An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Jun 28, 2020 5:39:40 GMT 10
Elizabeth knew the way to her head of house's office well enough. She was mildly concerned that she would not be able to get all the things she had planned for that day done quickly enough, but then again, her parents were probably not nearly as concerned about when she would be gardening as they might be concerned about her meeting the Minister, if they knew about the afternoon tea, anyways.
She knocked on the door. She wasn't the type of fool to go barging into Professor Snape's office, if she was any type of fool at all. Elizabeth wondered if he knew about her meeting the Minister, along with the other two. Maybe he had called her in to congratulate her, or to tell her not to embarrass Slytherin house when she went out.
The door swung open, revealing Professor Snape seated at his desk with various essays in front of him. The use of a lot of red ink indicated several students weren't doing well with their Potions grades lately. Judging by the handwriting, it was a younger year than Elizabeth's so at least hers were safe for the moment.
'Enter,' Snape said, without glancing up or pausing in his task. 'Sit.' He vaguely gestured to the two chairs across from his desk. Only then did he briefly see who'd joined him, and showed no surprise to see who it was. He was expecting her, after all.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Jun 29, 2020 0:19:45 GMT 10
Elizabeth nodded. She sat at one of the two chairs and waited for Professor Snape to tell her why he had called her here. The fact that he didn't appear to have any of her homework or her parents in the room was good. She wasn't being expelled for one of the mistakes she thought she had made during the last Potions class she had attended. She sat with her hands folded in her lap, straight and tall, certain that Professor Snape would start speaking when he wanted to, telling her why she was here.
Last Edit: Jul 24, 2020 0:10:30 GMT 10 by Lena: Fixed: post alignment error
Professor Snape continued working on essays. He frowned at one with particularly unruly handwriting, which received quite a lot of red ink. From where she was seated, Elizabeth couldn't determine what resulting grade the student got but it didn't look promising.
Snape let the moment remain silent and tense.
He set aside another essay, then sighed in disappointment. 'I have the results of your Prefects exam,' Snape said to Elizabeth, who now received his undivided attention. He awaited her reaction, as it was relevant to how he intended to proceed.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Jul 2, 2020 12:04:03 GMT 10
Elizabeth tried not to display any emotions, though she was sure her heart was running the full array of them. She couldn't tell if she was happy, or sad, or anxious, or mad, and it was because Professor Snape hadn't told her what was going on. She decided that she felt hopeful, if anything. First the invitation to have tea with the Minister, now the potential to be a prefect? Maybe she did enjoy Halloween.
"Yes, sir?" she said, letting a soft smile cross her face. She didn't want to leap out of her chair and jump for joy, which wasn't really something she would have wanted to do anyways, but she was still nervous that he would tell her that she had earned the worst grade possible on her Prefects exam. Her hands, though they remained folded in her lap, were slightly more clenched than before.
She never did like suspense very much. She would rather know what was going to happen before it did. Elizabeth tried not to think about the worst things that could happen as her heart raced. Should she say more? She thought her response was enough. What if he wanted her to ask how she did? What if she did that and she was supposed to have been silent? She wished people were easier to understand.
'Do you understand the responsibility which may be placed upon you, if granted this rather significant position?' Professor Snape fixed her with a look that gave the impression he could read her mind. 'Your duties to this school would be, of course, important and carried without bias, and yet...'
He paused, placing a shiny prefect's badge on the desk between them. Though he didn't say it, Elizabeth had the impression it was not there for her to grab just yet.
'Slytherin house, as you're well aware, is often set apart from the others for reasons of prejudice and misinformation,' Snape continued, frown deepening almost into a glare. 'As prefect, you would be expected to behave and lead others in a manner that actively works against such stereotypes.'
Another pause.
'Furthermore, it would your duty to assist in resolving any inter-house conflicts or mischief,' he said. 'You ought to encourage Slytherins to succeed, and assist where need be. And, without hesitation, report to me any incidents which arise or may require further rectification. Do you believe yourself capable of this, Miss Doren?'
