August 3
The muggle train station, it looked like it always had, except for a few minor changes in things. It was still crawling with muggles, who are, if you don't know by now, people who have no magic ability. As for myself, I am almost completely pure in my line of blood, but even if I weren't, I would still be a proud witch as I have always been. Oh, forgive me for being rude, my name is Alexandra Nichole Garrison; most of my friends call me Alex, Nikki, or just Nichole. Ah yes, back on track with this journal thing, I do tend to ramble you know.
With a light sigh, I walked away from the car where my parents were waving goodbye to me, I felt like a first year again. The only reason I felt that way is because it had been over two and a half years since I had even seen anything except the walls of my room or the hospital room. And at this moment, the very sight of the pillar where platform nine and three quarters was made me grow excited, I was finally going back to Hogwarts!
Ah yes, I seem to have forgotten a few other details about myself that you most likely should know. First off is that I am a sixth year student, and headgirl and prefect of the Slytherin house. Though I know that is not what you wanted to know, but Slytherin is actually a great house to be in, but that is not the point at this moment. You must be wondering why I was speaking of not seeing the school, or anything else for that matter, in a long time so I shall explain.
Flashback
"Hermione, stay here and take care of Ron. He's right. This is something that I must do alone." Harry Potter, a first year Gryffindor, said to his friend Hermione Granger.
Watching as he left the chess room to pursue whoever or whatever it was that they had come down here for.
Of course I was watching from the shadows of the large room, silently hoping that the Weasley boy was going to live. That was something that no one was going to find out, it was utterly disgusting to think that I was actually worried about some first years who had broken so many rules and were about to get so many points taken away that it would make their heads spin.
Even though I wanted to help the first years, I was afraid. I know, yes me, a fourth year student was afraid of this when even the first years were down here, it was shameful I tell you. Though eventually, my mind had talked me into helping them, but no sooner than I stepped out of the shadows of my hiding place, a very large piece of one of the chess figures fell right onto me, rendering me completely unconscious.
That accident had almost cost me my life, but a teacher had saved me, so I was told. But I will explain that story to you at a later date, now, back on with what I need to do on the train, I can't write in my journal forever you know!
"Will all prefects please dress in your robes and start examining your cars to make sure that all students are present!" Came a voice over the speakers of the train just as I had finished writing in my journal and putting it away.
With a smile I stood and slid on my robes along with my silver prefect badge, proudly displaying the Slytherin colors, as I should. Before leaving my car, I silently placed a charm on my robes so that they wouldn't keep billowing about me all the time, and then I stepped out into the hallway of the train.
Walking down the corridor and checking in on the students, I got numerous "Hello" 's and a great many "Glad to see you are back!" 's and it made me feel wonderful to be back on that train, at least for the moment.
I had only three cars left to check before I could go back to my own when I peeked into one of them and saw Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter.
"Nichole Garrison! It is great to see you are here again!" Came Hermione's voice from inside the car before she swung the door open and pulled me inside for a moment.
I smiled at her and the two boys before nodding and folding my hands in front of me, "I am rather glad to be back to school, it had gotten so boring with doing my lessons by owl post."
They all nodded and then Harry stood up and smiled at me, "Thank you for all the help you gave us when we went after Voldemort."
Ron piped up and said, "Yes, thank you. Would you like a chocolate frog, or some Bertie Botts?"
I laughed lightly and then shook my head, "No thank you, I must be along with my rounds you know. Though I do thank you for your kind words, if I could award points to you, I would give each of you fifty for being so kind to me."
They all nodded as I left the car and then checked the next one, unfortunately that car contained Neville Longbottom, that strange little Colin boy, and Semus Fleming. I quickly moved on from that car to the last. Upon opening the door I was greeted with a smirk and two equally dull looks, you can guess who was in that car.
"Ah, I see that our headgirl has finally decided to come back to school after so long." Draco Malfoy said as he rose to his feet.
Goodness but he was tall now, not to mention very handsome like his father, it was a pity that we were so far apart in ages.
"Draco Malfoy, how utterly wonderful to see you and your duo of sidekicks once again." I said though almost clenched teeth.
The boy was handsome and very well spoken, but he was a Malfoy and as such, he was a spoiled little brat whom I would have loved to strangle for even looking at me in such a way as he was at this moment.
