 An Interesting Lesson Ottery's Editor-In-Chief Resident Heartbreaker
The Dark Arts classroom never failed to make shivers run up and down Neville's spine. He wasn't sure if it was the dark magic emanating from the many foul, cursed objects that filled the shelves or the sheer creepiness of it.
Neville took his seat, trying to keep his eyes downcast. Gryffindor and Slytherin took Dark Arts together, and the Slytherin students, particularly Crabbe and Goyle, enjoyed trying to provoke Gryffindors, anything to get them into trouble in Amycus Carrows' classroom.
Neville idly flipped through his textbook, not really paying attention to the detailed illustrations on how to perform curses. It took a few moments for him to realize the room had become silent as a crypt. He looked around slowly until his eyes fell on the cause the tense silence.
Severus Snape stood at the front of the classroom, staring down each student in turn. Neville's stomach flipped. His shaking hands clenched and unclenched as he looked at Snape, trying to hide the fury, fear and revulsion that welled up in him.
"It appears that Professor Carrow has taken ill this morning, "said Professor Snape, "so he will be spending the morning in the hospital wing. I believe you were studying the Cruciatus Curse." At this, Crabbe and Goyle sat up wearing looks of eager anticipation. "I want each of you to give me twelve inches of parchment on the effects of this curse by the end of the class. Begin now." Crabbe and Goyle slouched back down into their seats, looking dejected.
Neville carefully kept his head down as he took out his parchment and quill so that Professor Snape could not see the look of triumph on his face. Obviously, the Patil twins and Lavender Brown had not had any trouble carrying out their mission. He wondered what exactly they had done to Professor Carrow. He hoped that whatever it was caused him to suffer horribly. With this cheery thought, Neville set to work on his essay.
When the hour was over, Neville stood and carried his parchment to the front and placed it on the desk with the others' in front of Professor Snape, careful to keep his eyes averted.
"One moment, Longbottom. " said Professor Snape and Neville's stomach twisted. Slowly, he looked up at Professor Snape.
"Yes, Professor?" Neville said, trying hard to unclench his jaw and keep his voice even.
"It appears that your friends have abandoned you. Pity that. I wonder, what could be so important?" Professor Snape said in low, silken tones, but his penetrating gaze seemed to peer into Neville's very soul.
Relief washed over Neville. "I dunno, Professor, " Neville answered honestly, his own gaze steady.
Professor Snape scowled. "Very well then, you may go."
an: I will no longer be commenting within this thread aside from my story posts. I am gratified by the number of readers I have and welcome anyone who wishes to read my story. I appreciate your comments and feedback and I hope my lack of replies are not misconstrued as indifference or ingratitude. Please feel free to continue to comment, I look forward to reading them and I hope you all enjoy my story.
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Your flavour is strawberry. You're a sweet person and a Gryffindor at heart. You
see risks and know they are just another part of life. You are loyal
and hold your loved ones close, their happiness is your prize. ♥
Last edited by KellyBear; 01-23-2008 at 04:21 AM.
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