Chapter Thirteen: Interview

Severus woke early the next morning. He took a long shower, making sure he was as clean as he could be. After, he dressed in the neatest of his school uniforms. He had never acquired dress robes and, in any case, Flamel knew he was a student, and ought to approve of his uniform. Once he was dressed to his satisfaction, he brushed his hair and tied it back. He wasn't fond of the style, but he didn't want Flamel to think him sloppy or unkempt, and he definitely wasn't going to slick it back the way some of his House-mates did.

Once he was ready, he went and got some breakfast. He was too nervous to eat much, but he didn't dare skip a meal. He didn't want his stomach rumbling in the middle of his interview. Afterward, he returned to his dorm room and settled into a series of meditative exercises to calm his mind and soothe his nerves.

At 10:30 he rose, straightened his clothing, and put on his winter cloak, hood and gloves. Slughorn had already been told he was leaving the castle, not that the elder Slytherin had cared much. Even so, he took the parchment with his appointment with him, in case he was stopped by the Groundskeeper or the Caretaker. Or the Headmaster. Once he was certain he had his winter gear, his wand, his note and a few coins to pay for a meal, he left the common room and made his way to the Entrance Hall.

Luck was with him in that no one stopped him as he left the castle. Snow lay thick, but his boots were actually decent quality and kept his feet warm. Warming charms and his heavier clothing helped make the journey tolerable, and there was no new snow coming down, a rare gift given the season. He might have floundered in the snow banks, but Hagrid had come by and cleared the path, so it was manageable.

He made good time to the Three Broomsticks, with plenty of time to shake the damp out of his cloak and his clothing before he made his way to the bar. Rosmerta, daughter of the owner, was helping out and waved him over. "Hello there. What's a Hogwart's student like you doing down here? Thought everyone was home for the holiday."

"I stayed up at the Castle." There was still some time, so Severus ordered a mulled cider to ease the chill in his bones. By the time he finished, it was almost time. He waved to Rosmerta, put down enough coin for his drink and a tip, then dipped his head close. "I'm actually here for a meeting. I was told to ask to be directed to Nicholas?"

Rosmerta smiled. "So you're who he's waiting for. He's a nice fellow, came in with his wife just yesterday. And such a stately gentleman." She turned and shouted into the back, and moments later another server stepped out. Once he'd taken her place, Rosmera came around the counter. "Come on, I'll take you up. I've got to deliver their lunch tray as well."

Moments later, Severus found himself helping Rosmerta carry up trays of tea and small finger foods, as well as mugs of hot chocolate and at least two different desserts. He might have protested, for fear of spilling something on his clothing, but he knew a few cleaning charms. Besides, it was possible that Flamel had arranged the situation as some sort of test of his character or his ability. It wasn't unheard of. So he smiled and helped Rosmerta take the trays up, balancing them carefully and wishing he had half the grace of the young woman ahead of him.

Rosmerta led him up to the second floor, then to the room at one end of the hall. Once there, she rapped twice. "Master Nicholas, it's Rosmerta with your food, and with the guest you mentioned."

The door swung open. Severus followed Rosmerta inside and set his trays down before he turned to face the occupants of the room. He knew it was somewhat rude, but he thought it better than risking spilling the contents of his burdens.

By the fireside sat a man and a woman. They were both older-looking, their hair completely silvered and their faces lines with creases. Still, they didn't look to be much more than Dumbledore's age, if that. Nicholas Flamel was thin, but still well built, and not bent with age. A cane rested by his chair, but it looked more like an affectation rather than a necessity. His wife wasn't nearly as thin, but somehow, she didn't look plump. Instead, she looked as if she'd developed comfortable proportions and kept them. They might have looked like a set of grandparents, had it not been for the power that seemed to hang in the air about them, and the ageless, knowing look in their eyes.

Severus swallowed, then bowed. "A Merry Midwinter to you, Sir. Ma'am. My name is Severus Snape, of Hogwarts."