He seemed to be taking my discomfort of his gaze to be very amusing because he circled me slowly before coming to a stop in front of me again, his eyes piercing into my own.
"If there is something you wish to say Mr. Malfoy, do it now, I do not have time for your idle banter." I said as I turned from him and went toward the door of the car to leave.
"Well, there was no point in being so rude to one of your own house Nichole, you should be worrying about Potter and his friends, but I see that you've become quite friendly with them since your return" Draco said with a smirk as he closed the door the car behind me as I left.
I was so irritated with that little brat that I could have killed him if his father, Lucius, wouldn't have me killed for even trying such a thing.
When I got back to my car, my nerves were on edge, and I decided that I needed a relaxing nap on the way to the school, and so I slept the rest of the way there.
"All students off of the train please, in an orderly manner!" The voice shattered my dreams and roused me from my sleep.
Quickly smoothing out my hair and robes I got in line to get off of the train, still a bit groggy from my nap.
Hagrid, the grounds keeper, helped me off of the train with a light nod and a smile as I walked over to the lake and stepped onto one of the boats, taking my place as a prefect, helping the first years onto the boat.
Most of them looked nervous or scared, but I calmed them easily enough. It seemed that they had been told there was a giant monster residing in the lake, in truth there was, but they wouldn't need to know that right now, they would be told in their third year.
With a nod from all the prefects, the boats started across the lake toward the castle, and I was almost trembling with anticipation to be inside.
I knew what awaited us once there, and I was ready for it all, even the N.E.W.T.S. that must be taken at the end of the term, I could have cared less.
When we reached the other side of the lake, I helped the first years off the boat and then led them into the castle where I left them with the other first years as the rest of us went to the Great Hall.
It was just as I had remembered it, only even more wonderful than a memory, and a smile lit up my face as I glanced around. I was the last person to enter the room and all eyes had turned to me for the moment.
Headmaster Dumbledore stood from his chair and raised his glass to me before taking his seat once again. Most of the other teachers nodded to me as I walked gracefully toward my table of Slytherin's.
I did notice, however, that one teacher had done nothing but stare at me, it was our own Head of House, Professor Snape.
He was a tall man with shoulder length black hair, deep hazel eyes, smooth sallow skin, and a thick velvety voice that could strike fear into even the bravest of wizards.
A shudder ran through me as I took my seat at the head of the Slytherin table, gaining a chorus of welcome back's and other good wishes.
My only problem with the seating is that I was facing Professor Snape whenever I looked up from the table, and I could feel his eyes burning into me. I know I had been trouble my first year at Hogwarts, but I could have sworn that the man hated me beyond all reasoning possible.
Before I could think on the subject anymore, Professor McGonagall led the first years into the Great Hall. I could hear them gasping as they glanced around, much like I had done in my first year at Hogwarts.
Many of them were gazing at the ceiling that was enchanted to look like the night sky, but it was only an illusion. Anyone would have known that if they had read the book Hogwarts: A History.
We all sat quietly as McGonagall explained the Sorting Ceremony to the first years, who were a bit more relaxed now.
As the ceremony took place, I joined in with the cheering as we gained new members, but all the while, I could still feel Professor Snape's eyes on me. And every time I looked in his direction, my suspicions were confirmed, he'd hardly taken his eyes off me since I arrived.
Turning back to watch the remainder of the students get sorted, I noticed another teacher watching me, I knew him by name of course, he was Professor Remus Lupin.
With a light smile from him, he slightly inclined his glass toward me and nodded his head before taking a drink of what I know was wine.
I smiled softly and nodded in return before joining in the last of Slytherin's cheering, still gazing at Professor Lupin since he was still looking at me.
Headmaster Dumbledore broke all of our staring as he rose to his feet and held up his glass, "Welcome to Hogwarts all of you, I am sure that you all must be hungry, but there are a few things I wish to say before we begin to eat."
He looked directly at me and smiled, "First off, I would like to say that it is wonderful to have Slytherin's headgirl and new Prefect back with us."
Cheering and clapping went on as I turned a light shade of scarlet, keeping my head lowered until it was all over with.
"Second of all, I have not gotten the chance to thank the member of this staff who saved her from certain death, and I wish to do that now, while she is here to thank them as well."
