What the Mirror Saw: Samantha's Story by Bandgeek252
Chapter 5- The Potion's Nightmare and Snapes' Family Motto
November 15, 2019
It had been several weeks since Albus and Scorpius had their near brawl in the halls and Alex could still sense the tension between the two. Alex tried to distract his friend and forewarned his sister that she might want to talk to her Slytherins. Something was going on between those two that he just couldn't put his finger on, but whatever it was, the youngest Snape knew it would be volatile.
Samantha just wanted to roll her eyes at her younger brother. He was just being extra sensitive about Albus. Scorpius was acting his usual haughty self around his friends and after a few inquiries with the teachers, she was certain that nothing was amiss. Albus was quieter than usual, but kept up his work and was normal around the other students. She didn't see what else she could really do. She was Head Girl, not a Miracle Worker.
"Listen Alex, I know you want to look out for your best friend and that's fine, but I have a lot more to do than babysit two fourth year Slytherins. They are going to have disagreements. Scorpius and Albus are fine." Samantha tried to explain for the eighth time.
"I'm not asking you to stalk them Sam! Just keep an ear and eye open for them. I swear, this isn't over for them." Alex tried to plead with his sister one more time. Sometimes Sam can only see what's right in front of her.
Samantha flipped her long dark brown hair over her shoulder and sighed, "Alright Alex, I'll try. Right now, however, is Potions so I really must dash." she made a small groan.
"Still sticking you with Potter, eh?" Alex grinned at his sister's misery. He knew full well that Sam like their parents loved Potions. While Alex was one of the best brewers in his year, hated how meticulous Potion making was. Much to his father's annoyance and disappointment.
"Yes! I don't see why just because we're Head Boy and Girl that we need to be paired up in everything we do." she crinkled her brow in frustration. "Oh and get this! We have to attend the dance together! No one else in the history of Hogwarts has to do that and do you know why the Headmistress made it that way this year?"
Alex simply shook his head in amusement. He knew he shouldn't take such enjoyment out of his sister's frustration, but it was too funny watching her brow crinkle and eyes flicker with pure annoyance at James Potter. It was like watching one of those Muggle television shows that his mum let him watch during the summer. Sure Potter had his annoying popularity and charm that witches in this school seemed to fall on the floor from, but he wasn't so bad. For all the girls he had falling at his feet, his eyes seemed to forever fixated on Samantha Snape. Much to Alex and Albus' amusement. I think even the grown-ups have a running bet going on... Alex thought to himself.
Samantha pursed her lips tightly giving her a sour expression, "It's because this is the first time in almost fifty years that there has been a Gryffindor and Slytherin Head Boy and Girl. Sometimes, I think these Houses are more trouble than they are worth."
"As much as I hate to break up your rant, Sam, you're late for Potions." Alex reminded her trying not to laugh.
"Oh dear me, you're right. Well I must dash!" And with that Sam was gone her school robes billowing much like their father's had when he taught here. Alex just watched her march right down the corridor chuckling, "Hope James can handle you, Sam." silently wishing the Head Boy the best of luck, he headed towards his own class. Dealing with Sam on a rampage was similar to skating on thin ice, you never knew when you get dunked.
SSJPSSJPSS
The Potions room was still when Samantha arrived. Rolling her eyes and releasing a deep sigh she pulled open the heavy wooden door and let herself in. Best face the music as Mum would say...
"Ah, Miss Snape, I wondered when you would be making an appearance," Professor Gentry commented with a teasing scolding tone. Her nasally American accent made it impossible for Samantha to be intimated by her, but she did respect her talents in the world of Potions. Even her father had commented on her talents... well for an American anyway.
"I'm sorry Professor Gentry. I had Head Girl duties that took longer than anticipated." she apologized as she took her seat next to the grinning Potter. Oh how she wished she could smack that smart ass grin off his face. James was actually starting to worry when his fellow Head failed to show up on time. Sam was always so prompt, but ten minutes after class started and still no Sam, he started to worry a bit. Seeing her appear made him smile happily while she just glared at him. Doesn't that woman ever smile? He thought to himself as he felt her sit next to him stiff as a board.
"Let's begin as we are going to brew Wolfsbane." To this the class respond in whispered surprise. Samantha sat a little straighter with a small sly smile on her face. Her father and her had been working with Wolfsbane for the past year or two. She knew the potion inside and out and was sure to handle it just fine. "I know many of you may feel this is out of your league, but you are NEWT level potioneers and need to learn more challenging material. I will not be making this a pass or fail assignment so rest easy."
A collective sigh could be heard throughout the room and Sam noticed James' shoulders relax a bit. He must be nervous about brewing such a complicated potion. Lucky for him I am so dazzling at it. She smirked to herself.
"Get me the ingredients from the first half of the list and we'll begin." Samantha commanded.
