Thanks to Sora Kohaku, Ellaurora, Rori Potter, and lette2001 for your reviews.

If you like Paramore, my friend Vanessa posted an awesome cover of Monster on youtube. Check it out: she's VaNeNe1313. And if you like Suspyre, the gutairist is playing as well.

It was surprisingly easy to fall back into his routine. Greens on Wednesday, brewing for St. Mungo's, and the occasional dinner with Draco and his sometimes-spouse, Charlie Weasley (Lucius must be rolling over in his grave- Severus took perverse pleasure in the thought). For a life-changing revelation, it hadn't changed his life all that much. The only thing Severus noticed that had really changed was that the bird had stopped visiting him. He found that he missed her.

Severus thought maybe he was just lonely. He tried getting back in touch with Alcander, as Draco had suggested, but while Alcander was always pleasant company, he didn't ease the ache in Severus' soul. He considered getting himself an owl. He nixed that idea when he learned that most domesticated owls were neither as smart nor as independent as she was- they needed a lot more attention than she ever had. So, Severus decided to get himself a cat.

He first went to the Magical Pets Emporium, but none of the cats there suited his tastes. He'd been hoping for a cat like Granger's: something unlovely and unwanted that he could feel a kinship to. But all of the cats there were pedigreed and well groomed, lovely and completely different from what Severus wanted.

Severus decided to go to a Muggle pound. He asked to see the cat that had been there the longest, the one that they couldn't find a home for. "He's a bit mean," the attendant warned him.

"That's all right," Severus said. "So am I."

The cat was scrawny, with dull gray fur that stuck out in puffs all over, and bulgy, misshapen eyes. He was perfect.

Severus named his new companion Nemo, Latin for nobody. He was rather mean, as advertised, but purred in a loud, undignified manner when he consented to be scratched. Nemo was exactly what he had needed, so why was it that Severus still found himself looking for a snowy shape perched on his window sill? Not that Nemo would stand for such a visitor; the cat arched his back and hissed at the St. Mungo's owls every time they flew in.

The next time Severus went to Greens, he asked Longbottom about catnip plants. He figured Nemo might enjoy it if he planted one in the garden.

"I've never grown one myself, but it shouldn't be any trouble for you," Longbottom replied, serving them both tea. "They're supposed to be pretty hardy plants, easy to care for. I'll have to ask…" he trailed off, averting his eyes.

"You can feel free to say the name, Longbottom. I can assure you that the mere mention will not drive me to another week of binge drinking."

"Harry keeps a few for Hermione. Crookshanks goes mad for the stuff." He tried to smile, but didn't quite manage. It looked more like a grimace. "Look, why don't you stop by the nursery and ask him yourself?"

"Absolutely not."

Longbottom sighed, rubbing his face. "I don't understand why everyone but the two of you can tell that you need to talk."

"He let me believe that he was dead for the past ten years. You can understand why I'm a bit sore."

"Of course I understand that you're upset, professor. Who wouldn't be? But you have to understand that he's frightened."

"Afraid? Of what?" Of Severus? Had he been demoted from the person Harry trusted most in the world to the one he feared?

"Of what you'll think of him. You saw him. He's not… he's not the same." Longbottom picked absently at his sandwich. "He doesn't stay at the nursery because he loves plants, you know?"

Did Harry really think that Severus would mind the scars? He'd never cared about them before, why would a few more bother him? Or perhaps it was the stuttering. That would take a little getting used to, Severus had to admit, but it was also probably better when he wasn't being confronted with a long-lost lover. He sighed. "All right. If that is your advice on the subject, then I will owl Potter for tips on how to grow my catnip plant."

Longbottom smiled, for real this time, his entire face lighting up. "Thank you, professor! Oh, I just know that it will do both of you a world of good."

"I promise nothing, Longbottom," Severus warned. "I am only writing him about the catnip plant."

Longbottom sobered. "Of course. I understand," he said solemnly, but the smile was still visible in his eyes. Severus couldn't help feeling like he had just been played. And by a Gryffindor.

The next morning, Severus woke to hissing. St. Mungo's must have sent over another owl, and Nemo was not best pleased. Although, from the sound of it, this owl was made of sturdier stuff than the others. They usually squawked loudly the entire time they were there, leaving as soon as they possibly could. This one was making surprisingly little in the way of noise.

"All right, all right. I'm coming," he muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, putting on the slippers that Draco had bought for him one Christmas. Nemo continued to hiss. "Oh, shut it, you idiot feline. It's not going anywhere until its done what it came for." Nemo, predictably, didn't listen.

The owl in the window was ignoring Severus' possibly brain-damaged cat's attempts at intimidation and gave him a hoot in greeting. "I suppose Longbottom sent you to make sure I didn't forget," Severus said to her, opening the window to let her in, much to Nemo's displeasure. "Well, come on. You know by now where the treats are kept."

The snowy owl hooted at him once more, before swooping at Nemo. The cat freaked out and streaked out of the room. Pleased with herself, she flew out after him, hopefully down to the kitchen and not to chase the cat. Severus didn't want to have to find another pet.

