Chapter 3- The Accidental Tourist

-

He never tired of the routine of potions making. Whether using a mortar and pestle for grinding or a silver knife for chopping, the apprentice gained deep satisfaction from using precise skill to transform herbs into shimmering solutions. The brew he was currently steeping contained a pinch of white willow bark, blue vervain, feverfew and rosemary leaves, and skullcap. Once combined, the ingredients swiftly blended and sent up fragrant vapours. He removed the beaker from the magical flames and poured a measure into an earthenware mug.

"Thank you, Severus. I think I transfigured one too many times today."

Watching Eris drink the headache brew, he inclined his head toward the cauldron simmering on another work table. "At least your remedy is practical. Of what use is Scintillation Solution?"

Smiling, his partner said, "Well, people who aren't energetic and enthusiastic would enjoy feeling that way temporarily, I suppose." Cleaning her mug with a spell, she asked, "Did Mordred say what he invented it for?"

Curling his upper lip, Severus nodded. "The Kwikspell Company commissioned it. They want to include the potion, along with several others, in their correspondence curriculum."

Replacing her mug on a shelf, Eris slid her arms around his waist. "You don't think very highly of them?"

"The founder was Uric the Oddball."

She hugged him, laughing softly. A smile flickered across his face. It was exceedingly pleasant to have someone value his quips. At school, his sardonic wit had not been much appreciated. Besides Eris, Tom and Lucius were the only ones his sarcastic humour amused instead of angered. His lips curved, remembering some of the occasions he had cut Marauders down to size.

"Your eyes are glittering…what are you thinking about?"

Deciding the tale of rapier wit puncturing her friend James' bubble of conceit would not evoke smiles, he looked deep into her eyes. "It has been two weeks since I 'saw' one of your fantasies. Have you had any others?"

His low, silky tone brought a blush to her cheeks. Blue eyes became like mirrors, reflecting only their current position. He chuckled. Eris might hold another Legilimens at bay with her Occlumency, but he knew how to find chinks in her mental armour. Severus used his fingertips to trace the contours of her face. She drew in a quick breath, but held firm. Bending to trace a delicate ear with his lips, he whispered, "Was it another 'Professor Snape' fantasy?" When she caught her breath, he knew how to break down her defences. Trailing tiny kisses to her mouth, he brushed her lips and said, "If you allow me see it; I will be able to fulfil it."

It was like a floodgate opening. He was inside her mind and immersed in fantasy…

In the dungeon laboratory, a young woman took off her outer robes and began to add the final ingredients to her potion. Behind her, a wizard loomed, face half in shadow as he closely watched her every movement. When her chopping motions became nervous and jerky, he stepped close. Covering her hand with his, the Master demonstrated the proper rocking technique. Eyes heavy, she leaned back against him, her head lolling to the side. Sliding his lips up her throat, the man asked, "Is your lack of underclothing meant to arouse me to some action, Apprentice?"

"Yes."

"Tell me."

She paused to add the last herb with shaking fingers. Turning, Eris dropped her gaze while confessing, "I want you to help test my Levitation Solution."

Severus dragged his gaze away, breaking the connection and ending the vision. He cleared his throat, opened his mouth to speak, and then shook his head. Pivoting on his heel, he marched directly to the storage cupboard. Opening the doors with a snap, he looked at his wide-eyed partner and said, "If you wish me to explore the possibilities of levitation, you'd best assemble the solution's ingredients, Apprentice."

-

After testing the solution and giving Eris top marks, Severus kissed her farewell before she departed to take a nap. Feeling rather mellow himself, he sat on a stool and patiently waited for the Scintillation Solution to cool sufficiently in order to be poured into flagons. While he contemplated how enjoyable it was to have a partner with an active imagination, Mordred entered the dungeon chamber.

"Prynhawn da!"

"Good afternoon," returned Severus, coming out of his slouch in an attempt to seem more alert.

"Mae'n bwrw gla."

These impromptu quizzes thinly disguised as casual conversation in Welsh were annoying. Too prudent to show his feelings, the younger wizard replied, "I was not aware it was raining. Do you think it will stop soon? I planned a walk after dinner."

The Potions Master chuckled. "Gruffydd says he has never seen a cath taken for a walk like a dog before."

"My cat is unique."

