Chapter 4:The Truth
That morning, Michiru lied in bed, thinking about using one of those Weasley products to make her sick. There was no way she was going to see Snape today. "Come on Michiru, before you're late!" Tora called from downstairs. She adjusted her left shoe to make it more comfortable. Suddenly, someone bumped into her. "Excuse me," he said. Tora looked up to see that it was the boy from yesterday. "Oh hey, its you!" she smiled. "I forgot to ask your name yesterday." The crimson-haired boy grinned, "Ah- I'm Hiroki Hayashi." "I'm Tora Black." "Pleased to meet you," he said, shaking her hand. Tora noticed that he wasn't wearing his glasses today or his lip-ring. The only visible piercings were two looped, black colored earrings in his left ear. "Sorry for bumping into you. I don't wanna be late for my detention with Mr. Filch." "What for?" Tora questioned. "I was wandering around late last night is all." "So it was him…" Hiroki shuffled out of the door along with a few other students who wanted to make it to breakfast. "Bye, Tora!" "Bye," she waved back smiling. "Man…he's cute."Realizing that Michiru still hadn't come down, she called again: "Michiru, are you coming?" Michiru came down the staircase appearing very tired. Her hair was hanging but looked a bit messy. At least she had four star-shaped clips in her hair to keep most of it toward the back. "Sorry, sorry, I'm coming," she groaned. Tora placed her arm around the girl, "I think some cinnamon toast will perk you up."
Classes went on as usual. Tora and Michiru met up with Sarah in Charms class. Later, Sarah had to depart as the other two went of to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Once there, they noticed a familiar face. "Belle!" the girls called happily. The 7th year Slytherin faced them with an elegant smile. "Hi guys!" she squealed. Both Tora and Michiru welcomed her with a group hug. Poor Belle had been sick in the Hospital Wing for the past few days. Belle Viota: age 17, sapphire eyes, blonde hair, and creamy skin. Although she's in the Slytherin House, she is a very kind person – if not a bit seductive in nature. "So, what have I missed?" she asked as she sat at her desk with the others. "A lot," Tora leaned in, "Michiru has a major crush on Professor Snape!" Michiru blushed a little. Belle's eyes widened, "Oh really? That's quite interesting." She had that gleam in her eye that stated she was thinking of something…ungodly. "Belle…don't even go there," Michiru informed demandingly. The French girl giggled, "Oh my, how my mind tends to wander!"
"Quiet down class!" came Professor Umbridge's annoying voice. That old tart of a woman had recently taken Hogwarts by storm. She came by means of the Ministry. The entire school hates the idea of having her here. Michiru sighed, this was probably the worst class she had ever had this year. Well, at least she'll be graduating, along with Belle.
At the end of class, Belle had some bad news. "Looks like I won't be around as much. I have some work to do elsewhere." "What?" Michiru and Tora exclaimed in unison. "But you just got back! How long will you be gone?" asked Tora. Belle shrugged, "I'm not sure. Don't worry, I'll pop in every now and then. I'll be here for Christmas." Michiru spoke, "Yeah but that's two months away. Will you be gone most of the time till then?" Belle nodded sadly, "Yes, it looks that way." Tora hugged her, "You take care of yourself okay? Don't get sick." "I won't." The girls said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Now it was time for Potions class. "Hey guys!" Sarah's voice echoed down the hall. "Hey," Michiru waved, "We ran into Belle. But she has to leave again. She's real busy lately." Sarah sighed, "Aww, damn I wanted to talk to her." Tora nodded, disappointed. They began walking down into the dungeons. Michiru informed Sarah that she was going to be punished for placing that charm on Snape. "Well that sucks," Sarah answered bluntly. "Great, and now I'll have to face him. Ugh, I should've stayed in bed!" Michiru cried. "At least it's Friday, so just hang in there," said Tora.
It was almost time for class to start and a few students were still filing in. Michiru had the head-to-desk syndrome. Tora and Sarah tried to console her but nothing seemed to get through. "I can't wait for this day to end!" Michiru cried. "Cheer up, your man is here," Sarah winked. Michiru's voice was muffled as she spoke, "He's not my man…" As Snape was passing by the girls, he swatted the back of Michiru's head. She sat up, looking annoyed. Her eyes moved over to Sarah, who was giggling, and Tora, who glanced away with a smile. Snape stood behind his podium with his same sour-puss face that he has every day. "Today you will learn how to make potions that cure the Winnump Disease, Pomek Pimples, and many other ailments. There will be no…goofing off," he said, giving a glare at Jonathan Nichols who threw a paper ball at another student. "…As it will cause your mixture to backfire." With a flick of his wand, he lit a few more candles in the classroom. "All of you will pair up into groups of two. Follow the instructions on pages 460 to 467." He took his seat behind his desk and said, "Get to work."
