True love and betrayal; revenge and more revenge. We see a heroine with an impossible goal looking for assistance. If only Mozart had lived in Hogwarts, Amadeus might have been able to keep his magical flute. All this Queen of Hogwarts wants is a golden ticket straight to an O on her Potions OWLS. Queen D better hope that she doesn't cross any lines she didn't want to take back.

~xoxo, Gossip Witch

Daphne took a deep breath as she made her way into the dungeons to prepare for her potions exam. This was the first exam in her life that she had actually studied for. She needed to get an internship at the Ministry this summer, and the one person standing in her way was Professor Snape.

Regardless of what the latest Gossip Witch blast wanted to state, Daphne had every intention of earning her grade on her morals and intelligence. She wasn't going to stoop to any lows she may regret later. She was already skating on thin ice with Blaise after the stairwell incident with Theo last week. Any thinner, and she would be falling right into the icy water of single life.

Daphne waltzed right up to her seat and began arranging her ingredients and equipment as she waited for Professor Snape to arrive. He had promised to tutor her on the brewing of amortentia. It had been a few years since she had studied that particular potion. With a little revision from her head of house, Daphne knew that she would be able to execute the brewing process perfectly.

"Ms. Greengrass," Snape said, startling her. "You're early."

"I just wanted to be prepared, Professor," she replied, batting her eyes at him. "Is that a problem?"

Snape glanced in her direction as he made his way to his desk, shaking his head. "Not a problem. Just a surprise, given your classmates' dedication to arriving to class or tutoring sessions on time."

"Is someone else coming today, sir?" Daphne asked, furrowing her brow. She'd hex whoever it was into next week. This was her chance to excel and show Snape she was worthy of the Ministry internship. She didn't need anyone else standing in her way.

"Potter and Malfoy will be joining us for their weekly independent study," Snape replied, glancing back at her over his shoulder. "Is that going to be a problem?"

"No sir," Daphne groaned, fighting the urge she felt to roll her eyes. "Can we get started then?"

Snape nodded. "Go gather your ingredients from storage."

He motioned towards the closet, waving a finger at the lock. "Alohomora."

Daphne made her way to the door quickly and began gathering her ingredients. She wasn't paying attention and ran right into Snape as she was walking out of the door.

"I'm so sorry, Professor," she stuttered, bending down to pick up the ingredients that had fallen out of her hands. As she did so, she brushed against his trousers. Her eyes went wide when she felt something poking her shoulder. She quickly grabbed the ingredients and ran over to her table.

Snape cleared his throat and readjusted his cloak. "Now, get started. I left the directions on your table. I will be back momentarily. I need to go take care of something in the common room."

"Yes, sir," Daphne replied, refusing to make eye contact with him. She held her breath as she waited for him to leave the room.

~xoxo~

With the door to the Potions lab closing behind him, Severus let out the breath he was holding. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the door. What the hell was happening to him?

"Severus, are you alright?" Minerva asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

He opened his eyes slowly and leaned forward, looking Minerva up and down. "I'm fine, Headmistress," he said, his voice low. "What brings you to the dungeons this time of the evening?"

Minerva smiled and crossed her arms over her chest, nodding her head slowly. "I was concerned about a certain young Slytherin who was looking to make an Outstanding on her Potions O.W.L.S. This particular student is known for getting exactly what she wants."

"You're referring to Ms. Greengrass," Severus replied, furrowing his brow.

"I am," Minerva said. "Have you seen her?"

"She's inside," Severus said, pointing to the door behind him. "Should I be concerned?"

"Just be careful, Severus," Minerva said, furrowing her brow. "She comes off as a sweetheart, but she can be quite dangerous."

"She's a child," Severus groaned, rolling his eyes. "How dangerous can she be?"

Minerva shook her head. "As I said, just be careful. Daphne will do anything to get that internship. That's just how she is."

Severus thought about what Minerva was saying for a few moments. He knew she was right, but he also knew what had just happened while he was inside. His body had betrayed him in a moment of weakness. Shaking his head, Severus scrubbed his hands over his face and took a deep breath.

"Just be careful," Minerva insisted, reaching out to pat his shoulder gently. "Have a good evening, Severus."

"You too, Minerva," Severus said, watching her walk away. He took a deep breath and turned back to the door.

Slowly, he reached out and touched the doorknob. He hesitated for a few moments before turning the knob and embarking back inside.

"After all," Severus mumbled to himself, "Potter and Malfoy will be here shortly. I'll only be alone with her for an hour tops."

~xoxo, Gossip Witch ~

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