Life Changing

That Monday, he finally heard from Ron about the potion. Draco was playing in his room while he took the firecall.

“So what’s the verdict?” Harry asked.

“They have definitely confirmed that it was a de-aging potion. The reason it exploded was that the ingredients reacted badly to each other when one of Draco’s hairs accidently fell in. They say that an anti-dote is not possible without more research.” Ron said.

“Figures. Did you let Hermione in on the puzzle?” Harry asked.

“Yeah, she’s already on it.” Ron said seriously. “I won’t see her for days, thanks to this.”

“Are there any other options?” Asked Harry.

“Not unless you know another world famous potions master.” Ron replied.

“Well… I know of one, but he might not talk to me. He is just a portrait now.” Harry said.

“Good luck with that mate. I wouldn’t want to go see him. I had enough of his glare during our time at Hogwarts. You will have to see if McGonagall will let you talk to him though.”

“I’m sure I won’t have a problem.” Harry said. “I have to at least try.”

“It’s your funeral.” Ron said.

“He’s not that bad. Sure was tough on us, but in the end he protected us. He saved my life. He told me what I needed to know to win against Voldemort. He won us the war.” Harry admitted.

“Yeah whatever. He’s still a git.” Ron muttered. “Later mate. Good luck.” And the floo went dead.

He sent a quick letter with Sirius to McGonagall asking to visit with Professor Snape’s portrait. He received a reply that night saying he could come any time. She wasn’t sure that he would talk to him, but she would love to speak with him in person.

“How would you like to come with me to Hogwarts tomorrow?” Harry asked Draco after dinner that night.

“I can visit Hogwarts? That sounds fantastic. It’s supposed to be the best wizarding school in Great Britain.” Draco said.

Harry smiled. “It is. I miss it there.”

Harry sent a quick note accepting McGonagall’s offer, and letting her know that he would bringing Draco with him. Explaining the potions accident, so that she wouldn’t be surprised by his age.

The next day they floo’d over to the Headmistress’ office. “Hello Headmistress.” He greeted her as they stepped out of the floo.

“Hello Harry, and you must be Draco. I’m Headmistress McGonagall.” She introduced herself.

“Hello.” Draco replied.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here Harry. Please have a seat. Tea or biscuit?” She asked.

“No thank you.” Harry replied.

“Can I have a biscuit?” Draco asked.

“Of course.” McGonagall said, and offered him one.

They sat in front of her desk. Harry took in her office. Gone were the trinkets that Dumbledore collected. He saw the man sleeping behind her. He didn’t see Professor Snape though.

“So, how are things?” McGonagall asked.

“Good. I’m on my way to become head Auror.” Harry admitted.

“I always knew that you would be a great Auror Harry.” She said.

“Thanks.” Harry blushed.

“How are you young Draco?” McGonagall asked.

“Good. Harry has been taking care of me.” Draco said.

“That’s good to hear.” McGonagall said.

 “Where is he?” Harry asked.

“In the dungeons, he asked to be in the potions classroom, I couldn’t deny his request. I know he belongs up here with the other Headmaster’s, but he wouldn’t listen. You know how he is. Luckily right now it’s lunch time so all the kids are in the Great Hall.”

“How would you like it if I give you a small tour while Harry goes to talk to someone real quick?” McGonagall asked Draco.

 “Sure.” Draco said.

Harry mouthed ‘Thank you’ over his head when he hugged him. “I will be back as soon as I can.”

Draco nodded.

Harry quickly made his way down to the dungeons. He found Professor Snape’s portrait in the old potions classroom.

“Hello Professor.” He greeted him.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company Mr. Potter?” Professor Snape’s portrait asked.

“There was a potion’s accident. I need your help.” Harry confessed.

“Of course you do. What did you do?” Professor Snape accused.

“I didn’t do anything. I was investigating a case of an exploded Apothecary and found a young child, who turned out to be a five year old Draco Malfoy.” Harry snapped.

