Ch 3: First test
AN: Some of this will be a little slow...I needed to start to set some things up but I'll try to make it interesting.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of it, though I don't think I'd mind owning Snape...
Sev Looked calmly at the one who'd found him. It was Professor Astaroth. Sev frowned at him a bit as the older man examined him.
"What brings you out this late when all my cunning little snakes ought to be in bed dreaming of how to best keep Gryffindor from winning the house cup?" The professor asked in hushed tones as he continued to circle Sev.
"Perhaps I can think up ways better out here, while getting an understanding of my surroundings sir." Sev said calmly. The older man smiled a bit.
~Good answer. ~ He thought. He continued to circle. ~Let's see how long he can keep his cool. It looks as if I have quite a few hotheads in my house this year. I could use someone with a bit of logic. ~
Sev frowned at him. The circling was unnerving and the smile that this professor had on his thin face was even worse.
~I could throw a curse at him. ~ Sev thought. ~No, he's a teacher. Besides I can't just curse someone because they make me uncomfortable. It would be uncivilized. And God knows how absolutely civilized the wizerding world is. By Merlin, this is infuriating. ~
Astaroth smile grew as he saw the boy getting annoyed. It was cruel to test eleven-year-old boys nerves like this, but he needed some entertainment and the boy would have to be tested sooner or later. It might as well be now...and by him. Sev was starting to follow him with his eyes more now. Before he had just stood there.
~Oh come on now my boy, don't get so twitchy on my now. ~ Astaroth thought.
~Why the hell is he doing this? It must be a test, but why? ~ Sev's mind searched for the answers but with Astaroth distracting him it was hard.
"What's the matter Severus?" Astaroth asked. "I can see the wheels in your head moving."
"I'm trying to figure out why you're doing this. If you were upset by my being out here you would have just given me a detention or something but instead you keep circling me." Sev answered.
"Oh yes. Go on try to figure it out. Amaze me with the intellect that has gotten you into my house." Sev frowned.
"You're testing me for some reason-"
"What reason?"
"I'm not sure yet. Maybe you want to make sure that I am really good enough to be in your house." Sev suggested.
"No, no. If the hat put you in my house then my house is where you should be. I am indeed testing you but for an entirely different reason. Now try to figure it out." Astaroth smiled that creepy smile of his again. Sev nodded. He needed to think clearly. His professor was testing him and Severus Snape had never failed a test before in his life. His was not going to let this crazy old loon be the one to break that record.
~Think Sev. Ignore him. Ignore the fact that he's trying to drive you slowly insane. Just- hold on. ~ Sev's eyes widened. Astaroth nodded at him.
"The wheels are slowing down. Do we have an idea now?" he asked.
"Yes Professor. You're testing me to find out if I can think under pressure. You want to see if I can keep a clear head and focus on the matter at hand. Not just the circumstances that may be making me feel uncomfortable. Am I right?" Sev asked with out really asking. He knew he was right. He just asked because he knew that it was the proper thing to do. Sev uncle had always taught him the proper thing to say or do.
Astaroth smiled, but this time it was genuine. Sev realized that the way he had walked, talked, the smile from before had all been an act. Some wonderful illusion that the man before had cast upon himself without the use of wand or any magic that Dumbledore could teach him. He had done it through the wonderful science called body language. Sev had a read a book on it. It had been one of the Muggle books that his uncle had kept. His uncle believed that Muggles were actually much smarter about people in general then wizards gave them credit for. Professor Astaroth had just made Sev believe that he was some prowling, horrid creature that was ready to strike the moment he answered incorrectly. It was the perfect illusion.
"Very well done. Remember this Snape; logic is a wonderful thing. Even Muggles prize it. You can tell by the heroes they dream up. Such as Sherlock Homes. I am a very big fan of those books. Have you ever read them? I suggest you do. Make that Muggle your idol. He uses logic and sense over chaos and compassion. Keep that information locked up inside that head of yours my boy and you will do quite well in life. Now go back to bed. You have passed your test, and tomorrow your classes start. I frown upon Slytherins falling asleep in classes so be off with you." The elder man said. Sev looked up at him for a moment.
~Is that it? I went through all that just to be told to go back to bed? ~ With a sigh Sev turned and started to leave.
