Chapter Text
“No.”
“Seeeev.”
“ No , Lily. I’m not going to go.”
“Sev, come on. Everyone else is going,” she whined.
“That’s entirely the reason I don’t want to go.”
Lily sat down on the couch with a huff, her red hair pulled back in a single loose plait. Frowning, she glared at him across the sitting room. He glared back taking a sip of tea. “You’re going.”
He rolled his eyes and placed the cup down. “I’m not. Are you going to make me?”
She pulled her wand out and pointed it at him. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve done.” It was then James Potter came in holding a babbling little Harry.
“Whoa. Hey Lils, I leave the room for two minutes and the wands are out,” his black hair a mess but that might be from Harry tugging on it. “Put the wand away, Lily flower.” Still glaring, she put it down slowly. “There, now why are we about to duel in the sitting room?”
“Sev! Sev!” Harry cried, squirming in James’ hold. The young boy slid his way off the couch and ran, as best as he could, across the room. Severus scooped him up and placed him on his lap.
James smirked at him, “Not a word, Potter.” To his credit, he just held his hands up in surrender. “And tell your wife, she can’t Imperius me into going to that sodding reunion.” Lily gasped in outrage.
“That’s what this is all about? Why not go? It’s been five years since our graduating class has been together. I’m sure it’d be loads of fun,” James smiled as his Lily beamed at him. Severus sneered at him.
“Everyone has been so busy lately, it would be good to see them again. You don’t have to stay for the entire thing,” Lily bargained. “Come on.”
Harry leaned back into the embrace and Severus felt comforted by the warm solid weight of the toddler. “You won’t let this go will you?” He murmured into Harry’s soft curls.
“Nope.” She chimed brightly. Harry just giggled in his lap.
“Fine.” He bit out, “But it’s says formal dress only, I don’t have anythi-”
“Let’s go shopping! Remus is coming over soon anyway.” She stood, took Harry and placed him back in James’ lap in a flash. Both father and son looked a bit stunned by the sudden change. “We’ll be back dear.” A quick kiss and she tugged Severus out of the arm chair. The sudden crack of apparition, they were gone.
Severus stumbled on some even stone pavers. “Lily!” He hissed after catching his breath. “What do you think you’re doing? What was that half-assed apparition, you could’ve splinched us!”
She just laughed, her cheeks flush. “No time like the present, plus you would try to work your way out of it if I let you stew for too long.”
Severus grumbled but followed after her in the busy crowd of shopping witches and wizards. Diagon Alley was warm but not overly so. He blinked against the sunlight and realized he hadn't properly been outside in what felt like ages. His apothecary work, potion commissions and gardening in the greenhouse is how he spent most of his time. Occasionally he would visit the Malfoy’s when schedules aligned for tea or dinner. He’s been trying to be better about seeing Lily, but she’s also been busy with her apprenticeship and Harry. But look where visiting got him.
“Oh, come on! Malkin’s is just up the way.”
“Absolutely not!”
“Why not? They have some nice robes, that’s where Marlene got hers.”
“No, I refuse.”
“Stop being difficult but fine. There’s another shop down this way.”
The sign read ‘ Ramsey’s Robes for Every Occasion ’ in pale green and black. The shop windows displayed mannequins in various styles, casual to formal to down right gaudy. Lily pushed the door open and a tinkling chime sounded from overhead. The shop was all warm woods with racks and shelves of fabric. An older woman came bustling out from behind a curtained doorway.
“Welcome dears, how can we assist today?”
Lily greeted her in kind, “We’re looking for formal dress robes for him, it’s for a ball. Oh and it’s themed.”
“How wonderful, and just for him. You don’t want something to match?”
Severus blanched while Lily snorted, “Oh goodness no, he’s just a friend.” The older witch’s hands fluttered in apology.
“Well then sir, any thoughts or ideas? Colors?”
Before Severus could get a word out, “Nothing simple. I was thinking of something a little less traditional. You can’t tell but he’s quite slim, a bit fit.” He blushed hotly.
She smiled at them. “Sure, sure. And the theme?”
“A masquerade!” Severus walked away as the two women gushed. He shrugged out of his outer robes and placed it on a nearby chair, and went to tie his hair back. Maybe he needed to trim it, the length was well past his shoulders. Brushed out, it went to about his upper back. He never noticed since it was always up and out of the way while he brewed. It was at the beginning stages of where it started to tangle, plus Harry or Draco would find it a nice thing to tug at.
“Oh you have a lovely figure, quite willowy for a man but you have nice shoulders. Don’t hunch, stand up straight, there we go. See much better, turn towards the mirror and stand on the platform.” He did as instructed. “And call me Mrs.Biddlecombe, and you are?”
He stuck out his hand, the old witch’s hand was warm and soft. “Severus Snape.”
“And did you have any thoughts on color?”
“Black.”
