Holiday Hijinks

Being the further adventures of my wonderful Minerva doll, a gift from dear talesofsnape. . .

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Put on your gladdest of glad rags," said Severus Snape to Minerva McGonagall as they sat by themselves in the staffroom. "I'm taking you out for a nice Christmas dinner."

"Christmas was yesterday, Severus," she pointed out. "We already had a nice Christmas dinner here at the castle."

He snorted. "I don't consider any dinner 'nice' that involves A, Umbridge the toad; B, a bevy of snot-nosed brats; and C, paper hats from Albus's absurd crackers. We're going out for an adult dinner as far from here as we can Apparate in one jump. I've booked a table in Aberdeen." He paused. "And a room."

"A room?" Minerva raised an eyebrow. "You seem rather sure of your luck tonight, Mr Snape."

"I think it is you who will be the lucky one, Miss McGonagall," he said, rising and billowing towards the door. "Be ready at eight."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Back in her rooms, Minerva dressed with care. She started by donning ( Severus's Christmas present )

"As much a present for you as for me," she'd said when she'd opened it, and he'd smirked.

"You expect something less from a Slytherin?" he'd asked.

It would serve him right if she didn't wear it, she thought, but then relented. It had been a hard year for both of them; a little relaxation wouldn't come amiss.

She even toyed with the idea of wearing her ( thigh-high boots )

, but then decided against them. She didn't want to appear too eager, after all. Let him put a little effort into seducing her.

Besides, she had the perfect alternative to the boots. It was a Christmas dinner, wasn't it? What could be more suitable than ( red shoes? )

They were quite comfortable, and their ( little decorative buttons )

were the perfect touch for a romantic evening.

And if they had the side benefit of also being Gryffindor-coloured, well, so much the better.

For the sake of decorum, she added her ( favourite green skirt )

and topped off the ensemble with her ( warmest dressy coat )

, the one with the lovely pearl buttons and exquisite detailing.

And since the weather in Aberdeen in December was decidedly more than brisk, she thought it prudent to add a warm scarf.

Its colours, again, were appropriate to the season. Severus would appreciate the symbolism. On several levels.

At eight o'clock precisely, her wards announced his arrival.

"Ready?" he asked, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in her outfit.

( 'Ready,' she said. )