CHAPTER 12

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Anastasia had had enough. She had decided to confront Snape and talk to him, finally clear up the misunderstanding between them. She strode down the stairs and along the corridoor to the dungeons. She was walking so fast that she didn't notice Draco Malfoy emerging from the kitchens until she had walked into him.

'Ooh, sorry...Malfoy? What are you doing here?' She viewed him with suspicion. Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle tried to hide the parcels of food they were carrying behind their backs. Malfoy at least had the decency to look embarrased.

'We were hungry, professor.' he replied.

'You may well have been, but you're supposed to be in lessons. Ten points from Slytherin and don't let me catch you in places you don't belong again.'

They sculked off, and Anastasia watched them go. She didn't trust Malfoy for a second. If it had just been Crabbe and Goyle she would have believed their story-they were too stupid to have any other reason to be in the kitchens other than wanting food. But Malfoy...

Snape was still clearing away from his last lesson when Anastsia burst in.

'Sit down and listen to me.' She ordered. Snape looked incredulous.

'If you don't mind, Professor, I am rather busy' He turned his back on her and idly swept away some spilt asphodel root powder from one of the desks. She walked up to him and stood in front of him so he had to look at her.

'I don't care if you are busy, you are going to listen to what I have to say. You've avoided me all week and I'm not going to put up with it any more. You're going to give me a chance to explain.' She looked him straight in the eye. The look she got back was one of pure hatred.

'Why, pray tell, should I listen to you?' Snape's voice was low and cold. 'Why should I let you try to appease your consience?' His voice was rising. 'Why should I listen to a single damn word you say after WHAT YOU DID TO ME?!' He roared these last words, causing Anastasia to flinch. But still she continued.

'You're going to listen to me because I'm going to tell you the truth. I'm going to make you believe that what happened wasn't my fault.' Snape started to speak, but Ana stopped him.

'Don't say anything Severus. I'm going to speak and you're going to listen.'

She took a deep breath, and began...