Title/Link: Titillating tea
Prompt/Prompt #: Prolific Romance Novelist
Progress: 1/1000 Tempest level
Minerva, Septima and Pomona sat within the faculty lounge waiting on their newest book club member. Hermione had joined the Hogwarts staff over a year ago and whilst she was settling in she had noticed the other female staff had meet once a week, usually after a faculty meeting. They spoke in hush tones and often laughter followed. Hermione originally thought she had been excluded from some secret female staff club but after the first time she had the courage to go up to them and ask what the meeting was about. Minerva and Pomona had large blushes on their cheeks when Septima answered. "We are in some what of a book club Hermione." The answer seemed to hurt Hermione as they all knew her love for reading. Before she could overthink Septima carried on.
"We weren't sure that our kind of book club would interest you Hermione." She started seeing Hermione's fallen expression. "Its far from an academic book club." Minerva continued. "You mean we read prolific romance novels and sit and giggle at the naughtiest parts more like." Pomona finished and Hermione began to smile before letting out a little laugh. "You mean you didn't invite me because you thought I wouldn't be interested? And each week you sit here like a bunch of schoolgirls giggling over romanced novels?" She asked with humour in her voice.
"When you put it like that no wonder we didn't tell you." Minerva spoke before Hermione smiled. "Well what novel is it? Maybe I have read it, I don't just appreciate educational extracts we all need something to take a break too." She asked enthusiastically taking a seat in the empty armchair. Pomona quickly shuffled before pulling out a clearly batter book that had some dirt smudged into the cover. Hermione attempted to hid her balk at the treatment the book had face. "Well this week we are reading the new novel by Reva Suspense. Have you heard of them? Most prolific romance novelist in the wizarding world. They truly have a way with words." Pomona enthusiastically showed Hermione.
Hermione smiled before pulling a similar better treated copy out of her bag. "I picked mine up last week and I am on my third re-read." She blushed at her statement. "What I wouldn't give to have an hour with Fabian." Septima spoke aloud to the group about one of the main leading men. "Never mind Fabian, I think Alatar would do more damage in the bedroom." Minerva interjected. Hermione blushed at their words.
Whilst they continued to compare notes on the two leading men and how daft Asmin was either way she chooses or didn't choose, they had yet to notice the sweeping potion master walk by on their conversation. He listened for a few brief moments before interrupting them. "Honestly ladies you're now attempting to rot Professor Granger's mind now too." He sneered but it lacked his biting venom. Minerva laughed at him, a true deep belly laugh. "Wasn't it you who started us on these. I distinctly remember we started on Murder Mystery Novels before you joined the fray."
Hermione looked up to who now she couldn't a rather attractive colleague although she wasn't going to voice this out loud. He had a small grin on his face. "Well, I suppose." There was a glint in his eye. "And how was this week's novel?" He asked looking around the group. Hermione tried her best to hide her blush. "An excellent read Severus, not sure I am a fan of the ending but there were some truly devious scenes." Septima started. "I liked the ending; I think she made the right decision in the end personally." Pomona added.
"Professor Granger, how did you find the book?" Severus looked at Hermione and it felt like his gaze was burning a hole into her face. Hermione began to stumble over her words. "I..I..It was an excellent read. I don't think the Asmin truly understood how loyal and giving Fabian was, but I am not the writer, and she made her choice." She didn't want to mention that Fabian's choice of bedroom proclivities also had an effect on her preference of fictional man. "Well, you never know maybe the author may make a sequel." Severus added. "I don't believe so, I have read all this authors work and he never adds to a story or makes a story similar to the one before it again. I quiet appreciate that in a author." Hermione noted.
It was at this point that the three other female staff began to giggle at the interaction, before long Hermione realised, they were giggling at her. Severus' grin was no longer a hidden one but wore proudly on his face. "Why are you laughing at me?" Hermione said firmly before looking around at them. "I am glad you are a fan of my work Professor." Severus said clearly. It took a moment to process but then she realised the most prolific romance novelist in the wizard community was one Severus Snape.