Usual disclaimer
A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I'm not related to Rebecca. I don't know anybody called Rebecca. It's really nice to get some positive feedback, I was scared everybody would shout at me and throw me off the site, chucking tomatoes at me. (Actually, isn't that flaming? I don't really understand that term, if someone would care to explain all the jargon, I'd be ever so grateful)
To Dana Phearson: Thanks for the constructive criticism. I understand what you mean about Snape being subtle, and not attracting attention to himself. I think it was a lingering glance at Jones' legs, not an amazed stare. As for teachers being rude to each other in front of other students- please visit a British school! They weren't really being rude to each other; Jones was simply getting one over on Snape. But I get your drift, and again, take on board your idea of subtle in public and outrageous in private. I hadn't really considered that as an idea, but will now!
If Potions was only just tolerable before, it was damn near impossible now. Snape prowled the classroom like a snake about to strike, hissing orders and dishing out detentions. The work was more difficult too, and many were struggling with it as a subject, let alone with the teacher as well. Harry could only guess what had made Snape more agitated, but he reckoned it had something to do with the pretty teacher who had moved in directly above him.
As far as the pupils could see Snape and Jones had no contact with each other unless it was absolutely necessary. They had to sit next to each other at mealtimes, and both preferred to speak to other people. If they passed in the corridor, they didn't acknowledge each other.
Then, one Friday morning, just before Potions, they came into contact again. It was a good ten minutes before the bell, but Harry's class were already queuing up outside. Many had just wandered straight down there after breakfast, and were waiting for the door to open and a tortuous hour to begin.
Neville was feeling and looking physically ill. Snape's increased ferocity had only served to make Neville a shivering wreck.
"Ah, bless," drawled a rather familiar voice. "Longbottom's scared!" Malfoy had begun his usual onslaught of Neville.
"Just ignore him, Neville," said Ron.
"Yes, that's right," Malfoy purred sarcastically. "Pay no attention to the nasty man," he continued, pulling an almost comical sympathetic face.
Harry and Hermione couldn't grab the back of Ron's robes fast enough. He was on top of Malfoy, fists flying. Despite his muscular build, Malfoy was no match for lean Ron, who now had him up against the wall.
"Er, excuse me, could we refrain from gratuitous violence today please?"
A soft, but stern voice had come from behind. It was Miss Jones, still not in robes, but a bottle green cashmere sweater and a short black skirt. Ron let Malfoy go.
"What's all this noise-" Snape chose that point to come out of his classroom. He stopped suddenly when he saw Jones there.
"Aah, Mr Weasley, brawling in school corridors again?" he asked icily. "I suggest a detention and ten points from Gryffindor should remedy this unfortunate habit of yours."
Before Ron could answer, Jones was speaking, an eyebrow raised. "It seems Mr Malfoy was also indulging in a little light banter. Twenty points form Slytherin and a nightly detention for the rest of the week," she said.
Snape glared at her. "You can't undermine my authority. These students are fighting in my time, not yours."
"These pupils are not wholly under your jurisdiction until the bell goes, Snipe. Before that time, all staff members are concerned with the pastoral care of students; I'd have thought you would have remembered that. And as for your authority," Jones raised the other eyebrow, " I was under the impression that it was consistently undermined, especially by females."
They continued to glare at each other, when the bell rang.
"There, Snipe, they're all yours." Jones said simply. "Mr Malfoy, come and see me about your detentions."
"It's Snape, Miss Jones, and you'll be hearing more from me on this subject later."
"I look forward to it, Professor." Jones flashed a sarcastic grin at him, and then turned on her heel to go to her lesson.
Snape shot Jones a look that almost had the impact of an Avada Kedarva curse. The class filed into the dungeon, positively buzzing.
Snape stepped into the classroom. "Any other displays of disrespect will be dealt with swiftly and fiercely. Now get out your work and keep quiet," he almost, almost, yelled.