|
|
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no" ?>
|
|
|
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd">
|
|
|
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:epub="http://www.idpf.org/2007/ops"
|
|
|
xml:lang="en" lang="en">
|
|
|
<head>
|
|
|
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../Styles/style.css"/>
|
|
|
<meta content="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml; charset=utf-8" http-equiv=
|
|
|
"Content-Type"/>
|
|
|
<title>Chapter 32</title>
|
|
|
<style type="text/css">
|
|
|
/*<![CDATA[*/
|
|
|
p.c1 {
|
|
|
text-align: center;
|
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
|
|
/*]]>*/
|
|
|
</style>
|
|
|
</head>
|
|
|
<body>
|
|
|
<div class="chap-title">
|
|
|
32. Chapter 32
|
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
<div class="chap-text">
|
|
|
<p><em>Thank you all for your reviews! They made me so very happy. I hope you're not
|
|
|
all too upset with Snape.</em></p>
|
|
|
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade"/>
|
|
|
<p class='c1'><strong>Chapter 32</strong></p>
|
|
|
<p>It had been a long time since Severus Snape had felt as thoroughly depressed as he
|
|
|
did now. In fact, it had been since before he had rescued Harry from the Dursleys,
|
|
|
welcoming him into his home. Admittedly, the boy had slowly but surely brought colour
|
|
|
into his life.</p>
|
|
|
<p>And now, here he was. He had said a terrible thing to Harry in the last fight they
|
|
|
had. He had basically taken the fact of Harry's abuse and thrown it in his face. What
|
|
|
kind of a horrible man did something like that? He had also managed to drive away
|
|
|
Maya. While he was still not convinced that what Maya had told him was not a prank,
|
|
|
he had to admit that he had reacted extremely brash. And in doing so, he had chased
|
|
|
the woman who had become somewhat of a friend, away. She hadn't spoken with him since
|
|
|
that fatefull day. And Harry hadn't even looked at him anymore since their fight.</p>
|
|
|
<p>As the cherry on top, Slughorn had gleefully told Snape about the last experiment
|
|
|
Harry had conducted in regards to his potion. The old potions master meant no harm
|
|
|
and was clearly simply very excited to be a part of Harry's discovery but it stung
|
|
|
Snape nonetheless. Harry had not felt comfortable enough to ask Snape to assist him
|
|
|
again and he likely wouldn't anymore unless Snape forced him to. And since Snape was,
|
|
|
in fact, Harry's master according to their quite binding contract, that's exactly
|
|
|
what he would have to do.</p>
|
|
|
<p>This was a mess. And he had no one to blame but himself for it.</p>
|
|
|
<p>He was pulled out of his reveries by an intruding voice. "Severus," spoke
|
|
|
Dumbledore from Snape's fireplace. "May I come in?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I've never been able to stop you before," Snape grumbled.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Dumbledore chuckled and stepped out of the fire. "Good to see that you're still
|
|
|
up," he said.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape frowned. Was it that late already? He had completely lost track of time with
|
|
|
being engulfed in his thoughts.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Snape asked plainly, "Did one of my Slytherins
|
|
|
misbehave again?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Nothing that has come to light yet," Dumbledore said, that infernal sparkle in
|
|
|
his eyes hinting for mischief. "No, I have come here for another matter
|
|
|
entirely."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Do elaborate before the clock strikes midnight, Albus," Snape said wearily, "I'm
|
|
|
simply not in the mood for one of your longwinded monologues."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Dumbledore sat down in one of Snape's more comfortable chairs. "Then let me get
|
|
|
straight to the point," he said, "Maya and you seem to be having some issues and
|
|
|
quite frankly, it's bringing the rest of the staff down."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape huffed, "I could hardly care less about the feelings of your staff, Albus,"
|
|
|
he said sardonically, "They are all adults. I'm sure they can get through these
|
|
|
tragic times all by themselves."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I would very much appreciate it if you would take this matter seriously,"
|
|
|
Dumbledore chided, "You said yourself that you wish to make this conversation brief.
