Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Lyra and Blaise enter Professor Snape’s personal lab.
‘Professor? Are you busy right now?’
‘After I stir this, I will be able to take a break. Are you here about the number of people we need the potion for?’
‘Yes, sir.’
Snape stirs the caudron the required number of times before casting a stasis field over it and leaving the potion to simmer.
‘How many are we talking about here?’
‘I think the numbers may be bigger than we anticipated.’
‘Explain.’
‘Fred and George were adopted. Can we be sure that there aren’t other pureblood families that were unaffected?’
‘It would seem that we may need vastly more resources than previously anticipated.’
‘Yes, sir. I have sent Winky to ask Hogwarts if there is a place in the castle bug enough for this and have an idea about how to cover the cost.’
‘Do tell.’
‘Blaise helped actually. He offered his elf and some finances to help with this. What if the other families with elves could do the same?
‘That may work. I will bring this up to the heads so we can make an announcement at dinner.’
‘Thank you, Professor.’
‘I will ask around in Slytherin anyone with an elf willing to help will be directed to Lyra and Winky.’
‘I will ask around in Gryffindor.’
‘Good, if we can get enough galleons to purchase the rarer ingredients we may be able to get started within the next week or two.’
‘Another question, sir. What about those that have already graduated?’ How will they find the truth?
I will discuss this with Poppy and see if we can alert St. Mungos, possibly even get something written for the Profit…’
‘Thank you, Professor.’
‘Get to dinner now. I’m sure we will all be busy for the foreseeable future.’
All three leave the lab and begin the walk to the Great Hall.
*.*
Upon arriving at dinner, Severus gets Minerva's attention and lets her know he needs to talk with her before they eat. He sees Filius and Pomona about to enter the Great Hall and grabs them before they get inside.
‘I need to discuss something with you both and Minerva, ah there she is. Can I have a word before we eat?’
‘Of course Severus, just make it quick? I find that I am rather famished today.’
‘I have received word from a reliable source that it would be beneficial to the school if every student were to take the heritage test.’
‘Why? What reliable source?’
‘Did you know that Regulus Black had twins?’
‘No…’
‘Or that those twins were adopted by the Weasley family?’
‘I did not.’
‘If twins from the most volatile pureblood family can be adopted into another pureblood family, would it be safe to assume that this was not the only instance?’
‘You are right. What do we do with this information?’
‘As acting Headmistress you should make an announcement that we are collecting donations and that the potion will be made available as soon as it is ready. Any and all house elves that are available should be sent to me for further instructions.’
‘Who else is already working on this?’
‘Lyra and her family I’m sure. The Blacks are probably involved as well. beyond that I’m not sure.’
‘Let’s get to dinner. I will make an announcement tonight.’
‘Thank you.’ All 4 head into the Great Hall.
*.*
‘Attention please. May I have your attention? Thank you. As some of you may know; a student earlier this year used a potion to verify her heritage and that has led to this student reuniting with several of her family members that have missed her dearly for years.
‘It would seem that she is not the only child misplaced from her family. The school will begin taking donations to fund this potion and make it available to the entire castle. You will not be forced to complete this potion but it is advised that you do so. You never know what you may discover about yourself.
‘Also any student that has an elf with some free time please send them to Professor Snape to await further instructions. We would like to expedite this process as much as possible. Thank you. For any questions please see your head of house. We understand this can be a delicate situation and we are here to help.
*.*
‘Lyra? You told them I wasn't a Weasley and this happened?’
‘I told Professor Snape that I needed to make some for you and possibly a few others. After that I learned that Fred and George were also adopted. Some things have gone beyond the simple process of completing this potion for a handful of people.’
‘I can understand that. Thank you.’
‘Lyra?? How can I help?’
‘Nev? I need to gather some ingredients. Can you help?’
‘Of course I have some of this in the green houses, possibly some in the forest; but, how much? You may need more than I can get my hands on.
‘I understand, get what you can and after that we will see what else we need.’
‘I see some animal ingredients on here. Did you know that Tracy is as much an expert on animal potions ingredient harvesting as I am with the plants?’
‘Really do you think she could help?’
‘Let’s ask her, I see her coming this way.’
‘Hello, Tracy.’
‘Hello, I wanted to ask if you need any help?? It looks like Neville has a list of ingredients needed.’
‘Yes and I was about to ask if you can lend your expertise in animal based ingredients.’
‘I would love to. Nev? We can go harvesting tomorrow before breakfast?’
‘Of course as long as we can check the greenhouses at lunch.’
‘Deal.’
‘Thank you both. I need to talk to Dray, excuse me.’
*.*
‘How big is this?’
‘As big as it needs to be. Here comes Lyra.’
‘Hello cousin, can I borrow your elf?’
‘Of course, I did already send it to Professor Snape though.’
‘That is fine. I will be meeting with all the elves as soon as Winky assembles them.’
‘My elf will assist as well.’
