Disclaimer : Own nothing. Don't make money of it.
AN: Beta read version. Thanks to Sara. Any mystakes left are my own.
Chapter three: Mistrust
Each time Snape crawled at the Dark Lord's feet, he wished that he had never been young and foolish. Whatever possessed him to willingly enslave himself to the mad man years ago couldn't have been that important. Sure, there had been family expectations: the Snapes were known to be well versed in the Dark Arts and it would have been suspicious if Severus hadn't joined. There had also been Malfoy. Magnificent, rich and powerful Malfoy. The Dark Lord's most trusted servant even back then, when his role was to recruit new followers. And recruit he did, right under Dumbledore's nose. Seducing and coaxing students who were too weak to realise that they were being manipulated.
If these had been the only reasons for his joining perhaps Snape would have been able to forgive himself. As it was, his reasons had been much more petty. For one he joined the Dark Lord for revenge regarding a certain group of Gryffindors. And a second was a deep need to prove himself. Both related in a twisted way. Snape was sure his life would have been completely different had either his father or the Gryffindors not been a part of it. By the time he went to Hogwarts, his father had instilled in him perfect pureblood qualities: disdain for lower classes, a coldness regarding any kind of relationship and an immoderate pride in his name. What his father didn't know though, was that it was all a facade. Something to hide behind. His father's teachings only created in a sustained anger that strengthened his inability to ever trust anyone and kept him emotionally unbalanced. He had been so weak. He supposed that was why the Gryffindors kept setting upon him; somehow they must have felt that if they humiliated him enough he would be helpless. He was so angry back then. Angry at them for guessing him for what he was. Angry at himself for accepting their harsh treatment. He wanted to be strong and to be respected. He wanted to show his father that he could become someone important. So, he joined.
He wished he could have stayed naive, blissfully unaware of what he had got himself into. But that was not to be. If he was truthful with himself though he doubted he would have survived his eighteenth birthday had he not submitted. He saw what happened to Regulus Black. Now here he was, risking his life on a daily basis in the hope of bringing some useful information to Dumbledore and teaching useless brats at the same time. It was truly a miracle that he had managed to survive so far.
The meeting had gone rather bad. After the disaster of the Department of Mysteries, there were very few of the inner circle left. The Dark Lord had lost his favourite pet and wasn't in a good mood. Snape had barely apparated that he was writhing under the cruciatus curse.
"Severus, may I ask why you didn't think it necessary to tell me about Malfoy's and Potter's fight?" the Dark Lord had asked.
It had taken him a few seconds to catch his breath - enough to realise there were some new figures among the circle. Young ones.
"My Lord," he had said while bowing low. "I intended to do so from the moment it happened but I had obligations to attend to at school and my absence would have been highly suspicious. Besides, what Malfoy did was utterly foolish…"
That owed him another crucio but one that he expected this time.
"He wanted to please me," said the Dark Lord. "Or so I have been told. Are you telling me otherwise?"
"No, my Lord. Draco is loyal to you and shows great promises. Just like his father. However, he is still young and impulsive. In his haste to do well, he forgot elementary precautions. I had to play my cards right to make sure he wasn't expelled. He is very ashamed of his failure and wants to redeem himself. He will be your eyes in Hogwarts and be ready to act should you deem him worth of such a mission."
"Is that so?" the Dark Lord had asked, obviously happy by such a show of loyalty from his pet's son. "You did well, Severus. However…" he added as an afterthought. "I expect you to report to me immediately should anything happen again."
"Yes, my Lord."
It had been a near thing. Snape had known that it wouldn't be long before a war for information would begin at Hogwarts. The Dark Lord had wanted for quite some time to gain spies within the students. He had been prepared but he thought, like Dumbledore, that they still had some time. It seemed that the Dark Lord had taken advantage of the summer holidays to gain some new followers. He would have to be even more cautious from now on.
