Prodigies can fall deep

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy was looking at the pages before her. It were pages full of scribbles and notes. Pages with advice and instructions. Half opened books were laying around her as well. A cauldron was bubbling in the midst of everything.

Alright it was time to try it. She looked at the little piece of hard rock in her hand. She had been trying to get a hold on this for quite a time. Professor Snape had had none and he told her it was a rare ingredient. She asked around the elders and found a teen telling her he would be able to get her ingredient for a bit of help with some work.

Today it was finally the moment where she would be one step closer to be on par with Nicolas Flamel! Oh she was so excited!

She had set up a little laboratory in the dungeons safe away from moat people. She knew from Mr. Filch that these were “unfortunately” unused as students weren’t punished anymore.

She put the ingredient in. Normally the potion would bubble a bit and slowly turn turquoise. However the potion bubble more and more and Sandy hadn’t even time to duck down as a loud BANG could be heard through the dungeons...

[Matt_Bradock]

Severus Snape was in his quarters, preparing for next day's lecture, nose deep in a think, large, old-looking book, taking notes for class. Mental notes - he never would allow himself to stoop so low to look at some piece of paper in the middle of the class he was supposed to be the unchallenged master of, in this institution.
That's where Madam Pomfrey reached him.
- Severus, there has been an incident. A student came under effect of a potion we can't identify. The effects are... unique. - she said in a worried voice.
Snape looked up from his book, and seeing her expression, he clenched his teeth and started packing his antidote kit together.
- Who's the student? How severe is her condition? - he asked, as he went through the several components, and even grabbed a bezoar. While he generally considered such a cheap jack-of-all-trades antidote below him, sometimes a quick reaction was required, and this might just be one such occasion.
- I presume they have been taken to the infirmary already? - he asked, having readied his black bag with all the tools needed to decipher whatever she came under the effect of, and followed the Matron to the Hospital Wing.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Luckily indeed someone did find the student. However she sure didn’t look like a student but more like a 7 year old.

Sandy was laying in bed at the infirmary, not knowing how she looked and what had happened yet.
She had opened her eyes a bit as Madame Pomfrey had checked her first but fell back into unconsciousness.

As she heard a familiar, deep voice she woke up and with a small voice uttered:”Prof. Snape?” She did frown a bit. That’s not her voice was it? She managed to sit up but did feel something wet under her. She looked down at herself and saw her little body now! W..what???

She looked up at the two adults in panic. What was going on here?

[Matt_Bradock]

If she thought she was in trouble, she was wrong. But the moment Snape arrived to the room, wearing his typical expression of stern, unimpressed disappointment, she was in trouble.
- Alexandra Smith. I should have known. - If he as at all impressed or surprised by her condition, namely, looking like a 6-year-old who just wet the bed, he was not showing any of that. Then again, it was hard to ever impress Severus Snape.
- Did anyone recover her cauldron? - he asked, while examining the girl up close.
- At least now your appearance resembles the maturity you have displayed by conducting your experiments regardless having been warned repeatedly not to. - he stared her down.
- I will make sure to be outstandingly creative when I decide your punishment. But first, what ingredients were you using? - he asked, still being pragmatic, while he started unpacking his tools.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy cringed as she heard her full name. Nuh! She couldn’t say anything as the Professor scolded her. He did then ask about the ingredient. “I read up on everything sir! I studied Flamel’s notes in every detail and I used the exact amount of ingredients. It all went wrong when I added the Fire Salts.” She whined and looked up to him, trying to hide her wet mess.

Madame Pomfrey got a piece of cauldron and a vial of a bit of potion they had managed to find.
Sandy nearly whined more as she heard about a possible punishment.