|
|
|
If only for that purpose, I suggest you cooperate."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"There's not much to say," Snape said softly, "She told me something personal. I
|
|
|
reacted characteristically poor which she took badly of course, and now we're no
|
|
|
longer on speaking terms."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Dumbledore frowned. "What did she tell you that made you withdraw into yourself so
|
|
|
much?" he asked worriedly, "This isn't like you anymore."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I would rather not divulge," Snape replied, "It's personal."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"And it's affecting everyone around you," Dumbledore said sternly, "Even
|
|
|
Harry."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape winced visibly.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Don't think I haven't noticed," Dumbledore said, "I had hoped that by now you
|
|
|
would know not to allow your foolish pride to get in the way of any personal
|
|
|
relationships."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape smiled grimly. "I will always be a Slytherin, it would seem," he said,
|
|
|
sipping his tea.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Severus," Dumbledore said, a warning evident in his voice. "Your personal matters
|
|
|
are your own until you bring about negativity on the rest of us. I will always
|
|
|
attempt to resolve any issues with patience and understanding but if you insist on
|
|
|
making this difficult, I will be forced to move forward as I see fit."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Though he still spoke softly, Snape knew that Dumbledore was warning him. And all
|
|
|
foolish pride aside, he knew very well that Dumbledore was not to be trifled with. He
|
|
|
would rather face embarrassment than the man's wrath.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"She has seen fit to tell me that she's enamoured with me," Snape grudgingly
|
|
|
admitted, "If you care to believe such things."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Even now, Dumbledore had the audacity to not look shocked. "I realise that it is
|
|
|
often the curse of those involved to not realize the feelings one might have for the
|
|
|
other but does this really come as a surprise?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I beg your pardon?" Snape asked.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Her feelings for you have been clear to most of us for a while now," Dumbledore
|
|
|
said, "In fact, I got the feeling that you were starting to like her as well."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I won't deny that she has been humorous to have around," Snape said coldly, "But
|
|
|
that is all it ever was."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Dumbledore regarded Snape for a while with a knowing look and smiled. "You too are
|
|
|
worthy of love, Severus," he said kindly, "No matter what you might think."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Albus," Snape sighed, "I can't."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Dumbledore sighed sadly. "Unfortunately, I am very much aware of your internal
|
|
|
struggle," he said, "and I pray to whatever deities are out there that you may find
|
|
|
salvation before it's too late."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Surely, I know not of what you speak," Snape growled, "Cryptic old man."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"For now -" Dumbledore said, ignoring Snape's jibe. "- I want to impress upon you
|
|
|
that our dear Maya meant every word of what she said and apparently you have treated
|
|
|
her rather cruelly in return."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape nodded and had the decency to look ashamed as he stared at a spot on his
|
|
|
carpet. Dumbledore placed a hand on Snape's and smiled kindly. "I know you will make
|
|
|
this right."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"At once, headmaster," Snape agreed.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Thank you, my boy," Dumbledore said, "I've always had the utmost faith in
|
|
|
you."</p>
|
|
|
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade"/>
|
|
|
<p>Snape stalked fiercely through the corridors, his robes billowing behind him like
|
|
|
the wings of a bat. "At once, headmaster," he grumbled as he mimicked himself
|
|
|
sardonically. "Never mind that it's the middle of the night and it's highly unlikely
|
|
|
that Maya will even still be up."</p>
|
|
|
<p>There had better not been any students out of bed after curfew for if Snape caught
|
|
|
any, there would be hell to pay.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Finally, he found himself staring at the door that he knew led to Maya's private
|
|
|
quarters and stared at it for a good long while. For some time, he wondered what he
|
|
|
was going to say to her. He practised the sentences in his head. But how could he do
|
|
|
that when the conversation could go every which way? That is, if she would even allow
|
|
|
Snape to talk at all.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Growling at his own indecisiveness, he finally raised his fist and knocked loudly
