Eh? I only got five reviews for this chapter, and only two for other chapters, bringing the total to a disappointing…7…but that's okay, I still love you all because at least I got reviews! That's more than I can say for some of my stories grumbles Anywha! I'm updating, as promised, despite the fact that the other end of the bargain was not kept. pouts You'll make up for it right? …Right? sigh lol Anywha, here is Chapter 8; I hope you like! Dum-dum-DUM! The plot thickens…slightly… I guess it's just a bit soupy right now, but I'll be adding the vegetables soon, so not to worry; it will thicken significantly!
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"Wonderful to see everyone is here on time today," Snape said with a pointed look toward one of the Slytherins in particular. The other students sniggered as they saw Jaren blush. He had been late three days in a row and the last time he'd come in late Professor Snape had turned purple with rage.
"I will assume that all of you were competent enough to finish the assignment I gave you during our last class." There was a smattering of groans at this comment. Because of Jaren, Snape had assigned a two foot long essay on why one should not be late to class. After they had all handed in their essays, Snape took his usual place, leaning back against his desk facing the class, and class resumed as always.
"I will also assume you read the chapter I assigned. Mr. Weasley, how would one keep from aggravating a Cornish pixie?" Ron jumped slightly as he was addressed, but quickly recovered himself and answered. "Very good. Mr. Goyle, where would one find a grindlylow?" Goyle stammered for a few seconds before giving a completely ludicrous answer, making the class laugh quietly and making Professor Snape glare. "No, Mr. Goyle, grindylows are not usually found under dirty beds." He quirked an eyebrow and smiled as the class laughed again. "Shall I give you another question, or would you rather pass and make sure to read the chapter 6 for next class?"
"Pass," Goyle growled.
"Alright, who can answer the question?"
Hermione was, of course, the first to raise her hand, and a few timidly followed. He called on Hermione, who gave her answer verbatim from the book. Niger gave her a look, and she had the decency to look sheepish.
The class went on like that for half the period; Snape would fire off questions and the students would answer as best they could. After he had asked all his question, he began to lecture, explaining why the answers given had been right or wrong and going more in-depth into the answers than those answering them had. Except Hermione's. He made a point of telling the class that he didn't need to explain that further after Hermione's explanation.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Snape reminded them to read chapter six and told them that he'd be giving them a test the class after that, so "be prepared!"
As he was walking out, Niger heard a very unwelcome voice from behind him. "How can he treat us like that? He's the head of Slytherin house, you'd think he'd have some partiality towards us, but all he does is let that mudblood Granger suck up to him. It's disgusting." The voice, which belonged to Draco, was not directed at him, but he decided to answer.
"What would you rather, Malfoy? That he treat us the way Quentin does? At least then you'd be passing Defense, right? I mean, doesn't Quentin basically do your potions nowadays, after you dropped your father's name to him? Hermione doesn't suck up to Snape nearly as much as Quentin sucks up to you. Bet it makes you feel real good, huh? To finally be able to tell someone what to do, and for them to be intelligent enough to figure out how to do it." Niger shot a look at Crabbe and Goyle as he said this. They both looked vaguely confused and entirely too hungry to have to think.
Malfoy glared at Niger. It was a welcome site to Niger. Much better than the simpering one he usually gave. "Just because you have no pride in our house doesn't mean none of our teachers should. Professor Snape is a disgrace to the house of Slytherin."
"Now you've gone to far Malfoy! Just because Snape didn't join our father's does not make him any less of a good man." Niger wanted to take back the words as soon as he said them, because he knew from the look on Draco's face what the reply would be.
"See, that's the problem. Snape is a very good man, isn't he? And aren't you just turning into a very...good...boy." Draco, knowing he had won for now, smirked as he spun around and walked off.
"What was that all about?" Ron asked from behind him. Niger felt his stomach drop. He had forgotten they were there. He quickly went over in his head everything they had said, hoping he hadn't given anything too important away.
"Oh, er...nothing. Draco's father and mine work together, that's all. He's just trying to get my back up."
Ron didn't look convinced. "Niger, I –"
"Look, that's all it was about, okay. Will you just drop it?" Ron's face registered a hurt expression that Niger made himself ignore.
"Sure Niger. It's forgotten."
"Right, well, I have to get to the other side of the castle for my next class so I'll see you later." And with that, he turned and followed in the direction Draco had taken.
"Bye Niger," whispered Hermione.
Niger turned the corner and was lost from their sight.
