The Day the Magical Earth Stood Still
How a scene in the first book could have played out differently.
Standard disclaimer: Harry Potter's universe belongs to J.K. Rowling, and all fans would like to thank her for her generous permission to play in her sandbox, as long as we don't make any money off it!
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Professor Snape sneered at the roomful of cowed first-years. "Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?" The students dove for their book bags to retrieve parchment and quills. Almost as an afterthought, Snape added, "And a point will be taken from Gryffindor House for your cheek, Potter. Harry flushed, but said nothing.
After several minutes of lecture, Snape waved his hand and directions appeared on the chalk board at the front of the room. "Follow the directions precisely," he said, in a tone of voice that implied that that would happen when Hell froze over. He had just turned to check his notes for his next class when he heard snickering from the Slytherin half of the room. He sighed internally; couldn't members of his house understand that their behavior did them no favors? He turned to see what had set the children off.
Draco was pointing across the room and laughing about "stupid mudbloods." Snape managed, just barely, to keep his temper. He hated that detestable word. Draco was sneering at Miss Granger, who was wearing goggles over her eyes.
"Miss Granger, what are you wearing?" asked Snape.
She looked up, alarmed at attracting the teacher's attention. "They're safety glasses, sir. Students taking chemistry in muggle schools wear them whenever they do lab work. It's a requirement, and I thought since potions is a lot like..."
"Enough, Miss Granger. That's," the Gryffindors held their collective breaths, waiting for their housemate to be cut to ribbons by the professor's sharp tongue, while the Slytherins snickered. "actually an excellent idea." finished Snape. All of the students looked at him in amazement.
And then he did something that, they claim to this day, caused Hogwarts to shake to its foundations.
"Ten points to Gryffindor."
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Story ideas come from the strangest places. I got an email for my college's annual alumni weekend, which caused me to look at the small scar I have on my hand from a chem class mishap, and then to lab safety (constant vigilance!)
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