|
|
|
on the door. He was about to knock a second time when the door opened slightly to
|
|
|
reveal Maya, peering at him from behind the crack. When she saw who it was, she
|
|
|
opened the door some more and fixed Snape with a fierce stare. "Can I help you?" she
|
|
|
asked icily.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I have come here to express my apologies," Snape said evenly, "And I would very
|
|
|
much like to explain my reaction if you would allow it."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Maya regarded him for a moment. "Severus, it's late," she said.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I realize that," Snape said, "But I would rather not allow this animosity between
|
|
|
us to continue a moment more. That said, if you would prefer to wait until morning, I
|
|
|
would understand."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Maya sighed. "Come on in, then," she said, "When you put it like that, I can't
|
|
|
very well refuse you, can I?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape attempted a smile that he felt came out somewhat crooked and followed Maya
|
|
|
inside. Her quarters looked very much like his own except for the fact that the walls
|
|
|
did not consist of stone bricks but were even and dressed in a chocolate coloured
|
|
|
wallpaper. The fire in the hearth had almost gone out and Snape suspected that Maya
|
|
|
had been getting ready for bed. The night robe she was wearing was certainly an
|
|
|
indication of that.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Sit wherever," Maya said casually, "Would you like some tea?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Please," Snape accepted gracefully as he sat down in a blue velvet chair.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Maya conjured a pot of tea and two cups for the both of them, as well as a plate
|
|
|
of biscuits and sat down across from Snape.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape noticed that – even though they were at odds with one another – Maya blushed
|
|
|
when she glanced at him. In his mind, he was kicking himself for his horrible
|
|
|
misconduct.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I have treated you supremely poorly," Snape told Maya. The regret in his voice
|
|
|
was genuine. "I truly thought that you were playing a nasty trick on me."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I would never do such a thing," Maya told him.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I realise that," Snape said solemnly, "I allowed my own misconceptions and
|
|
|
distrust to get the better of me. It is not the conduct of a wise man and I am
|
|
|
thoroughly ashamed of the way I acted."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Is it that hard to believe that someone might be attracted to you?" Maya asked.
|
|
|
Snape was relieved to see her relax into her chair, grabbing a biscuit as she leaned
|
|
|
back.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I have never been deemed desirable before," Snape told her plainly.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Oh, I can't possibly believe that," Maya said, "My bet is that you simply scared
|
|
|
any suitors away with your… er-"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Charming personality?" Snape finished sardonically.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Maya giggled. "Yes," she said, "That."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"It is kind of you to say so, but there's no way of knowing," Snape said. "So you
|
|
|
understand the reasoning behind my outburst however misplaced it was?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Indeed," Maya said, "And I forgive you."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape sighed in relief. "I am glad to hear it," he said, "Now if you'll excuse me
|
|
|
–"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Hold on," Maya said sternly.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape – who froze in the middle of rising from his seat – looked at her in
|
|
|
confusion before sitting back down. "My apologies," he said, "I'm not sure what else
|
|
|
you would wish to discuss and it's getting rather late."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Don't you think I deserve an answer after all this?" Maya chided.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape blinked in confusion. "An answer?" he asked, "I don't recall you asking me a
|
|
|
question."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Oh, for heaven's sake, Severus," Maya growled, "Let me say it again. I like you
|
|
|
–"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape felt himself flush.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"- I <em>really</em> like you, despite your occasional outburst," Maya continued,
|
|
|
"and I want to know if you feel the same way about me."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape frowned as he clasped his hands in front of him. He hadn't even given this
|
|
|
part of the conversation any thought, assuming that it would no longer be relevant.
