InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "POINDEXTA!"

Severus T. Snape (snark_master) wrote in colligo_threads,
@ 2009-07-18 22:13:00

Entry tags:

!closed

Who: Severus Snape and Albus Potter
When: This afternoon
Where: First the library, then we'll see where they end up
Rating/Warnings: Angst, maybe some swearing - this will be the Big Name Comparison Game
Status: In progress/closed

The summer heat was glaringly oppressive, only made worse by the constant ebb and flow of the city - all that spent energy added to the churning, mass, chaotic fever Severus so passionately disliked. Deep within his flat, windows closed, curtains drawn - all outlets to the greater world magicked against intrusion, he could still feel the incessant city life bearing down on him. Which lead him to understand his actual problem was mental rather than physical, even if they symptoms manifested physically. He wasn't surprised to discover this - as his mind had sort of shut down upon entering this new place, abusive suits of armor he was used to, an entire new world he was not - and he was just now feeling the numbness wear off. He was also starting to feel a overwhelming worry over those cares he'd left back in the world from which he came... Lily...

To assuage the itching, boring feeling he put his mental faculties to good use and found something entirely distracting.

It could be said that Severus loved libraries almost as much as he loved making potions. The straight exactness of the rows upon rows of shelved books, lined square and stiff at right angles to each other brought a sense of structure to his life. In addition, the quite hush of turning pages - broken only occasionally by the sound of dust covered stacks hitting tables or creaking wooden ladders, all certainly acceptable sounds in such a place - provided an excellent environment in which Severus could very well relax without worry of troublesome annoyances or trifling nuisances. He was positively delighted to find one so close to his living arrangements, it really was the perfect place to escape the heat and the hustle of an active city. He wasted not time in making his way there to explore the many titles the place had to offer, and the place had a wonderfully large collection at that; no matter that all these books dealt with muggle subjects, Severus only cared that the subjects be intelligently discussed.

It wasn't long before he'd collected a sizable stack of books fitting his stringent requirements, he did check first to make sure these book contained words, and found a quiet table in which to lose himself.

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justcallmeal
2009-07-19 04:53 am UTC (link)

All things considered, it had taken Al very little time to at least somewhat adjust to his new surroundings. Granted he had a slight ache behind his eyes that had appeared about the time he'd realized a younger version of his mother was also here, and true he didn't at all appreciate the thought of being stuck in a Muggle city he'd never heard of that he wasn't able to even leave. However he was intelligent enough to know that sitting around feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to help the situation. Nor was aimlessly wandering the streets in search of someone who might have some answers. So he'd turned to the one place he thought might be of some use. Or, if not of use, at least a place for him to clear his mind and ponder the situation without feeling as though the walls were going to close in on him.

The library had always been a place of relative refuge for the middle Potter child. His older brother wasn't overly fond of them as a general rule, for one. For another it was the one place at Hogwarts where he'd been all but guaranteed he could be left in peace and avoid inner House conflicts, other House conflicts, or anything else that had popped up that he wasn't in the mind to deal with. There was also the fact that he was inquisitive by nature, plus any library in Colligo was in a Muggle setting and very likely contained tomes that simply hadn't been available at his school.

All of these factors led Al away from the Housing complex and toward the first library he could find. Stepping inside, a light smile played upon his features as he drank in the ever-familiar presence of shelves of books, long tables with people sitting around them engrossed in whatever reading material they'd chosen, and even a woman of advanced years residing behind the counter with a stern expression on her face as she cast a watchful gaze at those in her temporary charge. Tipping his head to her in acknowledgment, Al immediately moved further into the main area and tried to figure out exactly how the sections were divided.

As it turned out, Colligo's system was exactly the same as the Muggle filing system, and he located an area that caught his eye within a few minutes. However, it was while on his way toward the section that he happened to glance to the side and take note of something - or rather someone - of much greater interest. At first he almost shrugged it off as being coincidence but a quick double-take and Al...

Well, to say that Al was shocked would have been quite the understatement for as sure as he was standing there, Severus Snape was sitting a mere two tables width away from him. He was younger, much like Al's own mother was also younger here, but it was him. Of that much, he was sure.

Unable to make his feet work or his gaze cut away, Al simply stood there and stared - very nearly gaped, in fact - as he tried to figure out whether or not to approach the man and, if he did, what he was going to say.

