Devotion (Snape × Student OC)

5

Students slowly made their way to the dungeons where the potions class was held. Professor Snape was already standing there, his usual aura of gloom and disapproval surrounding him. As we entered the classroom, the gloomy atmosphere was almost palpable.
The jars of ingredients on the shelves cast an eerie glow, and the smell of various potions filled the air. Snape stood at the front of the class, his eyes sweeping over the students with his usual disdain. "Take your seats," he hissed.

Snape spoke slowly, his deep voice reverberating through the classroom.
His gaze moved over each student, as if he could sense the fear they tried to hide. "It seems you all are aware of the disappointing essays you turned in before the holidays," Snape began, his tone laced with a hint of mockery. "At least your expressions give it away." He paused, his eyes scanning the room once more."Only a handful of you managed to achieve an average grade," he revealed, a hint of displeasure in his voice.

Several students exchanged worried glances, some looked down at their desks, and a few rolled their eyes. Snape continued, "For those who didn't bother to put in the effort, you will face stricter punishments. You can count on that." Snape's smirk vanished, replaced by a serious expression as he addressed the students. "Due to my hectic schedule this week, it isn't possible for me to assign detention to every one of you. However..." Several students instinctively swallowed hard, and I had a distinct feeling that I was among the unfortunate ones who had earned subpar grades.

"Today, you will assist me in acquiring a series of rare plants that grow exclusively in the forbidden forest," Snape proclaimed, his gaze surveying the class. A chorus of gasps and murmurs rippled through the classroom. The mention of venturing into the forbidden forest sent a shiver down the spine of the students. Snape quickly continued, his tone leaving no room for protest. "You'll be divided into groups," he announced. "Each group will be assigned a specific plant and specific locations to search."

"Let me clarify," he said, his voice now dripping with sarcasm. "These plants are a vital ingredient for a potion that I intend to demonstrate to the older students. But considering your... performance in your previous essays, I have little faith in your ability to identify and collect these plants accurately." Hermione Granger, with a worried expression on her face, slowly raised her hand. Despite the tense atmosphere, she found the courage to intervene. "Please, sir," Hermione pleaded, concern evident in her voice.

"The forbidden forest is too dangerous to venture into." Snape's eyebrows shot up as he heard Hermione's interruption. It was unusual for students to question his decisions, especially in his potions class. Snape's gaze bore into Hermione, his eyebrows raised in disdain. "I'm sure you've not forgotten that Professor McGonagall punished you and your two troublesome friends in the same manner, no less at night?" he hissed.

"And secondly, Miss Granger, consider yourself lucky that you're not among the students who received an abysmal grade. However..." Snape slowly stalked towards Hermione's seat, where I was seated next to her. My heart sank in my stomach as he drew closer. "I'm sure you don't need to join the trip to the forest," Snape declared firmly. "However, I must deduct ten points from your house for your impudence!" His tone abruptly turned more authoritative, causing a shiver to run down my spine as he drew even closer to our seat.

"For one hour in the morning, I trust you will have no objections. But if you fail to follow my instructions, consequences will follow," Snape continued, his voice rising in volume. "Prepare your gloves and baskets, and follow me!" We all exchanged nervous glances, knowing that Snape's tone brooked no disobedience. We quickly put on our gloves and grabbed the special baskets, preparing ourselves for the task ahead. With heavy hearts, we followed Snape towards the entrance of the forbidden forest.