I am a Slytherin

Chapter 3: Embarrassment

It had been about a week since the Troll incident, and the Gryffindor Trio sat by the courtyard, the Bluebell Flames that emitted from a jar kept them warm on the cold, November day. Harry had brought with him a copy of Quidditch Through The Ages he had gotten from the library. Ron excitedly pointed at one of the illustrations of the book, which showcased tips for a Seeker to reach the Golden Snitch faster. Hermione, on the other hand, sat by their side, reading a book her mother had sent her from home.

From the corner of their eyes, the three Gryffindors spotted Snape walking past them, limping. The man had a deep scowl on his face as his eyes met Harry's, walking straight towards them. He looked down at the book in Harry's hands and snatched it.

"Library books are not allowed outside of the library unless checked out," Severus affirmed and walked away, the book under his arm.

"Why is he limping?" Ron inquired, obviously confused at what had just happened.

"I don't know, but I noticed a wound on his leg on Hallowe'en, you know, when we fought the Troll?" Harry looked at his two friends with hopeful eyes. Hermione marked her book and closed it, setting it on her lap.

Later that day, right before dinner, Harry and Ron searched for the older Weasley twins; if anyone knew where Charlie was, it would be them. The boys looked for them everywhere, and they even ran into Dean and Seamus, but neither of them had seen the older Weasleys. Even Percy hadn't seen Fred and George, but he indicated that they would, most likely, be on their way to the Great Hall for dinner. Just as Harry and Ron got down the stairs, indeed did they find Ron's older brothers walking into the Great Hall.

"Fred, George!" Ron called for them as they reached their sides. The twins turned around at the same time with matching confused expressions.

"Have you seen Charlie?" Harry asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes. "We need to ask her something!"

Fred and George looked at each other and towards the Slytherin table, not spotting their best friend anywhere. As they turned to look at the boys once more, Fred spotted the short Slytherin make her way to them, book in hand as she carefully read it, all the while avoiding going against anyone. Fred and George pointed towards her, making Harry and Ron turn their heads.

"Charlie!" Ron shouted loud enough to catch the girl's attention. Her head snapped up so fast her glasses nearly fell, making her push them back up to their right position. "Can we ask you something?"

"Of course you can! What is it?" The Slytherin offered the boys a smile. Her eyes darted towards the twins, an eyebrow arched in question. Had they said some funny lie to their younger brother? She took a second glance at her book and shut it close, her attention on both Harry and Ron.

Both boys started talking at the same time, and she could only pick a few. 'Snape', 'limping' and she swore she heard 'grumpy' thrown in the air.

"Whatever is going on, I am sure my d- Head of House has done nothing wrong. Snape might not be liked by most, but he isn't a bad person, Harry," Charlie sighed, still confused as to why both Gryffindors were making such a fuss about her father.

"But we saw him limping, and he had a wound on Hallowe'en! He probably set the Troll free, to frighten us!" Ron accused, his freckled cheeks flushing red, in what could be frustration. "He took Harry's book from him!"

"Look, guys, as much as I want to help you discover who's been messing with Hogwarts, I am fairly certain Professor Snape has nothing to do with it!" stated Charlie. "He probably twisted his ankle or something. It happens to everyone. Anyway, good luck for tomorrow's match, Harry! Looking forward to seeing you play!"