She blinked and looked at Lily who just sighed. “Well let’s see if we can make black stunning. With your complexion you could probably pass as a Vampire. Seen a couple in my time, I tell you.”
“A vampire,” Lily echoed, clearly delighted by the idea. He just rolled his eyes.
“Don’t slouch! Let me take your measurements and see what we can do.” And Severus stood, was poked and prodded, draped in so many various shades of black he just stopped paying attention. He started getting annoyed after the seventh pair of trousers he had to try on. He quickly shot down the idea of him in a top hat.
It was hours later when he was swathed in black velvet and silk. It was an all black ensemble with the smallest touch of dark red in the finer details. When they agreed on a vampire look he did not know. He stared at his reflection, a pale man cloaked in all black that shimmered slightly when he moved. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world.
After promises of coming back for an alteration and paying the first sum which Lily insisted upon since she wanted him to go to the ball. They wandered down through the shops before coming into a craftsman shop. The beautifully intricate wooden sign read ‘Luptom & Sons.’’ On the walls hung various metal, wood, and even stone pieces of work. Walking sticks, picture frames, eye glasses, and things even Severus had no idea of what their purpose was.
Him and Lily meandered about looking at shelves of bits and bobs. A young wizard behind the desk greeted them briefly. When they asked about masks, he left behind a door to fetch his father. After explaining the need for a mask for a ball, the older Mr.Luptom took some measurements of Severus’ face. Mr. Luptom brought out a couple of different materials and he sketched out a quick design.
A sleek mask etched with lace detailing and small red gems leading from the tip of the mask to spattering across like a blood spray. Severus was stunned with the sheer speed this was created though that’s why the wizard was a master with his craft. With payment dealt with, he was notified that the mask would be owled to him. He left with a temporary mask that closely resembled what the final product would look like in case he wanted to owl any additional comments before the final product.
Severus and Lily wandered a bit arm in arm. The heat of the day cooled but the crowds remained. She wanted to get Fortescue's but Severus dragged her away from the long line.
“Well I think you’ll be a stunning vampire.”
“What are you and your husband dressing up as?”
Rolling her eyes, “Why don’t you call him James?” Severus made a face at her. “It’s a surprise anyway, so you’ll have to come.” She said cheekily.
Instead of going back to the Potter residence, he bid his friend good bye with a promise to see her soon. He stopped by the apothecary. The scent of ingredients greeted him and he let himself smile.
“Severus! You’re off today, what are you doing here?”
“Hello Leon,” he greeted deadpan.
The other training potioneer came out from behind the counter, he was tall looming over him. About half a foot taller than Severus with a matching pale complexion but with a sprinkle of light freckles. Leon Borchard had pale blonde hair, he could give Lucius a run for his money or maybe be a long lost cousin. His eyes were his darkest feature, dark warm brown. And he constantly was in a jovial mood which Severus was mostly getting used to - well depending on the day.
“You here to shop? Or did Mr.Fellbrooks call for you?” He asked in his smooth light voice.
“Shopping.”
Leon rolled his eyes, “Thrilling, but since you’re here could you take a look at this draught in the back? The color seems off.” He followed him into the back room to where they brewed, as they compared notes and procedures time passed in a blur. Finally with a little more trial and error the draught turned a pearly green. “Thanks, this would’ve taken ages.”
“Not a problem, don’t forget-”
“The notes, I know. What’s got you here in the shop anway?”
Severus groaned, the memories of why he was here came back in a rush. “I’m being coerced into going to a reunion ball.”
“Who could coerce you?”
“A dear friend of mine.”
Leon smirked, lifting a brow. “Oh? How dear is this friend ?”
“Please. She is married and is only a friend, not like it’s your business,” sneering the last bit. But Leon only laughed.
“Come on, show me.”
“Fuck off.”
“It just makes me want to see it more.” He made a move for it, but Severus pulled his wand out. Leon held his hands up but he was still smiling. With a twitch of his hands, the parcel sailed towards him. Of course he was able to use wandless and wordless magic. Fucker. “Oooh, this is very nice. Is it a vampire? That’s fitting.”
“Ha. Ha. Give it back, Borchard.”
“What kind of ball is this? And where?” He waved the mask around but gave it back to him. Severus all but snatched it out of his hands.
“None of your business.”
“Temper temper,” he replied mockingly. “Come on, just tell me.”
“No.”
“Snape, I’m just curious. I won’t let up.”
“Persistent bugger,” Severus muttered. Leon grinned. Letting out a heavy sigh, he wrapped the mask again. “If you must know, it’s a masquerade ball.”
Brown eyes glittered, “Well isn’t that exciting. Why didn’t I get an invite?”
“Hogwarts alumni, five year reunion. Too soon if you ask me. But I would hate to see most of them even twenty years from now.”
A snicker and then a full laugh, Leon wiped at his eyes. “Did you detest school that much? I don’t know too much about Hogwarts, just snippets here and there. Though I’ve met some clever witches and wizards over the years that have attended.” Giving Severus a pointed look, which he returned with an eye roll.
