"We should," she said. "I'm frozen through." She walked Padma back into her office and sat her down. She warmed up their tea and brought out a little decanter of brandy. she poured a dram into each of their teacups and sat down after giving Padma hers.
"I know this is likely highly inappropriate, but I like you, Padma. You're a darling girl and you're so smart. I miss my friends terribly, talking to them, just being a person and not a teacher. Can we just talk like that? If it's too uncomfortable for you, that's okay. I just... well I miss hearing people's secrets and dreams and fears. All I hear lately is when should we attack. It's echoing through the halls," she said with a shudder.