Empire and Exigency
Chapter 2 : Insensible
by Annie B

Rated PG-13

JKR still owns all things Hogwarts. I still don't. Sorry.

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"Looking for something, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Professor..." Draco stepped back involuntarily. Snape could be an ally - usually - but tonight? "I can..." Explain everything, was the obvious next word. Except that Draco knew that he couldn't - not honestly - and with Snape he didn't even think he could manage a convincing lie.

"Keep your *reading material* ( the sneer grew on that last word ) someplace a bit more private?"

Snape tossed a copy of PlayWizard into Draco's stunned lap.

The bright colored cover with it's scantily clad witches winking coyly would normally have distracted him, but tonight? Nothing could make him more flustered then he already was.

"Although." Snape continued silkily. "Perhaps I should commend you for at least having the decently to spare Slytherin house your dubious tastes."

Somehow, agreeing to that didn't seem like a good idea. But arguing wasn't smart either. Not to mention that he was still in brain-freeze shock. Which didn't happen very often to a Malfoy, but ...?

"If there first years were to stumble on something so... inappropriate... I would be most.." (Snape hissed the final s ) "displeased."

"Back to your room - at once. Or it will be ten points for breaking curfew.

Draco stumbled. He really needed to finish searching the statue but...?

Given the choice between house points ( which Snape probably wouldn't *really* take - would he? ) and a life sentence to Askaban? Slytherin could come in behind Hufflepuff and Draco wouldn't say a word. Well, none beyond "Yes, sir."

He started back to the dorm, moving as slowly as he could without visibly dallying. Snape wasn't following, so maybe - just maybe - he could circle back and...

"Psst!"

Draco looked right, towards the noise. There was nothing there.

"Over here!"

Another whisper. No more helpful, as it apparently came from a bare patch of stonewall. Not even a picture.

"Here!" A napkin wrapped bundle materialized in his hand. It was... yes... but how?

"Stop gawping!" Hermione Granger's disembodied head appeared suddenly at his right shoulder.

"You..."

"Saw where Snape was going and got there first." More of Hermione emerged, as she pealed back invisible cloth. "Here - take the cape." She passed over a handful of nothing.

"Best get moving. You'll have to hurry if you want to catch the bird."

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I get the impression no one likes this. If so - I may not continue. It's up to you.