Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon

Severus pulled his mental shields tightly around himself to sulk in peace as he listened to the Minister’s Pet, that is, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor - Dolores Umbridge - introduce the Ministry’s new hellish attempts to gain control over Hogwarts and its Headmaster. Honestly, this was the best the Ministry could do? On that note, this was the best Albus could do?

Fake as his application to the post was, Severus felt quite offended this pink toad got the position over himself.

In the comfort of his mental walls Severus heaved a sigh, her speech did not bode well for the rest of the year. He subtly glanced around the room. It seemed, at least, that the older students were able to understand the meaning around her words. If they knew what was best for them, they’d warn the younger students to keep their heads down. The professors themselves will be unable to do much lest it get the Minister further involved.

A quick glance at their resident Trio of Horror showed that Granger too could comprehend. He could only hope that the boy especially would heed his friend’s warnings. After the trial he had faced, the ministry will surely do everything they can to label the boy and Albus as liars and enemies of peace.

Then again, this was Potter.

Severus gave him an hour with Umbridge until he gets on her bad side.

In the end, Severus could not even have a moment to himself to feel smug at having been right - Potter had barely lasted a hour before he landed himself in detention with the toad. However, this seemed to act as an open invitation for Severus’ colleagues to whine to him about the situation. The worst being the two Gryffindors in his life.

Albus, who had taken to avoiding the boy, preached at him of the importance of good behaviour of Potters part. Minerva, who at least provided him with wine, moaned at him of Dolores Umbridge’s ghastly behaviour.

Honestly, in Severus’ opinion, it would do well for the boy to be exposed to such consequences for his actions, especially by a huge authority figure outside of Hogwarts. He received a side eye from the two when he told them such, though he’s not exactly sure what else they were expecting from him.

The truth turned out worse then they could ever expect when four detentions had passed and they all sat down for dinner.

The ghosts had been absent the entire day and finally - after Albus sat down having summoned the food - every Hogwarts ghost, from Professor Binns to Moaning Myrtle, flew into the room with the grey lady front and centre. The ghosts looked unusually excited with the exception of the Grey Lady, who looked as if she would rather be anywhere else in the world. Peeves was last to arrive but the first to speak up amongst everyone's silent confusion.

“Oh! Oh, ho, ho! Is it time, yet? Is it time for him to come back?” He laughed and danced around the staff table, “Just wait until he hears what’s been going on here; he’ll be so disap-”

“Peeves.” The Bloody Baron called from where he had been staring at the Grey Lady, instantly silencing Peeves though he continued to smirk at Albus.

“As Hogwarts ghosts, it is our responsibility to watch over the students and report back to the Lord Emrys. We simply must insist that he is called to right the wrongs that have been committed.” The Fat Friar said from the Barons other side, he too was staring at the Grey Lady.

Finally the Gray Lady sighed, “Yes. I now call to Lord Emrys, you are needed here.”

The ghosts behind the four house ghosts gasped in excitement as golden tendrils appeared from every crevice to wrap together in front of them, from it appeared a man facing the students.

“Hullo, Helena”

Severus was quite certain that he’d know Martin by his voice alone, but his brain had difficulty accepting what his heart knew to be true

“Lord Emrys.”

Martin was a man that was mostly legs, tall and lanky, just like the rest of him, that led to booted feet. Legs that could not be counted on to take Martin from place to place as they always bumped and stumbled in and onto things; nor could they reliably hold Martin up straight - for Martin was clumsy by nature and could trip on thin air while not moving a muscle if left alone.

“I assume you haven’t called me here because you missed my face?”

He always wore a scruffy dull-red scarf wrapped around his long (tall and lanky) neck and when asked would claim it was a fashion statement. Severus had tried gifting him a black scarf. And then a green scarf. And then a black and green scarf. And finally, out of sheer exasperation and desperation, a rainbow scarf.

The red scarf never left and anytime Severus saw it he took great pleasure in sneering at it behind Martin’s back.

“Not quite, Lord Emrys, we fear for the students of Hogwarts and worry for the competency of some staff. Perhaps you could look into the situation.”

Martin’s hair was black. Blacker than Severus’ pitch black and made even richer in it’s contrast with his pale skin. It always smelled of strawberries and was home to an array of small wild flowers. His hair was so often an untameable nest that Severus truly wouldn’t be surprised if a pair of birds were to pop up one day to invite them to see their chicks.