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Jul 3, 2020 13:06:36 GMT 10
Elizabeth nodded, looking at the badge. It was much shinier than she had imagined it would be, and she imagined wearing it on her robes. She listened to what Professor Snape was saying, considering the responsibility. She didn't think she really knew how to show much bias. She didn't have any friends to favor, and though she was proud of her house, she didn't feel like she would show bias.
When he glared, she looked down at her lap. Perhaps he was preparing to tell her that she was the worst possible candidate for being Slytherin's prefects. She waited for him to finish speaking, considering her answer when he was finished. She knew she could do all those things. She knew she had to, if she was to be a good prefect, maybe even Head Girl one day.
"I do believe that I am very capable of those things, sir." Elizabeth said. Being a prefect would be another thing that would make her parents proud of her. Maybe it would impact their decision on what job she should focus on going after, though Elizabeth herself still wasn't sure what she wanted to do. She looked expectantly at the prefect badge. Oh, why couldn't he just tell her whether she was to be a prefect or not, just to get it over with?
Professor Snape studied her for a moment, then nodded. 'Very well, Miss Doren. The badge is yours.' He indicated to it. He said nothing else, as if there was nothing left to be said; one could assume the conversation was over.
Until Elizabeth rose to leave.
He spoke again, perfectly timed. 'The glitter prank distastefully performed against Slytherin house should not be forgotten, Miss Doren,' Snape said. 'See to it that it isn't.'
He didn't elaborate what he meant, though it wasn't a secret among their house that Snape didn't approve of revenge or retaliation for the most part. Whatever his words implied, it was for Elizabeth to figure out. A test, perhaps? Not likely one she had to do right away, but something to keep in mind.
And with that, the conversation was unquestionable concluded. Professor Snape returned his attention to the essays, grimacing at some of the responses. When Elizabeth left the office, the door magically shut behind her. It was assumed that she'd be contacted regarding any upcoming duties.
Tom had planned to run out to Hagrid's hut, but another thought entered his mind. He'd worked really hard yesterday to go hunting for five different ingredients for his Potions Kit and he'd found them! He was really proud of his hard work. He didn't expect Snape to show any real sort of pride or happiness for him accomplishing this goal, but Tom hoped he would still somehow earn himself some brownie points.
Tom headed towards the dungeon and made his way to Snape's office, where he saw Elizabeth Doren was exiting. She was only a year older than he was but the two had never really talked. He nodded his head at her but said nothing else as he approached the door, now starting to feel a bit apprehensive. Snape just had that effect on you.
Gathering up his courage, Tom knocked on the door and stood patiently. He figured he'd wait a minute or so and if Snape was too busy to answer, he'd try to come back later. Until that happened he'd be standing at the door, trying not to look awkward and hoping the Professor would open and let him in.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Jul 5, 2020 23:48:24 GMT 10
"Thank you, professor." Elizabeth accepted the badge gratefully, standing up to leave as she examined it more carefully. At his words though, she paused. What could that mean? She didn't think of Professor Snape as the kind to seek revenge...maybe he just meant that she was to keep an eye on the people in charge of the prank? Or was she supposed to make sure her housemates did their best to make Gryffindors look like immature children for pranking them?
"Yes, sir." she said, finally, leaving. She sent a slight glance towards the younger boy standing outside, wondering if perhaps Professor Snape had called him in as well. He seemed to recognize her, but she didn't really know who he was. Oh, well. She would figure that out eventually, especially if he was someone important. She left, thinking about earning that Herbology kit.
Professor Snape had thought that was the last of his mandatory tasks for that morning, until there was another knock on his door. Of course there was. He was doomed to never get any real peace from students, even when they had ample free time to be wasting elsewhere.
'Enter,' he said, nevertheless. Snape continuned grading essays, though caught a brief glimpse of Slytherin colours. At least only Slytherins had sought him out today so far. So long as no Twiggs brats showed up, everything would be tolerable.
Tom entered at Snape's command, hands fidgeting in his pockets. The potions master was working through a mound of parchment paper and judging by the sea of red marks Tom observed, it looked like more than a few students were in store for some not-so-stellar marks. Tom hoped that he wouldn't be one of the unlucky ones to get a failing grade.
