Chapter -3.
"Burp.. That was fantastic cooking." I couldn't help but mumble after finishing the whole plate of food I had made; and I must say this was the first time something like this happened.
Despite the exaggerated feelings, after cleaning up the dishes with a bit of magic, I left the kitchen since it was time to go to Diagon Alley to create the beautification potion after purchasing the necessary ingredients; although with Snape's memories, I already knew a place where I could accomplish both tasks at once.
"I think just a small amount of this will suffice." I said, reaching for an old pouch hanging above the fireplace. This old pouch contained the floo powder that would aid me on my journey this time; after opening the pouch, I took out a handful of powder and then returned the pouch to its place, I looked at the fireplace and stepped inside.
"Diagon Alley." I said in a flat tone, while throwing the powder into the fireplace, which immediately ignited with green flames.
The journey, which could hardly be described as enjoyable, concluded with me emerging from a random fireplace in Diagon Alley; however, since my destination was Knockturn Alley, after brushing off the ashes clinging to my robe, I made my way toward a secluded alley, after casting a careful glance around.
"I hope that woman won't be too clingy with me today as well." The place I was visiting was owned by a woman Severus knew, after he had taken the position of potions professor at Hogwarts, as there were memories of numerous transactions between them for the ingredients; however, the most significant thing I discovered was that this woman perhaps had feelings for the cold Snape, who was oblivious to everything except his own emotions until his death.
"Do you want dragon's liver, dear?" An old woman suddenly approached me, catching me off guard, which led me to instinctively pull out my wand and press it against her neck, "How about I sell your kidney, you old hag?" I couldn't help but say in an angry tone.
If someone wanted to sell something, they should buy a shop and do it in a civilized manner; what kind of business approach was this pathetic.
"Ah, forgive me for blocking your way, I won't do that again." The old woman was startled; she had seen all kinds of reactions while conducting her shabby business, but this was the first time she had encountered such a swift response, she didn't even have time to react to the wand pressed against her neck.
"Sigh, just get a shop in Knockturn Alley, if you don't want to end up dead one day in these lonely alleys." I said, leaving the old woman dazed there, either way, I didn't have any more time to waste on a boring lecture from someone who had experienced more life than me, so continuing on my way to do the necessary work was the best option at the moment, and obviously, I chose that option.
...
[Matilda's potionary]
The shop, despite being in Knockturn Alley, had a pleasant atmosphere and appeared cleaner than every other shop next to it; taking a deep breath and recalling most of the memories regarding Matilda, I opened the shop's door and walked inside.
"Welcome dear cust.... Oh my, it's our dear Hogwarts professor." The woman who was cleaning the shelf near the door turned and changed her words midway, prompting me to show my deadpan expression while saying, "hello to you too Matilda."
"The same cold Severus, huh?" Matilda said, clicking her tongue while stopping her cleaning work.
"What do you mean by the same cold Severus? Should I just leave since the shop owner isn't respectful enough?" I said, in the same monotone; though inside, seeing this woman, I was cursing Snape for not accepting her advances, she was a top-tier beauty.
She had long brown hair that was styled in a ponytail, and she wore a green gown that accentuated her great figure; her blue eyes were so captivating that if I were to gaze into them for hours, I wouldn't get bored; maybe that last phrase is an exaggeration, but she was truly beautiful.
"Oh, what's this? Our dear Severus is actually responding now instead of just focusing on his work? I think this calls for a party at the Leaky Cauldron, what do you say?" Matilda said teasingly while subtly asking for a date as well.
'Is she asking me for a date?' I thought with a smirk on my face, women like her really enjoy playing with words; but since I was now in the forefront of Severus's life, I wasn't planning to adhere to Snape's old rule, "A party, huh? Well, I don't mind joining you since I have nothing much to do tonight, but you're the one who's paying." After having all the memories of Snivellus, the first thing I learned about his life was that he was quite stingy with spending, so a habit like that needed to be maintained for the initial years in front of those who knew me well.
"Huh? Are you really asking a woman to pay?" Matilda said, her expression still warm as usual; giving me a hint that she wasn't genuinely hurt by my suggestion, so I added further, "Come on, you were the one who suggested throwing a party? Anyway, if you're planning to be that clingy despite being the owner of a shop like this, then I should just decline your offer."
"No, that's not what I mean, I mean of course I will pay, since I'm the one who suggested throwing a party." This time her expression changed slightly, as she didn't expect a retort like this from someone like Snape.
'Haha, I got her.' I couldn't help but laugh at her expression, "Alright then, it's decided; I'll see you tonight; anyway, leaving that matter aside, can you help me gather the ingredients for the beautification potion?"
"Beautification potion? For what? Are you seeing a woman?" Matilda asked, her expression suddenly turning slightly gloomy.
A/N : Want to read more; spare some powerstones and comment if you see any mistakes.