He heard Rosmerta excuse herself, but all his attention was on the Flamels as Nicholas rose from his chair. The Alchemist was shorter than he'd expected, a few inches shorter than he himself was. Not that it mattered, not with the gentle hum of energy around him. "Merry Midwinter to you as well, young man." He stepped forward and clasped Severus's hand. "I am Alchemist Nicholas Flamel. And this is my wife, Perenelle. She will be joining us for our conversation. I assume that is all right?"

"Of course sir." Severus nodded, trying to convince his dry mouth and pounding heart to return to normal. He didn't know much about Nicholas Flamel's wife, and his research hadn't turned up much about her either. Still, her eyes and his instincts whispered that, in her own way, she was every bit as powerful and skilled as her husband. He stepped forward to meet her, dipping his head over her hand the way he'd seen some pure-blood youths do. "Madam."

Flamel waved him back. "Here. Fill yourself a plate, young Severus. I prefer to discuss things over good food. I find it helps things go much smoother. And take your pick of cider or hot chocolate."

Severus took a cider, knowing he'd be less likely to make a mess with it, then a selection of sandwiches and one of the desserts at the urging of the Alchemist. He took his time, letting Nicholas make up his own plate and one for his wife before he took anything. It seemed only courteous. Once they all had plates, the alchemist waved him over to the chair across from him. "Sit down, youngster."

Severus nodded and took his seat, setting his plate on a side table and sipping his cider. It helped with his dry throat, at least. After a moment, Flamel waved at his plate, so Severus forced himself to take a sandwich and start eating. It felt rude, but if Flamel was going to insist, then he wasn't going to argue.

Flamel ate most of his food and watched Severus go through two sandwiches before he spoke. "So then, young man, what should I call you?"

Severus blinked and just managed to swallow a stutter. "I prefer to be called Severus, sir." Using his father's surname grated, and he wasn't sure he could claim his mother's. He wasn't acknowledged, after all.

"Severus then. Tell me what interests you about Alchemy."

This was easier ground. "Alchemy, from what I've been able to determine, is the starting point of several different disciplines. Potions, some branches of Charms, some branches of Transfiguration, Arithmancy...it isn't the forefather of Runes or Care of Magical Creatures, but I know it uses both. I...the mix of disciplines is fascinating. I know people can and have achieved wonderful things within the individual branches, but I want...I think there is so much more combining the different skill sets could do, and that's what I want to explore. I like the...the feeling of unlimited potential, I think."

"I see. And what sort of things would you like to achieve?" Flamel smiled. "Assume that you are correct about the limitless potential of Alchemy."

He'd thought for a long time about that. "I'd like to create magical versions of some of things I've seen in the Muggle world. We have the Wizarding Wireless, but something that did images as well would be useful, or entertaining. Or a version of the Pensieve that you wouldn't have to stick a finger into, or one that could be privacy locked. And perhaps a cure for things like lycanthropy, or even a vaccination that could prevent the curse from spreading. Maybe even a way to test for and treat the Unforgivables."

Flamel's eyes had lost their gentle amiability, traded for an intense focus that made Severus feel like he'd said something wrong. "There is a Potions Master working on the cure for lycanthropy. I have heard he has had some success."

Severus nodded. "I know. Damocles Belby. I've read his work, and his research, what I've been able to access as a student...I think he has a good chance of making some improvements to the condition. It's just...Lycanthropy is a curse. It makes sense to treat it with potions, especially as it's passed by liquid medium, but there are other elements, like the lunar cycle connection and the transformative parameters that...well, I don't think that just Potions would fully combat it. There could be a way to moderate some of the symptoms in that direction, but I'd like to explore the potential of a full cure."

Nicholas tilted his head. "I see. And you think you are better informed and educated than a Potions Master, with his Mastery and his reputation already earned?"

