title: Potion Brewing
Chapter 3
author: Raven Dancer
rating: PG

disclaimer: All characters belong to Rowling except for Chiron. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.

summary: Professor Snape brews a special potion for Hagrid and Albus Dumbledore

It seemed that the potion was getting thicker. The bubbling had a thickish sound. Pointing elegantly at the cutting board Hermione carefully lifted the flat piece of wood and slid in minced borogrove.

ìHeadmaster - do you hear it burbling?î Hagrid asked in an excited whisper. It did seem that the liquid was whiffling tunelessly.

ìFresh tove hair. Hagrid has one in the forest. I harvested
some earlier this evening,î Snape told his assistant.ìToves are dangerous!î she exclaimed. He shrugged.

ìNot much worse than the monkeys,î Snape replied.

ìWas that why you were so muddy?î Hermione asked. Snapeís eyes flashed dangerously. She blushed.

ìI meant that I saw you at dinner and youíd been outside,î she tried.
ìThe other professors werenít very nice to you...î His glare burned for another moment before it softened and disappeared.

ìSome of my colleagues are a bit fussy,î he allowed.

The uncomfortable silence was broken by something shifting in the forest behind them. Both glanced back at the moving shrubs.

ìProbably one of the centaurs. After the monkey incident
they keep closer tabs on us,î Snape explained.

ìWill you ever tell us about the monkeys?î Hermione asked with a quick smile.

ìUh, perhaps. I think the Headmaster is still a bit touchy
about that...î Snape hedged.

The tove hair was carefully spread across the top of the liquid and allowed to sit for several minutes. Then Snape gently stirred. A pale shade of purple steam rose up into the air carrying a slightly fruity scent. Everyone inhaled appreciatively.

ìSmells good,î Hagrid remarked.

ìOur stuff never smells nice,î Ron whinged. ìIt smells like
wet dog or old gym socks.î

ìStuff it Ron!î Harry shot back. He was feeling warm and safe; probably because of the ëwee bití from Hagrid as well as the companionable feeling from the three older wizards. In any event he didnít want his friendís incessant negativity ruining it! Harry snuggled back into his chair cupping his mug appreciatively.

The wind shifted and the aroma of Snapeís brew drifted away from them and into the forest. The rustling increased causing everyone to turn just as a centaur stepped into the clearing.

ìProfessor Snape,î the elegant creature intoned with a slight bow.

ìChiron,î Snape returned, also with a bow. ìAn honor to
be sure.î He turned slightly to introduce Hermione as politeness dictated. She managed a curtsey and stumbled greeting.

ìI smell something... interesting,î Chiron began after greeting the girl.

ìYes, a small bit of brewing to accompany a calling,î he replied cryptically. The centaur twitched his tail.

ìI was wondering...î Chiron began.

ìNo, nothing like the monkeys,î Snape reassured the creature.
ìYou are welcome to join the Headmaster. He has tea
if you are interested.î

ìWell, if there are some lemon shortbreads?î the centaur asked.

ìOf course, Chiron! As well as some scones with lemon
curd or jam,î Dumbledore jumped into the conversation and invited the centaur over to the spectator area.

ìSafer overí cheer,î Hagrid put in.

ìI donít doubt that, given those nymphs Professor Snape
called up,î Chiron disagreed but walked carefully to the chairs accepting a cuppa from the gamekeeper.

Of course Ron fell out of his chair never having been so close to such a stately creature before. Harry could only grin a bit given how relaxed he was. Chiron smiled down at both boys.

ìI see youíve had some of Hagridís elixir, gentlemen,î he commented. They both managed to nod; Ron reclaimed his chair.

As the spectators settled down Professor Snape seemed to be finished with the cauldron. He quickly cleared the table; all items were shrunk and packed into a small carryall which was handed to Hermione. She found herself shooíd away from the steaming goop and was soon ensconced in a comfortable chair next to Hagrid.

ìoooh, Now weíre for it!î the half-giant leaned forward in excitement.

ìYes! I believe Severus is ready to do the calling!î Dumbledore added.

ìIf past performance has any bearing on this,î Chiron said somberly,
ìI would definitely be ready to move quickly!î

Snape lifted his wand dramatically above his head.