Severus stared intently at the blue flowers, silently urging the man to turn around so he could get a better look.

“I remember I was assured that Headmaster Dumbledore would be most competent for the position” he turned to face the high table, arching a brow at Albus. “Was that not the truth?”

Martins face was not initially handsome but it was one that everyone would have no choice but to agree was beautiful. High cheekbones graced his face, ears that might be a little too large on someone else but that suited him perfectly. Severus had learnt the hard way that Martin had mastered conveying his many thoughts and emotions with a single raise of an eyebrow to the point that he, himself, envied Martin’s technique.

“I am going to have to ask, who exactly are you?” Albus questioned, ignorant to the shock to Severus’ system.

Finally, Martin had blue eyes. Such a blue that every time Severus looked in his eyes he was transported to a place with endless sky above him and the sea stretching far out into the horizon below him. Mostly, they’d sparkle with mischievousness, dancing like waves and teasing as the tide does the sand. Sometimes, they are deep, drawing Severus in and forcing him to count stars as if it was his one true purpose in life to do so. Rarely, they are stormy, these are the times Severus hates for they come with tears. And Severus is not a captain, he knows not how to commandeer a ship in the midst of a wreck. But he does know to go down with the ship and that is something Severus will readily offer.

Now, they are icy, sending a chill down Severus’ spine as he looks at the eyes of his friend - who is here, standing in front of the high table, in Hogwarts.

“Martin!” It’s his own voice that breaks the tension and his friend turns to him blinking at him in shock. Thank Merlin his eyes are deep instead of icy, still water is something Severus can cope with; he wouldn’t know what to do if Martin ever looked at him with cold, merciless eyes.

“Severus! You… You’re a-“

“A wizard, yes, as are you?”

“Err… you could say that, I suppose. But, look at you!”

Martin walked towards him smiling gleefully with his arms thrown out and Severus stood up to meet him automatically allowing Martin to completely embrace him by bending just a little to tuck his face into that insufferable scarf.

Severus sighed when Martin’s hand combed through his hair and pulled him closer by his waist.

“So much has happened, my friend. I can say it now without having to censor my words.”

“Censor your…? Oh! You thought I was a muggle, ha!” He pulled away but kept his hands on his shoulder. “I thought you a muggle!”

Severus felt a laugh bubbling up inside him “It’s not chemistry I teach, but potions!”

Martin giggled causing Severus’ laugh to burst out as he grasped Martin tightly to stop him from falling over in his joy as he is often prone to do.

“Oh, what a pair we make!” Martin dramatically moaned in between giggles.

They stayed like that for a while, Martin giggling in his ear and Severus chuckling into his shoulder.

“Oh no! I think I’ve ruined your reputation, Severus.”

Severus rolled his eyes sitting back down. “My reputation is not so flimsy that a hug and a laugh would ruin it.” He looked around the room at the shocked faces of the students and the staff. “Though the looks on their faces more then makes up for it. Now, Lord Emrys, I understand you came here on business.” He smirked.

“Severus, please, never call me that my friend. Helena, tell me, where was I?”

“I was just asking you who you were, Lord Emrys.” Dumbledore answers for the gawking ghosts.

“I am many things Headmaster, but I have been called here for my authority as the owner of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” He turned to face the students, “perhaps we should continue this meeting once the students have finished their dinner and have retired for the night. Is that acceptable, Helena?”

“Not quite, Lord Emrys. I do believe the students should at least see you resolve one rather pressing issue.” St Nick replied instead, staring pointedly at the Grey Lady

Helena floated over to the Gryffindor table. “You see, not only has the ministry gotten deeply involved in Hogwarts without your permission-“ she stopped behind Harry Potter who tried to look normal despite the shock and rising horror he felt. “But a student has also come to harm from this.”

One moment Martin was leaning on the table in front of Severus, listening intently to the Grey Lady speak and the next he was knelt in front of Potter, smiling up at him calmly.

“Hello, my name is Martin Ambrosius Emrys. What’s your name?”

Harry looked at Ron and Hermione then looked back at the kneeling man and shook the hand that was presented to him. “Um… my name is Harry, sir. Harry James Potter.”

