When Anastacia, Beth and Brad had come to Hogwarts, they had been given quarters down in the dungeons. All the teachers, (apart from Hagrid and the four house mistresses/masters) had their quarters in the dungeons or on the top floor of the school, depending on their preference. The only exception was Professor Trelawney who, although she did have her own quarters, seemed to prefer staying in her heavily scented classroom. The house teachers had their quarters situated practically next to their respective house common rooms, so that they could get there if there was trouble. There were special listening charms cast between the common room and the house teacher's quarters, so they could hear if there was any trouble.
Beth and Brad had gratefully accepted, but Anastacia preferred to go to her home every night, seeing as she and her husband lived in Hogsmeade. Beth and Brad's quarters consisted of two bedrooms, a bathroom and a small lounge (which was really nothing more than a room with two squashy armchairs and a fireplace.
At this moment, Brad was standing in a corner of the bathroom, watching Beth with interest as she did her hair and make up.
'He's a prime suspect, you know. Semaphore won't be happy.' Brad lectured. When they weren't in the presence of Anastacia, she was usually referred to as "Semaphore".
'She hasn't got anything to be unhappy about… we're just going for a drink. I might be able to get something out of him.' Beth lied. Brad could tell this wasn't the truth, and laughed.
'If you were "just going for a drink", then you wouldn't have spent the last…' Brad drew a small clock from the pocket of his robes. '…Three quarters of an hour.'
'I'm female, Brad, we don't go anywhere unless we look decent.'
'You looked decent an hour and three quarters ago! You're naturally beautiful, Beth, you don't need to worry!' Brad silently cursed himself for letting out his inner thoughts. Luckily, all Beth said was,
'Thank you for the compliment, Brad.'
'So you're sure it's only a drink…' Brad pushed, trying to change the subject.
'For the last time, yes!' Beth said, twirling around, her long black hair flying out behind her. 'Why are you so bothered, Brad?' A teasing smile played on her lips. 'Are you jealous of him.'
'Of… of course not!' Brad stuttered, desperately trying to stop himself from blushing. 'Why… why should I… I be?'
'Oh… I don't know. You're just being very protective, that's all.'
'Well, you're a good friend. I don't want you getting into trouble at work, and…'
'And?'
'Well, I care for you. You're a lovely, kind, beautiful woman, Beth, and perhaps I am slightly jealous of this Snape bloke.'
Beth suddenly looked serious as the playful, teasing glint in her eyes faded. 'Oh, Brad, I never realised you felt that way…' She moved over to him, and took his hands in hers. Brad looked down at the floor, embarrassed. 'You're a lovely, kind, handsome man, but I don't think I could ever love you… you've been one of my best friends for too long. I'm sorry.'
'Don't worry, I should never have mentioned it.' Brad said quietly, looking back up and straight into Beth's dark brown eyes. She smiled at him, and he smiled back.
'Now, how do I look?' Beth asked, spinning around, the seriousness gone from her voice and her actions.
'Fine. Stop worrying!' Brad laughed, forgetting, for the moment at least, the last minute or two.
***
Beth felt slightly apprehensive as she stepped into The Three Broomsticks. She had arranged to meet Snape there. She looked around, and couldn't see him; she had beaten him there. She went and sat on a barstool by the bar, and started talking to Rosmerta. Shortly afterwards she felt someone tap her on the back. She turned to see Severus standing there.
He somehow seemed different when he wasn't working or at his workplace. He was still wearing his customary black robes, but he didn't look so strict and dull. His eyes were alive, and his lips were curved into a kind smile rather than his usual scowl.
'Shall I order us some drinks?' He asked.
'No, I'll pay, really, I don't mind.' Beth replied, reaching for her back. Snape put a hand on her shoulder.
'I insist.' He said, pulling some money from inside his robes, and handing it over to Rosmerta. '2 glasses of your finest wine.' He said.
Rosmerta nodded, and turned her back on Beth and Severus to deal with the drinks. 'Shall we find a table?' Snape asked.
Beth nodded, and they left the bar, and sat down in a corner. A minute or two later, a young barmaid brought over two glasses of red wine. They thanked her, and then began to talk.
At first there were some uneasy pauses, but as the night wore on the two became friendlier. They were laughing and chatting as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other for years. Eventually last orders were called at the bar, and Severus and Beth began to make their way back up to Hogwarts.
As they reached the front gates, Beth suddenly remembered why she had asked Severus to the Three Broomsticks in the first place. She abruptly stopped, pulling Severus back next to her.
'Beth?' He asked. 'What is it?'
Now Beth had stopped, she realised she had no idea what she should say. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She found herself staring into Severus' dark brown, nearly black eyes, and the next thing she knew they were kissing. Severus' arms moved around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She was surprised, but she made no effort to pull away. Severus was also surprised, but he was also in ecstasy. He had dreamed of this moment since Beth had first turned up at Hogwarts, and he wasn't going to let the moment pass in a hurry.
Eventually they did part, and Beth began to mumble apologies. Severus laid a finger on her lips to silence her. 'Don't apologise for making my dreams come true.'
