"Tonight... you're 'not busy'?" Orli asked carefully.
"I'm in my office." Snape's answer was clipped.
"You seem... in decent spirits?" he asked almost immediately after.
"Me? I suppose so..." Orli felt confused, then suddenly remembered the classroom incident. "Professor," she said, smiling, "I really wasn't angry about the points today—I'm not that unreasonable."
"I didn't ask about that." Snape spoke quickly, but Orli just kept smiling at him until his gaze shifted away awkwardly.
"Umbridge had ill intentions today," Orli said, turning serious. "She was casual enough in Grubbly-Plank's class, but today in Potions she clearly came with purpose—like she wanted to catch you making mistakes. I thought she'd show more consideration for Slytherin."
"Not difficult to guess. In her eyes, I'm just another 'Dumbledore supporter.'" Snape paused thoughtfully.
"Will she try something against you? Trelawney's situation looks dire," Orli said, frowning.
"I'm not so easily dealt with." Snape's smile was cold and brief. "It's you I'm concerned about—that Defense group has some rather troublesome elements mixed in."
"How do you know about that?" Orli looked puzzled.
"The Hog's Head may have fewer patrons, but your conversations are easier to overhear," Snape said. "You all have much to learn—especially that insufferable know-it-all."
"Don't talk about Hermione like that." Orli's tone carried mild reproach.
"And that speech of yours." Snape fixed his gaze on her through the mirror. "Why didn't you end up in Slytherin?"
"If I were Slytherin, I wouldn't have argued with you that first class, and nothing after would've happened." Orli met his eyes through the glass, smiling. "Besides, I fit better in Gryffindor. I have Harry, Hermione, Ron. As for those fifth-year Slytherins... who exactly would I befriend? Parkinson? Crabbe? Malfoy?"
"Is Potter really that important? Worth all this effort?" Snape asked. "Those words put you in quite an awkward position."
"I have zero interest in being a student leader. If Harry and the others hadn't dragged me in, I wouldn't bother teaching anyone anything." Orli yawned softly, settling her head against the pillow.
"I don't want to interfere excessively, but be careful of Umbridge." Snape's voice was grave.
"Speaking of which, Professor—I might use the Room of Requirement for meetings. Obviously not the room we used. I'll request a completely new one." Orli added quickly.
"Yes, yes. I can't control you anyway." Snape spoke flatly, clearly displeased.
"Don't be angry, Professor. I promise I'll get you something wonderful for Christmas." Orli traced her finger along the mirror's edge as if stroking his hair. Though they couldn't actually touch through the glass, the gesture seemed to soften him.
"Use owls less frequently." Snape's expression eased slightly.
"You've noticed the owl inspections too?" Orli said.
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