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“And what happened to Frankenstein? Oh yes, he died.” Mary Shelley tale was of course, fictional, and a veiled metaphor for the industrial revolution, but still it stuck. They had lost too many people in the war, and Severus didn’t want to lose Amelia, no matter how much he pretended not to care. “You mean like the inferi? I’ve seen them, Amelia.” Sometimes they still haunted his dreams. He wanted to trust her, but trust wasn’t something that came easily to Severus Snape.Â
“Not everything is worthwhile because it’s free. Sometimes you do get what you pay for, especially when something is free.” He was certainly dubious at the very least. No doubt most of the entrails she got for free were rancid. “I might know of an apothecary willing to help you out. They specialise more in the non-herbal ingredients. They might have some going spare from time to time…” Turning back to the cauldron, he crushed the berries between his fingers and dropped them into the potion. “It’s not as if I can casually put up notices around, can I? Wanted: willing lycanthropes. Oh yes, there would be a queue round the corner. God, where’s Lupin when you need him? He was always willing…. I don’t have the funds to pay test subjects and you know it.”
Amelia snorted and gave him an amused smirk, even if the otherwise deadpan expression called for any other reception but a smile. Much as he didn’t admit it, she had a gut feeling that deep down, Severus considered her a friend too, and friends were allowed to pick at one another. The thought of the war, though, soured it slightly, and she sighed. “Since when have you seen inferi? I wasn’t aware you had the opportunity. In either case, they’re not quite like that--not so hell bent on destruction. More like... mindless beings that will do simple tasks, or a closer way to study anatomy.” Or, yes, evil deeds like the inferi, but Amelia didn’t feel that would help her case at the moment.
“I’m aware, thank you.” Of course she knew she wouldn’t get guaranteed quality if she accepted free supplies, but she didn’t exactly come across the pond with all of her inheritance. Diggery and his family needed the money more to keep their farm well-stocked and daughter cared for, so Amelia grabbed enough to get her to America and let her afford to live comfortably enough. No more riches for Miss Bones. “If you could connect me with the apothecary, I’d appreciate it. That could be useful.” Her eye brows furrowed about halfway through Severus’ sarcastic drawl. “Wait, wait--are you suggesting that Remus is a werewolf?” Amelia paused. “That... actually makes a bit of sense. In any case, not everyone takes payments in funds only. Favors can be cashed, or a potion could be made--think outside of the box, Severus.”











