Bachelor Birthday: my old friend Lucius

"SHUT UP, MALFOY."

I find myself imitating the "Boy Who Lived
To Irritate" on certain occasions as these, spouting the line so often heard during double Gryffindor and Slytherin Potions. But despite suffering the occasional grating comment, what would any ex-Death Eater scum's bachelor party be without my old comrade Lucius. And he thinks I'm a sick bastard.

It's my party and I'll drink (and not bother to shave) if I want to.

Busy lately! Too much going on at the apothecary to have done much posting this month. But I couldn't resist a few photos of Luscious Luc acting stupid at Sev's little b-day revel. Plus one of my favorite fan-art pics from our boys back when – CRAZY DIRTY SCUM DEATH EATER-YOUTH PUNKS!!!

The wine is a real item – a medicinal snake tonic from Vietnam, owned by my friend. The wine actually went down real smooth. The snake, not so much. Then again, I'm used to slimy pickled things. Mmmmm.

Winter Creatures: Happy B-Day Sev! Jan. 9

For once, a surprise present for me – one thoughtful and very brave Slytherin has ventured to try and win my good graces with a birthday gift. He must have asked Dumbledore for the date... Or is, by chance, the boy merely thinking of me? I hold no such illusions. However, it is a worthy attempt – a kit of random yet labeled, rare ingredients from South Africa, one of the most diverse plant communities in the world. And a book with a note: "I hope you find this more entertaining than our pathetic essays next term". Well, well, one of them is actually somewhat perceptive. Attempt accepted.

Late posting! Severus Snape's Jan. 9th birthday was spent in a happy way for me, as I was on vacation with my dad. I celebrated the birthday of this wintry man with a winter celebration! We had lovely clear, frosty, in my opinion perfect winter weather, great for a long walk in a cloak. I aptly passed time with friends in their very large, and dormant, labyrinth herb garden. Few potions ingredients were to be found among the sleeping plants, but it was beautifully peaceful.

Then home for a steaming mug of herbal potion and lava cake. (Okay, so one's good for the body, the other mostly good for the soul!) I didn't get to hang out with any other fans, but hey – then again, Severus isn't too social a fellow, and my relationship with him is personal anyway!

Above, top: Me in the herb garden, liking the stiff, chilly wind.
Above, bottom: Formal winter portrait of me as Snape.

Below, top: Beautiful, austere - winter on Lopez Island, near home.
Below, bottom: A cloaked apprentice searches for rosehips, one of the few fresh ingredients to be had this time of year. In fact, they're best this time of year, after the first frost has increased their medicinal properties!