/** Author's Note: All characters unfamiliar are FOCs and the rest of the wonderful cast belongs to JKR. I don't own any Harry Potter books so DO correct me if I get any facts wrong! *apologetic look* My creation of Michael derives from a 3-in-1 combination of my other favourite characters being Dr. Hannibal Lector (Hannibal trilogy), Wolverine (Xmen) and Raistlin Majere (DragonLance). Bwahahaha… ^.^
Not much action and stuff (maybe in later chapters). The story concentrates on the development of Prof Severus Snape's human side and him getting more fun out of life. *grin* Do PLEASE PLEASE review. This is my first fanfic. Be kind and hope you guys enjoy it. Thankie! ;) **/
Is it so hard? - Prologue
It was nearing sunset.
The nippy evening air wisped through the empty train station as fallen leaves twirled about. Ripples formed gently on the surface of a huge lake, distorting the reflected image of an ancient castle. The wind built up as the cloudy sky darkened considerably.
Slinging his knapsack across his shoulders, Michael emerged from the train and padded silently across the platform. Pausing in mid-stride, he stared at the enormous castle that loomed prominently in the background. His maroon eyes softened a tad as he took in the view, storing the imagery into a corner of his memory palace. A small smile played across his face. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It had been a long and tedious journey, but it was all worth it.
Now. To get across the lake…
Michael's face resumed back its usual blank mask as he pondered the situation before him. Above, a rumble resounded across the horizon…
~@~@~@~@~@
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Inside the main dining hall, teachers and students alike were tucking in happily into the grand layout of delicacies placed before them. Except for a certain professor of course, who was approaching his food the same way he would approach a Mandrake. He was slightly worn out after a day's work of Potions classes, and screaming at 2nd year students who apparently hadn't learnt anything even after their one-year stint at Hogwarts. Well, namely those from Gryffindor and more often than not, one named… Potter. Professor Severus Snape scowled as he thought of that insolent and rebellious boy who was nothing but trouble and the main source of his headache since day one.
To make matters worse, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, the new DADA teacher, was rambling incessantly into his ear about an exotic plant he had found during one of his trips.
"Anyway, Severus… I can call you that, can't I? Haha… This extremely RARE plant has very interesting abilities. Sad to say, in my hurry, I forgot to take a sample of it. But don't worry; the information is all in my head. I do have certain, ah, skills in potions making and I strongly believe this… this rare plant will serve a grand purpose for us- …"
In mid-sentence, Lockhart punctured a juicy chicken fillet with his fork and proceeded to continue the conversation with Snape. With his mouth full.
"Perhaps we can meet up in my office and discuss more…and did I mention… …"
To this point, Snape had totally ignored the man. Not that he was interested in the first place. He sneered in contempt. Professor Lockhart's last sentence sounded more like "…Mmer-haaps me can meed hup for wunch and discuss mor…".
Snape had not believed it when he got passed over yet AGAIN for the position of DADA teacher after Quirell left the position empty, and having this pompous ass being the new replacement did not go down well with him. He had tried persuading Professor Dumbledore against this decision but it was a fruitless attempt.
Picking at his potato salad dolefully, he resisted the urge to reach out and wring Lockhart's neck. His self-control was teetering dangerously on the edge and Snape wondered how long more he could take it. What an idiot. A rare plant with abilities? Why, can it sing 'Oklahoma'? Bah! And the day Lockhart can make a potion that WORKS will be the day the world ends. Idiot.
Snape glanced two seats to his left where Professor Albus Dumbledore was seated. The Headmaster of Hogwarts looked back at him with a knowing smile and gave a wink before turning back.
Great. This is the punishment I get for being an ex-Death Eater. I am sooooo lucky. Snape thought miserably, picking at the poor unoffending salad once again, this time with slightly more force. Merlin's sake, I wish Lockhart would just STOP TALKING for one minute…!
As if his silent scream was answered, a loud knock on the main door echoed through the hall. Two similar knocks followed and the door opened slowly. Stunned silence ensued as all eyes turned and fixed upon the drenched figure leaning heavily against the doorframe.
To be continued…