Rising to my feet as instructed by his gesture, I walked gracefully toward the teacher's table, allowing my robes to flow along behind me as I walked. Once I reached the table, I gazed at all of the teachers, most of who were smiling at me happily.
Dumbledore looked at me and then nodded, "As I have promised, you will now see who it was that saved your precious life two and a half years ago Miss Garrison."
For a moment, nothing changed and then out of the corner of my eye, I saw Professor Snape rise to his feet and approach me.
Headmaster Dumbledore smiled and continued, "Your Head of House, Professor Serverus Snape, is the one who saved your life that night."
I was a bit shocked as I turned to the Professor, my cheeks a bit pink and my eyes undoubtedly widened with the revelation.
"Miss Garrison...." He spoke in his silky voice, sending shivers down my spine as he did.
"P-professor...I thank you....I am forever in your debt." I said softly as I lowered my head out of pure respect to the man.
"Miss Garrison, I hardly think that words are enough to thank our dear professor for saving your life." Dumbledore spoke softly from the head of the table, and the other teachers nodded in agreement with him.
Glancing up at Professor Snape, he looked about ready to run or strangle me, I hadn't figured out which one yet.
With a light sigh, I stepped closer to him and then embraced him in a hug, which, amazingly, he returned.
It was a sudden shock to me, the soft enticing scent of him mixed with the strength that lay in his arms that were now around me so tightly. I could hardly breathe as my face lay gently against the warm skin of his neck for a moment before the hug was broken.
Every student looked shocked beyond words as I took a hasty step back from him, knowing that in my eyes, he could see what was not written on my face.
After a few seconds of silence, the room erupted with cheering for the professor. He only nodded and then returned to his seat, I followed the example and returned to my seat as quickly as I could, avoiding all questions for the moment.
"Now, without any further delays, let us feast." Dumbledore said as the food magically appeared on the tables like always.
I sat quietly, only nibbling at my food since my mind was in such turmoil from what had happened moments ago.
When in this life had I even become aware of the fact that Professor Snape was even remotely handsome. I didn't know the answer to that, but I did know that by some unknown force, I was greatly attracted to him in more ways than one.
Supper was halfway through when I looked up and saw him staring at me again, and my breath caught in my throat as I held his gaze longer than necessary.
It was Professor Lupin who broke our gazes as he waved his hand in front of Snape's face, causing the professor to smack at his hands before giving me one last look and turning to talk to Lupin.
I was thankful for the interruption of the gaze because I had become a complete pile of nervousness and complete restlessness.
By the time supper was over, I was ready to bolt for the door and hide in my room until tomorrow, but I had Prefect duties that were to be done first.
Silently I led the Slytherin first years to the staircase and explained to them about it moving and about the floors that were off limits and such.
Once arriving at the picture where the door to Slytherin common room was, I turned to them.
"Now, all of you must remember what I am about to say, if you forget, you will not be able to gain entry to the common room."
They all nodded to show that they understood as I turned back to the painting and the picture asked me for the password.
"Estuans....." I spoke loudly to the picture to make sure it and the students heard me the first time.
I could hear gasping as the picture swung open to reveal the common room, I stepped inside and waved the all inside, the picture closing after they had all made it into the room.
"Now listen everyone. Your things have already been brought up and are in your rooms, girls as on the left, boys on the right. Both are up the stairs. Bathrooms are down the stairway and to the left or right. Prefects bathrooms are not to be used, as well as the teacher's bathrooms."
I paused to let that sink in, waiting until they all nodded and had made sure they remembered all of what I had said.
"After lights out, no student is to be out of bed or points will be taken away from Slytherin for it, and you will be given detention with Professor Snape. Do not use magic unless given permission, never be late for class, turn in all homework when it is due, and always pay attention to everything a teacher says. Now, off to bed!"
Apparently my voice was enough to send them running and they did so, girls to the left and boys to the right. That only made my job easier now that I knew they at least feared me to some degree.
"Very well done Miss Garrison, I see you have already established that you are the authority figure in this house." Came a deep, and dangerously icy voice from behind me.
I whirled around, my wand in hand and ready to be used at my slightest word, and I found myself face to face with Professor Snape, the wand immediately falling out of my hand when I saw it was him.
"Professor...I...I..." My mind could not find the words I needed to say to him, but he only smirked and picked my wand up, holding it out to me.
