"Miss Granger." Hermione's eyes lit up. "Can you tell us why tergero should never be used before vulnera sanentur?" Professor Gildens forced a smile down at her, exasperated. Was Hermione the only one in this class that could remember basic principles?
Hermione straightened her back from her seat on the floor. "As vulnera sanentur is designed to heal particularly large and deep wounds, it can be inferred that considerable blood loss is occurring. Before healing the wound, use of tergero to clean up the blood may also result in a large amount of blood being removed from the interior of the body."
"Correct." With a glance at the clock, Professor Gildens grimaced. "It seems we have reached the end of this class period. Please read chapter twenty-four to obtain whatever information did not fit into today's lecture time. And please," she gave a pointed stare to a few students around the room, "PLEASE do not practice on your fellow students." With that, the bell rang out, releasing the students from class.
Hermione hurriedly packed her bag and raced out the door. She was going to have to be quick to make it to Potions on time. Why ever did she schedule classes on opposite sides of the castle so close together?
Eleven minutes later, Hermione rushed into the Potions classroom, wincing as the door fell closed with a crash.
"Miss Granger. How nice of you to join us." Professor Severus Snape sneered down at her. "How interesting that you no longer feel the need to arrive on time to your classes. I'd always assumed that you actually cared about your education."
Hermione fumed. That was very nearly the worst insult he could have flung at her. Me, not caring about my education? I'm practically the only student that does care! How could he say that? Surely he doesn't truly think I don't care? Hermione glared at her professor as she slipped into her seat. Neville gave her a sympathetic smile which quickly turned into a fright at the sight of Hermione's angry grimace.
As the lesson continued post-interruption, Hermione's mind raced. What if he really thinks I no longer care about my schooling? A teacher believes I'm not trying anymore! How am I supposed to succeed if he doesn't even think I'm trying? Tears began to well up in her eyes. This was a disaster. And after all this time spent trying to prove myself to Professor Snape… Suddenly she had a terrifying thought. What if he thinks I don't care because of my work? Did I turn in something horrible? Did I get a bad grade? Am I failing his class?
"Miss Granger, when asked a question, it is considered polite to answer." Hermione looked up, startled. Snape leered. "One might almost begin to question whether you're paying attention at all."
"But I… I was just… I didn't… I wasn't…"
"What was that?" he mocked her. Hermione's mouth opened and closed, but she had no excuse and was well aware of it.
"Nothing, sir." she slunk down in her chair, embarrassed.
"Then perhaps we can continue with the lesson."
Hermione made certain she paid attention this time.
Professor Snape watched uninterestedly as students filed out of his classroom. His thoughts wandered to poor Miss Granger, the victim of his most recent disparagement. Since when does she not pay attention to the lesson? Before now, her obnoxious level of participation had been unwavering. Perhaps I was too harsh. Little as I like to admit, she's usually an impeccably studious pupil… No. Her feelings are not my responsibility. Why am I even thinking about her?
He leaned back in his chair, sparing not another thought for Hermione and her little classroom breakdown. His next class would begin soon.