Severus fought to avoid an obvious wince at the rebuke. "Not necessarily, sir. But...I've an affinity for Potions. And I know it's possible to look at different things different ways, and sometimes get better results. Crushing soporous beans instead of cutting them for the Draught of Peace, for example. I've discovered you get more juice and a stronger, more stable Draught that way. And also, if you add a counter-clockwise stir on some of the steps. It's not in our texts, so I don't know if anyone else ever learned that before I did, but…it works."

"You have modified many Potions?"

"I've experimented with some of them. Some are too volatile to alter safely, and I'm not old enough or educated enough to attempt it."

"And how do you judge which you can meddle with and which you cannot?"

"The ingredients of the potions. Certain ingredients are temperamental. Then the temperature requirements. Some of them are touchy. And the various reactions. Something that simmers softly and changes color...as long as I'm not too creative, it might be safe. But something that boils, or has an exothermic reaction...usually those are too easy to explode and I leave them alone."

"So you have put some thought into it."

Severus nodded. "Yes sir."

"And you experiment with other fields the same way?"

"I've dabbled in Charms, Defense and Arithmancy. Runes are subtle enough that I don't feel I've learned enough to experiment with those, not without help. Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures...they don't seem to have much room for experimentation, unless it's their uses in other fields, and they aren't my strongest suit. Transfiguration is one of my weaker suits, so I've focused on learning the basics and getting a better grasp of the subject in that area."

"When you say you have dabbled...explain."

"I've created a version of a Silencing Spell, an anti-eavesdropper, a suspension spell, and a cutting hex. I had to create a counter for most of those, especially the cutting hex. That was..." Severus tried not to flush. "I was looking for an offensive spell as part of my Defense experimentation, but I ended up with something stronger than I intended."

"Demonstrate your anti-eavesdropping spell."

Severus drew his wand. "Muffilatio." He circled the wand around himself. "This spell is designed to produced a buzzing hum for anyone not in the circle of the spell." He canceled it.

"Interesting." Flamel tapped a finger on the arm of his chair, then took up his mug and sipped it. "And why did you create that spell?"

That wasn't a question he'd anticipated. He floundered for a moment, then decided to tell the truth. "I don't get along with some of my year-mates. I wanted to make sure that I could have conversations, especially personal ones, without people I didn't want hearing me listening. And I didn't want to be talking about my ideas and having people I didn't trust with the information stealing them."

"Quite reasonable." Flamel took another sip of his drink. "Speaking of ideas and accomplishments...you know who I am, what I am known for."

Severus nodded. "Nicholas Flamel. Noted Alchemist, most recently known to the general public as Albus Dumbledore's partner and mentor in researching the 12 uses of dragon's blood, and most well known for creation and ownership of the Philosopher's Stone."

"Indeed. And what are your thoughts on those accomplishments?"

This was a question he'd expected, and put a great deal of thought into. "I find the research into dragon's blood interesting, and I think I'd enjoy seeing what avenues were explored other than the successful ones, as well as what similar experiments with other volatile substances might yield. As for the Philosopher's Stone..." He paused, making sure he had the words phrased the way he wanted them to be. "As an accomplishment, it's incredible, to have managed something that has been attempted since the beginnings of organized magical practice. And I will admit that I would be greatly interested in studying the processes and how they might be applied to other avenues. However, if you are asking if I would consider the creation of such an artifact to be one of my primary interests or goals in the study of Alchemy as a whole, then the answer would be that it is not."

"Not?" Flamel raised an eyebrow.

"Not." Severus nodded. He had thought long and hard about his stance on the Philosopher's Stone, knowing Flamel would likely ask. He had known that he would need to speak truthfully, and had spent hours meditating on the subject after he had received the first letter from Flamel. "With all respect, Master Flamel, it is, as I said, a marvelous accomplishment. However, such artifacts and accomplishments are rare because they tend to have a high cost, and very intricate, difficult requirements. Without knowing more, I cannot say that those requirements are ones I could meet, nor that the costs are ones I would be willing to pay. The prize is theoretically great, but such prizes generally also come at a further cost, or with limitations that, again, I don't know enough about. And, to be honest...I am less interested in duplicating a great feat performed by another than I am in developing a solid foundation from which to perform and create my own unique accomplishments."

