Thank you, Miss Granger
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
12
Views:
13,584
Reviews:
157
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
12
Views:
13,584
Reviews:
157
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Princess in the Closet
Title : Thank you, Miss Granger
Disclaimer : see first chapter
Many thanks to my precious beta-reader : Taya
Chapter 4 : The Princess in the Closet
Hermione had a very odd feeling as she witnessed the class, although she did not know if it was because of the similarities or the differences between the two Potions Masters. Severus Snape\'s voice was very soft, like a snake diving in a sea of grass, creeping gracefully between the green stalks, never letting one guess of the exact moment he would bite. But he always kept a sense of control, if only for the show. His father on the other hand was much more direct, savage and provocative. Students carefully avoided his glance as he walked between the rows of seats, with the exception of James Potter. It was only a question of opportunity for a confrontation to take place. It was ultimately provided by the refusal of a girl to kill her mouse.
The silence deepened in the classroom as the Potions Master slowly paused in front of her.
Hermione could not hear the exact words he muttered to the girl, but she saw her shaking her head. Next to the closet, Severus turned discreetly to catch the sight of the scene and came back to his own cauldron as if he knew what was going to happen next.
Professor Snape (she began to think he was worse than his son) seized the little animal and cut the four legs, one after the other. The girl - \'Miss Vance\', she heard - looked even paler, though she tried to keep a straight face, and breathed with difficulty. The professor left the mouse bleeding on the desk and concluded:
\'Take all the time you need to take a sample, you may then finish it...\'
The students made no effort to hide their disgust. The girl\'s hand shook so violently she cut herself with the knife before dropping the mouse to the floor where it crawled desperately for a few endless seconds.
The Potions Master snorted: \'My, my, Miss Vance, where is this so-called Gryffindor courage of yours.\'
\'I\'m sorry sir,\' - Miss Vance was fighting against tears. - \'I cannot... I cannot do that.\'
There was an awkward moment as the other students could no longer pretend not to notice the situation. There was even a movement of indignation from James. Sirius whispered urgently to him, his hand clenched around the wrist of his friend. Fortunately, the Potions Master had focused his attention on the girl who stood in front of him, shivering with resentment.
\'Miss Vance, you are now a fifth year student and it is time for you to learn some of the Realities of Life. You may have noticed that the symbol of your house ision.ion. Could you be kind enough to explain us what the point is for a lion to have claws if not for use?\'
Tears had begun to flow on the girl\'s cheeks but she seemed determined to face the Potions Master nonetheless.
\'What is the point of killing animals just for experience, Sir?\'
In an instant, the Potions Master was next to her, he bended slightly and whispered loud enough for everybody to hear:
\'Do you think you are here for pleasant wand-waving or do you picture, at some point, what is awaiting you outside? Outside, if you are unable to brew the potion you need, you may not pass the night. In fights to the death, Miss Vance, there is no room for notions of pity or good conscience; be assured your adversary will not have any of theses fastidious feelings.\'
The way he emphasised the word made it sound like an insult. A tear ran down the girl\'s cheek and fell in the potion, which was still boiling, and turned from dark red to bright green. Suddenly, some bubbles started to explode on the surface. Miss Vance screamed and protected her face with her bloody fingers, which were covered with the green muddy potion within seconds. In an instant, the atmosphere became apocalyptic. The steam had turned black and the smell of burnt skin filled the room. The students ran out of range.
The Potions Master, who had stood motionless, made a quick movement above the fire which vanished. The green potion calmed down almost instantly. He stood there, looking around as half of the class was now back against the walls, hiding behind whatever they had managed to grab: textbooks, covers, boards... and at James Potter who stood in the middle of the deserted classroom. He had not rushed for cover like the other students and looked defiantly at the Potions Master.
Hermione had always thought there was something wrong with Harry, about his stubbornness, about the way he always did what he had decided, regardless of the rules, with an obsessive tendency to resist, to be the sand in the machine. And now, considering the look on James\' face, she could tell where it came from. The Potions Master sent an amused glance at the boy. She almost had the impression he enjoyed the situation, but then he turned to the closet, to his son, and the smirk vanished.
Hermione realized Severus was standing with his back to the closet, protectively wrapped in his robes like a bat. She could hear his controlled breathing as he slowly relinquished his grip. She could feel the tension in the air, the electricity of the situation, as the two stood motionless, the only sound in the room being Miss Vance’s choked sobs. The Potions Master\'s face had hardened as he turned to the girl, staring with incredulity at her greenish hands.
