The Potions Master's Apprentice
Chapter 2- The Slytherin in the Dell
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In the depths of the keep, Potions Master faced Apprentice.
"Are you threatening me?" asked Mordred Ap Meurig, with the hint of a smile on his face.
Severus followed the man's gaze to the knife he'd forgotten he was holding and hastily set it down. He'd been in the midst of preparing the day's potion when Mordred had entered the dungeon to make a shocking request. Even now, it was hard for the young man to get his mind around the idea. Carefully, he asked, "Are you quite certain that is the only location at which…"
"Are you questioning your Master?"
Yes, but from the frown on the wizard's face, it would be unwise to admit it. Instead, he prevaricated, "I was merely enquiring if the roots could be found in…more agreeable…surroundings."
"Have something against Muggles, do you?"
The old man was enjoying this. Although inwardly he sneered Am I Slytherin? Severus remained outwardly impassive. "I wish only to serve you in the most efficient manner. The presence of…non-magical…persons is an obstacle…"
"Easily dealt with," Mordred interjected. His tone was gently mocking. "Chamaelirium luteum, or False Unicorn, is indigenous to the Americas. As I have not the time to apply for a Portkey and spare my apprentice's delicate sensibilities, you must harvest it from whence it has been planted in Wales." Heading for the stairway, he added, "It's a delightful place. The Muggles are justifiably proud. Take your cat for a walk through the gardens while you're there. Consider it a holiday."
"Meowrrr…"
The sound brought Severus' gaze to his Animagus partner. The Siamese was batting a paw toward a cauldron in danger of bubbling over. Lowering the magical flames, Severus double-checked to ensure his Master was gone before muttering darkly while chopping and adding the final ingredient to the simmering potion, "A holiday my arse- the opportunity to yank my chain is more like it…"
The cat made her delicate way to his side and rubbed her forehead against his arm. He petted her, grumbling, "I highly doubt this Muggle tourist attraction is the only place in Britain to find False Unicorn. Mordred is merely a sadistic old bastard." After using cleansing spells, Severus tipped the cat's chin up to ask, "Why haven't you shifted?" Raising his wand, he checked the ward on the door. It was engaged. The spells ensuring privacy were active as well.
The svelte animal transformed into a young woman sitting on the worktable. "I didn't want to distract you," said Eris with a feline smile.
His eyes roamed the curves inadequately concealed by midnight blue lace. "My concentra…Why do you constantly transfigure clothing you do not wear?"
"Don't worry; I'll dress properly when we go to harvest the False Unicorn."
"See that you do. Now, as I was saying…" His brow furrowed for an instant and then cleared as he stated, "My concentration is not so easily impaired."
When she leaned forward, the loosely tied robe gaped open. "I was more concerned about you 'seeing' the dream I had last night. It was so hot, I was afraid your cauldron might…"
She appeared more on the verge of laughter. He raised a brow and taunted silkily, "What? Boil over?"
"Melt."
He had to see what the naughty puss had been dreaming. Framing her face with his hands, Severus looked into Eris' eyes and 'saw' a fantasy that would have been very distracting indeed. Hoping his face didn't appear as warm as it felt, he quipped, "Your Professor Snape fixation is disturbing."
"Anything else?" she asked breathily, leaning closer.
His hungry kiss answered the question. They strained together, hands and lips caressing and exploring. Yanking at the fastenings of his robes, he raised his head to ask, "Are you sure…?"
"Yes, Professor," Eris purred, guiding his mouth back to hers.
-
Two days later, he stalked down a path in Bodnant Gardens, fuming to his Disillusionment charmed partner, "One more day and this place would have been closed for the season, but no, the alignment of the stars told Meurig November 5th was the propitious day of bloody harvest!"
"The stars did seem brighter last night."
"That was because we were sleeping under them and you were a cat."
"Oh…well, this is still a nice day, and Bodnant has a lovely meaning. Dwelling by the stream…"
"Dwelling by the multitude of Muggles would have been more apt," he said testily, before exhaling sharply and admitting, "I am never at ease amongst crowds, much less Muggles."
"I guessed that when you saw the car park and lost all colour."