"You have given thought to this matter." The question came, not from Nicholas Flamel, but from his wife.

"Yes, my lady." Severus dipped a nod in her direction. "It seemed...a wise thing to know my own mind about."

"You are accustomed to knowing your own mind." There were shades of meaning in her voice that he wasn't sure how to interpret. "You keep your own counsel."

"I have...had occasion to, at times." He bit his lip, then decided he might as well speak fully. "I...have made mistakes, and been swayed by peers at times. But I hope to...to be able to recognize errors in my thinking when they happen, and correct myself." He remembered how he had nearly lost Lily's friendship for good, and forced himself to put the thought aside.

"Indeed." That was Nicholas Flamel again. "So...you know you have made mistakes. A rare thing in a youth. Tell me, do you know your own faults?"

"Err..." Did he? He hadn't thought of them. He cast his mind back, trying to think of faults that wouldn't be too egregious. "I...I've been known to let my temper get the better of me. I'm...not good at walking away from a conflict." Especially if it involved the Marauders. "And I've said things I don't mean, acted rashly, at times. My best friend says I can be difficult, sometimes a bit arrogant and a bit untrusting at times."

"Not uncommon faults for a young man." Flamel nodded. "And what of your strengths? Not in magic, but of character? What would you consider your strengths?"

Severus swallowed. "I...I would like to think that I am intelligent. And...and loyal, to those I trust, or befriend. I...I try to do right, and to make amends, or corrections, when I fail." Lily came to mind again. "And I'm willing to work hard to achieve my goals."

"Good traits, all of them." Flamel nodded. "Good for a young man, or an apprentice. Those are traits you'll need, if you choose to pursue a study in Alchemy."

"Yes sir." He swallowed again, then took a sip of his now lukewarm cider to soothe his throat.

Flamel studied him a moment, then sat back. "So then...I have asked many questions. What questions would you ask of me?"

The change of topic, and of pace, set him back a moment. Then he rallied, remembering the questions he had written out and gone over in his head so many times. Some of them were only appropriate to ask if he was actually accepted, but others…

He chose the first one that came to mind. "In your initial letter, you did me the honor of stating that my academics met with your approval. However, I was wondering whether there were any academic requirements you might find me lacking in, and what other requirements you might have for qualification?"

"A wise question. There are gaps in your education. None, however, that cannot be rectified easily enough. And these days, such gaps are not uncommon. There is only so much time to study, and so many subjects one can take in an institution such as Hogwarts." Flamel's smile eased some of the clenching in his gut, though not all. "For other requirements...I prefer my students to be of age. Alchemy is a dangerous study, not to be undertaken by the very young. As well, such a study will require my apprentice to be in residence with me."

Severus nodded. "I...I come of age at the beginning of the year, in just under three weeks time. I still have another year of schooling at Hogwarts, however. Does that disqualify me? Or would being accepted for an apprenticeship require me to withdraw from the school?"

Flamel considered. "It is not ideal. However, it could be worked around, if you were willing to undergo an intensive course of study with me over the summer. Or with another master, if that is the way things transpire."

"That would be agreeable to me. I've been thinking of looking for an apprenticeship or work as soon as I reach my majority." Anything to escape Spinner's End. No doubt, his father would be pleased to have him gone a year earlier than he'd thought he would be. What his mother might think...well, he wasn't sure he was concerned with that.

"That is well. Now, what other questions have you for me?"

"Are there any texts that you would suggest, for a prospective alchemy student? I know I ought to wait for a master's instruction before attempting the practical aspects, but are there any resources you would recommend pursuing to familiarize myself with some of the theory?"

