The bell had rung, and Avi was nervously getting her things together, wondering what Professor Snape could possibly want with her. She wasn't sure of what she thought of him. He was cruel and irritable, there was no doubt about that, and seemed to take some kind of sadistic pleasure in tormenting his students. But on the other hand he she had heard about some wonderful qualities from the other Slytherins.
She shook her head and sighed, gathered her things, and made her way to Snape's office in the back of the room, where he had already retreated. She knocked on the door pensively, hugging her potions book to her check, and heard him bark 'Enter'. She opened the door and stepped inside, turning to close it behind her, and taking a deep breath before turning back.
"You wanted to see me, Sir?" she asked. He nodded, and motioned to a chair in front of his desk, which she took immediately, as though he had barked the order.
"I was very impressed with your...performance this afternoon," he said, and Avi couldn't tell from his voice if he was serious or not. His face was impassive, his eyes as cold as ever, but when they met hers she had to resist that urge to shiver yet again.
"It is obvious," he went on, looking away from her to shuffle a group of papers on his des, "that you are well beyond the level of this class. Or, indeed, any of my classes."
"It's always been my best subject, Sir," she said, blushing faintly. He looked at her for a long moment, as though judging her statement, and gave a single, curt nod.
"Which is why I would like to offer you an Apprenticeship," he said, and Avi looked up, surprised. "It will be a lot of work, and several extra hours. You will have to prove that you can handle the strain on top of all of your other classes, and that you can maintain the grades expected of you. But in return I will give you a greater challenge in Potions. Are you interested?"
"Oh yes, Sir!" Avi exclaimed happily, leaning forward in her chair. The corners of the Professor's lips twitched slightly.
"Very well, allow me to get the necessary paperwork," he replied, and stood up, sweeping from the room.
Avi looked around happily, gazing at the pickled animals in jars on the shelves, the various flasks on the desk, and finally her eyes rested on the Daily Prophet. The front page was turned back to reveal a picture of the Minister of Magic, speaking and gesturing wildly, as though giving a speech. The headline read 'Ministry Introduces New Marriage Law'.
But before she could read any further, Snape came back into the room, and she momentarily forgot her curiosity.
A/N – There is another chapter down! What will happen with the marriage law? Will Avi and Snape get along in her new apprenticeship? You will have to wait and see! Hehe. Please review and tell me anything you would like to happen! I always take my readers into account. :)