He gently pressed the unseen hand that slipped into his. "This terraced garden, the lawns surrounding Bodnant Hall. Do they cause you to miss your home?"
"No. My home is where you are."
Severus looked out, across the valley toward the Snowdonia range, while saying, "I feel the same."
An old couple approached, the woman mourning, "If only we'd been able to visit when the leaves were at their peak. There's hardly a red, purple, or gold leaf to be seen."
Striding away from the Muggles' reminiscence of past autumnal brilliance, he headed down the sloping path, toward the lower portion of the small, deep valley. Formed by the River Hiraethlyn, the dell contained the so-called 'Wild garden'.
"The pamphlet states they grow a wide range of plants from all over the world," Eris said in a cheerful voice. "Chinese, North American, European, and Japanese plants suited to the Welsh soil and climate have thrived here."
"Fascinating."
"Isn't it? Gardeners, artists, photographers, and families flock to Bodnant. It's considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK."
Her deliberately perky recital made his lips twitch, even while he said, "Stop reading that confounded pamphlet and use your Herbology expertise to locate the Chamaelirium luteum."
Soft lips brushed his cheek. "Alright. I know it's a rare woodland herb that grows in moist, shady areas. If it was May or June, we could look for the flowering stalks, but now…the leaves are long and smooth, and form a whorl."
They stepped off the winding path and continued downhill. He began to scan beneath the trees, saying, "I need to gather enough to dry for later use and to chop now for decoctions and tinctures."
"Does Mordred suffer from an ailment that's treated with the herb?"
Shrugging, Severus replied, "A liver disorder? Perhaps. He has not confided in me." Smirking, he added, "It's not for menstrual or menopausal reasons, although I suppose it could be for a uterine problem."
Eris' teasing voice came from a short distance away. "I've heard False Unicorn is used to stimulate the reproductive organs. Think Mordred wants to be a father?"
He grimaced. "Merlin forbid." Leering in her direction, Severus called, "Now if it stimulated reproductive urges, I'd advise you to drink a decoction twice daily."
"Merlin forbid!" she retorted laughingly. "I need at least a few hours sleep at night!"
Looking away to hide a smile, he spied a plant whose leaves coiled into a rosette. He called to Eris and knelt to loosen the soil. They began to extract the roots and had almost harvested a sufficient amount when two little girls came barrelling down the slope.
One of the dark haired children shrieking in glee caught sight of the man amongst the greenery. She stopped in her tracks to stare, causing the other girl to bump into her. Taking a step forward, the child said, "Beth yw eich enw?"
He frowned at the six or seven year old who had probably cajoled her friend to wander away from a larger group of school children. "My name is none of your concern and I do not wish to chat." Severus waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Run along."
Taking another step forward, this time dragging her more prudent companion with her, the girl asked, "Ydych chi'n byw yma?"
Expelling an impatient breath, he again deciphered her question using the Welsh Mordred had taught and answered, "Am I a troll, to live under a bridge, or an Ogre from the marsh? No, therefore I do not live here. Now go away."
Both the girls broke into giggles. Beside him, Eris whispered, "They're so sweet." Her arm slipped through his and squeezed. "Maybe they think you're a dragon."
He scoffed, "Yes, I am a dragon, and you are my invisible princess that I will carry back to my cave and devour."
"A fairy princess?"
Severus turned to see the girls standing much closer. Stuffing a few last roots into a stasis sack, he rose to his full height and looked down his nose at the interlopers. "This absurd dialogue is at an end. Return to your teacher. Demand an ice or sweet at the confectionary kiosk and throw a tantrum until your desires are granted- do anything other than remain here."
The girl who had remained silent peered beyond her friend's shoulder to ask, "Is she beautiful, your invisible fairy princess?"
He rolled his eyes. "Very."
The bolder girl demanded, "Is she under a spell or something, is that why she's invisible?"
"Yes."
Two pairs of big dark eyes sparkled. "Will you kiss her and break the spell?" the shy one asked with a wide smile.
"No."
Small faces crumpled. Tears he was sure could be summoned at will threatened to fall. He curled his lip, refusing to give way to miniature Machiavelli. Down turned lips trembled.
