A/N: It won't be a long story, maybe, 10 pages long, but I'm really thrilled about it. I have never thought that writing the verbal battles between Hermione and Shape could be so exciting, but it really is. As English is not my first language I certainly need a beta-reader. Please, help me, guys! ^_^

Disclaimer: as always nothing belongs to me. A pity.


Prologue

"But Professor Snape!" I cried angrily, "Mister Filch caught Doyle and Feenek yesterday. What do you think they were doing at two o'clock in the morning near the vanished sand clock?"

"Breathing the fresh air?" he smiled arrogantly, crossing his arms. And he knew that Slytherins were guilt. He knew it and still he wouldn't move a finger to solve the problem. If there were Gryffindors, who were caught, he would certainly take a few tens of points and give them a detention with a great pleasure. But for those of his House Snape was standing like a mountain, making use of that fact that nobody wanted to have a deal with him.

I was so tired of that prejudgment!

"They charmed the clock and you know that! And everything because of that that this year Slytherins are on the third place in the points and they sure will not see the School Goblet as their own ears!" I answered, still furious.

Snape just snorted and said,

"You have no proofs, Granger. The fact that they were caught is just an unfortunate coincidence".

"Headmaster McGonagall…"

"Will not engage in this nonsense. She waits a commission from the Ministry and you have to agree that it is far more important than the vanished clock".

I had a strong desire to pull out my wand and curse Shape. I understood that it was meanly and childishly stupid, but I just couldn't help.

"I won't let it go so easily!"

"I don't care, Granger. And, for Merlin's sake, deliver me from your screaming."

And after saying that, he left, as always leaving the last word to himself.

Hassles with Snape were not something out of the ordinary. We often argued and it seemed that he liked to piss me off. A sport interest or just a habit – I didn't know. And I didn't understand why Professor always perceived all my words hostility. It offended. If I hadn't known him better I would think that he wasn't indifferent towards me.