“The less you know the better honestly, why you left Germany I’ll never know,” he finished with a shake of his head, hair swishing behind him.
Leon waved a hand in the air and moved back to the front of the shop. Severus followed behind suddenly, very tired. “Too many memories, you might understand that.” Severus did, but he could never bring himself to leave even if he didn’t have much here. That was slowly changing though, and it was for the better too. They lapsed into silence as Severus picked up a couple of vials and dried flowers. As he paid, Leon perked up from behind the counter. “I have an idea.”
“Just give me my things. You look demented, Borchard.” He made a grab for his box of ingredients but Leon pulled it out of his reach. Severus scowled.
“No, this is a good one.” Severus kept to himself that he looked like a Gryffindor with that feveerd look in his eyes, Leon wouldn’t get the reference anyway. And to explain was just another headache. “Are you allowed a plus one to this masquerade? I’m assuming it can’t all be alumni.” Dread spread through him, surely he wasn’t. “Take me as your plus one, I’ll keep you entertained and we can make up stories about your past couple of years.” And there it was. Severus was already shaking his head no, a vehement ‘no’ on his lips. “Just think about it, I’m loads of fun to be around.” He received a flat look. “Well off with you now, early shift tomorrow.”
Shaking his head as he walked out, then disapparated home. First Lily, now Leon, why was he surrounded with such pushy people? He wasn’t a pushover, he was actually known to be quite stubborn.
The cottage was on the far outskirts of Birmingham. It was decent enough, one bedroom, a bath and plenty of outdoor space for his garden and small greenhouse. And a secret room that acted as his personal lab. His nearest neighbor was a sheep farmer that was over an hour away. Narcissa visited him once and was baffled why he was so far from London. As if to apparate or to Floo was taxing. He told her he needed space. And she responded with a rude phrase of him running away from everyone.
With a sigh, he lit the fire and placed the mask in his room. He heard a faint scratching and smiled as he opened the back door. A lanky smoke grey cat strode in and meowed as it trubbed his face against Severus’ trousers. Crouching down he scratched the chin affectionately. “Did you get into any trouble, Nettle?” He was answered with more intense purring, the vibrations were strong under his fingertips. “Come on, let’s eat you little gremlin.” Striding into the kitchen, he knew the cat was right behind him.
After a dinner of fish stew, Severus penned out a couple of letters and dozed in front of the fire with his tea forgotten on the side table. His dreams were a whirl of masked dancers and flying kittens. He woke the next morning with a crick in his neck, lap warm from Nettle splayed out. Confused as to how he fell asleep in his arm chair and what woke him. A rattle and quick harsh taps. Nettle jumped out of his lap with lightning speed and ran to the front windows. Sure enough, a tawny barn owl sat glaring down at the cat.
“Leave him alone.” Nettle ignored him and swiped at the glass. He picked up the hissing creature and put her in his room. As soon as the window was unlatched the owl landed on the perch. A rather antique piece of furniture Lucius bought him. He was scolded that he needed a proper place for an owl to rest and the back of his arm chair would not do. A soft hoot and the owl lifted its claw. With a treat in its beak, another soft hoot and it shot through the window not waiting for a reply.
The Malfoy seal gleamed in the light. With a wave of the wand, his room unlocked with Nettle at the ready - she came darting out on the hunt for the owl that was long gone.
Dearest Severus,
Hope all is well, we miss you around the manor. Draco of course misses you most, always wondering when his Uncle Severus will come by.
Enough with the pleasantries, I have a family member who would be excited to discuss owl-order potion commissions with you but did not want to send your information along without your notice. You’ll find his notes included, his address is there.
Hope to hear from you soon, come by for dinner when you’re available.
Regards,
Narcissa Malfoy
Short and concise as usual, he read the order and was intrigued at the complexity of the potion that they wanted. The letter was signed by Alphard Black. Huh. Severus didn’t know the name but he obviously knew the family name. Well, at least it was an interesting project.
Taking the letter with him into his lab, touching a bookshelf on the uppermost book it slid away to reveal his haven. The room was dark but was remedied with a flick. Sconces flared to life and thin rectangle windows brightened as their thick curtains drew back. Two work tables stood in the center and thick wooden shelves held all his bottles and assorted ingredients. Nettle came trotting after him, probably realizing the bird was gone or bored of hunting nothing. She never jumped on the counters or never knocked over any bottles. It was a bit odd that he got a cat that understood the dangers of the lab but he wasn’t going to be ungrateful for it.
He placed the letter on one work table and went about collecting the ingredients he did have. Looks like he would have to go to Diagon again sooner than he thought. Owl ordering some of these would be too much of a hassle and far too expensive. Maybe he could acquire some at a discount from the apothecary, even still, there were some ingredients even they didn’t carry in stock. Penning out some more letters and notes, he worked into the night with Nettle dozing under a nearby stool.