Sweet Serenity

Chapter 10

-- Confusion --

Soft chirping of the birds near the window awoken me from my slumber, that might be the peaceful sleep I have ever gained from a few years of not so good sleep. I mean, yeah I've been sleeping alright but that this peaceful. My eyes slowly fluttered as I feel a huge pain at my rib area, "What the f--", I was cut off by a deep and so familiar voice. "Language.", he sneered.

"Professor? Why are you in my room again?", looking at him without noticing the while unfamiliar walls.

"You're room? I know you've hit your head, but I didn't think it was that bad. You're more stupid than before, pity.", after that I look around. Pretty much this isn't my room, I lowered my head from embarrassment.

How could I accuse him without knowing where I actually am, oh Merlins! "S-Sorry sir, but where am I?", I asked still looking down.

"Hospital Wing, after you disturbed me in the middle of the night you confidently fainted and caused me more trouble. About that, why were you late and why is your body full of bruises?", his stared at me intensely.

I gulped and tried to look away, but his large, cold fingers made contact with my chin, making me look at him. "I.. uh... erm..", I didn't want to say the truth. "I am a very clumsy person sir, I apologize for making you worry.", I choked out.

He rolled his eye and let go of my chin, "Don't flatter yourself you foolish girl. I didn't want others to think that I abused you."

"Since when did you care about what others think, sir?", I slapped my hand at my mouth. I should've not said that.

"I am a person, Miss Burns. I care more than anyone can think of, plus 50 points from Slytherin for your cheek.", I groaned about loosing another 50 points.

"-And another 50 points for lying and a month worth of detention with me every night.", there he take his leave when an old woman in white approaches me.

"Hello dear, my I hope Severus didn't cause you more pain. But I do doubt it since he ran here carrying you with worried and concern written all over his face.", she giggles.

Professor Snape worried? Concerned? About me? ME?! But just a few days ago, he is disappointed at me and wished I wasn't in his house. After he told me hurtful things, he is concerned?

"Severus is a human being too, a kind one. I know he shows different to you and the rest, but I know him all too well. That boy suffered and I hope you give him credit and understand him.", she sighs as she gives me a bottle of reddish liquid.

"Ma'am what is this?", I asked eyeing the bottle.

"Oh, it's a potion to help you ease the headache. I've already fixed your ribcage, what happened to you by the way? You were so broken, plus why do you have scars around your body?", she looked sad.

"I'm just very clumsy.", used the same alibi but this time it worked.

I wonder how Professor saw through my lie? After a few hours I was release by Madam Poppy, and I went straight to my room to change and freshen up. When I opened my window, a black raven went in and peck my hand gently, giving me a short rolled parchment paper. I thanked it by giving it a treat before it flew away.

Don't forget you have detention tonight at 8PM, don't be late!

- S.S

Seriously? I just got out of the hospital wing and I have to do detention? This man really is brutal, but he cared. Well that was the woman said, I didn't go to eat dinner and decided to go early this time to the Potions room. I knocked gently, no one answered.

"Oh what am I thinking, it's too early. He's probably eating dinner.", I checked if the doorknob is lock, luckily it isn't. 'Weird' I thought 'cause why would he leave it unlocked. I quickly slide in and sat on a chair nearest to his desk. As I wait, I decided to draw again, I bring out my sketchbook and my pencil and started to sketch the interior of the room. An hour have passed and I am still alone, 'I wonder if he goes somewhere else when he's free.'

Taps on the window was heard, I looked at it and saw the black raven from earlier. Letting it in, it handed me another parchment and quickly left, I unfold the parchment and stared at it.

Miss Burns,

I am afraid that I will be late, knowing that you're already in the Potions room. I want you to scrub the floor clean until I can see my reflection, STRICTLY NO MAGIC. You will clean it the muggle way, the dirty rags and bucket is inside the cupboard. Once you are done, I am expecting that you will still be in there. Do not leave without my permission.

- S.S

Well isn't that nice? (note the sarcasm) There are two doors I can see and obviously he didn't mention which one leads to the cupboard. Oh well, I just have to check both of them. I opened the first door at the right and it seems that it isn't the cupboard but I was entranced when a small room filled with a few bookshelves around the left and right corner of the room. A king sized bed covered with green velvet sheet and two black pillows. There's only one small window that is hidden by a dark curtain but there's a slight moonlight illuminating the room, 'Looks like this is his private quarters' I badly want to look around more but I don't want to get into more trouble, so I closed the door and checked the other one which I assumed the cupboard now.

Luckily the things I needed weren't on high shelves so I grabbed it and started cleaning. I left my wand on his desk along with my bag, I soaked the dirty rag with water and soap and began wiping the dirty stone floor.