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He was speed-walking down the corridors when it happened and he hadn't even seen it coming. A figure stepped out of one of the empty classrooms right in front of him. He didn't have time to stop before slamming directly into the tall figure.
Professor Dumbledore gave him a very strange look which was, thankfully, nothing like the knowing look he usually used, but Niger still didn't like it. It was quite suspicious. Niger decided he didn't like this look any better than the other, especially since he hadn't really done anything to feel guilty about.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Noctum?"
Niger was about to deny it when the words were pushed aside by a cry of pain. He involuntarily grabbed at his scar then pulled his hand back quickly, hoping Dumbledore hadn't noticed. No such luck. The old man didn't seem to miss a thing.
"I think it necessary to talk to you privately. Would you accompany me to my office?"
"Well, I do have class, sir."
"I'll give you and excuse. Just come with me."
"Yes sir." There was nothing for it. There really was no other response he could have given, not with the Headmaster looking at him like that. A look from him that is both suspicious and – after having grabbed his scar – knowing, was too much to bear.
Dumbledore walked quickly back up the hall toward where Niger had just come from, with Niger begrudgingly trailing him. Neither saw the worried face hiding itself behind a partially open door, but the individual had seen them. It had been watching, and now, it would report.
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Niger continued to follow the Headmaster, going over in his head every possible lie he could tell to get out of any mess he may have gotten himself in. It didn't work, however, because he really had no idea where he was being led, or more importantly, why. He assumed it had something to do with his scar, or maybe Dumbledore had heard his argument with Malfoy, but he didn't think it likely.
Niger suddenly realized that Professor Dumbledore had stopped walking when he just about knocked into him again. Peering around, he saw that Professor Snape was running up the hall-way toward them. Niger stared raptly, realizing that this would probably be the only time he ever saw the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher run. Under normal circumstances, he probably would have laughed at the spectacle, but as it was, his nervousness wouldn't allow it.
"Professor," panted Snape. "Emergency. We just got a message from the Minister. It's about..." Snape glanced at Niger, then back at Dumbledore, "Voldemort."
Niger gasped, and afterwards realized that this was a very good reaction. Thankfully they didn't know the real reason he had gasped. His professor had spoken his father's name. Not even Death Eaters called him by that name. Niger was allowed to, but only because his father realized early on that it gave Niger an edge – he would speak the name most feared to think. But to hear someone else say the name almost made Niger light headed with anger. How dare he?
Dumbledore also glanced quickly at Niger. "Yes, I shall be along shortly." Snape nodded once then turned on his heel and stalked down the hall. "I suppose our talk will have to wait, hm?" Dumbledore gave Niger a fairly kind look before walking off.
That was much better than the looks he usually gives me. Niger found himself thinking about what he could do to receive that look more often when the meaning hit him. No! I don't care what that old coot thinks about me! He's the one thing that could ruin all of my father's plans. Niger's eyebrows drew together momentarily. Not that I know any of my father's plans...
What could the message have been, though? Was his father planning something? Why didn't Niger know anything about it. I've been patient long enough. I have been being a good boy; maybe too much of one. It's about time I got to break some rules. He smiled cruelly and, looking to see no one was around, he ducked around the corner and followed his Professor and Headmaster from a distance. He wanted some answers.
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Adenara Yatman: Thanks!
Emmy: hehehe Yeah, my fiancé and I have already bought tickets to go see PoA at 12:01 on Friday morning grins I'm so excited!! This week can't pass fast enough for me… Thanks again for the compliment and I really hope you liked the evil in this one. I love how Niger is turning out!
Lady Phoenix Slytherin: Thanks! I hope this was soon enough grins
Spaced Out Space Cadet: So…was this a new one for you? What did you think? I personally like this chapter…most of it anyway. Tell me what you think. I mean, I don't really need to ask because you always do tell me what you think but, meh. I'll ask anywha
DarkWolfyOne: hehehe Yes, I would assume that Voldie would be both proud and enraged to hear Niger called such…especially since he knows who Niger really is. H'mmmm…I guess I should have some interaction with Niger and the decent Slytherins, but at the moment he's just annoyed by all of them. Thanks so much for the review!
Thanks to everyone for reviewing! I hope you'll continue to do so, because it really makes my day! I'm obsessive…as well as bored out of my mind…so I usually check to see if I've gotten reviews a dozen times a day. It makes me so happy when I get some. Thanks so much! Arigatou!