Dawn wasn't far when he appeared at Hogwarts' gates. The usually faint 'pop' of apparition sounded extremely loud in the silence. For a moment, Snape hold his breath and strained his ears. It wouldn't do to be seen right now, still clad in his Death Eater attire. He took off his mask gingerly and hided it under his robes. Damn Albus for making him walk all the way back to the castle. Damn himself for refusing the portkey the old man always proposed to him as a way of escape. He could have used one tonight. No. He couldn't have. It would be like handing himself over to the Dark Lord with the word 'traitor' written on his forehead. Not really the most sensible thing to do.
Never before had the Dark Lord sent him back so late. It could only mean one thing: he was being tested… again. Snape clenched his teeth. He knew the Dark Lord questioned his allegiance. On the other hand he knew that, for the time being, he was the only one the Dark Lord could rely upon. The others were… well, there really wasn't much to say about the others.
Snape didn't plan to make it a habit to sneak back into the castle like a teenager after a night out. He had to this evening however so as to prove to whomever had been asked to watch him (and was making a terrible job of it, by the way) that Dumbledore didn't know of his meeting; proving therefore that if he was spying on Dumbledore for the Dark Lord, he didn't do the opposite. The worst part was that he had to look out for his watcher as well as for himself without giving any indication that he knew he was being followed.
He really was too old for this.
He managed to avoid any confrontation with Mrs Norris and to reach his quarters before any student of his house woke up. A quick look at his clock proved him that he had to hurry. Breakfast time was to begin in ten minutes and he still had to look his usual self. On his way to the bathroom, Severus collected a few potions. He drank the first two in one gulp, relieved to feel some of the pain caused by the cruciatus curse lessen soon after. He then took some pepper-up so as to avoid falling asleep on the brats while they were manipulating dangerous ingredients. A faint glamour spell masked his deadly pale face and bloodshot eyes. Finally, he changed his robes. He would have killed for a warm shower and a few moments of peace but he didn't have any time left. Albus was probably waiting for him so as to call an Order meeting before classes began.
Severus was about to leave his quarters when a dishevelled Draco appeared in front of him, his eyes full of sleep, wearing day old, wrinkled robes.
"You're back," he said.
Severus nodded.
"I was heading to breakfast. You are to stay here. You can summon something to eat if you are hungry. I expect the Headmaster to call for you soon. You should get ready."
Apart for a few students, the Great Hall was empty when Snape made his entrance. He inclined his head briefly in Dumbledore's direction before taking his seat and helping himself to some food. He let his gaze wander in a bored way along the four tables. His own house table was empty, so was the Hufflepuff one. There was a sixth year Asian girl at the Ravenclaw table and of course, the Granger girl at the Gryffindor's. She was always among the first to have breakfast. She usually read until the Great Hall filled itself up around eight. Potter and Weasley, on the contrary, never showed up before half past eight and it was customary for them to be late for their first class. Too bad he wasn't teaching them first thing this year. It would have been his pleasure to dock points for tardiness.
His thoughts were interrupted when a hand squeezed his shoulder. Dumbledore was heading for his office. Snape followed close behind.
Dumbledore's office was overcrowded when he entered. Molly, Tonks and Lupin were chatting in a corner. McGonagall was sitting alongside the Headmaster, sipping on a cup of tea. Shackebolt and Moody were the only ones standing. Snape wondered how the Headmaster had managed to gather most of the Order at such a short notice. He didn't linger on the fact that both male Aurors eyed him warily, suspicion written all over their face, or that the three on the sofa didn't even bother to acknowledge his presence.
"Let's not waste more time than is necessary," began the Headmaster, quieting everyone down. "Severus, my boy… If you'll begin."
"I've been summoned to report about Potter's and Malfoy's fight. The Dark Lord wasn't pleased that I hadn't told him about it. My guess is that he has been informed by someone within Hogwarts, probably a student."
"Do you know who it could be?" asked Remus.
