Silly Incantations

By Barbi Bee

Chapter 3

To Aberforthlover: Read my first fic called 'Foolish Wand Waving' and all will be revealed.

Artemis arrived back at Hogwarts at lunch time having made the long flight up from London. He entered the Great Hall and settled on the back of Severus' chair. Once there, he gently nipped his master's ear to make sure he was aware of his presence.

Severus removed the letter from Artemis' leg before giving hima slice of meat. After perusing the contents of said letter he turned to Albus and said "Headmaster?"

"Yes, Severus"

"I have decided that I will only play MacDuff if Hermione plays Lady Macduff. It's not a very big role so I am sure you'll be able to bring her round."

"Blackmail Severus, how Slytherin of you"

"And I owe it all to you and Minerva. After all you two are the best at getting precisely what you want, when you want it and from whom. Furthermore, Hermione and I will be away from school the weekend after next, with your permission, of course."

"Thankyou, I think? And might one ask why Miss Granger and yourself intend being away?"

"Drama studies in London actually."

"In that case, permission granted." Albus looked thoughtful for a moment and then continued "I trust you will behave like a Gentleman during your visit."

"Really Albus, I am Not a Child, You know perfectly well I'll be 40 on my next birthday."

"My point exactly, a wizard's prime begins at 40 and we all know what that means."

At this point a rather embarrased Potions Master decided that Discretion would be the better part of Valour and didn't say another word for the rest of the meal.

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During the next ten days, Severus replied to Alan's letter , accepting his invitation on behalf of himself and Hermione,. Hermione succumbed to Albus' pleading and accepted the role of Lady MacDuff and scripts were distributed around the school in preparation for the auditions booked in for the following week.

With all this done it was time for Severus and Hermione to leave for London. They didn't apparate as they felt two wizards suddenly appearing in his lounge might be a little much for Alan to cope with. Instead they took the Knight Bus, as it would drop them right outside Alan's place.

Transfiguring their clothes as they hopped of the Bus, they went straight to Alan's front door and knocked. The door opened a minute later and their weekend began.

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They arrived back at Hogwarts late Sunday evening, having spent a marvelous weekend learning some of the many tricks an actor employs in the pursuit of his craft. Hermione had taken a copy of 'Hogwarts; A History' to give Alan as a thankyou gift seeing as how he had expressed an interest in learning about their world. A gift that was very much appreciated in fact by the recipient.

The pair now much relaxed, even looked forward to the anticipated trials of auditions to be held that week. Auditions, that promised cat fights, tears, arguments and Howlers from home for those who failed to get what they wanted and tears, smiles and hugs from those who did.