HI GUYS IF YOU WANT READ 100 + CHAPTERS THEN VISIT
patreon.com/Benzoid
"I see you remember me, young man." Nicholas offered smiling as he turned to observe the black clad man that was accompanying Harry. He looked tired and probably older than he really was, Nicholas thought. Definitely appeared in dire need of some fattening up as his wife would put it. But there was something in his eyes… there was protectiveness there and a deep love for the green eyed boy, Nicholas was sure. And most importantly, the moment he realized he was being observed, those eyes seemed to freeze over, turning into an abyss of black and dark grey, locking all their secrets somewhere deep inside. A master Occlumence perhaps?
"I'm Severus Snape." The man introduced himself, his tone precise and curt. What a strange young man, Nicholas thought as he regarded the person Harry had affectionately called Sev a year ago; he didn't look like someone who would take being called Sev lightly. "You seem to know each other?" He asked looking from the boy, who smiled sheepishly, to the older man and back.
"Oh, we met almost a year ago to the day." Nicholas offered chuckling once. "In Diagon Alley again; I believe you had taken him to buy a telescope?" Severus cocked an eyebrow remembering the day in question.
"I see." He stated laconically. "And your name would be?" His face betrayed nothing but, from the brief first look he caught before the black clad man hid behind a mask of ice, Nicholas could tell that a great part of Severus's reaction was provoked by his protectiveness of the boy. He was acting much like a wolf, he noted, protecting his cub. It would be interesting to observe if the younger man, in all honesty, didn't look so intimidating. Severus on his part, was trying to came up with a reason why the old wizard seemed so familiar; he was certain they had never met in the past.
"Forgive my manners." The old wizard offered apologetically. "Nicholas is the name; Nicholas Flamel, at your service." That settled it, Severus thought, his eyes widening. It definitely explained why the man was so familiar; he was Nicholas Flamel. The Nicholas Flamel, as in the world renowned alchemist and sole known creator of the Philosopher's Stone. Harry was regarding the exchange with curious eyes; he knew that name. Flamel… Severus seemed to recognize it too and from his expression, Nicholas was somebody pretty important.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Flamel." Severus said, his voice betraying nothing of his inner turmoil as he extended his hand in greeting. He was conversing with a six hundred old alchemist; that didn't happen every day. What's that sparkling in Sev's eyes, Harry wondered. Nicholas was definitely someone important. "I'm a great admirer of your work."
"Oh well." Was Nicholas's only comment as he shook the potions master's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too. I had a feeling young Harry's and mine paths would cross again one day!" He stated as he winked at a blushing Harry. "Now young man, I knew you were interested in astrology but I never imagined meeting you here too."
"I'm not the customer this time, Mr. Flamel." Harry stated with a short laugh. "I just tagged along. Not that I complain, mind you; this shop is amazing!" It was Nicholas' turn to laugh.
"Yes, I figured you would like it." The old wizard stated. "And what would you be looking for here Mr. Snape, if I'm allowed to ask; you still are much younger than the usual clientele." Nicholas inquired.
"You see I…" Severus started trying to come up with a viable excuse when the owner of the shop returned with a smile.
"You're in luck, professor!" He exclaimed with a smile. "We have on of the cauldrons you require in stock! Not an easy feat when looking for pure silver eh?" He asked before noticing Nicholas. "I didn't see you there, Mr. Flamel! An honor to have you at our shop as always! I suppose you're here for your order?"
"Of course. Everything ready?"
"Everything you required arrived yesterday evening!" The owner assured him. "I shall go and fetch them immediately." Nicholas nodded and the merchant left after adding; "One of our employees will bring you the cauldron in a matter of minutes, professor Snape."
"So a pure silver cauldron?" Nicholas asked cocking an eyebrow. "An interesting purchase; not many potions require it and not many wizards -especially of your age- seek to buy one. But then again, professor Snape, I knew I had heard your name before; you're the potions master in Hogwarts correct? The youngest potions master in the last four centuries if my memory serves me right."
"You would be correct, Mr. Flamel." Severus said nodding, trying to suppress his shock of the world renowned alchemist having heard of him.
"Please do call me Nicholas, professor." The older man requested.
"If you call me Severus." The black clad man offered back with a soft smile.
"Agreed." Nicholas stated laughing. "So, Severus, tell me." He started looking between him and Harry. "Would you happen to be young Harry's father?" Harry and Severus smirked, the similarity in their reaction not going unnoticed by the old wizard.
"No, Mr. Flamel." Harry answered for both of them.
"No?" Nicholas questioned; that did explain the boy calling the potions master Sev. But then again… "I could swear you were father and son; you do look alike."
"We've been getting that a lot." Severus admitted with a smirk. "But no, I'm just looking after Harry for his parents." And yet you love him as your own, Nicholas thought as he looked at both of them contemplatively. He had just noticed it but something was a bit… off with their appearance and it wasn't just their weight and overall paleness for this being the end of August. You wouldn't get it on first glance, not even on second or third, but after carefully observing them, you just couldn't miss it.
"And how come your parents aren't with you at this beautiful summer morning?" Nicholas inquired confused; twice now during the summer months he had witnessed Harry with Severus.
"They are busy, sir." Harry replied shrugging his shoulders. And apparently the boy wasn't much bothered by the fact, almost as if he was used to it.
"I see. And I must insist you call me Nicholas too; I feel old enough already!" Harry laughed at the declaration.
HI GUYS IF YOU WANT READ 100 + CHAPTERS THEN VISIT
patreon.com/Benzoid