Severus' inward smirk vanished when the Master said, "Yes, it's quite touching how devoted you are to your pet." Nodding decisively, he added, "So feel free to take her with you on your excursion."

"What excursion?"

White brows lifted. "Didn't I speak of the Food and Drink Festival over lunch the other day?"

"Only in the most general of terms…"

Clapping the young man on the shoulder, Mordred stepped toward the storage cupboard. "Then I'll explain. As you can see, we are running low on many vital ingredients. The Festival is renowned for its Farmer's Market. Therefore, you will make the short journey to replenish our stores."

With a sinking stomach, the apprentice said, "You wish me to obtain herbs at a Muggle Festival?"

"Yes. Is there a reason you object?"

Other than the paltry fact I despise Muggles and their children who have not the sense to avoid strangers? "No, Master."

"Excellent. You may leave in the morning." Smiling in a way Severus knew was an amiable cover for senile glee; Mordred noticed the second cauldron and asked, "Brewed another potion? Very industrious of you…what is it?"

"Levitation Solution."

"How did it turn out?"

The younger wizard replied expressionlessly, "Gratifyingly well."

"Good, good…Hwyl am rwan."

Not about to give a cheery 'bye for now', Severus responded with a simple da boch chi, goodbye. Scowling, he poured solutions into storage flagons, cleaned the dungeon, and stomped upstairs to share his bad news.

-

"Isn't this the best day?"

Glancing at the spot his Disillusionment charmed partner stood gushing, Severus looked down at the bustling town centre and said, "If your childhood dream was to run away and join the carnival."

Slender fingers threaded through his. "It does have that sort of atmosphere, with the marquee and all the street entertainment and stalls." He could imagine her curious stare and tried not to fidget. "Did you ever want to join the carnival?"

Why had he brought up the subject? Now she would expect him to share. Uncomfortable with the sneaking idea that he might actually want to, he said curtly, "I was five and impressionable."

"I've never been to one. Did you actually go? What was it like?"

Severus began to walk, holding her hand. "Dirty, run by the most disreputable persons and selling the least nutritive food on the planet…"

"So you hated it?"

He remembered the carnie running the 'guess your weight' stall giving him candy floss and saying someone with his talent for sizing people up could go far in the world. Gruffly, he admitted, "I cried when mother took me home."

Eris didn't say a word, but her squeezing of his hand gave away Hufflepuff sentimentality. Severus asked dryly, "Do you feel sorry for that sad little boy?"

"Yes, but when I think of comforting you, it's as an adult."

His brow lifted. He'd have to 'see' that image later. Smirking, he steered her toward the queue of people waiting to purchase entry tickets.

"Are you Goth?"

When the question was repeated a second time, Severus half turned and enquired, "Are you addressing me, young woman?"

The denim clad teen giggled with her friends before saying, "Yeh."

He frowned repressively. "No." The line moved forward. Behind him, Severus heard,

"He's wearing black head to toe, and look at that hair. I don't care what he says; the guy is Goth, Jinelle."

"Shut up Wynne, he'll hear you!"

"So what Meggan?"

"So if he gives us that death glare again, I'll piss my pants!"

More giggling erupted. Once he'd escaped the nuisances, Severus muttered, "Do I look Germanic to you?"

Eris' low laughter was far more pleasant than high-pitched squeals. "Not Visigoth…gothic, as in a type of novel…dark and broody…or perhaps like those lonely, arrogant musicians…"

"You jest."

"No, Cariad."

Severus huffed, "Darling does not lessen the insult, and I do not sing."

"Yes Cariad."

Considering the subject unworthy of further conversation, he scrutinised the pamphlet handed him with his ticket and pointed. "Y Farchnad…the market."

The paper was tapped by an unseen finger. "Look, the buyer for the Welsh Whisky Company is giving a talk in a few minutes. Would you care to hear it?"

He was torn between wanting to make his purchases and reluctant interest to hear what the man would say. Eris said persuasively, "The talk won't last long."

"Very well."

They made their way over to the 'food demonstration theatre' and found a place to sit in the far back. After the informal lecture, Severus sampled a few of the company's products and pronounced them tolerable.

Eris giggled. "Let's not go near the area they're having a 'Real Ale Festival'. I don't want to see how well you tolerate beer on top of whisky."

He looked around before replying, "Afraid I would become amorous toward my invisible girl?"

