Please Note: This story takes place in the pre-Harry years.
Lyda stayed up late that night. The first few chapters turned out to be almost fifty pages each, with very small text. Not even a diagram or photo in sight. The text was dull and uninformative. But Lyda read through it word for word, meticulously reviewing each detail, not because she found the information the least bit interesting, but she was looking forward to proving that she could outwit what she thought Snape was trying to do.
She didn't understand what his problem was. Was it that he couldn't stand anyone who automatically had more respect than he probably ever had in school? It was most likely something that had to do with her father. Before even coming to this school, she'd heard Jacques Monroe talk about Snape. She couldn't recall what he said. It was all a bit of a blur, but she did remember many times he'd come home and viciously rant about him. Why couldn't she remember what he said?
But she assumed the feelings were mutual with Snape. That was his problem though. Not having his respect didn't kill her. Besides, she didn't respect him one bit. He was a Death Eater. How could Professor Dumbledore not see that? And if he knows, why doesn't he just sack him? He must not know. She vowed to herself that she'd tell the headmaster that he was a Death Eater if Snape ever really pissed her off.
She smirked as she thought about the look on his if Dumbledore were to sack him in front of the whole school. Then watching him walk out into the cold world, and the Dark Lord coming up to him in the middle of the street and blowing his head off. This left her feeling happy all through potions, despite the fact that Snape gave her detention for daydreaming, but refused to just take away fifty points from Slytherin (obviously because it was his own house). That was one good thing about being in his house, but it's not like she cared about winning the house cup, especially for someone she loathed.
Finally, potions was over, but unfortunately, she still had another tedious hour of discussing the first few chapters of Your Perfect Lethal Draught.
She remained in her seat, hoping all of her classmates would notice the fatigued look on her face as they left. As soon as everyone was entirely out the door, Snape waltzed up and shut it with a loud slam that made Lyda's heart sink.
I'm assuming from the rather afflicted look on your face that you disliked the book, he said.
No, I didn't care for...It wasn't a question, Ms. Monroe, he said sharply. Nonetheless, we must discuss it in a civilized manner.I'll try my best, Professor.
He smirked. You know, it hasn't even been a week, but I am beginning to enjoy that scornful tone of yours.I wish I could say the same for you Professor, but I find your satire a bit tiring, if you don't mind me saying.
He shook his head, closing his eyes. I show an attempt at being understanding, and she shoves it back in my face.
Lyda just glared. She wasn't entertained by this at all, though obviously Snape was. As he had said, she hadn't even been here for a week, and she already hated him. Even if her father was wrong about everything else, he was right about something. This man was just downright repulsive. Let's just talk about the book and get it over with.Oh, right. Indeed, we'd best work on what we're supposed to. So, what was it that you found to be uninteresting?I never said it was uninteresting.Ms. Monroe, if there's one thing I have learned from teaching, it's how to read expressions. Now, what did you dislike?Well, the overall context in which it was written was really dull. I mean, the way it was written, he author might as well have written a laundry list of facts. I had to continuously re-read selections to actually get any information to stick with me.Well, that is your first lesson for this little learning experience.What's that, What not to read?No. That you can't always get what you want. I don't care how well you comprehend the readings I give you. This is all about the lessons you get from them. And I knew we had to start with the fact that life's tough. It's going to be dull. You're going to have to do things you don't want to.I realize that. That's why I read through it to the best of my ability... and my attention span.Well then, if you've learned anything from me at all this year, you seditious know-it-all, you've learned that. Or at least, you've used it in the real world. Now, since part of my job does happen to be to teach you some of the information in the reading, is there anything you don't understand? Anything you need clarification on? br /
Lyda crossed her arms, rubbing her palms up and down her forearms to keep herself warm. It was so chilly in his dungeons. She was so furious right now, though. He was trying to teach her about life. Ha! That was a good one. He was on His side. He actually chose to be on his side. She shook her head. The only question I have is why you feel like I am unprepared for life. I've learned some of the toughest lessons of life the hard way. You have absolutely know idea! Then you come in here and try to tell me life is hard. Oh, I'm sure you know so much about that. Every day the threat of the Dark Lord dies a little, and you could be caught any day. But that was your choice. It wasn't my choice to have my dad be who he is.
Snape's face was twisted with rage. If only this insolent little girl knew! Then she would never dare say those things. You have no idea what you're saying, he spat. Ask your precious father! The one you use as your excuse! He's the only line between your miserable life, and mine. You think your father told you everything about me. But if he really told you everything, you wouldn't know what you were saying! Now get out of my office this instant! And don't you dare come back until you're ready to take back your accusations!Then I'll take that as a reason never to come back! The next time I set foot into this room, you'll be fired!