Martin looked at Severus, mouthing ‘Saint Potter?’ at him, shaking his head when he nodded back. “Is what my dear Helena said true, Mr Potter? You have come to harm by the hands of Ministry staff.”

“Tell him, Harry. I think he could actually help us - help you.”

“The young lady is right, Mr Potter. I do in fact have the authority to set things right, but I need to know exactly what wrongs need righting. If you would rather we move someplace private, Mr Potter-“

“No, it’s okay. I’d like to stay here. I’m not sure if it’s that big of a deal but…” Ron nudged Harry, comforting him. “Professor Umbridge, that is the Ministry Official, wanted me to write lines for detention, only… the ink was my own blood.”

Severus froze. No. Surely not. Not to a child.

“May I see where the blood was taken from, Mr Potter?”

Harry rolled my his sleeves to show the kind man and winced as he read it aloud, “I must not tell lies.”

“I didn’t, I promise Mr Emrys, I said nothing but the truth. I promise!”

“Again with the lies! I assure you, Lord Emrys, that his punishment was deserving of his crimes.” Umbridge finally shook out of her calculating silence, understanding that the man who suddenly appeared was one the Ministry would want on their side.

The man stood up and ruffled Potter’s hair and appeared in front of the small woman the next second, his voice a calm whisper yet somehow ringing in the heads of everyone watching.

“Hogwarts is more than just a school for these children, Madame. It is a home; a sanctuary! Children are not to be harmed in these walls, especially not by a Professor! Children do not perform crimes befitting such punishment. Torture devices are not to be used as punishment and blood isn’t to be taken from children! You have crossed the line.”

Though he spoke passionately with power he was otherwise the very picture of calm and collected.

He tossed his arm up slightly, “Lady Hogwarts, papers containing Harry James Potter’s blood to me.” A stack of papers appeared in his hand and Severus stared at the size in horror feeling relieved when Martin burned it until not even the ashes remained. “Hogwarts, Professor Umbridge is to stay in her rooms and not come out until I say so.” The school seemed to sigh in relief as Umbridge disappeared.

“You have quite the lot to answer to, Albus Dumbledore. Mr Potter, please come see me in the infirmary after you have eaten. Helena, with me.” He said, smiling at Severus apologetically before striding out of the great hall with the Grey Lady close behind.

The rest of the ghost stayed behind, forming groups amongst them to gossip. Peeves laughed gleefully, “Emrys has returned! Emrys has returned! Emrys has return-”

“Peeves, Just go.” The Baron sighed and turned his head to the teachers table, peering at them one by one before landing on Severus. “You knew him by a different name.”

It was a statement but Severus felt compelled to answer him nonetheless, sharing a glance with Albus as he did so. “Yes. He saved me some years ago and we have only gotten closer.”

The Baron nodded, “after you have eaten, the staff should wait for Lord Emrys in the Headmaster’s office. We will patrol the corridors.” They watched as he left to talk to the Friar and St Nick.

“Severus, tell me what you know about Lord Emrys.”

“Albus.”

“Severus.”

“He is my friend, Albus. I trust him.”

“You did not know he was a wizard.”

“Just as he did not know I was.”

“Well, I trust him.” Pomona butted in from the other side of Albus. “Look at the way he dealt with Umbridge! Using blood quills on a student — how dare she!”

“If what they say is true and he is the owner of Hogwarts, how come you did not know, Albus?” Flitwick tapped a finger on the table.

Albus patted his lips politely with a handkerchief, “That’s what worries me.” He stood up, “I suppose I will see you all in my office. Severus, Pomfrey, keep an eye on Harry.”

Severus turned back to his meal, appetite gone, around him gossip continued. By now most of the ghosts had left the room, apparently taking up a patrol. Never before had the ghosts taken initiative like this.

Just then, Potter got up from his seat, waving to his friends before walking out of the great hall. He nodded to Pomfrey, watching as she got up to follow Potter while he moved silently to a different corridor.

Severus scowled to himself as the portraits too whispered amongst themselves, pointing at him as he passed. He paused in front of the infirmary as the Grey Lady flew out of it, speeding past him without sparing him a glance. Inside, Pomfrey was staring in awe as Potter and Martin conversed, he strode up to her, keeping silent.

“Amazing. It took him less than five seconds to remove deep blood quill scars with no more than a wave of his hand. I don’t think he even realised what he just did.”

