"And how right he is, Professor Slughorn—" The soft, melodic voice drifts from over his shoulder as Slughorn accepts the sundae, where Narcissa Black has appeared looking cool as can be despite the intense heat of the afternoon. Behind her, a sunburnt house-elf sweats profusely as he levitates an antique parasol of white lace over Narcissa's head to protect her fair skin from the sun. "—your retirement would indeed be a great loss to the students of Hogwarts."

She smiles, the expression reserved but seemingly genuine as her eyes trail over the table littered with gifts; some things never change. "I would certainly agree that your talents merit an increase in pay. Why, just look at how your students shower you with tokens of their appreciation."

As though not to be outdone, Narcissa steps forward to the counter, withdrawing a dainty draw-string bag from her fine robes. "Do let me cover the cost of your sundae," she says, producing a few silver sickles and handing them to Fortescue without waiting for an answer. "It's the least I can do for my favorite former professor."