Disclaimer: *See chapter one. ;)
Chapter Nine: Classing Up
When Laurel woke up her first realization was that she still had all of her clothes on. 'Thank god.' She thought. After she determined that she did appear to be in a bed she did her customary "morning after a night out" systems check. She wiggled all of her toes and fingers, making sure that all of her extremities were still fully attached. Sensing no serious damage had occurred she yawned loudly and stretched the sleep out of her aching limbs.
'No headache so far,' she thought sleepily, 'but I don't really think I've completely sobered up yet. Damn, Pippa never even gave me my stupid books back.'
Her eyes blinked open and closed quickly as she hid her face in black blankets to hide from the bright light of the room. 'Wait,' she thought, as she sat up abruptly, 'I have a green comforter!'
Her eyes watering with the pain of remaining open in the bright light she looked around her. She was in a room she had only seen briefly once before, a room with cold stone walls, a room that had more books than it was right for one person to own, a room that belonged to Severus Snape.
"Shit." She thought out loud. She had admitted to herself, on several occasions that she found her tutor attractive, but she never thought it would be anything she would ever act on, even while heavily intoxicated. Beginning to hyperventilate she ran one hand through her hair, which had somehow escaped the rubber band that had held it in place last night. Consoling herself with the fact that she was still fully clothed, she made her way precariously out of the bed.
Her mind still slightly fogged by the alcohol she made her way to the door that she knew led to his classroom. As soon as she opened the door she was greeted by a deep baritone voice. "I see you have awakened. It's surprisingly early considering the state you were in last night."
Laurel found herself entirely grateful that Severus possessed a soothing baritone of a voice. Her college roommate has an irritating whine of a voice which made the few mornings after Laurel indulged in alcohol very painful.
Taking more steps into the classroom nearer to Severus, who was sitting at his desk concentrating intently on some papers, she murmured her response with a tired, husky voice. "I usually wake up obnoxiously early after a night out. What time is it exactly?"
"Just after seven o'clock."
Laurel found herself frustrated with the way the man would barely even look at her. For god's sake she had spent the night in his bed, and Laurel has no guess as to what had transpired before she had fallen asleep. Rubbing one arm awkwardly she began to speak once more, reluctant to admit she couldn't recall the majority of the previous night, but exceptionally curious as to what had actually taken place. "So, last night was rather interesting wasn't it?"
Amused eyes found hers, "We didn't have sex."
She was shocked at his bluntness, but had to admit she appreciated it as relief flooded her body. "Well now, that's a good thing I guess." Realizing he was obviously very aware she did not remember anything involving him last night she felt more confident in her next words. "If you don't mind me asking, how did I end up in your bed?"
This time he turned his entire chair to face her. She wasn't sure if he had ever paid her this much attention before. "I found you in front of your portrait on the verge of losing consciousness. Seeing as you have changed your password I had little choice but to bring you to my own quarters until you woke."
She almost felt bad for even thinking he had taken advantage of her intoxication. "Thanks for that. It probably wouldn't have been too much fun to wake up on the floor."
"No indeed. Now it would probably be best for you to-" Laurel never got to find out what he thought it might be best for her to do, however, as the door to the classroom swung open violently revealing Pippa.
Her eyes locked on Severus Pippa began "Snape! Have you seen-" she broke off abruptly as she caught sight of Laurel. Relief obvious on her face Pippa ran up to Laurel gripping her in a tight hug. "Oh thank Merlin you stupid, stupid girl. The last think I remember was we got caught by Filch and then everything else has been lost! Do you have any idea at all how frightened I was when I went to your room this morning only to find you weren't there? I thought Filch had gotten upset and fed you to the giant squid or something."
Realizing, for the first time, just where she had found her friend, Pippa looked at Laurel slyly, "Are you still wearing your clothes from last night?" When Laurel blushed a devious grin appeared on Pippa's face, "Did you spend the night here?" She looked at the professor still in his chair, "What do you have to say for yourself Snape, hmm?"
"I see no reason why I must account for the actions of Ms. Slade."
Pippa rolled her eyes dramatically, slapping her forehead with her open palm. "Of course, how silly of me, why on earth would you have to explain to me why your student apparently spent the night in your quarters."
