Disclaimer: I'm tired. Leave me alone, Warner Bros.



Chapter Sixteen

Ailie watched as her friend paced on the carpet before her. It was a rather pleasant spring day, a precursor, she hoped, of the weather that was to come, banishing the dreary clouds and snow of winter. Her friend did not seem pleased with the fact, however.

Ailie had been enjoying a rather nice dream about flying through a forest, and snuggling into her nicely warm blankets for a good Saturday sleep-in when Hermione had barged into her rooms, clad only in a loose robe, her hair flying everywhere and her face contorted with fury. Ailie had soon learned that her friend, as Snape had long ago promised, had just received her punishment for her part in the potions prank they had pulled on that dark master.

She was forced not to chuckle as her obviously frustrated friend paced and ranted, telling her story in a convoluted manner that had left Ailie almost completely in the dark as to what they were talking about.

Judging that Hermione had let off sufficient steam, Ailie put up a hand to halt her, and patted the seat on the couch beside her.

'Okay, now slow down and tell it to me properly,' she said.

Hermione took a deep breath. 'Well, as I said,' she began, more calmly than before, 'Professor Snape tricked me into going to his potions room last night. There was a cauldron full of potion behind his desk, and I looked at it, and he said-'

'Yes, yes, he tricked you into taking the potion. Did he say anything about it?'

'No,' Hermione answered, looking disheartened. 'I suppose it was my own fault. He didn't exactly force me to drink it, just sort of held the ladle to my lips and I couldn't think-'

Ailie hid a smile at that, but nodded encouragement to her flustered friend.

'Anyway, I went to bed pretty much straight away because I was sleepy- he must have put a sleeping potion in the mixture just like we did-' Hermione wandered along that train of thought, and Ailie nudged her friend out of her academic musings.

'And?' she hinted.

'And then I woke up, or I thought I woke up, and he was in the room. He had a cut on his hand so I dressed it for him, but then he pushed me up against the wall and sort of...' Hermione looked pleadingly at her friend, but Ailie shook her head.

'It's best if you tell me everything. Then we can, er, look at the event from a scientific viewpoint,' Ailie said, playing on Hermione's sense of study. It would do Hermione good to talk it out, she knew, and besides, she felt a certain sort of fascination for the way Snape seemed to haunt her friend.

'Well, he was... kissing me on the neck,' Hermione continued. There was a sort of wonder in her voice that intrigued Ailie. 'And then he picked me up and took me over to the bed, and... Oh, Ailie, I can't talk about this!' Hermione's cheeks flamed bright red, and Ailie decided to give her friend a break.

'Okay,' she said. 'You don't have to talk about it if you want to. I was just wondering,' she continued, turning to her friend with an earnest look. 'How did it feel, well, having sex with him when you haven't ever..?'

Blushing furiously, Hermione shook her head. 'Oh, no. We didn't... well, it never got that far,' she said, a tinge of disappointment in her tone. 'I wanted to,' she added, after a pause. 'We were going to... He was about to undo his trousers when it all sort of faded away. Oh gods,' she groaned, putting her face in her hands. 'How can I be thinking this way about Severus Snape?'

Absently, Ailie patted Hermione's back. Her eyes were on the scratch marks on Hermione's neck, an outcome of the dream. It was probably just as well that the dream-Snape hadn't done anything more than he did, she reflected, considering the very physical effects the potion seemed to create.

'And it all seemed real,' Ailie mused aloud.

Hermione nodded miserably. 'Oh, yes,' she answered. 'Until I woke up I thought it was really happening. That's what makes it so bad now.'

'Hmm.' Ailie stared at nothing, deep in thought. 'It's an interesting effect. If we could figure out how to isolate it...'

'Ailie!' Hermione yelled. 'This isn't an experiment!'

'Oh. Sorry,' Ailie said, patting Hermione on the arm. 'I was just thinking.'

'No, I'm sorry,' Hermione said, rubbing her temples. 'I would usually think that way myself. It's just that dream was so powerful- so real.' She sighed. 'I'm still having trouble telling myself it was just a dream. My body seems to think-' she reached up and touched her neck, frowning. 'It's all very confusing.'

Ailie gave her a small smile. 'I'm sorry. I didn't know he was planning anything like this. It's been so long since he last said anything about it.' She stood, and began to prepare a batch of herbal tea she knew would calm her friend.

Hermione looked angrily at the floor. 'Severus Snape is a very patient man. And unforgiving.'

Ailie laughed, setting the kettle by the fire. 'Well, he did tell me that you would know about him and punishment. Did he by any chance-'

'No!' Hermione blushed. Ailie laughed at her reaction. She knew she shouldn't, but she couldn't resist teasing a little. After all, the punishment could have been much worse.