"Oh and Snape, keep Malfoy out of trouble will you? I think he's going to need it." Sev smirked a bit and left. He heard the older man's now soft footfall down the corridor. He then turned on his heel and left.
As he climbed into bed Sev wondered about what had just happened. His professor had just shown him that he knew more then how to stir a cauldron. But why? What was the purpose of letting Sev know that he could be a fine actor if he bloody well wanted?
~Maybe so that you'll sit here wondering. ~ His inner voice teased. Sev frowned and let himself fall asleep.
"So here's where our Head of House teaches." Malfoy said as the first years walked into the dungeon made classroom.
"It's so creepy in here." A Hufflepuff girl with long braids said as she hugged herself.
"That's because Astaroth is a loon." Sirus said with a smile. "My sister told me so. He keeps all sorts of animal parts in pickling jars. He loves to see you squirm so don't let him get you down." James nodded.
"He's just a nutcase. Why else would he be in charge of Slytherin willingly?" James asked with a laugh. Malfoy looked ready to lunge at him when Sev stopped him.
"What?" Malfoy asked. Sev pointed at the door. There stood their Head of House, arms crossed watching the entire spectacle with a bemused look on his face. Sev nodded toward the desks and all the Slytherins sat down.
"I can't imagine ever wanting Slytherin for a house." Peter said. Sev raised an eyebrow.
~Wasn't he begging me to be his friend yesterday? When did this change happen? Was it because of his now being friends with Potter and his little dream team? Well it's no matter really. It will just make things more interesting. ~ Sev gave a tight-lipped smile. ~It will be fun to see him squirm later. ~
Astaroth now came out from the doorway. Sev watched carefully to see how he did the trick that he had done last night. The change of demeanor though came almost instantly. The easy way in which he had leaned against the door became silently hostile. His light stride became a slow stalk as he entered the room itself. His movements became slower, more languid and yet not at all feminine. It was almost like one of those old fashioned Dracula's meeting the Scarlet Pimpernel.
"Ahem." Astaroth cleared his throat softly.
"And what was up with the way he talked last night anyway?"
"It was so 'I vant to drink your blood' it was sickening. Perhaps he takes his whole big bad Slytherin role far to seriously."
"You think so Mr. Potter? I thought I sounded more like Edward Hyde." James spun around to see the Potions professor, transformation now complete, giving him one of the most twisted smiles Sev had ever seen. He and Malfoy exchanged nodded of approval. Astaroth looked around at the students, his smile twisting a bit. "It would appear that Slytherin is the only house here with any manners or work ethic. I wholeheartedly hope that you will prove me wrong though by the little scene provided by Black and Potter I doubt it very much." His smile turned into a sneer. "And your supposed to be Gryffindors best this year? I do hope Minerva knows this; it will save her a lot of heartache later. Now be seated. Miss Evens, don't look so distraught. You're a Gryffindor, I don't expect anything less of you or your house." With that he turned on his heel with a slight flourish of his cloak and started to his desk. Lily was redder then her hair and the rest of the Gryffindors looked ready to kill. Malfoy smirked.
"So beastly." He said with a shake of his head. "They don't even know how to behave in a classroom."
"Well they are mostly Muggleborns." Sev said to him.
"Very true Snape. What else could I have expected?"
James looked at them with all the furry he could muster. His little group seemed to draw nearer to him and then he started to sit down, never taking his eyes off of Malfoy. The stare down continued till Astaroth started to talk.
~And so it begins. ~ Sev thought. His first year was underway by only a day and he was already on the outs with Hogwarts newest hero and company. He fancied that he could tell who would even have what role. James, of course, would be leader. Sirius would be the lovable loyal hothead of the group. He would always have a joke or a punch to throw. Remus would be the voice of reason who's tutoring would help keep them all from failing. Peter would be the sidekick through and through. Almost always in distress but ready to be cheerleader. Lily would be cheerleader, brain and the heart behind them. She would probably wind up dating someone. James would probably be the one to catch her, but Sev wasn't sure yet.
As for his group they would be the perfect antagonists. The bad guys. They would make it far more interesting for everyone in Hogwarts and get to have the most fun doing it. Lucius would be their charismatic bad boy leader. He would be the brains and reason and whoever else was recruited would be the muscle. Sev smiled and looked at Astaroth who nodded at him.
"Just don't forget the logic." He said to Sev in a low voice as he walked past. Sev nodded.
It was going to be an interesting year.