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snark_master
2009-07-19 03:20 pm UTC (link)

Deep in concentration reading about asymptotic relationship and other various muggle arithmetic formulations and their interesting implications to magic, most particularly in the fields of potions, arithmancy, and transfiguration, Severus hardly noticed his surroundings, or that someone had taken interest in him. He'd reached a rather fascinating theorem and itching for parchment and quill to exercise his conclusions in a practical sense he glanced up to see if he could quickly, discretely conjure some. And that's when he observed Al staring agape at him.

Severus mentally checked that his wand was neatly tucked away, so a moment of careless magic could not be the cause of the other man's blatant interest. And while Severus's clothing wasn't fashionable according to muggle standards, his shirt and trousers were hardly of the flamboyant cut and quality some witch and wizards preferred when they forwent robes, so his appearance couldn't be the reason either. Severus couldn't possibly fathom why this man was standing there, just staring at him.

He studied the other man for a moment. Severus had the nagging feeling that he should know the other man; the dark hair... and then the look about the eyes, their shape and color, was oddly familiar - Severus was reminded of Lily, but he simply bushed off his intuition on account of his heightened concerned for her.

When the other man didn't say anything but continued his silent gawking of him, Severus finally spoke up, irritation clearly evident in his voice for the interruption, "Can I help you?"

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justcallmeal
2009-07-19 08:40 pm UTC (link)

"You're Severus Snape." The words were out of Al's mouth before he realized he'd even said them. It was only due to his shock that he had said them in a low enough tone not that the librarian didn't glare his way, yet he still instantly wanted to kick himself for having spoken them in the first place. Way to act like a ruddy Gryffindor, Al. You know better than to speak before thinking, was the distinct thought that flickered through his mind before he finally allowed his voice to work once again.

"I mean, er, I didn't realize you were here." Sir. He very nearly almost said it but stopped himself just in time. The man didn't look much older than him. Calling him 'sir' would really raise a few eyebrows. So instead he gave a light shake of his head and made himself act as natural as was possible in such a shocking situation. "I just wasn't aware there was anyone here I'd recognize. I'll leave you be."

There. It wasn't quite the truth, considering he'd already encountered Ginny, but Al was used to telling white lies when the situation called for it. That was par for the course when it came to being a Slytherin and made him abruptly feel much more at home in his own skin.

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snark_master
2009-07-19 10:31 pm UTC (link)

An odd mix of emotions warred within Severus. He desperately wanted to be left alone in the solitude of these books, this place was so peaceful it soothed his nerves. But this other man had blurted out Severus's name as if somehow his name had meaning, clearly it didn't, despite his youthful dreams of grandeur and power they had come to nothing - but he'd willfully settled in the role of lowly potions professor/double agent (no one was going to convince him that the life of a spy was exciting, most days he spent his time preparing potions lessons and grading assignments).

Severus had no idea who this other man was, and while he did look familiar, he knew he'd never seen him before in his life. And yet this man knew who he was. Very confusing, very intriguing.

Curiosity getting the better of his judgment Severus stood, "Wait. I am who you say. But, I beg your pardon, who are you?"

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justcallmeal
2009-07-20 03:17 am UTC (link)

Oh. Oh dear. For a split second, Al was overcome with the largest urge to run that he'd ever felt before in his life. He wasn't necessarily scared of the other man as much as he was just plain overwhelmed at the fact that he was actually meeting him. He'd grown up hearing about the brave things that Severus Snape had done, knowing the reasons his father had for giving him the man's name, and now here he was in person.

Managing to stave off the urge and stay where he was, Al even forced himself to step a bit closer. Past the young couple that was glaring at them - likely for talking overtop their heads as they tried to study - and pausing just on this side of the sole table that now separated him from one of his namesakes. The green eyes he'd inherited from his father - those very same green eyes that had belonged to his grandmother - were filled with a mixture of shock and admiration as he peered up at the slightly taller fellow Slytherin alumni.

"You wouldn't know who I am. I'm from after your time," he finally spoke again, a large part of him not wanting to say his name. He knew, once he did, Severus was going to go from cautiously curious to... something else. He didn't know what, but his Dad had told him enough stories of how the man had utterly loathed all things Potter. Al highly doubted he'd be an exception to that rule. At least, not at first. He did have some faint hope that might change given enough time.

For now though... there was really no avoiding it, was there? If he ignored the question, it'd seem rather odd. Slytherins, especially in Severus' time, were proud of their family name. They certainly didn't avoid introducing themselves.

So with a swallow to try and calm his nerves, Al stated in a surprisingly calm tone, "My name is Albus." Another split-second of hesitation and there was nothing to be done but for him to just say it and hope for the best.

"Albus Potter."

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snark_master
2009-07-21 12:16 am UTC (link)

"Albus? Albus... Potter," Severus repeated, "Fascinating namesake..." He let the comment hang, his mind distracted more by the last name.

