My Princess

Chapter 19

Two days passed excruciatingly slowly, Narcissa forbidding me from doing quite literally anything that involved me getting out of bed. My companion busied herself with her new job as waitress and bartender and I often snuck downstairs to sit at the bar amongst the villagers, much to the annoyance of the other girl.

My little self proclaimed warden had finally given me a clean bill of health and allowed me to make better use of my time than contemplating life's greatest mysteries while staring dazedly at the cracked and leaking ceiling all day. I was still a little bit weak but I would have done 100 jumping jacks if it got me out of this mildew smelling room for at least the next few hours.

"You be careful out there today yeah? And if you aren't feeling up to it you get your ass back here understood?" Narcissa badgered me as we walked downstairs.

"Yes mom." I drawled, rolling my eyes at her worry.

"He's certainly not a ray of sunshine but if he gives you any troubles you let me know. I'll rough him up a little for ya." We both laughed as Narcissa playfully held up her fists.

"I'll certainly remember that princess."

Narcissa and I parted ways as she turned to go towards the bar, customers already ready and waiting for beer and breakfast. I on the other hand waltzed right out the front doors and couldn't help but grin with joy as the fresh air and sunlight touched my skin for the first time in days.

It was a bit cold but I couldn't care less, the smell of fresh bread and Fall air taking over my senses as I strolled through the town. The people were out and about as usual and everyone was chatting happily amongst friends and family, some even throwing a greeting towards me as they began to recognize my face.

I could have taken the trip down to the apothecary in half the time but I was enjoying my freedom in the outside world, releasing a small sigh as the sign for the potion's shop came into view and I had to leave the fresh air. Stepping inside I was greeted by the same sight and scents as the first day we arrived here, the potion's master nowhere to be found, as per usual, and I pursed my lips as my eyes roamed over the various plants and bottles strewn about in disorganized organization.

"Hello?" I called out, my own voice echoing back to me as something bubbled in the distance.

"Give me a minuet." The snarky drawl of the potion's master's voice was muffled as if he was in a back room and I waited patiently at the front counter, curiously looking around at all the oddities in this shop but not wanting to risk the intimidating man's displeasure if he caught me snooping through his stuff.

Barely two minuets later the black clad man appeared with his usual scowl on his face and splotches of something sizzling covering his front. I quirked an eyebrow as I tried to make out what the acid smelling, bright purple concoction could even be as he eyed me with slight interest.

"It's something new I am experimenting with." Mr. Snape explained curtly as he noticed my curious gaze. "I see the potion worked then."

"Yes, thank you sir. It worked perfectly and i believe you saved my life. That's actually why I'm here today. To ask for a job in order to repay you. Narcissa has taken on a job at the inn we are staying at to repay the owner for his kindness and eventually make a bit of money for ourselves and I would like to do the same here, if you'll have me of course." The man remained emotionless as I spoke, simply listening without interruption as I confidently met his fearsome gaze.

"Do you know anything about potions?"

"I've dabbled in minor healing creams, sir. My father often came home with nicks and bruises from working all day. I am certainly not as proficient as you but I am an eager student and in the meantime could keep things tidy and attend to customers while you handle things in the back." If there was one thing I could do it was sell. Whether that be vegetables or my time, I knew how to adhere to a person's needs.