A Gift For A Hag
Chapter 12: An Empty Gesture
Professor Snape made his way to the staff lounge an hour later. He noticed that none of the teachers were outside of the doors chatting and making a disturbance as they usually did for every grab bag exchange. Snape smirked. He could never tell who was more excited with such nonsense and reacted foolishly, Hagrid or the Headmaster.
As he approached the doorway, Professor Vector was coming out, the bouquet of flowers in her arms.
"Severus," his name sounded strange to his ears. She usually snapped out his last name during one of her harpy tirades. "Thank you, they are really lovely." She smiled at him awkwardly, not sure what else to say. She really hadn't expected anything decent from him. Surely, something insulting was expected after all.
"You are…welcome, Vector," Snape said curtly, failing to make eye contact.
Professor Vector slowly held out her hand to shake and Professor Snape stared at her and took her hand grudgingly. Professor Vector then lightly touched his arm and leaned in to kiss him on both cheeks in the European fashion…
Snape backed away dauntingly, daring her with his eyes to come any closer and invade his personal space even further.
Vector shrugged and shook her head knowingly when Snape interrupted…
"Thankfully, I will not be troubled again for at least the next grab bag," Snape spat in disgust.
Professor Vector was not surprised but nonetheless a bit offended. Her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.
"Surely, I never fancied you my valentine, Snape. I do wonder who the fortunate lady will be next year, she replied sarcastically. "The Sorting Hat certainly has a sense of humor to add to its many functions."
Snape, not liking her tone, continued…
"As for you, Vector, what lucky fellow would present you a gift without coercion? Who else could endure your madness?" Snape asked.
For a minute they both stared at each other and there was a very awkward silence in the hallway.
"What is that supposed to mean? Why must you endure me?" Vector looked queerly at him as if he was speaking mermish.
Professor Snape, not liking how his question was formulated, sneered, bared his teeth, and swept off leaving Vector standing alone in the hallway with her flowers.
Hopefully the hag had not misinterpreted his statement, mused Snape.
He thought quickly and made his way to the owlery, cursing silently the entire way. The grab bag gift had been given and he had fulfilled his promise to Dumbledore. The thoughts offered some consolation.
Snape looked around and found Charon. He beckoned his owl with his finger, one corner of his mouth turning up and relief flooding his body.
The owl swooped down from an aerial perch, ready to do his master's bidding.
"You are to go to Hogsmeade and place an order for me. However, you are to tell the shopkeeper not to fill it until tomorrow."
Snape decided that this time three boxes of blood lollipops would be sufficient. He already gave the hag the blasted bluebells. Wouldn't do to spoil her…
