"Where are you going, Little Red Riding Hood?"

Severus Snape, that was the name of my potions professor. From the first year he was a tough and strict man in his classes. We must never make him angry, anything was better than a detention from Snape, I assure you. He did not tolerate lack of discipline, bad manners towards his person, or poorly done work, but above all he did not tolerate the students of the Gryffindor house.

Snape had always scared me. Ever since I left my real house and saw his face, I knew I wouldn't like being in Slytherin. And I was right about it, since first year potions class was my hour of suffering and I was a Slytherin. Well, the Gryffindor boys did have a hard time in his class. The year was 1985, my sister and I had started the prestigious school of magic and sorcery with great enthusiasm. We were the daughters of a good witch who gave up magic to be with the man she loved. Although later that same man abandoned us without any explanation...

Snape had always struck me as hateful. He liked to torture his students, squeeze them and punish them as much as he could. He enjoyed seeing the oppression on our faces and the anger contained for days.

Over the years our relationship hadn't changed much, only in the detentions. Every year the punishments became more repeated and our fights even more violent. Now for the Rosenbergs, punishment was their daily bread.

But this year everything changed. Never, never in my life would I have guessed how that dungeon bat felt. With the pact and the revelation of the love that Snape was prosecuting to my sister. Everything had come crashing down. Ever since I knew he wanted to sleep with me, ever since he kissed me, ever since he got on top of me… Why? If I never liked him, on more than one occasion I hated him and many times I wished him dead.

But I wanted it for myself. The butterflies that fluttered inside me kept asking me day after day: ''Elinor loves Severus''. But my reason, which was more prudent and cruel, every day reminded me of the same thing over and over again: ''Severus loves Isobel''. I was in a terrible spinning circle to nowhere. And the one who always lost was me.

My terrible potions professor continued to dress with his back to me. He didn't seem to mind at all that I was scrutinizing his body while he was getting dressed. I couldn't help but look at him lewd and fiery, I had been about to lose my virginity in his bed. I wasn't going to forget it, much less calm down right away. It made me want to undress completely and throw myself into his arms again. I wanted him fervently and wanted to be his passionately. I sighed.

On the bed on my knees I noticed how he looked at me, already fully dressed in his black robe and for a moment I thought that we would be like before when he again became my usual professor.

―But what are you still doing there, Rosenberg!? Get out of bed and get dressed, I want you out in five minutes. ―he told me reluctantly.

After yelling at me like a scoundrel, he stormed out of the room like a Nebraska twister, cape billowing at his heels. Without a doubt, that was the same old Snape. He had gotten mad at me for not keeping my end of the bargain. But actually I really enjoyed seeing him angry, I found it very funny. Was that tenderness?

Either way, I got out of the soft bed and grabbed my mourning clothes. I didn't even know what time it was or how long I had been unconscious. I put on my pants, ready to go outside, and checked that the healing potion was still in my little pocket. Although my hair was another problem that had to be fixed urgently. When I got to my room I would do it, for now I could only get out of there in search of a watch.

Walking through the black wooden door, I saw no one in the room. Snape had gone and left me in his office alone. What an imprudence, did he think I was so stupid that I wasn't going to record anything? But then I saw him, and I almost jumped with fright. He was looking at his rack of potions very intently looking for something, possibly selecting one of them. ''More potions for me'' I thought sarcastically. Snape selected from the crowd of dark stained glass a small object attached to a gleaming silver chain. I narrowed my eyes trying to see better that small object that he was carrying in his hands.

Severus turned as the chain slid from his hand until it hung in midair. He looked at me with disgust and to tell the truth I think he hated me deeply, but he approached me decisively and with his erect figure. I was envious of the clothes he was wearing... Had I really thought that?

He placed that precious object before my eyes like a pendulum. It was small and flirty. Its round shape mimicked that of a copper coin. But it was clearly a miniature bottle because of its closure at the top with some colored gems in blue and red. It was very old and expensive. It looked like a collector's item.

―Listen carefully Rosenberg, hang this pendant around your sister's neck, it's about...

―The amulet against Saint Meh? ―I was surprised that he had anticipated me.