\'What are you waiting for? Go and wash your hands and face immediately, stupid girl. Mr Lupin will then take you to the infirmary.\'
The girl wa obe obediently to the old tap, at the end of the classroom. Remus came to help, in an almost chivalrous way. Suddenly the tension was down, stiherehere but bearable. The students seemed to hesitate as they came back to their places. James was whispering to Sirius who gestured for him to shut up. They both stilled as the professor ordered Sirius to put Miss Vance\'s potion aside since the addition of human blood might alter its efficiency.
He is provoking them, Hermione thought. He is pushing them to rebel.
Sirius lo ext extremely stiff and gloom as he kneeled to retrieve the sample with dragonhide gloves. James stood behind him. The Potions Master was looking at him as he ordered his son to take care of the cleaning part. From the look on his face, Hermione could tell he was not particularly pleased with the task, but he obliged.
Sirius took the opportunity to hiss mockingl Sev Severus, as they found themselves shoulder to shoulder over Miss Vance\'s cauldron. Hermione caught the last part of his sentence:
\'And hurry up, Snivellus.\'
Hermione saw James opening his mouth but she didn\'t hear what he was saying. She had the feeling he was bitter and accusatory, but her gaze now rested on Severus. He was looking around, clearly searching for something that might allow him to take care of the muddy green pools. He stood up as the quiet voice of the Professor cut through James Potter\'mentment.
Hermione saw Severus, getting closer and closer to the closet, with horror but there was just no way out. She vaguely heard another girl burst into tears, the commanding voice of the Potions Master and some protest from James, and the door opened.
**********
It was difficult to say which one of them was the most shocked - though it must have been him, since she had had at least a few seconds to make herself ready. She tried to forget about being stuck between dresses and towels, about her blushing cheeks and messy hair, and gave him a conspiratorial smile.
She was very lucky that his first reaction was not to shout or to walk away. Instead he gave her a very piercing glance and moved the door slightly so that she would remain out of sight.
He was taller than she had thought. It was weird to look at him; she felt somehow she was still looking at his other self, like an old painting that would melt into life, leaving the dust and wrinkles behind for a more tender face. And he had beautiful dark eyes. She felt a simple look was like a touch, caressing her skin. Behind him, everybody\'s attention was focused on James Potter and the Potions Master.
\'Mr Potter\', the voice was full of venom, \'one day, your overdramatic tendency to save the world will get you into trouble. And when that day comes, what will you do if you\'re incapable of defending yourself and the people you care for?\'
Her Hermione didn\'t listen; her attention had been captured by the young sixteen year old boy standing in front of the closet. She was wondering what his next move would be when he bent slowly, still holding the door, and his free hand began to rummage amongst the old tissues. Hermione could not prevent her blush as his hand continued its search beside her thighs. What was he after?
The moment was suspended in time; the rest of the classroom was far away as she stared at him, kneeling in front of her, his eyes locked on towels and dustmops, his hand moving dangerously close to her body.
He finally extracted a duster and stood up. Their eyes met again but something had changed in the way he looked at her.
How much has he read in my mind? she wondered, giving him a shy smile. His face was unreadable as he closed the door.
Hermione discreetly sighed in relief. But a part of her looked at him, walking away, with frustration.
The Potions Master had definitely silenced James Potter. But Hermione did not know how he had managed such a miracle.
- End of chapter -
**************
Many thanks to my reviewers: Deb (the fastest reviewer I\'ve ever seen), KarenDetroit, XxphenixX GlindaTrisstt, Persia, Scifichick774, Hopelsydreaming.
And welcome to the newcomers: Influenza1918, Spaz141, Greenstuff.
It\'s encouraging and it really helps.
More specific answers:
Deb - So happy you like the picture! And very honoured you have some time to spare for my story considering all the things you have to deal with. Thank you very much indeed !!!
I can send you a mail each time I update if it\'s more convenient for you (since I\'m not a very fast-writer).
KarenDetroit - Unlikely? To have Snape\'s father as a professor? Well... no as unlikely as a Severus/Hermione pairing (from J.K. Rowling\'s point of view, of course). *grin*
Seriously: I know it\'s a bit pushy, but I couldn\'t resist...
XxphenixX- Snapey-poo?!!! LOL. Just give him a few more chapters.
Never blame OCD, when it comes to beta-reading it can be precious!
GlindaTrisstt - Thanks for the picture, that was nice! But actually, I\'ve got one, I just don\'t know where to put it so that it\'s available for everyone. (WIKTT\'s file requires to be a member of the group)
Persia - I agree that part of Hermione\'s mission will be to lighten up young Sev\'s life.
Hopelsydreaming - LOL. Don\'t worry for the review thing, as long as you enjoy the story, it\'s fine.
Greenstuff - Thanks for the review. Errrr... just wondering what this \"green stuff\" allusion might be. *scratching head* Well, if you review again (it\'s not an obligation, of course), let me know, please!