Cautiously I reached out and took it from him, putting it back into the folds of my robe before I got into trouble.
"You know better than to point your wand at a teacher..." He said dangerously as he circled me a few times.
"Yes Sir, it will not happen again." I said as I tensed greatly while he circled me as a tiger would before it devoured its prey.
"See that it does not, I would hate to deduct points from Slytherin because of the foolish actions of a prefect no less. We can't have you setting a bad example on these first years." He said mockingly as he stood before me and smirked at my obvious discomfort.
"No Sir we cannot, I shall be about my business now....I must check the Slytherin floor tonight..." I said softly as I brushed past him and almost ran for the door.
"Miss Garrison! I did not dismiss you!" His voice echoed in the room and I stopped in my tracks, turning to him.
"Y-yes p-professor..?" I stammered as I glanced at him cautiously, hoping I wasn't about to get blasted of anything.
"Do not let me catch you messing up anymore, is that clear?" He said quietly as he glared at me.
"Perfectly clear sir....I will not mess up...." My voice was strained as I answered, his sudden outburst having scared me.
"Good, I shall see you in class tomorrow, you will be helping me with the first years, I do hope you have been studying...dismissed!"
I had no problem obeying that request as I fled the common room as fast as my legs would carry me.
Once I was safely outside of the room, I let out a sigh of relief before walking to the end of the corridor to begin my nightly rounds.
Being alone in the halls gave me time to think about everything that I could think of to think about, but I would much rather have been in my room writing in my journal about everything, but I could do that later.
Finally eleven o'clock rolled around and it was time for me to go to bed, I could hardly wait as I hurried back toward the common room.
Silently I entered after speaking the password, heading straight for my room on the lower level of the common room.
Once I was in my room, I changed into a short silky nightgown with no straps and then slid into my bed, still sitting up.
I took my hair down from its ponytail and brushed it out, it now stopping at my waist since it had grown out.
With a light yawn, I slid down into the bed and then covered myself up, resting my head on the pillow before falling into a relaxed and peaceful sleep.
I knew that tomorrow's classes would prove to be hard, if not very difficult since I had not been to Hogwarts in almost three long years......
The muggle train station, it looked like it always had, except for a few minor changes in things. It was still crawling with muggles, who are, if you don't know by now, people who have no magic ability. As for myself, I am almost completely pure in my line of blood, but even if I weren't, I would still be a proud witch as I have always been. Oh, forgive me for being rude, my name is Alexandra Nichole Garrison; most of my friends call me Alex, Nikki, or just Nichole. Ah yes, back on track with this journal thing, I do tend to ramble you know.
With a light sigh, I walked away from the car where my parents were waving goodbye to me, I felt like a first year again. The only reason I felt that way is because it had been over two and a half years since I had even seen anything except the walls of my room or the hospital room. And at this moment, the very sight of the pillar where platform nine and three quarters was made me grow excited, I was finally going back to Hogwarts!
Ah yes, I seem to have forgotten a few other details about myself that you most likely should know. First off is that I am a sixth year student, and headgirl and prefect of the Slytherin house. Though I know that is not what you wanted to know, but Slytherin is actually a great house to be in, but that is not the point at this moment. You must be wondering why I was speaking of not seeing the school, or anything else for that matter, in a long time so I shall explain.
Flashback
"Hermione, stay here and take care of Ron. He's right. This is something that I must do alone." Harry Potter, a first year Gryffindor, said to his friend Hermione Granger.
Watching as he left the chess room to pursue whoever or whatever it was that they had come down here for.
Of course I was watching from the shadows of the large room, silently hoping that the Weasley boy was going to live. That was something that no one was going to find out, it was utterly disgusting to think that I was actually worried about some first years who had broken so many rules and were about to get so many points taken away that it would make their heads spin.
Even though I wanted to help the first years, I was afraid. I know, yes me, a fourth year student was afraid of this when even the first years were down here, it was shameful I tell you. Though eventually, my mind had talked me into helping them, but no sooner than I stepped out of the shadows of my hiding place, a very large piece of one of the chess figures fell right onto me, rendering me completely unconscious.
That accident had almost cost me my life, but a teacher had saved me, so I was told. But I will explain that story to you at a later date, now, back on with what I need to do on the train, I can't write in my journal forever you know!