Severus did not answer though he inclined his head, taking in what she said. Severus was the only one after Pomfrey who could claim to be good at healing spells but even his best batch of scar balm would not have done much against a blood quill scar.

They watched as Potter laughed at something Martin said, before martin spotted him and walked up to him, waving apologetically to the boy.

“Ahh, Severus. Time to return to business then?” Martin wrapped an arm around his shoulders, smiling happily at him. “I have missed you, have I said?”

As they walked out Severus could hear Pomfrey turning her attentions to Potter though not before gawking at the two of them.

“How are you sleeping, Mr Potter? You never quite know how a blood quill might affect you.”

They walked together silently, Martin not removing his hand and Severus not moving away from the touch. Finally, as they stood before the guardian gargoyle, Severus pursed his lips as it opened without him giving the password. Martin laughed at him then, shrugging as he entered first.

Severus took the seat reserved for him in the corner and watched as Martin hummed looking around the office.

“Emrys, is that you? Oh, do I have much to tell you!” The sudden sound of the normally quiet sorting hat made them flinch in their seats.

“Themis, it’s good to see you.”

“Don’t lie to me, Emrys, I know I look like I have one thread in the grave! Never mind that, tell me you’re here to bring the olde ways back.”

“Themis, my friend. If we do not change with the times we will only be left behind.”

Severus blinked, turning away from that conversation to watch as Fawkes shyly walked up to Martin, who was standing in front of the sorting hat - Themis, apparently.

“Oh!” Martin extended an arm for the phoenix, “Hello, darling. Oh, you’re a sweet one, aren’t you?”

Fawkes crooned, nuzzling his head further into Martins gentle hand.

“Yours, Headmaster?”

“I am honoured to have been chosen by Fawkes, Lord Emrys.”

Martin smiled, “Indeed.” He gently moved Fawkes onto his perch. “Now, Headmaster. What’s this about the Ministry interfering at Hogwarts?”

“With Harry being vocal about his story, it seems the Ministry has chosen now to act against Albus.” Minerva spoke up, tutting to herself.

Martin hummed, “at the risk of sounding like an utter arse, Headmaster, this sounds like a personal grudge. Why has Hogwarts gotten involved?”

“My only guess is that they would rather bring the matter into my territory, away from prying eyes. Especially after my response during the trial.”

“Trial, if you will, Headmaster?”

“As you know, Dementors are controlled my the Ministry, and yet, somehow two were able to attack Mr Potter in a muggle area, who then used underage magic in self defence. You can understand my concerns, I’m sure.”

“Colde ones attacking a student? That is troubling. I see, yes. I assume you have no opposition to me removing Umbridge from the school?”

“I would be most pleased, as would the rest of us, I’m sure.”

He snapped his fingers, Umbridge appearing in the middle of circle the next second. Martin stalked up to her, “The Ministry hold no authority over Hogwarts, Madame. I’m sure you understand then, why I must ask you to leave and never return like this again, yes?”

Her face turned red with anger, “the Minister will be hearing of this.”

Martin nodded, “of course, and with it, do let the Minister know that just because the Emrys seat is empty now, doesn’t mean it has to be. He'll understand.” With another snap she was gone.

“Ah, how shall we be replacing her Albus? The students already have had to settle with a lacklustre education.” Filius wondered.

“Oh, ah, right. Umm… my apologies?”

Severus snorted, “don’t apologise for that. Rejoice.”

Martin rolled his eyes at him making him smirk, “truly, Headmaster, I hope you have a replacement in mind. I’d hate to leave the students with no Professor.”

“No, no one comes to mind… except, perhaps, you might be up for the job? Clearly, you are a very powerful wizard.”

Martin blinked before he bent over with laughter, “oh, no, Headmaster,” he wiped a tear from his eye, “the Hogwarts curriculum is not for me. Besides, I’ve blocked my magic, it’s why Severus being a wizard was such a surprise to me, no, I cannot use magic right now, Headmaster. Perhaps, if you might be amicable, I have someone else in mind.”

“Nonsense.” Poppy claimed from the entrance, where she had just arrived. “Mr Potter is back in his dorm, Headmaster. I watched you perform magnificent healing magic on Mr Potter mere minutes ago.”

“Rather, Madame, you watched me utilise the magic of Hogwarts’ healers. Lady Hogwarts has seen much magic and she remembers and collects them all. I simply asked her to heal Mr Potter, just as I asked her to remove Madame Umbridge.”

