CHAPTER TWELVE--ANNOYING SNAPE

"Last class for the day, Severus?"

Onyx eyes pinned a deadly glare at the new assistant, War Mage Osiris, who simply stared back with amusement. "One would hope you would refrain from brainless jumping considering you have yet prove your worth, War Mage."

Osiris chuckled at the dry tone, "I have worth. Just usually useless in potions." He simply shrugged, knowing he carelessly allowed something of his past out. Besides, he liked knowing he had bothered the man during that last few days by just being there and quiet until now.

Severus was quick to pick up, "What in Merlin's name are you here for?"

"I said usually," he pouted at the question. "I just don't see the use."

Osiris waited for the 'Wish it could kill on the spot' glare and was rewarded for his patience. "Potions is an art. Something these imbeciles know nothing of. I would have expected more from a War Mage, such as yourself."

Shrugging off the insult, "I never cared for them. Isis was the one who loved to experiment. She's a Rare Fallen Angel, very useful, I think, in Potions. She was always forcing us to mix our abilities into the pot, guess you could say. Never really cared for volatile ingredients when experimenting."

Severus groaned in defeat. Hands clutched at closed eyes, body tensed as he tried to control his wilful need to strangle the man. He couldn't believe Albus dared to hang a worthless Mage onto him, especially one with little care for Potions. Ears tuned into every movement the male made when Severus felt sudden warmth against his side. Jerking his head up to see amused green eyes, "What do you think you're doing?"

"Stop hissing so much, Severus. One would think you're part snake. Ought to save it for the bedroom, best place for such noise." Osiris mentally chuckled, keeping his face carefully blank when Severus whirled on him in absolute shock. He turned his attention to the smoking cauldron while allowing the professor time to recollect himself, "What's in this?"

Severus had frozen in shock at the blunt bedroom remark. If he wasn't mistaken he could have swore the Mage had meant something by it. Thankfully, Osiris had turned away for the moment. Grating out between clamped teeth, "Wolfsbane. I prepared it for this week for a fellow professor. You should know him."

"Ah, yes. Remus Lupin. Werewolf once a month. Too bad he already has a mate." Osiris had yet to remove his body from touching the professor's. And he knew Severus refused to back away without reasonable cause, which wouldn't make it look like running. "Could become permanent. Isis has been going on about re-inventing a potion for werewolves for months. Hasn't been able to find the right ingredients or a willing participant."

A dark gaze fell on the inspecting Mage, curious as to know more but cautious to wait. "I suspect you should be ready for class. I do not need another child to deal with again nor do I need my things misplaced by your constant moving."

"You should talk to Isis about this. She would love to help. By the way, stop hissing. Your voice is going a tad to deep to keep me sane. I wouldn't want your students walking into something they shouldn't see." Osiris could hear the approaching feet nearing the classroom, but he couldn't resist one more remark when Severus stared at him with pure shock and uncertainty. This time he dropped his voice to a whisper, "Close your mouth before they arrive. Wouldn't do to see the great sarcastic Potion Master unhinged or having me try closing it in a very inappropriate way."

Osiris could barely contain his laughter as a glowering Severus readied himself to rip into his assistant. But a trickling of students had just begun to arrive, talking excitedly about their previous class and professor. Stepping in front of a floundering professor, Osiris quickly gained everyone's attention, "I take it you had a great class with Isis."

Nods echoed from rivalling Gryffindors and Slytherins. "Isis was a little scared that you wouldn't like her class. She has never taught anyone. With one exception, me." Seeing the questioning looks and the penetrating deadly glare from behind, he hurried forward, "Next class, ask about her training me. It's along your class theories. But I think someone is a little upset with me."

Snarling, "Ten points from Gryffindor for edging on a new professor. War Mage, I insist you sit with the Slytherins to assist them."