Master’s Advice

April showers came and went sometimes more than thrice a day! But with each passing day, each day was a bit warmer and drier than the day before. The grounds became less muddy as the grass began to turn green and resprout across the grounds.

Tired after a long day, Rowan somehow managed to drag herself through the stone corridors of Hogwarts. They typically didn't meet with Professor Dumbledor until Friday, but today, he had requested their presence earlier in the week. The burning torches burn brightly lighting up a bit more the dark corners of the stone hallways.

Rowan was quite relieved at finally arriving in front of the great stone gargoyle. "Peach Jelly," she gave the latest password. "It's a constant source of wonder to me that Dumbledore doesn't have diabetes," she grumbled under her breath as the wall split into two revealing a moving spiral staircase.

Rowan hurries in and rides the moving staircase to the top of the headmaster's tower. The brass door knocker in the shame of griffin gleams in the light. The door is partially left open, so Rowan doesn't bother to knock and steps inside. Several of the Headmasters are awake surveying the occupants while others keep one eye closed, and some don't even try to stifle their snores.

The silver instruments in the headmaster's office whirl about randomly emitting puffs of smoke. Sitting on a golden perch is Fawkes, an awkward gangly creature now. Fawkes flutters his crimson feathers proudly and raises his golden beak to the sky. He was a rather know it all at this stage much like all teenagers.

Professor Albus Dumbledore sits behind an enormous, claw-footed desk. Twinkling blue eyes gleam from behind half-moon spectacles that hang on a long-crooked nose. Rowan pays him no mind as she takes the only empty seat next to Severus. The two of them are still not speaking to each other much to the distress of others.

"Rowan, Severus, please," Professor Dumbledore gestured to the silver platter before him. There were glistening Sakura and Peach jellies, sweet breads made of Sakura, green tea cookies, Sakura maju, and other tasty treats. The sweets were paired with a loose-leaf tea, Sencha.

Rowan recognized based on the color and the fresh scent. She pours herself a cup of tea taking a whiff of the grassy, light scent. She takes a sip enjoying the taste of Sencha on her tongue. The tea has a fresh, herbal, grassy flavor with hints of other flavors and a bright, astringent taste. She pairs the Sencha tea with green tea cookies.

On the other hand, Severus took two cups of Sakura and Peach jellies to enjoy. Dumbledore poured himself a cup of tea and ate the savory Sakura treats. He quite enjoyed the talents of the house elves. They truly were wonderful in doing their best to properly serve.

The only sound for some time is the clink of silverware until they disperse with necessities. Professor Dumbledore sets down his porcelain teacup. "Now that we have filled our stomachs and our minds, I shall speak to you as your Master."

Both Rowan and Severus straighten and sit up more alertly causing their silver apprenticeship badges to gleam. A pentagram is contained in a circle with each of the points of the pentagram containing an ancient rune. They had not passed the Comprehensive Student Apprenticeship Exams for nothing.

"I am pleased by the projects that the two of you proposed," Albus said with a smile. "The both of you have already commenced one have you not?"

Rowan and Severus show slight signs of surprise both casting a glance at each other before quickly looking away. It makes perfect sense that they weren't aware since they weren't talking to each other. Still, it felt like a betrayal of sorts.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore," Severus said reverting to a more polite title to their apprenticeship Master. "I have been corresponding with our godfather, Fleamont Potter. He has been rather enlightening as I have commenced my preliminary research gathering."

"Mr. Potter is a talented potion maker and businessman," Professor Dumbledore acknowledged. "He developed Sleekeazy's Hair Potion, before finally selling the company. His known contacts among the potion guilds and suppliers are extraordinary. I am no match for his contacts in his field."

Severus looks rather pleased by the comment, before his smile wilts. "However, Professor Boas remarked that your grades in Alchemy have been slipping. Alchemy is a notoriously difficult subject, Severus, and it may be that material alchemy is not your field of talent. Based on your final results, I may limit your mastery to Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions (Alchemy)."

