Abbie was jolted awake by a sudden splash of cold water. She jumped and looked around the room, blinking.
"Am I boring you, Miss Payne?"
A sudden feeling of dread hit Abbie as she realised what had happened - she'd fallen asleep in Defence Against the Dark Arts, and Snape had just hit her with a rather aggressive aguamenti charm.
"No, sir," she said groggily.
"Or perhaps you feel you are already sufficiently knowledgeable on the subject of protective barriers and felt it appropriate to take a nap."
"No, sir -"
"Then pay attention, Miss Payne, or the next time I won't be so merciful as to use water. Twenty points from Gryffindor, and see me after class." He turned away to continue walking around the classroom as he spoke, leaving Abbie to dry herself off.
At the end of the class, Abbie waited for the rest of the class to filter out before approaching Snape at his desk. "Sorry, Dad," she said. "I didn't mean to -"
She stopped talking as he crossed his arms and fixed his glare on her. "It may be embarrassing for you to have mangy old Professor Snape as your father," he sneered, "but it's rather embarrassing for me when my own child can't keep her eyes open in my class."
As if to prove his point, Abbie stifled a yawn. Snape sighed. "Have you been sleeping properly?" he asked, his voice slightly softer now.
"Yeah, I was just up late last night, trying to correct those Potions recipes before class this afternoon."
"As you were the previous Sunday. You don't have unlimited time, Abbie. You need to look after yourself."
"How am I supposed to get an O in my NEWTs if I can't get it right in the classroom?"
"How are you supposed to get an O in your NEWTs if you can't stay awake in the classroom?"
"I just need more time, that's all. I had that detention with McGonagall on Saturday evening, otherwise I would have got more work done then. Instead, I had to squeeze it all into Sunday."
Snape pinched his nose and sighed. "There is no such thing as more time, Abbie; you simply need to learn to manage it better. To begin with, we'll refrain from our Saturday sessions for now - do not argue with me, Abigail," he added as she opened her mouth to speak. "As it happens, our next practical lesson won't be until next month. On the Saturday before that lesson, we can have a short practice to ensure your reactions are still in check. Otherwise, you'll be using your Saturdays for your homework and getting a good night's sleep. Additionally, as much as your mother and I enjoy having dinner with you in my office, you always end up leaving rather late. From now on, if you have dinner with us, you're to be back in your common room by eight o'clock at the latest. Understood?"
Abbie nodded.
"Words, Abbie."
"Yes, sir."
Snape opened a draw and handed Abbie a half-empty vial. "Here. Take the rest of this Invigoration Draught; you'll at least stay awake in the rest of your classes today. Try to get an early night tonight."
"Thank you." Abbie took the potion gratefully and swallowed it, trying to ignore the bitter taste.
Snape hesitated, glanced around the classroom as if checking for spies, and then pulled her into an embrace. She returned the embrace and leaned her head on his shoulder gratefully.
"You've grown," he muttered after a few moments. "Just a few months ago you were still at my chest."
"Teenagers tend to do that."
YOU ARE READING
Soul of Ice
FanfictionSeverus Snape has a habit of destroying all the good relationships in his life. But when one rears its head in the form of a child, he finds himself questioning the choices he's making. An OC story surrounding Snape's daughter, and his complicated r...
