Most Unexpected

by: HulaHula

Disclaimer: All characters from the Harry Potter universe do not belong to me. They belong to Jo Rowling.

A/N: This is loosely based on a wonderful book by LaVyrle Spencer called "Morning Glory."

The tires of the stacked bus squeaked to a halt. The hinged door opened, revealing the paved entrance to a small miserable Wizarding town known as Ravensbrook. Known for its pickled slugs and not much else, it consisted of three long streets leading in three different directions.

Standing in the open doorway of the bus was none other than the infamous Severus Snape.

Lifting one pale hand, he pushed a strand of his short hair from his eyes. The midday sun was bearing down already, filtering through the forest surrounding the small town. His shirt stuck between his shoulder blades underneath his frayed black coat. Summer seemed to have arrived early, hotter than usual.

Severus Snape couldn’t complain. The heat was just another reminder of where he’d left and where he hoped to never return.

He had two stolen sickles in his pocket and the clothes he was wearing. The latter was roughly handed to him on his way off the island, the former found on a café table. A tip left to a waitress who would never receive it.

His black boots were scraped nearly white, showing considerable wear and use. He’d traveled a long way since leaving the island. The Ministry had cast a magical sensor upon him, preventing him from apparating anywhere. His choice of travel was limited to floo and bus. However, there weren’t any floo connections to this town. It was far too remote.

Two aged wizards eyed him from where they sat on a bench outside the nearest shop, their backs against the molding brick. One of them, wearing a velvet top hat, raised a shaky hand in acknowledgement.

Severus nodded and quickly looked away from the couple. Perhaps they didn’t recognize him.

Food was priority number one. Rubbing his stolen profit inside of his pocket, he wearily searched the street for a café or pub. It had been three days since his last meal.

“Merlin, it’s hot,” the short fat man who’d waved called out; loud enough it was obvious he meant Severus to hear.

“Bit early for such weather,” added the thinner man beside him, eyeing the slim dark man standing alone in the middle of the street. Clyde Simmerfield fancied himself a protector of this town. Suspicious looking fellow, he gathered, stepping off the bus with no welcoming party and no baggage.

“What’s you’re name?”

Severus gritted his teeth. Black eyes continued to search up and down the lane. There seemed to be a small abandoned pub at the far end of the street. Determined to ignore the question directed at him from the two spying toads on his left, he stepped forward.

“I’m talkin’ to you, boy!” the thin toad shouted suddenly.

Severus hesitated. Damned locals, too curious for their own good. Ten years ago, he would have cursed that man’s lip over his balding head. But today, he stopped, turning on his heel. They had wands. His had been taken, broken, and burned before his eyes by the guards. He could still remember their cruel laughter echoing in the chamber as they stripped him of all possessions.

A lot had changed about Severus Snape in the past ten years. Dementors will do that to a man, or so the saying goes.

There was a pause as he considered his answer. Finally, he decided the truth would be best, especially if he intended to stay. “Snape,” he said softly but clearly.

Two thick eyebrows gathered on the ugly man’s forehead. “Snape…?” he echoed, as if he were trying to remember where he’d heard it before.

“Where you from?” asked the chubby man.

Once again, Severus considered his answer. “Azkaban.”

Unexpected shock crossed both their faces, before swiftly changing to the familiar hatred and anger. “Yes, well,” the thin man growled, “then you are not welcome here.”

Snape ignored his remark. “Perhaps you can direct me to the nearest pub?”

The two wizards looked at each other. Both crossed their arms. Nodding, they turned back to the dark figure in question. Without speaking, the fat wizard stabbed one thick finger in the direction of the pub Severus has already seen.

Nodding, he turned his back on the men and continued up the street.

There was a sad looking metal sign swinging above the door, announcing Marvin’s Pub. The room was dimly lit inside and smelled of smoke. There were only four bodies occupying the space. Three wizards sat at a round table near the front window, speaking softly to one another. A voluptuous young woman wearing fashionable robes was leaning on an elbow at the end of the bar, looking bored. She immediately noticed his entrance.

“’Ello. What can I do for you?”

Severus trained his eyes on her painted face. Behind her stood several bottles of spirits, tempting him to squander his money. A small whiskey would hit the spot quite nicely, but the twisted ache in his hollow gut begged for something of more substance.

