AN/ Artimis and Alexis are owned by Deepshadows2 and Eckostalker. JK owns everything else. JK, I salute you!
Severus apparated on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, aware that for once in his private life, he didn't have Lucius drooling over him. A broad grin spread across his face as he picture Lucius crying over Fluffy's scratched head and splintered tail. God, how he hated that man.
Severus stepped into the midday sun, and spared the lake a glance, resulting in his new-found happiness being ripped away from him, and his jaw falling to the ground.
Climbing the Old Oak, next to the Black Lake, were Artimis Callabella and Alexis Whyte, his two most feared students. For years they had been continuously driving him further into psychological decline, and they seemed to be aiming for his 'retirement' and a term at St Mungo's before they left.
Artimis, his ever vigilant Slytherin was the first to notice his glum figure stalking across the grounds, whilst it took a little longer for this to register with Alexis, who was hoping around the perimeter of the water, hands behind her back, and yelling quite loudly, 'I DON'T KNOW HOW LUPIN EXPECTS US TO DO IT. I MEAN, HOW CAN WE CATCH A GRINDYLOW?'
The short Gryffindor turned towards her friend, who was baring a fixed smile. 'Yes Dear friend, I wonder who will aid us in our hour of need…'
As Severus practically jogged past the two girls in an attempt to avoid whatever they were plotting for him next, he didn't miss the exchange, and though he new it was foolish on his part, Severus could feel his need to deduct points rising like a python within him. He really was going to have to sort this addiction out…
'20 points Miss Whyte for causing unjust noise pollution, and I think another 10 points for putting your life in danger. If you go any closer to that Lake, the Squid may feel it necessary to pull you in.' Severus glared at the Gryffindor, daring her to challenge him…he knew it was coming…and he was right…
Alexis batted her eyes at Severus, before slowly, and deliberately taking a step into the lake, the water coming just up to her ankles.
'10 points for defying a member of staff,' muttered Severus, his eyes narrowing.
'Oh no Professor…I'm not defying you, Oh no…I wouldn't ream of doing that. No, Artimis and myself need to catch a Grindylow for Professor Lupin, for our next class…'
Severus focused on his wand, clamped tightly in his fist, as he fought to ignore his rapidly rising annoyance. He did not want to know what that fool was teaching, how he was teaching, or what he was currently studying.
'Well I suggest you tell Professor Lupin that Students aren't allowed to go swimming for magical creatures to study in school.'
By now, Artimis had joined her friend, and was staring coolly up at Snape.
'Students aren't allowed Professor, but I bet staff are! I bet you could catch a Grindylow in 10 minutes Sir,' said Alexis with an odd twinkle in her eye.
'I bet 8 Galleons that he does it in 5!' Challenged Artimis.
You're on!' The two girls both gave high-fives, before directing their attention on the Potions Master, who was now secretly wishing that he was back at the manner with Lucius, the cane loving freak, and Voldemort, the evil, dark wizard who was scared of Spiders.
Rolling his eyes, Severus pushed past the two girls and continued up towards the castle. 'I will not play part of your ridiculous games,' he said stiffly.
'Hmm, wonder what the school will say when they find out that Professor Snape is scarred of Grindylows and water…' whispered Alexis, too loud to be ignored.
Severus paused in his departure, took a deep breath, and realized with some twisted amusement, that those two girls had tricked him into one of their little ploys again…wonder what the school will say when they find out Snape's gone swimming, thought Severus sarcastically.
He turned around quickly, casting his robes through the air and onto a branch of the nearby tree, before toeing his shoes off, and placing his socks into them. Next, he unbuttoned his frock coat and draped that next to his black robes.
'50 point Miss Whyte, for possibly getting a member of staff killed by the squid…and Miss Callabella? 10 points for failing to stop this-this-this injustice!' hissed Severus before walking into the lake, his wand clutched in his fist, whilst his (now visible) white shirt was caressed by the wind, and his black pants disappeared into the murky depths of the unknown…
AN/ Ok, yeah, second chapter's coming up for Ecko- promise! Can you guess what's gonna happen to Severus in the Lake? Just think back to the film, and what Dan went through!..I have plans! Hope you had/have a great B-day Ecko!
Thanks to everyone who has left a review, they're greatly appreciated, I've left a reply for WunderWitch in there, and can only say PLEASE KEEP R&R! Thanks!