"Right away your Highness." James bowed sarcastically.
Sam noticed his cheeky grin begin to fade. "What's your problem?" she hissed.
"Oh nothing at all your Grace."
"Stop that! We have work to do. You're just lucky I have brewed this before. We'll have the best potion in the class." Samantha beamed at the thought. Sometimes Sam got a little too proud of her academic achievements.
"You could stop acting like such a swot." James whispered as he laid the ingredients down on the table.
Ignoring his biting comment she noticed he brought out all of the ingredients. "You idiot! I told you only the first half."
"What does it matter?" James sighed getting annoyed. While he could never compete with Sam's Potions work, he was still pretty good at it.
"It matters, because now I haven't the adequate space I need to do everything. You need space to prepare the ingredients. Take back the other half. We won't even be able to use half of it today."
"Merlin!Don't you ever quit? You have to be the most controlling uptight bird I have ever met. It's a wonder you can walk at all." James whispered at her ignoring her command.
"And just why is that?" Sam asked.
"It's a wonder just because of how far you have that rod shoved up your arse." James whispered with a small grin. Now James was simply picking on her, but damn did she have to be so uptight about everything.
"I do NOT!" Samantha shrieked.
"Problem Head Boy, Head Girl?" The professor's cool voice broke over them.
Samantha's face was beet red as she felt the entire class's eyes upon her. She could feel herself get hot under her heavy robes. Damn it! I am not going to let them see me sweat. I am not going to let such a idiotic pretty boy get the better of me. I am a Snape and a Slytherin. We don't whine and bemoan our station, but use what we have to better ourselves to where we want to be. I will do this potion even if I have to do it myself! Potter can just sit there for all I care!
"No problem, Professor." James' charismatic voice soothed.
"Then I forsee no difficulty getting to work, hmmm." Professor Gentry's nasally American accent most noticeable when she hummed. Most students did not take kindly at first to the American Potions Professor, but still respected her knowledge after the first year or so.
"No, Professor." Samantha said softly as she gritted her teeth to start the potion. James moved the extra ingredients to the end of the table and began to look over the instructions.
"What parts do you want me to do?" James asked.
"The part where you sit down and let me do it." Sam answered curtly.
"No! I am a good Potioneer, Snape! I am not about to sit on the sidelines while you commandeer this project. We both get graded here."
"Well, I'm sorry to inform you, Potter, but I don't need your help. I can do this on my own."
James was losing his temper fast. The Potter temper had never sat for long, he knew, but this girl was ridiculous. "If you think I'm just going to sit here while you do all the work just because you've had a few extra lesson with Daddy Snape, you've got another thing coming. You're good, but Merlin I didn't think you were so arrogant."
"Don't you say another word about my father!" she hissed rage slowly building in her veins. Oh I could Cruicio you, you smug bastard! Talking about a brave man like my father as if he has been coaching me through this class! I am just that good! "At least my father isn't as flamboyantly arrogant as yours! You've had everything handed to you, Potter. Meanwhile I have had to work for my Headship!"
"Right, like being gwaked at since you were born is something that I'd be proud of. That's the difference between you and me, Snape. You're unbelievably proud. You act as if the world would fall apart if you didn't do everything exactly right." he whispered at her. Samantha's face was bright red with indignation.
"How dare you?" she shrieked.
"I believe I told you two to get to work!" Professor snapped at them.
Meanwhile James and Samantha ignored her continuing their argument.
"Of course I'm proud of my father. And you want me to feel bad for success?" she huffed. "That's the problem with you Gryffindors. You can only take success when you have conquered someone. You have to overpower someone before it makes the success worthy enough for mighty arrogant Gryffindors."
"What about you Snake?" James' annoyance was starting to spin out of amusing and head right towards aggravating. "You Snakes are so damn ambitious. Not taking a moment to enjoy the view or appreciate the work you put into something, nope! You move on to the next thing and you'll do anything to get what you want. Even at the cost of someone else."
"THAT'S ENOUGH" Professor Gentry's voice rang out. Red faced Head Boy and Girl were standing there realizing that their little argument had been enjoyed by the entire class. Both of their eyes were on the floor ashamed of their outbursts. "Detention! Both of you. Tonight. Now sit quietly for the rest of the class. You're lucky I made this for non-credit otherwise you both would have lost today's grade!"
Samantha wanted to the earth to swallow her whole. Never had she fought like that in class. She was like her mother in school. Studious, ambitious, and hard working. Oh she only hoped that this humiliation would not reach her parents. She looked over to see how Potter was fairing. His messy black hair was as limp as was his expression. He didn't look as if he was having much fun either. It's embarrassing. Both Head Boy and Head Girl getting detention. I'm just thankful she didn't take points away. I just hope that word of this doesn't get to Mum. She'll skin me alive. On the other hand, Father might congratulate me. She thought feeling queasy.
