The Three Broomsticks
"And that is it for today, you lot!" You exclaimed, smiling, "Have a lovely visit this weekend to those of you off to Hogsmeade for the first time, I remember my first visit in my third year. I bought way too many sweets from Honeydukes on my first visit, filled up my whole bag! You'll have many more Hogsmeade weekends, so don't waste all your money on the first day as I did - just a friendly tip for you all!"
"Oh, and don't forget your homework that's due on your first lesson back on Monday. Summaries on your two of your favourite potions we've done this year so far - you have a whole weekend, I expect no excuses!" You looked over at the Weasley twins, "I expect two summaries, you two! And preferably not the same potions, I don't want to read the same homework twice."
"Fine!" They groaned in unison, but they were quick to smile at you.
A chorus of goodbyes erupted from the students as they left the room. Severus had mumbled a farewell quietly, but he often wasn't as enthusiastic as you. His energy rarely matched with yours.
When all the students had left, the two of you cleared up the classroom for the end of the day. You rarely used magic to tidy up, opting to pick up discarded textbooks and put them back on the shelf yourself - was it to spend more time with Severus? Probably, but you didn't ever admit it to yourself. You'd come to notice that he did the same recently. He used to be so quick to flick his wand to clear away the clutter, but now he did it the muggle way to help you. Today seemed to be a bit different, as he followed you to each table so that he could speak with you.
"Did you really spend all your money in one weekend?" Severus scoffed playfully, "I'd have hoped you were a bit more mature."
"Of course I did! I was thirteen and had been saving up my pocket money for years, just for that very moment!" You laughed, "I was drowning in chocolate and sweets for weeks. Didn't you do the same?"
"I was very sensible, I had butterbeer for the first time at The Three Broomsticks," He suddenly seemed to distract himself by wiping an old stain on the wooden table, staring at it as he spoke next, "with a friend. Butterbeer always reminds me of my third year."
"The first butterbeer is a monumental moment, it's nice that you remember it," You smiled warmly even though he was looking down, "you and your friend did the right thing for not racing off to Honeydukes or Zonko's. Those two shops were always crammed with students, especially the first weekend of November."
You didn't think Snape had listened to much of what you had said, since he only mumbled a small hum in response. He seemed lost in thought, still wiping the table down. You decided not to bother him for a few minutes, even though you were curious, and made your way to put the books back in their home.
You didn't want to interrupt his thinking, but you suddenly had a thought of your own. After placing the books back on the shelf, you spun round and tried to get his attention. You felt a surge of confidence.
"Do you fancy going to to the pub at all?" You asked when he finally lifted his head up, "Merlin knows we need it after teaching for almost two months straight."
"You want to go with me?" He seemed shocked, but you couldn't really tell.
"Why wouldn't I? We're teachers, we work together. It's not unusual, is it?" You questioned, with quick thinking on your part.
"No, it's not," He stood up properly and composed himself, "I'd be happy to go for a drink with you, if you're sure about your offer."
"Of course I'm sure," You were pleased with his answer, "you know I wouldn't ask if I wasn't sure."
"I'd rather not go when there are students around..." Snape's eyes darkened at the thought, "They are rather annoying at times."
"Well, I did suggest it as a break from teaching," You laughed, "It's Friday, are we allowed out tonight?"
"You want to go tonight?" He definitely was shocked this time, you could see it.
Severus was stunned that you'd asked to go for a drink with him, and the fool he was for accepting. It was a shock for him that you to suggested to go out that same evening. On the night of Halloween he had assumed he was insane for feeling there was something between the two of you, thinking he'd imagined the whole thing. He constantly found it harder and harder to maintain his emotionless façade when he was around you. This frustrated him, because he found any type of emotional display as a sign of weakness. He had fantastic control over his emotions, but it had limits when it came to you and he knew it. Although he could never match your bubbly energy, even if he wanted to, he just enjoyed being around you.
"Yes, Severus!" Your wanted to shake the man, but you opted for a smile instead, "I want to go tonight!"
Tension had seemed to grow between you, especially when he gave you a warm smile in return. It was nice to see him smile. You remembered when you first met and he often sported a face like thunder when he looked at you. How a few small months could change that. You still knew very little about him, and it bugged you to no end. He must know every little detail about you by now, you knew you spoke too much as he often reminded you. Snape didn't seem to realise that you spoke about certain things to try and coax him to talk about himself, but he very rarely did.
"Very well, I'll let the headmaster know that we will be leaving the castle after dinner." He spoke coolly, seeming to have gotten over his initial feeling of shock.
"Okay," You quickly cleared up a few more tables as you spoke, "your first years are the last class for today, so I suppose I'll see you at dinner?"
