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Written for;
Can You Make It To The End; Round 2 - Madam Puddifoot's
Magical World Tour - Ringleader
Quid Pro Quo
Harry ducked into the doorway, only realising when he was inside where he'd actually escaped to. Bloody hell. He wasn't sure what was worse, being chased by a crazy girl, or ending up trapped inside Madam Puddifoots. With a sigh, he crossed to the counter and ordered a coffee, offering the woman behind the counter a small smile.
The silver lining was that nobody would ever expect to find him here of all places, he supposed. Still, with couples taking up at least half of the tables, all holding hands and smiling sloppily at each other, this was almost as Romilda catching up with him.
Taking his drink to an empty table at the back of the little coffee shop, Harry sat down with his back to the wall, keeping an eye on the door.
"Can't say I'd have expected to find you here, Potter."
Harry's eyes widened. "Right back at you, Professor," he replied before he could stop the words. "Uh, sorry."
Snape snorted, holding up a small bag. "They stock a rare tea that I find enjoyable."
Harry nodded, surprised to have been offered an explanation at all. Surprising him further, Snape gestured to the woman behind the counter for a drink before taking the seat facing Harry.
"So, what brings you here, Potter? You can't tell me this is your preferred destination, especially sans date."
"I was being chased by a crazy person," Harry blurted out.
"And that's new because…" Snape trailed off, nodding in thanks to the waitress who'd fetched him a steaming cup.
Harry snorted. "She's the ringleader of the crazies. Seriously, she terrifies me. Give me a death eater any day over her."
There was a pregnant pause while Harry realised what he'd just said. He felt his face heat and he was sure he was red from top to bottom as he stammered out an apology.
Snape waved him off, amusement clear on his face. "Are you talking about Romilda Vane, perchance?"
Harry nodded. "Yep. I have to spell all my food and drinks to make sure they're not dosed. She's a bloody menace."
"Hmm. Well, perhaps she could find herself in detention on the next Hogsmeade weekend… Providing a willing student could pick up my tea for me from here on his travels?"
"Really? Thank you, Professor."
Snape nodded. "Quid pro quo, Potter. Afterwards, i'll even share, and you can update me on your mastery progress?"
"I…" Harry could feel himself blushing once more as he nodded. "I'd like that. Thank you, sir."
Snape smiled slightly, draining his cup. "Have a good day, Potter."