"Ms. Slade is an adult, Ms. Russell, and I personally do not see any reason for either of us to explain the circumstances which transpired resulting in Ms. Slade remaining here for the night."
Laurel wanted to slap the man. Earlier he had been more than happy to be embarrassingly blunt. Now, he seemed to be enjoying ambiguity, leaving Pippa to think of her own circumstances. Deciding she would step in before Severus dug the hole any deeper Laurel began to talk. "It's nothing really Pippa. I had trouble getting into my room last night and Severus found me. Instead of leaving me there he brought me back here." She glared at Pippa, who was still smiling, forcefully she said, "He was a perfect gentleman."
Laurel wasn't really sure who looked more shocked at that statement, Severus or Pippa; however Pippa was the first to recover. With slightly upturned lips she spoke, "Well that was very nice of him, wasn't it." Facing Laurel fully she spoke to her. "Now I'm sure dear Snape here has some work he must be getting to. We should really be on our way."
Pippa grabbed one of Laurel's arms and practically dragged her from the classroom. As soon as they were out of the room Pippa grinned slyly once more, "There now, isn't this much better? Now that we're away from the big nasty you should have no problem telling me everything that happened last night!"
Yanking her arm free of Pippa's grip she sighed, exasperated, "I wasn't lying about anything Pippa, nothing happened last night. Scouts honor."
"Okay, first of all I sincerely doubt you are a scout. Second, I doubt you actually remember anything of last night yourself. All you know is what Snape told you. For all you know you could have been up all night wrapped in a passionate embrace with your potions tutor. Merlin you are a naughty girl!"
"I woke up with my clothes on and everything and I see no way in which Severus would benefit from lying to me." The inevitable headache caused by her indulgence last night beginning to appear Laurel rubbed the bridge of her nose in a slight attempt to fend it off. Glaring at Pippa, who for all intensive purposes appeared to be fine, Laurel said, "You appear to be gallingly chipper this morning. Why is it you aren't suffering like I am? It's not fair really."
Pippa looked at her curiously, "I used a simple hangover potion this morning. I usually keep a few around just in case. I was a little worried it wouldn't work with a hangover caused by muggle alcohol, and you have no idea how thankful I was when I discovered it did. I would have thought Snape would have given you one, but you're free to have one of mine if that isn't the case."
Laurel forced herself to think before she spoke. The idea that drinking some liquid would cure her of this headache sounded miraculous, however Dumbledore had said that potions would likely not affect her, and Pippa, as she had arrive after Laurel, was not aware Laurel appeared to be immune to magic. Not sure if that was something Pippa should know she averted her eyes and tried to speak convincingly, "I've never really liked to take those, you know I'm the one who drank too much and this is my punishment."
Thankfully Pippa seemed to buy it as she laughed, "That is one of the silliest things I've ever heard Laurel, you are one strange girl. To each his own I suppose, though just so you know, you are always welcome to any one of my potions should you need it."
Laurel had to smile at the gesture, however useless it was. She didn't even have to act as she expressed her gratitude "That's very nice of you to offer Pippa."
Linking arms with Laurel, Pippa grinned, "Think nothing of it! It's something I would offer to any friend of mine." Arms linked the two friends walked into the Great Hall.
The rest of the day seemed to pass in a blur for Laurel. She wasn't sure if it was the fact that she had a splitting headache and didn't want to remember the achy, nauseous mess she was all day, or just the fact that so much seemed to happen in such a small amount of time.
Just after breakfast Laurel and the rest of the staff met for a quick overview of what would transpire during the day. After receiving her books back from Pippa she found some time to study before everyone was gathered to greet the students.
After weeks of nothing but empty hallways to see the swarms of children who entered the halls was overwhelming. They were loud, obnoxious, and reminded her why she never planned on having children. Still, she supposed they might not always be this bad. After all, they were likely very excited to see their friends after a long summer away from them.
The sorting hat was the most amazing part of the night. Laurel supposed that after all of the things she had seen recently nothing should be surprising, and yet when the hat began to sing she had been entirely shocked. Minerva had been kind enough to explain the sorting process and the different houses the children were placed in. Although Laurel found the whole process slightly inane, and could only see it breeding animosity between the students, she supposed they had their reasons.