'The worst thing is,' Hermione said despondently, 'he wouldn't kiss me. I wanted him to so much, and he went away before he could. And now all I want-' Her fists clenched. 'I just can't stop thinking about it!'

'Why don't you just go and do it?' Ailie asked, measuring out herbs into the teapot. She heard Hermione gasp.

'I couldn't do that!' her friend said in a shocked voice. 'If nothing else, he'd just laugh at me,' she added.

Ailie shook her head. When would Hermione learn. 'Herm, I doubt it. He gave you that potion knowing what the effects would be. He's had a similar dream about you. It's possible that he just wanted to make you realise what you felt for him, so that he could make a move on you.'

'You don't know Snape,' Hermione replied. 'No. It's impossible.'

'So be it,' Ailie said, pouring the tea. She was surprised to hear Hermione groan.

'If I could only stop feeling this way,' Hermione said, shifting restlessly. This time Ailie didn't bother to hide her smile.

'I'm sorry, sweet. It's started now.'

'What's started?' Hermione asked.

'Your- how can I put this- awakening,' Ailie said with a grin. 'Once you start playing with boys, my dear, you sort of... need to keep doing it.'

'*What?*' Hermione asked, her expression puzzled.

'I mean that now that your body's started thinking about sex, it won't stop,' Ailie clarified. She almost laughed at Hermione's downcast look.

'You mean I'm going to feel this bad for the *rest* of my *life*?' she said despondently. She groaned and put her hands over her face. 'No-one ever told me about that.'

'Sorry to say, my sweet, but it's true. Once you start experiencing sexual pleasure, your adult body begins to expect it. If you don't get it, it gets frustrated. You won't always feel this bad, though,' Ailie added, putting a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder and handing her a cup of tea. 'It's only because you began something that couldn't be finished. You only get frustrated if you want sex but can't have it.' Ailie pondered for a while. 'Of course, if you don't have sex for long enough, it sort of goes away.'

'How long?' Hermione asked, her voice hopeful.

'Oh, about two years,' Ailie answered with a smile. Having lost her virginity at a fairly young age, she was familiar with the urges her body forced on her occasionally. 'You could- um, how do I put this- take care of things yourself..?' she suggested to her friend's downturned head.

Hermione looked up, blushing again. 'Um, I don't think that would work. I sort of- tried,' she said, her face becoming red. She sighed in frustration. 'I just want him.'

Ailie smiled gently at her. 'Well, I've already given my ideas on that point. And I don't think he'd really turn you away. But that sort of thing can become complicated, just to satisfy an urge. The only thing I can suggest is that you give yourself time; you'll calm down.' She watched as Hermione nodded, looking down into her tea.

'Come on,' Ailie said, jumping off the couch. 'You and I are going downstairs to have a truly sinful breakfast of the most fatty, disgusting things we can imagine, and then we're going to think up something fun to do today.' Hermione gave her an uncertain smile, and rose. Ailie followed as Hermione went through the fireplace to her rooms. She wasn't going to give her friend a chance to brood.

Ailie smothered a smile as she noticed Hermione put on a high-necked sweater to cover the scratching on her neck. As if to be doubly sure, the other girl left her hair down as well.

Eventually, there was nothing more Hermione could do to delay their going. Arm in arm, the two girls made their way to the great hall for the morning meal. There were only a few students dotted around the room, and Ailie easily guided her friend to the head table, seating her so that she was facing the students, and would be in no danger of accidentally meeting eyes with Snape should he turn up.

Determinedly Ailie piled their plates high with the most glutinous collection of breakfast foods to hand; pancakes, waffles, sausages, bacon and eggs- with a jug full of maple syrup near to hand. With encouragement, Hermione managed to down a fair part of the meal, though the comfort food didn't make a visible impression on her spirits.

Taking time to enjoy her own meal, Ailie heard an intake of breath from her friend's direction, and looked up to see Snape making his way across the hall to the table. Ailie glanced at Hermione, seeing that her friend had paled. She inwardly cursed. Virgins were certainly more delicate than she thought, and, looking at the thoughtful expression on Snape's face as he headed to their side of the table, he would be of no help whatsoever.

Swiftly, Hermione pushed away her plate and rose. Shooting Ailie a speaking look, the girl fled by a side door just before Snape reached them.

Ailie sent him a glare as he pulled out a chair the other side of her, knowing that it would have no effect.

