Descendant of Merlin Book 2: Darkness and Desire (Severus Snape)

Negotiating With McGonagall

       When it came time for me to go back to the dungeons to assist Severus with the first years I went with nervousness fluttering in my stomach. I didn't want to screw up in front of a bunch of new students who had probably heard about Severus's reputation already. He would only seize the moment to humiliate me.

       I entered the classroom a few minutes early and stood by the wall behind Severus's desk. I looked around and noticed that there were no Slytherins in this class. It was Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. I thought it was strange because my timetable had only said 'with Hufflepuff'.

       I watched the class file in and did my best to glare at them. If I'm going to be Severus's assistant I might as well play the part, I mentally shrugged.

       A few minutes after the late bell rang the door at the back of the room burst open and in strode the potions master. His robes billowed about him and every student became silent at the sight. They had heard about him alright. My breath caught watching the magnificent way he commands the attention of others without even saying a word.

       When he reached the front of the room he whirled on them and started in on the short speech he always gives first years. He stared every student down as he spoke.

       "You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potionmaking. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses ... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—," my heart lurched as I remembered Lucius Malfoy, "if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach." That last bit was new to his speech...

       Again I marveled at how eloquently he spoke of the subject he loved. His tone was stern and formidable but there was that faint lilt and gentle hiss here and there that spoke of his passion.

       "You, boy, what's your name?" he asked suddenly pointing at a red haired boy towards the middle of the room. The boy suddenly went pale and looked very nervous.

       "Charlie Weasley, Sir," the boy said quietly. Severus prowled closer to him. I could see the fear etched into many of the students' faces, and I knew that it wouldn't be long before all the faces held that same emotion.

       "Ah, another Weasley. I taught your brother. Thankfully, I'm rid of him this year," Severus commented nastily. I frowned at his back. "Tell me Weasley, where would I find a bezoar, and what would it best be used for?"

       "Umm, well I know a bezoar is used in healing poisons...but I dunno where it comes from," Charlie answered softly. He didn't tremble but he kept his eyes down. Severus's gaze bore into him making him shift uncomfortably.

       "Yes, a bezoar will heal you from nearly any poison so it is used in brewing antidotes. Use common sense, boy. Ten points from Gryffindor for not thinking." The boy's head snapped up with a glare and he looked like he was going to protest before Severus cut him off. "You're lucky I don't take away more points for your inability to tell me that bezoars are found in the stomachs of goats."

       The boy's face dropped. Many students were looking at him sympathetically. A few even dared to glare at Severus.

       "Why don't I hear your quills?" Severus demanded quietly of the entire class. "That should be written down. You, Miss Pevinsky, correct—" and so it went for the rest of class.

       I was ignored for the most part. Then again, it is just the first day. There probably isn't much for me to do yet. I was quite certain Severus would work me as much as he could get away with.