|
|
|
Did he like Maya? Well, she was certainly an agreeable person to be around. But would
|
|
|
he be able to think of her the same way he did of – No. He didn't think he could.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I'm sorry, Maya," he told her after a moment of silence. "But I don't think I do
|
|
|
right now."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Maya regarded him solemnly for a moment, then smiled. "For now, you say," she said
|
|
|
mischievously, "I sense a chance there."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape chuckled softly. "Perhaps," he said, "one day. Now, I shall take my leave
|
|
|
and allow you some rest."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"How kind of you," Maya told him, "Very well. Go on and get out of here."</p>
|
|
|
<p>She followed him to her door and opened it for him. Snape stepped out to leave
|
|
|
when Maya grabbed his hand and turned him around.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Just one more thing," she said softly. Before Snape fully realized what happened,
|
|
|
Maya leaned forward, standing on her tippy toes and surprised Snape with a passionate
|
|
|
kiss that lasted no longer than a few seconds. "That's payback for what you did
|
|
|
before," she said, blushing fiercely. "Now we're even. See you tomorrow!"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Maya closed her door, leaving a befuddled Snape in the hallway. The feeling of her
|
|
|
lips on his would linger for several more hours.</p>
|
|
|
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade"/>
|
|
|
<p>When Harry entered the great hall the next morning – flanked by Ron and Hermione –
|
|
|
he went to sit in their usual spot. He was much less upset than before and was now
|
|
|
thinking about what he could do to get Snape and Maya to make up when he looked at
|
|
|
the high table. As he did, his mouth all but fell open in surprise.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape and Maya were sitting next to each other, conversing enthusiastically. Maya
|
|
|
was brandishing a piece of toast as she told what was no doubt a fascinating tale
|
|
|
until a piece broke off and landed in Snape's coffee. Instead of scowling he simply
|
|
|
switched his cup with hers and then covered his new cup with a napkin.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"They look happy," Ron said when he noticed Harry staring. "I wonder what
|
|
|
happened."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"You and me both," Harry murmured incredulously.</p>
|
|
|
<p>When Snape caught Harry staring, he looked at him remorsefully and wrote something
|
|
|
on the cuff. Harry looked at his wrist when the piece of jewellery grew warmer.</p>
|
|
|
<p>'<em>We need to talk</em>.' It said.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"No kidding," Harry mumbled but he just nodded at Snape instead of writing a
|
|
|
response.</p>
|
|
|
<p>'<em>After class?</em>' Came the new sentence and Harry nodded his approval once
|
|
|
more.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"On speaking terms again?" Draco asked as he wiggled his way in-between Harry and
|
|
|
the Gryffindor girl sitting next to him.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"What do you mean?" Harry asked innocently.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Oh, don't pretend like there was nothing going on," Draco chided as he stole
|
|
|
Harry's last crumpet. "When Snape is in a bad mood, us Slytherins suffer. And let me
|
|
|
tell you: We suffered."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"And what makes you think his bad mood had anything to do with me?" Harry asked
|
|
|
curiously.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Ah, your friends are terrible at keeping their mouths shut," Draco said
|
|
|
triumphantly. "Isn't that right, Granger?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Traitor," Harry chuckled, pointing an accusing croissant in Hermione's face.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Doth thou threaten the fair lady?" Ron asked haughtily as he grabbed a croissant
|
|
|
of his own. "Then I must challenge thee to a duel to the death."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Thou standeth not a chance!" Harry exclaimed as he knocked the croissant out of
|
|
|
Ron's hand with his own. "Thine blade is made from soiled oats while mine was made
|
|
|
from tempered grains. Thou hath lost. Fair lady –" he now directed his attention to
|
|
|
Hermione. "Thou art hereby claimeth."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Hermione took on a dramatic pose and spoke with a quivering voice: "Art thou truly
|
|
|
my saviour? Or hath thou killed my love? I shall not stand by your side for thou art
|
|
|
not mine, nor am I yours. Instead, here I shall lie, in the cold arms of my betrothed
|
|
|
and remember a time long since past when he and I were gladsome together."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Bloody hell, Hermione," Ron exclaimed, "That was brilliant."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I must agree that that was rather lyrical," Draco said, slow-clapping softly for
|
|
|
the girl. "Well improvised."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape shook his head at the scene unfolding at the Gryffindor table. "This is your
|
|
|
fault, you know," he told Maya.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"How so?" Maya asked.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Filling their heads with history," Snape huffed, "Back in my day, history class
|
|
|
was so boring that not one student would repeat its contents outside of class.
