Chapter Thirteen

The Art of Dinner Conversation

Dinner hour approached and so I put on my cloak and heavy shawl, hiding the basket that had arrived under them and raced along the back passageways of the castle.

I crept along the final hallway to the stairwell to the Astronomy tower, checked, no one was watching, and dashed for the door. At the top of the stairs, warmed from the run I cast the new charm Soraila had taught me, and stepped out onto the cold platform.

The sun had set hours ago, but the sky had not fully darkened.

I laid out my cloak, now quite warm with just my shawl, and started setting

the contents of the basket out. I could then hear footsteps coming from within the tower.

Several heartbeats later the professor and I were sitting across from each other on the edges of my cloak.

'I brought some Brandy'

He pulled out a steel travel cup as well as a decanter of brandy, a bowl of sugar and another container. I watched him curiously and handed him two mugs. I set about arranging the various plates of cheese and rolled smoked meats, fresh buns from the oven,

pickles and olives and a dish of assorted crackers.

He poured steaming black..coffee- I instantly recognized the smell, into our mugs and looked up at me.

'I would venture to make us what is known as 'Spanish Coffee' should you

approve?'

I beamed at him, twas a gentlemanly move for him to anticipate the cold, as well as our mutual enjoyment of the beverage and still bring the 'spirits' I had asked for.

' Oh please yes, I didn't know you knew how to mix drinks?'

His eyes now bent on the task of rimming the glasses with the crystallized sugar 'Well both of us shall find out momentarily'

He topped off the mug with whipping cream from the last container and handed

me mine. Our hands touched briefly to pass the mug and our eyes locked. I blushed and looked away taking the mug to sip, it was deliciously warm and flavorful. Perfect.

I echoed the thoughts aloud and took a piece of cheese.

'I had to get the bottle from Slughorn you know..' His voice was fine gravel and warmth on the cold evening.

'oh' I gasped 'what did you say?!'

'I didn't. I scowled at him until he stopped asking questions' He smirked at me and took a piece of smoked ham, tearing off a small bite with his teeth.

'I suppose that's a benefit for not being one for conversation' I grabbed a cold sausage and waved it at him' Not that I approve of course!'

He scowled at me, and took another bite.

'You know the last thing I expected, starting classes with children, was having to dodge out of Christmas parties this year'.

'I am really having a hard time picturing any of your classmates suggesting any such thing' He murmured.

I laughed 'oh yes so would I, no it's the older Slytherins, particularly one Mister Josua Black, I think he's looking to have his family show off the only foreign exchange student. I could easily see that being his motive. If Rosalyn and Marietta weren't also going I would have refused outright, however I owe Rosalyn a favor.'

I waited for him to form a reply, as it was his turn to talk. I popped an olive in my mouth and chewed.

He said nothing but took another sip from the steaming mug.

'That was your turn Sir, in the conversation..'

'Oh?' He tried to scowl but his amusement was clear.

'Indeed, I brought up a tedious piece of gossip that was not at all interesting, but it left you several openings. You could have dug out some obscure information about any previous exchange students, even if there were never any before -using that to contribute, or you could have expressed a different opinion on Josua's motives, or even as a faithful Slytherin attempted to extract from me details on how I came to owe Rosalyn a favor'

I smugly sipped the coffee.

'I am curious how you came to owe her a favor' His scowl was more successful this time.

'traditionally I would change the topic at this time to avoid telling you, either because I would not wish to share, or because I wish you to work harder at finding out first. However..' I paused to take another sip' It was a small matter of her help getting ready for the dance, that dress truly is impossible on my own'.

'I enjoyed that dress on you, I hope you find it a worthwhile trade'

He took the opportunity having made what he believed an appropriate reply to help himself to a roll and chewed on it.

I took a roll for myself and watched him.

'Are you choosing to change the topic to dresses Sir, or opening up the floor to discuss things you enjoy' I asked in a mockingly and somewhat seductive fashion.

'What? that was not my intention' He set down the bread.

'It was a wonderfully delivered compliment, but that is where you left the topic, it's your turn' I smugly took another bite.

Our repartee continued until the plates were bare and our mugs were empty and twilight had fallen entirely over the castle and surrounding landscape. Our reverie was finally interrupted when Headmistress Mcgonagal strode out onto the parapet.

'Leanne were you not joining us for Poker tonight? Horace has been asking after you'

Her stern face kept surprisingly straight for having found the two of us sitting around what had clearly been a picnic.

'Oh I'm sorry I lost track of the hour, I should still like to I think..' I stopped and looked to the Professors face trying to gauge his reaction. His face had returned to stone, passive and unreadable.

'Would you join us Severus?' She turned to address him.

He fingered his mug, cold and empty, and seemed almost wistful.

'Minerva I shall give up my night to join this needless frivolity of yours if you'll agree to break out that bottle of whiskey I know you've been hiding in your office' His brown eyes took on an almost mischievous gleam. How Slytherin of him to hint at secrets of hers he knew at a time like this.

She arched an eyebrow stiffly and harrumphed.

'Very well Professor' she stalked off.