[Matt_Bradock]

- Did I hear Flamel? - he looked at her even more stern, if that was possible.
- Pray tell, who gave you access to the restricted section of the library? - he asked the obviously rhetorical question. No one. She must have snuck in there.
- Fire salts you say? - he asked, and examined the leftover cauldron, as well as the vial. He uncorked a small alembic, and poured a few drops if the liquid into it, then, giving it a bit of thought, he reached for a vial of faint red indicator and mixed a few drops into it.
- Interesting. - Snape murmured as the mixture turned purple, and reached for a second vial, this time, its contents a transparent yellow. A few drops, and pink smoke started to emit from the fluid inside.
- Someone tampered with the ingredient you used, but of course, if you had proper training in its usage, which you didn't, you could have recognized it. It's a rather disgusting curse, used as a sick little prank by certain students. Paired with the effects of your malfunctioning concoction, I'm afraid the situation is worse than you can imagine. - he said, staring Sandy down again, but then turned to Madam Pomfrey.
- I identified the effects, but I'm going to need more time in order to create an antidote. For the meantime, besides the obvious rejuvenation effect, she has been affected with an incontinence curse. You need to put her in diapers, and outfit appropriate for an infant, with matching mittens locked onto her hands. The reason is, if she wears or touches anything inappropriate for a toddler, she will be completely unable to control her bowel or bladder. Seems like I do not need to come up with a suitable punishment, as she has already received it. - he looked back at the little girl, and now, for a split moment, maybe there was a very slight hint of a smile in the corner of his mouth.
- Place her in a private room, no visitors other than me. It needs to be appropriately equipped, supplied and furnished to accomodate her condition. I'll inform the headmaster. - he packed his equipment, and left poor Sandy on her wet bed, heading straight out of the Hospital Wing, while Madam Pomfrey and the nurses got to work.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy teared the more Snape found out and told Madame Pomfrey of her fate. Thick tears ran down her cheeks as she sobbed a few times. Had she only checked twice! Had she only not trusted that student! Stupid! Stupid!

She found herself getting swaddled and dressed up as Snape had instructed. She looked at her mittens and growled slightly. What a mess! She couldn’t even fight back or do anything but was forced to let this humilation be endured. The nurses did coo and mentioned how cute she looked in her diapers and little mittens. She was finally sat in a huge play pen. At least it looked so huge. She managed to stand up but only reached half the bars. “Where is the Professor? I still need to talk to him!” She squeaked

[Matt_Bradock]

Soon enough, indeed she found herself in a nursery, sitting in a playpen, wearing a thick diaper, a pink short sleeved onesie with little pegasi on it, and booties and mittens locked onto her feet and hands. This was to make sure she can't touch anything that would make her wet and mess herself uncontrollably. The most insidious part of the baby curse was, that in order not to have the bladder and bowel control of a toddler, she had to dress exactly like one.
I took Snape at least one more hour to show up. And when he did, he wasn't happy.
- I hear you demonstrated your immaturity once more, whining for me like your age matched your attire, Miss Smith. - he said right as he entered, looking up the little girl to check if her attire was sufficient.
- At least the staff is competent, and did a satisfying job providing you with appropriate outfits and furniture. - he nodded in approval, then pulled a chair next to the playpen and sat down.
- I'm sure you have questions, so, here is your chance to ask them. Maybe this lesson will teach you to also listen, and heed the answers, whether you like them or not. - he noted, in his usual patronizing tone.

[Barbossasdaughter]

“I’m not immature! I just look like it!” She said poutingly. Her little lip pushed outwards. Even if she tried hard not to look the part, her body sure wasn’t cooperating.

She couldn’t really properly grab the bars. “Why the silly clothes? I can certainly dress better and still not touch anything not for a toddler! I’m just looking like one!” She uttered. “How can I even participate in class like this?” She was still sure she could totally do everything like normally, except for a change of height and age. But that was no problem...or was it?

[Matt_Bradock]