“My Godson?! What happened?” The Professor asked.

“He was trying to make a complex de-aging potion when one of his hairs fell in making the ingredients react violently and explode covering him in it. Our potions masters say there is nothing they can do, but I am hoping you can tell me differently.” Harry said.

“You listened to those idiots?” Professor Snape asked.

“Well, yeah.” Harry admitted.

“Those dunderheads wouldn’t know the difference between Wolfbane and a basic love potion.” Professor Snape said.

“Can you help then sir?” Harry asked.

“Of course I can Mr. Potter. The counter potion is very complex and must be taken in four doses over three months. He will age about 6 years each time except for the first dose, which prepares him for the aging process. This will take about a week to create. I can help you do this. You must follow my explicit direction. Are you willing to do that Mr. Potter?” Snape asked.

“Of course.” Harry said.

“Let’s get started then.” Snape assumed.

Harry nodded quickly gathering the items Professor Snape was giving him. He set up a small cauldron and added in the necessary ingredients.

After two hours of work, Snape said. “Adequate work Mr. Potter. It seems you have some talent that you did not possess while in school.”

“Yeah, well, I really want this to work. I had hard time focusing in Potions, because I thought you hated me and I didn’t care about them back them as much as I do now.” Harry said.

“I didn’t hate you. I had to protect you and myself by acting how I did.” He replied.

“Yeah I know. I understand.” Harry said.

“Come back tomorrow, and I want to see my Godson, bring him with you.” Snape said.

Harry nodded and left to bring Draco home. They spent the rest of the day talking about what Draco saw on his tour of Hogwarts. Headmistress McGonagall even turned into cat for him! He would have to let Robards and Ron know about the new development.

Harry returned the next day with Draco in tow down to the dungeons.

“Uncle Sev!” Draco exclaimed when he saw Snape.

“Uncle Sev?” Harry asked chuckling.

“Yes.” With a pointed glare at Harry, who stopped chuckling. “Hi young Draco, I hope Mr. Potter here has been taking care of you well.”

“Yes he has. He is very nice. Not like Father.” Draco admitted.

“Good to know he’s good at something.” Snape said.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Shall we start?”

Snape nodded. He gave out more directions and Harry added a few more ingredients.

Snape chatted with Draco for an hour after.

The rest of the week went the same. Harry would bring Draco to Hogwarts. They would venture to the Potions classroom to add more ingredients to the potion and Draco got to talk to his Godfather. Then they would go home, eat, play and read together. On Saturday, the potion was finally ready.

“Okay Mr. Potter, now pour the potion into four separate vials, make sure they are as even as possible.” Snape instructed.

Harry nodded and poured the potion as carefully as he could into four vials.

“Give one to Draco now. Then once every month, for the next three doses. If it works, by the end he will be the right age.” Snape said.

“Will he remember what happened?” Harry asked.

“He might. It is unsure. If there are any complications do not hesitate to come back here to talk to me.” Snape said.

“Thanks. Draco, I need you to drink this okay?” Harry said.

Draco looked at Professor Snape for reassurance, who said. “Trust me Draco, the potion looks like the right color and I instructed him through the whole process. It’s going to help you get back to yourself.”

Draco nodded. He took the vial from Harry and gulped it in one go.

“How will we know if it took affect?” Harry asked, seeing no difference in Draco.

“We won’t until the next dose. When you give it to him, give it before bed time, so that he will change overnight.” Snape instructed.

Harry nodded.

“Can I still come see you?” Draco asked his Godfather.

“Of course young Draco. As often as you wish.” He replied.

Harry smiled. “Whenever you want to come see him, just ask. I am sure Headmistress McGonagall will allow me to bring you back as often as you would like.”

Draco clapped his hands in joy. Harry breathed a sigh of relief that the potion didn’t seem to have an adverse reaction. He would see if it worked next month. The next few months were going to be long and strenuous.