Disclaimer: I own nothing but my plot and characters.
A/N: Ok, this is my new view on things... I realized how out of character some people are, but I can't change that this far in my story, which is halfway done. So... I figured, what the heck, it's a fanfiction, and they can be OOC sometimes if I make them that way. As long as I don't go too far, I suppose that's fine, isn't it? And besides that, one of my online friends used to have a story (CHARLOTTE!) which centered around her and Snape's relationship only, so I am not doing anything against fanfiction purposes. So...once again, I am having fun with my fic and that's all that matters.
Thank you. Oh, and Gwen, I know you review. That wasn't pointed at you. Just random people that read this and don't let me aknowledge their existence.
And sorry for shouting mentally at you.
And sorry for taking so long. Loss in family.
Chapter 27: Promotion
Please, Almighty God, read this journal with your powerfulness and let me fall out of love with he-who-is-snake-ish. Please.
Today be a week 'till me birthday. Of course I am thinking that line with a pirate's accent. After waking this morning to hearing screaming, one could only guess Snape was angry. I had let the curiosity grab me as I peeked out from my doorway. Someone had left rose petals everywhere, scattered about in abundance. Of course I didn't dare do a thing like that! I wasn't about to make him hate me.
After spotting him try to clean the petals up, I shut my door and changed into my teacher robes. I had at least ten minutes until breakfast actually started.
Hearing a knock on my door, I opened it and greeted Snape.
"Good morning, Severus.." I was still a little shaky around him.
In a monotone, uncaring voice, he replied, "Morning. I'm hoping it wasn't you who put rose petals all over the hall and in my room."
"Wasn't me, I swear it."
"Very well then, I think it might've been that obsessive girl. Anyways," He sounded a bit more concerned now, "I am ready to offer you something you cannot refuse."
I thought for a moment, "One million dollars?" My joke didn't amuse him.
"I would like for you to help me with a different level class. Perhaps you are willing to do so?" Snape sounded awfully ready to persuade me however he had to.
"Which class?"
A moment passed and Snape mumbled, "Advanced Potions."
"Eh?" I was not hearing this.
"I would appreciate if you helped me with the Advanced Potion class. The teenagers this year are really rambunctious and could use someone close enough to their age to reach them." He continued, seeing me still in shock, "Plus, you were one of the top students in my class last year. I know you had your days, but who doesn't? Basically...I'm desperate. Ron's sister is in the class, so you would feel comfortable.."
"So screaming at the top of your lungs and punishing everyone doesn't work anymore?" I asked with a slight attitude.
He smirked and stared at me with intensely serious eyes, "It works. I am just completely fed up with the way they behave. You'd think because they are older, they would act their age. Yet, each and everyday they find some way to drive me insane. Maranda, my class needs someone to relate to and to show them that school work is more important than the latest gossip. You are the one to do that. Why would they listen to me?"
"I listened to you..." My voice trailed, but I quickly said, "It's Advanced Potions. They should be mature. I suppose you'll want me to really help you..Talk to the class, question them..."
"Teach them." Snape added.
My chocolate eyes widened, "Teach them? You mean to tell me you want me to actually teach a class on my own? And a class that has people one year younger than me?"
Snape nodded and rudely began walking away. It was time for breakfast. None of this fit. Snape was perfectly capable of teaching a class. He was intimidating, wise, and downright mean. All the ingredients of a successful professor. Alright, I give nice teachers credit because they can make a class enjoyable. However, Snape was a snake, able to linger and have students cower. Have them finish work in fear. This teaching method worked for him, but suddenly it began fading.. Is that what he meant?
I followed slowly, thinking on the way to the great Hall about if I should be nice or mean to Snape. Was I able to pull off teaching a class full of students almost my age? Should I do this huge favor for Snape, or get revenge for everything wrong he had done by not doing it? My heart says to act in a kind way, helping him out as much as he needs. My brain is neutral; It feels revengeful and yet full of empathy. I wonder if he could ask anyone else to help. Perhaps Albus?
"Wait," I stopped before the Great Hall doors, causing Snape to stop as well.
He seemed puzzled.
"Haven't you talked to Dumbledore about this?" My sudden flood of questions spilled out of my mouth, "and what about another professor? Couldn't anyone else help? What's so special about me that you had to ask? Haven't I been punished enough by you? I have trouble talking to first years, who are not in the least bit intimidating as you."
"Does that mean you have trouble talking to me?" Snape inquired back.
I shook my head, "That's beside the point."
"True.." Smirking, Snape sighed and answered once and for all, "I talked to Albus about giving you this promotion. Honestly, I believe you have the talent to teach. I considered many ways of exposing you to different tasks, but this was the only answer good enough... Another professor would be nice, but I don't need anyone else. I am not weak. My Advanced Potions class is troublesome, but I can handle it. No one can get in my way. But you are young, intelligent, and able. I am giving you an opportunity to learn before you leave for college. Take it or leave it."
My mind raced, but I slowed down by taking a deep breath. "Answer me one question... Will you still be in the classroom with me while I help teach?"
"Yes."
I glanced at the floor then brought my eyes back up to meet his. "Alright, I accept your offer."
Snape extended his right hand. We shook hands for a moment and went in for breakfast. Together..