- Your actions proved otherwise. I consider your current physical form as a sort of poetic justice. - Snape replied.
- Also, way to prove my point, Miss Smith. As I stated, until the curse is lifted, you cannot touch or wear anything inappropriate for a toddler. That includes your school uniform, as it is a definite symbol of age, considering only children past the age of 11 can be accepted to this school. It also includes your books, quill, wand, and most other tools required to complete your classes. - Severus pointed out, hoping her situation would finally sink in.
- For that reason, I consulted Professor Dumbledore, and he excused you from attending class and participating on public events until you recovered fully. In the meantime, I have started working on an antidote for the physical age reversal, and we're trying to figure out a way to lift the curse. Unfortunately, due to having been distilled into a potion that you both inhaled and ingested during the accident, it took root much more efficiently than it was originally supposed to. The original spell was supposed to last no longer than a couple days, but there is yet no telling how your experiment affected the duration. In other words, you will stay like this for an extended period of time. - the stern teacher explained.
- During that time, in order to better understand the nature of this, as an expert of both dark magic and potions, I volunteered to take care of you, so I can keep you under near-constant supervision.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy heard the words and her legs gave up. She fell on her crinkly bottom and let out a whimper. “S..so i’m trapped here!” She teared up but tried to get it under control. She peaked up as he mentioned taking care of her. “And what does that mean? I can very well look after myself...I mean I think so.” She tried to convey a last ounce of maturity. She crossed her arms before her little chest. She looked adorable to say the least.

[Matt_Bradock]

- Given the reason you're here was your own infantile behavior being unable to exercise any kind of patience, I think it's only appropriate. - Snape stated without the slightest hint of compassion.
- And no, you cannot. You are completely helpless right now, and if you don't believe me, then simply attempt the simple task of getting rid of your baby attire, as it should prove no challenge for a mature and well educated girl you assume you are. - a slight grin showed on his face, fully aware that she couldn't even undo the snaps on the crotch of her onesie with the mittens on.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy wanted to reply something but seeing that he was right, she sighed. She looked at her mittened hands and didn’t even try. She knew it was useless. “I guess I have no choice then.” She said and tried to get up at least, trying to hold on the bars for support. “I’m hungry sir. Can I have something to eat please?” She asked politely.

[Matt_Bradock]

That was the first moment that the stern, disappointed look on Snape's face softened somewhat. He opened his bag, and took out a baby bottle.

- It was challenging, to come up with a solution to administer a rudimentary antidote, without triggering the baby curse, but I'm convinced that mixing it with milk, honey, and a nutrient formula, you can safely drink up, without soiling your underwear. - he explained as he put the bottle down, stood up, and lifted the little diapered girl out of the playpen, then sat down with her in his lap.

- I am certain that you will keep the details of your care between you and me, otherwise I will also fully disclose your time spent here. - he stated, and after comfortably cradling up Sandy, he stuck the nipple of the bottle in her mouth.
- Purging the potion rom your system will take a while, and once it's done, you will receive a growth accelerator to regain your age appropriate form, but until then, this is how you will be fed, mostly. - Snape explained.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy’s eyes widened at the bottle and looked at Snape a bit reluctant. “Nuh! I certainly won’t be going around bragging about this!” She sighed and before she could say further more, the bottle was stuck in her mouth. She had to suckle on it as a reflex. It tasted nice and she looked up at the stern man as she proceeded to drink up her bottle.

As she was full, she pushed against it. “Full.” She said. Her tummy was nicely full. “But..you mentioned evacuating...what about...going to the toilet. Am I allowed to do that?” She asked

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape held her surprisingly gently during the feeding. He would never tell her, but he was actually find of the girl. She had talent, and potential, if she could only be a bit less rash, she would master everything he could teach her.
And yet, here she was. Diapered, in a onesie, helpless as a baby, suckling on a baby bottle.
He checked if the bottle was empty, and nodded, putting it down.
- Using a normal toilet is out of the question. It would most certainly trigger the curse. The only alternative I can think of, is a child's chamber pot, or a potty as it is commonly called. - he replied. He would probably need a urine and stool sample anyway, to find out from the residual levels how quickly the potion was leaving her system.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Well at least she would be able to go potty. She looked up at the potion’s master. She had liked him very much from the moment she had seen him first and happily got chosen into Slytherin. Seeing that she had been an orphan, not much care had been done to her. “Sir? What can I do when I am on my own? I...I can’t just sit there and fo nothing.” She sighed. This was a huge mess.

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape was silent for a few moments, thinking about what could be done. With her mittened hands, there wasn't a lot she could do. Plus, she still needed proper discipline, and couldn't touch anything unfit for a toddler.
- I'll order a few toddler toys for you to keep busy. Remember, you can't touch anything inappropriate for your age. And either way, first and foremost, you need rest. Knowing your impatience, that on its own will be a good opportunity to learn self-control. - he still couldn't miss the opportunity to poke at her recent fault. But then again, he wouldn't be Severus Snape if he could ignore a failure, especially committed by someone who was worth more than that.