After his time... Potter... Those two concepts percolated through Severus conscious as he regarded the man in front of him. The corner of his mouth twitched at the recitation of the name of his most despised enemy, but he remained still. This man in front of him was either Lily's other son - those were Lily's eyes - and Severus's heart skipped a beat. If she had more sons perhaps she'd lived, his efforts had paid off, his mistakes redeemed. Or, this could be Lily's grandson, an option that didn't carry as much hope as the first. But all the same, since arriving in this place Severus's mind had been weighted down with worry, worry he hardly dared let himself think about for fear of being consumed by it, and even if this man was Harry's son, he would have information.

"Potter's son?" Severus queried rather harshly, though it was more because he was desperate for information, than for any irritations. He didn't care about the couple studying at the next table, if they wanted peace and quiet they could find a new table. But, he paused to calm his nerves, and to control his voice before continuing. He wanted answers and scaring the other man, Albus, away would not achieve that end - the other man's hesitation over giving up his name clearly passed Severus's notice. "James's or Harry's?"

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justcallmeal
2009-07-21 03:21 am UTC (link)

"It's not the only one," Al muttered, his voice low and the comment one he hadn't really meant to even say outloud. He blamed the stress of his arrival in this strange place mixed with how surreal the current situation was for him seemingly having forgotten how to keep his mouth shut like any proper Slytherin would be apt to do in these circumstances.

He was still Slytherin enough, however, to keep a careful watch on Severus' movements for any sign of an impending attack. His wand was in his pocket and he could have it drawn within a few seconds if necessary. Granted he'd end up beaten if he out and out dueled this man. Al knew he was above average when it came to hexes but Severus Snape had become a veritable legend in his own right. Whether some of the stories he'd heard while growing up were true or not didn't matter. The simple fact that he didn't believe he could win would cost him the duel if it came to that.

Unless he did what he did best and got creative.

Surprise, he knew, was one of his strong suits so he saw no reason not to use that to his advantage. Rather than think of a series of hexes he could toss, Al instead began wracking his brain for every charm that most wouldn't think to use in a duel. He was so busy coming up with everything from cleaning charms to the more obscure conjuring spells that he very nearly missed the question being directed at him. He hadn't bothered reacting to the first question - it was obvious he was Potter's son. It wasn't as though there were any other Potter kids floating about. Both his Dad and Granddad were only children.

This question, though, Al couldn't avoid and wasted no time in pretending he could. Instead he simply answered, "Harry's." Then waited for whatever reaction that might bring.

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snark_master
2009-07-22 02:48 am UTC (link)

Severus couldn't stand indirect comments - he lacked the ability to interpret such statements. He understood the subtleties of potions - but they operated on a memorizable and predictable set of rules - human behavior, on the other hand, seemed to defy definition and logic, something beyond him to comprehend. Therefore, he preferred direct, straight communication, and he failingly expected others to prefer the same.

He took note of the way Albus mumbled about his name, but brushed it off as inconsequential - if the other man had wanted to discuss his name further, of it matter in some way, the other man would not be muttering.

Severus could also, finally, see the other man was nervous, though, couldn't fathom why he would be. Maybe the old grudges ran through the generations, Gryffindors v. Slytherins (for surely all Potter's would be in Gryffindor), Potters v. Snapes. But, Severus was before Albus's time, plus, Albus was Harry's son - beyond Harry being Lily's son Severus couldn't see why he would be in any way connected in the baby's - man's - life, or his subsequent offsprings's lives. Severus chalked this up to his inability to understand human behavior.

He quickly processed the information Albus had provided, and realized that he must not live a full wizard's life, only one more generation if Albus was to be trusted. But, Severus supposed that was to be expected considering the war torn conditions from which he came.

But Harry had obviously lived long enough to have children...

"Harry?" Severus zeroed in on the one statement that made sense to him, "So he survived? The Dark Lord did not kill him- did not succeed?"

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justcallmeal
2009-07-22 03:32 am UTC (link)

The Dark Lord. If there was one major, noticeable difference between Albus' generation of Slytherin and Severus', it was the name by which the darkest wizard to ever live went by. There wasn't a single person that Albus could think of in his own time, and especially not in his own House, who referred to the monster that had once been Tom Riddle as 'The Dark Lord'. The lack of a name gave it power and he and his fellow Housemates refused to give Voldemort anymore power than he'd once had over those in their House.

"No," he responded out loud, not putting a voice to the difference in so many words. Instead he stuck with the direct approach. Not very Slytherin but it worked, just the same. "Voldemort didn't succeed. In fact, it was rather the opposite. My Dad did him in, once and for all."