“Why ever would you block your magic?” Pomona sniffed, her eyes watering at the thought.

Martin smiled softly, “the headmaster was right in that I am quite powerful. It can get… overwhelming. I do not regret it, for it brought me to Severus, yes? I will not remove my block until I absolutely have to, headmaster, and I do not apologise for that. Hogwarts will always be able to reach me through Helena even without it.”

Though Severus did not show it, deep inside something preened, pleased to hear Martins words.

“Of course, Lord Emrys. If your offer is still open then, perhaps the person you have in mind will do for the rest of the year.”

“Oh yes, he too is very powerful. It will take me a day to track him and another to retrieve him. He tends to wander, you see, and mother knows what he’ll ask of me to stay for the year.”

“Take the weekend to track and convince him then and I’m sure, as a Slytherin, our Professor Snape will be able to help.”

“Now Headmaster, I’m hardly going to refuse the opportunity to spend time with Severus.” He turned and winked at Severus. “Though you’ll have plenty of time to observe me yourself, Headmaster. Since, Helena has called me, I’m required to stay in Hogwarts to observe and ensure I am no longer needed.”

Albus simply twinkled his eyes at him.

Minerva huffed, “where will you be staying then, Lord Emrys? Shall I let the house elves know to prepare the guest quarters?”

Martin grinned, “haven’t you ever felt as if something was… missing from Hogwarts?” he pointed an index finger at the window and made a sound, flicking his hand up as if shooting a muggle gun. He winked at Minerva, nodding his head to the window and they all moved to peer out of it.

A huge beautiful blue crystal rose first from the empty grounds, a white tower similar to Hogwarts other black towers rising with it. With a fearsome roar a black and gold stone dragon - bigger then any dragon they had ever seen before - climbed up the tower faster then it rose. It wrapped around the tower, claws digging into it, wings spread in a powerful arch, as the tower came to a stop with a cloud of smoke, having rose to its full height. Finally the dragon huffed a breath of dark smoke and nestled its head in the crook of the crystal, closing its eyes and freezing, as if only just remembering it was stone and not alive.

The tower itself was in the middle of Hogwarts and taller then the entire castle made even more magnificent with the dragon looming over everything, watchful and protective, despite this it did not have a shadow, the grounds below still bathed in early moonlight as it was before.

“Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus; Never tickle a sleeping dragon…” Aurora whispered.

They snapped their heads to look at Martin, who was oblivious to the looks of awe as he scratched Fawkes.

“Take me there at once, Martin!” Severus demanded, excitement bubbling up inside.

Martin chuckled, eyes sparkling mischievously as he walked up to them with a determined stride. As if one queue, the window behind the snapped open just in time for Martin to step up and out of it until he was stood on air outside of the Headmaster’s office. He reached a hand, palm up, to Severus.

Severus gulped, looking at his colleagues around him before biting his lip and taking the hand, stepping onto what felt like solid ground. He breathed in relief and walked a few wary steps ahead as Martin helped the others up. The air around him was cold but the adrenaline in his system kept him warm as he looked beneath him, feeling as if he was having an out of body experience as he passively looked at the students and ghosts that had gathered outside at the emergence of the new tower and was now staring up at them in surprise. He was suddenly dropped back into his body as Martin grabbed his arm, pulling Severus quickly as he ran up to the tower.

Severus looked behind them, amused, as he heard Minerva’s youthful giggle as she too grabbed Pomona to run after them. Filius waved happily to the students below them as he walked with the ever spaced out Sybill and smiling Septima, Albus listening politely behind them as Wilhelmina ranted about the dragon. Aurora and Bathsheda were locked in what seemed like a riveting debate and Severus was just able to make out Charity and Poppy gently guiding a teary Argus before Martin pulled them to a stop.

“Kilgharrah, I see your rest remains undisturbed” He said to the still sleeping stone dragon, palm gently resting on its snout. On the other side of the dragon a door appeared and Martin guided them to it, opening it dramatically, letting them see a staircase going down. “Welcome, to the Dragon’s Lair.”

