Title: High Noon – A Three And Three Quarter Drabble

Author: Nijijin

Rating: PG - 13

Pairing: Light SS/RL

Disclaimer: They don't belong to me…but aren't they so much fun to borrow?

Sequel: Nose Job and Paper Route

Feedback: Gently please.

Spoilers: Final bit of silliness after the war.

The long hall stretches between us. We face each other in dueling stance.

"You 'meeped' me."

"You swatted me with a rolled-up newspaper."

So, it has come to this, then, the point of no return.

I carefully take note of the werewolf. It will not do to underestimate him. The grip of his wand hand is light but confident. I am well aware of the vast amount of power he is capable of wielding.

"I see you have come prepared."

"One should always be well prepared for you, Severus."

It is difficult, but I manage to keep my expression neutral. The wolf will get no satisfaction from his attempt to un-nerve me.

"Where shall we do this, Lupin?"

"I think down by the lake will suffice. Is that acceptable to you?"

I simply nod my agreement and gesture for him to go ahead. He turns to move, but stops abruptly. Facing me again, he makes a grand spectacle of bowing and flourishing his arm.

"I think not, Severus. Age before beauty...after you."

Prat

"Has it escaped your unhinged mind that I am the same age as you?"

"True, but you must agree, that I am far prettier than you."

Ha, bloody, ha. Where is that damn newspaper? Smacking off that smarmy grin would be most satisfying.

"If we are to agree on anything, let us agree to walk out together…shall we?"

Shoulder to shoulder we step out into the high noon sun. I take a moment to adjust my own grip.

"That some kind of secret weapon you're carrying, Severus?"

"You shall see soon enough, Lupin."

We reach the lake and begin to search for a likely spot to finish this skirmish.

"Here?"

"Bring it on."

He raises his wand, as I lean away and put down my precious cargo. A whispered spell, a loud pop and liquid viciously bubbles forth unexpectedly.

"Oh! Quick, we need a goblet!"

"Had you waited to pop the cork until I opened the picnic basket, it would have been wholly unnecessary for me to watch the disgusting display of you drinking from the bottle, Remus."

"I didn't want to waste any! Ooooo, are those brownies? Yes! I'm yours Severus!"

I cannot help but smirk at my ultimate victory.