"Probably one of the junior Death Eaters," snarled Moody. "Who else?"
"I don't know." answered Snape without acknowledging the Auror's interruption. "It could be anybody. The Death Eater's children are, of course, not to be forgotten. They didn't take well their parents' imprisonment and are rather angry with Potter and the ministry. However, I don't think the Dark Lord would only choose spies among Death Eater's children and even among Slytherins only. That's where he expects us to look for. He is not that stupid."
"You mean that they are more than one?" asked Molly.
"There were, indeed, more than one young figure at the meeting tonight." said Snape in a dry tone.
He couldn't help mocking Molly for her show of Gryffindorness. Of course, there would be more than one spy. Who did she think the Dark Lord was? However, he understood the worry under her inane question. She was a mother and the thought that she would probably have to fight children the same age as her own was certainly horrifying to her. He himself felt somewhat shaken at the possibility. He feared for his Slytherins for he knew how easy it would be for the Dark Lord to bribe them into following him. He flattered himself for his good relationship with his students. In the end, it might be the only thing preventing them from making the same mistake he did. He felt more wary about how the teachers would react now that they knew that there were spies among the children. He hoped, for all their sakes, that they would not begin hunting Slytherins down or the Dark Lord might gather new followers faster that one could say 'potions'.
"This is very bad news," said Dumbledore voicing everybody's current thoughts. "I knew it would eventually come to this but I had hoped that, for once, Tom would play nice. Using children in war is very low… Even for him. Now, I must stress out the importance of not treating the children any differently, no matter what house they belong to. I know many of the teachers in this school harbour personal grudges against Slytherins but, as Severus pointed out, it's highly improbable that Tom chose spies only in his own house. Cunning and thirst for power don't necessarily mean evil. It's the choices that we make that define who we are, not our character. Let's not forget it and show our children how to make their own choices. In the meantime, I'll ask the teachers to keep their eyes open. Any strange behaviour is to be reported at once, is that clear?"
Remus, Minerva and Severus nodded in consent.
"I assume that will be all, then," said the Headmaster ending their meeting.
Molly, Moddy, Kingsley and Tonks headed for the fireplace and disappeared a moment afterwards in a flash of green.
"Minerva, would you mind going and fetching Harry for me? There is still the matter of his timetable to sort out before classes begin." He said with a smile. "Severus, a moment more, if you please. This concerns you as well."
Severus sat back heavily in his chair and sighed. The door closed behind Minerva and Lupin. Dumbledore was watching him seriously behind his spectacles.
"So…" he probed.
"The Dark Lord is planning to make his Death Eaters escape from Azkaban sometime tonight." announced Snape. "He wants his army back. He wants Malfoy back."
"I see."
Dumbledore leaned in his chair with a thoughtful expression.
"Did he tell you about his plan?"
"No. Someone is to contact me. But my guess is that the Dementors will play a part in it. The Dark Lord doesn't fully trust me. He needs me for now but it won't be long before I'm no longer a part of the inner circle. Young ones are extremely eager to please."
"Are you the only one privy to this information?"
Snape nodded.
"Apart from Nagini and Pettigrew, yes I'm. It's not as if there were many of the older ones left, after all."
Dumbledore crossed his finger under his chin.
"Hum," he said. "I could reinforce the security within Azkaban – provided the ministry listens to me – but that would mean blowing your cover up. I would rather let them try to escape: Azkaban is still a highly guarded place and some of them might get killed in the process. Those who will actually manage to escape will be on the run. Aurors will hunt them down day and night. Not to add that your position will be reinforced. The incident might even rush a few things within the ministry. Who knows?" asked Dumbledore his eyes twinkling again. "It might be the perfect opportunity to get rid of good old Fudge."
"Mister Potter?" asked the voice of the transfiguration professor behind his back. "A moment of your time if you please."
"Now?" exclaimed a very indignant Ronald Weasley. "But, professor, it's breakfast!"