"There are a number. Each alchemist prefers different works to form the basis of their studies, however, there are some basic texts. I shall consider, and provide a list when our discussions are concluded. However, a working, in-depth knowledge of Arithmancy, Transfiguration, and Charms would be well advised. And Potions. A search for N.E.W.T or beyond level texts in Hogwarts would be well worth your time." Flamel's expression looked approving. Severus resolved to go on a hunt through the library when he returned to the Castle.

"Thank you." Severus reviewed the list in his head. "I...I have other questions, but I was given to understand, in my research, that they're more appropriate for after an apprenticeship has been offered."

"In that case, we shall leave things here." Flamel gave a short, sharp nod. "My wife and I will discuss. Return here tomorrow at the same time, and I will let you know what I have decided. We will have a further discussion then."

"Yes sir." Severus rose as his hosts did, offering both Flamels a bow of respect. He offered to take the near-empty trays back down, and was waved away. It was only when his hand touched the door that he remembered the one question he had meant to ask, and almost forgotten. He turned. "Master Flamel, if I may, I do have one final question."

"You may ask." The Master Alchemist nodded for him to continue.

"In your initial letter, you indicated that I had been recommended to you by another. However, I have no knowledge of requesting such a recommendation from anyone, and no one has mentioned to me that they had intended to offer such representation on my behalf. I was wondering if you might give me the name of the individual who put my name forth, so that I could tender my gratitude for the opportunity of this interview."

"Ah." Nicholas Flamel's expression brightened with a smile. "It was a most interesting letter I received, some time ago. It was written by a Prefect of Hogwarts, who gave his name as a year-mate of yours. A...Remus Lupin, I believe."

If he'd been hit by a bolt of lightning, he would not have been more stunned. Severus just managed to retain enough wits to avoid gaping like an oaf. He swallowed hard, feeling light-headed, his gut and mind churning.

Lupin. Lupin had been the one to send the recommendation. Lupin, who was also his mysterious Associate. Whose duplicity he had discovered only yesterday.

It felt like the world was turning sideways. Minutes before, he'd thought he'd go crazy waiting for tomorrow. Now, time couldn't slow enough. Not with the question hammering inside his mind: What price would the Marauders, would Lupin, demand for this? He'd thought the revelation of yesterday near unbearable, but this...he wasn't sure what to do.

Somehow, he managed to give Flamel a courteous nod of thanks, and a response. "Thank you sir. I'll be sure to convey my gratitude straight away. And I wish you, and Lady Flamel, a pleasant evening. I will be here tomorrow, as requested."

Flamel waved him away, and he managed a last bow of farewell before he exited the room.

He barely noticed passing Rosmerta on the stairs as she went up to collect Flamel's trays. The sting of the winter wind as he stepped outside was only a minor annoyance, compared to the wildfire of questions and half-formed fears inside his mind.

He'd once feared the debt Lucius's tentative support would place him under. He'd despised the idea of being in the debt of someone like Slughorn. But to be indebted in such a manner to the Marauders...it took all his control not to whimper and collapse into a snowdrift.

He couldn't endure such a debt. He couldn't bear the thought of turning down an opportunity of such magnitude because of the circumstances.

All at once, he needed to know. He needed to know what price tag was attached to Lupin's sponsorship. And, by association, Potter and Black's. He couldn't stand one more hour, one more minute of not knowing. His jaw set, and he pushed himself to move as quickly as he dared over the snow, settling into a sliding, shuffling, staggering run toward the Castle.

He would find Lupin, wherever the Marauder was. And one way or another, he would have his answers.

***ASiSF***

Nicholas waited until the door closed behind the young serving girl before he returned to his wife, taking a seat across from her. "And what did you make of our young Mister Snape?"

"Intelligent. Strong-minded. There is darkness in him, and not just his temper, I think. Darkness, and wounds that are badly healed or still untouched and bleeding. And yet...there is much potential in him as well. A core of strength that has kept him from surrendering to those forces which would bring him down. He is...a complicated young man. And he stands at the brink."

