If truth were told, Severus was feeling rather full of himself. Perhaps it was just a consequence of six weeks of peace, of not feeling as though his every thought, every action might have dire consequences. Or perhaps it was that he was finally attending to the details of his physical appearance. He'd never be a handsome bloke, of course, but he felt better in his own skin now that his hair wasn't such a wreck and he knew how to wear clothes other than his black robes.
It didn't hurt that the play was over and it hadn't been nearly so bad as he'd been fearing. His own part had been so small that it wouldn't have mattered if he were rotten, but he'd said his lines and gone through the motions without a hitch. The role had a lot in common with his teaching days - he was supposed to be a banker-type, trying to bully the main character into selling him the plant.
Severus was used to bullying people. It had actually been a little fun.
But for the last several weeks, he'd had play practice or brewing to occupy his time. He was now caught up on his self-assigned brewing projects, too, and with the play being over, he had time on his hands. It was time to set out and see what else there was to village life beyond the self-absorption that had kept him occupied thus far. He wasn't afraid of bumping into Lily anymore, he was confident he could see James Potter without hexing him (probably), and he didn't need Draco or Lorcan or Harry or Albus or Amelia to help him socialise.
Or at least, he ought not to need anyone. Tonight would be a sort of a test.
So he dressed nicely in some of the fashionable things Draco had helped him buy - scarf tonight but no tie - and set out for the lounge. He'd heard Lorcan sing a few times now, but he knew Lorcan wasn't the only person who performed there. It might be pleasant to have a drink or two, listen to some music and perhaps strike up conversations with his fellow villagers.
The first person he saw as he made his way to the bar was Miss Mongomery, one of his own former students. It was always a sincere pleasure to see any of his former Slytherins.
"Miss Montgomery," he greeted her at once. The barkeep came to take his order and he tilted his head at her with a look of inquiry. "May I buy you a drink?"