"Will all prefects please dress in your robes and start examining your cars to make sure that all students are present!" Came a voice over the speakers of the train just as I had finished writing in my journal and putting it away.
With a smile I stood and slid on my robes along with my silver prefect badge, proudly displaying the Slytherin colors, as I should. Before leaving my car, I silently placed a charm on my robes so that they wouldn't keep billowing about me all the time, and then I stepped out into the hallway of the train.
Walking down the corridor and checking in on the students, I got numerous "Hello" 's and a great many "Glad to see you are back!" 's and it made me feel wonderful to be back on that train, at least for the moment.
I had only three cars left to check before I could go back to my own when I peeked into one of them and saw Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter.
"Nichole Garrison! It is great to see you are here again!" Came Hermione's voice from inside the car before she swung the door open and pulled me inside for a moment.
I smiled at her and the two boys before nodding and folding my hands in front of me, "I am rather glad to be back to school, it had gotten so boring with doing my lessons by owl post."
They all nodded and then Harry stood up and smiled at me, "Thank you for all the help you gave us when we went after Voldemort."
Ron piped up and said, "Yes, thank you. Would you like a chocolate frog, or some Bertie Botts?"
I laughed lightly and then shook my head, "No thank you, I must be along with my rounds you know. Though I do thank you for your kind words, if I could award points to you, I would give each of you fifty for being so kind to me."
They all nodded as I left the car and then checked the next one, unfortunately that car contained Neville Longbottom, that strange little Colin boy, and Semus Fleming. I quickly moved on from that car to the last. Upon opening the door I was greeted with a smirk and two equally dull looks, you can guess who was in that car.
"Ah, I see that our headgirl has finally decided to come back to school after so long." Draco Malfoy said as he rose to his feet.
Goodness but he was tall now, not to mention very handsome like his father, it was a pity that we were so far apart in ages.
"Draco Malfoy, how utterly wonderful to see you and your duo of sidekicks once again." I said though almost clenched teeth.
The boy was handsome and very well spoken, but he was a Malfoy and as such, he was a spoiled little brat whom I would have loved to strangle for even looking at me in such a way as he was at this moment.
He seemed to be taking my discomfort of his gaze to be very amusing because he circled me slowly before coming to a stop in front of me again, his eyes piercing into my own.
"If there is something you wish to say Mr. Malfoy, do it now, I do not have time for your idle banter." I said as I turned from him and went toward the door of the car to leave.
"Well, there was no point in being so rude to one of your own house Nichole, you should be worrying about Potter and his friends, but I see that you've become quite friendly with them since your return" Draco said with a smirk as he closed the door the car behind me as I left.
I was so irritated with that little brat that I could have killed him if his father, Lucius, wouldn't have me killed for even trying such a thing.
When I got back to my car, my nerves were on edge, and I decided that I needed a relaxing nap on the way to the school, and so I slept the rest of the way there.
"All students off of the train please, in an orderly manner!" The voice shattered my dreams and roused me from my sleep.
Quickly smoothing out my hair and robes I got in line to get off of the train, still a bit groggy from my nap.
Hagrid, the grounds keeper, helped me off of the train with a light nod and a smile as I walked over to the lake and stepped onto one of the boats, taking my place as a prefect, helping the first years onto the boat.
Most of them looked nervous or scared, but I calmed them easily enough. It seemed that they had been told there was a giant monster residing in the lake, in truth there was, but they wouldn't need to know that right now, they would be told in their third year.
With a nod from all the prefects, the boats started across the lake toward the castle, and I was almost trembling with anticipation to be inside.
I knew what awaited us once there, and I was ready for it all, even the N.E.W.T.S. that must be taken at the end of the term, I could have cared less.
When we reached the other side of the lake, I helped the first years off the boat and then led them into the castle where I left them with the other first years as the rest of us went to the Great Hall.
It was just as I had remembered it, only even more wonderful than a memory, and a smile lit up my face as I glanced around. I was the last person to enter the room and all eyes had turned to me for the moment.
Headmaster Dumbledore stood from his chair and raised his glass to me before taking his seat once again. Most of the other teachers nodded to me as I walked gracefully toward my table of Slytherin's.
I did notice, however, that one teacher had done nothing but stare at me, it was our own Head of House, Professor Snape.