"Severus, they're Muggles who will be accused of over-active imaginations if they tell anyone. What would it hurt?"
He sighed heavily. "That's your inner Hufflepuff talking."
"She loves you too."
Sparing a glance at the two who were gazing hopefully, he stipulated, "Only for a moment, and then we Disapparate."
"Thank you. I promise to go directly to our cave. I'll even transfigure a bed of gold to await devouring upon."
Clearing his throat, Severus nodded. "Agreed." Trying to ignore the 'oohhh's' of his audience, he reached out and cupped the cheek of the woman that couldn't be seen. He found her mouth and gently parted it in a kiss.
"Awwww…"
He opened his eyes to see Eris smiling at the little girls. She blew them a kiss and Disapparated. They stared, open-mouthed, until he roared, "GO!"
"The dragon! The dragon!" they yelled happily, running back up the slope. Sardonically, he wondered if all women, regardless of age or magical ability, were Hufflepuffs inside.
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A thunderstorm swept across the valley. Indifferent to the weather, Severus was in the kitchen gathering items for tea. Eris had contracted a cold from the previous day's exposure to germ-laden Muggles, so he insisted she take a Pepper Up potion and rest while he prepared the evening meal. Hearing the sound of wings beating against glass, he looked over to see the castle retainer backing away from the window. When the younger wizard moved to let a tawny owl inside, Gruffydd warned, "Ill tidings ride upon fell winds."
Severus was more concerned about the gust of horizontal rain. Taking the missive and offering the messenger a treat, he closed the window and asked, "Is that another charming Welsh saying?" He slipped the letter from Tom into his pocket to read later.
Sniffing in disapproval over the apprentice's irreverent tone, the man promised, "You will soon believe in ill-omens." He held out his arm. When the owl alighted, Gruffydd said, "This one has come far. A night's rest in the owlery will see him right again. Nos da.
"Goodnight," returned Severus, heading for the stairs.
Back in their chambers, the torches were dimmed and the bed curtains drawn. He placed the tray on the table between chairs on the hearth, frowning over the slight chill in the air. In short order, he used his wand to throw another logon the fire and augment the warming charm. Satisfied with the resulting warmth, he opened the curtains.
"Something smells delicious."
Other than a few wisps of smoke coming from her ears, his partner looked healthy, if drowsy. She smiled and reached up to caress his cheek. "Or maybe that's just you, Carwyr."
His lips twitched. " What were you attempting to call me?"
"Lover."
He pulled back gold satin sheets and held out a robe in a matching shade of velvet. "I'll help you with pronunciation later, but for now, dinner is served, Cariad."
Eris kissed his cheek and then slipped her arm through his. "What did you conjure?
Severus waited until she was seated before lifting a stasis cover. "Snake stew."
Her startled laughter made him smirk. "In truth, Gruffydd is keeping company with the cook at the inn. She visited and brought an enormous pot of rabbit stew." Waving his hand at the linen covered basket, he said, "I conjured the bread."
Taking a piece, she smiled quizzically. "Is it flatbread, or a type of Ciabatta?"
He handed her the crock of butter. "It was supposed to be a baguette."
Eris slathered a bite and popped it into her mouth, chewing vigorously. "Mmm…"
"That bad?"
Taking a gulp of water, she swallowed. "No! It's good, and will be even better soaked in gravy."
Severus lifted a piece of bread and let it fall on the table between them. The cutlery rattled. He raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, we could hold off an enemy army by hurling it from the battlements, but you made it, so I love it, and I'm going to eat it!"
A fleeting smile crossed his face. "Perhaps if we discard the crust…save it for a siege…"
She giggled and handed over the butter. They exchanged smiles and began to eat. After the stew was gone and the edible bread salvaged, he brought out Tom's letter and told Eris about Gruffydd's 'ill-omen'. She encouraged him to read and form his own opinion. Nodding, he broke the wax seal and rapidly scanned the lines before reading aloud.
S,
I've seen Paris in the springtime, and I much prefer fall. Not as many Muggles polluting the city.
