Four hours later, in the corridors of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the British Ministry of Magic.
Roy set down the huge bundle of bedding on his shoulder and looked down the corridor. Aisling leaned against the wall with her head lowered and arms crossed, radiating an air of smug superiority.
Still, she had dressed quite exquisitely today and even put on light makeup, making Roy's release from prison seem like some incredibly important occasion.
Roy narrowed his eyes and looked Aisling up and down as she leaned against the wall, clicking his tongue in amazement.
"Like what you see? Keep staring and I'll gouge your eyes out."
Seeing Roy's stunned expression, Aisling assumed her beauty had shocked him. She proudly lifted the corners of her lips, a wicked smile appearing on her face.
Hearing that, Roy sucked in a breath, shook his head, and looked at the much sunnier and more cheerful Aisling in astonishment before asking in surprise.
"Oh? Since when have you become so talkative? What, did hanging around America with Dumbledore for a month cure your muteness? Are you making up for lost time by spouting nonsense now?"
Hearing Roy argue with her, Aisling gave a disdainful snort and turned her head away.
"So this is how you talk to the person who got you out? What, was sleeping in that cell comfortable? Then grab your stinking bedding and roll back in."
Roy had wondered why Snape had come to bail him out. So Aisling had called him. That meant he owed her another favor.
"Oh. Thanks, then."
Hearing that, Aisling was finally somewhat satisfied. She haughtily raised her chin, lowered her eyes, and could not stop the corners of her mouth from curling upward.
"Where did Snape go?"
Roy looked around. Apart from