"The thought makes me tremble, but it's not with fear."

What cheek. The corners of his mouth turned up. The main 'Food Hall' marquee was enormous and held culinary exhibitions, demonstrations, and displayed the wares of numerous stallholders. Eris asked that he purchase a disposable mug of cider. When she insisted he try it, he shook his head. "Dim diolch."

"Welsh, right…hmmm…did you say 'thank you' or 'no thank you'?"

"No thank you."

"Oh. Well, iechyd da anyway."

He corrected her pronunciation of 'cheers', or 'good health'. A man passing by heard and lifted his cup of insipid apple product. "Iechyd da!"

It was interesting to watch the cider disappear. Since Disillusionment wasn't true invisibility as much as a total blending into surroundings, he could almost 'see' her. Eris made a lovely shadow.

She stayed close behind while he strolled through the section of garden plants. Reaching the stalls mounded with fruit and veg, Severus used his height to scan the displays. Finding herbs for sale, he approached the vendor and asked, "Do you have any Bog Myrtle?"

"Sweet Gale? No, it's out of season. Loses its leaves at the first frost, but I know a woman who preserves it somehow. Dera Bowen…last stall on the right."

Inclining his head in civil gratitude, he headed for the stallholder who was able to keep herbs fresh out of season. Approaching, his rigid posture became more relaxed. She didn't wear a pointy hat, but he knew the woman was a witch. Bright green eyes in a face lined with age and laughter surveyed him curiously. "May I help you?"

"Here is a list of herbs I require. Do you have them?"

Skimming it, she said, "I haven't seen parchment for awhile. Apprenticing with Ap Meurig? Wonders never cease. I'll take a look."

"Thank you, Madam Bowen."

"Call me Dera. Mordred does."

Reaching down into a basket, she withdrew a bundle of whose small green leaves emitted a pleasing scent. It was bog myrtle, found across Scotland and North Wales.

"It reminds me of walking through a meadow in sunshine," whispered Eris.

"I hope your master isn't trying to create Berserking Brew again. I've told him over and over that the Vikings only thought an infusion of bog myrtle was responsible for their frenzy in battle."

"I believe it will be used to make an insect repellent."

The witch pushed a tendril of silver hair back into her braid. "That is an excellent use." Leaning toward him, she lowered her voiced, "Tell Gruffydd the leaves add a delicate flavour to fish and chicken dishes…he needs all the help he can get, poor man."

Had she tasted the retainer's cooking? Shrugging away idle speculation, Severus watched bladderwrack, milkthistle; horsetail and catmint seed join the other herbs on the stall's counter. While Dera filled his order, Eris tugged him over to an essential oil display. He chose lavender and tea tree oil for a separate, private purchase before enquiring, "Do you carry rose petals?"

"Sorry, a Girl Guide troop bought me out this morning. They planned to make sachets for a fundraiser, if I remember correctly."

He didn't care what the greedy pixies were using them for. The witch read his expression and placated, "Lyneth runs the flower stall across the way. She has them, I'm sure."

Slinging the 'magicked rucksack, no extra charge' over his shoulder, he thanked the woman for her service. Approaching the flower stall, his lips turned down. Familiar, giggling teens were clustered beside it, debating on whether to buy a bouquet and split it or to purchase a single flower each. Pretending not to see them, he asked the proprietor if she had rose petals in stock.

"Yes, I have them divided in a large basket. I'll let you choose your colours and scoop whatever amount you wish into separate packets."

While the woman turned to retrieve the basket, the girls nearby held a discussion whose volume suggested their hearing had been damaged by Muggle music.

"White roses are for purity," said one.

No white rose petals, he thought smugly.

"Red is love and red and white together means unity," said another.

White mixed with lots of red would be acceptable.

"Yellow is for friendship, hope, and joy…will you buy me one, Meggan?" asked the first girl.

Yellow should be obtained as well.

"No, Jinelle, but I'll buy a coral rose and pretend Kai gave it to me because he finds me desirable and fascinating," said the girl who said she would piss her pants if he glared again.

At least a scoop of coral petals must be procured.

"I'd want a guy to buy lavender- enchantment and passion," said the third female with a sigh.

Did these girls having nothing to do but chat about silly flowers and romance?

When the stallholder placed the basket on the counter, he said irritably, "A scoop of each kind."

