I don't own Harry Potter


Chapter One

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In a dim room, lit only by torches, a man was mumbling to himself while he stirred what felt like the hundredth potion in the last few days. He lost count just how many he had made half way through the day before. That's all he seemed to be doing lately. He didn't have anything else left to do that wasn't already done.

At first the quiet and total solitude was quite enjoyable, but now it grated on his nerves. He stopped stirring and moved to prep the next set of ingredients. How is it that after only two months, he had become so... bored? Maybe he missed stalking around the dungeons and gliding down the corridors like a large bat. There was some glee in taking house points from students he didn't like and belittling the weak. He was starting to miss the almost sentient castle he had called home for so many years. And quite possibly he missed those snot-nosed little br-

Wait! His eyes narrowed with his scowl. What was I just thinking? I'm Severus Snape, damn it! Mr. Doom-and-gloom himself! He slammed his hands on the table. I'm finally living my dream of being left alone. With the war now over, there's no one to spy on or play pet for. All I wanted was to do as I pleased, undisturbed. That was what I really wanted. He hung his head and closed his eyes. Wasn't it?

After a few minutes, he straightened up with a groan. "What is wrong with me?" He scowled and looked at his cauldron. "I need a stiff drink and I have plenty of time." He smirked as he decided it was time for a little outing. Under disguise, of course.

With a whirl he stalked out of the room. He stopped just short of the front door and aimed a quick cleaning charm at long, dusty cloak. It was so long and dark it made him seem like a moving shadow. He rubbed the fabric between his fingers. This had been the same cloak from his early days as a double spy. He snatched it off the hook and put it on.

"Now it's time to use this for a bit of fun." A half smile made its way onto his face as he stepped out into the dark night. With a few quick waves of his wand, he made sure he wasn't absolutely alone. With a dramatic twirl, he popped out of sight.

A moment later he appeared in a dark alley next to the Hog's Head. He moved quickly, yet stealthily through the shadows and slipped into the pub. Honestly, he didn't have to since he was thought to be dead, but it was fun. He quickly found his old favorite spot at the table in the darkest corner.

I wonder if old Abe is going to recognize my voice. I'll just have to get as many drinks out of this before he starts to catch on. He mused. He glanced towards Abe and with a wave of his hand, signaled he was ready to order his drink.

Later into the night, he decided to buy a bottle of firewhiskey to take home with him. Abe still hadn't even noticed it was him. So he was still sure everyone thought he was dead.

Little did he know, that someone had seen him appear in that alley. They saw his face and knew it was time to put their plan into action.