'Well, I hope you're happy,' she said lowly, reaching forward for some butter for her pancake. Snape merely looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

'Oh, don't pretend that you don't know,' Ailie said disgustedly. 'Even if Hermione hadn't woken me up this morning because of it I still would have been able to tell; your smugness is just about leaking from your ears.'

Snape lips twitched in a slight smile. 'Miss Granger wasn't happy with her punishment? I did nothing to her that she didn't do to me.'

*Oh really?* Ailie thought, her own lips twitching. Her smile disappeared as she felt Snape enter her mind a second before she thought to control her thoughts. Damn. Cautiously, she looked at Snape. A slow light was dawning in his eyes, indicating that he had, indeed, gathered the information he wanted from her mind. She closed her eyes in defeat.

'Okay, so she dreamt about you. Is that less than what you intended?' she asked. 'And would you mind not doing that? It gives me a headache.'

She watched as a smug smile spread across Snape's face, the first real smile she had ever seen him give. He looked positively delighted. The impression lasted only a second, before he visibly schooled his emotions.

'I see no difference it should make to me,' Snape said, a tinge of interest giving lie to his tone. Ailie laughed sarcastically.

'I'm sure,' she said derisively. 'So you have absolutely no interest in finding out exactly what you did to her?'

'She told you?' Snape asked, hedging.

Ailie smiled. Bingo. 'Every detail,' she lied. 'And it's no use trying to read my mind, either,' she added, as a look of concentration came over his face. 'I'm not letting you in.'

Snape glared at her. 'Well, you're wrong,' he said. 'I have absolutely no interest in the matter whatsoever. I merely administered the potion to teach Miss Granger a lesson.'

'You're such a bad liar,' Ailie laughed. 'I don't know why you don't just admit it. You've got the hots for her.' She watched as Snape gritted his teeth, and decided to tease him a little. She patted his arm. 'Cheer up,' she said in his ear, 'at least you now know that she has the hots for you, too. Make a move, you could both do with getting laid.' She bit back a laugh as Snape's face took on an expression of fury. Judging that this was a time to be diplomatic, she pushed her plate away and rose.

As she made to leave the table, Ailie suddenly spied Professor McGonagall talking to Madams Hooch and Sprout. An idea dawned and she walked over to them.

'Hi,' she said, kneeling down between them with a smile. 'Sorry to interrupt, but I've a favour to ask.' The three older women all looked at her enquiringly. Ailie wondered how she could phrase her request.

'I don't know if you've noticed,' she began, 'but Hermione's been feeling a bit down lately, and I really think a day out would be good for her. I was wondering if you girls would like to come along with us?'

Minerva McGonagall smiled. 'That sounds like a fine idea,' she said.

'Well, I'm in,' said Madam Hooch, dabbing at her lips with a napkin. 'Where were you thinking of going?'

Ailie shrugged. 'I don't really know anywhere outside of Hogwarts,' she said reluctantly.

'Well, Hogsmeade is the easiest choice,' suggested Professor Sprout, draining her tea. 'I don't recall seeing Hermione there on previous weekends. You'll have to excuse me, though; I'd love to get out, but I have to nurse the mandrake seeds- they're about ready to hatch.'

'Hogsmeade would be just the place,' McGonagall said. 'Hermione was telling me just the other week that she never took the time to browse there, and you haven't seen it yet, Ailie.'

'We can ask Poppy along as well, if you'd like,' Freya Hooch said. 'I know she's itching to get out of the infirmary, after the week she's had.'

'Oh, an outing!' the diminutive Professor Flitwick interrupted. 'Can I come along too?'

'I'm afraid, Filibus,' said McGonagall, 'that this is a strictly females-only outing. Am I correct?' she asked Ailie, with a knowing look. Ailie nodded gratefully. She liked little Professor Flitwick, and wouldn't have liked to hurt his feelings.

Happily, Ailie agreed on a time to meet in the foyer, and set back off to hers and Hermione's rooms to coerce her friend into the outing.

She was surprised that it took little cajoling to convince Hermione of the benefit of an outing.

'No, you're right, Ailie,' Hermione said with characteristic briskness. 'It's hopeless sitting around dwelling on it. At least if I'm part of a group of people I'm forced to talk to them.'

Ailie didn't exactly agree with her friend's phrasing of the idea, but was willing to nod her head to get Hermione to come along. Perhaps Hermione would see the benefits of being around her fellow women once they were out and about.

It was with some little anticipation that Ailie donned her cloak and boots in her rooms. She had heard much about this Hogsmeade from the children of the school, and had often wanted to go herself, but had been prevented by lack of a companion. It was too risky, Dumbledore said, for her to go wandering about outside the grounds of Hogwarts by herself, and Ailie was inclined to agree.

