Summary: The war is over for everyone but Harry. He is still fighting just to survive, but he won't make it on his own. Just when he's given up, help comes along.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, but I do own my imagination which takes me on wonderful adventures.

Chapter 15: Celebration

Poppy apparated in early Saturday morning so they could attend the Renaissance Faire together. All three were dressed in comfortable muggle clothes with a casual robe on top. Severus had assured Harry that the robes will be seen as costumes and will hardly stand out at all.

"Severus owled me the results of your outing. I'm very pleased to hear it went so well. Are you ready to go celebrate?"

At Harry's nod, she added, "Oh – and don't forget that in public, I go by Paula."

O-O-O-O-O

Together, they apparated to a protected stand of trees near the front gate of Cardiff Castle. They purchased their entrance tickets and picked up their site map.

"I would like to see Callie and Rowan doing their improvisation of Robin Hood and Maid Marion before they get worn out. I see their first show is at ten. Do you mind?"

"No, that sounds fine to me. Maybe we can go see the swordfight demonstration afterwards? And I'll bet Insulting Ivan doesn't hold a candle to Uncle Ethan! He has a show at noon."

"Alright, but then I want to see you join the archery competition. Paula's nephew, Adair, is in charge of it."

O-O-O-O-O

Many fun-filled hours later, the three took a lunch break where they were joined by Callie and Rowan. "What have you all seen so far?" asked Rowan after introductions were made for Harry's benefit.

"Well, we saw your show, the swordfight demonstration, Insulting Ivan – you should have seen Uncle Ethan get into it with him. Maybe we should sign you up for an act – Expostulating Ethan," Harry said, turning to grin at Severus.

"Better watch it, Harden. I have a barrelful of toads at home that need disembowelling."

"Sorry, sir," Harry said contritely. Then he straightened up and said, "I entered the archery competition and came in a close second."

Just then Adair joined them and overheard the last comment. "You aren't bad at all. Ever think of joining the Faire? We can expand to a duelling archery show."

"Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer to stay out of the spotlight."

"Oh, well. Just a thought. Anyway, I just came by to tell you I'm off to meet with some friends for lunch. Ta!"

"Have you had a chance to tour the artisan and craft area yet?" Callie asked.

"No," Poppy answered. "We had thought to do that after lunch when the sun was at its hottest so we could duck into the shade."

"That's probably a good idea. Well, it was nice meeting you, Harden," Rowan said shaking Harry's hand. "I'm sure we'll see you again. We've got to get going now, though. We have another show in 20 minutes."

O-O-O-O-O

"Hey, look there, down at the end – 'Heather's Ethers'. Do you think we can find some potions in there?"

"Actually, yes, Harden. Heather is Callie's youngest. She usually stocks lotions, soaps, incense and candles with a mild magical component to them. Nothing the muggles will notice, but enough to make them 'special'. But before we go in there, let's go into 'Ivy's Livelies'. I'd like to introduce you. Ivy is my oldest niece. She has always had an affinity for animals. That's how she met her husband," Poppy continued as they walked into the store. "He's a magical creature vet."

Just then a young woman with golden-brown hair looked up. "Auntie Paula! and Ethan, too! You here to enjoy the Faire?"

"Of course," Poppy said giving her niece a hug. Severus nodded his acknowledgement. "Come, I'd like you to meet Ethan's nephew, Harden."

"Hi, nice to meet you," she said extending her hand for a shake. "You here on a visit?"

"No, actually. I've apprenticed to Uncle Ethan. I'll be here at least as long as it takes to get my mastery."

"That's great, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of you in the future, then. Oh, excuse me. Feel free to look around." She said as she went to help some customers who had just walked in.

After a few minutes of wandering past the animal cages, they left the shop. "After we say hello to Heather, I think we could split up to do some shopping. I'd really like to look in that dress shop and I doubt you boys want to join me."

"No, not really."

"Hello, Heather," Poppy said walking up to a petite brunette.

"Auntie Paula! It's lovely to see you! How have you been?" Heather hugged her aunt.

"Just fine. You remember Ethan, yes?"

"Of course," she answered shaking his hand. "I've been in professional contact with him to develop my new line of relaxing candles. You didn't know?" she asked turning to Poppy.

"As a business client, it is not my place to disclose my dealings," Severus commented.

"Heather, let me introduce you to Ethan's nephew, Harden. He's working on his potions mastery with Ethan."

"Good luck with that," she said accepting his hand. "I worked with him one summer when I was setting up my scented lotions. He's a bit of a perfectionist, don't you think?"

"I think I would rather not answer that." They all laughed.

"How long have you been studying with him?"

"Listen, Harden, Heather, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I want to go check out the crystal stirring spoons at 'The Glass Works' and I know Poppy is dying to go try on some dresses down the way. How about if we meet back at the food court at five for something to eat before the fireworks? Can you get whatever shopping you need to do done by then?"

Harry looked at his watch. "Two hours? Yeah, I'm sure that's plenty of time. See you then." Severus and Poppy left, turning in different directions once they cleared the door.

"I assume you are living at the cottage while doing your studies," Heather said. "It must be difficult never to have a break."

"Yes, I am. Actually, I thought it would be much worse than it is. I am rather content with the way we worked it out. You know, I would really like to get a gift for my uncle and also for your aunt. Can you suggest anything?"

O-O-O-O-O

A/N: I have never been to Cardiff Castle. I have no idea if there ever was a Renaissance Faire there. I was once (a long, long time ago!) at a fair in upstate New York and had a great time. In any case, I have taken great liberties in my event and venue. Remember, this is a fictional story. There is no intent to cause harm.

O-O-O-O-O

Epilogue: Three years later

"… to confer the award of Potions Master on Mr. Harden Prince. Not only has Harden contributed to the creation of a restorative for damaged magical relay systems, he has also compiled a compendium of potions ingredients in collaboration with his uncle. I can say with certainty that this book will be an invaluable tool for any person undertaking the brewing of potions." With a round of applause, he turned to Harry, pinned the crossed wand and caldron insignia to his graduation cloak and handed him a roll of parchment. "We expect great things from the next generation of Prince brewers."

"Congratulations!"

"Way to go, bro'!"

"Here, Uncle Ethan, you can hold the next generation of Prince brewers for a moment while I give a congratulatory kiss to my husband," Heather said, handing the baby to Severus and reaching for Harry.

O-O-O-O-O

A/N: There you go! It's all done. I hope it was worth the wait. I also hope you feel that it was concluded well.