[Barbossasdaughter]

She sighed but did feel tired. She leaned close, wanting to find some comfort. “I’m sorry for all that mess. I promise to do better in the future.” She said and looked up to him. “Now you have even more work with me.” She sounded sad and sorry.

[Matt_Bradock]

It was probably surprising to her, but when she leaned closer, Snape actually put his arms around her and comforted her.
- The first step to improving yourself is admitting your flaws, and recognizing how your actions affect not just you, but those around you. It's a start, and a first step many are unable to take. I have high hopes for you, Miss Smith, which is exactly why it not only disappoints, but also saddens me every time you let your rash nature get the better of you. - he explained, while he hugged her close.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy did look up a bit surprised as he hugged her close. It felt strange...but in a nice way. She yawned and her eyes grew heavy. It had been quite an afternoon. She did fight a bit but soon was asleep, her breathing deep and regular.

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape was a bit surprised when she hell asleep right in his arms. But now that she was asleep, he could afford a smile.
- Rest now. - he whispered, and carried her to the crib in the room carefully, laying the diapered little student inside on the pink bedding with white lace trim, carefully placing her head on the pillow. Then, he pulled the blanket over her and tucked her in. He wanted to stay, but his classes didn't stop just because one student had an accident.
So, chances were, Sandy was going to wake up to a nurse sitting at her bedside... or rather, cribside.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy slept and woke up only 2 hours later. She grunted and rubbed her eyes, feeling the soft mittens. Oh right. She was in quite a mess. She sat up and felt something squishy. Huh? Oh no..this felt wet and cold. How could it be? Snape said this attire would help her with that problem! But he also mentioned that her body would try to get rid of things. She sighed.

[Matt_Bradock]

She didn't have to stay in a used diaper for long, as a nurse shortly came to check in on her.
- Hello Sandy. I hope you slept well - she smiled, but then noticed her expression.
- Is something wrong? - she asked. And then Sandy could notice: there was at least some enchantment on either the diaper or the onesie, or maybe the whole as there was no smell to reveal what happened.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Oh so she didn’t notice. Swell. “No..it’s...alright. Just wakin’ up.” She told the nurse. She didn’t need to know, she could figure it out on her own..hopefully. She looked at her mittens. Hmn. She could try to open them with her teeth.

[Matt_Bradock]

- Are you sure sweetie? - the nurse asked, a bit concerned how fidgety she was, but then again, she would have been too if she found herself in diapers.
- Do you need a change? - followed the next question, and as Sandy looked at her mittens, she could immediately see the staff made sure she doesn't take them off. On each of the buckles of the leather straps that locked them onto her wrists, tere was a small brass padlock.

[Barbossasdaughter]

It didn’t seem like she could do anything. Though admitting she needed a change was not going to happen so soon. “No. It’s alright.” She said. Snape should be here soon, maybe he could get her a bit out of the mittens. It was restrictive. She sat up and tried to grab some of the cubes laying around.

[Matt_Bradock]

- All right then, sweetie. - the nurse relented.
- Professor Snape will be here in a short while. Please be nice until then. - she added, and left the room.
Severus indeed arrived in around 15 minutes, heading to her room straight after being done with class.
- Miss Smith. - he nodded, as he entered, looking down at the clearly awake girl.
- Has there been any change? - he asked, with the ice cold, stern look he was known for. It was probably best to be honest with him. He'd find out eventually anyway.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy looked up and pulled herself up as he talked to her. “C..change? What kind?” She asked but had an idea what he meant. “There is none.” She said and squirmed slightly.

[Matt_Bradock]

- Well then, I guess a toilet break is in order. It's been a while since you last went and I don't need to remind you that your current body is significantly more sensitive to bowel and bladder issues. - Snape walked over to the crib, and from under it, pulled a chamberpot, then reached for Sandy in the playpen to lift her out of it.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy squirmed a bit and looked at the pot. Oh dear. This will be embarrassing! She was put before him and did enjoy the stable ground under her feet. Unfortunately she couldn’t do much and needed to relay on Snape to get her undressed.