ìTwas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe!î

ìOh bloody hell! I donít understand a word he said!î Ron groused. Hermione tried desperately to quash the laughter rising in her.

ìsh! Just watch Mr. Weasley,î Dumbledore urged.

Snape was now extended both arms over the cauldron.

ìBehold the Jabberwock! The eyes of gold, the wings
that spread. Beware the jeweled jaws that bite and
grasping claws extend!î

ìOk, that I got!î Ron exclaimed. They watched as the wind seemed to freshen, billowing Snapeís cape. It was a most impressive sight.

Then everything went completely silent. The wind swirled lazily about the professor sending the sweet scent of the cauldronís brew farther afield. There was an expectant feeling rising, although Harry couldnít tell if it were from the wizards around him or the forest beyond.

Far off in the distance a strange sound began softly, much like a bubbling of water in a pot just coming to boil.

ìDo yer hear... whiffling?î Hagrid asked tensely.

ìI think I hear more than that,î Chiron replied just as tense.

There was a rushing, whistling sound coming through the trees towards them. The expressions on the onlookers faces ranged from utter excitement to extreme terror.

The noise increased somewhat, coming closer and closer. Then a silver-green streak passed Snape heading directly to the mostly seated crowd parting them as it sped through. The streak then looped up into the sky and headed directly back to the Potions Master.

ìOh bloody hell! Why do I let myself...OOOOMPH!î Snape was bowled over backwards onto the hopefully soft grass. There was confusion as th onlookers tried to decide whether to save the wizard or run for their own safety.

Dumbledore came forward first, worried for his friendís well-being. He was closely followed by Chiron who was more concerned for the forest dwellers. Both centaur and wizard pushed past chairs and around the table. Together they reached the downed man.

And were greeted by the Potions Masterís ire.

ìALBUS DUMBLEDORE! YOU...î and here Snape shifted focus.
ìGet off me you silly beast! NO! Not there!î

There was a jumble of robes and silver green light as the professor seemed to be wrestling with something in the grass. Dumbledore held his wand aloft ready to come to aid, Chiron stood braced for the inevitable fight.

But none followed.

ìYou daft, daft creature! Let me get it out for you!î Snape was pulling at his cape and trousers.

ìUhm, Hagrid? Keep the students back!î Dumbledore directed hastily. Perhaps this was another blunder? Snape was going to be extremely upset with the lot of them if this turned out to be another nymph-like scenario. Of course both Hagrid and the kids leapt forward to see the meelee.

ìWhatís going on? Can you see anything Harry?î Ron asked in excitement. Hermione craned her neck over their shoulders.

But there were no beautiful females pawing breathlessly at the Potions Master.

Rather, it was a rather small, dragon-like creature that sat on the wizard making a strange whirring chittering, most reminiscent of a purring cat and a tea kettle starting to boil. Snape managed to sit up with the beastie perched on its hind legs, the tail acting as the third leg of a tripod.

Before anyone could react the wizard produced a scone and the animal took in in its front paws cooing in glee. It took a small bite (with extremely frightening, razor-sharp teeth) then looked adoringly at the Potions Master.

ìThere! I told you I would get it free for you! No need to
go ripping my trouser pocket,î Snape growled in a softened voice. His fingers lightly stroked the high ridge brows. With a whiffling sigh it happily closed its eyes and allowed the wizard to continue to handle it gently.

ìIs that a... Jabberwock?î Hermione asked in awestruck tones.

ìA what?î blurted Ron.

ìA Jabberwock,î Chiron confirmed. ìA very rare creature
indeed. I have not seen one in nearly a hundred years.î the
centaur leaned forward to touch the delicate creature. Itís eyes flashed open as it snapped at the intrusive fingers then pressed close to Snape for protection.

ìA young one at that,î Dumbledore said softly.

ìYes. It seems to have bonded with you Professor Snape,î Chiron added. But Snape did not answer; he was entranced with the beautiful creature that was eating his cranberry scone.

ìI thought that Jabberwocks were large and vicious,î Hermione said.