Inside, the room was lit by the moonlight and sparkled blue from the light that was reflected into the room by the crystal, Fawkes was already sat on a white and gold perch in the centre, which was the only thing in the glass-domed room. Around them, they could see the stars and the grounds clearly, as if the dragon was not there. Just as they were thinking of how to get deeper into the tower a staircase going down appeared; railings a similar white and gold.

Going down, the walls were covered in portraits, each one a different size, shape and style. Curiously, all of the portraits were empty. The room itself was dimmer than the one above, colder too, until Martins foot landed on the floor and the fireplace immediately lit up without a word or sign from him. The blue drapes opened too, letting in the light so they could see the office room. The desk area was very similar to the Headmaster’s, with the curved desk being the only difference, Martin’s office seemed as packed with books and nick-nacks as Albus’. In front of the desk, facing the fireplace was a comfortable sitting area, a steaming tea set placed on the table. Pomona chuckled as a cup and saucer purred when she reached for it, tea being automatically poured in. Fawkes flew in, landing on the perch that came in to existence when Fawkes arrived, he blinked at Martins desk curiously and Albus walked up to it, intrigued.

On the otherwise empty and somehow clean desk lay a beautiful wand. White and gold that spiralled together and thickened as it went up the wand, closer to the handle, that was separated with a thin strip of black that had runes etched in gold, the handle itself was a translucent white that blended into a translucent gold dragon head. They watched as Albus hesitantly reached the wand, shocked when his hand seemed unable to get closer to the wand.

“Ahh, sorry about my wand. It doesn’t much like it when other touch it, hold on, this should work.” Martin said, reaching over Albus’ shoulder to easily grab the wand and hand it over to the Headmaster himself, handle first.

“What is it made of?” Albus asked, surprised when neither a wave nor a spoken spell yielded any result despite everyone being able to sense the sheer power in the wand.

Martin blinked, “Err, a very good question…” He scratched his head, looking around the room as if hoping the answer would pop up - which is exactly what happened when a drawer under Martin’s desk flew open, sheets of paper flying out until one finally landed in his hand. He smiled triumphantly, “aha! Elder and Yew wood with two Dragon scales!”

Albus stared at Martin for a long minute and slowly put the wand down.

“Ooh, is this some type of fancy, powerful broom?” Rolanda exclaimed, reaching for an object that was hung up with two other brooms.

“Wait, no! Don’t touch th-” Martin tried to say but winced as he watched Rolanda be blasted away, a blue armchair hurriedly moving to catch her before she hit the steps up to the desk. “That’s a magical staff; only those who conquers it may use it, it rejects anyone else.”

The ‘magical staff’, which had initially blended into the dark walls, now glowed a violent blue, the glow pulsing almost aggressively. The glow was coming from a crystal, similar to the one on the top of the tower, that was held in a cage of small branches. The staff itself looked like a knobbly branch and was an inch or two taller than the brooms beside it.

Rolanda picked herself up with all the grace she could muster and huffed at Martin, stomping to where another staircase had appeared. Severus and Martin shared a glance, shrugging and following her down. Albus stared intently at the wand and staff, eyes twinkling, before he too followed everyone down.

Martin stepping onto the new floor once again allowed the fire to start, showing them an enviable sunken firepit seating area. Martin clapped his hands on Severus’ shoulder, interrupting their scrutiny of it to turn Severus around.

At the sight, Severus let out an audible gasp. The staircase they had come down from had disappeared leaving the area around the free for multiple bookshelves to erupt from the floor, turning into place. The bookshelves were laid out like a maze, room much bigger then the tower had any right to be.

“Careful,” Martin grinned as everyone drifted towards the entrance of the maze, Irma leading the charge. “It’s easy to get lost in there.”

Martins hand dropped from his shoulders and though he desperately wanted to join the others he stayed put, smirking when Martin raised an eyebrow in question. “I’m sure I’ll see plenty of this place another day, as payment for putting up with you all these years, of course.”

Marin nodded, “Of course.”

They lasted only a few minutes until they broke out in laughter.

“Tell me you have an even more impressive lab, Martin?” he asked as he sat down, stretching his body satisfyingly to wait for the others.

“Harley, Harvey, please assist our guests.” Martin said to two elves that were dressed in a deep blue and black uniform, including a small cape that was pinned with a golden dragon brooch, and sat down after they bowed and vanished. “Oh yes, my uncle would allow nothing else.” He told him fondly.

“So… Lord Emrys, huh?”