AN: Some of this will be a little slow...I needed to start to set some things up but I'll try to make it interesting.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of it, though I don't think I'd mind owning Snape...
Sev Looked calmly at the one who'd found him. It was Professor Astaroth. Sev frowned at him a bit as the older man examined him.
"What brings you out this late when all my cunning little snakes ought to be in bed dreaming of how to best keep Gryffindor from winning the house cup?" The professor asked in hushed tones as he continued to circle Sev.
"Perhaps I can think up ways better out here, while getting an understanding of my surroundings sir." Sev said calmly. The older man smiled a bit.
~Good answer. ~ He thought. He continued to circle. ~Let's see how long he can keep his cool. It looks as if I have quite a few hotheads in my house this year. I could use someone with a bit of logic. ~
Sev frowned at him. The circling was unnerving and the smile that this professor had on his thin face was even worse.
~I could throw a curse at him. ~ Sev thought. ~No, he's a teacher. Besides I can't just curse someone because they make me uncomfortable. It would be uncivilized. And God knows how absolutely civilized the wizerding world is. By Merlin, this is infuriating. ~
Astaroth smile grew as he saw the boy getting annoyed. It was cruel to test eleven-year-old boys nerves like this, but he needed some entertainment and the boy would have to be tested sooner or later. It might as well be now...and by him. Sev was starting to follow him with his eyes more now. Before he had just stood there.
~Oh come on now my boy, don't get so twitchy on my now. ~ Astaroth thought.
~Why the hell is he doing this? It must be a test, but why? ~ Sev's mind searched for the answers but with Astaroth distracting him it was hard.
"What's the matter Severus?" Astaroth asked. "I can see the wheels in your head moving."
"I'm trying to figure out why you're doing this. If you were upset by my being out here you would have just given me a detention or something but instead you keep circling me." Sev answered.
"Oh yes. Go on try to figure it out. Amaze me with the intellect that has gotten you into my house." Sev frowned.
"You're testing me for some reason-"
"What reason?"
"I'm not sure yet. Maybe you want to make sure that I am really good enough to be in your house." Sev suggested.
"No, no. If the hat put you in my house then my house is where you should be. I am indeed testing you but for an entirely different reason. Now try to figure it out." Astaroth smiled that creepy smile of his again. Sev nodded. He needed to think clearly. His professor was testing him and Severus Snape had never failed a test before in his life. His was not going to let this crazy old loon be the one to break that record.
~Think Sev. Ignore him. Ignore the fact that he's trying to drive you slowly insane. Just- hold on. ~ Sev's eyes widened. Astaroth nodded at him.
"The wheels are slowing down. Do we have an idea now?" he asked.
"Yes Professor. You're testing me to find out if I can think under pressure. You want to see if I can keep a clear head and focus on the matter at hand. Not just the circumstances that may be making me feel uncomfortable. Am I right?" Sev asked with out really asking. He knew he was right. He just asked because he knew that it was the proper thing to do. Sev uncle had always taught him the proper thing to say or do.
Astaroth smiled, but this time it was genuine. Sev realized that the way he had walked, talked, the smile from before had all been an act. Some wonderful illusion that the man before had cast upon himself without the use of wand or any magic that Dumbledore could teach him. He had done it through the wonderful science called body language. Sev had a read a book on it. It had been one of the Muggle books that his uncle had kept. His uncle believed that Muggles were actually much smarter about people in general then wizards gave them credit for. Professor Astaroth had just made Sev believe that he was some prowling, horrid creature that was ready to strike the moment he answered incorrectly. It was the perfect illusion.
"Very well done. Remember this Snape; logic is a wonderful thing. Even Muggles prize it. You can tell by the heroes they dream up. Such as Sherlock Homes. I am a very big fan of those books. Have you ever read them? I suggest you do. Make that Muggle your idol. He uses logic and sense over chaos and compassion. Keep that information locked up inside that head of yours my boy and you will do quite well in life. Now go back to bed. You have passed your test, and tomorrow your classes start. I frown upon Slytherins falling asleep in classes so be off with you." The elder man said. Sev looked up at him for a moment.
~Is that it? I went through all that just to be told to go back to bed? ~ With a sigh Sev turned and started to leave.
"Oh and Snape, keep Malfoy out of trouble will you? I think he's going to need it." Sev smirked a bit and left. He heard the older man's now soft footfall down the corridor. He then turned on his heel and left.
