-=I'm not JKR, and I make no money from my stories. Thank you.=-

AN/ It's a little plump, hope you've saved room. Cheers.

Cheap Thrills

The Request

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"Damn you Draco, this is the worst idea known to wizard-kind." The memory of the last interview with Snape still clanging in her head.

"I'm not asking you to do anything untoward." Draco pleaded. Knocking on Snape's office door. "Thanks, I owe you."

"Right," damn Slytherins. "Yeah, you're going to buy all my drinks. All Draco, even if I drink Rosmerta out of her pub."

"Enter." Snape's voice echoed through the door.

Draco scurried away, little ferret. Hermione inhaled deeply and entered.

"Ms. Granger, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Snape set aside his quill.

Striding into the room confidently. It wouldn't do to show weakness. "I've come to make a request."

"Yes?" Snape's expression was something between quizzical and cautious. Snape smirked, remembering the last one-on-one they had.

"Professor McGonagall has given the Gryffindors from my year permission to convene in the Three Broomsticks on St. Patty's Day evening."

"Some of your Slytherins have also expressed an interest in going."

"Draco put you up to this," each word an accusation.

"Yes Sir, as it was my idea. I'll also be asking Professors Flitwick and Sprout on their students' behalf."

Head Girl turned Head Party Girl. He thought scornfully. "Have a seat Ms. Granger." She sat, if uncertainly. "This outing, tell me more."

"St. Patty's Day evening we have plans to convene in the Tree Broomsticks for fire whisky, butter beer, sing songs and party, Sir." As much as Hermione endeavoured to sound as plain as anything, her words had a distinct impact on Snape.

"Yes?" Snape's suspicions weren't assuaged.

"I am vouching for the Gryffindors that there will be no fighting, dancing starkers. We are going down as one and will return as such." Her matter of fact tone still pricked at Snape and she could tell. She thought she might cadge some entertainment points with the 'dancing starkers,' but apparently not.

"And the Slytherins, who will make sure they abide by the same rules?" Doubt laced Severus' tone.

"I would be pleased Sir, if you would designate someone from your house, who you deem responsible to assist. Since you have the best opinion of their ability for such a job." Hermione's anger was building.

Snape snorted at the suggestion. Like anyone in his house would be up to such a task. "What has Mr. Malfoy offered you in exchange for your intercession, as it were?" Snape steepled his fingers.

"Mr. Malfoy, has consented to purchase all of my beverages for the evening, Sir." There was no point in lying, Snape would know anyway. "May I tell Mr. Malfoy your answer?" Clearly wanting to move things along. She was too angry at Snape's unmoving attitude to continue the conversation.

"Are you also imbibing, Ms. Granger?" His tone was very dry.

"I certainly plan on it, Sir. If you are implying that I would deliberately be irresponsible, I take exception to that. Madam Rosmerta has already been informed of the plan, and has kindly agreed to keep an extra close eye on the situation. Which Sir, was my idea as well. If you'll excuse me Sir, I'm feeling very patronized at the moment and need to go before I say something rash." Getting up to go, keeping her tone as vanilla as possible. "Thank you for your time Sir, and good day." She walked out of the room ignoring Snape when he called her back.

Draco was waiting anxiously down the hall, for Hermione to emerge. "Sod off, Malfoy." She walked past him, summoned her cloak and went out to sit by the lake.

Hermione needed time to calm down before she made the same request of the other two Heads. She knew there wouldn't be an issue with getting permission from them. That's what was so infuriating about Snape's Spanish Inquisition. Hermione knew why he was doing it, it was her, Malfoy, or both. It amounted to the same thing, he was jealous. Great Flapping Git.

Well, if he wouldn't acquiesce, then she'd make sure, she had every boy's attention. Hermione only hoped she had plenty Pheromone Enhance left. She'd milk it for everything she was worth.