Ailie collected Hermione from her room and headed with her toward the entranceway. She inwardly groaned as they turned a corner and saw Snape in their path. Giving him a warning look and attempting to ward him away with wishing, Ailie firmed her grip on Hermione's arm, but thankfully Snape moved past with barely a glance at them. Ailie risked a look at Hermione and saw a telltale rising colour in her friend's cheeks. She moved her onward down the stairway.

The three older women were waiting for them by the front doors, all cloaked up for the chill wind outside. Minerva McGonagall gave Ailie a bright smile and, stepping forward, took Hermione's other arm. Thus, they set out for Hogsmeade.

The three other women chatted happily as they walked down the muddy path, and Ailie was free to enjoy her surroundings. Soon, she realised that the women's conversation involved school gossip.

'So I heard that Davison asked her on a date next time they go to muggle London,' Poppy Pomfrey was saying.

'There's no way Celise would agree to go out with him,' McGonagall replied. 'She's pureblood through and through.'

'You would think so,' Poppy said. 'But I saw them the other night in the west wing, and they were somewhat deep in conversation.'

'I bet they were just talking about their conflicting 'class schedules,'' interpolated Madam Hooch with a laugh. The other two women joined in, as Ailie looked from one to the other.

'Don't worry, just a little joke,' McGonagall said, patting Ailie on the arm.

'You know,' said Madam Hooch, 'Severus is certainly smug these days.' Ailie heard a small sound from Hermione at these words, and gripped her friend's arm.

'Well, he certainly seems in top form. Getting right on top of young Hermione here all the time, really grinding it into her,' said Poppy, with a sympathetic look at Hermione. 'The man really has no conscience.' Hermione let out a small squeak, and Ailie decided she had to do something to intervene on her friend's behalf.

'Er, can we sort of not talk about that?' she asked, trying to give speaking looks to the other three.

'What? Had another tussle with him, have you?' Madam Hooch asked Hermione. Ailie saw Hermione wince, and put a cautionary hand on Hooch's arm. The other woman caught her look, shrugged, and let the topic drop.

Soon they reached Hogsmeade. Ailie decided to use blackmail tactics to bring Hermione around, needling her into being a tour guide for the trip. After a while of pointing out familiar places and relating stories of times spent there, Hermione's mood began to perk up.

The ladies descended on the clothing store Gladrags, and Ailie was again surprised how quickly these usually demure women became giggling teenagers. She watched as the witches tried on various styles of robes, pleased when they deliberately involved Hermione in their activity.

'You should buy that,' Freya Hooch said, pointing to the flowing skirt Hermione was currently trying on.

'No, *you* should buy *that*,' Poppy said in return, eyeing the daring pantsuit in green velvet that Madam Hooch was holding. 'That colour would look absolutely amazing with your eyes.'

'Yes, but where would I wear it?' mused Hooch, contemplating herself in a mirror.

'Well, I don't care, I'm buying this,' said McGonagall, holding up a scarf in dark blue and gold. 'I like the way the little stars twinkle on it.' Ailie looked closely at the embroidered material of the scarf and saw that, indeed, the little gold stars were twinkling in their replicated sky.

All four women drew in breath when Hermione exited the change-rooms in a concoction of blue velvet. The deep blue robes ran down to the floor, opening at the collar and cuffs for a white lace ruffle. The robes fastened to the knee, whereon they opened just enough to let the legs of the matching blue satin undertrousers peek out. The overall effect was of a dashing renaissance count, or Marlene Dietrich on a better budget.

'You are definitely buying those,' said Madam Hooch.

'I never knew they made everyday robes that looked so stylish,' said McGonagall.

'They're all the rage in Switzerland,' said the passing sales clerk. Hermione looked a little embarrassed with all the attention.

'Oh, my dear,' said Poppy Pomfrey, placing a hand on Hermione's arm. 'You simply have to buy those robes. Whoever it is that's been bothering you today, you'll certainly knock him flat in those.'

'Who said I wanted to knock him flat?' asked Hermione, her tone defiant, and turned back into the changing rooms. Ailie noticed, however, that as they left the shop, Hermione carried a rather bulky bag under her arm.

The women decided to stop for a late lunch at the Three Broomsticks. Taking possession of a table by a sunny window, they were soon plentifully served with their orders of food and drinks.

Ailie looked doubtfully at the steaming mug before her. Hermione had assured her that Butterbeer was one of the most delicious drinks in wizardry, with only a slight stimulative effect, but looking into the murky liquid before her, Ailie felt slightly hesitant about actually drinking it. Melted butter had never had any appeal for her. However, watching the rest of the witches sip their own drinks, Ailie had little choice but to be polite. The result wasn't as bad as she expected, though a little too sweet for her taste.