Since Claire demands correspondence to reassure her of my continued devotion or some rot, I've decided I may as well scratch out letters to you while I'm putting quill to parchment. The designer turned out to be a false lead, but the trip wasn't a total waste of my valuable time. One of our lord's French supporters paid highly for me to ensure a certain model returned his affections. Not that I needed the Galleons, but I wasn't going to waste any on over-priced perfume, and now I can send the stuff to Claire. She's become envious of the way Malfoy spoils his fiancée, and this should pacify the greedy minx for awhile.
Greyback won't be satisfied, but I'm out of biting range and planning to stay that way. I'm headed to Milan. The designer examined the blouse Eris transfigured and admitted it looked very similar to one she'd seen at a recent show. If my girlfriend doesn't travel to meet me there, I may entrance a model for myself.
Expect another visitor soon.
T
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"It's the classic styling," said Eris.
Severus looked up. "You are referring to the blouse?"
"Yes, that's why Cissy and the designer both thought they'd seen it before."
A corner of his mouth turned up. "Then we can only hope the second designer also 'remembers' that they've seen the design before and sends Tom even further away."
"Mongolia would be good."
He chuckled and stood to clear the dishes while she transfigured the two armchairs into a love seat. Sitting with his arm around Eris, he gazed into the fireplace and tried to relax. The blue tipped flames consuming the logs were soothing to watch. His partner's soft warmth combined with a full stomach caused his eyes to become heavy. Before they closed, he thought he could make out the shape of a bow in the fire…
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Lightning flashed overhead, illuminating the valley beyond the keep. The accompanying thunderclap stirred no reaction from the wizard who was lost in dark thoughts.
"Elin said the bones reveal the coming of a fearsome storm."
Continuing to stare beyond the castle wall, the Welshman snorted. "Tell my mother I divined as much by simple observation."
A drop of rain splashed his hand. He glanced at the woman who had joined him. "Return to the solar."
"My place is at your side."
Inwardly smiling, he said dryly, "And I had heard Englishwomen were submissive creatures."
"I allowed a Welshman to carry me away from a tournament, did I not?"
"Enticed."
Warm laughter offset cold rain. "I merely submitted to your desire."
The wizard pretended to scowl. "You bewitched me."
"The enchantment was mutual."
He smiled a bit, raising her hood before saying, "I have received word that the Treaty of Montgomery will soon be broken. Your English king would have Cymru a Dominion, not a Principality." Taking her hands in his, he vowed, "No Lloegr, Englishman, will take what is mine."
Tugging gently, his wife coaxed, "Come to bed, and let us forget the storm."
He nodded, aware that it was a different kind of tempest that was to be feared…and fought…
-
"Carwyr, wake up."
When he opened his eyes, Severus saw that Eris was standing over him, her hand on his shoulder. "I fell asleep."
"Yes, and you must have been reading Welsh history again. I heard you mumble several words." Reaching for his hands to tug him to his feet, she said, "It's probably due to the thunder." At that moment, lightning flashed outside, followed by a thunderclap that rattled the windowpanes. Eris startled in reaction and then smiled. "Let's go to bed and forget about the storm."
He stared and then slowly nodded. Later, when the thunderstorm had turned into a gentle rain, Severus watched Eris sleep, tensing and then relaxing his muscles so he could do likewise. Finally drifting off, he dreamt of misty mountains and a dragon curled upon a bed of gold, jealously guarding his treasure.
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A/N: Yes, I had fun singing "Hi-ho, the derry-o!" this chap and working in my love of J.R.R. by having Snape going a bit Smaug. So I couldn't help the Misty Mountain reference or the title. Or I didn't want to. LOL. Thanks go to everyone who reviewed the first chapter and wanted more! ♥ 40/16 ♥ Arilla Rossi ♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ die Loreley ♥ Dipper♥ ElspethBates♥ FNP ♥ gothic-wildhorse ♥ GraceRichie♥ Jedi Knight Padme♥ Lady Webster ♥ Libeku Taganashi ♥ Machiavelli Jr♥ NazgulGirl ♥ Sivaroobini Lupin-Black♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ Slytherin Love Goddess ♥ sunny9847 ♥ TheLastWerewolf ♥ and The Ravishing Enchantress ♥ I heart you people...and anyone else who might be inclined to acquiesce to my request for a review!