Tora turned to her gloomy friend, "This is the perfect opportunity for you to spend some time with Snape!" "Are you daft?" "Sound like a plan!" Sarah butted in. She wrapped her arm around the black-haired girl, "Hullo, partner!" Michiru raised an eyebrow, "Fine," she said, flinging her brown and gold hair. She glanced around the classroom to find someone but apparently everyone was glued together like glue. She spotted one guy who would always be willing to pair up with her: David Hoss. But, meh, he was a tad bit strange, at least when it came to Michiru. He would always talk about having children when he was around Michiru. "This sucks. I'll even take that Malfoy boy at a time like this."She glanced over at the professor, who was flipping through a couple of parchments.Looking back, she saw Sarah and Tora make hand movements that urged her to go talk to you-know-who (No, not Voldemort [haha).
With a pounding heart, Michiru rose from her seat with her Potions book in hand. As she walked up to Snape's desk, she started to feel bold. She cleared her throat, "Professor Snape…" His black eyes stared up at the girl, "Is there a problem, Miss Ayawa?" "It would seem that I could not get a partner. So, I was wondering if you would work with me." There was a pause; she was sure that he would say 'no'. "Your friends are very slick, aren't they?" Michiru blinked at his comment. Snape levitated a stool over to his desk and stood up. "Sit," he instructed as he went to retrieve the various ingredients. Michiru's friends gave her a thumbs-up and she returned with a poked tongue. Now getting focused, she opened her book to the designated page and began reading. When Snape returned, Michiru thanked him for being a stand-in partner. He replied with, "I'm sure you could use all the help you could get." Michiru chuckled, "Yeah, since my grade is terrible." The corner of Snape's mouth curled up into a little smirk.
Michiru was successful in creating all of the potions. Snape didn't say it, but he was pleased with the girl's progress. When class was over, Sarah was pulled aside and scolded by the professor. "Morning detention all next week," she said when she returned to the other two girls. Tora smiled teasingly, "Guess you won't be placing any more charms on him, huh?" "Maybe," Sarah shrugged. Michiru only shook her head; she knew Sarah would eventually try something else. It was only a matter of time…
"Stir it slowly," Snape instructed. The purple mixture bubbled and popped, hitting the side of Michiru's hand. "Aie! Burns," she cringed. "That why you have to stir it slow. Here," he said, handing her a cloth. He took the stirring rod and added a dash of some burgundy powder to settle the liquid. He pointed to a small glass bottle and said, "Now add some newts tails and record the reaction in your notebook." This tutor session was going quite well; Michiru was learning a lot. She had completely gotten over the awkwardness she felt around Snape. It seemed that what had happened yesterday didn't faze him. But at the same time, that confession charm…did it really reveal how Snape felt? This thought made Michiru put down her quill. "Professor Snape…I really like you and I'd be great if we could be friends." Snape scoffed, "I've never had any-" he caught himself before he could finish. Michiru was taken aback. He never had any friends? There was no way! "I'm sorry sir. Did you say-" "It's none of your business." Michiru placed her elbows on the small, round table and leaned forward. She spoke firmly but soft, "Professor, something like that shouldn't be ignored." Snape scowled at her, raising his voice a notch, "My personal life is not up for discussion…This lesson is over." He slammed the book close and rose to his feet. His back was facing the girl as he quietly walked back to his desk. Michiru got up quickly and grabbed Snape from behind, hugging him. "You have me," she whispered.
Before Snape could say anything, Michiru released him and went to gather her things. He watched as she cleared the table. With quill, ink bottle, and notebook in hand, Michiru stood silent, staring at Snape. He stared back, as if trying to figure out what to say. He took a few steps closer so that a small gap sat between them. "Yes?" Michiru urged on. Snape appeared as if he was concentrating on something; that or he was angry. Suddenly, his expression began to soften as he gazed upon the girl. "Tell him tell him!"Michiru's mind screamed. "I like you…more than a friend…or teacher," she admitted. "But before you say anything, I understand that students and teachers aren't allowed to have intimate relationships. Though, I hope you'll consider it because I'll be graduating this year and…" she sighed, "Never mind." Snape pulled her close into his arms. "Don't stress yourself," he said softly. He placed a little kiss on her cheek, making her fluster. Hesitating at first, Michiru raised her head and returned with a kiss on the lips. Snape slowly began kissing her back.
Footsteps echoing down the hallway made them pull apart. Michiru's face was extremely red. "Uhh- I'd better go." She dashed out of the room so fast, that she bumped into the oncoming person around the corner. "OH! I'm sorry!" she exclaimed. Professor Umbridge looked appalled by having a student run into her. "Well, you should know better than to run in the halls." She gave Michiru a funny look due to the girl's face being so red. "Hmph, children. Such strange creatures," she though harshly. "Excuse me," said Umbridge, pushing past the girl. Michiru glanced back at the woman who seemed to be heading towards Snape's classroom. She turned on her heel and walked fast through the dungeon. She couldn't help but crack a smile though. Once out of the dungeon, she squealed with excitement, "YES!" A few people glanced in her direction. Oh how her heart was filled with joy! Michiru made her way to the Great Hall for dinner, where she would meet up with Tora and Sarah.
End of chapter 4!