As he climbed into bed Sev wondered about what had just happened. His professor had just shown him that he knew more then how to stir a cauldron. But why? What was the purpose of letting Sev know that he could be a fine actor if he bloody well wanted?
~Maybe so that you'll sit here wondering. ~ His inner voice teased. Sev frowned and let himself fall asleep.
"So here's where our Head of House teaches." Malfoy said as the first years walked into the dungeon made classroom.
"It's so creepy in here." A Hufflepuff girl with long braids said as she hugged herself.
"That's because Astaroth is a loon." Sirus said with a smile. "My sister told me so. He keeps all sorts of animal parts in pickling jars. He loves to see you squirm so don't let him get you down." James nodded.
"He's just a nutcase. Why else would he be in charge of Slytherin willingly?" James asked with a laugh. Malfoy looked ready to lunge at him when Sev stopped him.
"What?" Malfoy asked. Sev pointed at the door. There stood their Head of House, arms crossed watching the entire spectacle with a bemused look on his face. Sev nodded toward the desks and all the Slytherins sat down.
"I can't imagine ever wanting Slytherin for a house." Peter said. Sev raised an eyebrow.
~Wasn't he begging me to be his friend yesterday? When did this change happen? Was it because of his now being friends with Potter and his little dream team? Well it's no matter really. It will just make things more interesting. ~ Sev gave a tight-lipped smile. ~It will be fun to see him squirm later. ~
Astaroth now came out from the doorway. Sev watched carefully to see how he did the trick that he had done last night. The change of demeanor though came almost instantly. The easy way in which he had leaned against the door became silently hostile. His light stride became a slow stalk as he entered the room itself. His movements became slower, more languid and yet not at all feminine. It was almost like one of those old fashioned Dracula's meeting the Scarlet Pimpernel.
"Ahem." Astaroth cleared his throat softly.
"And what was up with the way he talked last night anyway?"
"It was so 'I vant to drink your blood' it was sickening. Perhaps he takes his whole big bad Slytherin role far to seriously."
"You think so Mr. Potter? I thought I sounded more like Edward Hyde." James spun around to see the Potions professor, transformation now complete, giving him one of the most twisted smiles Sev had ever seen. He and Malfoy exchanged nodded of approval. Astaroth looked around at the students, his smile twisting a bit. "It would appear that Slytherin is the only house here with any manners or work ethic. I wholeheartedly hope that you will prove me wrong though by the little scene provided by Black and Potter I doubt it very much." His smile turned into a sneer. "And your supposed to be Gryffindors best this year? I do hope Minerva knows this; it will save her a lot of heartache later. Now be seated. Miss Evens, don't look so distraught. You're a Gryffindor, I don't expect anything less of you or your house." With that he turned on his heel with a slight flourish of his cloak and started to his desk. Lily was redder then her hair and the rest of the Gryffindors looked ready to kill. Malfoy smirked.
"So beastly." He said with a shake of his head. "They don't even know how to behave in a classroom."
"Well they are mostly Muggleborns." Sev said to him.
"Very true Snape. What else could I have expected?"
James looked at them with all the furry he could muster. His little group seemed to draw nearer to him and then he started to sit down, never taking his eyes off of Malfoy. The stare down continued till Astaroth started to talk.
~And so it begins. ~ Sev thought. His first year was underway by only a day and he was already on the outs with Hogwarts newest hero and company. He fancied that he could tell who would even have what role. James, of course, would be leader. Sirius would be the lovable loyal hothead of the group. He would always have a joke or a punch to throw. Remus would be the voice of reason who's tutoring would help keep them all from failing. Peter would be the sidekick through and through. Almost always in distress but ready to be cheerleader. Lily would be cheerleader, brain and the heart behind them. She would probably wind up dating someone. James would probably be the one to catch her, but Sev wasn't sure yet.
As for his group they would be the perfect antagonists. The bad guys. They would make it far more interesting for everyone in Hogwarts and get to have the most fun doing it. Lucius would be their charismatic bad boy leader. He would be the brains and reason and whoever else was recruited would be the muscle. Sev smiled and looked at Astaroth who nodded at him.
"Just don't forget the logic." He said to Sev in a low voice as he walked past. Sev nodded.
It was going to be an interesting year.