'I can't believe it's three o'clock already,' said Madam Hooch, putting down her half-drained glass.

'Time flies when you're having fun,' said McGonagall dryly. She leant back in her seat. 'How I dread teaching those third years on Monday.'

'Hah, you only have to teach them,' said Poppy Pomfrey. 'I have to heal them afterwards.'

'Not because of my class,' McGonagall rejoindered. 'It's usually Filibus or Ceres that send most of the traffic your way, if I recall correctly. And don't think I'm forgetting you either, Freya. The terms when you teach Quiddich alone should be enough to deplete Poppy's Skel-E-Grow stores.'

'Actually, it's Severus' class that's the worst,' said Poppy, taking a healthy sip of her drink. 'At least I can tell a broken arm when I see one. But a student speaking bubbles because of a prank takes hours to fix. Luckily Severus usually has the right antidote.'

'Too bad he couldn't keep a closer eye on his class,' said Hooch. Beside Ailie, Hermione snorted, drawing their attention.

'You forget, I've been in his class,' she said. 'He keeps an eye on people all right. It's the attributing of blame that causes the problems. If he only picked on the right student-'

'Severus Snape has a certain blind spot in that area,' interrupted McGonagall. 'And poor Poppy has to look after the results.'

'Oh, I don't mind,' said Poppy. 'He's very kind when it comes to mixing up the potions I need, and usually fixes up most of his students himself. Besides, I don't mind Severus. You can repair a man only so many times before you have to admit he's human. Even if he doesn't,' she added darkly.

'Hmm, and exactly how human is he?' asked Madam Hooch with a sly smile.

Poppy's face took on a serious expression. 'A doctor cannot reveal information about a patient,' she said, then broke into a smile. 'Of course, I'm not a doctor...'

Ailie sensed that they were getting into dangerous territory, but thankfully the moment was saved by Rosmerta returning to see if they required any more drinks.

'What do you say, girls?' asked McGonagall.

'What the hell, it's the weekend,' said Hooch, ordering a glass of mulled wine.

McGonagall turned to Ailie and Hermione with a raised eyebrow. Ailie shrugged. 'I'd like another drink, but that one was a little...'

'Sweet?' said Poppy, smiling sympathetically. 'I know. I'm not to fond of butterbeer myself.'

'I don't know any more wizard beverages,' said Ailie.

'How about a muggle one,' suggested McGonagall. 'A gin and tonic is my particular favourite, although very British,' she added with a frown.

Ailie looked at her, slightly puzzled. 'Is it like butterbeer?'

McGonagall laughed. 'No. It's quite different to butterbeer.'

'Okay,' Ailie capitulated. 'As long as Hermione will join me.' They all looked at Hermione. She opened her mouth to answer, but Hooch cut her off.

'Of course she will,' interrupted Hooch, placing their order. Hermione shrugged.

The afternoon wore on into evening, and Ailie was surprised when she glanced out the window and saw it was getting dark. She looked around the table and surveyed the scattered glasses upon it. She smiled. The day certainly was going well, and the mood around the table had developed into friendly celubriousness.

'Well, I don't know about Filibus,' said McGonagall, 'but Rubeus looks quite nice in his shorts.'

Beside Ailie, Hermione gasped. 'You have never seen Rubeus Hagrid in his shorts!' she said.

Poppy Pomfrey giggled. 'Of course she has. People go swimming in the pond every summer, after all.'

'And we all watch,' added Hooch.

'And Minerva has a huge crush on Hagrid,' finished Poppy. McGonagall shook her head.

'No I don't. I just appreciate a giant in shorts,' she said, making the other two giggle uproariously.

'You wicked witches,' said Ailie, sipping at her drink. She was beginning to feel a little light-headed herself. 'Those poor men go swimming in good faith-'

'Hah!' said Hooch, waving her drink in the air for emphasis. 'They know what they're in for.'

'I think they like showing off,' said McGonagall.

'Hmm.' Ailie looked around the table. 'Any other little tidbits we young things should know about?'

'Ailie, you are not going to seduce Professor Flitwick,' Hermione said, and the table burst into giggles.

Ailie held up a hand and shook her head. 'No, I insist. Give us the goss.'

'Well,' said Poppy, playing with a pretzel that was lying on the table. 'I really shouldn't tell you this but I know from a very reliable source that Pontius Charmancy- that's the Wandless Professor, Ailie- bats for the other team.'

Madam Hooch let out a howl. 'Oh, come on, Poppy, tell us something that's not bleedingly obvious!'

