 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
|
|||||
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Burnout II
"Professor Snape?" Potter's voice echoed down the hallway. Severus stopped so quickly that he almost tripped and fell forward. He cursed under his breath. What could Potter possibly want? He waited for a calculated moment, then whirled around with a derisive sneer.
The young Defense teacher set his chin stubbornly (the line of his jaw sliding exquisitely under the skin, the muscles in his neck shifting and hardening above the collar of his robes) and strode forward. Severus felt a brief moment of vertigo.
"I've been reading the latest Practical Potions Periodical." Potter smiled. His eyes were brilliant green, more vivid than ever since he had dispensed with those ridiculous muggle spectacles. Severus scowled, but Potter did not seem to notice. So the man was reading a Potions journal. Was he expecting accolades?
"The article on Dragon's blood toxicity was fascinating, but I have to admit that most of it went over my head." He grinned, and Severus met his eyes stonily. Was he supposed to find Potter's ignorance funny? His palms were sweating. He willed himself not to stare. He had to get out of here before he made a complete fool of himself.
"My third years are doing a unit on Dragons," Potter continued, "and I thought it might be interesting to give them some context, sort of explain why Dragons are useful, as well as dangerous. I was wondering if you had some time--"
"I'm sorry, no." Severus used the iciest, most scathing voice he could muster. "I suggest that you visit the library."
He turned on his heels and hurried toward the stairs.
"Professor Snape!" There was a slight edge to Potter's voice, and Severus halted again. His eyes slid closed and he took a deep breath. "We can meet at your convenience."
Severus swallowed, refusing to turn around. Five years ago he could have shut Potter up with a glare and a few barbed words. Now he had no recourse.
"We're going to have to put the past aside and develop a working relationship," Potter's voice was mild, but it brooked no argument. Merlin's beard, he sounded like Albus!
Severus could feel Potter standing just a few paces behind him. He could hear the man's infuriating confidence. Potter was clearly in control here. Potter was being sensible, and Severus was being unreasonable. Potter was right, and Severus was wrong. It felt like old times. Severus hissed through bared teeth.
"I don't see why," he turned to Potter and raised one eyebrow. Stay detached, he thought. Cold. Imperious. Frustration flashed across Potter's face, and Severus smiled. "Good day."
He could feel Potter's eyes on his back as he walked away.