Taking long strides in order to leave the Muggle Festival as soon as possible, he slowed down when Eris called, "I'm sorry if I caused you embarrassment by asking for rose petals."

Severus exhaled sharply. "I was not embarrassed, I was discomfited to realise females put so much meaning into flowers. A rose is just a bloody rose. Women should enjoy the colour and scent and not look for hidden meaning because in all likelihood there is not one."

"I agree."

They were approaching the area Muggles congregated to try games of chance. "Then you will not think I am calling you girlish or whatever the hell pink means if I give them to you to sprinkle in your bath?"

"No, but I hope you'll share the bath and won't mind if I change the candles to coordinate."

He watched children attempt to toss rings onto bottles and said, "Fair enough. Does it matter what colour petals are strewn across sheets?"

"If it doesn't matter to you that I transfigure my lingerie to match."

He shook his head and stepped forward. Using the excuse that he wanted to rid himself of Muggle currency, the wizard paid for the opportunity to toss three rings. Behind him, Eris murmured, "It should be like tossing cards into a hat…all in the wrist."

Severus asked dryly, "Would you care to try your luck?"

"No, no, just…erm…wanted to help."

Sizing up the prizes, he said, "Which stuffed animal would you prefer to win?"

"The Siamese kitten."

Nodding, he quickly ringed three bottles and selected the prize. The tattooed individual running the game stared when he heard a squeal of delight, but Severus' haughty gaze prevented comment. Allowing his face to be covered in kisses, the wizard held the stuffed feline up for a moment's admiration before shoving the thing into his cloak pocket. He was not about to be seen…even by Muggles…toting a stuffed kitten about.

-

Once they'd returned to the keep, Eris transformed into her Animagus form. Entering the kitchen, he saw Mordred talking to Gruffydd in a low, urgent voice. Looking up to see his apprentice, the Master exclaimed, "Back so soon? Did you find everything we need? Yes? Good. I'll take the rucksack and begin adding the herbs to our stores immediately." The reason for the odd stress put on the final word became clear when the old wizard added, "And by the way, you have a visitor waiting in the drawing room."

"Who?" The word burst from stiff lips.

"Mr. Fenrir Greyback. Pob lwc."

Good luck...

Bending, Severus picked up his 'cat' and strode into the corridor, instructing, "You will stay in our quarters until Fenrir is gone. If your uncle learns I have a pet, chances are he would harm you merely to enjoy causing me pain. Unlike money, your safety is something I refuse to gamble, so obey me on this matter."

A soft mew sounded before the small forehead rubbed against his hand. Relieved, he crouched down to set 'Epis' on the floor. In spite of his worry, Severus chuckled when she batted a paw at his pocket. Holding out her prize, he said, "Thank you. If that fell out, it would severely damage my Knightly image."

A tiny pink tongue licked his hand before the Siamese took the 'kitten' by the scruff of its neck and darted for the stairway. Severus waited for his partner to climb to safety before closing his eyes and mentally disengaging himself from softer emotions. Although Fenrir was no Legilimens, it was good practice. All trace of vulnerability was hidden deep within an impenatrable darkness.

Once intellect became devoid of feeling, he walked into the drawing room and said, "Good evening, Greyback."

The drawled greeting took the werewolf by surprise. "You sound like Malfoy. Aping your betters, are you?"

"I have no betters."

The blond man's coarse features broke into a wolfish grin. "I smell no fear in you." He held out a hand and transformed his fingers into claws. Raising a single brow in detached amusement, the younger wizard placed his hand against a furry palm and shook it firmly. Sharp nails pricked his skin. Showing no reaction, Severus held the man's challenging gaze and coolly enquired, "To what do I owe the honour of this visit?"

-


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A/N: I've never been to "Cowbridge", but I kinda liked the Food & Drink Festival I found when I went google-ing for Welsh farmers' markets. I take inspiration wherever I find it, from a book/film title or article about a festival to random info from HP books, and write in hope that you enjoy the results! The magical people who enjoyed the last chapter enough to graciously leave a review were… ♥ 40/16 Arilla Rossi cupcakeswirl die Loreley Dipper ElspethBatesFNPGraceRichieLibeku Taganashi Machiavelli Jr NazgulGirl Nemo Slipknot-3113 Slytherin Love Goddesssunny9847 The Ravishing Enchantress and Yrouna