Paul could have JUMPED when River showed up, PULLED THE LEAVES OUT HIS BACK POCKET, and then started...talking. CASUALLY. "Well. I like most tea leaves, Healer Reed," he said simply, squinting one eye in the healer's direction. "Mint, you say?" he could see that. Maybe River would offer to brew some tea for them. It would save Paul having to brew some tea for them. Yes YES yes.

"And yes, we were, as Prefect Borzekowski-Thomas was saying.Watering, I mean. When was the last time you watered?" He trusted River to take care of his little garden in here. The man knew how to care for plants, he was a healer for Merlin's sake!

He was glad he wasn't really a thief. He would have lived with his thievery, sure, but it was nice to know you hadn't committed THEFT. How long did thieves go to Azkaban for? Or did they go at all? Was there a less horrible place those less horrible criminals went to? After 67? years of life, he probably should have known the answer. Alas, he did not.

He gulped.


"SOOO River, if you would kindly brew us tea, we can water things, and that's that!" AHEM.