"Severus!" Malcolm Hurst rapped his knuckles against his door urgently, "You need to see this."
Severus froze mid way pouring himself water. Why was the Aldermaster at his doorstep? Surely there was nothing so urgent as to demand such impatience?
The door opened at his will, and the Aldermaster rushed in and placed five potion periodicals against Severus' counter.
"What is it?" Severus said, annoyed.
"Your former apprentice, Rigel Black—"
Severus' eyebrows rose in alarm and he grabbed the topmost article in flash. As his eyes searched through the front page article, a disbelieving laugh left him.
Partial Modified Polyjuice— Boon
— Imposter Rigel Black
What?
An upcoming discovery, Partial Modified Polyjuice, is striking debate amongst the young minds who are working on it. Is it really in the betterment of wizards and witches to steal another’s genetic traits?
Just what? What are you on about, Rigel?
…Despite the questionable nature of such an act, and though it may send the pureblood genetic system into jeopardy…
What in Merlin's name—
Severus took a deep breath. His student was insane. While being on the run from the whole of Britain he was publishing potions articles about wild ideas never heard of, and arguing whether or not they were a good idea.
The rest of the article highlighted the amazing possibilities of such a potion, and Severus was shocked despite himself.
"Surprised?" Malcom said, smiling.
Severus let out a snort.
"I'm not done yet." Malcom passed the second article to him. On seeing the title, Severus actually groaned.
Partial Modified Polyjuice— Bane
— Harriet Lilian Potter
This article's intent is to counteract some of the points made by the imposter apprentice Rigel Black, and bring light to reasons why Partial Modified Polyjuice may do more harm than good…
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. Why was he even surprised? Both his apprentices were insane.
...And so, since the imposter apprentice Rigel Black has clearly not done enough research, his points are…
Severus raised his eyebrows at Miss Potter’s condescending, clear frustration. Was that how he sounded in articles?
He put down the periodicals with an incredulous smile.
"Severus…" Malcolm Hurst was grinning, "There are three more periodicals on the table."
"Indeed there are." Severus said wryly.
"You should take on apprentices more often, if this is the sort of chaos they create."
Severus rolled his eyes, "I'm not sure you could stand it for long. Believe me, I've taught them for years. Rigel, at least. Miss Potter… let's say the minimal time I spent was enough."
Malcolm shook his head as Severus picked up Rigel's article, "Read on, Severus."
...After Miss Potter's polite explanation about the consequences of taking away pureblood magical heredity, I discovered an alternative…
…but due to a few drawbacks, potential of this magnitude cannot be ignored. It is foolish to…
…They were definitely his apprentices.
Malcolm was giggling as he passed him the latest article.
Handing Over Newer Innovations To Responsible Potioneers
— Caelum Lestrange
After the introduction of the concept of Partial Modified Polyjuice through such barbaric means, it is concerning to think that the fate of newer innovations is in the hands of such reckless , immature potioneers. Thus I propose the solution of such ideas to be shared with the community first, and then voted on to decide who shall report their findings…
Severus was distinctly unamused.
Malcolm on the other hand, was laughing tears of joy, "Taking on Lestrange anytime soon, Severus?"
"I do not take arrogant children under my wing," Severus sneered, "It is clear as day that Lestrange is talking about himself when he mentions responsible potioneers."
"As though you and your apprentices aren't arrogant at all," Malcolm murmured with amusement, "Regardless, I—"
An owl screeched and flew through the window, landing on the table and bringing a leg forward in Malcolm's direction.
There was another periodical attached to it.
Malcolm took it and gave the owl a sickle before unfurling it.
A Response To Stilting Academic Growth By Some Potioneers
— Harriet Lilian Potter
Severus was seriously considering banging his head against the table.
This was getting ridiculous.
There was another article right on that page!
Bringing Attention Back To Critical Innovations
— Imposter Rigel Black
And the page after—
Study Shows Ingredients Cultivated Underwater Have Better Results In Freebrewing
— Harriet Lilian Potter
Severus's eyes narrowed. When had she learnt to freebrew—
The Increase In Fake Studies
— Caelum Lestrange
Really, Lestrange?
The Importance Of Double Checking Study Results
— Imposter Rigel Black
"Stop laughing, you'll get a stroke." Severus glared at the Aldermaster.
Malcolm wiped tears from his eyes, "This is the best day of my life."
Severus went back to read the first few articles. For all the ridiculousness of circumstance, they were truly brilliant. He stilled.
Rigel's article:
…And to amplify these traits, we can use a discreet substance…
Potter's:
…Black's solution of using a discreet substance is not practical given…
They both had spelled discrete as discreet?
Severus's eyebrows rose. That was an uncanny coinci—
And then he realised.
How had he been so foolish? They had been right there, in front of him, and it took him a shared spelling error to see?
He would reprimand his blindness further, but he was simply weary with relief.
Severus just sighed, grabbing a nearby sheet and penning an article of his own. He was tired.
But ideas as groundbreaking as these could not be put off till later.
"Send this to the European Publishers, and fast." Severus said.
Malcolm smiled and took the sheet.
Re: Partial Modified Polyjuice
— Severus Snape
After the incompetent…
The Potions Community didn't know what had hit them.