“Do you serve food?”

“Got some crackers in the back, for those who can’t handle what I serve up front.” She winked.

“I’ll give you two sickles.”

Smiling dryly, she cocked one eyebrow before turning to exit through a side door.

Moments later, a small round plate filled with brown crackers and cheese slices sat on the bar.

“You new around here?” Her sweet voice asked. She leaned one elbow on the counter directly across from him, fingering a strand of her long yellow hair. Her eyelashes were unnaturally long.

Severus forced his hands to remain in his lap. He didn’t want to be watched as he devoured the meager feast before him. The irritating chit didn’t leave; instead she continued to look at him, expecting an answer, while leaning on the granite surface.

“Yes.”

“Who’re you staying with? Got relatives?”

“No.”

“Oh,” Her smile began to fade, “Well, is there anything else you need?”

“Actually, yes,” Severus felt his long fingernails cut into his fisted palms. “Do you have a local paper?”

“Looking for work?”

Severus sucked in a deep breath through his nose. “Yes. Do you know anyone who might need a potions assistant or something of that nature?”

The girl’s smile returned, but looked different, as if she were trying hard not to laugh.

“Ah,” she gave a small cough, “Yes, actually… I’ll just give you my copy of today’s paper.”

Severus watched as she reached underneath the counter. What could be so amusing about a potions assistant? An angry growl issued from his stomach. He could smell the salt on the crackers. His mouth filled with saliva.

“Classified ads are on the back page. Let me know if you need anything else.”

Severus nodded quickly, causing a strand of hair to go into his eye. Brushing it aside, he gave a sigh of relief. The girl drifted away, walking toward the group by the window.

Slowly, he broke one of the crackers in half and began to eat. Chewing thoroughly, savoring every bite. Flicking his wrist, he turned the parchment to the back page.

There were very few ads listed. Not surprising for such a small town. But then, that was why he chose it. An unknown speck on the English map. Hopefully, a place where no one knew him or cared to know him. A place where he could start over.

The second-hand robe shop was looking for a part-time clerk. Someone was looking for help to care for an elderly wizard with uncontrollable bowels. A local nursery needed an assistant.

Severus gave an involuntary snort.

The next three ads were no more promising. A feeling of desperation began to gather in his throat. He was fairly sure his resume wasn’t up to merit for watching young children or caring for the elderly. Swallowing hard, he continued to read.

Then there, at the bottom, a small inconspicuous ad, which simply stated:

Wanted – Partner. Man of any age,

who is willing to work an apothecary

and share profit and place.

Contact L. Snortkack, at the end of Rubberwood Road.

Perfect. Almost too perfect. Fate had never seen favor with him before, but this was exactly what he needed. Severus read the ad over and over, as if it might disappear the second or third time around.

He saw the young barmaid ease back around the counter. She was starring. He could feel it. Glancing over his shoulder at the table by the door, he met three pairs of eyes, all quickly adverted. The air in the room changed, constricting.

Small town gossip travels fast. The old wizards outside had managed to spread news of the new convict in town without even entering the room!

The woman edged closer. “Sure you don’t want a drink as well?” Her voice was different, cautious, but still… Severus sneered… foolishly curious.

“Can you tell me where Rubberwood road is?”

“Rubberwood –?”

Severus nodded.

Once again, the girl’s expression completely changed. The amusement was back. Severus even heard a distinct chuckle from the table of wizards behind him. He turned to glare at them, but found that they looked away so quickly, he might have imagined it.

“Go the end of the lane, turn left, at the end of that lane you’ll pass Arthur’s and then you’ll see a long path up the mountain. It’s not paved. Not sure how far you’ll have to go, but it’s up there… somewhere.”

She shrugged. Her smile was gone. After a short pause she looked him over once more and muttered, “Serves her right.”

But, Severus didn’t hear her last remark. He stood, reaching into his pocket for his two coins.

“Don’t bother,” she said. “S’on me.”

Turning, she quickly walked back through the side door, heels clicking.

Severus watched her go. Tearing the bottom portion of the paper away, he surveyed the ad once more. This was his only chance. Quickly, he folded the paper into his pocket.

Tossing the stolen coins onto the bar, Severus gathered his coat and his pride and turned to walk out of the door.

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