Hermione rolled her eyes behind her book while Seamus – not so nice – laughed openly. McGonagall though, instead of tolerating Ron's antics with a faint smile as she usually did, send him back to said breakfast with a very stern glare. Neville's smile dropped and he eyed Harry worriedly. Harry, on the other hand, was still rather grumpy and noticed nothing. The only thing his clouded brain registered was that he had just got up, was pretty hungry and had to give up on his first real breakfast in two days in order to meet with Dumbledore. Couldn't it wait?
"'m coming," he grumbled.
Hermione stopped reading for a second and handed him an apple.
"Thanks 'Mione," he said before hurrying to catch up with his head of house.
Professor McGonagall left him in front of the gargoyle after she said the password. A moment afterwards Harry was knocking on the Headmaster's door.
"Enter," said Dumbledore from inside.
Harry found him sitting behind his desk sucking on what was probably a lemon drop. His twinkling eyes were for once not fixed on him but on Snape. The potions teacher was sitting rather stiffly in front of the old man a full cup of tea in his hands. The amber liquid wasn't steaming so Harry supposed it was cold.
As if sensing Harry's stare on him, Snape put his untouched cup on the desk and turned to him, one of his famous sneers on his lips. Snape's eyes were mocking him, as if daring Harry to suppose anything about him. Harry gulped: he perfectly remembered their last encounter and what he had said to his teacher. He could only wonder in which state of mind Snape was now. No doubt, potions will be hell this year.
"Harry," began the Headmaster. "Sorry to call you so early but there are a few things that need to be taken care of before you may go to classes. But before we begin, would you care for some breakfast?" he asked, wand at the ready.
"I'd rather call for Dobby sir, if you don't mind," said Harry. "He knows what I like," he explained.
There is no way I'm going to eat something you conjured, thought Harry before calling for the house elf.
"Harry Potter sir!" exclaimed the enthusiastic creature as soon as it saw him. "Dobby is so very happy to see you again, Harry Potter sir! What can Dobby do for Harry Potter?"
"I would like some breakfast Dobby. Sausages and eggs and some pumpkin juice as well, please," he ordered.
"Dobby is fetching Harry Potter his breakfast right away!" said the house elf before disappearing.
From his chair, Snape let out a small sigh. Blessed was the silence!
"So," began Dumbledore once Harry was served. "I guess you are rather impatient to know how you did for your O.W.L.s, Harry."
"Hum?" asked Harry his mouth full. "Not really, sir. Hermione told me I did OK on the whole. Didn't pass divination though."
Snape snorted.
"May I ask how Miss Granger gained access to that information?" questioned Snape.
Harry blushed.
"She got it from Ron."
"Who probably heard it from his mother," interrupted Dumbledore. "She must have asked Arthur to have a look for her."
"It's all right, Harry," he added in a kindly tone when he saw the teenager fidget. "Although only the students concerned are to know about their results, it's not unusual for parents to ask for the information beforehand. So, you already know you did extremely well in DADA and, surprisingly, in potions. That allows you to go the advanced class should you choose this subject for your N.E.W.T.s. Have you already decided which subjects you wish to continue studying?"
"I thought about DADA, History of magic, Charms, Transfiguration and… Hum… Potions," he finished in a breath.
Snape heard him all the same and a very unpleasant smile graced his lips. Yeah, it will be hell, thought Harry.
"That will be quite a heavy timetable especially with your extra lessons," remarked the Headmaster.
"Which extra lessons?" asked Harry and Snape at the same time.
"Well," began the Headmaster amused. "I planned on making Harry study 'remedial potions' again as well as a few other subjects that might help fighting Voldemort."
Snape hissed at the name.
"No."
Once again, Snape and Harry had talked at the same time. They eyed each other angrily for a second before turning to Dumbledore.