And now came the moment Albus had been dreading. To tell this other man about his own involvement or not. Every warning he'd ever been given by his Aunt Hermione when they'd discussed time travel in general (although typically relating to time turners, specifically) told him not to say a word. To alert someone of their own future ran a real risk of creating a paradox. However, much as the confusing circumstances of his father's third year in school had eventually worked out in the best way they could given the situation, Albus had to wonder if that wasn't the same here. After all, his mother had never mentioned meeting him in some strange place where the Wizarding World didn't exist, yet she clearly had. So it was possible that somehow, it all worked out and either no one would remember this when they returned home or... something.

Unable to finish his thought clearly, the boy finally decided to just take a chance. Again, not very Slytherin of him, but he was a Potter. There were some things that even seven years spent in a House other than Gryffindor couldn't change.

"You helped with that." The words were spoken softly, but firmly, his green-eyed gaze meeting the other man's beetle black-colored eyes without flinching. "Quite a bit, actually."

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snark_master
2009-07-23 12:43 am UTC (link)

Severus involuntarily flinched at the use of Lord Voldemort's name. He had a very real and substantial reason to abhor the use of it. He harbored no disgust for a lack of respect - he'd lost all respect for the man some time ago - but it was borne from years of practice, habit and fear that only having been in the presence of the darkest wizard to have ever lived could instill in someone. Severus had witnessed, and experienced, first hand what it was like to displease Lord Voldemort - and uttering his name in his presence without the express permission to address him so informally was one sure fire way to incur his wrath. To be safe and avoid slip ups in his presence many of his followers called him the Dark Lord even when they knew he wasn't around. If Lord Voldemort had been defeated before Albus's time, he reasoned, than there was no way for this other man to know the true reason to fear using that name, and Severus refrained from chastising him for the usage.

"So the prophecy was fulfilled?" Severus didn't know why he was really asking this question, it felt rather macabre, considering his association with the prophecy. He didn't want to know about his own involvement with the defeat of Lord Voldemort - by now he'd already played a big enough role, and for the wrong side. He wasn't interested in how much damage he'd done, no matter how much good he may do - if it were even possible for him to do any good after the biggest mistake of his life.

But that was counter to his desire for information, he knew he would have to swallow what little he had left of his pride and accept the answers, "How, how did it happen? The ... Dark Lord's," he couldn't bring himself to say Lord Voldemort's name yet, "fall?"

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justcallmeal
2009-07-27 03:42 am UTC (link)

Again Al was struck with the urge not to answer, or to attempt to fudge the truth a bit. Possibly just gloss over the events and leave out specifics. Anything but actually come out and get into the nitty, gritty details of what had transpired. He only knew them from second-hand accounts and history books and yet they still bothered him. He really wasn't sure that telling someone who had been involved until quite close to the very end was the best idea he could come up with.

Yet Al couldn't quite bring himself to do it. Plus really, what was the point? He'd already said this much. Might as well see it through.

"Well, quite a few things led up to it, actually," he began, making sure to keep his voice low so as to keep anyone else from overhearing what he was about to discuss. "First came the destruction of the majority of the horcruxes that Voldemort had created over the years."

It was clear from Albus' expression that he didn't want to discuss those at all, yet they were the key to Voldemort's downfall so he really had no choice, did he? Finally, with a soft sigh, he added, "Once they were destroyed, it was just a matter of a duel that he won."

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snark_master
2009-07-30 01:32 am UTC (link)

Severus was momentarily confused, it took him a moment to reconcile the answer Albus gave him to the one Severus was expecting. Albus was giving him the information that was most pertinent from the point of view of Albus's time, which was quite different Severus's point of view. He just wanted to know about Lily - Harry had survived, but what about his parents, Lily? He realized he would have to ask more direct questions.

But, Severus suddenly found it difficult to form the words. If the answer was what he feared it would be he knew he would leave instantly, he knew how he would react and he did not want to do that in public.

And, apparently, there was more to the defeat of the Dark Lord than just a simple show down.

In all his many readings on the dark arts Severus had only come across the term once - the reference was vague in the most strict definition of the word; loosely, it was more of a blotch of ink dropped haphazardly on the page. No explanation accompanied the word, and as Severus had never run across the word anywhere else his curiosity had waned. It appeared the Dark Lord had found the proper definition and had ... made? several of them?

"Horcruxes?" Severus asked, despite how obvious it was the other man did not like the subject, "I am not as familar with the term as you are. What are they?"

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