The Potion Master's Apprentice (A Severus Snape love story)

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

"Oh for the love of-"

"Need some help?" Severus smirked, coming up behind Florence who was screaming and kicking at her trunk that was laying on its side, spilling its contents all over the platform.

"No, I do not need your help. Or your smugness for that matter." She growled, trying to bend down in her tight dress without splitting it. Just as she had managed to get onto her knees Severus pulled out his wand and tapped the case. All the clothes folded themselves back up and placed themselves in the upturned case which then snapped shut loudly. Florence stood up and scowled at Severus, wiping the knees of her tights and checking that she hadn't ripped her dress.

Severus' eyes followed her hands as she pulled the low, tight neckline of her dress upwards slightly. He raised one eyebrow and the side of his mouth curled into a smile. Florence saw where he was looking and groaned exasperatedly.

"I can't believe I have to spend a year with you." She moaned, enchanting her case so that it followed where she pointed her wand. Swinging it round, it narrowly missed Severus who ducked at the right time, before landing with a thud inside the carriage of the train they had been allocated.

Florence pulled herself in the carriage and slammed the door shut behind her. Sinking into the luxuriously upholstered seat she dragged her trunk onto the seat beside her and began to rummage through it.

"Florence, let me in." Severus growled, rattling the door handle.

"I'm sorry, I can't hear you!" She shouted, finding a thick, dusty novel and flipping to the bookmarked page.

"For goodness sake, just open the damn door!" He roared, pulling his wand out and pointing it at the lock. "Fine! You don't want to be civil, nor will I. Alohomora!" The door handle glowed gold for a second before returning to its usual silver. Severus smirked but when he went to open the door it was still locked.

"Sorry, did you think I was stupid?"

"Something like that." Severus muttered, glancing at the large ornate clock hanging in the station. It read 10:58. Florence laughed coldly.

"I'm afraid that your assumptions weren't correct sweetie. The door is locked, and only I can open it. Honestly, Alohomora? Is that the best you've got?"

"I know more advanced magic than you could even guess at." Severus growled, causing Florence to laugh harder.

"Oh, that's a good one. I'm sure you do, seeing as you're Potions Master." She dropped the book open onto the bench and walked slowly towards the door. Waiting until she was sure he was holding onto the handle, she released the spell and the door flew open, sending Severus clattering to the floor. Sprawled on top of his trunk, he looked rather undignified. She made a show of looking at eye level before cocking her head to the side as she saw him on the floor.

"Get back inside." Severus said in a quietly menacing voice. This was, however, more frightening than when he was shouting. Florence's eyes widened and she grinned.

"What're you doing down there Professor?" She asked and Severus glared at her. Pulling himself to his feet he muttered under his breath, something along the lines of insolence and stupidity. "What was that? I couldn't hear you over the train whistle." She laughed at his startled face as he threw his stuff onto the train and jumped inside, closing the door behind him.

"You are the most undeniably idiotic, half-witted, imbecilic person I have ever met." He snarled, bending down to put his belongings back into his trunk. Florence stared at him with glee when something caught her eye. Slipping silently from her seat she came up behind him and grabbed a broken, tatty book still stuck inside his trunk.