Payback
Authors Note: Ok, I lied, but it wasn't deliberate. I did some computer house cleaning and found that I already had another chapter written, so here it is. Even the one I was stuck on is nearly finished now, so expect another update soon. Thanks for the suggestions on unblocking my writer ahappyjtm :)
Please read and review. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to do so already. Please rest assured this story will not be orphaned. It is going to be finished. Thanks for your support. Happy reading.
**********
Jane didn't attend class with him the next day. It wasn't really a surprise that she wanted to avoid another run in with Draco, even if she had the upper hand and was obviously more than capable of taking care of herself. Snape wondered why the boy's magic hadn't worked on her, when his own obviously did. Perhaps it was because she trusted him, even if somewhat reluctantly, perhaps it was because he meant her no real harm. He would have to discuss that particular question with the Headmaster.
Body stiff from too many hours sitting on the floor, holding the distraught, exhausted girl, had left Snape even more grumpy and caustic than normal, and without Jane present to mellow him a little, the 5th year Slytherin - Gryffindor class had a harder time than they had become used to. Even the Slytherins weren't immune to his temper.
The first inkling that something was wrong, no one knew about Malfoy and Jane's altercation, not even Crabbe and Goyle, came almost as soon as the students had taken their seats. Snape asked a question about the properties of Dragon Heartstrings, and two hands shot up - Draco and Hermione's. Hermione was startled to find herself invited to answer. Snape NEVER asked her.
Malfoy had looked grumpy and annoyed, somewhat like Snape normally did, and that only increased when Snape had AWARDED 5 house points to Gryffindor because she had provided a clear and concise answer. Malfoy grumbled unhappily to Crabbe and Goyle. He didn't notice Snape watching him with increasing anger. Everyone else did.
Snape stood, arms crossed, looking dangerous, and glared at the three Slytherins. "Mr Malfoy?" His tone was calm, but still managed to portray the anger he was feeling. "If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate it if you would shut your mouth and stop disrupting my class."
Draco looked at Snape stunned, mouth open, and with a look of complete surprise on his face.
"Ten points from Slytherin for your rudeness Mr Malfoy." Snape snapped.
Draco's face fell. "But Professor."
"Mr Malfoy, I suggest you take my advice and sit there quietly like a nice little boy should. You will accept that advice if you know what is good for you." The threat was clear to all present.
Draco looked as though he was about to protest further, but he thought better of it. He hung his head and tried to ignore the barely controlled laughter from the Gryffindor half of the classroom.
The class progressed relatively smoothly from that point, the students all deciding that Snape was particularly capricious, and should be treated with caution. Many wondered at the sudden change. Hermione knew it was related to Jane's absence, and wondered what had happened between the previous class and this. What had Snape done? Was it even Snape's fault? Was Jane alright?
She tried to ignore the questions chasing themselves around inside her head and spent most of the class helping Nevil to prepare his ingredients without too many disasters, concerned about how Snape would react if he managed to blow something up again.
**********
Snape watched as the students packed their equipment away, relieved there had been no major disasters. His temper was short and he would have found it difficult to contain himself if Longbottom had destroyed another cauldron. He wished his students always showed such self-control and he knew he would have to thank that damn Gryffindor witch for that. Damn it - tonight would be Jane's first lesson and he wasn't sure he would cope with Granger skulking about in his quarters, no matter the reason. Not after spending the previous night sitting on the floor. He would suggest they go to the library instead, and she would accept that suggestion if she was as clever as she claimed.
"Mr Malfoy, I would appreciate it if you would remain after class. We need to have a chat."
"Yes Sir." Draco answered disheartened.
Ron sniggered. "Snape must really be pissed." He hissed to Harry.
"Shut up Ron." Harry responded quietly.
Snape looked at the pair. "Mr Weasley, I find myself reluctantly having to agree with Mr Potter. I suggest you shut your mouth and get out of here before I invite you to join him."
Ron took the hint and bolted from the room, Harry and Hermione not far behind.
**********
Draco stood waiting for Snape to speak. He knew he was in trouble, but the Muggle deserved it. Snape would remember soon enough that Muggles were filth and would come to his senses.
"Would you care to explain yourself Mr Malfoy?"
Draco couldn't ignore the thinly veiled anger in Snape's voice. "Sir?" He tried innocently, hoping to diffuse some of the Potion Master's anger.
It didn't work, in fact it had the effect of making Snape even more angry. "Would you care to explain why you found it necessary to trouble a child who is here as my guest?"
Draco wanted to run, but he held his ground. And they said Gryffindors had the only claim to courage. He felt a knot of tension grow in his stomach, this was going to be unpleasant, but he had no choice. "She's a Muggle Sir."
Snape took a deep, thoughtful breath, trying to calm himself, and contemplated the blonde haired Slytherin. "Thank you for enlightening me on that Mr Malfoy." He said quietly. Did the boy think him a fool?