[Matt_Bradock]

With the same stern emotionless look on his face, Snape unbuttoned the crotch of her onesie, and pulled it all the way up to her armpits, and immediately noticed that something was off with the diaper.
- Alexandra Smith, I thought I was clear when I inquired whether there was any change in your condition. This is definitely a change. It means I have to alter the antidote. - he didn't even let her sit down on the potty, instead taking her straight to the changing table, where he laid down the girl and prepared the changing supplies with the same meticulous precision as if he was rpeparing ingredients for a demonstration in class.
- If you intend to fully recover, I expect full and immediate disclosure of any unexpected event, do you understand? Or shall I ask a nurse to check your diaper every half an hour? - he asked, staring her down as he opened the tapes on her soiled nappy.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy looked up and blushed a bit. “Nugh! I..I’m sorry! It’s all still embarrassing!” She uttered and gripped on her onesie as best as she could. But on the good side, her wet diaper would be off. Though she was a bit curious if Snape was able the change a diaper. He did seem to know.

[Matt_Bradock]

- Naturally, it is embarrassing, and the longer it takes for you to recover, the longer it will be embarrassing. - Snape pointed out pragmatically. Unbeknownst to anyone in Hogwarts, he did take a crash course in diapering from a nurse, whose memories he then promptly erased to prevent even the chance of gossip. So, he did have some practice, and thus, he opened up her diaper easily, and thanked the odour removing enchantment in silence. The sight alone wasn't worth flinching, he worked with plenty of disgusting ingredients before. He removed the dirty diaper and started wiping her clean meticulously, and once he was satisfied with the result, he took a clean diaper and slid it under her bum, then reached for the baby powder, and applied a precise amount. Then, he folded the diaper up and taped it up, checking twice to see it was snug but not too tight, and re-buttoned her onesie.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy watched him curiously and well it did feel much better. She stretched her little legs happily. “Thank you.” She uttered and looked up to him. She sat up and smiled. “And now? How about I can stretch my fingers a bit? I’m sure you got some toys I can use!” She said. She held her mittens up. “It’s no fun with them!”

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape finished the diapering, and folded up her dirty diaper, then placed it in an airtight container. He did mention needing samples to analyze...
However, Sandy mentioning toys earned her another death stare from the Professor.
- Tell me, Miss Smith, what do you reckon you have done, that could have earned you any kind of reward? - he asked. After all, she did just hide something from him, despite clear instructions.
- You are lucky that the regulations of corporal punishment were tightened, otherwise I'd consider giving you a proper spanking. - he added.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Her little smile vanished as she looked up to him. “A...a spankin? Y..you wouldn’t do that! I..I mean..I’m...too small.” She uttered. She never heard of any spankings. Though Filch mentioned hangings and torture which she knew was not allowed anymore.

[Matt_Bradock]

- I would, personally, but I won't, since regulations disallow it. But don't expect those mittens to come off any time soon. - he replied, still in the same stern voice. Sandy got on his worse side again, and Snape was seriously considering writing her off. Too bad. But talent is useless if it cannot be controlled or reasoned with.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy sighed. “Sorry sir. I will tell you next time I..need a change. I didn’t mean to lie you know?” She tried to show him that she was sorry and learned from her mistakes. “Will you still stay a bit maybe? I’ll be good and quiet.” She didn’t want to be alone again.

[Matt_Bradock]

- It wasn't about the change. - Snape pointed out.
- It was about the information that my antidote didn't work. You're not supposed to lose control as long as you wear the appropriate clothing. It's a development I need to be aware of, in order to treat you. Wouldn't you want to know immediately if your own potion had a side effect you didn't expect? - he explained, like he was educating a student.
- Yes, I will stay. - he nodded, and lifted the girl up, then sat down next to her playpen, seating the freshly diapered patient in his lap.
- Since you have proven to be untrustworthy, I guess I'll need to observe you personally. - he said with a defeated sigh.

[Barbossasdaughter]

“I guess I would. So it can be altered.” She was however happy that Snape decided to stay. She looked up to him. His lap was comfy and he was as well, though she didn’t dare say it loud. “What do you mean by that?” She asked. Something told her she was not going to like it.

