The Exposure

Chapter Fifty-Two

          This morning you had your last exam, for potions class. Herbology on Wednesday was tough...but you're sure you at least passed. Severus had taught you a few things here and there about herbs on top of everything else you'd already learned from him in potions. He had even taken you into his store room to show you some herbs up-close...among other things. He really is an excellent teacher...

          You think of the extra time he had spent with other students this term, especially those whose grades had fallen behind. He'd been determined to get their grades up to at least a passing level. He doesn't seem to want anyone to notice his concern for his students, however, always presenting himself as aloof and uncaring. You can see through it though, now that you know him a little better. Something about it is strangely endearing, like he's afraid of being seen as good. It's a curious trait.

          You make your way to breakfast and are pulled aside by Angel on your way, just outside the Great Hall. To your surprise, she looks at ease and she smiles widely at you, "Y/n! I just needed to say thank you." Her voice is full of relief and you give her a confused look and shake your head, "I'm sorry...?" Her eyes light up and she smiles again, "For asking Professor Snape to do that. It really was...a lifesaver. I'm sorry I judged him so harshly before so...please, thank him for me."

          You just stare at her a moment, unsure of what she's referring to. You fidget with the sleeve of your robe as you respond, "Angel, I...have no idea what you're talking about." She arches her brow and steps closer, "You mean you didn't..." Her voice drops to a whisper, "You didn't ask him to obliviate Amy's memory of what she knows? About that night, about me?" Your brow narrows and you just gape at her a moment. "I...no, I didn't. He did that?" You ask, just as surprised as she is.

          She nods, her expression earnest. "He sent me an owl," she reaches into her bag and removes a slip of parchment with elegant handwriting. "See?" She hands it to you and your eyes quickly scan the page.

"Ms. Baker,

Be advised that the sensitive information regarding your private life that was discovered by Ms. Brown has been effectively removed from her recollection. Furthermore, it has been determined that this information was not shared by Ms. Brown with any other party.

Sincerely,

Professor Snape"

          You stare up at her in amazement and return the letter. "Seriously, tell him thank you...and that I'm sorry for the trouble I caused him before. And you." Her eyes look down at her shoes. Students begin flooding the halls and her cheeks redden before she smiles again at you. "I'll see you later," she waves, disappearing in the crowd headed to breakfast. You stand there puzzled, your mind rushing with thoughts, your heart racing with feelings. You need to find Severus.

          You rush downstairs to the dungeons, hoping to find him in his office. Even though it's Saturday, you expect he'll be there since he typically spends his free time studying, researching or experimenting, which tells you he's passionate about learning. An admirable trait. You knock on the large, iron clad door and his languid voice answers from the other side, "Go...away."

          You push open the door a bit obstinately and his irritated face softens when he sees it's you. Closing the door behind you, you march swiftly across the dimly lit room toward him where he sits behind his desk, poring over rolls of parchment. He arches his brow at your directness and haste, his eyes curious and widening slightly as you quickly close the space between you.