"Certainly, Albus, you cannot think I will willingly teach the brat again after what happened last year…"
"No way. He hates me! It's already going to be hell in Potions and you want me to spend even more time with him! And alone at that! He will torture me, use imperio on me or… or…"
"Now, now," said Dumbledore. "You don't really have a choice here. Severus, my boy, surely you don't want Harry to inadvertently reveal your position as a spy? And Harry, I'm sure you don't want something like last year to happen again…"
Teacher and student eyed Dumbledore in silence, both flabbergasted. Severus was able to hide his shock better but Harry could barely contain his thoughts. Anger, sorrow, betrayal were swirling around him in a dark aura.
Sadistic bastard, thought Snape
"That is settled then. You will have 'remedial potions' twice a week. The times will be chosen by professor Snape at his convenience. Now, I would like to know what you have decided regarding Mister Malfoy."
Harry was still seething in his seat, his fists clenched by his sides. Snape watched him. He knew he looked as collected as ever but cold sweat was running down his spine. The boy was angry and Snape feared Harry will unleash on his godson regardless of his previous promise.
"Wizard's oath," mumbled Harry.
"What?"
Dumbledore looked at the teenager in front of him. He was rather taken aback by such a demand and wondered what that had to do with young Malfoy. He had expected – and wanted – Harry to prosecute the child. Their hate for one another was well known and he could take advantage of it.
"What do you mean, Harry?" he asked cautiously.
"I want a wizard's oath. From Snape. I want him to promise he will actually try to teach me something during 'remedial potions' instead of spending his time attacking me. I don't care what he will do during potions though. I know it will appear strange if he suddenly acts fair."
How… Slytherin of him, thought Snape. Bargaining before stating his conditions. He didn't know yet if he should be affronted by such a total disrespect for his person and his position or if he should applaud the brat for his quick thinking. He knew Potter had managed to unbalance Dumbledore. Such a rare sight. Snape wanted to savour it.
"Harry, you can't ask for a wizard's oath for something so trivial," tried Dumbledore. "A wizard's oath binds people through magic. It…"
"Wizard's oath or nothing," stated Harry.
Snape had to admit the child had some nerve, playing mind games with Dumbledore. However, he was still too young to be able to resist the Headmaster's coaxing very long. Had he been a Slytherin, he might have known how to play things right. As it was, Snape didn't give him more than five minutes before relenting. Snape didn't want Potter to be more angry than he already was once he realised he had been beaten at his own game. Draco's life was at stake. Snape was ready to make some concession if it assured him of his godson's well being. After all, he will still have potions to make the child's life hell. Snape smirked at the thought.
"Mister Potter," said Snape. "If I promise to be fair in 'remedial potions', would that be enough for you?"
Harry gauged him in silence for a few minutes before nodding. Good child, praised Snape inwardly. He didn't ask for more reassurance; it seemed like he trusted him enough to keep his word. That disturbed Snape.
"I want to see Malfoy in private," Harry finally said.
"I'm afraid it will not be possible," answered Dumbledore. "Mister Malfoy has been forbidden to approach you. If you really want him to apologise to you, I can arrange for a short meeting under the supervision of one or two teachers."
"Who said I want him to apologise?" asked Harry.
"What would you want to meet him for, then?" asked Dumbledore in turn.
"That's none of you business. I want to see Malfoy and I want to see him alone," repeated Harry stubbornly.
"I can't grant your request, Harry," apologised Dumbledore.
Except that he didn't look one bit sorry. Snape wondered what exactly the Headmaster was getting at. Surely he wasn't trying to make Harry prosecute Draco… was he?
"So," said Harry, "You are telling me that I can choose Malfoy's punishment except that I can't? What is it to you how I choose to punish him? Unless you expect me to send him to Azkaban?" accused Harry. "That's it, isn't it?"
"Now, Harry," coaxed Dumbledore. "You can't possibly mean what you are saying. I don't wish Mr Malfoy to end up in Azkaban. He is young and young ones make mistakes. The truth is I'm very reluctant to let you two meet unsupervised."
