After grabbing a bite to eat in the Great Hall, the two of them set off toward Slughorn's office.
This office was much larger than a typical teacher's room. Inside were two comfortable winged armchairs, with six or seven smaller chairs arranged around them.
Slughorn was holding a small glass of wine and chatting amiably with a red-haired wizard.
"Welcome, my boys!" Slughorn called warmly as soon as Snape and Patrick Abbott stepped inside.
But from his posture and the gleam in his eyes, it was clear that it was Patrick he had most looked forward to seeing.
Snape handed Slughorn a box of candied pineapple, purchased through the Owl Post.
"Oh, thank you, Severus.
"Let me introduce you,this is the famous Auror Fabian Prewett. Gideon had work tonight and couldn't make it. Such a pity."
The wizard standing beside Slughorn raised his glass to them in greeting. Snape noticed that on his left wrist he wore a gold watch, its surface faintly scratched. The dial had no hands, only several stars moving across it.
"Good evening, Mr. Prewett," Snape stepped forward to greet him. "I don't know why, but you remind me of Mrs. Molly Weasley. You look rather alike."
"You know Molly?" Fabian's stern face broke into a smile. "She's my sister."
"Ah, that explains it. During the summer holidays, I visited the Burrow with my mother. We met her and also little Percy,he's adorable."
"That child will go far one day!" Fabian said proudly. "Last time we saw him, he had his eyes wide open, listening intently to the Ministry's wireless broadcast. And he was only a month old then."
Snape fought to keep a straight face, restraining himself from laughing.
He quickly covered it with a cough or two.
"Ahem, absolutely. Bill, Charlie, and Percy are all excellent children!"
While they were talking, more students arrived one after another.
"Come, children, take your seats. Everyone's here now," Slughorn called, beckoning them to gather around him and Fabian. "Lily, sit here."
Lily sat down on Slughorn's right.
Between her and Snape sat Dirk Cresswell, a fifth-year Hufflepuff who was fluent in gobbledegook, Mermish, and Troll among other languages.
Lily glanced quickly to the side, then turned her head away.
Slughorn reclined in his armchair, introducing Fabian Prewett's accomplishments.
"It's not every day a hero like this comes to visit. If you have any questions about being an Auror or about the Ministry, don't hesitate to ask him."
Fabian rubbed his nose awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with such praise.
Slughorn sipped his wine while his other hand picked through the candied pineapple Snape had brought.
"Children, when it comes to career choices, don't make foolish mistakes. I've always recommended joining the Ministry. It's a most excellent and respectable path."
He pointed his sugar-dusted finger at Snape.
"Severus, you could become an Auror. Don't miss such a rare opportunity."
"I'd be glad to welcome you for an internship with us next year," Fabian said with a smile. "As long as you choose the proper N.E.W.T. courses, leave the rest to me."
"Thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Prewett." Snape expressed his gratitude repeatedly. Being an Auror seemed like a worthy option.
"And you, Dirk," Slughorn turned to Dirk Cresswell. "With your command of Gobbledegook, you could easily work in the Goblin Liaison Office. I could introduce you to the Head of the Department.
"But stay far away from the Centaur Liaison Office. Do you know why?"
"Professor, isn't that also a subdivision of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures?" Dirk looked a little puzzled.
"I think Mr. Prewett can answer that better than I can." Slughorn chuckled and turned to Fabian.
Fabian exchanged a smile with him. "Centaurs don't like talking with wizards. They'd sooner kick you than have a calm conversation.
"If you get sent to the Centaur Liaison Office, your first priority should be finding yourself a new job."
Whether real or simply playing along, everyone burst into laughter.
The rest of the evening was spent happily asking Fabian about the work of Aurors and the Ministry, while Slughorn chimed in from the side. In many areas,especially gossip between departments,Slughorn knew even more than Fabian did.
Suddenly, there was a sharp knock at the office door. Argus Filch marched in, clutching James Potter by the arm.
"Professor Slughorn," Filch panted.
The flesh on his chin wobbled as he spoke, and his bulging fish-like eyes gleamed with the mad light of a man who had caught a student in mischief.
"I found this boy sneaking about outside your door. He claimed you'd invited him to this party, said he'd been delayed in setting out. Did you send him an invitation?"
James wrenched his arm free of Filch's grip, looking furious.
"Fine, I wasn't invited," he snapped. "I wanted to crash the party. Happy now?"
"No, I'm not happy!" Filch retorted, though his smug grin said otherwise. "You're in trouble, boy! Didn't the Headmaster say no wandering at night without permission? Eh?"
"Never mind, Argus, never mind," Slughorn waved his hand. "Wanting to attend a party is hardly a crime. Let's let it pass this time. Potter, you may stay."
"I don't want to stay! Who'd want to be here with him?" James jabbed a finger at Snape, raising his voice. "Why does he get to be here?"
"I believe I understand what Mr. Potter means," Snape sighed. "Perhaps he thinks that being in the same room with someone whose parents include a Muggle is an insult to civility and breeding."
"I don't! I didn't!" James sputtered in outrage. "You filthy Snivellus,how dare you twist my words like that!"
Slughorn's brows knitted in displeasure.
Snape drew a sharp breath, feigning shock at James's words.
"My apologies, Mr. Potter. I never realized you held such deep prejudice against half-bloods and Muggle-born wizards."
"That's enough," Slughorn cut him off before James could argue further. He pointed to the door. "Argus, take him back to his dormitory."
"No punishment?" Filch muttered, both indignant and disappointed, as he dragged James away, grumbling under his breath.
Even after the door had been shut for some time, they could still hear James's angry curses echoing in the corridor.