To prepare Severus's celebration banquet, Pomona and Severus had a mountain of things to do, even with Narcissa having "volunteered" to take on most of the work.
"Snape!"
As the two of them were having breakfast, a young man with long golden curls approached them and called out in delight.
The "professor," who always wore a stiff expression at school, smiled now. He rose to shake the other man's hand.
"It has been a long time, Cody," Severus said.
"It certainly has. What brings you here... no, wait, let me guess. You need a little 'favor' from me, don't you?" Cody said perceptively.
Severus merely smiled without answering.
"Where will your celebration banquet be held?" Cody asked next.
"You have already heard?" Severus asked.
"Ha! How could I not have heard about the new star of the potions world? Every party is talking about you," Cody said.
"You flatter me," Severus said "modestly."
"And who is this beautiful lady?" Cody finally noticed Pomona.
"She is a 'friend,' here to help," Severus said.
"Are you arranging the party?" Cody asked.
"No..." Pomona hurriedly said.
"It is Mrs. Malfoy. She generously lent me her manor," Severus said.
"Malfoy Manor, right? When?" Cody asked.
"The night before the Quidditch World Cup. Also, on the day of the World Cup, her family's tent will need helpers as well. The Minister for Magic will be there too."
"I understand." Cody winked at Severus. "I will not disturb you any longer. See you next time."
"Goodbye," Severus said, then returned to his seat.
Pomona looked at him from an entirely new perspective.
He seemed completely unaware, eating the beans on his plate.
"Who is Cody?" Pomona finally asked.
"A former colleague," he said expressionlessly, as though the chickpeas on his plate had suddenly become endlessly fascinating.