"Yes Sir."
When nothing further seemed to be forthcoming, Snape continued. "I am disappointed in you on so many levels Draco. First, because for some reason you thought you would get away with bothering my guest, then because you seemed to believe you had a right to meddle in affairs that have nothing to do with you, and finally I am disappointed of course, because you chose such an insult in the first place. I would have expected far more imagination from you. Far more imagination indeed." His words were quiet, dangerous. "I can't believe you would stoop to using a common Muggle insult, particularly one that is untrue."
Draco snorted at that in disbelief, but realised his mistake as soon as he looked at Snape. He started to apologise, but Snape cut him off. His voice was as icy as a north wind in winter.
"That will be enough you stupid boy. You have no idea what this particular young lady had been through in her life. Regardless of her magical status, none of it has been deserved. Even protecting me has cost her more than I hope you will ever have to pay for anything in your life." He paused, looking at the boy. "Listen carefully, for I shall say this only once. I expect you to reconsider your behaviour and think about what I have said. If you decide you have been erroneous in your judgment I suggest you would be wise to apologise to Jane. If you don't agree, I suggest you at least leave her alone, and keep out of my way."
Draco was shattered at his Head of House's words. "But Sir, she threatened me." He protested quietly.
Snape looked down at him with disdain. "You are EXTREMELY lucky you didn't make the comments you did within my earshot Mr Malfoy or you wouldn't be here to worry about her threats. Now, GET OUT!"
**********
Draco stormed out of the classroom, disgusted that his Head of House had taken the Muggle's side over his. He would pay for that!
Of course, he WOULD apologise to the girl and he wouldn't try to hex her again, after all that had been a waste of time. But that was more because he was seriously worried she would use that knife of hers, and then get away with it without punishment, than he was about any punishment Snape would provide.
Draco knew Snape wouldn't be game to try anything serious, not in his position, either as a Hogwarts professor, or as a Death Eater. One way or another, Snape would be punished if he laid a hand on him. Draco already knew who he would prefer to have punish the Potions Master right at that moment. He smiled thinking about it.
The balance of power was changing in the wizarding world as Voldemort approached full power, and his father was still situated at the Dark Lord's right hand. Yes, Snape would be well punished if he touched a hair on his head. Draco smiled at the thought that even if Snape didn't touch him, he would still be punished sooner or later for his return to the light.
Draco would bite his tongue and wait patiently, then enjoy it when it happened.
Authors Note: Ok, I lied, but it wasn't deliberate. I did some computer house cleaning and found that I already had another chapter written, so here it is. Even the one I was stuck on is nearly finished now, so expect another update soon. Thanks for the suggestions on unblocking my writer ahappyjtm :)
Please read and review. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to do so already. Please rest assured this story will not be orphaned. It is going to be finished. Thanks for your support. Happy reading.
**********
Jane didn't attend class with him the next day. It wasn't really a surprise that she wanted to avoid another run in with Draco, even if she had the upper hand and was obviously more than capable of taking care of herself. Snape wondered why the boy's magic hadn't worked on her, when his own obviously did. Perhaps it was because she trusted him, even if somewhat reluctantly, perhaps it was because he meant her no real harm. He would have to discuss that particular question with the Headmaster.
Body stiff from too many hours sitting on the floor, holding the distraught, exhausted girl, had left Snape even more grumpy and caustic than normal, and without Jane present to mellow him a little, the 5th year Slytherin - Gryffindor class had a harder time than they had become used to. Even the Slytherins weren't immune to his temper.
The first inkling that something was wrong, no one knew about Malfoy and Jane's altercation, not even Crabbe and Goyle, came almost as soon as the students had taken their seats. Snape asked a question about the properties of Dragon Heartstrings, and two hands shot up - Draco and Hermione's. Hermione was startled to find herself invited to answer. Snape NEVER asked her.
Malfoy had looked grumpy and annoyed, somewhat like Snape normally did, and that only increased when Snape had AWARDED 5 house points to Gryffindor because she had provided a clear and concise answer. Malfoy grumbled unhappily to Crabbe and Goyle. He didn't notice Snape watching him with increasing anger. Everyone else did.
Snape stood, arms crossed, looking dangerous, and glared at the three Slytherins. "Mr Malfoy?" His tone was calm, but still managed to portray the anger he was feeling. "If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate it if you would shut your mouth and stop disrupting my class."
Draco looked at Snape stunned, mouth open, and with a look of complete surprise on his face.
"Ten points from Slytherin for your rudeness Mr Malfoy." Snape snapped.
Draco's face fell. "But Professor."
"Mr Malfoy, I suggest you take my advice and sit there quietly like a nice little boy should. You will accept that advice if you know what is good for you." The threat was clear to all present.
Draco looked as though he was about to protest further, but he thought better of it. He hung his head and tried to ignore the barely controlled laughter from the Gryffindor half of the classroom.