Whatever reason the next day arrived sooner than she knew, and she found herself, at an early six o'clock in the morning, sitting in the potions classroom waiting for the first class to arrive, a class of sixth year students from the houses Slytherin and Gryffindor.
Laurel sat in the front of the room, in her own chair next to Severus' desk, as the bleary eyed students filed in sporadically. When the room was mostly filled Severus whisked into the room dramatically from his own quarters, dark cape billowing behind him spectacularly.
While Severus had never had the kindest of demeanors, she could tell immediately when he stepped into the room that he transformed when he taught. He stood taller with confidence, or possibly arrogance, and he seemed to have an eternal sneer on his face as he looked out at the students before him. Essentially the man was intimidating.
His voice dry he addressed his students. "I suppose I will have to trust that over the summer you have not forgotten everything you have learned. We will start off with a simple Calming Draught. I trust one of you will be capable of telling me the process by which the Calming Draught will be made."
Most of the students bent their heads over their desks and began rifling through their books immediately. One girl in particular, a girl with heavy brown hair and an eager face, didn't even open her book, but instead raised her hand high, wiggling the fingers rapidly as an added affect. Laurel expected Severus to call on the girl raising her hand, but was surprised when he ignored her almost completely.
Instead Severus turned his head to the other side of the room and called out, "Mr. Malfoy, would you be able to take us through the process?"
A boy with platinum blond hair, whom she assumed was the son of the man she had met in Diagon Alley, spoke up with a cocksure voice. "Four drops of Glumbumble fluid should be added to two liters of boiling water, and stirred in a clockwise direction for thirty seconds. The solution should be allowed to sit until it is a vibrant green color before adding five nettles that have been crushed to a fine powder. Immediately after one Jobbernoll feather should be added. Stir the potion twice to the left, three times to the right, and five more times to the left before covering to let sit. It should be effective any time after one hour of sitting, but should not be bottled until it has been allowed to cool for at the very least twelve hours."
Laurel's head swarmed with all of the information the boy rattled off. She remembered reading briefly about the Calming Draught, and could remember that both the Glumbumble fluid and Jobbernoll feather were key ingredients, however she wouldn't have been able to say if the boy was correct as far as the details were concerned.
For his part Severus seemed content with the boy's answer. "Ten points to Slytherin Mr. Malfoy, however there was one detail which you were mistaken about. Would anyone happen to know what detail Mr. Malfoy was mistaken about?"
Laurel stood shocked as once more Severus looked around the room, ignoring the brown haired girl who seemed to know the answer. Laurel decided she would not sit by as Severus taunted the student in such a way. Pointing to the girl raising her hand, Laurel spoke up, "You there, what is your name?"
Looking at her for the first time the girl lowered her arm slowly as she answered, "Hermione Granger."
"Well Ms. Granger, would I be correct in assuming you know where exactly Mr. Malfoy made his mistake?"
The girl began quietly, her voice gaining confidence as she spoke of the facts. "Directly after the Jobbernoll feather is added the solution should be allowed to simmer for a minute before stirring. That's all really."
Laurel nodded and looked at Severus, expecting him to be pleased with what she assumed was the correct answer. She was surprised at the venom she saw on his face.
He was furious.
She could almost see his jaw tick as he ground his teeth together in anger. Resisting the urge to scoot her chair further away from him Laurel sank into her chair. Stubbornly facing his class he spoke, "That is correct Ms. Granger. Students, if you would gather and prepare the proper ingredients I ask you to excuse us from the class temporarily as I must have a word with my," He paused a nasty sneer on his face, "assistant."
Severus left the classroom into the hallway outside and Laurel followed, as she was expected to do. Almost as soon as the door to the classroom closed behind her Severus rounded on her, looming over her threateningly.
"What on earth did you think you were doing?"
Severely afraid of the man in front of her she spoke in a timid voice. "You were acting unjustly and I felt it was my duty to-"
He cut her off with a vicious snarl, "Your duty? As far as I am concerned you have no duty during class time. That is my classroom, and sitting inside are my students. Mine. Not ours, not yours, mine. You are a guest in my classroom and you will respect me and I strongly suggest you never undermine my authority such as you did today. I will teach my class unhindered by your presence."
