Four Heads Are Better Than One

Year Two: An Unforeseen Opportunity

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The Restricted Section

Pomona glanced around nervously before slipping into the Restricted Section. Not only was Lockhart still trying to find them, Irma Pince was also on the lookout for trouble. Unfortunately, Irma did not seem capable of differentiating between students and staff, and they did not want the irascible librarian breathing down their necks all evening. At least Lockhart would not be as much of a problem; during his first week he had suggested to Irma that it if he were to sign her books, they would considerably increase in value. Irma had reacted rather violently, and the DADA teacher had given her a wide berth ever since.

"Pomona."

Pomona turned to see Minerva hurrying towards her, wearing a look of undisguised glee. "What's happened?"

Minerva fell into step beside her. "Did you see what the Weasley twins did to Gilderoy?"

Pomona's lips twitched into a smile. "No, but I think I'm going to like it."

Minerva's smirk widened as they stopped behind a row of shelves to wait for the others. "Did you notice the rather flamboyant hat he was wearing this afternoon?"

"It was impossible not to. Even for him it was hideous."

"That's because it's only purpose was to disguise the fact that Gilderoy currently has no hair."

It took several minutes for Pomona's laughter to cease. "Oh dear," she gasped, wiping her eyes. "He must have been distraught."

Minerva did not seem too concerned. "Just a little. Especially since he couldn't work out who was responsible."

"Are we talking about the Weasley twins?" The witches looked round to see Filius and Severus approaching.

Minerva nodded. "I was just telling Pomona about their little enterprise."

Filius shook his head in admiration. "I know we shouldn't encourage that sort of thing, but as it was Gilderoy…"

Severus' lips curved into a smile. "No-one deserves it more."

Minerva smiled like the cat that swallowed the cream. "You know they used his own hair care potions to do it?"

Pomona burst out laughing. "And he still doesn't know?"

Filius looked delighted. "So the more of that scented rubbish he uses, the more hair he will lose. That is brilliant."

Severus looked at Minerva shrewdly. "And how exactly do you know about all this, Minerva?"

Minerva smile blithely. "My mind may have wandered during my fourth year Transfiguration class yesterday. I may even have been careless enough to leave my keys on my desk."

Filius chuckled. "And certain students may have taken advantage of the opportunity."

Severus frowned. "You realise of course that with your keys, they can bypass most of the enchantments specifically designed to keep them out."

Minerva shook her head. "I'm not that stupid, Severus. I removed all the important ones." She shot him a sly glance. "I was a little distracted at the time though, and I can't quite remember if I removed the one for your private stores."

Severus scowled. "Never stopped them before anyway. Or Mr. Potter for that matter."

Minerva's smile disappeared immediately. "Go on then, tell us what you think Harry has done this time."

"I don't 'think' anything. Someone set off a firework during my lesson this afternoon. During the ensuing chaos, several rare and expensive ingredients were taken from my stores. I need not voice my suspicions as to the culprit."

Pomona raised an eyebrow. "You just did."

"What was taken, Severus?"

The Slytherin's scowl deepened. "A Bicorn horn and some Boomslang skin. If I didn't know better, I'd say they were trying to brew Polyjuice Potion."

"That's a NEWT level potion isn't it?"

Severus nodded. "Which is why I don't know why they stole those specific items. Probably Potter's idea of a joke."

Filius looked at him appraisingly. "I must say Severus, you're taking this theft surprisingly well. Are you feeling all right?"

Severus's scowl morphed into a smirk. "As it happens, I received some very good news, which rather improved my mood."

Minerva looked slightly apprehensive. "What happened?"

The smirk broadened. "Lockhart would like to give me some duelling advice."

Pomona gaped at him. "Did I hear that right? He's going to give you advice?"

"Well, that's what he thinks anyway. He asked Albus if he could start a Duelling club, and he asked me to assist."

Minerva frowned. "No offense Severus, but why didn't he ask Filius? He knows he was a duelling champion."

Severus rolled his eyes. "I think that's exactly why he didn't ask Filius."

The Ravenclaw smirked. "I think you might be right."

A broad grin was spreading across Pomona's face. "So you're going to get to duel Severus? Are we allowed to watch?"

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Now Pomona, we shouldn't set a bad example to the students." Her stern demeanour dissolved into a wicked grin. "I'm going to watch even if we're not."

Filius looked like Christmas had come early. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Severus couldn't hold back his own smile. "I'll try and put on a good show." He got to his feet. "Now if you'll all excuse me, I must inform Gilderoy that even teachers are not permitted to wear such large hats in class."

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