ìIn ther muggle version ëtwas,î Hagrid agreed. ìThat barmy
bloke, Kerold, wrote a piece full of vicious lies!î

ìLewis Carroll,î corrected Dumbledore, ìand he was not
ëbarmyí, Hagrid. He had a few problems but his mind was
quite sound.î

ìItís almost like a little dragonette,î Hermione said breathlessly.
ìBut itís so much cuter!î

ìThe lilí tyke is much prettier, too, wií those colors,î Hagrid added.

ìChiron, I seem to recall they have a rudimentary ability
to mind speak,î Dumbledore addressed the dazzled centaur. The Jabberwock was now warbling, shining eyes on the Potions Master and no one else. For his part Snape was equally mesmerized.

ìYes, they can,î Chiron agreed. ìThis one seems to be
speaking on some level with your professor.î

ìProfessor Snape?î Hermione softly called. ìCould I pet
the Jabberwock?î This actually drew the wizardís attention away from the small creature happily tearing apart the scone. In a slight daze he looked at the ring of people (and centaur) looking down at him, then back at his new companion.

ìWell, young one, do you mind if the others see you now?î he asked it. The Jabberwock seemed to consider the request then chirruped something that sounded like acceptance.

Snape gathered the small creature in his arms and stood up. He turned to the viewers and nodded to Hermione.

ìJust go slowly and sheíll be fine,î the professor directed. The witch held out her hand and was sniffed. Then large shimmering eyes turned to hers and she suddenly saw an image of her touching the Jabberwock.

ìOh my! It can talk,î she reached out to stroke the eye ridges as sheíd seen in the vision.
ìAt least, it can show me what it wants.î

In turn each wizard was able to pet the Jabberwock and feel the touch of its young mind. Even Chiron was tolerated although he could ëseeí fear in the images that were jumbled into his mind and was extremely gentle and unprovoking.

ìBy the by, Headmaster, it seems her mother is waiting by
the edge of the forest,î Snape said calmly although there was a smirk on his lips. Everyone turned around to see the beast described by the muggle author.

The huge Jabberwock stepped into the clearing and walked towards them. The earth slightly shook as her feet impacted each step. The head that seemed so delicate on the little one was other-worldly on this massive creature. She stopped a few yards away, towering above the assembled group.

ìBloody hell,î Ron gasped only to have Hermioneís hand slap quickly over his mouth. The young creature in Snapeís arms warbled happily and everyone'sí mind was filled with the image of the child nuzzling the huge beast. Then an image of the black-clad professor giving the small one a scone came followed by the others petting it gently.

The large Jabberwock snorted, hopefully in good humor. Snape walked carefully through the assorted chairs and wizards and came to stand in front of it. He lifted the small one up a bit for inspection.

A large pair of nostrils sniffed, first the baby then the wizard. Her eyes captured Snapeís and once more the Potions Master was transfixed. After a long moment he shifted his burden, (who gladly clambered onto his shoulders) and retrieved the second cranberry scone secreted in his pocket. This was sniffed then gently accepted by the large creature.

To so large a mouth it was more the size of a piece of boxed chocolate, but she took her time in tasting it. Then a considered nod followed by the mother rumbling a warbling sound. She carefully lowered her head again and leaned near Snape; her baby leapt gracefully onto her head before settling on her upper back.

Snape managed a deep bow and the Jabberwock followed suit, bowing her head to him. She then looked up at the group behind him and seemed to make eye contact with them.

ìTthhank you,î a voice echoed in each of their minds coupled with the image of the youngster on her back.

ìWe may crossss pathsss again,î she said. Then with a slow grace the Jabberwock turned and moved back into the forest.

They stood in silent amazement watching the ëmythí disappear. Snape was the first to recover and he walked back to the tea table sinking into the chair. He picked up the Headmasterís tea cup and sipped at the contents.

The rest drifted back, each occupied with their own thoughts. Snape glanced at the depleted plate of scones and breads.

ìShe ate my last cranberry scone,î he lamented. With a smile Dumbledore moved his hand over the plate and murmured a few words. He picked up a scone and offered it to his friend.

ìFor you, my beamish boy!î he smiled broadly.

ìFrabuljous,î Snape responded, accepting the scone as he fell back nearly limp into the chair.