His eyes flashed fire in her direction as his head swung back, preparing words that would leave her in mental anguish. How could she dare? What in the name of wizard was this all about? It was outrage! It was obscene!
The young woman did not cower. She stood her ground, staring hard at the man in front of her. He was older than she, of course, and had a certain aura about him that suggested power and displeasure. What was it about him that scared everyone so? He was taller, yes, but a few well placed punches by any of her brothers would probably take him down, "Well, Professor? You haven't answered my question, yet."
Snape sneered at her, "That, Weasley, is because I decided that such a disgusting report was not worthy of response." His upper lip curled back as he tried to put as much revulsion and malice into the words.
Ginny smirked, "Oh, really? Shall I be off then? I have someone to convey that message to." She could see the fire start up in his eyes again, but this time it had more to do with fear than anything else. A hand darted out and grabbed her shoulder, holding her steady, "Something wrong, Professor?"
He shook his head and instead turned, assuming that the annoying, smiling redhead would follow. If she found out, she'd come herself, and Snape didn't think he could bear that. Severus' hand brushed across the dungeon stones that concealed the door to his chambers. Unseen, the wards within evaporated, allowing safe passage into those rooms. Good thing, too. He had no desire that either of them be writhing on the ground in front of his door incapacitated with a tickling charm. One of the nastier hexes for entrances. Completely acceptable and liable to make one pass out within 10 minutes from lack of breath.
Ginevra followed her professor into the sumptuous rooms, smiling at the dark wood and dying fire. She'd expected something a bit more Spartan, but this suited him. She extended her hand and raised her eyebrows, "Well?"
Snape tried to cover a flustered look by walking over to a side table and taking a tray from it. The teapot suddenly burst with steam and he set it down on a table between two large armchairs, "Tea, Ms. Weasley?"
Ginny smirked once more and sat down, "Why thank you, Professor. I would love a cup." She watched as he poured the tea, adding milk and sugar to hers at her request. He took nothing in his own.
They sat drinking tea for a few minutes in silence. She seemed to be appreciating the crackling of the dying fire. He was merely trying to think how to keep this little fiasco from getting around the school. Far too smug for her own good that one was…
Ginny finished her tea and put down the cup, "Well, Professor, may I have what I came for?"
"Of course, Ms. Weasley, but I must ask you something first."
"Anything, Professor." Her hand was outstretched, waiting for the object of her seeking.
"Promise me that you will breathe not a word of this… this incident to any other student in this school." One of his eyebrows was raised, but the look he gave her was hard.
Ginny laughed, "Of course I won't, Professor."
Nodding, Snape placed a silken, black brassiere in her outstretched hand and watched her slip it into her schoolbag.
Turning at the door, Ginny smirked, "Anyway, how on earth would she ever live down the mockery if the rest of the school found out that you're a card sharp and beat not only the pants, but also the bra off Professor Trelawney!"
As he watched her leave, Snape muttered under his breath, "Yes, her insight obviously does not extend to cards," and he was happy he'd slipped that Votum Serum into the milk when she wasn't looking. That was one story that wouldn't get around at least.
