I lit a cigarette inside the Shrieking Shack.

"Miss Carter...what are you doing?"

I panicked when I heard the familiar silken voice of my head of house.

Severus appeared seconds later in the doorway. "Smoking?"

I rolled my eyes.

Severus sighed. "Why, Miss Carter? You are one of my finest students. I am very disappointed in you. 150 points from Slytherin. Also, give me that."

Black eyes locked onto mine with disgust.

I reluctantly handed the cigarette over. "I'm sorry, sir."

Severus paused a moment, inhaling deeply and sighing from his lungs. "I accept your apology, Miss Carter, only because you are highly skilled."

He took the cigarette from me, gazing at the small burning embers. Severus sighed again. "I do not believe I have been too harsh."

"No, sir." I replied.

Severus brought the cigarette to his lips and inhaled the smoke deeply into his lungs. He coughed deeply for a few moments and sighed the smoke from his lungs quickly.

The Potions Master peered at me intensely. "I understand you are interested in the apprentice position."

"Yes." I replied softly.

Severus inhaled loudly, the shrill sound of the smoke flooding his lungs once more. He coughed, sighing the smoke from his lungs. "I shall have to test your skills beforehand."

I nodded.

Severus coughed, clearing his lungs and stomped the cigarette out.

He looked at me and sighed heavily from his lungs. "Of course you will receive detention this evening with me."

I wasn't looking forward to that.

Severus exhaled. "Perhaps we could practice your skills then, Miss Carter?"

I reluctantly nodded back to Severus, who in turn sighed. "I shall see you this evening, Miss Carter."

"Yes, sir."

Severus frowned at me, coughing slightly. "Good day to you, Miss Carter. Do not let me catch you smoking again."