Master Severus Snape

Order Of Merlin Fist Class, Master of Potions

112 Spinner's End,

Cokeworth Great Britain

Master Snape,

It is with great honour that we, the International Wizarding Council of Potioneers and Alchemist would like to extend an invitation to speak at our annual symposium held this year in Vienna, Austria on 12th, May, 2012. We would like to offer you a two hour speaking engagement following an hour of questions and answers for those attending. The topics of course would be entirely your choice, but we would need a summary of your proposed subject matter no later than a week beforehand.

As Great Britain's most acclaimed Potions Master, your immense knowledge would be a gift to many of your esteemed colleagues. Your advancements in the field of potions are legendary, Master Snape, and we can only hope that you will do us the honor of gracing us with your expertise and immense knowledge. We look forward to hearing from you shortly.

With greatest respect,

Master Udoaver Loyalar

International Wizarding Counsel of Potioneers and Alchemist, Order of Merlin Third Class, Master of Potions

Severus set the letter down on his desk with a sigh. It had been over six months since he had lectured on the potions circuit, and the last experience had not been a good one. The problem itself was not with the actual lecture, but the routine question and answer portion that were required. Most of those attending usually wanted to inquire more about his spying days or his thoughts on the boy-who-lived rather than on his own theories for the varied uses of night shade or his thesis on improving the Wolfsbane Potion.

It was frustrating and infuriating from a professional standpoint.

Sipping his tea, he leaned back and allowed the bite of the bitter liquid to warm him. The bright and spicy flavour burst on his tongue and was a delight for the senses. He had never had White Ayurvedic Chai Tea before, and would have to thank Hermione for bringing it during her last visit.

Setting his cup down, his thoughts wandered to the young lady who had become a prominent visitor to Spinner's End over the last year. At first he had merely tolerated her presence, but over time she had proven to him that she was far more than the know-it-all irritant she had been in her former school days. He found her company more than tolerable as of late, and was secretly delighted he had found someone he could actually hold a conversation with that was of a like mind.

Though he would never actually tell her that himself.

Absently, he ran a hand through his long dark locks before coming up with a solution. Perhaps going to Vienna would not be so such an abhorrent experience if he could convince Hermione to accompany him. If they were going to set up a business together, it would only benefit her to meet the best innovators in their field as well as explore the latest theories in potions and alchemy. She could also assist him and keep notes on the various lecture circuits they would be attending.

It had absolutely nothing to do with her company.

Convincing himself that this was purely for academic and business purposes, he quickly penned a letter to the young lady before summoning his owl Argyros. The silvery owl hopped from its perch by the window and landed on the Potions Master's arm. He nipped affectionately on Severus' fingertips looking for a treat. Severus opened a drawer and pulled out a tin of homemade honeyed seed cakes. Carefully, he plucked out two small cakes and held them out to the silvery owl who happily bounded upon them.

Severus gently stroked the silky feathers muttering the usual,"infernal chicken," but there was no malice in his voice. Argyros had been a gift from Lucius after his retirement two years ago, and the two had become quite close in the interim. Until Hermione had made her presence more dominant in his household, and aside from the occasional visits from Lucius, Draco or Harry, Argyros had been his only companion. The silver owl seemed to prefer the solitude of Spinner's End, and didn't make it a habit to fly off unless sent by his master to send correspondence, and that wasn't very often.

At least until recently.

"You know where to go. See that she gets this and do not leave without a response. If you return without one, I shall have you for dinner," Severus huffed as he gently scratched the owl's head. Argyros hooted in response, and then flew out the window to deliver his correspondence.

Realising there was no point in answering the council's letter until he heard a response from the young woman; he left the study and headed for his lab.

Britain's most acclaimed Potions Master was behind on his brewing, and no amount of distinguished awards or titles would get Poppy Pomfery off his back if he dallied any further.

He would definitely need more of that White Ayurvedic Chai Tea before the night was through.

Author: Master Snape