Safe Working Conditions
Gary was walking around the dungeon of Hogwarts, considering what else he could change at Hogwarts.
To be honest, he was mostly meddling for his own amusement at this point. There were so many things that could be changed but there was also much to be said for tradition.
He had already taken delivery of the creatures he would be using for various lessons. His personal library had been "delivered" – he had mostly cheated in that respect.
Most of the subjects taught at Hogwarts were being taught at an acceptable level – except perhaps History of Magic. He still didn't know what he would do about Binns, if anything.
Suddenly, he was at the door of the Potions lab. His mind still a bit distracted, he casually unlocked the door with a thought and entered into the room.
Looking around, his smile started growing. Very quickly, he rushed out of the dungeon and traveled …
Gary looked at where he was now. Needing more time than he had available, Gary had moved to a different dimension. He planned on returning just after he left.
This particular world was one he had been to before. Here he had assisted Severus Snape when he became the Potions Professor (Lone Traveler: The Slytherin Chronicles).
He had deliberately moved himself to a point after his alternate would have attended but where he could still find Severus easily – assuming he was still at Hogwarts: June 1999.
Gary went to Gringotts and made arrangements for another interdimensional connection to his bank – he needed funds and he had work to do.
Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin House, Potions Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and recently made Deputy Headmaster was cheerfully eating his lunch at the Head Table.
With Albus deciding to retire and travel, Minerva McGonagall had finally been made Headmistress and he had been the almost unanimous choice by the remaining staff as the new Deputy.
He was known as being utterly strict regarding necessary discipline but also utterly fair when it came to inter-house situations.
It was with only mild surprise that he noticed a postal owl landing in front of him and presenting its leg to deliver a message. He said, "Thank you," to the owl even as he pushed some small bits of meat forward as a reward. The Owl eagerly ate the items and took off.
"What you got there, Sevvie?" he heard coming from his left side.
Severus rolled his eyes at his former teenage rival and long time friend and collaborator, Sirius Black. Sirius had accepted the position of Tranfiguration Professor when McGonagall became Headmistress. The fact that his children were set to start attending had nothing to do with that.
"I don't know, Sirius. Give me a chance to read it." He glanced over and saw the irrepressible grin that his fellow Professor wore. His lips twitched – he really had become close to the man he had formerly loathed with a passion.
Upon reading the letter, Severus' eyes widened. After completing it, he took on a very thoughtful look. "Well? What is it?"
He glanced over to Sirius. "Do you think you can make arrangements for you and the Wolf to join me for a private lunch on Saturday? It will likely take a bit of time so you will have to clear it with the wives."
Sirius shrugged. "Shouldn't be a problem. Where are we going?"
"We are going to meet an old friend at the Leaky Cauldron."
"Who?"
Severus smirked and answered so that only Padfoot could hear, "The Traveler."
It was Sirius' turn for his eyes to widen to the size of dinner plates.
It was Saturday at noon, the first Saturday after Hogwarts year finished and three men made their way into the Leaky Cauldron.
Seeing their quarry, the moved quickly to join him. Remember the name he used, Severus said, "Gary Seven. It has been quite a long time since you've visited."
"Hello, folks. It's good to be back. Tom's got me a private room. I thought we'd catch up before talking about why I came."
The four were soon being served a decent lunch by Tom and he withdrew.
"So, what's been happening since I helped you take over Slytherin House?" Gary asked.
For the next while, the three men filled Gary in on what had been happening in the last 17 or so years. All in all, Gary decided, these had done well for themselves and the world looked in good shape.
Sirius finally asked, "And what kind of stories do you have for us?"
Gary smirked and said, "First I should mention: I was promoted."
The three looked a bit confused at that. Remus asked, "Promoted? What does that mean?"
"Well, instead of a Wizard being moved from World to World I've been given a bit more control at times. It's what allowed me to come here. And then there's that other thing."
"The other thing?" Severus asked.
Gary's face took on a full-on grin. "Yes. I was made a God."
The three looked at him in shock. Sirius finally exclaimed, "A GOD! How did THAT happen?"
Gary replied, "I happened into a dimension where the local Powers That Be had their little world off from Divine influence – the Creator was not pleased. Using a bit of the Power I'd already been given, along with some intuitive leaps, and the help of the local hero as well as a whole crapload of Religious leaders, I broke the barrier. The Creator, as a reward, elevated me and gave me carte blanche to do that dimension over – as long as the guilty had all their hard work destroyed."