He was a tall man with shoulder length black hair, deep hazel eyes, smooth sallow skin, and a thick velvety voice that could strike fear into even the bravest of wizards.
A shudder ran through me as I took my seat at the head of the Slytherin table, gaining a chorus of welcome back's and other good wishes.
My only problem with the seating is that I was facing Professor Snape whenever I looked up from the table, and I could feel his eyes burning into me. I know I had been trouble my first year at Hogwarts, but I could have sworn that the man hated me beyond all reasoning possible.
Before I could think on the subject anymore, Professor McGonagall led the first years into the Great Hall. I could hear them gasping as they glanced around, much like I had done in my first year at Hogwarts.
Many of them were gazing at the ceiling that was enchanted to look like the night sky, but it was only an illusion. Anyone would have known that if they had read the book Hogwarts: A History.
We all sat quietly as McGonagall explained the Sorting Ceremony to the first years, who were a bit more relaxed now.
As the ceremony took place, I joined in with the cheering as we gained new members, but all the while, I could still feel Professor Snape's eyes on me. And every time I looked in his direction, my suspicions were confirmed, he'd hardly taken his eyes off me since I arrived.
Turning back to watch the remainder of the students get sorted, I noticed another teacher watching me, I knew him by name of course, he was Professor Remus Lupin.
With a light smile from him, he slightly inclined his glass toward me and nodded his head before taking a drink of what I know was wine.
I smiled softly and nodded in return before joining in the last of Slytherin's cheering, still gazing at Professor Lupin since he was still looking at me.
Headmaster Dumbledore broke all of our staring as he rose to his feet and held up his glass, "Welcome to Hogwarts all of you, I am sure that you all must be hungry, but there are a few things I wish to say before we begin to eat."
He looked directly at me and smiled, "First off, I would like to say that it is wonderful to have Slytherin's headgirl and new Prefect back with us."
Cheering and clapping went on as I turned a light shade of scarlet, keeping my head lowered until it was all over with.
"Second of all, I have not gotten the chance to thank the member of this staff who saved her from certain death, and I wish to do that now, while she is here to thank them as well."
Rising to my feet as instructed by his gesture, I walked gracefully toward the teacher's table, allowing my robes to flow along behind me as I walked. Once I reached the table, I gazed at all of the teachers, most of who were smiling at me happily.
Dumbledore looked at me and then nodded, "As I have promised, you will now see who it was that saved your precious life two and a half years ago Miss Garrison."
For a moment, nothing changed and then out of the corner of my eye, I saw Professor Snape rise to his feet and approach me.
Headmaster Dumbledore smiled and continued, "Your Head of House, Professor Serverus Snape, is the one who saved your life that night."
I was a bit shocked as I turned to the Professor, my cheeks a bit pink and my eyes undoubtedly widened with the revelation.
"Miss Garrison...." He spoke in his silky voice, sending shivers down my spine as he did.
"P-professor...I thank you....I am forever in your debt." I said softly as I lowered my head out of pure respect to the man.
"Miss Garrison, I hardly think that words are enough to thank our dear professor for saving your life." Dumbledore spoke softly from the head of the table, and the other teachers nodded in agreement with him.
Glancing up at Professor Snape, he looked about ready to run or strangle me, I hadn't figured out which one yet.
With a light sigh, I stepped closer to him and then embraced him in a hug, which, amazingly, he returned.
It was a sudden shock to me, the soft enticing scent of him mixed with the strength that lay in his arms that were now around me so tightly. I could hardly breathe as my face lay gently against the warm skin of his neck for a moment before the hug was broken.
Every student looked shocked beyond words as I took a hasty step back from him, knowing that in my eyes, he could see what was not written on my face.
After a few seconds of silence, the room erupted with cheering for the professor. He only nodded and then returned to his seat, I followed the example and returned to my seat as quickly as I could, avoiding all questions for the moment.
"Now, without any further delays, let us feast." Dumbledore said as the food magically appeared on the tables like always.
I sat quietly, only nibbling at my food since my mind was in such turmoil from what had happened moments ago.
When in this life had I even become aware of the fact that Professor Snape was even remotely handsome. I didn't know the answer to that, but I did know that by some unknown force, I was greatly attracted to him in more ways than one.
Supper was halfway through when I looked up and saw him staring at me again, and my breath caught in my throat as I held his gaze longer than necessary.
