A Summer Reading, Show, then Tell, and an Atmosphere

"Severus, a summer reading for you." Kingsley gestured towards a folder. "I need your opinion as a Potions Master."

Severus opened the folder and scanned the material inside. "There are many ways for the nightshade family to be modified, but I have never seen results like these. Where are these potion ingredients coming from?"

"Wales, near the coast. I need you to investigate how the growers are modifying them."

"Grower's protection? They have the right to keep their methods a secret."

"Not when it endangers lives."

"Can Harry come?'

"Sorry Severus, not this time."

(o.o)

Severus peered at the preserved ingredients, taking in the slight change in color. The mandrakes felt off to him. There was nothing he could pinpoint, but he knew that there was something wrong. He chalked it up to experience. The belladonna and Jimson weed were the same.

"Who are the victims – the ones who used these ingredients?" Severus waited for Kingsley's reply.

"UK and European Potions Masters. All ranks. If I could find out specific identification for the ingredients, I would have them pulled from our market."

Severus showed Kingsley just what colour patterns to look for.

(o.o)

"You have to go on your own? But no-one is supposed to do a mission alone. That was one of Kingsley's rules."

Severus knew telling Harry about this was going to be difficult. "He told me this one was an exception. I have to be deep undercover, posing as a herbalist."

"Pray, tell me, how are they not going to know you are Severus Snape?'

Severus held up a small vial. "One of the Twins' inventions. It will change a person's facial structure, hair and eyes, and it last for three weeks or until the antidote is administered."

(o.o)

Severus wrapped Harry tight in his arms as the dark head rested on his shoulder, spent from their passionate farewell. The atmosphere in their bedroom was thick with the scent of him and Harry.

Drawing in a deep breath, Severus tried to make this moment last as long as it could.

Harry's muffled voice cause hot puffs of air to move across his neck with each word."Did he say how long you were going to be gone?"

Running a hand through the messy hair, Severus shifted to pull the covers over them. "No, it is another open ended mission."

"Course."