Hermione had been reading a small book when I sat down next to her, so I didn't bother her with any gossip from Manic-Mara-Land. I began to eat some warm french toast and look around the room. I spotted Ron's little sister, Ginny, talking with some friends and laughing. Then I viewed some more older students and my nerves started to act up. My leg bounced up and down in a violently fast manner, and my stomach churned a bit. Snape had his wish, but I bet anything he didn't consider my feelings about the situation. Leave it to the snakes to slither and bite before thinking they'd be hurting someone.
Time went by quickly. Mione eventually talked to me about her book, and I told her I had news to share later on. As I was chatting with her, Snape bumped his leg into mine. I thought nothing of it, but as he did it another time, my brain leaked with wonder.
"Excuse you, Severus, but why are you bumping my leg?" My bluntness caught him off-guard.
He put down his fork and sneered, "I dropped my wand. I felt it unnecessary and rude to bend over you and pick it up. So, I used my leg to roll it closer to me. Unfortunately, it seemingly rolled to the other side of your foot."
Snape was never a klutz, so this obviously surprised me. I looked beneath the table and saw his wand. I swiftly picked it up and handed it to him.
"Thank you."
What a weird morning!
"Advanced Potions is first, by the way." Snape said quick and quiet, as though I wouldn't hear him.
I hit my forehead with the palm of my hand, "Why didn't you say that before? Are you going to make me teach today?"
"I won't make you do anything," replied Snape as he placed his wand in a pocket, "but it would be nice if you did."
Hermione gave me a confused look, and I decided to tell her after all. I was completely shocked that all these tiny events happened in five minutes. The bell rang when I was done telling Mione about my promotion. Snape, as though it were amusing to him, slightly laughed as I stumbled out of my seat. He stopped as I shot him an icy glare. Dear Merlin, I was becoming him!
Stepping into the hallway, Snape waited to walk to Potions with me. How nice, he's buttering me up so I can forgive him laughing at me and my klutziness. I suppose the theme of the day is being a total klutz, as I have thought of that word twice already.
"Just sit at my desk as usual. I will explain to the class what's going on." Snape already had a speech planned. How impressive.
The chair I normally sat in was already at Snape's desk. I peeked into the trash can and saw hundreds of rose petals. I giggled under my breath. Poor Snape had to deal with things daily that I would never know of.
Students piled into the room, immediately staring at me with wonder. Snape was in his office for a moment, so there was naturally a blanket of conversation hovering over the room. The whispers turned into soft talking, which turned into normal volume, and finally into a few outbursts of laughter, yelling, and imitation animal noises. Snape poked his head out of his office and glared at everyone, who returned to a normal volume of talking. Ginny came in with a blonde girl, who had an extremely short skirt on. Alright, I love skirts, but why that short? And near the middle-end of winter!
"Silence!" Snape hissed as he finally appeared out of his office. He strode over to the blackboard and wrote my name down with white chalk.
The class calmed down. Ginny and the blonde were sitting in the front, hiding laughter. Hmm.. I decided to be the eyes behind Snape's head. That would be fun. Report to him everyday what stupid little things go on behind his back. I'd not only be doing him a favor, but I would have blackmail for the class if they got on his nerves too bad. Boy, I'm full of malice today.
"This," Snape pointed at me with his wand, "is Miss Maranda Maguire, your new student teacher. She will be teaching you a few days each week. I imagine you all recognize her from the Great Hall, as Albus Dumbledore introduced her, so don't think she is brand new and able to be taken advantage of. Any questions?"
The blonde raised her hand, "How old are you, Miss Maguire?"
I cleared my throat and replied, "Eighteen. Going to be nineteen next week."
"Alright class," Snape was plainly done introducing me, "Everyone open your books to chapter five and read the first three pages. When you are finished, close your books. When everyone is done, we will continue with the lesson."
I sat up straight in my chair as a feeling of confidence swept over me. Snape sat at his desk and took out some blank parchment. He began to write. I found something out while staring at him: He is really cute when concentrating. And I found something else out: I need to stop loving him.
Fifteen minutes passed before everyone was done reading. Snape stood up from his chair and went to the blackboard again. He erased my name and started writing some questions.
"Class, you will answer these questions on paper and hand them as soon as you are done. Tomorrow, Miss Maguire will be teaching. I will still be in the room, so there is no reason for you all to misbehave." He finished talking and turned back to the blackboard. As the chalk hit the board, one student in the back mocked Snape's actions. The boy was hit by a flying ball of paper, which caused a domino effect of flying papers and trash. Now I see what Snape meant. For an advanced class, no one was really smart enough to be here.
I spoke up even though I shouldn't have, "Can't you guys behave for one second? My class was never this bad? What are you, five years old?"
"Ten points from Gryffindor and Slytherin!" Snape turned around after I spoke and took control. The room went dead silent as if we were at a funeral.
No one made a move. Crumpled papers were all over the floor. The blonde girl coughed, and Snape shot a glance at her.
She spoke in a bubbly tone, "Oh, sorry, Professor. I had to cough. My throat has been bothering me."
I couldn't hold it in any longer, "Well, maybe if you wore sensible clothing in the winter you wouldn't be catching a cold."
"Miss Liam, perhaps Miss Maguire is right. You are in ridiculous garb. I suggest you change before Jack Frost blows his icy cold breath in the wrong places, and you have to go to the infirmary for embarrassing causes." The class ooohed at Snape's more-than-forgiving retort.
Class went on without anymore interruptions. Actually, I think the class was quiet because of shock, not respect. Even I couldn't comprehend that last statement from Snape. I think maybe he's been listening to me talk to much. Or maybe he can read my mind.
