Chapter 2:

O SHIT

So how would this Pop-up theory work on our favourite couple?

***

The next morning, Susan entered the Great Hall for breakfast, humming softly. She walked up to Minerva who was sitting next to Albus Dumbledore and gave her hug.

Minerva looked up in surprise. 'What's got into you?'

'My foot popped up last night', Susan sighed blissfully.

'Aaaaww', Poppy and Jane cooed in union.

'I know!' Susan grinned, looking extremely happy.

'That's wonderful dear', Minerva said with a genuine smile.

Albus chuckled softly. 'What a complete nonsense', he muttered under his breath. Minerva looked at him. 'Do you mean the feet pop-up theory?'

'Yes', Albus nodded, 'who believes that? Like you know for certain that you love a person if your feet pops up if you kiss that person. It's outrages. You shouldn't let your happiness depend on something so trivial'.

Susan, Jane, Poppy and Minerva looked at him in wonder. 'Well, it worked for me', Susan said finally. 'When he began to kiss me last night I freaked out a little and I didn't really understand how I was feeling. And then all of a sudden... my foot popped up! And now I know for sure that I really love him.

'I still think the whole theory is ridiculous', Albus stated, helping himself to another piece of toast.

***

A few days later the Staff Room was packed again. But this time it was because of Christmas. Susan looked around the room, grinning broadly. She never would have thought she would like it so much here. She had found three new friends, a lot of wonderful colleagues and since a couple of days a boyfriend. She watched Jane trying to persuade Severus to wear a Christmas hat. And than she saw how Albus and Minerva gave each other a 'Merry Christmas-hug'.

'Merry Christmas Minerva', Albus said, taking her hand.

'Merry Christmas to you too Albus, Minerva smiled. Leaning closer towards him, she kissed him gently on his cheek.

'Oh shit!' A cry disrupted the quietness of the Staff Room. Everyone was staring at Susan who had clamped her hand over her mouth. 'What's the matter Susan?' Jane asked.

'I..., the young witch stammered, I.. I saw... I mean..., I forgot to feed my fish, I'll be right back'. And she practically dashed out of the Staff Room.

'Susan, what's going on?' Jane pressed on, following her into the corridor.

'In here', Susan whispered back, pulling the flying instructor inside an empty classroom. 'did you see that?  She asked excitedly.

'What in Merlin's name are you talking about?' Jane exclaimed, 'could you be a bit more clear?'

'Look', Susan replied, 'when Minerva kissed Albus just in there.... they... then...'

'WHAT?' Jane urged on.

'Both their feet popped up!' Susan concluded, positively beaming.

Jane jumped up. 'No way!'

'Yes!' Susan yelled back.

'Now what?' Susan asked. 'It's obvious they are crazy about each other. Do you think they know it from each other?

Jane shook her head. 'I don't think so. They are both as stubborn as... you name it. And they are scared. I don't think any of them would admit how they feel to each other.

'We should do something', Susan stated.

Jane shrugged her shoulders. 'We'll think of something, let's go back'.