Hero in Black

Scene Two (Enter Severus)

Draco came into the storefront to find some potion ingredients he didn't have out back ... he wasn't alone.

Potioneers master extraordinaire, Mr. Severus Snape, had returned to London once again. Severus had become a frequent visitor of Draco's, and this time it was to assist Draco with the modified variation of Skele-Gro that Draco had been working hard to create. Hopefully, this new potion would not only re-grow bone but also nerves and muscles too. Draco was a genius like that, nearly as brilliant as Severus.

No one could best Severus though - a small smile crept upon Harry's lips. That's why Draco continuously sought Severus' aid. Severus was amazing at what he did.

"Gather 1 ounce of Breiltar spines as well, Draco," Severus said, standing there dressed in his usual black attire. "The inner fibers may combat the caustic nature of the Puaiporal venom."

Severus' deep vocal tones sent shivers down Harry's spine and stole his breath away, but Harry had yet to figure out why his body insisted on reacting most strangely to Severus's presence. It certainly wasn't fear - he'd never been afraid of the mysterious potions master. Maybe it related to their history, but he didn't think that was it either; nevertheless, it was something he wanted to make sense of. Harry had (only in his mind of course) been referring to it as the 'Severus induced brain malfunction'.

Since Severus had become such a regular visitor, there had been plenty of opportunities in which Harry had been able to learn more about the mysterious man. One thing was plainly obvious though - Severus had changed; Time and respite from the war had done him wonders. Severus looked healthy, younger, and fantastic! The man had softened around the edges, was calmer, and happier, and the relaxed smile that sometimes found itself upon Severus' lips was mesmerizingly beautiful to witness.

Severus was a different man.

Harry could only stare. Stupidly.

Severus' eyes soon found Harry's, and the man nodded politely at him before disappearing around the door frame.

Harry felt his heart quicken, felt his face flush - but he wasn't worth the acknowledgment. He'd judged the man wrong on so many occasions, his erroneous assumptions left him feeling unworthy of forgiveness and humiliated in himself. He didn't have half the talent that Severus had either.

"Harry!"

"Yes?" Harry's head snapped to face an irritated Draco standing in front of him. He'd obviously not heard Draco talking to him, again. "Sorry." He submitted.

As Draco raised his hand towards him, he couldn't help but flinch minutely, but Draco just tried to adjust his hair, frowning at the unattractive mop he possessed when it refused to lay the way Draco wanted it to. Even his hair had to be abnormal.

Draco, however, had such perfect blond hair.

Draco dropped his hand and sighed. "I know it's difficult for you, Harry, but you have to stop wool-gathering or someone could steal from the shop while you're away with the clouds. I need you to do better."

"I will - I'm sorry!"

"Fine. Just pay more attention." Draco said as he sauntered away.

Harry nodded. He turned to watch Draco leave, relieved to be alone once more, but his stomach dropped when he noticed a frowning pair of dark eyes. Severus' intense gaze had reappeared in the doorway, and it was watching him.

Harry's cheeks burned violently with embarrassment, and he didn't dare breathe. Severus had obviously seen him daydreaming on the job, and the intelligent man was likely now confirming just how moronic and useless he was.

By the time Harry dared to look up again, inhaling before he passed out, both Draco and Severus were, thankfully, gone.