Beneath the Covers / DRAMIONE (COMPLETE)

Ginger Goons

"Is that_?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed.

"It is," confirmed Professor Snape. "They've come to do some 'research'."

It was clear that the surly Potions Master did not believe this excuse for one minute. He and McGonagall sat at the High Table in the Great Hall, and had been discussing a new theory of Snape's over dinner, when the Transfiguration professor had caught sight of the Weasley twins sitting with their sister, Ginny, at the Gryffindor table.

"Has Weasley, the stupid one," Severus added, so as not to confuse Minerva, "regained his memory yet?"

"No, he hasn't," Minerva replied, watching the twins interact with Ginny and Hermione. "Smith has, though."

"A poor addition to Hufflepuff," Severus shook his head. "I'm sure Pomona agrees."

Minerva gave him a stern look.

"Pomona respects her students, and their talents, equally," she told him sharply. "As do I."

Severus snorted.

"Anyway," he said, waving aside the previous sub-topic of conversation, "the twins have asked to come and see me in my office after dinner."

"Check for traps first," Minerva advised good-humouredly.

"Oh, they wouldn't dare prank me," Severus smirked. "They tried... once."

"And failed, I presume?"

"Of course they failed, Minerva. It was me they were trying to sabotage."

*

Fred and George arrived at Severus' office very promptly after dinner.

"You've improved your punctuality, I see," the Potions Master commented wryly, opening the door.

"Well, we worked at it_" said George.

"_And it improved with age," grinned Fred.

"Come in," Severus rolled his eyes, and the three retreated into his office.

"So, what did you want to see me for?" Inquired Severus, sitting back in his favourite armchair. The twins settled down on the sofa opposite.

"Well, we'd like to join the Order," began George.

"And knowing, as we do, that you are Dumbledore's right-hand man," continued Fred.

"We thought it best to pay you a visit first," finished George.

Severus raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?"

"We always knew you were Dumbledore's favourite, Professor," Fred stated solemnly. "Even more so than Professor McGonagall."

"And how did you know that?" Severus asked, with unusual amusement.

George gave him a knowing look.

"You were always our favourite, Sir. I mean, Potions was one of our top results in our OWLs."

"And would have been if you'd continued to NEWTs," interjected Severus sternly.

"We wanted to," Fred told him. "Umbridge skewered our plans."

Severus leant back in his chair.

"I must say, you did well without NEWTs," he praised.

"Thank you Sir," the twins spoke simultaneously, abashed.

"And so, now I must confess that I already knew you wanted to join the Order," continued the older man, with a twinkle in his eye.

"How?" The twins questioned, leaning forwards.

"A brilliant invention, called, if I'm right, Extendable Ears."

There was a silence. And then:

"You bought one of our products?"

"You_ you actually have a pair?"

The twins spoke as one. Severus smiled.

"I did. I do," he answered. "How else do you think I know everything that goes on around here?"

Fred shrugged.

"Magic, Sir?"

"Ah."

*****

A.N. Next up: The twins are inducted into the Order. As Hermione said, people like the twins could help them win the war. :)

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