“Baah.” He waved his arm as if trying to wave away the notion.

“You seem as obsessed with dragons as Slytherin was with his snakes.”

Martin guffawed loudly and they settled in comfortable silence, each in their own minds.

“Your family must be quite important, don’t they miss you when your running the flower shop?” Severus broke the silence after a few minutes, eyes leaving the ceiling where he had noticed magical lights forming into constellations to look at Martin.

“Hmm?” Martin snapped his eyes open having closed them as he settled deeper into the sofa, “ahh, right. About that, Severus, I haven’t been entirely truthful with you.”

“It’s to be expected; you thought I was a muggle.”

Still, Martin stared intently at Severus, mouth opening and closing a couple times. Severus reached out a leg and nudged Martin’s thigh with his foot, “It hasn’t even been a day, stop fretting over it. I understand and whatever you have to tell me will not change what I think of you.”

Martin looked between his eyes and smiled in obvious relief, wiggling his eyebrow, “and what do you think of me?”

Severus’ witty comment was interrupted by the reappearance of one of the elves who guided the rest of the staff back to them, the other elf bringing up the rear. Martin and Severus shared an amused grin when they noticed that each of them held at least one book in their hands, “I’m sure you’ve been told of the protocol with the books? Splendid, they’ll be waiting for you in your chambers.” The books disappeared and he waved his hand to introduce another familiar staircase, waiting for them to go in and then following with a playful nudge to Severus’ shoulder, mouthing ‘the lab’ as he went.

Severus perked up and followed eagerly.

The lab was dreamy; multiple workspaces set up in the middle, surrounded by exquisite displays of cauldrons and preserved herbs and ingredients. The store cupboard was filled with preserved potions, Severus naturally drifted straight to it, throwing it open and reaching for the closest vial, raising an impressed eyebrow when he identified it as a perfect Felix Felicis. When he wondered closer to the main workspace he spotted a leatherbound book, with multiple spare pieces of papers peeking out chaotically, on one of the tables away from where all the other books were stored, curious but remembering what happened with the staff he cautiously waved a wand around it.

Inside, the book was covered in a neat fancy cursive that looked as if it would take an hour just to write one sentence. The languages consisted one ones he could easily identify and somewhat read - Old English, Latin and French - and others he could not tell head from tail - including something which looked runic, hieroglyphs and perhaps Arabic. Next to the texts there was intricately drawn out diagrams that came alive with magic, dancing across the page and, in one occasion, weaving in between his fingers, leaving a warm echo.

“This holds the language of the Old Religion.” Albus’ voice over his shoulder surprised him out of his trance, nearly dropping the book resulting in a desperate attempt to steady it as he glared at Albus

“Yes… You recognise it?” Martin joined them.

Albus inclined his head, “I have never been able to read it.”

“Fascinating. The Old Religion, you say? I’ve heard of it in certain places, but I, myself have never come across it.” Irma added.

Severus blinked as the rest of the staff huddled in to see the book in his hands, still yet to come out of his trance.

“I’ve often seen the other goblins write in the Old Religion, but due to my status I wasn’t allowed to learn it.”

Martin hummed to himself, an eyebrow raised at Filius, “is that so?”

“My boy, is that you?” a voice startled them and they turned to look at a portrait of the far wall. In the portrait was an old man peering through his glasses at them, the man had a sophisticated presence that spoke of knowledge and wisdom. “Finally dragged your arse back in the lab, then? About time, I say, I should make you clean out a leech tank.”

Martin grimaced, “Gaius, so good to see you! Severus, this is my uncle I was telling you about. Gaius, you remember Severus, yes?” He added a warning glare to the old man - Gaius.

Severus sputtered inside as he realised his uncle was currently a portrait and hurriedly introduced himself as suddenly a much fearsome then Martin’s eyebrow was raised at him.

“Hmm… yes, I do remember a Severus Snape. I was under the impression that he was a… what do they call it these days, Muggie?”

“A Muggle. Yes, well, in my defence, I only learnt he was a wizard today.”

“No matter. From what I’ve seen, he is a true connoisseur of the art of potions, make sure to bring him often, dear boy, it would be a pleasure to talk to him. The others would wish to see him, too.”

“I’m keeping Severus to myself for now, Gaius. The rest can wait.”