Snape gave you a brisk nod, and waved his hand in a way that told you to clear off, "I can clean up from here, they'll be here soon. You can go."
Without arguing about wanting to stay and help - you really didn't mind giving him a hand, but you knew he wouldn't let you now - you left the room, leaving Severus on his own. He had pulled out his wand on your departure and tidied the room in seconds, giving himself an extra few minutes to think about what he had just planned for tonight.
You, on the other hand, had fled into your room. You leaned against the closed door for a moment, with your eyes closed, feeling like you were in a muggle romance movie. Severus had said yes, and you were overjoyed. You decided to freshen up a little, a few simple sprays of perfume and a quick fix of your light make up, before ascending the stairs of the dungeons to go to the teachers lounge.
It felt as though it was destined for you to bump into Professor Quirrell, who was sat reading the Daily Prophet in the lounge as you arrived. He barely looked up from the newspaper, but he acknowledged your presence by giving you a small nod. You gave him the same greeting, walking straight to the kettle atop the stove to make a cup of tea. Something felt off, but you couldn't place your finger on it. The room was silent, apart from the rustle of paper every now and then. You heard a whisper, straining your ears to hear it but without turning around. You busied yourself with the pot of sugar, but the clinking of the china lid against the worktop distracted your attempt of listening. Was Quirrell talking to himself?
He seemed to answer your thoughts, "I was just saying, to myself, that they have falsely reported on the vampires in the Black Forests of Albania, can you believe it?"
"Did you visit Albania on your travels then, Professor?" You asked, confused.
Before he replied, you thought back to his words. There had been no stutter, no fumbling of his words. You dismissed it immediately, not wanting to dwell on it.
"Yes, I..." He was interrupted by Albus Dumbledore entering the room.
"Good afternoon," He smiled at the two of you, "would you mind making me a cup, Professor [last name]? I'm afraid I've had a rather long morning at the ministry."
"Of course!" You answered, sorting out another mug by dropping in a tea bag. "Sugar?"
"Four, please," Dumbledore hummed, "I often fancy my tea sweeter than most, I've a major sweet tooth."
You laughed quietly, spooning in four sugars. You looked inside the mug, the tea bag having been lost in the white granules. It made you laugh again as you looked, and you turned your head to see Albus sitting at the table with a smile on his face. Quirrell seemed unamused almost, but when he saw you looking over he gave you a strange nervous grin.
You brought the steaming hot beverages over to the table, taking a seat next to Dumbledore who had pulled the chair out for you. The water was so hot that a slight vapor drifted from the drink, so you left yours to sit. Albus, on the other hand, had picked it up and taken a long sip. You didn't say anything, but you were amazed.
"Just what I needed," He sighed afterwards, then turned to you, "I've been hoping to catch up with you. We have both been busy, but I have been hearing great things about you. Mrs. Weasley was delighted to know that her twin sons were enjoying your classes, she even sent me a letter last week thanking you for your excellent teaching."
"Those twins," You shook your head smiling, "they're certainly a handful, but I'm glad they like my teaching. I was so nervous at the start of September."
"They're not the only ones enjoying Potions this year," Dumbledore admitted, "your name is always being mentioned in the corridors by students and even staff. Pomona mentioned that you found the time to help out at the Greenhouses once, she was eager to compliment your kindness."
"It was only once," Your cheeks tinged in embarrassment, "I've been too busy grading homework since then to visit again."
"Nevertheless, she was very grateful," He took another sip of his drink, "I wanted to let you know that this fantastic impression you've made has prompted me to pass your probation early. I couldn't imagine giving you any other result."
"Oh, headmaster!" You gasped, "Thank you, a million times, you are too kind."
"C-congratulations." Quirrell stuttered from across the table.
You thanked him, finally sipping at your drink as it had cooled down slightly. You watched him fold up his paper, smile awkwardly at you and Dumbledore, and then walk out of the room silently. When you'd heard the portrait close, a clear sign that he had left, Dumbledore spoke again.
"You know, I don't think I ever told you the password to my office. Should you ever need me, and if I'm available, the password is 'Sherbet Lemon' and I will be happy to help you in any way that I can."
"Thank you." You smiled, "Oh! Severus was going to tell you, but since I've seen you first, we will be leaving the castle tonight after dinner to head into Hogsmeade."
"Will you?" He seemed surprised but happy, "I appreciate you letting me know. I have been wondering how the two of you were getting along since your first teaching day, you know. I am glad that you feel comfortable."
"He is a great man and an excellent teacher," You copied Dumbledore's words from your first conversation with a small smile.
"I'm happy to hear that," His eyes sparkled in delight as he stood, downing the rest of his drink, "but I must be off. It was nice to catch up with you, Professor. Hopefully we can do this again soon."
"See you at dinner." You replied, watching him leave the room.