*********
Disclaimer : see first chapter
Many thanks to my precious beta-reader : Taya
Chapter 4 : The Princess in the Closet
Hermione had a very odd feeling as she witnessed the class, although she did not know if it was because of the similarities or the differences between the two Potions Masters. Severus Snape\'s voice was very soft, like a snake diving in a sea of grass, creeping gracefully between the green stalks, never letting one guess of the exact moment he would bite. But he always kept a sense of control, if only for the show. His father on the other hand was much more direct, savage and provocative. Students carefully avoided his glance as he walked between the rows of seats, with the exception of James Potter. It was only a question of opportunity for a confrontation to take place. It was ultimately provided by the refusal of a girl to kill her mouse.
The silence deepened in the classroom as the Potions Master slowly paused in front of her.
Hermione could not hear the exact words he muttered to the girl, but she saw her shaking her head. Next to the closet, Severus turned discreetly to catch the sight of the scene and came back to his own cauldron as if he knew what was going to happen next.
Professor Snape (she began to think he was worse than his son) seized the little animal and cut the four legs, one after the other. The girl - \'Miss Vance\', she heard - looked even paler, though she tried to keep a straight face, and breathed with difficulty. The professor left the mouse bleeding on the desk and concluded:
\'Take all the time you need to take a sample, you may then finish it...\'
The students made no effort to hide their disgust. The girl\'s hand shook so violently she cut herself with the knife before dropping the mouse to the floor where it crawled desperately for a few endless seconds.
The Potions Master snorted: \'My, my, Miss Vance, where is this so-called Gryffindor courage of yours.\'
\'I\'m sorry sir,\' - Miss Vance was fighting against tears. - \'I cannot... I cannot do that.\'
There was an awkward moment as the other students could no longer pretend not to notice the situation. There was even a movement of indignation from James. Sirius whispered urgently to him, his hand clenched around the wrist of his friend. Fortunately, the Potions Master had focused his attention on the girl who stood in front of him, shivering with resentment.
\'Miss Vance, you are now a fifth year student and it is time for you to learn some of the Realities of Life. You may have noticed that the symbol of your house ision.ion. Could you be kind enough to explain us what the point is for a lion to have claws if not for use?\'
Tears had begun to flow on the girl\'s cheeks but she seemed determined to face the Potions Master nonetheless.
\'What is the point of killing animals just for experience, Sir?\'
In an instant, the Potions Master was next to her, he bended slightly and whispered loud enough for everybody to hear:
\'Do you think you are here for pleasant wand-waving or do you picture, at some point, what is awaiting you outside? Outside, if you are unable to brew the potion you need, you may not pass the night. In fights to the death, Miss Vance, there is no room for notions of pity or good conscience; be assured your adversary will not have any of theses fastidious feelings.\'
The way he emphasised the word made it sound like an insult. A tear ran down the girl\'s cheek and fell in the potion, which was still boiling, and turned from dark red to bright green. Suddenly, some bubbles started to explode on the surface. Miss Vance screamed and protected her face with her bloody fingers, which were covered with the green muddy potion within seconds. In an instant, the atmosphere became apocalyptic. The steam had turned black and the smell of burnt skin filled the room. The students ran out of range.
The Potions Master, who had stood motionless, made a quick movement above the fire which vanished. The green potion calmed down almost instantly. He stood there, looking around as half of the class was now back against the walls, hiding behind whatever they had managed to grab: textbooks, covers, boards... and at James Potter who stood in the middle of the deserted classroom. He had not rushed for cover like the other students and looked defiantly at the Potions Master.
Hermione had always thought there was something wrong with Harry, about his stubbornness, about the way he always did what he had decided, regardless of the rules, with an obsessive tendency to resist, to be the sand in the machine. And now, considering the look on James\' face, she could tell where it came from. The Potions Master sent an amused glance at the boy. She almost had the impression he enjoyed the situation, but then he turned to the closet, to his son, and the smirk vanished.
Hermione realized Severus was standing with his back to the closet, protectively wrapped in his robes like a bat. She could hear his controlled breathing as he slowly relinquished his grip. She could feel the tension in the air, the electricity of the situation, as the two stood motionless, the only sound in the room being Miss Vance’s choked sobs. The Potions Master\'s face had hardened as he turned to the girl, staring with incredulity at her greenish hands.
\'What are you waiting for? Go and wash your hands and face immediately, stupid girl. Mr Lupin will then take you to the infirmary.\'
The girl wa obe obediently to the old tap, at the end of the classroom. Remus came to help, in an almost chivalrous way. Suddenly the tension was down, stiherehere but bearable. The students seemed to hesitate as they came back to their places. James was whispering to Sirius who gestured for him to shut up. They both stilled as the professor ordered Sirius to put Miss Vance\'s potion aside since the addition of human blood might alter its efficiency.
