phoenixfest (phoenixfest) wrote in phoenix_flies, @ 2007-10-29 14:27:00 |
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Entry tags: | fic: darkladyvamp, fic: pg, hp/ss, prompt 35 |
Fest Fic: Pardon Me?
Title: Pardon Me?
Author: darkladyvamp
Prompt: 35. "Epilogue? What epilogue?"
The fountain of Youth. Someone accidentally stumbles on the famous Fountain of Youth having the opportunity of a second chance. - any pairing.
Pairing: Snarry preslash
Rating: PG
Word Count: 746 words
Warnings (if any): none
Author's Notes (if any): Thanks to angela_snape for the beta!
Severus Snape smacked the back of his neck and his hand came away slimy with blood and insect goo and tiny wings.
“Bloody mosquitoes,” he growled, wiping his gore covered hand against his trouser leg. He had no idea how Muggles survived this blasted jungle. It was hot and sticky and mosquito infested. When all one wanted to do was run around naked, you were supposed to wear as much covering as possible.
Thank Merlin for cooling charms.
Severus pushed his way past another vine and stopped. The sight in front of him was breathtaking and let him know he had reached his destination.
Flowing out of a tree, seemingly from nowhere, was the clearest water Severus had ever seen.
The fountain of youth.
~~~
Harry stood behind the counter and yawned. He bought the apothecary after the war, thinking it would be interesting. How wrong he was.
Once the “Boy Who Lived” thing wore off, the day to day things got kind of slow and boring. As much as he hated the whole fame thing, when people were coming in to gawk at him, they bought the inventory, and kept Harry hopping. He wasn’t losing business now, but he sometimes felt he was slowly losing his mind.
*ding*
Harry plastered a welcoming smile on his face as he heard the bell over the door ring.
~~~
Severus walked into his favorite apothecary, hidden away in the back of Diagon Alley. He froze when he saw Harry Potter standing behind the counter, grinning like an idiot.
“Good morning,” Potter said cheerfully.
Severus was surprised at the cheerfulness of the greeting, before remembering that the fountain’s water had reduced him to the age of 20. He’d also had some improvements made to his visage. He wasn’t a vain man, but he didn’t want to chance being recognized.
Severus smiled back. “Good morning.”
“How can I help you?”
Severus hesitated. Would Potter buy his ingredients? He decided to give it a shot. “Actually, I may be in the position to help you. I’ve just returned from the South American jungle, and have an overabundance of fresh ingredients. I was not aware the ownership of this establishment changed hands, you see.”
Potter looked interested. “I bought it a little over a year ago. Whatcha got?”
Severus smiled again and walked back to the counter. “I’ve got everything I could harvest. I was out in the jungle wandering around for three weeks.”
Severus placed his box onto the counter and Harry ogled. “You’re a Potions Master?”
Severus could have kicked himself. Of course he’d know only Potions Masters can get these boxes. “Yes. A recluse in Germany trained me.”
“You just got back into town?”
“Yes.” Severus was getting uncomfortable with all these questions.
“Would you like a job?”
Severus raised an eyebrow. If Harry had tried to surprise him, he couldn’t have done a better job. “Pardon me?”
Harry leaned forward onto the counter. “I had someone making potions, but I had to fire him. He was a dunderhead.”
“Why don’t you make your own potions?” Severus asked.
Harry sighed and looked at his hands mournfully. “I understand the theory and nuances, but I just don’t have the hands.”
Severus scratched his chin. “How much?”
“10% of profits.”
“Of my potions?”
Harry shook his head. “Of everything.”
“Really?”
Harry grinned. “I expect you to work hard. After a few months, we’ll see about 15%.” Severus must have been looking like he thought Harry was out of his mind. “It’s not like I bought this place for the income.”
“You’ve got lots of money then?” Severus asked, unpacking the ingredients out on the counter.
“You’re joking, right?”
“Why should I know your monetary worth?”
Harry snorted. “Because The Daily Prophet loves talking about Harry Potter and His Never Ending Bank Account.”
“Ah, I’ve been traveling for years.”
“Since the end of the war?” Harry scoffed.
“Yes.”
Harry looked taken back. “Oh.”
Severus chuckled. “I didn’t take offence. Don’t worry.”
Harry forwent responding to inspect the produce.
“Are they of good enough quality?” Severus asked.
Harry scoffed. “You know they are. I’ve never seen such good quality.”
Severus smiled. Hmm, he seemed to be doing that a lot. “Of course, I did just get back this morning.”
Harry grinned. “I’ll take everything. Would you like some lunch?”
Severus nodded. “I’m famished.”
As he followed Harry into the back of the shop, he decided he would tell Harry his real identity. Eventually.