Well, here it is, chapter two. I'm going to try my best to keep everyone in character, so point out any major character flaws to me please! Keep on reviewing, people, this is all for you!
Obligatory disclaimer: JK Rowling owns all of the characters in this story (no, I won't be creating any originals), I just borrow them and occasionally use them as my love slaves *pets Severus*
What Is, And What Should Never Be Chapter TwoThe shock of being let off punishment numbed Hermione's tears until she got back to the common room, where Harry and Ron were sitting. Ron was facing away, but Harry, who saw her as soon as she stepped through the portrait hole, muttered something to him and Ron went up the wooden stairs to the dorms. As soon as he was out of sight, Hermione dissolved into tears once more, melting into the squashy purple armchair next to Harry.
'He really regrets what he did, you know,' said Harry, placing a gentle hand on her arm.
'I regret what he did too,' replied Hermione, bitterly. 'Please, don't try to make me change my mind, Harry. I stand by my decision.'
'It's just…'
'Harry, I don't want to hear it! I know he's your best friend and he probably put you up to this, but I'm telling you to just leave it. Please…'
'D'you think you can be friends again?' Harry asked quietly.
'I hope so, I really do,' she smiled slightly. 'But, anyway, life goes on right? Let's talk about other things.'
***
Monday came quickly. After her discussion with Harry, Hermione's night passed quietly and hastily as she did a last minute check of her Potions essay. The class was the double block at the end of the day, which was already awful enough to have to share it with the Slytherins, but with her current situation with Ron, it would undoubtedly be worse.
'Essays on my desk now,' Snape told the class as the bell rang. 'I will not hear any excuses as to why you haven't done it. Any incompletes will receive zeros. Quickly!' he snapped at the last few to hand theirs in. 'Sit down.'
His words echoed around the stone walls into the silence of the class, while he flipped through the pile of homework, a smug sneer on his face.
'Very well,' he said, finally. 'Your meager attempts will by marked by Friday. That, however, will be the least of your worries.' He paused to look around the class. 'As I'm sure you are aware, your NEWTs are coming up at the end of this year. Opposed to the rest of your classes, the Potions NEWT is composed of two parts: the final exam and a yearlong project, each part accounting for 50%. The projects will comprise of a five roll essay on a potion of your choice, as well as brewing said potion.'
A dull mutter spread throughout the class. 'I can see some of you feel that this will be a simple project, however, I assure you, it will not be easy. The potion you choose may not be any that we have brewed in class to date. Essays must include all available history and effects of the potion, as well as full footnotes and bibliography. I will give you one, and only one class to work on it, and that will be today. I expect you to have given me your decision by the bell. Now, you will gather your things and proceed to the library.' He stood up and swiftly exited the room, without waiting for the class to follow.
The noise level rose significantly, most voices were angry. Hermione couldn't understand what there could possibly be to be angry about. It was merely the beginning of October and they had the rest of the year to complete the project. Ron was grumbling particularly loud to Harry, about how he simply didn't 'have the time to be working his arse off for that slimy git'. Harry remained silent, for which Hermione was grateful; he was obviously making an effort to not create a larger rift between them.
They reached the library and everyone spread out to find books. Hermione, however, knew exactly which potion she wanted to do. It was a fascinating potion, which she had only read of in one book, but had entranced her from the first word; but it was dangerous, extremely dangerous - so dangerous she didn't know if Snape would allow her to do it. And, upon further reflection, she wasn't even sure if she was up to doing it alone. Maybe it would be best left until she had fully gained a grasp on Potions. But, who knew when her next chance would be?
Hermione sat, silently deliberating, for twenty minutes.
No, she told herself. It's now or never. You've waited for this opportunity, and now you have it. The worst he can say is no. Just go for it.
Taking a deep breath, she rose and strode the table where Professor Snape was sitting. He looked up at her through his greasy fringe.
'Yes?'
'I've decided which potion I would like to do, Professor,' said Hermione, still breathing deep to maintain her courage.
'What is it?' he bit, impatiently.
'Well… the thing is, I'm not sure if I'm up to doing it alone, and so… I understand if you don't agree… but, I'd need your help with it.'
Snape's hand flicked up to brush away the hair from his eyes. His gaze pierced her, and, as though he could already tell what her answer would be, he asked, 'Which potion is it?'
'Necare,' she whispered in reply.
Silence fell between them. Snape seemed to fall into deep thought, with his chin rested on his fingers.
'You say you want my help?' he demanded, with a touch of disgust at the idea of aiding a Gryffindor.
'I know how dangerous brewing the potion can be, and if you'd simply oversee it to make sure I don't do anything wrong…'
'So, you understand my reservations,' he muttered, hinting sarcasm.
'Yes, sir.' Hermione began beating herself mentally. Why on earth would he possibly help her? She was a Gryffindor, for Christ's sake; there was no way he would agree.
Snape was looking particularly sour. He returned his gaze to her eyes. 'This is the first time a student has asked me if they can study the killing potion. And…' his expression soured more – these words were obviously causing him great pain to say. '… I doubt very much that any student would be up to making it. However… if you agree to put all the effort you have into the project, I will agree to oversee it.'
***
I don't know… was this chapter as good as the first? Please, any crits (constructive, preferably) are welcome. You can probably tell where the story is going from here, but I really don't want to write an utterly predictable, out of character story.
Enfleurage – I generally have a bit of a potty mouth (bad habit, I know), but I figured Hermione isn't much of a swearer, nor would Hogwarts tolerate bad language, however mild it may be. They are very high class, you know ;)
Edited slightly – 07/23
Necare is Latin, by the way
