The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

Detention

Madeline Clovewater stood outside the potions classroom and took a deep breath. Professor Severus Snape had given her detention for helping another classmate with his potion in class. She was only trying to keep him from getting humiliated in front of the other students yet again, but Professor Snape caught her and now she would pay the price.

She placed her hand on the doorknob and hesitated. In the past, she had been quite terrified of Professor Snape, but lately she was seeing him in a bit of a different light.  Ever since last year when he had so easily disarmed that ridiculous Professor Lockhart during dueling club, something about him made her heart flutter in her chest. He was so powerful. So dark. So commanding. So uniquely handsome. He became the frequent subject of her daydreams after that.

She had caught him staring at her a few times in class recently, and it made her feel... well, she wasn't sure how it made her feel. Those black eyes...She could get lost in them. Drown in them.

And when she'd accidentally bumped into him the other day she had almost died of embarrassment, but also... something else. It had made her flush hot. She was actually blushing just thinking about it. He was so tall and his body was so hard. So strong. So warm. She was almost disappointed that he didn't take her in his arms to keep her from falling. She knew it was an insane thought, but how would that have felt? To be held by him? She had instinctively grabbed his arm to steady herself. The feel of him through his robes and  looking up into his beautiful face at such close proximity had made her tremble.

And not from fear.

Then when he had touched her hand the day they brewed the draught of living death...Oh, gods. Had he meant to touch her? Was it accidental? Just the brush of his fingers - bare skin against bare skin - had made her knees weak. Then when he let her hold his hand for that brief moment, it had stolen her breath. Made her want to grab him and kiss him and...

No. She could NOT have a silly crush on her potions master. She could not develop romantic feelings for Severus Snape.  

She pushed those thoughts out of her mind, took a deep breath, and entered the classroom.

Snape didn't look up from his work as she found a seat and sat down quietly.

"Good evening, Miss Clovewater," Snape drawled icily.

"Good evening, Professor," she replied.

He finally acknowledged her. He looked down his long nose at her, his thin face framed by his long, shining, black hair.

"What shall I do with you?" His low, velvety voice was barely above a whisper. He got up from his desk and walked toward her, folding his arms across his chest, a hard scowl on his face.

"I...I don't know, sir. I've never been given detention before."

"Really? Never? How... interesting."  He stood over her, studying her face.

Madeline stared at him wide-eyed, waiting to hear what fate would befall her. She straightened her Ravenclaw tie.  It suddenly felt as if it were choking her. Was it hot in this room? How could it be hot? The dungeons were always freezing cold.

She found her eyes locked on his mouth. His lips had a surprisingly beautiful shape and she wondered what it would feel like to be kissed by him, how he would taste.  The thought made her flush immediately and she looked down at her hands folded in her lap, avoiding his gaze.

Snape saw her cheeks redden and he reached over to tip her chin up so he could look directly into her face. They both felt an instant jolt at his touch and she inhaled sharply.

Her eyes met his and his brow furrowed in concentration.

She looked frightened.

Good. As it should be.