Written for the October Event:Costume Party - Vampire

Word count: 565

"What are you doing out bed at this hour, Ms. Potter?" I asked looking questioningly at the young witch who stood in front of me.

" I need help with my potions essay. Please, the teacher told us to make it 12 inches long and I have no idea how to make it so." she said in a pleading voice.

I could never deny her anything. Having Lily's eyes beg me, I didn't stand a chance and she knew too well that. And she used it in her favor more than once.

"So, how long did you made it?" I asked dreading the answer. She always wrote much more than needed, giving complex answers like a potion mistress. Only that she was twelve at Hogwarts and didn't need such complex answers. And who did she ask to modify her essays? Me. I had the hard job to make her essays understandable for her potions professor.

" Well, 24 inches long" she said while looking anywhere but him.

"What?!" I hissed my fangs coming out." You wrote double! And when is it due?" I asked bracing myself for the worst. and the worst it came.

"Tomorrow, the first class." she answered with a sly smile.

" You mean today, don't you? It's past midnight. It will take me until morning to make it at least 12 inches long. And I didn't even hunted yet. Why did you wait until last minute? Now what I am supposed to do. I am thirsty. I need blood. And the only available meal right now it is you. So, what do you propose, miss Potter?"

"I am sorry professor, I forgot that you..."

I scoffed at her"You forgot what? That I am a vampire? That I need blood? that I usually hunt at this hour, though it is not the first time you come at the same time with an essay due the following morning?"

"No, of course not! I meant to say that I forgot that auntie is not home right now."

"And what do you mean by that?" I asked getting irritated.

"Well, you are more grumpy when she is away. You miss her."

I wanted to deny it, but I knew it was true. Usually I didn't complain that I hadn't fed or that she shouldn't be out of Hogwarts or that she always waited until the last moment...but when Hermione was gone...

She looked at me knowingly and smiled. I sighed defeated.

"Alright, you are right. Hermione is away in New York for Ministry and I am home alone now. I will help you. Leave me the essay, I will bring it to you in the morning while you eat breakfast." I said as I motioned for her to put it on the table.

"But, you won't feed anymore?" she asked in a small voice. Oh! Instantly I become wary. When she is shy like that she is plotting something.

"No, I can resist a few more hours until I finish your homework. You really should learn to not write them at university level."

"Yes, professor Snape." and with that she left.

I sighed with relief. Whatever she was plotting I escaped tonight, but it was something big, otherwise she wouldn't have called me professor. She always does that when she is up to no good.