Laurel was beginning to get angry. How on earth did she end up being the one getting a lecture? Hands on her hips she frowned at the man before her and spoke with more confidence than before. "I'll allow you to teach your class 'unhindered by my presence' so long as you are a fair and decent teacher."
"If you are referring to the fact that I gave Malfoy points for his answer and failed to do so for Granger I believe that was justified, seeing as Malfoy provided the majority of the answer and I myself did not actually call upon Granger."
She leaned in towards him trying to determine whether or not he actually knew what he did. "You were humiliating that girl, Severus, and I hardly believe that is decent teaching."
A slight frown appeared on his face. "Ms. Granger is more than capable and willing to provide me with the answer to any question that I ask. If I allow her to answer every question the other students would not learn the information as readily as they would were they involved in the reiteration of the facts during class."
"Bull shit. You completely ignored her Severus. The least you could have done was acknowledge she knew the answer, and explained you felt one of the other students should answer it. Instead you disregarded her entirely leaving myself, and most probably the entire class, with the feeling that you hold a great personal dislike for her. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of ridicule from the students that could open her up to."
His eyes hardened as he firmly set his jaw, "I will teach my class as I see fit."
"Fine! Just so you know though, as long as you 'teach' like you did today expect more interruptions from me. I may sit by quietly and do all of the ridiculous tasks you ask of me, but I will not stand by idly and watch while you treat your students unreasonably." Laurel let out a small sigh and shook her head sadly. "Honestly, I thought you would be above things like that." For the first time since they met Laurel turned her back and walked back into the classroom, leaving a stunned Severus behind her.
For his part Severus merely stood there, taken aback in shock. He knew it was ridiculous, but she had honestly made him feel bad for the way he had acted. Where teaching was concerned Severus was very serious about it. He may not always like the students, but he was dedicated to making even the most miserable of students into all that they could be. To have her insult his teaching was a firm blow.
However Severus did have to admit, he had his reasons for treating Hermione, and Gryffindors in general, poorly. He was, after all, supposed to be one of the Dark Lord's most powerful supporters. There were many eyes and ears around Hogwarts, and if any suspicious behavior on his part was spotted, even if it was as little as giving a Gryffindor a kind word, he had little doubt that it would be reported to Voldemort immediately. He shuddered to think what the consequences might be.
Seeing as he was alone in the hallway Severus allowed a slight smile as he thought of Laurel scolding him. Severus felt the scolding was unfair, though he was not about to explain to Laurel why, but he had to admit he was glad to discover the girl had some sort of a backbone after all. It has been weeks since she entered the castle and the entire time she had been tiptoeing around him agreeing to his every demand. It was as though she was afraid to show that she could think for herself.
Severus decided he liked this fiery side to her personality. Her face had become flustered as she scolded him, and her voice gained confidence. It was a pleasant change from the timid mouse that he had been sharing company with recently. Personally Severus was looking forward to continuing to act as he had for all of his time here at Hogwarts, and was debating torturing the Gryffindors a little bit more, if only so he could catch glimpses of the fireball that had confronted him just a few moments earlier.
After sufficiently wiping any hints of a smile off of his face, Severus opened the heavy doors, and entered the classroom once more. He paced quickly to his desk he looked around the room, which was filled with his students working on preparing the ingredients for the potion they would be making. Out of the corner of his eye he risked a glance as Laurel, and saw her sitting in her chair, jaw clenched and arms crossed tightly, with a glowering look on her face. He had to work hard to suppress the smile threatening to find its way onto his face.
"As soon as you believe your ingredients have been prepared sufficiently you may begin to brew your potion." He took his seat and found the papers he would need for the day's work. "Should you require any assistance Professor Slade will be available to field any questions."
He didn't even have to look at her to know that she even as he spoke Laurel was rifling through her book, looking for the page that described the Calming Draught, determined to be ready for any questions the students should have.
End Chapter Nine
A/N:
Thanks much to my beta, evenstar101, and everyone who reviewed the last chapter, (sunshinefarah, Jaeda, goldilox8265, meeeee, Squee!, Almost Harmless, Command2Conquer, Sarah, butterscotch please, Istani, and OniSaruKaraJigoku). Thanks also to the people who put the story on story alert. :) It's good to know that people are enjoying this.
As always constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
