667AN: Thank for your support everyone.
Ch 2: A Spat with Snape
Harry yet again turned to his side and gave away a frustrated sigh. He ran his hands through his hair once more and finally opened his eyes. It seemed sleep had excused him today. He sat up and glared at the sleeping form of Ron Weasley.
He just couldn't understand the boy in front of him. Sometimes, he was the best friend anyone could ask for in a lifetime and other times, the times when his jealousy would rear his head, he was an asshole. Harry wondered how long would it be before Ron gained himself a solid punch to the mouth, in a manner that would make it difficult for even Madam Pomfrey to reattach or regrow his teeth.
It wasn't Ron's fault really. Harry still remembered what Ron had seen in the Mirror of Erised back in the first year. He had dreamed of being recognized from the start. And it must be really tiring to be in the shadow of the famous Harry Potter all the while. Being seen as a sidekick…but it wasn't Harry's fault either.
It wasn't anyone's fault. Except his stars.
Harry swore he would get back at that particular deity, God or any damn incarnation who had the brilliant idea of using black ink while writing his luck.
And Hermione…he had expected better from her.
He threw aside his covers and got off the bed. Taking no particular care of being quiet so as not to disturb others, he grumpily walked towards his trunk and took out a parchment and some ink and a quill.
He went back to his bed and thought of Hedwig. Being his familiar, she knew when he needed her. Intelligence wise, Hedwig was way better than Ron. She would be here in a minute to carry his letter, he knew.
He found his wand and after a "Lumos" put its one end in his mouth. He then began to write.
Dear Sirus,
Someone fucked me up. Need urgent help. Reply soon.
Harry.
P.S. You'll know the details from the newspaper. I am sending a bag of galleons with Hedwig as well.
Harry did not know where and in what pathetic condition his godfather was. So he did what he could to help him. From time to time, he would send a small bag of galleons to him, which would hopefully make his life easier.
Hedwig came in soon and he gave her an owl treat. She affectionately rubbed his cheek against her and he smiled. "Only you for me now, right girl."
She hooted once and Harry laughed.
Tying the letter and the pouch to her talons, Harry gave her a pat and she was soon flying towards his godfather.
He lay down in his sheets once more and thought of the things tomorrow would bring. He knew he was alone. And he wasn't ashamed to admit that he was afraid. Very afraid.
~X~X~X~X~
As the bright sunlight entered the most furnished room of the largest carriage currently parked in Britain, a witch groaned and pulled the covers over her head.
A half an hour later, repeated loud knocks on the door finally got her up from her slumber. She gave a huge yawn and slowly got up to her feet, stretching herself in the process. The knocks on the door seized as the person outside realized that she was up.
Fleur made her way to the attached bathroom and painstakingly got herself ready. She absolutely detested waking up in the mornings. In her honest opinions, one should not be disturbed and should not disturb others until noon, at the least. What was life's worth if you couldn't even sleep depending on your moods?
Taking a certain amount of time in the special bath only she had the privilege of, she decided to relax a little more. It wasn't long before she abruptly woke up a second time when the water level rose above her nose. Taking a few deep breaths, she got out of the tub and dried herself off.
Fleur loved getting dressed up in different clothes. But again, she was sometimes glad that someone deemed it fit to involve the concept of uniforms for school students. Otherwise, it would be such a huge chore to choose from so many…
Hogwarts was cold. She debated on the choice of scarfs and whether to actually wear one or not for a couple of minutes. In the end, she decided it was better not to hide her beauty too much.
Being a Veela suited her just fine. No need for make up. She was certainly gorgeous enough as it was. She smirked at her reflection and gave herself a quick once over.
Lovely…
Turning her haughty nose up, she made her way to Madam Maxime. It wasn't as if she needed to learn anything. She was a natural at magic. She wondered why she graced Beauxbatons with herself.
Yes, her maman.
She shook her head in a vain attempt to clear her head. She couldn't afford to be home sick now. She would have to stop and clean up on her way otherwise.
She found Madam Maxime standing near the doors of the carriage. She noticed the sigh of relief her Headmistress exhaled when she saw her.
"Why do you insist on waking me up so soon, Maxi?" she asked the half-giantess.
Madam Maxime gave her a dirty look, which only Fleur among the students had the permission to witness on her face. And Fleur laughed.
She had a very informal relationship with the headmistress. Nothing like a student and teacher, but more like friends. It came from the facts that Fleur was a prodigy and she herself knew it, plus her family.
"It is not so soon. The others are already finished with their breakfasts in the Great Hall."
"Is that so? Why were you waiting for me then?" asked Fleur as she opened the carriage door and jumped outside.
"Slow, girl." huffed Madam Maxime. "In an hour, we have the Wand Weighing Ceremony."
