Goodnight
by Tavalya Ra
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J. K. Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Rowling is a goddess; may she have mercy on my soul for writing this.
If anyone wishes to archive this story on his or her site, please contact me at clearbluedelphia@yahoo.com. Comments and criticisms are welcome. Flames will be ignored.
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"Why didn't you expel them?"
"Hmm?"
"Why didn't you expel them?"
"Oh, dear me, are you still fretting over that. Go to sleep."
"No. Why didn't you expel Potter and Weasley?"
"It was not a serious offence."
"Not serious! They violated the Decree of Restriction Against Underage Wizardry, were spotted by Muggles, crashed into the Whomping Willow-"
"I'm really rather surprised you are upset about the willow, Severus."
"…"
"You're pouting."
"Am not."
"Yes, you are."
"I do not pout."
"You do when we're alone."
"Oh, how can you tell? We're in the dark."
"I know you too well."
"You should have expelled them."
"And what, pray tell, might that have accomplished, Severus? To turn Harry Potter out into the world uneducated? Seems rather foolish, not only for the boy's sake, but the entire wizarding world."
"So, you do think Potter will get him in the end."
"I hope it does not come to that. But if it does, we shall be prepared."
"If it come to that, it would mean you're dead."
"Perhaps."
"Albus! How can you speak so lightly of this?"
"I don't know the future anymore than you, Severus. I would rather be here, now."
"You mean you'd rather go to sleep."
"Asleep with you. I find that rather pleasant."
"…"
"And besides, I think I have as much reason to be upset with you."
"Oh?"
"I saw the way you looked at Professor Lockhart."
"What? Lockhart? You're joking!"
"Not at all."
"So, jealous? Afraid I'll trade you in for a younger model?"
"Perhaps."
"Lockhart is all fluff and no substance."
"I did not think you were looking for substance in him."
"Well, perhaps in a particular area."
"Ah, so you admit it."
"Albus!"
"I hardly see why you are upset."
"You're a paranoid old fool."
"Perhaps."
"You aren't going to answer definitively are you?"
"Perhaps."
"You're trying to needle me."
"Go to sleep."
"…"
"Goodnight, Severus."
"Oh alright. Goodnight, Albus."
"I do love you, you know."
"Well, I love you, too."
"Perhaps."
"I mean it."
"I know. Goodnight."
