The Root of Protea: Of Snapes and of Lillies

Chapter 5 - Centaurs and Dreams

Everyone was pleasantly surprised by Professor Snape's behavior on Thursday.

On Thursday, instead of implementing more punishments or handing out additional assignments, Professor Snape released each of his classes a few minutes early.

Severus made sure that he still scowled and acted short-tempered, but he was secretly struggling throughout the entire day not to explode with joyful excitement.

As soon as he dismissed his final class of the day, Severus left the room before his last student was gone, storming off to his living chambers in a feigned huff.

As soon as Severus locked the door behind himself though, his fake scowl lifted itself from his face and he glanced at the time.

Severus had hours until Lily's detention was scheduled to begin, but he felt the need to move swiftly.

Severus had a lot of work to do.........

First, Severus stripped off his clothes and took a long, hot shower.

After Severus stepped out and dried himself off, he sprayed the cologne he had purchased some weeks ago onto his pulse points.

Severus had been careful to use all of his scented, personal care products.

The soap.

The shampoo.

.......Even a tube of lavender and mint toothpaste.

Once Severus was satisfied, he looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Painstakingly, Severus combed his freshly-cleaned, black locks.

In the mirror, Severus inspected his hair closely, and he was pleased to find that there was no trace left of grease or oil.

In fact, as Severus turned his head from side to side in the bathroom mirror, he noticed that his hair had a pleasant bit of shine to it.

Severus's heart lifted with the hope that perhaps Lily would notice as well......

Severus then carefully put on a clean set of his usual, black robes and a clean pair of black trousers.

Severus also took the extra time to polish his shoes before placing them on his feet.

Once he was finished dressing, Severus looked at himself in his bathroom mirror again.

Severus scowled at his reflection.

Soap and shoe polish couldn't fix everything.

Severus's skin was still sallow and his nose was still hooked.........

Severus looked at the time.

Eight o' clock.

Oh dear!

Severus didn't have time to try anything else, he would have to meet Lily as he was.

Lily's detention didn't start for another hour, but Severus immediately ran out of his living chambers and into his classroom.

Just in case she came early........

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Severus was too eager, but he wasn't entirely wrong.

Fifteen minutes until nine, the door to the potions classroom creaked open.

Severus had been grading papers to pass the time but as soon as he heard the sound, he immediately looked up.

"Hello, Professor." Lily greeted Severus, flashing him a shy smile as she stepped into the room. "I've come to report for my detention."