UNBELIEVABLE
A fine sheen of perspiration developed on the brow of student extraordinaire Hermione Granger as she cautiously reached toward a steaming cauldron and prepared to add the finishing ingredient to her potion. She tensed as her surly professor, Severus Snape, stormed by and roared at her housemate, Neville Longbottom, for having created a lumpy brownish goo instead of the intended sky blue liquid.

As per norm, no excuses were accepted. Seemingly at his wit's end, Professor Snape grasped the timid Gryffindor by the ear and led him to the exit. He appeared ready to chuck the poor boy from the class once and for all. However, before he could do so, there were several unexpected pops and a group of black-cloaked intruders with masks, headed by Lord Voldemort himself, apparated into the room.

Lord Voldemort's beady red gaze traveled over the assemblage and finally settled on his long-time nemesis, Harry Potter. His thin-lipped mouth opened to, no doubt, issue a vile threat, but he was interrupted. A loud explosion sounded from Neville's unattended cauldron and the hazardous concoction blasted upward to drench Lord Voldemort. No profound last words came from the terror of the wizarding world - only a shocked wheeze - prior to collapse. He was dead.

The not-so-loyal Deatheaters promptly abandoned their fallen leader and Hermione's eyes narrowed with suspicion. Her attention roved from the smug expression on Professor Snape's face to Lord Voldemort's corpse and back again.

"Like clockwork." Professor Snape's murmur could be easily heard above the din of silence. He still held a badly shaken Neville in his clutches.

Hermione was not considered the smartest witch in her class for naught. She quickly assessed the situation and put two and two together: 1) the removal of Neville from his seat at that precise moment, 2) the lowering of Hogwart's wards to permit apparating and 3) Lord Voldemort's coincidental arrival next to Neville's accident-prone cauldron.

If possible, Professor Snape's countenance became even smugger upon looking in her direction. "10 points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger."

She was at a loss for the deduction. "What?! Why?!"

Neville was released as Professor Snape moved to point a slender finger at the bubbling purplish substance in her cauldron. She had been distracted from adding the finishing ingredient!

He answered, "For your failed potion, of course. A first if I am not mistaken."

"You are unbelievable!" she exclaimed.

THE END
BACK    E-MAIL    NEXT
RETURN TO THE INDEX