Power in All its Glory
Chapter 21: Caught in the Act
Hermione turned at the sound of her professor's deep voice. She was surprised by his arrival, and it showed on her face. He gave her an accusing look, and she blushed guiltily under his gaze.
Wait! What did she have to feel guilty about? She hadn't actually done anything wrong.
Still, the man's timing was uncanny.
After a stunned silence, the three students started talking all at once.
"Professor, let me explain …"
"I wasn't serious, Professor …"
"It's all her fault!"
"Silence!" Professor Snape snapped. All sound ceased at his words. Even the portraits lining the wall were eerily quiet.
"I want all of you to return to your rooms, immediately."
He glared at each one of them for emphasis.
Not surprisingly, Hermione started to protest.
"I believe I have made myself quite clear, Miss Granger," he interrupted her before she had a chance to begin.
Snape watched them all go their respective ways before continuing his patrol of the hallways.
He knew they were probably wondering why he let them off so lightly. After all, they were out past curfew. He should have taken away house points, at the very least. Although his outward appearance gave the impression that he was mildly annoyed, in truth he was furious!
Furious at Hermione for taking so many chances.
Furious at Draco for involving her in whatever he was doing.
Furious at Parkinson for … well just being the annoying little twit that she was.
As he thought about what he had overheard, common sense kicked in. He realized there was nothing between Draco and Hermione.
The boy would never have announced their affair if there had been any truth to it. He was obviously tired of Parkinson. Of course, she was too dense to realize it.
The next morning found Draco wishing that Professor Snape had punished them; anything but the actual consequence that they received from their escapades the night before.
The announcement came at breakfast by Professor Dumbledore.
"Due to the sudden rash of students wandering the halls after curfew, all students are to be in their rooms by nine o'clock in the evening, without exception. This new curfew will be strictly enforced!" The old wizard studied them all intensely.
"Anyone caught out after curfew will be turned over to Mr. Filch."
All eyes turned to the caretaker who, unable to contain his glee, was doing a little jig of excitement. Professor Dumbledore gave him a warning look, and he stopped, although he could not hide the grin on his face.
Great! Draco knew that there was no way he was going to see Sibyll now.
Hermione had similar thoughts. Now it would be difficult for her to find out what Malfoy was doing. She would have to concentrate on getting into Snape's office and looking at those files … and in the middle of the day!
Pansy, however, did not have such negative thoughts. She had made a decision. Draco simply was not worth it. Not if he was obsessed with a Mudblood. A girl had her standards. There were plenty of other eligible Slytherins around.
Even with Dumbledore's chastising words, the air in the Great Hall was festive. The students knew they just had to make it through the day, and then they had four days off.
The mood of the staff varied. Many were just as excited at the thought of two extra days without students. All they had to do was to talk to Snape for an hour or so. The Headmaster had already informed them of that much.
Still others thought that nothing was worth having to spend any extra time with Snape.
On the other end of the continuum, there was one professor who was overjoyed at the thought of extra time with Snape.
Minerva smiled. She had an idea that would make this time with Snape really enjoyable. She just needed to talk to Madam Hooch. She hummed a now familiar muggle tune as she looked over at the unsuspecting Potions master.
This was more fun than she'd had in ages.