Meanwhile James sat there pouting internally. Oh that would just make her day. James didn't know exactly when it was when he started to like Samantha Snape, but ever since he was a kid he loved antagonizing the piss out of her. When she would visit the Weasleys with a pile of potions books and sit in the corner while all the other kids played on brooms or tried a new product that George brought over. She would look like she was in her own world and didn't want to be bothered by anyone. Well James Potter was never one to alienate another kid so he sought to include her.
Flashback
It was a warm summer day and all the kids had gathered at the Burrow. James loved days at the Burrow. His grandmum and grandad made all the kids feel welcomed and loved. Their mix and match house was a place of adventure for James and Teddy. You never knew what you would find there. It was the kind of day where everything was perfect... well to a child. The sun was shining for once, the weather was warm and had a peaceful breeze, and everyone was gathering for a big surprise.
And that did mean everyone! Including the Snapes! It was true that Hermione had been a part of the Weasley family during her Hogwarts years, but James thought it was a little silly to be still coming over to your friend's house when you had a family of your own. That being said, he had no problems with his Aunt Hermione or Uncle Severus (which you only called him that if you wanted to be hexed), but it was their kids that had James puzzled. Alex seemed alright. He was quiet, but liked to joke a bit with Albus and Rose. It was the eldest Snape, James just couldn't understand. The girl was his age, but always in the corner with her books. She would ignore all the festivities and fun despite her mother's insistence that she participate.
Shrouded in a veil of books, Samantha would try to be somewhat productive during these inane events. Her father seemed about as enthused to be here as she was. James knew that if he could just get her to laugh a bit or join in, she might find that she would like it and wouldn't feel so felt out. In an eight year old boy's mind that would solve all problems.
He leaned into his partner in crime, Teddy and whispered, "Let's get Snape."
Teddy's everyday blue hair turned green, "Professor Snape would kill us!"
"Not that Snape!" James snapped. "The girl!"
Teddy looked even more alarmed. "Do you know what Snape will do to us if we prank his only daughter." he shuttered, "And if he doesn't get us, I'm sure Aunt Hermione will."
"It won't be anything harmful. Promise!" James crossed his heart.
"Alright," Teddy sighed, "but if you get me in trouble with Aunt Ginny again, I'm going to make your life hell."
"Don't let Mum catch you swearing or Grandmum either. They will wash your mouth out."
James and Teddy hatched their plan. It was simple yet brilliant in the eyes of an eight and ten year old. They waiting for the parents in the living room where Samantha was hunched in a corner reading to leave. Teddy had managed to swipe his mum's wand. Teddy had been practicing a bit with it before he was set to leave for Hogwarts next year. James couldn't wait to join him. He looked more forward to pranking than to higher learning.
"Alright, I'll watch out for you while you get Snape!" Teddy whispered. James simply nodded and took his Aunt Tonks' wand. It felt strange in his hands, but he gripped it tightly.
"Imberia" he whispered waving his aunt's wand in a circular motion over the quiet unsuspecting Snape.
Samantha hated these gatherings, but unfortunately Mum had always made her attend. She hoped she would be old enough to stay at the castle. She would even have welcomed helping the House Elves in the kitchen, but even that hadn't persuaded her mother. Ugh! At least Samantha could bring her books.
She heard a rumble, but ignored it. It didn't look like it was supposed to rain, but this was England. It could rain at the drop of a hat if it wanted to. She was safe inside she rationalized, but then she felt a drop of water on her head. Frowning, she wondered if the Weasleys should invest in better plumbing. The house wasn't getting any younger. Then she saw a drip hit her book. Her patience was starting wear thin as she looked up to see where the leak could be and was shocked to see a storm cloud over her head.
"Ahhh." she shrieked as she bodily tried to protect her books. "MUMMMM." she screamed as the adults came barreling into the tiny living room.
James and Teddy sat on the sidelines giggling and laughing, but trying to keep it under wraps. It was turning out to be a harder task than they originally thought. Hermione and Severus were in the room pushing their way through the crowd.
"Sam, are you alright?" Hermione asked when she noticed the rain cloud over her daughter's head as it had now been dropping a downpour on her head. Everywhere she moved the horrid raincloud followed her.
Severus glared at the children standing in the corner. "Which one of you did this?" he hissed.
Lily stood looking like she was about to cry while Rose, Albus, and Alex quickly explained that they had been outside this whole time with the rest of the children. That just left the two boys snickering in the corner.
"James Sirius Potter!" Harry bellowed.
"Theodore Remus Lupin!" Tonks snapped.
"It was his idea," Teddy tried to look contrite, but couldn't stop giggling his blue hair turning pink. It also didn't help that George couldn't stop a small snicker from leaking out much to his wife's scowling.