He is provoking them, Hermione thought. He is pushing them to rebel.
Sirius lo ext extremely stiff and gloom as he kneeled to retrieve the sample with dragonhide gloves. James stood behind him. The Potions Master was looking at him as he ordered his son to take care of the cleaning part. From the look on his face, Hermione could tell he was not particularly pleased with the task, but he obliged.
Sirius took the opportunity to hiss mockingl Sev Severus, as they found themselves shoulder to shoulder over Miss Vance\'s cauldron. Hermione caught the last part of his sentence:
\'And hurry up, Snivellus.\'
Hermione saw James opening his mouth but she didn\'t hear what he was saying. She had the feeling he was bitter and accusatory, but her gaze now rested on Severus. He was looking around, clearly searching for something that might allow him to take care of the muddy green pools. He stood up as the quiet voice of the Professor cut through James Potter\'mentment.
Hermione saw Severus, getting closer and closer to the closet, with horror but there was just no way out. She vaguely heard another girl burst into tears, the commanding voice of the Potions Master and some protest from James, and the door opened.
**********
It was difficult to say which one of them was the most shocked - though it must have been him, since she had had at least a few seconds to make herself ready. She tried to forget about being stuck between dresses and towels, about her blushing cheeks and messy hair, and gave him a conspiratorial smile.
She was very lucky that his first reaction was not to shout or to walk away. Instead he gave her a very piercing glance and moved the door slightly so that she would remain out of sight.
He was taller than she had thought. It was weird to look at him; she felt somehow she was still looking at his other self, like an old painting that would melt into life, leaving the dust and wrinkles behind for a more tender face. And he had beautiful dark eyes. She felt a simple look was like a touch, caressing her skin. Behind him, everybody\'s attention was focused on James Potter and the Potions Master.
\'Mr Potter\', the voice was full of venom, \'one day, your overdramatic tendency to save the world will get you into trouble. And when that day comes, what will you do if you\'re incapable of defending yourself and the people you care for?\'
Her Hermione didn\'t listen; her attention had been captured by the young sixteen year old boy standing in front of the closet. She was wondering what his next move would be when he bent slowly, still holding the door, and his free hand began to rummage amongst the old tissues. Hermione could not prevent her blush as his hand continued its search beside her thighs. What was he after?
The moment was suspended in time; the rest of the classroom was far away as she stared at him, kneeling in front of her, his eyes locked on towels and dustmops, his hand moving dangerously close to her body.
He finally extracted a duster and stood up. Their eyes met again but something had changed in the way he looked at her.
How much has he read in my mind? she wondered, giving him a shy smile. His face was unreadable as he closed the door.
Hermione discreetly sighed in relief. But a part of her looked at him, walking away, with frustration.
The Potions Master had definitely silenced James Potter. But Hermione did not know how he had managed such a miracle.
- End of chapter -
**************
Many thanks to my reviewers: Deb (the fastest reviewer I\'ve ever seen), KarenDetroit, XxphenixX GlindaTrisstt, Persia, Scifichick774, Hopelsydreaming.
And welcome to the newcomers: Influenza1918, Spaz141, Greenstuff.
It\'s encouraging and it really helps.
More specific answers:
Deb - So happy you like the picture! And very honoured you have some time to spare for my story considering all the things you have to deal with. Thank you very much indeed !!!
I can send you a mail each time I update if it\'s more convenient for you (since I\'m not a very fast-writer).
KarenDetroit - Unlikely? To have Snape\'s father as a professor? Well... no as unlikely as a Severus/Hermione pairing (from J.K. Rowling\'s point of view, of course). *grin*
Seriously: I know it\'s a bit pushy, but I couldn\'t resist...
XxphenixX- Snapey-poo?!!! LOL. Just give him a few more chapters.
Never blame OCD, when it comes to beta-reading it can be precious!
GlindaTrisstt - Thanks for the picture, that was nice! But actually, I\'ve got one, I just don\'t know where to put it so that it\'s available for everyone. (WIKTT\'s file requires to be a member of the group)
Persia - I agree that part of Hermione\'s mission will be to lighten up young Sev\'s life.
Hopelsydreaming - LOL. Don\'t worry for the review thing, as long as you enjoy the story, it\'s fine.
Greenstuff - Thanks for the review. Errrr... just wondering what this \"green stuff\" allusion might be. *scratching head* Well, if you review again (it\'s not an obligation, of course), let me know, please!
*********