"I'm sure detention can be arranged during in potion's class," intervened Snape.
Dumbledore turned to face him. The twinkle was gone from his eyes.
"I won't be far away," added Snape.
Dumbledore appeared deep in thought and sucked on his lemon drop for a moment.
"So be it, then. Severus, you will personally be held responsible should anything happen. Do I make myself clear?" he asked from over his spectacles.
"Perfectly, sir."
"Malfoy and I will be left alone?" insisted Harry.
Dumbledore nodded. He knew when a battle was lost.
"Here is your timetable, Harry. You should head to class now. You are already late."
"Severus," said the Headmaster sternly once the teenager had left. "I want you to keep an eye on them and tell me what they will talk about."
"Yes, Headmaster."
Harry managed to sneak into the History of magic's classroom unnoticed. Professor Binns was half turned towards his blackboard writing numbers on it with a spell. His dull voice was resonating in the room. Some Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were slumped over their tables. A few of them raised their heads when they saw him enter and Harry gave them an apologetic smile. He tiptoed up to where Ron and Hermione were and sat between the two of them. People began murmuring among themselves and elbowing the ones dozing to point Harry with their fingers. Hermione glared at those who dared turn around and stare openly at her friend. By now, the sound level had increased enough to make Binns stop his monologue.
"Does someone have a question?" he asked, unaware of what was taking place behind his back.
"What was that about?" murmured Harry once quiet had settle back.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
"Don't worry about it," she whispered. "Now tell me, why did professor Dumbledore want to see you?"
Ron's head perked up at her question.
"Yeah, what was so bloody important that you had to miss breakfast?" he added.
"He wanted to give me my timetable and he needed to know which subjects I selected for the N.E.W.T.s. Guess what?" Harry asked in an even lower voice. "I still have to go to 'remedial potions'."
His friends gave him a pitying look. Hermione even squeezed his forearm.
"I'll be all right, Harry. Besides, it can only help you, can it not?" she said before going back to her notes.
Ron took a piece of parchment. Harry was psychologically preparing himself to take notes too when Ron slid the paper back in his direction. Hermione saw his little game and mouthed 'Honestly, Ron!' but Ron replied:
"What? You were already taking notes for Harry!"
So Ron undertook to relate everything that had happened while Harry was in the Hospital Wing, which wasn't much, but occupied themselves until the lesson was over.
"And professor Lupin is the DADA teacher again!" Ron exclaimed while they were heading for their next class. "See you later, 'Mione! Good luck with the greasy git!" he scoffed and headed for the North Tower. "Aren't you coming?" he asked Harry when he didn't see him following.
"I gave up divination, Ron," confessed Harry. "I chose potions instead."
"Are you mad!" shouted Ron. "How can you want to spend time with the old bat? I mean, you know he is going to be horrible to you but still… Divination is just so easy! You just have to make up stuff!"
"Perhaps I no longer want to 'make up stuff'," Harry said in a tight voice. "Especially regarding my own possible death. At least potions are useful. And I don't care if Snape is horrible, he can't be worse than usual."
"Divination is crap, Ron" said Hermione in a superior tone. "If you had some brains you too would have chosen advanced potions instead. I thought you would since you did well for your O.W.L.s. Anyway, we should hurry, Harry. We'd better not be late for the first class or professor Snape is going to kill us."
Harry glanced a final time at Ron before following Hermione. They hurried through the corridors half walking, half running and had just stepped into the potions classroom when the door shut with a bang. They took their seat rapidly, still breathing fast and arranged their cauldrons and other supplies on their respective workbench. Apart from them, there were six other students that had made it to the advanced class: Parkinson, Nott and Zabini for Slytherin, Susan Bones for Hufflepuff, Terry Boot and Cho Chang for Ravenclaw. Harry blushed hard when he recognised the Asian girl: they had parted on bad terms and had not talked to one another since their quarrel about Marietta Edgecombe the year before. Harry felt rather uneasy to know they will met every week now. He didn't know how to behave around her. Should he attempt at talking to her? After all, they were bound somehow by Cedric's death and had almost been girlfriend and boyfriend. Surely that meant something. Or perhaps it didn't thought Harry when he saw that Cho had chosen to ignore his presence altogether.