Severus followed the dysfunctional animals down to the kitchen. The bird was sitting on the back of one of the chairs and was watching him expectantly. Nemo was no where to be found. Severus set on a pot of tea and fixed himself a basic breakfast, stopping only to feed the bird her expected treat. When he finished eating, he washed the dishes by hand, rather than with a spell, and dried them carefully. When he could stall no longer, he sat down to write his letter.

Mr. Potter,

I have recently come into possession of a feline, and have considered placing a catnip plant in the garden for his enjoyment. Our shared acquaintance, Mr. Longbottom, has suggested that you have some expertise in the area of this particular plant and might have some suggestions as to how I might best go about doing this. I would be much obliged to you for sharing this information with me.

Severus paused. It was too stilted, too formal, as though he was writing to a stranger. But perhaps it was best to treat him as such; the Harry Severus had known would have never let Severus believe he was dead. Still, Severus felt the need to end the letter with something that acknowledged the fact that they had once known each other.

I am pleased to see that you are well. If you are still utilizing sleeping potions, I would be happy to supply you.

Severus Snape

There. Harry could either read that as a reminder of what they had once had, or as a purely professional business deal. Severus sealed the letter before he could change his mind and handed it to the bird. She nipped his finger in what he took as an encouraging manner and flew off.

As soon as she was gone, Nemo crept meekly back into the kitchen. He jumped up onto Severus' lap and bumped his head against Severus' hand, apparently in need of reassurance. That was all right; Severus was, too.

The owl came back later that day, while Severus was in the basement, brewing. He honestly hadn't expected her back so soon, but maybe Harry hadn't had to agonize over what he wrote. What was surprising was that the letter was typed by what looked to be an old-fashioned muggle typewriter. But then Severus remembered that Harry had been right-handed. It must have been too difficult for him to hold a quill.

Professor Snape,

You should double check to make sure your cat likes catnip before planting it. It's quite an aggressive plant and will probably take over your garden. The plant itself is easy enough to care for; plant it in full sunlight or a partially shaded area. It actually fairs better in poorer soil, with a high alkaline content, and doesn't need too much in the way of watering. Once a day would be fine. This is true of any variety.

Although I've been prescribed sleeping potions, I don't like to take them. They make me too groggy, and I need my wits about me around some of Neville's plants. I do appreciate the offer.

Your's,

Harry Potter

Severus read the letter over and over again. He didn't know what he had expected, but it certainly wasn't this. No apologies, no explanations, nothing. Nothing but exactly what Severus had asked for.

The bird hooted at him. Right, the treats were in the kitchen. Severus headed back up the stairs, the owl following behind. Nemo, who had been watching them warily from the open door at the top of the stairs, scampered away at their approach. Severus fed the bird her treat, but she still refused to leave.

"You can go on home, bird. I've got what I needed."

She didn't listen. In fact, she followed Severus around for the rest of the day. While this had never bothered Severus in the past, this time the bird made sure that she was always in Severus' line of sight. A snowy owl was hard to miss at the best of times, but a snowy owl that wanted to be noticed was going to be. Besides, Severus' cat nearly had a heart attack every time he saw her. He didn't know how much more Nemo would be able to take.

"Fine," Severus snapped finally. "If you want me to write him back, I'll write him back."

Owls should not be allowed to look that smug.

Mr. Potter,

I thought the whole purpose of catnip was that cats were enamored of it. Are you telling me now that this is not the case? I was also unaware that it came in more than one variety. Is there much difference?

Severus looked up briefly at his personal stash of potions. He had enough. He could afford to send one back with the bird.

The Healers at St. Mungo's do tend to be a bit heavy-handed with the strength of their potions. I have sent you a sleeping potion that I myself use from time to time, so I can attest to the fact that it should not leave you feeling drowsy. It is very similar to the one that you took while at school.

I apologize for the lateness of your bird. She refused to leave until I wrote you a reply.

Severus Snape

"There, are you satisfied, you annoying fowl?" Severus growled, handing over the sealed letter and a little bottle of sleeping potion. "Don't think you can expect a treat the next time you come back. You've clearly been far too spoiled as it is."

The bird just preened before flying out the window.

Professor Snape,

I'm sorry about Hedwig. She's not normally that pushy, and I didn't give her any instructions to be so.

It's not uncommon for a cat to not like catnip. Hermione read these statistics once that said only about 20% of cats actually like catnip, and 50% don't care about it one way or another.

The only difference in the varieties is mainly aesthetics. Also, some people use it for tea, so I suppose some taste better than others. I wouldn't know about that.

Thank you for the sleeping potion. I slept better last night than I have in a long time, and you were right- I didn't feel groggy this morning. I don't suppose I could bother you for more? I'd be willing to pay, of course.

Harry Potter

Now came the hard part; did Severus ask for payment? He didn't need the money; St. Mungo's paid him well enough, and he didn't particularly want to ask Harry for money. But if he offered to give it for free, was that presuming too much familiarity?

Severus drummed his fingers against the wood of his kitchen table. He hated feeling like this, like some sort of love-sick witch afraid to put a foot wrong and lose the interest of her beau. Because he needn't worry about that. He'd lost Harry's interest ten years ago. He shouldn't have to agonize over every word and worry how they might be interpreted.

