Severus + James
"She is actually," James said, though he knew that wasn't what Snape had meant. "She has a story about everything, usually more than one. She's much more entertaining in person than you'd think from reading History of Magic." James had only skimmed the book back in school; it was much more fun to learn the history first hand from Batty. "She does voices."
James was able to hide his glee when Severus scowled, but it was a near thing. Score: Potter, 1; Snape, 0. Not that he was keeping score, or anything. "Then it's a good thing I got him his first toy potions kit for his birthday," James said, wondering if Snape had thought he'd be insulted at the idea that Noah would have a knack for potions. "Draco, isn't it? He's about Harry's age, but Harry's more into drawing pirates and frogs. Usually pirate frogs of late."
Sometimes life was surreal. One moment you could be talking business with Ernestina Boot, and the next you were exchanging kid stories with your school nemesis. It was enough to make one's head spin.