Seasonal Snogging: Chapter Three: Happenin's down't pub

Aberforth exited the pub and looked around for Minerva in the snow. She was halfway up the road, heading for Hogwarts. He shouted after her to give her time to wipe away any tears she might be shedding, and then legged it through the snow towards her. She stopped to wait for him and he gave her a friendly slap on the shoulder.

"Come on, " he said kindly "I'll take you for a drink in the Hogshead. It'll be less crowded in there."

She smiled slightly and took the arm he offered, and they marched through the snow to the other Hogsmeade pub.

Albus thanked Madam Rosmerta with a kiss on the hand (which failed to win him a ruby) and proceeded to take the drinks to the others. He looked around for Minerva to give her the gilly water.

"Where's she got to?" he asked.

Professor Sprout and Madam Hooch exchanged a quick nod and Professor Sprout replied

"It was too stuffy in here for her, so she's gone to the Hogshead with Aberforth."

Albus looked most put out.

"Charming!" he said, knocking back the gilly water himself with a grimace.

He didn't say much for the rest of the evening, and Professor Sprout and Madam Hooch noticed that he'd given up trying to fill his jar.

Back in the Hogshead, Aberforth was pouring Minerva a second shop of fire whiskey.

"He was only trying to fill his jar, dear, you know that don't you?" he said, patting her on the hand.

"Of course I do!" she cried indignantly "It was just so hot in there…"

"Yes of course. Dreadfully hot. I could hardly stand it myself, either. But you know, he would have much preferred a snog from you. He just doesn't have the balls to ask, because he thinks you'd say no."

She looked momentarily taken aback, but recovered quickly and said

"Well, he would be right! I would say no."

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

Aberforth's eyes were twinkling just like his brother's. She could see he knew she wasn't quite telling the truth. The reality of it was, she would say no, but only because she didn't want him to kiss her just to fill up his stupid jar. She wished he would kiss her because he wanted to. Before she could stop herself, she had blurted this out.

Aberforth smiled triumphantly and gave her a kiss on the nose. A sapphire plopped into his jar, which was on the table.

"Minerva, my dear!" he said happily "If all goes to plan this evening, you may very well get your wish."

Don't ask me where the title for this chapter came from. I was at a loss, and was wandering round my house talking to myself in a Yorkshire accent. I think it came from desperation.

Catwoman99: I realise that Aberforth is totally out of character (as least, for what we know of him), but I've always thought of him as being a more down to earth Albus. Just a regular, nice guy, really! The books say he's strange, but then so is Albus! I think both of them are flirts - there are lots of examples of Albus flirting in GOF and maybe in PS/SS chapter one (blushing and earmuffs…), so I just transplanted it onto his brother. Glad you like it! Of course, Aberforth is nothing compared to the mighty Lord Flashheart!

Fortunas Smile: The title of the second chapter was just my little play on expressions. You've heard of the green-eyed monster - i.e. jealousy? Well, I imagine Minerva with emerald eyes…

To all reviewers who love Baldric: Aberforth's plan is so cunning it has just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Hogwarts School. And head of Slytherin to boot.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I am overwhelmed! I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to take rogueinker's advice and make you sweat if you want more…It's all written, just waiting for your opinions…

So why don't you push my button? Woof! Woof!