|
|
|
<em>Now</em> look at them!"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape gestured towards Draco who held a baguette underneath his arm, pretending to
|
|
|
be stabbed to death.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"What can I say?" Maya said, "History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes
|
|
|
with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness. It has always attracted youngsters to its
|
|
|
beauty."</p>
|
|
|
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade"/>
|
|
|
<p>When Harry reached Snape's quarters later that evening, he didn't dare simply come
|
|
|
in. So instead, he politely knocked.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Enter," he heard Snape say and so he did.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape sat waiting for him, a steaming pot of tea at the ready – because of course
|
|
|
– accompanied by several slices of treacle tart. Harry looked suspiciously at his
|
|
|
favourite treat as a crooked smile found its way to his lips.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Have a seat, Harry," Snape urged. His voice was not harsh or demanding. It seemed
|
|
|
to be careful and soothing. So Harry obeyed. Not that he would've childishly kept
|
|
|
standing had he not liked the circumstances, mind you.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I have quite a lot to tell you," Snape said, "And I'm not entirely sure what to
|
|
|
say first."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Harry said, doing his best to sound teasing.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Apparently, it had worked because Snape relaxed somewhat and smiled. "As you say,"
|
|
|
he said, "Then let me begin by apologising. I should never have said what I said to
|
|
|
you. Not only was it untrue but to use your history against you in such a manner was
|
|
|
appalling."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry nodded. "I admit that it was very disconcerting," he said.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I can imagine," Snape said, "I was angry because of recent events and didn't
|
|
|
think before I spoke. I will make sure not to make that same mistake again."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"And if you do?" Harry asked, raising one eyebrow.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"If I do, I give you permission to curse me," Snape said solemnly, "No
|
|
|
unforgivables, though."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry snorted. "Shame," he said, "But I suppose that I'll forgive you. As long as
|
|
|
you promise to treat me to treacle tart more often."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape chuckled. "I can do that."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry relaxed somewhat and leaned back comfortably in his chair. "So, I've noticed
|
|
|
you and Professor bell get along a lot better again," he said smartly, "Any
|
|
|
developments I should be aware of?" The smirk on his face resembled that of a
|
|
|
Cheshire cat.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Get your mind out of the gutter, brat," Snape said sternly, "Nothing happened. I
|
|
|
simply went to her chambers to apologise."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"To her chambers?" Harry repeated with a growing interest, "Why would you not
|
|
|
simply go to her office?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"It was late," Snape replied, "She had already retired for the night."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"How convenient," Harry teased; "And what did you do in her private chambers?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape stared at Harry blankly. "Stop regarding me with that filthy teenage mind of
|
|
|
yours," he said. "Nothing happened. We talked it over. I apologised. We agreed that a
|
|
|
more intimate relationship is not going to happen and then we both went our separate
|
|
|
ways."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry seemed almost disappointed with that bit of information. "Seriously?" he
|
|
|
asked. "This very attractive, funny and intelligent woman takes an interest in you
|
|
|
and you say no? Honestly, you must have some pretty high standards."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape smiled sadly. "That I do," he said, then quickly tried to change the
|
|
|
subject. "Now, if you would please tell me about the last experiment you did with the
|
|
|
potion? Professor Slughorn told me all about it but his lack of insight into
|
|
|
Occlumency rendered some parts of his explanation somewhat incoherent."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Well, it was all a lot more focused," Harry said, eager to steer away from the
|
|
|
uncomfortable subject himself. "I was able to see just one spirit instead of a whole
|
|
|
army. But her touch was still chilly – I'm not sure if I can fix that – and I could
|
|
|
