Violet and Serpent

Chapter Two

That night Professor Snape slipped me a much larger book that took me three days instead of one. It was all about the plant genus Viola, which of course consisted of Violets and hundreds of other flowers.

I had to laugh when I opened the front cover and saw he gave me a book on garden plants of all things. Was he trying to be funny? Though some were useful, most were just pleasant to look at and at first, I couldn't see why the potion master would choose a subject that didn't apply to our field.

Despite my name, I'd never taken an interest in gardening or Herbology. So it surprised me when I saw how much work it took to grow each flower, and all the different aspects that affected them.

Violets in particular had some anti-inflammatory properties and were edible. Much like divination, flower magic was looked upon as unpretentious or useless. We didn't even explore it in school, but it was so interesting to me that they could possibly hold some power.

Each chapter listed the different magical properties of the flowers and how they could be used. They tended to lean more toward emotions and had their own special language.

Aloe for grief. Crocus's for happiness. Sunflowers for adoration. All these flowers could potentially change a person's mood or convey the way someone feels for them depending on how they are used. Oils, perfumes, wines, even just a simple bouquet. All could have a magical impact on the intended target.

According to this book, violets had great effects on fertility and love. I blushed when I read that it could be used to increase one's pleasure during intercourse.

Had he read that part? Professor Snape always did things intentionally. Did he read that and think of me? Was he telling me something? Was I reading too much into things? I still hadn't figured out the reason behind the toadstools. Was there a riddle to be solved, or was he messing with me?

I tried to return the book subtly, but Cecily zoned in on the exchange, narrowing her blue eyes. She didn't say anything, just stared me down. She never left us alone that day, giving us no opportunity to have a conversation about the book. I was dying to grill him, but I couldn't ask all I wanted to with her present.

I didn't realize how much I was looking forward to his next choice until we were all parting for the day and I had no book to keep me company. I made my way upstairs, Cecily on my heels as she chattered on about the friends she was meeting. I couldn't understand why she was talking to me if she hated me, but here we were.

Then it hit me. She was distracting me. She didn't trust me alone in the castle with Snape.

"Well, I hope you have fun tonight. I'm going to head to the library." I said, finally excusing myself from her incessant talking.

"Yes do get your books from the library. I'm sure Professor Snape shouldn't be inviting you to peruse his collection." Her words had a double meaning and I rolled my eyes at her ridiculous behavior. "The ministry would find that tidbit a little off-putting."

I turned on my heel before I said something stupid.

The library was both peaceful and creepy with no students to fill its space. I planned to find something quickly and head outside to enjoy the summer sunshine. I liked Professor Snape's workspace but it could get dreary spending time in the dank dungeons all day.

I paced from shelf to shelf, trying to find something to hold my attention when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I screamed and turned around, wand at the ready, only to see Professor Snape's handsome face smirking at me.

"Really?" I yelled, putting my wand down and catching my breath.

"Sorry Ms.Sparrow, I couldn't resist."