Experiment, The Second

or-

"Love-letters in the Sand"

Hmm… It clearly states in "Pursuit of the Single-Wizard (or, How to Always Get Your Man)" (Chapter 11, Page 270) by Ivanna Mantunite, "…Some wizards simply have a regrettable knack for playing 'hard-to-get.' It is up to you, Miss Winsome Witch, to divine the chink in his armour, the bridge across his moat, the perilous primrose-planted path that will lead you into the round tower of his hapless heart. But how to stalk and subdue the Shy Sorcerer? Remember, the Quill is mightier than the Quaffle! The Elusive Enchanter is an intelligent Beast and quite literate. If your spoken spell will not ensnare his affections, concoct a sensuous scroll that delineates your desperate desire to devote yourself to him. Passionate Poetry! Voluptuous Verse! Luscious Lyrics! These are the components for a penned potion of adoration guaranteed to garner glorious results for you, the Erudite Enchantress!"

Once again, in the interests of science, I have decided to conduct a second experiment. The first exercise in "Project Snape-Snare" was not entirely successful, though I DID notice that he has not yet returned the cookie tray. Though I may be over-optimistic, I cannot help but see this as a good sign.

I decided to make my move immediately following Potions class for the sixth year Slytherins. My method of delivery was quite simple and straightforward. Doing as Miss Mantunite suggested, I crafted a bit of verse on a piece of carefully perfumed parchment, using emerald-hued ink and a finely carved, calligraphic quill. I was somewhat pleased with the results, which are as follows:

When first I came to Hogwarts

To study Magic Art,

'Twas there I first did see your face,

And there, did lose my heart.

For six cruel years, I've pined to see

Your face or hear your voice

I cannot help but love you, dear

For me, there is no choice.

My dearest wish is that someday

You'll notice me and say,

"O dearest girl, I love you so

Please with me come away."

Signed, Your Anonymous Admirer

The poem completed, I carefully slipped it into the stack of homework being passed along the rows to the front of the classroom. I carefully observed the Subject as he inspected each submission. My observations were rewarded with an almost imperceptible widening, then sudden narrowing of the eyes. And for just a moment, my eyes met his across the room. He smiled then, and resumed checking the homework. During class, I observed the Subject at every opportunity. He, in turn, appeared to be watching me.

Class ended, and the Subject returned to his desk. I was one of the last to leave the classroom, when I heard the Subject softly call out my name. "Miss Wainwright. Remain after class a moment, won't you?"

Swallowing hard, I replied, "Y-yes, sir," and laid my books down. The Subject then proceeded to pick up the poetic parchment, bring it to me and lay it on the desk before me.

"Does this parchment seem familiar to you, Miss Wainwright?" His black eyes were glittering again, and his smile had once again thinned to a knife's edge. He was towering over me, and I could feel my face growing hot.

Of course, as a scientific researcher in the field of Snapeology, I simply could not reveal to the Subject that he was being studied. It would certainly skew the results of the experiment! "Uh, n-no, sir," I replied." Other researchers will please take note that the Subject can be dangerous when cornered!

His response was a brief nod and a narrowing of the eyes. "I see." The Subject stared down at me for a very long moment before turning away slightly. "Do you enjoy writing, Miss Wainwright?" the Subject said, almost casually, over one black-clad shoulder.

I could not help but notice that he was still carrying the parchment in one hand. "Y-yes, sir." I tried to keep my face impassive, but could not help a faint, hopeful smile as the Subject turned to face me.

He smiled. "That is excellent, Miss Wainwright. It is always gratifying to see a pupil applying herself to her lessons." The Subject then returned to his desk and beckoned me closer. I could not help but feel I was on the brink of a new discovery! The Subject leaned down for a moment and retrieved a weighty tome from under his desk.

Drawn by his crooked finger as if by an 'Accio' spell, I approached, wondering if he could hear my pounding heart. "Thank you, sir!"

The smile thinned again, and his eyes locked on mine. Could it be? "Since you seem to enjoy writing, Miss Wainwright, I have a small assignment for you. You are to copy the first one hundred pages of "Potions and Theyre Ingredientes," translating the archaic language into modern English."

"Um…yes, sir. Copy the first…one hundred…pages…?"

"Yes, Miss Wainwright, the first one hundred pages…five times." The Subject slid the book toward me with an evil smile. "Oh…and since this is my private copy, I will allow you to remain here in the classroom to complete your assignment until the supper bell is rung. After the evening meal, you will, of course, return here and complete your assignment. Mr. Filch will be checking in on you and escorting you back to Slytherin in time for lights out. And I expect it first thing Monday in Potions."

I blinked and shuddered. Unable to keep a tremour from my voice, I repeated, "The first one hundred pages…five times?"

"Is there an echo in here, Miss Wainwright? I believe that is what I said. Of course, if you think the assignment is insufficient to keep you out of mischief, I can always increase it." The Subject seemed to enjoy toying with his prey. There are, I reminded myself, always risks involved in the observation of dangerous creatures.

"N-n-no, sir. Th-this assignment should, um, keep me out of trouble just fine, sir." Here, the Observer noted that a clear display of submission was in order to prevent the Subject from becoming further agitated.

The Subject nodded – a brief and regal incline of his head. "Do make certain to copy the assignment in your very best hand, Miss Wainwright. If your penmanship were anything other than excellent, I would be forced to require you to repeat the assignment…not to mention other alternatives at my disposal…" The dark eyes narrowed, and I felt as though I were teetering on the brink of an abyss. Despite the fact that my Subject was making a clear threat display, I felt jubilant over my latest discoveries.

I nodded and sat to begin my assignment as the Subject observed me, temporarily turning the tables on scientific research. But as he closed the door and I heard his receding footsteps, I smiled, for I noted that the scented parchment was nowhere in sight, not even in the dustbin, and that means….

"Yes!"

End – Experiment, The Second.

Next: Experiment, the Third, or "One picture is worth a thousand words"