"What is that?"
"Nothing. A local wandmaker will check your wands. A reporter and a photographer would try to irritate you, that's it."
Fleur sighed. "Really, why did you insist on me taking part in this silly competition? It is so much work."
"Because only you can win me that trophy."
"What about that potato?" she asked.
"She is a sweet girl. Don't call her that."
"She's too sweet for my tastes. And you didn't answer me."
"Well, she is a back up."
They finally reached the Great Hall and Fleur sat down to eat. It seemed the classes had already started as none of her school mates could be seen. Madam Maxime too sat near her.
"You should sit at the Head Table." said Fleur, munching on something the English ate.
"No one is here to see me. Don't worry. Eat."
Soon enough, they were heading out the large doors towards the room where the ceremony would be held. On their way, they found Bagman as he was grabbing a random boy who seemed like a firstie. Both the French women stopped to look what was going on.
"You, boy. What's your name?" Bagman asked.
"Co-Collin Creevey, sir." The boy answered while stuttering a little. Fleur noticed that he had a camera around his neck.
"Yes. Colin." said Bagman in his usual cheer. "Go and fetch Harry from the Potions classroom."
Fleur's eyes lit up at the mention of Harry Potter. She had seen the boy yesterday and she must admit that she was impressed. He was an angry young lad.
Fleur didn't know him enough to know if he was faking it or he really hadn't put his name in the goblet but she leaned towards the latter. He'd have to be a really great actor otherwise.
"H-Harry from Professor S-S-Snape's Classroom?" Colin asked fearfully. He seemed to be sweating a little.
Bagman, ignoring how uncomfortable the boy looked, nodded enthusiastically.
"But- but-"
As Bagman started pushing him in the direction of the classrooms, Fleur interrupted.
"Mr Bagman! I weel go with 'im." she said.
With a wink at Madam Maxime, she took Colin's hand and dragged him with her.
~X~X~X~X~
Harry was busy cutting and peeling off the ingredients in a hope to fish out a potion that would actually work as an antidote for once.
Seeing Snape's mood and his occasional smirk aimed right at him whenever someone blew up a cauldron, Harry knew he was going to be a test subject at the end of today's class.
Snape had finally snapped. The mad potions master was going to poison him at last…another one of Harry's nightmares were about to be realized.
Oh Merlin…this man cannot wait for the tournament to end, he wants to finish me now itself. Oh my freaking God…
Harry cursed as the potion took a light pink color instead of the required dark green. He fumbled with the knobs of the fire to adjust the temperature or something, but the damn thing was too bloody stubborn.
I'm gone.
He considered taking his potion off the fire and pouring the entire contents on the head of the greasy bastard-
And a knock was heard in the classroom.
Snape grunted a "Come in" and Fleur Delacour came inside. Half of the boys had their eyes dilated and the other half were drooling.
Harry continued to work on his potion. Life was more important than a girl.
"I am 'ere to take Harry for tournament business." she said to the bat like professor.
And Harry looked up. He could kiss the girl at that moment.
"Mr. Potter has not finished his potion. He will come when the class is over." said Snape.
"Really? You don't 'ave the authority to decide that." said Fleur.
Snape glared at her. "I have all the authority in my class."
Fleur raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "You really are a cochon, aren't you?"
Pin-drop silence.
Now, Harry wasn't a master at French. He had no idea how but he somehow knew that word. That made him laugh. All the others who knew this much gasped.
Snape was intelligent enough to understand when he was being insulted.
Although he too was affected by the allure the girl was projecting in abundance, one of his eyes twitched and he asked in a dangerously calm voice, "What did you say?"
Fleur smiled sweetly. "Do not worry Professor. It eez a sweet creature belonging to the genus sus within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. 'ighly social in nature."
Before Snape could understand or answer, she turned towards Harry and said in a flat tone. "I do not 'ave all day to spare for cochons. 'arry Potter, come with me."
With that, Fleur turned and moved out the door. Harry was fast enough to pack all his belongings and run before the door could close all the way. He had to continuously remind himself not to make eye contact with Snape before closing the door behind him.
Fleur was standing at a side as he turned.
He met her eyes and she smirked.
Before long, they were both howling with laughter.
~X~X~X~X~
Inside the classroom, Malfoy raised his hand slowly. When Snape failed to take any notice, he said, "Professor...?"
Snape still was quite lost in his thoughts and failed to respond, so Malfoy said a little loudly. "Professor...?"
"Professor?" he said a third a time.
"WHAT?" shouted Snape.
"I know what the word meant." said Draco hurriedly.
"WHAT?" Snape shouted again.
"Swine"
"DETENTION."
Review please. :)