"I uh..." James tried to defend himself, but couldn't stop laughing. "I.. only wanted... to get her involved." A swat to the back of head cleared him of further giggles. "Ouch! She's always sitting there with her stupid books. Why doesn't she want to play?"
Sam's rain cloud had been removed by her father as he waved a drying spell over her. It was all he could not to murder those two horrid boys.
"That's not for you to decide, James." Ginny scolded.
"I hate you James Potter!" Sam cried. "Those were first editions you daft prick!"
"Samantha!" Hermione scolded still holding onto her, but not for comfort. No! It was to keep her daughter from attacking the eldest Potter boy and it was struggle to hold her tight. "Where did you hear that kind of language?"
"Uncle George!" she snapped with fire in her eyes directed at the one James Potter. James almost blushed under the heat of her rage. He had never seen anyone get that angry before. Not even his own mother and not for lack of James' efforts, but because his mother loved him. Yet on that beautiful summer day, James knew that Samantha Snape hated him.
For their little prank James had been sent to bed without supper and lost his broom for a month. He was also made to dust the Grimmauld library so he would appreciate literature better. Severus didn't think that was enough and neither did Sam. James was puzzled by her as he dusted the stacks of books that crowded his Aunt Tonks' house. After Ginny had James, the Potters moved to Godric Hallows and left the house to Tonks since she was one of the last true Blacks left. The eldest Potter had never met anyone who hated him. Annoyed with him, yes, but never hated. He wasn't sure what to do with a person like that except torment them more.
As the class let out Samantha felt thoroughly chastised. She meekly gathered her items and carefully placed them all into her bag. Alex isn't going to let me live this down anytime soon. For all the times I harped on him to act like a good student. No wonder he didn't accept the Prefect badge, he didn't want to feel the obligation. For the first time in her life she actually felt like she understood her little brother better. It never dawned on the ambitious Snape that someone of her own blood would not want obligations. How free it must be for Alex to be able to pursue whatever he wished and not need to impress himself or others. Alien thoughts to someone as driven as Samantha. Lost in her thoughts she didn't notice the massive body she just ran into until she was already on her bum on the cold stone floor.
"Watch it Snape!" A bruising rough voice bellowed at her. She looked up to Francis Tanner. The largest Gryffindor of her class. He was Keeper on the Gryffindor team only because he was the size of the hoops.
"Perhaps, you should watch where you're going. Given your montersous size." she smirked picking herself up off the floor. Some students had stopped to watch, but most were still trying to move onto their next class.
"Hmph! Like I'd watch out for a Snape. Although, Snake that might not be a bad idea considering what a bunch of back stabbers your family is!" He gave her a nasty grin.
Anger boiled under her skin. "You have no idea what you're talking about," she tried to remain calm. Tanner was quick despite his size and had her pinned wrist to the wall. Startled and panicking, Samantha wondered if one of the students would call for a teacher. She momentarily thought of James. Would he be so pissed off at her that he would ignore this bruiser pinning her to a wall. No! James is a lot of things, but letting injustices go unsaved, not the Potter way. She wondered if she could get her wand out, but knew it was secure in her pocket.
His breath smelled awful. Like burnt oatmeal and sour milk. She just glared at him almost daring him to do anything else. Another move and he could find himself expelled and he knew it.
A cold voice came behind him, "Let her go, Tanner before I incinerate your ear." A wand pressed firmly in Tanner's large ear.
He dropped her. "You get the hell out of here before I blow your fucking head off." Alex hissed in a cruel cold tone. Samantha could have smiled at how aggressive her normally passive brother was acting, but instead she simply pulled out her wand and pointed it at his privates.
"And I'll blow your bollocks off!" she smiled at him. And with that Tanner ran off just as Headmistress McGonagall entered the hall.
"What is the meaning of this?" she asked in her scolding tone.
"Nothing Headmistress, just a simple misunderstanding." Alex said smiling at her.
After the Headmistress had left, James touched Sam's arm gently. "Are you alright?" he asked softly. "I came out after Alex had his wand drawn out. I was about to pull my own when he let go of you."
"You didn't have to." Sam said softly. "Snapes have one family motto." she sighed as her brother joined her.
"And that is Snapes stick together." Alex finished for Sam. "Come on Sam. Let's get out of here for a while." he said dragging his sister off without a second glance at the shocked crowd.
TBC
AN: Sorry it took so long for an update. This chapter just wouldn't come out. I hoped you liked the flashback. I was going to go in a different direction, but as I sat down to write it, it came out in a completely different way, which actually turned out better. James was just a little pest who wanted to make Sam feel included. I don't know much about little boys since I have only a little girl, but I imagine that James would think a prank was a great way to include her. Silly little boys!