Foolish Wand Waving
by Barbi Bee
Chapter 4
A/N to Kiddycat and DLSnapeKurama18, thank you very much for reviewing, it means a lot to this insecure first time writer.
To Shimmergloom - I'll try but I'm still learning what to do and its not always easy.
6.55pm and Hermione stood waiting outside Snape's office. She was slightly nervous about tonights detention and he had seemed angrier than usual the night before. Maybe something was happening with those Death Eaters still on the loose, who knows what They were capable of. 'Oh well, time to face the music'
She raised her hand to knock at the door only to find herself face-to-face with Professor Snape. Her hand fell to her side as she followed him into the room. Sitting down in the chair indicated she waited for him to say something, anything in fact but he just stood there, glowering at her.
"Miss Granger, I understand that you have taken an interest in the works of Russell Gryffin. Is that correct?"
"Um, yes Sir. I attended an exhibition during the summer where his work was on display. He really is as magnificient artist and its no wonder his work commands the prices it does."
"And you believe, I understand, that the man is a Hogwarts graduate, correct?"
"Yes sir. You see many of his subjects are people or places around the Hogwarts area. Subtley hidden but there if you look hard enough. There was even a piece there of Minister Fudge writhing on the ground, I think he was supposed to be under the effects of a curse."
Severus looked thoughtful as he pondered his next move, coming to a decision he said, "Miss Granger, I would like your word that what I am about to tell you will go no further than this office. Do I have it?"
"I'm not sure Sir. How about, I give you my word on condition that what you say will not harm anyone in anyway. Will that be alright?"
"Agreed. Miss Granger, I know that this will come as a shock to you but 'I' am Russell Gryffin, Yes, yes I know it is hard to equate your greasy git potions master with an artist , but if you think about it is not Potions Brewing an art form in itself?"
"You're serious aren't you Sir? You really are Russell Gryffin? Oh my God, It's just so hard to believe, I mean you're really him!"
"Calm down Miss Granger, before you do yourself an injury" Severus steered Hermione back to the chair she had risen from and called for a house-elf.
"Dobby, tea and biscuits for two please, and a large pitcher of ice water" Dobby left with a pop, only to return seconds later with a tea tray which he carefully placed on the desk before popping out again.
"I'm sorry Sir, it's just that - I'm such a fan and I can't believe I'm actually in the same room as 'Russell Gryffin'. My friends and family are giving me one of your pieces for Christmas and I..."
"Enough! Miss Granger, please find the obnoxious know-it-all you used to be, as she is preferable to the simpering fan you appear to be at present."
Hermione straightened up in her chair and apologised to the Professor. "Sorry Sir, I'll try but I'm not promising she wont be back.''
"Very well. Now if you agree to maintain your silence - and this includes Potter, Weasley and especially the other members of staff - you may assist me in both Potion Making and answering Gryffin's mail. I will pay you ten galleons per week and if everything works out well you will receive a painting of your choice at Christmas. Agreed?"
Hermione jumped up and hugged her professor before realising what she had done, and in a slightly subdued voice she said "Thank you Sir , I would be delighted".
Severus then motioned for her to follow him through a door in the back of the room. This lead to his private quarters, the main room of which was dominated by the stacks of mail waiting to be answered. A job which Hermione knew would be hers from now on.
by Barbi Bee
Chapter 4
A/N to Kiddycat and DLSnapeKurama18, thank you very much for reviewing, it means a lot to this insecure first time writer.
To Shimmergloom - I'll try but I'm still learning what to do and its not always easy.
6.55pm and Hermione stood waiting outside Snape's office. She was slightly nervous about tonights detention and he had seemed angrier than usual the night before. Maybe something was happening with those Death Eaters still on the loose, who knows what They were capable of. 'Oh well, time to face the music'
She raised her hand to knock at the door only to find herself face-to-face with Professor Snape. Her hand fell to her side as she followed him into the room. Sitting down in the chair indicated she waited for him to say something, anything in fact but he just stood there, glowering at her.
"Miss Granger, I understand that you have taken an interest in the works of Russell Gryffin. Is that correct?"
"Um, yes Sir. I attended an exhibition during the summer where his work was on display. He really is as magnificient artist and its no wonder his work commands the prices it does."
"And you believe, I understand, that the man is a Hogwarts graduate, correct?"
"Yes sir. You see many of his subjects are people or places around the Hogwarts area. Subtley hidden but there if you look hard enough. There was even a piece there of Minister Fudge writhing on the ground, I think he was supposed to be under the effects of a curse."
Severus looked thoughtful as he pondered his next move, coming to a decision he said, "Miss Granger, I would like your word that what I am about to tell you will go no further than this office. Do I have it?"
"I'm not sure Sir. How about, I give you my word on condition that what you say will not harm anyone in anyway. Will that be alright?"
"Agreed. Miss Granger, I know that this will come as a shock to you but 'I' am Russell Gryffin, Yes, yes I know it is hard to equate your greasy git potions master with an artist , but if you think about it is not Potions Brewing an art form in itself?"
"You're serious aren't you Sir? You really are Russell Gryffin? Oh my God, It's just so hard to believe, I mean you're really him!"
"Calm down Miss Granger, before you do yourself an injury" Severus steered Hermione back to the chair she had risen from and called for a house-elf.
"Dobby, tea and biscuits for two please, and a large pitcher of ice water" Dobby left with a pop, only to return seconds later with a tea tray which he carefully placed on the desk before popping out again.
"I'm sorry Sir, it's just that - I'm such a fan and I can't believe I'm actually in the same room as 'Russell Gryffin'. My friends and family are giving me one of your pieces for Christmas and I..."
"Enough! Miss Granger, please find the obnoxious know-it-all you used to be, as she is preferable to the simpering fan you appear to be at present."
Hermione straightened up in her chair and apologised to the Professor. "Sorry Sir, I'll try but I'm not promising she wont be back.''
"Very well. Now if you agree to maintain your silence - and this includes Potter, Weasley and especially the other members of staff - you may assist me in both Potion Making and answering Gryffin's mail. I will pay you ten galleons per week and if everything works out well you will receive a painting of your choice at Christmas. Agreed?"
Hermione jumped up and hugged her professor before realising what she had done, and in a slightly subdued voice she said "Thank you Sir , I would be delighted".
Severus then motioned for her to follow him through a door in the back of the room. This lead to his private quarters, the main room of which was dominated by the stacks of mail waiting to be answered. A job which Hermione knew would be hers from now on.