‘Thank you, Theo.’
‘Most Slytherins have received word from their parents via elf that they can donate anything needed for this. It seems everyone wants to help reunite families.’
‘That’s great, I hope we can help a lot of families become reunited with each other. Dray? Can you help with the brewing process? I know this can be a tricky potion to get right.’
‘Yes I can help with that. I need to discuss with Professor Snape what I can do to prepare for all this.’
‘Thank you.’
‘No problem, cousin. Talk later.’
‘What about the spell?’
‘It’s meant for one family, not an entire school. Plus it only confirms the connection; the potion writes down the details.’
‘True but I wonder if it can be adapted. sort of as a back-up verification.’
‘That sounds helpful.’
‘I will see if there is anything I can do to alter that charm. I'm headed to the library.’
‘Good luck.’
‘Lyra?’
‘Yes, Blaise?’
‘Care to take a walk with me?’
‘I do have to meet with the elves soon.’
‘Then I will walk you there…. Where is there?’
‘Winky told me it is across from potions class. Lead the way.’ Blaise begins to walk quietly. ‘You seem to have a lot on your mind today.’
‘I have been thinking about something but it didn't seem possible….’
‘What changed?’
‘You remember asking me about liking anyone specific?’
‘Yea, you didn’t want to talk about it.’
‘Well she was seeing someone, but is single now.’
‘Have you told her how you feel?’
‘I can’t seem to find the words…..’
‘When the time is right, you will find the words.’
‘How can you know?’
‘Sometimes you just need to take a few more minutes to find the words but then you have to say what's on your mind.’
‘I will keep that in mind. How would I know if she is over her break up?’
‘You would have to ask. Everyone is different. Every relationship is different.’
‘True. Thank you, for your advice.’
They enter a room filled with elves talking amongst themselves.
‘Missy Lyra, there bees lotsa elvses to helps.’
‘Thank you, Winky. Did they all say how they were able to help?’
‘The ones to helps with money go to teacher, the ones for ingredients is waiting and the ones for potion making will return when teacher calls.
‘Awesome. Hello, everyone. Thank you for your help. I have a couple of friends going out to collect ingredients. Can you help them? After that we will reevaluate what needs to be done. Everyone contact Winky and Professor Snape with any and all progress.’
‘Why did that seem like it was too simple?’ Blaise whispers in Lyra’s ear.
Turning to look at him but not moving away Lyra responds ‘I don’t know but I’m hoping everything goes smoothly anyways.’ Lyra wraps her arms around Blaise.
‘Me too.’ Pulling her into a tighter hug Blaise agrees.
‘I need to find some information in the library.’
‘Let’s go. I want to help.’
*.*
Lord Black,
Please come to my home at your earliest convenience, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. This is time sensitive, I shall await your arrival.
Lord Malfoy.
‘It seems I am being summoned. I must go, I will return as soon as I can.’
‘Summoned? By whom?’ Arthur Weasley inquires.
‘Lord Malfoy.’
‘Did he say why?’
‘No but it is urgent and time sensitive…. I wonder what it could be.’
‘May I join you? It was recommended that I seek Lord Malfoy’s assistance in some legal matters.’
‘I don’t see why not.’
‘Kreacher we are going out. If anyone asks, we will be back soon.’
‘Yes, Master.’
Both men walk to the floo.
‘Siri? I swear, I heard him a moment ago. Kreacher, where is Sirius?’
‘Lords Black and Weasley went out shortly after receiving post.’
‘This letter? Hmm I wonder what the Malfoys need. No matter. Thank you Kreacher.’
The elf bows slightly then pops away.
Bill and Charlie enter the room. ‘Have you seen dad?’
‘I’m guessing he is with Siri at Malfoy Manor.’
‘Why?’
‘No clue. Have the twins left for work yet?’
‘Yea they went early because they can’t stand waiting around. Wanted to be doing something productive. How is Regulus?’
‘He is mending. His body is fighting the healing process, I’m sure there will be a change soon.’
‘Have you ever seen anything like this before?’
‘No, and I hope I never have to see it again…’ Andy trails off realizing that there were many more items on the shelf she took Regulus from.
‘Something on your mind?’
‘Reg was not the only item on that shelf. Siri said that Reg's memories confirmed that there are others. I hope they get treated soon. Who knows how the transformation affected the others.’
‘Meaning?’
‘The Black family has always been strong of will. Can you say the same about every other family?’
‘No.. Are you saying others may have lost their minds?’
‘Or worse. This could cause severe spell damage to anyone not able to handle the solitude. Were there also psychological factors? We may not know until the others are found and freed.’
‘That is a lot to have on your mind. Are you going to be ok?’
‘I will be fine. For now can you keep an eye on things? I need to head over to St. Mungos, I need to discuss some things with a few colleagues.’
‘We will take care of everything here. Go ahead.’
‘Thank you both. I will return as soon as I can.’
*.*