―Exactly, it's for your sister. I keep my word Rosenberg, unlike others. ―he arched an eyebrow knowing that I would take the hint from him.

I had to lower my head so that he wouldn't discover my amused, satisfied smile. I was glad I hadn't deflowered myself, I needed to have a clear mind for what was coming my way. I picked up the detailed object with my fingers, it weighed a bit despite its minuscule size. I hung it around my neck so I wouldn't forget it lying around and took one last look at Snape's face in a second.

―It's time for you to go, Rosenberg. They are serving dinner. Don't forget what I told you.

―It 's so late!? I had run out of time, again. ―I have to go now. Bye.

I ran to the door and opened it but before leaving, as usual he interrupted me. I didn't like leaving it there without anything else happening, but that was what we were about. A dirty deal between sold sex and the protection of a creeping young woman. A pact with no return, where my heart had lost its sanity by falling in love with him. I only hoped that he wouldn't suspect my feelings, I would feel very humiliated if he found out my true thoughts towards him.

―Wait Elinor. ―he told me from the corner.

I let go of the knob and turned impatiently, waiting for him to tell me what he needed now.

―Miss Rosenberg. ―I replied, dragging my words harshly.

He was silent for a moment, looking at me haughty. As if he was thinking carefully about what he was going to tell me next. I don't know why but his reaction gave me chills.

―I must inform you that you sleep here today, Rosenberg. ―he resounded gloriously.

―Sorry? ―It seemed out of place and I frowned. ―I don't have to sleep with you, sir.

―Do you really think so? Then you won't mind if your sister joins the dark mark...

―That was not what we agreed upon, Professor Snape! ―I was furious.

―No... that depends on your decision Rosenberg. ―he said cunningly.

―This is very low blackmail, although coming from you I didn't expect anything else, sir.

―Enough of the games, Rosenberg! I just want an answer now! ―he was irritated.

I looked at him with anger. He was a stupid, creeping man, and he knew how to push me to the limit of my patience. But he always had the power. Was I going to refuse and lose everything?

―You win, sir... I'll come here after dinner. Happy!?

Now I opened the door furiously and left without even closing it. I was already tired of his stupid game of tug-of-war, always in the middle, always against the ropes.

I hated him so much, I wanted to beat him to a pulp and bury him in the woods so my heart could have a bloody rest. I wish he would leave me alone forever.

I arrived at the great dining room calmer, of course, so many stairs and corridors tamed even the most furious of the beasts. The atmosphere of the morning had prevailed until the night and there were hardly any murmurs, everything was silent and gloomy. The teachers were in the same mood, they ate in silence and from time to time they said something very light. They were all there, even Snape, who would have taken the short way to Grandma's house, leaving me the long way. Now all that was missing was the scene where the wolf eats Little Red Riding Hood in Grandma's bed... I have to stop comparing Snape to animals.

Sarah Harris and her crowded group of allies were dining quietly at my table at home. My sister, on the other hand, was at one end of the table. In the normal zombie state of her completely isolated from the rest. And I didn't see Darla Johnson or Susan Wells and it was strange that they weren't there. To tell the truth, I hadn't heard from both of them in a long time and that worried me a lot. Well, everyone was a suspect and at the same time another possible victim.

I walked confidently along the short stretch that separated me from my sister. I looked at her for a moment and then without thinking twice, I sat next to her watching how she hadn't touched anything she had on her plate. ''Isobel, I've brought you something sister'' I told her a little unsure of her reaction, but I don't think she heard me, when she went into that kind of trance it wasn't easy to talk to her. So I decided to act, I looked in all directions in case someone was watching us, I took the pendant from my neck and put it on Izzie as fast as I could. I hid it under her clothes, lest idiot Wells swat it away. Isobel remained unchanged in her vegetative state. She seemed to have noticed nothing at all, and perhaps it was better that way.

I smiled happily, keeping in mind that she was already protected from Saint Meh, although not from the assassins of course. Now there was only the other potion left in my pocket. More discreet still had to be in this part. If I was caught pouring a suspicious liquid into her glass I could be charged with premeditated murder... So much trouble for a sister who didn't deserve it.

