewett family. If they are not bonded, within ten years both brothers will be dead.” Aurelius warned.

“Hm…I’ll speak with Walburga. I’m sure that we can push a head on that bonding. It would unsettle Andromeda and make her more likely to consider elopement if she thinks that she’ll be pushed to bond. Bellatrix can’t be bonded until Andromeda is…” Abraxus frowned.

“At least Narcissa isn’t currently betrothed to anyone, although I believe that Governor Burbage’s daughter who will start next September will harbour a tender for Walburga’s son.” Aurelius shrugged.

“I will owl Walburga about the Prewetts and the Weasleys, her sister-in-law Lucretia is bonded to Ignotus Prewett. I believe that is the current Hogwarts’ Prewetts’ Uncle and Aunt?”

“Yes, Ignotus is currently considered childless so it is believed he’s been allowing Dinadan to hold his votes.”

“I thought that Lucretia had a child?” Aurelius frowned.

“They do, they were born in ’47 but since they were a born a squib they aren’t too open about it. I believe Aloysius Prewett left home at eighteen to make his way in the Muggle World.”

Aloysius Prewett? Wasn’t that Mafalda’s father? Aurelius was sure it was…so he was the squib relation who worked as a Muggle Accountant? Interesting. “So the presumed heir is Fabian Prewett?”

Abraxus nodded. “Well I ought to be returning home. I’ll owl Walburga in the Morning.” He took his leave.

Aurelius bid Alaric good night and turned in.

Another two days of brewing and then he’d be certified as a Potions’ Master, First Class.

What do you think? Outstanding? Exceeds Expectations? Acceptable? Poor? Dreadful? Troll?
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Thou Shalt Not!