Sirius whistled. "Damn. Not an easy gig. What kind of God are you?"
Gary smiled. "You are looking at Marek Ilumian, Fury of the Light, Patron God of Free Will and a God of Knowledge and Travel."
"Congratulations," was Severus comment. Remus echoed that.
Sirius had a peculiar look. "That's nice. But couldn't you have been a God of Pranks? Or maybe sex?"
Sirius' friends rolled their eyes even as Gary laughed. "I do alright with those."
Sirius latched onto that one. "Really? Do tell!"
Gary chuckled at that. "I'm not going to go into details – even if they aren't here it's not respectful to be telling tales regarding a Lady's virtue, but I will say: If you ever have a sexual encounter with a Veela Matriarch – best to have stamina and energy potions on hand or she will use you up and throw you out." (Trysts of the Lone Traveler HPFanFicArchive story 1690 Ch 7)
Sirius' eyes were wide. "You had a Veela Matriarch?"
Gary nodded. "As she said to me after a particular point in our tryst: Veela are sex. I have no problem agreeing with her about that."
"Wow!" Sirius said. "I'm jealous!"
Remus rolled his eyes as Severus' mouth twitched. "You're a happily married man, Padfoot!"
"I know! But still – a Veela Matriarch …." It was obvious that Sirius' imagination was running wild.
Gary smirked and watched as he said, "I think the only time that compared was Branwen." (Trysts of the Lone Traveler HPFanFicArchive story 1690 Ch 8)
Remus asked, curious, "Branwen?"
Severus was thinking. "Where have I heard that name before?"
Sirius was also thinking furiously. He was the one who suddenly stopped and gasped. "Branwen, Sister of Bran?" Gary nodded. "As in the Celtic Goddess of Love and Beauty Branwen?"
Gary nodded, his smirk obvious. "Oooh. Padfoot does remember some of his Pureblood education!"
As the remaining Marauders looked at him in amazement, Severus only reply was, "Now I'm feeling jealous. A Veela sounds wonderful – but not truly unobtainable. But a Goddess is a different matter altogether."
"It was fun. It's not much different than bedding a wife or human lover. They just have a bit more stamina and instinctual knowledge. I won't give details because, as I said it's disrespectful, but with one particular thing Branwen went from complete novice to expert in the space of about ten minutes. I was happy to be the one she practiced with, let me tell you."
Severus finally said, "I will not even try to imagine. I am quite happy with my wife and that is what I shall concentrate on as regards this subject. Now, you said you needed my assistance?"
Gary nodded. "Yes! I am designing the perfect Potions preparation station."
"I don't understand."
"Okay. I have taken the position of Hogwarts Defense Professor in 1975 in the dimension I am currently working on. I am going to prepare the world to defeat Voldemort while having fun improving Hogwarts and other things. I've already created a Masters' Library to hold all the restricted books which allows those who are truly working to improve things to study them and preventing those with malicious intent from accessing it – ever. That's to head off Albus' tendency to try to keep information hidden so it can't be misused. I've already handled a number of curses and even the Defense curse – Voldemort is not aware of that yet and won't be until the next professor lasts more than a year.
"I have set up a plan for Hogwarts to fund improvements on a regular basis using only what is available. I am going to try to knock some sense into your younger selves and their classmates – that will be my ongoing assignment.
"But, I have a hobby: Building things. I like to build the future. So I am going to redo Sluggy's classroom so that is the best Potions Classroom in any world. And I need advice to ensure I don't miss anything."
"How much time do you have?" Severus asked curiously.
"That's the beauty of it! I can take the time I need to plan and put things together here and I will have a few days to install things. I have access to an effectively unlimited budget. So I need ideas."
Severus looked at Gary for a long moment and then said, "Let me speak to my compatriots here for a moment."
Gary shrugged and said, "Sure. I'll go get more butterbeers."
Gary left them furiously talking under a privacy ward. He could have listened in but he did have some respect for privacy.
Having taken a good ten minutes deliberately, Gary returned with the refreshments and sat down.