"I suspected as much." Nicholas sighed. "I admit, he has a bright mind, and his answers showed thought. And yet...there are secrets in Alchemy that are dangerous in the wrong hands, some even more so than the Stone he so denied interest in."

A small smile touched Perenelle's mouth. "He was genuine in his words of the Stone, my husband."

The relief that flashed across the Alchemist's face was quick but heartfelt. "Well, that does speak to his character." He paused, letting his fingers tap an idle tempo on the arm of his chair. "Were it wit and education alone, based only on the character of his interview, I would strongly consider him as an apprentice. However..."

"Take him." Perenelle's voice was soft, but sure. "Take him under your wing, Nicholas. If you feel his mind and his work is worthy, then take him under your guidance. Take him as your apprentice, and begin with him this coming summer. He will be of age."

"You think it wise? Even with the darkness and concerns you have seen in him?" Nicholas tilted his head to look through the firelight to his wife's face.

Her eyes gazed into a distance, looking at things he could not see. "Yes. He stands within a nexus, not just of his own life, but for the future of this country, and more. And he wavers, pulled by many forces, within and without. Give him a steadying hand, and he may yet come through. Leave him, and the darkness will take him, will he or no."

"I see." he considered. "Is his…?"

"He is the reason the future wavers. He, and those who influence him. His is the cord that will draw the others. And he is in need of a strength that you might provide."

"I cannot be the only thing to hold him."

"No. But still he needs guidance." Her eyes cleared. "He needs a mentor, a teacher. A guardian." There was a touch of sadness in her gaze. "He has no one."

"No teacher at Hogwarts? Not even Albus?" Nicholas frowned. He had half suspected, given that the recommendation for Severus had come from another student, but to have it confirmed was troubling.

"No." Perenelle.

"In that case…" He thought over the interview, what Lupin's letter had said, what Snape's letter had said. He considered how the boy had responded to his challenges, over spell creation and his statements regarding Potions. He considered the O.W.L results he had received a copy of.

He considered earlier in the year, the twisting of fate that had caught his wife's attention, how she had described the young man at its center as having greater potential even than Albus. If he interpreted her words correctly, he had just met the young man in question.

After many moments, he nodded. "His work is good. And he has proven already to have a quick mind and an inquisitive one. If he continues as he has begun, he will be an excellent Alchemist." A flick of his wand brought a roll of parchment to his hand, the preliminary drawing up of an Apprentice contract. Another parchment came to hand, along with a Never-Empty Quill. "I believe I will take your advice."

"You will take him as your apprentice?"

"Provided he finds no reason to refuse the contract terms, and no other issues arise, then yes. By contract law, on the eve of his birthday, Severus Snape will become my apprentice with all the responsibilities and privileges implied. I only hope that he does not disappoint."

Perenelle smiled as he wrote out his own signature, and the printed name of his prospective student. Then as he penned a quick letter to Albus, informing him of his current location, and his impending potential good news. It was only courteous, after all, to greet an old friend. Besides, if all went well, it would be one of Albus's students he was taking under his tutelage. Professional courtesy demanded the Headmaster be informed.

That done, he sent for an owl to take the letter, then settled back to read, and to review what texts he might recommend for Snape to read. Tomorrow...tomorrow was sure to be an interesting day.

He only hoped that he and Perenelle were right about the boy's potential, and his strength of character.

Author's Note: So, what did folks think of the interview?

I toyed with the idea of Severus having a good interview, but Flamel deciding he wasn't sure he wanted a student, or at least not such a potentially troubled student. And then Flamel whacked me over the head and said he hadn't wandered into this story just to wander right back out. Not to say he doesn't have his concerns, and that there won't be some challenges involved. Severus is Severus, after all.

Next time...a confrontation that REALLY needs to happen.