Romilda sat still, hardly daring to breathe. It was difficult — the closet was cramped, and the air was musty.

Straining her ears, she could hear frantic footsteps walking to and fro. A few minutes later, another set of footsteps joined them.

"Harry, c'mon, she's not here! Why are you interested in her anyways?"

That must be Weasley.

"Everything!" Harry answered in a wistful voice. "She's so beautiful, and have you seen her hands? And her hair is so —"

"Harry!"

"— soft, and her voice could put me to sleep. And the colour of her eyes! They just—"

"HARRY!"

"— pull you in, they're so hypnotising. I love holding her hands, the skin —"

"Potter!'

Romilda breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone knew Snape hated Harry, he'd shoo him away just on principle.

Harry was still going on though. "— is so soft, and have you smelled it? I think she uses some special cream."

"POTTER! Have you done bragging?"

Finally, Harry noticed the Professor's dangerous tone and quieted. Romilda could hear him shuffling his feet, whether from nervousness or embarrassment, she didn't know.

"I was looking for Romilda," Harry said.

"Even a deaf person could have figured that out by now, Potter. Is she not a Gryffindor?"

"Oh yes!" Harry's voice perked up. "She's probably in the common room!"

A second later, there was the sound of running feet and Romilda relaxed. What a disaster!

She stood up to get out, but before she touched the door it swung outward and sent a draught of fresh air.

Romilda blinked to clear the spots from her eyes, and she was met with the sight of Professor Snape.

"Love in Paradise?" Snape said silkily, and Romilda gulped.

"Um… I —"

"Yes?" Snape raised an eyebrow.

"I gave Harry a love potion!" Romilda blurted, then covered her mouth in horror. Did she really say that?

Both of Snape's eyebrows shot up. "Is that so? And what should I do with that enlightening piece of information?"

In for a penny, in for a pound. Taking a deep breath, Romilda continued, "I can't figure out how to reverse it or bring it down. It's way too strong, I can hardly get the chance to breathe!"

"I do not see how that is my problem, Miss Vane. I suggest you ask your friends." Saying that, Snape twisted sharply to leave.

"Professor," Romilda called desperately. To her relief, he stopped, but he didn't turn around.

"We'll be less annoying in Potions. I know you're getting tired of our giggling." Romilda spoke at his back, her mind racing for ways to convince him.

She needn't have bothered though. Snape turned back around and looked at her. She held her gaze, trying to show that she was determined.

Finally, he spoke. "In that case… who am I to refuse?"

He continued down the corridor but stopped a few steps later. Looking back at her impatiently, he hissed, "Well? Come along, then!"

Romilda had a strange feeling that he was enjoying it.

Of course not, she thought dismissively, when has Professor Snape ever enjoyed something?

Pushing it out of her mind, she followed Snape. Hopefully, now she'll be able to get rid of Harry! Oh, why did she ever have a crush on him? He was unbearable!

The End