'Yes, even *I* knew that Poppy,' said McGonagall.

Poppy looked hurt. 'Well, I didn't. I was disappointed. I thought he looked rather cute.'

'They all do,' said Hermione, nodding wisely.

'Now, come on, we've been gossiping away; it's your turn,' McGonagall said. Poppy Pomfrey nodded and leant forward eagerly.

'Yes, you young things always get up to the most amazing stuff,' she said, taking a gulp of her drink.

Hermione shrugged, looking down. Hooch laughed. 'She's too shy, ladies.'

Ailie looked at Hermione and gave and evil grin. 'Not that shy,' she began. The three older women jumped on the bait, looking eagerly at her. 'Well,' Ailie continued. 'It's not my place to tell, but let me just say I recently found out something concerning an unnamed young member of this table, and a certain person we know whose name begins with S.' The three gasped.

'Hermione, you *didn't*-' said Poppy in delightedly shocked tones. Hermione looked at Ailie, glaring at her.

'Ailie, what happened between me and Snape-'

Ailie put her hand to her mouth. 'I never meant- I was talking about *Sirius-*' She paused, looking at the eager faces around her, and closed her mouth. Sneaking a peek at her friend, Ailie was glad to see that Hermione was too tipsy to really mind.

'Severus- *and* Sirius?' asked McGonagall, giggling. 'My, you have been busy.'

'Shh, Minerva,' hushed Hooch. 'Let the girl tell us all the gory details.' Hermione clamped her mouth firmly closed, shaking her head, and Hooch leant forward and patted her hand. 'You'd best tell us dear,' she said sympathetically. 'We'll get it out of you anyway, and you don't want to see what spells we've got up our sleeves.'

Hermione glanced around the table, a high colour rising in her cheeks. 'Well...' she began. 'I don't know where to begin...'

Poppy waved her hand. 'Oh, just anywhere will do. Spill it.'

'Begin with Sirius; he's the cute one,' said Hooch.

Hermione smiled and looked down at her drink. 'It's not what it sounds like. It's just, at Christmas, I had a problem, and Sirius... fixed it.'

'I'll bet he did,' said McGonagall. 'I've known Sirius Black since he was eleven. He's been quite the busy puppy since he hit puberty.'

'No, it's not like that!' Hermione said, shocked. 'I just- I wasn't feeling very well and Sirius kissed me. It was nice,' she added with a small smile.

'Hmm,' said Poppy. 'That sounds supicious. And don't think you're getting out of telling us about Severus. Freya may be infatuated with that handsome face Sirius has, but I've a feeling that Severus's story is much juicier.'

'Um.' Hermione looked pleadingly at Ailie. 'Ailie can tell the first bit. She knows it better. Besides, it was your idea,' she added.

Ailie rolled her eyes. She looked around the table at the older women waiting avidly. 'You girls are vultures,' she said, and they laughed. 'All right,' she began. 'Hermione and I decided to play a trick on Snape, and we found a potion in this book, Tabitha's Sensual Spellbook-'

Poppy sighed. 'If you only knew how many deflating charms I've had to perform because of that book,' she said, but was hushed by Hooch.

'Well, anyway, we made it, and, thanks to some really great ideas on 'Mione's part, managed to slip it to him on Christmas Eve-'

'Ooh,' said McGonagall. 'That was daring.'

Ailie gave her a stern look. 'Anyway,' she continued, 'the potion was designed to have some, er, interesting effects on Snape. It was a dream potion, supposed to make you dream about things you truly want but don't think you can have-' she smiled as understanding began to dawn on the faces around her, '-and, well, Snape dreamt about Hermione. And trust me, boy did that potion work.'

Hooch narrowed her eyes at her. 'How do you know this? It's not like Severus to go around spilling his dreams to people.'

Ailie looked at Hermione, suddenly panicking. Madam Hooch hadn't been let in on the secret of Ailie's true identity, and Poppy didn't know the full truth about the link between Snape and the Wiccan. McGonagall provided some help.

'Ailie's a very clever girl,' she said, sharing a look with Ailie. 'And she's been working with Severus since the start of the year. She was bound to work it out.'

'Yes, well,' Ailie continued, wanting to move from the topic, 'Snape found out that it was Hermione and I that gave him the potion, and decided to get his revenge. With me, he just made me his workroom assistant to make it up to him, but for Hermione he said he was going to go about it a different way.' Ailie looked at Hermione. 'I think this is your part of the story.'