Severus was thankful for his natural occlumency as it stopped any potential blush from reaching his cheeks. He gave a short bow to Gaius, expressed his willingness for further meetings, and hightailed to the next staircase, leaving the amused group behind.

Where Severus was able to stop himself with just a gasp, Pomona loudly squeaked and rushed past him at the sight of the greenhouse that dimly lit up for them. This room, similar to the library, was far larger than the rest. Plants of all sorts flourished in climates most suited to them; Severus shivered when he walked into a snowy climate just to recoil at the scorching hot climate beside it. He could spot many plants used in potions as well as plants more suited for medicine and even ordinary muggle plants. Along the back was what looked like a veritable jungle with tall dense trees that would surely suit as wand wood with the waves of magic they gave out.

Peculiarly, there seemed to be an entire section dedicated to a strawberry field. Severus felt his lips forming into a soft smile and gently picked one, cradling it in one hand to pick another one for Martin, who he could see coming to him from the corner of his eye. Once Martin reached him, he held it out expecting Martin to take it with a familiar laugh. Instead, he watched with parted lips and Martin bent down and bit into the strawberry, juices running down his hand. Martin looked him in the eye and quirked his lips, using a finger to collect some of the juice and then wiping it on his tongue, lips closing around it.

From afar, Filius called out to Martin.

“I think I’ll plant some sunflowers next.” He grinned as he walked backwards, eventually turning to join Filius and Albus who stood in front of a thundercloud.

Severus closed his mouth and gulped, looking around to see Minerva and Rolanda watching him with smirks on their faces. He cleared his throat and vanished the bitten strawberry and juices off his hand.

“Severus! Come here!” Severus immediately followed Pomona’s voice, thankful for the excuse to escape the now chuckling women.

“Pomona.”

“Tell me I’m not seeing things.” Pomona said quickly.

“Oh, not you too. What you saw meant nothing, Martin was just-”

“What, no. Look!” She forced him to crouch and look at the plant near them.

Severus glared at her, affronted, “Damn you, woman! What do you think you’re do-” He stopped and turned to the plant again. “This is a Mortaeus flower.”

“I was right, then.”

“No. It can’t be they’re…”

“Extinct? And yet.”

And yet.

The Mortaeus flower; a flower thought extinct for hundreds of years. Severus had read about them when he was researching for his Masters, due to the plant dying out, Potion Masters were forced to replace many potions all of them inferior in comparison.

“There’s more.” Pomona said breathily and Severus looked around him with new eyes. Only now spotting the numerous Mortaeus flowers around them, each one secluded in dark. “Just think of what else might be in these gardens…”

“Ahh, I see you’ve found the Mortaeus flower.”

“You knew…! Did you know these are extinct?” Pomona screeched causing Severus to shy away and Martin to blink down at her dumbly.

Martin markedly looked at the Mortaeus flower in front of them.

“In the natural world!” She threw her hands up.

Martin pursed his lips and looked at the plant again with a raised eyebrow, “…really?”

“Yes!”

He nodded, “well, you’re welcome to it anytime. Just open any door in Hogwarts thinking of this garden, or, of course, any room we’ve seen today, and it will bring you straight here.” He said to the crowd that gathered at Pomona’s shrill voice. “There’s this bench I love that’s next to a baby Yggdrasil. I know that one doesn’t exist outside!” He proudly smiled at a blank faced Pomona.

“I’d like to go back to my rooms.” She said quietly, mostly to herself.

Martin gave a solemn nod, “yes, perhaps that’s for the best. The next two rooms are my private rooms and the last is a surprise more suited for the students.” He opened a door that suddenly appeared next to him, which showed them the familiar sight of the Headmaster’s office. Fawkes asleep on his usual perch.

Severus and Martin watched as they filed out through the door.

“We’ll go collect the new Professor on Sunday then, yes?” Severus questioned.

Martin nodded, “Elliot Aurelianus. I think you’ll like him, Severus.”

“Hmm.” Severus took a step through the door but found himself stuck in an embrace yet again.

“All of my quarters are available to you, Severus. As always.”

Severus hid a smile in Martin’s scarf and reached up to ruffle his hair before walking through the door and watched it close behind him.

“You have a very peculiar friend, Severus. There’s something about him… but never mind that.” Albus said as they stood in his empty office. “Get some rest, Severus.”

Severus was asleep before his head could touch his pillow.