The Stars on the Staircase

Come Fly With Me

This afternoon I found a detailed note from the headmaster asking me to be ready to leave tonight after dinner. The note also contained very specific instructions for apparel. I was to have my hair tied back securely, wear trousers, a warm jacket and bring ear and hand coverings suitable for windy weather. I was not sure what on earth he needed of me but I complied. I found it all the more interesting that he wanted to meet at my cottage, and for the occasion he had opened the floo network from his office to my cottage.

I had departed from his empty office before him to prepare. I found a pair of trousers and layered on several tops for a chilly outing. I tied my hair back as requested. While I waited for him I made some snacks, expanded my pockets to fit them. I was just doing some dusting charms around my slightly neglected feeling home when he came through the fireplace.

When I turned to face him he was staring at me a little open mouthed. "What?" I asked.

"I'm not sure what is more arousing, you in your trousers... or the fact you follow instructions so well." He smiles. "I've never seen you look so... sporty."

"I've never seen you look so befuddled by a clothing change."

"Spin around. I want to see all the angles." He chuckles. "Is there a particular reason you have been preventing me from seeing you wear trousers?"

"It was more to do with me not choosing them rather than anything to do with you."

"Your bum is very fetching in those."

"Are you trying to distract me from asking you what we are doing here?" I playfully roll my eyes and try to move so he will stop staring at me, he moves to follow and I suddenly see the broomstick he has kept out of my eye line. "Why do you have a broom?!" I demand.

"We have to go somewhere using stealth, apparition is not an option."

"WE?!"

"Yes, dear. We."

"But I hate-"

"I know. It's a necessary evil. Besides, do you not trust me, my love? Do you think I will drop you out of the sky?"

"It is not that I don't trust you it's just that I hate flying and I think it's stupid."

"You don't take to brooms because they need a confident handler and you get all anxious and let it lead. You will be perfectly safe with me doing the steering."

"I-"

"You'll be in my lap... and my hands will be between your legs... if that provides any additional persuasion." He adds, slinking over to me like he can seduce me onto that stick that is supposed to be a reliable form of transportation.

"Where are we even-"

"I can't tell you anything much. It's a Dumbledore thing. Suffice it to say I need your charms skills and it would be easier with two people. Otherwise You're dooming me to a night alone, freezing my ass off in the woods."

"Well it's a good thing I've already packed a flask of tea and some snacks for us then."

He leaned down and kissed me. "That's very thoughtful, my love. If I had half a brain I would marry you and run away from that order issuing painting."

"I didn't think you were the marrying type." I say, very slightly shocked by his sudden admission.

"I don't deserve a wife like you. You most certainly deserve a better husband than me."

"Glad to hear you have thought it through thoroughly, discussed it with yourself and told me what you decided." I say sarcastically.

"Indeed. I have also decided you are getting on this broomstick with me."