Severus glanced at Sirius and Remus and then back to Gary. "I will do as you ask. But I expect something in return."
"Certainly! That's only fair. What do you want?"
With a victorious smile Severus replied, "I want detailed instructions on the improvements you've already made in addition to the method you plan to use to ensure Hogwarts has a continuing budget for improvements on a regular basis. And instead of just working out a plan, since you have effectively as much time as you need, we will create this Potions classroom here this summer, funded by your effectively unlimited budget. Just to make certain we have it right, of course."
Gary took a long look at Severus and then laughed. "I forgot! I should have remembered that you were the Head of Slytherin for a reason! You have yourself a deal. Of course, you'll have to give up any vacation plans – or make certain they won't interfere. We'll only have these two and a half-months."
"Acceptable. Where do we begin?"
Gary grinned. "We begin where most Muggles begin when planning out a construction project: The Home Depot." With their confused looks, Gary added, "A store for Muggles who build things. I don't know if they have them here in Britain yet, but a trip across the pond is simple for me and those I bring. Actually – we need to clear out the Potion's classroom first. Then we'll know what we have to work with."
Over that summer, Severus – with occasional assistance from the Mauraders and others – worked with Gary to build this perfect environment.
The first step was to entirely clear out the room and to patch every crack, nook, and cranny. Using a combination of Muggle and Magical means, they ensured that the room was entirely free of any residue.
Severus had to design and brew a few potions that could be used as cleaning agents to ensure no volatile reactions to potions residue. Gary promised that he would ensure that the formula was patented and the proceeds made their way to his younger self in the world he was planning for.
Once that was done, Muggle pipes and plating was put down to regulate the temperature of the floor. Each piece was protected with runes so that it would not wear out or be damaged. These were fed by a magically modified set of water valves which created hot and cold water and which would then vanish it at the end of the loop. This would be kept magically charged by Hogwarts environment. The floor was flattened with leveling cement over the heating tubes and an epoxy coating was put down. Finally, it was charmed to be truly impenetrable by potions spilling. The heating system still worked – they tested to make certain.
There was also a magically modified air system which would push fresh air through a radiator-like set of controls. The difference was that, once again, the water used to modify the temperature was created and vanished magically, making it a fully self-contained system.
The temperature of the room was controlled by a Muggle-made thermostat that used absolutely no electricity. The temperature was taken by elements that would expand or contract according to the temperature and it being charmed to be invulnerable did not affect this. The flow of hot or cold water through the air handlers was directly by the thermostat and not the manual valves which could be shut off in an emergency.
Even the hottest day of summer was overcome by the new magical air conditioning system. It was assumed that the cold of winter was also controllable as such systems were already in use by Muggles.
To reduce the amount of open flames other than those used to brew the potions, instead of magical torches, LED lighting imported from Universe A3 was put into the room. Severus was the only one that was told it was Muggle lighting that was modified to be used in a magical environment. The local Gringotts was more than happy to fund the improvements at Hogwarts in exchange for the local franchise on Magical LED lighting that Gary helped negotiate.
This system was becoming the commodity of choice for dealing with each new Gringotts location that he assisted in connecting to the Interdimensional network. It helped prevent too many minerals and metals from being displaced from one world to another in the form of Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
At the suggestion of Marek Ilumian, 1st Interdimensional tried to keep a balance of material trades between different universes. When he had brought what was effectively a ton of paper in the form of books from one dimension, 1st Interdimensional had brought about a ton of waste paper back to be put into the Muggle recycling system.
When something was placed just to be held but eventually returned, they did not take this extra step. But when something was imported or exported permanently, an equivalent amount of raw material was returned to ensure no imbalances on the Dimensional level.
Luckily, things like sand, wood pulp, and manufacturing waste was cheap and easy to find and easily transported using magic.
When possible, 1st Interdimensional tried to get the raw material needed for manufacturing from the world it would eventually go to. This negated the need to collect and transport waste and such things.
Gary's account manager had been mightily amused by the story of replacing the biomass of a thousands and thousands of witches, wizards, goblins and magical creatures from one world with an equivalent biomass of pests, rodents, and other undesirable living things to the dimension they were fleeing. They also considered it appropriate revenge for the actions of the non-magicals there.
