Silly Incantations

By Barbi Bee

Chapter 5

A/N Thanks to The One Hobbit, Imhilien and Danric-Lover for your reviews. They are very much appreciated.

With all that had been happening over the past weeks Severus decided now would be a good time to send his friend Alan a letter.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,

Hogsmead,

Scotland.

February 24th.

To: Mr Alan Rickman

Dear Alan,



Just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know how things are going here at Hogwarts. Auditions were held a few weeks ago with one or two surprises, notably the spirit of MacBeth himself possessing one of the students and auditioning for his own role. Very spooky, even for Hogwarts which, believe me, is saying something.

Rehearsals started last week with an old-boy taking on the the role of Acting Coach. Apparently well known in the Muggle world, his name is Rowan Atkinson, you may have heard of him. It seems he was in Slytherin when Minerva (Gryffindor Head-of-House) was a student, and there are rumours abounding about just how close their friendship was.

On a more personal note I turned 40 today and Hermione gave me a mug inscribed with the words 'Now entering the Naughty Forties'. She doesn't realise just how true those words are for a wizard as we go through what can only be described as a second puberty with our sexual abilities being somewhat enhanced. (God, at least I hope she doesn't, it could be very embarrassing if she does)

Where are my manners,I haven't asked how have you been, and if Rima is well. My apologies Alan, my mother raised me better than that and would no doubt hex me into tomorrow if she knew how rude I have been.

Wishing you well

Your friend

Severus

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Artemis winged his way to London as he had done on previous occasions, pausing only long enough to slake his thirst along the way. Arriving this time in the mid -evening he had to wait for Alan to get home from the theatre, and so it was that a very tired owl delivered his letter at 3:00am the next morning.

Having read Severus' letter when he arrived home, Alan penned a reply while he made breakfast for Rima, Artemis and himself. When they had all finished eating, Alan tied the return letter to Artemis' leg and sent him home to Hogwarts.

Artemis entered the dungeons and flew straight to the Potions classroom where Severus was preparing some medicinal potions for the infirmary. Settling himself down on the rim of an unused cauldron Artemis waited for his master to notice him, as he knew it would not be wise to disturb the man while in the midst of brewing.

Some fifteen minutes later Severus looked up from his cauldron and seeing his Owl motioned for him to come closer so that his master could remove the letter from his leg. After claiming his letter from Artemis, Severus bottled the potion he had been working on and retired to his office to read his mail.

London,

England.

February 25th.

Dear Severus,

Your letter finds both Rima and myself fit and well. Rima hopes that you were kidding about your mother hexing you, but if not she says to tell her that you were not rude merely preoccupied.

Do you think it would be at all possible for Rima and I to attend your school production, as it sounds as though its getting extremely interesting. I mean, anything a wizard thinks is spooky has got to be good (or do I mean bad), either way you have me intrigued.

As to your enquiry as to whether or not I know Rowan Atkinson, the answer is yes. In fact, I'm doing a film at the moment in which he makes a couple of cameo appearances.If you could give him my regards when you see him next please, I would appreciate it.

A second puberty, ouch. Just the thought of all those pimples and embarrassing moments when your voice breaks at the most inconvenient time is terrifying to say the least, and to have to endure a second time in mid-life is just not worth thinking about.However the knowledge that ones ...abilities are enhanced is, shall we say, thought provoking. I didn't mention that bit to Rima as I was a little worried she might want to trade me in on a younger wizarding model.

It was my birthday yesterday as well, though I am a year or two or sixteen older than you, so Happy Birthday to both of us.

Alan.