The door behind Harry's back opened violently making him jump on his seat. Snape strode up to his desk and made a sharp turn to face them. He eyed them all for a few seconds, one by one. His eyes lingered a bit longer on Harry and his lips curled.
"Well, well, well…" began Snape crossing his arms over his chest in a relaxed posture. "It looks like one of the O.W.L. proof-reader was feeling particularly lenient this year. Let's just hope that those concerned by that generosity won't fall behind too soon."
The Slytherins snickered.
"There is a reason why I only accept the best ones in this room. This will be no standard class" warned Snape. "No clumsiness will be tolerated. That means no lost ingredients and no exploding cauldrons. I expect each of you to dedicate himself to the subtle art of potions making to the point of perfection. A different potion will be brewed each week. Some potions may take longer to prepare so get used to working on different projects at the same time. For each of these potions you will have to previously hand over a three foot essay defining the potion and its uses, the brewing process and the characteristics of each components used. Today though, you will brew a batch of draugh of peace… without using your books. It's fifth year material so you should remember what to do. Here are the ingredients and quantities you will need. You can find them in the store cupboard," said Snape flicking his wand. "You have an hour and a half. Start!"
Harry gulped. He remembered that potion perfectly. Each ingredient had to be added in the right order and the potion had to be stirred very specifically. The fire had also to be lowered at some point. It was a tricky potion to make and to make things even easier Snape had only given them the list of ingredients. Harry remembered a bit what to do and in which order but not precisely enough to succeed. He will fail… again. Harry went to take the powdered moonstone and the syrup of hellebore. He watched the other students on his way back to his workbench. Hermione and Cho were already working diligently. It figures that the girls wouldn't need the full recipe. Terry was glancing at Cho every once in a while to make sure he did alright. The Slytherins seemed at ease.
Harry pondered what to do next. Should he begin the potion knowing he wouldn't be able to achieve it? Or not doing it at all? After all, he still had to earn detention. Ether way, Snape was going to be a bitch.
Thinking about the git, here he was, inspecting each cauldrons with utmost care no doubt in the hope of finding something amiss. He passed the Slytherins fast: a light silver vapour was rising from their potions. Hermione's and Cho's were perfect too and Snape didn't dare making any comment. Susan's potion however was giving off dark grey fumes: she had forgotten to add the syrup of hellebore.
"Can someone tell me what went wrong with Miss Bones' mixture?" Snape asked.
Harry raised his hand without thinking. For once, he knew the answer and wanted to show it. Hermione's hand had shot up faster than ever and she was fidgeting on her seat. Snape ignored her and locked his eyes with Harry's.
"Yes, Mister Potter?" he asked.
"She forgot the syrup, sir," Harry said.
"Indeed. And you would know because…" his teacher trailed off.
"Hum… I did the same mistake last year," answered Harry.
He was feeling more and more ill at ease.
"I remember perfectly, Potter. Now, would you like to explain why you didn't begin your potion like everybody else? Or is it that you think yourself above such a task?"
"No sir," murmured Harry.
"I can't hear you, Potter."
"No sir," replied Harry louder. "It's just that I don't remember all the recipe, sir, and you said no lost ingredients so…"
"Had I though my remark to lead to such a blatant proof of laziness I would have thought twice about making it. That will be detention for you, Potter. Tonight. Seven sharp. Try that again Potter and you will find yourself expelled from this class," Snape warned before returning to his desk.
"Class is dismissed. Go!" he barked finally.