1st Interdimensional also started researching, with the help of the various universes it connected with, ways to cheaply reclaim carbon from the air as a source of balance material. That the system they eventually came up with also allowed a control over the greenhouse gas effects on the worlds where it was put into use was an added bonus.
In various dimensions, the massive ongoing work by the Magicals to help the entire Earth smoothed the way when the various Magical communities were eventually no longer able to hide. With such a situation, it was extremely inadvisable to destroy something that was deemed by scientists the world over as absolutely vital to the world.
The recovered carbon was also a new source of energy and manufacturing when fossil fuels sources began to dry up, as well as for fertilizers for growing enough to feed the world.
Gary and Severus, with Sirius tagging along for comic effect, were perusing Muggle stores that sold stainless steel countertops and stoves.
"So Severus, can these surfaces be given runes that will make them invulnerable to potion spills or reactions with different ingredients?"
Stainless steel was a new material to Severus. Even though he had grown up a Muggle, he had never considered it for the purposes of potions preparations.
"We would have to test it. It looks like it would work – but I would prefer to make certain."
Gary nodded. He immediately purchased one stainless steel countertop with built in stove and had it taken to the truck he had rented to blend in with the Muggles.
A week was spent trying different rune sequences and also modifying the Muggle burners to something that was more familiar to Wizards and Witches.
The raised edges of the countertops would also decrease the chances of potions spilling onto the floor.
Once they had a countertop with stove elements that was as close to perfect as they could get, Gary started working on a way to draw the fumes away and the residue banished.
Severus and Gary devised a system that under normal circumstances would gently draw the air up to a stainless steel hood which would then magically banish potions residue.
However, they also added a panic button. In an emergency, the hood would increase the pull on the air a hundredfold and the residue would be contained by the station where an overly-fuming accident happened. In addition, an explosion that was magically detected would automatically turn on this feature.
In addition to containing the residue a small ward covering the area above the burners and no more would activate. The ward was based on the bubble head charm but reversed: All oxygen would be drawn out to quell any flame.
When they were done, there were places for twenty individual students or forty paired students to work on potions.
Also, there were risers available to ensure that any student, even one of Flitwicks size, could stand and work at the station comfortably. Stools for students to sit on during lectures were available and fit underneath the countertops. It was deemed safer for students to be standing during brewing so that they could retreat in an emergency.
With a few cabinets specifically designed for glassware, ingredients, and other potions related items, as well as places for the Professor to store books and other things, the new Potions classroom was as good as it could be made.
Gary had a detailed list of material, modifications, wards, spells, and everything needed to set this up in the other world.
The Wizarding Examination Authority as well as the former Headmaster were invited to inspect the room to ensure that nothing was missing. In addition, Madam Pomfrey was also there – the methods to reduce potions-based injuries was a matter of her interest.
Those who came were uttered speechless by the difference from what had been there previously. Gary was under a God-level notice me not charm as he watched the inspection. Severus took everyone through every feature and, finally, demonstrated both the successful brewing of a potion and a "Longbottom Special" level of accident.
Neville Longbottom apparently was still famous for potions accidents even if he was otherwise a well-respected and powerful wizard.
The room passed with flying colors. The anonymous donation story was accepted as well. Dumbledore, as an accomplished Alchemist, was the most impressed.
Leaving Severus to deal with the visiting Headmaster, he traveled back to the world he was currently working on but earlier in time. He acquired all of the materials needed from that world where available and brought them back to the world he was working out of.
Severus helped him create the delivery package and account for the materials which would have to be gotten for the proper balancing. While Gary wasn't planning on using Gringotts dimensional links, he followed his own ideas when possible. The items that were not available were the newer Muggle countertops – they would have to be specially manufactured by Wizards if other institutions like St. Mungo's wanted to set up a similar potions lab. Also the tubing used by the floor heating system was also too new to find in the 1970s, but Gary found a contemporary alternative.
Gary retrieved one more thing from Severus before saying his farewells to those he was leaving behind. He was invited to come back whenever he liked. Gary knew it was unlikely – that world was well on its way. But, you didn't know until it happened so he said nothing on the matter.
Albus was sitting at his desk doing even more paperwork that was necessary for the beginning of the year when there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" he called.
His newest professor entered and Albus stood with a smile. "Ah, Garrick. What can I do for you today?" He motioned the man into one of the chairs.