Severus reluctantly nods his head in acceptance. "Very well," he said clenching his jaw unwillingly at the decree. He wasn't about to give up without a fight. However, he could not deny that his progress in material Alchemy seemed to have stalled. However, his forte was still potions and potions alchemy. He would just have a field of alchemy specialization like Rowan. And that was not an entirely bad thing.

Leaving Severus alone to these thoughts, Professor Dumbledore turns towards Rowan. "I understand that you undertook the seed blessing as part of your specialization in Spagyric (plant alchemy), might I inquire about the outcome?"

"I am not certain," Rowan admitted. "However, the seed blessing was successful. I will have to wait and see if my hypothesis was correct."

"Although I am pleased by your success, Rowan," Professor Dumbledore carefully said, "Do not expect to be so lucky again. The elements must be in perfect balance for a seed blessing to be successful. The slightest mishap and the seeds will not bloom."

"I am vastly aware of my luck," Rowan drily answered. She knew she had terribly bad luck. That's why she borrowed Firenze's and the Shaman's luck. And they must be ridiculously lucky considering Firenze's mystical luck and the age of the Shaman.

Professor Dumbledore searches Rowan's face and appears to be convinced by the answer. "I am pleased to see you commence on one of your projects, but the other still remains on hold."

"I am still gathering sufficient information to even form a premise," Rowan admitted. "I shall tackle one project at a time. It seems to be a better option in the long run."

"Pacing yourself is always a wise choice," Professor Dumbledore said with a pleased expression. "I will admit that I have not been as proactive as a Master. My duties as Headmaster and Chief Warlock have kept me rather occupied." He paused to soberly look at them. "I shall do my best to improve for the upcoming year."

Rowan and Severus are uncertain of how to respond except to bow their heads politely toward their apprenticeship Master. Professor Dumbledore chuckles at their wry expressions. "It is late, and it is time for the two of you to retire. Off to bed," he gently shooed them away.

Taking a hint, Rowan and Severus depart from the headmaster's tower. A heavy silence stretches between them as they head down the winding staircase and out into the halls. They were halfway down the castle when Severus broke the heavy silence.

"I'm sorry," Severus mumbled trying to apologize. He was never very good at it. He hated how awkward and weak it made him sound.

Rowan stopped and flatly said, "Say it again, I didn't hear you the first time."

Severus's lips twisted in a frown, before reluctantly repeating the apology. "I said I was sorry!"

"About what?" Rowan crisply asked folding her arms over her chest.

Severus' onyx-colored eyes hardened in annoyance. "I am sorry about saying I was sickened by you, Rowan, and not letting you properly explain."

Rowan didn't budge an inch solemnly studying Severus. Satisfied by whatever she saw there, Rowan slowly relaxed her hands. What Severus failed to calculate was one of her hands turning into a fist. She slammed her fist into his stomach causing him to bend over.

"What was that for?" Severus gasped in pain.

"You were an awful berk, Severus," Rowan unrepentantly replied. "I did what I had to do, and I certainly didn't expect you to agree with my actions, but I didn't expect to be ignored as if I simply did not exist."

"Ow, this is definitely going to bruise," Severus winced half-closing his eyes in pain.

"Sorry," Rowan apologized knowing she had used sufficient force for it to hurt, before stretching out her hand to help Severus to his feet.

Severus winced as he accepted Rowan's hand and is pulled back to his feet. He winces and says, "Do you have any bruising balm, or do I need to stop by the infirmary?"

"Fresh out," Rowan sincerely replied with a repentant expression. "I'll accompany you then." She had pulled her punch to not crack a bone merely bruising the soft tissue, and had been considerate enough to not aim for his face.

Needless to say, Severus guilted Rowan for the rest of their infirmary stay, while Rowan politely ignored him. Oh, she felt bad but not enough to stop being petty.

Despite their visit to the infirmary, Rowan and Severus felt a significant burden lifted off their shoulders. Everything that had been wrong in the world was right again. They weren't alone anymore.