A/N: hi guys. this is my first attempt at writing fanfiction and i would really appreciate it if you could let me know what you think.

This will be multi-chaptered although i'm not sure how many yet. This is just an introduction of sorts to the story. Please dont make me feel too bad if its a complete disaster... Oh and please review! x

Beta: Onyx Thanatos Theodore Lerins. All remaining mistakes are mine!

Harry failed to hear the bell at the door sound. He didn't notice the dark figure that walked towards him and he most certainly didn't hear the smooth voice say "Potter! Potter you imbecile. Potter!"

xxx

Harry was in heaven, or at least the book he was reading made him feel that way. The one thing he loved about his eventual career choice was that it brought him to realise that Hermione had had all the reason to be so entranced by books since their childhood. Well Hermione read informational books but nevertheless, Harry's romance novels were still captivating enough for him. It was the scene where the hero finally declared his love for the princess and Harry read on with no care in the world. He thought something was off though when instead of the princess' voice playing in his head saying 'Raymond', he heard a deep baritone repeat 'Potter' over and over again. That was when a hand came down on his shoulder and shook him out of his stupor.

xxx

Severus had better things to do than play alarm clock to the brat but he was the only living soul he saw in the store at the moment and he needed to find the shopkeeper so he could purchase his book and get back home to his lab. He'd just about had enough of calling out for Potter so he decided to shake him back to his senses. Harry started from his dream like state, almost falling of the armchair he occupied. He looked to his right at that moment and could almost have dropped dead in shock. Next to his chair, stood none other than Severus Snape; Potions Master, former spy and recipient of the order of the Merlin for his part in the victory over Voldemort.

Harry had to backtrack just to take in the man's appearance. He reminded himself that it was just because the last time he'd seen Snape, he'd been in a coma in St. Mungos after Fawkes rescued him from the shack. Snape stood tall beside him. Black boots, fitting black trousers, a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a scowl on his face. His face, right! That's when Harry gathered himself and finally said "Professor! I'm sorry; I didn't hear you come in."

Snape sneered "Clearly."

Harry reminded himself that the man was just being his usual snarky self. "So how can I help you? Sir." He added the sir as an afterthought.

"Potter, I'm not here to make small talk. I was wondering if you knew where the shopkeeper was. One inconsistent being probably would know where the other is after all."

Harry ignored the insult and replied "Well you can tell me what you need sir. I assure you that the service is impeccable."

Snape laughed. The bloody git laughed. "Is Kingsley sending out his aurors on odd side jobs these days? I knew the ministry was going downhill but I hadn't realised it would be this hilarious."

Harry had just about had enough from a man who he hadn't seen in the last 5 years. "Excuse me Professor, but if you're quite done I'd like to lock up now."

Harry noticed the look Snape gave him and continued quickly "I'm hardly this short with my customers but then again, they don't insult me and my business skills the moment they walk in now do they?"

Snape looked ready to hex Harry but he knew better than to rile the boy, no the young man, up for no reason so he just passed his parchment to Harry with the book name on it not trusting his sharp tongue at the moment.

"Herbs of Southern Africa," Harry read out loud. "It's a rare book isn't it?" he asked, all irritation at the man forgotten.

Snape was shocked for a moment but recovered before Harry looked at him. "Yes, I need the book to work out some effects on a few of my potions. Many large and popular book stores haven't even heard of this book Potter, so that leaves me to ask, how?" meanwhile he gestured to the store as a whole.

"How it is that the Saviour owns a book store or how is it that 'Potter' knows what a rare potions ingredients book is?" asked Harry. "I thought you were in a rush."

"Both if you please. My curiosity has momentarily cleared out my schedule for the evening Potter."

Harry sighed and motioned for Snape to sit down opposite him. He explained how he came to be even more in the spotlight after defeating Voldemort and how he had even more expectations sent his way like marrying Ginny and having kids which led him to seek out a life away from the usual fast paced and already planned out life he led in school. He also explained how he'd spent 1 year in the auror programme and left after it became too much although he didn't go into too much detail.

"So you opened up a book store and now spend your days smiling at books like a love struck girl while ignoring your customers. Interesting, although that doesn't explain how you of all people know of the book." Snape deadpanned.

"I really am sorry for not being alert when you walked in Sir." Harry said in a less harsh tone than earlier. "And well, we used the book in our auror training when we had to familiarize ourselves with potion making."

Snape faked shock "Not as incompetent as in school then Potter."

Harry allowed himself to smile at that. "Your book will take at least a week to get here since it's Christmas in a few days. Although I know exactly where to look, the man in charge is unavailable right now."

Snape noticed Harry's switch to a business tone and complied. "Well Potter, I appreciate your trouble. I shall be back in 1 week to collect my purchase."

With that, Snape turned and with a few long strides, left the shop.

It was then that Harry realised just what was so off about his professor. He wasn't wearing any robes, not teaching robes or regular robes. Harry sat back in his chair and laughed, Stranger things have happened than Snape appearing in public without his robes.

xxx

Severus could have kicked himself for being curious enough to pry into the brats life. And of all things for information on why exactly the Saviour of the Wizarding world seemed to be hiding out in a tiny bookstore in the heart of Diagon Alley. Severus was sure that people knew he owned the store and still hounded him like mad but then the way Potter had readily entertained his questions was like he had been glad for the company. And truth be told, the person that was delighted have Severus Snape' company was no doubt a lonely soul indeed. And that was how Severus decided that this was truly too good of a mystery to bypass. He shall surely find out what exactly sent the Golden Boy into a state of hiding.

review please :-)