Suddenly the great door of the enormous room opened again. They all turned to watch in silence. A student dressed in gray crossed the threshold of the door. Darla Johnson from Slytherin house came running agitated and had a note in her hands. I watched her pass before my eyes, as if history were repeating itself she was addressing the group of Slytherin girls. I watched as she walked over to Sarah and discreetly handed her the small note. Reading it, her face changed expression, the other girls looked at Darla and she didn't say a word. Something was happening and I smelled very, very bad. I had practically tensed up.

Sarah Harris said something to the rest of her brood, she pocketed the note and bolted from her place. She walked down the aisle between the two tables with an air of urgency. She walked past me and I gave her a worried look.

―Sarah, what's wrong? ―I inquired at her imminent departure.

She did not answer me, but in her face I saw the anguish and horror of a fact that had been revealed to her on that little piece of paper. And she was gone, she was out the door at full speed, like lightning. We all watched the scene of Sarah's quick escape and stared blankly. But now came the highlight of the evening... Darla Johnson made a kind of groan, then collapsed on the floor of the great room. As expected, all the students stood up and made such a stir, so much so that Isobel and I could barely be seen. I took advantage of this new and successful opportunity, I took out the blue vial from inside my pocket. I carefully opened it and poured a drop into Izzie's glass. I picked it up and brought it to her mouth, carefully placing my hand on her chin and pulling her back to drink the healing potion. And hopefully everything went well.

―That's it, sister. Now you will feel better. I smiled at her happily.

The students around me were crowding at times, I heard the voice of the director making his way through the crowd. Darla had already woken up and she was fine, but she didn't remember anything. Not where she had been, not with whom...nothing. Why had she fainted? And Sarah... Sarah!

And then, too late, I understood. It had all been a setup, Darla had been the decoy, and we had been blind. I quickly got up from the seat. My hands were shaking and the air barely reached my lungs, I felt that it had been the last time I had seen Sarah alive.

I hurried to the door thinking how unprotected Isobel was going to be without me. I opened it with all my strength and took off running down the deserted corridor. Behind me, in the distance, I heard the door crash against the wall. That noise would alert all the teachers and they would come after me, with any luck. The legs touched the ground with agility, I felt the air break against my face and because of the anxiety I was breathing in gasps. I crossed several aisles, ran frantically until my legs began to give out. I almost fell for the stupid race to nowhere, because there was nothing and no one there. I stood up and looked up and down the aisle where I was now. I listened carefully, but there was nothing but my labored breathing from exertion.

Suddenly a piercing scream burst through the void. It was coming from the opposite direction, in a desperate turn I ran my steps again in search of Sarah or some sign of who might have screamed. I ran and ran, my strength almost failing me. And that's when I got there, just down the hall from my roommate Sarah lying motionless on the floor and Professor Snape standing next to her with his wand in hand. He looked at me as I came running up, then he reached down and touched Sarah's wrist with her fingers. I couldn't believe what had happened. Snape had killed Sarah and now he was checking to see if she really was dead.

―Killer! I yelled with tears in my eyes.

Crouching on the ground Snape turned to look at me, but this time he smiled at me, wickedly. Next to me I heard the sound of footsteps running down the hall, reinforcements were already coming. I took out my wand and pointed it at Severus without hesitation but he ignored my gesture and got up from the ground. He turned his back on me and ran up the hall. I knew he wouldn't escape, Dumbledore wouldn't let him. I ran to where Sarah was, her body still motionless on the stone floor. And on her face there was a round mark on her forehead. But she wasn't breathing and she knew my friend Sarah was dead.

I was in shock. Out of me, as if I had been beaten and felt nothing. Discovering the killer red-handed, I had lost a friend. But this wouldn't stay like this... I wept with rage over Sarah's body.

The group of people coming down the hall came up to where I was. Albus Dumbledore was leading the march together with Professor McGonagall at his side, also came some girls from my house and others from the other houses, and after all of them Mr. Filch and Snape. They found me lying on the ground over the small and defenseless body of my friend, crying inconsolably. But all the accusing eyes fell on me.