Gary sat down and said, "Well, I need a few things."
"Oh?"
"I need you to get Professor Slughorn out of Hogwarts for one week and I need your approval to hire students to come and work on a project that will take one week."
Albus paused for a moment and then asked, "Is there a reason for these things?"
Gary grinned. "I'm going to do for the Potions classroom what I did for the Library. With the help of a Potions Master I have designed improvements that should reduce potion-accident-related injuries to almost nothing, while making it the best classroom for teaching potions in the world."
Albus was flabbergasted. "And the cost …"
Gary smirked. "Anonymous donations."
Albus chuckled. "You are truly attempting to put your stamp on Hogwarts while you are here."
"Well, true. But once again, you have to take credit for the plans. I'm only here a year and few people know me. I guarantee that you will absolutely love the changes I make. And not just as a Headmaster but as an alchemist of some repute."
Albus' eyes twinkled as he said, "I suppose I can finance a week to gather ingredients on the continent from the Discretionary Fund. How soon will you be ready to start?"
"Just as soon as you give me a list of NEWT level students who love potions or plan to become builders. Plus the address for one Severus Snape, whom I am reliably informed is somewhat of a prodigy at potions as well."
Albus' eyebrows rose. "You are aware of the boy's reputation?"
"Somewhat unsociable with an interest in Dark Arts, regularly conflicting with a group of Gryffindor boys over the stupidest of things, including but not limited to teenage hormones? I have no idea what you are talking about."
Albus' mouth dropped and then he laughed. "I see you have made yourself at least somewhat acquainted with the students who you will be teaching. I do worry about that boy's … leanings."
"Well, call it a personal project. This is one of those times that you have someone who has personal problems which cause bad decisions. I will warn you now: I have plans to curb the targeting of particular students from others from my posting as Defense Professor. While I enjoy a prank much as the next, you allow far too much from those who come from 'respectable families' and ignore the true harm they sometimes do. The first time these Marauders perform a malicious prank without provocation, they shall experience the result of such decisions."
Albus took on a serious look. "And what do you plan to do?"
Gary grinned. "Well, since they 'love pranking' so much, I plan to …." Gary explained in detail the prank he had already planned and exactly why. He also explained what would be needed for it to be countered. After a moment Albus, who had been seriously worried that his Defense Professor would take it too far, laughed quite loudly.
"As loath as I am to admit it, you perhaps have a point about what we allow. Your planned response is, if I may say, entirely appropriate given the circumstances you describe. And I always did love Baum."
"Yes. I also plan to re-educate Snape. Oh – and I want you to hire his mother as a special assistant on the Lost and Found project and allow one house elf who would be happier with a family to be released to serve the Snapes."
"And why is this?"
"Because, from my investigations if she is allowed to remain trapped in her loveless marriage with an abusive Muggle, you will have a dead witch on your hands and one of your students will be lost to the Dark." Gary said this with perfect seriousness. "While I plan no breaking of the law, I will not allow atrocities to continue. By this time next week, the Muggle who regularly abuses his family will be out of the picture and thousands of miles away. With a two-year separation, a divorce will become possible in the Muggle world. And a woman currently in despair will have new and much better options. And a boy will no longer have to witness an abomination."
Albus sat back and sighed. "While I am firmly against meddling in the lives of my students and their personal lives (Gary snorted internally) I cannot in good conscience prevent anyone else from taking action. And since you propose nothing illegal, I have no grounds to protest." He smiled. "And since Mrs. Snape lives in the Muggle world even if she is a Pureblood, she will have some sense of how to navigate as necessary to achieve the desired results with the detritus that Hogwarts has collected these many centuries. You have my permission. She will earn 80 Galleons a week – 400 pounds – plus five percent of whatever profits are realized from the sale of items formerly considered too old or damaged to use. She will be responsible for ensuring that items whose owners can be located are returned to them or their descendants."
Gary nodded. "Quite acceptable. Since she will be operating in the Muggle world, she will retain her residence there, but perhaps the house elves can ready a room or two for the use of mother and son when she is staying over?"
Albus nodded. "I will have them ready by this evening."
Gary nodded and moved to leave. Before he left, Albus Dumbledore said, "You are going good things and I do appreciate it." Gary nodded in thanks for the sentiment.