But then, he should also be able to ask Harry the questions that he really wanted to. Instead, he was being a coward, talking about catnip and sleeping potions. He was too afraid of what the answers might be.

So Severus quoted a price (low, very low) and sent it off with the owl, hating himself for it.

As it turned out, Nemo didn't care much for catnip, and he told Longbottom as much the next time he went to Greens and was asked about his plant. Longbottom seemed disappointed. "So you've stopped writing Harry?"

"Well, he's been ordering potions from me, so a certain amount of correspondence is necessary."

That seemed to appease Longbottom slightly. "It would be nice if you two were friendly again. I know that's what Draco wants."

We were more than just friendly, Severus thought, and for the first time he wondered how much Longbottom really knew. But he didn't ask, of course. He never asked anymore. Merlin, he'd become such a damn coward. "When exactly did you two become so friendly?" he asked instead. "You couldn't stand each other in school."

"You couldn't stand me in school either," Longbottom responded with a grin. "I guess circumstances just sort of pushed us together, first with Harry and then with you."

"Me?" As far as Severus knew, he'd never forced the two of them together.

"You have to admit, professor, you haven't been in the best shape, lately."

"So the two of you have been conspiring to get me into better, ah, shape?" Wonderful. It wasn't enough that Draco already treated him like a child, but now he was apparently unable to take care of himself without being looked after.

"There was no conspiring. We were just-"

"Worried. Yes, I've heard." Severus had suddenly lost his appetite. He stood. "I will see you next week."

"Look, I didn't mean-" Longbottom started, but Severus exited the shop before he could hear the rest of the sentence.

Severus couldn't have said himself where he intended on going until he was facing the storefront. Blue's. He entered the shop.

The same woman was behind the counter, and when she saw Severus, she covered her heart with her hands, dramatically. "Saints preserve me! Twice in one year? Is the world coming to an end?" She grinned and went back to wiping down the counter. "A man comes into my shop every year on the same day, it makes an impression, you know? So, coffee? Or did you come back for the cupcakes? Admit it, they were just that good."

But Severus wasn't there for the coffee or the baked goods. "There was a boy, ten years ago, he used to come in here. Do you remember him?"

The woman shrugged. "Sorry. I get a lot of kids in here. I can't guarantee anything, but maybe if you can describe him?"

"He wasn't a child. He was seventeen, short with black hair and green eyes."

The woman paused her cleaning, thoughtfully. "Glasses? Weird scar about here?" She tapped her right temple with a finger. Severus nodded. "Yeah, I- oh, lord, don't tell me that you're the boyfriend!" She smacked herself in the forehead with the heel of her palm. "You've been coming here for ten years and I never realized that. I am such an idiot. I mean, he said you were older and you started coming here right after he stopped and… oh my god." She covered her mouth with a hand. "Is he dead? Is that why you come here on the same day every year? Are you like mourning the anniversary of his death? And here I am pestering you about frosting and-"

"He isn't dead," Severus interrupted before the woman could pass out. He'd never heard anyone talk so much without taking a single breath, and he was afraid he wouldn't be able to follow any more of her leaps of logic.

"Right." She took a deep breath. "So why are you asking?"

Why was he asking? Severus didn't know himself. "I was wondering if he'd… had a favorite cupcake."

The woman tapped her finger against her lips. "If I remember correctly, he liked the pecan pie cupcakes. Would you like to pick up a couple?"

"Yes," Severus said, although he had no idea what he would do with them. The woman looked at him expectantly. "Ah, yes. Four should be sufficient." Why he was getting four when he didn't even want one was a mystery.

"Four pecan pie cupcakes it is." She placed the cakes in a neat little bakery box that had the Blue's Cupcakery logo, and tied it with red and white string. "There you are. Anything else that I can get you?"

"No, thank you." He paid her and headed out the door.

"Say hi to Harry for me!" she called after him.

The bird was waiting for him when he got home. Harry must have needed more sleeping potion. However, it gave Severus an idea of what to do with the cupcakes.

Mr. Potter,

The woman at Blue's Cupcakery led me to believe that these were a favorite of your's. She sends them along with her regards.

Severus Snape

He stuck the note under the red and white string on the box before putting it in the carrier containing Harry's potion order.

Word Count: 9,346

Nemo reminds me of my own cat (who also doesn't like catnip). And yes, I do really talk like that.

A quick word about the pecan pie cupcakes. We all know that Harry's favorite dessert is treacle tart. The recipe for treacle tart really reminds me of pecan pie without the pecans (and golden syrup instead of corn syrup, but if you check out bakingdom dot com, Darla substitutes molasses and corn syrup for the golden syrup (you really should check out the site; it's got great recipes and Darla is a Harry Potter nerd like the rest of us)), so what's the closest to treacle tart in a cupcake? Pecan pie cupcakes! Oh, and they do exist. The book Crazy About Cupcakes has a recipe that I am determined to try one day.

I have no idea if the British eat pecan pie, but since I'm starring as the cupcake shop owner, it's all cool.