Hermione sighed. 'Well, Ailie told me Snape knew, but as it has been such a long time since Christmas I thought perhaps he had forgotten about it.' Around the table, the three witches shook their heads wisely. Anyone who knew Severus Snape was aware of his capacity for cool thought. 'He and I seem to fight quite a lot-' at this, McGonagall clicked her tongue and Hooch nodded her head, '-and yesterday he came along the corridor when I was seeing to David Wenham. The poor boy had a headache, and Snape insisted that he was faking it-'

'I'm afraid he was probably right, my dear,' interrupted Poppy. 'Young master Wenham is terrible for that sort of thing.'

'Anyway,' Hermione went on with a breath of frustration, 'I sent David along to you, Poppy, and Snape and I had a bit of a discussion about my teaching skills, which led on to a discussion of my potions skills-'

'Ooh, he knows which buttons to push, all right,' said Madam Hooch.

'-and it ended with Snape suggesting that I prove that I was sufficiently adept at potion brewing by making up some of Poppy's stores.'

'In other words, he tricked you into doing his chores,' laughed Poppy. Hermione looked a little shame-faced.

'Yes, well. I went to his classroom last night, brewed up a batch of Skel-E-Grow- which was exactly as it should have been, by the way- and was about to leave when I noticed that he had a new type of potion boiling in his cauldron.'

'You could put it that way,' Ailie said in an aside to the others, which made them break into laughter.

'Anyway,' Hermione continued, 'he came in and saw me looking at his potion, and said that as I was such an expert I should taste it to see what it was, and then he grabbed a ladle full of it and put his hand on my face and I just didn't think and took a sip-'

'Ooh,' said the three older ladies.

'And then, well, last night I had a dream,' Hermione finished.

'Don't think you're stopping there!' Poppy said, leaning forward.

'Yes,' said Hooch, distributing some fresh drinks from the tray Rosmerta was holding. These had umbrellas in them. Ailie recalled McGonagall ordering something with 'rum' in it. 'You haven't got to the good bits yet.'

Hermione blushed. 'Well...'

'You should tell us, dear,' said McGonagall, handing Hermione a drink and patting her hand. 'It does you good to talk about it.'

Hermione took a long sip of her drink and began again. 'Well, I was really sleepy, so I went straight to bed. It didn't seem like very long, and I woke up, and- and- he was in the room.'

'Who? asked Poppy tipsily, but was hushed by the rest of the table.

'I asked what he was doing there, and he walked over to the bed. I noticed he had a cut on his hand. I thought maybe he'd- he'd come back from, you know, a meeting, and was hurt, so I got up and dressed the cut, but when I finished he asked if I was done, and when I said, 'yes,' he-' Hermione looked around at their rapt faces and grimaced with embarassment. 'He started sort of kissing my neck, and I got all dizzy, and then he picked me up and walked over to my bed-'

'Oh,' breathed Hooch, who was quickly elbowed by Poppy.

'-and then he was lying on top of me, and sort of kissing me all over, but he wouldn't kiss me on the lips and I wanted him to so much-'

'Ah,' sighed McGonagall. 'That's so dear.'

'-and I reached up to kiss him and I woke up.'

Silence reigned at the table for a few moments, as each of the older women contemplated their own thoughts.

'That's so sweet,' said Poppy, finally.

'I wish I had more dreams like that,' said Hooch, taking a stout gulp of her drink.

'My dear, what are you going to do?' asked McGonagall.

'That's just what I asked this morning,' said Ailie. 'She obviously wants him: I don't know why she can't have him.'

The three older witches exchanged a look.

'What?' asked Ailie.

'Ailie, you can't simply go around 'getting' men,' said Poppy.

'Especially when the man happens to be a colleague,' added McGonagall.

'And even more especially when he happens to be Severus Snape,' said Hooch.

'Who said I wanted him?' asked Hermione. 'I never said so. The subconscious-'

''Mione,' said Ailie. 'Stop trying to deny it. The state you were in this morning wasn't caused by your subconscious, even if you and he hadn't been lusting after each other for most of the year.' Hermione gasped.

Minerva McGonagall chuckled. 'I had wondered why Severus' temper was so short of late.'

'I know I've never fought with him as much as you seem to,' added Hooch, pointing to Hermione. A contemplative look came over her face. 'Although maybe I should, if this is the outcome of it.'

Hermione looked miserably into her drink. 'It's not as though I fancy him. It's just...'

'You want him. I know, my dear,' said Poppy, giving Hermione a sympathetic smile. 'And that makes it even more complicated, I suspect.'

'I'm not so certain,' said McGonagall, with a calculating look. 'Give your heart on a plate to Severus, and he's apt to behave like a reasonable man, and be kind, and make everything more awkward than you could imagine.'

'And if it's just a case of sex, he'll either say yes or no,' laughed Madam Hooch, knocking over her drink. 'Damn.'

