Miranda climbed the stairs two at a time. Whatever else might be happening in the world, Hogwarts was still there. Always, always there, welcoming, wonderful, Hogwarts. It could make you feel like a child again. It could make your heart flutter. It could make you fall in love with it all over again. When you thought you lived it all, it swept you off your feet, and showed you bliss.
Whatever else might be said, no matter of House, grades, interests. Everyone could agree on one simple thing. Hogwarts could take your breath away.
She hummed a slow jazzy tune as she went.
Ta-ra-ra, ra-ram.
Step, step.
Ta-ra-ra, ra-ram.
Step, step, clap.
She caught a sight of Severus from the corner of her eye. She didn't stop until she reached the astronomy tower. There, she climbed the railing and sat down, feet dangling above the free fall.
Ta-ra-ra, ra-ram.
She felt like she could see the entire world from there.
"I," A voice said behind her. "Am going to be sick."
"Perhaps," Miranda said, back still turned, eyes to the horizon. "You should open the conversation by asking after my health for once. It would be a novelty."
"Your health would be in a considerable better predicament if you got away from that railing! Are you trying to pretend you're eleven again?"
"Maybe"
Then she turned her head around and looked right at Severus Snape. She took her hands off the railing and dangled her feet some more.
The way he squirmed back and sneered was almost worth it.
"Ah, it is really good to see you my dear Severus, you know. Such interesting conversations we can have? Yes, my health is suitable, thank you for asking." She said with so much pomp in her voice it was practically retching.
"Careful with the ostentation. You're starting to sound like Slughorn."
"Captivating?" Miranda said. "Amazing, witty, meaningful?"
"Repetitive."
"Captivating?" Miranda said. "Amazing, witty, meaningful?"
"Very funny."
"Says the man not laughing," she replied. She turned herself around however, leaving her back pressed against the stone, one food bent on the railing and the other one dangling toward him. She rested one arm on her knee.
"All right, so what has been drearifying you for the past what... ten years?"
"Drearifying?" Severus frowned. "Is that a word?"
"You don't know?"
He shook his head.
"Yes," Miranda said solemnly. "Yes, it absolutely is."
"Well, all right, let's see. Most certainly, I am in the position of having an unfortunate reputation. Beyond that..."
Snape grew silent and serious, emotion bleeding from his face, obviously deep in thought.
"So." Miranda said softly. "Slughorn's old job isn't that satisfying?"
"In the end, it is what it is. It has to be done."
"And the girl?"
"Who?"
"Tara, the new one? Dumbledore found her over the Summer."
