-=I'm not JKR, and no I make no money from my story, only cheap thrills.=-

Cheap Thrills

Cheap Substitutes and Discourse

*

It was Saturday, so she sat with Ernie at the Hufflepuff table. Owls swooped into the Great Hall as usual. A barn owl delivered an envelope to Hermione. Ernie was pontificating loudly about his family and connections. Perhaps, she should have worn less Pheromone Enhance.

Keeping a pleasant demeanour, she opened the envelope she sent herself. Snape saw her open it. She pulled out the ribbon wriggling it gently. Apologizing excitedly to Ernie she took off, pink ribbon dancing merrily in her hand. Snape scowled. She must know who it's from.

Once in the Head's common room, she lay the ribbon on the coffee table, laughing. Sudden inspiration struck. Taking out her wand, she tried to charm the ribbon to her purpose, in case it was confiscated by an angry Potions Master. Surely, he must know what it does by now.

The charm wasn't perfect, but it'd do. She tied her French braid back with it. The forked ends gracefully fluttered about tickling her neck, jaw, and ears.

~*~

She had jumped when the ribbon sent a particularly strong shiver through her. Hermione's life flashed before her eyes when she saw Snape's murderous intent during a visit to the library. "Ms. Granger, I find your behaviour to be outrageous, and completely inappropriate for the library."

"Sorry Sir." She had been looking for a book to show her how to enchant the ribbon to do what its predecessor did. So far no luck. Snape still breathing down her neck, she decided to take her books back to her room. On her way out of the library, still within earshot of Snape, Ernie stopped her.

"Hermione, I'd be pleased if you'd come to Hogsmeade with me. We could have a nice sit in Madam Puddifoot's. It's the last Hogsmeade trip before NEWTS, thought you might be interested." His normal voice, projected very well. Too well, judging by Snape's reaction.

Hesitant Hermione replied. "Sure Ernie, I have to stop off at Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, to pick up some supplies." Remembering her arm-load of books. "I'll meet you in the courtyard, I have to drop these off."

AN/ Snape should have set her on the sturdy library table, and put her to the test, but that would have been outrageous and inappropriate for the library. =)