Written for Ring of Fire Challenge on Harry Potter Fanfiction Challenges Forum (prompt: Great Hall, 200 words)
Severus' Wrath
Severus' expression was unreadable as he marched the line of first year Ravenclaws through the corridors. Seventh years, who were making their way to the library, shared looks as the young students and the sullen professor walked by. Severus said nothing to them, and the students followed on in silence, terrified.
They made their way down the final staircase until they reached the bottom floor. Dumbledore was humming softly to himself as the group passed. He stopped to watch as his students huddled together, not speaking a word.
"Good afternoon, Severus," he said with a nod of his head.
Severus' inclined his own head, acknowledging the headmaster, but said nothing. Not one to pry into other people's business, Dumbledore continued on, picking up the tune from where he had left it just moments earlier.
The students followed the Potions professor into the Great Hall, which was where he stopped them. They stayed in their line as he turned to them, scowling.
"Now," he began, his voice cold with menace. "Can someone explain to me why we are here, and not in the library, researching for your homework due tomorrow?"
No one dared to speak, but stared on in fear.
Severus sighed. "Very well," he said. "I'll just inform Professor Dumbledore that you will be banned from library for the remainder of term." With a swish of his cloak, he exited the Great Hall, leaving terrified first years standing alone.