A/N: Written for The House Competition, Round 2.
House: Gryffindor
Class: Herbology
Category: "Drabble"
Prompt: [First Line] He knew that they couldn't hide themselves for much longer. (Alt: Pronouns can change: He/She/They/Name/I)
Word Count: 676
He knew Granger couldn't hide herself for much longer. The little swot had once more nestled herself into his favorite alcove of the library. He'd noticed her increased presence there; how she didn't seem to study whilst occupying that particular space as she simply read leisurely—and even that, he was sure, was a front for her true goal. Severus was forced—yet again—to wait for a student to move on because, in this place, he was not the highest authority. Even if said student wasn't utilizing the space properly.
Shooting a sour glance at the sharp, pinched face of the librarian as she glared equally sourly back at him, he stifled a sigh and resigned himself to browsing the periodicals. Perhaps the newest Potions Quarterly or Brews Today would have been received by now.
As he directed his face determinedly over the rows of weekly and monthly publications in his and other fields, he couldn't stop his gaze from sliding over to the barest, tell-tale shimmer that betrayed to him the girl's location. It was a perfectly applied disillusionment charm, to be sure, but even when perfectly applied the slight distortion of light could not be avoided; an experienced witch or wizard could spot the charm with ease.
After another few minutes of standing—no new potions, or even transfiguration, publications available to occupy his mind—Severus found himself giving into his growing impatience. He drew himself up to his full height, clasped his hands firmly behind his back, and paced towards his alcove. "Miss Granger, are you intending to hide here and monopolize this space all weekend?"
The sudden jolt of refracted light and the muffled yelp—barely audible, but there nonetheless—were well worth it. He smirked as she cancelled the charm that had insufficiently concealed her, noting the furrowing of her brow which gave away her irritation at being interrupted.
"I wasn't hi—No sir." She turned her chin up, holding his gaze defiantly.
"Do you mean to tell me that I am mistaken in thinking you are avoiding your paramour?" He arched a brow, unable to contain his sharp skepticism. He had noticed the girl glancing furtively around every corner, skipping meals, and hiding, near constantly, in his alcove, ever since Slughorn's little Christmas party.
Her cheeks grew pink, flustered embarrassment now warring with her irritation and defiance. "McLag—He is not my—He refuses to take no for an answer, is all."
He held her gaze, finally nodding in thoughtful understanding. "And…had you thought to discuss this unwanted attention with your Head of House? I cannot imagine Professor McGonagall allowing such behavior, even from one of her precious cubs." As he spoke, he made a show of casually checking his nails for sharp edges or grime, while surreptitiously looking around them for any would-be eavesdroppers. When he found none, and took in the slightly ashamed shake of the girl's head, he pressed on. "Miss Granger, it is no secret that I have no patience for adolescent drama. However, I have far less patience for harassment. I suggest you bring this issue to her attention. She will assist, I am certain of it."
Granger stared at him for a few moments, clearly uncertain how to respond, before her eyes seemed to darken, her face growing determined. Grabbing the two books nearest her, she flicked her wand and sent the rest off to re-shelve themselves. Standing to leave and passing where he stood, she turned back to him. "Thank you, sir. I'll do that."
Severus watched her go, and sighed in contentment. Hopefully he'd have his alcove to himself once more. And if the girl benefitted from his advice, so be it. Her incidental benefit was worth the cost to his time. That hadn't been his goal, after all; certainly not. He'd just wanted his alcove.
He perused for a while longer, selecting two volumes for himself, and then considered the quiet, empty alcove for a long moment. Then, with a swirl of his cloak, he turned to the front desk, to check out his books and retire to his quarters.