Hermione looked around the table, her eyes wide. 'I am not walking up to Severus Snape and-'

'We don't expect you to do anything of the kind, dear,' said McGonagall, sending a stern look to Madam Hooch. 'Besides,' she added. 'We have to remember we're talking about Severus Snape. He's not the simplest of men.'

'No,' said Poppy, looking serious. The group sat in silence for a further few minutes.

'It's not as though I want to do anything about it,' said Hermione. Ailie rolled her eyes.

'Uh-huh. Well, I think something should be done before you two explode in the corridors and startle the students.' Ailie looked at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. Hermione shook her head.

'This is just too weird,' she said, looking down at her empty glass.

'I agree,' said Hooch, rising rather unsteadily. 'We need to drink a lot more before we even contemplate it.' With that, she walked over to the bar to place another order.

'Well,' said McGonagall, very seriously tidying the glasses on their table. 'So... what does Severus look like in his shorts?' She looked at Hermione, and raised an eyebrow.

'Pasty,' said Poppy, matter-of-factly, and the rest of them broke into laughter.

It wasn't until closing time that the five of them made their unsteady way back along the path to Hogwarts, talking and giggling all the while. Hermione had quickly got over her embarrassment and was freely contributing to the bad puns flying back and forth. Ailie found it most entertaining.

'Did he use that voice?' asked Madam Hooch, making Hermione giggle.

'Can you imagine it?' said Poppy, giggling. "I've come to get you, Hermione," she intoned, in an ominous voice.

'I wonder if he really does it that way,' whispered Hooch.

'I wonder if he knew I would dream about him,' asked Hermione.

'Of course he did,' said Ailie, walking behind them with Professor McGonagall. The three giggling women in front of them paid no attention to her reply, but McGonagall looked at her enquiringly.

'I wouldn't necessarily say that, Ailie,' the older woman said. 'Severus is a fairly unassuming man.'

'Well, he looked pleased enough when he found out this morning who Hermione dreamt about,' Ailie replied in a whisper.

McGonagall's eyes widened slightly. 'How did he find out?'

'How do you think?' Ailie tapped her head. 'I never would have told him, for Hermione's sake, but you should have seen the smug look on his face when he found out.'

'Hmm.' McGonagall smiled. 'You know, this is a very interesting situation.'

'Well, just don't tell Hermione that he knows; she'd kill me.'

'I wonder if his proportions in your dream were the right ones, Hermione,' Madam Hooch wondered aloud.

'I didn't exactly take measurements,' giggled Hermione.

The fivesome were soon at the door to Hogwarts, and Ailie and McGonagall, the more sober of the group, managed to usher them all inside without mishap.

In the corridor, they parted, McGonagall taking Freya Hooch and Poppy in hand and Ailie assuming charge of Hermione. After many hugs and giggled goodbyes, they managed to head in their different directions.

Arm in arm with Hermione, Ailie thought about the situation. Tomorrow would be very interesting indeed, if the three older witches were the busybodies she suspected they were. The thought of the looks Snape would have to suffer tomorrow morning made her giggle, then laugh. Soon she was bowled over with laughter. Calming down a little, she realised she had lost Hermione. She frowned.

'Hermione?' she whispered, holding her head. The laughing fit had made her dizzy. 'Hermione?' she said again, stumbling a few paces along the corridor. She continued toward a corner, in case Hermione had decided to go on a journey by herself.

Rounding a corner, she saw Hermione making her way down the corridor. Ailie was about to call to her when she noticed Severus Snape rounding a corner in the other direction. The potions master caught sight of Hermione, obviously drunk, and frowned. Ailie could almost see the disapproval emanating from him.

Hermione had caught sight of him too, and Ailie saw her stand up straight for a second, as if making a decision. Then she nodded, and let go of the wall that was holding her up.

Hermione walked over somewhat unsteadily, putting her hands out for balance. Stopping just in front of him, she reached out and poked Snape in the chest.

'You wouldn't kiss me,' she chided. Then, after a concentrated look at his lips, she passed out. Snape was just quick enough to catch her before she fell over.

His expression unreadable, Snape looked down at the girl in his arms.

'Would you want me to?' he asked to no one in particular, the soft tone travelling on the night air. Ailie put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from giggling. She ducked back behind the wall as Snape glanced around, obviously wondering what to do with the drunken girl. When she looked back, Snape had picked Hermione up and was striding down the hall with her. As soon as he was safely gone, Ailie gave into the giggles bubbling up from her chest. She made her way to her rooms. It was best to leave the couple to sort things out for themselves, she was sure.