If you recognize it, I don't own it.


Orchids. There were orchids everywhere. Tossed on the bed and strewn across the table; lain on the counter and filling the sink; Hanging off the bookshelf and resting above the television; stuck in the fence, even tucked into Crookshanks' collar.

I stroked my aging familiar gently, then set him down and continued my observation of the room while taking a moment to recite everything I knew about the flower. A delicate rainbow of petals lay strewn across the floor with a concentrated group of white petals leading out the front door.

My natural inclination was to follow them, so I traipsed carefully down the little path, curious of where it might lead me.

I secretly hoped it would take me to the one person I actually cared to see first thing in the morning, but I didn't want to get my spirits up and then be disappointed. The path lead down the porch and around the side of the house. It continued through the gate and into the backyard.

My practical sidequestioned when anybody had managed to set this up without my knowledge - the scent was nearly overwhelming due to the sheer amount of the flower - and how on Earth anyone could possibly afford this scheme, but when the answer struck me, I nearly slapped myself – Was I a witch or wasn't I? The trail wound itself whimsically through the backyard, around trees and avoiding anything that could possibly be trampled.

I followed the trail mindlessly, wondering where it might go, when I suddenly found myself in front of the gazebo.

The tall, wooden structure was decked in all shades of the Asian flower, bouquets stuffed into the latticework connecting the tall beams of handmade garlands.

I stepped bravely into the hut, glancing around nervously for any sign of human life.

When I saw no one, I turned back towards the entrance with a deep disappointment that quickly changed into shock as I took in the dark figure in the doorway, his masculine form framed by flowers as his hands gripped the wood, blocking my only exit.

Regaining my ability to speak, I finally gasped out a complete sentence.

"You! What are you doing here, Severus Snape?"