It was Professor Lupin who broke our gazes as he waved his hand in front of Snape's face, causing the professor to smack at his hands before giving me one last look and turning to talk to Lupin.
I was thankful for the interruption of the gaze because I had become a complete pile of nervousness and complete restlessness.
By the time supper was over, I was ready to bolt for the door and hide in my room until tomorrow, but I had Prefect duties that were to be done first.
Silently I led the Slytherin first years to the staircase and explained to them about it moving and about the floors that were off limits and such.
Once arriving at the picture where the door to Slytherin common room was, I turned to them.
"Now, all of you must remember what I am about to say, if you forget, you will not be able to gain entry to the common room."
They all nodded to show that they understood as I turned back to the painting and the picture asked me for the password.
"Estuans....." I spoke loudly to the picture to make sure it and the students heard me the first time.
I could hear gasping as the picture swung open to reveal the common room, I stepped inside and waved the all inside, the picture closing after they had all made it into the room.
"Now listen everyone. Your things have already been brought up and are in your rooms, girls as on the left, boys on the right. Both are up the stairs. Bathrooms are down the stairway and to the left or right. Prefects bathrooms are not to be used, as well as the teacher's bathrooms."
I paused to let that sink in, waiting until they all nodded and had made sure they remembered all of what I had said.
"After lights out, no student is to be out of bed or points will be taken away from Slytherin for it, and you will be given detention with Professor Snape. Do not use magic unless given permission, never be late for class, turn in all homework when it is due, and always pay attention to everything a teacher says. Now, off to bed!"
Apparently my voice was enough to send them running and they did so, girls to the left and boys to the right. That only made my job easier now that I knew they at least feared me to some degree.
"Very well done Miss Garrison, I see you have already established that you are the authority figure in this house." Came a deep, and dangerously icy voice from behind me.
I whirled around, my wand in hand and ready to be used at my slightest word, and I found myself face to face with Professor Snape, the wand immediately falling out of my hand when I saw it was him.
"Professor...I...I..." My mind could not find the words I needed to say to him, but he only smirked and picked my wand up, holding it out to me.
Cautiously I reached out and took it from him, putting it back into the folds of my robe before I got into trouble.
"You know better than to point your wand at a teacher..." He said dangerously as he circled me a few times.
"Yes Sir, it will not happen again." I said as I tensed greatly while he circled me as a tiger would before it devoured its prey.
"See that it does not, I would hate to deduct points from Slytherin because of the foolish actions of a prefect no less. We can't have you setting a bad example on these first years." He said mockingly as he stood before me and smirked at my obvious discomfort.
"No Sir we cannot, I shall be about my business now....I must check the Slytherin floor tonight..." I said softly as I brushed past him and almost ran for the door.
"Miss Garrison! I did not dismiss you!" His voice echoed in the room and I stopped in my tracks, turning to him.
"Y-yes p-professor..?" I stammered as I glanced at him cautiously, hoping I wasn't about to get blasted of anything.
"Do not let me catch you messing up anymore, is that clear?" He said quietly as he glared at me.
"Perfectly clear sir....I will not mess up...." My voice was strained as I answered, his sudden outburst having scared me.
"Good, I shall see you in class tomorrow, you will be helping me with the first years, I do hope you have been studying...dismissed!"
I had no problem obeying that request as I fled the common room as fast as my legs would carry me.
Once I was safely outside of the room, I let out a sigh of relief before walking to the end of the corridor to begin my nightly rounds.
Being alone in the halls gave me time to think about everything that I could think of to think about, but I would much rather have been in my room writing in my journal about everything, but I could do that later.
Finally eleven o'clock rolled around and it was time for me to go to bed, I could hardly wait as I hurried back toward the common room.
Silently I entered after speaking the password, heading straight for my room on the lower level of the common room.
Once I was in my room, I changed into a short silky nightgown with no straps and then slid into my bed, still sitting up.
I took my hair down from its ponytail and brushed it out, it now stopping at my waist since it had grown out.
With a light yawn, I slid down into the bed and then covered myself up, resting my head on the pillow before falling into a relaxed and peaceful sleep.
I knew that tomorrow's classes would prove to be hard, if not very difficult since I had not been to Hogwarts in almost three long years......