Madam Pomfrey arrived right away. She examined the girl on the ground carefully, she called a couple of students who took her body and hurriedly went to the first floor. Professor McGonagall followed closely behind them, while Professor Dumbledore took care of the rest of the students present, until only the headmaster, Severus and myself were present. Professor Snape was looking at me perplexed without understanding why I was looking at him full of hatred, but his false mask was going to last him a sigh because I was determined to give him away. I got up from the ground in pieces, a betrayal like that did not deserve forgiveness or mercy.

―Professor Dumbledore ―I couldn't find comfort while crying ―it was Professor Snape. He killed her.

Professor Dumbledore glanced briefly at the dark figure of Snape, who was still standing quietly at the side of the corridor. And then he looked at me without the slightest hint of doubt in his gaze. He put his arm on my shoulder trying to reassure me as a relative would in these cases.

―Professor Snape has not moved from my side, Miss Rosenberg. I assure you.

That was not possible. I had seen him go with my own eyes like a lunatic with a sinister smile.

―I'm not lying Professor Dumbledore, I saw him go in the opposite direction. ―I said still complaining.

Hearing this, my school principal gave the bat a condescending look, Snape hurried down the hall until he was out of sight. I was very confused. Hadn't it been Snape? Had he been with Dumbledore the whole time? How was it possible? I then remembered a potion called Polyjuice that was simply used to change appearance. Someone had made that potion and tried to kill Sarah. Yeah, Sarah was fine but she came close to...

―So Snape is innocent?

Dumbledore just nodded slowly and then looked at the crime scene. The fact that this human being I had seen was a fake Snape comforted me, and it calmed my fury against him. I even felt very relieved.

―Who would want to blame Professor Snape? ―I asked without being aware of it.

Professor Dumbledore looked at me knowingly, now we think the same. But I had no answer to my question.

―We must be cautious, Rosenberg. Those you consider good, you never know how far they can go.

After saying that and leaving me even more confused, he recommended that I go immediately to my bedroom and not leave there. They would find the culprit tonight if he was still in the castle. I was sure they couldn't find it.

Meanwhile, Professor Snape walked back down the hall alone. He got to us before Dumbledore could tell me to leave and I could read on his face the same question I would ask Snape, but by the look on his face he hadn't found anyone.

I walked away before they started talking about it and I couldn't hear a thing. I was walking down the dark hallway thinking about my things and about Sarah. When she woke up she would accuse Snape for sure and I didn't know how this was going to end.

To make matters worse today I wouldn't sleep in my usual bed, after taking that disgust with Snape and calling him a murderer, I didn't know how to face this new situation.

I tried to calm down by counting numbers in my mind or remembering things from happy times. Isobel and the rest of the student body were now going to their respective dormitories, while the teachers locked up Hogwarts again and searched every nook and cranny of the castle.

When I got to my room no one was there, the girls were with Sarah in the infirmary still. I took advantage of the fact that I was alone to grab my pajamas and sneak away. My pajamas were two pieces, consisting of a mint-colored shirt and long striped pants in pastel pink, blue and green.

Maybe it was better that I wait until everyone was in their bedrooms so I wouldn't be seen. I went into the bathroom to change and put my hair up in a bun. When I undressed I noticed a reddish mark on my right buttock, the potion had not been able to remove it completely.

A couple of hours passed since I got back to my room, Gisselle and Vanessa were asleep in their respective beds and I was sure that no one would be awake anymore. In silence I crossed my common room until I left it in a hurry. However, now that I was out of it, my legs were shaking and my stomach ached with nerves. I couldn't imagine what that stupid infernal bat was up to for me. I just hoped to get out of there alive.

I looked at the big black door made of thick wood. I took a deep breath and knocked on his office door twice and heard his silky voice on the other end. "Come in" was the only thing I heard, loud and clear, he knew it was me. He was waiting for me. So I took courage and took the knob with determination and strength, although inside I felt as if Little Red Riding Hood had arrived at her grandmother's house, where the cunning and ferocious wolf was waiting impatiently to eat her.