Disclaimer: Severus Snape and company all are the property of J.K. Rowling, I do not own the rights to him or his world in any way shape or form (I just like to play there). Rosemary Grene is an original character I created for ht epurpose of this recreational story, not to gain any sort of monetary compensation.
Pausing outside of the heavy oak door before him, Neville swallowed a fearful gulp. He raised a trembling fist, but hesitated to knock and lowered his hand. Whatever lay beyond this door could not be good. After yet another abysmal catastrophe in potions, Professor Snape had instructed him to come to this room after dinner.
Neville could not remember a time when he had come so close to disobeying a teacher and skipping out. If it had been anyone other than Professor Snape, he would have tried faking sick; he shuddered to think what punishment the potions master would have served him up for even attempting such a thing.
It was then that he noticed someone approaching him. It was Professor Grene; what was she doing here? She smiled at Neville when she saw him, her soft, rose petal lips sliding into an expression of delight.
"Neville," she exclaimed. "I'm so pleased that you came. I was worried that you might try to skip out," she added, pushing open the door. He followed her dumbly into the small classroom that lay behind it, trying very hard not to look as if he had entertained the idea of cutting out.
"E-excuse me, Professor," said Neville, finding his voice at last, "but where's Professor Snape?"
Rosemary laughed and leaned against the edge of her desk. "I'm afraid that we will not have the pleasure of Professor Snape's company this evening; unless, of course, you'd like me to send for him."
"No," said Neville quickly. "That's okay."
"All right then," said Rosemary, "Let's get down to business. Can you tell me why you're here?"
"Because Professor Snape thinks I'm an idiot," mumbled Neville. His shoulders drooped dejectedly as he looked down at his trainers.
Rosemary patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Neville, you and I both know that you are not an idiot. Why, Professor Sprout was telling me just today what a wonderful Herbology student you are."
"Really?" asked Neville. He looked up at her shyly.
"Really," Rosemary affirmed. "Now, potions seems to be giving you some trouble, right?" Neville nodded. "Well, it's my job to try and help you figure out where you seem to be going wrong, and see if I can't help you get back on track. Okay?"
Neville smiled at her, his eyes cautious but eager to help. "Okay."