The class progressed relatively smoothly from that point, the students all deciding that Snape was particularly capricious, and should be treated with caution. Many wondered at the sudden change. Hermione knew it was related to Jane's absence, and wondered what had happened between the previous class and this. What had Snape done? Was it even Snape's fault? Was Jane alright?
She tried to ignore the questions chasing themselves around inside her head and spent most of the class helping Nevil to prepare his ingredients without too many disasters, concerned about how Snape would react if he managed to blow something up again.
**********
Snape watched as the students packed their equipment away, relieved there had been no major disasters. His temper was short and he would have found it difficult to contain himself if Longbottom had destroyed another cauldron. He wished his students always showed such self-control and he knew he would have to thank that damn Gryffindor witch for that. Damn it - tonight would be Jane's first lesson and he wasn't sure he would cope with Granger skulking about in his quarters, no matter the reason. Not after spending the previous night sitting on the floor. He would suggest they go to the library instead, and she would accept that suggestion if she was as clever as she claimed.
"Mr Malfoy, I would appreciate it if you would remain after class. We need to have a chat."
"Yes Sir." Draco answered disheartened.
Ron sniggered. "Snape must really be pissed." He hissed to Harry.
"Shut up Ron." Harry responded quietly.
Snape looked at the pair. "Mr Weasley, I find myself reluctantly having to agree with Mr Potter. I suggest you shut your mouth and get out of here before I invite you to join him."
Ron took the hint and bolted from the room, Harry and Hermione not far behind.
**********
Draco stood waiting for Snape to speak. He knew he was in trouble, but the Muggle deserved it. Snape would remember soon enough that Muggles were filth and would come to his senses.
"Would you care to explain yourself Mr Malfoy?"
Draco couldn't ignore the thinly veiled anger in Snape's voice. "Sir?" He tried innocently, hoping to diffuse some of the Potion Master's anger.
It didn't work, in fact it had the effect of making Snape even more angry. "Would you care to explain why you found it necessary to trouble a child who is here as my guest?"
Draco wanted to run, but he held his ground. And they said Gryffindors had the only claim to courage. He felt a knot of tension grow in his stomach, this was going to be unpleasant, but he had no choice. "She's a Muggle Sir."
Snape took a deep, thoughtful breath, trying to calm himself, and contemplated the blonde haired Slytherin. "Thank you for enlightening me on that Mr Malfoy." He said quietly. Did the boy think him a fool?
"Yes Sir."
When nothing further seemed to be forthcoming, Snape continued. "I am disappointed in you on so many levels Draco. First, because for some reason you thought you would get away with bothering my guest, then because you seemed to believe you had a right to meddle in affairs that have nothing to do with you, and finally I am disappointed of course, because you chose such an insult in the first place. I would have expected far more imagination from you. Far more imagination indeed." His words were quiet, dangerous. "I can't believe you would stoop to using a common Muggle insult, particularly one that is untrue."
Draco snorted at that in disbelief, but realised his mistake as soon as he looked at Snape. He started to apologise, but Snape cut him off. His voice was as icy as a north wind in winter.
"That will be enough you stupid boy. You have no idea what this particular young lady had been through in her life. Regardless of her magical status, none of it has been deserved. Even protecting me has cost her more than I hope you will ever have to pay for anything in your life." He paused, looking at the boy. "Listen carefully, for I shall say this only once. I expect you to reconsider your behaviour and think about what I have said. If you decide you have been erroneous in your judgment I suggest you would be wise to apologise to Jane. If you don't agree, I suggest you at least leave her alone, and keep out of my way."
Draco was shattered at his Head of House's words. "But Sir, she threatened me." He protested quietly.
Snape looked down at him with disdain. "You are EXTREMELY lucky you didn't make the comments you did within my earshot Mr Malfoy or you wouldn't be here to worry about her threats. Now, GET OUT!"
**********
Draco stormed out of the classroom, disgusted that his Head of House had taken the Muggle's side over his. He would pay for that!
Of course, he WOULD apologise to the girl and he wouldn't try to hex her again, after all that had been a waste of time. But that was more because he was seriously worried she would use that knife of hers, and then get away with it without punishment, than he was about any punishment Snape would provide.
Draco knew Snape wouldn't be game to try anything serious, not in his position, either as a Hogwarts professor, or as a Death Eater. One way or another, Snape would be punished if he laid a hand on him. Draco already knew who he would prefer to have punish the Potions Master right at that moment. He smiled thinking about it.
The balance of power was changing in the wizarding world as Voldemort approached full power, and his father was still situated at the Dark Lord's right hand. Yes, Snape would be well punished if he touched a hair on his head. Draco smiled at the thought that even if Snape didn't touch him, he would still be punished sooner or later for his return to the light.
Draco would bite his tongue and wait patiently, then enjoy it when it happened.