still not hear her."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Who did you see?" Snape inquired.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry glanced up at Snape guiltily as he remembered what he had told the man
|
|
|
during their fight. "I saw mum," he said, "and she was rather cross with me even
|
|
|
though I couldn't hear her."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape chuckled fondly. "That does sound like her," he said. "It sounds like you're
|
|
|
very close to a breakthrough."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I think so," Harry said. "Now I just need to figure out what to change. What
|
|
|
about all of this isn't powerful enough? The potion seemed to like everything I
|
|
|
offered it…"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape quirked an eyebrow. "You're talking about it as if it were sentient," he
|
|
|
said.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"In a way, it is," Harry said. "Not sentient like you or me or even Hedwig but it
|
|
|
feels as if it acts on instinct. Or perhaps <em>reacts</em> on instinct."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Then I suggest you re-evaluate your offerings," Snape grinned, "Can't have the
|
|
|
Umbral Locum be displeased, now can we?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry knew that Snape was joking but at the mention of the word 'offerings', a
|
|
|
cold chill crept down his spine.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Oh no," he groaned. His legs felt like they were made of jelly and if he hadn't
|
|
|
been sitting down, he was sure that he would have crumbled. The blood had drained
|
|
|
from his face.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Is something wrong?" Snape asked.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry heard the voice but didn't register its meaning as he stared at his folded
|
|
|
hands, thinking of the consequences of his discovery.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Harry," Snape prompted again.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I know what's wrong with it," Harry explained. "I know why it's not working.
|
|
|
You're right. My offering wasn't good enough."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"What are you talking about?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"It's blood," Harry then said. "The potion needs blood."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape regarded Harry in a calculating manner. "If that is the case," he said
|
|
|
softly, "Does that bother you?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"What?" Harry asked, chuckling grimly, "That the potion I created is going to end
|
|
|
up being dark magic?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape clicked his tongue in annoyance. "It is not wise to jump to that conclusion,
|
|
|
merely because one of the ingredients ends up being blood. Does the potion feel dark
|
|
|
to you?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"I don't think so," Harry said decidedly. "I think it's a matter of balance. This
|
|
|
potion works so well with innate magic. If you hadn't taught it to me, I don't think
|
|
|
I could've ever gotten this far, really. And I'm starting to think that a sufficient
|
|
|
amount of blood might bring the whole concoction into harmony. I know it sounds a bit
|
|
|
strange," Harry chuckled when he felt a sudden kinship with Luna, "but I really think
|
|
|
this is good. Not bad."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Once more, Snape regarded Harry carefully and then smiled. "If only I had realised
|
|
|
just what a knack you have for potions during your first years," he said. "That
|
|
|
natural raw talent of yours combined with your inherent understanding of the flow of
|
|
|
things is a mixture to be reckoned with."</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry chuckled. "I learned from the best though, didn't I?" he said.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"From whom?" Snape teased. "Professor Slughorn?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>Harry rolled his eyes. "You really want me to come out and say it, don't you?"</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Oh, how that would please me," Snape said evenly.</p>
|
|
|
<p>"Fine," Harry said evenly. "You're the best."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"What's that?" Snape asked silkily. "I'm afraid I didn't quite catch that."</p>
|
|
|
<p>"You're the best Potions Master," Harry admitted annoyedly.</p>
|
|
|
<p>Snape ruffled Harry's hair and grinned. "And don't you forget it, brat," he said
|
|
|
fondly.</p>
|
|
|
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade"/>
|
|
|
<p><em>Well, not hope you were hoping this could go I'd wager? Don't worry. Not all
|
|
|
is lost! Please leave me a review if you can. It's always appreciated.</em></p>
|
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
</body>
|
|
|
</html> |