[Matt_Bradock]

- Precisely. So you understand now. - Severus nodded, and surprisingly gently wrapped his arms around the girl in his lap.
- I mean I'm staying for a while. Is there anything else you feel that is strange? Any other weird feelings, pains, itches, cravings? - he asked, but his gaze wasn't so stern any more, and showed a little genuine caring.

[Barbossasdaughter]

She thought about it for a while. “Nothing hurts or itches. The situation is weird but I feel quite good...though I seem to have a craving for that formula you gave me. It had been quite good.” She licked her lips. “Do you have more of that?”

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape raised a brow at her mentioning the formula.
- Interesting. - was his first response, wondering if this was a side effect, and whether it came from her changed physical body, or from the infantile curse. After all, taste buds worked differently in childhood.
- Well, I obviously need to make a new batch, since the first somehow made you have an accident. - he pointed out.
- That'll take a while to concoct, and I'll need to be in my lab. I can start working right away, but considering your history, I'm seriously considering swaddling you for the time you spend alone, to prevent any more rash actions.

[Barbossasdaughter]

Sandy listened and looked with sad eyes up. “Ah! B..but! Sir! Uh! You could take me with you! I..I could watch! So I can at least learn a bit!” She looked at him with pleading eyes. “A..and with the Mittens I can’t touch anything!”

[Matt_Bradock]

- Think before you ask, Miss Smith. If I took you out of here, and to my lab, every single student we'd come across would see your current sutiation. It is kept as a secret now, partially to help find out who meddled with your components. No one knows what type of curse hit you, so if someone starts spreading the rumor, we will know instantly who was responsible. - Snape pointed out.
- About the mittens... that is exactly why you're wearing them. You aren't supposed to touch anything. At least your long-term memory regarding any information unpleasant to you, is still the same. - Severus stared her down again.

[Barbossasdaughter]

The little one sighed. “I know. I know..I just..I don’t like to be alone..a..and I..like being with you.” She did nearly mumble the last words. “But I understand if I can’t.” She said and looked up to him with sad eyes but with a serious look.

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape, for the first time lost his stern composure, and for a split second showed genuine surprise.
That was a first. Normally, not only the students, but also not even most other teachers could stand him for too long, and wanting to be in his company was... almost unheard of. Not even thinking about it, he wrapped his arms around the little girl and hugged her close.
- I understand you don't want to stay lonely. Maybe there can be some... arrangement. But you need to understand that after what happened, the faculty can't exactly see you as a responsible young lady. Regaining your proper, age-appropriate body will be the easier part, I'm afraid. Regaining your reputation as a trustworthy student of Hogwarts will be the hard part.

[Barbossasdaughter]

“I hope you can find a way...but I understand.” She looked up again to him. “Sir? If another punishment must be done...then..you can do it. I still feel bad about this happening. I caused you nothing but work and more work.” She said tearing up slightly.

[Matt_Bradock]

- I think your current situation is punishment enough. Especially with those mittens on. - Snape pointed out.
- Of course, if you insist, I can increase the amount of restraints, especially if you try something rash again. - he added, but didn't act on it, and held her close, noticing that she was tearing up. He wasn't that much of a monster to enjoy a crying student, especially not someone this fragile and helpless.
- But I think you don't need extra disciplinary action after you recover, as long as you learn from this. So don't let your mood down so much over it.

[Barbossasdaughter]

She sighed but decided to listen. He was right after all. “More restraints won’t help, except make me go crazy. “ she told him. “Maybe you could at least teach me something orally? I mean toddlers can listen and I can still talk.” She reasoned.

[Matt_Bradock]

Snape paused and thought about it for a while.
- Theoretical lessons may be viable, yes. At least we can test if you mind also regressed. - he proposed.
- I will put some lessons together based on the standard curriculum. But the rules still apply, all for the eyes and ears, none for the hands.

[Barbossasdaughter]

(Sorry for my silence. Work started again in school and it’s all a bit chaotic)

Sandy nodded. “I promise! I’ll be good and listen. I wirk with my ears and mouth.” She chuckled.