Chapter Five: "The Potions makers' Conference, part 1"
Hi everyone! I'm so happy you are reading this story! I'm sorry for my English in the previous chapter! This one is really better. The chapter is really big, so I decided to divide it in parts! I thank you for attention! And please review, if you want me to write next chapters! Enjoy!
Next morning Hermione got up, feeling relaxed. However she was disturbed: yesterday, when she went to bed, Snape wasn't in the room. The girl got out of the bed and stretched.
There was no Snape in the room. She was really worried. Suddenly her attention was caught by a little note, which was lying on the table. On the note there were scrawled a few hurried lines:
" I expect to see you in the dining room at 9.00. You aren't to be late.
P.S. I don't want you dressed like a model… showing underwear."
Hermione blushed: " How can he say those things? He is a bastard!" The same moment she looked at her watch and interrupted her thoughts – it was almost 9.05.
Hurriedly, the girl ran to her trunk took out from its depths her favorite business suit. In 4 minutes precisely she was in the room again, wearing rather short dark jeans skirt, unbuttoned jeans jacket and a loose transparent blouse.
She couldn't work out why Snape wanted her to be punctual. And by the way, he should be attending the Conference at this time instead of waiting for her. Hermione decided not to rush into the dining room, but to enter calmly and slowly. Her wand was hidden in her handbag. As she entered the room, her courage left her – Snape was waiting for her near their table, number 512.
Nevertheless, if he hadn't asked her to come, she wouldn't recognize him. A tall slender man was standing in front of her. Well-built, he was wearing black leather pants, rather long leather jacket and a black shirt.
Hermione was trying not to gape at him. The Professor was examining her with his look, from head to foot. Apparently, he was satisfied with what he saw:
- Impressive, - he commented.
- I have really nice example to follow, - she retorted.
- You are late, - Snape's voice was as cold as ever. – Were you deciding what to wear, or just seeking for your trunk?
- What do you need for? – Hermione was slightly irritated. – Wanted to piss me off, yeah? I feel refreshed and can start new battle with you with new forces.
As she mentioned about her "new forces", Snape looked around, trying to hide his worried look.
- We are late for the Conference, - he said quickly, - and unless you hurry up, I'll receive a severe reprimand.
Hermione couldn't believe her ears: he was taking her to the Conference! Wasn't he angry with her?
- Are you saying I'm going with you? – the girl asked in a trembling voice. – Aren't you angry with me because of… of…
- No! – Snape said curtly, and with that he gave her a small loaf. – And now hurry up! – and Snape took her firmly by the wrist and powerfully pulled her out of the hotel. She was following him, but suddenly Snape stopped and Hermione bumped into him.
- Hermione! Don't behave like a child! – he shouted at her.
They were standing nearby the restaurant's "Maple" entrance. Snape was just to enter the building, when the girl stopped him, pulling his jacket.
- What? – Snape asked impatiently.
- I don't know what I am expected to do, - Hermione stated. – What is the Conference dedicated to? Why do you need me? Where are you going? I don't know anything. And you want me to go with you!
- I'll explain you everything. And now, just follow me, please, - he said a bit gently.
Surprised, but satisfied, Hermione entered the restaurant too. The room was dark and almost empty.
- Don't lag, - Snape murmured.
They crossed the room and entered the corridor; the lights were on, however. There was a tall man standing in the end of the corridor. As they've reached a massive oaken door, the security stopped them:
- I'm sorry, but the entrance is for staff only.
- It's time for potion to boil, - Snape said quietly.
- Please, state your name and business, - the man answered quietly too.
- Severus Snape, Potions master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Head of the Preparation and Usage of Excessively Dangerous Potions Office. Hermione Granger, my assistant. Here, to attend the Conference.
- Very well. Enter your code, - and he handed Professor a small card, on which Snape have scribbled some symbols.
The door opened and Hermione with Snape entered another long and empty corridor.
There were shelves near the walls, stored with different ingredients in the bottles.
- Wow! Are you really the Head of that Department? – Hermione asked in amazement.
- Yes. – Snape answered curtly. – Now I'll answer you questions. Once in each 5 years the best potions makers from all over the world come to this Conference to present the potions they have invented or improved for the past 5 years. If their potions respond all the standards and can't be used against the wizards they'll be added to all the student books, reports of Conference and stuff…
- But, - Hermione interrupted Snape impatiently, - why do you need me? You are very powerful wizard. – Snape's answer provoked Hermione to ask him more questions. – How many people are attending the Conference? Which potion are we going to present?..
- I was just about to tell you, - Snape said coolly. – You are here, because I need an assistant, who can show the potions effect. In short, we are going to try it on you, Miss Granger. Besides, it's a rather complicated potion and you can help me brewing it. We are presenting the Draught of Intelligence. I worked on it for a long time. Couldn't find some ingredients or the potion gave the reverse effect, - Hermione shuddered at the thought of being left stupid forever, - but now the potion is perfected and I'm ready to present it.
They've reached the door. Hermione was trembling – she knew not what to expect there. Severus saw her state and with a smirk opened the door for her, saying:
" Ladies – first!"
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, because I had fun writing it! If you like the story, reviews please, because I want to know you are reading it. See you!