The Potions Conference

by Snow

Warning: OC, fragments.

As Harry walked out of the San Diego International Airport walking across the bridge and down the stairs to the parking lot to the car that the committee promised would be. Fingering the crumpled paper in his pocket and quickly reading the description and license plate. He quickly reversed the car driving downtown, taking the 94 freeway. Earlier he had looked at places to stay. Thinking that having a hotel room was too much. As he turned left and drove up a large hill. While not the prettiest place, it would do for the two weeks he would be here and the people he was renting from were really nice, and while he never saw them. He imagined that their younger daughter was always at home. It seemed that she had a magical inclination the way things appeared around her. Possibly a squib or a witch, Harry had to watch over her.

On the second day after accustoming himself to a new place and deciding to go to San Diego's Historical places. Which he decided to go to Balboa Park and look at the museums. While he had lots of fun, the Science Center was his favorite. Despite how hectic it was which later he found out by asking a volunteer that it was Free Tuesday for all San Diegan residents. It was time to go shopping for robes, as it wouldn't do for him to show up to a magical convention in muggle clothes. He entered into downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp district, getting hopelessly lost.

He first noticed the store, as he tried to doge the lines for clubs and drunks, was The Weird Sisters, and a rather feminine touch. It seemed weird for him that none of the muggles even noticed the store, as no one even spared a glace when clearly it was blasting music, hurting his ear drums. As he walked into the store he was surprised by the mixture of wizard and muggle clothes. Although he did blush when he saw the back of the store, which held their more interesting clothing. The girl working there was more than willing to help him out. Finding formal robes and more casual clothes.

As he walked out of the store promising the girl that he would return and that she could find him an entire wardrobe. Leaving behind both his dignity, less money on his Gringotts card, and an autograph. Harry sure hope that the person he was going to see the next day liked all the effort he put in dressing himself, especially as he picked the robe in his favorite color. As he put out the light with a flick of his wand. Harry couldn't wait to see the surprise on his face.

As he walked through the automatic doors, Harry couldn't believe that the committee decided on a place that muggles could easily find. The whole secrecy of the Wizarding world would have been destroyed. At least they were smart enough on the days for the conference. As a cat girl passed by, Harry could only be shocked when the cat girl turned to her friend conversing, with a male voice.

As he rolled his eyes at the weirdness of it all and walked towards the direction of the Potion Conference. Apologizing to those he accidently bumped against and trying to stop the groping hands to his backside. Ducking below a banner which a pair of workers was putting up, sighing in relief not even caring to read the signs proclaiming San Diego's Comic-Con 2011.

Conversing with other's more than half your age started to bore him and it was only thirty minutes. While others congratulated him for defeating the Dark Lord and being one of the youngest Potion Master of the world. When Harry tried to butt in and claim rather Severus Snape was the first, to only be completely ignored. Huffing at their rudeness and excused himself seeing as everyone else were discussing similar topics. Harry never knew that the Convention was more to catch up and gossip. About so and so sleeping with their apprentice. He couldn't imagine this is what Snape had to deal with every time he had to attend. Watching as a person walked to the podium and placed his wand to his throat pronouncing a sonorus. It was cue for everyone that the Potions Conference was about to start.

As one by one, Potion Master after another from different parts of the world gave their speech of their achievements, how wonderful their country was, and what they could do to approve. Harry's eyes began to close with the rhythm of a ticking of a clock and the mellow voice of the speakers lured him to sleep. It was like five hours of History of Magic class. While the room became silent and he felt someone nudge him awake. In surprise he opened his eyes to only see opal eyes glaring at him. "It seems that every year the Professors have become incompetent to allow anyone study to become a Potion Master. Or rare too glorified with celebrities. But I rather not waste my time on those whom do not understand or even care about the art of potions." Snape sneered, "As you all can see by the colleagues before me. The point is not patriotism and all those foolish loyalties to ones country of birth. As I have said before many times. The use of the Wolfsbane potion has been tested to prevent full transformation of Lycanthropy. This can only relieve the symptoms, not cure it. As all who are present are Potion Masters, or most of us, we all know how complex this potion is, and can only be brewed at certain times. Many werewolves cannot afford the potion. Therefore, having all the Ministries of Magic in every country subsidized the potion. The ingredients would cost less, which more who are effect by Lycanthropy can afford it. While monkshood can now only be found in Scotland, it should not create difficulties to other Potion Masters who are adequate to even brew this potion."

"And what about you Severus. The last I've heard the British Ministry of Magic had declined every applicant for this potion. To the point that you are banned from having a hearing concerning it. Could it be rather the negative affects your status as a Death Eater in your country that prevents your further research?"

Harry could only turn and stare at the newcomer that was leaning against the entrance. Harry didn't know who this person was, but it was obvious that he knew Snape, especially the way he was leering at him. Turning to look at his ex-Potion Professor's reaction to see a blank face. But his eyes portrayed cold fury. "Emilius Mairin, what an unpleasant surprise. I thought you were ban from these conferences after they found you guilty for experimenting on your patients and causing their death."

The man, now known as Mairin, stalked towards Snape, wand out in attention of hurting. Being the savior everyone portrayed him to be, he sent a wandless and nonverbal Jelly-legs jinx causing the man to fall on his face. "Potter, while your efforts are deplorable and your Gryffindor is showing. I do not need your assistance."

As Mairin unconscious body was carried away. Snape walked away in a whirlwind of black clothes. Realizing as an escape as it was. Harry ran after the Potion Master calling after him in a failed attempt for him to stop. Not knowing that this was one of the most exciting Potion Masters conventions, after 1946 when someone was found masturbating in the bathroom.

In a loud crack, Snape apparated away. Without a way for Harry to know where to go after him. And there was only one place he know where the Potion Master would be. With a sigh, he apparated to his apartment. It seemed that the Headmistress will be receiving her answer.

Can I tell you how much I love you guys? Thank you everyone for the Story alerts, favorites, Author alerts, and reviews! Please tell me what you all think should happen when Harry returns to Hogwarts, a scene or even a phrase that you want me to put in the next chapter.

Inspiration is my crack, and your love is my desire.

Snow.