Quill and Ink

Exploding Snap

 A haggard looking Severus walked into the great hall for breakfast the next morning a few minutes late. He was normally rather punctual, Minerva mused as he found made his way up to the head table. He seemed positively worn out. She could not remember a time when he had looked so tired. The last she had seen of him was the night before when he had to cancel their chess game.

She had been disappointed afterwards, but she understood that he had somewhere to be and she was glad they could reschedule for the next week. After seeing him today though she was not sure if Severus would be up to it. Perhaps the reason he had to leave was due to an illness of some sort. It was quite possible that he had been trying to save face when he told her that he had a pressing engagement.

After a moment Minerva decided to strike up a conversation with him. It seemed impolite to ask him what was ailing him, but perhaps he would be willing to talk to her.

"Good morning Severus. How are you today?" She asked kindly as he took his seat.

Surprised that someone had taken notice of him Severus quickly responded. "I'm doing well Minerva, and you?"

"I'm fine." she replied. "I trust you were able to make your engagement last evening?"

"Indeed I was, though I ended up being a few minutes tardy." he replied. "How was your evening?"

"Not terribly exciting I would assure you. I ended up going back to my rooms and reading for awhile, before Poppy invited me to play a game of exploding snap with her." Minerva said happy that he was still taking an interest in the conversation. She was glad to have found a friend in Severus.

"Who won?" He asked.

"Out of the six games we played Poppy won five of them." Minerva replied. "I'm sorry to say I am not much at exploding snap."

"I find that hard to believe. You are quite competitive." Severus replied with a smirk. "You enjoy a challenge, and even more I think that you like to win. I believe that if she won that many games, it's because you allowed her to."

"Since when are you an expert on me?" Minerva asked indignantly. "How do you know that I am not just horrible at exploding snap?"

"I would be questioning your abilities as a transfiguration professor if you were as bad as you say you are. The game requires a good memory, and attention to detail. All traits that you have to possess to be proficient in transfiguration." Severus replied.

"Indeed, is that the only reason you would believe that?" She asked.

"Well, there was also the fact that you were the reigning champion of that game in our fifth year. I hardly believe that you would have lost that ability in this short a time period." He said cheekily. "I know that I do not overestimate you."

"The jury is still out on that one." Minerva said smiling a little bit. "Perhaps one of these evenings we should play a game of exploding snap ourselves."

"I think that I can agree to that, as it can only prove that I am correct in my assertions." Severus replied almost haughtily.

Minerva laughed a little bit at this. "Perhaps I shall prove you wrong, have you ever thought of that professor high and mighty?"

"Perhaps. I find myself rather intrigued now." Severus replied. "Are you terribly busy today?"

"For the most part no, after church I am free." she replied.

"Perhaps I could accompany you there, and afterwards we could return to the school and play a few rounds of exploding snap over tea?" Severus asked her.