Disclaimer:- I didn't invent any of the characters that I am going to use in my story. That honour belongs to J.K.Rowling.
Chapter 11 – Spoiled Fun
Hermione made her way down the stone staircase that led into the dungeon. It was Saturday afternoon, and the sun shone in the aquamarine sky, as it had been doing all day. Birds flitted between the trees whose branches were covered in smooth, emerald leaves and adorned with berries of unimaginable colours and variety. The lake glistened in the sunlight, and its cool waters beckoned to the students, many of whom were already paddling in the shallower parts. Even the Forbidden Forest looked almost inviting in the brightness of the day. It's vast oaks and sycamores providing welcome shade from the heat.
Hermione had spent the morning with her friends down by the lake. While she had studied, they had amused themselves with a game of rounders, until their happiness had infected her so much that she just had to join in. She soon got into the spirit of things, running and laughing along with the others.
And now her fun was spoiled.
She received an owl requesting her to be present in Snape's office at 3 o'clock precisely for a discussion about her schoolwork. At first she was merely irritated that her fun had to end so quickly, but then anxiety entered into her thoughts. Why was she required there? Her work had been nothing but exemplary, hadn't it? She racked her brains to think of something that she'd done wrong, or forgotten to do, but nothing came to mind. Resigning herself to the fact that Snape was probably in an unpleasant mood, and needed to take it out on someone, she walked towards the door of his office, and rapped her knuckles on the hard wood, blackened with age. "Enter."
She pushed open the door, and stepped into the small, stonewalled room, and saw her teacher staring at her. He sat in his chair. Wooden, but covered with worn green leather, finished with brass studs around the edges. A single torch smouldering in it's bracket illuminated his tired face. To Hermione, it looked almost grey. For a moment he seemed to her, somewhat diminished, his power and superiority escaped him. Until he scowled.
"You're late Miss Granger," he said abruptly, "Please sit down."
He gestured with his hand to the chair opposite across the desk. Obediently she sat down, holding her hands in her lap. She stared at him, defiant. She wasn't going to let him accuse her of doing something wrong when she hadn't!
With a flourish of his wand, a silver tea set appeared on his desk.
"Something to drink Miss Granger?" Snape asked pleasantly.
Hermione was aghast, at this display of generosity "Pardon Professor?"
"It's quite warm outside. Would you like a drink to refresh yourself?" repeated Snape in the same gentle tone.