Tom battled with opening his mouth to speak to Snape or staying quiet until he was addressed first. In the end Tom decided that he should speak first, since he was the one who had taken initiative to knock. It would be a different story if Snape had summoned him here, but that was not the case. Clearing his throat, Tom spoke up.
"Good morning, Professor," he said timidly. "I've come back about our conversation yesterday. I've gathered five ingredients from your list, just like you asked." Tom pulled various vials and items out of his pockets, as he'd run by his dorm to grab them before he stopped here. He was hoping Snape would be impressed but he wasn't going to hold his breath.
Professor Snape finished marking an essay then rounded his desk to peer at Tom's ingredients. If he was impressed or not, it didn't show. Satisfied with the boy's efforts, he nodded. He summoned an empty, glass jar and vial, hovering them for Tom to accept.
'Follow me.' He left the office without checking if he'd follow. If anyone else wanted to talk to him in his office, they were out of luck.
Snape led Tom to the Potions classroom, and indicated to a bench of mucky pewter cauldrons. 'You'll require a spare cauldron to work with,' he said. 'If you're willing to clean it, without magic, I suppose you may take ownership of one of these.' He indicated to them.
Though it was unsaid, it was clear that this too was a test to ensure Tom was serious about his request. Yet Snape provided minimal supervision, a clear sign of trust in members of his own house - assuming he'd keep to the task and not use magic.
Snape sat nearby - close enough to be aware of Tom's progress, yet far enough away to avoid any mishaps should they occur. He waved his wand and several unmarked essays appeared in front of him, along with his inkwell etc.
Of course Snape was being his usual self and not showing any positive emotions to speak of, but even so Tom felt himself welling up with something like a sense of pride. At the very least, the potions master had not rebuked and verbally assaulted him, and when talking about Snape that was just as good as a compliment.
Tom obediently followed his head of house to the potions classroom where he was instructed to clean a cauldron- without magic. Tom knew how seriously Snape took his "no magic" rule- Arthur the Hufflepuff boy had learned how seriously Snape took it yesterday in class- and Tom wasn't going to play around with it. He made a big show of removing his robe and taking his wand out of his pocket, putting it beside his robe on the bench, and got to work.
He drew himself a pale of clean water and pulled a cauldron off of the shelf, along with a rag and a few other cleaning supplies. He worked meticulously and deliberately; he cleaned the inside first, then out, scrubbing so hard he wondered if the skin wouldn't come off his hands instead of the grime off the cauldron.
He worked in silence for a long time, and was torn between taking up too much of Snape's time and doing an immaculate job. In the end Tom decided that if Snape grew impatient he would have no problem telling Tom to hurry up, so he went for perfection. When he thought the cauldron was perfectly clean he grabbed a clean rag and started anew.
When Tom determined he was satisfied with his work, he realized he'd worked up a bit of a sweat and was slightly panting. He needed to do more cardio! He grabbed one more rag to insure the perfectly clean cauldron was perfectly dry, and when it was, he turned towards Snape with a satisfied smile. "I'm finished, Professor," he said confidently, ready for Snape's inspection.
Professor Snape waved his wand and the essays vanished, presumably returning to his office. He inspected the cauldron. Tom's arms ached and his hands were numb, unsure how long he'd spent scrubbing. The extra effort in cleaning the cauldron paid off, though. The pewter cauldron shone as if brand new, and apparently met Snape's satisfaction as he stated he could keep it as a spare.
For a brief moment, Tom could almost swear Snape did look impressed with the several and pristine rounds of cleaning the cauldron received.
'You are permitted to use the Student Laboratory at will,' he said. 'Do so responsibility, and clean up after yourself, or else such privileges shall be revoked. If I ever catch you there at curfew...' Snape let Tom form his own conclusions.
With the task complete, he headed back to his office. Snape sat at his desk, reluctantly leaving his office door unlocked though firmly closed. He returned his focus to the remaining few essays, already dreading having to read them.
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